Abstract
A mop cleaning system has a mop basin having a floor and a drain, a chamber affixed to the mop basin in a location away from the drain, a water inlet opening within the interior volume of the chamber, and a water source connected to the water inlet. The water inlet is adapted to pass water in an area adjacent to a bottom of the chamber. The water source is adapted to pass water under pressure into the water inlet. The chamber is fixedly mounted to the floor of the mop basin. The chamber has an outlet located at above the water inlet.
Claims
1. A mop cleaning system comprising: a mop basin having a floor and a drain; a chamber affixed to said mop basin in a location away from the drain, said chamber having an open top and an interior volume; a water inlet opening within the interior volume of said chamber, said water inlet adapted to pass water in an area adjacent to a bottom of said chamber; and a water source connected to said water inlet and adapted to pass water under pressure and to said water inlet.
2. The mop cleaning system of claim 1, said chamber being fixedly mounted to the floor of said mop basin.
3. The mop cleaning system of claim 1, said chamber having a rectangular configuration, a square configuration or a circular configuration.
4. The mop cleaning system of claim 1, said water inlet extending through a wall of said chamber so as to have one end within the interior volume of said chamber, said water inlet having a connector at an opposite end thereof, the connector being connected to said water source.
5. The mop cleaning system of claim 4, the one end of said water inlet being a nozzle, said nozzle adapted to direct water in a flow path within said chamber adjacent to the floor of said chamber.
6. The mop cleaning system of claim 5, said nozzle having an aperture having a shape of a chord of a circle, a straight edge of the chord of the circle being below a curved portion of the chord of the circle.
7. The mop cleaning system of claim 1, said water inlet comprising: a pipe extending vertically within said chamber, said pipe having a plurality of apertures formed through a wall thereof, said plurality of apertures adapted to direct water in a cyclonic path within said chamber.
8. The mop clean system of claim 7, said plurality of apertures comprising a first set of apertures extending in one direction and a second set of apertures extending in another direction, one of the first and second sets of apertures being directed further away from a wall of said chamber than the other of the first and second sets of apertures.
9. The mop cleaning system of claim 7, further comprising: a plurality of spacers affixed said pipe and extending outwardly therefrom, said plurality of spacers bearing against a wall of said chamber, said plurality of spacers being in spaced relation to each other.
10. The mop cleaning system of claim 7, said pipe having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending vertically within said chamber, the second portion radiating outwardly from the first portion, at least one of the first and second portions having the plurality of apertures.
11. The pop cleaning system of claim 10, the second portion of said pipe being positioned adjacent to the bottom of said chamber, the second portion of said pipe extending from a bottom of the first portion of said pipe.
12. The mop cleaning system of claim 11, the second portion of said pipe having the plurality of apertures, the plurality of apertures of the second portion of said pipe opening so as to direct water upwardly in said chamber.
13. The mop cleaning system of claim 10, the second portion of said pipe comprising a plurality of pipe sections radiating outwardly from a bottom of the first portion of said pipe, said plurality of pipe sections being radially spaced from each other.
14. The month cleaning system of claim 1, said chamber having an outlet, the outlet being the open top of said chamber.
15. The mop cleaning system of claim 1, said chamber having an outlet, the outlet being an opening through a wall of said chamber, the outlet being positioned above said water inlet.
16. The mop cleaning system of claim 1, said chamber having an outlet, the outlet being a conduit extending from said chamber and directed toward said drain such that water from said chamber is directed toward said drain.
17. The mop cleaning system of claim 1, said water source being a faucet positioned above said mop basin, said faucet having a hose extending so as to connect to said water inlet.
18. A method of cleaning a mop, the method comprising: positioning a chamber in a mop basin, the chamber having an open top, the chamber positioned away from a drain of the mop basin; flowing water into the chamber; lowering springs of the mop into the flowing water in the chamber such that the flowing water releases debris from the strings of the mop; continuing the flow of water until the debris in the water either overflows the top of the chamber or flows outwardly through an outlet of the chamber; and passing the debris and the water outwardly of the mop basin through the drain.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: connecting a water source to a water outlet of the chamber, the water inlet directing the water from the water source adjacent to a bottom of the chamber.
20. The method of claim 18, the step of flowing water comprising: flowing water in a patent across and above a bottom of the chamber.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one type of mop basin of the prior art.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another type of mop basin of the prior art.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the mop cleaning system of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the embodiment of the mop cleaning system of FIG. 3.
[0044] FIG. 5 is an end view showing the configuration of the nozzle as used in the mop cleaning system of FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the method of the present invention for cleaning the strings of a mop.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing another alternative embodiment of the mop cleaning system of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the mop cleaning system of the embodiment of FIG. 7.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the pipe as used in the alternative embodiment of the mop cleaning system of FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a frontal view of the pipe as used in the alternative embodiment of the mop cleaning system of FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0050] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the pipe as used in the alternative embodiment of a mop cleaning system of FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0051] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of the mop cleaning system of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the second alternative embodiment of the mop cleaning system of FIG. 12
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a first embodiment of the mop cleaning system 50 of the present invention. The mop cleaning system 50 includes a mop basin 52 having a drain 54 and an interior volume 56. A chamber 58 is affixed to the floor 16 of the mop basin 52 and extends upwardly therefrom. A water inlet 62 is positioned adjacent to a bottom 64 of the chamber 58 so as to direct a flow of water adjacent to the bottom 64 of the chamber 58. The arrow in FIG. 3 illustrates this flow of water from the water inlet 62. A water source 66 is connected to the water inlet 62 so as to deliver water under pressure into the water inlet 62.
[0054] In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the chamber 58 is positioned away from the drain 54 within the interior volume 56 of the mop basin 52. The chamber 58 has an outlet 68 located adjacent to the top 70 of the chamber 58 and above the location of the water inlet 62. The water inlet 62 extends through a wall 72 of the chamber 58. One end 74 of the water inlet 62 releases water in a strong sweeping manner across the bottom of the chamber 58. The opposite end 76 of the water inlet 62 has a connector thereon. The connector connects to the water source 66.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the mop cleaning system 50 as shown in FIG. 3. It can be seen that the mop basin 52 has a generally rectangular configuration. Similarly, the chamber 58 also has a square or rectangular configuration. The chamber 58 is located away from the drain 54. Chamber 58 has an interior volume 78. The top 70 of the chamber 58 defines the open top of the chamber 58. In normal use, the strings of a mop can be introduced through this open top and into the interior volume 78 of the chamber 58. The water inlet 62 is illustrated as extending through the wall 72 of the chambers 58. Outlet 68 (shown in broken lines) is formed through a wall opposite to the wall 72.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates the end 74 of the water inlet 62. In particular, it can be seen that the end 74 is a nozzle is adapted to direct a pressurized flow of water adjacent to an area adjacent to the bottom of the chamber 58. The nozzle 80 has the shape of a chord of a circle. The straight edge 82 of the chord of the circle is below the curved portion 84. Experiments with this configuration of nozzle 80 has shown that it creates a strong laminar flow of water in a straight direction adjacent to the bottom 64 of the chamber 58. As such, this flow of water interacts with the strings of a mop so as to forcibly remove debris and grease from the mop strings.
[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates the method of cleaning the strings 90 of a mop 92 using the mop cleaning system 50 of the previous embodiments. In FIG. 6, can be seen that the chamber 58 has water 94 therein. Water 94 has been provided by the water source 66 and through the water inlet 62. Once the faucet associated with the water source 66 is activated or turned on, water is passed under pressure through the hose 96, through the water inlet 62 and outwardly of the nozzle 80. Water will eventually accumulate within the chamber 58. The strong flow of water emitted from the nozzle 80 will create a strong turbulent action of the water 94 so as to release dirt, grease and debris from the strings 90 of the mop 92. Since the dirt, grease and debris from the strings 90 of mop 92 are lighter than water, they will tend to flow upwardly. As water continues to flow into the interior volume of the chamber 58, the water will eventually be released through the outlet 68. As such, the debris and water 98 will flow outwardly of the chamber 58 and downwardly toward the drain 54. The water source will continue to deliver clean and hot water outwardly through the nozzle 80. This continually dilutes the water within the interior of the chamber 58 so that clean water is always present within the chamber 58 for interaction with the mop strings.
[0058] Unlike the prior art, the mop cleaning system 50 is extremely easy to use. The user simply takes the mop and lowers the strings of the mop into the interior of the chamber 58. The water action will do the rest of the work. If the worker desires, the worker can swish the mop strings 90 within the water 94 during this cleaning process so as to further agitate the water in release dirt and debris from the mop strings. However, the turbulent action of the water within the chamber 58 will do most of the work of separating dirt, debris and grease from the mop strings 90. As such, the mop strings 90 will continue to be clean and available for future use in mopping the floor. After the mop strings 90 have been cleaned after a period of time, the faucet associated with the water source 96 can be turned off. The water source 96 can have the configuration of either of the water sources shown in the prior art of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0059] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the mop cleaning system 100 of the present invention. Mop cleaning system 100 includes a mop basin 102 and a chamber 104 positioned away from the drain 106 in the interior volume 108 of the mop basin 102. The fluid inlet 110 comprises a pipe 112 that extends vertically downwardly in the interior volume 114 of the chamber 104. The arrows in FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of water outwardly of the pipe 102. The water inlet 110 is shown as extending over the top 116 of the chamber 104. The water inlet 110 has a connector 118 that is configured to be joined to a hose 120 associated with the water source. The broken lines 122 as shown in FIG. 7 illustrates that the water inlet 110 can enter the pipe 112 from a bottom of the chamber 104 (as an alternative embodiment)
[0060] In FIG. 7, it can be seen that the outlet 124 is located adjacent to the top 116. Outlet 122 extends through the wall of the chamber 104. A conduit 126 is connected to the outlet 122. Conduit 126 extends outwardly of the chamber 104 and is generally directed toward the drain 106. As such, as with the previous embodiment, the accumulation of dirt, debris and grease will eventually flow outwardly from the interior volume 114 of the chamber 104 and outwardly through the outlet 122 and toward the drain 106 by way of conduit 126.
[0061] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the mop cleaning system 100 of FIG. 7. In particular, the mop basin 102 has a generally rectangular configuration. The chamber 104 is of a circular configuration. Fluid inlet 110 is illustrated as extending over the top 116 of the chamber 104. The outlet 122 is shown as opening to the interior volume 114 of the chamber 104. Conduit 126 extends away from the chamber 124 and is generally directed toward the drain 106.
[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates the configuration of the pipe 112. It can be seen that there are a plurality of apertures 150 formed through the wall thickness of the pipe 112. The water inlet 110 is connected to a top 152 of the pipe 112 so as to allow for the introduction of water into the interior of the pipe 112. Within the concept of the present invention, the connection between the water inlet 110 and the pipe 112 can be at any location along the length of the pipe 112.
[0063] In FIG. 9, it can be seen that each of the apertures 150 is in the nature of a slot. The apertures 150 are positioned generally spaced parallel relationship to each other along the length of the pipe 112. A first set of apertures 152 will extend in one direction along a portion of the pipe 112 generally adjacent to the wall 130 of the chamber 104. A second set of apertures 154 are positioned on the pipe 112 away from the first set of apertures 152. The second set of apertures 154 are directed further away from the wall 130 of the chamber 104 than the apertures 152. The apertures 154 are interposed longitudinally between adjacent pairs of the apertures 152. As such, this is configured to establish a broad fan-style spray of water flow from the pipe 112. It can be seen that each of the first set of apertures 152 and the second set of apertures 154 are canted at an approximately 30? angle to horizontal. The slotted type of aperture 150, as opposed to holes or other types of openings, is intended to create a fan of water as it is ejected under pressure from each of the apertures 150. However, within the concept of the present invention, the apertures 150 can include holes, openings, and similar techniques for releasing the water under pressure from the pipe 112. Additionally, spray-type fittings can be placed within the holes formed in the pipe 112. It is believed that the fan-shaped flow of water greatly facilitates the pressure washing of the mop strings. Additionally, such a fan-type spray further serves to distribute the pressurized water over a greater area than the release of water through the simple use of a simple circular hole pattern.
[0064] FIG. 10 particularly illustrates the configuration of the pipe 112 as positioned against the inner wall 130 of the chamber 104. It can be seen that the pipe 112 includes apertures 150 arranged in the manner described herein previously. There is a lower portion 160 positioned adjacent to the inner wall 130 and an upper portion 162 positioned against the inner wall 130. Portions 160 and 162 are at opposite ends of the pipe 112. A plurality of spacers 164 extend outwardly of the pipe 112 and, as will be described hereinafter, serve to bear against the inner wall 130 of the chamber 104. The spacers 164, which are in the nature of the fins, serve to convey the debris in a direction over and away from the pipe 112. As such, this avoids any possible lodging of debris between the inner wall 130 and the pipe 112. This avoids any impeding of the water flow from the apertures 150. The spacers or fins also serve to create a desirable laminar flow patterns of the cyclonic flow of water within the chamber 104.
[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates the end view of the pipe 112. Pipe 112 is illustrated as positioned adjacent to the inner wall 130 of the chamber 104. Spacers 164 have a fan-shaped configuration so as to extend to an outer edge 166. One end 168 of the outer edge 166 is spaced further from the pipe 112 than the opposite end 170 of the spacers 164. A rib 172 extends across the spacers 164 to enhance the structural stability of the spacers. A conduit 174 extends from the pipe 112. Conduit 174 communicates with the interior of the pipe 112. Conduit 174 is part of the fluid inlet 110 (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). The conduit 174 has a connector 176 thereon which can serve to receive a water hose from the water source. As such, this allows water to be introduced into the interior of the pipe 112.
[0066] FIG. 12 shows another alternative embodiment of the mop cleaning system 200 of the present invention. Mop clean system 200 includes a mop basin 202 having an interior volume 204 and a drain 206. The chamber 208 is positioned at the floor 210 of the mop basin 202 away from the drain 206. Water inlet 212 has a pipe 214 having a first portion 216 and a second portion 218. The second portion 218 is located generally adjacent to the bottom 210 of the chamber 212. The first portion 216 extends vertically within the chamber 218. As shown in FIG. 12, the first portion 216 of the pipe 212 is positioned adjacent to an inner wall 220 of the chamber 208. Water inlet 220 has a connector 222 which allows the water inlet 212 to be connected to the hose 200.
[0067] In FIG. 12, it can be seen that the second portion 218 of the pipe 214 is configured to release water in an upward direction (as illustrated by the arrows). The apertures associated with the second portion 218 can be configured to also create a flow path of water within the chamber 208. In use, water will flow through the water inlet 212, through the first portion 216 of pipe 214, and into the second portion 218 and be released therefrom. It is within the concept of the present invention that the apertures (as shown in the previous embodiment of the present invention) can also be applied to the first portion 216 the pipe 218. As such, the mop cleaning system 200, shown in FIG. 12, will create a sweeping water flow and also create an upward flow of water so as to further urge the dirt, debris and grease upwardly and outwardly of the chamber 218.
[0068] The chamber 208 in this embodiment does not include an outlet formed through a wall of the chamber 208. In this embodiment, the outlet will simply be the open top 226 of the chamber 208. As such, this embodiment intentionally overflows the top of the chamber 208 so that dirt, debris and grease are released from the open top of the chamber 208 and will flow within the interior volume 204 of the mop basin 212 toward the drain 206.
[0069] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the mop cleaning system 200 (as shown in FIG. 12). In particular, in FIG. 13, it can be seen that the second portion 218 of the pipe 214 includes a plurality of pipe sections 230, 232 and 234. These pipe sections 230, 232 and 234 radiate outwardly from the first portion 216 of the pipe 214. The pipes sections 230, 232 and 234 are radially spaced from each other. These multiple pipe sections 230, 232 and 234 distribute the upward flow of water over a greater area of the interior volume 236 of the chamber 208. As such, this upward flow of water is distributed over a greater area of the mop strings that are introduced into the interior volume 236 of the chamber 208.
[0070] The present invention, in its various embodiments, is great improvement over conventional mop basins. The use of the chamber within the mop basin and the use of water delivered to the interior of the chamber greatly enhances the ability for workers to clean mops. Since the water inlet to the chamber is connected to a source of pressurized water, such as a faucet, it is only necessary to activate the faucet in order to deliver water into the chamber. In particular, the hot water valve of the faucet can be activated so as to deliver hot cleaning water into the interior volume of the chamber. This can be done quite simply by simply turning the knob. As the chamber begins to fill with water, the worker can simply introduce the strings and the mop into the interior of the chamber. The sweeping and turbulent flow of water within the chamber effectively removes dirt, debris and grease from the mop strings. This dirt, debris and grease will flow automatically through the outlet of the chamber and into the drain of the mop basin. As such, no extra work is required for the cleaning of the mop strings. The continuous flow of water into the chamber continually cleans the mop strings with clean water. As such, the present invention avoids the problems of previous mop basins where dirty water is used to clean mop strings. As a result, the mop strings will continue to be very clean. After cleaning, the workers simply removes the mop strings from the chamber and places the mop on a hook so that the mop strings can drain into the mop basin. The chamber can be integrally built with the mop basin (such as mop basin shown in the configuration of the prior art in FIG. 2) or can be retroactively applied to the existing mop basin (by a fixing the chamber to the mop basin in a location away from the drain).
[0071] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction, or in the steps of the described method, can be made within the scope of the present claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
