U.S. patent application number 09/925761 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-14 for mop with actuator for wringing.
Invention is credited to Libman, Robert J..
Application Number | 20020029433 09/925761 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24065685 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020029433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Libman, Robert J. |
March 14, 2002 |
Mop with actuator for wringing
Abstract
A mop having a handle, mop elements at one end of the handle,
and an actuator operatively connected to the mop elements. The
actuator has a pivot engaged in a slot on the handle. A hand grip
and a rod anchor are connected to the pivot. The pivot, hand grip,
and anchor are all parts of a single piece of material. The rod
anchor has a slotted mounting stem with an axis that is
perpendicular to the handle, and a loop on a connector rod fits
closely over the mounting stem. The actuator is mounted on a
connecter on the handle by sliding the pivot up slots in the handle
until it rests in pivot holes on the connector.
Inventors: |
Libman, Robert J.; (Arcola,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, O'TOOLE, GERSTEIN, MURRAY & BORUN
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60606-6402
US
|
Family ID: |
24065685 |
Appl. No.: |
09/925761 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09925761 |
Aug 9, 2001 |
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09518830 |
Mar 6, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/119.2 ;
15/116.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/144 20130101;
A47L 13/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/119.2 ;
15/116.2 |
International
Class: |
A47L 013/144 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mop comprising a handle, mop elements at one end of the
handle, and an actuator operatively connected to the mop elements,
the actuator comprising: a pivot engaged in a slot on the handle; a
hand grip connected to the pivot; and a rod anchor connected to the
pivot.
2. A mop as recited in claim 1, in which the pivot, hand grip, and
anchor are all parts of a single piece of material.
3. A mop as recited in claim 1, in which the rod anchor has a
slotted mounting stem.
4. A mop as recited in claim 1, in which the rod anchor has a
slotted mounting stem with an axis that is perpendicular to the
handle.
5. A mop as recited in claim 1, in which the actuator is mounted on
a connecter on the handle.
6. A mop as recited in claim 1, in which: the actuator is mounted
in slots on a connector on the handle; and the slots each extend
from an end of the connector to a pair of pivot holes that receive
the pivot.
7. A mop as recited in claim 1, in which the actuator has been
mounted on the handle by a process of sliding the pivot up slots on
the handle until it engages in pivot holes on the handle.
8. A mop as recited in claim 1, in which the mop further comprises
a connector rod with a loop that fits closely over a slotted
mounting stem on the actuator.
9. A mop comprising a handle, mop elements at one end of the
handle, and a connector rod operatively connecting an actuator to
the mop elements, in which: the actuator has a hand grip and a
slotted mounted stem connected to the hand grip; and the connector
rod has a loop that fits closely over the slotted mounting
stem.
10. A mop comprising a handle, mop elements at one end of the
handle, and a connector rod operatively connecting an actuator to
the mop elements, in which: the actuator comprises a pivot engaged
in a slot on the handle, a hand grip connected to the pivot, and a
rod anchor comprising a slotted mounting stem; and the connector
rod has a loop that fits closely over the slotted mounting stem.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation in part of co-pending application
Ser. No. 09/518,830, filed Mar. 6, 2000.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates generally to mops, and more
particularly to mops with an actuator with wringing.
[0004] Sponge mops have been sold for many years. Various means
have been provided to allow the user to wring water from the head
of the mop. For example, a broad surface, such as the wringer plate
seen in U.S. Pat. No. D401,702, can be used can be used to squeeze
water from a mop head. Alternatively, the mop can be provided with
opposed plates, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. D393,589, that
allow the sponge to be doubled over itself laterally. Still another
alternative is to provide the mop with opposed rollers through
which the mop head can be wringed. One example of such rollers can
be seen in U.S. Pat. No. D302,759.
[0005] The wringing assemblies used in such mops can be relatively
expensive and much longer lived than the mop head of the mop.
Accordingly, consumers benefit if they can easily replace the
relatively-inexpensive mop head of such a mop, and reuse the more
expensive and durable handle and wringer mechanism.
