U.S. patent application number 11/699244 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for mop with insert.
This patent application is currently assigned to Casabella Holdings Inc.. Invention is credited to Andre Sampaio.
Application Number | 20070119009 11/699244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37107026 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070119009 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sampaio; Andre |
May 31, 2007 |
Mop with insert
Abstract
A cleaning apparatus is disclosed that includes an elongate
handle, a cleaning head and an insert. The handle has proximal end
portion and a distal end portion that define a longitudinal axis.
The distal end portion of the handle is removably connected to the
cleaning head. The cleaning head includes a flexible neck, a base
plate having T-shaped projections and a removable cleaning element.
The cleaning element is removable and has a three-layer mop that
includes an attachment layer made of hook and loop material, which
receives T-shaped projections, an absorbent layer and a scouring or
scrubbing layer. The proximal portion of the handle defines an
aperture aligned with the longitudinal axis. The aperture receives
the insert. The insert is removably positionable in the proximal
end portion of the handle between a first position and second
position for use. The insert has a distal head that includes a
scraper.
Inventors: |
Sampaio; Andre; (Blauvelt,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen E. Feldman
7th FL
12 E. 41st Street
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Assignee: |
Casabella Holdings Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37107026 |
Appl. No.: |
11/699244 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11108973 |
Apr 19, 2005 |
|
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11699244 |
Jan 29, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/118 ;
15/144.1; 15/244.2; 15/244.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/005 20130101;
A46B 2200/302 20130101; A46B 5/0033 20130101; A46B 17/08 20130101;
A46B 15/0097 20130101; A46B 2200/3026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/118 ;
015/144.1; 015/244.2; 015/244.3 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/12 20060101
A47L013/12 |
Claims
1. A cleaning apparatus that comprises: a handle that includes a
distal end portion and a proximal end portion; the handle defines a
first longitudinal axis, the proximal end portion defines a first
aperture aligned with the first longitudinal axis; an insert that
includes a distal head and a proximal handle, the insert defines a
second longitudinal axis, the distal head has a scraper, the
proximal handle defines a second aperture transverse to the second
longitudinal axis, the insert positionable in and removable from
the first aperture; and a cleaning head that includes a flexible
neck, a base plate and a cleaning element, the neck connects to the
distal end portion of the handle and provides for the directional
flexing of the neck and handle relative to the baseplate, the
cleaning element removable from and connectable to the base
plate.
2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base plate has a
bottom surface and the bottom surface includes a plurality of
embedded T-shaped projections that connect to and disconnect from
the cleaning element.
3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the scraper is a
scraping strip.
4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the scraping strip is
connected by adhesive to the insert.
5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert connects
to the proximal end portion of the handle and remains connected to
the handle independent of the angular orientation of the
handle.
6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element
includes a first attachment layer of hook and loop material, a
second absorbent layer of sponge type absorbing material and a
third scrubbing layer.
7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the scrubbing layer
includes an abrasive hydrophobic material.
8. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the scrubbing layer
includes a water absorbing sponge type material.
9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element
is disposable.
10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection
between the base plate and the cleaning element is a hook and loop
connection.
11. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert snap-fits
into the first aperture.
12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximal end
portion of the handle includes an interface section that defines a
protuberance and a tubular wall, the tubular wall defines a pair of
opposed protrusions and a flange.
13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximal end
portion of the handle includes a flange, the flange has an aperture
transverse to the longitudinal axis and the handle of the insert
has an aperture transverse to the second longitudinal axis such
that when the insert is positioned in the aperture in the handle,
the aperture in the handle of the insert and aperture in the flange
are aligned.
14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the flange has a
snap-fit attachment with the interface section providing for
removability and replaceability of the flange from the interface
section.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
application Ser. No. 11/108,973, hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to hand held cleaning devices and
specifically to a mop having a grout brush insert in the
handle.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Cleaning implements employ a variety of cleaning heads for
different cleaning functions. Mops are specialized for cleaning
floors, but typically lack the ability to provide specialized
related cleaning tasks. The mopping of a ceramic tile floor readily
cleans the tiles, for example, but the user may need to clean the
grout between the tiles, which most often requires a different type
of cleaning device. In addition, mopping can involve cleaning
around obstacles positioned on the floor or in proximity to the
floor. Traditional mops have rigid structures and commonly only
rotate in a single plane.
[0006] A hand held cleaning apparatus is needed which combines a
mop with a flexible neck and a secondary cleaning device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A floor cleaning apparatus is described that comprises a
handle, an insert and a cleaning head. The handle has a distal end
portion and a proximal end portion that define a longitudinal axis.
The distal end portion is connected to the cleaning head and the
proximal end portion defines a first aperture aligned with the
longitudinal axis and a second aperture transverse to the
longitudinal axis.
[0008] An insert is removably positionable in the first aperture
and includes a distal head having a cleaning surface and a proximal
handle having an aperture and a circular indention. The distal head
and the proximal head define a second longitudinal axis. The
aperture of the proximal handle is transverse to the second
longitudinal axis. The insert is removably positionable from the
aperture defined in the proximal end portion of the handle.
[0009] The distal end portion of the handle is removably connected
to the cleaning head. The cleaning head includes a flexible neck, a
base plate and a cleaning implement. The base plate having embedded
T-shaped projections has a removable attachment with the cleaning
element that is removable and replaceable.
[0010] The cleaning element includes an attachment layer comprising
a hook and loop type material, an absorbent layer comprising
absorbent material and a scrubbing layer comprising an abrasive
hydrophobic material. The removable attachment between the base
plate and the cleaning element is a hook and loop attachment,
thereby providing for removability and replaceability of the
cleaning element from the base plate.
[0011] The cleaning element has rectangular dimensions.
[0012] The cleaning head defines a horizontal plane and the neck
flexes to a position approximately parallel to the horizontal plane
in any direction.
[0013] The insert snap-fits into the handle. The insert has a
similar cleaning surface as that of the cleaning head of the floor
cleaning apparatus.
[0014] The proximal end portion of the handle includes an interface
section which defines a protuberance and a tubular wall that
defines two opposed protrusions. The proximal end portion of the
handle also includes a flange that has an aperture transverse to
the longitudinal axis such that when the insert is positioned in
the handle the second aperture and the aperture of the proximal
handle of the insert are aligned. The flange has a snap-fit
attachment with the interface section providing for removability
and replaceability of the flange from the interface section.
[0015] The circular channel of the insert is received by
protrusions on the tubular wall of the interface section, when the
insert is positioned in the proximal end portion of the handle the
aperture of the insert aligned with the aperture of the flange.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above mentioned and other features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become better understood
with regard to following description, appended claims and
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
similar parts throughout the several views where:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a cleaning apparatus
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cleaning apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 3A is a front view of a handle of the apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 3B is a front view of a proximal end portion of the
handle of FIG. 3A;
[0021] FIG. 3C is a front view of a flange of the handle of FIG.
3A;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top view of the proximal end portion of the
handle of FIG. 3A;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a front view of an insert of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5B is a side view of the insert of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are front views of the proximal end
portion of the handle of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 that show
one method of positioning and removing the insert from the
handle;
[0026] FIG. 7A is a rear perspective view of a cleaning head and
handle of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of a base plate; of the
cleaning apparatus of FIG. 7A;
[0028] FIG. 7C is a left side view of the base plate of FIG.
7B;
[0029] FIG. 7D is a bottom view of the base plate of FIG. 7B;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a left side view of the base plate of FIG. 7B
showing a range of motion of a flexible neck in one preferred
embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the cleaning apparatus
of FIG. 1 showing the alternate exemplary positions of the handle
flexed relative to the cleaning head;
[0032] FIG. 10A is a left side view of a cleaning element of FIG.
7A separated from the base plate;
[0033] FIG. 10B is a left side view of the cleaning element of FIG.
7A attached to the base plate;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the cleaning apparatus
of FIG. 1 showing the cleaning head scrubbing a tile surface with a
flexion of a flexible neck; and
[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the insert of the cleaning
apparatus of FIG. 1 in operational use.
[0036] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes
illustrated using phantom lines and fragmentary views. In certain
instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of
the present invention or which render other details difficult to
understand may have been omitted. It should be understood, of
course, that the invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments illustrated herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a cleaning apparatus 10 includes a
handle 12, an insert 14, and a cleaning head 16. The handle 12
receives insert 14 and connects to cleaning head 16. In this one
preferred embodiment, insert 14 is a grout scrubber and cleaning
head 14 is a mop head. The insert 14 has a first position inside
handle 12 and a second position removed from handle 12. In the
second position, insert 14 can be used independent of or in
conjunction with cleaning head 16. Cleaning apparatus 10 is
preferably made of polymer materials, but apparatus 10 can also
include other materials such as metals, composites and
cellulose.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, handle 12 is preferably an elongate
member that includes a proximal end portion 18 that can receive
insert 14 and a distal end portion 20 that connects to cleaning
head 16. Proximal end portion 18 and distal end portion 20 define a
first longitudinal axis-X.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 3A -3C, the proximal end portion 18
has a tubular shape that receives insert 14. Proximal end portion
18 includes a flange 24 that has a through hole 26 and an interface
section 28. The flange 24 is snap-fitted via protuberance 30 atop
proximal end portion 18 and over interface section 28. The flange
24 is movably connected to proximal end portion 18. In this one
preferred embodiment, flange 24 rotates about the longitudinal
axis-X in a sliding relationship with and interface section 28.
Interface section 28 defines a protuberance 30 and a pair of
opposed grooves 32.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, interface section 28 defines an
aperture 34 aligned with the longitudinal axis-X. The aperture 34
is shaped and dimensioned to receive insert 14 and extends a
predetermined length in the distal direction within handle 12. The
interface section 28 also contains a pair of opposed protrusions 36
that preferably provide a biased snap-fit with insert 14 in handle
12
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, insert 14 includes a proximal
handle 38, an elongate portion 40 and a distal head 42 that define
a second longitudinal axis-X'. The proximate handle 38 includes a
through hole 44 and a cantilevered portion 46 that can also be used
to assist in the insertion or removal of insert 14 from handle 12.
At the bottom of the proximate handle 38, concentric to the
longitudinal axis-X' is a circular channel 48 that engages
protrusions 36 with a snap-fit. The connection between insert 14
and handle 12 securely connects insert 14 in aperture 34
independent of the angular orientation of apparatus 10.
[0042] The distal head 42 includes a scraper 50. In this preferred
embodiment, scraper 50 is a scraping strip that is adhesively
attached to head 42. The insert 14 and distal head 42 have
dimensions that are suitable for reaching into and cleaning narrow
spaces. It is understood that scraper 50 can be a coated abrasive
type device for scraping in a household environment.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 6A, one method for positioning insert 14
into proximal end portion 18 of handle 12 is described. Insert 14
is in the second position, separated from cleaning apparatus 10.
The longitudinal axis-X' of insert 14 is aligned with the
longitudinal axis-X of handle 12 for the insertion of insert 14 in
handle 12.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6B, the distal head 42 and elongate
portion 40 of insert 14 are directed into aperture 34 of proximal
end portion 18 via flange 24. Grooves 32 assist in guiding insert
14 into handle 12 and the alignment of through holes 26 and 44.
[0045] When insert 14 is completely inserted, circular channel 48
slidingly crosses opposed protrusions 36 and snap-fits insert 14 in
the first position. When insert 14 is securely positioned in
aperture 34 along the longitudinal axis-X of handle 12, hole 26 in
flange 24 of handle 12 is approximately aligned with through hole
44 in insert 14. The insert 14 can be removed from handle 12 by
reversing the above method.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, cleaning head 16 includes a
neck 52, a base plate 54 and a cleaning element 56. The neck 52 is
removably connected to distal end portion 20 of elongate handle 12.
The connection between neck 52 and handle 12 is preferably a
standard threaded interface with a female receptacle 58 defined in
neck 52 that receives male threads 22 located on the distal end
portion 20. A user simply screws handle 12 into neck 52 to attach
the neck 52 to the handle 12.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 7B and 7C, the bottom of base plate 54 has
T-shaped projections 60 that attach to cleaning element 56. As
shown in FIG. 7D, sets of T-shaped projections 60 are embedded on
the on the bottom of base plate 54.The cleaning element 56 is
removably connectable to base plate 52. Cleaning element 56 can be
a disposable or reusable assembly. The cleaning element 56, which
is a mop in this preferred embodiment, includes: [0048] (a) a first
layer 62 which is preferably made of a hook and loop type material
which fastens to T-shaped projections 60; [0049] (b) a second layer
which is an absorbent layer 64 preferably made of sponge foam; and
[0050] (c) a third distal facing layer which is a scrubbing or
scouring layer 66 that is preferably made of an abrasive material;
alternatively the third distal facing layer can be sponge type
mop.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 8, neck 52 and handle 12 define an
axis-X that is in an arbitrary initial angular position of
60.degree. from a horizontal plane 70 of cleaning head 16. This
first position of neck 52 keeps handle 12 in one of the preferred
positions for cleaning. The neck 52 is made of elastomeric
material, such as rubber or a flexible polymer that when flexed
from an initial position remains in the flexed position. This
enables neck 52 to flex (as indicated by the phantom lines) and
twist (as indicated by the directional arrows) relative to handle
12. The opposing end of neck 52 is connected to base plate 54.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, neck 52 and handle 12 are aligned
in an initial position A and neck 52 flexes and/or twists to any
angle to advantageously position cleaning head 16 relative to
handle 12 as shown in the different exemplary directional positions
B, C, and D. It is understood that neck 52 enables handle 12 to be
bent in any direction relative to cleaning head 16 and up within
the range 0.degree. to 180.degree. degrees with the horizontal
plane 70 of cleaning head 16.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, to attach cleaning element
56, a user merely presses base plate 54 onto attachment layer 62
such that T-shaped projections 60 bond with use hook and loop
material of attachment layer 62.
[0054] During cleaning operation, a downward and horizontal sliding
force is typically applied by the user. The horizontal sliding
force strengthens the bond between T-shaped projections and
attachment layer. The bond maximizes when the flexible neck bends
and ensures that the applied horizontal sliding force is
approximately parallel to the plane of attachment layer.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows cleaning apparatus 10 in operation mopping a
floor. The user applies a force for mopping that is in an
approximately downward and horizontal direction through handle 12.
Mopping as defined herein includes sponge mopping as well as
scouring or scrubbing. The flexible neck 52 is stiff and can be
selectively bent to any desired angle to aid in mopping under
specific circumstance such as around or under obstacles. In
addition, apparatus 10 can impart a bias through cleaning head 16
against the floor. Thus, flexible neck 52 transfers the force
applied by the user to the floor. The elastomeric flexible neck 52
also ensures that the sweeping action of cleaning apparatus 10 has
a softer feel compared with prior art designs that incorporate a
rigid handle and neck.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 12, a user employs insert 14 as a
separate cleaning device. When in the second position insert 14 is
used for specialized cleaning purposes such as the cleaning of
grout between tiles. The insert 14 either can be moved to the first
position by previously described methods or can be suspended from a
hook or a bar.
[0057] Floor cleaning apparatus 10 can be readily used for mopping
using cleaning head 16 as well as for specialized cleaning by
removing insert 14 from the first position in handle 12 to the
second position. The cleaning head can 16 can be selectively used
for scrubbing a tile floor, for example, and the insert 14 in the
second position as a separate device is used separately to scrub a
difficult to remove stain or material on the floor as well as the
grout between tiles, for example.
[0058] The flexible neck 52 of cleaning head 16 advantageously
allows the user to adjust neck 52 and handle 12 to any desired
angle of the cleaning head 16 relative to handle 12 while mopping
around or under furniture, for example. The adjustable angle of
neck 52 advantageously allows the user to comfortably adjust the
angle of cleaning element 54 relative to handle 12 and thereby
reach less accessible places and/or maintain a close contact with
the surface being cleaned. The user can advantageously apply
downward force along the axis-X for wringing the mop.
[0059] Advantages of cleaning element 56 attached to the base plate
using the combination of the hook and loop material and T-shaped
projections 60 are reusability and fast replacement. The user can
keep additional cleaning elements 54 that can be easily attached,
inserted and used.
[0060] The embodiments of the invention shown and discussed herein
are merely illustrative of modes of application of the present
invention. Reference to details in this discussion is not intended
to limit the scope of the claims to these details, or to the
figures used to illustrate the invention.
* * * * *