HOUSEHOLD CLEANING CONTAINER AND ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SUCH A CONTAINER AND A MOP

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning container (1) for receiving household cleaning liquid, in particular for cleaning floors. The container comprises: a vessel (2) for a cleaning liquid (L), a basin (3) arranged such that a mop (100) is able to collect said liquid by absorption when the container is in the cleaning position, a partition (4) separating the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L) from the basin (3), at least one opening (5) arranged in the partition (4) to allow the cleaning liquid to pass into the basin. The at least on opening (5) is in the vicinity of the bottom of the container and is permanently open. When the opening is submerged in the cleaning liquid, the vessel is airtight, such that the liquid flow is stopped and the liquid is in equilibrium between the vessel (2) and the basin (3). This arrangement provides for a constant level in the basin (3).

Description

The invention relates to cleaning container for household cleaning of smooth surfaces of any kind, in particular floors.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a container and a mop.

PRIOR ART

In the area of household cleaning, it is known to use a bucket filled with a cleaning liquid, for example water, mixed if necessary with a cleaning product or detergent. In general, the user soaks a cloth in the cleaning liquid before applying it to the floor in order to scrub the floor with said cloth. The cloth is then soaked again in the liquid contained in the bucket in order to be rinsed and then wrung out before being soaked again in order to clean a new part of the floor. The user repeats the process as many times as necessary in order to clean the desired floor surface. Yet these processes lead to the cleaning liquid gradually becoming contaminated with the dirt collected from the floor to be cleaned. This results in frequent replacement of the cleaning liquid and excessive consumption of water and of cleaning product. Multi-compartment buckets comprising a vessel for cleaning liquid and a receptacle for dirty water, the latter having a wringing device mounted over it, have therefore been proposed. Yet these devices do not prevent the vessel containing clean liquid from becoming contaminated as the dirt is still present on the cloth, so that some of it still becomes diluted in the vessel containing clean liquid when the cloth is immersed in the vessel in order to be rinsed or soaked to clean a new part of the floor.

Document EP0781524 discloses a dosing device, which aims to limit the consumption of cleaning liquid. The dosing device comprises a storage chamber containing the cleaning liquid and a wetting chamber in which a cleaning tool is immersed in the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is added in a controlled manner, by means of a dosing valve and an actuating member that acts on said valve, from the storage chamber toward the wetting chamber.

However, it is difficult to measure the quantity of liquid entering the wetting chamber, so that the consumption remains excessive and/or adjusting the water level is still difficult. Furthermore, the mop is wrung out in the wetting chamber with the result that the cleaning liquid is also contaminated.

The object of the invention is to provide a cleaning device that reduces the consumption of water and the consumption of cleaning product. It also aims to prevent or at least reduce the contamination of the cleaning liquid each time the mop is immersed in the device after being used on the floor, thereby improving hygiene. It also aims to facilitate the use of a cleaning device. It aims to provide a device that is more economical and more environmentally friendly. Finally, it aims to provide a cleaning device that is more reliable and more compact.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

At least one of the objects is achieved with a container for household cleaning with a cleaning liquid. The container is intended to contain at least one cleaning liquid. Household cleaning means the cleaning of floors or surfaces in dwellings or the cleaning of floors or surfaces in commercial premises. Cleaning liquid typically means water, mixed if necessary with one or more detergent and/or cleaning products.

The container comprises:

• • a vessel for cleaning liquid,
  • a basin, arranged such that a sponge body is able to collect said liquid by absorption when the container is in the cleaning position, for example the container being placed flat on the floor,
  • a partition separating the vessel for cleaning liquid from the basin,
  • at least one opening arranged in the partition to allow the cleaning liquid to pass into the basin.

According to the invention,

• • the at least one opening is in the vicinity of the bottom of the container and away from an upper wall of the vessel for cleaning liquid, such that a capacity of the basin, when the opening is just submerged in the cleaning liquid, is well below the maximum capacity of the vessel,
  • the at least one opening ensures a permanent connection between the vessel and the basin, and
  • the vessel for cleaning liquid is airtight when the at least one opening is submerged in cleaning liquid.

The invention is based on Pascal's principle, which characterizes the equilibrium of liquids. Applied to the cleaning container, the cleaning liquid (of uniform density) is in equilibrium between the vessel for cleaning liquid and the basin. The surface of the cleaning liquid contained in the basin is constantly subject to atmospheric pressure, while the surface of the cleaning liquid contained in the vessel is subject to a lower pressure as a result of the vessel being airtight. After the liquid in the basin is removed by a sponge body, the at least one opening is not submerged on the basin side and allows air to enter the vessel, as a consequence whereof the cleaning liquid contained in the vessel flows into the basin until the level of liquid in the basin blocks the opening again. According to the invention, the level of cleaning liquid is substantially constant in the basin, while it declines steadily in the vessel since the vessel replenishes the basin each time the liquid in the basin is removed. The liquid thus always moves from the vessel into the basin, so that any dirt collected by the sponge body does not contaminate the vessel, which therefore always supplies perfectly clean liquid to the basin. The permanent connection between the basin and the vessel provides for reliability, compared to the prior art. Further to this end, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to activate a device; this makes utilization significantly easier and more secure. Preferably, the capacity of cleaning liquid in the basin is equivalent to a quantity that is just sufficient to adequately soak the sponge body. The excess consumption of cleaning liquid is also controlled or avoided, as well as the risk that residual dirt, after wringing, will mix with a large quantity of liquid; this improves hygiene during cleaning.

