U.S. patent application number 16/794961 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-29 for mop washing bucket.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tim MCDONALD. Invention is credited to Tim MCDONALD.
Application Number | 20220304521 16/794961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006588881 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220304521 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
MCDONALD; Tim |
September 29, 2022 |
MOP WASHING BUCKET
Abstract
A mop washing bucket has a container with an interior volume
defined by a bottom and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom,
a fluid inlet affixed adjacent to the bottom of the container, and
a fluid outlet formed on the container in a location above the
fluid inlet. The fluid inlet is adapted to be connected to a water
hose. The fluid inlet extends through the wall of the container so
as to have one end in the interior volume of the container and
another end exterior of the wall of the container. The fluid outlet
is adapted to allow water from the interior volume of the container
to flow outwardly of the container.
Inventors: |
MCDONALD; Tim; (Missouri
City, TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MCDONALD; Tim |
Missouri City |
TX |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20210251433 A1 |
August 19, 2021 |
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|
Family ID: |
1000006588881 |
Appl. No.: |
16/794961 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16381569 |
Apr 11, 2019 |
10773279 |
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16794961 |
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16039948 |
Jul 19, 2018 |
11134821 |
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16381569 |
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15993913 |
May 31, 2018 |
11064842 |
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16039948 |
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14877519 |
Oct 7, 2015 |
10456812 |
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15993913 |
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14812545 |
Jul 29, 2015 |
9408412 |
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14877519 |
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14550195 |
Nov 21, 2014 |
9320286 |
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14812545 |
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62640261 |
Mar 8, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 47/18 20130101;
A47L 13/58 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 47/18 20060101
A47J047/18; A47L 13/58 20060101 A47L013/58 |
Claims
1. A mop washing bucket comprising: a container having an interior
volume defined by a bottom and a wall extending upwardly from the
bottom; a fluid inlet affixed adjacent the bottom of said
container, said fluid inlet adapted to be connected to a water
hose, said fluid inlet extending through the wall of the container
so as to have one end in the interior volume of said container and
another end exterior of the wall of said container; a fluid outlet
formed on said container in a location above the fluid inlet, said
fluid outlet adapted to allow water in the interior volume of said
container to flow outwardly of said container.
2. The mop washing bucket of claim 1, said wall of said container
having a pair of side walls and a plurality of end walls extending
between said pair of side walls so as to have a generally
rectangular configuration.
3. The mop washing bucket of claim 2, each of said pair of side
walls having a length dimension extending between the pair of end
walls, each of said pair of side walls having a length dimension
extending between the pair of side walls, the length dimension of
each of the pair of side walls being greater than the length
dimension of each of the pair of end walls.
4. The mop washing bucket of claim 2, said fluid inlet comprising:
a fitting affixed in one of said pair of end walls , said fitting
having a hose connector on an end exterior of the end wall and a
nozzle at the end in the interior volume of the container.
5. The mop washing bucket of claim 4, the nozzle of said fitting
having a slot with a length dimension extending parallel to the
bottom of said container and a width dimension extending transverse
to the bottom of said container, the length dimension of said slot
being substantially greater than the width dimension of said
slot.
6. The mop washing bucket of claim 4, the width dimension of the
slot being greatest between opposite ends of the length dimension
of the slot.
7. The mop washing bucket of claim 6, said slot having a truncated
ellipsoid shape.
8. The mop washing bucket of claim 1, said fluid outlet comprising
an opening formed in the wall of the container.
9. The mop washing bucket of claim 8, said fluid outlet having a
tubular member extending outwardly of a hole in the wall of said
container, the tubular member adapted to allow water to flow
outwardly of said container to a location spaced away from the wall
of said container.
10. The mop washing bucket of claim 9, said tubular member having
ridges thereon, said ridges adapted to retain a conduit over an end
of the tubular member.
11. The mop washing bucket of claim 2, said fluid inlet and said
fluid outlet being on a common wall of said container.
12. The mop washing bucket of claim 1, further comprising: a pair
of feet affixed to the bottom of said container so as to extend
outwardly from the bottom of said container, said pair of feet
adapted to support said container in spaced relation above an
underlying surface.
