U.S. patent application number 11/070953 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for cleaning implements.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Paulus Antonius Angustinus Hofte, Ho Pun Chung, Johannes Lambertus Maria Mensink, Kim Morey Mortland, Gregory Clegg Spooner.
Application Number | 20060039743 11/070953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35909776 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060039743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mensink; Johannes Lambertus Maria ;
et al. |
February 23, 2006 |
Cleaning implements
Abstract
The invention provides a cleaning implement for cleaning a hard
surface. The cleaning implement includes a mop head pivotably
connected to a first handle section and a fluid transfer mechanism
that is connected to a second handle section of the implement. When
the cleaning implement is unassembled and stored in a package, the
first handle section is disconnected from the second handle
section. When a user removes the cleaning implement from the
package, he or she can assemble the cleaning implement.
Inventors: |
Mensink; Johannes Lambertus
Maria; (Tervuren, BE) ; Angustinus Hofte; Paulus
Antonius; (Sint Martens Latern, BE) ; Mortland; Kim
Morey; (Cincinnati, OH) ; Spooner; Gregory Clegg;
(Hong Kong, CN) ; Chung; Ho Pun; (Hong Kong,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
35909776 |
Appl. No.: |
11/070953 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60550678 |
Mar 5, 2004 |
|
|
|
60549588 |
Mar 3, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/139 ;
401/138 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/22 20130101;
A47L 13/51 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/139 ;
401/138 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/30 20060101
A47L013/30; A47L 13/22 20060101 A47L013/22 |
Claims
1. A cleaning kit for cleaning a hard surface, said kit comprising:
a package; and a cleaning implement stored in said package, said
cleaning implement comprising: a first handle section having a
proximal end and a distal end wherein said proximal end is
pivotably connected to a mop head for retaining a disposable
cleaning substrate; a second handle section having a proximal end
and a distal end; a fluid transfer mechanism connected to said
second handle section; a nozzle connected to said mop head; and a
fluid transfer tube fluidically connecting said nozzle to said
fluid transfer mechanism, wherein a proximal portion of said fluid
transfer tube is located within said first handle section and a
distal portion of said fluid transfer tube is located within said
second handle section and wherein said distal end of said first
handle section is mechanically connectable to said proximal end of
said second handle section when said cleaning implement is removed
from said package and wherein said distal end of said first handle
section is disconnected from said proximal end of said second
handle section when said cleaning implement is in said package.
2. The cleaning kit of claim 1 wherein said fluid transfer tube
includes a slack portion.
3. The cleaning kit of claim 2 wherein the length of said slack
portion is between about 5 mm and about 100 mm.
4. The cleaning kit of claim 3 wherein said slack portion is folded
when said cleaning implement is in said package.
5. The cleaning kit of claim 1 wherein said fluid transfer
mechanism is a liquid delivery mechanism and said nozzle is a
liquid dispensing nozzle.
6. The cleaning kit of claim 1 further comprising a container
filled with a cleaning composition and at least one disposable
absorbent cleaning substrate.
7. The cleaning kit of claim 1 wherein said fluid transfer
mechanism is located within a housing and said housing is attached
to said second handle section.
8. A cleaning kit for cleaning a hard surface, said kit comprising:
a package; and a cleaning implement stored in said package, said
cleaning implement comprising: a first handle section having a
proximal end and a distal end wherein said proximal end is
pivotably connected to a mop head for retaining a disposable
cleaning substrate; a second handle section having a proximal end
and a distal end; a fluid transfer mechanism connected to said
second handle section; a nozzle connected to said mop head; a first
fluid transfer tube wherein said first fluid transfer tube is
fluidically connected to said nozzle and wherein a substantial
portion of said first fluid transfer tube is located within said
first handle section; and a second fluid transfer tube wherein said
second fluid transfer tube is fluidically connected to said fluid
transfer mechanism and wherein a substantial portion of said second
fluid transfer tube is located within said second handle section,
wherein said distal end of said first handle section is
mechanically connectable to said proximal end of said second handle
section when said cleaning implement is removed from said package,
wherein said distal end of said first handle section is
disconnected from said proximal end of said second handle section
when, said cleaning implement is in said package and wherein said
first fluid transfer tube is fluidically connected to said second
fluid transfer tube when said distal end of said first handle
section is mechanically connected to said proximal end of said
second handle section.
