Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a dispenser of cleaning substance, the dispenser comprises: a container for storing the cleaning substance apart of the content of a bucket; conveying mechanism for conveying the substance form the container into the bucket; and an attaching mechanism, for attaching the conveying mechanism and/or the cleaning substance container to the bucket. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning substance container is embedded within the bucket. According to another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning substance container is a separate entity from the bucket. The conveying mechanism may be adapted to convey liquid, solid objects (such as tablets), gas, and so on. Accordingly the cleaning substance may be in the form of liquid, solid objects (such as tablets), gas, and so on.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning device includes handle and head portions and is adapted for use with a gutter cleaning pail system. The gutter cleaning device head portion is configured to slide within the interior of a gutter and has a configuration generally corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the gutter interior. The gutter cleaning pail system includes a mounting assembly for mounting on a gutter.

Abstract: A bucket combination has a bucket and a removable inner bucket and wringer that fit within it. The inner bucket fits on one side of the larger bucket, and has three loops with tabs that extend over an upper rim on the bucket and engage a lower edge section on the rim. The inner bucket also has a bail that fits within a recess to provide a flat upper surface. The wringer rests on top of the upper surface on the inner bucket, and has a wringing section that fits within it. Flanges on the wringer fit within the loops on inner bucket and directly engage the lower edge section on the rim on the larger bucket. The flanges have an outwardly-extending arm.

Abstract: A mop bucket that saves, water, cleaning liquid, time and effort includes a bottom, an outer wall inclined to facilitate stacking, and either a T-wall defining three compartments not in communication with each other or an X-wall defining four such compartments. The interior walls have an inverted “V”-shaped cross-section meeting at a rounded edge, the first leg and the second leg rotationally related by a highly acute angle to facilitate stacking. The method involves providing the bucket, placing cleaning liquid into the first clean compartment and fresh water into the one or two rinse compartment, dipping the mop in the cleaning liquid, washing the floor with the mop, and the repeated steps of rinsing the mop in the rinse compartments, draining the mop so that dirty water drains into the drain compartment, dipping the mop in the cleaning liquid, washing the floor with the mop.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a liquid to a surface from a wheeled receptacle which is disposed on the surface. The wheeled receptacle, itself, includes a circumferential sidewall, a bottom wall connected to the circumferential sidewall, at least two wheels, a steering handle for guiding the wheeled receptacle on the surface, and a spigot; and the wheeled receptacle contains a liquid. The method includes the steps of: opening the spigot, thereby dispensing a liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle and onto the surface; and guiding the wheeled receptacle across the surface via the steering handle, thereby dispensing the liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle onto a selected area of the surface.

Abstract: A mop having a sponge mop pad is effective for cleaning in a hospital for avoidance of internal infection. In a conventional sponge mop, for washing off dust and dirt sticking to the mop after used for the cleaning, spring force has been used for folding the sponge mop pad at the middle position thereof to squeeze off the water contained in the mop by compression force. This requires a large force and workers, especially women workers, had a difficulty in the cleaning work. In the present invention, the mop having the sponge mop pad comprises a projection and the mop squeezer comprises an insert member into which the projection is inserted. By the principle of lever, the sponge mop pad is easily squeezed by homogenous compression force and predetermined water content of the mop, after squeezed, can be realized.

Abstract: A mop press for expressing liquid from a mop head is provided. The mop press includes a housing having reservoir means for receiving the expressed liquid. The reservoir means is provided with drainage means for allowing the extracted liquid to flow from the mop press in a controlled and directed manner. The reservoir means is large enough to accommodate the liquid expressed from the mop such that the mop does not reabsorb the expressed liquid collected therein.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for mop heads and washing pads which has the introduction of cleaning solution into a compartment for the mop as well as an overflow and drain function. The washer provides affordability, eliminates the need for electricity as a power source or lifting the cleaning water so as to drain the unit, and eliminates the possibility of back injuries associated with lifting. The washing apparatus also affords versatility that it can be combined with a mop bucket with a wringer function. Further, it can include accessories such as a spray nozzle or a foam gun.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, a squeezing out device and a container device enabling a textile wiping element located on a wiping panel of the wiping device to be squeezed out simply and reliably. The wiping panel is provided with edge fixing sections which can be held from behind by a counter bearing device of the squeezing out device in order to prevent the wiping panel from being moved out of the squeezing out device unintentionally when the textile element is squeezed out on a bearing surface, or which have an insertion ramp which facilitates the optionally jamming insertion between the bearing surface and a counter bearing surface that is set apart from said bearing surface.