13. The mop washing bucket of claim 1, further comprising: a water
hose connected to said fluid inlet, said fluid inlet defining a
nozzle that directs water under pressure from said water hose into
the interior volume of said container in a bottom-to-top circular
pattern.
14. The mop washing bucket of claim 1, said fluid outlet
comprising: a pipe affixed to the wall of said container, said pipe
having an end extending outwardly of the wall of said
container.
15. The mop washing bucket of claim 14, said pipe having a
generally L-shape.
16. The mop washing bucket of claim 15, said pipe being pivotally
mounted to said container such that an end of said pipe can be
directed in a desired direction.
17. A mop washing bucket comprising: a container having an interior
volume defined by a bottom and a wall extending upwardly from the
bottom; a fluid inlet affixed adjacent the bottom of said
container, said fluid inlet extending through the wall of said
container so as to have one end in the interior volume of said
container and another end extending exterior of the wall of said
container; a fluid outlet formed on said container in a location
above said fluid inlet, said fluid outlet adapted to allow water
from the interior volume of said container to flow outwardly of
said container; and a water hose connected to said fluid inlet,
said fluid inlet defining a nozzle that directs water under
pressure from said water hose into the interior volume of said
container in a bottom-to-top circular pattern.
18. The mop washing bucket of claim 17, said fluid inlet
comprising: a fitting affixed to the wall of said container, said
fitting having a hose fitting on an end exterior of the wall of
said container and a nozzle on the end of the fitting in the
interior volume of said container.
19. The mop washing bucket of claim 17, the nozzle of said fitting
being a slot having a length dimension extending parallel to the
bottom of said container and a width dimension extending transverse
to the bottom of said container, the length dimension of the slot
being substantially greater than the width dimension of the
slot.
20. The mop washing bucket of claim 17, said wall of said container
having a pair of side walls and a pair of and walls extending
between said pair of side walls so as to define a generally
rectangular configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/381,569, filed on Apr. 11, 2018 and
entitled "Mop Cleaning System and Method for Cleaning a Mop",
presently pending. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/381,569 is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/039,948
filed on Jul. 19, 2018, and entitled "Washing Bucket for Household,
Commercial and Industrial Use for Cleaning Mops", presently
pending. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/039,948 claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/640261, filed Mar.
8, 2018, now expired. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/039,948
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/993,913, filed on May 31, 2018, and entitled "Washing Bucket for
Household, Commercial and Industrial Use for Cleaning Mops and for
Chemical Cleaning", presently pending. U.S. application Ser. No.
15/993,913 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/877,519, filed on Oct. 7, 2015, and entitled "Apparatus and
Method for Washing Meat and/or Produce", presently pending. U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/877,519 is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/812,545, filed on Jul. 29,
2015, and entitled "Apparatus and Method for Cleaning Produce".
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/812,545 issued as U.S. Pat. No.
9,408,412 on Aug. 9, 2016. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/812,545 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/550,159, filed on Nov. 21, 2014. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/550,195 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,320,286
on Apr. 26, 2016, and is entitled "Apparatus and Method for
Cleaning Game".
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to washing buckets. More
particularly, the present invention relates to mop buckets.
Additionally, the present invention relates to mop buckets in which
a continuous supply of fresh water is provided during the washing
and rinsing of the mop. The present invention also relates to
relatively small mop washing buckets that can be used without
wheels or wringing attachments.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under
37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
[0005] A mop bucket is used in conjunction with a mop for cleaning
floors and the like. At the start of the cleaning process, fluid
used for mopping is held within the bucket and is generally clean.
However, as the floor is mopped, and the mop is repeatedly dipped
into the bucket, the fluid therein becomes less and less clean as
dirt and other matter is transferred from the floor to the wet mop
and then to the fluid in the bucket. Occasionally, a user may place
the mop into a wringer located above the bucket in order to remove
fluid from the mop, but again, this merely transfers dirty fluid to
the fluid within the bucket.
