WO2005084516A1

WO2005084516A1 - Cleaning implement

Info

Publication number: WO2005084516A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/000053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Diane Joyce Burt; Ian James Corkhill; Scott Salmon; Mario Alexander Turchi
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Inc.; Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2004-03-04
Filing date: 2005-01-10
Publication date: 2005-09-15
Also published as: GB2411578A; GB0404873D0

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to cleaning implements having a liquid delivery system contained within a mop head. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cleaning implement having a handle including an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle a flexible joint, said mop head containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, and further having a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing and, control means connecting the actuator and the fluid dispensing means. The mop head comprises a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending therefrom. The cleaning implement is useful in the cleaning of surfaces particularly floors although it may also find use in cleaning other surfaces such as walls, shower stalls, and the like.

Description

CLEANING IMPLEMENT

In recent years consumers have favored cleaning implements which are available from a variety of commercial sources in the cleaning of surfaces, particularly flooring surfaces. Such cleaning implements in their broadest sense comprise a handle portion affixed to a mop head upon which mop head is a mounted a removable cleaning pad. The mop head is typically affixed by a flexible or universal joint to the handle, and when used in a floor cleaning application typically is separated from the mop head via an intermediate stem which extends the reach of the consumer so that stooping to clean the flooring surface is not required. The mop head usually comprises a removable cleaning pad or wipe which may be supplied either dry or maybe supplied as a pre-moistened cleaning pad or wipe containing any of a variety of cleaning compositions typically in a liquid or other fluid form. In use, the consumer conveniently applies the cleaning pad to the underside of the mop head, which is typically generally planar in construction, affixes the cleaning pad to the mop head and then utilizes it by applying it directly to a flooring surface in need of a cleaning, burnishing, or polishing treatment. When the cleaning pad is supplied in a dry form, typically the consumer may utilize any of a variety of personally preferred cleaning or other treatment compositions which can be applied either directly to the cleaning pad so to pre-moisten it, or alternately directly to the surface intended to be treated. When the cleaning pad is supplied by a respective manufacturer in a pre-moistened form, a treatment composition is previously pre-impregnated into the cleaning pad. After use, in most instances, the consumer merely removes the cleaning pad from the mop head and disposes of it. A new cleaning pad, either dry or wet, is then used for the next cleaning operation. A variety of such implements are known and have achieved various degrees of commercial success with consumers. U.S. 4455705 to Graham describes a device having an applicator head having integrally molded impaling spikes which are positioned and aligned longiradinally and transversely in extending rows throughout substantially one side of an applicator head. A cleaning component is provided with a layer of fibers to be penetrated and engaged by the impaling spikes when the cleaning component is pressed against the applicator head so that lateral movement of the cleaning component is prevented during use of the cleaning device. U.S. 4852210 to Krajicek discloses a wet mop for use with an interchangeable scrubbing pad and a cloth wipe which comprises a ridged plate, and elongated handle connected to the plate. A deformable cushion attached to the bottom of the plate, and a plurality of pad grippers countersunk within a foam pad which is used in conjunction with a porous scrubbing pad which can be attached to the bottom of the foam pad by engaging the bristles of the pad grippers. U.S. 5071489 to Silvenis discloses a cleaning apparatus comprises a handle pivotally attached to a member with a generally flat lower surface; the lower surface of the member has frictional means which can maintain a pre-moistened fabric sheet between the surface and an area to be cleaned. U.S. 5888006 to Ping describes a cleaning implement having a liquid delivery system which comprises a handle with a first and a second end, a cleaning head member attached to the handle at the first end, and a sprayer nozzle which is desirably attached to the cleaning head member independent of the handle. The construction of the cleaning implement provides for a limited degree of directional control in the delivery of the liquid composition being sprayed by the consumer during the normal use of the cleaning implement. The cleaning composition is provided by an inverted bottle which is affixed to an elongated stem intermediate the handle, and the mop head. U.S. 6098239 to Nosbikian provides a cleaning and storage mop which comprises a handle and a mop head pivotally attached by a universal joint. The cleaning and storage mop is primarily intended to be used as a "dry" dust mop. The mop head includes an interior compartment which is used for the storage of cleaning wipes intermediate cleaning treatments using the described article. U.S. 6651290 to Kingry describes cleaning implements having specific structures for retaining a disposable sheet. The cleaning implement includes a handle pivotally attached to a cleaning head which is generally planar in construction having a bottom plate surface, and an upper surface. The upper surface comprises a plurality of flexible attachment structures which are resilient members including resilient geometric sections, such as triangular sections, which are deformable. In use a cleaning sheet or wipe is wrapped about the underside of the cleaning head and the portion of the sheet or wipe is inserted into each of the attachment structures by inserting into the deformable members. When released, the deformable members act as a removable grip means for the sheet and retaining the cloth or sheet in place during the normal cleaning operation utilizing the cleaning implement. U.S. 6659670 to Blouse describes a mop with a sprayer. The mop with the sprayer includes a handle portion, an intermediate stem extending downwardly from the handle to a universal joint which is affixed to a mop head. The mop head includes a housing, and a bottom plate which is hingedly affixed to the housing. When closed the housing and the mop head define an interior volume which is used to contain a liquid reservoir having a trigger spray attached thereto. A control cable extends from a trigger mounted in close proximity to or upon the handle at one end, and at the other end is affixed to a mechanism for depressing the trigger of the trigger spray devise and thus ensuring delivery of a floor treatment composition forward of the mop head. The bottom plate which is generally planar and rigid in construction may be used to retain a disposable sheet or wipe which is mounted upon the mop head prior to and during a floor treatment, and after the conclusion of such treatment can be disposed of by the consumer and replaced. U.S. 2003/0221274 Al published 04 December 2003 to Makhija describes a mop and a mop pad system. The mop and the mop pad system comprises a mop head affixed to a handle by a universal joint, the mop head including a hollow housing and further comprising a bottom plate with one end hinged or otherwise affixed to the housing. The opposite end of the bottom plate is removably affixable to a further portion of the housing, such as by use of a latch, whereby the bottom plate can be swung closed upon the housing thereby defining an interior volume. The mop head further includes a liquid reservoir and a spray means which, during normal use is used to spray a quantity of a cleaning or other floor treatment composition forward of the mop head during use. The bottom plate is generally rigid and planar in construction. The mop is used in construction with a mop pad which is typically generally a flattened tubular sleeve adapted to the pulled onto and to encase a major portion of the plate. The flattened tubular sleeve is disposable and replaceable. While these and other floor cleaning implements have found various degrees of commercial success, there is nonetheless a really continuing need in the art for further