Patent Publication Number: US-2023148235-A1

Title: Automatic mop bucket

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The exemplary embodiments relate to buckets or containers for mopping, cleaning, or other actions requiring the use of liquids. The exemplary embodiments further relate to containers that are automatically filled and automatically emptied by a pump. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     There have been previous means for mopping or cleaning as well as previous means for containing a liquid for use during such actions. However, these means fail to suffice as sufficient mopping or cleaning means, as well as fail to suffice as sufficient means for containing liquids for use during such actions. For example, a conventional mop bucket must be manually filled and drained. A conventional mop requires continued submerging in a liquid to apply the liquid to a surface or floor and continued squeezing to drain the liquid from the mop pad. In addition, other liquid using cleaning instruments, such as Swiffer® mops, fail to properly clean a surface to some user&#39;s liking. 
     Therefore, what is desired in exemplary embodiments is a container for housing a liquid to facilitate mopping, cleaning, or other actions that is automatically filled through operative connection with a liquid source and automatically emptied by a pump. Additionally, exemplary embodiments include a filter for removal of debris and bacteria from the liquid within the exemplary container. Further, exemplary embodiments additionally include an operatively connectable automatic mop configured to discharge and intake a liquid through or adjacent to a mop head or pad. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments comprise an apparatus, comprising: a container including an interior area configured to house a liquid therein; a plurality of casters in operative connection with a lower portion of the container to permit the container to be moved about on a floor or other support surface; a liquid inlet port configured to receive a liquid from an external liquid source into the interior area; a liquid outlet port configured to discharge liquid from the interior area; and a sealed chamber enclosing a pump in fluid connection with the interior area and the liquid outlet port, a pump motor to drive the pump, and a power source to provide electrical power to the pump motor, wherein the pump motor and the power source are in operative connection via at least one circuit, wherein the power source is operatively configured to selectively deliver electrical power to the pump motor via the circuit to cause operation of the pump, and wherein the pump is thereby selectively operative to draw liquid from the interior area and to cause the liquid to be discharged through the liquid outlet port. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise at least one filter for removal of debris from the liquid, wherein the filter is in fluid connection with the liquid outlet port. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments the container further includes a spill resistant rim at an upper portion of the container. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments the container further includes a bladed mixer disposed within the interior area and a mixer motor sealed from the liquid, wherein the mixer motor is in operative connection with the power source via the circuit and is operative to cause the bladed mixer to rotate to cause movement of the liquid in the interior area. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise an automatic mop, wherein the automatic mop is in operative connection with the container and includes: a mop head, a liquid discharge line and a liquid discharge port, a liquid intake line and a liquid intake port, a mop pump in operative fluid connection with the liquid and a mop motor sealed from the liquid, wherein the liquid discharge port and the liquid intake port are positioned adjacent to the mop head, and wherein the liquid discharge line extends from the liquid discharge port to the interior area and the liquid intake line extends from the liquid intake port to the interior area, wherein the mop motor is in operative connection with the circuit and the mop pump, and wherein the mop motor is selectively operative to cause the pump to move liquid from the interior area through the liquid discharge line and out the liquid discharge port and to move liquid from an external surface through the liquid intake port and through the liquid intake line to the interior area. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise a wet/dry vacuum in operative connection with the container, wherein the wet/dry vacuum is configured to remove liquids or solids from a surface. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, the apparatus as comprising a bucket for a mop, further comprises a wringer with a handle configured to wring out a mop head positioned within an interior area of the wringer. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port comprises a combined liquid inlet port and liquid outlet port with a selectively changeable valve configured to permit the combined liquid inlet port and liquid outlet port to selectively serve as one of a liquid input port and a liquid output port. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments comprise: a container including an interior area configured to house a liquid therein; a plurality of casters in operative connection with a lower portion of the container, to permit movement of the apparatus along a floor or other support surface; a liquid inlet port configured to receive a liquid from an external liquid source into the interior area; a liquid outlet port configured to discharge liquid from the interior area; and a pump in fluid connection with the interior area and the liquid outlet port, the pump being selectively operative to draw liquid from the interior area and be discharged through the liquid outlet port. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments the pump is manually operated. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments the pump is electrically driven. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise an electric circuit to selectively provide electrical power to drive the electrically driven pump 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments further comprise a sealed chamber enclosing the electrically driven pump, along with an electric pump motor that drives the pump and a power source configured to selectively provide electrical power to the electric pump motor. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments the power source comprises a battery and a power switch located on an outside surface of the sealed chamber permits a user to selectively connect the battery to the electric pump motor to operate the electrically driven pump. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments comprise a mop bucket, comprising: a container including an interior area configured to house a liquid therein; a plurality of casters in operative connection with a lower portion of the container, to permit the mop bucket to be moved about on a floor or other support surface; a wringer with a handle, configured to wring out a mop head positioned within an interior area of the wringer; a liquid inlet port configured to receive a liquid from an external liquid source into the interior area; a liquid outlet port configured to discharge liquid from the interior area; and a pump in fluid connection with the interior area and the liquid outlet port, the pump being selectively operative to draw liquid from the interior area and to cause the liquid to be discharged through the liquid outlet port. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and/or other aspects of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG.  1    is a left side view of an exemplary container; 
         FIG.  2    is a top plan view of an exemplary container; 
         FIG.  3    is a top plan view of an exemplary container operatively connected to an exemplary liquid source; 
         FIG.  4    is a top plan view of an alternative exemplary container operatively connected to an exemplary liquid source and an exemplary drain; 
         FIG.  5    is a left side plan view of an exemplary container; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an exemplary clamp; 
         FIG.  7    is a plan view of an exemplary liquid line connector; 
         FIG.  8    is a plan view of an exemplary liquid line and an exemplary connector; 
         FIG.  9    is a plan view of an exemplary liquid connector; 
         FIG.  10    is left side view of an exemplary container including an exemplary mop wringer; 
         FIG.  11    is a left side view of an alternative exemplary container; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of an exemplary chamber; 
         FIG.  13    is a front plan view of an exemplary chamber; 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of an exemplary chamber interior including an exemplary pump; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of an exemplary liquid line including an exemplary filter in operative connection therewith; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of an exemplary liquid line; 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment including an exemplary automatic mop; and 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment including an exemplary wet/dry vacuum. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. 
       FIGS.  1 - 2    show an exemplary container  10 . The exemplary container  10  comprises a bin or bucket or pail of any shape that has at least one wall  11  and a bottom  12  that bound an interior area  14 . The exemplary container  10  includes an opening  16  at a top disposed away from the bottom  12 . The exemplary opening  16  is continuously bounded by a spill resistant rim  18 . Of course, this container arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used. 
     The exemplary container  10  includes wheels or casters  20 . The exemplary casters  20  are in operative connection with an underside of the container  10 . For example, the casters  20  are in operative connection with the underside of the container  10  through respective downward extending flanges  22 . Further, the exemplary flanges  22  may be operatively connected with a respective horizontal caster axel  24  (not shown). The exemplary casters  20  and flanges  22  are configured to be removable. Additionally, the casters  20  are configured to rotate relative to the flanges  22 . However, this caster arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements used. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container  10  further includes at least one basket  25  in operative connection with the at least one container wall  11 . The exemplary basket  25  is configured to hold cleaning supplies or other cleaning utensils. As can be appreciated, this container arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container  10  includes a watertight chamber  26  in operative connection with a wall  11  of the container  10 . The exemplary chamber  26  is sealed off from entrance of liquid by any combination of seals, gaskets, or other liquid resistant structures. 
