U.S. patent application number 14/030216 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for multiuse cleaning tool handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Unger Marketing International, LLC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Unger Marketing International, LLC. Invention is credited to Mark Robert Michels, Joseph K. Patterson, Anthony Sgroi, Jr..
Application Number | 20140075692 14/030216 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50272912 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140075692 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Michels; Mark Robert ; et
al. |
March 20, 2014 |
MULTIUSE CLEANING TOOL HANDLE
Abstract
A multiuse cleaning tool is provided that includes a head
assembly and a cleaning sleeve removably attached to the head
assembly. The cleaning sleeve has a first side and a second side.
The first side includes a material sufficient for a first cleaning
function and the second side includes a material sufficient for a
second cleaning function. The head assembly moves between a first
position so as to present the first side to a surface to be cleaned
and a second position so as to present the second side to the
surface to be cleaned.
Inventors: |
Michels; Mark Robert;
(Darien, CT) ; Sgroi, Jr.; Anthony; (Wallingford,
CT) ; Patterson; Joseph K.; (Monroe, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Unger Marketing International, LLC |
Bridgeport |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Unger Marketing International,
LLC.
Bridgeport
CT
|
Family ID: |
50272912 |
Appl. No.: |
14/030216 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61702738 |
Sep 18, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/118 ; 15/105;
15/145; 15/147.1; 15/209.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/12 20130101;
A47L 13/24 20130101; A47L 13/258 20130101; A47L 13/44 20130101;
A47L 13/256 20130101; A47L 13/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/118 ;
15/147.1; 15/209.1; 15/105; 15/145 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/44 20060101
A47L013/44; A47L 13/12 20060101 A47L013/12; A47L 13/38 20060101
A47L013/38; A47L 13/24 20060101 A47L013/24 |
Claims
1. A multiuse cleaning tool, comprising: a head assembly; and a
cleaning sleeve removably attached to the head assembly, the
cleaning sleeve having a first side and a second side, the first
side including a material sufficient for a first cleaning function
and the second side including a material sufficient for a second
cleaning function, wherein the head assembly is configured to move
between a first position so as to present the first side to a
surface to be cleaned and a second position so as to present the
second side to the surface to be cleaned.
2. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the first
cleaning function is different than the second cleaning
function.
3. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 2, wherein the first
cleaning function is a mopping or wiping function where the
material on the first side is sufficient for mopping or wiping and
the second cleaning function is a dusting function where the
material on the second side is sufficient for dusting.
4. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the first
cleaning function is the same as the second cleaning function.
5. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 1, further comprising a pole
extending from the head assembly.
6. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the pole is
integral to the head assembly.
7. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the pole is
removably secured to the head assembly.
8. A multiuse cleaning tool, comprising: a housing; a central
region; a plurality of cleaning arms each having a first end
secured to the central region by a hinge; a cleaning sleeve
removably attached to the plurality of cleaning arms, the cleaning
sleeve having a first side and a second side; and a drive link
having a plurality of drive arms that correspond in number to the
number of cleaning arms with each drive arm being rotatably secured
to a respective one of the cleaning arms by a pin, the drive link
being disposed in the housing so that the drive link is moveable
movement between upward position and a lower position, the central
region being secured to the housing so that the central region does
not move relative to the housing, wherein movement of the drive
link to the upward position causes the plurality of cleaning arms
to rotate about the hinges to a first position presenting the first
side of the cleaning sleeve to a surface to be cleaned and movement
of the portion of the drive link to the lower position causes the
plurality of cleaning arms to rotate about the hinges to a second
position presenting the second side of the cleaning sleeve to the
surface to be cleaned.
9. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the first side of
the cleaning sleeve comprises a material sufficient for a first
cleaning function and the second side of the cleaning sleeve
comprises a material sufficient for a second cleaning function.
10. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 9, wherein the first
cleaning function is different than the second cleaning
function.
11. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein the first
cleaning function is a mopping or wiping function where the
material on the first side is sufficient for mopping or wiping and
the second cleaning function is a dusting function where the
material on the second side is sufficient for dusting.
12. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 9, wherein the first
cleaning function is the same as the second cleaning function.
13. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the outer
housing has a slot and the drive link has a portion that extends
out of the outer housing through the slot so that a user can grasp
the portion to move the drive link between the upper and lower
positions.
14. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 8, further comprising a
biasing member configured to bias the drive link to a position
selected from the group consisting of the upward position, the
downward position, and any position therebetween.
15. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the biasing
member is selected from the group consisting of a spring, a foam
member, and a rubber band.
16. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 8, further comprising a
securing device configured to hold the drive link in a position
selected from the group consisting of the upward position, the
downward position, and any position therebetween.
17. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 8, further comprising a
securing device on one or more of the plurality of cleaning arms,
the securing device being configured to secure the cleaning sleeve
to the plurality of cleaning arms.
18. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 17, wherein the securing
device comprises a hook side of a hook-and-loop connector securable
to an inner surface of the cleaning sleeve.
19. The multiuse cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the hinges
securing the plurality of cleaning arms to the central region
comprise living hinges.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/702,738, filed Sep. 18, 2012, the contents
of which are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure is related to multiuse cleaning
tools. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to a
cleaning tool that is configured for use as at least a mopping
device when in a first position and a dusting device when in a
second position.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A multiuse cleaning tool is provided. The tool is configured
for movement between a first position and a second position. In the
first position, a first side of a cleaning sleeve is presented for
use in a first cleaning function. In the second position, a second
side of a cleaning sleeve is presented for use in a second cleaning
function.
[0004] For example, the sleeve can have a fabric suitable for a
mopping function on the first side and a fabric suitable for a
dusting function on the second side. In this manner, the tool can
be moved to the first position and used for mopping or to the
second position and used for dusting.
[0005] A multiuse cleaning tool is provided that includes a head
assembly and a cleaning sleeve removably attached to the head
assembly. The cleaning sleeve has a first side and a second side.
The first side includes a material sufficient for a first cleaning
function and the second side includes a material sufficient for a
second cleaning function. The head assembly moves between a first
position so as to present the first side to a surface to be cleaned
and a second position so as to present the second side to the
surface to be cleaned.
[0006] A multiuse cleaning tool is provided that includes a
housing, a central region, a plurality of cleaning arms, a cleaning
sleeve, and a drive link. The cleaning arms each have a first end
secured to the central region by a hinge. The cleaning sleeve is
attached to the cleaning arms and has a first side and a second
side. The drive link has a plurality of drive arms that correspond
in number to the number of cleaning arms with each drive arm being
rotatably secured to a respective one of the cleaning arms by a
pin. The drive link is in the housing so that the drive link is
moveable movement between upward position and a lower position. The
central region being secured to the housing so that the central
region does not move relative to the housing. Thus, movement of the
drive link to the upward position causes the plurality of cleaning
arms to rotate about the hinges to a first position presenting the
first side of the cleaning sleeve to a surface to be cleaned, while
movement of the portion of the drive link to the lower position
causes the plurality of cleaning arms to rotate about the hinges to
a second position presenting the second side of the cleaning sleeve
to the surface to be cleaned.
[0007] The above-described and other features and advantages of the
present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description,
drawings, and appended claims.
[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is side view of an exemplary embodiment of a multiuse
cleaning tool according to the present disclosure shown in a first
or mopping position;
[0010] FIG. 2 is side view of the multiuse cleaning tool of FIG. 1
shown in a second or dusting position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the multiuse cleaning tool of
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a head
assembly according to the present disclosure in the second or
dusting position;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates the head assembly of FIG. 4 in the first
or mopping position;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates the head assembly of FIG. 4 in the second
or dusting position;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly
of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the head assembly of FIG. 4
having the head cover removed;
[0017] FIGS. 8b and 8c are magnified views of portions of the head
assembly of FIG. 8a;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view of the head assembly in the first or
mopping position;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the head assembly of FIG. 9
taken along lines 9-9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a magnified view of the head assembly of FIG.
9;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
cleaning petal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a top view of the cleaning petal of FIG. 12;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the cleaning petal of FIG. 13
taken along lines 13-13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a magnified view of an exemplary embodiment of a
hinge portion of the cleaning petal of FIG. 14;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a head assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the head assembly of
FIG. 16;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a
cleaning sleeve according to the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a top view of the cleaning sleeve of FIG. 18;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a top view of the cleaning sleeve of FIG. 19
illustrating a connection opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1
through 3, an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning tool according to
the present disclosure is shown and is generally referred to by
reference numeral 10. Advantageously, cleaning tool 10 is
configured for movement between a first position (FIG. 1) suitable
for performing a first cleaning function and a second position
(FIG. 2) suitable for performing a second cleaning function.
