WO2004071266A1

WO2004071266A1 - Floor mop adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2004071266A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/000146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lamson Nguyen; Maximiliano Rodriguez
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Inc; Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2003-02-14
Filing date: 2004-01-16
Publication date: 2004-08-26
Also published as: GB0303363D0; GB2398231A

Abstract

A floor mop adapter (10) for use with disposable wipes (200), wherein said floor mop adapter is removably affixed to the head of a floor maintenance device (100) is described. Also described are processes for applying a floor treatment composition impregnated within a disposable wipe to a flooring surface requiring treatment using the floor mop adapter removably affixed to the head of a floor maintenance device is also described.

Description

FLOOR MOP ADAPTER

The present invention relates to devices which are used for the cleaning and maintenance of flooring surfaces.

For countless centuries, mankind has developed various devices which are useful for the maintenance of flooring surfaces. Notoriously old are brooms, brushes, and various forms of mops. In more recent times flooring surfaces particularly synthetic surfaces including linoleum, marble, laminated woods, have become available. These are more technologically advanced, and these more technologically advanced flooring surfaces also require more technologically advanced cleaning devices and methods in order to ensure their proper maintenance so that the retain an attractive appearance.

Recently, there has become commercially available a variety of floor maintenance devices designed be used with disposable "wipes", wherein such wipes are typically preimpregnated by the manufacturer with one or more of a variety of floor treatment compositions. These floor treatment compositions can provide any of a number of benefits such as waxing, polishing, cleaning, disinfecting, and that the like. Such floor maintenance devices are typically quite simple and comprise an elongated handle having a distal end intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end to which is attached a generally planar head which is attached to that end by a flexible joint. This flexible joint typically provides rotation in various directions so to facilitate the use the floor maintenance device. The generally planar head typically has a flat bottom surface to which may be attached or affixed such a disposable wipe. A manufacturer typically provides a number of such disposable wipes preimpregnated with a floor treatment composition in a package. The consumer withdraws a single disposable wipe from the package, stretches or pulls it so assumes a generally flat shape, and then the applies it the flat bottom surface ofthe head to present an exposed wipe surface. Portions ofthe disposable wipe, typically two opposite margins ofthe disposable wipe are often overwrapped over two opposite sides ofthe head, and removably affixed to the head. Thus prepared, the floor maintenance device is ready for use by a consumer. The consumer, grasping the proximal end ofthe handle can thereafter contact the exposed wipe surface to a flooring surface, such as by pushing, and thereby apply the floor treatment composition to the flooring surface. When the consumer completes this operation, or feels that the disposable wipe is to too old, or that it has ceased to provide its floor treatment benefit, the consumer can conveniently remove this disposable wipe from the head and the dispose it. Thereafter, a further disposable wipe can be installed as described above, and the floor treatment process can be continued.

Such floor maintenance devices is described above have become immensely popular due to the consumer convenience aspect, and also by the fact that a variety of floor treatment compositions are available in preimpregnated disposable wipes. Thus, a consumer having different flooring surfaces in their home can purchase such a single floor maintenance device, and use it with a variety of different types of disposable wipes. Usually, the preimpregnated disposable wipes available from different manufacturers can be used with the floor maintenance devices from various manufacturers as well, and this interchangeability is convenient from a consumer standpoint.

Nonetheless, said floor maintenance devices utilizing disposable wipes are not without shortcomings. A key technical shortcoming resides in the fact that, in order to affix the disposable wipe to the generally planar head a significant proportion ofthe total surface area ofthe disposable wipe is typically used as margins which are overwrapped over two opposite sides ofthe head, and then removably attached to the head. These margins are unavailable for contact the floor being treated. Thus, a significant waste of the floor treatment composition which is impregnated within the disposable wipe occurs, as the portion ofthe disposable wipe used as the margins is not used in providing a floor treatment composition to a flooring surface. Accordingly, there is a real and urgent need in the art for improved floor maintenance devices, as well as improved processes for applying a floor treatment composition impregnated within a disposable wipe to a flooring surface requiring treatment.

