Abstract: A spin-dry mop comprising a rotatable mop rod, a cleaning body, an outer cover and a fixing sleeve; the rotatable mop rod comprises an upper tube, a lower tube and a rotating driving mechanism; the upper tube and the lower tube are movably connected through the rotating driving mechanism; the upper tube and the lower tube can move up and down relative to each other, and can rotate relative to each other; the cleaning body is connected to the lower tube; the outer cover is sleeved outside the lower tube, and can move up and down along the lower tube; the fixing sleeve is fixedly connected with the upper tube; the spin-dry mop further comprises a locking mechanism used for locking the rotatable mop rod.

Abstract: A mop comprising a mop handle with a grip end and a mopping end and includes spline ribs that surround a surface of the mop handle. The mop includes a ratchet sleeve surrounding the mop handle and is rotatable in first and second directions. The ratchet sleeve includes a flexible collar with an inward-facing integral pawl on an interior portion of the flexible collar. The mop includes a mop head at the mopping end of the mop handle. The mop head has a first end connected to the mopping end and a second end connected to the ratchet sleeve. The flexible collar is flexible between a locked position where the pawl engages with the spline ribs preventing rotation of the ratchet sleeve in the first rotational direction, and an unlocked position where the pawl disengages the spline ribs allowing rotation of the ratchet sleeve in first and second rotational directions.

Abstract: Method of wringing of the sponge mop pad provided on mops comprising a soleplate whereon is applied such a pad, and fixed to the distal end of a shaft, characterized in that the cleaning and the wringing of the mop pad are obtained simultaneously by placing the unit comprised of said soleplate and said mop pad in a position parallel to the axis of the shaft and by moving a slide comprising a cleaning and wringing wiper along said ensemble, said slide exerting, during its movements, a wiping action on the lower surface of the soleplate and a wringing pressure on said surface of the mop pad. The invention also relates to a washing combination allowing for the implementation of this method.

Abstract: A rotational structure applied to a rotational mop set is provided. The rotational structure comprises a rotating body, a rotating unit, and at least a pawl unit. The rotating body has at least a stopper. The rotating unit is rotatably assembled to the rotating body, and has a through hole. A spiral bar penetrates the through hole for driving the rotating unit along a first rotating direction or a second rotating direction. The pawl unit is corresponded to the stopper and rotatably assembled to the rotating unit for engaging with the stopper when the rotating unit rotates along the first rotating direction to drive the rotating body to rotate along the first rotating direction, and the pawl unit escapes from the stopper when the rotating unit rotates along the second rotating direction.

Abstract: Novel cleaning implements and novel components of cleaning implements are provided. Aspects relate to novel wringers having convex regions with a plurality of drain exits. In some embodiments, concave regions are also provided. The concave regions are substantially devoid of any drain exits. An upper portion of the wringer may be substantially cylindrical or conic-cylindrical and a lower portion may be neither cylindrical nor conic-cylindrical. The bottom perimeter of the bottom may define a square-like shape. Further aspects relate to novel connection assemblies. Certain assemblies may have a top portion with a vertical wall that is configured to position mop fibers along a vertical axis.

Abstract: A mop including a spinning member, a spiral rod, an extendable rod, a mop head, and a pressing rod is provided. The spinning member includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a spiral hole axially configured through the spinning member from the first end to the second end of the spinning member. The spiral rod is further provided with a unilateral bearing sleeved over the spiral rod. The spiral rod is sleeved inside the pressing rod. In operation, the mop is put in a basket which is free for rotation and is axially then applied with a downward pressure, and the extendable rod is withdrawn inside the pressing rod. The extendable rod thus synchronously carries the extendable rod, the mop head and the basket to rotate, thus applying a centrifugal force to remove the water content contained in the mop away from the basket.

