U.S. patent application number 10/417341 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-27 for cleaning device having wringer device with push handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rubbermaid Incorporated. Invention is credited to Perelli, Thomas.
Application Number | 20030217428 10/417341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29254531 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030217428 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perelli, Thomas |
November 27, 2003 |
Cleaning device having wringer device with push handle
Abstract
A cleaning device includes a bucket, rolling members mounted on
the bucket to moveably support the bucket, and a wringer device.
The wringer device is removably positioned on the bucket. It
includes a wringer for removing liquid from a mop, a wringer
actuator for actuating the wringer, and a push handle extending
above the wringer.
Inventors: |
Perelli, Thomas;
(Winchester, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER
SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
Rubbermaid Incorporated
|
Family ID: |
29254531 |
Appl. No.: |
10/417341 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60373659 |
Apr 19, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/260 ; 15/261;
15/264 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/58 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/260 ; 15/261;
15/264 |
International
Class: |
A47L 013/58 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cleaning device comprising: a bucket; rolling members mounted
on the bucket to moveably support the bucket; and a wringer device
that is removably positioned on the bucket, the wringer device
including a wringer for removing liquid from a mop, a wringer
actuator for actuating the wringer, and a push handle extending
above the wringer.
2. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the rolling members are
mounted on an underside of the bucket.
3. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the bucket includes a
liquid-containing portion and a receiving portion, the wringer
device includes an insertion portion configured to fit into the
receiving portion, and, when the wringer device is disposed on the
bucket, the wringer extends into the liquid-containing portion and
the insertion portion extends into the receiving portion.
4. The cleaning device of claim 3, wherein the wringer device
includes a generally planar portion, and the push handle and the
insertion portion form at least parts of the generally planar
portion.
5. The cleaning device of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of
the wringer and the generally planar portion are formed by an
integral plastic member.
6. The cleaning device of claim 4, wherein the wringer projects
from a first side of the generally planar portion.
7. The cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the wringer device
includes a hook for hanging at least one object and a holder
configured to hold at least one bottle, and the hook and holder
project from a second side of the generally planar portion.
8. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the bucket includes a
liquid-containing portion and a support portion, the wringer device
includes an engaging portion, and, when the wringer device is
disposed on the bucket, the wringer extends into the
liquid-containing portion and the engaging portion engages the
support portion.
9. The cleaning device of claim 8, wherein the wringer device
includes a generally planar portion, and the push handle and the
engaging portion form at least parts of the generally planar
portion.
10. The cleaning device of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of
the wringer and the generally planar portion are formed by an
integral plastic member.
11. The cleaning device of claim 9, wherein the wringer projects
from a first side of the generally planar portion.
12. The cleaning device of claim 11, wherein the wringer device
includes a hook for hanging at least one object and a holder
configured to hold at least one bottle, and the hook and holder
project from a second side of the generally planar portion.
13. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the wringer device is
configured such that the push handle extends at least thirty inches
above a surface upon which the cleaning device rests when the
wringer device is disposed on the bucket.
14. The cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the wringer device is
configured such that the push handle is disposed within a range of
thirty two inches to forty inches above the surface upon which the
cleaning device rests when the wringer device is disposed on the
bucket.
15. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the push handle is
disposed entirely above the wringer.
16. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the push handle extends
above the wringer actuator.
17. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the wringer device
includes a hook for hanging at least one object.
18. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the wringer device
includes a holder configured to hold at least one bottle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaning device and, more
particularly, to a bucket and wringer device that eases
transportation of the bucket and wringer.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Mop buckets are used to contain and move cleaning liquids,
such as water, solvent, floor wax, and/or disinfectant, to clean
floors. A common commercial mop bucket has wheels to facilitate
transport of the mop bucket, as well as a wringer device which is
used to wring excess cleaning liquid from the mop.
[0005] Conventional mop buckets often have a wire handle formed in
an inverted "U" shape and connected to the top of the bucket. To
move the bucket, the user may roll the bucket on its wheels by
bending over and pulling on the handle. The user also may grab the
handle, lift the bucket off the ground, and walk erect with the
bucket. Alternatively, the user may place a mop in the bucket
(typically, the bucket has a wringer) and push the bucket by
pushing the mop. If the bucket has a wringer, the user may push or
pull the bucket by grabbing the wringer handle.
