WO2003088803A1

WO2003088803A1 - Cleaning device having wringer device with push handle

Info

Publication number: WO2003088803A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/012064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Perelli
Original assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products Llc
Priority date: 2002-04-19
Filing date: 2003-04-18
Publication date: 2003-10-30
Also published as: US20030217428A1; CA2482970A1; MXPA04010291A; CN1658785A; BR0309374A; EP1496786A1; AU2003222641A1

Abstract

A cleaning device (10) includes a bucket (20), rolling members (40) mounted on the bucket (20) to moveably support the bucket (20), and a wringer device (50). The wringer device (50) is removably positioned on the bucket (20). It includes a wringer (55) for removing liquid from a mop, a wringer actuator (60) for actuating the wringer, and a push handle (70) extending about the wringer (55).

Description

CLEANING DEVICE HAVING WRINGER DEVICE WITH PUSH HANDLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device and, more particularly, to a bucket and wringer device that eases transportation of the bucket and wringer.

Description of Related Art

[0002] Mop buckets are used to contain and move cleaning liquids, such as water, solvent, floor wax, and/or disinfectant, to clean floors. A common commercial mop bucket has wheels to facilitate transport of the mop bucket, as well as a wringer device which is used to wring excess cleaning liquid from the mop. [0003] Conventional mop buckets often have a wire handle formed in an inverted "U" shape and connected to the top of the bucket. To move the bucket, the user may roll the bucket on its wheels by bending over and pulling on the handle. The user also may grab the handle, lift the bucket off the ground, and walk erect with the bucket. Alternatively, the user may place a mop in the bucket (typically, the bucket has a wringer) and push the bucket by pushing the mop. If the bucket has a wringer, the user may push or pull the bucket by grabbing the wringer handle. [0004] Conventional mop buckets can be difficult to transport to spills, particularly when space is limited, such as mall food courts and aisles of stores. In such an environment, the user often will not use a janitor cart to transport the mop bucket and wringer to spills due to high traffic, obstacles, closer proximity to custodial closets, and because he or she likely only needs to transport a few cleaning supplies. For example, in a food court, the user typically will prepare to clean a spill by grabbing a mop bucket and wringer with one hand and a floor sign with the other hand, and hanging one or two spray bottles on the rim of the mop bucket. It is difficult, however, to carry and maneuver these tools and supplies in this way. If the bucket is steered into something, it may spill. Also, with buckets containing wringers, the wringer is typically not tightly secured to the bucket, so when the wringer handle is pushed or pulled to push or pull the bucket, the wringer can be easily lifted from the bucket. The spray bottles hanging on the rim of the bucket may drip cleaner onto the floor because the spray bottle handle can begin to leak due to stress caused by frequently dropping the spray trigger onto the bucket rim and hanging the bottle from or near its spray trigger. The user may have difficulty carrying the sign and, consequently, hang the sign on the wringer actuator, which causes the sign to protrude outwardly.

[0005] Also, the user does not display a professional image. He or she looks unorganized, unsafe, and may give the store customers the perception that the proprietor is not concerned with how well the cleaning job is accomplished.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a cleaning device that includes a bucket, rolling members mounted on the bucket to moveably support the bucket, and a wringer device. The wringer device is removably positioned on the bucket. It includes a wringer for removing liquid from a mop, a wringer actuator for actuating the wringer, and a push handle extending above the wringer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention.

[0008] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning device of Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning device of Figure 1 showing a stored tool and supply.

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a bucket and a side view of a wringer device of the cleaning device of Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 5 is a side view of the wringer device of the cleaning device of Figure

1. [0013] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the cleaning device of Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 7 is a side view of the cleaning device of Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of a bucket and a side view of a wringer device of a second preferred embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 9 is a side view of the wringer device of the cleaning device of Figure

8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to a presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0018] Figures 1 to 7 show a first preferred embodiment of a cleaning device 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 10 includes a bucket 20, rolling members 40, and a wringer device 50. [0019] The bucket 20 carries cleaning liquids. The bucket 20 includes a liquid- containing portion 21, which receives and holds cleaning fluids. The bucket 20 also can include a receiving portion 22, which, as explained below, receives a portion of the wringer device 50 to maintain it in position on the bucket 20. The receiving portion 22 can be configured as a recess or well in the rear of the bucket 20. [0020] The bucket 20 can include a canted rim 23. For example, it can have a front height HI of approximately 12.5 to 14.5 inches and a rear height H2 of approximately 15 to 17 inches, relative to a surface supporting the cleaning device 10. See Figure 3. The canted rim 23 is advantageous because the higher back portion of the bucket 20 allows the wringer device to be made shorter to reduce costs, while maintaining a sufficient height of the push handle 70.

