Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02851702 2014-05-09
CLEANING IMPLEMENT
toll
Background
[021 One type of mop that has found commercial success is in the marketplace
is a mop
having an attached wringer cup, like the one disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
5,060,338.
Other examples may be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,709,622; 3,364,512;
3,946,457; and
4,809,287; and German published patent Application No. DE 3607121 Al.
[03] The wringer cups used on these kinds of mops often have grooves or ribs
on the inside.
When the cone-shaped wringer cup is pushed down over the mop fibers, the ribs
help to
squeeze water out of the mop fibers. The wringing is not always completely
effective,
however. Some of the water that has been squeezed out of the mop fibers can
sometimes
reenter the fibers before draining completely out of the wringer cup. Certain
existing
wringers and/or connection assemblies allow the mop fibers to be come tangled
or
twisted in locations below other areas that are still retaining fluids,
thereby preventing
proper drainage of fluids. Other systems also may not properly orient the
fibers to permit
proper draining characteristics.
[04] What is needed, therefore, are improved systems and methods that
improve upon
conventional devices and processes, including one or more of the above-
referenced
limitations.
Summary
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[051 The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in
order to provide
a basic understanding of the invention and various features of it. This
summary is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but it simply
provides a general
overview and context for the more detailed description that follows.
[06] Aspects of this disclosure relate to an innovative wringer cup. In an
embodiment the
wringer cup has holes in it that may permit water to drain out of the wringer
cup more
quickly and effectively so as to help prevent re-absorption. In an embodiment
the
wringer cup includes inwardly directed ribs and the ribs include perforations
to enhance
the draining of water from the mop fibers.
[07] In one embodiment, wringer cup may comprise a unitary body having an
upper end and a
lower end. The upper end may have a terminus having a first outer perimeter
that is
substantially circular and a first inner perimeter defining a central bore
configured to
permit passage of the elongate member into an inner portion of by unitary
body. In
certain embodiments, the lower end may have a terminus having a second outer
perimeter. In some embodiments, the second outer-perimeter may not be either
circular
or oval. The second outer perimeter may also be larger than the first outer
perimeter.
[08] The unitary body, such as on the lower end, may include inward extending
ribs. Each of
the ribs may have a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib
bottom. The
inward-extending ribs may be devoid of any perforations. The unitary body may
also
have outward-extending ribs, such as located on the lower end. The outward-
extending
ribs may include a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib
top. In certain
embodiments, the rib sides of the outward extending ribs may be devoid of
perforations.
In some embodiments, the rib top comprises a plurality of perforations.
[09] The plurality of outer ribs may define a square-like shape along a
horizontal plane
parallel with the first outer perimeter of the upper end of the wringer. In
other
embodiments, an upper end of the wringer may be substantially conic-
cylindrical and
devoid of any drainage exits and a lower end is conical but not cylindrical.
The lower
end may further include convex regions that define at least two opposing
concave regions
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positioned between adjacent convex regions. The lower end may further have
drainage
exits located on each concave region. The drainage exits may be located on a
pinnacle
location of the convex regions most distant from the inner most portion of the
concave
regions. In certain embodiments, no more than a single drainage exit is
provided on any
given horizontal plane of each convex region.
[19] Drainage exits may be vertically arranged in a parallel fashion along
the vertical axis
(i.e., height) of convex regions. In one embodiment, at least one drainage
exit has a
height that is about 25-30% of its length. The drainage exit may be at least
about 1
centimeter away from the interior-most location of adjacent concave regions.
Another
drainage exit may have a height that is about 35-40% of its length and is at
least about 2
centimeters away from the interior-most location of adjacent concave regions.
[11] The winger may be configured such that when the plurality of fibers are
fully retracted
into the inner portion of wringer, an upper portion of the fibers may be
located at least
above the upper most drainage exit of the outward extending ribs and aligned
in a vertical
manner parallel to a vertical axis defined by the central bore A first
compression force
may cause an initial twisting of the mop fibers located proximate to the
elongate handle
before corresponding sections of the same fibers located at an intermediate
section of the
wringer and corresponding sections located at a lower section of the wringer
proximate to
the lower-most drainage exit. Fibers in the intermediate portion may remain
extended
into an interior region of the convex regions, thereby resulting in an inter-
fiber proximity
in the intermediate portion that is less than an inter-fiber proximity in the
upper end of the
wringer. At least a fraction of the fibers proximate to the an interior side
of the convex
regions remain in a non-twisted state under application of the first force,
thereby
permitting the flow of fluids from the upper portion into lower portion of and
out
drainage exits
[12] An increase in twisting forces may result in a second compression
force that initiates
twisting of the fibers in the intermediate section, thereby resulting in a
downward
progression of a twisting of the fibers. For example, fibers in the
intermediate section will
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twist around the central axis and away from the convex regions in a downward
progression.
[13] Further aspects relate to a cleaning implement comprising an elongate
member having a
first end and a second end. The cleaning implement may include a wringer
configured to
be slidably positioned along at least a portion of the elongate member. A
connection
assembly may be configured to be mounted on the second end of the elongate
member
and secure a plurality of mop fibers. The connection assembly may include a
top portion
having a first surface defining a first outer perimeter along a horizontal
plane and a
downward-extending vertical wall extending parallel with the elongate member,
the wall
being proximate to the outer perimeter of the first planar surface. The
connection
assembly may further include a bottom portion. The bottom portion may have a
second
planar surface defining a second outer perimeter along the horizontal plane
that is larger
than the second outer perimeter. In certain embodiments, securement of mop
fibers
between the first and the second planar surfaces, the vertical wall of the top
portion is
configured to force the plurality of mop fibers to traverse from radiating
along the
horizontal plane towards a downward vertical direction.