[0006] The problem often encountered with the use of cleaning
buckets is that the dirt deposited on the mop bucket liquid
collects at the bottom of the container and that turbulence of the
liquid, as when rinsing out a mop, washes the dirty water back into
the main body of liquid where it may again be absorbed into the
mop. The mop then spread the dirt back out on the floor, leaving
unsightly streaks and leading to incomplete cleaning In an attempt
to alleviate this problem, the mop bucket has to be repeatedly
emptied and cleaned out.
[0007] The problem is twofold. First, the there is the difficulty
of separating the heavy components, such as dirt or grease attached
to the dirt, from cleaner water in the mop bucket. The second
difficulty is turbulence within the water caused by the swishing of
the mop within the bucket or residual sloshing movement of water
after the bucket has been moved. The turbulence tends to disturb
soil, sludge and other heavy components of dirty water and evenly
distribute them within the body of water to be picked up again when
the mop is rinsed in the bucket, even if care is taken up to push
the mophead all the way down to the bottom of the bucket.
[0008] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/381,569 to the present
inventor was a great improvement in the field of mop washing
buckets. This washing bucket has a container with an interior
defined by wall and a bottom, a fluid inlet affixed to the wall of
the container and communicating with the interior of the container,
and a fluid outlet opening to the wall of the container and
positioned at a level higher than a level of the fluid inlet. The
fluid inlet is positioned adjacent to the bottom of the container.
The fluid inlet has a connector positioned exterior of the wall of
the container and which is adapted to connect to a water hose. The
fluid outlet has a diameter greater than a diameter of the fluid
inlet. The fluid outlet has a pipe affixed to the wall of the
container.
[0009] In this prior application to the present inventor, the mop
washing bucket worked in an excellent fashion for use in relatively
moderate to large facilities. However, an issue developed with
respect to the use of such a mop bucket in very small facilities,
such as small convenience stores, small fast food restaurants, and
other commercial operations that operate in a very restricted
space. It was found that the mop washing bucket of this prior
application, along with conventional prior art mop washing buckets,
have a large footprint and occupy a relatively large area. The mere
size of prior art mop washing buckets would occupy enough space so
as to be a major inconvenience to the day-to-day operations of such
small facilities. Additionally, under certain circumstances, the
small facilities would have a relatively small sink in the
janitorial closet. As such, it would become difficult to actually
place such a mop washing bucket, in its entirety, within such a
small sink. As such, a need developed so as to provide a relatively
small mop washing bucket that occupies a minimal amount of space in
small facilities and which can be easily placed in small sinks.
[0010] Recently, there has been a trend in the design of apparatus
that are used in cleaning surfaces, such as floors and walls. These
new devices employ micro-fiber cleaning pads. For example, current
designs of floor mops include a mop head having a micro-fiber
cleaning pad removably attached to the mop head, whereby the pad
can be disposed of or laundered after use. In order that the
cleaning pad can be easily removable from the mop head, the mop
head is typically designed with clips or other similar types of
features. These features removably hold the cleaning pad to the mop
head without requiring separate fasteners on the mop head and
without requiring the use of tools for attaching and removing the
microfiber cleaning pad from the mop head. Under these
circumstances, in small facilities, it is desirable to be able to
clean such microfiber cleaning pads in a fast, convenient and easy
fashion. This is largely preferable over the expense of continuing
to replace dirty microfiber cleaning pads. As such, a need has
developed so as to provide a mop washing bucket that can
effectively clean microfiber pads associated with these types of
floor mops.
[0011] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,630,369 teaches a mop cleaning
device wherein a supply of cleaning fluid is circulated through a
container. However, relatively heavy particles are separated from
the fluid by what appears to be a gravity trap while leaving
smaller particles still suspended within the fluid. In another
example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,161,799 discloses a mop bucket that treats
dirty fluid. However the system leaves undesirable matter within
the bucket itself.
[0012] In the past, various patterns of issued relating to mop
buckets and cleaning systems for mop buckets. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,333,353, issued on Aug. 2, 1994 to M. Taylor, teaches a
mop wringer that has a long operating handle and mounts on the rear
wall of the bucket. When so mounted, the wringer is supported on
the sidewalls of the bucket at or toward the front of the wringer
by support ledges integrally molded into the sidewalls of the
bucket below the lower rim thereof The ringer engages the bucket in
the manner which opposes the tendency for the back of the wringer
to lift off of the bucket when operating force is applied to the
wringer handle.