[0006] Conventional mop buckets can be difficult to transport to
spills, particularly when space is limited, such as mall food
courts and aisles of stores. In such an environment, the user often
will not use a janitor cart to transport the mop bucket and wringer
to spills due to high traffic, obstacles, closer proximity to
custodial closets, and because he or she likely only needs to
transport a few cleaning supplies. For example, in a food court,
the user typically will prepare to clean a spill by grabbing a mop
bucket and wringer with one hand and a floor sign with the other
hand, and hanging one or two spray bottles on the rim of the mop
bucket. It is difficult, however, to carry and maneuver these tools
and supplies in this way. If the bucket is steered into something,
it may spill. Also, with buckets containing wringers, the wringer
is typically not tightly secured to the bucket, so when the wringer
handle is pushed or pulled to push or pull the bucket, the wringer
can be easily lifted from the bucket. The spray bottles hanging on
the rim of the bucket may drip cleaner onto the floor because the
spray bottle handle can begin to leak due to stress caused by
frequently dropping the spray trigger onto the bucket rim and
hanging the bottle from or near its spray trigger. The user may
have difficulty carrying the sign and, consequently, hang the sign
on the wringer actuator, which causes the sign to protrude
outwardly.
[0007] Also, the user does not display a professional image. He or
she looks unorganized, unsafe, and may give the store customers the
perception that the proprietor is not concerned with how well the
cleaning job is accomplished.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a cleaning device that
includes a bucket, rolling members mounted on the bucket to
moveably support the bucket, and a wringer device. The wringer
device is removably positioned on the bucket. It includes a wringer
for removing liquid from a mop, a wringer actuator for actuating
the wringer, and a push handle extending above the wringer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred
embodiment of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain principles of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first preferred
embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning device of
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning device of
FIG. 1 showing a stored tool and supply.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a bucket and a side view
of a wringer device of the cleaning device of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the wringer device of the cleaning
device of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the cleaning device of
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a bucket and a side view
of a wringer device of a second preferred embodiment of a cleaning
device according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view of the wringer device of the cleaning
device of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to a presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made
to use the same reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer
to the same or like parts.
[0020] FIGS. 1 to 7 show a first preferred embodiment of a cleaning
device 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment,
the cleaning device 10 includes a bucket 20, rolling members 40,
and a wringer device 50.
[0021] The bucket 20 carries cleaning liquids. The bucket 20
includes a liquid-containing portion 21, which receives and holds
cleaning fluids. The bucket 20 also can include a receiving portion
22, which, as explained below, receives a portion of the wringer
device 50 to maintain it in position on the bucket 20. The
receiving portion 22 can be configured as a recess or well in the
rear of the bucket 20.
[0022] The bucket 20 can include a canted rim 23. For example, it
can have a front height H1 of approximately 12.5 to 14.5 inches and
a rear height H2 of approximately 15 to 17 inches, relative to a
surface supporting the cleaning device 10. See FIG. 3. The canted
rim 23 is advantageous because the higher back portion of the
bucket 20 allows the wringer device to be made shorter to reduce
costs, while maintaining a sufficient height of the push handle
70.
[0023] The rolling members 40 are mounted directly to the bucket 20
to moveably support the bucket 20. Rolling members 40 (preferably
casters) can include wheel mounts 41 and wheels 42. See FIG. 3. The
rolling members 40 preferably are mounted on an underside of the
bucket 20. By directly mounting the rolling members 40 to the
bucket 20, it is not necessary to provide additional apparatus,
such as a cart, to moveably support the bucket 20. Consequently,
costs can be reduced.
[0024] The wringer device 50 is removably positioned on the bucket
20. In other words, it can be readily placed on and removed from
the bucket 20. Preferably, there are no mechanical connectors
connecting the wringer device 50 to the bucket 20. The wringer
device 50 includes a wringer 55, a wringer actuator 60, and a push
handle 70.
[0025] In this preferred embodiment, the wringer device 50 includes
a generally planar portion 52. It is anticipated that this
generally planar portion 52 can deviate from being strictly planar.
For example, it can have a curvature in the vertical and/or
horizontal directions. As an overall configuration, however, it is
generally planar. At least a portion of the wringer 55 and the
generally planar portion 52 can be formed by an integral plastic
member (preferably a single piece of plastic). Preferably, the
entire casing 56 of the wringer 55 and the generally planar portion
52 are formed of an integral plastic member.