[0021] The rolling members 40 are mounted directly to the bucket 20 to moveably support the bucket 20. Rolling members 40 (preferably casters) can include wheel mounts 41 and wheels 42. See Figure 3. The rolling members 40 preferably are mounted on an underside of the bucket 20. By directly mounting the rolling members 40 to the bucket 20, it is not necessary to provide additional apparatus, such as a cart, to moveably support the bucket 20. Consequently, costs can be reduced. [0022] The wringer device 50 is removably positioned on the bucket 20. In other words, it can be readily placed on and removed from the bucket 20. Preferably, there are no mechanical connectors connecting the wringer device 50 to the bucket 20. The wringer device 50 includes a wringer 55, a wringer actuator 60, and a push handle 70. [0023] In this preferred embodiment, the wringer device 50 includes a generally planar portion 52. It is anticipated that this generally planar portion 52 can deviate from being strictly planar. For example, it can have a curvature in the vertical and/or horizontal directions. As an overall configuration, however, it is generally planar. At least a portion of the wringer 55 and the generally planar portion 52 can be formed by an integral plastic member (preferably a single piece of plastic). Preferably, the entire casing 56 of the wringer 55 and the generally planar portion 52 are formed of an integral plastic member.

[0024] The wringer device 50 includes an insertion portion 53 (see Figures 4 to 7) configured to fit into the receiving portion 22 of the bucket 20. In this preferred embodiment, the insertion portion 53 forms at least a part of the generally planar portion 52. When the wringer device 50 is disposed on the bucket 20, the wringer 55 extends into the liquid-containing portion 21 and the insertion portion 53 extends into the receiving portion 22. The rear of the wringer 55 and the insertion portion 53 form a slot 54 (see Figures 5 and 6). A side wall 25 (see Figures 4, 6, and 7) of the bucket 20 fits into the slot 54 and the insertion portion 53 fits into the receiving portion 22 of the bucket 20. There can be a conventional configuration to provide positive retention between insertion portion 53 and the receiving portion 22. Thus, the wringer device 50 can be held in position on the bucket 20.

[0025] The wringer 55 can be a conventional wringer structure that removes liquid from a mop (not shown). Typically these devices work by squeezing liquid from the mop. Preferably, the wringer 55 projects from a first side 57 of the generally planar portion 52. The outer casing of the wringer 55 is preferably molded with and integral with the generally planar portion 52. The wringer 55, however, can be mechanically attached to the generally planar portion 52. [0026] The wringer actuator 60 actuates the wringer 55 to cause it to remove liquid from the mop. The wringer actuator 60 can be a handle with a conventional mechanical connection (not shown) to the wringer 55 that causes the wringer 55 to be actuated when the handle is rotated downward.

[0027] The push handle 70 is designed to facilitate pushing and maneuvering of the bucket 20 and wringer device 50. In this preferred embodiment, the push handle 70 forms at least a part of the generally planar portion 52. The push handle 70 includes a hand grip 72 formed by an opening 73 in the generally planar portion 52. The width W of the push handle 70 is preferably about 14 inches.

[0028] The push handle 70 extends above the wringer 55. The wringer device 50 preferably is configured such that the height H3 (see Figure 3) of the push handle 70 is at least thirty inches above a surface upon which the cleaning device rests when the wringer device 50 is disposed on the bucket 20. More preferably, the wringer device 50 is configured such that the push handle 70 is disposed within a range of thirty two inches to forty inches above the surface upon which the cleaning device rests when the wringer device 50 is disposed on the bucket 20. The push handle 70 preferably is disposed entirely above the wringer 55 and extends above the wringer actuator 60. [0029] The wringer device 50 can include a hook 80 for hanging at least one object. The hook 80 preferably projects from a second side 58 of the generally planar portion 52. The hook 80 (see Figure 2) can be used to hang, for example, a floor sign 100. [0030] The wringer device 50 also can include a holder 85 configured to hold at least one spray bottle 109. The holder 85 projects from a second side 58 of the generally planar portion 52. The holder 85 can be a cylindrically shaped member. [0031] Preferably, the hook 80 and holder 85 are molded with and integral with the generally planar portion 52. They could, however, be mechanically attached to the generally planar portion 52.

