Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CLEANING IMPLEMENT
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to cleaning implements suitable for cleaning
hard surfaces.
The present invention also relates to tools, which can be removably attached
to a cleaning
implement for facilitating the cleaning of a hard surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The literature is replete with products capable of cleaning hard surfaces such
as ceramic
tile floors, hardwood floors, counter tops and the like. In the context of
cleaning floors with a
cleaning solution, numerous mopping devices and other cleaning implements are
described which
comprise a handle connected to a mop head. The mop head of conventional
cleaning implements
include a sponge, a cloth or strings of absorbent material, which can be
immersed in a bucket
containing the cleaning solution in order to simultaneously spread the
cleaning solution and then
remove the soiled solution from the surface to be cleaned. The user typically
mixes a dose of a
concentrated detersive solution with hot water into the bucket. The use of a
warm cleaning
solution is beneficial to remove tough stains or grease off the floor surface.
However, these
conventional implements are not ideal from a hygiene point of view since the
user keeps dipping
the mop head into the same bucket, which rapidly becomes saturated with the
soiled solution. As
a result, bacteria and soils are re-deposited on the floor surface. In
addition, users have a tendency
to overdose the amount of concentrated detersive solution needed for effective
cleaning. Modern
cleaning implements are used with disposable absorbent cleaning pads or wipes
which can be
removably attached to the mop head of the implement. These pads or wipes can
be substantially
dry and require the user to apply the cleaning solution on the surface to be
cleaned. These
implements typically have liquid delivery mechanism which can be actuated by
the user when
desired and which can be used with a reservoir containing a pre-dosed amount
of cleaning
solution. Examples of such pad and implement are respectively the SWIFFER
WETJET~
absorbent cleaning pad which can be used with the SWIFFER WETJET~ cleaning
implement
sold by The Procter & Gamble Company. Other types of disposable absorbent
cleaning pads or
wipes are pre-impregnated with a cleaning solution and as such, can be used
with cleaning
implements which do not have a liquid delivery mechanism. Examples of such pad
anal
implement are respectively the SWIFFER WET~ cleaning pad which can be used
with the
SWIFFER~ cleaning implement sold by The Procter & Gamble Company. The
disposable
absorbent pads or wipes of the modern cleaning implements are able to trap
soils and bacteria,
and, as a result, offer a more hygienic way to clean hard surfaces. In
addition, these modern
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cleaning implements are easy and convenient to use and also minimize the
contact between the
user and the soiled solution.
With either conventional or modern cleaning implements, it has been observed
that some
stains, such as dried food or grease, can be particularly difficult to remove
from the floor surface
and can require additional friction or abrasive force.
The addition of scrubbing or abrasive means to the implement is known in the
art.
U.S. Patent 6,085,378 to Petner, granted July 11, 2000, describes a
retractable string mop
having a scrubbing strip attached to the mop head of the implement. The mop
head of this
implement is fixedly attached to a handle. When removal of tough stains
requires the use of the
scrubbing strip, the user can retract the strings of absorbent material within
a sleeve and then
scrub the stain off the floor.
U.S. Patent 6,178,581 to Lewis, granted January 30, 2001, describes a sponge
mop (or
butterfly mop) having a rectangular mop head fixedly connected to a handle
such that the angle
between the handle and the mop head is fixed. A brush having a plurality of
bristles is removably
attached to the leading edge of the mop head. When the user wishes to scrub
the floor surface, he
or she can simply rotate the mop head such that the brush faces the floor
surface.
U.S. Patent 6,000,087 to Petner, granted December 14, 1999, describes a roller
sponge
mop having a scrubbing strip attached to a mop head which is fixedly attached
to a handle. With
this implement, the user needs to the sponge mop in order to be able to scrub
the floor surface.
The floor surface cannot be scrubbed unless the sponge is retracted.
The mop head of the previously discussed implements are both fixedly attached
to the
handle. Consequently, these implements are not as handy as modern implements
having a mop
head pivotably connected to a handle which allows the mop head to swivel
around objects and
reach underneath furnitures.
Moreover, the scrubbing member of these two "conventional" cleaning implements
become soiled after only a few uses. If a user wishes to remove the scrubbing
member from the
mop head in order to rinse it, the user has to touch the soiled scrubbing
member. In addition,
these implements do not allow the user to use the scrubbing member
independently from the
implement without having to touch the bristles of the brush.
International Patent Application Serial No. WO 00/27271, to Policicchio et
al., published
May 18, 2000 and assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company, describes that a
scrubbing strip
can be connected to one of the edges of the rectangular mop head of a cleaning
implement. The
scrubbing strip is preferably connected to the mop head such that it does not
contact the floor
surface during the cleaning operation but can contact the floor surface when
needed. The mop
head of this cleaning implement is pivotably connected to a handle in order to
improve the
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maneuverability of the mop head during the cleaning operation. The handle of
this implement
includes a liquid delivery mechanism which can be actuated by the user. When
for example, the
scrubbing strip is located adjacent to the left edge of the mop head, a user
can pivot the mop head
such that the right portion of the mop head leans against the handle allowing
the user to scrub the
floor surface with the scrubbing member. This implement does not allow the
user to use the
scrubbing member independently from the implement without having to touch the
soiled
scrubbing member. In addition, since the mop head is pivotably, rather than
fixedly, connected to
the mop head, the mop head can swivel or tilt back and forth during the
scrubbing operation and,
as a result, can lead to a poor scrubbing performance.
While the prior art addresses the problem associated with the ability to
remove tough
stains from hard surfaces by providing cleaning implements with additional
scrubbing strip or
other brushes, the scrubbing tools which are disclosed are not optimal both
from an hygiene point
of view as well as a convenience.
As such, there remains a need for a cleaning implement including a scrubbing
tool which
can be removed from the implement with minimal contact between the hand of the
user and the
soiled scrubbing surface of the tool.
There remains also a need for a cleaning implement having a mop head pivotably
connected to a handle, a cleaning tool such as a scrubbing tool connected to
the mop head and a
locking mechanism allowing the mop head to be temporarily maintained in a
desired position
during the scrubbing operation.