     The exemplary chamber  26  includes, operatively positioned therein, a pump  28 , a pump motor  29 , a battery  30 , at least one circuit  32 , and a power connector  34 . In exemplary embodiments, the pump  28 , the pump motor  29 , the battery  30 , and the power connector  34  are in operative connection with the at least one circuit  32 . Of course, this chamber arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other chamber arrangements may be used. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the exemplary power connector  34  is operative to receive a power cord  35  in operative releasable engagement therewith. The exemplary power cord  35 , best shown in  FIGS.  10 - 11   , is configured to be operatively connectable with a power source and is operative to cause electrical energy to be transferred via the power cord  35  to the power connector  34 . The at least one circuit  32  is operative to receive the electrical energy from the power connector  34  and transfer/convert the electrical energy to the battery  30  to cause the battery  30  to be charged using external AC power. The battery  30  is operative to supply power to the pump motor  29 , and the pump motor  29  is operative to cause operation of the pump  28 . 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary power connector  34  is operative to provide power from the power cord  35  directly to the pump motor  29  for operation of pump  28 . That is, in such arrangements, the battery  30  may be foregone. In further alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary power cord  35  is in fixed operative connection with the circuit  32  and is configured to be extended and retracted via a spring-loaded wheel from a power cord chamber in operative connection with the container  10 . The power cord  35  may be extended from the power cord chamber to be connected with a power source outlet external to the container  10 . In still further alternative exemplary embodiments, the pump  28  may be drive by an AC motor, thereby eliminating the need for a battery and battery charger circuit. Of course, as should be understood, these power arrangements are merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the exemplary container  10  includes a switch plate  36 . The exemplary switch plate  36  is in operative connection with the container  10  adjacent the watertight chamber  26 . The exemplary switch plate  36  includes at least one switch  38  in operative connection with the at least one circuit  32 . In exemplary embodiments, manual manipulation of the switch  38  to an on position is operative to cause power to be supplied to the pump motor  29  causing operation of the pump  28 . Similarly, manual manipulation of the switch  38  to an off position is operative to cause power supplied to the pump motor  29  and operation of pump  28  to cease. As can be appreciated, these switch arrangements are merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other switch arrangements may be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 3   , the exemplary container  10  further includes a liquid inlet  40  and a liquid outlet  42 . However, as will become apparent from this disclosure, alternative exemplary embodiments of container  10  include a combined liquid inlet and liquid outlet, best shown in  FIG.  3   . The exemplary liquid inlet  40  and liquid outlet  42  each include a connector  44 , best shown in  FIG.  9   . The exemplary connector  44  comprises any connector operative to receive a liquid line  46  in operative connection therewith. The exemplary connector  44  comprises a male or female threaded portion that is operatively releasably engageable with a liquid line connector  50  of liquid line  46  that includes the other of the male or female threaded portion, best shown in  FIGS.  15 - 16   . The exemplary connectors  44  and  50  include in operative connection therewith any combination of gaskets, seals, or other leak resistant structures. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the connectors  44  and  50  comprise quick connect fittings. Of course, these connector arrangements are merely exemplary, and other connectors or fittings may be used. 
     In exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  15 - 16   , the exemplary liquid line  46  comprises a clear hose. However, as can be appreciated, exemplary liquid line  46  may comprise any structure operative to deliver liquid through the liquid inlet  40  into the container  10 , or to carry liquid away from the liquid outlet  42 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, two liquid lines  46  may be used, one for connection to connector  44  of liquid inlet  40  and one for connection to connector  44  of liquid outlet  42 , best shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     The exemplary liquid line  46  includes an end  52  disposed away from the liquid line connector  50 . The end  52  is configured to be operatively, releasably engageable with a liquid source  54  such as the spout of a faucet of a sink, tub, or spigot. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary end  52  includes a clamp  56  in operative connection therewith, best shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     The exemplary clamp  56  is operative to maintain the end  52  in surrounding relation of a spout  58  of the faucet, spigot, or other water source. The exemplary clamp  56  includes first and second clamp arms  60  and  62 , a clamp head  63 , and a wing nut tightener  64 . As the wingnut  64  is tightened, the clamps arms  60 ,  62  and the clamp head  63  increasingly apply pressure to the end  52  in surrounding relation of the spout  58  so that the end  52  remains engaged with the spout  58 . However, as can be appreciated, these arrangements are merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements maybe used. 
     In exemplary embodiments of the exemplary container  10 , when the end  52  is engaged with the spout  58  and the liquid source  54  is turned to the on position, liquid is enabled to flow through the liquid line  46 , through the liquid inlet  40 , and into the interior area  14  of the container  10 . The liquid within the interior area  14  of the container  10  is thereafter usable for cleaning, mopping, or other actions requiring a supply of liquid. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  5   , when the cleaning or other action is completed and the interior area  14  needs to be drained, the liquid line  46  is operatively connected to the liquid outlet  42  via its respective connectors  50  and  44 . The end  52  of the liquid line  46  is directed toward a drain  66 , for example, a drain of a sink or tub. The exemplary pump  28  is in operative connection with the liquid outlet  42  via a pump discharge line  68  that extends between the pump  28  and the liquid outlet  42 . After switch  38  has been manually manipulated to the on position such that the pump  28  is caused by motor  29  to be operating, the pump  28  is operative to draw the liquid from within interior area  14  through a pump intake line  70 . The liquid is received in the pump  28  from the pump intake line  70  and is caused to move by operation of the pump  28  from the pump into the pump discharge line  68 . The exemplary pump discharge line  68  receives the liquid from the pump  28  and carries the liquid through the pump discharge line  68 , through liquid outlet  42 , and through liquid line  46  to be disposed of via drain  66 . Of course, as can be appreciated, this container draining and pump arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other container draining, and pump arrangements may be used. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments including a combined liquid inlet and liquid outlet, such embodiments also include a changeable valve, a first liquid path, and a second liquid path. In a first position of the exemplary changeable valve, the second liquid path is closed and liquid entering via the combined inlet and outlet from the liquid line  46  is caused to flow through the first liquid path into the interior area. When the exemplary valve is in the second position, the first liquid path is closed, and liquid is enabled to flow from the liquid discharge line  68  through the combined inlet and outlet into liquid line  46  to be drained in drain  66 . However, this arrangement is exemplary, and other valve arrangements may be used. 
