MOP DRAINING BUCKET ADAPTER

Abstract

A mop draining bucket adapter configured to attached to a bucket and having a mop compression assembly configured to be disposed within the bucket and with two compression plates hingedly coupled to the respective lower ends thereof and with a tether member coupling respective upper ends of the compression plates. Each of the compression plates have a plurality of holes defined thereon, defining a compression zone sized to receive a cleaning head of a cleaning device, and operably configured to rotate about their respective lower ends in a plate compression path to vary a volume of the compression zone and compress the cleaning head of the cleaning device to remove liquid retained therein.

Claims

1. A mop draining bucket adapter comprising: a first container coupling bracket with an extension bracket extending longitudinally therefrom; a mop compression assembly coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket, with a first compression plate with an upper end, a lower end opposing the upper end of the first compression plate, an inner surface, two opposing sides separating and defining a first plate width, and a plurality of enclosed apertures defined thereon, and a second compression plate with an upper end, a lower end opposing the upper end of the second compression plate, an inner surface, two opposing sides separating and defining a second plate width, and a plurality of enclosed apertures defined thereon, the first and second compression plates: hingedly coupled together at their respective lower ends along the first and second plate widths; coupled together at their respective upper ends proximal to each of the two opposing sides with a plurality of tether members; defining a compression zone with the inner surfaces of the first and second compression plates; and operably configured to rotate about their respective lower ends in a plate compression path and vary a volume defined by the compression zone.

2. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 1, wherein: the container coupling bracket has a U-shaped sidewall defining an arcuate-shaped channel.

3. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 2, wherein the container coupling bracket further comprising: a fastener selectively and rotatably coupled to an outer surface of the U-shaped sidewall of the container coupling bracket.

4. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one pivoting arm with a first end and a second end, opposite the first end of the at least one pivoting arm, the first end of the at least one pivoting arm directly and pivotably coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket and the second end of the at least one pivoting arm directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end of the first compression plate.

5. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 4, further comprising: a first tension spring with a first end coupled to the at least one pivoting arm and a second end coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket.

6. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 5, wherein the plate compression path further comprises: a first plate configuration and first position along the plate compression path with a first position volume defined by the compression zone and a second plate configuration and a second position along the plate compression path with a second position volume defined by the compression zone, the second position volume less than the first position volume and the first tension spring biasing the first and second compression plates in the first plate configuration.

7. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first and second compression plates each further comprise: a first plate length and a second plate length, respectively, wherein the plurality of enclosed apertures defined on each of the first and second compression plates are disposed in a tightly spaced configuration and span at least 50% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates, respectively.

8. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 1, further comprising: a second container coupling bracket with an extension bracket extending longitudinally therefrom; a first pivoting arm with a first end and a second end, opposite the first end of the first pivoting arm, the first end of the first pivoting arm directly and pivotably coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket and the second end of the first pivoting arm directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end of the first compression plate; and a second pivoting arm with a first end and a second end, opposite the first end of the second pivoting arm, the first end of the second pivoting arm directly and pivotably coupled to the extension bracket of the second container coupling bracket and the second end of the second pivoting arm directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end of the second compression plate.

9. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 8, further comprising: a first tension spring with a first end coupled to the first pivoting arm and a second end coupled to the extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket; and a second tension spring with a first end coupled to the second pivoting arm and a second end coupled to the extension bracket of the second container coupling bracket.

10. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 9, wherein the plate compression path further comprises: a first plate configuration and first position along the plate compression path with a first position volume defined by the compression zone and a second plate configuration and a second position along the plate compression path with a second position volume defined by the compression zone, the second position volume less than the first position volume and the first and second tension springs biasing the first and second compression plates, respectively, in the first plate configuration.

11. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 10, wherein the first and second compression plates each further comprise: a first plate length and a second plate length, respectively, wherein the plurality of enclosed apertures defined on each of the first and second compression plates are disposed in a tightly spaced configuration and span at least 50% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates, respectively.

12. The mop draining bucket adapter according to claim 10, wherein: the first and second compression plates are operably configured to translate together in a longitudinal direction.

