CLEANING IMPLEMENT

Abstract

A cleaning implement includes a joint for attaching the handle to a cleaning end and permitting two opposing sides of the cleaning end to be used to clean a surface. The joint is constructed in a manner that permits the desired movement of the cleaning end, but also utilizes few components and has a structure that permits quick and simple assembly. The cleaning end can include features that enhance its strength and stability. In addition, the cleaning end can include features that enhance the transfer of fluid from one side of the cleaning end to the opposing side of the cleaning end. Further, the cleaning end can include features that promote the drying of a cleaning material attached to the cleaning end after use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/293,438, filed Jan. 8, 2010, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Cleaning implements for cleaning a surface, such as a floor, are well known in the art. Cleaning implements suitable for both wet and dry cleaning of a surface are also known. Cleaning implements of this type typically include a handle attached to a cleaning end. A cleaning material is attached to the cleaning end for cleaning a surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The cleaning implement includes a joint that attaches the handle to the cleaning end and permits two opposing sides of the cleaning end to be used to clean a surface. The joint, in combination with the shape of the cleaning end, permits the user to “flip” the cleaning end over to utilize its opposing side. Thus, when a cleaning material is attached to the cleaning end, the cleaning implement has twice the useable surface area of a cleaning implement that only utilizes one side of the cleaning end.

The joint is constructed in a manner that permits the desired movement of the cleaning head, but also utilizes few components and has a structure that permits quick and simple assembly, all of which contribute to the reduction of the manufacturing costs to produce the cleaning implement. The joint can be a two-piece construction with components that can be snap-fit together. In addition, the joint can have a snap-fit connection to the cleaning end.

The cleaning end can include features that enhance its strength and stability. In addition, the cleaning end can include features that enhance the transfer of fluid from one side of the cleaning end to the opposing side of the cleaning end. Further, the cleaning end can include features that promote the drying of a cleaning material attached to the cleaning end after a wet-use application.

A cleaning implement for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The cleaning implement includes a handle with a distal end, a multidirectional joint connected to the handle near the distal end, and a cleaning end connected to the multidirectional joint. The cleaning end has first and second opposing sides, and at least one of the first and second sides has a web. The web includes a plurality of wells. The multidirectional joint is moveable such that the first side can be used to clean the surface, and the multidirectional joint is moveable such that the second side can be used to clean the surface.

In addition, another embodiment of a cleaning implement for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The cleaning implement includes a handle with a distal end, a multidirectional joint connected to the handle near the distal end, and a cleaning end attached to the multidirectional joint. The cleaning end has first and second opposing sides. The cleaning end has a plurality of apertures disposed in a pattern extending across substantially the entire cleaning end. The multidirectional joint is moveable such that the first side can be used to clean the surface, and the multidirectional joint is moveable such that the second side can be used to clean the surface.

Further, another embodiment of a cleaning implement for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The cleaning implement includes a handle with a distal end, a multidirectional joint, and a cleaning end. The multidirectional joint has a handle coupling portion and a cleaning end coupling portion. The handle coupling portion is connected to the cleaning end coupling portion. The handle coupling portion is connected to the handle near the distal end. The cleaning end is connected to the cleaning end coupling portion. The cleaning end has first and second opposing sides. The cleaning end coupling portion is removeably connected to at least one of the handle coupling portion and the cleaning end. The multidirectional joint is moveable such that the first side can be used to clean the surface, and the multidirectional joint is moveable such that the second side can be used to clean the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning implement;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning implement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the cleaning end and joint for the cleaning implement of FIG. 1 with the handle removed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the cleaning end and joint shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded top plan view of the cleaning end and joint shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded bottom view of the cleaning end and joint shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded front view of the cleaning end and joint shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged exploded rear view of the cleaning end and joint shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged exploded right side view of the cleaning end and joint shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to the figures, a cleaning implement 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cleaning implement 100 can include a handle 102 and a cleaning end 104. A cleaning material 106, such as a cleaning pad, can be removably attached to the cleaning end 104 to clean a surface, such as a floor. The cleaning material 106 can be any suitable material, such as a microfiber cleaning pad. In addition, the cleaning material 106 can be reusable or disposable, and the cleaning material 106 can be a material suitable for a wet cleaning and/or a dry cleaning application. The cleaning material 106 can include a pocket for receiving the cleaning end 104, and can have a cleaning surface 108 on its exterior sides such that both of the opposing sides of the cleaning material 106 can be used to clean a surface. The cleaning material 106 can be removably coupled to the cleaning end 104 in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, the use of hook and loop type fasteners to retain the cleaning material 106 to the cleaning end 104.