     In exemplary embodiments, pump  28  may comprise any pump suitable to move liquid from within interior area  14 , through drain line  68 , out of outlet  42 , and through liquid line  46 . For example, pump  28  may comprise a manual pump, a pedestal or submersible sump pump or the like, a jet pump including a motor and impeller, a centrifugal pump, or any other suitable pump and necessary structures. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , in alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container  10  includes a bladed mixer  72  for causing movement to the liquid within interior area  72 . In some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary mixer  72  may include a protective cage in surrounding relation thereof so as to protect a user&#39;s extremity, mop, or other instrument that is submerged in the liquid from contact with the blades of the mixer  72 . 
     In further alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container  10  includes a filter box  74  including a filter inlet port  76  and a filter outlet port  78 . The exemplary filter box  74  includes therein any suitable removable filter  80  for removal of debris, bacteria, or other materials. In exemplary arrangements, liquid within interior area  14  is caused to move into filter box  74  via inlet port  76 , is caused to be filtered by the filter  80  therein, and to exit filter box  74  via outlet port  78 . The liquid may be caused to move through filter box  74  by movement of the liquid caused by a user or other instrument or device submerged in the liquid, movement of the liquid by mixer  72 , or by operative connection with pump  28  or an additional pump with necessary structures to cause liquid to be drawn into the box  74  and forced therefrom. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary filter  80  may be in operative connection with an interior of the liquid line  46  or liquid discharge line  68 . In such arrangements, the exemplary filter  80  is configured to remove debris and other matter prior to the liquid reaching drain  66 . In further alternative exemplary arrangements, the exemplary filter  80  may comprise a debris or matter catch, such as a screen, that is easily accessible and removable for cleaning thereof. Of course, these filtering arrangements are merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used. 
     In still further alternative exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  10   , the exemplary container  10  includes in operative connection therewith a wringer  82 . The exemplary wringer  82  includes a handle  84  operatively connective thereto. The exemplary wringer  82  operates to squeeze a mop head positioned within an interior area of the wringer  82  by manual movement of handle  84  causing a moveable piece to squeeze the mop head between the moveable piece and an interior surface of a wall of the wringer. However, as can be appreciated, this arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  11   , in a further alternative exemplary embodiment, the exemplary container  10  may be formed completely separate from the pump  28 . That is, the pump  28  may be manufactured within a separate housing from the container  10 . The pump  28  is similar to the previous embodiment and includes at least one liquid line  46  detachably coupled to the container  10  and a power connector  34 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  12 - 14   . There is shown therein an exemplary watertight chamber  26  including power cord  35 . In the watertight chamber  26  arrangement shown in  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the exemplary chamber  26  is formed separately from the container  10 . The exemplary chamber  26  may be operatively connected to the container  10  through any fixing or fastening means. However, in exemplary embodiments, the chamber  26  may be connected to the container  10  through a plurality of openings  86  configured to receive a fastener therethrough. Of course, the is arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  13 - 14   , the exemplary chamber  26  includes a pump intake line  70  and a pump discharge line  68 . The pump intake line  70  is configured to receive liquid removed from the interior area  14  during operation of the pump  28 . The pump  28  is configured to discharge the liquid from the interior area  14  through the discharge line  68 . 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, liquid lines  46  are operatively connected to the discharge line  68  and the pump intake line  70 . In such arrangements, liquid is drawn through the liquid line  46  into the pump intake line  70  and discharged through the pump discharge line  68  through liquid line  46  to drain  66 . In such arrangements, the liquid inlet and outlet  40  and  42  may be foregone. Further, in such arrangements, the same liquid lines may be used for filling the interior area  14  with liquid. Of course, this arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other exemplary arrangements may be used. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  17   , the exemplary container  10  includes in operative connection therewith, an automatic mop  88  configured to automatically discharge and intake a liquid through or adjacent to a mop head  90  or pad. 
