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Patent 2976778 Summary

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2976778
(54) English Title: LIQUID DISPENSING CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE
(54) French Title: SYSTEME DE NETTOYAGE DISTRIBUTEUR DE LIQUIDE ET PROCEDES D'UTILISATION ASSOCIES
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A47L 13/22 (2006.01)
  • A47L 1/08 (2006.01)
  • A47L 13/30 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • DYER, JOHN J. (United States of America)
  • MCCARTNEY, CHARLES R. (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY (United States of America)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2016-01-20
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2016-08-25
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2016/014046
(87) International Publication Number: WO2016/133634
(85) National Entry: 2017-08-15

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
62/118,290 United States of America 2015-02-19

Abstracts

English Abstract

A cleaning system including a lower unit, a liquid dispense assembly, and a reservoir unit. The lower unit includes a shaft defining an interior passage. The liquid dispense assembly is connected to the shaft and includes a housing and a drainage tube. The housing forms an open chamber. The drainage tube is carried by the housing. The reservoir unit includes a bottle and a cap. The reservoir unit is selectively retained within the chamber. The system is operable between closed and dispensing states. In the closed state, the drainage tube is displaced from the cap. In the dispensing state, a portion of the drainage tube passes through the cap for delivering liquid from the bottle to the interior passage. In some embodiments, the cap includes a bifurcating valve, and the drainage tube includes an insertion segment configured to repeatedly slide through the bifurcating valve in a non-destructive manner.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de nettoyage comprenant une unité inférieure, un ensemble de distribution de liquide et une unité de réservoir. L'unité inférieure comprend une tige définissant un passage intérieur. L'ensemble de distribution de liquide est relié à la tige et comprend un boîtier et un tube d'écoulement. Le boîtier forme une chambre ouverte. Le tube d'écoulement est porté par le boîtier. L'unité de réservoir comprend une bouteille et un bouchon. L'unité de réservoir est sélectivement retenue à l'intérieur de la chambre. Le système peut être mis en uvre de façon à adopter un état fermé ou un état de distribution. Dans l'état fermé, le tube d'écoulement est décalé vis-à-vis du bouchon. Dans l'état de distribution, une partie du tube d'écoulement passe à travers le bouchon pour acheminer le liquide de la bouteille au passage intérieur. Dans certains modes de réalisation, le bouchon comprend une valve de dérivation, et le tube d'écoulement comprend un segment d'insertion configuré pour glisser de manière répétée à travers la valve de dérivation d'une manière non-destructive.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


What is claimed is:
1. A cleaning system comprising:
a lower unit including:
a shaft defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an
interior
passage open to the first end,
a media holder connected to the shaft adjacent the second end;
a liquid dispense assembly connected to the first end and including:
a housing forming an open chamber,
a drainage tube carried by the housing; and
a reservoir unit including:
a bottle adapted to contain a liquid and terminating at an open end,
a cap covering the open end;
wherein the system is configured to provide a loaded arrangement in which the
reservoir
unit is selectively retained within the chamber;
and further wherein the system is manually operable in the loaded arrangement
between:
a closed state in which the drainage tube is displaced from the cap, and
a dispensing state in which a portion of the drainage tube passes through the
cap
for delivering liquid from the bottle to the interior passage.
2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a leading
section, an
intermediate section, and a trailing section, wherein the open chamber is
formed by the
intermediate section, and further wherein the leading section is configured
for assembly to the
shaft.
3. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the drainage tube is disposed
within the leading
section.
4. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the liquid dispense assembly
further includes a
plunger slidably coupled to the trailing section for articulating the
reservoir unit relative to the
drainage tube in transitioning between the closed and dispensing states.
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5. The cleaning system of claim 4, wherein upon final assembly, an axis
along which the
plunger articulates relative to the housing is in-line with a longitudinal
axis of the shaft.
6. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the leading section defines an
orifice that is
fluidly open to the interior passage upon connection of the handle assembly to
the lower unit,
and further wherein the drainage tube extends from the orifice.
7. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the drainage tube is fixed to
the housing and
remains stationary relative to the housing as the system transitions between
the closed and
dispensing states.
8. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the drainage tube includes an
insertion segment
configured to pass through a face of the cap.
9. The cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the face includes a bifurcating
valve, and further
wherein the insertion segment is configured to selectively pass through the
bifurcating valve.
10. The cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the insertion segment includes
a plurality of
circumferentially arranged splines.
11. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the liquid dispense assembly
further includes:
a hub located within the leading section and slidably disposed about the
drainage tube;
and
a spring biasing the hub in a direction of the intermediate section to define
the closed
state.
12. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the hub includes a shelf
arranged to abuttingly
engage the cap in the loaded arrangement.
13. The cleaning system of claim 12, wherein the hub further includes a
platform defining a
central passageway sized to slidably receive the drainage tube and a plurality
of bleed holes
radially spaced from the central passageway.
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14. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured such
that an entirety of
the reservoir unit slides relative to the housing in transitioning between the
dispensing and
closed states.
15. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising a dispensing outlet
fluidly connected
to the interior passage opposite the first end for dispensing liquid from the
system in the
dispensing state.
16. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the media holder is a mop head.
17. A liquid dispense assembly for use with a mop apparatus, the liquid
dispense assembly
comprising:
a housing defining a leading section, an intermediate section, and a trailing
section,
wherein:
the intermediate section forms an open chamber for selectively receiving a
reservoir unit,
the leading section forms an interior passageway open to an end of the housing

and terminating at an orifice opposite the end;
a plunger slidably coupled to the trailing section;
a drainage tube attached to the orifice and defining a lumen open to the
chamber and the
interior passageway, the drainage tube defining an insertion section for
selectively
interfacing with a reservoir unit; and
a hub slidably disposed about the drainage tube.
18. The liquid dispense assembly of claim 17, further comprising a spring
biasing the hub in
a direction of the trailing section.
19. The liquid dispense assembly of claim 17, wherein the hub further
includes a platform,
and further wherein the drainage tube includes a flange selectively bearing
against the platform.
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20. The liquid dispense assembly of claim 17, wherein the insertion section
includes a
plurality of circumferentially arranged splines.
21. A method of cleaning comprising:
loading a first reservoir unit into a liquid dispense assembly of a mop
apparatus, the
reservoir unit including a bottle containing a liquid and a cap covering an
open
end of the bottle; and
depressing a plunger of the liquid dispense assembly to cause a drainage tube
of the
liquid dispense assembly to pass through the cap, the drainage tube being
fluidly
open to an interior passage of a shaft of the mop apparatus to dispense liquid
from
the bottle onto a surface to be cleaned.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of depressing the plunger
includes moving an
entirety of the reservoir unit relative to the drainage tube.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
releasing the plunger, including the liquid dispense assembly self-
transitioning the
reservoir unit away from the drainage tube.
24. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
removing the first reservoir unit from the mop apparatus; and
loading a second reservoir unit into the liquid dispense assembly of the mop
apparatus.