The handle 102 can be coupled to the cleaning head 104 with a joint 110. The joint 110 can have a structure suitable to permit the handle 102 to move in multiple directions, and the shape of the cleaning end 104 along with the structure of the joint 110 can permit the cleaning end 104 to pivot about the joint 110 such that both of the opposing sides 112, 114 of the cleaning end 104 can be used to clean a surface. It will be appreciated that the joint 110 can provide any suitable degree of movement to permit the cleaning end to be “flipped” such that either of the opposing sides 112, 114 of the cleaning end 104 can be used to clean a surface. In addition, the joint 110 can have a suitable structure such that it can be quickly assembled.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the joint 110 can include a handle coupling portion 116 and a cleaning end coupling portion 118. The handle coupling portion 116 attaches to the handle 102 in a suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the handle coupling portion 116 can include a threaded receptor 120 for receiving a threaded end 122 (shown in FIG. 2) of the handle 102. The handle coupling portion 116 can be attached, such as removably attached, to the cleaning end coupling portion 118. The handle coupling portion 116 can be attached to the cleaning end coupling portion 118 to permit a pivoting movement, such as from side to side (e.g., left to right and vice versa) as shown in the representative figures. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the handle coupling portion 116 may have fingers 124 that snap-fit to a cylindrical bridge 126 on the cleaning end coupling portion 118 when assembled. It will be appreciated that the handle coupling portion 116 can be connected to the cleaning end coupling portion 118 in any suitable way, and these components can move in any suitable manner.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cleaning end coupling portion 118 is attached, such as removably attached, to the cleaning end 104. The cleaning end coupling portion 118 can be attached to the cleaning end 104 to permit a pivoting movement, such as from side to side (e.g., front to rear and vice versa) as shown in the representative figures. As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 9, the cleaning end coupling portion 118 may have fingers 128 that snap-fit to a cylindrical bridge 130 on the cleaning end 104. It will be appreciated that the cleaning end coupling portion 118 can be attached to the cleaning end 104 in any suitable way, and these components can move in any suitable manner.

Utilizing a two-piece joint 110 with snap-fit connections reduces the number of components utilized with the joint 110 and makes assembly of the cleaning implement 100 both simple and efficient, all of which reduces the manufacturing cost of the cleaning implement 100. In addition, the structure of the joint 110 permits sufficient freedom of movement of the handle 102 such that the cleaning end 104 can be directed as desired by the user. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cleaning end 104 includes a notch 132 permitting the cleaning end 104 to be pivoted about the joint 110 such that both opposing sides 112, 114 of the cleaning end 104 can be used to clean a surface.

The cleaning end 104 can have a particular shape that enhances the cleaning implement's ability to clean a surface. Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cleaning end 104 can include a web 134, which enhances the strength of the cleaning end 104, particularly when the cleaning end 104 has a relatively large length and/or width to clean a larger surface area with each sweeping motion. Each cleaning side 112, 114 of the cleaning end 104 can include a web 134. As shown, the web 134 can have a general honeycomb shape, but it will be appreciated that the web 134 could have any suitable shape. The web 134 helps to distribute the force from the user across the surface of the cleaning end 104. In addition, the web 134 reduces the amount of surface area in contact with the cleaning material 106, which helps the cleaning material 106 dry after it has been used for a wet cleaning application.

