Patent Document

FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to cleaning apparatuses, and more particularly to a dispenser for dispensing mops.  
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     When in use, traditional string mops can quickly become contaminated, thus necessitating frequent mop head cleaning in a bleach or other strong disinfectant. This is especially true with commercial applications, such as hospitals, where the useful cycle life of a clean mop head is dictated by regulations, which aim to reduce that amount of contamination that can be spread from hospital room to hospital room. Moreover, hospital regulations also require that the cleaning solution used for the string mop be changed in regular intervals, again to reduce the possibility of spreading bacteria or viruses among rooms and patients. This changing of the mop head and mop cleaning solution is a labor intensive process, thereby increasing the labor demands of an institution and raising costs. Moreover, these processes waste significant amounts of water and toxic chemicals and lead to environmental concerns due to the amount of toxic chemicals that are placed into public and private sewage systems, which may ultimately find their way into lakes, streams, reservoirs, etc.  
         [0003]     Flat mops are an improvement over string mops, in that a solution containing the required cleaning agent(s) can be stored in a container having a multitude of clean flat mops. These flat mops are typically rolled into a cylindrical shape and placed side by side in the container. When a new flat mop is required a user can grab a clean flat mop from the container and replace the existing mop. Under this approach, a dirty flat mop never has to come into contact with clean solution. However, even with this method, the user still needs to physically grab a flat mop out of the solution and place it on the floor, which can increase the possibility that dirt, viruses or bacteria on the user&#39;s hands (or gloves) can infect the clean solution, as well as the remaining flat mops in the solution. Moreover, it is inconvenient for a user to have to reach into a container having cleaning solution and remove a flat mop, which requires the user to subsequently wash and dry his or her hands. If a user does not wear gloves when reaching into the cleaning solution, adverse skin reactions can occur, which could lead to missed work, disabilities, worker&#39;s compensation claims against an employer and the need for an employer to hire temporary workers. Thus, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for changing flat mops to obviate the aforementioned disadvantages. Other needs will become apparent upon a further reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     One embodiment of the invention comprises a flat mop dispenser having a container comprising a holding pan and at least one roller proximate the pan. The roller is positioned proximate to a stack of flat mops in the holding pan and the roller rotates to engage a flat mop and dispense the flat mop out of the dispenser.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention.  
         [0006]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a holding pan for use with one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention.  
         [0007]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a holding pan for use with one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention with a handle thereon in an extended position.  
         [0008]      FIG. 4  is perspective view of a roller section for use with one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a roller section for use with one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention with a head section thereof in an open position.  
         [0010]      FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 7  is a side view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention with a gear cover thereon removed.  
         [0012]      FIG. 8  is perspective view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention that is battery operated.  
         [0013]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention that is manually operated.  
         [0014]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention showing a mop being dispensed toward a floor.  
         [0016]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention showing a mop being dispensed toward the top of the holding pan.  
         [0017]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a diverting member used for one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 14  is a top view of an adjustable wringer assembly used with one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 15  shows a step for assembling the holding pan to the roller section in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 16  shows another step for assembling the holding pan to the roller section in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 17  shows another step for assembling the holding pan to the roller section in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 18  is a side view showing various sizes of holding pans for one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 19  shows a mop size selector switch for use with one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention having an automatic mop size detector arrangement.  
         [0025]      FIG. 21  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a universal mount arrangement thereon.  
         [0026]      FIG. 22  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a floor mount arrangement thereon. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0027]     While the present invention is capable of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be hereinafter described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.  
         [0028]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the mop dispenser of the present invention, designated generally as reference numeral  10 , contains a holding pan section  12  and a roller section  14 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , holding pan section  12  contains a substantially rectangular housing  16 , which contains a top section  18  with drain apertures  20 , which are used to drain any excess mop fluid from a mop that is dispensed onto the top section  18 . To improve the draining function of the drain apertures  20 , the top section is preferably tilted downward approximately 15 degrees. However, it will be understood that top section  18  need not be tilted downward and that holding pan  12  need not contain a top section  18  or drain apertures  20 . Indeed, the mop dispenser of the present invention need not be used with wet mops at all. Instead, a dry mop can be dispensed from the dispenser  10 .  
         [0029]     It is preferred that the holding pan section  12  also contains a carrying handle  22 , that can be extended and retracted within guides  24  on either side of the holding pan section  12 .  FIG. 2  shows the handle in a retracted position and  FIG. 3  shows the handle in an extended position. Stops  26  are provided on each side of the handle  22  to prevent the handle from being completely removed from the holding pan section  12 . Moreover, it is preferred that holding pan section  12  contains a cleaning solution level window  28 , preferably made out of clear plastic. The cleaning solution level window  28  allows a user of the mop dispenser  10  to determine the level of cleaning solution using indicia  30 , which are preferably injection-molded into the holding pan section  12 .  