9. The cleaning kit of claim 8 wherein said first handle section
further comprises a receiving element wherein said receiving
element is fluidically connected to said nozzle by said first fluid
transfer tube and wherein said second handle section further
comprises an engaging element, wherein said engaging element is
fluidically connected to said fluid transfer mechanism by said
second fluid transfer tube.
10. The cleaning kit of claim 9 wherein said receiving element
comprises a female portion and said engaging element comprises a
male portion wherein said fluid transfer mechanism is fluidically
connected to said nozzle when said male portion engages said female
portion.
11. The cleaning kit of claim 10 wherein said male portion of said
engaging element is located within said second handle section.
12. The cleaning kit of claim 8 wherein said fluid transfer
mechanism is a liquid delivery mechanism and said nozzle is a
liquid dispensing nozzle.
13. The cleaning kit of claim 8 further comprising a container
filled with a cleaning composition and at least one disposable
absorbent cleaning substrate.
14. The cleaning kit of claim 8 wherein said fluid transfer
mechanism is located within a housing and said housing is attached
to said second handle section.
15. The cleaning kit of claim 8 further comprising an extension
section having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said
proximal end of said extension section is mechanically connectable
to said distal end of said first handle section and said distal end
of said extension section is mechanically connectable to said
proximal end of said second handle section.
16. The cleaning kit of claim 15 wherein proximal end of said
extension section further comprises an engaging element and said
distal end of said extension section further comprises a receiving
element, wherein said engaging and receiving elements of said
extension section are fluidically connected by a third fluid
transfer tube.
17. The cleaning kit of claim 16 wherein said distal end of said
first handle section further comprises a receiving element wherein
said receiving element is fluidically connected to said nozzle by
said first fluid transfer tube and wherein said proximal end of
said second handle section further comprises an engaging element,
wherein said engaging element is fluidically connected to said
fluid transfer mechanism by said second fluid transfer tube
18. The cleaning kit of claim 17 wherein said engaging element of
said extension section is fluidically connectable to the said
receiving element of said first handle section and said receiving
element of said extension section is fluidically connectable to the
said engaging element of said second handle section.
19. A cleaning implement for cleaning a hard surface comprising: a
first handle section having a proximal end and a distal end wherein
said proximal end is pivotably connected to a mop head for
retaining a disposable cleaning substrate; a second handle section
having a proximal end and a distal end; a fluid transfer mechanism
connected to said second handle section; a nozzle connected to said
mop head; and a fluid transfer tube fluidically connecting said
nozzle to said fluid transfer mechanism, wherein a proximal portion
of said fluid transfer tube is located within said first handle
section and a distal portion of said fluid transfer tube is located
within said second handle section and wherein said distal end of
said first handle section is mechanically connectable to said
proximal end of said second handle section and wherein said distal
end of said first handle section is disconnected from said proximal
end of said second handle section when said cleaning implement is
unassembled.
20. A cleaning implement for cleaning a hard surface comprising: a
first handle section having a proximal end and a distal end wherein
said proximal end is pivotably connected to a mop head for
retaining a disposable cleaning substrate; a second handle section
having a proximal end and a distal end; a fluid transfer mechanism
connected to said second handle section; a nozzle connected to said
mop head; a first fluid transfer tube wherein said first fluid
transfer tube is fluidically connected to said nozzle and wherein a
substantial portion of said first fluid transfer tube is located
within said first handle section; and a second fluid transfer tube
wherein said second fluid transfer tube is fluidically connected to
said fluid transfer mechanism and wherein a substantial portion of
said second fluid transfer tube is located within said second
handle section, wherein said distal end of said first handle
section is mechanically connectable to said proximal end of said
second handle section, wherein said distal end of said first handle
section is disconnected from said proximal end of said second
handle section when said cleaning implement is unassembled and
wherein said first fluid transfer tube is fluidically connected to
said second fluid transfer tube when said distal end of said first
handle section is mechanically connected to said proximal end of
said second handle section.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/550,678, filed Mar. 5, 2004; and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/549,588, filed Mar. 3, 2004.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] In one embodiment, the invention relates to cleaning
implements used to clean hard surfaces.