[0013] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0076465,
published on Apr. 14, 2005 to B. Rousey, describes a mop bucket
filtering system. This mop bucket filtering system includes a mop
bucket defining a cleaning solution basin. A pump is externally
mounted on the bucket and is in fluid communication with the
cleaning solution basin. A filter system is exteriorly mounted on
the bucket in fluid communication with the cleaning solution basin
and is operationally connected to the pump. The pump draws fluid
from the cleaning solution basin through the filter system for
return to the basin after the cleaning solution has been
filtered.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,094, issued on Dec. 14, 1999 to R. S.
Young, teaches a removal and replaceable filter and filter holder
for a mop cleaning bucket. This filter receives dirt settling under
gravity from the contained liquid so that the dirt collects in and
passes through the filter so as to be trapped therebelow. The
holder is a rigid or substantially rigid perforated support
structure spaced above and below the dirt-receiving filter. The
holder is supported in the bucket in spaced relation to the bottom
of the bucket and protects the filter. The filter is a thin,
sturdy, semi-rigid and floatable member with many holes so that
soiled water passes through and collects in the bottom of the
bucket.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,266, issued on Nov. 2, 1999 to Anderson
et al., provides a method for cleaning and wringing a mop. The mop
is provided with a handle, mop strings and a plunger. The plunger
is located between the handle and the mop strings. A sleeve having
a top and an open bottom end is provided with the sleeve being
perforated near the bottom end. The sleeve is tapered so that the
bottom end is larger than the top end. The plunger and the mop
strings are located inside the sleeve with the plunger positioned
near the top end of the sleeve and the mop strings depending from
the plunger. The bottom end of the sleeve is located in a liquid so
that the liquid enters a bottom portion of the sleeve through the
perforations. The handle is moved down so as to compress the mop
strings with the plunger, with the mop strings being immersed in
the liquid, so as to force dirt from the mop strings out of the
sleeve perforations. The handle is moved up so as to raise the
plunger inside the sleeve and decompress the mop strings so as to
allow the mop strings to absorb liquid from outside the sleeve to
the perforations.
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mop
washing bucket that effect effectively cleans the mop strings of a
mop.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
mop washing bucket that effectively cleans microfiber pads
associated with floor and wall mops.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
mop washing bucket that allows a continuous supply of clean water
to be delivered to the mop when the mop strings or microfiber pads
are positioned within the bucket.
[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
mop washing bucket whereby a continuous supply of clean hot water
is maintained within the interior of the washing bucket.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
mop washing bucket that effectively discharges debris from the
interior of the bucket.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
mop washing bucket that can be adapted for domestic, commercial and
industrial uses.
[0022] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a mop washing bucket that occupies a minimal amount of
space within a facility.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
mop washing bucket that enhances the ability to effectively mop the
floor.
[0024] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a mop washing bucket which conserves water.
[0025] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a mop washing bucket that avoids the use of wheels and
wringing apparatus.
[0026] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a mop washing bucket that is easy-to-use, relatively
inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
[0027] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a mop washing bucket which allows debris and dirty water to
be directed to a specific location exterior of the washing
bucket.
[0028] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached
specification and appended claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention is a mop washing bucket that comprises
a container having an interior volume defined by a bottom and the
wall extending upwardly from the bottom, a fluid inlet affixed
adjacent to the bottom of the container, and a fluid outlet formed
on the container in a location above the fluid inlet. The fluid
inlet is adapted to be connected to a water hose. The fluid inlet
extends through the wall of the container so as to have one end in
the interior volume and another end exterior of the wall of the
container. A fluid outlet is adapted to allow water from the
interior volume of the container to flow outwardly of the
container.
[0030] The wall of the container has a pair of side walls and a
pair of end walls extending between the pair of side walls so as to
have a generally rectangular configuration. Each of the pair of
side walls has a length dimension extending between the pair of end
walls. Each of the pair of end walls has a length dimension
extending between the pair of side walls. The length dimension of
each of the pair of side walls is greater than a length dimension
of each of the pair of end walls.