         [0030]     Holding pan section  12  also preferably contains an angled end section  32 , which is used to help lock the holding pan section into the roller section  14 . Also, holding pan section  12  contains a contoured front section  33 , which is intended to abut a contoured section of roller section  14  when the holding pan section  12  and roller section  14  are combined.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the roller section  14 . Roller section  14  contains two main parts: a base section  34  and a pivoting head section  36 . Base section  34  is generally rectangular and contains a hollow middle portion  38 , which is designed to accept the holding pan  12  between wall sections  40 . The base section also includes locking apertures  42  ( FIG. 5 ), which are designed to accept locking tabs  44  on the pivoting head portion  36 . A release button  45  releases the locking tabs  44  from locking apertures  42  when, for example, a user desires to change the holding pan  12  for a holding pan  12  of a different size.  
         [0032]     The pivoting head section  36  includes a sliding diverting member  46 , which allows a mop to be selectively dispensed on either the top of the holding pan  12  through dispensing aperture  48 , or directly onto a floor through dispensing aperture  50  ( FIGS. 10-12 ). As shown in more detail in  FIG. 13 , the sliding diverting member  46  contains a plurality of rollers  52 , which facilitate the movement of a mop while being dispensed. The diverting member also includes a spring locking member  54 , which acts to keep the diverting member  46  in a particular position by engaging a recess  56  in the top portion of pivoting head section  36 . As those with skill in the art will appreciate, multiple recesses  56  can be provided in pivoting head section  36  to provide for a multitude of positions. In a preferred embodiment, however, two recesses are preferred, which correspond to a mop being dispensed either onto the top of holding pan  12  or onto a floor.  
         [0033]     The pivoting head section  36  also includes a reciprocating pick-up bar  56 , which acts to draw a mop from the holding pan  12  into rollers  58  and  60  (See, e.g.,  FIGS. 10-12 ). The reciprocating pick-up bar  56  is driven via a rod  62  ( FIG. 7 ) that is attached to gear  64 . Gear  64  is, in turn, driven by gear  66 , which is, in turn, driven by gear  68 , which is connected to a prime mover. Gear  64  is connected to roller  58  and gear  66  is connected to roller  60 . In a preferred embodiment, the prime mover is a direct current electric motor  70 . However, it should be appreciated that the prime mover can comprise any other device that can turn a shaft, such as a simple hand crank or a device used to store potential energy (for instance in a coiled spring), wherein a user can wind the coiled spring (i.e., using a hand crank) at the beginning of a work day, and release the energy stored in the spring in intervals when a new mop is desired. Alternatively, the prime mover can be energized by a simple movement of a foot or hand pedal  72  ( FIG. 9 ) each time a user desires to dispense a new mop. It is also within the scope of the present invention that more than one prime mover can be used. For instance, separate prime movers can be attached to each of the two rollers  58  and  60 .  
         [0034]     In the embodiment using a direct current electric motor, it is preferred that the motor comprise a 12-18 volt motor coupled to a rechargeable battery, depending on the particular application, of the type commonly found on portable electric tools, such as portable electric drills. However, those with skill in the art will recognize that any type of electric motor with sufficient torque can be used with the current invention. Also, other power sources such as alternating current and solar power sources can be used. In the embodiment of the present invention using a direct current electric motor, it is preferred that the motor be actuated using a remote control transmitter  74  using RF technology, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Thus, a user can keep a remote RF transmitter  74  in a convenient location, such as the top of a mop cart, and actuate the transmitter when a new mop is desired. The transmitter  74  will then communicate with a RF receiver  76  on the mop dispenser, which will actuate the motor to dispense a mop.  
         [0035]      FIGS. 10-12  show a mop dispensing operation of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 10 , if a user desires to dispense a flat mop  78  from a stack of mops  80  in the holding pan  12 , a user will first move the diverting member  46  to the rear of the mop dispenser and then actuate, in one embodiment, the electric motor  70 . This will cause the reciprocating bar  56  to reciprocate and move the mop to be dispensed  78  toward roller  58  which is connected to gear  64 . The mop  78  will then proceed through rollers  58  and  60  and, due to the position of diverter  46 , will be dispensed through dispensing aperture  48  and onto the top of holding pan  12 . Alternatively, a user may decide that he or she wishes to dispense a mop directly onto a floor. In this case, the user will move the diverter  46  to the front of the mop dispenser and then actuate, in one embodiment, the electric motor  70 . This will cause the reciprocating bar  56  to reciprocate and move the mop to be dispensed  78  toward roller  58  which is connected to gear  64 . The mop  78  will then proceed through rollers  58  and  60  and, due to the position of diverter  46 , will be dispensed through dispensing aperture  50  and onto the floor. It should be noted that while a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a reciprocating bar to facility a mop coming into contact with a roller, the present invention can be used without a reciprocating bar.  