Wells 136 are formed within the web 134. The wells 136 can be any suitable shape formed from any suitable number of sides. The wells 136 can include apertures 138 that also help the cleaning material 106 to dry after a wet cleaning application. Further, the apertures 138 permit the flow of fluid, such as cleaning solution, from one side of the cleaning end 104 to the other. Thus, the apertures 138 can help improve the distribution of fluid throughout the cleaning material 106. The cleaning end 104 can also include one or more handholds 140 that can be grasped by a user to aid in placing the cleaning material 106 on and/or removing the cleaning material 106 from the cleaning end 104. The handholds 140 can be particularly helpful in applications, such as in hospitals, where the cleaning material 106 must be changed frequently.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A cleaning implement for cleaning a surface comprising:

a handle having a distal end;

a multidirectional joint connected to the handle near the distal end; and

a cleaning end connected to the multidirectional joint, the cleaning end having first and second opposing sides, at least one of the first and second sides having a web, the web including a plurality of wells, the multidirectional joint being moveable such that the first side can be used to clean the surface, and the multidirectional joint being moveable such that the second side can be used to clean the surface.

2. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein both the first side and the second side have a web.

3. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the cleaning end has a plurality of apertures disposed in a pattern.

4. The cleaning implement of claim 3 wherein the plurality of apertures are disposed in the plurality of wells.

5. The cleaning implement of claim 3 wherein the plurality of apertures are disposed in a pattern extending across substantially the entire cleaning end.

6. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the web has a generally honeycomb shape.

7. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the web extends across substantially the entirety of the at least one of the first and second sides.

8. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the cleaning end includes an elongated slot forming a handhold.

9. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the multidirectional joint has a handle coupling portion and a cleaning end coupling portion, the handle coupling portion being connected to the cleaning end coupling portion, and the cleaning end being connected to the cleaning end coupling portion.

10. The cleaning implement of claim 9 wherein the cleaning end coupling portion is removeably connected to at least one of the handle coupling portion and the cleaning end.

11. A cleaning implement for cleaning a surface comprising:

a handle having a distal end;

a multidirectional joint connected to the handle near the distal end; and

a cleaning end attached to the multidirectional joint, the cleaning end having first and second opposing sides, the cleaning end having a plurality of apertures disposed in a pattern extending across substantially the entire cleaning end, the multidirectional joint being moveable such that the first side can be used to clean the surface, and the multidirectional joint being moveable such that the second side can be used to clean the surface.

12. The cleaning implement of claim 11 wherein both the first side and the second side have a web having a plurality of wells.

13. The cleaning implement of claim 12 wherein the plurality of apertures are disposed in the plurality of wells.

14. The cleaning implement of claim 12 wherein at least one of the first side web and the second side web have a generally honeycomb shape.

15. The cleaning implement of claim 12 wherein the first side web extends across substantially all of the first side, and the second side web extends across substantially all of the second side.

16. The cleaning implement of claim 11 wherein the cleaning end includes an elongated slot forming a handhold.

17. The cleaning implement of claim 11 wherein the multidirectional joint has a handle coupling portion and a cleaning end coupling portion, the handle coupling portion being connected to the cleaning end coupling portion, and the cleaning end being connected to the cleaning end coupling portion.

18. The cleaning implement of claim 17 wherein the cleaning end coupling portion is removeably connected to at least one of the handle coupling portion and the cleaning end.

19. A cleaning implement for cleaning a surface comprising:

a handle having a distal end;

a multidirectional joint, the multidirectional joint having a handle coupling portion and a cleaning end coupling portion, the handle coupling portion being connected to the cleaning end coupling portion, the handle coupling portion being connected to the handle near the distal end; and

a cleaning end connected to the cleaning end coupling portion, the cleaning end having first and second opposing sides, the cleaning end coupling portion being removeably connected to at least one of the handle coupling portion and the cleaning end, the multidirectional joint being moveable such that the first side can be used to clean the surface, and the multidirectional joint being moveable such that the second side can be used to clean the surface.

20. The cleaning implement of claim 19 wherein the cleaning end has a cylindrical bridge and the cleaning end coupling portion has a plurality of fingers for removeably engaging the bridge.