Abstract:
In the exemplary embodiment, a floor mopping apparatus has a handle portion, a mopping head, and an elongate pole portion. The elongate pole portion connects the handle portion to the mopping head. The mopping head has an equilaterally triangular shape for accessing into corners and has notches in each side of the head for accessing around furniture legs and such. The handle includes a fluid spraying mechanism that allows for spraying a fluid ahead of the mop head during mopping. The handle is otherwise removable from the pole portion for use as a portable pistol for spraying the fluid directly there-from apart from the remainder of the apparatus.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims the benefit of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 29/340813 filed Jul. 27, 2009, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is related to floor mopping apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention is related to mechanical devices for mopping a floor while being pushed there-about, and having replaceable cleaning sheets and means for spraying cleaning fluid toward the floor to be mopped. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Floor mopping apparatuses are well known and commonly used for mopping and removing spills and residue from hard surfaces, such as wooden, tiled, and linoleum-covered floors. A common type of handheld floor mop includes an elongate pole having a proximal end with a handle for grasping and a distal end pivotally connected to a mopping head, such as those taught in US Patent Application Publication 2006/0191557. Some of these mopping apparatuses also include replaceable disposable cleaning sheets which are removably affixed to the mop&#39;s head, such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,239 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,290. And some of these mopping apparatuses also include reservoirs for containing a cleaning fluid and means for spraying or otherwise applying the fluid onto the surface to be mopped, such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,619, U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,537, and US Patent Application Publication 2008/0066789. 
         [0004]    A disadvantage common to prior art floor mops of the aforementioned type is in the efficacy with which such mops remove spills and residues. One disadvantage lies in the shapes of the heads of mops of the prior art, which make it difficult to gain full access to many areas of a typical floor, such as in corners and around table and chair legs and other furnishings. 
         [0005]    Another disadvantage of mops of the prior art lies in their affixation means of disposable cleaning sheets, which typically require a burdensome amount of effort to sufficiently affix the sheets to the mop heads or which provide insufficient securement of the sheets to the head. 
         [0006]    Another disadvantage of mops of the prior art having means for spraying or otherwise applying cleaning fluid lies in their inability to apply the fluid to many areas of the typical floor or to other surfaces to be cleaned besides the floor. 
         [0007]    There exists a need for improvement in a floor mopping apparatus to more effectively remove spills and residue, and such is an object of the present invention. 
         [0008]    There exists the need for optimization of the shape of the head of a floor mopping apparatus to allow access to more areas of a typical floor, such as in corners and around table and chair legs and other furnishings, and such is an object of the present invention. 
         [0009]    There exists the need for optimization of the affixation means of disposable cleaning sheets to a floor mopping apparatus, to reduce the burden of sufficiently affixing the sheets to the mop heads while providing sufficient securement of the sheets to the head, and such is an object of the present invention. 
         [0010]    There exists the need for improving the means for receiving, containing and applying cleaning fluid via a floor mopping apparatus, and such is an object of the present invention. 
         [0011]    There exists the need for optimization of the means for spraying or otherwise applying cleaning fluid to more areas of the typical floor or to other surfaces to be cleaned besides the floor, and such is an object of the present invention. 
         [0012]    Further needs and objects exist, which are addressed by the present invention, as may become apparent by the included disclosure of an exemplary embodiment thereof. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In one exemplary embodiment, the invention may be practiced in a floor mopping apparatus including an elongate pole and a mopping head, the elongate pole having a proximal end connected to a handle for grasping and a distal end pivotally connected to the mopping head and having a cleaning surface substantially coplanar with the floor to be mopped, wherein the cleaning surface has at least two adjacent peripheral cleaning edges connected at a corner of less than ninety angular degrees. 
         [0014]    The cleaning surface may have a substantially triangular shape. The triangular shape may have at least one peripheral cleaning edge having a notch therein, the notch being at least approximately half of an inch deep and at least approximately one inch wide. The notch may be approximately centrally disposed in the at least one peripheral cleaning edge. 