Abstract: Novel cleaning implements and novel components of cleaning implements are provided. Aspects relate to novel wringers having convex regions with a plurality of drain exits. In some embodiments, concave regions are also provided. The concave regions are substantially devoid of any drain exits. An upper portion of the wringer may be substantially cylindrical or conic-cylindrical and a lower portion may be neither cylindrical nor conic-cylindrical. The bottom perimeter of the bottom may define a square-like shape. Further aspects relate to novel connection assemblies. Certain assemblies may have a top portion with a vertical wall that is configured to position mop fibers along a vertical axis.

Abstract: A spin dry mop includes an outer tube and a handle fitting over the outer tube. The handle is made of a different material than the outer tube. The inner tube is sized to fit telescopically within the outer tube. A fastness key is bonded to the handle and fits inside the outer tube. A corkscrew screw is made of a strip of flat metal having a plurality of turns. The fastness key is made of a different material than the corkscrew screw. The fastness key is bonded to the handle at a key top end and bonded to the corkscrew screw at a key lower end. A screw tube has a keyed opening with an internal profile of the corkscrew screw and receives the corkscrew screw within the keyed opening.

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: A mop structure of converting vertical linear displacement into unidirectional rotation for dewatering a mop comprises: a lower pipe with the bottom coupled to a mop head and the internal side fixed to a spiral rod; a driving pipe, having an interconnecting hole engaged with the spiral rod for passing the spiral rod and disposed at the internal side of the lower pipe, and a circular upwardly facing ratchet disposed at the top of the driving pipe; a fixing pipe, having a penetrating hole formed at the middle of the fixing pipe for passing the spiral rod and disposed at the top of the driving pipe, a circular downwardly facing ratchet installed at the top inside the fixing pipe and corresponding to the circular upwardly facing ratchet of the driving pipe, such that after the spiral rod is passed out from the penetrating hole, a fixing mechanism is provided for limiting the fixing pipe and the driving pipe on the spiral rod; and an upper pipe, with the bottom fixed to the fixing pipe after the bottom of the uppe

Abstract: Fluid is removed from the cleaning element of such as a sponge mop or string mop by inflating a bladder or like expansible member which is positioned in an enclosure adjacent the cleaning element, causing the expansible member to expand into contact with the cleaning element, thereby compressing the cleaning element for squeezing fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A mop includes a spinning device, a shank fixed to a first end of the spinning device, an operation rod having a first end connected to a second end of the spinning device, and a mop head connected to a second end of the operation rod. When a force is applied in a first direction making the operation rod and the spinning device move relatively in an axial direction, the mechanism in the spinning device drives the operation rod and the mop head to spin in the same direction simultaneously so as to generate a centrifugal force to remove the water from the mop head. When the force stops, the spring and the clutch structure in the spinning device make the operation rod back to the original position under a condition that the operation rod does not spin.

Abstract: A cleaning implement that includes a shaft, a mop disposed on one end of the shaft, a wringer, and a fixed grip. The wringer includes a wringing sleeve and a wringer handle. The wringer is movable over a range of travel between a mopping position and a range of wringing positions, in which wringing positions the wringing sleeve covers and compresses at least a portion of the mop to thereby expel liquid from the mop. The wringer is rotatable relative to the shaft through at least a portion of the axial range of travel. The wringer further comprises at least one volute wherein the volute defines a semi-enclosed area inside the wringer, the semi-enclosed area configured to receive a portion of the mop through a gap defined in the volute. The volute includes a first fin and a second fin that define the gap therebetween.

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 twist mop is disclosed. The twist mop includes a handle with a recessed first end that includes a hole. The twist mop includes a collar that can rotate around the handle. Mop fibers are coupled to a connector that inserts into the recessed end of the handle and are also coupled to a collar that is rotatably mounted to the handle. The connector also includes a hole. A retaining clip is provided to insert in the hole in the handle and in the hole in the connector so as to prevent the connector from becoming inadvertently disconnected from the handle. The retaining clip includes a tab with a gripping surface that may be concave to facilitate improved removal of the retaining clip. The tab may also include angled side walls.