Abstract: A mopping system and methods of its use are disclosed. A mop assembly includes a mop head that is adapted to be spun around a generally vertical rotational axis thereof when the mop head is fixed within a mop head spinning means of a bucket assembly. When the mop head is spun at a relatively high rate of rotational speed, water retained in the mop is forcefully dispelled from the mop by centrifugal force. The water leaves the mop and is retained within a spin chamber of the bucket assembly. A drain plunger is included to allow the collected water to be drained from the bucket assembly. An ozone generator may be included for introducing ozone gas into the collected fouled water in the spin chamber. A clean water tank with a pump and spraying means, mounted within the spin chamber just below the mop head when the mop head is engaged with the mop head spinning means, is preferably included to allow introduction of clean water to the moping surface of the mop head.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for removing and trapping large and/or dense abrasive particles from a polishing slurry. The polishing slurry is introduced into a container and allowed to stagnate, thereby causing large and/or dense particles to separate from the slurry under the influence of gravity. The container includes a cavity or plurality of cavities defined by an inner surface of the container into which the separated particles sink. To prevent the large and/or dense particles from becoming re-suspended into the slurry, the size and shape of the cavity is relatively deep and narrow with respect to the large and/or dense particles, thus providing a trapping effect. The cavities do not effectively trap the smaller particles.

Abstract: A system for separating particles from fluid which includes a receptacle for containing the fluid, a lid for covering the receptacle, and a filter assembly which includes a filter component shaped to fit the receptacle, an o-ring encircling the perimeter of the filter component for securing the filter assembly in the receptacle, and at least two baffles attached to the bottom of the filter component for reducing the motion of the fluid around and through the filter assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for damp cleaning of surfaces using mopping water includes a first plastic element which indicates the temperature of the mopping water by a reversible change in its color upon contact with the mopping water.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable, self-draining utility bucket 12. The motorized drainage system of the present invention 10 comprises a bucket 12 on wheels 14, a draining pump assembly 16 which incorporates an electrical motor 18 and a retractable cord assembly 20. The wastewater from the bucket 12 is pumped through the drain hose 22 and dispensed into a sink 24. This eliminates any need to lift the bucket 12 in order to drain it, which saves pain and hard work, and eliminates possible injury at work. An on/off switch 26, a ground fault interrupter circuit breaker (GFI) 28, a clip-on fill hose 30, and a conventional mop strainer 32 are also provided. The present invention has three designs for domestic, commercial and hospital applications.

Abstract: A bucket combination has a bucket and a removable inner bucket and wringer that fit within it. The inner bucket fits on one side of the larger bucket, and has three loops with tabs that extend over an upper rim on the bucket and engage a lower edge section on the rim. The inner bucket also has a bail that fits within a recess to provide a flat upper surface. The wringer rests on top of the upper surface on the inner bucket, and has a wringing section that fits within it. Flanges on the wringer fit within the loops on inner bucket and directly engage the lower edge section on the rim on the larger bucket. The flanges have an outwardly-extending arm.

Abstract: A mop bucket with wheels having covers protecting the wheels against contact with any liquid running down the sidewalls of the bucket and onto the wheels, axles, and swivels, and for preventing the liquid form picking up rust from the wheels and running onto the floor and staining it.

Abstract: A mop receptacle for use with dish mops and floor mops which allows the user to strain the excess cleaning solution from the mop head without contacting the mop head or actuating any levers or other mechanicals. The receptacle is substantially cylindrical in shape with a tapered wall section which compresses the mop head as it passes through straining any excess cleaning solution from the mop head. The smooth inside walls leading to the tapered wall section can also be used to drain cleaning solution from the mop head by pressing the head against the walls via the mop handle forcing the mop head to compress further.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a bucket, rolling members mounted on the bucket to moveably support the bucket, and a wringer device. The wringer device is removably positioned on the bucket. It includes a wringer for removing liquid from a mop, a wringer actuator for actuating the wringer, and a push handle extending above the wringer.

