Mop handle assembly adapted to dispense liquid

#The present invention relates to a mop handle assembly. More particularly, it relates to a mop handle assembly simulating a conventional mop handle and providing a valve system adapted to dispense liquid from a remote reservoir.

#Mops and similar implements are commonly used for applying finishes to, and/or cleaning, surfaces in a wide variety of environments. In its most basic form, the typical mop includes an elongated handle (normally wood or plastic) attached to a mop head. As used throughout this specification, the term “mop head” is in reference to a number of known finishing and/or cleaning heads, including a string-type mop, flat mop, sponge, squeegee, broom, etc. With this definition in mind, for most applications, the mop head is soaked with one or more liquids. For example, a user may employ the mop head to apply an appropriate liquid to a floor surface (for example wax, cleaning liquid, disinfectant, and the like). Alternatively, or in addition, water may be used to periodically rinse or clean collected debris from the mop head. In this regard, the necessary liquid(s) are contained within one or more buckets that the user must transport with him/her while performing the finishing/cleaning task. Obviously, this presents a distinct inconvenience for the user. Further, inadvertent liquid spillage may occur during the frequent dipping of the mop head into the bucket(s).

#Numerous efforts have been made to develop a combination mop assembly/liquid dispenser that overcomes the problems identified above. Prior mop assembly/liquid dispensement devices are typically characterized by having a look and feel that is quite different from a normal mop handle. One approach entails a liquid container mounted directly onto the mop handle in conjunction with a valve system that provides control over liquid flow to the mop head. When filled with liquid, the attached container renders the mop handle quite cumbersome to maneuver. Alternatively, the handle itself has been designed to internally contain the liquid. While eliminating the unwieldy external container, the device must carry a relatively large volume of liquid within the handle, again rendering normal use difficult. Further, inherent handle size constrains may limit the available liquid volume capacity below a useful level. Finally, other approaches entail strapping a pressurized liquid container to the user's back. The corresponding valve system and fluid delivery components are complex and do not comport with the look and feel of a standard mop handle.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mop kit including a mop handle assembly in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded, side view of the mop handle assembly of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the mop handle assembly of FIG. 2 in a closed position;

#One preferred embodiment of a mop kit 20 including a mop handle assembly 22 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. In addition to the mop handle assembly 22, the kit 20 preferably includes a mop head 24, a liquid reservoir 26, and a cart 28. The various components are described in greater detail below. In general terms, however, the mop head 24 is removably connected to the mop handle assembly 22. The mop handle assembly 22, in turn, is fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir 26. Finally, the cart 28 is preferably provided for conveniently storing and transporting the mop handle assembly 22, the mop head(s) 24, and the liquid reservoir(s) 26.

#The mop handle assembly 22 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. The mop handle assembly 22 preferably includes a handle 40, a valve system (referenced generally at 42), an actuator assembly 44, and a supply tube 46. In general terms, the valve system 42 is connected to the handle 40, and is fluidly connected to the supply tube 46. The actuator assembly 44 is associated with the valve system 42, and is configured to facilitate selective actuation of the valve system 42 from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the valve system 42 is sealed relative to an exterior of the mop handle assembly 22, such that liquid from the liquid reservoir 26 (FIG. 1) is not released from the valve system 42. Conversely, in the open position, the valve system 42 allows liquid to flow from the liquid reservoir 26 to an exterior of the mop handle assembly 22.

#The handle 40 can assume a variety of forms, but it is preferably an elongated tube formed from a material commonly employed for mop handles. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the handle 40 is highly similar to existing, “standard” mop handles in look and feel, and is preferably formed from an appropriate material such as a composite fiberglass. Alternatively, other materials such as wood, aluminum, and the like are equally acceptable. Further, the handle 40 can assume a variety of dimensions, but preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately the same size as a “standard” mop handle, and is thus on the order of 2.54 cm (1 inch). A length of the handle 40 can also vary depending upon a particular application, but is preferably in the range of 120-152 cm (48-60 inches). For example, the handle 40 can be relatively long (for example, on the order of 152 cm (60 inches)) for floor surface finishing/cleaning applications, or relatively short (for example, on the order of 120 cm (48 inches)) for confined area finishing/cleaning applications such as cleaning toilets, urinals, etc. The handle 40 has an upper end 48 and a lower end 50.