[0006] While replaceable mop heads have been known, they can be
difficult to use. For example, M.B Walton, Inc. sells a sponge mop
that requires the user to place the mop head in its normal use
position and then reach between the rollers and the handle to
insert two wires into eyes on the mop head. Similarly, Quickie
Manufacturing Corporation sells a mop that also requires the user
to place the mop head in its normal use position and then reach
between the rollers and the handle to screw a rod onto a threaded
aperture.
[0007] Other kinds of wringing mops are known. Commonly, these
include handgrips and actuators attached to connecting rods. The
actuators are can be complicated and expensive to manufacture.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Like some conventional mops, the mop has a handle, mop
elements at one end of the handle, and an actuator operatively
connected to the mop elements. However, the mop has a what is
believed to be an inventive actuator that can makes the mop easier
to manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator
has a pivot engaged in a slot on the handle. A hand grip and rod
anchor are each connected to the pivot. The pivot, hand grip, and
anchor may all be parts of a single piece of material. The actuator
may be mounted on a connecter on the handle by sliding the pivot up
channels in the handle until it rests in pivot holes on the
connector.
[0009] The rod anchor may be provided with a slotted mounting stem
that has an axis that is perpendicular to the handle. The
engagement of a loop on the upper end of the connector over a
slotted mounting stem on the actuator provides a simple and
effective way to link the connector to the actuator.
[0010] The end of the mop may also be provided with a removable
brush for use on heavily soiled areas.
[0011] The mop is effective, simple to manufacture, and easier to
assemble, disassemble, and reassemble than previously-known mops.
Further advantages of the invention should be apparent to those
skilled in the art upon reviewing the following detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mop in accordance with an
embodiment of this invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a bottom portion of the mop of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of the portion of the mop seen in
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of the portion of the mop seen in FIG.
2;
[0016] FIGS. 5-7 are side views of three alternative positions of a
central portion of the mop of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an plan view of the actuator of the mop of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top view of the mop head of FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side view of the mop head of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternate position of the
portion of the mop seen in FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a removable tab that can
be used in connection with the mop head of FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0022] FIGS. 13-15 are perspective views showing the attachment of
the tab of FIG. 12 to the mop head of FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a front view showing the use of the mop head of
FIGS. 13-15 in a traditional mop;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a front view of one end of the connector used in
the mop of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a side view of the end of the connector shown in
FIG. 17;
[0026] FIG. 19 is an end view of the end of the connector shown in
FIG. 17;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a side view of another alternate position of the
portion of the mop seen in FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the
mop of FIG. 1 with the removable brush removed and the mop head
removed;
[0029] FIG. 22 is a side view of the removable brush used in the
mop of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a mop in accordance with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 24 is an enlarged side view of the actuator of FIG. 23;
and
[0032] FIG. 25 is an enlarged bottom view side view of the actuator
of FIG. 23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] One embodiment of the mop that is the subject of this
invention is shown in FIG. 1. The components of the mop 10 are a
handle 12, an actuator 14 on the handle, a mop head 16, and a
connector 18 connecting the actuator and the mop head.
[0034] The handle 12 of the mop 10 that has been illustrated
includes an upper section 20, an angled lower section 22, and a
working end 24. The upper and lower sections need not be angled.
The illustrated configuration places the actuator 14 at a
relatively high position, and may provide a more comfortable hand
position for the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and
lower sections of the handle are made of metal, and the working end
is made of molded plastic. Other materials could also be used.
[0035] The working end 24 of the handle 12 that has been
illustrated in FIG. 2 includes two pairs of resilient arms 26
separated by a channel 28. Each set of resilient arms supports a
set of rollers 30. The rollers 30 extend perpendicularly to the
length of the handle. As illustrated, the arms and channel are
angled with respect to the lower section 22 of the handle. The arms
need not be angled. However, the illustrated configuration places
the mop head 16 in a desirable position with respect to the floor
when used by a user.
[0036] Each of the sets of rollers 30 that have been illustrated
includes three individual 3/4" diameter plastic rollers mounted on
a metal bar 32 that extends through the two arms 26. A 23/4" long
central roller 33 (FIG. 3) is positioned between two roller
supports 34 on each arm 26, and two similar 23/4" long outside
rollers 35 are positioned on either side of the roller supports. As
illustrated, the outside rollers have unsupported outer ends
36.