[0031] Tool 10 includes a head assembly 12 having a cleaning sleeve
14 removably attached thereto. In some embodiments, tool 10 can
further include a pole 16 extending from head assembly 12. Pole 16
can be integral to head assembly 12 or can be removably secured
thereto. Further, pole 16 can, in some embodiments, include a
handle 18 thereon.
[0032] As best seen in FIG. 1, sleeve 14 has a first side 20 and a
second side 22. First side 20 includes any material sufficient for
a first cleaning function, while second side 22 includes any
material sufficient for second cleaning function, which is
different from the first cleaning function. Further, head assembly
12 is configured to move the sleeve 14 between the first and second
positions so as to present the either the first side 20 or the
second side 22 to a surface to be cleaned.
[0033] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first cleaning
function is a mopping or wiping function where first side 20 is a
material sufficient for mopping or wiping. Further, the second
cleaning function is a dusting function where second side 22 is a
material sufficient for dusting.
[0034] In one embodiment, first side 20 includes a woven or knit
microfiber fabric. As used herein, the term "microfiber" shall mean
a fiber having a denier of less than one and the term "microfiber
fabric" shall mean a woven or knit fabric having such
microfibers.
[0035] One exemplary microfiber cleaning fabric according to the
present disclosure includes a "canvas" or "ground" into which a
plurality of microfibers are knitted. In one embodiment, the canvas
or ground is made of regular polyester (100%) with a diameter of
about three denier, while the microfibers are made of a blend of
about 75% polyester (PE) and about 25% polyamide (PA) having a
denier of about 0.138.
[0036] Another exemplary microfiber cleaning fabric according to
the present disclosure is knit or woven entirely of
microfibers.
[0037] Microfiber fabrics are known to be durable and can be washed
more times than ordinary non-woven fabrics and, thus, are reusable
as compared to the single-use disposable prior art cleaning cloths.
Additionally, microfiber fabrics are known to have better cleaning
performance as compared to ordinary non-woven fabrics.
[0038] Microfibers are generally produced by knitting or weaving
split multi-component conjugate filaments. The multi-component
filaments are often bicomponent conjugate filaments that commonly
include Polyester (PE) filaments co-extruded with a Polyamide (PA)
core with a ratio of between about 70% to about 80% PE and about
20% to about 30% PA.
[0039] Before or after knitting, the microfiber fabric is exposed
to a process such as, but not limited to a chemical treatment,
thermal treatment, a mechanical treatment, and any combinations
thereof, so that the bicomponent conjugate filaments are separated.
Hence, microfiber fabrics have numerous capillaries due to the
splitting of the conjugate filaments. Accordingly, microfiber
fabrics rapidly absorb and transport moisture because of these
capillaries.
[0040] Furthermore, the splitting of the bicomponent conjugate
filaments typically increases the surface area of the fiber by
creating microscopic hooks or edges, which enhance microfiber's
dust and dirt removal and holding capabilities. For example, the PA
core of many microfibers have a star-like shape defining a
plurality of non-abrasive wedge-shaped edges. The microfiber edges
are so fine that they are known to cut through dirt and grease and
trap the waste within the fabric without the need for detergents or
other dirt releasing chemicals.
[0041] Because of the very nature of the materials used, microfiber
fabrics clean better than conventional fabrics for both oil based
and water based dirt. For example, PE is lyophilic and thus
attracts oils to this component of the fabric, while PA is
hydrophilic and, thus, attracts water to this component of the
fabric.
[0042] In some embodiments, first side 20 is made entirely of
microfiber fabric. In other embodiments, first side 20 can be knit
with a combination of microfibers and/or with non-microfibers. In
still other embodiments, first side 20 can be formed of portions of
microfiber fabrics joined to microfiber fabrics and/or
non-microfiber fabrics.
[0043] In one embodiment, second side 22 includes a microfiber
bundle as shown and described in Applicant's own U.S. application
Ser. No. 13/088,838, the contents of which are incorporated by
reference herein.
[0044] In another embodiment, second side 22 includes twisted loop
microfiber pile such as shown and described in Applicant's own U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/460,187, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
[0045] It should be recognized that first and second sides 20, 22
have been described above by way of example only as different
microfiber products (e.g., cloths in the case of the first side
that are sufficient for mopping functions and string bundles or
twisted loops in the case of second side that are sufficient for
dusting functions). Of course, it is contemplated by the present
disclosure for sleeve 14 to have any combination of first and
second sides 20, 22 that are sufficient to perform the desired
different cleaning functions.