         [0036]     As those with skill in the art will appreciate, because the flat mops typically connect to a mop frame using a hook and loop fastening system or other suitable attachment method, a user of the dispenser  10  will want the hook and loop system side of the flat mop to be facing up to facilitate the attachment of the mop frame to the flat mop and to avoid the user having to touch the flat mop to flip it over or to align the hook and loop fastening system. Accordingly, when a user desires for a mop to be dispensed onto a floor, the flat mops will preferably be loaded into the holding pan  12  with their hook and loop system side facing up. This hook and loop system-side up orientation will be maintained as the mop is ejected out of exit port  50 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . On the other hand, if a user desires a flat mop to be dispensed onto the top of the holding pan  12 , the flat mops will preferably be loaded into the holding pan  12  with their hook and loop system side facing down, as the mops will be flipped over, and become hook and loop-side up, by the time they are ejected out of exit port  48  due to the action of roller  58  and diverter  46 , as shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0037]     As can be seen in  FIGS. 10-12 , the stack of mops  80  is biased in an upward direction by resilient member  82 , which in a preferred embodiment comprises a pivoting ramp  84  and a spring member  86 . It is to be appreciated, however, that any type of biasing structure will work with the present invention. For example, resilient member  82  can be replaced with floatation devices, opposing magnets, foam, rubber, etc. Alternatively, mops  80  can be manufactured so that they are buoyant in a cleaning solution, therefore removing the need for the resilient member  82  or other biasing structure all together.  
         [0038]      FIG. 14  shows a wringer assembly  88  for use with one embodiment of the present invention. The wringer assembly  88  comprises a U-shaped bracket  90  that contains a threaded portion  92  and roller mounting extensions  94 , to which roller  60  is rotatably attached. The U-shaped bracket is slideably connected to mounting portions  96  preferably via a pin and slot configuration (not shown). However, those with skill in the art will recognize that any other structure for slidably mounting U-Shaped bracket  90  to mounting portions  96  is acceptable in the practice of one embodiment of the present invention. The wringer assembly  88  includes a threaded bolt  98 , which is threaded into threaded portion  92  on one end and is connected to an adjusting knob  100  on the other end. The adjusting knob  100  is located on the outside of the rear housing  102  of pivoting head section  36 . Accordingly, in order for the adjusting knob to connect to the threaded bolt  98 , the threaded bolt passes through aperture  104  in the rear housing  102 . The distance between roller  60  and roller  58  determines the pressure exerted by these rollers on a mop to be dispensed, and therefore determines how much cleaning solution is wrung from the mop as it passes through rollers  58  and  60 . Thus, if a user desires a dryer mop, he or she will turn the adjusting knob  100  counterclockwise to bring the rollers  58  and  60  closer together. Alternatively, if a user desires a wetter mop, he or she will turn the adjusting knob clockwise to provide more separation between rollers  58  and  60 . It should be appreciated that while the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14  provides for a movable roller  60  and a stationary roller  58 , other embodiments could be used with the practice of the present invention wherein both rollers are movable, or roller  58 , as opposed to roller  60  is movable.  FIG. 14  also shows that rollers  58  and  60  preferably contain knobby projections  106 , which aid the rollers  58  and  60  in picking up and wringing a mop. However, it will be appreciated that such projections, as well as adjustable rollers, are not necessary for the practice of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIGS. 15-17  show a method, in one embodiment of the invention, for inserting the holding pan section  12  into the roller section  14 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , a user will first release and pivot the pivoting head section  36  of roller section  14  to the position shown in  FIG. 15 . Next, a user will slide the holding pan section  12  into the roller section  14  until the holding pan section  12  cannot move any further in that direction (as shown in  FIG. 16 ), which is the point in which contoured back section  37  ( FIG. 5 ) of pivoting head section  36  abuts the contoured front section  33  ( FIG. 3 ) of holding pan  12 . Finally, the pivoting head section  36  is pivoted downward in the direction shown in  FIG. 17  so as to lock the pivoting head section  36  to base section  34  via locking tabs  44  and locking apertures  42 . This action also locks the holding pan section in the roller section  14 , so as to form a unitary mop dispenser  10 .  