[0003] In another embodiment, the invention relates to cleaning
kits including a cleaning implement in a package.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The literature is replete with products capable of cleaning
hard surfaces such as ceramic tile floors, hardwood floors, counter
tops and the like. In the context of cleaning floors, numerous
mopping devices and other cleaning implements are described which
are segmented in order to reduce the size of the package. Examples
of such cleaning implements are the SWIFFER WETJET.RTM. and the
SWIFFER SPRAY & CLEAN.RTM. sold by The Procter & Gamble
Company. Typically, these implements include a handle that is
segmented three sections. A user can assemble the cleaning
implement by connecting the sections together. These cleaning
implements include a mop head pivotably connected to a handle, a
fluid delivery mechanism operably connected or connectable to this
handle and a reservoir for storing a cleaning composition and which
can be fluidically connected to the fluid delivery mechanism. These
cleaning implements also include a nozzle for dispensing the
cleaning solution to the floor surface and which can be attached to
the mop head. In order to transfer the cleaning composition from
the container to the nozzle, a fluid transfer element, such as a
flexible plastic tube, is connected at one end to the fluid
delivery mechanism and at the other end to the nozzle. In order to
protect this tube during the cleaning operation, the tube can be
located within one of the handle sections. In this case, since the
tube runs continuously from the fluid delivery mechanism to the
nozzle, the length of this section of the handle (typically
connected to the mop head by a universal joint) and the length of
the mop head provide the minimum length of the package used to
store and sell the implement to consumers. Cleaning implements
which do not require a continuous internal fluid communication
between the fluid delivery mechanism and the nozzle, such as the
READYMOP.RTM. sold by The Clorox Company, can be segmented even
further such that the mop head is not attached to the handle when
the cleaning implement is packaged. Consequently, these cleaning
implements can be sold in smaller packages which require less shelf
space in stores. However, because the tube of this implement is not
located within the handle, it can potentially get caught by the
furniture or the user's leg during the cleaning operation.
[0005] As such, there is a need for a cleaning implement having at
least two handle sections that are disconnected when the implement
is in a package but are also mechanically connectable by a user
when the implement is removed from the package.
[0006] There is also a need for a cleaning kit including a cleaning
implement which has a mop head disconnected from the fluid delivery
mechanism when the implement is packaged and such that the fluid
communication between the fluid delivery mechanism and a nozzle of
the implement is either maintained or established when the cleaning
implement is assembled by a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a cleaning
implement stored in a package. The cleaning implement comprises a
first handle section having a proximal end and a distal end where
this proximal end is pivotably connected to a mop head for
retaining a disposable cleaning substrate, a second handle section
having a proximal end and a distal end, a fluid transfer mechanism
connected to the second handle section, a nozzle connected to the
mop head and a fluid transfer tube fluidically connecting the
nozzle to the fluid transfer mechanism, where a proximal portion of
the fluid transfer tube is located within the first handle section
and a distal portion of the fluid transfer tube is located within
the second handle section and wherein the distal end of the first
handle section is mechanically connectable to the proximal end of
the second handle section when the cleaning implement is removed
from the package and wherein the distal end of the first handle
section is disconnected from the proximal end of the second handle
section when said cleaning implement is in the package.