SLTI~MARY ~F THE IIVVENTI~N
In one embodiment, a cleaning implement for cleaning a hard surface comprises
a handle,
a mop head, wherein said mop head is connected to said handle and a cleaning
tool, wherein said
cleaning tool comprises a grip portion, a head portion connected to said grip
portion and a
scrubbing portion having a inner and an outer surface, wherein said inner
surface is connected to
said head portion and wherein said cleaning tool is removably connected to
said mop head.
In one embodiment, a cleaning implement for cleaning a hard surface comprises
a handle,
a mop head having a top and a bottom surface, a plurality of edges, wherein
said mop head is
pivotably connected to said handle via a universal joint having a first and a
second rotational axis,
a cleaning tool, wherein said cleaning tool is adjacent to one of said edges
of said mop head and a
locking mechanism for releasably locking said mop head relative to said
handle.
In one embodiment, a cleaning tool comprises a grip portion, a head portion
having an
outer surface, wherein said head portion is connected to said grip portion,
and a scrubbing portion
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connected to said head portion, wherein said grip portion comprises a securing
member for
releasably securing said cleaning tool to the mop head of a cleaning
implement.
All documents cited herein are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by
reference; the
citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is
prior art with respect to
the present invention.
It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given
throughout this
specification will include every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower
numerical limitations
were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given
throughout this
specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such
higher numerical
limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given
throughout this
specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within
such broader numerical
range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
All parts, ratios, and percentages herein, in the Specification, Examples, and
Claims, are
by weight and all numerical limits are used with the normal degree of accuracy
afforded by the
art, mlless otherwise specified.
BRIEF I?ESCRIPTI~N OF THE I~RAW1IVGS
Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a cleaning implement according to the present
invention;
Fig. 2 is a t~p view of a cleaning tool according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the cleaning tool of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a side view of a cleaning tool;
Fig. 5 is a side view of another cleaning tool;
Fig. 6 is a side view of the cleaning tool of Fig. 4 with a cleaning implement
during the
scrubbing operation of a floor surface;
Fig. 7 is a side view of the cleaning tool of Fig. 5 with a cleaning implement
during the
scrubbing operation of a floor surface;
Fig. 8 is isometric view another cleaning tool;
Fig. 9 is isometric view another cleaning tool;
Fig 10 is a partial isometric view of a cleaning implement having two cleaning
tools;
Fig 11 is a partial isometric view of a cleaning implement having a locking
mechanism;
Fig 12 is a partial isometric view of a cleaning implement having another
locking
mechanism;
Fig 13 is a partial isometric view of a cleaning implement having another
locking
mechanism;
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Fig 14 is a partial isometric view of a cleaning implement having a lockable
universal
joint;
Fig 15 is an exploded view of the lockable universal joint of Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a front view of the lockable joint of Fig. 14 shown in an unlocked
position;
Fig. 17 is a front view of the lockable joint of Fig. 14 shown in a locked
position;
Fig 18 is an exploded view another lockable universal joint which is lockable
in two
directions;
Fig 19 is a partial isometric view of a cleaning implement having another
lockable
universal joint;
Fig. 20 is an exploded view of the upper member of the universal joint of Fig.
19;
Fig. 21 is an isometric view of the upper member of the universal joint of
Fig. 19;
Fig. 22 is a front view of the upper member of the universal joint of Fig. 19;
Fig. 23 is an isometric view of the lower member of the universal joint of
Fig. 19;
Fig. 24 is an isometric view of the universal joint shown in Fig. 19 shown in
an unlocked
position;
Fig. 25 is an isometric view of the universal joint shown in Fig. 19 shown in
a locked
position;
Fig. 26 is a front cross-section view of the lower member of the universal
joint of Fig. 19;
and
Fig. 27 is an isometric view of a disposable pad or v~ipe attached to the mop
head of a
cleaning implement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While not intending to limit the utility of the cleaning implement and the
cleaning tools
described herein, it is believed that a brief description of their use will
help elucidate the
invention.
In heretofore conventional wet-mopping operations, the mop user requires a
source of
detersive liquid for application to the surface being cleaned by means of the
mop head. Earlier
practice was to dip the mop head into an external source of liquid, such as a
bucket, optionally
wring-out the excess of liquid, and then apply the mop head to the surface
with sufficient force to
dislodge soil therefrom. Unfortunately, after repeated usage, the mop heads
themselves, become
dirty, unsanitary, unsightly and have to be removed and laundered. In
addition, because the mop
user dips the mop head into the bucket which rapidly contains a soiled
solution, conventional
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mops tend to redeposit soils and bacteria onto the floor surface and, as a
result, are not optimal
from an hygiene point of view.
Modern mopping implements employ disposable wipes or absorbent pads, which are
releasably affixed to the head of the mopping implement, and which can
conveniently be
discarded and replaced after soiling. Even more modern implements carry their
own reservoir of
detersive liquid, thereby greatly enhancing their usefulness and convenience.
In use, the liquid is
dispensed onto the surface being cleaned via a liquid delivery mechanism.
These implements are particularly convenient to remove superficial and/or
"light" soils
from a floor surface but can reveal themselves insufficient to remove tough
stains from the floor
surface.
As will be immediately appreciated, it becomes necessary to, somehow,
releasably affix a
scrubbing and/or abrasive tool to such an implement in order to facilitate the
removal of tough
stains. Moreover, from time-to-time, it is necessary to remove the scrubbing
tool in order to rinse
its scrubbing surface or dispose of it. In addition, it can be desirable to
have a scrubbing tool
which is removable from the implement in order to allow the user to use this
scrubbing tool
independently from the implement while limiting the contacts between the
user's hand and the
soiled scrubbing/abrasive surface. As will be seen from the disclosures herein
this affixing-usage-
removal-replacement sequence in a convenient and hygienic manner results in
several problems
whose solutions are non-trivial.
The first problem faced by the manufae;turer is that a scrubbing/abrasive tool
needs to be
releasably connected to the cleaning implement. The scrubbing tool also needs
to be designed
such that it allows the user to use the scrubbing tool independently from the
implement (such as
for example to scrub areas which are difficult to reach when the scrubbing
member is connected
to the implement).