13. In combination with a bucket having a bottom wall and a sidewall surrounding the bottom wall of the bucket, defining, with the bottom wall, a container cavity, and having a sidewall upper edge spanning a perimeter thereon, the improvement comprising: a first container coupling bracket defining a first channel and with an extension bracket extending longitudinally from the first container coupling bracket, the first container coupling bracket coupled to the sidewall of the bucket and with the sidewall upper edge disposed within the first channel; a second container coupling bracket defining a second channel and with an extension bracket extending longitudinally from the second container coupling bracket, the second container coupling bracket coupled to the sidewall of the bucket and with the sidewall upper edge disposed within the second channel, the first and second container coupling brackets disposed on opposing sides of the bucket; and a mop compression assembly having a first compression plate coupled to the first container coupling bracket with a first pivoting arm, with an upper end, a lower end opposing the upper end of the first compression plate, an inner surface, two opposing sides separating and defining a first plate width, and a plurality of enclosed apertures defined thereon, and a second compression plate coupled to the second container coupling bracket with a second pivoting arm, with an upper end, a lower end opposing the upper end of the second compression plate, an inner surface, two opposing sides separating and defining a second plate width, and a plurality of enclosed apertures defined thereon, the first and second compression plates: hingedly coupled together at their respective lower ends along the first and second plate widths; coupled together at their respective upper ends proximal to each of the two opposing sides with a plurality of tether members; defining a compression zone with the inner surfaces of the first and second compression plates; and operably configured to rotate about their respective lower ends in a plate compression path to vary a volume defined by the compression zone.

14. The improvement according to claim 13, wherein the first and second container coupling brackets each further comprise: a fastener selectively and rotatably coupled to an outer surface thereon and directly coupled to an outer surface of the sidewall.

15. The improvement according to claim 13, wherein: the first and second compression plates are operably configured to translate together in a longitudinal direction toward the bottom wall of the bucket.

16. The improvement according to claim 15, wherein the first and second pivoting arms further comprise: a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end of the first pivoting arm is directly and pivotably coupled to the first extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket, the first end of the second pivoting arm is directly and pivotably coupled to the extension bracket of the second container coupling bracket, the second end of the first pivoting arm is directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end of the first compression plate, and the second end of the second pivoting arm is directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end of the second compression plate.

17. The improvement according to claim 16, further comprising: a first tension spring with a first end coupled to the first pivoting arm and a second end coupled to the first extension bracket of the first container coupling bracket; and a second tension spring with a first end coupled to the second pivoting arm and a second end coupled to the extension bracket of the second container coupling bracket.

18. The improvement according to claim 17, wherein the plate compression path further comprises: a first plate configuration and first position along the plate compression path with a first position volume defined by the compression zone and a second plate configuration and a second position along the plate compression path with a second position volume defined by the compression zone, the second position volume less than the first position volume and the first and second tension springs biasing the first and second compression plates, respectively, in the first plate configuration.

19. The improvement according to claim 18, wherein the first and second compression plates each further comprise: a first plate length and a second plate length, respectively, wherein the plurality of enclosed apertures defined on each of the first and second compression plates are disposed in a tightly spaced configuration and span at least 50% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates, respectively.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mop draining bucket adapter coupled to a bucket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mop draining bucket adapter in FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the mop draining bucket adapter in FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a right-side elevational view of the mop draining bucket adapter in FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mop draining bucket adapter in FIG. 6 along section line B-B;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mop draining bucket adapter in FIG. 5 along section line A-A;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container coupling bracket of the mop draining bucket adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the container coupling bracket in FIG. 7;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the container coupling bracket in FIG. 8 along section line A-A;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an extension bracket of the mop draining bucket adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the extension bracket in FIG. 10;

[0038] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the extension bracket in FIG. 11 along section line A-A;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the extension bracket in FIG. 10;

[0040] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a compression plate of the mop draining bucket adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the compression plate in FIG. 14;

[0042] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the compression plate in FIG. 14; and

[0043] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pivoting arm of the mop draining bucket adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the present invention provides a novel and efficient mop draining bucket adapter 100 operably configured to couple with a bucket 124 for housing a liquid substance. Beneficially, the mop draining bucket adapter 100 is configured to effectively and efficiently remove liquid form a cleaning device head 610 retaining a liquid therein. While the invention has particular advantages for a mop, it is also extremely beneficial for any cleaning device having a cleaning device head configured to retain a liquid that is desired to be rung or compressed. FIGS. 1-6 show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components.

[0046] The adapter 100 is specially designed for its use with a bucket 124 having a bottom wall 500, a sidewall 502 surrounding the bottom wall 500, and defining, with the bottom wall 500, a container cavity 504 for housing a liquid thereon. In one embodiment, the bucket 124 is of a substantially rigid polymeric material, e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), has a 3-6 gallon capacity for the container cavity 504, and includes a sidewall upper edge 504 spanning a perimeter thereon. The sidewall 502 may also include a sidewall configuration for coupling with a lid. To that end, the adapter 100 may include one or more container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter 100 has two container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 operably configured to be disposed on and coupled to opposing sides of the sidewall upper edge 504 of the bucket 124 (best seen in FIG. 2). As used herein, the term wall is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures that are coupled together so as to form a substantially continuous external surface.