[0008] In one embodiment, the invention also relates to a cleaning
implement comprising a first handle section having a proximal end
and a distal end where the proximal end is pivotably connected to a
mop head for retaining a disposable cleaning substrate, a second
handle section having a proximal end and a distal end, a fluid
transfer mechanism connected to the second handle section, a nozzle
connected to the mop head, a first fluid transfer tube where the
first fluid transfer tube is fluidically connected to the nozzle
and where a substantial portion of the first fluid transfer tube is
located within the first handle section and a second fluid transfer
tube where the second fluid transfer tube is fluidically connected
to the fluid transfer mechanism and where a substantial portion of
the second fluid transfer tube is located within the second handle
section, where the distal end of the first handle section is
mechanically connectable to the proximal end of the second handle
section when the cleaning implement is removed from the package,
where the distal end of the first handle section is disconnected
from the proximal end of the second handle section when the
cleaning implement is in the package and where the first fluid
transfer tube is fluidically connected to the second fluid transfer
tube when the distal end of the first handle section is
mechanically connected to the proximal end of the second handle
section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assembled cleaning
implement of one embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of an unassembled cleaning implement of
one embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of an unassembled cleaning
implement;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of an unassembled cleaning implement of
another embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial cross section of a fluid connection of
one embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the fluid connection of FIG.
5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a cleaning implement of the
invention stored in a a first package and another cleaning
implement stored in a second package;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross section of an extension section of one
embodiment of the invention; and
[0017] FIG. 9 is a partial cross section of a gravity type liquid
delivery mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] All documents cited herein are, in relevant part,
incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is
not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with
respect to the present invention.
[0019] It should be understood that every maximum numerical
limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower
numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were
expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given
throughout this specification will include every higher numerical
limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly
written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this
specification will include every narrower numerical range that
falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower
numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
[0020] All parts, ratios, and percentages herein, in the
Specification, Examples, and Claims, are by weight and all
numerical limits are used with the normal degree of accuracy
afforded by the art, unless otherwise specified.
[0021] While not intending to limit the utility of the fluid
delivery mechanism herein, it is believed that a brief description
of its use in association with a modern mopping implement will help
elucidate the invention.
[0022] Modern cleaning/mopping implements employ disposable sheets
or absorbent pads, which are releasably affixed to the head of the
implement, and which can conveniently be discarded and replaced
after soiling. Even more modern implements carry their own
reservoir of detersive liquid, thereby greatly enhancing their
usefulness and convenience. In use, the cleaning composition,
preferably in a liquid form, is dispensed onto the surface being
cleaned via a liquid delivery mechanism. This liquid delivery
mechanism is connected or connectable to the handle of the
implement and is preferably located within a housing. Some cleaning
implements include a continuous tube connecting the liquid delivery
mechanism to a nozzle such that the tube is located within the
handle of the implement in order to protect this tube during the
cleaning operation. Because this tube is continuous, the length of
the section of the handle including the tube (i.e. the mop head and
the handle section carrying the liquid delivery mechanism) controls
the length of the package that is used to store and sell the
cleaning implement.
[0023] In order to reduce the size of this package, the inventors
have found that the lower section can also be segmented such that
the mop head is separated from the portion of the handle carrying
the liquid delivery mechanism when the implement is placed in a
package.
[0024] As will be seen from the disclosure, providing a cleaning
implement whose mop head is disconnected from the liquid delivery
mechanism (in a packaged form) and establishing a liquid
communication between a nozzle and the liquid delivery mechanism
results in several problems whose solutions are non-trivial.
[0025] A first problem faced by the manufacturer is that once the
cleaning implement is removed from its package, a user has to be
able to connect mechanically the mop head portion to the handle
section.
[0026] Another problem faced by the manufacturer is that the liquid
communication between a nozzle and the liquid delivery mechanism
has to be either maintained while the mop head is separated, or
established when the mop head is attached to the handle section by
a user.
[0027] The foregoing considerations are addressed by the present
invention, as will be clear from the detailed disclosures which
follow.
[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals
indicate the same elements throughout the views and wherein
reference numerals having the same last two digits (e.g., 20 and
120) connote similar elements.
I. Cleaning Implement
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an assembled cleaning implement 10 including a
mop head 20 that is connected to a handle 30, a housing 40 for
receiving a container 50 that is filled with a cleaning
composition.
