Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02484278 2001-03-23
ADVANCED CLEANING SYSTEM
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a division of Canadian patent Application Serial No.
2,408,186, filed March 23, 2001, and which has been filed as the Canadian
National
Phase application corresponding to International Application No.
PCT/USO1/09498, filed
23 March 2001, and which was published on October 4, 2001 under International
Publication No. WO 01/72195 Al.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cleaning devices and systems for use in the home, industrially or otherwise
include a broad range of technology. With regard to hand-held, mop-like
devices used by
an individual, the prior art is replete with variations. Conventional floor,
ceiling, wall or
other surface mops typically have a rigid, elongated handle portion, the
handle having a
proximal and a distal end. The handle portion is held closer to the proximal
end, while a
cleaning head is placed at the distal end of the handle.
Typically, mop heads for use indoors are about 3-4 inches wide and about 9-12
inches long, and they typically have a removable sponge or other type
absorbent pad
portion. As is well known, once a cleaning pad becomes worn out or soiled
beyond
utility, it is removed and replaced with a fresh cleaning pad.
CA 02484278 2001-03-23
2
Typically, a mop head is dipped into a pail or bucket containing water and a
cleaning
agent. The mop head is wrung out so as not to deposit too great an amount of
cleaning fluid on
the surface being cleaned. It would be highly useful to provide a hand-held
mopping system
with an on-board, disposable, rechargeable or replaceable fluid reservoir.
U.S. Patent No. 5,071,489 issued Dec. 10, 1991 to Silvenis et al. teaches a
floor cleaner
using disposable sheets. The apparatus comprises a handle portion pivotally
attached to a
cleaning head member with a flat lower surface. The lower surface of the
member has frictional
means thereon which are intended to maintain a pre-moistened fabric sheet
between the surface
and an area to be cleaned. The frictional means are a series of raised
portions, etc.
U.S. Patent No. 5,609,255 issued Mar. 11, 1997 to Nichols teaches a washable
scrubbing
mop head and kit. The device and system contains a multi-part handle, head
portion, and an
attachable sponge mop pad.
U.S. Patent No. 5,888,006 issued Mar. 30, 1999 to Ping et al. teaches a
cleaning
implement having a sprayer nozzle attached to a cleaning head member. Cleaning
tluid sprays
out of a sprayer nozzle portion attached to a cleaning head mounted at the
base of a handle
portion, the head portion mounted to the handle portion with a universal
joint.
U.S. Patent No. 5,953,784 issued Sep. 21, 2000 to Suzuki et al, teaches a
cleaning cloth
and cleaning apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle with a front, flat
head section for
insertion into a bag-like cleaning cloth.
U.S. Patent No. 5,988,920 issued Nov. 23, 1999 to Kunkler et al. teaches a
cleaning
implement having a protected pathway for a fluid transfer tube. The cleaning
implement has a fluid
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~
reservoir coupled to a dispenser with a universal joint, and a fluid transfer
tube, the fluid transfer
tube at least partially positioned to pass through the universal joint.
U.S. Patent No. 5,960,508 issued Oct. 5, 1999 to Holt et al. teaches a
cleaning implement
having controlled fluid absorbency. U.S. PatentNo. 6,003,191 issued Dec. 21,
1999 to Sherry et al.
teaches a cleaning implement. U.S. Patent No. 6,048,123 issued Apr. I 1, 2000
to Holt et teaches a
cleaning implement having high absorbent capacity. Overall maximum fluid
absorbencies, rates of
absorbency, and squeeze-out rates are defined, and examples of materials which
exhibit those types
of behavior are provided. As best understood, these inventions are directed to
the use of
superabsorbent materials, and not the use of conventional, natural and
synthetic materials.
A microfiber is atypically, and others are included herein as well, made of a
polyester/polyamide blend that has a thickness finer than 1/100 of a human
hair. In the industry of
fibers and fabrics, the following classifications of fibers is considered
standard:
Yam Count Fiber Classification
>7.0 dpf* coarse fiber
2.4-7.0 dpf normal fiber
1.0-2.4 dpf fine
0.3-1.0 dpf microfiber
<0.3 dpf ultra-microfiber
*dpf = denier per filament
Note: A filament with a thickness of I denier corresponds to a yarn length of
9,000 meters/gram.
Thus, a 0.2 denier fiber corresponds to a yarn length of 45 kilometers/gram
SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES
The present invention is an advanced cleaning system comprising a handle
portion, the
handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end; a cleaning head
portion, the cleaning head
portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad; and a cleaning fluid
reservoir fluidically
coupled to the cleaning head portion such that cleaning fluid is controllably
allowed to flow via
gravity onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion. The
cleaning system
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further comprises a nozzle portion mounted to the head portion. The cleaning
system flow of
cleaning fluid is a trickle. The head portion of the cleaning system is
coupled to the handle portion
with a yoke means. The cleaning system further comprises a cleaning pad.
In a preferred embodiment, the advanced cleaning system comprising: a handle
portion, the
handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end; and a cleaning head
portion, the cleaning
head portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad, the cleaning head
portion having an
essentially convex lower surface.
The present invention is a cleaning system comprising: a handle portion, the
handle portion
having a proximal end and a distal end; a cleaning head portion, the cleaning
head portion adapted
for use with a removable cleaning pad; and a cleaning fluid reservoir, the
fluid reservoir fluidically
coupled to the cleaning head portion; and means for controllably dispensing
cleaning fluid from the
fluid reservoir onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head
portion.
The present invention is a cleaning system comprising: a handle portion, the
handle portion
having a proximal end and a distal end; a cleaning head portion, the cleaning
head portion adapted
for use with a removable cleaning pad; and means for removably coupling a
cleaning fluid
reservoir to the system for dispensing cleaning fluid adjacent the cleaning
head portion.
The present invention is a kit for a cleaning system comprising: an handle
portion, the
handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end; a cleaning head
portion; one or more
removable cleaning pads; and means for removably coupling a cleaning fluid
reservoir to the
system for dispensing cleaning fluid adjacent the cleaning head portion.
CA 02484278 2001-03-23
The present invention is a method for applying a fluid to a surface with a
tool comprising
a handle portion, a head portion, and a fluid reservoir attached thereto, the
method comprising
the following steps: obtaining the handle portion; mechanically coupling a
fluid reservoir to a
handle portion and fluidically coupling the fluid reservoir to the head
portion; controllably
dispensing the fluid onto the surface; and distributing the fluid dispensed
onto the surface with
the head portion.
The present invention is a cleaning system including: one or more shaft
sections of a
handle sub-assembly; a holster sub-assembly which mounts on the handle sub-
assembly; a yoke
section located at a distal end of the one or more shaft sections of a handle
sub-assembly; a head
sub-assembly coupled to the one or more shaft sections of the handle sub-
assembly adjacent the
yoke section; and a cleaning fluid reservoir having a fluid delivery tube and
a nozzle assembly,
the nozzle assembly being mountable onto the head sub-assembly.
Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in a gravity-fed
cleaning system
with replaceable cleaning fluid reservoir, the cleaning system comprising:
a handle portion, the handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end,
the handle
portion further including a housing, the housing adapted to receive a
replaceable cleaning fluid
reservoir;
a cleaning head portion coupled to the handle portion with a yoke section, the
cleaning
head portion further comprising mechanical secure for retaining a removable
cleaning pad, the
cleaning head portion further comprising a nozzle with a plurality of
orifices, the nozzle mounted
to the head portion; and
a replaceable cleaning fluid reservoir received within the housing, the
cleaning tluid
reservoir fluidically coupled to the nozzle such that cleaning fluid is
controllably allowed to
tlow via gravity through the nozzle in a plurality of individual streams onto
the surface to be
cleaned in front of the cleaning head portion.
