Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements – Holder – mop
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-02
2004-02-03
Chin, Randall E. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
Holder, mop
C015S144200, C015S228000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06684446
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a frame for a wipe mop cover and a wipe system as used for cleaning floor coverings.
Smooth floor coverings are usual cleaned with the aid of a wipe mop. Belonging to one such wipe mop is a frame for a mop cover, the frame requiring to be secured to a handle so that it can be manually negotiated with the mop cover held in place. The frame serves to reliably hold the mop cover tensioned to the required degree so that the mop cover forms a surface area with which the floor can be cleaned. The mop cover is made of a fabric suitable for cleaning the floor concerned.
In addition to holding the mop cover, the frame for the wipe mop cover also serves to maintain the mop cover in good contact with the surface area being cleaned for implementing reliable cleaning, the frame thereby being guided on the handle in keeping with the manual negotiation thereof.
Prior Art
Technically, a wealth of different frames are known for mop covers, each differing by several aspects. For example, differences exist as to how the mop covers are applied thereto, as to their geometry or as to whether the mop cover is intended for single-sided or double-sided (reversible) use.
For applying the mop cover to the frame tie strings, Velcro or snap-action fasteners are known, for example, it also being known to provide pockets in the mop cover into which the end-pieces of the frame are inserted for securing the mop cover to the frame. However, using pockets for securing the mop cover to the frame is not suitable for reversible mop covers.
Many variants are likewise known as regards the geometry of the mop frame. On the one hand, mop frames are used having a substantially rectangular configuration as viewed from above, this usually meaning that the contact surface area wiping the floor is likewise rectangular. On the other, mop frames are known having a trapezoidal floor contact surface area. Both kinds of mop frames are used greatly differing in size, dictating more particularly the length of the mop frame, i.e. the dimension substantially perpendicular to the main wiping direction.
Attaching a handle to the frame is mostly done via a universal joint. Depending on the type of frame involved, more particularly depending on whether it is designed for single or reversible operation, the joint for connecting the frame to the handle is provided optionally either in the middle of the surface area of the frame or in the vicinity of one of its longitudinal edges.
One example of a reversible frame including a mop cover is described in the German utility model specification G 49 15 071.0. The face surface areas of this frame are substantially rectangular. Cross-sectionally it is trapezoidal in shape, tapered towards the leading longitudinal edge, i.e. the edge leading the main direction of movement. Velcro strip fasteners are provided in the interior of the pocket, the wiping surface area on the outside. In the vicinity of the trailing longitudinal edge Velcro strip fasteners are applied to each of the faces of the frame. These Velcro strip fasteners cooperate with companion means provided on the mop cover in thus securing the mop cover to the frame. The mop cover in this arrangement is configured pocket-shaped and adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the frame. Provided furthermore in the vicinity of the trailing edge of the mop frame is a universal joint forming the connection to a handle. The mop frame can be swivelled about this universal joint so that floor cleaning is optionally achieved by the one or other face in being used to clean the floor.
The mop frame as described in G 94 15 071.0 is made of a one-part element having substantially smooth surfaces and is configured with no cavities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the objective of proposing a frame for a mop cover which permits flexible production as regards the geometry of the frame whilst being suitable for reversible operation and is cost-effective in production. Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of proposing a wipe system featuring the aforementioned advantages.
This objective is achieved by a frame for a wipe mop cover comprising a substantially flat profile element having two faces, two side ends, a leading end and a trailing end; two end caps for application in the vicinity of said side ends on said profile element; and a universal joint for connecting a handle for application in the vicinity of said trailing end substantially in the middle thereof on said profile element and permitting rotation of said profile element about a spindle substantially parallel to said trailing end.
According to another aspect of the invention, a wipe system comprises a frame as described above, wherein the profile element is provided with at least one groove on at least one of the face surface areas, and at least one strip insertable into at least one groove for securing a mop cover to the frame.
The profile element may be configured as a tubular section having at least one cavity, and the at least one cavity may extend full length in the profile element. The wipe system may include at least one reinforcement part insertable into at least one cavity. The wipe system may include a spindle insertable into a round cavity and which, together with a companion piece on the handle, forms the universal joint.
The gist of the invention is to produce a frame for a wipe mop cover from a profile. This offers the advantage that the profile, which can be firstly fabricated as an endless profile, merely needs to be cut into profile elements corresponding to the desired length of the wipe mop before then being provided with end caps. By correspondingly configuring the end caps, contact surface areas of the frames differing in geometry can be simultaneously achieved without requiring a production line specially adapted to each geometry of the frame, since the profile elements are independent of the final geometry of the frame. The various geometries can now be achieved solely via the configuration of the end caps. It is likewise possible to adapt the size of the frame to particular requirements by cutting the profile into profile elements of corresponding size in accordance with the specifications. More particularly, flexible cost-effective production is now achieved without needing to sacrifice the advantages of a frame suitable for use reversible, by suitably applying a universal joint.
It is furthermore possible by suitably configuring the profile cross-sectionally and suitably selecting the material, for example aluminum, to configure the profile lightweight, directly affecting the weight of the frame. The lighter the frame, the less manual effort is needed in thus assuring good ergonomic performance.
The gist of the wipe system in accordance with the invention is to systemize a frame, made of a profile element and suitable for reversible operation, by the addition of strips or reinforcement parts. The strips and/or reinforcement parts are insertable into grooves or cavities in the frame profile, ensuring adequate stability being assured on long frames, even when the profile is configured as a tubular section, without sacrificing the advantages of lightweight design and flexible production. More particularly, by providing reinforcement strips for longish frames both short and long frames can be achieved with the same profile, it being possible, for example, to achieve frame lengths of approx. 25 cm to approx. 150 cm with reinforcement being of advantage for frame lengths exceeding 100 cm.
Systemizing the frame into a wipe system by strips for securing a mop cover to the frame offers, on the other hand, the additional advantage that these can be replaced when worn out, without needing the complete frame to be replaced. This ensures reliably adherence of the mop cover to the frame to make for long useful life of the frame. In conclusion, it is possible to insert an added attachment in the form of a spindle into a corresponding cavity in the frame, serving as the spindle for the universal joint formi
Chin Randall E.
Vermop Salmon GmbH
Wolf Greenfield & Sacks P.C.
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