-20-

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


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LIQUID DISPENSING CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE
Background
The present disclosure relates to mops or similar cleaning implements. More
particularly,
it relates to manually operable, liquid dispensing mops.
Mop assemblies of the type used for applying liquids (e.g., water, cleaning
solutions,
floor wax, disinfectants, etc.) to a floor surface commonly include a mop
head, a handle by
which the mop head can be manually moved along the surface, and a reservoir
containing the
liquid. The reservoir is usually connected to a nozzle or dispensing tube
situated near the mop
head so that liquid can be deposited onto the mop head or onto the floor
surface at a position
close to the mop head to facilitate application or spreading of the liquid
over the floor surface.
The flow of liquid from the reservoir is typically controlled by a valve,
which is normally closed
to stop the flow of liquid through the valve, but can be opened to allow
liquid from the reservoir
to flow through the valve. The valve is generally actuated by the operator in
order to permit
dispensing of the liquid at a time and place desired for optimal liquid usage
efficiency. One
advantage of such liquid dispensing mop assemblies is that there is no need
for the mop operator
to apply the liquid to the surface in a separate step; instead, it can be done
as part of the mopping
operation, thereby increasing the efficiency of the mopping process.
In many conventional liquid dispensing mop assemblies, the reservoir is
disposed on or
adjacent the handle, typically low on the handle just above the mop head.
Although this makes
for convenient location of the reservoir, it increases the weight and
bulkiness of the mop
assembly, making it more difficult and tiring to use since the weight of the
reservoir (and
contained liquid) is located a relatively large distance from the handle pivot
point that must be
overcome by a greater user-applied moment or stress when swinging or pushing
the mop during
normal use. Some mop assemblies attempt to avoid these problems by separating
the reservoir
from the mop handle so that the reservoir does not have to be moved back and
forth with the
handle during the mopping process; however, such systems can be cumbersome and
awkward to
manipulate as the connection between the dispensing tube and the reservoir can
interfere with
use of the mop.
Other concerns with conventional liquid dispensing mop assemblies relate to re-
filling of
a depleted reservoir. With some designs, the reservoir is a permanent
structure of the mop itself.
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In many instances, it can be difficult for a user to quickly re-fill the
permanent reservoir without
spillage. Conversely, other constructions provide the reservoir in the form of
a container apart
from the mop itself, with the mop having brackets or other structures for
removably receiving the
container. A depleted container can readily be replaced with a new container
of liquid, but
accidental spillage may invariably occur. Moreover, the mechanisms affording
operator control
over the dispensing of liquid are not ergonomically correct or convenient,
and/or can be quite
complex and thus costly.
In light of the above, a need exists for improved liquid dispensing cleaning
systems, such
as liquid dispensing mops.
Summary
Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a cleaning system.
The
cleaning system include a lower unit, a liquid dispense assembly, and a
reservoir unit. The lower
unit includes a shaft and media holder. The shaft defines a first end, a
second end opposite the
first end, and an interior passage open to the first end. The media holder is
connected to the shaft
adjacent the second end. The liquid dispense assembly is connected to the
first end and includes
a housing and a drainage tube. The housing forms an open chamber. The drainage
tube is carried
by the housing. The reservoir unit includes a bottle and a cap. The bottle is
adapted to contain a
liquid and terminates at an open end. The cap covers the open end. The system
is configured to
provide a loaded arrangement in which the reservoir unit is selectively
retained within the
chamber. Further, the system is configured to be manually operable in the
loaded arrangement
between a closed state and a dispensing state. In the closed state, the
drainage tube is displaced
from the cap. In the dispensing state, a portion of the drainage tube passes
through the cap for
delivering liquid from the bottle to the interior passage. With this
construction, the reservoir unit
is easily assembled to and removed from the liquid dispense assembly. Further,
the mechanisms
by which an operator can selectively dispense liquid from the reservoir unit
are straightforward
and easy to operate. In some embodiments, the liquid dispense assembly
includes a plunger for
operator-prompted dispensing of liquid, with the plunger arranged to be
actuated by a pressing
force applied by an operator's hand otherwise grasping the housing. In other
embodiments, the
cap includes or carries a valve, such as a bifurcating valve, and the drainage
tube includes an
insertion segment configured to repeatedly slide through the bifurcating valve
in a non-
destructive manner.
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Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a liquid dispense
assembly for
use with a mop apparatus. The liquid dispense assembly includes a housing, a
plunger, a
drainage tube, and a hub. The housing defines a leading section, an
intermediate section, and a
trailing section. The intermediate second forms an open chamber for
selectively receiving a
reservoir unit. The leading section defines an interior passageway open to an
end of the housing
and terminating at an orifice opposite the end. The plunger is slidably
coupled to the trailing
section. The drainage tube is attached to the orifice and defines a lumen open
to the chamber and
the interior passageway. Further, the drainage tube includes an insertion
section for selectively
interfacing with a reservoir unit. The hub is slidably disposed about the
drainage tube. With this
construction, the liquid dispense assembly can be assembled to a shaft of a
mop apparatus, and
provides an ergonomically convenient mechanism for manually-prompted liquid
dispensing. In
some embodiments, the liquid dispense assembly further includes a spring
biasing the hub in a
direction of the trailing section.
Yet other aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a method of
cleaning. The
method includes loading a reservoir unit into a liquid dispense assembly of a
mop apparatus. The
reservoir unit includes a bottle containing a liquid and a cap covering an
open end of the bottle.
A plunger of the liquid dispense assembly is then depressed to cause a
drainage tube of the liquid
dispense assembly to pass through the cap. Commensurate with the step of
depressing, the
drainage tube is open to an interior passage of a shaft of the mop apparatus
so as to dispense
liquid from the bottle onto a surface to be cleaned. In some embodiments, an
entirety of the
reservoir unit moves relative to the drainage tube with the step of depressing
the plunger.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a cleaning system in accordance with
principles of the
present disclosure, including a reservoir unit loaded to liquid dispense
assembly;
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cleaning system of FIG. 1A and
illustrating the
reservoir unit apart from the liquid dispense assembly;
FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of a liquid dispense assembly useful
with the
system of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a housing useful with the
liquid dispense
assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 3, taken along the
line 4-4;
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FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 3, taken along the
line 5-5;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a drainage tube useful with the
liquid dispense
assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the drainage tube of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage tube of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the liquid
dispense assembly
of FIG. 3, illustrating assembly of a plunger to the housing;
FIG. 10A is an enlarged perspective view of a hub useful with the liquid
dispense
assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 10B is an end view of the hub of FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 10B, taken along the
line 10C-10C;
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the liquid
dispense assembly
of FIG. 3, illustrating assembly of the drainage tube of FIG. 6 and a biasing
assembly to the
housing of FIG. 3;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a
reservoir unit
useful with the cleaning system of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 13A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning
system of
FIG. 1A, illustrating a closed state of the cleaning system;
FIG. 13B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the view of FIG.
13A; and
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning
system of FIG.
1A, illustrating a dispensing state of the cleaning system.
Detailed Description
One embodiment of a cleaning system 20 in accordance with principles of the
present
disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The cleaning system 20 includes a
cleaning apparatus
(e.g., a mop apparatus) 22 and a reservoir unit 24. In general terms, the
reservoir unit 24 contains
a volume of liquid and is selectively or removably received by the mop
apparatus 22. As a point
of reference, FIG. 1A depicts the reservoir unit 24 mounted to the mop
apparatus 22 in a loaded
arrangement of the system 20, whereas in the unloaded arrangement of FIG. 1B,
the reservoir
unit 24 is removed from the mop apparatus 22. In addition to facilitating
selective mounting of
the reservoir unit 24, the mop apparatus 22 includes various features that
promote user-prompted
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dispensing of liquid from the reservoir unit 24 onto the surface to be cleaned
as described in
greater detail below.
The mop apparatus 22 generally includes a lower unit 30 and a liquid dispense
assembly
32. The lower unit 30 is assembled to the liquid dispense assembly 32, and
includes or carries
various implements for cleaning. The liquid dispense assembly 32, in turn, is
configured to
receive the reservoir unit 24, and includes components operable for dispensing
liquid from the
reservoir unit 24 to the lower unit 30. In some embodiments, the liquid
dispense assembly 32 is
formed apart from and assembled to the lower unit 30; alternatively, portions
of the lower unit 30
and the liquid dispense assembly 32 can be integrally formed.
The lower unit 30 can assume a variety of forms generally appropriate for a
desired end-
use application; the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary
formats reflected in the
drawings. The lower unit 30 can include a shaft 40 and a media holder 42. The
shaft 40 is
configured for coupling to (or is integrally formed with one more components
of) the liquid
dispense assembly 32, and forms an interior passage (hidden in the views of
FIGS. 1A and 1B).
In some embodiments, the shaft 40 can be akin to a hollow tube. Regardless,
the interior passage
serves as conduit for directing liquid from the liquid dispense assembly 32.
The shaft 40 can
alternatively be viewed as a mop handle of the apparatus 22. As used herein,
the term "mop
handle" has its commonly understood definition: an elongated member having a
first, proximal
or lower end 50 adjacent the media holder 42, and a second, distal or upper
end 52 opposite the
first end 50. In some embodiments, the shaft 40 can have an aspect ratio
(i.e., length to width
ratio) of about 10:1 or greater. For many hand-held implements, a typical
cross-section width
dimension of the shaft 40 is in the range of about 0.75 inch to about 1.5 inch
(about 18 mm to
about 38 mm). Similarly, the shaft 40 can have a length of about 20 inches to
60 inches or more
depending on the intended utility of the mop apparatus 22. The shaft 40 can be
of a set length or
can be adjustable in length (e.g., the shaft 40 can have a telescoping
configuration).
The media holder 42 is the portion of the mop apparatus 22 (or similar
cleaning
apparatus) adapted to receive, support or carry a cleaning media (not shown),
and can assume a
wide variety of forms. The media holder 42 can be, for example, a mop head in
the form of a
substantially flat or platen media holder, but may be any other suitable
structure. The media
holder 42 can be adapted to receive any cleaning media format such as woven or
nonwoven
fabric or paper media as used in so-called flat mops; braided, twisted or
woven textile strings or
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stripes of fabric as used in so-called string or strip mops; squeegees and
various brush-like
materials useful for scrubbing floors and other surfaces.
The media holder 42 can be connected to the shaft 40 at or adjacent the first
end 50 in
various manners. For example, FIGS. 1A and 1B depict one exemplary connection
in the form of
a coupling joint 60 that may provide a fixed union, thereby holding the media
holder 42 in a
fixed orientation with respect to the shaft 40. In other embodiments, a
swiveling and/or pivoting
union can be provided, thereby permitting the media holder 42 to remain
attached to the shaft 40
yet assume more than one orientation with respect to the shaft 40.
As evidenced by the above descriptions, the cleaning systems of the present
disclosure
are not limited to any particular end use cleaning format. It is to be
understood that descriptions
of the present disclosure in terms of a mop is for convenience and ease of
understanding of the
description. It is fully contemplated by the inventor that the scope of the
present disclosure is not
limited to use with a floor mop, but applies to other implements useful for
cleaning surfaces or
spreading or otherwise applying liquids to a surface including cleaning tools
or systems intended
for use, for example, on floors, walls, sinks, toilets, windows, etc. In other
words, the term
"mop" is used herein to refer to any implement that includes a cleaning
material fastened to a
handle that can be used to clean any surface.
One embodiment of the liquid dispense assembly 32 is shown in greater detail
in FIG. 2,
and includes a housing 70 and a drainage tube 72. The housing 70 is configured
to selectively
receive and retain the reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B). The drainage tube 72 is
carried by the housing
70, and is configured to selectively interface with the reservoir unit 24 in a
manner that permits
or prevents the flow of liquid from the reservoir unit 24 as described below.
In this regard, the
fluid dispense assembly 32 includes one or more additional components that
facilitate operator-
prompted control over the drainage tube 72/reservoir unit 24 interface, for
example a plunger 74
and a biasing assembly 76 as described in greater detail below.
The housing 70 includes or defines a leading section 80, an intermediate
section 82, and a
trailing section 84. In general terms, the leading section 80 is configured
for assembly to the
shaft 40 (FIG. 1A), and supports the drainage tube 72. The intermediate
section 82 extends
between the leading and trailing sections 80, 84, and forms or defines an open
chamber 86 sized
to selectively receive the reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B). The trailing section
84 provides a
convenient handling surface for a user, and is optionally configured to retain
the plunger 74
(where provided). The housing 70 can be an integrally formed body in some
embodiments;
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alternatively, one or more of the sections 80-84 can be separately formed and
subsequently
assembled (e.g., the trailing section 84 can be a grip body formed apart from
the intermediate
section 82).
In certain respects, geometry features associated with the housing 70 are
selected in
accordance with the geometries of one or more other components connected to
the housing 70.
With this in mind, and with additional reference to FIG. 3, the leading
section 80 forms or
defines a neck 90 and a collar 92. The neck 90 is configured for assembly to
the shaft 40 (FIG.
1B), whereas the collar 92 is configured to maintain the drainage tube 72 and
the optional
biasing assembly 76.
The neck 90 has a generally tubular construction, and defines an interior
passageway
100. The neck 90 is sized and shaped for assembly to the shaft 40 (FIG. 1B),
and can incorporate
various features that facilitate a liquid-tight connection. For example, an
outer diameter of the
neck 90 can correspond with a diameter of the passage (not shown) formed by
the shaft 40 such
that the housing 70 is assembled to the shaft 40 via insertion of the neck 90
into the shaft
passage. The neck 90 can include one or more channels or grooves 102 each
adapted to receive
an 0-ring (not shown), thereby promoting a secure, leak-proof engagement
between the neck 90
and an inner surface of the shaft 40. The neck 90 can optionally further
include or more
additional features that promote fastened connection between the shaft 40 and
the housing 70,
such as a slot 104 adapted to receive a snap ring or similar attachment
component. The neck 90
can be configured for attachment to the shaft 40 in a wide variety of other
manners (e.g., friction
fit, mechanical fastener, adhesive, welding, etc.). In yet other embodiments,
the housing 70 (or at
least the leading section 84) can be integrally formed with the shaft 40.
Regardless, the interior
passageway 100 of the neck 90 is fluidly open or connected to the passage of
the shaft 40.
The collar 92 can assume various forms, and generally includes or defines a
floor 110
and an outer wall 112. The floor 110 is formed at a transition between the
neck 90 and the collar
92, and defines a central orifice 114 that is open to the interior passageway
100. A size and shape
of the orifice 114 is configured for receiving a portion of the drainage tube
72 (FIG 2) as
described below. As best shown in FIG. 4, one or more optional air bleed holes
116 are defined
through a thickness of the floor 110 at locations radially spaced from the
central orifice 114. The
air bleed holes 116 are open to the interior passageway 100 (FIG. 3), and
promote pressure
equalization during a liquid dispensing operation as well as drainage of any
liquid that may
accumulate within the roller 92 due to imperfect sealing with drainage tube
72. Returning to
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FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer wall 112 projects from the floor 110 to form a cavity
118 within which
the biasing assembly 76 is received. In this regard, the outer wall 112 is
optionally shaped as a
right cylinder, defining a diameter sized to slidably receive a component of
the biasing assembly
76 as described below. Alternatively, the outer wall 112 can have other
constructions that may or
may not circumferentially enclose the cavity 118.
The intermediate section 82 includes a side wall 130 and a funnel 132 that
combine to at
least partially define the chamber 86. The funnel 132 serves as a transition
between the side wall
130 and the leading section 80. A shape of an inner surface 134 of the side
wall 130 generally
corresponds with a shape of the reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B), such that the
reservoir unit 24 can be
generally retained against the inner surface 134. With additional reference to
FIG. 5, the side
wall 130 terminates at opposing edges 136, 138. As shown, the edges 136, 138
are laterally
spaced from one another, creating a gap or opening 140 (referenced generally
in FIG. 5) to the
chamber 86. In other words, the chamber 86 is open-sided, with a size and
shape of the gap 140
selected to allow easy insertion and removal of the reservoir unit 24. In some
embodiments,
geometry of the inner surface 134 approximates a semi-circle as shown,
although other shapes
are also acceptable. As identified in FIG. 2, a lateral projection 142 is
formed along a length of
each of the edges 136, 138, and provides an opening for placement of an
operator's finger(s)
when attempting to remove the reservoir unit 24 from the chamber 86. Other
constructions are
also acceptable (e.g., a hole or notch in the side wall 130). In other
embodiments, edges 136, 138
can be uniform along an entirety of the intermediate section 82.
The funnel 132 tapers in diameter from the side wall 130 to the collar 92,
defining a
continuous surface commensurate with that of the outer wall 112. Thus, in some
embodiments,
the chamber 86 is circumferentially enclosed along the funnel 132 (as compared
to the open
construction of the chamber 86 along the side wall 130). As described below,
the tapering shape
of the funnel 132 serves to guide insertion of the reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B)
into the collar 92.
With specific reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the trailing section 84 is
configured to receive
the plunger 74, and includes or defines a ring 150 and a grip 152. A channel
154 extends through
the trailing section 84, and is open to the chamber 86. The ring 150 and the
grip 152 can thus be
annular bodies, with an outer diameter of the grip 152 being less than that of
the ring 150 (and of
a shape defined by the side wall 130). With this construction, a shoulder 156
is established
opposite a terminal end 158 of the grip 152. The grip 152 is sized and shaped
for ergonomic
handling by a palm of operator's hand in some embodiments, although other
configurations are
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equally acceptable. As generally reflected by FIG. 3, the trailing section 84
can be separately
formed and assembled to the intermediate section 82; alternatively, the
housing 70 can be an
integral, homogenous body.
The housing 70 can optionally include or incorporate additional features
conducive to
operator handling. For example, and as identified in FIGS. 2 and 5, a series
of optional ribs 159
can project from the side wall 130 to provide increased strength while
reducing the amount of
material.
Returning to FIG. 2, the drainage tube 72 is generally configured for mounting
within the
leading section 80 of the housing 70, and to selectively interface with the
reservoir unit 24 (FIG.
1B) when disposed within the chamber 86. One embodiment of the drainage tube
72 is shown in
greater detail in FIG. 6, and includes or defines a first end 160 opposite a
second end 162, and a
lumen 164. The lumen 164 extends through the drainage tube 72, and is open to
the first and
second ends 160, 162. In some embodiments, the drainage tube 72 includes an
insertion segment
170 otherwise terminating at the first end 160. The insertion segment 170 can
assume various
constructions appropriate for interfacing with a corresponding component of
the reservoir unit
24. In some embodiments, for example, the insertion segment 170 includes a
plurality of spaced
apart, circumferentially arranged splines 172, adjacent ones of which are
separated by a slot 174.
The splines 172 (and corresponding slots 174) extend longitudinally (i.e.,
parallel to a central
longitudinal axis of the drainage tube 72), and are adapted, in some
embodiments, for slidable
insertion into and retraction from a valve structure such as a bifurcating
valve allowing air to
enter between the splines 172 (i.e., via the slots 174). Other constructions
are also envisioned,
commensurate a valve or other self-sealing configuration provided with the
reservoir unit 24.
Other optional features provided with the drainage tube 72 can be selected to
promote
assembly with the housing 70 (FIG. 2) and/or to interface with the biasing
assembly 76 (FIG. 2).
For example, the drainage tube 72 can include a flange 180, a guide segment
182 and a mounting
segment 184. The insertion segment 170 projects from the flange 180, with an
outer diameter of
the flange 180 being greater than an outer diameter collectively defined by
the splines 172. The
guide segment 182 extends from the flange 180 in a direction opposite the
insertion segment
170, and is generally configured to interface with a component of the biasing
assembly 76 as
described below. The guide segment 182 can be cylindrical in shape, optionally
having an outer
diameter less than the diameter of the flange 180. The mounting segment 184
terminates at the
second end 162 and is sized and shaped for mounted assembly to the housing 70
as described
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below. For example, the mounting segment 184 can be cylindrical in shape,
having a stepped
reduction in outer diameter to generate a rim 186 for reasons made clear
below. The drainage
tube 72 can be assembled to the housing 70 in a wide variety of manners, such
that the drainage
tube 72 can incorporate other constructions differing from the mounting
segment 184 as shown.
The drainage tube 72 can be an integral, homogenous body. Alternatively, the
drainage
tube 72 can be formed by two (or more) separate components, such as shown in
FIG. 7. More
particularly, the drainage tube 72 is optionally generated by assembly of a
head member 190 and
a base member 192. The head member 190 includes or forms the insertion segment
170, the
flange 180, and a coupling body 194 forming exterior threads 196. The base
member 192
includes or forms the guide segment 182 and the mounting segment 184, and
forms an interiorly
threaded surface 198. The head member 190 is assembled to the base member 192
via threaded
engagement between the coupling body 194 and the interiorly threaded surface
198. Regardless,
the lumen 164 is continuous through the drainage tube 72 as further reflected
by FIG. 8.
Returning to FIG. 2, the plunger 74 is generally configured to facilitate user-
actuated
dispensing of liquid from the reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B), and can assume a
variety of forms. In
some embodiments, the plunger 74 includes a shaft 200, a capture body 202 and
a button 204.
The shaft 200 is sized to be slidably received within the channel 154
(referenced generally in
FIG. 2) of the housing trailing section 84 (e.g., an outer dimension of the
shaft 200 is less than a
diameter of the channel 154), and has a length greater than a length of the
channel 154. The
capture body 202 and the button 204 are attached to opposite ends of the shaft
200 and present
an enlarged diameter such that once assembled to the housing 70, the plunger
74 cannot
inadvertently be removed (i.e., the capture body 202 and the button 204 cannot
pass through the
channel 154). For example, and as shown in FIG. 9, longitudinal sliding
movement of the
plunger 74 relative to the housing 70 is constrained by the capture body 202
contacting the
shoulder 156, and by the button 204 contacting the terminal end 158. In some
embodiments, the
button 204 (and/or the capture body 202) is formed apart from the shaft 200.
Assembly of the
plunger 74 to the housing 70 entails insertion of the shaft 200 through the
channel 154, followed
by assembly of the button 204 to the shaft 200. A wide variety of other
mounting configurations
are equally acceptable.
Returning to FIG. 2, the optional biasing assembly 76 can assume a variety of
forms and
in some embodiments includes a hub 210 and a spring 212. One exemplary
construction of the
hub 210 is shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, and includes a hub body 220 and a platform
222. The hub
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body 220 has an annular shape, extending between opposing, first and second
ends 224, 226. The
platform 222 is located intermediate the opposing ends 224, 226, and is
perpendicular to a
central axis of the hub body 220. As identified in FIG. 10C, the platform 222
defines opposing,
first and second faces 230, 232. A central opening 234 is formed through a
thickness of the
platform 222, and is sized to co-axially receive a portion of the drainage
tube 72 (FIG. 2).
Further, drainage holes 236 are optionally formed through a thickness of the
platform 222 at
locations radially spaced from the central opening 234 for reasons made clear
below. Regardless,
the platform 222 combines with the hub body 220 to define a capture region 238
for receiving
the spring 212 (FIG. 2). The hub body 220 further forms a central bore 240
between the first end
224 and the first face 230 of the platform 222. The bore 240 is fluidly open
to the central
opening 234 (as well as the drainage holes 236 where provided). The bore 240
has a stepped
diameter, defining a shelf 242 intermediate the platform 222 and the first end
224. A diameter of
the bore 240 between the shelf 242 and the first end 224 corresponds with a
component of the
reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B), with a geometry of the shelf 242 and the
reservoir unit component
(e.g., a cap) selected in tandem such that the reservoir unit 24 can be placed
into the bore 240 in
abutting contact with the shelf 242. A diameter of the bore 240 between the
shelf 242 and the
platform 222 is selected to slidingly accommodate corresponding features of
the drainage tube
72, including the optional flange 180 (FIG. 7) as described below.
Returning to FIG. 2, the spring 212 can assume a variety of forms appropriate
for
interfacing with the hub 210 as described below. In some embodiments, the
spring 212 is a
helically wound compression spring. Other configurations are also acceptable,
and in some
embodiments the spring 212 can be replaced with any other biasing member or
mechanism
format.
Mounting of the drainage tube 72 and the biasing assembly 76 to the housing 70
is shown
in FIG. 11. The drainage tube 72 is attached to the housing collar 92,
locating the insertion
segment 170 away from the floor 110. For example, the mounting segment 184 can
be press-fit
into the orifice 114, establishing a fixed relationship (e.g., the drainage
tube 72 does not move
relative to the housing 70). Other mounting configurations are equally
acceptable that may or
may not entail a fixed arrangement. Regardless, the drainage tube lumen 164 is
fluidly open to
the interior passageway 100. The hub 210 is slidably disposed over the
drainage tube 72,
including the guide segment 182 of the drainage tube 72 being received within
the central
opening 234 of the platform 222. As shown, a diameter of the central opening
234 is less than a
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diameter of the flange 180. Upon final assembly, then, the hub 210 is arranged
such that the first
face 230 of the platform 222 selectively contacts or abuts the flange 180.
Further, the insertion
segment 170 is located within the bore 240 of the hub 210, with the hub body
220 being radially
spaced from the insertion segment 170 (e.g., the insertion segment 170 and the
flange 180 freely
slide relative to the hub 210 within the bore 240). The spring 212 is captured
between the floor
110 and the second face 232 of the platform 222, and biases the hub 210 away
from the floor 110
to the arrangement of FIG. 11. As a point of reference, FIG. 11 reflects a
normal or "closed"
state of the liquid dispense assembly 32. In the closed state, the spring 212
biases the hub 210
such that platform 222 abuts the flange 180; because the drainage tube 72 (and
thus the flange
180) is spatially fixed relative to the floor 110, a static interface is
established, preventing the
hub 210 from moving beyond (or upwardly relative to the orientation FIG. 11).
When a force is
applied to the hub 210 sufficient to overcome a biasing force of the spring
212, the hub 210 is
caused to move toward the floor 110 for reasons made clear below. Upon removal
of this force,
the spring 212 biases the hub 210 back to the closed state of FIG. 11. As
shown, the shelf 242 is
displaced away (i.e., above relative to the orientation of FIG. 11) from the
insertion segment 170
of the drainage tube 72 in the closed state.
Returning to FIG. 1B, the reservoir unit 24 generally includes a bottle 250
and a cap 252.
The bottle 250 defines an internal volume for containing a liquid, and
terminates at an open end
or orifice 254 (referenced generally) that is covered by the cap 252 as shown
in FIG. 12. The cap
252 effectively defines a face 256 that closes the open end 254. The face 256
can have a self-
sealing or self-closing attribute, whereby a body can be inserted through the
face 256 and
following subsequent removal of the body, the face 256 (or other component
associated with the
face 256) self-seals or self-closes. For example, the face 256 can carry or
form or be open to a
valve structure (not shown). In some embodiments the valve is of a type known
to those of skill
in the art as bifurcating valve. A bottle cap containing a bifurcating valve
may be obtained from
Liquid Molding Systems, Inc., Midland, Mich. As a point of reference, while
bifurcating valves
are sometimes employed to permit flow in response to an external pressure,
such as squeezing of
the bottle 250, and to prevent fluid flow absent such pressure, operation of
the liquid dispense
assemblies of the present disclosure is premised upon passing a body through
the bifurcating
valve (as opposed to squeezing the bottle 250). Other valve constructions are
also acceptable. In
other embodiments, the face 256 can be or include a self-sealing or self-
closing membrane or
material layer(s). Though not shown, the cap 252 can optionally include a lid
that may be
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CA 02976778 2017-08-15
WO 2016/133634 PCT/US2016/014046
attached to the cap 252 by a hinge, for example, to prevent unexpected flow of
liquid through the
face 256 during periods of non-use.
The bottle 250 can assume various shapes and sizes, and in some embodiments is