Preferably, the cleaning container features a generally rectangular external shape. The basin has an interior shape that is generally substantially rectangular or quadrilateral, such that the sponge body can be placed on the surface of the bottom of the basin.

According to the invention, the cleaning container is intended to be used, typically, with a mop comprising a sponge body on or around the head of the mop.

For example, the mop comprises a head that is substantially rectangular or quadrilateral in shape such that said head is surrounded, at least in part, by the sponge body. In this case, the sponge body is a cloth or a cloth wipe. The shape of the mop head is dimensioned so that the head can be placed on the surface of the bottom of the basin and nest within the basin.

According to another example, the mop comprises a head with a substantially cylindrical shape on which are arranged fringes forming the sponge body. This type of mop is called a fringe mop. Preferably, the length of the fringes is chosen so that they can all fit into the basin.

According to yet another example, the cleaning container is also intended to be used with a sponge, a cloth wipe or one of the aforementioned devices equipped with a sponge body and equipped with a handle, such that the container is also easy to use for cleaning the surfaces of tables or windows.

Preferably, the vessel for cleaning liquid and the basin are juxtaposed. The bottom of the vessel for cleaning liquid is situated at the same level as the bottom of the basin such that the cleaning liquid flows freely from the vessel into the basin. According to the preferred embodiment, the bottom of the vessel for cleaning liquid and the bottom of the basin are constructed as a single piece, forming a bottom wall of the cleaning container.

According to another embodiment, the vessel for cleaning liquid may be partially situated above the basin, for example separated by several centimeters. A main vessel for cleaning liquid is connected via a tube to an intermediate versa having a very small capacity relative to the main vessel. The intermediate vessel is separated from the basin by the partition featuring the at least one opening. The partition featuring the at least one opening may have any geometric shape, for example rectangular, polygonal, cylindrical or conical and may be tilted at a non-zero angle relative to the bottom of the basin.

The at least one opening forms a tunnel between the vessel for cleaning liquid and the basin. The at least one opening is permanently open. “Permanently open” means an opening or a free passage in any piece or assembly of interconnected pieces that extends through the opening and projects on both sides of the partition, said piece or assembly of pieces extending in a direction that is normal to the plane in which the at least one opening is formed and being arranged and configured to block said opening. For example, “permanently open” means an opening without a valve-type obstruction. When in use, i.e. when in the cleaning position, the vessel for cleaning liquid is airtight when the at least one opening is submerged in cleaning liquid. For example, the partition is tilted at an angle of between 45 and 90 degree to the horizontal.

In order to fill the vessel for cleaning liquid, the at least one opening is arranged and configured in order to achieve an air intake for the vessel for cleaning liquid when the container is tilted adequately in relation to the cleaning position, in the sense of placing the at least one opening in an elevated position. In practice, the vessel for cleaning liquid is filled by pouring cleaning liquid into the basin, then tilting the container so that the liquid flows into the vessel via the at least one opening. For example, the container is tilted at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the horizontal. According to other embodiments the container may be tilted at an angle of between 1 and 90 degrees to the horizontal. The cleaning container may be tilted gradually in order to achieve a continuous air intake, via of the at least one opening, in order to fill the vessel as much as possible. The tilting enables the air present in the vessel for cleaning liquid to escape during filling. In order to fill the vessel completely, the container is tilted so that the surface of the cleaning liquid reaches the level of the at least one opening. When the container is rotated the other way until it reaches the cleaning position, the cleaning liquid flows into the basin via the at least one opening, until the at least one opening is submerged. At the same time, an air pocket with pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure is created between the upper wall of the vessel forming the ceiling of said vessel and the surface of the cleaning liquid inside the vessel. Equilibrium of the cleaning liquid between the basin and the vessel is thus achieved. According to another embodiment, an additional air intake is achieved on a surface of the basin that separates the vessel for cleaning liquid from the basin, to facilitate the filling of the vessel with cleaning liquid, said air intake being submerged in the cleaning position or capable of being blocked by means of a plug or a valve.

According to the invention, the height of the at least one opening corresponds substantially to the height of the level of cleaning liquid in the basin. The level of cleaning liquid in the basin corresponds substantially to the level necessary in order to submerge the at least one opening. According to one embodiment, the height of the at least one opening is preferably between 1 and 15 millimeter(s) relative to the bottom of the basin, and particularly between 3 and 5 millimeters. This embodiment of the container is preferred for use with a mop head fitted with a cloth wipe. According to another embodiment, the height of the at least one opening is preferably between 10 and 15 millimeters. This embodiment of the container is preferred for use with a fringed mop head. The height of the at least one opening may be as high as 20 millimeters. This height of liquid in the basin enables the sponge body surrounding the mop to be sufficiently soaked to enable the floor to be cleaned and enables cleaning liquid, generally water and/or detergent or cleaning products, to be saved. In this way, contamination of the liquid present in the basin is also avoided since the head of the mop is not immersed as the liquid impregnates the mop through capillary action.

