Patent ID: 7065825

Claim:
A cleaning tool assembly adapted to removably mount a disposable cleaning implement thereto, said cleaning implement having a liquid soluble or liquid dispersible, relatively rigid engaging surface, said tool assembly comprising: an elongated shaft having a handle portion on one end thereof; a gripping mechanism mounted to the elongated shaft, and including a contact region moveable between a gripping condition, wherein said contact region cooperates with said engaging surface of the cleaning implement to releasably mount the cleaning implement to the elongated shaft, and a release condition, wherein said cleaning implement is released from said gripping mechanism; and an elastic boot composed of a substantially liquid impervious material and configured to extend substantially over said contact region of the gripping mechanism such that when said gripping mechanism is in the gripping condition, said contact region urges said elastic boot against said engaging surface of said cleaning implement to form a substantially liquid-tight seal therebetween to substantially delay solubility or dispersion of said engaging surface during liquid immersion and use of the cleaning implement.