         [0015]    The triangular shape may be substantially equilateral. The at least one peripheral cleaning edge having a notch therein may be three cleaning edges each having a notch therein, the notches each being at least approximately half of an inch deep and at least approximately one inch wide. 
         [0016]    The invention may also be practiced in a floor mopping apparatus including an elongate pole and a mopping head, the elongate pole having a proximal end connected to a handle for grasping and a distal end pivotally connected to the mopping head, wherein the mopping head has a planar support surface substantially parallel with the floor to be mopped, a cleaning element from the group including an absorbent pad and a dusting sheet abutted against the support surface and having a planar cleaning surface disposed substantially parallel with the support surface, and three fastening elements for removably securing the cleaning element to the mopping head, wherein the three fastening elements are substantially disposed in equal spacings about the mopping head. 
         [0017]    The mopping head may have substantially the shape of an equilateral triangle. The fastening elements may each be disposed substantially adjacent a different corner of the equilateral triangle. 
         [0018]    The mopping head may have three receiving fasteners and the cleaning element may be a dusting sheet substantially the shape of an equilateral triangle and the three fastening elements may each have an extension protruding outwardly there-from adapted to be received by one of the receiving fasteners such that the fastening elements and fastening receivers, in combination secure the cleaning element to the mopping head. The extensions may each protrude outwardly from a different corner of the equilateral triangle. 
         [0019]    The invention may also be practiced in a floor mopping apparatus including a mopping head, an elongate pole having a proximal end connected to a handle for grasping and a distal end pivotally connected to the mopping head, and an applicator having a reservoir for containing a cleaning fluid and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the fluid there-from, wherein the applicator is detachably attachable to the apparatus and has a first state when attached to the apparatus wherein the applicator communicates with and is only adapted to dispense the fluid to the mopping head, and a second state when detached from the apparatus wherein the applicator portably dispenses the fluid apart from the apparatus. 
         [0020]    The applicator may be the handle when in the first state. The dispensing mechanism may have a trigger and pump assembly for causing the fluid from the reservoir to an outlet port through a conduit, and the outlet port may be adapted to communicate with the mopping head during the first state. The trigger and pump assembly may be convertible between first and second positions and may be biased towards the first position, wherein the conduit is a resiliently flexible tube, wherein the pump causes the fluid from the reservoir during conversion from the first position to the second position, and wherein the trigger pinches the resiliently flexible tube during the first position to deny fluid through the flexible tube to the outlet port during the first position. 
         [0021]    The floor mopping apparatus may further have a spraying nozzle, wherein the outlet port is adapted for attachment to the spraying nozzle during the second state. 
         [0022]    Further features and aspects of the invention are disclosed with more specificity in the Detailed Description and Drawings of an exemplary embodiment provided herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the included drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and all components may not be present in all views, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a fully assembled mop according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in its full-length configuration; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the mop of  FIG. 1A  in its shortened configuration; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the mop of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A  is a partial perspective view showing the attachment of an absorbent pad to the head of the mop of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3B  is a partial perspective view showing the attachment of a dusting sheet to the head of the mop of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4A  is a partial view of the mop of  FIG. 1A  cleaning a floor corner; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 4B and 4C  are partial views of the mop of  FIG. 1A  in a cleaning sequence of the floor around the foot of a furnishing; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are a sequence of cross-sections illustration the pumping action of the mop of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the mop of  FIG. 1A  spraying fluid; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of the handle portion of the mop of  FIG. 1A  portably spraying fluid; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5E  is a partial view of the head portion of the mop of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6A  is a partial side view of the mop of  FIG. 1A  showing its handle portion being attached to its pole portion; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6B  is a partial side view of the mop of  FIG. 1A  showing its handle portion being attached to its nozzle; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 7A through 7C  are partial perspective views of the mop of  FIG. 1A  showing the positioning of the mop head for storage; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8A  is a partial exploded view showing the connection coupling of the pole of the mop of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 8B and 8C  are a sequence of partial cross-sections through the coupling of  FIG. 8A  showing its assembly; and 
           [0040]      FIGS. 9A through 9C  are a sequence of partial cross-sections showing installation of the reservoir into the mop of  FIG. 1A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 through 9C , where there is shown a floor mopping apparatus  100  according to just one of the infinite number of possible embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0042]    Floor mopping apparatus  100  includes head portion  102 , pole portion  104 , and handle portion  106 . Head portion  102  has equilateral triangular head  110  with a fitting  112  hingedly attached thereto by a universal joint  114 . The fitting has a female coupling portion  116  at its upper end for receiving the pole portion. 