improvements to cleaning implements, particularly cleaning implements useful in the cleaning of a flooring and other surfaces commonly encountered in the home as well as in commercial environments. It is to these needs that the present invention is directed. The present invention is generally directed to a cleaning implement which comprises a handle, an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle by a flexible joint, said mop head having a housing containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, said housing also comprising a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing, and a control means connecting to actuator with the fluid dispensing means whereby actuation causes the dispensation of a treatment composition outwardly from the mop head during use of cleaning implement, characterized in that the mop head further comprises a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly therefrom. In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an improved cleaning implement which comprises a handle, an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle by a flexible joint, said mop head having a housing containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, said housing also comprising a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing and said bottom plate having a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly from the bottom plate, and a control means connecting to actuator with the fluid dispensing means whereby actuation causes the dispensation of a treatment composition outwardly from the mop head during use of cleaning implement. In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an improved cleaning implement which comprises a handle, an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle by a flexible joint, said mop head having a housing containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, said housing comprising a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly as well as comprising a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing, and a control means connecting to actuator with the fluid dispensing means whereby actuation causes the dispensation of a treatment composition outwardly from the mop head during use of cleaning implement. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an improved cleaning implement which comprises a handle, an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle by a flexible joint, said mop head having a housing containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, said housing comprising a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly and said housing also comprising a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing said bottom plate having a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly from the bottom plate, and a control means connecting to actuator with the fluid dispensing means whereby actuation causes the dispensation of a treatment composition outwardly from the mop head during use of cleaning implement. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an improved cleaning implement according to any of the first, second or third aspects wherein the mop head further comprises a removable wipe mounted thereon. The removable wipe may be a generally planar sheet, but is preferably in the form of a tubular sleeve which can be mounted upon the bottom plate by the user of the cleaning implement. According to certain preferred embodiments, the wipe is in the form of a generally flattened tubular sleeve which can be slid upon the bottom plate prior to, as well as removed from the bottom plate subsequent to a cleaning treatment utilizing the cleaning implement. In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided an improved process for the cle-tning of a surface, particularly a flooring surface or other generally flat surface in a home or in a commercial environment which comprises the steps of: providing a cleaning implement as described above; utilizing said cleaning implement to dispense a quantity of a fluid treatment composition to a surface, and a moving of the cleaning implement such that the mop head moves over the area upon which the treatment composition has been applied. These and other aspect of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description including the description of preferred embodiments as well as from a review of the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 depicts a cleaning implement according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 depicts an underside view of a portion of the mop head depicted on Figure 1. Figure 3 depicts an underside view of a portion of the mop head of Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 depicts an underside view of a further embodiment of a mop head. Figure 5 depicts in an underside view a further embodiment of a mop head. Figure 6A depicts an underside view of a mop head according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 6B depicts a sectional view of the mop head according to Figure 6A. Figure 6C depicts a portion of the embodiment depicted on Figure 6B. Figure 7A depicts an underside view of an alternative mop head according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 7B depicts a sectional view of a portion of the mop head of Figure 7A. Figure 7C depicts a portion of resilient elements depicted on Figure 7B. Figure 8 A depicts the underside of a mop head according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 8B depicts a sectional view of a portion of the mop head of Figure 8 A. Figure 8C depicts a detailed section of a portion of the mop head according to Figure 8B. Figure 9 A depicts the under side of a mop head according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 9B depicts a sectional view of a portion of the mop head of Figure 9 A. Figure 10A depicts an underside view of a mop head according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 10B depicts a sectional view of the mop head depicted on Figure 10A. Figure IOC depicts a portion of the mop head depicted on Figure 10B. Figure 11 A depicts an underside of a mop head according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 IB depicts a sectional view of the mop head depicted on Figure 11A. Figure 12 depicts a sectional view of a portion of a mop head according to the invention wherein the spaced-apart resilient members are mounted upon a arcuate resilient base. Figure 13 illustrates a sectional view an alternative embodiment of a portion of a mop head according to the invention wherein the plurality of spaced-apart resilient members are mounted upon an arcuate resilient base, and a portion of the plate of the mop head. Figure 14 depicts the underside of a mop head according to the invention which further includes a scrubber strip mounted upon the underside of the mop head. Figure 15 depicts a further mop head according the invention which includes a squeegee or wiping strip inserted upon the underside of the mop head. Figure 16 depicts a still further alternative mop head according to the invention which includes both a row a bristles as well as a squeegee or wiping strip mounted on opposite sides of the cleaning wipe. Figure 17 depicts an underside of a further alternative mop head according to the invention which includes a cleaning wipe having a region or a strip of scrubbing abrasive material formed upon or part of the cleaning wipe. Figure 18 depicts a sectional view of the interior of a mop head according to the invention depicting a pressurized aerosol canister as the fluid reservoir, and an aerosol valve as the fluid dispensing means. Figure 19 illustrates a sectional view of a mop head according to the invention wherein there is depicted a non-pressurized bottle containing a quantity of a treatment composition as the fluid reservoir, and a manually operable trigger spray device as the fluid dispensing means. Figure 20 illustrates a sectional view of a mop head according to the invention which includes a non-pressurized bottle or other vessel containing a quantity of a treatment composition as the fluid reservoir, and a pump (electrically operated) as the fluid dispensing means, and a battery which supplies power to operate the pump. Figure 21 illustrates a further arrangement of a mop head according to the invention wherein the bottom plate is rotatably pivotally affixed to the housing. Figure 22 illustrates a still further embodiment of a mop head according to the invention wherein the bottom plate is hingedly affixed to a portion of the housing, and wherein said bottom plate includes a major plate portion separated by an intermediate slit from a minor plate portion. Figure 23 depicts a sectional view of a portion of a handle and