CLEANING APPARATUS

• US 20080010767A1
• Filed: 07/20/2007
• Published: 01/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Grimes
• Original Assignee: David Grimes
• Inventors: GRIMES, DAVID
• Granted Patent: US 8,240,063 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/119.2
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 13/14 combined with squeezing or wringing devices

Abstract

Fluid is removed from the cleaning element of such as a sponge mop or string mop by inflating a bladder or like expansible member which is positioned in an enclosure adjacent the cleaning element, causing the expansible member to expand into contact with the cleaning element, thereby compressing the cleaning element for squeezing fluid therefrom.

Claims

1. A method for wringing a cleaning apparatus having a compressible cleaning member comprising the steps:

positioning the cleaning member adjacent an inflatable expansible member;

providing a means for inflating the inflatable expansible member; and

inflating the inflatable expansible member so as to compress the cleaning member.

2. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of enclosing the cleaning member and inflatable expansible member in encasing means.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the encasing means enclosing the cleaning member and inflatable expansible member is a sheath which defines the limits of expansion of the inflatable expansible member.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the encasing means enclosing the cleaning member and inflatable expansible member is a flexible and porous sheath.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the encasing means enclosing the cleaning member and inflatable expansible member is a non-flexible impervious sheath.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of attaching the cleaning member to a handle and attaching a pump to the handle and wherein the means for inflating the inflatable expansible member is the pump attached to the handle.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the encasing means enclosing the cleaning member and inflatable expansible member is a non-stretchable polymer sheath.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is a sponge.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is a string-type mop.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable expansible member is a bladder.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable expansible member is a gas chamber having a flexible diaphragm.

12. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of forming an aperture in the encasing means.

13. A method for wringing fluid from a cleaning apparatus having a compressible fluid containing cleaning member comprising the steps:

positioning the cleaning member adjacent an inflatable expansible member;

providing a means for inflating the inflatable expansible member; and

inflating the inflatable expansible member so as to compress the cleaning member for wringing the fluid therefrom.

14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of enclosing the cleaning member and inflatable expansible member in encasing means.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the encasing means limits expansion of the inflatable expansible member in the direction of the cleaning member.