[0032] The present invention can be configured to provide significant advantages, although achieving such advantages is not required to practice the invention. For example, the wringer device 50 allows a user to move the bucket 20 and wringer device 50 by pushing the push handle 70 instead of bending over to pick up the bucket 20 or clumsily push the bucket 20 by pushing on a mop handle. The user also can carry cleaning supplies by placing them on the hook 80 or in the holder 85, instead of trying to juggle them or making multiple trips. This both reduces the chances of spillage of the fluid in the bucket 20 and spillage of the cleaners and provides ease of use and efficiency and impart a better image of the proprietor to the customers. Additionally, because the user is able to easily remove the wringer device 50 from the bucket 20, he or she can more quickly and easily empty the bucket 20. Of course, other advantages also can be obtained by utilizing the present invention. [0033] Figures 8 and 9 show a second preferred embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the present invention. This cleaning device 110 is similar in many respects to the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, however, the receiving portion 22 of the bucket 20 is replaced with a support portion 122. Also, the insertion portion 53 of the wringer device 50 is replaced with an engaging portion 153. The engaging portion 153 engages the support portion 122 when the wringer device 50 is placed on the bucket. Although in this embodiment the bottom, i.e., the lowest portion, of the wringer 55 is formed by a downwardly extending leg or stem, the entire wringer 55 could extend downward to form the bottom of the wringer 55. [0034] This second embodiment can provide advantages in addition to those mentioned above in regard to the first embodiment. For example, because the bottom of the wringer 55 and the bottom of the engaging portion 122 are in essentially the same plane, the wringer device 50 can be rested upright on the ground after it is removed from the bucket 20.

[0035] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cleaning device comprising: a bucket; rolling members mounted on the bucket to moveably support the bucket; and a wringer device that is removably positioned on the bucket, the wringer device including a wringer for removing liquid from a mop, a wringer actuator for actuating the wringer, and a push handle extending above the wringer.

2. The cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the rolling members are mounted on an underside of the bucket.

3. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the bucket includes a liquid- containing portion and a receiving portion, the wringer device includes an insertion portion configured to fit into the receiving portion, and, when the wringer device is disposed on the bucket, the wringer extends into the liquid-containing portion and the insertion portion extends into the receiving portion.

4. The cleaning device of claim 3, wherein the wringer device includes a generally planar portion, and the push handle and the insertion portion form at least parts of the generally planar portion.

5. The cleaning device of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the wringer and the generally planar portion are formed by an integral plastic member.

6. The cleaning device of claim 4, wherein the wringer projects from a first side of the generally planar portion.

7. The cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the wringer device includes a hook for hanging at least one object and a holder configured to hold at least one bottle, and the hook and holder project from a second side of the generally planar portion.

8. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the bucket includes a liquid- containing portion and a support portion, the wringer device includes an engaging portion, and, when the wringer device is disposed on the bucket, the wringer extends into the liquid-containing portion and the engaging portion engages the support portion.

9. The cleaning device of claim 8, wherein the wringer device includes a generally planar portion, and the push handle and the engaging portion form at least parts of the generally planar portion.

10. The cleaning device of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the wringer and the generally planar portion are formed by an integral plastic member.

11. The cleaning device of claim 9, wherein the wringer projects from a first side of the generally planar portion.

12. The cleaning device of claim 11 , wherein the wringer device includes a hook for hanging at least one object and a holder configured to hold at least one bottle, and the hook and holder project from a second side of the generally planar portion.

13. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the wringer device is configured such that the push handle extends at least thirty inches above a surface upon which the cleaning device rests when the wringer device is disposed on the bucket.

14. The cleaning device of claim 13 , wherein the wringer device is configured such that the push handle is disposed within a range of thirty two inches to forty inches above the surface upon which the cleaning device rests when the wringer device is disposed on the bucket.

15. The cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the push handle is disposed entirely above the wringer.

16. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the push handle extends above the wringer actuator.

17. The cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the wringer device includes a hook for hanging at least one object.

18. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the wringer device includes a holder configured to hold at least one bottle.