Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements – Fabric
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-01
2001-11-27
Till, Terrence R. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
Fabric
C015S145000, C015S147100, C248S074300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321409
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to mops, and more particularly to mops in which a connector is used to connect mop fibers to a handle.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,924,978 discloses an early version of a cleaning product with a separate connector used to secure a “dusting element” to a handle. In that device, the connector (head H) is illustrated as being attached to the handle ferrule
5
that is anchored to the handle by a pin
6
or the like. The connector includes two deformable arms
2
that are used to hold the dusting element. The dusting element includes an internal casing or envelope
7
with a central opening
8
, through which the arms can pass when squeezed together. After the arms are inserted into the casing or envelope, they can be released to hold the dusting element in place. Unfortunately, the device appears to require an internal casing or envelope, which could be unduly expensive for use with a mop.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,299,480 shows a more conventional method for attaching mop fibers to a handle. The illustrated mop head includes a U-shaped wire loop
11
that has pointed ends
13
that can be used to pierce a cylindrical ferrule
12
. The completed head can be attached to a handle by a driving a nail through a hole
14
in the ferrule.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,272 discloses a more modem implementation of the idea. That discloses a plastic connector
12
having an aperture
27
and slot
29
used for securing fibers to the head. A separate strap
34
having a head
35
is first passed through the aperture
27
, then under the mop fibers, then up through the slot
29
. The head holds one end of the strap in the aperture
27
, while projecting teeth
38
hold the other end in the slot
29
. The connector includes an upper cylindrical portion
14
that permits it to be threaded onto a handle
18
.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,377,879 discloses a one-piece mop connector comprising a tongue
16
that can be used to hold mop fibers. The tongue can be locked in place by a series of grips
18
that can engage locking members
22
molded onto the sides of the connector. The connector is secured to a handle through the seating of an interior retaining projection
28
in a groove
30
on the end of the handle. This semi-permanent connection of the connector to the handle is not particularly desirable.
In apparent recognition of the need for improving the security of the connection of a connector to a handle, while permitting easy replacement or exchange of a mop head, U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,286 discloses a resilient bayonet-type mounting system for cleaning implements. The disclosed mop head apparently traps mop fibers between distinct upper and lower elements
9
and
10
that are secured together by ultrasonic welding.
A simpler and more convenient connector for attaching mop fibers to a mop handle would be desirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides a significant improvement over the prior art. Like prior mops, the mop uses a connector to connect mop fibers to a handle. Unlike prior mops, however, the connector is a simple single piece that can hold the mop fibers and be releasably secured to the handle in distinct operations.
For holding mop fibers, the connector includes a strap that extends from an end plate. The end of the strap can be secured to the plate at a strap anchorage, encircling the fibers and holding them in place.
For securing the connector to the handle, the connector includes a stem projecting from the end plate. The stem fits within an open lower end of the handle, and can be secured in place by engagement of a button in a sidewall aperture in the handle. The button is formed on a deformable web that extends between an opposed end of the stem and either the inner end of the stem or the end plate. The web enables the button to be depressed, releasing the connector from the handle.
The combination of these elements in an easy-to-fabricate, single-piece connector enables the manufacture of a low-cost mop that is is simple to manufacture and easier to assemble, disassemble, and reassemble than previously-known mops. Further advantages of the invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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Marshall Gerstein & Borun
Till Terrence R.
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