         [0043]    Pole portion  104  includes two pole segments; upper pole segment  120  and lower pole segment  122 . Handle portion  106  is pistol-shaped and has a male coupling portion  124  at its forward end. 
         [0044]    Each pole segment includes an identical male coupling portion,  126 L on the lower pole portion and  126 U on the upper pole portion, at its lower end, and a female coupling portion at its upper end. Upper female coupling portion  128  atop the upper pole segment is adapted to receive male coupling  124 , and lower female coupling portion  130  is adapted to receive upper male coupling  126 U. 
         [0045]    Depending on whether the mop is to be used in its full-length mode of  FIG. 1A  or its shortened mode of  FIG. 1B , lower pole  122  may be removed and female coupling  116  is adapted to receive either male coupling  126 L, as in  FIG. 1A , or male coupling  126 U, as in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , the affixation of an absorbent pad  138  to triangular head  110  is shown. The pad has an identical footprint to head  110  and includes an elastic fabric strap  140  adjacent each of its three corners  142  for being stretched up and over the associated corner  134  of the head  110  to hold the pad firmly there-against. The pad is made of a soft and resilient absorbent material such as an open-cell E. V. A foam, within a casing of micro-fiber fabric. The absorbent portion may be removable from the casing for allowing the casing to be cleaned in a washing machine while the absorbent portion may be cleaned at a spigot. It is intended that pad  138  will be used, cleaned, and reused multiple times, and will be used to soak up spills and to wet-mop a floor. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , the affixation of a thin wiping and dusting sheet  144  to triangular head  110  is shown, as an alternative to the absorbent pad of  FIG. 3A . The sheet has an identical footprint to the head  110  and includes an outwardly extending tab  146  adjacent each of its three corners  148  for being bent up and over the associated corner  134  of the head  110  and pushed into a retaining clip  150  adjacent thereto. The sheet is preferably made of a paper-like material such as spun-faced nonwoven cloth, and may be treated with a dust-attractant. It is intended that the sheets will be used until soiled and then disposed and replaced, and will be used for dry dusting. 
         [0048]    The tabs  146  may be made of the same material as the sheet  144 , and may be made integrally there-from or attached thereto, or the tabs may be made of any thin and soft fabric-like or paper-like material bonded to the sheet adjacent its corners. The retaining clips are preferably of the common “pinching” type such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,239 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,290, the teachings thereof being incorporated herein by reference, or of any similar arrangement having an open pocket into the head covered by rubber-like film which has a slitting there-through. The associated tab of the sheet is pushed through the slitting and into the pocket and pinched by the rubber-like film, and the tabs may be easily pulled from the retainers for removal and disposal of the sheet, leaving the retainers unchanged for reception of the next sheet. 
         [0049]    The equilateral triangular spacing of the three clips is found to be optimal in several respects;
       1) it is advantageous over less than three clips since less than three clips are found incapable of sufficiently securing the sheet and holding it tautly on plane with the bottom surface of the head,   2) it is advantageous over more than three clips since any clips more than three are found to be redundant and cause unnecessary cost, complication, and wrinkling, and   3) the equal spacing between only three clips as can only be accomplished by an equilateral triangular arrangement are found most effective in holding the sheet tautly against the bottom of the mopping head.       