[14] Further aspects relate to connector assemblies for the mop fibers. In
an embodiment the
connector assembly may be configured to allow for easier assembly of the mop
fibers to a
mop elongate member.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[15] A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain
advantages thereof
may be acquired by referring to the following detailed description in
consideration with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[16] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wringer mop in accordance with one
embodiment of
the invention;
[17] Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the handgrip depicted
in Figure 1;
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[181 Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of the wringer cup
depicted in Figure 1;
[19] Figure 4 is a rotated side view of the wringer cup depicted in Figure
3;
[20] Figure 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of a second embodiment
of the wringer cup;
[21] Figure 6 is a rotated side view of the wringer cup depicted in Figure
5;
[22] Figure 7 is an exploded side view of an embodiment of a connector
assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[23] Figure 8 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the connector
assembly depicted in
Figure 7;
[24] Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 in Figure 7;
[25] Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 in Figure 7;
[26] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 in
Figure 7;
[27] Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 in Figure 8;
[28] Figure 13 is an enlarged side elevational view of a third embodiment of
the wringer cup;
[29] FIG. 14 shows an illustrative top portion of a connection assembly in
accordance with
one embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 14A shows a top view of the exemplary top
portion
and FIG. 14B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the illustrative top
portion of
one possible connection assembly;
[30] FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary bottom portion of a connection assembly in
accordance
with one embodiment;
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[31] FIG. 16 shows an illustrative wringer in accordance with one
embodiment. Specifically,
FIG. 16A shows a perspective view, FIG. 1613 shows a side view, FIG. 16C shows
a
bottom view and FIG. 16D shows a top view of the illustrated wringer; and
[32] FIG. 17 shows a side view of an illustrative wringer in accordance with
one embodiment.
Detailed Description
[33] In the following description of various example structures in accordance
with the
invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
hereof,
and in which are shown by way of illustration various example cleaning
implements,
wringers, and connection assemblies in accordance with the invention.
Additionally, it is
to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may
be utilized
and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from
the
scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms "top," "bottom,"
"front," "back,"
"rear," "right," "left," and the like may be used in this specification to
describe various
example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as
a matter of
convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures
and/or the
orientations in typical use.
[34] Figures 1-4 show one embodiment of an illustrative mop 10 in accordance
with one
embodiment of this disclosure. The illustrated mop may include an elongate
member 12,
a set of mop elements 14 on an end 16 of the elongate member 12, and a wringer
cup 18.
To fasten the mop elements 14 to the end 16 of elongate member 12, a connector
assembly 50 is provided.
[35] It is conventionally known that the elongate member for such mops can be
a lightweight
metal tube, however, any rigid structure, including wood and or plastic may be
employed.
The illustrated elongate member includes an optional hand grip 20, discussed
below.
[36] The mop elements 14 that are illustrated take the form of flat strips.
It is conventionally
known that such strips can be made from (for ex:ample) water-absorbing non-
woven
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fibrous material that is around 18 or 19 inches long and about 0.15 inch thick
in its non-
compressed state. Other materials could also be used.
[371 As seen in Figures 3 and 4, the illustrated wringer cup 18 may be
disposed on the
elongate member 12 above the mop elements 14, and has an outer wall 23 that
tapers
outwardly toward a lower end 25. The precise shape and arrangement of the
wringer cup
may not be important to various embodiments of the invention, however, is
important to
other embodiments disclosed herein. It is conventionally known that wringer
cups used
on such mops are preferably slidably mounted on the elongate member, such as
member
12, and may take the form of a tubular shell that can be molded in one piece
from a
polymeric material such as polypropylene. It is also conventionally known that
such
wringer cups may include ribs 27 that help to squeeze liquid from the mop
fibers during
wringing.
[38] The optional hand grip 20 that has been illustrated in Figure 2 is
mounted on the elongate
member 12, above the mop elements 14. The hand grip is arranged to hold the
wringer
cup 18 above the mop elements fibers when the mop is being used. This position
is
illustrated in Figure 1, in which an upper portion 29 of the wringer cup (seen
in Figure 3)
fits within a lower part 31 of the handgrip.
[39] The mop elements 14, which may also be referred to collectively as a mop
head, tend to
be highly absorbent so as to enable the mop 10 to pick up spills. This
absorbency means,
however, that when removing the water from the mop elements 14 the water in
the
vicinity of the mop elements 14 tends to be re-absorbed. The perforations 35
in the
wringer cup 18 help allow the water being squeezed from the mop elements 14 to
be
transported away so as to reduce re-absorption. As discussed below, however,
various
embodiments have different sized perforations 35. Further embodiments are
directed
towards the location and dimensions of perforations 35 and/or other exits for
fluids.
[401 Embodiments of mop 10 may differ from previously known mops with wringer
cups in
the perforations 35, 38 on the wringer cup 18. As best seen in Figures 1, 3, 5
and 13, the
illustrated perforations are disposed near the lower end 25 of the wringer
cup. As seen in
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Figures 1 and 3, the illustrated perforations preferably have a width that is
no more than
about one-third the diameter of the elongate member 12, and are less than the
width of
the flat strips that form the mop elements 14 on the end of the elongate
member.
141] While the perforations 35 are helpful, additional pathways for
removing the water would
be useful in certain embodiments. As seen in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the ribs 27
may include
a plurality of perforations 38, such as arranged in a linear manner. However,
the
perforations 38 are preferably located to a side 27a rather then on a center
27b of the ribs
27 so as to not interfere with the compressing of the mop element 14 by the
ribs 27 in
effecting removal of water. As apparent from Figures 3, 5 and 13, the wringer
cup 18
includes a first end 18a and a second end 18b. As can be appreciated, the size
of the
perforations 35, 38 may be substantially uniform or may be increased from
smaller to
larger moving towards the second end 18b of the wringer cup 18. This is useful
for
permitting more water to be squeezed out near the second end 18b than the
first end 18a
of the wringer cup 18. In other embodiments, different configurations and size
patterns,
such as alternating smaller and larger, of perforations may be used.
