Mop container

• US 6,728,990 B1
• Filed: 07/05/2001
• Issued: 05/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alma M. Jones
• Original Assignee: Alma M. Jones
• Inventors: Jones, Alma M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Graham, Gary K.
• Application Number:
  US09/899,462
• Time in Patent Office: 1,034 Days
• Field of Search: 152/60, 152/64, 152/63, 15D/IG.9, 152/570.5, 152/570.7, 152/570.74, 152/570.76, 220/669, 220/672, 220/675, 206/361-362, 206/209
• US Class Current: 15/260
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 13/51 Storing of cleaning tools, e.g. containers therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 13/58 Wringers for scouring pads, mops, or the like, combined with buckets
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 17/00 Apparatus or implements used in manual washing or cleaning of crockery, table-ware, cooking-ware or the like foam-making devices A47K5/14

Abstract

A mop receptacle for use with dish mops and floor mops which allows the user to strain the excess cleaning solution from the mop head without contacting the mop head or actuating any levers or other mechanicals. The receptacle is substantially cylindrical in shape with a tapered wall section which compresses the mop head as it passes through straining any excess cleaning solution from the mop head. The smooth inside walls leading to the tapered wall section can also be used to drain cleaning solution from the mop head by pressing the head against the walls via the mop handle forcing the mop head to compress further.

Claims

1. An improved mop container and mop combination of hand held miniature dish mop or full sized floor mop size, said combination comprising:

a mop having a compressible resilient water absorbent mop head body and a predetermined body lateral diameter;

a substantially cylindrical waterproof receptacle having an open end defined by a perimeter, closed end and a waterproof tapered wall section of reduced internal diameter and external diameter, said receptacle having a substantially circular cross section from end to end, said receptacle open end of perimeter sufficient size in diameter to allow the mop head body of said mop to conveniently enter the receptacle without contacting the receptacle open end perimeter, said receptacle having a flat exterior closed surface to rest securely on a flat surface with said closed end, said tapered wall section located substantially medially between said receptacle open end and said closed end, said tapered wall section being smaller in diameter than said mop head body and than said receptacle open or closed ends, the circumference of said receptacle gradually decreasing at said tapered wall section, said tapered wall section sized to compress said mop head body when forced through said tapered wall section, but to allow contact with a liquid in said receptacle below said tapered wall section.

2. The combination in claim 1 wherein said receptacle is sized for use with hand held dish mops and easily grasped by one hand of an average adult human user, said receptacle having a diameter between 3 inches and 8 inches at the open end perimeter and closed end, said tapered wall internal section having a diameter between 2 inches and 5 inches, said mop head body being less in diameter than said receptacle perimeter perimeter diameter.

3. The combination in claim 2 having a lid, said open end of said receptacle having receptacle threads, said lid having lid threads for engaging said receptacle threads.

4. The combination in claim 3 wherein said lid having a prong adapted to engage a dish mop handle for storage purposes.

5. The combination in claim 1 wherein said receptacle is sized for use with floor mops, said receptacle perimeter having a diameter between 6 inches and 20 inches at the open end and closed end, said tapered wall section having a diameter between 3 inches and 16 inches, said mop head body diameter being less than said receptacle perimeter.

6. The combination in claim 3 having a handle pivotally attached to said open end.