Abstract: Novel cleaning implements and novel components of cleaning implements are provided. Aspects relate to a cleaning implement that includes a wringer structure that is slidable along an elongate shaft member. The wringer structure further includes a removably coupled scrubbing brush structure.

Abstract: A cleaning tool (10) includes a cleaning head (11) and a handle (12) and is to be used with a cleaning sheet attached to the cleaning head (11). The cleaning head (11) has a gradual-liquid-release mechanism (16) including a liquid reservoir (14) and a gradual-liquid-release portion (15) that, by the action of hydrostatic pressure from above, gradually releases a liquid agent supplied to the liquid reservoir (14) to a cleaning face (17a) provided by a cleaning cushion (17) of the cleaning head (11) while causing the liquid agent to pass through a multitude of fine flow paths. The gradual-liquid-release portion (15) is provided continuously across substantially the entire width in the length direction of the substantially rectangular cleaning head (11) as viewed along the short-side direction of the cleaning head (11), the portion (15) provided facing the cleaning face (17a) of the cleaning head (11).

Abstract: A mop wringer comprises a housing supporting a first roller and a second roller. The first roller is supported by the housing in a first position where the first roller is spaced from the second roller a first distance and in a second position where the first roller is spaced from the second roller a second distance. The second roller is supported on an arm where the arm moves relative to the housing to move the second roller toward and away from the first roller between a third position and a fourth position. A drive mechanism moves the arm between the third position and the fourth position and rotates the roller in the fourth position.

Abstract: A mop with a handle includes a plurality of mop fibers coupled to the handle. The mop includes a grip mounted on the handle, and a collar that is slidably positioned on the handle. The collar can be secured to the grip when not in use. The collar may include one or more tabs with a ramp for engagement with a ridge located on the grip that, in operation, allows for detachably coupling of the collar to the grip. The ramp is configured so that it extends a sufficient distance from the tab so as to cause the tab to flex when the collar is attached to the grip. In operation, a user can uncouple the collar from the grip and slide the collar over the mop fibers and use the collar to wring the mop fibers.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a mop includes a mop head and a shaft attached to the mop head. A handle is attached to the shaft by a pivot. An actuator member is coupled to the handle between a grip end and the pivot. Translation of the handle causes the actuator member to translate. In an embodiment, the pivot is offset from the shaft and arranged so that the shaft is located between the position where the handle is attached to the actuator member and the position where the handle is attached to the pivot. A stop may be provided to limit the translation of the handle. The actuator member is coupled a mop fiber base that supports mop fibers. The surface of the mop fibers may have a plurality of raised portions.

Abstract: A mop and mop shield or cover is described in which the mop shield is slideably mounted on the handle of a mop, and capable of being lowered over the head of the mop to protect it from damage. The protective shield can also be marked, so as to enable a person to identify the purpose for which the mop has been used.

Abstract: A cleaning attachment which removably holds the cleaning implement such as a scrubber pad or a scrub brush in place on a wringer mop head and will not fall off during the vigorous scrubbing or brushing action because it is locked in place by means of a novel attaching mechanism. The present invention includes the use of an adapter which can be removably affixed to the upper metal surface of the mop head, the adapter having molded into it a receiving channel connected to the upper surface of the adapter, the channel receiving the unique locking members of the present invention attachment mechanism. The attachment comprises an elongated base member which on one side either permanently or removably retains a scrubber pad.

Abstract: A cleaning attachment which removably holds the cleaning implement such as a scrubber pad or a scrub brush in place on a wringer mop head and will not fall off during the vigorous scrubbing or brushing action because it is locked in place by means of a novel attaching mechanism. The present invention is comprised of a receiving channel affixed to the mop head, the channel receiving the unique locking members of the present invention attachment mechanism. The attachment comprises an elongated base member which on one side either permanently or removably retains a scrubber pad.

Abstract: Absorbent mop strands of a mop are held captive by a pair of walls in a sleeve at the terminal ends thereof after the sleeve is slid over a mop head. The mop strands are wrung dry by rotating the sleeve with respect to the handle of the mop. In another embodiment of the invention, a tubular member is disposed coaxially and rotatable about a sleeve. Mop strands caught in the passageway defined by a first pair of walls in the tubular member near the terminal ends of the mop strands are twisted with respect to the upper portion of the mop strands held captive by a second pair of walls in the sleeve near the distal end of the mop handle, resulting in a wringing action of the mop head. In another embodiment of the invention, a mop comprises a scrubber depending from a distal end of the sleeve mounted co-axially on the handle of the mop.

Abstract: A self-wringing ratchet mop including an elongated handle, a mop head having mop strands supported on the handle, and a wringing mechanism for wringing the mop strands. The wringing mechanism includes a sleeve attached to the mop strands and supported for longitudinal and rotational movement relative to the handle. The handle includes a first ratchet portion formed by teeth and the sleeve includes a second ratchet portion formed by pawl members for engaging the first ratchet portion to permit the sleeve to rotate in a first direction and prevent rotation in a second, opposite direction. The pawl members are supported on a deformable resilient ring wherein deformation of the ring causes the pawl members to disengage from the first ratchet portion and permit rotation of the sleeve in the second direction.

Abstract: A hand held cleaning device that has a self wringing mechanism for extracting liquids from a flexible cleaning element. A wringer mechanism is mounted at the end of an elongated handle. A slidable mop head base is mounted on the bottom of the handle and slides along the elongated handle. When the mop head is moved from its first cleaning position, the flexible cleaning element is drawn through the wringing assembly to remove absorbed liquids from the cleaning element. A pivotal gate opens, allowing the mop head and cleaning element to pass back through the wringing mechanism to assume its original cleaning position. In an alternate embodiment the mop head is attached to the elongated handle and the wringer mechanism is mounted for slidable movement with respect to the elongated handle.

Abstract: A sponge mop is fitted with a wringing device. The wringing device includes a sleeve that slidably surrounds the handle of the mop. A roller is attached to the sleeve and is spaced from the sleeve. A drive member is pivotally attached at one end to the mop head and at the other end to a small slide block that slides on a handle-mounted rail. The slide block bears against a portion of the sleeve housing with adequate pressure so that downward movement of the sleeve moves the slide block and thus the drive member, thus effecting the rotation of the mop head by, ultimately, 90 degrees such that the sponge is positioned with its cleaning face parallel to the axis of the handle. Further downward travel of the sleeve allows the roller on the device to expel water held by the sponge. A scrubber/scraper is attached to the mop head at the end which is remote from the handle when the mop head is generally aligned with the handle.

Abstract: Absorbent mop strands of a mop are held captive by a pair of walls in a sleeve at the terminal ends thereof after the sleeve is slid over a mop head. The mop strands are wrung dry by rotating the sleeve with respect to the handle of the mop.

Abstract: A method for cleaning or restoring a surface using a mop that is attached to a carrier block. A flowable pesticide or restorative material is applied and removed by passing the mop over and in contact with the material that is applied in closely timed relationship. The method further utilizes different mops attached to the carrier block for each phase, one of which has grommets for attaching the mops to the carrier block.