[42] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the wringer cup depicted in Figure
5. It should be
noted that because of the angle, the perforations 38 in the ribs 27 are not
visible. In an
embodiment, one or two of the ribs 27 may include the perforations 38. In
another
embodiment all of the ribs include the perforations on one or both of the
sides of the ribs
27 and the perforations are aligned between ribs.
[43] Turning to Figures 7-12, features of an embodiment of the connector
assembly 50 are
illustrated. Looking at Figure 7, the connector assembly 50 includes a collar
60
configured to be installed over an insert 70. The insert 70 includes a tubular
end 71 that
is positioned within the elongate member 12. The insert 70 further includes a
plurality of
tabs 72 on the side walls 73 of the insert 70. The insert 70 supports the
inner member 80,
and the plurality of tabs 72 engage a plurality of depressions 82 on the inner
member 80.
In turn, the inner member 80 is configured to engage the outer member 90 so as
to hold
the mop element 14 in place. In an embodiment, the outer member 90 is inserted
into the
inner member 80 and the catch 91 holds the outer member 90 in place.
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[44] Figure 9-11 illustrate various views of the insert 70. As can be-
appreciated from these
figures, the plurality of tabs 72 include an outer portion 74 and an inner
portion 76. The
inner portion 76 is configured to engage the depressions 82 on the inner
member 80. The
outer portions 74 each are of a size and shape suitable to provide a friction
point for the
collar 60 as the collar 60 is slidably installed over the insert 70 to secure
the engagement
of the tabs 72 with respect to the inner member 80.
[45] Figure 8 illustrates the components of an embodiment of the connector
50 in the installed
position. As depicted, the outer member 90 is inserted into the inner member
80 and
together the inner and outer members 80, 90 support the mop element 14. The
inner
member 80 is held in position by the insert 70 and the collar 60 is positioned
around the
insert 70. As depicted, the collar 60 includes the chamfer wall 62 that
connects the flared
edge 64 to the chamfer end 66. The interior surface of the chamfer wall 62 is
generally
circular in cross-section to allow the collar to be slid over the insert 70 in
essentially any
rotational orientation. While the chamfer end 66 is not required, it helps the
collar be
placed in the installed position (as shown) more readily.
[461 When the wringer cup 18 is pulled down over the mop elements 14, some of
the water is
forced out of the mop elements 14. To squeeze out more water, the wringer cup
18 may
be rotated. As can be appreciated, however, rotating the wringer cup 18 is
more effective
if the mop elements 14 is held in a fixed position relative to the mop
elongate member 12.
The mop elements 14 are fixed to the elongate member 12 by the insert 70. When
the
insert 70 is installed, the friction force between the tubular end 71 and the
elongate
member 12 helps to prevent the insert 70 from moving.
[47] As noted above, the inner and outer members 80, 90 are in turn mounted to
the insert 70.
Looking at Figure 12, while the tabs 72 help hold the inner and outer members
in place,
to resist the twisting force, the inner and outer members 80, 90 are
configured in a four
sided arrangement that interfaces with the insert 70 so as to prevent
rotation.
[48j While the four sided arrangement is useful, configuring the collar 60
in such a
corresponding configuration makes the assembly of the connector 50 more
complex.
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Therefore, it is useful to allow the collar 60 to be installed without concern
regarding its
rotational orientation. To provide this functionality, in an embodiment, the
tabs 72
include the outer portion 74 that extend outward. In an embodiment, as
depicted in
Figure 12, the outer portion 74 of the four tabs 72 provide a circular like
profile that
provides a suitable frictional engagement of the collar 60.
[49] Some of the above examples of a connection assembly show illustrative
top portions (for
example, inner member 80) and bottom portions (for example, outer member 90)
in
accordance with various embodiments. As discussed above, the connection
assemblies
may be configured to retain a plurality of fibers between them. FIG. 14 shows
another
illustrative example of a top portion (top portion 1402) in accordance with
one
embodiment of this disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 14A shows a top view of
exemplary
top portion 1402 and FIG. 14B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the
top
portion 1402. Looking first to FIG. 14A, top portion 1402 may comprise one or
more
structures, such as structure 1404 configured for attachment to an elongate
member, such
as elongate member 12 shown in FIGS. 1-4. The connection of top portion 1402
to an
elongate member 12 may be direct or indirect and/or include one or more
structural
components positioned between top potion 1402 and elongate member 12.
[50] Top portion 1402 further comprises first surface 1406 that is shown as
radiating away
from the center. As shown in FIGS 14A and 14B, first surface 1406 radiates
away from a
center in a uniform manner to form a circular cross-sectional area. First
surface 1406
may further define a first outer perimeter 1408 on a horizontal plane. Because
the
illustrative outer perimeter 1408 is circular, the diameter of the area within
perimeter
1408 may be detelinined by the diameter of perimeter 1408. In one embodiment,
outer
perimeter 1408 may have a diameter of about 4 centimeters. Other dimensions,
however,
are not outside the scope of this disclosure.
1511 Although perimeter 1408 is shown along a horizontal plane, the surface
of structure 1406
is not required to be planar with respect to the horizontal plane. For
example, as best
seen in FIG. 14B, surface 1406 may travel along a vertical direction, such as
by curving
in a downward manner along-the y-axis. As further shown in FIG. 14B, top
portion 1402
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may include a downward-extending vertical wall, such as wall 1410, proximate
to the
outer perimeter 1408 of the first surface 1406. In the illustrative
embodiment, the
vertically downward-extending wall 1410 may be an extension of surface 1406.