[0037] The actuator 14 that has been illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 is
mounted on a connector 40 between the upper section 20 of the
handle 12 and the angled lower section 22 of the handle. The
actuator comprises a hand grip 42, a rod anchor 44, and a pivot 46
between the anchor and the hand grip. The actuator can be moved
into position on the connector by sliding the pivot (FIG. 8) up a
{fraction (1/16)}" deep channel 47 on the connector, until it rests
in pivot holes (not illustrated). The illustrated actuator and
connector are made of plastic, but other materials could also be
used.
[0038] As seen in FIG. 8, the anchor 44 that has been illustrated
takes the form of a slotted mounting stem 48 that has an axis 50
that is parallel to the axes of the rollers 30. The illustrated
mounting stem has a diameter of approximately 1/4", with a
{fraction (1/16)}" wide slot 51.
[0039] The pivot 46 allows the actuator 14 to be moved between the
wringing position seen in FIG. 5, an intermediate position seen in
FIG. 6, and a replacement position seen in FIG. 7. The illustrated
hand grip 42 is about 31/2" from the pivot, and the anchor is about
13/4" from the pivot. This proportional distance has been found to
useful, but other proportions may also be used. It would also be
possible to place both the anchor and the hand grip on the same
side of the pivot, although this may not be as desirable.
[0040] As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the mop head 16 comprises a
sponge 60 held by a rigid sponge holder 62. The illustrated sponge
holder is made of stamped metal, and has two identical sides 64
that are spaced apart at a distance that is only slightly greater
than the distance between the rollers 30. As illustrated, the sides
of the sponge holder are about 3/4" apart at their widest point,
and the rollers are about 5/8" apart. Each side of the sponge
holder has upper and lower projections 66 and 68 that extend
outwardly from the sides. The upper projections 66 that have been
illustrated project about {fraction (1/16)}" from the sides. When
the actuator 14 is in the intermediate position seen in FIG. 6, the
upper projections 66 engage an upper portion 38 of the rollers
(FIG. 2), and thus help to secure the mop head to the handle 12.
The lower projection 68 that is shown on the sides of the sponge
holder may also help to restrain the sponge holder from moving
upwardly with respect to the rollers when a user is pressing down
on the mop.
[0041] As best seen in FIG. 4, the illustrated upper projections 66
are spaced at least about an inch and a half from the midpoint of
the mop head 16, and thus contact only the outside rollers 35. This
arrangement is beneficial because the unsupported outer ends 36 of
the outside rollers provide some resiliency, making it easier for a
user to push the projections past the rollers so the mop head can
move from the intermediate position illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 to the
replacement position illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0042] To enable the mop head 16 to be used with the illustrated
connector 18, the sponge holder 62 has a bridge 70 (FIGS. 9 and 10)
between lateral edges 71 of the sponge holder, and two shoulders 72
beneath the bridge. The bridge that has been illustrated is about
3/4" wide and is disposed about 1/4" above the 3/8" wide
shoulders.
[0043] To increase the usefulness of the mop head 16, the
illustrated bridge also includes a 1/4" diameter threaded aperture
74 that permits use of the mop head in other types of sponge mops.
The illustrated sponge holder 62 also includes spaced-apart slots
76 with a 3/8" diameter circular section 77 adjoining an extended
{fraction (7/32)}" wide passage 78. The slots may be provided with
removable ring tabs 100, such as the one seen in FIG. 12. The
illustrated tabs 100 have a stalk 102 with a groove 104. The
illustrated stalk has approximately the same diameter as the
circular section of the slots.
[0044] The illustrated keyhole configuration of the slots 76
permits the ring tabs 100 to be removably attached to the sponge
holder 62. As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the stalk 102 of the tabs
100 is first inserted into the circular section 77 of the sponge
holder. The tabs are then moved inwardly, as seen in FIGS. 14 and
15, with the edges of the passage 78 sliding in the groove 104.
There, the tabs can be used to secure the wires 105 used on
conventional mops 107, as seen in FIG. 16, enabling the mop head to
be used in those other mops.
[0045] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1,
the connector 18 links the actuator 14 to the mop head 16. The
connector that has been illustrated is a {fraction (3/16)}"
diameter metal rod that passes through a guide 80 in the working
end 24 of the handle, as seen in FIG. 3. As seen in FIGS. 17-19,
the lower end of the connector includes a 11/4" long arm 82 with an
angled tip 83. When installed in the mop, the arm extends parallel
to the opposed rollers 30.
[0046] At its other end, the connector 18 preferably includes a
loop 84 (FIGS. 5-7) that enables the connector to be press-fit over
the slotted mounting stem 48 on the actuator 14. The slot 51 in the
stem enables the stem to deflect inwardly, permitting the loop to
pass over the upper edges of the stem. The disposition of the
mounting stem in parallel with the rollers 30, and the positioning
of the connector through the guide 80 on the working end 24 help to
limit undesirable side-to-side movement of the connector, while
permitting modest rotation of the connector about the axis 50 of
the mounting stem. This modest rotation facilitates movement of the
actuator through the full range of alternative positions.
[0047] When the actuator 14 is in the replacement position
illustrated in FIG. 7, the connector 18 extends downwardly between
the rollers 30, as seen in FIG. 11. In this position, the mop head
16 is free of the rollers and thus can be readily attached to or
removed from the connector. In the illustrated mop, the mop head
can be attached or removed by simply moving it parallel to the
rollers. To attach the mop head, the angled tip 83 of the arm 82 of
the connector (FIGS. 17-19) is inserted between the shoulders 72 on
the sponge holder 62 and the bridge 70 (FIGS. 9 and 10). The angled
tip can facilitate insertion if parts of the sponge 60 are found in
the space between the bridge and the shoulders. To remove the mop
head, it is simply moved in the opposite direction.
[0048] After the mop head 16 is attached to the connector, moving
the actuator 14 to the intermediate position seen in FIG. 6 pulls
the connector 18 upwardly, drawing the sponge holder 62 upwardly
between the rollers 30 to the position seen in FIG. 2. This
position is useful for mopping. In the illustrated mop,
interference between the upper corners 67 of the sponge holder and
the rollers provides some resistance to movement of the sponge
holder from the replacement position to the intermediate position.
However, sufficient pressure on the actuator will cause the
resilient arms 26 to deflect sufficiently to enable the corners and
the projections 66 to pass between the rollers. After the corner
and projections pass the midpoint of the rollers, the resiliency of
the arms can press the sponge holder further upward, effectively
snapping it into a position where further upward movement is
resisted by lower portions 39 of the rollers engaging either the
lower projections 68 on the sponge holder or the sponge 60, and
downward movement is resisted by engagement of the upper
projections 66 against the upper portions 38 of the rollers.
[0049] Pushing the actuator 14 from the intermediate position seen
in FIG. 6 to the wringing position seen in FIG. 5 draws the sponge
element 60 between the rollers 30 to the position seen in FIG. 20,
wringing the mop. As the mop head 16 moves upwardly, the sponge
holder 62 moves upwardly through the channel 28 between the arms
26. The uppermost edge 90 of the channel 28 provides a limit to the
upward movement of the mop head, preventing the mop head from being
accidently drawn too far upwardly. If the mop head were drawn too
far upwardly, it might be difficult to return the mop to the
intermediate position for further use. As illustrated, the
uppermost edge of the channel is disposed about 2" above the plane
of the rollers 30.
[0050] For further convenience, the working end 24 of the mop can
be provided with a removable brush 92. The brush illustrated in
FIG. 22 has a slotted resilient web 93 that fits within a sleeve 95
on the working end of the mop (FIG. 21). The web comprises a
depression 97 that engages an internal knob 99 in the sleeve to
hold the brush in position.
[0051] The slotted mounting stem 48 seen in FIG. 8 can also be used
in other kinds of mops. FIG. 23, for example, shows a butterfly mop
110 with a handle 112 mop elements 114, and a connector rod 116
that operatively connects an actuator 118 to the mop elements. When
the actuator is pushed down the handle, the ends of the mop
elements press together, wringing the mop.
[0052] As seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the actuator 118 has a hand grip
120 that includes a slotted mounting stem 122 with an axis that is
perpendicular to the handle 112. The slotted mounting stem is
integral with the hand grip. The connector rod 116 has a loop 124
that fits closely over the stem.
[0053] This description of one embodiment of a mop has been
provided only for descriptive purposes. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that many modifications can be made to the
disclosed embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *