Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a cleaning member comprising opened fiber bundle, in order to correct twisting of fiber bundle in the path for feeding the fiber bundle from a storage container to a driving roller to thereby stabilize manufacturing process, and in order to pre-open the fiber bundle in the path from a driving roller to the opening step to thereby speed-up the opening step, fiber bundle drawn out continuously from a storage container in a first direction is wound onto a non-rotational bar, and after being fed in a second direction, is fed to a first driving roller, and the fiber bundle fed from the first driving roller in a third direction is wound onto a second non-rotational bar, and after being fed in a fourth direction, is fed to a second driving roller and to the following opening step.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated process for sewing a mop head intermediate and a finished mop head. Specifically, the inventive process uses overlapping panels of fabric to create pockets into which any of a variety of mop handle assemblies may be inserted. These fabric strips are sewn longitudinally onto a tufted strip, after which the ends of each mop head unit are sewn to create pockets. A border strip of fringe is then secured around the perimeter of the mop head. The automated process results in increased production consistency, improved fabric utilization, and decreased production times.

Abstract: A dust mop head is formed of a single sheet as a backing for pile yarns, with flaps integrally formed, the flaps having slits therein. A mop frame has inwardly directed tongues, and the flaps wrap around the frame so the tongues extend through the slits to hold the mop head to the mop frame. The mop heads can be formed by die cutting, either separately or in a continuous strip of backings. Pile yarns are subsequently attached, and the individual mop heads are separated from the continuous strip. If the mop head is to be launderable, one would use loop pile yarns and serge the edges of the backing.

Abstract: A machine for making mop heads includes a pair of parallel forward moving conveyor chains and a yarn winder upstream of the conveyor chains. A continuous supply of yarn is wound by the winder around the outside of the conveyor chains as the chains are moving forward. Downstream of the winder, two rolls of fabric apply a narrow strip of fabric to the yarn at opposite ends inside the conveyor chains. A pair of sewing machines stitch the fabric to the yarn to form opposite end loops around the conveyor chains. Periodically, the winder is stopped or slowed while the conveyor chains continue to move forward forming a long angled loop in the yarn dividing groups of yarn loops. A centrally located taping device sequentially encircles each group of yarn loops at a point equidistant between the conveyor chains. Downstream of the conveyor chains, a pair of rotating arms collect individual taped and stitched groups of yarn loops and a cutter cuts the fabric strips and yarn between each bunched group.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mop head sheet-like fabric formed of a plurality of folded and twisted cords on each side of the midline of the fabric which are in side-by-side abutting relation to one another and have looped ends, the cords being bound together by a tape on each side of the midline adjacent to and inward of the looped ends, wherein the tapes have been perforated through with a patterning of needle holes; the fabric may be in a continuous form such as is sheeting and of a prescribed width, being that of approximately twice the length of the constituent cords. The fabric is easily handleable as is sheeting. Further disclosed is a continuous process for forming the present fabric, employing porcupine rollers to control the twisting of the cords and their side-by-side orientation, as well as their taping. Yet further disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the process employing the aforesaid porcupine rollers.

Abstract: Mops and process for making closed or uncut end mops particularly using single ply cotton yarn having a high degree of twist. The yarn is processed through a fringe making machine into lengths of pre-sewn fringe or processed through a wet mop making machine and the high twist yarn tends to bunch together in thick, ropy masses of yarn strands. The fringe is either affixed to mop backs or affixed together in the middle to form a mop, and the mops are then soaked in a high temperature water bath until the ropy yarn strands relax, straighten and separate. The mops are rinsed and transferred to a high temperature hot air dryer and dried until the separate yarn strands twist about their looped ends to form separate, individual doubled ply yarn strands with uncut ends.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mop head sheet-like fabric formed of a plurality of folded and twisted cords on each side of the midline of the fabric which are in side-by-side abutting relation to one another and have looped ends, the cords being bound together by a tape on each side of the midline adjacent to and inward of the looped ends, wherein the tapes have been perforated through with a patterning of needle holes; the fabric may be in a continuous form such as is sheeting and of a prescribed width, being that of approximately twice the length of the constituent cords. The fabric is easily handleable as is sheeting. Further disclosed is a continuous process for forming the present fabric, employing porcupine rollers to control the twisting of the cords and their side-by-side orientation, as well as their taping. Yet further disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the process employing the aforesaid porcupine rollers.

Abstract: A certain process and exemplary machinery for making yarn which is particularly useful for producing mops and mats utilizes yarn generally of a mixture of cotton and certain synthetic fibers and subjects the yarn to heat and pressure. The heat melts the surface of the synthetic fibers and pressure urges the cotton fibers into engagement with the synthetic fibers. Upon cooling, the cotton fibers are mechanically bonded to the synthetic fibers and provide a mop yarn which is fluid absorbant, durable and resistant to scrubbing abrasion and maintains integrity for repeated use and washings.

Abstract: A machine for making mops, such as dish mops and puff dusters. The machine is fed with a U-shape wire, between the legs of which extends a bundle of flexible mop strands. The machine twists the wire legs which lock the strands against the bight of the U-shape wire. The machine comprises a holding plate provided with a hole through which the legs of the U-shape wire are inserted, with the strands abutting one face of the holding plate. A power-actuated piston abuts the bight and presses the strands against the holding plate to prevent rotation of the bight relative to the plate. The machine further includes a pair of pincers located on the other side of the plate and clamping the free ends of the U-shape wire. The pincers are power-rotated for twisting the U-shape wire. Opening and closing of the pincers are effected automatically. The pincers can move towards the holding plate to allow for contraction of the U-shape wire as it is being twisted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a mop head comprising a ram adapted to be urged downwardly having a ram head thereon to insert a rigid mop fiber securing wire into a preformed mop head. As the ram moves downwardly, the mop head is inserted in a resiliently mounted mop head support apparatus to align the mop head with the ram. Mop fibers are placed over the mop head and metal fingers are positioned over the ends of the mop head. The ram head engages guide members to align the securing wire with the mop head and the ram is urged downwardly, causing the ends of the wire to engage the metal fingers such that the wire is moved past the metal fingers and under shoulders formed in the ends of the mop head and securely positioned thereon and retain the mop fibers therein. The fibers frictionally engage the sides of the mop head and are retained therein by the wire.