Abstract: A mop squeezing device is provided for co-operation with a mop head of a mop (49). The mop (49) has a mop head backing (53) which carries mop material (55). The device has a mop surface engaging face (17) and displaced opposite said face (17) abutment means (19). In use the mop head is placed between the mop surface engaging face (17) and the abutment means (19) and the handle of the mop cranked. This, in turn, compresses the mop material (55) and squeezes liquid from the mop material (55). A mop having a backing for mop material is also provided. A two axis swivel connector is provided between the mop head and a mop handle. This allows the mop head to assume multi-axis of orientation during operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, a squeezing out device and a container device enabling a textile wiping element located on a wiping panel (4) of the wiping device to be squeezed out simply and reliably. The wiping panel is provided with edge fixing sections (8) which can be held from behind by a counter bearing device (33) of the squeezing out device in order to prevent the wiping panel (4) from being moved out of the squeezing out device unintentionally when the textile wiping element (5) is squeezed out on a bearing surface, or which have an insertion ramp which facilitates the optionally jamming insertion between the bearing surface and a counter bearing surface that is set apart from said bearing surface.

Abstract: A mopping system for facilitating mopping of a desired surface to be cleaned. The mopping system comprising a base framework supporting a fluid dispensing container and a fluid collection container. The mopping system further including a wringing mechanism supported by the base framework, and the wringing system is coupled to the fluid dispensing container for receiving a cleaning fluid therefrom and facilitate cleaning of a mopping assembly when located within the wringing mechanism. The wringing mechanism is coupled to a collection container for conveying collected fluid from the wringing mechanism to the collection container. A filter is located, between the wringing mechanism and the collection container, to filter the fluid wrung from the mopping assembly prior to discharge the wrung fluid in the collection container. The positions of the collection container and the dispensing container can be reversed, once the collection container is substantially full of collected fluid.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for damp cleaning of surfaces using mopping water includes a first plastic element which indicates the temperature of the mopping water by a reversible change in its color upon contact with the mopping water.

Abstract: An insert has an upper and lower portions used in conjunction with a variety of sizes of a wash buckets and a wringer to eliminate the contamination of clean wash solution with dirty solution during the moping process. The insert allows for a separation of liquids while limiting the volume that is lost in the wash bucket with the use of an insert. A wringer attaches to the insert and when used to wring out a mop the insert collects all the dirty solution that is extracted from the mop. The insert allows for the maximum clean wash solution volume and dirty solution volume while also increasing the height of the wringer when used in conjunction with the insert and wash bucket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mop bucket and mop wringer assembly for wringing liquid from a mop wherein the bucket and wringer are readily separable. Also, the mop bucket is designed to collect the dirty washing liquid from an associated mop and allows particulate contaminates to collect in a portion of the bottom wall which is stepped lower than the main bottom wall. The mechanism for operating the wringer includes a rack and pinion which is normally urged into a mop receiving position by an elastomeric spring.

Abstract: An insert has an upper and lower portions used in conjunction with a variety of sizes of a wash buckets and a wringer to eliminate the contamination of clean wash solution with dirty solution during the moping process. The insert allows for a separation of liquids while limiting the volume that is lost in the wash bucket with the use of an insert. A wringer attaches to the insert and when used to wring out a mop the insert collects all the dirty solution that is extracted from the mop. The insert allows for the maximum clean wash solution volume and dirty solution volume while also increasing the height of the wringer when used in conjunction with the insert and wash bucket.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bucket for cleaning surfaces such as windows, comprising a flexible diaphragm, having a slit through the middle, and fitted into the bucket to create a compartment for storing dirt and grit residue from the cleaning instruments; a strap arranged around the inside circumference of the bucket to create receptacles for storing the cleaning instruments; and a tapered wringer affixed to the inside of the bucket for cleaning a scrubber through insertion of the scrubber into the wringer and pushing and pulling the scrubber, causing a twisting motion; and a slit in the side of the bucket which is used to clean a chamois.