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5a
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning system
100 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning
system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a head
sub-
assembly 300 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
pincher 308 of
a head sub-assembly 3 00 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
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FIG. 3C is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of a pincher
308 of a head
sub-assembly 300 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 3D is a representative top view of a preferred embodiment of a pincher
308 of a head
sub-assembly 300 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 3E is a set of three representative side views of preferred embodiments
of a convex
lower surface 330 of a head sub-assembly 300 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. 4A is a representative view of a preferred embodiment of a cleaning pad
200 of a
cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 4B is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning pad
200 of a cleaning system 100 of the pr'esent invention, such as taken along A-
A.
FIG. 4C is a representative view of a preferred embodiment of a cleaning pad
or sheet 200
of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 4D is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning pad
230 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention, such as taken along B-
B.
FIG. 4E is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning pad
240 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 4F is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning pad
250 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
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FIG. 4G is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning pad
200 and 4 different embossing patterns 203 overlaid the surface contacting
portion 202 of a
cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a mid
portion
400a of a handle sub-assembly 400 (as shown in FIGS. 1 an d 2) of a cleaning
system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. 5B is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
shaft section
410 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention.
FIG. 5C is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
threaded shaft
coupling member 430 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of
the present
invention.
FIG. 5D is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
sleeve member
420 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention.
FIG. 5E is a representative view of a preferred embodiment of a push rod 440
of a handle
sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention. =
FIG. 6A is a representative isometric view with hidden lines of a preferred
embodiment of
a yoke section 450 and universal joint 302 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a
cleaning system 100
of the present invention.
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FIG. 6B is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a
holster sub-
assembly 470 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 6C is a representative isometric view of left side cradle portion and
right side cradle
portion of a preferred embodiment of a holster sub-assembly 470 of a cleaning
system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. 7A is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a
proximal end
501 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention.
FIG. 7B is a representative section view of a preferred embodiment of a
proximal end 501
of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention.
FIG. 8A is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning fluid
reservoir 500 and valve sub-assembly 800 with flexible fluid delivery tubing
504 and nozzle
assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 8B is a representative section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning fluid
reservoir 500 and valve sub-assembly 800 with flexible fluid delivery tubing
504.
FIG. 8C is a representative upper isometric view of a preferred embodiment of
a valve cap
portion 860 of a valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. 8D is a representative lower isometric view of a preferred embodiment of
a valve cap
portion 860 of a valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
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FIG. 8E is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a flex
dome
portion 830 of a valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. 8F is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
valve post 810
of a valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 8G is a representative section view of a preferred embodiment of a valve
post 810 of a
valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 8H is a representative detail view of a preferred embodiment of a dip
tube 804 and
duck bill valve 840 of a valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100 of
the present invention.
FIG. 81 is a representative isometric view of another preferred embodiment of
a valve sub-
assembly 800a of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 8J is a representative isometric section view of another preferred
embodiment of a
valve sub-assembly 800a of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 8K is a representative isometric section view of yet another preferred
embodiment of
a valve sub-assembly 800b of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 9A is a representative upper side view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning fluid
reservoir 500 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 9B is a representative lower side view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning fluid
reservoir 500 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
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FIG. 1 0A is a representative upper isometric view of a preferred embodiment
of a top
portion 702 of a nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. I OB is a representative lower isometric view of a preferred embodiment
of a top
5 portion 702 of a nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. I OC is a representative upper isometric view of a preferred embodiment
of a lower
portion 704 of a nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
10 FIG. I OD is a representative lower isometric view of a preferred
embodiment of a lower
portion 704 of a nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. I OE is a representative top view of a preferred embodiment of a flow
pattem 710 of
cleaning fluid 502 flowing through the nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning
system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. 10F is a representative perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
flow pattern
710 of cleaning fluid 502 flowing through the nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a
cleaning system 100 of
the present invention.
FIG. 1 I is a representative schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a
method of
assembly of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in the art to
make and use
the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular
application and its requirements.
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ll
Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, and
the general principals discussed below may be applied to other embodiments and
applications
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the
invention is not
intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the invention is to
be given the largest
possible scope which is consistent with the principals and features described
herein.
It will be understood that in the event parts of different embodiments have
similar
functions or uses, they may have been given similar or identical reference
numerals and
descriptions. It will be understood that such duplication of reference
numerals is intended solely for
efficiency and ease of understanding the present invention, and are not to be
construed as limiting
in any way, or as implying that the various embodiments themselves are
identical.
FIG. 1 is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning system
100 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a representative cross section view of
a preferred
embodiment of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. The cleaning
too1100 consists of a
preferred embodiment of an absorbent cleaning pad or sheet 200 which is
removably mounted onto
a cleaning head assembly 300. The head sub-assembly 300 is attached via
universal joint 302 to a
handle sub-assembly 400. The handle sub-assembly 400 can be disassembled for
easy storage. A
fluid reservoir 500 which is intended to carry a liquid cleaning solution 502
can be mounted on the
handle sub-assembly 400 within a suitably designed holster sub-assembly 600.
The fluid reservoir
500 has a flow delivery tube 504 which leads through a yoke portion on the
handle sub-assembly to
an fluid nozzle sub-assembly 700 which is mounted on the cleaning head sub-
assembly 300 near
the leading edge of the absorbent pad or sheet 200. A trigger mechanism
4021ocated on the
proximal end of the handle sub-assembly 400 actuates a valve system for
providing flow of fluid
from the fluid reservoir 500 through the nozzle sub-assembly 700.
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12
It will be understood that the mechanical linkages described herein between
the shaft
sections of the handle portion 400 can all be configured to be collapsible,
dis-assemblable,
telescoping, bayonet mounted and linked, etc. Such adaptability for the system
is designed to
enhance storage, packaging, and utility of the system 100 of the present
invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the handle portion 400 comprises sections which
interlock
together in a bayonet-type configuration. The sections are each distinctively
keyed, sized or
shaped to confirm that the advanced cleaning system 100 is assembled properly.
In a preferred
embodiment, the system is a one-time assembly system, and is basically a no-
disassembly
system. The shaft section 400a and others, can be single assembly, over-torque-
proof design,
such as incorporating advanced, flanged or cone-shaped collars and keyed end
sections, are also
important and will be included within the present invention. In a preferred
embodiment, the
system is automatically self-adjusting, and the handle is self-aligning. The
trigger draw can be
set automatically, once the system is assembled.
In a preferred embodiment, the delivery tubing 504 comprises 0.25 inch inside
or outside
diameter plastic or rubber tubing. The internal diameter can be larger or
sinaller, as desired or
suitable. The tubing 504 can be replaceable and/or reusable, as desired or
appropriate.
FIG. 3A is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a head
sub-
assembly 300 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. The head sub-
assembly 300
consists of a pad portion 304, a formed enclosure portion 306 and about 4
pinchers 308. In a
preferred embodiment, the length and width of the pad portion 304 will be
abotit 11 inches and
4 inches, respectively. The enclosure portion 306 will be integrally or
otllerNvise forined, and can be
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formed separately or as part of the pad portion 304. It will be known to those
skilled in the art that
the overall size, shape and materials of construction of the pad portion 304
shall be varied upon the
specific cleaning application intended.