     The exemplary automatic mop  88  includes a mop head  90  or pad with an integrated liquid discharge port  92  and liquid intake port  94 . The exemplary ports  92  and  94  allow the mop head to discharge liquid for cleaning purposes, and to intake or suction up the liquid when too much liquid has been discharged, or when the mop head  90  is too wet. For example, the mop head  92  is moved into an area containing too much liquid and the liquid intake is actuated, thereby suctioning or intaking the liquid from the surface, or by absorbing the liquid with the head  90  and suctioning or intaking the liquid from the head  90 . 
     The exemplary mop  88  further includes at least one liquid line  96 , in some embodiments two liquid lines  96 , extending from the interior area  14  of the container  10  to the mop head  90  or the respective liquid discharge  92  and intake ports  94 . Additionally, the exemplary mop  88  includes a mop pump  98 , mop pump motor  100 , and at least one switch  102  all in operative connection with the at least one circuit  32  for control of the liquid discharge and intake. Of course, this arrangement is merely exemplary, and other arrangements may be used. 
     In further alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary container chamber  26  additionally includes an electronic system comprising a processor, a memory and processor readable medium, a receiver, a transmitter, at least one sensor, and a wired input and output port, for example, a USB port all in operative connection with the at least one circuit. In exemplary embodiments, the electrical system is operative to collect data from the various components of the system as well as the pump, battery, motor, mixer, filter, and switch box and sensors associated respectively therewith. The exemplary electrical system is operative to send and receive data via the transmitter, receiver, or wired input/output port. In exemplary arrangements, the exemplary system is operative to determine when any of the various components of the system and container are malfunctioning or otherwise not working properly, to connect with a Global Positioning System to determine a location of the container, or to monitor usage of liquids used in the container, for example, a volume of water, cleaning fluid or detergent, or any other material or liquid. Of course, as can be appreciated, these components and functions of the electrical system are exemplary, and in other embodiments, other components and functions may be used or achieved. 
     In further alternative exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  18   , the automatic mop bucket may be integrally formed within a conventional wet/dry vacuum  104 . The exemplary wet/dry vacuum  104  is configured to remove dirt, dust, debris, solids or liquids from a surface. The exemplary wet/dry vacuum  104  includes a motor  106 , a storage tank or storage bag  108 , a length of hose  110 , a filter  112 , and a plurality of vacuum attachments  114 . In some exemplary arrangements, the storage tank  108  may comprise the interior area  14  of the container  10 . The exemplary wet/dry vacuum  104  further includes an air intake/outtake  116  and an on/off switch  118 . 
     The exemplary wet/dry vacuum  104  is designed to be in operative connection with the container  10 . The exemplary motor  106  is in operative connection with the circuit  32  and is configured to receive power from the power connector  34  or power cord  35  for operation of the motor  106 . During operation, the motor  106  is operative to cause a suction force to be applied at an opening of an attachment  114 . The suction force is operative draw liquids or solids through the opening of the attachment  114 , through the length of hose  110 , through filter  112 , and into the storage tank or bag  108 . The exemplary storage tank or bag  108  may be emptied through detachment from the container  10 . Of course, this wet/dry vacuum arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other arrangements may be used. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary automatic mop bucket may be integrally formed with both the automatic mop and the wet/dry vacuum. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments may be modified to form an autonomous cleaning device. In such arrangements, the exemplary container includes the automatic mop and wet/dry vacuum in operative connection with an underside of the container such that the mop head and the wet/dry vacuum are selectively movable to contact a surface. Further, the exemplary apparatus includes various sensors and processors to determine the condition of a surface and to make a determine whether the mop or wet/dry vacuum is needed. The exemplary apparatus further includes necessary components, devices, and mechanisms to cause raising and lowering of the mop head and the wet/dry vacuum to contact a surface and the actuate any motion for operation of the mop head or wet/dry vacuum. Of course, this arrangement is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, other features and relationships may be used. 
     Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments or combinations of the various features and relationships of the exemplary embodiments may be made to form other embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.