In addition, when a user wishes to remove tough stains with a scrubbing tool
attached to a
mop head pivotably connected to a handle, he or she needs to rotate the mop
head such that the
scrubbing surface is in contact with the stain and then rub the scrubbing
surface against the stain.
The pulling and pushing actions of the user on the handle during the scrubbing
operation can
result in the swiveling or tilting of the mop head. This swiveling or tilting
of the mop head
renders the scrubbing operation less convenient and reduces the scrubbing
performance.
The foregoing considerations are addressed by the present invention, as will
be clear from
the detailed disclosures which follow.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of
the
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings
wherein lilee numerals
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indicate the same elements throughout the views and wherein reference numerals
having the same
last two digits (e.g., 20 and 120) connote similar elements.
I. Scrubbine~/abrasive tool
Referring to Fig. 1, a cleaning implement 10 comprising a removable cleaning
tool 20 is
represented.
In one embodiment, the cleaning implement 10 comprises a handle 30 connected
to a mop
head 40. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 30 is pivotably connected to
the mop head 40 via
a universal joint 130 as it is well known in the art. The cleaning implement
10 can be used to
clean a hard surface when a cleaning pad or wipe (not shown) is attached about
the mop head.
Optional but preferred features of the cleaning implement 10 are detailed in
section III. in greater
details.
Referring to Fig. 2, a removable cleaning tool 20 is represented
In one cmbodimcnt, the cleaning tool 20 comprises a grip portion 120 connected
to a head
portion 220. The grip portion is preferably ergonomically designed such that
it fits a user's hand.
In one embodiment, the grip portion 120 has a length Lg between about 10 mm
and about 120
mm, preferably between about 40 mm and about ~0 mm and a width Wg between
about 10 mm
and about 100 mm, preferably between about 20 mm and about 50 mm. The head
portion 220 has
a length Lh between about 10 mm and about 50 mm, preferably between about 15
mm and about
30 mm and a width Wh between about 20 mm and about 140 mm, preferably between
about 70
mm and about 120 mm.
In one embodiment, the cleaning tool 20 comprises a scrubbing portion 320
which is
connected to the outer surface 1220 of the head portion 220. By "scrubbing
portion", it is meant
any material or feature capable of loosening soils from a hard surface when
the scrubbing portion
is rubbed against the soil.
In one embodiment, the scrubbing portion 320 is made of a strip of abrasive or
scouring
material. In one embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the length Ls of the
scrubbing portion 320 is
between about 20 mm and about 140 mm, preferably between about 70 mm and about
125 mm,
its width Ws is between about 10 mm and about 50 mm, preferably between about
15 mm and
about 35 mm and its thickness Ts is between about 1 mm and about 20 mm,
preferably between
about 2 mm and about 10 mm. The scrubbing portions) typically used herein are
composed of
materials often used for making scouring pads. Such materials are typically
composed of polymer
blends with or without specific abrasives. Typical polymers used include
nylon, polyester and
polypropylene or blends thereof. Nylon is the most preferred material since it
provides greater
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g
stiffness and durability versus polyester and polypropylene. To increase
mechanical scrubbing
ability, abrasive materials can be combined with the polymers. For example, 3M
Scotch Brite~
scouring pads are composed of nylon fibers combined with silicon carbide
and/or aluminum oxide
and/or calcium carbonate as abrasives. Another suitable scrubbing material is
the GLIT~
MICROTRON~ manufactured by The Katy Company. Depending on the degree of
scrubbing
desired, the abrasive level and type can be adjusted accordingly.
Alternatively, for more surface-
safe scrubbing, the adhesive scrubbing strips can be composed of only polymer
or polymer blends
combined with binders or curing adhesives without any abrasives.
One skilled in the art will understand that the size as well as the "hardness"
(or degree of
abrasiveness) of the abrasive material are selected in order to prevent that
the hard surface is
damaged during the scrubbing operation.
In one embodiment represented in Fig. 4, the head portion 220 is connected to
the grip
portion 120 such that the angle a between the top surface of the grip portion
120 and the head
portion 220 is between about 10 and about ~0 degrees, preferably between about
25 and about 65
degrees, more preferably between about 35 and about 55 degrees and even more
preferably equal
to about 45 degrees.
In a preferred embodiment represented in Fig. 5, the head portion 220 is
connected to the
grip portion 120 such that the angle a' between the top surface of the grip
portion 120 and the
head portion 220 is between about 100 and about 170 degrees, preferably
between about 115 and
about 155 degrees, more preferably between about 125 and about 145 degrees and
even more
preferably equal to about 135 degrees. In one embodiment, the outer portion of
the head portion
320 is substantially flat. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the
head portion is
curved. When the cleaning tool 20 is connected to the mop head 40, the grip
portion 120 of the
tool is substantially parallel to the top surface of the mop head 40 which is
itself substantially
parallel to the floor surface. Consequently, during a normal cleaning
operation (i.e. when the
bottom surface of the mop head is used to wipe the floor as shown in Fig. 1),
the angle between
the floor surface and the head portion 220 is substantially equal to the angle
between the grip
portion 120 and the head portion 220.
When the angle between the top surface of the grip portion 120 and the head
portion 220
is less than about 90 degrees, a user can scrub the floor surface without
having to remove the pad
or wipe (not shown for clarity) by pivoting the mop head against the handle
such that the head
portion faces the floor (i.e. by holding the handle at an angle between about
20 and 70 degrees
relative to the floor surface) as shown in Fig. 6.
When the angle between the top surface of the grip portion 120 and the head
portion 220
is greater than about 90 degrees, a user can scrub the floor surface without
having to remove the
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pad or wipe (not shown for clarity) by pivoting the mop head against the
handle and then rotating
the handle of about 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the handle such
that the head
portion faces the floor (i.e. by holding the handle at an angle between about
20 and 70 degrees
relative to the floor surface) as shown in Fig. 7.