Abstract: A connection assembly configured to secure a mop head to an elongate member is provided. In one embodiment, a connector may include an insert having a plurality of tabs with an inner portion and an outward extending outer portion that extends radially outward from and traverse to an elongate member when the insert is properly mounted to the elongate member. The connector may include an inner member comprising a plurality of depressions configured to engage the inner portion of the plurality of tabs of the insert. A collar having an inner wall may also be utilized, wherein at least a portion of the inner wall is of a generally circular cross-section configured to engage the outward extending outer portion of the plurality of tabs. Connection assemblies may further comprise a wringer cup configured to be mounted on the elongate member.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a main rod, a wringing tube, a bearing, a lock, and a cleaning rag assembly. The wringing tube is coaxially put over the main rod and is glidingly movable along the main rod. The fastening device is mounted on the lower end of the main rod. The cleaning rag assembly surrounds a periphery of the main rod at a lower end thereof, having an upper end held by a connecting ring, which is mounted on the wringing tube, and a lower end mounted on the fastening device, allowing easily to replace the cleaning rag assembly.

Abstract: A rotary mop with enhanced water-wringing effect, including a handle; a slide sleeve fitted on the handle, the slide sleeve being rotatable about and movable along the handle; a mop cloth, one end of the mop cloth being connected with a bottom end of the slide sleeve, while the other end of the mop cloth being connected with a bottom end of the handle, when rotating the handle and the slide sleeve relative to each other, the mop cloth is wrung. The mop further has a rotary tube fitted on the handle and rotatable about the handle. When wringing and tensioning the mop cloth, the mop cloth binds the rotary tube, not the handle. Therefore, the slide sleeve and the handle can effectively wring and dry the mop cloth with less strength.

Abstract: A connection assembly configured to secure a mop head to an elongate member is provided. In one embodiment, a connector may include an insert having a plurality of tabs with an inner portion and an outward extending outer portion that extends radially outward from and traverse to an elongate member when the insert is properly mounted to the elongate member. The connector may include an inner member comprising a plurality of depressions configured to engage the inner portion of the plurality of tabs of the insert. A collar having an inner wall may also be utilized, wherein at least a portion of the inner wall is of a generally circular cross-section configured to engage the outward extending outer portion of the plurality of tabs. Connection assemblies may further comprise a wringer cup configured to be mounted on the elongate member.

Abstract: A mop with an attached wringer cup has a set of perforations near the outwardly tapering lower end of the wringer cup. The wringer cup includes a rib. Along a side portion of the rib a plurality of perforations may be provided. In an embodiment the perforations may increase in size toward the end of the wringer cup. A connector may be provided to secure the mop head to the handle. In an embodiment the connector may accept a collar without requiring the collar to have a particular rotation orientation.

Abstract: A self-wringing mop includes a handle, an operating sleeve, a mop head, and at least one blocking element. The handle includes a first longitudinal section having a polygonal cross-section with a plurality of edges running in an axial direction. The operating sleeve is twistably disposed on the handle so as to be twistable relative to the handle in a wringing direction and in an opposite direction. The mop head is disposed at a lower end of the handle and includes cleaning elements configured to be wrung out by a twisting in the wringing direction. The at least one blocking element protrudes radially inward from the operating sleeve toward the handle so that a twisting of the sleeve in the wringing direction results in the blocking element moving past the plurality of edges against an elastic force, and a twisting in the opposite direction results in at least one of the plurality of edges pressing the blocking element against the operating sleeve so as to block a further twisting in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The cleaning implement may include a shaft, a mop that comprises a plurality of liquid absorbent members, such as strings or strips, disposed at one end of the shaft, and a wringing sleeve. The wringing sleeve may be movable axially with respect to the shaft and may be rotatable relative thereto. The wringing sleeve may include a resilient engagement member. The resilient engagement member may include a shaft and a fin. The fin may move in and out of the interior of the wringing sleeve according to the deflection of the engagement member shaft.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a main rod, a wringing tube, a bearing, a lock, and a cleaning rag assembly. The lock has an upper end with an elastic holding assembly with insertion heads which respectively enter blocking holes of the main rod. Thereby the lock is easily mounted at the lower end of said main rod and dismounted therefrom, allowing to replace the cleaning rug assembly. The wringing tube has an upper end with a unidirectional wheel and an opening through which a lever assembly reaches which engages with a unidirectional wheel, permitting the unidirectional wheel to turn in one and only one direction, so that the cleaning rag is wrung dry with minimal physical effort.