[0031] The fluid inlet comprises a fitting affixed in one of the
pair of end walls. The fitting has a hose fitting on an end
exterior of the end wall and a nozzle on the end of the fitting in
the interior volume of the container. The nozzle of the fitting is
a slot having a length dimension extending parallel to the bottom
of the container and a width dimension extending transverse to the
bottom of the container. The length dimension of the slot is
substantially greater than the width dimension of the slot. The
width dimension of the slot is greatest between the opposite ends
of the length dimension of the slot. In the preferred embodiment
the present invention, the slot has a truncated ellipsoid
shape.
[0032] The fluid outlet comprises an opening formed in the wall of
the container. In particular, in the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the fluid outlet is a tubular member extending
outwardly of the hole of the wall of the container. The tubular
member is adapted to allow water to flow outwardly from the
container at a location spaced away from the wall of the container.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubular
member has ridges thereon. These ridges are adapted to retain a
conduit or hose over an end of the tubular member.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid inlet
and the fluid outlet will be on a common wall of the container. A
pair of feet are affixed to the bottom of the container so as to
extend outwardly from the bottom of the container. The plurality of
feet are adapted to support the container in spaced relation above
an underlying surface. A water hose can be connected to the fluid
inlet. The fluid inlet defines a nozzle that directs water under
pressure from the water hose into the interior volume of the
container in a bottom-to-top circular pattern.
[0034] In an other embodiment of the present invention, the fluid
outlet comprises a pipe affixed to the wall of the container. The
pipe has an end extending outwardly of the wall of the container.
This pipe can have an L-shaped configuration. In particular, the
pipe can be pivotally mounted to the container such that an end of
the pipe can be directed in a desired direction.
[0035] This foregoing Section is intended to describe, with
particularity, the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
It is understood that modifications to this preferred embodiment
can be made within the scope of the present claims. As such, this
Section should not to be construed, in any way, as limiting of the
broad scope of the present invention. The present invention should
only be limited by the following claims and their legal
equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the mop washing
bucket of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 is an end elevational view showing the placement of
the mop washing bucket of the present invention upon an underlying
surface.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mop washing bucket
of the present invention showing the bottom-to-top circulation
pattern of water within the interior of the bucket.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the placement of the
mop washing bucket of the present invention within a sink or
drainage area in a janitorial closet.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid inlet of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 6 is an end view of the fluid inlet of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the fluid outlet of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the mop washing bucket
10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The mop washing bucket 10 includes a container 12 having
an interior volume 14 defined by a bottom 16 and a wall 18
extending upwardly from the bottom 16. A fluid inlet 20 is affixed
to the wall 18 adjacent to the bottom 16 of the container 12. The
fluid inlet 20 is adapted be connected to a water hose. The fluid
inlet 20 extends through the wall 18 of the container so as to have
one end in the interior volume 14 and another end exterior of the
wall 18 of the container 12. A fluid outlet 22 is formed on the
container 12 in a location above the fluid inlet 20. The fluid
outlet is adapted to allow water from the interior volume 14 of the
container 12 to flow outwardly of the container 12.
[0044] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the wall 18 of the container 12
has a pair of side walls 24 and 26 and a pair of end walls 28 and
30 extending between the pair of side walls 24 and 26. It can be
seen that the container 12 has a generally rectangular
configuration. This rectangular configuration is important to the
proper operation of the present invention as will be described
hereinafter. In other words, the rectangular configuration will
cause the flow pattern of water that is introduced through the
fluid inlet 20 to have a bottom-to-top circular flow pattern for
the aggressive and effective cleaning of materials introduced into
the interior of the mop washing bucket 10. If the container 12 was
circular, the water would flow in a cyclonic pattern. The cyclonic
pattern is effective for the cleaning of mop strings, but less
effective in the cleaning of micro-fiber pads.
[0045] In particular, it can be seen that the sidewalls 24 and 26
have a length dimension extending between the pair of end walls 28
and 30. Each of the pair of end walls 28 and 30 has a length
dimension extending between the pair of side walls 24 and 26. The
length dimension of each of the pair of side walls 24 and 26 is
greater than a length dimension of each of the pair of end walls 28
and 30.