In
certain embodiments, presence of downward curves in structure 1406 in
conjunction with
wall 1410 may permit a larger quantity of fibers to be secured between the top
portion
1402 and a bottom portion (see, e.g., 1502 of FIG. 15) than if wall 1410 was
utilized
without any curvature in structure 1406.
[52] In certain embodiments, wall 1410 may be a substantially vertical
wall, such that it is
parallel with a vertical plane and perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
Thus, vertical
wall may be about 90 degrees from the horizontal axis. In such an embodiment,
outer
perimeter 1408 may be the outer-most perimeter of top portion 1402. In one
embodiment, wall 1410 may be about 2 centimeters in length along the vertical
axis. In
yet other embodiments, vertical wall 1410 may be about 1 degree to about 10
degrees
from the vertical axis. In yet other embodiments, wall 1410 may be less than
45 degrees
from the vertical axis and surface 1406 may curve to about 1 degree to about
44 degrees
from the horizontal axis.
153] Although wall 1410 is shown as a solid and uniform structure, those
skilled in the art
with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that there is no
requirement that wall
1410 be so. For example, lower edge 1412 of wall 1410 may be jagged, curved,
irregular
and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, portions of perimeter 1408
may be
devoid of corresponding portions of vertical wall 1410.
[54] Top portion 1402 may further include spikes 1414 or other structures
for applying force
and/or penetrating a plurality of fibers, such when used in combination with a
bottom
portion, such as 1502 of FIG. 15, which will be discussed below. For examples,
spikes
1414 may be shaped and/or sized to assist securing fibers between top portion
1402 and a
bottom portion.
[55] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary bottom portion 1502 that may be used in
conjunction with
top portion 1402. Bottom portion 1502 may comprise a central upward-extending
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protrusion 1503 configured to be received by top portion 1402. As shown in
FIG. 15,
protrusion 1503 may include or more retaining structures, such as retaining
structure
1504 for securing bottom portion 1502 to top portion 1402. Bottom portion 1502
may
also comprise one or more structures, such as structures 1506 for applying
force upon
and/or penetrating a plurality of fibers (see, e.g., structures 1506). The
portion of mop
fibers secured between the top and bottom portions 1402, 1502 may be
substantially
limited from rotational movement with respect to the horizontal plane.
[56] In one embodiment, bottom portion 1502 may comprise a first surface, such
as surface
1508. In one embodiment, surface 1508 is positioned to be substantially planar
with the
horizontal plane when bottom portion 1502 is secured with top portion 1402.
Surface
1508 defines an outer perimeter that is less than the outer-most perimeter of
top portion
1402, such as outer perimeter 1408. In certain embodiments, surface 1508 may
be
substantially circular. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional distance across
(i.e.
diameter) of surface 1508 may be about 1.5 centimeters (see element 1510). In
certain
embodiments, the cross-sectional distance (or diameter) of surface 1508 of
bottom
portion 1502 may be about 30 to about 40 percent of that across perimeter 1408
and/or
the outer-most perimeter of the top portion 1402. In one embodiment, the cross-
sectional
distance (or diameter) of surface 1508 of bottom portion 1502 may be about 37
to about
48 percent of that across perimeter 1408 and/or the outer-most perimeter of
the top
portion 1402.
[57] In one embodiment, the top and bottom portions 1402, 1502 may be
configured such that
upon being secured together with mop fibers between them, wall 1410 may be
positioned
to force mop fibers to be about parallel with the vertical plane (i.e., along
with y-axis). In
another embodiment, wall 1410 may be positioned to force mop fibers to be at
least 45
degrees from the horizontal plane. In another embodiment, wall 1410 may be
positioned
to force the plurality of mop fibers at least 65 degrees from the horizontal
plane. In yet a
further embodiment, wall 1410 may be positioned to force mop fibers at least
75 degrees
from the horizontal plane.
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[581 In certain embodiments, the size and/or proportion of sizes of the top
portion 1402 and
bottom portion 1502 may provide improved aspects over various previously-known
systems and methods. In one embodiment, the size and/or proportion of the top
or
bottom portion 1402, 1502 may allow for one or more of the following exemplary
improvements: better alignment of individual mop fibers in a vertical
orientation,
reduction of a fiber twisting on itself, increased turning of the fiber in a
rotational manner
around the axis of the elongate member 12 during usage of the mop, and
combinations
thereof Those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will
readily appreciate
that these features are merely exemplary and that other improvements over
various prior
art devices are not excluded.
[59] Further aspects relate to novel wringers as well as wringers having
various novel features.
FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of exemplary wringer 1602 in accordance with
an
embodiment of this disclosure. Wringer 1602 may comprise a unitary body having
upper
end 1604 and a lower end 1606 along a vertical axis (such as the y-axis). In
one
embodiment, wringer 1602 may be about 25 to about 30 centimeters in length
along the
y-axis. In yet other embodiments, it may be about 28 to about 29 centimeters.
In still yet
further embodiments, wringer 1602 may be about 28.5 centimeters in length.
[60] Looking first to the illustrative upper end 1604, it may have a
terminus 1608 defining a
first outer perimeter (see perimeter 1610). In certain embodiments, outer
perimeter 1610
may be substantially circular or oval. Terminus 1608 may further include a
first inner
perimeter 1612 defining a central bore 1614. Central bore 1614 may be
configured to
permit passage of the elongate member 12 into the interior of wringer 1602.
Therefore,
in some embodiments, central bore 1614 may be substantially circular. In other
embodiments, however, the size and shape of central bore 1614 may vary.