constructed to exhibit at least some longitudinal rigidity (e.g., the bottle
250 will not overtly
deform when subjected to the external forces described below). While the
bottle 250 may have a
substantially rigid construction, in other embodiments the bottle 250 can be
constructed to
deform in response to a squeezing force. In yet other embodiments, the bottle
250 can be entirely
deformable (e.g., akin to a bag or pouch), with the reservoir unit 24 further
including one more
outer containers that surround the bottle 250 and provide some level of
longitudinal rigidity (e.g.,
a bag-in-a-box design). Further, the reservoir unit 24 may comprise more than
one chamber,
thereby permitting the contents of multiple chambers to react, combine or mix
prior to or during
dispensing. The liquid contained by the reservoir unit 24 can be any format
desired. Non-limiting
examples of liquids useful with the present disclosure include water, water-
based cleaning
solutions, other liquid cleaning solutions, floor wax, etc. Further, cleaning
systems of the present
disclosure can include two (or more) of the reservoir units 24 each containing
the same or a
different liquid; optionally, the system also include a carrier for additional
reservoir units such as
holder adapted to carry one or more reservoir units and to be worn on the body
of the operator.
As mentioned above, FIG. 1B illustrates the reservoir unit 24 apart or
disassembled from
the mop apparatus 22. The reservoir unit 24 can easily be loaded into the
chamber 86 in multiple
fashions by an operator via insertion through the gap 140 (FIG. 5). For
example, the reservoir
unit 24 is manipulated to first locate a trailing end of the bottle 250
against the capture body 202
of the plunger 74 and then allowed to slip the cap 252 on the shelf 242. It
will be recalled that in
the normal (or closed) state of FIG. 13A, the spring 212 biases the hub 210
away from the floor
110, including the shelf 242 being displaced away from the insertion segment
170. Thus, during
loading of the reservoir unit 24 (in which the cap 252 is engaged with or
abuts against the shelf
242), the insertion segment 170 of the drainage tube 72 does not interface
with the cap 252, and
no liquid is released or dispensed from the reservoir unit 24.
The loaded arrangement of the cleaning system 20 (with the reservoir unit 24
loaded into
the liquid dispense assembly 32) is shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, and reflects a
closed or
"normal" state. For ease of illustration, the lower unit 30 (FIG. 1A) is
omitted from the views.
The reservoir unit 24 is fully loaded into the chamber 86, including the cap
252 engaged with the
shelf 242 of the hub 210. The spring 212 biases the hub 210 to the arrangement
shown, with the
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CA 02976778 2017-08-15
WO 2016/133634 PCT/US2016/014046
hub 210, in turn, locating the cap 252 longitudinally away from the drainage
tube 72. That is to
say, in the closed state, the insertion segment 170 does not interface with
the cap 252 such that
the seal provided by the cap face 256 remains intact, preventing release of
liquid from the
reservoir unit 24. It should be noted that in the view of FIG. 13A, the
plunger 74 is arranged such
that capture body 202 is in contact with the bottle 250. This may naturally
occur where the
plunger shaft 200 can freely slide relative to the grip 152 and the liquid
dispense assembly 32 is
held in an upright fashion (e.g., the orientation of FIG. 13A); under these
circumstances, the
plunger 74 may self-articulate into the arrangement of FIG. 13A under the
force of gravity.
However, so long as no external forces are placed onto the plunger 74 (e.g.,
so long as the
operator does not exert an overt pressing force onto the plunger button 204),
a biasing force of
the spring 212 is sufficient to maintain the closed or normal state under the
combined weight of
the reservoir unit 24 and the plunger 74. In other words, absent an overt
action by the operator,
the liquid dispense assembly 32 remains in the closed state and liquid is not
released from the
reservoir unit 24.
To dispense liquid from the reservoir unit 24, the operator applies a manual
force onto
the plunger 74 in a direction of the reservoir unit 24 (represented by the
arrow "D" in FIG. 13A)
while keeping the housing 70 relatively stationary. For example, while
handling the housing 70,
the operator can hold the grip 152 in the palm of a single hand and apply a
pressing force on to
the plunger button 204 with the thumb of the single hand in an ergonomically
convenient
fashion. Other techniques for applying a manual force on to the plunger 74 are
also acceptable.
Regardless, the force placed on to the plunger 74 is transferred on to the
reservoir unit 24 and in
turn on to the hub 210 (due to a longitudinal rigidity of the bottle 250).
Once the applied force
overcomes a bias of the spring 212, the hub 210 and the reservoir unit 24 are
caused to move in
tandem in a direction of the floor 110, including the hub 210 sliding relative
to the drainage tube
72. A spring force of the spring 212 is selected such that an adult human
applying the pressing
force solely with his/her thumb can readily overcome the bias of the spring
212 in some
embodiments. Regardless, the reservoir unit 24 is caused to move relative to
the housing 70 and
the drainage tube 72 to the dispensing state of FIG. 14.
As the liquid dispense assembly 32 is transitioned from the closed state (FIG.
13B) to the
dispense state (FIG. 14), the drainage tube 72 is caused to interface with the
reservoir unit 24.
More particularly, the insertion segment 170 passes through the cap 252 (and
in particular the
sealed or valved face 256) such that in the dispense state of FIG. 14, the
drainage tube lumen 164
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CA 02976778 2017-08-15
WO 2016/133634 PCT/US2016/014046
is fluidly open to an interior of the bottle 250. Liquid contained in the
bottle 250 will flow (e.g.,
due to forces of gravity) through the drainage tube lumen 164 and into the
interior passageway
100. Air is allowed to flow into the bottle 250 via the slots 174 (FIG. 6)
along the insertion
segment 170 of the drainage tube 72 while liquid passes through the drainage
tube lumen 164. It
will be recalled that the interior passageway 100 is fluidly connected to one
or more other
conduits or passages (such as an interior passage of the shaft 42 (FIG. 1A)),
delivering the so
dispensed liquid to an outlet or exit orifice of the mop apparatus 22. When
the operator desires to
discontinue the dispensing of liquid, the pressing force applied to the
plunger 74 (FIG. 13A) is
released; the spring 212 then biases the hub 210 back to the closed state,
including the insertion
segment 170 being withdrawn from the cap 252. With removal of the insertion
segment 170, the
cap 252, and in particular the valved or self-sealing face 256, closes or
seals the bottle 250. With
embodiments in which the cap 252 includes or carries a bifurcating valve, the
optional splined
construction of the insertion segment 170 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6) readily
slides into and out of
interfacing contact with the bifurcating valve in a non-destructive manner,
allowing an operator
to repeatedly transition between the closed and dispensing states with the
bifurcating valve
consistently returning to a sealed condition upon withdrawal of the insertion
segment 170;
further, the optional splines 172 (FIG. 6) effect a fluid tight seal with a
perimeter of the
bifurcating valve such that liquid will not overtly flow between the insertion
segment 170 and
the bifurcating valve perimeter in the dispensing state. Pressure potentially
generated between
the shelf 242 and the floor 110 as the reservoir unit 24 is transitioned from
the closed state (FIG.
13B) to the dispensing state (FIG. 14) is relieved via the air bleed holes 116
(referenced
generally) in the floor 110 and the drainage holes 236 in the platform 222.
Further any excess
liquid can drain through the holes 236, 116 and into the interior passageway
100.
The liquid dispense assemblies of the present disclosure can assume other
formats akin to
above explanations but incorporating various modifications. For example, while
operation of the
liquid dispense assembly 32 in transitioning between the closed and dispensing
states has been
described as moving or sliding an entirety of the reservoir unit 24 relative
to the drainage tube
72, in other embodiments the liquid dispense assembly can be configured such
that the drainage
tube 72 is caused to move relative to the reservoir unit 24 in response to an
operator-applied
force, selectively bringing the insertion segment 170 into and out of
engagement with the cap
252. In some embodiments, such as the example of FIGS. 13B and 14, the fluid
dispense
assembly 32 is configured such that the operator-applied actuation force
(e.g., pressing force
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CA 02976778 2017-08-15
WO 2016/133634 PCT/US2016/014046
applied to the button 204 as described above) is applied in-line with a
central axis of the shaft 40
(FIG. 1A) for ease of operation.
Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the mop apparatuses of the present disclosure
can be
configured to dispense or distribute liquid delivered by the liquid dispense
assembly 32 in
various manners. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, an interior
passage of the shaft
40 is fluidly connected to a spout 300 arranged to deposit the so-delivered
liquid onto the surface
to be cleaned in close proximity to the media holder 42. Other exit or
dispensing orifice
constructions are equally acceptable.
The cleaning systems, mop apparatus, liquid dispense assemblies and methods of
the
present disclosure present a marked improvement over previous designs.
Individual containers of
cleaning solution or other liquids are easily assembled to and removed from
the mop apparatus.
An operator is afforded the ability to easily dispense a volume of liquid in a
controlled fashion
by a simple, ergonomically-corrected pressing force applied to a plunger at
the handling end of
the mop apparatus.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred

embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be
made in form and
detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
-16-

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2016-01-20
(87) PCT Publication Date 2016-08-25
(85) National Entry 2017-08-15
Dead Application 2021-08-31

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2020-08-31 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE
2021-04-12 FAILURE TO REQUEST EXAMINATION

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $400.00 2017-08-15
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2018-01-22 $100.00 2017-08-15
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2019-01-21 $100.00 2018-12-10
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2017-08-15 1 69
Claims 2017-08-15 4 137
Drawings 2017-08-15 13 275
Description 2017-08-15 16 953
Representative Drawing 2017-08-15 1 23
International Search Report 2017-08-15 6 252
Declaration 2017-08-15 1 18
National Entry Request 2017-08-15 2 73
Cover Page 2017-10-23 1 45