[0030] In one embodiment, the handle 30 is segmented such that it
includes a plurality of handle sections and preferably includes
four handle sections 130, 230, 330 and 430. In one embodiment, each
handle section includes a proximal and a distal end. In one
embodiment, the proximal end 1130 of the first handle section 130
can be pivotably connected to the mop head 20 and the distal 2130
end can be mechanically connectable the proximal end 1230 of a
second handle section 230. By "mechanically connectable" it is
meant that the handle sections are not connected and/or attached
when the cleaning implement is in a package but once a user has
removed the handle sections from the package, these handle sections
can be connected and/or attached by the user either permanently or
releasably. Two handle sections can be mechanically connected via
any connecting and/or locking mechanism known in the art.
Non-limiting examples of connecting mechanisms include male section
for engaging a corresponding female section (e.g., swagged or
tapered pole), screw-thread connecting mechanism, biased
push-button and the like.
[0031] In one embodiment, the distal end 2230 of the second handle
section 230 is mechanically connectable to the proximal end 1330 of
a third handle section 330 and the distal end 2330 of the third
handle section 330 is mechanically connectable to the proximal end
1430 of a fourth handle section 430. It will be understood that a
cleaning implement can have fewer or more handle sections and still
provide the same benefits.
[0032] In one embodiment, the housing 40 can be connected to the
second handle section 230. As previously discussed, the housing 40
can receive at least a portion of a container 50 for retaining this
container during the cleaning operation. In a preferred embodiment,
the liquid delivery mechanism is located within the housing 40 in
order to protect the liquid delivery mechanism during the cleaning
operation and to prevent accidental actuation of the delivery
mechanism. The liquid delivery mechanism can be any mechanism known
in the art, which allows a user to controllably dispense the
cleaning solution stored in the container 50 to a nozzle 60 and
onto the surface to be cleaned, preferably in front of the mop
head. Non-limiting examples of liquid delivery mechanisms include
gravity type mechanisms, motorized mechanisms, pump mechanisms, and
aerosol type or pressurized mechanisms.
[0033] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle 60 is in fluid
communication with the liquid delivery mechanism. The nozzle can be
any nozzle known in the art capable of dispensing a cleaning
solution onto a surface to be cleaned. In a preferred embodiment,
the nozzle is fluidically connected to the liquid delivery
mechanism via a fluid transfer tube 70. The fluid transfer tube 70
is preferably located within the first handle section 130, the
second handle section 230 and the housing 40 when the first handle
section 130 is mechanically connected to the second handle section
230. In a preferred embodiment, the mop head 20 is pivotably
connected to the first handle section 130 via a universal joint 80
and the fluid transfer tube 70 is preferably located within the
universal joint 80 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,920 to
Kunkler et al., issued Nov. 23, 1999, and assigned to The Procter
& Gamble Company.
[0034] In one embodiment, the fluid transfer tube 70 is made of a
flexible and/or bendable material such that the fluid transfer tube
70 can be folded without any substantially damage to the fluid
transfer tube. Non-limiting examples of flexible and/or bendable
material suitable for conveying a fluid in a substantially
leak-tight manner include natural and synthetic rubbers,
elastomeric materials, silicone type materials, Polyurethane, Poly
Vinyl Chloride, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, metallocene catalyzed
resins, and any mixtures thereof.
[0035] In one embodiment, the length of the fluid transfer tube 70
is such that a continuous fluid communication exist between the
liquid delivery mechanism and the nozzle 60 when the first handle
section 130 is not mechanically connected to the second handle
section 230. One skilled in the art will understand that in order
to provide a continuous fluid communication between the liquid
delivery mechanism and the nozzle while allowing the first handle
section 130 to be disconnected from the second handle section 230,
the length of the fluid transfer tube 70 is preferably greater than
the minimal length of the fluid transfer tube required to provide a
fluid communication between liquid delivery mechanism to the
nozzle.