[61] Besides terminus 1608, other portions of upper end 1604 may be
characterized by a
circular or oval perimeter with respect to the horizontal axis. Therefore, in
one
embodiment, at least a portion of the upper end 1604 may be cylindrical. This
is best
seen by viewing the side view of wringer 1602 shown in FIG. 16B and the top
view
shown in FIG. 16C. For example, looking first to FIG. I6B, perimeter 1610 is
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substantially circular with respect to the horizontal plane of FIG. 16B,
therefore is shown
as a straight line. In the illustrated embodiment, perimeters 1616 and 1617
are also
substantially cylindrical, therefore, the cross-sectional area of wringer 1602
between
perimeter 1616 and perimeter 1617 of the illustrated example is substantially
cylindrical.
[62] Portions of upper end 1604 may be more cylindrical than other portions.
For example,
terminus 1606 may define a perimeter (i.e., perimeter 1608) that is more
cylindrical than
a perimeter on a location upper end 1604 that is more proximate to the lower
end 1606,
such as perimeter 1617. In this regard, the cross-sectional area of upper
portion 1604
may become more conical or conic-cylindrical in shape as it approaches the
lower end
1606. FIG. 16C shows a bottom view of wringer 1602. As seen in FIG. 16C,
perimeters
1610, 1616 and 1617 are each shown as concentric circles in which 1610 is
smaller than
1616 which in turn is smaller than 1617. Therefore, in the illustrative
embodiment, upper
end 1604 of wringer 1602 may form is substantially cylindrical, however, has a
slight
conical-cylindrical three-dimensional structure. In further embodiments,
portions of
upper end 1604 may be devoid of a perimeter resembling a cylinder and/or an
oval. As
will be explained below in relation to a lower end 1606 of wringer 1602, the
cross-
sectional area or distance of wringer 1602 at various portions of upper end
1604 may be
distinctly different from the cross-sectional area or distance of wringer 1602
at various
portions of the lower end 1606.
[63] Upper end 1604 may be about 40% to about 60% of the entire length of
wringer 1602. In
other embodiments, upper end 1604 may be about 45% to about 55% or 47.5% to
about
52.5% of the length of wringer 1602. In yet another embodiment, upper portion
1604 is
about 50% of the length of wringer 1602. In further embodiments, upper portion
1604
may be about 12 to about 18 centimeters in length. In one embodiment, upper
portion
1604 may be about 15 to about 16 centimeters in length. In certain
embodiments, upper
portion 1604 may be characterized in its absence of voids or protrusions for
water
removal during operation of the wringer 1602. Upper end 1604 may be defined by
the
lack of the voids as well as a cylindrical shape that is distinct from the
lower portion
1606.
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
[641 Unlike other prior art systems and methods which teach the benefits of
using as many
voids on a wringer for the removal of water from mop fibers, embodiments of
this
disclosure are directed towards an upper portion of a wringer cup, such as
upper end 1604
of wringer 1602, that is substantially totally devoid of any voids with the
exception of
bore 1614. For example, as shown in the illustrative embodiment, upper end
1604 is
devoid of any protrusions or voids for the drainage of water. Further
discussions relating
to various embodiments will be provided below in relation to exits 1631.
[651 Upper end 1604 may include one or more extrusions or elevated portions,
such as
structures 1618. Structures 1618 may be configured to be graspable by a user,
for
example, to maneuver the wringer during operation. In certain embodiments,
extrusions
1618 may comprise one or more chevron-shaped patterns, such as shown in the
figures.
[661 Lower end 1606 of wringer 1602 may include a terminus 1620 having a
second outer
perimeter (see, e.g., element 1622). In certain embodiments, the second outer-
perimeter
1622 may not be circular or oval. This may be true even in embodiments in
which upper
end 1604 is substantially cylindrical or conical-cylindrical and/or the first
outer perimeter
1610 is substantially circular or oval. Despite the second outer perimeter
1622 not being
an oval or circlular in certain embodiments, it may comprise one or more
convex,
concave, curvy and/or rounded components. In the illustrative embodiment, the
second
outer perimeter 1622 encompasses a larger cross-sectional surface area than
the first outer
perimeter 1610. Further features of perimeter 1622 will be provided in more
detail
below. Additionally, perimeter 1622 may include one or more features or
qualities
described in relation to ledge 1632 and vice-versa. It is to be understood,
however, that
in certain embodiments, ledge 1632 comprises perimeter 1622. Yet
in other
embodiments, ledge 1632 is absent from the wringer 1602.
[67] In one embodiment, perimeter 1622 and/or ledge 1632 may be about 26.3
centimeters. In
one embodiment, perimeter 1622 is about 2 times the length as perimeter(s)
1610, 1616
and/or 1617. In one embodiment, perimeter(s) 1610, 1616 and or 1617 may be
about 50-
60% of perimeter 1622. In another embodiment, perimeter(s) 1610, 1616 and/or
1617
May be about 55% of perimeter 1622. In one embodiment, the difference in cross-
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
sectional area between perimeter(s) 1610, 1616 and/or 1617 in the upper end
1604 and
perimeter 1622 in the lower end 1606 may be due to the presence of one or more
convex
or concave regions of the lower end 1606, such as those disclosed below.
[68] Lower end 1606 of wringer 1602 may include one or more convex regions
1624-1630. In
the illustrated embodiment, convex regions 1624-1630 may comprise columns.
Therefore, regions 1624-1630 may be referred to as "columns" throughout this
disclosure
in reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 but the reader is advised that
the
disclosure is not so limited. Convex regions/columns 1624-1630 may be
substantially
vertical. For
example, in the illustrative embodiment, columns 1624-1630 are
implemented such that the length is substantially straight, non-curvy (i.e.,
there is no
bending along the horizontal axis).
[69] As seen throughout FIGS. 16A-16D, columns 1624-1630 may be implemented as
rounded components that may widen along the horizontal plane (see x-axis) as
the
distance from the upper end 1604 increases and the distance towards the lower
second
outer perimeter 1622 decreases. As shown best in FIG. 16D, columns 1624-1630
may
terminate at ledge 1632. In this regard, columns 1624-1630 may terminate
proximate to
the second outer perimeter 1622 at ledge portions 1632a-1632d, which may be
oval
and/or circular. In certain embodiments, ledge portions 1632a-1632d are
circular convex
for at least 90 degrees. In yet further embodiments, ledge portions 1632a-
1632d may be
circular convex for at least 135 degrees, yet in other embodiments they may
form half-
circles and thus be about 180 degrees. In this regard, certain embodiments of
convex
regions 1624-1630 may be implemented as cross-sectional splices of conical or
conical-
cylindrical structures. For example, as best seen in FIG. 16C, perimeter 1622
may
comprise rounded component 1622a.
[70] In certain embodiments, a pair of rounded components (see components
1622a and
1622b) may be positioned in an opposing manner, such as shown in FIG. 16C.
Those
skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that
any range of
circular shapes is within the scope of this disclosure. Outer perimeter 1622
may be
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
substantially identical to ledge 1632, such that corresponding portions of
perimeter 1622
have substantially the same shape as ledge 1632 or those described in relation
to 1632.
[71] Convex regions/columns 1624-1630 may be positioned in an opposing manner,
such as
shown in FIG. 16C. In the illustrative embodiments, two pairs of rounded
components
are shown, each being about 90 degrees from each other with regard to the
horizontal
plane. In one embodiment, the positioning of the four convex regions 1624-1630
may be
such that a generally square shape is formed (See FIG. 16D). In one such
embodiment, a
lower portion of the convex regions is more square shaped than the upper
portion of the
convex regions. In this regard, ledge 1632 may be generally square-shaped.
Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes are within the scope of
this disclosure.
[72] Specific embodiments are directed towards the implementation of convex
regions that
provide a wringer 1602 with a non-circular cross-sectional across a horizontal
plane.
Further implementations may utilize convex regions, including regions 1624-
1630, such
that the lower end 1606 of the wringer 1602 has an increased cross-sectional
area when
compared to the upper portion 1604. In certain embodiments, this may result in
less
pressure against the corresponding mop fibers. In further embodiments, mop
fibers
having less pressure against the wringer 1602 may permit the expansion of mop
fibers
when compared to inter-fiber proximity in the upper end 1604 of the wringer
1602. In
certain embodiments, decreased inter-fiber proximity may results in the
improved water
drainage over prior art systems and methods. For example, perimeter 1622 may
be
substantially square shaped. Examples of improved drainage are also discussed
in more
detail in relation to FIG. 17.
[731
Aspects of the invention should not be limited to outer perimeter 1622
consisting of
opposing rounded surfaces or pairs of the same. Other shapes and
configurations are
within the scope of this disclosure. Further, certain embodiments are directed
towards
component being concave such as concave regions 1634-1640. (FIG. 161) shows
the
general shape of illustrative regions 1634-1640 as an imaginary line located
proximate to
ledge 1632 and/or perimeter 1622 and FIG. 16A shows a possible shape of a
portion of
concave region 1634). Looking to FIG. 16A, concave region 1634 may be formed
by the
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
presence of adjacent convex regions, such as regions 1624 and 1626. In certain
embodiments, each of the concave regions 1634-1640 may be formed by the
presence of
adjacent convex regions, such as regions 1624-1630. For example, the joining
of convex
regions 1624 and 1626 forms concave region 1634. Therefore, various locations
on the
surface may be part of a concave and a convex region. One or more concave
regions may
be substantially inverse to a convex region, such as 1624-1630.
[74] Concave regions 1634-1640 may be described in some embodiments as a
plurality of
inward extending ribs. As seen in FIGS. 16A-16D, each rib comprising a first
side and a
second side that converge to form a rib bottom. The bottom may be the most-
inner
curvature of the concave regions 1634-1640. As explained in more detail below,
concave
regions 1634-1640 may be devoid of any drainage exits, therefore, in certain
embodiments, the rib bottom and the rib sides may be substantially devoid of
any
perforations.
[75] Similarly, convex regions 1624-1630 may be described in some embodiments
as a
plurality of outward extending ribs. As seen in FIGS. 16A-16D, each outward
rib
comprising a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib top. The
top may be
the outer-most curvature of the convex regions 1624-1630. As explained in more
detail
below, convex regions 1624-1630 may comprise drainage exits, therefore, in
certain
embodiments, the rib top and the rib sides may comprise perforations. In
certain
embodiments, only the outer-most curvature of the convex regions 1624-1630
comprises
perforations.
[76] Adjacent convex regions 1624-1630 and concave regions 1634-1640 may share
a
common side. For example, a first side of a rib of a concave region may be a
first or
second side of a rib for a convex region. In certain embodiments, the
concavity of a
concave region may be equal to the convexity of an opposing and/or adjacent
convex
region 1624-1630. In yet other embodiments, one or more concave regions 1634-
1640
may be unrelated to the shape and/or curvature of one or more convex regions
1624-
1630. Concave regions 1634-1640 may widen along the horizontal plane (see x-
axis) as
the distance from the upper end 1604 increases and the distance towards the
lower second
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
outer perimeter 1622 decreases. As shown best in FIG. 16D, columns 1634-1640
may
terminate at ledge 1632.