Abstract: An ergonomically friendly mop bucket with wringer and method of wringing mops and conserving mop fluids including a foot operated wringer, a filter, wheel brakes and assistive drain and dumping arrangements.

Abstract: A floor washing and drying method and apparatus is provided which includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The first reservoir is adapted to hold water or other cleaning liquid in it. The first reservoir also includes a wringer mechanism which may be fixably or removably attached to the first reservoir. The first reservoir is also adapted to be used with a mop having a wetting or washing mop head attached to it. The wringer and the first reservoir are dimensioned such that the washing or wetting mop head may be placed within either the wringer or the first reservoir. The second reservoir is adapted to be used with a mop having a drying mop head attached to it. The drying mop head of the drying mop is dimensioned such that it will fit within the second reservoir but not within the wringer or the first reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a liquid from a hard surface comprising a roller unit including a roller rotatably mounted on a handle and covered with an absorbant sponge-like material, and a compression unit into which the roller of the roller unit may be inserted for removing water from the roller by compressing the absorbant material. The compression unit includes a surface along which the roller can be rolled and means engageable with the roller for pressing the roller against the surface to compress the absorbant material when the roller is rolled along the surface.

Abstract: A mop holding apparatus requires the use of only one foot to operate the apparatus, and which is designed that a holding mechanism can be applied to hold loose ends of a mop head of a mop from turning when the mop is being wrung. The holding apparatus includes a bucket, a holding mechanism, and an operating mechanism. The holding mechanism is mounted on the top of the bucket. It includes a bottom plate, a first extending arm formed with the bottom plate and extending upwardly therefrom, and a second movable extending arm connected with the first extending arm at converging ends. The bottom plate has perforations therethrough for allowing fluid to drain to the bottom of the bucket from the mop head when the mop is wrung.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pliable mop bucket insert, which can be adapted to fit various buckets and wringers with different geometries. The present invention also provides a device for receiving dirty washing liquid from a mop and containing clean washing liquid for wetting a mop separately, which includes a main container for containing the clean washing liquid, an insert being removably attached to the bucket for receiving the dirty liquid, and a wringer located inside the insert and supported by the bucket. A flexible bag is further provided with the insert to contain dirty washing liquid.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable filter and filter holder is mounted within a mop cleaning bucket to receive dirt settling under gravity from the contained liquid with the dirt collecting in, and passing through so as to be trapped below, the filter and its holder. The holder is a rigid or substantially rigid perforated support structure spaced above and below the dirt receiving filter. In one embodiment, the holder is supported in the bucket in spaced relationship to the bottom of the bucket and protects the filter. The filter is a thin, sturdy, semi-rigid and floatable member with many holes so soiled water passes through and collects in the bottom of the bucket. The construction of the filter can be selected depending upon the material (grease sludge, dirt, oil, soot, or food particles) to be mopped up. The combination of the filter and filter holder blocks or dampens turbulence and prevents sediment from being stirred up in the bottom portion of the bucket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pliable mop bucket insert, which can be adapted to fit various buckets and wringers with different geometries. The present invention also provides a device for receiving dirty washing liquid from a mop and containing clean washing liquid for wetting a mop separately, which includes a main container for containing the clean washing liquid, an insert being removably attached to the bucket for receiving the dirty liquid, and a wringer located inside the insert and supported by the bucket.

Abstract: Soil separation apparatus includes a container, such as a bucket, from which cleaning liquid is taken and to which that liquid is returned after is has been used for dirt removal. The container is provided with a soil separator. The separator has at least one associated projection and depression, and preferably, a plurality of associated projections and depressions. The separator is positioned in the container to receive dirt settling under gravity from the contained liquid and, in particular, onto the depressions. The form and structure of the separator is such that disturbance of the liquid in the container does not wash the collected dirt back out into the main body of liquid to a significant extent.