Several openings that are aligned and spaced several centimeters apart may be arranged in said partition.

Optionally, the bottom of the container may be hollowed out, forming a cavity of one to several millimeter(s) in depth directly below each opening. The cavities make it possible to increase the section of passage of the cleaning liquid in the openings when the vessel for cleaning liquid is filled. This feature facilitates the filling of the vessel for cleaning liquid, particularly when the opening is at a low height. The implementation of the cavities does not change the height of the level of the cleaning liquid in the basin.

The cleaning container preferably comprises a collection chamber for used liquid. The collection chamber enables the used liquid present in the sponge body of the mop to be collected before the mop is moistened again in the basin. The collection chamber for used liquid and the vessel for cleaning liquid are separated by a single wall. This feature enables a compact cleaning container to be provided.

The vessel for cleaning liquid preferably comprises a reduced area of cross-section forming a passage for the cleaning liquid between the vessel for cleaning liquid and the basin. The passage is situated in the vicinity of a side of the container opposite an outlet of the collection chamber. According to one embodiment, said passage connects with the at least one opening arranged in the partition separating the basin from the vessel for cleaning liquid, said partition extending transversally to the container.

The container preferably comprises a cavity forming an antechamber, situated between the vessel for cleaning liquid and the basin. The cavity is formed between the partition featuring the at least one opening and a retention partition extending toward a first longitudinal side of the container but leaving a passage, corresponding to the area of reduced cross-section, between the end of the retention partition and the interior surface of the first longitudinal side. The outlet from the collection chamber is provided through a second longitudinal side of the container, which is opposite the first longitudinal side. In this way, the container may be tilted toward the second longitudinal side; this places the passage in an elevated position and enables the collection chamber for used liquid to be emptied while the escape or spillage of the cleaning liquid contained in the vessel is prevented due to the retention partition. This also enables the water in the basin to return to the vessel quickly when the container is tilted into a vertical position, such that the basin is situated above the vessel for cleaning liquid in the vertical position.

The container preferably comprises a wringing area featuring at least one scraper, arranged and configured to enable the sponge body, for example the sponge body surrounding the mop, to be rubbed against it. The wringing area enables the used liquid soaking the sponge body to be evacuated. The wringing area preferably comprises ridges. The ridges may be arranged in a V shape, for example.

According to another embodiment, the wringing area is in the form of a cylinder protruding from the upper surface of the cleaning container when the latter is in the cleaning position. The wringing area comprises a cone-shaped cavity arranged in the cylinder, the cone widening toward the top. The surface of the cone features ridges, arranged and configured to enable a sponge body of the type comprising fringes, for example a fringe mop, to be rubbed against it. The fringe mop is preferably wrung out on the wringing area by applying the mop head featuring fringes against the ridges and turning the mop so that the fringes rub against the ridges.

The wringing area connects with the collection chamber for used liquid. The wringing area is preferably situated on an inclined plane such that the used liquid flows by gravity into the collection chamber. For example, the used liquid flows by gravity into a cavity, which forms the collection chamber and is juxtaposed to the wringing area. The cavity is completely open at the top.

According to one embodiment, the collection chamber is situated below the wringing area such that the collection chamber is partially covered at the top. The upper wall of the container represents a separation between the wringing area and the collection chamber; the upper surface of said wall forming the wringing area and the lower surface of said wall forming the ceiling of the collection chamber when the container is in the cleaning position. The upper wall features a drain hole for the used liquid. The drain hole is arranged and configured so that the used liquid present on the wringing area flows by gravity toward the collection chamber. The upper wall of the container is substantially concave and inclined such that the water flows by gravity toward the drain hole.

According to the preferred embodiment, the wringing area is situated above both the collection chamber and the vessel for cleaning liquid. This feature enables a compact cleaning container to be provided.

The container preferably comprises a device for controlling the height of the at least one opening in order to adjust the level of cleaning liquid in the basin. According to a particular embodiment, the control device is a plate extending longitudinally, forming a slide plate, arranged parallel to the partition. The slide plate is arranged and configured so that it can move in height and in parallel to the partition. For example, the transversal partition features a guiding device for the slide plate, such as grooves, on one of its surfaces to guide the movement of the slide plate. Optionally, the slide plate comprises a sealing lip arranged and configured to rest against the surface of the partition in order to allow the height of the at least one opening to be controlled. This feature enables the height of the at least one opening to be varied from 1 to 20 millimeter(s). This feature enables the section of the at least one opening to be enlarged and enables the vessel for cleaning liquid to be filled more easily.

Optionally, the container comprises a receptacle or household cleaning product or detergent, arranged and configured to release the cleaning product or detergent into the basin. The receptacle is placed between the vessel for cleaning liquid and the basin. The receptacle is preferably placed on a lateral wall of the basin but without touching the bottom of the basin. For example, the receptacle comprises, at its base, holes with very small cross-sections arranged on the bottom thereof or on a lateral surface in the vicinity of the bottom thereof, so as to release the cleaning product into the basin. This enables the vessel to be filled with water, to which cleaning product is added when the water is in the basin. Said receptacle is preferably removable to enable it to be refilled more easily. For example, the cleaning product is solid and is released by erosion when the user puts water into the receptacle.