[77] The combination of convex regions 1624-1630 and concave regions 1634-1640
may
provide improved drainage characteristics of over prior designs. In one
embodiment, the
cross sectional area across the horizontal plane (along the x-axis) in lower
end 1604 of
wringer 1602 may resemble an "X". The cross-sectional diameter of the lower
end 1604
proximate to perimeter may be at least twice that of the corresponding cross-
sectional
diameter of the lower end 1606 proximate to the upper end 1604 of the wringer
1602. In
one embodiment, cross-sectional diameter of the lower end 1606 proximate to
perimeter
may about 200% of the corresponding cross-sectional diameter of the lower end
1606
proximate to the upper end 1604 of the wringer 1602. In one embodiment, the
wringer's
1602 circumference at a location of lower end 1606 that is immediately
adjacent to the
upper end 1604 may be substantially circular or oval and have a perimeter
about 14 to
about 15 centimeters and the location of the lower end 1606 immediately
adjacent to
perimeter 1622 may be non-circular or oval and have a perimeter of about 26 to
about 27
centimeters.
[78] The presence of concave regions 1634-1640 as disclosed may result in
an application of
pressure against at least an outer portion of mop fibers during use of the
wringer 1602.
As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each of the concave regions 1634-1640
are
substantially devoid of any drainage exits or ports, such as exits 1631. One
or more
convex regions 1624-1630 may comprise drainage exits, such as plurality of
exits 1631.
In certain embodiments, drainage exits 1631 may be positioned substantially
along the
length of convex regions 1624-1630. (For
simplicity, exits 1631 are not each
individually labeled, however, it is apparent from the FIGS. that the unmarked
exits may
foul' part of exits 1631).
179] As shown in the FIGS. each of the regions 1624-1630 may comprise one or
more exits,
such as exits 1631. In one embodiment, plurality of exits 1631 may be
positioned along
at least 75% of the vertical length (parallel to the elongate member 12 of
FIGS. 1-4 of the
convex region(s) 1624-1630. Yet in other embodiments, plurality of exits may
be at least
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
along 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the vertical length of the convex region 1624-
1630. In
one embodiment, there may be 8 to 10 vertically arranged exits 1631 positioned
along the
length of each region 1624-1630. In one embodiment, there are 9 exits 1631 per
region
1624-1630.
[80] Positioning and/or placement of drainage exits 1631 may be configured to
provide
improved drainage over existing designs. For example, as an outer portion of
mop fibers
contact the inner perimeter of convex regions 1624-1630 of the lower end 1606,
exits
1631 may permit improved drainage capabilities. In this regard, draining exits
1631 may
only be provided on an outer most surface of the convex regions 1624-1630. In
one
embodiment, only one exit is provided on any given horizontal plane for each
column or
convex region 1624-1630. For example, looking to FIGS. 16A-16D, exits 1631 are
provided as lateral slits having a horizontal lengths that are greater than
their vertical
height.
[81] Upper most exit 1631a of region 1624 (or any other exit) may be
about 0.5 centimeters in
height and about 2 centimeters in length. In another embodiment, exit 1631a
may be
about 0.5 to about 0.7 centimeters in height and about 2.0 to about 2.2
centimeters in
length. Having exits with a length greater than the height may be
advantageous, either
alone or in combination with other elements of this disclosure. In one
embodiment, exit
1631a and/or any of plurality of exits 1631 may have a height that is about 25-
30% of its
length. In yet other embodiments, exit 1631a andJor any of plurality of exits
1631 may
have a height that is about 28.5% of its length. Exit 1631a may be at least
about 1
centimeter away from the interior-most location of adjacent concave regions,
such as
region 1634. This parameter is shown in FIG. 16A as 1642.
[821 In certain embodiments, plurality of exits 1631 may each have the same
general shape,
such as shown in the FIGS. This, however, is not a requirement. Further,
different exits
with the plurality of exits 1631 may have different dimensions relative to the
dimensions
of the convex regions 1624-1630. In one embodiment, as convex regions 1624-
1630
expand away from the center of the wringer 1602 dimensions of the
corresponding exits
may also change at a predictable rate. For example, exit 163 lb may be about
0.7 to about
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
0.9 centimeters in height and about 2.0 to about 2.2 centimeters in length. In
one
embodiment, exit 1631b may be about 0.8 centimeters in height and about 2.1
centimeters in length. In certain embodiments, exit 163 lb and/or any of
plurality of exits
1631 may have a height that is about 35-40% of its length. In other
embodiments, exit
163 lb and/or any other plurality of exits 1631 may have a height that is
about 38% of its
length. Exit 163 lb may be at least about 2 centimeters away from the interior-
most
location of adjacent concave regions, such as region 1634. This parameter is
shown in
FIG. 16A as 1644.
[83] As shown in FIG. 17, aspects of the invention relate to a cleaning
implernent that permits
a plurality of mop fibers to be retracted up through the bottom, such as by
perimeter
1622, and in a vertical direction towards the upper end 1604 of wringer 1602.
For
example, mop fibers, which may be connected to a connection assembly similar
or
identical to the connection assembly of FIG. 14 may be retracted along
direction 1702 up
into an interior of wringer 1602. In one embodiment, the fibers may be water-
absorbing
non-woven fibrous material. The fibers may be strips that are around 18 or 19
inches
long and about 0.15 inch thick in its non-compressed state. Other materials
and
dimensions may also be used.
[84] The plurality of fibers may be retracted in a vertical manner such
that individual fibers
will have an upper portion located at least above the upper most exit, such as
1631a. For
example, at least a portion of the mop fibers may be above imaginary line 1704
when
fully retracted in wringer 1602. A vertical wall, such as wall 1410 may be
utilized, either
alone or in conjunction with the upper end 1604 of wringer to position at
least an outer
portion of fibers located above imaginary line 1704 to be in a substantially
vertical
orientation. In one embodiment, an outer portion of mop fibers located in the
upper end
1604 of wringer are configured to be in a substantially vertical orientation
when the fibers
are fully retracted into the wringer 1602.
[85] The upper portion of fibers will travel in a downward vertical manner
towards an
intermediate portion, which may be located below the upper most exit, such as
exit 1631a
but above the lower most exit, such as exit 1631b. In one embodiment,
intermediate
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
portions of the mop fibers will be proximate to imaginary line 1706. A lower
portion of
the same fibers may be proximate but vertically lower than the intermediate
portion. For
example, the lower portions of the fibers may be proximate to or below the
lowest-most
exit, such as exit 1631 b. In one embodiment, lower portions of the fibers may
be
proximate, but vertically lower than, imaginary line 1708.
[86] Upon the mop fibers being retracted into wringer 1602, wringer may be
configured to
rotate about a central axis, such as an elongate member, such as elongate
member 12 of
FIGS. 1-4 provided through bore 1614 (shown in FIG. 16A) located on the upper
end
1604 of wringer 1602. For example, arrows 1710 show that wringer 1602 may be
rotated
in either horizontal direction along the vertical axis. The vertical
positioning of the mop
fibers, either as a result of the connection assembly and/or the shape or size
of the
wringer 1602 may result in improved drainage. In one embodiment, rotating the
mop
along one of directions 1710 may result in only a portion of the mop fibers to
be
"wrung." For example, in one embodiment, the upper portion of mop fibers
(which may
be located proximate to location 1704 or above exit 1631a) will begin to twist
before the
intermediate portion of mop fibers (which may be located proximate to location
1706).
In further embodiments, intermediate portion of mop fibers (which may be
located
proximate to location 1706) may begin to twist before the lower portion of mop
fibers
(which may be located proximate to location 1708 or exit l 631b).
[87] In certain embodiments, as the upper portion of mop fibers (which may be
located
proximate or above location 1704 may be twisted to remove fluids within
fibers. At the
same time, intermediate and/or lower portions of the fibers may be located
against an
interior side of the convex regions 1624-1630. Thus, certain embodiments
permit the
flow of fluids from the upper portion of mop fibers down into the intermediate
and/or
lower portion of the fibers and out exits 1631. Fluids may also exit through
the opening
created by perimeter 1622. As the fibers are wrung, the twisting force upon
the upper
portion mop fibers will increase and may result in twisting of the
intermediate portion of
the fibers. In certain embodiments, the intermediate fibers are also twisted
along
direction 1710 may result in removal of fluids from the twisted intermediate
portions of
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
the fibers, which may travel down to lower fibers in the intermediate portion
and/or to the
lower portion of mop fibers.
[881 Positioning of the concave regions 1634-1640 may provide a rigid surface
resulting in
compression forces upon the fibers as they are twisted. Fluid may continue to
be
removed through lower-positioned exits, such as exit 163 lb and/or the bottom.
As mop
fibers are twisted, the shape and/or size of the wringer 1602, alone or in
combination,
with the vertical alignment of the fibers resulting from a vertical wall on a
connection
assembly, may result in the fibers twisting around the vertical axis and away
from the
convex regions 1624-1630.
[89] The cleaning implement may further be configured such that application of
further
twisting forces are transferred downward resulting in twisting of a lower
intermediate
portion of the fibers. For example, further compression forces may result in a
second
compression force upon the fibers. In one embodiment, the upper portion of
fibers must
be twisted at least 25% of a full revolution before the twisting of the
intermediate fibers.
In another embodiment, the upper portion of fibers must rotate at least 50% of
a full
revolution before twisting of the intermediate fibers will rotate more than
10% of the
revolution. In one embodiment, the upper portion of fibers must rotate at
least 50% of a
full revolution before twisting of the intermediate fibers will rotate more
than 20% of the
revolution. In certain embodiments, the lower portion fibers are also twisted
along
direction 1710, resulting in the removal of fluids from the twisted lower
portions of the
fibers. This fluid may travel down to lower fibers in the lower portion and/or
out the
bottom of the wringer 1602. Fluid may continue to be removed through lower-
positioned
exits, such as exit 1631 b and/or the bottom.
[90] In certain embodiments, the wringer is configured such that convex
regions, such as
regions 1624-1630 expand outward away from the vertical axis at a larger rate
than
concave regions, such as regions 1634-1640. This may be useful for example,
when the
upper portion of fibers are being twisted prior to the lower portion of mop
fibers. For
example, because the concave regions 1624-1630 have more cross-sectional area
closer
to the bottom (i.e., proximate to perimeter 1622), the lower fibers are less
compressed
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CA 02851702 2014-05-09
than the upper portion of fibers. This may result in an increased water
holding capacity
of the lower portion of fibers. Therefore, in addition to fluids draining out
exits 1631,
fluids may also be transferred to lower positioned portions of the fibers as
the top portion
is twisted. Unlike some prior art methods, these lower positioned fibers are
not yet
twisted (or at least at the same rate), therefore, increased fluid drainage
from the upper
portion may be realized. The fibers that are positioned within the cross-
sectional area of
the concave portions 1624-1630, however, may then be later wrung as the
downward-
spiraling twisting forces pull them towards the center of the interior.
[91] In one embodiment, the upper portion of fibers must be twisted at least
25% of a full
revolution before the twisting of the lower portion of fibers. In another
embodiment, the
upper portion of fibers must rotate at least 50% of a full revolution before
twisting of the
lower fibers will rotate more than 10% of the revolution. In one embodiment,
the upper
portion of fibers must rotate at least 50% of a full revolution before
twisting of the lower
fibers will rotate more than 20% of the revolution.
1921 Although reference to upper, intermediate, and lower portions was
provided in reference
to the mop fibers, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such
references may
be analogous to the corresponding sections of the wringer 1602. For example,
mop fibers
located in art upper section of wringer 1602 may twist under a first
compression force
before the corresponding portion of those same fibers located in a lower
intermediate
section and/or a lower section of the wringer 1602.
[931
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