As shown, nozzle snap 350 is positioned at the front, leading edge 352 of the
pad portion
304. The nozzle snap 350 can be replaced with any nozzle portion 700 (as shown
best in FIGS.
l0A-l0E) retaining means. Furthermore, it is also an option to have the head
assembly 300
configured such that flow of cleaning fluid 502 flows through the head
assembly 300 and out the
nozzle assembly 700.
FIG. 3B is a representative isometric.view of a preferred embodiment of a
pincher 308 of a
head sub-assembly 300 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG.
3C is a
representative side view of a preferred embodiment of a pincher 308 of a head
sub-assembly 300 of
a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 3D is a representative
top view of a preferred
embodiment of a pincher 308 of a head sub-assembly 300 of a cleaning system
100 of the present
invention. Pinchers 308 and other mechanical securing means are well known in
the art. Such
pinchers 308 or other cleaning pad 200 (not shown) securing means will be
formed of rubber or
other flexible and resilient elastomeric or polymeric material. A circular rib
310 or other
mechanical structure is useful for seating and securing the pincher 308 into
the enclosure portion
306. The precise design of the slots 312 cut into the top surface 314 of the
pinchers 308 can be
modified as desired or needed.
FIG. 3E is a set of three representative cross section views of preferred
embodiments of the
convex lower surface 330 of a head sub-assembly 300 of a cleaning system 100
of the present
invention, such as shown in at least FIGS. 2 and 3A. It will be understood by
those skilled in the art
that as the cleaning system 100 of the present invention is used, in a typical
floor or ground surface
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cleaning experience, the system is placed with the lower side 330 of the head
assembly 300 facing
downward. In the preferred embodiments shown, the lower side 332 of the head
assembly 300 is
slightly convex, the lower side 334 of the head assembly 300 is more convex,
and the lower side
336 of the head assembly 300 is greatly convex. It will be understood that the
radius of curvature of
the lower surface 332 will be greater than the radius of curvature of lower
surface 334 which will
be also be greater than the radius of curvature of the lower surface 336.
In the preferred embodiments shown in FIG. 3E, it will be understood that
during the
cleaning experience, the leading edge 342 of the cleaning head assembly 300 is
going to
accumulate the greatest amount of debris initially. When the lower surface 330
of the cleaning head
assembly 300 is essentially flat, the leading edge 342 of the head assembly
300 the leading edge
342 will become loaded with dirt very quickly as the head 300 is moved forward
across the surface
to be cleaned 712 ( such as shown in FIG. l0E and I OF). Thus, by providing an
increasingly
convex shaped lower surface 332, 334 or 336, the leading edge will become
decreasingly loaded
earlier than the leading edge 342. It will be understood, therefore, that by
providing a
hemispherically or wedge or other-shaped lower surface 330, the loading of
dirt and debris on the
leading edge 342 as well as elsewhere on the lower surface 330 -336 can be
carefully controlled
and optimized. It will be understood that the scope of the present invention
includes flat as well as
convex, wedge shaped, trapezoidal, stepped, or other shaped lower cleaning and
contacting surface.
In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning head assembly 300 is optimized to
prevent head
flipping, such as when applying increased force to the head or when there is
an increased frictional
force between the cleaning head portion 300 and the floor or other surface
being cleaned. In a
preferred embodiment, the u-joint 302 is settled into a well or depression or
cavity in the top
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portion of the head assembly 300. It has been found that by bringing the point
at which the u-joint
302 is placed relatively closer to the lower surface of the cleaning head
assembly, flipping of the
head is reduced.
5 FIG. 4A is a representative view of a preferred embodiment of a cleaning pad
200 of a
cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a representative
cross section view of a
preferred embodiment of a cleaning pad 200 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention,
such as taken along A-A.
10 With regard to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cleaning pad 200 consists of a surface
(to be cleaned)
contacting portion 202 which is the portion of the cleaning pad 200 which
comes into direct contact
with dirt and debris. This lower, surface contacting portion 202 lifts and
locks dirt, dust, debris,
hair, fluid, liquid, powder and other spills and materials and any other
unwanted matter into itself.
On one side of the surface contacting portion 202 there is a narrow strip of
absorbent material 204
15 which has roughly the equivalent, or somewhat larger or somewhat
smallerthan, length and the
width as the pad portion 304 of the head sub-assembly 300 (shown best in FIGS.
1-3A). It will be
understood that this absorbent material may be any known material which has
the ability to absorb
fluid, including superabsorbent materials.
Additionally, a polyethylene film backing layer 206 is bonded at points 208 to
the surface
contacting portion 202. The film backing layer 206 can be formed of
polyethylene or any suitable
plastic, rubber, other elastomeric, polymeric or other flexible or otherwise
suitable and desirable
material which may be available. An advantage of using a fluid impervious
material for the
backing layer 206 is to prevent fluid leakage into and onto the head sub-
assembly 300. Therefore,
the use of any essentially fluid or dirt impermeable or impervious material
would be useful in this
application as backing layer 206 and will, therefore, be claimed within the
scope of this patent. It
CA 02484278 2001-03-23
16
will be known to those skilled in the art that the bonding 208 may be formed
by heat sealing or
thermo-sealing, various adhesives, any suitable bonding or sealing method,
stitching, etc. Thus,
absorbent material 204 is retained in a fixed position relative to the lower
portion 202 by bonded
points 208.
In a preferred embodiment, one or more portions of the cleaning pad 200 and/or
the
surface contacting portion 202 and/or the absorbent material 204 comprises a
point unbonded
web material as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,858,112 issued Jan. 12, 1999
to Stokes et al.
and 5,962,112 issued Oct. 5, 1999 to Haynes et al. or other material such as
described by U.S.
Patent No. 4,720,415 issued Jan. 19, 1988 to Vander Wielan et al. or any
superabsorbent
material such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,995,133 issued Feb. 1991 and
5,638,569 both
issued to Newell, 5,960, 508 issued Oct. 5, 1999 to Holt et al., and 6,003,191
issued Dec. 21,
1999 to Sherry et al.
In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning pad 200 and/or the surface contacting
portion
202 comprises a spunbond fiber nonwoven web having a basis weight of
approximately 68
grams per square meter. The spunbond fibers comprise bicomponent fibers having
a side-by-side
configuration where each component comprise about 50%, by volume, of the
fiber. The
spunbond fibers will comprise first and second polypropylene components and/or
a first
component comprising polypropylene and a second component comprising rropylene-
etliylene
copolymer. About 1% or more or less of titanium oxide or dioxide is added to
the fiber(s) in
order to improve fiber opacity. The spunbond fiber nonwoven webs thermally
bonded with a point
unbonded pattern. The nonwoven web is bonded using both heat and compacting
pressure by feeding.
the nonwoven web through a nip formed by a pair of counter-rotating bonding
rolls; the bonding rolls
comprise one flat roll and one engraved roll. The bonded region of the
nonwoven web comprises a
continuous pattern that corresponds to the pattern imparted to the engraved
roll. Further, the
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bonded region is applied to the web when it passes through the nip. The bonded
region will range
between approximately about 27% to about 35% of the area of the nonwoven web
and forms a
repeating, non-random pattern of circular unbonded regions. Absorbency
enhancing or
superabsorbent materials, including superabsorbent polymers, powders, fibers
and the like may be
combined with the cleaning pad 200.
In a preferred embodiment, the unbonded regions of the cleaning pad
materia1200 as
described above are used as the surface 202 to be placed in contact with the
surface to be cleaned
712. These unbonded regions, laminated or pressed onto the layer of fibers
which is opposite the
unbonded region, are highly effective at lifting and locking the dirt, dust,
debris, hair, spilled or
applied fluids, cleaning solutions, etc. In preferred embodiments, the
unbonded portions of the
material can be imparted with a scrubby or scruffy surface treatment or
composition of material,
such as a powder, abrasive, cleaning agent, physical texturing of the fibers,
hot air or fluid
disruption of the unbonded fibers or other portions to enhance their cleaning
capacity and efficacy.
In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent materia1204 or elsewhere in the pad
200
comprises a laminate of an air-laid composite and a spunbond fiber nonwoven
web. The nonwoven
web comprises monocomponent spunbond fibers of polypropylene having a basis
weight of
approximately 14 grams per square meter. The air-laid composite comprises from
about 85% to
about % kraft pulp fluff and from about 10% to about 15% bicomponent staple
fibers. The
bicomponent staple fibers have a sheath-core configuration; the core component
comprises
polyethylene terephthalate and the sheath component comprises polyethylene.
The air-laid
composite has a basis weight between about 200 and about 350 grams per square
meter and an
absorbency of between about 8 and about I 1 grams per gram. With regard to
absorbency, the stated
absorbency was determined under no load by placing a 4"x4" sample in three
inches of tap water
for three minutes, the sample is then removed from the water and held by a
comer allowing it to
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gravity drip for one minute. The (wet weight - dry weight)/dry weight yields
the gram per gram
absorbency.
In preferred embodiments of the cleaning pad 204, PET or other hydrophillic
fibers useful
for scrubbing are employed. Additionally, nylon fibers are useful as they
increase the coefficient of
friction when they become wet. Increasing the coefficient of friction between
the cleaning pad 200
and the surface being cleaned or coated is useful for better cleaning, coating
performance. Any
component of the cleaning pad 200 may be composed of microfibers and ultra-
microfibers having a
denier per filament (dpf) less than or equal to about 1Ø
ln a preferred embodiment, the cleaning pad 200 is loaded or doped with micro-
encapsulated amounts of cleaning compounds. The cleaning fluid itself 502 can
be micro-
encapsulated, and individual cleaning compounds can be used separately. These
would includes,
without limitation: anti-microbial, sanitizing and de-odorizing agents,
cleaning agents, waxes,
polishes or shining agents, softening agents, friction-enhancing compounds or
surfaces, perfumes,
etc. multi-phases systems may also be applied to a floor or other surface in
this way.
When the cleaning pad 200 is positioned such that the pad portion 304 of the
head sub-
assembly 300 is aligned with the absorbent material 204, and the film backing
206 is adjacent the
lower surface of the pad portion 304 of the head subassembly 300, it will be
known to those skilled
in the art that the rectangular sections 210 can be folded over the lengthwise
edges 320 of the pad
portion 304, including the leading edge 352 and the back edge 354, and pinched
into the slotted
portions 312 of the pinchers 308. In this manner, the cleaning pad 200 will be
retained on the head
portion or assembly 300 in a desired position.
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In a preferred embodiment, one or two sections of the absorbent materia1202
are removed
from the lengthwise portions 320, resulting in one or more notches 260 in the
cleaning pad means
200. These notches 260 make it easier for the user to attach the cleaning pad
or sheet 200 to the
cleaning head assembly 300 without flow or delivery of cleaning fluid liquid
502 is not interrupted
or impeded. Providing a double notched 360 cleaning pad or sheet 200 makes it
possible for the
user to orient the cleaning pad in at least two different configurations
without obstructing flow of
cleaning solution or fluid 502.
As best shown in FIG. 4A, notch 3601ocated on one or two side panels 210 such
as
indicated is particularly adapted for use when the contour of the head sub-
assembly 300 and the
position of the nozzle assembly 700 thereon requires clearance for delivery of
cleaning fluid 502
therefrom. This cleaning fluid delivery notch 360 can be shaped or otherwise
formed as desired,
including perforated section which is torn out by the consumer, a slit
portion, various shaped
section cut-out,
FIG. 4C is a representative view of a preferred embodiment of a cleaning pad
or sheet 200
of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. It will be understood that
the cleaning pad 200
used with the cleaning system 100 of the present invention may be any useful
or desirable cleaning
pad or cloth, unwoven, non-woven or woven materials, co-materials, bonded or
laminated
materials, for any of various structurally distinct construction. Furthermore,
any optimum or
possible combination or synthesis of the various embodiments of cleaning pads
shown in FIGS, 1,
4A-4F will be useful herein and, therefore, are included within the scope of
this invention.
FIG. 4D is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning pad
230 of a cleaning system'100 of the present invention, such as taken along B-
B. It will be
understood by the foregoing and the following that this invention includes
providing a single layer
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portion of material for the cleaning pad 230 which is capable of beirig fluid
absorbent and will
scrub a surface while maintaining integrity. As described, the single layer
portion of material
cleaning pad 230 can be formed by any material or material-forming process
known, including
woven and non-woven materials, polymers, gels, extruded materials, laminates,
layered materials
5 which are bonded together integrally and thus form a co-material, fused
materials, extruded
materials, air laying, etc. additionally, materials which are useful include
sponges, fabrics, etc.
FIG. 4E is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning pad
240 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. The cleaning pad 240 is
formed of discrete
10 sections or portions. Peripheral edge sections 242 are useful for pinching
into the pinchers 308 of
the head assembly 300. Adjacent to edge sections can be one or more lengthwise
or widthwise
orientated strips of material 244 which will have enhanced, preselected,
predetermined and other
desirable and advantageous properties for cleaning and mopping surfaces.
15 FIG. 4F is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of
a cleaning pad
250 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. The cleaning pad 250 is
formed of layers of
material or is a single layer of material, as discussed above and elsewhere
herein, but there is an
enhanced surface contacting side 252. This enhanced surface contacting layer
or portion of
cleaning pad 250 can be optimized for providing a cleaning fluid to the
surface, such as with micro
20 capsules or encapsulated fluids or agents. The enhanced surface 252 of the
cleaning pad 250 can
have scrubbing or abrasive qualities. The enhanced surface 252 can also be
formed by a
mechanical stamping, bonding, pressing, compression, extrusion, sprayed,
sputtered, laminated or
other surface forming or affecting process.
Furthermore, the upper layer 254 of the cleaning pad 250 will be fonned of any
suitable
material, if different than that of the enhanced surface 252. In general,
however, the upper layer
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254 can be formed of a fluid membrane or an impervious or absorbent or other
non-absorbent
material. Such upper layer 254 can be laminated, heat sealed, fused,
compressed with, glued to or
otherwise in contact with the surface contacting portion 252.
It will be understood that various absorbent materials 204 are able to absorb
and hold
fluids, preventing dripping or "squeeze-out", even under applied pressure.
Thus, as a user uses the
system 100, the cleaning pad 200 will absorb spilled or applied fluids,
including cleaning fluids,
polishes, special surface coatings, etc. As the user continues through the
cleaning experience,
whereas conventional materials may tend to allow the absorbed fluid to be re-
released, such as at
the sides, front or back ofthe drawing movement of the head assembly 300. This
absorbent
material 204 or other portion of the cleaning pad 200 will be enhanced to
prevent release, drippage
or squeeze-out of fluid absorbed therein.
In a preferred embodiment, an internal or external or combination cage, frame,
ribcage,
scrim or scrim assembly for providing an enhanced structure to the cleaning
pad 200 will be used.
This scrim or internal frame system for the cleaning pad 200 or the absorbent
portion 204 thereof,
is intended to provide a structure such that fluid can be absorbed into the
cleaning pad 200 but fluid
release is avoided. The scrim can also take the form of an open-textured or
fishnet-type knit
material. The open weave or mesh of the scrim material enhances the capacity
to hold, litt and lock
or other wise entrap and remove dirt, dust, hair, lint, fuzz, and other debris
or soils to be removed
by the system 100. The scrim material, being a rigid, more durable, stiffer or
thicker material than
other portions of the cleaning pad 200, will prevent the cleaning pad 200 from
being compressed
during use, or otherwise, such that the fluid absorbed into the absorbent
portion 204 or elsewhere
on the cleaning pad 200 will not be squeezed out. Intemational Publication
Number WO 98/42246
CA 02484278 2007-07-18
22
published 1 October 1998 describes additional embodiments of a cleaning
implement comprising a
removable cleaning pad 200, including a scrim and scrim portion for scrubbing.
Thus, it will be understood that a preferred embodiment of the cleaning pad
200 of the
present invention includes any suitable open pore, burlap or fishnet type
sponge structure for
snagging, or collecting particulate. Such cleaning pad 200 can be enhanced by
providing
embossing 203 (as best shown in FIG. 4G) and/or providing slits or pre-cut
holes, openings, slots
or other apertures, with or without removing material when creating those
openings. The surface
contacting portion 202 of a cleaning pad 200 can be sliced or slotted prior to
assembly, if using
more than one component. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning portion 202
or other portion of
the pad 200 is a robust material marketed by PGI as Lavette Super.
In a prefetred embodiment, the cleaning pad or sheet 200 comprises strips or
stripes of
scrubbing or abrasive material. Such abrasive will be surface-safe, so as not
to damage the finish,
polish or other desirable qualities of a smooth floor or other surface to be
cleaned
In preferred embodiments, the cleaning pad 200 has an absorbent portion 204
which is
comprised of a plurality of layers of absorbent material. The layers can be
formed by individual
slices, a single, rolled section of material which is simply flattened into a
layered, absorbent portion
204. As described, such can be formed of rayon, polyester, nylon material,
pulp, combinations and
composites and multi-and bi-component materials can be used.
FIG. 4G is a representative cross section view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning pad
200 and 4 different embossing patterns 203 overlaid the surface contacting
portion 202 of a
cleaning system 100 of the present invention. The surface contacting portion
202 can contain
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apertures 203 designed to scoop up and entrap dirt, hair, crumbs, and dust.
Aperture designs 203
include many, such as those shown as A, B, C, and D. The aperture designs 203
shown are merely
representative of a few of the possible designs, and while others will become
apparent to those
skilled in the art, they will be covered within the scope and purview of the
present invention.
FIG. 5A is a representative exploded view of a mid portion 400a of a handle
sub-assembly
400 such as shown in FIGS. I and 2 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention. It will be
known based on the foregoing and the following that the mid portion 400a of
the handle sub-
assembly 400 can have various embodiments, and but essentially a single
preferred embodiment
are described herein. The handle sub-assembly 400 consists of a shaft section
410 with a sleeve
member 420 pressed onto place at either end. Further, it will be known to
those skilled in the art
that additional means for securing the sleeve members 420 into the ends of the
shaft sections 410
will be available, including threaded ends, pins, welding, other types of
press fittings, compression
and expansion fittings or adhesives, and other common or custom coupling or
attachment means,
etc.
FIG. 5B is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
shaft section
410 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention. The tubular
shaft section 410 can be formed of any of a variety of materials and methods,
including but not
limited to the following materials and methods of forming those: glass, paper,
cardboard, wood,
any metals including steels, aluminum, titanium, alloys including chrome,
molybdenum, plastics,
composites including fiber glass, formica, natural and synthetic, man-made
materials, canes,
tubular members made of carbon components, crystals, fibers, alloys, etc., by
extrusion, pressing,
braking, rolling sheet portions, stamping, carved, otherwise shaped, formed,
prepared and/or
assembled.
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FIG. 5C is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a
shaft coupling
430 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention. FIG. 5D is a
representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a sleeve member 420
of a handle sub-
assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
The threaded shaft coupling member 430 has one or more helically threaded
portions 426
which align and thread into matching threaded portion 424 in the sleeve member
420. It will be
apparent, therefore, that by coupling multiple shaft sections 410 together
with shaft coupling
members 430 between different shaft sections 410, a handle sub-assembly 400
having essentially
any desired length or other geometry may be obtained. Additionally, an opening
or hole 428
extends through the coupling member 430.
FIG. 5E is a representative view of a preferred embodiment of a push rod 440
such as of a
mid-portion 400a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention. The
push rod 440 extends through holes 422 passing through the sleeve members 420
and through the
openings 428 through the coupling members 430. Local deformations 442 at
either end of the push
rod 440 serve as detents or stops for controlling translation of the push rod
440 as desired.
It will be understood by the foregoing and the following that the handle sub-
assembly 400
of a cleaning system 100 can comprise one or more shaft sections 410 in a
coupled, hinged,
telescoping, collapsible, expanding or other configuration. A plurality of
telescoping or collapsing
shaft sections 410 in combination is space-saving, convenient to use and
economical to
manufacture, and is included within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 6A is a representative isometric view with hidden lines of a preferred
embodiment of
a yoke section 450 and a universal joint 302 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a
cleaning system
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100 of the present invention. The yoke section 450 can be formed by injection
molding, extrusion,
etc. A coupling portion 452 is adapted for coupling to the universal joint 302
which couples to the
head assembly 300 as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, upward and downward motion of the
handle
assembly 400 can be achieved. Furthermore, by mounting the universal joint 302
onto the head
5 assembly 300, the universal joint 302 can swivel and the handle assembly 400
can move laterally.
A central opening 490 through the yoke section 450 is particularly useful for
passing a fluid
delivery tube 504 through for attachment of a nozzle sub-assembly 700 to a
head portion 300.
FIG. 6B is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a
holster sub-
10 assembly 470 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 6C is
a representative
isometric view of left side cradle portion 472 and right side cradle portion
474 of a preferred
embodiment of a holster sub-assembly 470 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
The left side cradle portion 472 and right side cradle portion 474 can be
injection or blow
15 molded of rigid plastic. Tab portions, mating adhesion points, or other
coupling means on the
mating faces of the left side cradle portion 472 and right side cradle portion
474 couple the cradle
portions together detachably or permanently.
As shown in FIG. 6B, cylindrical slide member 460 fits within hollow intemal
opening 462
20 at the proximal end 494 of the tubular section 492. Therefore, the slide
member 460 is moved
distally through the hollow internal opening 462 at the end of the tubular
section 492. Distally, it
engages bearingly upon valve lever 478 or other structure extending trans-
axially through or at
least into tubular section 492 as shown. Proximally, a shaft coupling member
496 retains the slide
member 460, which is biased proximally by spring 498 or other biasing member,
disposed within
25 the opening 462 of tubular shaft section 492 between the proximal end
portion 461 of the slide 460
and the biasing arm 475 of the lever portion 478.
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FIG. 7A is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a
proximal end
501 of a handle sub-assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present
invention. FIG. 7B is a
representative section view of a preferred embodiment of a proximal end 501 of
a handle sub-
assembly 400 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
As shown, the right handle portion 510 couples with the left handle portion
512 through
detachable or permanent mating means 514. Together with an optional ovennolded
portion 520, the
three sections form an ergonomic hand grip for the distal end 500 of the
handle assembly 400. As
shown, trigger member 402 is retained within the assembly 500 with trigger pin
560. First spring
means 562 biases the trigger in a set position.
As shown, upper portion 532 of the collar portion 530 engages the distal ends
534 of right
and left handle portions 510 and 512, respectively. Thus, handle coupling 540
is retained between
the collar 530 and the right and left handle portions 510 and 512,
respectively, and slides within
proximal shaft portion 564. Pull rod 440 extends through handling coupling 540
and proximal shaft
portion 564. Second spring means 566 is positioned over the pull rod 440
retained in position
between slide stop 442. At a distal end, sha.ft sleeve 420, as shown in FIGS.
5A and 5D, couples to
proximal shaft portion 564, with shaft coupling member 430 threadingly engaged
thereto, as shown
in FIGS. 5A and 5C.
As trigger 402 is squeezed manually or otherwise, bearing surface 542 on
trigger 402 bears
thrustingly upon proximal end 544 of handle coupling 540 to drive the handle
coupling 540
distally in direction B. The distal end 546 of handle coupling 540 bears upon
push rod 440 through
second spring means 566. In a preferred embodiment, the handle assembly 501 is
automatically
self-adjusting. Upon initial assembly, a first draw on the trigger 402 sets
the correct distances for
trigger travel as it translates to activation of the valve assembly 800 on the
reservoir 500. The
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action is a modified ratchet mechanism as found on caulking guns and other
extrusion or pump
devices.
FIG. 8A is a representative exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning fluid
reservoir 500 and valve sub-assembly 800 with flexible fluid delivery tubing
504 and nozzle
assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a
representative section
view of a preferred embodiment of a cleaning fluid reservoir 500 and valve sub-
assembly 800 with
flexible fluid delivery tubing 504.FIG. 8C is a representativ8 upper isometric
view of a preferred
embodiment of a valve cap portion 860 of a valve sub-assembly 800 of a
cleaning system 100 of
the present invention. FIG. 8D is a representative lower isometric view of a
preferred embodiment
of a valve cap portion 860 of a valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system
100 of the present
invention. FIG. 8E is a representative isometric view of a prefen=ed
embodiment of a flex dome
portion 830 of a valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention. FIG. 8F
is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a valve post
810 of a valve sub-
assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 8G is a
representative section
view of a preferred embodiment of a valve post 810 of a valve sub-assembly 800
of a cleaning
system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 8H is a representative detail view
of a preferred
embodiment of a dip tube 804 and duck bill valve 840 of a valve sub-assembly
800 of a cleaning
system 100 of the present invention.
The valve sub-assembly 800 essentially comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a
retaining
cap portion 802 which fits over the neck 580 of a fluid reservoir Ascending,
when in operating
position, from the retaining cap portion 802 there is an elongated dip tube
804 with a duck-bill type
flow restrictor or valve 806 at the distal end of the dip tube 804.
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The outer peripheral edge 822 of the valve cap portion 860 is seated onto an
inner flange
824 of the retaining cap portion 802. The valve post 810 is disposed within
the central opening 826
through the valve cap portion 860, and the flex dome portion 830 is mounted
opposite the valve
cap portion 860 with the valve post 810 extending through the assembly 800. In
the normally
closed position, as shown in FIG. 8C, a first sealing portion 812 of the valve
post 810 mates with
the upper lip 828 of the central opening 826 and prevents flow through the
opening 818 and
through the exit port 808.
However, when the valve post 810 is moved upwards as shown by directional
indicating
arrow C, then the fluid 502 is allowed to flow through opening 818 and through
exit port 808. It
will be understood that the flex dome portion 830 serves to maintain the valve
assembly 800 in a
nonnally closed position, i.e., with the first sealing portion 812 seated
firmly against the upper lip
828 of the central opening 826. As the flex dome 830 flexes, the valve post
810 moves axially
within the central opening 826 through the valve cap portion 860.
Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing and the following that as
cleaning fluid 502
flows out of the fluid reservoir 500, in order to prevent creating a vacuum in
the fluid reservoir 500
while dispensing fluid, thereby interfering with liquid flow by gravity, dip
tube 804 which is seated
into the side opening 840 allows air to enter the fluid reservoir 500. Air
vent opening 842 in flex
dome portion 830 provides open communication with the atmosphere through dip
tube 804. The
duck bill valve 806 or other fluid restrictor means prevents flow of cleaning
fluid 502 into the dip
tube 804 while at the same time permitting flow of air into the fluid
reservoir 500 to replace the
volume of cleaning solution or fluid 502 utilized. Thus it will be understood
that the system 100
described herein operates by gravity flow of the cleaning fluid through the
valve post 810 based
upon a pressure head created by remaining fluid in the fluid reservoir 500.
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FIG. 81 is a representative isometric view of another preferred embodiment of
a valve sub-
assembly 800a of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 81 is a
representative
isometric section view of another preferred embodiment of a valve sub-assembly
800a of a
cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 8K is a representative
isometric section view of
yet another preferred embodiment of a valve sub-assembly 800b of a cleaning
system 100 of the
present invention. It will be understood that the valve assembly 800a includes
the duck bill valve
portion 806 without the dip tube portion 804 of the prior embodiments. In yet
another preferred
embodiment, the valve assembly 800b comprises a ball and spring-type check
valve 807. It will be
understood that other means for venting the fluid reservoir 500 will also be
included within the
scope of the present invention.
In either case, the duck bill valve 806 or the ball and spring-type check
valve 807 or other,
as fluid flow trickles out of the system, the volume of the remaining fluid
within the fixed-volume
reservoir becomes smaller. In order to ventilate the reservoir 500 as the
system is in operation, i.e.,
to maintain essentially atmospheric pressure therewithin as the cleaning fluid
502 flows out of the
reservoir 500, once a slightly negative pressure is achieved which is
sufficient to overcome the
closing force of the valve subassembly 800 or 800a or 800b, flow of air from
the atmosphere flows
in a single direction into the reservoir 500, thereby maintaining essentially
atmospheric pressure
within the reservoir 500 at all times. This system will also provide a uniform
flow of cleaning fluid
502 out of the reservoir 500.
FIG. 9A is a representative upper side view of a preferred embodiment of a
cleaning fluid
reservoir 500 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a
representative lower
side view of a preferred embodiment of a cleaning fluid reservoir 500 of a
cleaning system 100 of
the present invention.
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It will be understood that the fluid reservoir 500 will contain any desired
cleaning fluid or
solution 502, including water, etc. In the event that the fluid reservoir 500
is not used with the
system 100, in the example of spare or inventories of cleaning fluid
reservoirs 500, the reservoirs
500 can be closed using a standard or custom closure cap.
