Wet mop with interchangeable scrubbing pad and cloth wipe

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates generally to mops and more specifically to wet mops which can accommodate an interchangeable scrubbing pad and cloth wipe.

#2. Prior Art

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mop.

#FIG. 2 is a cross section of the upper portion of the universal joint.

#FIG. 3 is a cross section of the lower portion of the universal joint.

#Without limiting the scope of this invention, the preferred embodiment of the invention will be described.

#Referring to FIG. 1, the wet mop generally comprises handle 1 which is pivotally connected head 2 by universal joint 3. The basic universal joint is known in the art and is disclosed in Thielen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,778,860. FIGS. 2-4 are detailed drawings of the preferred embodiment of the universal joint including modifications made by applicant. FIG. 2 shows sleeve 6 pivotally connected to swivel 7 by joint pin 8. The remainder of universal joint 3 is shown in FIG. 3. The lower portion of swivel 7 is pivotally connected to plate 9 by joint pin 10 through shoulders 11. An enlarged view of joint pins 8 and 10 is shown in FIG. 4. The joint pin comprises male connector 12, female connector 13, washers 14 and tubing 15. The tubing can be made of Tygon brand tubing or other flexible tubing. The tubing provides increased friction at the connection points.

#It can be seen that handle 1 can pivot along two axes thereby allowing force to be applied to mop head 2 from any direction. Because the wet mop offers resistance to movement as a result of the friction between the surface being cleaned and mop head 2, and because the relative position of mop head 2 is controlled by the rotation of handle 1, it is preferred that the handle diameter be enlarged. The enlarged handles, shown as handgrips 4 and 5 in FIG. 1, provide a greater mechanical advantage when applying rotational force to position mop head 2. The second handgrip, handgrip 4 is positioned about 1/3 of the way down handle 1.