[0026] The wringer device 50 includes an insertion portion 53 (see
FIGS. 4 to 7) configured to fit into the receiving portion 22 of
the bucket 20. In this preferred embodiment, the insertion portion
53 forms at least a part of the generally planar portion 52. When
the wringer device 50 is disposed on the bucket 20, the wringer 55
extends into the liquid-containing portion 21 and the insertion
portion 53 extends into the receiving portion 22. The rear of the
wringer 55 and the insertion portion 53 form a slot 54 (see FIGS. 5
and 6). A side wall 25 (see FIGS. 4, 6, and 7) of the bucket 20
fits into the slot 54 and the insertion portion 53 fits into the
receiving portion 22 of the bucket 20. There can be a conventional
configuration to provide positive retention between insertion
portion 53 and the receiving portion 22. Thus, the wringer device
50 can be held in position on the bucket 20.
[0027] The wringer 55 can be a conventional wringer structure that
removes liquid from a mop (not shown). Typically these devices work
by squeezing liquid from the mop. Preferably, the wringer 55
projects from a first side 57 of the generally planar portion 52.
The outer casing of the wringer 55 is preferably molded with and
integral with the generally planar portion 52. The wringer 55,
however, can be mechanically attached to the generally planar
portion 52.
[0028] The wringer actuator 60 actuates the wringer 55 to cause it
to remove liquid from the mop. The wringer actuator 60 can be a
handle with a conventional mechanical connection (not shown) to the
wringer 55 that causes the wringer 55 to be actuated when the
handle is rotated downward.
[0029] The push handle 70 is designed to facilitate pushing and
maneuvering of the bucket 20 and wringer device 50. In this
preferred embodiment, the push handle 70 forms at least a part of
the generally planar portion 52. The push handle 70 includes a hand
grip 72 formed by an opening 73 in the generally planar portion 52.
The width W of the push handle 70 is preferably about 14
inches.
[0030] The push handle 70 extends above the wringer 55. The wringer
device 50 preferably is configured such that the height H3 (see
FIG. 3) of the push handle 70 is at least thirty inches above a
surface upon which the cleaning device rests when the wringer
device 50 is disposed on the bucket 20. More preferably, the
wringer device 50 is configured such that the push handle 70 is
disposed within a range of thirty two inches to forty inches above
the surface upon which the cleaning device rests when the wringer
device 50 is disposed on the bucket 20. The push handle 70
preferably is disposed entirely above the wringer 55 and extends
above the wringer actuator 60.
[0031] The wringer device 50 can include a hook 80 for hanging at
least one object. The hook 80 preferably projects from a second
side 58 of the generally planar portion 52. The hook 80 (see FIG.
2) can be used to hang, for example, a floor sign 100.
[0032] The wringer device 50 also can include a holder 85
configured to hold at least one spray bottle 109. The holder 85
projects from a second side 58 of the generally planar portion 52.
The holder 85 can be a cylindrically shaped member.
[0033] Preferably, the hook 80 and holder 85 are molded with and
integral with the generally planar portion 52. They could, however,
be mechanically attached to the generally planar portion 52.
[0034] The present invention can be configured to provide
significant advantages, although achieving such advantages is not
required to practice the invention. For example, the wringer device
50 allows a user to move the bucket 20 and wringer device 50 by
pushing the push handle 70 instead of bending over to pick up the
bucket 20 or clumsily push the bucket 20 by pushing on a mop
handle. The user also can carry cleaning supplies by placing them
on the hook 80 or in the holder 85, instead of trying to juggle
them or making multiple trips. This both reduces the chances of
spillage of the fluid in the bucket 20 and spillage of the cleaners
and provides ease of use and efficiency and impart a better image
of the proprietor to the customers. Additionally, because the user
is able to easily remove the wringer device 50 from the bucket 20,
he or she can more quickly and easily empty the bucket 20. Of
course, other advantages also can be obtained by utilizing the
present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a second preferred embodiment of a
cleaning device 110 according to the present invention. This
cleaning device 110 is similar in many respects to the first
embodiment. In this second embodiment, however, the receiving
portion 22 of the bucket 20 is replaced with a support portion 122.
Also, the insertion portion 53 of the wringer device 50 is replaced
with an engaging portion 153. The engaging portion 153 engages the
support portion 122 when the wringer device 50 is placed on the
bucket. Although in this embodiment the bottom, i.e., the lowest
portion, of the wringer 55 is formed by a downwardly extending leg
or stem, the entire wringer 55 could extend downward to form the
bottom of the wringer 55.
[0036] This second embodiment can provide advantages in addition to
those mentioned above in regard to the first embodiment. For
example, because the bottom of the wringer 55 and the bottom of the
engaging portion 122 are in essentially the same plane, the wringer
device 50 can be rested upright on the ground after it is removed
from the bucket 20.
[0037] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.
* * * * *