[0046] The fluid inlet (as will be described hereinafter) is a
fitting that is affixed to the end wall 28. The fitting 20 will
have a portion 32 on an exterior of the end wall 28 and will have a
nozzle (to be described hereinafter) in the interior volume 14 of
the container 12. The configuration of the fluid inlet 20 is
described in greater detail herein in FIG. 5.
[0047] The fluid outlet 22 is an opening that is formed in the wall
28 of the container 12. In particular, the fluid outlet 22 includes
a tubular member 34 that extends outwardly of the hole in the wall
28 of the container 12. The tubular member 34 is adapted to allow
water to flow outwardly of the container in a location spaced away
from the wall 28 of the container. If only a hole were placed into
the wall 28 of the container, then the water would tend to drain
down the end wall 28 of the container in an unsightly fashion.
After the container is removed from the drain, then water that
resides on the end wall 28 will continue to drip during use during
the mopping process. As such, the tubular member 34 is adapted so
as to allow water to be released from the interior 14 of the
container 12 in a location spaced away from the wall 18 of the
container 12. As such, the exterior of the walls of the container
will be generally free of moisture and water accumulation
thereon.
[0048] It can be seen that the tubular member 34 has ridges formed
thereon. These ridges are adapted to retain a conduit over an end
of the tubular member. As such, if it is desired to place a hose or
conduit around the tubular member 34 in order that the discharge of
water from the interior volume 14 of the container 12 to be passed
to a remote location, then the ridges on the tubular member 34 will
accommodate the placement of such a hose or conduit. This is
particularly effective if a drain is located far away from the
placement of the mop washing bucket 10. It can be seen that the
fluid inlet 20 and the fluid outlet 22 are on a common wall 24 of
the container.
[0049] A plurality of feet 36 are affixed to the bottom 16 of the
container 12 so as to extend outwardly from the bottom 16 of the
container 12. The plurality of feet 36 can be simple plastic feet
that are intended to support the container 12 in spaced relation
above an underlying surface.
[0050] FIG. 2 shows the placement of the mop washing bucket 10 of
the present invention upon an underlying surface 38. In particular,
the underlying surface 38 has a drain 40 thereon. The feet 36 of
the mop washing bucket 10 support the bottom 16 of the container 12
in spaced relation above the underlying surface 38. As such, when
water is discharged through the fluid outlet 22, it will be
discharged toward the underlying surface 38 and will migrate,
eventually, toward the drain 40. Since the feet 36 serve to space
the bottom 16 away from the underlying surface 38, the bottom 16
will not block the drain 40 nor create an impediment to the proper
flow of water toward the drain 30.
[0051] In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the fluid inlet 20 has a
nozzle 42 on the interior 14 of the container 12. This nozzle be
described in greater detail hereinafter. FIG. 2 also shows that the
end wall 28 has a dimension between the sidewalls 24 and 26 which
is less than the length of the side walls 24 and 26 between the end
walls 28 and 30.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows the mop washing bucket 10 having a water hose
50 affixed to the fluid inlet 20. The end of the fluid inlet 20
will have a hose fitting 52 on the end extending outwardly of the
wall 18 of the mop washing bucket 10. The hose 50 will deliver
water into the interior volume 14 of the container 12 in the manner
shown in FIG. 3. The nozzle at the end of the fluid inlet 20 will
create a bottom-to-top flow pattern in a circular manner as shown
by line 54. This continuous circular flow pattern will cause any
materials within the water in the interior volume 14 of the
container 12 to circulate upwardly and then downwardly and
continuously. This creates a unique washing operation that is
particularly adapted to the cleaning of microfiber pads. When a
large number of microfiber pads are placed within the circulating
water in the interior volume of the container 12, they will
continue only rotate and be agitated by this circular bottom-to-top
spiral or circular flow pattern. They will continue to move
upwardly and downwardly as water is being discharged out of the
fluid outlet 22. As such, continuous clean water will be introduced
from the water hose 50 into the interior volume 14. As dirt and
debris tend to accumulate within the water in the container 14, the
dirt and debris will ultimately be discharged, along with the
water, outwardly of the fluid outlet 22 as illustrated by the arrow
adjacent thereto. As such, the microfiber pads or mop strings will
always be subjected to hot clean water during the washing process.