Abstract: Disclosed is a twist mop having a shaft, an operating member a rotatable with respect to the shaft, a mop element, and a device for releasably restricting relative rotation of the shaft and the operating member to one direction during the wringing operation. The device comprises an indexing surface disposed on the shaft at least over a portion of the shaft and at least one indexing arm which projects radially inwardly from the operating member to engage the indexing surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a kind of mop structure, wherein a barricading positioning device is installed on the main rod which would be used to work with several return stops that are implemented inside the traction part, the traction part can be moved or rotated on outside of the main rod. When the traction part is moving by the moving grip installed on the traction part, elastic barricading will be happening and the operation of winding dry will be convenient. At the bottom end of the main rod installs a connection base, a mop body is installed in-between the connection base and the connection part on one end of the traction part, a cable tie is used to tie up the mop body on the end of the traction part, the other end of the mop is installed on the connection base by a elastic connecting part which makes the installation of the mop body quick. A piece of push-tight part is provided in-between the main rod and the connection base, which is used to fix the connection base on one end of the main rod.

Abstract: A twist mop comprises a pole, fibers connected to the pole, and a movable collar connected to both the fibers and the pole, so that the collar is movable in an axial and radial direction about the pole, where radial movement of the collar pulls taut the fibers. The mop comprises an upper spline is connected to the pole, a pawl connected to the collar, to allow the collar to move in a radial direction clockwise or counterclockwise about the upper spline. The collar has a radial step to engage the pawl. The pawl is shaped to flex toward the radial step both when the collar axially traverses the pole and when the collar twists in a first direction, around the upper spline. The pawl being shaped to bias towards the upper spline while the collar turns in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, around the upper spline.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wring mop with a lever handle. The handle adds leverage and torque to the wringing operation of the mop head. A more thorough wringing is achieved with more liquid removed from the mop.

Abstract: A mop with an attached wringer cup has a set of perforations near the outwardly tapering lower end of the wringer cup. The perforations have a width that is equal to about one-third the diameter of the handle, and less than the width of the flat mop strips that form the mop elements on the end of the handle. The upper end of the wringer cup fits within a lower part of a handgrip on the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a twist mop having a shaft, an operating member a rotatable with respect to the shaft, a mop element, and a device for releasably restricting relative rotation of the shaft and the operating member to one direction during the wringing operation. The device comprises an indexing surface disposed on the shaft at least over a portion of the shaft and at least one indexing arm which projects radially inwardly from the operating member to engage the indexing surface.

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 one-piece mop swab, and method of manufacture thereof, is disclosed. The one-piece mop swab comprises at least one generally planar sheet of absorbent material, the sheet having a plurality of bounded openings therein which are arranged discontinuously in at least first and second directions to define an absorbent surface characterized by a network of seamlessly interconnected absorbent regions of the material sheet.

Abstract: A self-wringing mop includes a handle, an operating sleeve, a mop head, and at least one blocking element. The handle includes a first longitudinal section having a polygonal cross-section with a plurality of edges running in an axial direction. The operating sleeve is twistably disposed on the handle so as to be twistable relative to the handle in a wringing direction and in an opposite direction. The mop head is disposed at a lower end of the handle and includes cleaning elements configured to be wrung out by a twisting in the wringing direction. The at least one blocking element protrudes radially inward from the operating sleeve toward the handle so that a twisting of the sleeve in the wringing direction results in the blocking element moving past the plurality of edges against an elastic force, and a twisting in the opposite direction results in at least one of the plurality of edges pressing the blocking element against the operating sleeve so as to block a further twisting in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mop having a mop head supported on a handle and including a mop head base and a mop body. The mop body is defined by a plurality of mop strands supported on the base. A scrubber element is supported on the base, centrally within the mop body. The scrubber element further has opposing faces on a scrubber body located at laterally opposing sides to define abrasive scrubbing surfaces. A single attachment element provides a simple and cost-effective way to attach the scrubber element simultaneously with attachment of the mop strands. The scrubber element further is engaged with the mop head base to bias the scrubber element into a folded configuration folded so that the opposing faces are facing away from the mop handle thereby enabling a mop user to easily manipulate the scrubber element provided for removal of difficult stains, etc., by applying downward pressure to the handle.