an actuator, and a portion of a flexible cable which is used as part of the control means for connecting the actuator with the fluid dispensing means positioned within the mop head. Figure 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a handle, and an actuator in the form of an electrical switch which is used in conjunction with wires which function as control means for connecting the actuator and the fluid dispensing system associated with the mop head. The embodiment according to Figure 24 further includes a pair of batteries which are used as a power source for operating the fluid dispensing means (electrically operated pump). Figure 25 illustrates a cross section of a stem. Figure 26 illustrates a further cross section of the stem. Figure 28 A illustrates a further aspect of the invention, illustrating a retractable auxiliary scrubbing means in its retracted position. Figure 28B illustrates the alternative scrubbing means of Figure 28A in an extended position. Figure 29 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the retractable scrubbing means. Figure 29B illustrates a schematic view of a further embodiment of a retractable scrubbing means. Figure 29C illustrates a schematic view of a further embodiment of a retractable scrubbing means. Figure 29D illustrates another alternative of embodiment of retractable scrubbing means. Figure 30 illustrates a prospective view of a cleaning implement according to the invention, including auxiliary scrubbing means mounted upon the mop head. References will now be made in particular detail to certain preferred embodiments of the invention. Examples of certain preferred embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout each of the figures. Figure 1 illustrates a cleaning implement 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The cleaning implement includes a handle 20 and a mop head 40 which optionally but desirably are attached to one another by an intermediate stem 50. The stem 50 may be a single piece, or may be comprised of connected sections, e.g., two or more stem sections, 52, 54, 56, joined to one another by any appropriate means. Such means can be for example; friction fitting, mating corresponding threaded elements, bayonet fitting, or any other conventional means. It is only required that a generally rigid fit, although not necessarily an irreversible junction, between corresponding stem sections 52, 54, 56 be achieved. A universal joint 60 at one end of the stem 50 is used to mount the mop head 40 upon the stem 50. The universal joint provides a wide degree flexural freedom permitting the stem 50 and handle 20 to move forwardly (as indicated by directional reference arrow F), to move rearwardly, as well as from side-to-side in a conventional manner. The mop head 40 includes a housing 42, affixed to the universal joint 60. The housing is dimensioned so to be adapted to receive and to contain within its interior a fluid reservoir and a fluid dispensing means, which will be described in more detail hereinafter. The mop head 40 further comprises a bottom plate 44, which is removably or pivotally affixed to the housing. This bottom plate need not necessarily encompass the complete open bottom side of the housing 42, but may encompass only a portion thereof such as is depicted on Figure 1. Further, when used, the cleaning implement typically is used in conjunction with a wipe 70, which is mounted upon the bottom plate 44. As illustrated in Figure 1, the housing also includes a spray port 72 to permit for the egress of a treatment composition from the fluid dispensing means located within the interior of the housing. The mop head 40 may also include and extending from a bottom portion thereof a plurality spaced-apart resilient members 80 which extend downwardly from and which depend from a base strip 82 which is affixed to or which forms an integral part of the housing 42. Turing now to Figure 2 there is illustrated the underside of the mop head 40 and a portion of the stem 50 depicted on Figure 1. As can be seen in more detail in Figure 2, the bottom plate 44 is affixed to a portion of the housing 42 by a hinge 43, which permits for it to swing away from the housing 42 and to expose the interior 47 of the housing 40. The wipe 70 is depicted herein to be a generally tubular shaped wipe which is dimensioned so that it can be inserted over the free end 45 of the bottom plate 44 and slide thereupon to thereby mount the wipe 70 onto the bottom plate 44. Also visible in Figure 2 is a portion of the fluid reservoir 90, which is contained within the interior 47 of the housing 42 of the mop head 40. Also visible in Figure 2 are a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members 80 extending downwardly from the bottom of the mop head. These resilient members are positioned forwardly (with reference to directional reference arrow F) of the bottom plate 44 and of the wipe 70 mounted thereupon. Figure 3 illustrates the mop head depicted on Figure 2 with the wipe 70 mounted upon the bottom plate 44 in a closed position with respect to the housing 42. While not illustrated, closure of the bottom plate 44 can be achieved by any means which provides for retention of the bottom plate in its closed position with respect to the housing during the usage of the cleaning implement. By way of non-limiting example mechanical means such as latches, hooks, Nelcro pads, corresponding locking elements on or near the free end of the bottom plate 44, friction fitting of the bottom plate 44 with parts or of the housing 42 can be used. As an alternative, it is also contemplated that a metal plate can be included in either the bottom plate 44, or in a portion of the housing 42 opposite from the pivoting or hinged end of the bottom plate 44 and a magnet is positioned proximate to the metal plate when the housing 42 and the bottom plate 44 are in a closed position. Still further means for affecting a releasable closure between the free end of the bottom plate 44 and the housing 42 can be selected by a skilled artisan. Turning now to Figure 4, there is depicted a further alternative embodiment of a mop head according to the invention. Depicted are a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members 80 extending downwardly from the bottom of the mop head 40 and positioned forwardly of a scrubbing strip, a squeegee or wiping strip 30. A wipe 70 mounted upon the bottom plate 44 is located rearwardly of both of the resilient members 80 and the strip 30. Turning now to Figure 5 there is depicted yet a further alternative embodiment of the mop head. Depicted on Figure 5 are a first set of a plurality spaced-apart resilient members 80 positioned forwardly of the wipe 70 which are mounted upon the bottom plate 44, and second set of plurality spaced type in apart members 80 positioned rearwardly of the wipe 70 mounted upon the bottom plate 44. In the embodiments depicted on Figures 1-5, the plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extend downwardly from a portion of a base strip 82 which forms a part of the housing 42 of the mop head 40. The base strip 42 provides a platform for the plurality spaced-apart resilient members 80. For example, in the embodiments depicted on Figures 1-4, the base strip 42 is positioned towards the forward bottom edge of the housing 42 such that during the normal usage of the cleaning implement 10 the resilient members 80 may come in to contact, with the surface being treat using the cleaning implement 10. According to the preferred embodiments depicted in Figures 1-5, a plurality spaced-apart resilient members do not extend downwardly from the bottom plate 44 although, it is certainly possible to include these and which exemplify further-possible inventive embodiments. The resilient members 80 address and overcome several shortcomings attendant upon prior art devices. Most prior art devices include a rigid, and substantially planar bottom plate upon which a wipe or cloth are mounted. While such are useful, they are disadvantageous upon uneven flooring surfaces such are as commonly encountered, i.e., tiled floors, bathroom floors, uneven wood flooring, and the like. Such plate-type mop heads typically do not effectively clean such irregularities present in many flooring surfaces, and typically results in a consumer perception of unattractive and/or insufficient cleaning of the treated surface. Certain prior art devices may include a generally planar resilient pad, such as a closed cell foam sponge pad on the underside of a rigid generally planar mop head. While the resilient pad provides some resiliency and improved cleaning benefit over irregular surfaces the improvements are generally minor. According to the present invention, particularly according to preferred embodiments thereof, these shortcomings are overcome by the provision of a mop head, particularly as described herein which comprise of plurality spaced-apart resilient members which extend downwardly from the mop head. These resilient members can extend either from the bottom plate such as from a base strip 82 as described, and/or can extend downwardly from the bottom plate 44 upon which is mounted the wipe 70. The resilient members can be made of any flexible material, and the dimensions and configuration of the individual resilient members are not necessarily critical to the successful operation of the invention. However, certain geometries configurations are preferred. Certain preferred configurations are described in the Figures. It is only necessary that the resilient members be individually flexible such that there is not only provided improved cleaning of irregular flooring surfaces, but also that there be provided a degree of tactile "feedback" to the consumer utilizing the cleaning implement. This feature will be described and discussed in more detail with reference to the following figures. Figure 6A depicts the underside of a mop head according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The mop head 40 comprises a housing 42, a bottom plate 44 affixed at one end by a hinge 43 and the free end of the plate 45 is affixed by a mechanical latch device 46 which is used to releaseably close the bottom plate 44 upon the housing 42. As noted previously, but not necessarily visible in this view, closure of the bottom plate 44 upon the housing 42 also functions to define the interior 47 of the mop head 40. Also depicted as extending downwardly from the bottom of the bottom plate 44 are a plurality of spaced apart resilient members 80. These resilient members can either extend outwardly from the bottom plate 44 and be included in the construction of the bottom plate 44, however it is typically more convenient to provide these resilient members 80 as extending outwardly from a generally planar base 84, which is molded as single article from a suitable resilient material. This feature is disclosed in more detail in the sectional view depicted on Figure 6B. Whereas the depiction of Figure 6 A did not illustrate a wipe 70 mounted upon the bottom plate 44 or the resilient members 80, the depiction Figure 6B illustrates a wipe 70 mounted over and encompassing the resilient members 80. As can be seen, the resilient members 80 extend upwardly from a base 84, which is layered in register with the bottom plate 44. Turn now to Figure 6C there is depicted a representative resilient member 80 and representation of preferred degrees of translational movement of the same. Figure 6C depicts a resilient member 80 extending and depending from a base 84 and at "rest" position. The resilient member 80 is generally cylindrical or alternately might be described to be slightly frustoconical with the peak 85 being slightly curved. As such, a central axis as indicated by line C can be established. In use the resilient member 80 is subjected to stresses, which are imparted by the consumer during the normal cleaning operation using cleaning implement 10. For example, a forward and back motion is clearly anticipated, and desirably the resilient member 80 be sufficiently flexible such that it is deformable by at least 30° preferably at least 45° from the centerline, represented by the angle "gamma". In the embodiments illustrated in Figure 6A-6C wherein the resilient member was a generally circular cross-section it is preferred that such angular translation be attainable in all radial directions from C as it is clearly contemplated that in addition to front and back motion that side-to-side motion can expected from consumer usage of the cleaning implements 10. With regard to materials of construction, resilient members 80, and when formed as a unitary unit the resilient members 80 and the base 84 may be of any suitably flexible material which satisfies the mechanical requirements described herein. Any flexible polymeric material based on synthetic polymers including but not limited to homopolymers and co-polymers of the various types, including but not limited to polyolefins, polyamides, as well as elastourers such as naturally occurring on synthetically produced materials. Further, it is also contemplated that closed cell foams with a useful degree of resiliency may also be used Figure 7A depicts the underside of a still further alternative embodiment of a mop head 40 according to the present invention. Depicted thereon are two sets of resilient members 80 in the form of arcuate segments, a first set of three forwardly directed resilient members 80-1 and a second set of two rearwardly directed resilient members 80-2. A wipe 70 is not mounted upon the bottom plate 44 depicted on Figure 7A. Figure 7B represents a sectional view of a portion of the mop head of Figure 7A and depicts spaced-apart resilient members 80 depending from a base 84, said base 84 being mounted to the bottom plate 44. Turning now to Figure 7C there is depicted the translational deflection of a resilient member 80 depicted on Figure 7B. As the cross section of the resilient members are generally rectangular and do not readily define a center line, nonetheless, in an unstressed "rest" position a reference axis C can be established. As the embodiment of the resilient member 80 is not concentric, primarily, translation of the resilient member 80 will be in a forward direction as represented by 80' , as well as in a rearward direction as represented by 80". The degree of deflection, "alpha", is desirably at least 30° from C, more preferably at least 45°, and most preferably is at least 90° from C. Turning now to Figure 8 A there is depicted the underside of a further alternative of a mop head 40. A series of generally rectangular resilient members 80 depending from a bottom plate 44, wherein sets resilient members form a repeating stylized pattern which form the capital letter "E". This pattern 86 is formed of a set of 4 adjacent spaced-apart resilient members 80, 3 of the 4 in parallel to one another, with the fourth perpendicular to an end of each of the first three the resilient members 80 of the set 86. As will be understood by inspection of Figure 8A 75% of the resilient members 80 present are in a position perpendicular to the expected forward direction of the mop head (with reference to reference arrow F) and thus would be expected to provide good scrubbing action as well as good tactile feedback being transmitted to the handle grasped by the consumer. The remaining 25% of the resilient members are in a direction collinear with the reference F and provide reasonable tactile feedback when the mop head is moved perpendicularly to the normally expected front and back motion of the mop head, viz, in a side- to-side direction. Figure 8B shows a sectional view along the line c-c of the mop head depicted on Figure 8A. In the embodiment illustrated on Figure 8B there is also present a wipe 70 mounted upon the resilient members 80 and the bottom plate 44. Figure 8C, depicts a portion of the sectional view of Figure 8B. In Figure 8C three of the resilient members 80 are depicted in "at rest" positions, as well as depicted in forward deflected positions 80', and rearward deflected positions 80". As discussed with reference to Figure 7C, the cross sections of the resilient members 80 on Figure 8C are also general rectangular and thus, a central axis cannot be established, however, a center line "C" is readily established from the "at rest" position resilient member 80. According to the embodiment depicted on Figures 8A-8C desirably the deflection angle "delta" is at least 30°, preferably at least 45° and most preferably at least 60° from C. It is also to be noted that in the embodiment depicted on Figure 8-C that the resilient members are formed as integral parts of the bottom plate 44 of the mop head 40. Thus, the resilient members 80 are integrally formed with and extend downwardly from the bottom plate 44, and are fabricated from the same material of construction. Turning now to Figure 9 A there is depicted a further alternate embodiment of the underside of a mop head 40 of the invention, i the embodiment depicted on Figure 9 A, a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members 80 are provided, each individual resilient member in the form of a "wave". The plurality of resilient members 80 are spaced-apart but are arranged such that the form of each wave are in parallel and form a generally uniform pattern such as depicted on Figure 9A. With respect now to Figure 9B, there is depicted a cross section along line d-d of the mop head 40 according