         [0040]     The holding pan section  12  of one embodiment of the present invention can advantageously come in different sizes, so as to accommodate different mop sizes. For instance, a user can have a different holding pan section  12  for 15 inch, 20 inch and 26 inch mops, which each holding pan section having a similar structure so that they can be incorporated into roller section  14  without any modification thereto. Different sized holding pan sections  12  are shown in  FIG. 18 . It will be appreciated, however, that in the alternative to having different holding pans of different sizes, a single holding pan could be used with removable partition walls. Also, it is within the scope of the present invention that a large holding pan could be used for all sizes of mops and not have any partitions or other means for changing the size of the section of the pan where the mops sit. However, it is preferred that different sized holding pans or a pan with a partition wall(s) be used so that a user can conserve resources by not having to fill the holding pan with more cleaning solution than is necessary for a given mop size.  
         [0041]     Because of the different holding pan  12  sizes (and, accordingly, different mop sizes) that roller section  14  can accommodate, the amount of revolutions of the rollers  58  and  60  will preferably change depending on the size of the mop to be dispensed. In one embodiment of the invention, the mop dispenser will include a mop selector  108 , as shown in  FIG. 19 , that displays the various mop sizes and contains a rotatable selector switch  110  that a user rotates to select the mop size being used. This selection by a user will change the amount of revolutions completed by rollers  58  and  60  when a user actuates the motor. Thus, a larger mop size selection will result in a greater number of revolutions being performed by the rollers  58  and  60  and a smaller mop size selection will result in a lesser number of revolutions being performed by the rollers  58  and  60 . It should be understood that while mop sizes of  15 ,  20  and  26  inches are shown as indicia on the rotatable selector switch, any size mop can be used in the practice of the present invention.  
         [0042]     Another embodiment of the present invention includes an automatic holding pan size detection scheme that obviates the need for a manual selector. As shown in  FIG. 20 , one such automatic detection scheme employs three switches  112 ,  114  and  116  located within the pivoting head section  36  of roller section  14 . In a preferred embodiment, one of these switches will be actuated depending on the size of the holding pan  12  inserted into roller section  14 . For instance, if a 12″ holding pan is inserted, a projection  118  on the angled section  32  will trigger switch  112 . Alternatively, if a 20″ holding pan is inserted, a projection  120 , which is in a different position than projection  118 , will trigger switch  114 . Likewise, if a 26″ holding pan is inserted, a projection  122 , which is in a different position than projections  118  and  120  will trigger switch  116 . It will be appreciated that any number of switches and/or projections can be used with the present invention. Also, other detection schemes besides a projection and switch scheme can be used with the present invention. For instance, optical switches or magnetic switches can be used instead of the projections  118 ,  120  and  122  and the mechanical switches  112 ,  114  and  116 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 21  shows a structure for mounting the mop dispenser  10  in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the mop dispenser  10  includes brackets  124  that can slide onto T-Shaped projections  126  that are fixedly connected to clamps  128 . The clamps can then be attached, for instance, to a rolling mop cart. In a preferred embodiment, clamps  128  are designed to fit around a cylindrical bar. However, those with skill in the art will recognize that any type of clamp or attachment method can take the place of brackets  124 , T-shaped projections  126  and clamps  128 , for instance, hook and loop, magnets, snap joints, bolts, welding, etc.  
         [0044]     Another embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 22 , shows that instead of having the T-shaped projections connected to a clamp, they are connected to an elongated base structure  130 . This embodiment can be used, for instance, when a user desires to have the mop dispenser  10  resting directly on a floor.  
         [0045]     As those skilled in the art will readily understand, operation of one embodiment of the present invention is accomplished by a user first deciding what size mop he or she wishes to use, and selecting the appropriately sized holding pan  12 . Next, the user locks the holding pan  12  into the rolling section  14  and fills the holding pan  12  with the desired amount and size of flat mops and subsequently fills the holding pan  12  with cleaning solution. When a user desires to dispense a flat mop (either from a rolling mop cart, from the floor or otherwise), the user first selects the desired method of dispensing the mops (i.e., by moving diverter  46  toward the front or rear of the roller section  14  to dispense the mop either onto the top of the holding pan or onto the floor, respectively). To dispense a mop, the user then energizes the prime mover (either through a RF transmitter, a hand or foot pedal, a crank or otherwise) and dispenses a mop. Once the mop has been dispensed, the user can then use the mop for any desired purpose. Thus, as can be seen by the above description the mop dispenser  10  of the present invention allows a user to easily dispense mops with minimal effort, without contaminating the cleaning solution with dirt, bacteria or viruses, and while conserving resources by not having to waste cleaning solution.  
         [0046]     The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. For instance, although a preferred embodiment of the present invention is used to dispense flat mops, any object with acceptable dimensions can be dispensed in the dispenser of the present invention, such as, for instance, finishing applicators. Also, both reusable and disposable mops and other objects can be used with the practice of the present invention. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.

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