Among other benefits, positioning the head portion 220 at an angle a or a'
relative to the
grip portion 120, and therefore the floor surface, allows a greater portion of
a scrubbing portion
320, which is connected to the head portion 220, to be in contact with the
floor surface during the
scrubbing operation. In addition, a curved head portion 220 enhances the
scrubbing performance
during the scrubbing operation. The cleaning tool 20 can be made of any
suitable material such as
metal, wood, plastic(s). In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning tool is made
of Acrylonitrile-
Butadiene-Styrene polymer and is molded as it is well know in the art.
In one embodiment, a scrubbing kit can be sold to consumers which include a
cleaning
tool 20 and/or at least two strips of abrasive material having different
"hardness" characteristics.
In one embodiment, each strip of abrasive material conveys information to the
user indicating on
what type of surface they can be "safely" used. Such information can be
conveyed to the
consumer by printing directly onto the abrasive strip the name of the surface
and/or by using a
color code. For example the color brown and white can indicate that it is safe
to use the strip of
abrasive material respectively on hardwood floors and ceramic tiles.
In another embodiment, the strip of scrubbing material is impregnated with a
dye which
gradually fades due to the friction between the strip and the hard surface in
order to inform the
user that it is tlllle to replace the abrasive strip. An example of a suitable
dye include indigotine
as disclosed in LT.S. Patent 4,802,255, to Breuer et al., which describes
nylon monofilaments that
include at least two colored regions, one of which is provided by a dye. The
monofilaments are
included in the bristles of toothbrushes and, as the toothbrush is used by the
user, the color
intensity of the dyed region changes in response to wear, providing an
indication of when the
toothbrush should be replaced.
The scrubbing portion 320 can be either permanently or releasably attached to
the head
portion 220 of the cleaning tool 20. By "permanently attached" it is meant
that the strip is torn if
a user attempts to remove it from the head portion 220. The scrubbing portion
320 can be
permanently attached to the head portion 220 via any know process in the art
such as heat
bonding sewing, screwing or riveting, slided in place within a channel or via
an adhesive. By
"releasably attached", it is meant that a user can easily remove the scrubbing
portion 320 without
excessive force and without substantially deteriorating the head portion 220
and/or the scrubbing
portion. In one embodiment, the scrubbing portion 320 can be releasably
attached to the head
portion 220 via a pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive
is preferably
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selected such that the scrubbing portion 320 can be easily peeled off the head
portion (due to the
local shear force applied by the user on the strip) but maintains the strips
connected to the head
portion 220 during the scrubbing operation (since the frictional force is
applied to a greater area of
the strip). In one embodiment, the scrubbing strip 320 is releasably attached
to the head portion
220 via hook fasteners extending outwardly from the head portion 220. Non-
limiting examples of
hook fasteners include VEL LOCKTM manufactured by the Velcro Industries and
the AX 220
from the Aplix Inc. In one embodiment, a plurality of hooks can be formed on
the head portion
during the manufacturing process. In a preferred embodiment, a strip of hook
fasteners 1220 is
attached to the head portion 220 such that the hooks extend from the head
portion 220. In this
embodiment, a user can easily attach a strip of fibrous scrubbing material as
it is well know in the
art. When a scrubbing strip 320, having parallel opposite sides, is attached
to the head portion
220, the angle between the outer surface of the strip 320 and the grip portion
120 or the floor
surface is the same as the angle between the head portion 220 and the grip
portion 120 or the floor
surface.
In another embodiment represented in Fig. ~, the scrubbing portion 320 is a
brush
comprising a plurality of bristles 1320. In one embodiment, the length of the
brush is between
about 20 mm and about 140 mm, preferably between about 70 mm and about 125 mm,
its width is
between about 10 mm and about SO mm, preferably between about 15 mm and about
35mm and
the length of its bristles is between about 3 mm and about 40 mm, preferably
between about 5 mm
and about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the bristles of the brush have a length of
at least about 1
mm, preferably at least about 5 mm, more preferably at least about 10 mm. In
one embodiment,
the length of the bristles of the brush less than about 100 mm, preferably
less than about 50 mm,
more preferably less than about 30 nun. Such bristles are typically composed
of polymer or
polymer blends, with or without abrasives. In the context of brushes, bristles
made of nylon again
are preferred because of rigidity, stiffness, and/or durability. A preferred
nylon bristle is
commercially available from 3M Corp. under the trade name Tynex ~ 612 nylon.
These bristles
show less water absorption versus commercial Nylon 66. Reducing the ability of
the bristles of
the brush to absorb water is beneficial since water absorption decreases
bristle stiffness and
recovery while impacting scrubbing ability. Non-limiting examples of materials
suitable to make
the bristles of the brush include Nylon 66, polyester, Polypropylene, cotton,
brass, cocoa, or any
combination thereof. Among other benefits, a brush having a plurality of
bristles is capable of
reaching and loosening soil lodged within grout lines and the like, or more
generally within the
asperities of uneven surfaces. One skilled in the art will understand that the
hardness of the
bristles (i.e. their ability to flex or bend when compressed) as well as the
length and thickness of
the bristles should be chosen to provide good loosening of the soil without
causing substantial
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damage to the hard surface being brushed. As previously discussed for the
strip of abrasive
material, a scrubbing kit can include at least two brushes having different
characteristics
depending on the kind of surface in need of scrubbing. The brush can also be
permanently or
releasably attached to the head portion as previously discussed. In one
embodiment, the bristles
can be affixed on a substrate which can be releaseably attached to the outer
surface of the head
portion of the scrubbing tool. In one embodiment, the bristles of the brush
can be coated with a
dye as previously discussed such that color intensity of the dyed region
changes in response to
wear, providing an indication of when the brush should be replaced.
One skilled in the art will understand that a user can very simply and
conveniently hold
any of the previously described cleaning tool 20 in his or her hand
independently from the
cleaning implement, in order to remove tough stains which are hard to reach
with a cleaning
implement such as corners of a room, or countertops.
In a preferred embodiment, a cleaning tool 20 is removably attachable to the
cleaning
implement 10, preferably to the mop head 40 of the implement as shown in Fig.
1.