Abstract: A mop stabilizing structure for use in a mop bucket includes a shelf having notched portion which serves to grasp a mop handle to maintain the mop in a vertical position in the mop bucket. Preferably, the notch portion is made from a thin web-like material which forms a narrow lip along the inner periphery thereof which acts to firmly secure the mop in an upright position. The mop bucket preferably includes button-like locking mechanisms which maintain the handle in a rigid, stationary and vertical position relative to the mop bucket which, during handling and transport of the mop bucket, prevents the mop bucket from tipping. The base of the bucket also preferably includes an anti-skid surface composed of rows of raised protrusions, one row of which is aligned with the free end of the shelf to maintain the mop in an upright position during handling.

Abstract: A combination mop bucket and wringer unit uses a thin walled plastic mop bucket with a cap-like wringer body which fits securely over the top of the bucket to form a unitary structure. The wringer body adds rigidity to the thin walled mop bucket so that it is able to resist the downward force of the wringer handle lever without buckling. The bucket may be lifted or otherwise moved using only the handle lever. The combination or unitary structure lifting a wringer, a bucket, a mop handle and a mop. Use in small cleaning areas where the combination bucket and wringer is carried from area to area is ideal for this device.

Abstract: A mop stabilizing structure for use in a mop bucket includes a notched shelf which is vertically positioned inside a mop bucket above the base and below the lip of the bucket. Preferably, the shelf is manufactured as an integral part of the mop bucket and has a tapered notch for accommodating a variety of mop types and sizes. In addition, according to the invention, the lower interior of the bucket is preferably provided with an anti-skidding surface which is also preferably integrally formed with the bucket. The invention may be applied in buckets having different sizes and shapes, is inexpensive to manufacture, and is simple to use.

Abstract: A paint bucket having cylindrical side walls, a bottom, has two integrally-formed inclined rolling surfaces extending upward from the bottom and inward toward the center, which meet at a peak below the top rim and form rolling surfaces. The rolling surfaces are angled inward, the side walls are angled outward and the area underneath the rolling surfaces is hollow to allow multiple paint buckets to be stacked together.

Abstract: A portable cleaning container assembly having a foot activated valve assembly for selectively opening and closing a drain opening disposed in the bucket bottom wall. A directing member secured to the bucket bottom wall assists in directing the discharging cleaning solution from the drain opening to a floor drain or other drain means.

Abstract: A mop head wringer is designed to be placed on a bucket and used therewith. The mop head wringer includes a screen basket which is mounted within a supporting frame. The screen basket is to be movable from an upper at-rest position to a lower wringing position. The screen basket is mounted on a shaft with the shaft being rotated as it moves from the upper position to the lower position. A mop head placed within the screen basket causes the screen basket to move from the upper position to the lower position which causes the application of the wringing force by rotation of the screen basket to the mop head.

Abstract: Device for collecting dirty washing liquid and for containing liquid for wetting a floor-cloth or the like, for washing floors or the like by hand, including a main container, which supports a wringer and forms a compartment for collecting the liquid produced by wringing the floor-cloth used for washing. The device also comprises a secondary container, which is connected to the main container and is suitable to contain a liquid for wetting the floor-cloth.

Abstract: A mop bucket and a cover for the mop bucket. The cover has a mop receptacle and a splash guard integrally molded together using thermosetting plastic. The cover has a unique mop receptacle that facilitates a liquid to be wrung from a mop. The receptacle has a mop receiving hole in the bottom to receive a stored mop handle. The splash guard guides the mop yarns from the bucket into the receptacle and prevents liquid from splashing out of the bucket when the bucket is moved over uneven floors. The cover and bucket are balanced about the handle for carrying.

