Dust Mop

Abstract

A dust mop is provided. An embodiment of the dust mop of the instant invention comprises a riding moping machine that includes a riding device and a mop attachment. The mop attachment is attached to the riding device via a swivel cam connection. The mop attachment includes a concave shape.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/828,200, filed Oct. 4, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a dust mop. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a riding dust mop machine and also with a dust mop device including a concave shape that can be attached to a riding device and/or used manually with a handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Mops for cleaning floors have been used for over a century. The mop was first patented in 1893 and has undergone many improvements and variations over the years. A dry mop, often called a dust mop, is usually characterized by a large, flat head that can be pushed by a handle over a floor surface picking up dust, hair, lint and other particles. Dust mops usually consist of three basic parts: the mop head including a frame, an attachment mechanism that links that mop head to the handle and the handle. The large flat head typically includes a cleaning element made of cloth or other material that picks up dust, hair, lint and other particles easily. The cleaning element is typically slid around or otherwise supported by the frame so that such cleaning element may be easily removed from the frame for cleaning/laundering and/or disposal.

[0004] Dust mops are trusted fixtures in most homes, businesses and schools. Dry mopping is typically used on hard floor surfaces and usually preformed once a day (or more) in businesses and especially in schools, hospitals, airports and other institutions. Dry mopping an entire school (including a large gymnasium) or a large office building can be a very mundane and time consuming task. To increase efficiency dust mop heads have become increasingly longer and wider, but manually cleaning large areas such as a school gymnasium, even with a larger mop, is still a considerable task, and the larger the mop size the greater the amount of labor required by the user to manipulate the mop. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a device that increases mopping efficiency while at the same time reducing the amount of manual labor required to mop an area.

[0005] The basic shape of the dust mop head has not varied much over the last 100 or more years, with the mop head generally being rectangular in shape. The problem with a rectangular shaped mop head is that soil and debris can be lost off the ends of the mop as the mop is pushed forward along the floor. The loss of debris from the ends of the mop increases the time it takes to mop a floor due to the additional time necessary sweep up the lost debris and/or to overlap cleaning paths. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a dust mop that minimizes and/or eliminates the loss of debris from the ends of the mop head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved dust mop. Another object of the invention is to provide an efficient dust mop device that reduces the amount of labor and time it takes to dry mop an area. Still another object of the instant invention is to provide a dust mop that minimizes and/or eliminates the loss of debris from the ends of the mop head.

[0007] The objects of the instant invention are accomplished through the use of an automatic riding device with a trailing mop attachment. The objects of the instant invention are further accomplished with a concave shaped dust mop head that is used manually or in conjunction with an automatic riding (or walk-behind) device.

[0008] In one embodiment of the instant invention, a concave shaped mop head is used manually. The manual use generally includes a mop handle, a concave mop frame, a mop head, and a mechanism for attaching the mop handle to the mop frame. The mop handle may be a standard mop handle threaded at one end and constructed of appropriate material such as wood, metal or plastic. The concave mop frame has a crescent shape. When used manually the open ends of the crescent are pushed away from the user. The concave mop frame may be constructed from metal or other appropriate material. The cleaning element of the mop head is made of fibrous material in the same manner and using similar material as any typical rectangular mop head now known or hereinafter discovered. The concave mop frame may accommodate common rectangular cleaning elements that wrap around the frame to conform to the shape of the frame or concave cleaning elements specially designed to conform to the concave mop frame.

[0009] The concave design of the mop head keeps heavier soil and debris from being lost off the ends of the mop because soil tends to move toward the middle of the concave mop head. This increases efficiency when cleaning. This mop can be used on all hard floor surfaces.

[0010] In another embodiment a mop frame is attached behind an automatic riding device. In a preferred embodiment, the mop frame is a concave mop frame such as the concave frame discussed above. The concave mop frame is attached behind the automatic riding device so that it tracks or follows the device. In one embodiment, the concave dust mop is attached to the automatic riding device via a frame plate that is mounted to the rear of the automatic riding device and a bracket that is attached to the frame plate to support the mop frame. A swivel cam harness is mounted within the bracket with mop frame support arms attached to the swivel cam harness at one end and to the mop frame at the other end. The frame plate, the bracket mount, and the swivel cam harness together with the support arms and the concave mop frame make up the mop assembly that can be attached to any automatic riding device.