5
It will be understood by those skilled in the art, based upon the foregoing
and upon the
following, that the liquid cleaner 502 in the fluid reservoir 500 is
essentially water, optionally with
low levels of active and/or inactive ingredients. Such cleaning fluid system
502 will be comprised
of surfactants and/or solvents, perhaps combined with a water soluble polymer,
such as
10 polyacrylate, which actually acts like a clear floor wax. Other cleaning
enhancers, floor polishes,
anti-streaking agents, fragrances, etc. may be useful in such system 502.
In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning solution provides a no-rinse, single
layer, one-step
method for cleaning and polishing surfaces including walls, floors, ceilings,
leaving a streak-free,
15 non-tacky, clean surface non-attractive to dirt, soils, debris, etc. The
device of the present invention
ca be used with a single, apply and wipe off solution that cleans without the
need to rinse, and
which leaves a shine and is not tacky or sticky. In a preferred embodiment,
the cleaning fluid 502
comprises a sanitization fluid which serves to sanitize the surface being
cleaned, coated or
otherwise covered. In preferred embodiments, the cleaning fluid 502 comprises
de-odorizing and/or
20 odorizing components.
The advanced cleaning system of the present invention 100 will be particularly
suited for
cleaning, polishing, or applying a cleaning, shining or other fluid to wood,
tile, marble, vinyl, floor
covering, hard surfaces, asphalt tile, glass terrazzo, slate, rock, metallic,
polymeric, composite or
25 other surfaces.
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In a preferred embodiment, the valve sub-assembly 800 of a cleaning system 100
of the
present invention is designed such that air does not flow through dip tube 804
and across restrictor
valve 806 into fluid reservoir 500 until a certain predetermined volume of
liquid has been
withdrawn from the reservoir. As the cleaning fluid 502 flows through the
system and out the
nozzle assembly 700, a slight vacuum develops within the empty space above the
remaining liquid
502 in the reservoir 500, before air enters the system to fill the vacuum. The
valve subassembly
800 becomes a flow control valve for the cleaning fluid 502 by controlling the
air flow into the
reservoir 500 and/or the cleaning fluid 502 flow out of the reservoir 500.
This method of
controlling the flow of cleaning fluid through the system 100 will include
other means for
controlling the flow, including other control valves, manual, battery or
electrically driven or
actuated pumps, aerosol mechanism, etc., and will be included within the scope
of this invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir means 500 is keyed, as shown, to fit
into the
holster assembly 600 in a particular way. This permits orientation of the
valve assembly 800 in the
holster assembly 600 as desired. The key means can also comprise a locking
mechanism to retain
the reservoir 500 within the holster portion 600. This locking mechanism can
be part of the
reservoir 500, such as a clamp, clip, groove or slot with mating portion on
the handle portion 400
somewhere, or the locking means can be mounted to or otherwise part of the
handle portion 400,
such as a clamp, spring-loaded clip, or equivalent secured to shaft section
410 or elsewhere on the
system. Based on the foregoing,, any combination of locking means and/or
keying means for the
reservoir 500 to the system 100 is included within the scope of the present
invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir 500 has 2 or more compartments, these
can be
used for containing various chemicals, compounds, cleaners, shining agents,
water, etc. If there are
2 chambers, and there is a mixing or common sprayer head, then 2 different
liquids can be
dispensed, for example, an oxidant bleach in one, a chelating agent in the
other (see U.S. Patent
CA 02484278 2001-03-23
32
No. 5,767,055 issued to Choy. These can be individually or commonly actuated,
with selection
means adapted to the specific type of reservoir or multiple-reservoir system
used. Multi-
chamber reservoirs will also be included within the scope of the present
invention.
FIG. l0A is a representative upper isometric view of a preferred embodiment of
a top
portion 702 of a nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the
present invention.
FIG. I OB is a representative lower isometric view of a preferred embodiment
of a top portion
702 of a nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning s) stem 100 of the present
invention. FIG. l OC
is a representative upper isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a lower
portion 704 of a
nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. l OD is a
representative lower isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a lower
portion 704 of a
nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment, ergonomic or high-friction finger grip portions 707
of lower
nozzle portion 704 enhance ease of use. It will be understood that these mav
be material such as
rubber or other suitable polymer or other material stubs, appliques or
laminates. They could also
comprise deformations or protrusions or other formed, shaped or integrated
means, as shown.
The snap means 706 or other means for mounting the nozzle 300 to the head
assembly 300
can be replaced with any equivalent, including o-ring mounts, snap mounts,
screw in, threaded or
bayonet mounted, with or without spring-loaded mechanism, as may be most
desirable for
enhancing utility. A break-away or pop-off, snap-on nozzle assemblv 700 will
prevent damage
to the nozzle assembly 700, the head assembly 300, or to furniture, drapery,
etc. Such will also
be useful for storage of the system 100.
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As described above, manual activation of the finger trigger 402 causes pull
rod 440 to be
axially moved distally, the linkages between the proximal shaft section 564
and the mid section
400a and between the mid section 400a and the tubular shaft section 492 of the
causing the pull rod
440 to bear distally upon slide 460. As slide 460 is moved distally disposed
within the opening 462
of tubular shaft section 492, lever 478 is pivoted so as to bear upwardly
against the flex dome
portion 830 of the valve sub-assembly 800. As the valve post 810 is un-seated,
fluid flows
downwardly, by force of gravity, from reservoir 500, through valve post 810,
central opening 826
of valve cap 860, flexible delivery tubing 504, and nozzle assembly 700.
It will be understood that in another preferred embodiment, the flex dome
portion 830 can
be replaced with a spring loaded or other biased, pumping means.
In a preferred embodiment, the seals of the valve post 810 can be enhanced,
such as
through the use of o-rings, flat seals, cone seals, quad surface and quad ring
seals, gland seals, etc.
As described above, the present system is a gravity-fed system, although
manually pumped
and aerosol or other pressurized delivery systems are included within the
scope of the present
invention and are claimed herein. As cleaning fluid flows through delivery
tube 504, it will emerge
from the nozzle assembly 700 as a trickle, cascade, dribble, drip, drizzle,
drop, dispersion, seep,
spray, stream, sprinkle or other emission having any predetermined or random
flow pattern 710.
The flow patter 710 may also be.varying or modulating. Either one or both of
the upper portion
702 and the lower portion 704 of the nozzle assembly 700 has a means 706 for
coupling the
assembly 700 together, i.e., for coupling a first portion 702 and a second
portion 704, as well as for
coupling a nozzle assembly 700 to the head sub-assembly 300, including a snap,
groove, bayonet
mount, mating, helically threaded grooves, hook and loop material (Velcro ) or
other attaclnnent
mechanism or means. The nozzle 700 could also, in a preferred embodiment, be
formed integrally
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within the head assembly 300, such as comprising one or more unitary molded
portions, such that a
delivery tube 504 plugs into or otherwise ports directly thereinto.
In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle 700 minimizes vapors, misting, fogging
and/or other
phase change loss ofthe cleaning solution during dispensing the fluid 502.
Flow through the orifices 708 of the lower portion 704 or any other portion or
portions of
the nozzle assembly 700 results in a flow pattem 710 as shown in FIGS. I OB-l
OF. In a preferred
embodiment, the orifices 708 are about 0.5 millimeters in diameter, or more or
less, and are
directed directly outward, forward, downward, at an angle, to the front, back,
side or other, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle assembly 700 results in a 5-stream
trickle pattem
with the following specifications:
Stream Azimuth Angle Elevation Angle
Single 0 -27
Pair +/-43 -19
Pair +/-71.6 -15
Based on the foregoing, it wil] be understood that within the scope of the
present invention, the
direction of the flow of cleaning fluid 502 as it emerges from an orifice 708
on the nozzle assembly
700 can vary from an angle between about parallel to the floor, or other
surface to be cleaned, to
about 30 degrees above parallel, to about 30 degrees below the parallel. In
terms of flow pattem of
the cleaning fluid 502, the flow can be directed upward, to form an arching
trickle or stream, or it
can be directed parallel to the surface, or it can be directed somewhat toward
the surface to be
cleaned.
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In a preferred embodiment, the flow of cleaning fluid 502 through the nozzle
assembly 700
is optimized to provide an even, uniform distribution, trickle pattern of
cleaning fluid 502 in front
of the cleaning head assembly 300. The optimum cleaning fluid pattern is a
circular area in front of
and to the sides in front of the head portion 300. In another preferred
trickle distribution pattern, the
5 cleaning fluid 502 is dispensed evenly, in a straight line, essentially in
front of the cleaning head
portion 300. Flow of cleaning fluid 502 is adequate through all of the
orifices 708, rather than
being insufficient at the sides. This embodiment is an improvement over
systems in which trickle
of fluid at the side portions might be slightly less or event totally
insufficient, whereas the flow in
the center of the nozzle is adequate, due to greater pressure drop through the
outside orifices.
FIG. I OE is a representative top view of a preferred embodiment of a flow
pattern 710 of
cleaning fluid 502 flowing through the nozzle sub-assembly 700 of a cleaning
system 100 of the
present invention. FIG. lOF is a representative perspective view of a
preferred embodiment of a
flow pattern 710 of cleaning fluid 502 flowing through the nozzle sub-assembly
700 of a cleaning
system 100 of the present invention.
As viewed from above, as shown in FIG. I OE, the flow pattern 710 is outwardly
diverging.
As viewed from the side in a cross section view, the flow pattern 710 is semi-
cone shaped. It will
be understood that while fluid may emerge at an angle directed toward or away
from or
perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned 712, i.e., the floor, the system
100 described herein is
primarily a gravity-fed system. In other words, fluid emanating from the
nozzle assembly will have
an initial direction of flow which may or may not include vertical components,
i.e., the fluid
directed downward perpendicular to the plane of the floor 712, and would also
have some
horizontal components, i.e., directed either directly outwardly perpendicular
to the surface to be
cleaned 712 or directed somewhat toward the surface 712. Furthermore, as a
result of the force of
gravity acting upon that fluid flow, the flow will develop vertical
directional components therein.
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Another unique aspect of the present invention is the virtually endless
possibility of
variations in flow pattern achievable using a nozzle assembly 700 such as
shown and described
herein. Any known or new and unique variation in nozzle design, including
unitary design formed
by molding, casting, turning or milling, or any other material additional or
removal process, or any
multi-section design formed by any of the preceding. Fluid can flow through
one or more orifices
708 directed at any angle or angles toward the floor or other surface to be
cleaned 712, or at any
angle or angles directly perpendicular to the surface 712, or at any angle or
angles between 0 and
90 degrees from directly up and away from the floor, although for a floor
cleaning system, the
latter type would potentially be of less utility.
FIG. 11 is a representative schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a
method of
assembly of a cleaning system 100 of the present invention. From the foregoing
and the following,
it will be understood that the cleaning system 100 of the present invention
includes and claims to
be a fully assembled system and method of use, as well as a system which can
be assembled,
disassembled, is telescoping or collapsible, or otherwise portable and/or
compressible in overall
largest dimension.
The present cleaning system 100 -invention includes, as described herein, one
or more
proximal handle assemblies 500, one or more shaft sections 410 of a handle sub-
assembly 400, a
holster sub-assembly 470 or other similar functional means, a yoke section 450
or similar
functional means, a head sub-assembly 300 or similar functional means, and a
cleaning fluid
reservoir 500 or similar functional means having a fluid delivery tube 504 or
similar functional
means and a nozzle assembly 700 which mounts onto the head assembly 300 or
similar functional
means.
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In a preferred embodiment, a kit 100 for wet and/or dry cleaning includes one
or more
proximal handle assemblies 500, one or more shaft sections 410 of a handle sub-
assembly 400, a
holster sub-assembly 470 or other similar functional means, a yoke section 450
or similar
functional means, a head sub-assembly 300 or similar functional means, and a
cleaning fluid
reservoir 500 or similar functional means having a fluid delivery tube 504 or
similar functional
means and a nozzle assembly 700 which mounts onto the head assembly 300 or
similar functional
means.
In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a re-usable handle sub-
assembly 400,
one or more replaceable cleaning pads 200. Additionally, the handle sub-
assembly 400 includes the
holster sub-assembly 600. The fluid reservoir 500 can be provided to the user
sealed or temporarily
closed. Additionally, the nozzle assembly 700, fluid delivery tube 504 and/or
valve assembly 800
can be replaceable or non-replaceable, and can be provided with every
reservoir 500 cleaning fluid
502 refill, or separately or otherwise.
The method for assembling the kit 100 or cleaning system 100 of the present
invention
includes the following steps, not intended to be exhaustive, necessary, or all-
inclusive and without
any other imitations presumed thereby:
- coupling temporarily or permanently one or more shaft sections 410 together;
- coupling temporarily or permanently one or more holster assemblies 600 to
the system
100;
- coupling temporarily or permanently one or more yoke sections 450 to the
system 100;
- coupling temporarily or permanently one or more head assemblies 300 to the
system 100;
- coupling temporarily or permanently one or more proximal handle assemblies
500 to the
system 100;
- installing temporarily or permanently one or more fluid reservoirs 500, each
having its
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own associated one or more fluid delivery tubes 504 and one or more nozzle
assemblies 700, into
the one or more holster assemblies 600;
- mounting temporarily or permanently one or more of the nozzle assemblies 700
of the
one or more fluid reservoirs 500 onto the one or more of the head assemblies
300;
- securing temporarily or permanently one or more cleaning pads 200 or
cleaning cloths
200 to the one or more head assemblies 300 with the cleaning pad retaining
means 308;
- placing the cleaning pad 200 or cleaning cloth 200 onto the surface to be
cleaned 712 and
moving it back and forth one or more times over a portion of the surface to be
cleaned 712;
- dispensing an initial volume of cleaning fluid 502 onto the surface to be
cleaned 712 and
cleaning the surface to be cleaned 712 therewith;
- dispensing additional volumes of cleaning fluid 502 onto the surface to be
cleaned 712
and repeat cleaning the surface to be cleaned 712;
- absorbing dust, dirt, debris, spilled fluids or dispensed cleaning fluid 502
onto the
cleaning pad 200 or cloth 200;
- replacing temporarily or permanently one or more cleaning pads 200 or
cleaning cloths
200 on the one or more head assemblies 300 with the cleaning pad retaining
means 308;
- replacing temporarily or permanently one or more fluid reservoirs 500 into
the one or
more holster assemblies 600; and
- disassembling the wet cleaning kit 100 or cleaning system 100 for
transportation, storage,
or as desired.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
the present invention
belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described can be used
in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and
materials are now
described. All publications and patent documehts referenced in the present
invention are
incorporated herein by reference.
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While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative
embodiments,
there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many
modifications of structure,
arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the
practice of the
invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific
environments and operative
requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are
intended to cover
and embrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the true
purview, spirit and
scope of the invention.