Abstract: A mop swab is disclosed which comprises a plurality of individual cords of suitably absorbent material of finite lengths, wherein adjacent cords are interwoven with each other at a plurality of intermittent points along their respective lengths to define a reticular pattern.

Abstract: A mop with an attached wringer cup has a set of perforations near the outwardly tapering lower end of the wringer cup. The perforations have a width that is equal to about one-third the diameter of the handle, and less than the width of the flat mop strips that form the mop elements on the end of the handle. The upper end of the wringer cup fits within a lower part of a handgrip on the handle.

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 mop including a mop handle and a mop head located at one end of the handle and including a plurality of flexible strands defining a mop body. A sleeve is positioned on the mop handle and is supported for slidable movement in an axial direction parallel to the handle, and is further supported for rotatable movement relative to the handle. A lower end of the sleeve is provided with engagement portions defined by slots for engaging and gripping the strands of the mop body to facilitate twisting of the mop body by the sleeve. In addition, a ratchet and pawl mechanism is provided by cooperating portions of the mop body and sleeve to limit rotation of the sleeve to a single direction during a wringing operation.

Abstract: A gear-driven cleaning device having two gear components attached to the elongate handle. The first gear component providing torque for driving the second gear component which drives a wringing component. The cleaning device also having a pawl and ratchet arrangement for preventing the handle from rotating in a predetermined direction during the wringing process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mop having an elongate shaft, a mop element, and an operating member that is axially movable along a portion of the shaft between a range of mopping positions and a latch position. One end portion of the mop element is retained in a fixed position at one end of the shaft, the other end portion of the mop element is retained at one end of the operating member with an intermediate mopping portion formed into a bight. In accordance with the invention, the mop includes a latch mechanism for axially retaining the operating member in the latch position. The latch mechanism includes a detent portion and a shoulder portion. One portion is fixedly mounted to the shaft and the other is mounted on the operating member. Preferably, the mop is a twist mop wherein the operating member is relatively rotatable with respect to the shaft. More preferably, the mop includes a ratchet mechanism for releasably restricting relative rotation of the operating member and shaft to one direction of rotation.

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 mop having a self-contained and electrically powered wringer. The mop consists of an elongated, hollow handle wherein is placed a power unit. Attached to the power unit is a rod connected to a mop head consisting of an assembly of a cleaning device holder and a cleaning device. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a housing for receiving the cleaning device holder. The housing in the preferred embodiment also includes movable rollers. The preferred embodiment is actuated by a switch causing electricity to flow to the power unit. The activated power unit causes a communicating spring acting against a spring stop to be fully retracted or projected. In the preferred embodiment, when the switch is released, the power unit causes the communicating spring to be fully projected. The process of retraction and projection of a cleaning device through the rollers results in the expulsion of water from the mop head. Also disclosed are alternative methods for the wringing mechanism of the mop.

Abstract: A wet mop with a handle and a mop head made of absorbent strands or the like. The mop head is releasably attached to the end of the handle at its bottom end, and to a handpiece that can be moved relative to the handle at its top end. The handle is provided with a helical groove in a top first partial region of the region covered by the mop head in its extended, stretched position. A guide element of the handpiece is guided in this groove. The handle has a lower second partial region below the first region. The second region releases the guide element and therefore also the handpiece.