[0011] The mop assembly allows for the concave mop head to track behind the automatic riding device without having to manually reposition the concave mop head. The swivel cam hardness allows the mop frame to rotate left and right (or back and forward) as the swivel cam harness rotates within the bracket mount. The support arms are also pivotally connected to the swivel cam harness so that the mop frame can rotate up and down. This allows for the unique ability of the mop of the instant invention to both track the movement (left and right, etc.) of the riding device and to follow the contours of the floor without missing low spots or riding over high spots and losing the soil that is contained in the mop head. In addition, the up and down rotation allows the mop frame to be placed in an upright position during transport between cleaning locations. The mop frame is releasably connected to the support arms to provide a break-away feature that allows the mop frame to break free from the automatic riding device in the event the mop head encounters an obstruction (such as a pole, chair, etc.) that might damage the assembly. This safety feature protects the mop assembly and the automatic riding device from unnecessary damage. The ends of the support arms include horizontal slots in which bolts (or other support members) pass through vertically and connect to the mop frame. Wing nuts (handles or other attachment members) are tightened down on the bolts to frictionally hold the mop frame to the support arm. When the mop encounters an obstruction, the bolt will slide out of the slot to release the mop frame from the support arm.

[0012] The concave mop frame is raised and supported in an upright position when not in use or when traveling across soft floors. The mop frame is maintained in the upright position by pins or bolts that extend through holes in the support arms. When the mop frame is rotated upward the support arms rotate up and around (or between) a pair of arms extending from the swivel cam harness. The arms of the swivel cam harness include holes that correspond to the holes in the support arms when the frame is in its upright position, allowing the pins or bolts to extend through the holes in the support arms and in the arms of the swivel cam harness to retain the frame in the upright position.

[0013] The automatic riding device is more convenient than traditional manual walk-behind or push mops and provides for improved ergonomics and better performance. An automatic riding device saves time because it is faster than pushing a mop around. A user can ride on top the automatic riding device similar to riding a scooter or riding lawn mower. Not only does it save the user time and the employer money, it alleviates strain on the users back and allows for a wider variety of users. It will be appreciated that the mop frame of the instant invention can be sold in combination with and/or permanently attached to the riding device, or alternatively can be separate attachment that can be mounted or attached to any of a variety of riding devices, such as a 4-wheeler, scooter, golf cart, wheel chair or any other type of motorized vehicle without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. In addition, it will be appreciated that other mechanisms to attach the mop frame to a riding device, such as a ball and hitch, or other harnesses, may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

[0014] In one embodiment of the instant invention, the concave mop frame is capable of use both as a manual mop and also with a riding device. In such an embodiment the mop frame may include bolt attachments to connect to the support arms, as well as a centrally located threaded mount to connect to a mop handle. This allows the user to convert from one use to another depending upon the desired use. When it is not convenient to use the automatic riding device, such as in a tight space (i.e. in a closet), the user can detach the concave mop frame from the automatic riding device and engage a mop handle.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, an automatic device is used that does not have a riding capability. For example, an automatic device such as a hand powered push-mop or self-propelled device where the concave mop head is in front of the user and the opening of the crescent is away from the user, may be utilized. Such automatic devices increase the efficiency of the user because it takes less time and effort to mop the same area as would be required by a manual mop.

[0016] The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a top view of a riding mopping machine of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a side view of the riding mopping machine of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3a is a detailed side view showing the swivel cam, frame plate and mounting bracket of the riding mopping machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0021] FIG. 3b is a detailed top view showing the swivel cam, frame plate and mounting bracket of the riding mopping machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0022] FIG. 3c is a detailed top view of the swivel cam of the riding mopping machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023] FIG. 4a is a detailed side view of the break-away support member of the riding mopping machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0024] FIG. 4b is a detailed top view of the break-away support member of the riding mopping machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a detailed top view of the mop attachment framework of the riding mopping machine of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] As required, a detailed embodiment of the present inventions is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a riding mopping machine 10 of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention is shown and described. Mopping machine 10 includes automatic riding device 20 and trailing mop attachment 30. In the depicted embodiment, automatic riding device 20 is a scooter, such as a three wheeled or four wheeled electric scooter typically used for providing mobility to elderly persons or other persons with physical disabilities or injuries. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that alternative riding devices may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. Trailing mop attachment 30 is generally concave or crescent shaped to prevent dirt and debris from being lost off the ends of mop attachment 30.