[0036] In one embodiment, the fluid transfer tube 70 includes a
slack portion 170. In one embodiment, the length of the slack
portion is at least about 3 mm, preferably at least about 6 mm,
more preferably at least about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the length
of the slack portion 170 is less than about 100 mm, preferably less
than about 50 mm, more preferably less than about 25 mm. The length
of the slack portion 170 can be measured in between the edges of
the distal end 2130 of the first handle section 130 and the
proximal end 1230 of the second handle section 230 by aligning the
first and second handle sections 130 and 230 and pulling them apart
without disconnecting or cutting the fluid transfer tube 70 such
that the slack portion 170 is substantially straight. In one
embodiment, the slack portion 170 can be protected against damage
caused by the edges of the first and second handle sections by an
outer cover made of a wire mesh. One skilled in the art will
understand that the slack portion 170 allows the mop head 20 and
the first handle section 130 to be placed along the second handle
section 230 and the housing 40 in a package. Consequently, the size
of the unassembled cleaning implement is reduced and the implement
can be stored in a smaller package in comparison to a cleaning
implement which does not include a mop head disconnected from the
housing such as the one shown in FIG. 3. The cleaning implement
shown in FIG. 3 includes a first continuous handle section 132,
which is pivotably connected to a mop head 20 and a housing 40
which is connected to the first continuous handle section 132.
[0037] When a user removes the unassembled cleaning implement shown
in FIG. 2 from its package, the user can very simply assemble the
implement by mechanically connecting the handle sections 130, 230,
330 and 430. When the user mechanically connects the first and
second handle sections 130 and 230, the flexible and bending
properties of material used for the fluid transfer tube 70 allows
the fluid transfer tube to bend inside the first handle section 130
and/or the second handle section 230. In order to assist the user,
the fluid delivery tube can be tensioned by a spring which allows
the tube to retract within the handle sections.
[0038] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a cleaning implement 10
can have a first handle section 130 that is disconnected from the
second handle section 230 such that the liquid delivery mechanism
is not in fluid communication with the nozzle 60 when the cleaning
implement is not assembled. When a user mechanically connects the
first handle section 130 to the second handle section 230, a fluid
communication is established between the nozzle 60 and the liquid
delivery mechanism located in the housing 40. In one embodiment,
the cleaning implement can have a fluid connecting member for
establishing a fluid communication between the nozzle 60 and the
liquid delivery mechanism.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows a partial cross section of the first handle
section 130 connected to the second handle section 230 and the
fluid connecting member 90.
[0040] In one embodiment, the fluid connecting member 90 includes a
receiving element 190 and an engaging element 290. In one
embodiment, the receiving element 190 is connected to the first
handle section 130 and the engaging element 290 is connected to the
second handle section 230. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving
element 190 is fixedly connected to the first handle section 130
and the engaging element 290 is fixedly connected to the second
handle section 230.
[0041] In one embodiment, the receiving element 190 includes a
female portion 1190 connected to a first tubular portion 2190 such
that a fluid can flow from the female portion 1190 to the tubular
portion 2190. A first fluid transfer tube 73, which is preferably
located within the first handle section 130, provides fluid
communication between the first tubular portion 2190 and the nozzle
60.
[0042] In one embodiment, the receiving element 190 is attached to
the distal end of the first handle section 130. The receiving
element 190 can be connected to a locking element 390 which allows
the first handle section 130 to be attached to the second handle
section 230. The locking element 390 includes a substantially
cylindrical body 1390 and a protrusion 2390 biasably connected to
the cylindrical body 1390. In one embodiment, the first tubular
portion 2190 extends through the cylindrical body 1390. In one
embodiment, the protrusion 2390 of the locking element extends
through an opening 3130 of the first handle section 130 thereby
maintaining the locking element 390 attached to the first handle
section 130. In one embodiment, the protrusion 2390 is capable of
extending at least partially through an opening 3230 of the second
handle section 230 when a user inserts the distal end 2130 of the
first handle section 130 through the proximal end 1230 of the
second handle section 230.
