Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements – Fabric
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-12
2001-10-09
Warden, Sr., Robert J. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
Fabric
C015S144100, C015S231000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298517
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to tools for cleaning surfaces such as floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture surfaces and more specifically to a mop having removable cleaning sheets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Surfaces such as floors are most aesthetically pleasing and safe when they are clean, dry, and free of dirt or debris. Unfortunately, floors and other surfaces typically become soiled rapidly due to environmental contaminants such as dust and due to the deposit of dirt and debris and liquids by people, machines, and pets. Numerous devices and methods have been developed for returning a surface to a clean and dry condition and people are constantly striving to develop better methods. Sweeping or vacuuming works well for removing loose dirt and debris and mopping works well for removing liquids and certain debris which is lightly adhered to a surface such as a tile or wood floor. Serious stains and sticky dirt and debris may require scrubbing and the use of strong chemicals. These methods work well to thoroughly clean a surface such as a floor but all suffer from the drawback of being time consuming and difficult. In addition, it is often not necessary to thoroughly clean the surface to return it to a clean and dry condition. For example, a small spill or localized deposit of dirt and debris does not necessitate a vacuuming or mopping of the entire floor. However, they still require the use of the same equipment. For example, to vacuum even a small area requires a person to locate the vacuum cleaner, uncoil and plug in a power cord, select the correct attachments, vacuum up the dirt and debris, and reverse the process to put the vacuum cleaner back away. Likewise, mopping even in a small area requires the use of a mop and bucket. Either approach is time consuming. Alternatively, a person may take a towel or disposable cleaning sheets such as a paper towel and get down on their knees and clean the localized area. This is also undesirable for many people since it requires them to stoop down and contact the floor with their hands. Some persons may find this uncomfortable or, due to physical limitations, impossible. Therefore, there is a need for improved devices and methods for simple cleaning duties such as removing localized areas of dirt and debris or lightly cleaning a surface. Previous attempts to address this need include small hand held rechargeable vacuum cleaners and improved self-wringing mops. However, these solutions do not adequately address the needs of typical homeowners. For example, if a homeowner has a small spill of liquid, they may not wish to use even the best of self-wringing mops since mops should be thoroughly rinsed after use to prevent contamination of the mop. The use of a paper towel may also be inadequate since it requires getting down on ones hands and knees to use.
Another example of a light cleaning job is where the homeowner wishes to remove a light coating of dust or debris from a large surface of hard flooring. Use of a wet mop is unnecessarily involved since what is really needed is a light dusting of the floor. A homeowner may wish to just return the floor to its optimal appearance without unnecessary steps. Also, wet mopping the floor leaves the floor wet which is often undesirable. Therefore, there is a need for a simple device to quickly and easily clean a hard surfaced floor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is disclosed herein a mop for cleaning a floor or other surface. The mop includes a handle for a user to grip the mop. A mop head is interconnected with the handle and has a lower surface with a side to side width and a back to front length. A plurality of cleaning sheets are each removably supported on the lower surface of the mop head in a stacked configuration. Each of the sheets has an outward face for cleaning and an opposed inward face and has a side to side width and a front to back length. The outward face of each sheet is configured to contact and clean a floor, thereby becoming soiled. When the outermost sheet becomes soiled, it may be peeled away to expose a non-soiled sheet. In some embodiments, the sheets include a bibulous layer and a moisture barrier layer which is operative to prevent transport of liquid from the bibulous layer of one sheet to the bibulous layer of an adjacent sheet. In other embodiments, the sheets are configured as a continuous web of material in an oblate roll around the mop head with perforations for removal of portions of the web.
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Gifford, Krass, Groh Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Snider Theresa T.
Warden, Sr. Robert J.
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