Abstract: A easy mop allows user to easily squeeze water out of it, meanwhile, saves user's power and keeps hands dry. The easy mop includes: a long handle with an extended arm of force either a bow portion or a handle, a mass of absorbent material, a sleeve with a twisting handle or a metal bar instead of the sleeve and twisting handle. While twisting the mop, one hand hole the twisting handle, another hand hold the bow or handle then turn around, the water being easily squeezed out of the mop.

Abstract: A mop having a self-contained wringer includes a handle, a sleeve frictionally movably disposed on the handle such that the sleeve is self supporting along a number of positions of the mop handle, a retainer member connected to an end of the handle and having a retaining surface, a mop head material having one end connected to the retaining surface of the retainer member, a twistable rubber-like generally fluted housing portion having a first end connected to the sleeve and a second end extending outwardly therefrom creating a mop head receiving surface area between a portion of the handle and an inner surface of the housing. The housing is movable along the handle by way of the sleeve in a manner to removably enclose the mop head material and enable squeezing of the mop head material by virtue of its rubber-like characteristic wherein it can twist over itself to selectively reduce the receiving surface area.

Abstract: A mop having a self-contained wringer includes a handle, a sleeve frictionally movably disposed on the handle such that the sleeve is self supporting along a number of positions of the mop handle, a retainer member connected to an end of the handle and having a retaining surface, a mop head material having one end connected to the retaining surface of the retainer member, a twistable rubber-like generally fluted housing portion having a first end connected to the sleeve and a second end extending outwardly therefrom creating a mop head receiving surface area between a portion of the handle and an inner surface of the housing. The housing is movable along the handle by way of the sleeve in a manner to removably enclose the mop head material and enable squeezing of the mop head material by virtue of its rubber-like characteristic wherein it can twist over itself to selectively reduce the receiving surface area.

Abstract: A self-wringing mop is disclosed comprising a mop stick, an “H” shape frame having one side slidably but not rotatably attached to the mop stick and the other side connected to a short rotating offset that is spaced around five (5) inches apart from the mop stick. A mop head in the form of a bundle of threads has one end connected to the lower end of the mop stick and the other end connected to the lower end of the rotating offset. By turning the driving handle on the rotating offset even a large-size mop head that is more difficult to wring, can be wrung quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mop having an elongate shaft, a mop element, and an operating member that is axially movable along a portion of the shaft between a range of mopping positions and a latch position. One end portion of the mop element is retained in a fixed position at one end of the shaft, the other end portion of the mop element is retained at one end of the operating member with an intermediate mopping portion formed into a bight. In accordance with the invention, the mop includes a latch mechanism for axially retaining the operating member in the latch position. The latch mechanism includes a detent portion and a shoulder portion. One portion is fixedly mounted to the shaft and the other is mounted on the operating member. Preferably, the mop is a twist mop wherein the operating member is relatively rotatable with respect to the shaft. More preferably, the mop includes a ratchet mechanism for releasably restricting relative rotation of the operating member and shaft to one direction of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning implement in the form of a sleeve-type self-wringing mop. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning implement includes a shaft, a mop of a liquid absorbent material disposed at one end, and a wringer. The wringer includes a wringing sleeve that comprises a handle that is rotatably relative to the sleeve over at least a portion of the axial range of travel of the sleeve, and at least one volute. The volute has a generally helicoid surface that cooperates with a drive that is fixed with respect to the shaft, the volute and drive cooperating in the manner of a cam and cam follower. A user may advance the wringer upon grasping the handle and axially translating the handle relative to the shaft. The camming interaction between the volute and drive causes rotation of the wringing sleeve relative to the shaft to cause liquid to be expelled from the mop.

Abstract: A wringer mop has a conventional handle with mop fibers extending from a lower point on the handle to a collar that can be lifted to a raised axial position and twisted to wring the mop. The mop also has a pawl on a ring fixed to the handle. When the mop is wrung, the pawl automatically engages a set of raised internal ribs inside the collar to prevent the mop from unwinding. The mop can be returned to normal use by simply pushing the collar down, without the need to fuss with button or levers to disengage the pawl from the ribs.