[0043] In one embodiment, the engaging element 290 includes a male
portion 1290 for engaging the female portion 1190 of the receiving
element 190. The male portion 1290 can be connected to a middle
portion 2290 and a second tubular portion 3290 can be connected to
the middle portion 2290 such that a fluid can flow from the second
tubular portion 3290 to the male portion 1290. A second fluid
transfer tube 76, which is located within the second handle section
230, provides fluid communication between the second tubular
portion 3290 and the liquid delivery mechanism. In one embodiment,
the male portion 1290 includes a seal member 1295 for providing a
substantially leak tight fluid communication between the male
portion 1290 and the female portion 1190 when the male portion
engages the female portion. The seal member 1295 can be any seal
know in the art such as for example an O-ring made of rubber. In
one embodiment, the middle portion 2290 is fixedly connected to the
second handle section 230 such that the male portion 1290 is
located within the second handle section 230. One skilled in the
art will understand that when the engaging member 290 is located
within the second handle section 230, the male portion 1290 is
protected by the handle section 230 against accidental damage
during transport and/or assembly of the engaging and receiving
members.
[0044] In one embodiment, the distal portion 2130 is a male portion
2130A for engaging a corresponding female portion of the proximal
end 1230 of the second handle section 230. In one embodiment, the
first and the second handle sections are substantially cylindrical
and the diameter of the distal portion 2130 is smaller than the
diameter of the proximal end 2130 such that the distal portion 2130
can be inserted within the proximal portion 1230. In a preferred
embodiment, the distal portion 2130 is swaged and/or tapered as
disclosed in copending U.S. patent application publication No.
2003/0110584A1 to Clare et al., published Jun. 19, 2003, and
assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the engaging element 290 is
located within the proximal portion 1230 of the second handle
section 230 and the receiving element 190 is substantially adjacent
to the distal edge of the male portion 2130A of the first handle
section such that a substantially leak-tight fluid communication is
established between the engaging and receiving elements when the
male portion 2130A is substantially fully inserted within the
female portion of the second handle section 230.
[0046] It will be understood that the receiving element 190 can be
connected to the second handle section 230 and the engaging element
290 can be connected to the first handle section 130 and still
provide the same benefit. Similarly, it will be understood that the
distal end 2130 of the first handle section 130 can have a female
portion and the proximal end 1230 of the second handle section 230
can have a male portion and still provide the same benefits.
[0047] One skilled in the art will understand that when a cleaning
implement includes a second handle section 230 having an engaging
element 290, it is possible to connect different types of mop heads
having a first handle section 130 with a receiving element 190. The
mop heads can have different shape and or size in order to give a
user the ability to choose a specific mop head depending on the
type of surface to be cleaned.
II. Cleaning Kits
[0048] Any of the previously discussed cleaning implement having a
first handle section disconnected from a second handle section of
the implement can be sold as a cleaning kit in a package that is
smaller than the package required to store the implement shown in
FIG. 2.
[0049] FIG. 7 shows a picture of two packages side by side. The
first package 100 includes an unassembled cleaning implement such
as the one shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4. The second package 200
includes and unassembled cleaning implement such as the one shown
in FIG. 3. It can be immediately appreciated that the package 100
is smaller in size that the package 200.
[0050] In one embodiment, a package can include instructions to
remove and then assemble the cleaning implement by mechanically
connecting consecutive handle sections.
[0051] In one embodiment, the cleaning kit can include a cleaning
reservoir filled with a cleaning solution and/or at least one
disposable cleaning substrate that is releasably attachable to the
mop head of the implement.
[0052] In one embodiment, the cleaning kit can include at least two
mop heads, preferably mop heads having different shape and/or size,
each mop head including a first handle section with a receiving
element at the distal end of the first handle section such that a
user can selectively attach the mop head he or she wishes to the
implement.
[0053] In one embodiment, a cleaning kit can further include at
least one extension section for increasing the total length of
handle.
[0054] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of an extension section 530
that can be included in a cleaning kit.
[0055] The extension section 530 is preferably not mechanically
connected to either the first handle section 130 or the second
handle section 230 of the cleaning implement when the implement is
in a package.