It is to these come as well as further objects at the present invention is directed. In one aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a floor mop adapter for use with disposable wipes, wherein said floor mop adapter is removably affixed to the head of a floor maintenance device. Desirably such a floor maintenance device includes an elongated handle having a distal and intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end to which is attached a generally planar head by a flexible joint. Most advantageously such floor maintenance devices specifically include floor mops intended to be used with a disposable wipe.

In a further aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a floor maintenance device which includes an elongated handle having a distal and intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end to which is attached a generally planar head by a flexible joint, and which further includes a removably affixed floor mop adapter affixed to said head.

In yet further aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a process for applying a floor treatment composition impregnated within a disposable wipe to a flooring surface requiring treatment, which process comprises the steps of: providing a floor maintenance device which includes an elongated handle having a distal and intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end to which is attached a generally planar head by a flexible joint; providing and removably affixing to the head a floor mop adapter for use with disposable wipes; attaching to the floor mop adapter a disposable wipe which optionally but desirably contains a floor treatment composition; and, applying the disposable wipe to a floor surface requiring treatment.

These and other aspects ofthe invention are described hereinafter.

Figure 1 depicts in a perspective view a first embodiment of a floor mop adapter.

Figure 2 depicts in an expanded view a portion of a floor maintenance device, the embodiment of a floor mop adapter according to Fig. 1 , and a disposable wipe.

Figure 3 depicts the elements of Figure 2 in an assembled fo-tm.

Figure 4 depicts in a perspective view a second embodiment of a floor mop adapter according to the invention.

Figure 5 depicts a cross-section ofthe floor mop adapter according to the first and second embodiments ofthe invention.

Figure 1 depicts in a perspective view a first embodiment of a floor mop adapter. The floor mop adapter 10 comprises a body 15 having a recess 15 therein which is adapted to receive the head of a floor maintenance device especially a floor mop. Although not visible on Fig.l, the floor mop adapter 10 includes a bottom surface 20. The recess 15 is bordered by at least one pair of frame walls which are spaced apart and are on opposite sides ofthe recess 15; in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 there are depicted to two pairs of spaced apart frame walls, a first pair of frame walls 22A, 2B and a second pair 24A, 24B of frame walls. These two pairs of frame walls define the length and width ofthe recess 15. Desirably at least two framewalls abut the sides ofthe head of a floor maintenance device when it is removably inserted within the recess 15 of floor mop adapter 10. While not essential, it is often advantageous to further include a retaining element as part of each sidewall. Here, four such retaining elements are shown although the only two are visible in Fig.l . Sidewall 22B includes on its inner vertical face 26B a retaining rib 30B which extends inwardly into the interior ofthe recess 15. Similarly, sidewall 24B includes on its inner vertical face 28B a similar retaining rib 32B which also extends inwardly into the interior ofthe recess 15. While not shown, is to be understood that similarly configured and positioned retaining ribs are also present on the inner vertical faces of sidewalls 22A and 24 A. Of course, other configurations other than generally linear, retaining ribs can be used as retaining elements in the inventive device. While not essential, it is preferred that the recess 15 also include a plurality of upwardly directed ribs 40. These upwardly directed ribs 40 are conveniently positioned in a spaced apart, parallel configuration. The upwardly directed ribs 40 extend from the bottom plate 50 ofthe floor mop adapter 10, and each of these upwardly directed ribs 40 terminates at a side 42. Desirably, the height of each ofthe upwardly directed ribs 4O is the same for each ofthe ribs 40, so that when the bottom surface of a head of a floor treatment device is inserted into the recess 15, the bottom surface rests upon and contacts the sides 42 ofthe ribs 40. It is to be understood that while such a configuration is preferred, although it is not necessary for the practice ofthe present invention and that in certain embodiments the ribs 40 maybe omitted from within the recess 15. The inclusion of such ribs 40 within the recess 15 is beneficial however in that they provide stiffness to the floor mop adapter 10. The floor mop adapter 10 also includes sidewalls which are downwardly dependent from the frame walls 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, sidewall 54A depends downwardly from frame wall 24A and extends downwardly to the bottom surface 20. Similarly, although not shown, sidewall 54B depends downwardly from frame wall 24B, and extends downwardly to the bottom surface 20. These sidewalls 54A and 54B may be perpendicular to the bottom surface 20, or may be angled with respect thereto, as is shown in Figure 1.