[0047] The container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 may each have extension brackets 104, 122 extending longitudinally from the container coupling brackets 102, 120. Said another way, each of the extension brackets 104, 122 may extend toward the bottom wall 500 of the bucket 124 and/or substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of container coupling bracket. Each of the extension brackets 104, 122 are beneficially configured to facilitate rotational and/or linear movement of compression plates 108, 110 pivotably coupled thereto with, for example, one or more pivoting arm(s) 200a-n, wherein n represents any number greater than one.

[0048] More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 14-16, the compression plates 108, 110 are part of a mop compression assembly 106, may be a plate like shape, and are of a substantially rigid material, e.g., T-66 aluminum, stainless steel, or HDPE. Using compression plate 108 as an example, each of the compression plates 108, 110 have an upper end 1400, a lower end 1402 opposing the upper end 1400, an outer surface 1600, an inner surface 112 opposing the outer surface 1600, two opposing sides 1500, 1502 separating and defining a first plate width 1504, and a plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n defined thereon. Each of the compression plates 108, 110 may also include a plate length 1406 separated by the upper and lower ends 1400, 1402.

[0049] In one embodiment, the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n are circular and may be approximately 0.1-1 inches in diameter. However, other shapes and sizes of the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may also be utilized to effectuate transfer of liquid therethrough and into the bucket 124. The plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may also be disposed in a tightly spaced configuration, i.e., within 0.1-1 inches from one another, and may also be uniformly spaced from one another. To again facilitate in quickly and effectively transferring rung liquid from the cleaning device head to the container 124, the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may span at least 50% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates 108, 110, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may span at 80% of the first and second plate lengths and the first and second plate widths of the first and second compression plates 108, 110, respectively. Additionally, the plurality of enclosed apertures 1404a-n may also start spanning upwardly toward the upper end 1400 from a point proximal to the lower end 1402 of each of the compression plates 108, 110. Said differently, as the bottom of each of the compression plates 108, 110 will receive the cleaning device head 610, placing the apertures 1404a-n at or near the lower terminal end of the plates 108, 110 will enable liquid to be more quickly transferred to the bucket 124.

[0050] Referring back to FIGS. 1-6 in combination with FIGS. 14-16, each of compression plates 108, 110 can also be seen hingedly coupled together at their respective lower ends along the first and second plate widths. Said another way, each of the compression plates 108, 110 may include a lower hinge member 1408 defining a channel sized and shaped to receive a locking pin therein. Each of the hinge members may be configured to be aligned with one another so that the locking pin may be inserted therethrough and the entire lower ends of each of the compression plates 108, 110 are hingedly coupled together. Each of the compression plates 108, 110, namely the outer surface 1600, may also include an upper hinge member 1506 coupled thereto and disposed proximal to the upper end 1400 of the compression plates 108, 110. The upper hinge member 1506 effectuates a pivotably couplable connection with one or more of the pivoting arms 200a. The upper hinge member 1506, like the lower hinge member 1408, may be continuously configured or may be discontinuously configured, i.e., comprising of multiple sections.

[0051] The compression plates 108, 110 may be also coupled together at their respective upper end 1400 and proximal to each of the two opposing sides 1500, 1502 with a plurality of tether members 202a-b. In one embodiment, ends of the plurality of tether members 202a-b are directly coupled to the inner surfaces of each of the compression plates 108, 110 and may be of an inelastic material, e.g., rope or stainless-steel cable. The plurality of tether members 202a-b beneficially prevent the compression plates 108, 110 from over-rotating when the cleaning head 610 is inserted into a compression zone 114 defined by the inner surfaces of the first and second compression plates 108, 110 and pressed up against the compression plates 108, 110.

[0052] Said another way, when the user desires to drain or ring out liquid retained in the cleaning head 610 of the cleaning device, he or she will apply a downward force (represented with arrow 612) against the inner surfaces of the compression plates 108, 110. In one embodiment, the downward force against the compression plates 108, 110 causes the compression plates 108, 110 to pivot with respect to the hinged connection at the lower ends and rotate together, compressing the cleaning head 610. The rotation of the compression plates 108, 110 is represented in FIG. 6 with arrow 600. Said another way, the downward force against the compression plates 108, 110 also causes lateral movement (represented with arrow 614) of the compression plates 108, 110 toward one another. The compression plates 108, 110 may also be said to be operably configured to rotate about their respective lower ends in a plate compression path 600, 614 to vary a volume defined by the compression zone 114. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the volume will be defined by the surfaces and/or edges of the compression plates 108, 110 where the cleaning head 610 is designed to be inserted. The first and second compression plates 108, 110 may also be operably configured to translate together, simultaneously, in a longitudinal direction 606 toward the bottom wall 500 of the bucket 124.