to Figure 9A. In Figure 9B, the wipe 70 is mounted upon the spaced-apart resilient members 80 and extends about the bottom plate 44. The resilient members 80 extend from a base 84 which base is layered in register with the bottom plate 44. While not disclosed the flexural characteristics of the resilient members 80 depicted on Figures 9A-9B are comparable to and most desirably equal to the flexural requirements of resistant members 80 described with reference to Figure 7A-7C. Turning now to Figure 10 there is depicted a yet further alternative embodiment of the underside of a mop head 40 according to the invention. As is visible from Figure 10A, two sets of different spaced-apart resilient members 80 are provided. The first set comprises a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members 80-1 which may be similar in configuration to those described with reference to Figures 6A-6C, and a second set of a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members 80-2. Each of the resilient members 80 are individually in the form of waves such as are generally depicted with reference to 9A-9B. In the embodiment depicted on Figure 10 A, however, every second wave is in a parallel pattern and thus, adjacent waves are in an intersecting wave wherein, between the crests of adjacent waves a region is formed which is suited for the placement of resilient members 80-1 of the first set. Thus, two different forms of the resilient members, here namely 80-1, 80-2 can be provided within the mop head providing further advantageous benefits to be described shortly. Turning now to Figure 10B there is depicted a sectional view along line e-e of the mop head according to Figure 10A. In the depiction of Figure 10B, a wipe 70 is mounted upon the mop head, and encompasses the resilient members 80-1, 80-2, the base portion 84, as well as the bottom plate 44. A dotted box "A" is also depicted on Figure 10B, the details of which are enlarged and disclosed with more specificity on Figure IOC. Figure IOC illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the mop head 40 of Figure 10B. As can be seen in Figure IOC, the two sets of resilient members, namely 80-1 and 80-2 are present. With reference to Figure 10C it is seen that the relative heights of the different sets of resilient members differ. Namely, the first set of resilient members 80-1 have a height "hi", which is lesser than the height of the second set of resilient members 80-2 represented by the dimension "h2". This feature can be advantageously included in mop heads 40 as the differing dimensions of the various sets of resilient elements can provide features which are particularly desirable from a consumer standpoint. For example, the resiliency, and thus the maximum degree of deflection of the second set of resilient members 80-2 is greater than that to be normally expected form the first set of resilient members 80-1. This is expected as the width as well as the ratio of the width to the height of the second set of resilient members 80-2, differs from resilient members of the fist set 80-1. It can be conceived that when a consumer utilizes a mop head such as described with reference to Figures 10-A, that a "light" but tactile feedback, as well as good cleaning on irregularities of surfaces can be obtained. When the consumer pushes the mop back and forth (or side to side) the flexibility of the resilient members 80-2 provides good surface cleaning, as well as a "right" degree of tactile feedback. However, should the consumer encounter a more stubborn region or stain upon a surface being treated, particularly a more stubborn stain on a floor surface (scuff marks, etc.) then the consumer would be expected to apply more force downwardly upon the handle which is of course transmitted via the stem 50 to the mop head 40. Such, increased compression, and consequent deflection of the second set of resilient members 80-2 would then provide for contact between the first set of resilient members 80-1 which are relatively stiffer than the second set of resilient members 80-2 with the wipe 70 and there through to the flooring surface. Thus, when applying such greater force, the consumer would be provided with an improved and "stiffer" sense of tactile feedback as a stiffer response from the mop head would be perceived by the consumer. This is particularly desirable both from a performance standpoint as a greater number of contact points between the mop head 40 and the wipes 70 are achieved as now all of the resilient members 80-1, 80-2 are now compressed, and improved cleaning of difficult to remove marks or stains can be achieved, and at the same time, the stiffer tactile feedback provided to the consumer provides an improved degree of assurance as to the beneficial performance of the product. The actual ratio between the height, hi of the first set of spaced-apart resilient members 80-1, and the height, h2 of the second set of spaced-apart resilient members can very widely and are dependent upon the materials of construction used to fabricate these members, the flexural modulus, as well as the respective dimensions (height, length, width) of the resilient members 80-1, 80-2. These can be determined by routine methods. One possibility to ameliorate or otherwise control the degree of deflection of the resilient members 80-1 which have a broader cross section than others is to insure that a cavity, is formed on the underside and within a resilient member. This can simply be an air space or other void whose presence decreases the wall thickness of a resilient member-80 thereby improving deflection and flexibility of the resilient member. Turning now to Figure 11 A is depicted a still further alternative embodiment of a mop head 40 according to the invention. As depicted on Figure 11 A, the mop head 40 has depending from the bottom plate 44 a series of bristles 80. The bristles 80 function as the resilient members required by the invention. Conveniently, wherein the resilient members 80 are bristles they can be simply and effectively fabricated by inserting them directly into the material used to construct the bottom plate 44. Also, the selection of their stiffness, their density, and spacing configuration can be conveniently varied. Figure 1 IB depicts a sectional view along the line f-f of the mop head 40 depicted on Figure 11 A. As can be seen, the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 IB further includes a wipe 70 mounted upon the resilient members 80, i.e. bristles, as well as the bottom plate 44. The embodiment depicted on Figures 11 A and 1 IB provide an additional advantage over embodiments described earlier in that a consumer is provided with a dual-usage cleaning article. If a wipe 70 is not mounted upon the mop head 40, then the consumer can utilize the exposed bristles provided as resilient members 80 as a scrub brush for the treatment of surfaces particularly flooring surfaces. This can be advantageous where a pre-treatment operation is contemplated to first remove difficult localized stains such as scuffmarks, sticky stains such as beverage residues, and the like. Thereafter, the consumer can use the same cleaning article in the manner described with previous embodiments by first mounting a wipe 70 thereupon as depicted in Figure 1 IB and then using it as or in a subsequent cleaning operation following the pre- treatment operation. Turning now to Figure 12 there is depicted in a sectional view a preferred embodiment of a portion of the mop head according to the present invention, namely a bottom plate 44 having mounted thereon a plurality of resilient members 80 which extend downwardly from abase 84 which base 84 is also formed of a resilient material. With specific reference to the embodiment depicted on Figure 12, it is first to be understood that the embodiment depicted on Figure 12, as well as in following figure 13, represents only a portion of the mop head 40 which can be used in place of, or incorporated in the construction of any of the mop heads described in any of the foregoing figures as well as the following figures. Figure 12 depicts a particularly preferred embodiment in that in its "rest" state the resilient members extend from a resilient base 84 which is spaced-apart from, here depicted as an arcuate section, from the generally planar bottom plate 44. The details of how the base 84 is mounted upon the bottom plate 44 not critical to the practice of the invention; conveniently, an overhanging tab arrangement 85 can be used. As depicted on Figure 12, there is also visible an intermediate air space or plenum 86 between the base 84 and the bottom plate 44. According to preferred embodiments, one or more vent passages 87 are also provided extending through the resihent base 84. In operation, it is expected that compression of the resilient members 80 forces the resihent base 84 towards the bottom plate 44 and thus provides resiliency, as well as tactile feedback to the user of the cleaning implement 10. During normal usage, it is expected that application of the mop head 40 to the flooring will compress the plurality of resilient members 80, as well as compress the resihent base 84. The embodiment depicted on Figure 12 can be distinguished from the embodiments depicted on prior figures, as a dual-mode resiliency is provided by this embodiment. The depicted embodiment provides a first mode the flexible resiliency of the individual resilient members 80, while simultaneously providing as a second mode the compressive resiliency of the resilient base 84. During compression the air trapped in the plenum 86 is compressed which deforms the shape of the resilient base 84 to a form similar to the surface against which it is applied, while at the same time the individual resilient members 80 undergo flexural translation as has been previously described in response to the lateral movement of the mop head 40 on the surface being treated. Such provides a particularly useful tactile feedback to the user of the cleaning implement 10, as well as improved contouring of the wipe mounted on the resilient members 80 and the resilient base 84. In such an embodiment the trapped air in the plenum 86 acts as a flexible and deformable cushion. In an embodiment where vents are provided 87 to permit the passage of air in and out of the plenum 86, during compression the air trapped in the plenum 86 is compressed which deforms the shape of the resilient base 84 to a adopt a form similar to the surface against which it is applied, during which time the air vents out from the plenum 86 permitting for the collapse of the resilient base 84 onto at least part of the base plate 44. During this compression, the individual resilient members 80 undergo flexural translation as has been previously described in response to the lateral movement of the mop head 40 on the surface being treated. Although the air is permitted to escape from the plenum 86 the slow release of air through the vents 87 provides a motion-dampening sensation which is also a further form of particularly useful tactile feedback to the user of the cleaning implement 10. Further, upon reduction of or release of compression of the mop head against a surface, the resilient nature of the resilient base 84 begins to return to its unstressed form which draws ambient air into the plenum 86 via the vents 87 and refilling the plenum 86 with air. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 12, 13, nearly all of the resihent base 84 is not layered in register with the bottom plate 44 and in its unstressed form is spaced apart from the base plate 44, excepted in the regions where these two elements are affixed or otherwise joined. Turning now to Figure 13, there is depicted an alternative embodiment of a plurality of resilient members 80 depending from an arcuate resilient base 84 similar to the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 12, which however comprises two distinguishable sets of spaced-apart resilient members 80; a first set "r" the members of which have height as measured from the resilient base 84 higher than the members of the second set "s" whose height measured from the resilient base is lesser. This configuration thus provides, in addition to the compressive resiliency there is provided two potential modes of flexural resiliency due to the varying heights of the resilient members 80 present. Such may be a particularly desirable feature according to certain embodiments of the mop head. Turn now to Figure 14, there is depicted a further embodiment of a mop-head 40 according to the invention. Depicted a scrubbing element 92 which is mounted on a base strip 82 provided as part of the housing 42 mounted forward of the wipe 70 mounted upon the bottom plate 44. While not visible, it is to be understood that a plurality of spaced apart resilient members are present between the bottom plate 44 and the wipe 70. With respect to Figure 15, there is depicted a similar embodiment as that disclosed in Figure 14, except that the mop head 40 is provided with a base strip 82 having mounted thereon a scrubbing strip 92 or alternately a squeegee or wiping strip 94. As can be seen, the scrubbing strip 92 or squeegee or wiping strip 94 is mounted rearwardly of the wipe 70. Again, as in Figure 14 it is contemplated that a plurality of spaced apart resilient members although not visible are present between the bottom plate 44 and the wipe 70. Turning now to Figure 16, there is depicted a further embodiment of a mop head 40 according to the invention. The mop head 40 comprises two base strips 82, one mounted forwardly of the wipe 70 and a second 82 mounted rearwardly of the wipe 70. The forwardly mounted base strip 82 comprises a plurality spaced apart resihent members 80 here depicted to be short bristle brush tufts extending outwardly and downwardly from the base forwardly mounted strip 82. The rearward base strip 82 comprises a scrubbing strip 92, or squeegee or wiping strip 94. Again, while not visible in Figure 16 it is contemplated that a plurality of spaced part resilient members 80 are positioned between the bottom plate 44 and the wipe 70 although they are not visible from the figure. Figure 17 illustrates a still further embodiment of a mop head 40 according to the invention. As visible from the figures depicted a wipe 70 is mounted upon a bottom plate 44 wherein the wipe 70 comprises a lateral scrubbing strip 92 mounted on the face thereof or alternately maybe incorporated into the construction of the wipe 70. The presence of such a mounting strip, towards the forward direction of the mop head provides for a useful scrubbing region of the scrubbing strip. Also, although not visible in Figure 17 it is to be understood that a plurality of space hyphened apart resilient members are positioned between the wipe 70 and the bottom plate 44. It is to be particularly noted that the embodiment described in Figure 17 is particularly advantageously used in conjunction with the embodiment of the resilient members and the resilient bases 84 depicted on Figures 12 and 13. With reference to these two figures in conjunction with Figure 17 it can be understood that the placement of the scrubbing strip 92 will be in the forward near the end of one sloped side and thereby in a lower region of the resilient base 84 mounted upon the mop head 40. Thus, in light cleaning operations where little or no pressure is applied by the consumer, it is generally the central portion of the resilient base 84 and flexible members 80 which are likely to be used to compress a mounted wipe 70 against surface being treated. Accordingly in such light cleaning operations the cleaning strip 92 does not contact the surface being treated. However, when it is desired that a firmer pressure, and a better scrubbing effect be imparted to the surface being cleaned, greater compression applied to the handle by the user which will compress the resilient based 84 which in turn would thereby bring the scrubbing strip 92 into contact with the surface being treated. With regard now to Figure 18, there is depicted a cross-sectional view of the interior of the mop head 40 according to the invention. As depicted, there is provided a pressurized aerosol canister 74 as the fluid reservoir, and a dispensing nozzle 76 as the fluid dispensing means provided according to this embodiment. While not visible in particular detail, there is also provided a suitable release mechanism 75 which communicates by a control cable 96 with the actuator associated with the handle. Operation of the actuator functions to operate the release mechanism thereby dispensing the contents of the aerosol canister through the spray port 72 and outwardly from the mop head 40. Figure 19 depicts a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of mop head 40 according to the invention. Depicted in Figure 19 is a nonpressurized bottle 77 which is the fluid reservoir, which is in fluid communication with a manually operable trigger spray head 78 which functions as the fluid dispensing means. Further provided is a control cable 96 which operates in conjunction with the trigger spray head 78 such that when the actuator associated with handles operated, the trigger head 78 is operated to dispense a quantity of the treatment composition contained outwardly through the spray port 72 onto the surface being treated. Turning to Figure 20 there is depicted in cross-sectional view a further mop head 40 according to the present invention. As is visible therein, there is provided a fluid reservoir 79 in the form a non-pressurized container which is removable affixed to an electrical spray pump 95 which is operable by a power source such as a battery 98 which battery is conveniently positioned within the mop head 40. A series of wires which extend upward to the actuator and the handle in order to operate the electric pump 95. When actuated, electric pump functions as the fluid dispensing means and sprays out a quantity of the fluid contained with the fluid reservoir 79 through the spray port 72 and onto the surface being treated. Figure 21 depicts a still further embodiment of the mop head 40 according to the present invention. According to the depicted embodiment, the bottom plate 44 is pivotally affixed to a portion of the housing 42 by a pivot pin. hi operation, in place of the hinged joint described in the previous drawings, the bottom plate 44 can be swung away to exposed the interior of the housing 42, as well as to exposed the bottom plate 44 so that a wipe 70 can be mounted thereon. As depicted, the preferred wipe 70 is illustrated in the form of a generally flattened tubular article having at least one open end adapted to be slide upon and cover most if not all of bottom plate 44. Figure 22 depicts a still further alternative embodiment of a mop head according to the invention. As can be seen from the figure, there is provided a housing 42 which is hingely affixed via hinge 43 to a bottom plate 44 where in the bottom plate includes a major plate portion 44' and a minor plate portion 44" which is divided from one another by a slit G. As is depicted the major plate portion 44' comprises the plurality of spaced apart resilient members, here two sets of space-typed apart resilient members 80- 1 , 80-2 arranged in a pattern not disclosed in prior figures. The minor plate portion 44" is positioned forwardly of the major plate portion 44'. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, a single bottom plate 44 in the embodiment shown can function to provide improved access to the interior of the housing 42 as compared to the embodiments according to 1-5 wherein only a portion of the housing 42 was openable due to the presence of the base strips 82. While not depicted on Figure 22 it is to be understood that the minor plate portion 44" may include one or more spaced apart resilient members extending downwardly therefrom. Turn now to Figure 23 there is depicted a handle 20 which includes a gripping portion 21 at one end and at the other end thereof includes a connecting portion 22 joined to the stem 50. The interior details of the handle are also visible and depict a control cable 96 having one end thereof in mechanical connection with an actuator 23 in the form of a trigger. In operation, the user grasps the grip portion 21 and compresses the trigger which will pull the control cable 96 and thereby actuate the fluid dispensing means present within the mop head. Figure 24 depicts an alternate embodiment of a handle 20 according to the present invention. The handle includes a cylindrically shaped gripping portion 21 and a connecting portion 22 connected to the stem 50. In this view is also visible a plurality of batteries 98 which can be used to power the dispenser means when such is an electrically driven device as an electric pump. The batteries are insertable within the interior of the cylindrically shaped gripping portion 21 which is appropriately dimensioned to receive the batteries. Also visible is a trigger 23 which cooperates with an electrical switch 99. hi operation a user grasps the handle about the gripping portion 21 and squeezes the trigger 23 which in turn actuates the switch thereby passing current from the batteries 98 through the wires 93 which in turn operate an electrically driven dispenser means within the mop head. The embodiment depicted in Figure 24 is particularly convenient in that the batteries 98 are easily replaced within the handle and does not require opening of the housing 42 as depicted in the embodiment illustrated on Figure 20. Figures 25 and 26 illustrate two alternative cross-sectional profiles for the stem 50 viewed in cross-section along line w-w of Figure 1. Also shown, with reference to the directional arrow F are the preferred orientation these cross-sectional profiles of the stems 50 according to Figure 25, 26 with regard to the front of the cleaning implement. The cross- sectional geometries of the stem as depicted on Figures 25, 26 are believed to provide improved stiffness to the stem 50, and thereby overall durability of the cleaning implement. Figure 27 represents a representative embodiment of a cleaning device according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention. The cleaning device 10 includes a mop head 40 wherein the resilient members 80 are positioned intermediate the wipe 70 and the bottom plate

44. Figures 28a and 28b illustrate a yet further embodiment of the invention similar in many respects to the embodiment depicted in Figure 27 which however further includes a retractable scrubbing means device 100. In operation the device 100 provides at least two positions a first, retracted position such as depicted in Figure 28 a, and a second extended position where a scrubbing means are extended downwardly and come into contact with a surface being treated. In the depicted embodiment of Fig. 28B the scrubbing means 28 are a plurality of short stiff bristles 102. Positioning between the retracted position and the extended position is conveniently selected by movement of a slider 104 which in a first position with draws or ensures that the scrubbing means 102 are retracted, while in the second position extends or retains in an extended position the scrubbing means 102. Alternate means for controlling the retraction or extension of the scrubbing means 102 are also possible and certain exemplary embodiments are describe hereinafter. Further details and possible arrangements for the retractable scrubbing means are depicted on the following Figures 29A-29D. In first embodiment, the retractable scrubbing means comprises a first wedge shaped element 104 and a second wedge shaped element 105 upon which our mounted scrubbing means 102. The first wedge shaped element 104 includes a first mating surface 104' and a corresponding meeting surfacel05' is present on the second wedge element 105. These two meeting surfaces 104', 105' form a slidable contact therebetween. In operation, it is intended that the operation and extension of a control cable 110 causes the relative movement of these two wedge shaped elements 104, 105 such that the scrubbing element 102 can be desirably retracted or extended. In operation, the wedge shape element 104 can be mounted permanently to a portion of the housing 42, while the wedge shape element 105 can be slidable mounted with respect thereto. This can be achieved by any number of means such as by, for example a dovetailed shaped channel between the elements 104 and 105, or means as described in Figures 29B and 29C. With respect to the embodiment depicted on Figure 29B, there is provided a wedge shaped block 105 having therein a slot 106 having two shafts 107 passing therethrough. The shafts 107 are permanently affixed to a portion of the housing 42 of the mop head 40. The shafts 107 are fitted within the slot 106 as they are slidable therein. In operation, the consumer operates a second control cable 110 to adjust the relative position of second wedge block 105 with respect to the shafts 107 and thereby simultaneously adjust the relative position of the scrubbing elements 102 with regard to the mop head 40. Control of the second control cable 110 adjusts the position in the downward direction (reference arrow D) as well as in the lateral direction (reference arrow L). Thus, the consumer, via careful positioning of the scrubbing elements 102 is provided with a supplemental scrubbing device which can be conveniently retracted or extended as is necessary without manually reconfiguring the mop head directly. Figure 29C illustrates a still further embodiment which is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 29B except for the substitution of either a scrubbing strip 92 or a squeegee or wiping strip 94 in place of the scrubbing elements 102. Such an embodiment may be particularly advantageously used where, for example, consistently wet or moist floor surfaces are treated and the rapid collection or redirection of water such as by pushing via use of a squeegee or wiping strip is desired. Locations within bathrooms, as well as pools or other places where standing water are encountered can be particularly well serviced by such an embodiment. Further, wherein the device is