According to a particular embodiment, the container is arranged and configured to be placed on the floor in an upright position in which the basin is situated above the vessel for cleaning liquid and the at least one opening is in an elevated position relative to the vessel for cleaning liquid. For example, the upright position corresponds to a substantially vertical position. In this vertical position, it is provided that the water contained in the basin returns to the vessel and that the used liquid contained in the collection chamber cannot escape from it. According to a particular embodiment, the outlet from the collection chamber and the drain hole are positioned in the upper part of the collection chamber when the container is in a substantially vertical position. The outlet of the collection chamber and the drain hole are positioned relative to the container in order to prevent the used liquid from escaping when the container is in a substantially vertical position. In this position, neither the cleaning liquid contained in the vessel nor the used liquid contained in the collection chamber can be spilled. This feature enables the user to lift up the container, transport it vertically to another room, and then place it back on the floor horizontally in order to clean that other room. When the container is thus placed back on the floor horizontally, the cleaning liquid contained in the vessel returns to the basin and the used liquid contained in the collection chamber returns to the horizontal without being able to escape. For example, the container features on its periphery an oblique transverse surface, which forms the lower surface in the upright position. Thus, the container automatically tilts when resting against a vertical partition such as a wall when the container is placed on the floor in the upright position along said wall. This feature facilitates storage of the cleaning container.

The container preferably comprises a hanging device in the vicinity of the basin. Said hanging device is arranged and configured to enable the container to be suspended without either the vessel or the collection chamber emptying. This feature facilitates storage of the cleaning container. According to a particular embodiment, the handing device is arranged and configured to cooperate with at least one hook fixed onto the shaft of a mop such that the container can be stored while being suspended by means of the mop, itself suspended or placed on the floor, or the container may also be placed vertically on the floor and against a wall with the mop engaged by means of the hook. This further enables the container to be lifted up by means of the mop without the user needing to bend down.

According to a preferred embodiment, the container is produced integrally such that it forms a single piece. Such a cleaning container is compact. In this embodiment, the container comprises at least the vessel for cleaning liquid, the basin, the transversal partition comprising the at least one opening, and if necessary the collection chamber for used liquid and/or the wringing area featuring at least one scraper. If provided, the retention partition may also be implemented integrally with the container. The container is preferably manufactured by a blowing extrusion method. Certain elements may however be added to the “single” piece, for example the receptacle for detergent, for example by a slide and snap-in mechanism.

According to another embodiment, the vessel for cleaning liquid is removable. This feature makes it easier to fill the vessel. In this embodiment, the cleaning liquid discharges into the bottom of the container.

Optionally, the container comprises anti-slip pads arranged underneath the bottom of the container. The anti-slip pads are arranged and configured to limit slipping between the container and the floor when the container is in the cleaning position, in particular when the sponge body is being scraped on the wringing area. As a further option, a space for the user's foot may be provided on the container, in such a way that the user can push the container onto the floor in order to limit slipping between the container and the floor when the container is in the cleaning position in particular when the sponge body is being scraped on the wringing area.

Whatever the embodiment, the vessel for cleaning liquid preferably has a capacity of at least 1 liter. According to other particular embodiments, the vessel for cleaning liquid may contain up to 5 liters of cleaning liquid. The collection chamber for used liquid may also be removable, in particular to facilitate emptying.

According to another aspect of the invention, which is compatible with the first, an assembly is provided comprising a container for household cleaning according to one or more of the preceding features and a mop arranged and configured to cooperate with said container. The container and the mop preferably each comprise a hanging device arranged and configured for putting the container and the mop simultaneously into the storage position. The container preferably comprises a hanging rod such as a grommet arranged and configured to cooperate with a hanging device of the mop. Preferably, the mop comprises at least one hook arranged and configured to cooperate with the hanging rod or grommet of the cleaning container. Also, preferably, the assembly comprises a mop, the head of which has a profile, which fits with limited play into the interior profile of the basin. The assembly may also comprise a fringe mop.

DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS AND EMBODIMENTS

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of implementations and embodiments, these being by no means exhaustive, with regard to the attached diagrams in which

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention, comprising a cleaning container according to the invention and a mop intended to be used with said container;

FIGS. 1a and 1b are magnified views of the container shown in FIG. 1, showing, according to two embodiments in particular an opening in a partition to allow the cleaning liquid to flow between the vessel for cleaning liquid and the basin, FIG. 1a showing an opening arranged from a flat surface of the basin,

FIG. 1b showing an opening arranged from a surface of the basin that is hollowed out directly below the opening;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view and longitudinal section showing a container according to another embodiment, tilted to allow the vessel to be filled;

FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of a container according to another embodiment, according to a longitudinal section across a plane parallel to the bottom of the container, showing in particular an internal passage between the basin and the vessel for cleaning liquid when it is being filled with cleaning liquid;

FIGS. 4a, 4c, 4d and 4e are longitudinal sectional views of the container showing the different levels in the container shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4a showing the cleaning container after the vessel for cleaning liquid has been filled,

FIGS. 4c and 4d showing the container during use, i.e. with a level of cleaning liquid in the vessel falling and a level of used liquid in the collection chamber increasing, FIG. 4e showing the container before the collection chamber is emptied;

FIGS. 4b and 4f are perspective views of the assembly formed by the container shown in FIGS. 2, 4a, 4c, 4d and 4e and a mop during the moistening of a sponge body surrounding the head of the mop in FIG. 4b, and during wringing of the sponge body on a wringing area of the container in FIG. 4f;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention comprising a cleaning container featuring a wringing area according to another embodiment, and a mop intended to be used with said container;

FIG. 6a is a longitudinal sectional view of the container comprising a wringing area according to FIG. 5, showing the cleaning container after the vessel for cleaning liquid has been filled;

FIG. 6b is a top view of a container according to FIG. 6a;

FIGS. 6c and 6d are perspective views of the assembly formed by the container shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b and a mop, during the moistening of a sponge body connected to the head of the mop in FIG. 6c and during wringing of the sponge body on a wringing area of the container in FIG. 6d;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 3, according to a longitudinal section across a plane parallel to the bottom of the container, showing in particular the step in which the collection chamber is emptied;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are perspective views of a receptacle for cleaning product and/or detergent according to a particular embodiment, the receptacle being installed in the cleaning container in FIG. 8a, and extracted from it in FIG. 8b;

FIGS. 9a and 9b are views according to a longitudinal section of a container according to yet another schematic embodiment, comprising a device for controlling the height of an opening;

FIG. 10 is a profile view of the lower end of the shaft of a mop, comprising three hooks;

FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are perspective views of an assembly according to the invention, comprising the shaft of the mop shown in FIG. 10 and the container shown in FIG. 1 hooked onto the shaft of the mop, FIG. 11 showing the hooking of the mop onto a hanging rod of the container, FIG. 12 showing the container being lifted up, FIGS. 13 and 14 showing the container in two possible storage positions.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments described below are by no means exhaustive; in particular, variants of the invention could be implemented comprising only a selection of features described that are subsequently isolated from the other features described, if that selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art. This selection comprises at least one feature, preferably functional and without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details, if that part alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

In particular, all variants and all embodiments described can be combined if there is nothing to prevent such combination from the technical perspective. FIG. 1 illustrates a cleaning container 1 for receiving the cleaning liquid and particularly for cleaning floors of a smooth type, for example tiles or parquet. During the cleaning process, the container is used with a mop 100 comprising a shaft 102 and a head 101 fitted with a sponge body 104, said sponge body being provided to absorb the cleaning liquid from the cleaning container and then to apply it to the floor to be cleaned. The head 101 is connected to the shaft 102 by means of a hinge 108.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 4a, 4c, 4d, 4e, 6a, 7, 9a and 9b, the container 1 comprises a vessel 2 (visible in FIG. 1 through a cutaway) arranged and configured to receive and store the cleaning liquid L. The cleaning liquid L can be a mixture of faucet water and cleaning product and/or detergent for floors, or simply faucet water.

The container 1 comprises a basin 3, completely open at the top, arranged to contain cleaning liquid L. The basin 3 is arranged such that the head 101 of the mop 100 covered by the sponge body 104 is able to collect said liquid by absorption when the container is in a cleaning position where the bottom of the vessel and of the basin are substantially horizontal. According to the preferred embodiment, the container is intended to be used with a mop known as a “sweeper mop”. The head of a “sweeper mop” generally comprises at least one surface to be applied to the floor, having a polygonal and particularly a rectangular shape. The interior contour of the basin is intended to correspond to the external shape of the head 101 of the mop 100, such that the head 101 fits with limited play in the basin 3. This feature enables the entire application surface of the mop head to be wetted, while limiting the size of the basin to what is strictly necessary. The container is thus more compact and the head 101 absorbs virtually all of the liquid present in the basin when it is immersed in the basin, avoiding soiling the cleaning liquid that might remain in the basin. According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 6a to 6d, the basin may be of a circular or oblong shape in the case of a fringe mop.

According to the embodiments shown, the basin 3 is juxtaposed to the vessel 2 for the cleaning liquid L. The container 1 comprises a partition 4 separating the vessel 2 for cleaning liquid from the basin 3. The container 1 comprises at least one opening 5 arranged in the partition 4 to provide the basin 3 with cleaning liquid L. The container preferably comprises several openings, for example from 2 to 10 and preferably 5 or 6 openings, to provide the basin 3 with cleaning liquid more quickly. With reference to FIGS. 1, 1a, 4a, 4c, 4d, 4e, 5, 6a, 6c, 9a and 9b, the openings 5 are in the vicinity of the bottom 1f of the container and opposite an upper part 1s of the vessel 2. Unlike the prior art, the opening or openings ensure a permanent connection between the vessel and the basin. Surprisingly, the cleaning liquid can flow out of the vessel 2 toward the basin 3 in a controlled manner without encountering obstruction by an actuating device of the valve type. This feature means that the user need not be concerned about the distribution of the cleaning liquid toward the basin. The container is therefore easier to use. When the at least one opening 5 is submerged in cleaning liquid L as shown for example by FIGS. 4a, 4c, 4d, 6a, 9a and 9b, the vessel 2 is airtight. This means that no other attached opening, for example on the upper part 1s of the vessel 2, is left free. The controlled distribution is effected according to Pascal's principle, which characterizes the equilibrium of liquids. The at least one opening 5 enables the cleaning liquid L contained in the vessel 2 to flow in a controlled manner into the basin 3 while the return of air into the vessel is also effected through the opening 5, until the level of liquid in the basin 3 blocks the at least one opening 5 and impedes the return of air. The transfer of cleaning liquid L is then interrupted as the vessel 2 is depressurized through lack of air supply. When the level of cleaning liquid contained in the basin falls, the air intake is reestablished and the flow recommences. This arrangement enables a constant level of cleaning liquid L to be obtained in the basin 3. According to the preferred embodiment, the height of the opening or openings is chosen such that the capacity of the basin is well below the maximum capacity of the vessel 2. The capacity of the basin 3 is chosen in a way that enables the volume of liquid present to be absorbed by the sponge body. With reference to FIGS. 4a, 4c and 4d, the height of the at least one opening corresponds substantially to the height of the level of cleaning liquid in the basin 3. The height of the at least one opening is preferably between 1 and 15 millimeter(s). In the case of a mop head comprising a cloth wipe, the preferred height of the at least one opening is between 3 and 5 millimeters. In the case of a mop head comprising fringes, the preferred height of the at least one opening is between 10 and 15 millimeters. In each of these cases the capacity is sufficient to adequately soak the sponge body, without excess. The consumption of faucet water and of detergent or cleaning product is also limited. Due to the relatively small quantity of liquid, the flow of liquid goes from the basin to the sponge body predominantly by capillary action, reducing the risk of the dirt from the mop migrating into the basin. When the user wishes to clean the sponge body of the mop, he immerses it in the basin 3 and then scrapes the sponge body on the wringing area, doing so as many times as necessary to remove the dirt from the sponge body and without soiling the water in the basin.

According to another particular embodiment of the container and with reference to FIG. 1b, the bottom of the container features a cavity 5c arranged directly below each opening. This feature enables the surface of the passage to be increased when the vessel is filled without this affecting the height of the at least one opening 5 and therefore the height of the level of cleaning liquid in the basin 3.

According to a particular embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the container 1 comprises a device 20 for controlling the height of the opening or openings 5, in particular a plate 20, such as a slide plate, of substantially rectangular shape, movable from the bottom upward and/or, conversely, along the partition 4. With reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the control device 20 has been moved upward from its position as shown in FIG. 9a toward its position as shown in FIG. 9b. The control device enables the level of cleaning liquid in the basin 3 to be adjusted, for example depending on the thickness or the type of sponge body placed on the head of the mop.

The opening or openings 5 is (are) arranged and configured to achieve an air intake for the vessel 2 and enable it to be filled with cleaning liquid. With reference to FIG. 2, the container 1 is tilted such that the basin 3 is situated above the vessel 2. According to the example shown in FIG. 2, the container is tilted at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the horizontal. Tilting the container enables the cleaning liquid L to return to the vessel 2 by passing through the opening or openings 5 and to ensure the passage of air via the opening or openings 5 between the vessel 2 and the exterior (see FIGS. 2 and 3). According to other embodiments not shown, the container is pivoted angularly from the horizontal to the substantially vertical plane.

According to a particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the container 1 comprises an internal retention partition 6 arranged behind the partition 4. The partition 6 extends into the interior of the container from a longitudinal side, forming a non-zero angle, preferably a few degrees, for example approximately 10 degrees, relative to the partition 4 and terminates a few centimeters, for example 5 centimeters, from the other longitudinal side of the container. The space left free represents a reduced area of cross-section defining a passage 13. The space formed between the partition 4 and the internal partition 6 defines a cavity or an antechamber 7. When the vessel 2 is filled, the cleaning liquid L flows in particular along the internal partition 6 and enters the vessel 2 by passing through the passage 13 following the route indicated by the arrow 14.

According to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4c, 4d, 4″, 6a, 6b and 7, the container comprises a collection chamber 8 (visible through a cutaway in its upper wall shown in FIG. 1) for the used liquid U. According to the preferred embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, the collection chamber 8 is adjacent both to the vessel 2 and to the basin 3. According to another embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 2, 4a, 4c, 4d and 4e, the collection chamber 8 is adjacent only to the vessel 2 for cleaning liquid L on the side opposite the basin 3. Preferably, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, the collection chamber 8 and the vessel 2 are separated by a single partition 15. These features enable a compact container to be provided. Depending on the production method of the container used, for example of the blowing extrusion type, it may be necessary to implement a double partition between the vessel 2 and the collection chamber 8. The collection chamber enables the used liquid to be received after the user has wrung out the sponge body. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, the container 1 comprises an outlet 9 from the collection chamber 8 to enable said chamber to be emptied (see FIG. 7). According to the embodiment shown, the outlet 9 is situated on a longitudinal side, which is opposite the passage 13. This feature, combined with the retention partition 6 and the partition separating the vessel 2 for cleaning liquid from the collection chamber, enables the used liquid to be emptied by tilting the container toward the longitudinal side equipped with the outlet 9 without the cleaning liquid L remaining in the vessel 2 being able to escape from it.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4a to 6d, the container 1 comprises a wringing area 10 for evacuating the used liquid U present in the sponge body after the floor has been scrubbed with the mop. The wringing area 10 features scrapers or ridges 11 arranged and configured to enable the sponge body surrounding the mop head to be rubbed against it. According to the preferred embodiment and with reference to FIG. 1, the wringing area 10 forms the upper wall of the vessel 2 and of the collection chamber 8. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 6d, the wringing area has the shape of a cone widening toward the top and arranged and configured to receive the fringes of a fringe mop. The wringing area 10 connects with the collection chamber 8 in such a way that the used liquid extracted from the sponge body by the wringing process drains into the collection chamber 8. With reference to FIGS. 2, 4a, 4c, 4d and 4e, the used liquid U flows along the surface of the wringing area 10 before falling into the collection chamber 8. The surface of the wringing area is preferably slightly inclined to enable the liquid to drain toward the collection chamber. With reference to FIG. 3, the used liquid U drains into the collection chamber 8 by passing through a hole 12. The hole 12 is arranged on the surface of the wringing area. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the used liquid drains via a hole (not shown) at the bottom of the cone. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a to 6d, the used liquid drains via a notch that is substantially vertical and of narrow width relative to the perimeter of the cone, and is implemented in the cone.

Optionally and with reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the container comprises a receptacle 30 for a household product. In this case, the vessel 2 contains faucet water. The receptacle 30 is placed between the vessel 2 and the basin 3. The receptacle 30 comprises, on a lateral wall and substantially in the vicinity of its base, holes 31 with very small cross-sections such that the product is released when the water flows over it into the receptacle 30. The receptacle 30 is preferably placed a few millimeters from the bottom of the container. For example, the household product is a solid 32, which is eroded when water passes over it.

With reference to FIGS. , 1, 3, 5 and 11 to 14, the container 1 comprises a hanging device 40 enabling the container to be gripped or suspended. According to the embodiment shown, the hanging device 40 is situated on the periphery of the container along the transversal side, in the vicinity of the basin. For example, the hanging device is a hanging rod 40, preferably cylindrical.

Optionally, the shaft 102 of the mop comprises a hanging device 103 arranged and configured to cooperate with the hanging rod 40 of the container 1. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the hanging device 103 is arranged on one end of the shaft 102. The hanging device 103 has the shape of a collar that is substantially rectangular in cross-section and comprises preferably three hooks to cooperate with the hanging rod 40. A hook 103B, which is curved and protrudes upward, and a hook 103C, which is curved and protrudes downward, are arranged on a first surface of the hanging device. The hook 103B and the hook 103C together form a double hook in the shape of a “C” such that the space between them is sufficient for the hanging rod 40 to be inserted. On a second surface of the hanging device 103, opposite the first surface, a hook 103A is arranged, said hook being curved and protruding upward, and enabling the hanging rod 40 to be attached.

With reference to FIG. 11, the head 101 of the mop is placed on the exterior of the basin 3 and the hanging device 103 cooperates with the hanging rod 40 by means of the hook 103A. With reference to FIG. 12, the user can lift up the container 1 using the hook 103A without bending down. The user can place the container in a substantially vertical position. The hanging device 103 and the hanging rod 40 enable the container to be transported more easily by the user. When thus placed in the vertical position, the cleaning liquid contained in the basin returns into the vessel and the used liquid contained in the collection chamber cannot escape from it due to the position of the outlet 9 in the collection chamber and of the drain hole 12, which are situated at a height greater than the height of the level of used liquid in the collection chamber. In this position, neither the cleaning liquid contained in the vessel nor the used liquid contained in the collection chamber can be spilled. This particular feature enables the user to lift up the container by means of the mop, transport it vertically into another room, then place it back on the floor horizontally in order to clean that other room. When the container is thus placed back on the floor horizontally, the cleaning liquid contained in the vessel returns to the basin and the used liquid contained in the collection chamber returns to the horizontal without being able to escape.

Then, with reference to FIG. 13, the user can attach the mop and container assembly via a hook (not shown), to a gripping end of the shaft of the mop, opposite the end featuring the handing device of the mop, for example to suspend the assembly along a wall. With reference to FIG. 13, the user can use the hook 103B to suspend the container and mop assembly. This arrangement enables the mop head 101 to be integrated further into the basin 3.

With reference to FIG. 14, the mop and container assembly can also be placed on the floor by means of the container. The container is then in an upright position and rests on the floor 51 via a transversal peripheral side 45 of the container. The side 45 is preferably oblique such that, when the container is resting on the floor, this automatically generates pressure against an adjacent wall. The mop then rests on the container 1 by means of the hook 103C.

These features have the advantage of enabling the cleaning container or the container and mop assembly to be stored easily and in a reduced space.

The container 1 will now be decried with reference to FIGS. 4a to 4f, according to the embodiment, at the time of use and in particular when in the cleaning position. Cleaning position means the position in which the base 1f of the container is substantially parallel to the floor. At the start of the cleaning process and with reference to FIG. 4a, the vessel 2 is filled or nearly filled with cleaning liquid L. According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6a, the vessel 2 is also filled with cleaning liquid. The vessel 2 can be completely filled when it is placed in a tilted position as described above at the time of filling, then a quantity of cleaning liquid can flow from the vessel 2 into the basin 3 in a manner sufficient to submerge the at least one opening 5, whereby the transfer of liquid L is interrupted. Then, with reference to FIG. 4b, the user places the head 101 of the mop 100 in the basin 3 to moisten or soak the sponge body 104 before scrubbing the floor to be cleaned. In the case of a fringe mop and with reference to FIG. 6c, the fringes 104 of the mop are preferably laid in the basin 3 in order to be moistened or soaked. If enough cleaning liquid has been collected, the at least one opening 5 achieves an air intake for the vessel 2, which causes the cleaning liquid L be transferred again from the vessel 2 toward the basin 3, as a result of which the level of the cleaning liquid in the vessel 2 falls, see FIG. 4c. Once the user has scrubbed a few square meters, for example 2 to 4 square meters, he wrings the sponge body 104 of the mop head 101 by means of the wringing area 10, see FIG. 4f. For example, the container 1 is placed against a wall 50 so that the wringing step can be carried out. This enables support to be provided and stabilizes the container. In addition, or to avoid the need to support the container against a wall, the container comprises anti-slip pads arranged underneath it, such that it rests on the floor in the cleaning position via the anti-slip pads. In the case of a fringe mop and with reference to FIG. 6d, the user places the head of the mop in the wringing cone and turns the shaft 102 of the mop in order to rub the fringes against the ridges of the wringing area. During the wringing process, the used liquid U flows into the collection chamber 8, which fills up a little more with each wringing, see FIGS. 4c, 4d and 4e in order. As these stages progress, the level of cleaning liquid L in the vessel 2 gradually falls while it remains constant in the basin 3 and the level of the used liquid U increases in the collection chamber 8.

Claims

1. Household cleaning container (1) with a cleaning liquid (L), comprising: characterized in that the at least one opening (5) is situated in the vicinity of the bottom of the container and away from an upper wall of the vessel, such that the capacity of the basin when the opening (5) is just submerged in the cleaning liquid (L) is well below the maximum capacity of the vessel, in that the at least one opening (5) ensures a permanent connection between the vessel and the basin, and in that the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L) is airtight when the at least one opening (5) is submerged in cleaning liquid (L).

a vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L),

a basin (3) arranged such that a sponge body (104) is able to collect said liquid (L) by absorption when the container is in the cleaning position,

a partition (4) separating the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L) from the basin (3),

at least one opening (5) arranged in the partition (4) to allow the cleaning liquid (L) to pass into the basin (3),

2. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the at least one opening (5) corresponds substantially to the height of the level of the cleaning liquid (L) in the basin (3), preferably being between 1 and 15 mm, and particularly between 3 and 5 mm.

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a collection chamber (8) for used liquid (U).

4. Container (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the collection chamber (8) for used liquid (U) and the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L) are separated by a single panel.

5. Container (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the vessel for the cleaning liquid comprises a reduced area of cross-section forming a passage between the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid and the basin (3), the passage being situated in the vicinity of a side of the container opposite an outlet (9) of the collection chamber (8).

6. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a wringing area (10) featuring at least one scraper (11), arranged and configured to enable the sponge body to be rubbed against it (104).

7. Container (1) according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the wringing area (10) connects with the collection chamber (8) for used liquid (U) and is situated both above it and above the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L).

8. Container (1) according to one f claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one opening (5) is arranged and configured so that an air intake for the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L) is achieved by adequately tilting the container in order to fill the vessel (2).

9. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a device (20) for controlling the height of the at least one opening (5) in order to adjust the level of cleaning liquid (L) in the basin (3).

10. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a receptacle (30) for the cleaning agent, said receptacle (30), particularly being removable, being placed between the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L) and the basin (3).

11. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is arranged and configured to be placed on the floor in an upright position in which the basin (3) is situated above the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid and the at least one opening (5) is in a high position relative to the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid.

12. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a hanging device (40) in the vicinity of the basin (3), said hanging device being arranged and configured to enable the container to be suspended.

13. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the vessel (2) for the cleaning liquid (L) is removable.

14. Container (1) according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the collection chamber (8) for used liquid (U) is removable.

15. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it forms a single piece.

16. Assembly comprising a household cleaning container (1) according to one or more or claims 1 to 15, and a mop (100) arranged and configured to work with said container.

17. Assembly comprise the container (1) and the mop (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that the container and the mop each comprise a hanging device (40) arranged and configured for putting the container and the mop simultaneously into the storage position.

18. Assembly according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the head (101) of the mop (100) has a profile, which fits with limited play in the interior profile of the basin (3).

19. Assembly according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the mop (100) is a fringe mop.