[0028] Mop attachment 30 is attached to the rear of automatic riding device 20 so that it tracks or follows riding device 20. The concave shape of mop attachment 30 tends to cause dirt and debris to move toward the middle of the concave mop, preventing such debris from being lost off the ends of the mop attachment. Mop attachment 30 is attached to the rear of automatic riding device via frame plate 40 that is mounted to the rear of the automatic riding device via bolts 42. Bracket 50 is attached to frame plate 40 via bolts 52. Swivel cam harness 60 is mounted within bracket 50 with mop frame support arms 70 each attached to swivel cam harness 60 at one end and to mop attachment 30 at the other end. Frame plate 40, bracket mount 50, and swivel cam harness 60 together with support arms 70 and the concave mop attachment 30 make up a mop assembly that can be attached to virtually any automatic riding device. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that various modifications to the components of the mop assembly may be desirable, or even necessary, depending upon the particular structure of the riding device to which the mop assembly is attached. Such modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the shape or configuration of frame plate 40 may be altered to attach to riding devices of various configurations. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that various components of the mop assembly may be utilized independently of other components, without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. For example, bracket mount 50 may be attached directly to the rear of a riding device without the us of frame plate 40.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 3a through 3c, frame plate 40, bracket mount 50 and swivel cam harness 60 are described in further detail. Frame plate 40 includes central plate member 44 and side plate members 46 that protrude generally orthogonally from each end of central plate member 44 to connect to the frame of riding device 20 using bolts 42 (not shown in FIGS. 3a-3c). In the embodiment shown, central plate member 44 and side plate members 46 are constructed of 3/16 inch steel plates that are welded together. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that alternative materials may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that alternative means of mounting frame plate 40 to the riding device (including, but not limited to welding) may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

[0030] Bracket mount 50 includes central bracket member 54 and upper and lower bracket members 56 and 58 (respectively). Central bracket member 54 of bracket mount 50 is connected to central plate member 44 using bolts 52. In the embodiment shown, central bracket member 54 and upper and lower bracket members 56 and 58 are constructed of 3/16 inch steel plates that are welded together. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that alternative materials may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that alternative means of mounting bracket mount 50 to frame plate 40 (including, but not limited to welding) may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. As shown in FIG. 3b, the edges of upper and lower bracket members 56 and 58 are rounded to reduce the potential for user injury.

[0031] Swivel cam 60 includes cam body member 64 and retention plate members 66 extending generally orthogonally from the top of cam body member 64. In the embodiment shown, cam body member 64 is constructed of 1/8 inch steel square tubing that is capped with a steel plate at the top and bottom of cam body member 64 to provide a generally solid or continuous outer surface for cam body member 64. Retention plate members 66 are constructed of 1/8 steel plates that are welded to the top portion of opposing sides of cam body member 64. Hole 61 is drilled or otherwise formed through the top and bottom cap plates of swivel cam body member 64 to allow bolt 62 to pass longitudinally through cam body member 64 to mount swivel cam 60 between upper and lower bracket members 56 and 58 of bracket mount 50. A reinforcement sleeve may also be utilized through hole 61 to reduce wear. Hole 67 is drilled or otherwise formed through the side of the lower portion (below retention plate members 66 and 68) of cam body member 64 to allow bolt 72 to pass through cam body member 64 generally orthogonally to bolt 62 to mount support arms 70 to opposing sides of cam 60. Spacers or washers are included between support arms 70 and the outer surface of cam body member 64 so that support arms 70 are spaced outside of and generally parallel to retention plate members 66, allowing support arms 70 to be rotated up and around the outside of retention plate members 66. Holes 65 are drilled or otherwise formed through the outer ends of retention plate members 66 to allow a bolt or retention pin to be inserted through holes 65 to retain support arms in an elevated position when support arms are rotated upward. Support arms 70 may be rotated upward beyond holes 65 and the pin may then be inserted to prevent support arms 70 from rotating back down. Alternatively, holes 75 may be formed through support arms 70 (as shown in FIG. 2) to coincide with holes 65 when support arms 70 are rotated upward, such that the pin would be inserted through holes 65 and 75 to retain support arms 70 in an elevated position. It will be appreciated that alternative materials and mounting means to those described in this paragraph may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. As shown in FIG. 3a, the edges of retention plate members 66 are rounded to reduce the potential for user injury.