[0046] An exemplary embodiment of cleaning sleeve 14 can be seen in
FIGS. 18 through 20. Here, first side 20 is a microfiber cleaning
fabric, while second side 22 includes one or more microfiber string
bundles.
[0047] Head assembly 12 will be described with simultaneous
reference to FIGS. 4 through 17. Generally, head assembly 12
includes a collar or outer housing 24, a drive link 26, and a
cleaning petal 28. In some embodiments, head assembly 12 further
includes a button 30.
[0048] Beginning with petal 28, which is seen in FIGS. 12 through
15, the petal has a plurality of cleaning arms 32 each hinged to a
central region 34. In the illustrated embodiment, cleaning arms 32
and central region 34 are a unitary element with the hinge 36
therebetween being formed by a living hinge. Each petal 28 further
includes a driven link 38 extending from each cleaning arm 32.
[0049] Petal 28 is shown by way of example having five cleaning
arms 32. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure
for petal 28 to have any desired number of arms. Importantly, petal
28 has corresponding number of cleaning arms 32 as are formed in
sleeve 14 so that each cleaning arm is received in a different
portion of the sleeve.
[0050] Central region 34 of cleaning petal 28 is secured to outer
housing 24 so that the central region does not move relative to the
housing. Drive link 26 is movable within housing 24 between an
upper position and a lower position. Further, drive link 26
includes a plurality of drive arms 26-1 that correspond in number
to the number of cleaning arms 32. Each drive arm 26-1 is secured
to a respective one of the driven links 38 on cleaning arms 32 by a
pin 40.
[0051] In this manner, movement of drive link 26 to an upward
position within housing 24 is configured to cause cleaning arms 32
to rotate about hinge 36 to the first or open position of FIG. 1.
Conversely, movement of drive link 26 to a downward position within
housing 24 is configured to cause cleaning arms 32 to rotate about
hinge 36 to the second or closed position of FIG. 2.
[0052] Outer housing 24 includes a slot or opening through which a
portion of drive link 26 can be grasped by a user so as to move the
drive link between the upward and downward positions. Button 30 can
be positioned on the portion of the drive link 26 that extends
through the slot so as to provide an easy to grasp surface.
[0053] Head assembly 12 is, in some embodiments, configured to bias
drive link 26 to upward position, to downward position, or to any
position therebetween. For example, head assembly 12 can include
one or more biasing members, such as, but not limited to springs,
foam, rubber bands, and the like that bias drive link 26 to any
desired position. Here, the user overcomes the force of the biasing
member to move drive link 26 to a particular use position when
needed.
[0054] Head assembly 12 is, in other embodiments, configured to
include securing device that holds drive link 26 in upward
position, in downward position, or in any position therebetween.
For example, head assembly 12 can include one or more securing
devices, that releasably hold drive link 26 in any desired
position. Here, the user can activate and deactivate the securing
device to move drive link 26 to a particular use position when
needed.
[0055] In some embodiments, cleaning arms 32 can each include a
securing device 42 configured to secure the sleeve 14 to petal 28.
For example, as seen in FIG. 16, each cleaning arm 32 can include a
hook side of a hook-and-loop type connector 42 (e.g., VELCRO) that
can secure to an inner surface of sleeve 14.
[0056] In other embodiments, central region 34 can include a
securing device 44 configured to secure the sleeve 14 to petal 28.
For example, as seen in FIG. 17, central region 34 can include a
hook side of a hook-and-loop type connector 44 (e.g., VELCRO) that
can secure to an inner surface of sleeve 14.
[0057] It should be recognized that securing devices 42, 44 are
described by way of example only as being the hook side of
hook-and-loop type connectors. Of course, it is contemplated by the
present disclosure for securing devices 42, 44, when present, to be
any device sufficient to secure sleeve 14 to petal 28. For example,
it is contemplated by the present disclosure for petal 28 to have
integrally molded features sufficient to connect to sleeve 14.
[0058] It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second",
"third", "upper", "lower", and the like may be used herein to
modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial,
sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless
specifically stated.
[0059] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without
departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that
the present disclosure not be limited to the particular
embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
this disclosure.
* * * * *