GB2450730A

GB2450730A - Double-sided mop holder and cover

Info

Publication number: GB2450730A
Application number: GB0712968A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Crisp; David Hudsmith
Original assignee: Crisp Clean Services Ltd
Current assignee: Crisp Clean Services Ltd
Priority date: 2007-07-04
Filing date: 2007-07-04
Publication date: 2009-01-07
Also published as: GB0712968D0

Abstract

A mop holder comprises an elongate mop plate 1 having a pair of opposite mopping surfaces, 6 and 7. A planar wing element 20 formed of spring wire overlies an end portion of the mop plate 1 and is hingably secured to the plate 1 to pivot about a transverse axis. A mop handle is arranged so that it can be moved one mopping face to the other. This movement is achieved by means of a first link 34 pivotally secured to a longitudinal edge of the plate member and a longer second link 35 pivotally secured to the first link. A handle connector 38 is pivotally secured to the second link and the handle to form a universal joint. By rotating the handle from one mop face to the other, both sides of a mop cover can be used to cleap a surface. The wing element 20 may be held by clips 29, 30, or equivalent means such as a "popper". One end 5 of the mop plate is received in an end pocket of a mop cover which is substantially twice the length of the plate member with pockets at both ends and a shorter intermediate pocket for receiving the opposite end 4 of the plate 1. The wing 20 is inserted into the second pocket.

Description

Crisp Clean Services Limited

DOUBLE-SIDED MOP

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mops of the kind which comprise a handle secured to a mop head which includes a holder and a removable mop cover arranged to cover opposite faces of the holder such that, by turning over the mop head, both faces can be used for mopping.

BACKGROUND

Single-sided mops with removable covers have been known for many years, see GB 917 189, for example. A typical single-sided mop has an elongate holder with a handle secured to its top face by means of a universal joint, and the holder is provided with a mop cover which provides an absorbent mopping surface on the underside of the holder. In order to permit the cover to be easily removed from the holder and replaced with a clean one the ends of the cover are provided with opposing pockets, and the holder is provided with a transverse hinge or other arrangement which enables the ends of the holder to be drawn together for insertion into, and removal from, the pockets.

In recent years double-sided mops have started to appear on the market.

These allow greater efficiency since the mop cover extends over both the top and bottom faces of the holder so that both faces can, alternately, be used for mopping before the mop cover needs to be changed.

One such double-sided mop is disclosed in EP 0 757 903 A. The holder incorporates two plate-like folding wings which are hinged together along a common longitudinal edge, and a double-width cover has pockets formed along its longitudinal edges to receive the free edges of the wings.

However, such an arrangement has considerable drawbacks which arise from the fact that the handle must be moved from one face to the other as the mop head is turned over. This requires that at least one of the wings, and a corresponding longitudinal edge of the cover, are notched to accommodate the handle connection. This causes a reduction of the mopping area in the region of the notches, complicates the fitting of the cover, and increases the risk that the mop head will catch on furniture or other edges during the mopping process. In addition, notching the longitudinal edges of the cover complicates manufacture, particularly when the cover has loops of yarn formed in rows which extend along the cover in a longitudinal direction. Cutting the side edges of the cover cuts through the rows of yarn, which means that additional measures must be taken to prevent them from coming free.

In order to overcome these drawbacks the handle joint may be moved to the edge of the mop head, but this causes uneven pressure to be applied to the head during mopping, with the result that one edge portion of the mop cover becomes heavily soiled while the opposite edge remains relatively clean.

The present invention seeks to provide a new and inventive form of double-sided mop head in which the cover can easily be fitted and removed, and in which the handle can easily be moved from one face to the other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes a double-sided mop holder having a pair of opposite mopping surfaces, the mop holder including: -an elongate plate member which provides at least one of the mopping surfaces, -at least one planar wing element which is hingeably secured to an opposite face of the plate member to overlie an end portion thereof and pivot about a transverse axis such that the wing element can be received in an end pocket of a mop cover which is substantially twice the length of the plate member with pockets at both ends, -a first link pivotally secured to a longitudinal edge of the plate member, -a second link pivotally secured to the first link, and -a handle connector pivotally secured to the second link and arranged for pivotal connection to a handle to form a universal joint, whereby the first and second links allow the handle connector to be rotated from one mopping surface of the mop holder to the other.