The floor mop adapterlO also includes further sidewalls, namely sidewall 56A which depends downwardly from frame wall 22A, and sidewall 56B which depends from and extends downwardly from frame wall 22B. According to certain preferred embodiments ofthe floor mop adapter, the sidewalls 56A and 56B are on opposite sides ofthe floor mop adapter, and are flexible. As can be seen from Figure 1, sidewall 56A depends from frame wall 22A and forms an angle therewith, said angle which can be defined as "α¹", and which is measured as the angle formed between the outward face 56D ofthe sidewall 56A, and a line extending perpendicularly upwardly from the bottom surface 20. Desirably, this angle "α¹" is between 0 and 90 degrees, more preferably is between about 40 and about 55 degrees, and most preferably is between about 45 and 47 degrees. As also depicted on Figure 1, the opposite sidewall 56B depends from frame wall 22B and forms an angle, "α " therewith; "α ", is similarly measured by the angle formed between the outward face 56D ofthe sidewall 56A, and a line extending perpendicularly upwardly from the bottom surface 20. Desirably, this angle "α²" is between 0 and 90 degrees, more preferably it is equal to the angle of α¹.

As can be seen from Figure 1, each ofthe sidewalls 56A and 56B terminates in a bottom edge, 60A and€OB, respectively. The distance between these bottom edges as measured in the plane ofthe bottom surface 20 is "d", as is depicted in Figure 1. Further, each ofthe sidewalls 56A and 56B has associated therewith at least one gripper which may be used to removably grip a portion of a disposable wipe. In Figure 1 , there are depicted two grippers, 70A and 70B which are included in the sidewall 56A. Although not visible it is to be understood that two similar grippers are included in the sidewall With regard to the dimensions ofthe floor mop adapter 10, the dimensions ofthe recess 15 are not critical, it being only required that it be configured to receive the head of a floor maintenance device. It is clearly to be understood that various configurations are of course possible in order to suit the dimensions ofthe head ofthe floor maintenance device. For example, while a generally rectangular configuration ofthe recess 15 has shown in the Figures, of course other configurations can be produced and still fall within the scope and spirit ofthe invention. For example, instead ofthe head ofthe floor maintenance device having a generally rectangular configuration and having four corners having sides intersecting at right angles, one or more, and especially four rounded corners may be present. Of course, the configuration ofthe floor mop adapter 10 and the recess 15 could be adapted to suitably receive such an alternate configurations ofthe head ofthe floor maintenance device.

Returning to Fig. 1, it can be seen that the dimensions ofthe recess 15 are desirably approximately equal to, or slightly larger than the dimensions ofthe head ofthe floor maintenance device with which the floor mop adapter 10 is to be used . As can be seen from Fig. 1, the recess has a length generally defined by the dimension "g", and a width defined by the dimension indicated as "h". These two dimensions define the "footprint" area ofthe head ofthe floor maintenance device which is to be inserted within the recess 15. Again, these dimensions for "g", "h" are to be approximate, and do not necessarily need to be identical with the actual length and width ofthe head ofthe floor maintenance device and are typically slightly larger, but are usually within approximately 5% ofthe actual length and width ofthe head ofthe floor maintenance device.