Abstract: A mop wringer has a long lever operating handle and mounts on the rear wall of a bucket. When so mounted the wringer is supported on the side walls of the bucket at or towards the front of the wringer by support ledges integrally moulded into the side walls of the bucket, below its upper rim. The wringer engages the bucket in a manner which opposes the tendency for the back of the wringer to lift off the bucket when an operating force is applied to the wringer handle.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in floor-standing machines for cleaning inside surfaces of buildings such as walls and ceilings. The improved machine includes a first support for supporting the apparatus in an upright orientation and a second support for supporting the apparatus in a horizontal orientation. The machine may readily be moved on the floor in the upright orientation and in dolly-like fashion and supported on the floor for use in a "face up" horizontal orientation. The machine has modular dirt-collection, cleaning solution and rinse water tanks, each of which is slidably attached to a mounting member. The tanks are readily removable for filling and/or emptying as needed. Implements such as cleaning wands and the like are conveniently stored at the side of the machine.

Abstract: A cleaning center for use in a home, motor vehicle or the like. The cleaning center is constructed with one or more outer caddy units which may be locked together and covered and locked with a lid. The caddy units are designed to store cleaning supplies and to prevent access to the supplies by small children. Each caddy unit has an internal cleaning device positioned in the center thereof with the home caddy having a vacuum cleaner unit and the auto caddy having a pail. The caddies as well as the internal cleaning devices are interchangeable and can be used separately and in various combinations.

Abstract: A scrubbing pail having a support attached to the rim of the pail, two brackets attached to the support, a grip pivotally attached between the brackets, and two elongate, curved members spaced apart so as to define a channel therebetween that is narrower than the mop head but wider than the mop shaft and the members extending from the grip, under the support and over a minor portion of the pail opening so that, when the mop is in the pail and is moved into the channel between the two members and lifted by the shaft, the mop head is gripped by the members and the pail is thereby lifted and maintained generally level. The two elongate members can be rotated out of the way if desired.

Abstract: A portable cleaning container for use with a conventional mop and wringer for cleaning floors and other surfaces. The container includes a bucket with a drain opening formed through the bucket floor and closable by an elastomeric stopper supported on the end of a threaded drive rod extending through a threaded bore formed through a drive rod mount attached to the inside of the bucket within a stopper drive recess formed in the wall of the bucket and extending vertically from the floor of the bucket above the drain opening. A filter recess is formed in portions of the upper surface of the bucket floor to receive an interior filter having a planar portion that extends across the filter recess and a semitubular portion that extends about lower portions of the stopper drive recess to enclose the entrance of the drain opening to the bucket interior. Troughs in the planar portion of the interior filter and corrugations in the floor of the bucket adjacent the filter recess trap detritus when the bucket is drained.

Abstract: The invention comprises a scrubbing pail device having a pail with a fresh water reservoir detachably mounted to the pail. The reservoir has a recess for receiving a mop, with a rotatable receptacle therein to open and close valve means between the receptacle and the reservoir to allow fresh water from the reservoir to flow onto the mop for cleaning the mop with fresh water from time to time. The receptacle is also rotatable to open and close drain openings between the receptacle and the pail to allow the water in the receptacle to drain into the pail.

Abstract: Cleaning equipment comprises a container, such as a bucket usable for mopping, from which cleaning liquid is taken and to which that liquid is returned after it has been used for dirt removal. The container is provided with a dirt trap comprising a dirt-receiving element of mat or pad-like form which is positioned in the container to receive dirt settling under gravity from the contained liquid. The dirt which settles out collects in, or alternatively passes through so as to be trapped below, the element or mat. The form and structure of the element is such that disturbance of the liquid in the container cannot wash the collected dirt back out into the main body of liquid from, or through, the element to any significant extent.

Abstract: A liquid extraction surface cleaning apparatus has an upwardly opening recovery tank and a top for the tank which contains a suction fan having a suction inlet opening into the tank. A wand connects to a source of cleaning liquid and has a dispensing and pickup head that deposits liquid on the surface to be cleaned in response to actuation of a control valve and picks up dirty fluid. A water and air separator has an arcuate surface transverse of the flow path of the air and spent liquid which gently separates them into separate streams by diverting the cleaning liquid laterally away from the air stream. A shutoff valve for preventing recovered liquid in the tank from entering the suction fan is mounted in the recovery tank rather than to the suction inlet to avoid dripping dirty liquid onto the floor when the cover is removed. A handle is mounted internal the tank and additionally serves to strengthen the tank sidewalls.