Experiments conducted with the present invention have found that
this bottom-to-top circular flow pattern greatly improves the
efficiency of the cleaning of microfiber pads in an unexpected
manner. It is believed that the upward motion and then the downward
motion and then the upward motion of such microfiber pads tended to
cause more water to be forced through each of the pores of the
microfiber pad. As such, this enhances the cleaning process.
[0053] FIG. 4 shows the mop washing bucket 10 in a broken-line
fashion is placed within a sink 60 in a janitorial closet 62. Sink
60 can be in the nature of a drain fixture or it can be a sink that
is supported a distance above the floor 64. A drain 66 is centrally
placed within the sink 60. A water supply 68, along with a hose 70,
is provided adjacent to the sink 60 in the janitorial closet
62.
[0054] Ultimately, in the process of the present invention, the mop
washing bucket 10 can simply be lifted over the edge 72 and placed
on the floor 74 of the sink 60. Since the feet 36 support the
bottom 16 of the container 12 a distance below the underlying
surface, there is no problem with placing the mop washing bucket 10
directly over the drain 66. Ultimately, the hose 70 can be moved so
that the end 76 can be joined to the hose fitting 52 on the fluid
inlet 20. The hot water knob 78 on faucet 80 can be turned so that
hot water is delivered through the hose 70 and ultimately into the
interior volume of the mop washing bucket 10. The microfiber pads
and/or mop strings 82 can then be lowered into the mop washing
bucket 10 for continuous cleaning
[0055] In normal use, a mop, such as mop 82, will be introduced
through the opening at the top of the container 12 and inserted
into the water within the container 12. The strings of the mop 82
will absorb water. Since the water hose 70 is connected to the
faucet 80, hot water from the faucet 80 can be delivered through
the hose 70 continuously into the interior of the container 12. As
such, the mop strings will have hot water thereon. The mop can then
be used to mop a floor. After a certain amount of time, the mop
strings will be reintroduced through the opening at the top of the
container 12 and back into the water of the container. The hot
water within the container 12 will serve to separate grease and
other debris from the strings of the mop. Often, the mop strings
are placed against the bottom 16 of the container 12 so as to
squeeze the contaminants therefrom. Since the nozzle of the fluid
inlet 20 is directed generally adjacent to the bottom 16 of the
container, a jet of water is provided so as to further assist in
removing contaminants from the mop strings.
[0056] Ultimately, the grease and debris that has been discharged
from the mop into the water in the container 12 will continue to
rise within the water in the container as the water continues to be
introduced into the container 12 from the water hose 70 through the
fluid inlet 20. Since water is continuously discharged through the
fluid outlet 22, the debris will ultimately rise with the water
until the contaminants reach the fluid outlet 22. These
contaminants and debris can then be discharged through the fluid
outlet 22 and outwardly to a drain.
[0057] Under all circumstances, the water that remains within the
container 12 will continue to be clean and hot. This will continue
throughout the various cycles of wringing the mop within the
container 12. If a wringer is used to squeeze the mop strings, the
debris will be deposited adjacent the top level of water within the
container 12 so that it will more quickly flow out of the fluid
outlet 22. After the mop has been squeezed in a wringer, the debris
is released therefrom and quickly discharged through the fluid
outlet. The mop is then reinserted in the clean water within the
interior of the container 12.
[0058] Importantly, in the present invention, the container 12 will
have a relatively small size. This is very important for small
establishments, such as fast food locations, convenience stores,
and other small facilities. The relatively large mop buckets are
not necessary. Since only a small amount of area needs to be
mopped, the present invention avoids the needs for wringing
apparatus and wheeled structures. The present invention is intended
to take up the space of a relatively small wastebasket. As such, it
can be easily moved and stowed. Ultimately, the the container will
receive much less water. As such, the weight of the container, with
the water therein, is relatively minimal This container can be
handled by a single individual by simply lifting the container and
the water therein and moving the container and its water to the
drain. As such, the present invention can be provided at a much
lower cost, can be transported much more easily, and can be stored
within the small facility in a minimal amount of space. This is
accomplished while, at the same time, providing extremely effective
cleaning action to mop strings and in particular, microfiber
pads.