With further reference Fig. 1, the floor mop adapter 10 has a length which is generally defined by the dimension "e", and as been discussed previously, includes a distance between bottom edges measured along the plane ofthe bottom surface 20 defined as "d". These two dimensions "e", "d" define the "footprint" ofthe floor mop adapter 10. According to present invention, the area ofthe footprint ofthe floor mop adapter 10 is approximately at least 105% ofthe area ofthe recess 15. More desirably, the footprint ofthe floor mop adapter 10 is at least 110%, yet more preferably at least 115% ofthe area ofthe recess 15. It has been noted previously, the area ofthe recess 15 is approximately equal to the floor maintenance device and is defined by the two dimensions "g" and "h". Conveniently and according to certain preferred embodiments, the differences in dimensions between the footprint ofthe floor mop adapter 10 and the footprint ofthe head ofthe floor maintenance device is accomplished by providing a major increase in one ofthe dimensions either the length or the width, and if necessary only a minor increase in the other, either the length or the width of the floor mop adapter 10. For example, as is shown in Fig. 1, it can be readily understood that the difference in the lengths as indicated as the dimensions "e" and "g" are relatively minor, relative to the difference in widths "h" and "d" which represents the widths.

Advantageously, and in accordance with certain embodiments, the dimension "d" is at least 110% ofthe dimension "h", preferably at least 120%) ofthe dimension more preferably at least 125%) ofthe dimension "h". According to such preferred configurations, wherein one dimension (either the length or the width) is increased substantially, the floor mop adapter 10 can improve the utility of any of a variety of commercially-available preimpregnanted "wipes" as will be described hereinafter. The grippers 70 A, 70B as depicted in Fig. 1 are desirably a flexible "gripper" having cut within several articulating "fingers" which may be bent or flexed inwardly or outwardly. These grippers 70A, 70B may removably retain a portion of a disposable wipe which can be inserted merely by manually pushing, such as with a finger, a portion ofthe disposable wipe so to flex or bend one or more ofthe several articulating fingers of each one ofthe gripper, and then withdrawing the finger. Such grippers are conveniently used as they are easily formed from synthetic polymeric materials and may be easily included in the construction ofthe floor mop adapter 10. Nonetheless, it should be understood that the other means or devices for gripping at least a portion ofthe disposable wipe can be used in the place ofthe grippers depicted on Figure 1. By way of non-limiting examples these include clips, wires, springs, as well as recesses formed within the body of an article into which a portion of a disposable wipe is inserted.

The method of utilization ofthe floor mop adapter is more readily understood with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 depicts in an expanded view a portion of a floor maintenance device 100, the embodiment of a floor mop adapter 10 according to Fig. 1, as well as a disposable wipe 200. Although not visible in its entirety, the floor maintenance device 100 comprises an elongated handle having a distal and intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end 105 to which is attached a generally planar head 100 which is attached to the proximal end by a flexible joint 115. This flexible joint 115 typically provides rotation in various directions to facilitate the use ofthe floor maintenance device, such that it can be conveniently used by the consumer. Typically the head 100 has two opposite and parallel sidewalls 120 A, 120B defining the width ofthe head, and two opposite and parallel sidewalls 130A, 130B defining the length ofthe head, and a bottom planar surface 140 from which the sidewalls 120 A, 120B, 103A and 130B depend. The bottom face may optionally include a sheet of a resilient material such as a foam rubber sheet which is affixed to or layered in register with the bottom planar surface 140. As can be understood from Figure 2, the dimensions ofthe width "h' " and the length "g' " ofthe head 100 are such that the head 100 can be removably inserted info the recess 15 ofthe mop head adapter 10.

Figure 2 also depicts the configuration of a disposable wipe 200, including folds 210A, 210B which are formed into disposable wipe 200, and which folds further define the margins 212A, 212B of the disposable wipe 200. These margins 210A, 210B, and the intermediate side edges 214, 216 ofthe disposable wipe 200 also define the contact area ofthe disposable wipe 200 when it is mounted upon the floor mop adapter 10.

Figure 3 depicts the elements of Figure 2 in an assembled form. As is readily seen from Figure 3, the head 1O0 is inserted into the recess ofthe floor mop adapter 10 where it is retained therein. Typically a friction fit is all that is necessary wherein the dimensions ofthe recess and that ofthe head 100 are suitably matched as described previously, but it may be desirable to further include one or more retaining elements as discussed with reference to Fig. 1. Figure 3 also depicts the disposable wipe 200 mounted upon the assembled floor mop adapter 10 and floor maintenance device 110. As can be seen from a careful review Figure 3, the margins 212A, 212B are laid upon the flexible sidewalls, and portions ofthe margins are inserted into the grippers, which retains the disposable wipe in position. Also depicted are further grippers 300 which are formed within the head 110, but these are not used.

A key advantage ofthe present invention is readily understood from the depiction of Figure 3. As can be seen, the distance "d" as measured in the plane ofthe bottom surface 20 between the bottom edges ofthe flexible sidewalls is greater than that the width ofthe head 110, defined as "h' ". Thus, when the floor mop adapter 10 is affixed to the head 110 and a disposable wipe is mounted thereon, the area between the margins 210A, 210B, and the intermediate side edges 214, 216 ofthe disposable wipe 200 define the contact area ofthe disposable wipe 200, which contact area will contact a flooring surface. In contrast, using the same disposable wipe 200 having the same dimensions, but without the floor mop adapter 10 will present a smaller contact area will ultimately be available to contact a flooring surface. This is due to the fact that more of the disposable wipe 200 will need to be overwrapped about the head 110, thus increasing the width of the margins 212A, 212B of a disposable wipe 200 which ultimately is not used to treat a flooring surface. Utilizing the floor mop adapter 110 with the same disposable wipe 200 will increase the contact area ofthe disposable wipe 200 as the size ofthe margins 212A, 212B necessary to be gripped by the grippers and thus retained upon the floor mop adapter 10 will be respectively lesser. This, in turn, provides for a respectively larger contact area as defined by the margins 210A, 210B, and the intermediate side edges 214, 216 of the disposable wipe 200 as mounted on the floor mop adapter 10. Desirably the relative increase in contact area of a disposable wipe is increased by at least 20%, preferably by at least 25%, and more preferably by at least about 30% when utilized with the floor mop adapter 10 mounted on a floor treatment device in the manner described above, as compared to the use ofthe use ofthe same disposable wipe upon the head of the floor treatment device, but without the floor mop adapter 10. Thus, the use ofthe floor mop adapter 10 according to the present invention provides for more efficient use of a disposable wipe especially a disposable wipe having impregnated or included therein a floor treatment compositions, as an increase in the contact surface ofthe disposable wipe with a flooring surface is effectively realized without increasing the dimensions ofthe disposable wipe.

Figure 4 depicts in a perspective view a second embodiment of a floor mop adapter 400 according to the invention. The embodiment differs from the embodiment according to Figure 1 only in that thee are included four grippers in each ofthe two sidewalls, 456A, 456B. Visible in Figure 4 are only the four grippers 470A, 470B, 470C and 470D which are included in sidewall 456 A. Figure 5 depicts a cross-section ofthe floor mop adapter 10 according to the first and second embodiments ofthe invention, along the plane defined by line x-x in Figures 1 ,2. Therein can be more clearly seen the sidewalls 54A, 54B, the retaining ribs 30A, 32A, 32B, the upwardly directed ribs 40 and the sides 42, the recess 15 and the bottom surface 20 ofthe floor mop adapter 10.