The double-length cover is easily and securely fitted to the holder without requiring additional attachments. The double link arrangement provides minimal interference with the fitting process whilst allowing the mop head to be easily turned over.

The planar wing element is preferably received in a recess in the opposing surface of the plate member. The mop holder preferably includes retaining means for releasably holding the planar wing element against the plate member in a generally coplanar relationship.

In a preferred embodiment the retaining means may comprise a "popper" or equivalent co-operating elements which are engaged and disengaged by application of pressure in the direction of rotation of the wing element.

In another embodiment the retaining means comprises at least one clip secured to the plate member and the wing element has a co-operating resilient section for engaging the chp. The retaining means preferably comprises a pair of clips on opposite sides of the plate member and the wing element has co-operating resilient sections. The plate preferably has finger notches which are bridged by the resilient sections of the wing element.

The invention also provides a double-sided mop cover for use with a double-sided mop holder, which is substantially twice the length of the mop holder with pockets at both ends.

The mop cover preferably includes at least one intermediate pocket which is formed part-way between the two end pockets. The intermediate pocket, or pockets, may be relatively short, in the longitudinal direction of the mop cover, relative to the two end pockets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice In the drawings: Figure 1 is a general view of a mop holder in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the mop holder; Figure 3 is an edge view of the mop holder Figure 4 is a similar view to Fig. I but showing the mop holder in a different configuration; Figure 5 is a general view of a mop cover for use with the mop holder; Figure 6 shows part of the mop cover in greater detail, folded double; Figure 7 is a general view of a modified form of the mop holder; and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative configuration of the mop holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring firstly to Fig.s I to 3, the double-sided mop holder includes an substantially planar mop plate I having a pair of parallel longitudinal edges 2 and 3 extending between transverse ends 4 and 5. The mop plate has a pair of opposite mopping faces 6 and 7 which, for reference purposes, will be referred to below as the upper and lower faces.

As shown in Fig. 3, at one end of the mop holder the upper and lower faces have inclined areas 8 and 9 which converge slightly towards the end 4. Similarly, as can be seen in Fig. 2, the long edges 2 and 3 also include convergent end portions 10 and 11, which merge via rounded corners 12 and 13 into the end 4, which is provided with a row of serrations or shallow teeth 14.

The opposite end 5 of the plate 1 is provided with a recess 18 which is formed in the upper face 6 so that the end 5 of plate I is formed into a projecting tongue. In this embodiment the recess 18 is generally U-shaped, extending along the end 5 and part-way along both side edges 2 and 3 to receive a generally planar wing element 20 which is mounted within the recess 18, conforming substantially to the external profile of the mop plate 1. The wing element is formed from a length of spring wire, having a straight end section 22 and a pair of side sections 23 and 24 ending in axially aligned inturned ends 25 and 26 which are sprung into holes formed in the mop plate 1. The inturned ends act as stub axles which enable the wing element to pivot about a transverse hinge axis relative to the plate 1. The side sections 23 and 24 are held within opposing C- shaped retaining clips 29 and 30 which are mounted in the recess 18 adjacent to the pivot axis, thereby retaining the wing element within the recess. The retaining clips could alternatively be formed by integral projections on the plate 1. A pair of opposed finger notches 31 and 32 may be formed in the side edges 2 and 3 extending into the recess 18 as shown, allowing finger pressure to squeeze the side sections 23 and 24 inwards, springing them out of the clips 29 and 30 so that the wing element can be pivoted out of the recess 18, as shown in Fig. 4.

One of the longitudinal edges 2 of the plate 1 has a shallow recess in which a first link 34 is mounted (Fig.s 1, 2 and 4)10 pivot about a longitudinal axis. The Unk 34 is also connected to a second link 35 by means of a parallel pivot 36, while a third parallel pivot 37 connects the opposite edge of the second link 35 to a U-shaped handle connector 38.

A mop handle (not shown) is joined to the connector 38 by a further pivot 40, transverse to the pivot 37, so that the connector provides a universal joint between the handle and the second link 35. The second link 35 is preferably longer than the link 34 such that the handle connector 38 is located in the approximate centre of the plate 1, thereby allowing an even mopping pressure to be applied over the surface of the mop head in use.

However, the handle connector could, if desired, be offset towards one of the longitudinal edges of the plate 1.

By rotating the first and second links 34 and 35 about the three parallel pivots, the connector 38 can be positioned above the approximate centre of the upper face 6, as shown in Fig. 4, allowing mopping pressure to be applied via the handle to the middle of the plate 1 in use. Similarly, by using the handle to lift the plate 1 and rotate the links 34 and 35 in the opposite direction the plate 1 can be turned over and, at the same time, bring the connector 38 above the central region of the lower face 7. In both positions the link 34 is preferably aligned with the longitudinal edge 2 so that the edge of the mop plate is substantially continuous. In addition, the finger notches 31 and 32 are bridged by the side sections 23 and 24 of the wing element 20, so that the opposite side edges of the mop plate 1 will not snag on furniture, door frames and other edges in use, It should however be noted that it would be permissible for the link 34 to project a short distance beyond the side edge 2 in order the link 34 avoids the edge of the mop cover in use.

The mop holder is normally used with a double-sided mop cover shown in Fig.s 5 and 6. Referring firstly to Fig. 5, the mop cover 50 is formed from a length of conventional mop fabric 51 having loops 52 of a suitable yarn covering one face of the fabric to provide an absorbent mopping area.

The absorbent surface of the mop cover could also be provided by other kinds of absorbent material or substrates, such as tufts or non-woven pads. In this example the loops of yarn are formed by continuous parallel lines of yarn 53 which are inserted through the fabric 51. The mop cover is about the same width as the mop plate 1, but is approximately twice its length. As in a conventional mop cover, inward-facing pockets 56 and 57 are provided at opposite ends of the cover, each formed by an area of fabric which is joined to the mop fabric 51 along an end margin 59 of the cover and by parallel rows of stitching 60 and 61 extending along opposite sides of the cover. In addition, a relatively short intermediate pocket 63 is formed in the centre of the cover. As can be seen in Fig. 6, the intermediate pocket is formed by folding the cover along a transverse centre line 64 and securing the two halves together by short rows of stitching 65 and 66 applied along opposite sides of the cover. In this example the rows of stitching 65 and 66 are made at an angle to the centre line 64, but they could extend parallel to the long sides of the cover.

The cover 50 is fitted to the mop holder by springing the side sections 23 and 24 of the wing element 20 out of the clips 29 and 30 and pivoting the wing element to an angular position relative to the mop plate 1. The end of plate 1 provided with recess 18 is inserted into one of the end pockets 57 of the mop cover. By stretching the mop cover over the plate I it is possible to insert the opposite end 4 into the short intermediate pocket 63. The second pocket 56 is then placed over the wing element which is pivoted and sprung back into the retaining clips 29 and 30 so that the cover is held taut against both faces of the plate 1.

Both sides of the mop head can be used for mopping, as described. The tooth-like serrations 14 on the end of the plate 1 engage the lines of yarn 53 and assist the intermediate pocket to prevent lateral sliding of the cover. When the cover requires replacement the wing element 20 is sprung out of the retaining clips, allowing the wing to be removed from the pocket 56. The cover can then be stretched to remove the plate 1 from the intermediate pocket 63 followed by removal from the other end pocket 57.

In practice, during mopping, pressure is normally applied to the plate I by the mop handle so that the mop head will only turn over if lifted via the links 34 and 35. However, the second link 35 could be magnetically attached to opposite faces of the plate I if desired.

The use of a short intermediate pocket simplifies the construction of the plate I and reduces manufacturing costs, although it would be possible to use a conventional-length intermediate pocket if the plate I is provided with means for producing relative movement of the ends 4 and 5, at the expense of increased design complexity. An additional advantage over the present double-sided mop holder is that it can also be used with conventional single-sided mop covers if required. One of the end pockets of the cover is placed over the end 4 of plate 1 and the other end pocket is placed over the wing element 20, which is then pivoted towards the plate 1 and clipped into position.

Other means for securing the wing element 20 to the plate 1 can be used, another preferred example of which is shown in Fig. 7. In this modification the retaining clips 29 and 30 are replaced by a two-part snap connector or "popper" 70, 71. After the wing element 20 has been sprung into the pivot holes in the plate 1 a bridging plate 72 may be fixed between the side sections 23 and 24 to carry one half of the popper 70, the other half 71 being attached to the plate 1. Thus, when the popper is engaged the wing element is held within the end recess 18 of the plate I such that the wing element forms a substantially continuous edge to the mop holder. An advantage of the arrangement shown in Fig. 7 is that the wing can be disengaged from the plate 1 without requiring direct hand contact with the mop cover, and a fabric loop may be incorporated into the mop cover for this purpose. It should also be noted that the wing 20 could also be formed in one piece, with integral latching projections being provided on the wing and/or the plate 1 to hold the wing against the plate in use.

In a further modification of the mop holder, which is illustrated schematically in Fig. 8, the plate 1 is provided with a handle using the pivoted link mechanism described above, together with two wing elements 20.1 and 20.2. In this case the wing elements are pivoted to the plate 1 to fold in an inward direction, substantially meeting at their free ends. The mop cover 50A is again twice the length of the plate I with pockets 56 and 57 at opposite ends, but in this case two shorter intermediate pockets 63.1 and 63.2 are formed to receive opposite ends of the mop holder. To fit the cover the wings 20.1 and 20.2 are inserted into the pockets 56 and 57 and the mop cover is stretched over the plate I to engage in the intermediate pockets 63.1 and 63.2. The wings are then pivoted to lie against the plate 1 and engaged with the plate by means such as those described above. The mop cover thus covers both sides of the plate 1, enabling both sides to be used for mopping. -11 -

It will be appreciated that the features disclosed herein may be present in any embodiment of the invention in any feasible combination. Whilst the above description places emphasis on those areas which, in combination, are believed to be new, protection is sought for any inventive combination of the features disclosed herein.

Claims

-12 - CLAIMS

1. A double-sided mop holder having a pair of opposite mopping surfaces, the mop holder including: -an elongate plate member which provides at least one of the mopping surfaces, -at least one planar wing element which is hingeably secured to an opposite face of the plate member to overlie an end portion thereof and pivot about a transverse axis such that the wing element can be received in an end pocket of a mop cover which is substantially twice the length of the plate member with pockets at both ends, -a first link pivotally secured to a longitudinal edge of the plate member, -a second link pivotally secured to the first link, and -a handle connector pivotally secured to the second link and arranged for pivotal connection to a handle to form a universal joint, whereby the first and second links allow the handle connector to be rotated from one mopping surface of the mop holder to the other.

2. A double-sided mop holder according to Claim I in which the planar wing element is received in a recess in the opposing surface of the plate member.

3. A double-sided mop holder according to Claim I or 2 including retaining means for releasably holding the planar wing element against the plate member in a generally coplanar relationship

4. A double-sided mop holder according to Claim 3 in which said retaining means is engaged and disengaged by application of pressure in the direction of rotation of the wing element.

5. A double-sided mop holder according to Claim 3 in which said retaining means comprises at least one clip secured to the plate member.

6. A double-sided mop holder according to Claim 5 in which the wing element has a co-operating resilient section for engaging the clip.

7. A double-sided mop holder according to Claim 6 in which the retaining means comprises a pair of clips on opposite sides of the plate member and the wing element has co-operating resilient sections.

8. A double-sided mop holder according to Claim 7 in which the plate has finger notches which are bridged by the resilient sections of the wing element.

9. A double-sided mop cover for use with a double-sided mop holder, which is substantially twice the length of the mop holder with pockets at both ends.

10. A double-sided mop cover according to Claim 9 in which the mop cover includes at least one intermediate pocket which is formed part-

11. A double-sided mop cover according to Claim 10 in which the intermediate pocket, or pockets, are relatively short, in the longitudinal direction of the mop cover, with respect to the two end pockets.

12. A double-sided mop holder according to any of Claims 1 to 8 in combination with a double-sided mop cover according to any of Claims 9 -14-to 11.

13. A double-sided mop holder substantially as described with reference to the drawings.

14. A double-sided mop cover substantially as described with reference to the drawings.