In one embodiment, the cleaning tool 20 is releasably secured to the top
surface of the
mop head 40 such that the grip portion 120 and/or the head portion 220 is
elevated relative to the
top surface of the mop head 40. Among other benefits, elevating the cleaning
tool 20 and as a
result the scrubbing portion 320 reduces the possibility for the attachment
layer of a cleaning pad
or wipe (not shown) to get in contact and/or entangled with the scrubbing
portion 320. This
configuration is particularly advantageous when the pad or wipe is releasably
attached about the
mop head 40 of the cleaning implement via mechanical means, such as attachment
structures 340,
located on the top surface of the mop head. In a preferred embodiment, the
distance between the
bottom surface of the grip portion 120 and the top surface of the attachment
structures 340 along
the Z axis is between about 3 mm and about 30 mm, preferably, between S mm and
20 mm, more
preferably between about 10 mm and about 15 mm.
In one embodiment, a cleaning tool 20 is removably attached to the mop head 40
such
that the scrubbing portion 320 is not in contact with the hard surface during
a "regular" cleaning
operation (i.e., when the implement is used with a pad or wipe in the
configuration shown shown
in Fig. 1).
In one embodiment, the cleaning tool 20 is attached to the top surface of the
mop head
such that the head portion 220 is adjacent to one of the edges of the mop head
40. In a preferred
embodiment, the head portion 220 is adjacent to one of the side edges 140A or
140B of the mop
head. As previously discussed, a user can remove tough stains by rotating the
mop head such that
the scrubbing portion 320 faces the floor surface. The user can then scrub the
stain off the floor
surface by wiping back and forth the scrubbing portion 320 against the stain.
One skilled in the
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12
art will understand that some cleaning solution is preferably applied onto the
stain before the
scrubbing operation. Once the soils are loosened, the user can simply absorb
the soiled solution
with the absorbent cleaning pad or wipe.
The cleaning tool 20 can be releasably attached to the top surface of the mop
head via any
method known in the art.
In a preferred embodiment, cleaning tool 20 comprises a securing mechanism for
maintaining the cleaning tool 20 attached to the mop head 40 during the
cleaning and scrubbing
operations. Non-limiting examples of suitable securing mechanism include a
strap of elastic
material connected at both ends to the mop head to maintain the grip portion
120 in between the
elastic strap and the mop head; a pair of straps which can be removably
secured to each other via
hook and loop fasteners, a projection (or clip) located at the bottom surface
of the grip portion 120
for engaging a corresponding opening located on the top surface of the mop
head (or vice vef~sa);
at least two projections extending from the top surface of the mop head such
that the width Wg of
the grip porti~n 120 is slightly greater than the distance between the two
projection and can be
forced fit in between these two projections; h~~k fasteners located at the
bottom surface of the
grip portion for mechanically engaging corresponding toop fasteners located on
the top surface of
the mop head (or vice vea sa); a pressure sensitive adhesive applied ~n the
bottom surface ~f the
grip portion; magnets) located at the bottom surface of the grip portion for
magnetically attaching
the grip portion 120 to a corresponding ferrous portion or magnets) (or vice
versa) on the mop
head; or a bolt extending from the mop head for passing through the grip
p~rti~n of the tool which
is then secured with a "butterfly nut" as it is well kn~wn in the art.
In one embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the grip portion 120 c~mprises at least ~ne
projection
1120 resiliently extending from the top surface of the grip portion 120. The
resilient property of
the projection 1120 can be obtained via any method known in the art such as by
cutting slits on
the top surface of the grip portion 120 around a portion of the projection
1120 ~r by adding a
spring mechanism in the form of a push-button. The grip portion 120 can be
inserted on the side
of the mop head through a first opening which is sufficiently large to receive
the grip portion 120.
The mop head also comprises a second opening extending through the top portion
of the mop
head and positioned such that when the projection 1120 reaches the second
opening, the
projection extends through at least a portion of the second opening and
maintains the cleaning
tool 20 attached to the mop head. A user can remove the cleaning tool by
simultaneously
depressing the projection 1120 and pulling the cleaning tool 20 out of the mop
head. One skilled
in the art will understand that the projection 1120 can also be located on one
of the side surface of
the grip portion 120 such that it can extend through a corresponding opening
located on the side
surface of the mop head and still provide the same benefits.
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13
In a preferred embodiment (shown in Figs. 3 through 5), the cleaning tool 20
comprises a
male portion 125 connected to the bottom surface of the grip portion 120 for
engaging a
corresponding female portion 240 on the mop head 40 as shown in Fig. 10. A
user can simply
attach or remove the cleaning tool 20 from the mop head 40 by inserting the
male portion 125
within the female portion 240 or by pulling on the grip portion 120 and/or the
hard portion 220 in
order to pull the male portion out of the female portion 240. In one
embodiment, the male portion
125 comprises a first leg 1125 and a second leg 2125. In one embodiment, the
female portion 240
is formed by slits 1240, 2240 corresponding the first and second legs 1125,
2125. In one
embodiment, the first leg 1125 is connected to the bottom surface of the grip
portion 120 such that
it is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the grip portion
120 (i.e., within the X-Z
plane). In one embodiment, the second leg 2125 is connected to the first leg
1125 such that the
first and second legs are located in different planes. In a preferred
embodiment (shown in Fig. 3),
the second leg 2125 is substantially perpendicular to the first leg 1125
(i.e., the second leg is
located within the X-Y plane). ~ne skilled in the art will understand that in
this embodiment,
when the first and second legs 1125, 2125 are located within the corresponding
slits on the mop
head 40, the only movement possible of the cleaning tool 20 is along the X
axis. When the user
wishes to scrub a tough stain as previously discussed, the frictional forces
between the legs 1125
and 2125 and the mop head are preferably enough to overcome the weight of the
cleaning tool 20.
As a result, the cleaning tool 20 remains attached to the mop head until the
user overcomes these
frictional forces to pull the cleaning tool 20 out of the slits 240. then the
cleaning tool 20 is
located adjacent to one of the side edges of a mop head, one skilled in the
art will understand that
other configurations or orientations of the legs 1125 and 2125 relative to the
~-~' and X-~ planes
can be used and still provide the same benefits
II. Lockable handle relative to a mop head
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a cleaning implement having a
handle
pivotably connected to a mop head via a universal joint. By "universal joint",
it is meant any joint
known in the art which comprises at least two rotational axis allowing the mop
head to swivel
when a user rotate the handle. In one embodiment, the cleaning implement
comprises a cleaning
tool such as the one previously described.
In one embodiment, the cleaning implement comprises a locking mechanism for
releasably maintaining the mop head against the handle, as well as for
temporarily preventing the
rotation of the mop head about at least one of the rotational axis of the
universal joint. As
previously discussed, when a user wishes to remove a tough stain off a floor
surface, the user
need to rotate the mop head in order to have the scrubbing portion of the
cleaning tool oriented
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14
towards the floor surface. When the user rubs the scrubbing tool by pushing
and pulling back and
forth on the handle, the mop head can potentially swivel or tilt. This
swiveling or tilting of the
mop head during the scrubbing operation is due to the friction between the
scrubbing portion of
the scrubbing tool as well as the ability of the mop head to pivot relative to
the handle because of
to the universal joint and. This swiveling or tilting of the mop head during
the scrubbing
operation limits the scrubbing performance of the implement and renders the
scrubbing operation
less convenient. The ease of use of the implement, as well as its scrubbing
performance are
enhanced when the mop head is releasably maintained or locked substantially
against the handle
during the scrubbing operation as previously shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a first structure located
on the mop
head and capable of interacting with the handle and/or a second structure
located on the handle.
In one embodiment shown in Fig. 11, a locking mechanism 61 comprises a clip
structure
161 having a first ann 1161 and a second arm 2161. The clip 161 which is
connected to the top
surface of the mop head 41. In a preferred embodiment, the clip structure 161
is located on the
top surface of the mop head 41 such that it is on the half portion of the mop
head 41 relative to the
handle 31 which is facing the edge of the mop head 41 where a cleaning tool 21
is located. For
illustrative purposes only, if a cleaning tool is adjacent the left side edge
of the mop head 41, the
clip 161 is preferably adjacent to the right side edge of the mop head 41. On
skilled in the art will
understand that when the side of the mop head having the clip structure 161 is
applied against the
handle a portion of the handle gets lodged in between the first and second
arms 1161, 2161 of the
clip structure 161. The friction between the clip structure 161 and the handle
maintains the mop
head 41 in a locked position relative to the handle until enough force is
applied directly or
indirectly by the user, to overcome this friction.
In another embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the locking mechanism 61 comprises a
protrusion 261 extending radially from the handle and which can engage a
corresponding opening
141 on the mop head 41. The protrusion 261 and corresponding opening 141 are
preferably
located respectively on the handle and the mop head such that the opening 141
is located on the
half portion of the mop head 41 relative to the longitudinal axis of the
handle which is opposite to
the half portion of the mop head having the scrubbing tool 21. One skilled in
the art will
understand that the protrusion 261 can be located on the top surface of the
mop head and the
opening 141 can be located on the handle and still provide the same benefits.
In another embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the locking mechanism 61 comprises a
magnet
241 connected to the top surface of the mop head 41 which is magnetically
attachable to a piece
of ferrous material 361 connected to the handle 31. The piece of ferrous
material 361 and the
magnet 241 are preferably located respectively on the handle and the mop head
such that the
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magnet 241 is located on the half portion of the mop head 41 relative to the
handle which is
opposite to the half portion of the mop head having the scrubbing tool 21. One
skilled in the art
will understand that the location of the magnet and the piece of ferrous
material 361 can be
inverted and still provide the same benefit. One skilled in the art will
understand that the piece of
ferrous material 361 can be replaced by a second magnet as long as the
location of the first
magnet on the mop head and the second magnet on the handle as well as the
orientation of their
respective magnetic poles cause the mop head to be maintained against the
handle. One skilled in
the art will also understand that a piece of ferrous material 361 is not
necessary of the handle 31
itself is made of a ferrous material. In a preferred embodiment, the piece of
ferrous material is a
plate of metal comprising a suitable amount of iron.
In one embodiment (previously shown in Fig. 10), a cleaning implement has a
plurality of
cleaning tool such as any of the tools previously discussed which can be
adjacent to different
edges of the mop head 41. In this embodiment, the cleaning implement can have
a plurality of
locking mechanisms in order to temporarily maintain the mop head in a chosen
position in order
to selectively use one of the cleaning tools.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is integrated into the universal
joint of the
cleaning implement.
In one embodiment represented in Fig. 14, the cleaning implement 11 (shown
without the
upper portion of the handle for clarity) has the universal joint 51 which
includes an upper member
151 rotatably connected to a lower member 251 about a rotational axis A-A. The
upper member
151 is connected to the lower end of the handle and the lower member 251 is
rotatably connected
to the mop head 41 preferably adjacent to the center of the top surface of the
mop head 41 such
that it can rotates about a rotational axis B-B. In one embodiment, the
rotational axis A-A and B-
B are located in different planes. In a preferred embodiment, the rotational
axis A-A is
substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis B-B.
In one embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the upper member 151 of the universal
joint 51 has
a first support portion 1151 and a second support portion 2151 which are
located in between a
first support portion 1251 and a second support potion 2251 of the lower
member 251. In one
embodiment, the first support portion 1251 of the lower member 251 has a lip
portion 3251 for
engaging a corresponding lip portion 3151 formed on the upper member 151. In
one
embodiment, the second support portion 2251 of the lower member 251 has a lip
portion 4251 for
engaging a corresponding lip portion (not shown) formed on the upper member
151. In one
embodiment, at least the lower member 251 of the universal joint 51 is made of
a partially
deformable material having good elastic properties. By "good elastic
properties" it is meant that
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16
this material recovers substantially its original shape when pressure ceases
to be applied. The
upper member 151 is rotated such that the projection 3151 passes beyond the
projection 3251, the
friction between the projection 3151 and projection 3251 prevents the upper
member 151 from
rotating back about the rotational axis A-A until enough force is applied
directly or indirectly by a
user to overcome the friction.
In one embodiment (previously shown in Fig. 14), the lower member 251 is
rotatably
connected to the mop head 41 such that the rotational axis B-B is
substantially parallel to
longitudinal axis C-C of the mop head. When the mop head 41 comprises a
cleaning tool 21
connected to one of the side edges of the mop head 41, the lip portions) 3251
is(are) preferably
located on the side of the lower member 251 such that it is "facing" the side
edge of the mop head
which does not have the cleaning tool 11.
In one embodiment represented in Fig. 16, the angle (3 between the line
intersecting the
rotational axis A-A and including the tip of the lip portion 3251 and the
longitudinal axis of the
handle (when the handle is substantially perpendicular to the mop head) is
between about 30 and
120 degrees, preferably between 50 and 110 degrees, more preferably between 70
and 100
degrees. When a user wishes to temporarily lock or maintain the mop head about
the handle, the
user can rotate the handle and/or the mop head about the rotational axis A-A
such that the lips)
located on the lower member 251 engages and passes the lips) 3151 located on
the upper member
151 of the universal joint 51 as shown in Fig. 17. One skilled in the art will
understand that the
position of the mop head ~~1 relative to the handle in a locked position
depends on the angle (3.
In one embodiment, the second support portion 2251 comprises a lip portion
4251 for
engaging a second corresponding lip portion (not shown) formed on the upper
member 151. In
one embodiment, the lip portions 3251 and 4251 are located on the same side of
the lower
member 251 relative to the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis B-B (as
previously shown in
Fig. 15). One skilled in the art will understand that the amount of force
needed to lock and/or
unlock the universal joint 51 depends on the extent the corresponding lip
portions 3151 and 3251
overlap but also on the type of material chosen to make the lower and/or upper
member 151 and
251.
In one embodiment represented in Fig. 18, the lower member 251 has a first and
a second
lip portion 3251, 4251 for engaging a first corresponding lip portion 3151 and
a second
corresponding lip portion (not shown) formed in the upper member 151 such that
the first and
second lip portions 3251 and 4251 are located on opposite sides of the lower
member 251 relative
to the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis B-B. In one embodiment, both
lip portions 3251
and 4251 are located on the first support member 1251. In another embodiment
(shown in Fig.
18), the first lip portion 3251 is located on the first support 1251 member
and the second lip
CA 02518441 2005-09-08
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17
portion 4251 is located on the second support member 2251. Among other
benefits, lip portions
3251 and 4251 located on opposite sides of the lower member 251 relative to
the plane
perpendicular to the rotational axis B-B enables a user to "lock" the mop head
relative to the
handle in two directions. In one embodiment (previously shown in Fig. 10), a
cleaning implement
includes two cleaning tools 21 connected to opposite side edges of the mop
head such that a user
can selectively use either one of these cleaning tools by rotating and locking
the mop head relative
to the handle (or the handle relative to the mop head). In one embodiment, the
first cleaning tool
is a scrubbing tool as previously described and the second cleaning tool can
be either a scrubbing
tool as previously discussed (i.e., scrubbing strip or brush) or a squeegee
and/or carry an
absorbent material.
In one embodiment represented in Fig. 19, the cleaning implement 12 (shown
without the
upper portion of the handle for clarity) has the universal joint 52, which
includes an upper
member 152 rotatably connected to a lower member 252 about a rotational axis A-
A. The upper
member 152 is connected to the lower end of the handle and the lower member
252 is rotatably
connected to the mop head 4.2 such that it can rotates about a rotational axis
B-B as previously
discussed. In a preferred embodiment, the universal joint is adjacent to the
centered portion of the
top surface of the mop head 42.
In one embodiment shown in Figs. 20 through 22, the upper member 152 of the
universal
joint has a first support portion 1152 and a second support portion 2152 which
are located in
between a first support portion 1252 and a second support potion 2252 of the
lower member 252
(shown in Fig. 23). The first support portion 1152 includes a groove 3152 for
receiving a pin 62
extending beyond the groove 3152. The pin 62 is preferably at least partially
deformable and is
made of a material having good elastic properties. In a preferred embodiment,
the pin is made of
spring-steel. The first support portion 1152 also includes a recess 4152
having an arc shape and
which is adjacent to the outer edge of the first support portion 1152. In a
preferred embodiment,
the recess 4152 has a semi-circular shape. As previously discussed, a segment
of the pin 62
extends beyond the groove 3152 and within the recess 4152 such that the pin 62
divides the recess
4152 into a first and a second portion 4152A and 4152B (shown in Fig. 22). In
one embodiment,
the pin 62 can "flex" within the recess 4152.
In one embodiment shown in Fig. 23, the inner surface of the first support
portion 1252 of
the lower member 252 includes a projection 72 extending towards the second
support portion
2252 of the lower member 252. In a preferred embodiment, the projection 72 has
generally a
dome shape. This projection 72 can be formed during the molding process of the
lower member
252 or can be formed independently and then attached to the support portion
1252. When the
upper member 152 is rotatably connected to the lower member 252 to form the
universal joint 52,
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1g
part of the projection 72 is located within the recess 4152. The upper and
lower members 152 and
252 can rotate freely about the rotational axis A-A when the projection 72 is
located within the
first portion 4152A until the pin 62 abuts the projection 72. The universal
joint 52 is shown in the
"unlocked" position in Fig. 24. Since the pin is made of deformable material,
one skilled in the art
will understand that when enough pivoting force is applied on the handle
and/or the mop head, the
pin 62 is able to pass over the projection 72. When the pin 62 passes over the
projection 72, the
projection 72 is "trapped" within the second portion 4152B (i.e., in between
the pin 62 and the
end of the recess 4152), as shown in Fig. 25, and, as a result, the universal
joint 52 is locked. The
universal joint 52 remains locked until enough pivoting force is applied on
the handle and/or mop
head such that the projection 62 returns within the first portion 4152A. One
skilled in the art will
understand that the "locking" angle between the handle and the rotational axis
B-B is determined
by the location of the projection 72 on the inner surface of the first support
portion 1252 of the
lower member 252.
In one embodiment, the angle y (shown in Fig. 26) between the line which is
orthogonal
to the rotational axis A-A and located within the plane of the inner surface
of the first support
portion 1252 and the line which is orthogonal to the r~tational axis A-A and
which includes the
center ~f the projection 72 is at least about 60 degrees, preferably between
about 75 and about 110
degrees, more preferably between about ~5 and about 100 degrees. One skilled
in the art will
understand that if the projection 72 is located on the inner surface of the
support portion 1252
such that the angle y is less than ab~ut 60 degrees, the handle will abut
against the edge of the
mop head before the pin 62 has had a opportunity to "jump" over the projection
72.
One skilled in the art will also understand that the pin 61 can be made of a
substantially
rigid material and the projection 72 can be made of a partially deformable
material and still
provide the same benefits. The projection 72 can also be resiliently attached
to the support
portion 1252 and include a spring-loaded mechanism (such as a ball and spring
mechanism.
In one embodiment, the second support portions 2152 and 2252 also include a
groove, a
pin, a recess and a projection as previously described such that the universal
joint is lockable in a
second position as previously discussed. When this lockable universal joint is
used to pivotably
connect a handle to a mop head including two cleaning tools 21 connected to
opposite side edges
of the mop head, a user can selectively use either one of these cleaning tools
by rotating and
locking the mop head relative to the handle.
An additional benefit of the locking mechanisms previously described is that
they reduce
the storage space of the implement when the mop head is maintained against the
handle. The
implement can be stored such that only one of the edges of the mop head,
rather than its bottom
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ly
surface, is in contact with the floor. A user can also very simply hang the
implement with the
mop head maintained against the handle and, consequently, save some storage
space.
III. Optional features of the cleanin~plement.
The previously described cleaning tools and locking mechanisms, can be used
with either
a cleaning implement carrying a reservoir of cleaning solution connected to a
liquid delivery
mechanism or with a cleaning implement which does not have a liquid delivery
mechanism.
The liquid delivery mechanism can be any mechanism known in the art.
Non-limiting examples of liquid delivery mechanism include electrically power
pump,
pressurized hand pump, aerosol mechanisms or gravity mechanism, such as the
ones described in
International. patent application serial No. WO 01/22861, to Kunkler et al.,
published April 5,
2001, in International patent application Serial No. WO 00127271, to
Policicchio et al., published
May 18, 2000, in U.S. Patent 5,779,155 to Ping et al., granted July 14, 1998,
and in copending
U.S. patent application serial No. 601409,263 to II~fte et al filed September
9, 2002, all assigned
to The Procter ~ Gamble Company.
The liquid delivery mechanism is preferably in fluid communication with a
nozzle
connected to the implement and which is preferably located on the top surface
of the mop head.
The liquid delivery mechanism can be actuated by a user by pulling or pushing
on a trigger
member which is preferably located on the upper portion of the handle.
As previously discussed, cleaning implements which carry a reservoir filled
with a
cleaning solution, are preferably used with substantially dry absorbent
cleaning pads and/or
wipes. One example of such a disposable pad releasably attached to the
substantially rectangular
mop head of a cleaning implement is represented in Fig. 27. An absorbent
cleaning pad or wipe
70 can be removably attached about the mop head of the implement such that it
is in contact with
the floor surface during the cleaning operation. The absorbent pad and/or wipe
can be releasably
attached about the mop head via any mechanism know in the art. Non-limiting
examples of such
mechanisms include grippers (shown in Fig. 10) located on the top surface of
the mop head which
comprises a plurality of pie-shaped structures as described in U.S. Patent
6,305,046 to Kingry et
al., granted October 23, 2001, as well as hook or loop fasteners located on
the mop head to engage
loop or hook fasteners located on the pad and/or wipe as described in
International patent
application Serial No. WO 00/27271, to Policicchio et al., published May 18,
2000. One skilled
in the art will understand that when a disposable pad or wipe is attached to
attachment structures
located on the top surface mop head and when the mop head includes a nozzle 80
for dispensing
the cleaning solution which is adjacent to the front edge of the mop head, the
disposable pad or
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wipe preferably comprises a notch 170 on at least one of the edges of the pad
or wipe, preferably
on both the front and back edges of the pad 70. The notch allows the nozzle to
dispense the
cleaning solution on the hard surface without being obstructed by the pad or
wipe. The use of
such a notch is disclosed in International Patent Application Serial No. WO
00/27271, to
Policicchio et al., published May 18, 2000.
The substantially dry absorbent cleaning pad and/or wipe can be made of any
absorbent
material known in the art and preferably include a superabsorbent material as
described in
International patent application Serial No. WO 00/27271, to Policicchio et
al., published May 18,
2000 or in U.S. patent application serial No. 60/423,484 to Policicchio et
al., filed November 4,
2002, all assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Non-limiting examples of
suitable
cleaning pad include the SWIFFER WETJET~ cleaning pad sold by The Procter ~
Gamble
Company, the CLOROX REAI?Y-MOP~ cleaning pad sold by The Clorox Company or the
GRAB-IT GO-MOPTM cleaning pad sold by The S. C. Johnson Company.
The previously described cleaning tools and lockable mechanisms can also be
used with
cleaning implements which do not include a liquid delivery mechanism. An
example of such an
implement is the SWIFFER~ cleaning implement sold by The Procter ~; Gamble
Company. This
type of implement can either be used with a substantially dry absorbent pad
and/or wipe as
previously discussed but it is preferably used with a pre-moistened cleaning
pad and/or wipe.
Non-limiting examples of pre-moistened pads/wipes are the SWIFFER WETO
cleaning pad sold
by the Procter and Gamble Company and the Pledge Grab-itTM Wet Floor Wipes
sold by The S.
C. Johnson Company. Suitable pre-moistened cleaning wipes/pads are described
in U.S. Patent
Application 09/671,718 to Sherry et al., filed Septeanber 27, 2000, in U.S.
Patent Application
101267,186 to Barnabas et al., filed October 9, 2002, in U.S. Patent
Application 60/328,008 to
Barnabas et al., filed October 9, 2001 and in U.S. Patent Application
10/349,733 to Sherry et al.,
filed January 23, 2003, all assigned to The Procter ~ Gamble Company.
While particular embodiments of the subject invention have been described, it
will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of
the subject invention
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, while the
present invention has been described in connection with certain specific
embodiments thereof, it
is to be understood that this is by way of limitation and the scope of the
invention is defined by
the appended claims which should be construed as broadly as the prior art will
permit.