[0053] The plate compression path 600, 614 may also be said to generate a first plate configuration and first position (exemplified with arrow 602) along the plate compression path with a first position volume defined by the compression zone 114. The plate compression path 600, 614 may also be said to generate a second plate configuration and a second position (exemplified with arrow 604) along the plate compression path with a second position volume defined by the compression zone 114. The second position volume is less than the first position volume, thereby causing the compression of the compression plates 108, 110 against the cleaning head 610. The one or more spring(s) 116, 202 bias the first and second compression plates 108, 110, respectively, in the first plate configuration, i.e., leaving an opening caused by the upper ends of the plates 108, 110 for the cleaning head 610 to be inserted therein and into the compression zone 114. In one embodiment, the two compression plates 108, 110 may define side opening(s) while in either the first or second position along the plate compression path. In other embodiments, the sides of the two compression plates 108, 110 may have an elastic or inelastic fabric or water-resistant covering to prevent errand liquid from exiting the compression zone 114, and the container 124.

[0054] As best seen in FIGS. 1-2, FIG. 6 and FIG. 17, the mop compression 106 also includes one or more pivoting arms 200a-n to facilitate in effectuating the desired movement of the first and second compression plates 108, 110. The pivoting arms 200a-n may include, using arm 200a as an example, a first end 1700 and a second end 1702 opposite the first end 1700. The first end 1700 of the first pivoting arm 200a is directly and pivotably coupled to the extension bracket 104 of one of the container coupling brackets 102, 120. The second end 1702 of the pivoting arm 200a is directly and pivotably coupled to the upper end 1400 of one of the compression plates 108, 110. Other coupling configurations and positions, however, are contemplated. Each of the ends 1700, 1702 may be pivotably coupled using, for example, a pin, bearing, or other structure. As shown best in FIG. 17, two pivoting arms 200a-n are utilized for each of the compression plate(s) 108, 110, wherein each pair of the two pivoting arms 200a-n includes a tension spring, e.g., spring 116, generating a biasing force. As such, each of the pivoting arms 200a-n enables rotational movement (represented with arrows 616) and linear movement 606 of the compression plates 108, 110. Said another way, the configuration and attachment of the components employed with the mop compression assembly 106 may generate 3-5 independent degrees of freedom (DOF), with three DOF being present on any one side of the mop compression assembly 106.

[0055] The tension spring(s) 116 may include a first end coupled directly to a pivoting arm or indirectly to a pivoting arm through an arm connector 1704. The tension spring(s) 116 may include a second end coupled to an extension bracket. The tension spring(s) 116 may be of a substantially rigid material, such stainless steel.

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS. 5-9, the container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 may each define a channel, e.g., channel 702, shaped and sized to receive the upper terminal sidewall edge 504 of the container 124. Said another way, when the user desires to couple the adapter assembly 100 to a container 124, he or she will insert the sidewall upper edge 504 into the channel 702 until it is disposed and/or seated within. Once the sidewall upper edge 504 is inserted within the channel 702, the user may utilize a fastener 118 to secure the container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 to the sidewall 502 of the container 124. Said another way, the fastener 118 on each of the container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 is selectively and rotatably coupled to an outer surface 900 of the U-shaped sidewall 700 of the container coupling bracket 102 and configured to make direct contact with an outer surface 608 of the container 124. The container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 may also define an arcuate-shaped channel 702. In other embodiments, the container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 may removably couple with the container using a tongue-and-groove configuration, adhesive, etc.

[0057] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, FIGS. 5-6, and FIGS. 10-13, each of the extension brackets 104, 122 may include a bracket for receiving, locking with, and/or pivoting with respect to the container coupling bracket(s) 102, 120 and/or the pivoting arms 200a-n. To effectuate the same, the extension brackets 104, 122, using bracket 104 as an example, may defining a channel 1000 disposed on a front face thereof. The upper portion of the bracket 104 may include an aperture for receiving a fastener that couples the bracket 102 with the bracket 102. As best seen in FIG. 6, each of the extension brackets 104, 122 may include a dampening and friction-inducing material disposed thereon, e.g., natural rubber. The dampening material facilitates in gripping the inside surface of the bucket 124 without damaging the same.

[0058] Although a specific order of executing the process steps has been described herein, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps described herein and depicted in the figures can be combined into a single process.

[0059] Additionally, various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.