[0032] As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, support arms 70 extend from swivel cam 60 in a direction generally parallel to and beyond retention plate members 66 of swivel cam 60 to allow support arms to be rotated about retention plate members 66. Beyond the ends of retention plate members 66 (to allow clearance for proper rotation) support arms are bent outward to provide a wide base for supporting mop attachment 30, which itself is generally wider than the width of riding device 20. Connecting member 76 extends between and is connected to support arms 70 via bolts 74. Connecting member 76 provides rigidity to support arms 70 and causes support arms 70 to rotate upward and downward in unison with each other. The outermost ends of connecting members 70 (opposite the ends connect to swivel cam 60) are bent generally downward for attachment to break-away support members 80, which releasably connect support arms 70 to mop attachment 30. In the depicted embodiment, connecting arms 70 are constructed of steel; however it will be appreciated that alternative materials and mounting means to those described in this paragraph may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

[0033] As is shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, break-away support members 80 each include foot member 84 and arm-retention members 86. Support arm is mounted between arm-retention members 86 using bolt 82. Foot member 84 includes horizontal slot 87 through which threaded member 36 of mop attachment 30 extends. Wing nut 85 is threaded onto threaded member 36 to frictionally maintain a connection between foot member 84 and frame members 34 of mop attachment 30. In the event mop attachment 30 encounters an obstruction during operation, threaded member 36 will slide out of slot 87. In the depicted embodiment, break-away support members 80 are constructed of steel; however it will be appreciated that alternative materials and mounting means to those described in this paragraph may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, a preferred framework of mop attachment 30 is shown. Mop attachment 30 is constructed of a metal framework, in a manner and of similar materials to mop frames of the prior art. In the depicted embodiment, the framework is constructed of metal; however it will be appreciated that alternative materials may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. The framework of mop attachment 30 includes an outer perimeter frame 32, and cross-members 34. Threaded members 36 are mounted between pairs of cross-members 34 and extend generally orthogonally from the framework of mop attachment 30 for connecting to support arms 70 in the manner described above. The framework of mop attachment 30 further includes central frame 38 and cross-member 39 within central frame 38 for connecting to a mop handle of the type that is traditionally used with mop frames of the prior art. This allows mop attachment 30 to be utilized both in connection with riding device 20 as well as manually. As is shown in FIG. 1, cleaning element 31 is mounted to the framework of mop attachment 30. Cleaning element 31 is made of fibrous material in the same manner and using similar material as any typical rectangular mop head now known or hereinafter discovered. The concave mop frame may accommodate common rectangular cleaning elements that wrap around the frame to conform to the shape of the frame or concave cleaning elements specially designed to conform to the concave mop frame. As is shown in FIG. 1, cleaning element 31 includes slit 37 that extends along the length of roughly half of cleaning element 31 to allow cleaning element to be placed around and removed from mop attachment 30. Closures, 33, such as hook and pile or snap fasteners, are utilized to close slit 37 around the framework of mop attachment 30. Cutouts are also located in cleaning element 31 to allow access to the framework at the locations at which the support arms are connected to the framework.

[0035] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

[0036] Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0037] Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

[0038] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A mop comprising: a riding device; and a mop attachment, said mop attachment being pivotally connected to a rear of said riding device via a swivel cam connection.

2. The mop as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mop attachment includes a concave shape.

3. The mop as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a frame plate connected to said mounting bracket, wherein said mounting bracket is capable of attachment to the riding device via said frame plate.

4. The mop as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one support arm rotatably connecting said mop attachment to said swivel cam connection.

5. The mop as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a releasable connection between said swivel cam connection and said mop attachment.

6. The mop as claimed in claim 5 wherein said releasable connection comprises a frictional connection.

7. The mop as claimed in claim 6 wherein said releasable connection includes a slot and a post releasably positioned within said slot.

8. The mop as claimed in claim 7 wherein said post includes a threaded surface.

9. The mop as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a nut that threads to said threaded surface.

10. The mop as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mop attachment includes a central support capable of attachment to a handle.

11. The mop as claimed in claim 1 wherein said swivel cam further comprises at least one retention member extending from said swivel cam, said retention member capable of supporting said mop attachment in an elevated position.

12. A mop attachment for a riding device comprising: a mounting bracket capable of attachment to the riding device; a swivel cam connection pivotally connected to said mounting bracket; and a mop framework attached to said swivel cam connection.

13. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 12 wherein said mop framework includes a concave shape.

14. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a frame plate connected to said mounting bracket, wherein said mounting bracket is capable of attachment to the riding device via said frame plate.

15. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 12 further comprising at least one support arm rotatably connecting said mop framework to said swivel cam connection.

16. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a releasable connection between swivel cam connection and said mop framework.

17. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 16 wherein said releasable connection comprises a frictional connection.

18. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 17 wherein said releasable connection includes a slot and a post releasably positioned within said slot.

19. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 18 wherein said post includes a threaded surface.

20. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 19 further comprising a nut that threads to said threaded surface.

21. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 12 wherein said mop framework includes a central support capable of attachment to a handle.

22. The mop attachment as claimed in claim 12 wherein said swivel cam further comprises at least one retention member extending from said swivel cam, said retention member capable of supporting said mop framework in an elevated position.