The present invention also provides for a process for applying a floor treatment composition which is preferably preimpregnated within a disposable wipe to a flooring surface requiring treatment. This process comprises the steps of: providing a floor maintenance device includes an elongated handle having a distal and intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end to which is attached a generally planar head by a flexible joint; providing and removably affixing to the head a floor mop adapter for use with disposable wipes; attaching to the floor mop adapter a disposable wipe containing a floor treatment composition; and, applying the disposable wipe to a flooring surface requiring treatment. While the process is advantageously practiced utilizing a preimpregnated disposable wipe containing a floor treatment composition, it is to be understood that the benefits ofthe invention are also enjoyed by affixing an unimpregnated or substantially dry disposable wipe to a floor maintenance device having the floor mop adapter removably mounted thereon, and either applying a floor treatment composition directly to the thus mounted disposable wipe and thereinafter applying the wipe to a flooring surface, or alternately, affixing an unimpregnated or substantially dry disposable wipe to a floor maintenance device having the floor mop adapter removably mounted thereon, providing a floor treatment composition directly to a flooring surface, and applying the wipe to the flooring surface. This process is advantageously practiced with the embodiments ofthe invention described herein, particularly with the use ofthe mop head adapter described in Figures 1 through 5. Indeed, while the process and floor mop adapter has been described generally with reference to use with flooring surfaces and with floor treatment compositions such statements are to be understood to be by way by illustration and not by way of limitation. It is contemplated that the ofthe present inventive device and process may be used in the treatment of any of variety of surfaces, e.g., walls, ceilings, doors, windows, panels, hard surfaces, as well as on vehicles, etc. and that any of a variety of treatment compositions may be used in conjunction with the present inventive apparatus and process, e.g., hard surface cleaning and or disinfecting compositions. Indeed, the process, and the apparatus described herein may be used with virtually any treatment composition which may be applied to or which may be impregnated within a disposable wipe. Desirably the treatment composition which can be used to provide any of a number ofthe benefits such as waxing, polishing, cleaning, disinfecting, and the like to a flooring surface or other surface. The wipe containing the treatment composition can be of a woven or non- woven nature. Such wipes can be resin bonded, hydroentanged, thermally bonded, meltblown, needlepunched or any combination ofthe former.

The nonwoven wipes may be a combination of wood pulp fibers and textile length synthetic fibers formed by well known dry-form or wet-lay processes. Synthetic fibers such as rayon, nylon, orlon and polyester as well as blends thereof can be employed. The wood pulp fibers may comprise about 30 to about 60 percent by weight ofthe nonwoven fabric, preferably about 55 to about 60 percent by weight, the remainder being synthetic fibers. The wood pulp fibers provide for absorbency, abrasion and soil retention whereas the synthetic fibers provide for substrate strength and resiliency. The wipes may be provided without a treatment composition with the intention that the treatment composition is applied to the wipe by the consumer before its use.

Alternately the wipes can be impregnated or supplied with a treatment composition which can then be sealed individually in a pouch and which can then be opened when needed; still alternately a plurality of wipes can be placed in a container for use on an as-needed basis by a consumer who may remove one or more wipes as may be needed. The pouch or container, when closed, is sufficiently sealed to prevent evaporation of any components from the compositions.

The floor mop adapter 10 itself can be formed from any of a variety of materials which may be suitably shaped and formed into the general configuration described hereinabove. Conveniently, the floor mop adapter can be produced from synthetic materials such as thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, or modified natural materials. Desirably, the floor mop adapter is formed from a material which exhibits little or no porosity such that any floor treatment compositions contained within a disposable wipe is not absorbed into the floor mop adapter. Advantageously used are synthetic polymers, as well as rubbers including hard rubber which can be molded as materials of construction ofthe floor mop adapter.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative forms, it is to be understood that specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings which are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed; on the contrary the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit ofthe invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A floor mop adapter for use with disposable wipes, wherein said floor mop adapter is removably affixed to the head of a floor maintenance device which includes an elongated handle having a distal and intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end to which is attached a generally planar head by a flexible joint, and which further includes a removably affixed floor mop adapter affixed to said head.

2. A floor maintenance device which includes an elongated handle having a distal and intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end to which is attached a generally planar head by a flexible joint, and which further includes a removably affixed floor mop adapter affixed to said head.

3. A process for applying a floor treatment composition impregnated within a disposable wipe to a flooring surface requiring treatment, which process comprises the steps of: providing a floor maintenance device includes an elongated handle having a distal and intended to be grasped and used by the consumer, and a proximal end to which is attached a generally planar head by a flexible joint; providing and removably affixing to the head a floor mop adapter for use with disposable wipes; attaching to the floor mop adapter a disposable wipe containing a floor treatment composition; and, applying the disposable wipe to a floor surface requiring treatment.