[0059] FIG. 5 shows the fluid inlet 20 as used in the present
invention. It can be seen that the fluid inlet 20 has the hose
fitting 52 at the end 90 that will extend outwardly of the wall 18
of the container 12. Ultimately, the threaded portion 92 can engage
with the wall of the container in a liquid-tight manner.
Alternatively, the wall 18 of the container 12 can be simply molded
to the surfaces of the fluid outlet 12. The end 94 of the fluid
outlet 20 includes a nozzle having a small aperture 96 therein. The
small aperture is illustrated, in greater detail in FIG. 6. The
fluid outlet 20 can further have a water reducer 51. The water
reducer 51 is a generally flat disk of an elastomeric material.
There is a hole that is formed through the water reducer 51.
Ultimately, when the water hose is connected to the threads of the
hose connector 52 of the fluid outlet 20, the pressure rise of the
water flow from the water hose will flow through the interior
passageway toward the water reducer 51. The only water that will
flow past the water reducer 51 will be that water which passes
through the hole of the water reducer 51. As such, the water
reducer 51 serves to reduce the rate of water flow into the
interior 18 of the container 12. The water reducer 51 assures that
no matter how much pressure is directed by the water hose toward
the container 12, only a limited amount of water will be released
into the interior 18 of the container 12.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows, in particular, the nozzle 96 that is formed at
the end 94 of the fluid inlet 20. The nozzle 96 has a slot having a
length dimension 100 extending parallel to the bottom 16 of the
container 12 and a width dimension extending transverse to the
bottom 16 of the container 12. It can be seen that the length
dimension 100 of the slot is substantially greater than the width
dimension of the slot. The nozzle 96 has its width dimension
greater in the center 102 between the opposite ends of the length
dimension 100 of the slot. The slot has a truncated ellipsoid
shape.
[0061] The nozzle 96 is adapted to direct a pressurized flow of
water toward an area adjacent to the bottom 16 of the container 12.
It can be seen that the nozzle 96 has the shape of a cord of a
circle. The straight edge 100 of the cord of the circle is below
the curved portion 102. Experiments with this configuration of
nozzle have shown that it creates a strong laminar flow of water in
a straight direction adjacent to the bottom 16 of the container 12.
The curved portion 102 of the nozzle 96 creates a strong flow that
tends to spread slightly upwardly from the bottom 16 of the
container 12. As such, these flows of water tend interact with the
strings of the mop or with the surfaces of the microfiber pads so
as to forcibly remove debris from the strings or from the pores of
the microfiber pad. This configuration of slot also creates the
bottom-to-top flow pattern of water within the interior 18 of the
container 12.
[0062] FIG. 7 shows one configuration of a pipe 110 that can be
used with the fluid outlet 22 of the present invention. FIG. 7
shows a swivel pipe 110 having one end 112 that can be affixed to
the fluid outlet 22 and an opposite end 114 that has threads 116
suitable for securing to a conduit. The elbow swivel 110, as shown
in FIG. 7, can be movable about pivot joint 118 between a first
position extending upwardly and a second position extending
downwardly. When the elbow swivel 110 is in the downward position,
it is suitable for delivering water flowing from the interior 18 of
the container 12 toward an underlying surface. On the other hand,
when the elbow swivel 110 is in the upper position (to which the
end 114 is located above the swivel joint 118), it will allow the
mop washing bucket 10 to be used as a conventional bucket. In other
words, if a cap were placed over the fluid inlet 20 so as to close
the fluid inlet, a continuous supply of water is not being
delivered into the interior 18 of the container 12. Since the elbow
swivel 110 has its end 118 above the level of water within the
bucket, the water will pass outwardly of the end 28. As such, this
easily allows one to convert the continuous-flow washing bucket 10
of the present invention into a conventional mop bucket.
[0063] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is
illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the
details of the illustrated construction can be made is the scope of
the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the
invention. The present invention should only be limited by the
following claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *