Mop and Mop Bucket System

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/722,857, which was filed on Nov. 20, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of mops and mop buckets. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular mop and a mop bucket having multiple reservoirs for separating cleaning agents, clean water, and dirty water which each may be further comprised of wringing mechanisms and heating elements. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Traditional mopping methods commonly involve a standard mop and bucket, which require users to repeatedly dip the mop into the same bucket of water, leading to cross-contamination between clean and dirty liquids. As the mop is applied to soiled surfaces and then reinserted into the same water, dirt, debris, and cleaning residues are transferred back into the solution. This process reduces the effectiveness of the cleaning operation and may leave behind a film or residue on the floor surface. In many residential, commercial, and industrial settings, this results in the need to re-clean the same areas, increasing labor and supply costs. The repetitive action of manual wringing also contributes to user fatigue and musculoskeletal strain. Furthermore, standard mop buckets lack an efficient way to separate or maintain temperature across various cleaning fluids, which can reduce the efficacy of certain cleaning agents. Many conventional mop systems offer limited adaptability for various cleaning environments and do not account for ergonomic considerations. These deficiencies highlight a need for a more functional and efficient solution that can enhance cleaning outcomes while reducing effort and resource consumption.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a mop and mop bucket system that separates clean water, dirty water, and cleaning agents to prevent cross-contamination. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a mop and mop bucket system that incorporates heating elements to maintain or elevate the temperature of cleaning fluids for improved effectiveness. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a mop and mop bucket system that includes ergonomic, modular components to enhance user comfort and ease of operation.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mop and mop bucket system. The system is comprised of a compartmentalized mop bucket assembly and an ergonomic, modular mop. The mop bucket is comprised of a housing preferably having three separate internal reservoirs designed to hold cleaning agents, clean rinse water, and dirty water. Each reservoir may include a lid with an access opening to minimize exposure and splashing. Drainage plugs are positioned near the lower ends of each reservoir for liquid discharge. Heating elements may also be integrated into the bucket housing or individual reservoirs to heat the cleaning agents and rinse water to boost effectiveness. The mop assembly allows for modular connection for various mop head types. The mop heads connect via fasteners and may be supported by articulation mechanisms allowing multi-axis movement. Automated or sensor-driven wringing mechanisms may also be integrated into the bucket assembly to remove fluid from the mop head.

In this manner, the mop and mop bucket system of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a mop and mop bucket system that enables complete separation of clean water, dirty water, and cleaning agents within a mop bucket, thereby preventing contamination and improving floor cleanliness. The integrated heating elements further maintain optimal fluid temperatures within the bucket, enhancing the effectiveness of various cleaning solutions without manual intervention. The modular and ergonomic mop design, coupled with automated wringing mechanisms of the bucket, further reduces physical fatigue and increases operational efficiency across a range of cleaning environments.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mop and mop bucket system. The mop bucket assembly is comprised of a housing having multiple internal reservoirs for separating cleaning agents, clean water, and dirty water. Each reservoir includes a lid with an access opening for mop insertion. Each reservoir may be further equipped with a drainage plug for tool-free liquid discharge. A heating element may also be integrated within the housing or the reservoirs to maintain or raise liquid temperatures within. Each reservoir may also include an automated wringing mechanism configured to extract liquid from the mop head. The housing may be further comprised of wheels to facilitate mobility. A storage compartment may also be included within the housing for holding the mop body and mop heads.

The mop assembly is comprised of a mop body that may be fixed or telescopic, with a length adjustment mechanism. The mop body includes an ergonomic grip made from comfort-enhancing materials, with surface textures to improve handling and moisture control. The distal end of the mop body is comprised of a fastener for attaching various mop heads. The mop heads may include types such as but not limited to strand-style, microfiber, sponge, scrubber, or hybrid configurations. An articulation mechanism may be integrated between the mop body and mop head to allow multi-axis motion, improving maneuverability and coverage. In one embodiment, each mop head may include a magnet for securing the head to the mop body during storage. If the mop body is non-metallic, a corresponding magnet is embedded in the body to enable magnetic attachment.

Accordingly, the mop and mop bucket system of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a mop and mop bucket system that enables complete separation of clean water, dirty water, and cleaning agents within a mop bucket, thereby preventing contamination and improving floor cleanliness. The integrated heating elements further maintain optimal fluid temperatures within the bucket, enhancing the effectiveness of various cleaning solutions without manual intervention. The modular and ergonomic mop design, coupled with automated wringing mechanisms of the bucket, further reduces physical fatigue and increases operational efficiency across a range of cleaning environments. In this manner, the mop and mop bucket system overcomes the limitations of existing mops and mop buckets known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bucket assembly of one potential embodiment of a mop and mop bucket system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a mop assembly of one potential embodiment of a mop and mop bucket system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a mop assembly of one potential embodiment of a mop and mop bucket system of the present invention while the mop body is attached to the mop head in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a mop assembly of one potential embodiment of a mop and mop bucket system of the present invention while the mop body is unattached to the mop head in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a mop and mop bucket system that separates clean water, dirty water, and cleaning agents to prevent cross-contamination. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a mop and mop bucket system that incorporates heating elements to maintain or elevate the temperature of cleaning fluids for improved effectiveness. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a mop and mop bucket system that includes ergonomic, modular components to enhance user comfort and ease of operation.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a mop and mop bucket system. The mop bucket assembly includes a housing configured with multiple internal reservoirs designed to separate cleaning agents, clean water, and dirty water. Each reservoir is provided with a lid that features an access opening to allow mop insertion. Additionally, each reservoir may incorporate a drainage plug to enable tool-free liquid discharge. A heating element may be integrated into the housing or directly within one or more reservoirs to elevate or maintain liquid temperatures. An automated wringing mechanism may also be included within each reservoir to facilitate liquid extraction from the mop head. To support mobility, the housing may incorporate wheels, and an internal compartment may be provided for storage of the mop body and associated mop heads.

The mop assembly includes a mop body that may be configured as either fixed-length or telescopic, incorporating a mechanism for length adjustment. An ergonomic grip formed from comfort-enhancing materials is positioned on the mop body and may include surface texturing to improve grip and control. The distal end of the mop body includes a fastener designed for removable connection to a variety of mop heads, which may include strand-style, microfiber, sponge, scrubber, or hybrid configurations. Positioned between the mop body and the mop head, an articulation mechanism may be employed to allow multi-axis movement for enhanced reach and surface coverage. In one embodiment, each mop head may include an integrated magnet that secures the mop head to the mop body during storage, with a corresponding magnet embedded in non-metallic mop bodies to facilitate this magnetic coupling.

As a result, the system provides distinct advantages by enabling complete separation of clean water, dirty water, and cleaning agents within the mop bucket, thereby reducing contamination and improving floor hygiene. The inclusion of integrated heating elements further maintains optimal fluid temperatures automatically, enhancing cleaning agent performance. The ergonomic and modular design of the mop, along with automated wringing mechanisms, minimizes physical strain and increases operational efficiency across diverse cleaning applications. Therefore, the system addresses and overcomes the shortcomings of conventional mop and bucket designs and methods of use.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bucket assembly 110 of one potential embodiment of a mop and mop bucket system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The system 100 is a mop and mop bucket system configured to enhance floor-cleaning operations by providing a compartmentalized, heated mop bucket assembly paired with an ergonomic, modular mop. The system 100 is further configured to increase cleaning efficiency, reduce physical fatigue, conserve water and cleaning agents, and prevent contamination between clean and dirty fluids. The system 100 may be applied across residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

The bucket assembly 110 is comprised of a housing 111 that defines at least one, but preferably three, separate internal reservoirs 112, as seen in FIG. 1. The reservoirs 112 may include a cleaning agent reservoir for storing a cleaning agent 113 such as but not limited to any combination of concentrated detergent solutions, enzymatic cleaners, surfactant mixtures, peroxide-based disinfectants, etc. A second reservoir 112 may be used as a clean water reservoir for holding heated or ambient-temperature rinse water 114 or premixed dilution solutions. A third reservoir 112 may be used to collect and isolate dirty water 108 expelled from the mop 140 during the wringing or rinsing process. Each reservoir 112 may be further comprised of a lid 115 that covers the upper area of the reservoir 112 and that includes an access opening 116 that permits mop 140 insertion into the reservoir 112 while reducing splash and exposure. The opening 116 may be any shape, size, and configuration. In certain embodiments, the lid 115 may also be comprised of transparent or translucent material for fluid level inspection.

A drainage plug 117 (as seen in FIG. 1) may be positioned near the lower end of each reservoir 112 to enable efficient, tool-free discharge of contained liquids from within each reservoir 112. The drainage plug 117 may be in the form of mechanisms such as but not limited to any combination of threaded caps with elastomeric gaskets, push-pull plungers with locking detents, twist-release valves, cam-lock fittings, or quarter-turn spigots.

A heating element 118 may be integrated into the housing 111 or into one or more of the reservoirs 112, and may be comprised of but is not limited to any combination of resistance coils, carbon nanotube films, positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating blocks, flexible polymer mats, thin-film heaters, ceramic plates, infrared modules, etc. The heating element 118 may be configured to maintain or elevate liquid temperatures within each and/or all reservoirs 112 for improved cleaning effectiveness. Activation and control of the heating element 118 may be facilitated through at least one control 119 such as but not limited to any combination of push-buttons, rotary dials, digital control panels, touchscreens, remote controls, and mobile device interfaces using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi protocols.

Power for the heating element 118 may be supplied by a battery 120, as seen in FIG. 1. The battery 120 may be comprised of rechargeable cells such as but not limited to any combination of lithium-ion, lithium iron phosphate, nickel-metal hydride, or solid-state chemistries. The battery 120 may be rechargeable via at least one charging port 121 such as but not limited to any combination of USB-C connectors, magnetic ports, barrel jacks, inductive charging pads, or docking interfaces. The system may also include at least one power cord 122 such as but not limited to any combination of AC cords, vehicle-compatible adapters, or detachable cords for hybrid battery and wall-powered operation. In one embodiment, the battery 120 is removable and swappable.

Each reservoir 112 may be comprised of an automated wringing mechanism 123 configured to extract liquid from the mop head without manual effort. The wringing mechanism 123 may be comprised of but is not limited to any combination of parallel rotating rollers, centrifugal spinners, reciprocating press plates, pivoting compression arms, vibratory plates, etc. Control of the wringing mechanism 123 may be achieved manually through at least one control 124 comprised of but not limited to any combination of foot pedals, levers, buttons, sliders, etc. Alternatively, each mechanism 123 may be initiated automatically by at least one sensor 125, such as but not limited to any combination of optical sensors, infrared proximity detectors, capacitive touch sensors, mechanical limit switches, or magnetic reed switches.

The housing 111 may further be comprised of wheels 126 that facilitate the movement of the bucket assembly 110. The wheels 126 may be comprised of but are not limited to any combination of omnidirectional caster wheels, fixed-direction wheels, etc. The wheels 126 may also be comprised of integrated locking mechanisms 127 such as but not limited to any combination of foot-activated brakes, twist-to-lock collars, ratcheting cams, or electromechanical locks.

The housing 111 may further be comprised of a storage compartment 128 that provides internal storage for the mop body 141 and one or more mop heads 150 when detached from the body 141. The mop assembly 140 is comprised of a mop body 141, which may be of fixed length or telescopic design as seen in FIG. 2. Telescopic embodiments may include at least one locking mechanism 142 such as but not limited to any combination of twist-lock collars, cam levers, push-button pins, or bayonet interfaces that allow the body 141 to be secured at a desired length.

The mop body 141 may further be comprised of an ergonomic grip 145 to facilitate handling and reduce fatigue. The grip 145 may be made from materials such as but not limited to any combination of thermoplastic elastomers, silicone rubber, closed-cell foam, or gel-injected overlays. The grip 145 may be contoured in one embodiment to fit the natural curvature of a user's hand. The grip 145 may also include surface features 143 (as seen in FIG. 2) such as but not limited to any combination of knurling, ribbing, embossed textures, or dimple patterns to enhance traction and moisture control.

The distal end of the mop body 141 may terminate in a fastener 144 that enables a removable connection to a mop head 150 via a corresponding fastener 151 on the mop head 150, as seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The fasteners 144,151 may be comprised of but is not limited to any combination of snap-fit connectors, threaded sockets, mechanical clamps, magnetic couplings, quick-release fasteners, or bayonet locks. In various embodiment, the mop heads 150 may be comprised of types such as but not limited to any combination of strand-style heads, microfiber pads, sponge blocks, abrasive scrubbers, or hybrid cleaning elements.

Either or both of the fasteners 144,151 may further be comprised of an articulation mechanism 160 that allows mop head 150 to move during use. The articulation mechanism 160 may be comprised of features such as but not limited to any combination of pivot joints, flexible linkages, swivel balls, or gimbal assemblies, and may allow multi-axis rotation or angular displacement of the mop head 150 to improve reach and surface coverage. In some configurations, the articulation mechanism 160 may be comprised of a locking member 161 that locks movement of the mechanism 160 for controlled operation. The locking member 161 may be comprised of but is not limited to any combination of spring-loaded detents, manual sliding collars, cam-actuated pins, twist-to-lock joints, or friction-based clamping rings.

Each mop head 150 may be further comprised of an integrated magnet 155 that enables the mop head 150 to fold and remain in a stored position against the mop body 141 in a metallic embodiment of the body 141. When the body 141 is made from non-metallic materials, a corresponding magnet 156 may be embedded into the body 141 to enable magnetic coupling of the head 150 to the body 141. These magnets 155,156 may be comprised of magnet types such as but not limited to any combination of neodymium discs, ferrite blocks, or rare-earth magnets.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “mop and mop bucket system” and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the mop and mop bucket system 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the mop and mop bucket system 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the mop and mop bucket system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the mop and mop bucket system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the mop and mop bucket system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the mop and mop bucket system 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.