 
         [0053]    The tabs may be alternatively configured, such as in pairs adjacent each corner  148  of the sheet extending outwardly from opposite side edges of the corner, and the retaining clips may be substituted with any reasonable means of temporarily affixing the sheet to the head. Further reference to head portion  102  or head  110  thereof assumes that either of a pad  138  or a wiping sheet  144  is affixed thereto, whether or not such are omitted from the drawings for simplification thereof. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A through 4C , it can be seen how the shape of head  110 , allows for improved access to the hard-to-reach areas of the floor being mopped. The head has three corners  134 , each including sixty angular degrees, with three side edges  136 , each extending between a pair of adjacent corners. A semi-circular notch  136  interrupts each of the side edges. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , it can be seen that the acute angle of the corners  134  improves access into floor corners where two walls  302  and a floor  304  meet. Since such floor corners are rarely perfectly right-angular, prior art mop heads having right-angled head corners are unable to access the debris and residues on the floor therein. Yet such floor corners are a natural and prolific collector if debris and residues. Having head corners with an inclusive angle less than ninety angular degrees ensures that the mop head can reach fully into the floor corner to remove all residue and debris there-from. 
         [0056]    Having head corners with an exclusive angle substantially less than ninety angular degrees on a mop head that is centrally and pivotally connected to the pole provides additional benefit and efficacy. As the mop head is moved into floor corners or other such tight spaces with the handle held firmly, and as the head corners contact the walls or other obstructions, the offset disposition of the universal joint from the contacting head corner causes the mop head to pivot about the universal joint and pole, which causes a twisting interaction between the cleaning surface of the mop head and the soiled floor corner. Such twisting interaction is found to improve cleaning in floor corners over purely linear in and out interaction. 
         [0057]    Having three acute head corners evenly spaced about a mop head that is centrally and pivotally connected to the pole is advantageous in that it allows improved access and simplified mopping into other tight spaces, and improves cleaning. As the mop head is moved about the floor with the handle held firmly, and as the head corners contact obstructions, the offset disposition of the universal joint from the contacting head corner causes the mop head to pivot about the universal joint and pole, which causes a twisting interaction between the cleaning surface of the mop head and the soiled floor. Such twisting interaction is found to improve cleaning over purely linear interaction between the mop head and floor. 
         [0058]    The sides of the triangular head are approximately eleven inches long, and each include notches  136  depressed into the middle of each for providing improved access to the floor around such obstructions as table legs and the feet of furnishings. The notches are each semi-circular in shape and defined by a notch radius of approximately one and a half inches, each have a notch width measured along the side of the head of approximately two inches, and each have a notch depth measured into the side of the head of approximately three-quarters of an inch. 
         [0059]    Referring to the mopping sequence shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , it is seen how the notches  136  improve access to the floor around such obstructions as table leg  306 , especially when combined with the pivoting and swiveling feature of universal joint  114 . The universal joint not only allows pivotal movement of head  110  relative to pole portion  104  so that the pole may be leaned downwardly towards the floor to allow reaching under furnishing and such, but the universal joint also provides axial rotation of the pole portion relative to the head, such that as notch  136  is abutted to the table leg  306 , the entire head  110  is caused to spin about the table leg as the pole portion  104  is held firmly and not axially rotated while being brought around the table leg. This allows head  110  to access the floor entirely around the table leg and to completely remove any debris or residue on the floor there-around. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 5A through 5E  show the liquid dispensing feature of mop  100 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show the pumping mechanism of the handle portion  106 ,  FIGS. 5C and 5D  show the dispensing of fluid from the head portion  102  or handle portion  106 , respectively, and  FIG. 5E  shows the fluid distribution system of the head portion  102 . 
         [0061]    Referring first to  FIG. 5A , it can be seen that reservoir  152  is filled with fluid  308  in the form of either water or a cleaning solution. Intake tube  154 A extends into the reservoir with its open distal end submerged in the reservoir&#39;s fluid. The intake tube runs from the reservoir to tank cap  214 , which is in fluid communication with retractable reservoir coupling  156 . The retractable reservoir coupling is connected to feed tube  154 B, which is connected to diverter valve  158 , best seen in the insets to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . From the diverter valve, pump tube  160  runs to pump  162  and dispensing tube  164  runs to male coupling portion  124  at the forward end of handle  106 . 
