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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

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;

FIG. 2 is side view of the multiuse cleaning tool of FIG. 1 shown in a second or dusting position;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the multiuse cleaning tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a head assembly according to the present disclosure in the second or dusting position;

FIG. 5 illustrates the head assembly of FIG. 4 in the first or mopping position;

FIG. 6 illustrates the head assembly of FIG. 4 in the second or dusting position;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the head assembly of FIG. 4 having the head cover removed;

FIGS. 8b and 8c are magnified views of portions of the head assembly of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the head assembly in the first or mopping position;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the head assembly of FIG. 9 taken along lines 9-9;

FIG. 11 is a magnified view of the head assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning petal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the cleaning petal of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the cleaning petal of FIG. 13 taken along lines 13-13;

FIG. 15 is a magnified view of an exemplary embodiment of a hinge portion of the cleaning petal of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a head assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the head assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning sleeve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the cleaning sleeve of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the cleaning sleeve of FIG. 19 illustrating a connection opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Another exemplary microfiber cleaning fabric according to the present disclosure is knit or woven entirely of microfibers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.