used to treat a large spill of a liquid such as a beverage or the like, utilization of a dry but absorbent wipe in conjunction with a mop head which comprises a squeegee or wiping strip can be very effectively use to contain and entrap such a spill. Turning now to Figure 29D there is depicted a further embodiment of a retractable scrubbing means according to the invention. A series of pivotable brushes 112 each having a one or more tufts of scrubbing bristles 102 are affixed to a common control bar 114. When the second control cable 110 is operated, the relative position of the control bar 114 is adjusted to simultaneously rotate each of the brushes 112 in the direction indicated by arrow R thus rotating and extending the tufts 102 downwardly in the direction indicated by directional arrow D. To retract these pivotable brushes 112, the second control cable 110 is again operated to move the control bar 114 in the direction of the directional arrow L which will rotate the brushes 112 in an opposite direction then that previously described thereby retracting and removing the bristles 102 from contact with a surface being treated. Figure 30 illustrates a representational view of a cleaning article 10 according to the invention which has mounted upon the housing 42 of the mop head 40 a housing 111 containing the retractable scrubbing means 110. While not visible in detail, Figure 30 illustrates a convenient embodiment wherein a sliding grip 115 which is slidable in the direction of the directional arrow S can be used to operate the second control cable (not visible) and thereby control the extension or retraction the retractable scrubbing means 100. As noted, the cleaning implement according to the invention is advantageously used with a removable cleaning pad or wipe which may be supplied either dry or maybe supplied as a pre- moistened cleaning pad or wipe containing any of a variety of cleaning compositions typically in a liquid or other fluid form. The configuration of the cleaning pad or wipe useful with the cleaning implement 10 described herein may take any shape or form, including single or multi- layered laminated sheets of a generally planar configuration, folded sheets, although particularly preferred are wipe which are of a generally tubular configuration which may be flattened and which are dimensioned to fit upon the base plate 44. Useful, although less preferred are sheets which are of a generally planar form which need to be wrapped around the base plate 44 and affixed either to the base plate 44 or to itself within the interior of the housing 42 of the mop head 40. The removeable cleaning pads or wipes may be made using either a woven or nonwoven process, or by forming operations using melted materials laid down on forms, especially in belts, and/or by forming operations involving mechanical actions/modifications carried out on films. The cleaning pads or wipes are made by any number of methods (e.g., spunbonded, meltblown, resin bonded, air-through bonded, etc.). Preferred structures are nonwoven, and especially those formed by hydroentanglement as is well known in the art, since they provide highly desirable open structures. Also preferred are heat-bonded nonwoven structures which utilize continuous filaments bonded to a base sheet via heat-sealed lines. Materials particularly suitable for constructing the cleaning pad or wipe include, by way of non-limiting example, natural cellulosics and cellulosic fibers such as cotton or blends thereof and those derived from various cellulosic sources as well as synthetic fibers based on synthetically produced polymers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, synthetic cellulosics, as well as and blends thereof. Exemplary useful materials for making hydroentangled fibrous wipes useful in the present invention are synthetic materials, which may be in the form of carded, spunbonded, meltblown, airlaid, or other structures. Particularly preferred are polyesters, especially carded polyester fibers. The cleaning pads or wipes can be supplied either in a dry state, or may be supplied in a preimpreganted state wherein the cleaning pads or wipe contain a quantity of a treatment composition. The cleaning pads or wipes may be supplied either packaged singly or in packages containing a plurality of the cleaning pads or wipes. When packaged singly the cleaning pad or wipe can then be sealed individually in a pouch which can then be opened when needed for application onto the mop head. When a multitude of cleaning pads or wipes are supplied in a container, desirably the container is resealable and can be used to individually dispense the cleaning pads or wipes on an as-needed basis. The container, when closed, is sufficiently sealed to prevent evaporation of any treatment compositions which may be present in the cleaning pads or wipes. While the present invention is discussed herein with respect to a floor mop for purposes of simplicity and clarity, it will be understood that the present invention can be used with other types of cleaning implements having other types of cleaning heads with attachment structures for securing a sheet about the cleaning head. For instance, the present invention can be used with other floor mops, wall and other smaller hand-held dusters, wet mops which utilize a cleaning solution, and other cleaning implements. Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. A cleaning implement comprising a handle, an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle by a flexible joint, said mop head having a housing containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, said housing also comprising a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing, and a control means connecting to actuator with the fluid dispensing means whereby actuation causes the dispensation of a treatment composition outwardly from the mop head during use of cleaning implement, characterized in that the mop head further comprises a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly therefrom.

2. A cleaning implement according to claim 1 comprising: a handle, an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle by a flexible joint, said mop head having a housing containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, said housing also comprising a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing and said bottom plate having a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly from the bottom plate, and a control means connecting to actuator with the fluid dispensing means whereby actuation causes the dispensation of a treatment composition outwardly from the mop head during use of cleaning implement.

3. A cleaning implement according to claim 1 comprising: a handle, an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle by a flexible joint, said mop head having a housing containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, said housing comprising a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly therefrom, said housing also comprising a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing, and a control means connecting to actuator with the fluid dispensing means whereby actuation causes the dispensation of a treatment composition outwardly from the mop head during use of cleaning implement.

4. A cleaning implement according to claim 1 comprising: a handle, an actuator, a mop head attached to the handle by a flexible joint, said mop head having a housing containing a fluid reservoir, a fluid dispensing means, said housing comprising a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly and said housing also comprising a bottom plate removably or pivotally affixed to the housing said bottom plate having a plurality of spaced-apart resilient members extending downwardly from the bottom plate, and a control means connecting to actuator with the fluid dispensing means whereby actuation causes' the dispensation of a treatment composition outwardly from the mop head during use of cleaning implement.

5. A cleaning implement according to any of claims 1,2, 3 or 4 further comprising a removable wipe mounted on the mop head.

6. A cleaning implement according to claim 5 wherein the removable wipe is in the form of a generally flattened tubular sleeve.

7. A process for cleaning a surface, particularly a flooring surface or other generally flat surface in a home or in a commercial environment which comprises the steps of: providing a cleaning implement according to any of claims 1 - 6; utilizing said cleaning implement to dispense a quantity of a fluid treatment composition to a surface, and a moving of the cleaning implement such that the mop head moves over the area upon which the treatment composition has been applied.