         [0062]    The diverter valve is a flapper valve arranged to cause fluid flow, depending on the direction of flow, only from either feed tube  154 B to pump tube  160 , as seen in the inset of  FIG. 5A , or from pump tube  160  to dispensing tube  164 , as seen in the inset of  FIG. 5B . 
         [0063]    The pump is fixedly disposed within handle  106  and includes a cylindrical body  174  housing a piston  172  longitudinally and sealingly movable there-within. Extension spring  176  within the body causes extension of piston  172  to expand the hollow chamber within the body. Compression of piston  172  against the bias of spring  176  reduces the volume of the chamber inside body  174  and forces air (initially) or fluid (after the pump has been primed) there-from through pump tube  160 . 
         [0064]    Trigger  166  is pivotally attached within handle portion  106  and, depending on its position, serves to either actuate pump  162  or to pinch dispensing tube  164 . The trigger has a pump interfacing surface  170  that contacts the pump&#39;s piston  172  so that the trigger is biased by the piston and extension spring  176  to the forward position shown in  FIG. 5A . When in this position, the trigger&#39;s pinching protrusion  168  is forced against the resiliently flexible dispensing tube  164 , to pinch it shut against the handle portion and prevent any fluid from inadvertently leaking from the handle through tube  164 . 
         [0065]    Pivotal backward squeezing force on trigger  166 , as shown in  FIG. 5B , compresses piston  172  while releasing pinching protrusion  168  from tube  164 , and thereby forces fluid from the pump through tube  160 , diverter valve  158 , dispensing tube  164 , and male coupling portion  124 . The releasing of pinching protrusion  168  from tube  164  as the trigger is squeezed backwardly allows resilient tube  164  to expand to its tubular cross-sectional shape and allows fluid to pass there-through. 
         [0066]    Release of trigger  166  after the afore-described squeezing allows it to return to its forward position of  FIG. 5A  as piston  172  extends from body  174  by the force of spring  174 , expanding the volume with the pump&#39;s inner chamber, such that fluid  308  is sucked from reservoir  152  through tube  154 B, diverter valve  158 , and tube  160 , and into the pump, ready for the next trigger-squeezing cycle. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show that male coupling portion  124  of handle portion  106  may be fitted to either female coupling portion  128  of pole portion  104  (as in  FIG. 6A ) or to accessory nozzle  180  (as in  FIG. 6B ). During non-use, accessory nozzle  180  is storable by securement to a non-functional imitation of the male coupling (not shown) which protrudes from the grasping portion  178  of handle  106 . 
         [0068]    When the handle portion is decoupled from the pole portion and coupled to the accessory nozzle at coupling  124 , as in  FIG. 6B , the handle portion serves as a portable spraying pistol, as shown in  FIG. 5D , with the fluid forced from tube  164  exiting through accessory nozzle  180  in a fan-shaped mist  310  as trigger  166  is squeezed. The mist may be portably sprayed in any direction according to the aiming of the pistol. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 5E , it is seen that head nozzle  182  is disposed within fitting  112  and is in fluid communication with the later-described tubing that runs through each of pole portions  120  and  122  to communicate with dispensing tube  164  of the handle portion. 
         [0070]    When the handle portion is coupled to the pole portion, in either the full-length arrangement of  FIG. 1A  or the shortened arrangement of  FIG. 1B , and as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 5C , the fluid forced from tube  164  exits through the later-described tubing of pole portion  104  and is sprayed out through head nozzle  182  in a fan-shaped mist  312  as trigger  166  is squeezed. The mist is directed at the floor to be mopped forwardly of head  102 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 7A through 7C  depict a beneficial storage feature of mop  100 . Fitting  112  has a headed stud  186  protruding rearwardly there-from and triangular head  110  includes an orifice  188  on its rearward top surface which is adapted to receive the stud as head  110  is pivoted about the universal joint as shown in  FIG. 7B . An interference fit of the stud&#39;s head with the orifice causes a temporary affixation of the head to the fitting, against and parallel to pole portion  104 . As seen in  FIGS. 7B and 7C . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 7C , flexible loop  190  is pivotally attached to the grasping portion  178  of handle portion  106  such that it may be swung rearwardly to extend there-from to be hooked over a nail  314  or such protruding from a closet wall  316  or such for mop storage. During such storage, the affixation of head  110  to fitting  112  and against pole portion  104 , together with disposition of the center of balance of the mop ensures that the oft-wet mop head hangs away from and does not touch against the wall, as shown. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 8A through 8C  show the typical connection of the couplings of mop  100  which allow both mechanical and fluid connection and decoupling in a simple action. While shown in these figures is the connection of male coupling portion  126 U to female coupling portion  130 , an equivalent coupling arrangement is or may be provided at all coupling joints. 
         [0074]    Female coupling portion  130  includes hole  192  and male coupling portion  126 U includes inwardly flexible headed clip  194 . Depression of the resilient headed clip  194  allows the male coupling portion to be slid within the female coupling portion until the head of clip  194  aligns with hole  192 , and springs outwardly there-into to temporarily secure the coupling portions together. Forced depression of clip  94  back through hole  192  releases this securement and allows decoupling. 
         [0075]    As the male and female coupling portions are being connected, tubular male valve  196  of the male portion slides sealingly into receiving tunnel  198  of the female portion. O-rings  200  surrounding valve  196  seal against the cylindrical inner wall of the tunnel. The valve is connected to tube  202  passing through pole portion  120  and leading from the handle&#39;s dispensing tube  164  (not shown). And the tunnel is connected to tube  204  passing through pole portion  122  and leading to head nozzle  182  (not shown). 
         [0076]    Spring  206  within valve  196  biases valve stop  208  against inwardly directed flange  210  at the distal end of the valve to close the valve when the coupling is uncoupled. During insertion of the valve into the tunnel, as stop  208  contacts flow-through valve actuator  212  at the bottom of tunnel  198 , the valve is pushed open against the bias of spring  206  to create a continuous fluid path through the coupling from tube  202  to tube  204 , and thereby from tube  164  (not shown) to head nozzle  182  (not shown). 
         [0077]      FIGS. 9A through 9C  show the arrangement for removal and replacement of reservoir  152  from and into handle portion  106 . Clockwise rotation of retractable reservoir coupling  156 , as seen in  FIG. 9A , causes its threading to engage the mating threading of the handle and pull the coupling rearwardly to provide room for receipt of the reservoir into the handle portion  106 , as seen in  FIG. 9B . After receipt of the reservoir, coupling  156  is rotated clockwise and thereby threaded back in against and in fluid communication with the reservoir&#39;s valve cap  214 . 
         [0078]    The removable valve cap  214  is fluidly connected to intake tube  154 A within the reservoir and includes a normally closed valve so that after the reservoir is filled with fluid and the cap is threaded snuggly thereon, the reservoir is sealed to prevent inadvertent leaking. When reservoir coupling  156  is threaded forwardly against the valve cap, the cap&#39;s valve is forced open by the coupling, and feed tube  154 B, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir coupling, is brought into fluid communication with intake tube  154 A, so that fluid drawn from the reservoir by the afore-described pumping system is drawn through intake tube  154 A, cap  214 , coupling  156 , feed tube  154 B to diverter valve  158 , for dispensing as previously described. 
         [0079]    Removal of the reservoir from the handle without retraction of coupling  156  is denied by capture of cap  214  by the coupling when in its threaded-in position, which prevents inadvertent removal, such as by a tampering child. The reservoir is preferably blow-molded of a transparent or translucent material to allow viewing of the amount of fluid therein. 
         [0080]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to a specific exemplary embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that the invention should therefore only be limited according to the following claims, including all equivalent interpretation to which they are entitled.