Method and apparatus for storing a mop

Abstract

A mop storage container includes lower and upper housings. The lower housing includes an upper side and an opening in fluid communication with the upper housing. The upper housing includes first and second members that extend upwardly from and are flexibly attached to the lower housing. The first and second members receive a mop when apart and contain the mop when brought together. A method of storing a mop includes the steps of providing lower and upper housings and flexibly attaching at least one of the first and second members to the lower housing. The method also includes separating the first and second members, inserting the mop in the upper housing, bringing the first and second members together, and collecting fluid that has dripped from the mop into the lower housing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to devices used for cleaning and maintenance, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for storing a waxing or finishing mop following its use. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Nearly all homes and commercial buildings have extensive floor surfaces that require waxing and finishing. Wax mops have long been the tool of choice for these tasks with few significant modifications in their original design. Such mops may be used to finish and distribute wax evenly and effectively over a variety of floor compositions. [0005] A common problem with using these mops arises after the job has been completed. Typically, the wax mop is stored in a plastic bag in a closet or utility area until its next use. However, during the interim, the mop head may dry out, which ends its usable life. [0006] Another problem is that finishing and waxing material retained in the mop head...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that enable storage of a wax mop after each use while enabling waxing and / or finishing material left on the mop to be reused.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that prevent a wax mop from drying out after use.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that enable collection and retention of residual waxing material from a wax mop after use so that the waxing material may be reused while preventing debris and other contaminants from mixing with the collected waxing material.

[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for storing a wax mop that is relatively simple and cost-effective to manufacture, purchase, and use.

Problems solved by technology

A common problem with using these mops arises after the job has been completed.

However, during the interim, the mop head may dry out, which ends its usable life.

Another problem is that finishing and waxing material retained in the mop head drips onto the floor, or somewhere equally wasteful, where it must be removed and discarded.

This results in a substantial waste of valuable waxing material.

Images