[0056] In one embodiment, the extension section 530 has a proximal
end 1530 with an engaging element 295 and a distal end 2530 with a
receiving element 195 as previously discussed. In one embodiment,
the engaging element 295 is fluidically connected to the receiving
element 195 by a fluid transfer tube 75 located within the
extension section. The proximal end 1530 of the extension handle
530 is mechanically connectable to the distal end 2130 of the first
handle section 130 of the implement and the distal end 2530 of the
extension handle is mechanically connectable to the proximal end
1230 of a second handle section 230. Among other benefits, this
cleaning kit allows a user to increase the length of the handle
without increasing the size of the package used to store or sell
the cleaning implement.
III. Miscellaneous
[0057] In one embodiment, the handle section can be made of wood,
plastic or metal. In a preferred embodiment, the handle sections
are made of aluminum.
[0058] In one embodiment, the mop head 20 of the implement includes
fastening members for releasably retaining a disposable absorbent
cleaning substrate thereabout. The fastening members can be any
mechanism for releasably retaining a disposable cleaning substrate
to the mop head of the implement. Non-limiting examples of
fastening members include flexible slitted structures, hook or loop
fasteners, clips or clamps. Suitable slitted structures are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,290 to Kingry et al., issued Nov.
25, 2003, and assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company.
[0059] The disposable cleaning substrate can be any cleaning
substrate known in the art. A disposable cleaning substrate
preferably includes an absorbent layer for removing a liquid from a
surface being cleaned. Non-limiting examples of suitable cleaning
substrates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,048,123, 6,003,191,
5,960,508, 6,101,661, 2003/0126710A1, copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/700,988 to Policicchio et al., filed Nov.
4, 2003, and copending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/477,669 to Policicchio et al. filed Jun. 11, 2003, all assigned
to The Procter & Gamble Company.
[0060] FIG. 9 shows a partial cross section of a suitable liquid
delivery mechanism for controllably dispensing the cleaning
solution stored in a reservoir onto the surface to be cleaned and
which is located within a housing.
[0061] The liquid delivery mechanism 300 can have a flexible
membrane 1300 for receiving at least a portion of a cap 400 which
is connected to an inverted container 50. The liquid delivery
mechanism also include a projection element 2300 for engaging a
fluid delivery check valve 1400 biasably connected to the cap 400.
The projection element 2300 can be fluidically connected to a tube
76 which is internally located within a handle section 230 and the
housing 40. An upward motion of a lever member 3300 causes the
projection element 2300 to engage and open the fluid delivery check
valve 1400 and, as a result, the cleaning composition stored with
the container 50 flows by gravity into the tube 76.
[0062] The liquid delivery mechanism is described in greater
details in copending U.S. patent application Ser/ No. 10/658,031 to
Hofte et al., filed Sep. 9, 2003, and assigned to The Procter &
Gamble Company.
[0063] Although the nozzle is preferably connected to the mop head,
the nozzle can also be connected and or connectable directly to the
handle of the implement and still provide the same benefits.
[0064] The cleaning implements previously described include a
liquid delivery mechanism for controllably dispensing a cleaning
composition onto a surface to be cleaned. However, one skilled in
the art will appreciate that the previously discussed mechanisms
and cleaning kits can also be used with other type of cleaning
implements having a fluid transfer mechanism capable of
transferring a fluid, either liquid or gaseous, from a container to
a nozzle or from a nozzle to the container or from a first
container to a second container.
[0065] In one embodiment, a fluid transfer mechanism can be a
vacuum mechanism that is fluidically connected to a suction nozzle
adjacent to the leading edge of a mop head. One example of cleaning
implement including a mop head (used with a disposable cleaning
sheet) and a vacuum mechanism is the DIRT DEVIL.RTM.
SWEEPER-VAC.TM. sold by The Royal Company.
[0066] While particular embodiments of the subject invention have
been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that various changes and modifications of the subject invention can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. In addition, while the present invention has been
described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof,
it is to be understood that this is not by way of limitation and
the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims which
should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
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