Pad mop device and adapter device therefor

Abstract

The pad mop system with an adapter device according to the present invention applies vibration to the mop pad, strengthens the contact between the pad and the surface, and improves surface cleaning. The adapter device for the pad mop includes a tactile sensation generating device, a tactile sensation generating device interface, and a circuit that electrically transmits power to the tactile sensation generating device and selectively applies vibration to the tactile sensation generating device interface. The mop head can be detachably attached to the adapter device, and the adapter device can be positioned on the mop pad so that the mop pad covers the tactile sensation generating device interface. By operating the tactile sensation generating device, vibration is directed into the mop pad via the tactile sensation generating device interface, thereby applying vibration to the mop pad and strengthening the contact between the pad and the surface, thereby enhancing the surface cleaning effect while the user moves the mop pad along the surface via the pad mop.

Description

Background of the Present Application

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 445,045 filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and incorporates by reference the specification and drawings of this provisional patent application.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for attaching a mop pad of a pad mop, and more particularly to an apparatus for attaching a mop pad of a pad mop and transmitting the vibrating action of the mop pad to a surface to be cleaned to scrape off a relatively large amount of dirt from the surface and transfer the dirt to the mop pad.

Background Art

[0003] A mop basically consists of a sponge attached to a handle or a bundle of thick, loose strings, and can be defined as a tool used to wipe floors and other surfaces. Mops have been used for hundreds of years. As an example of a patent for an initial mop filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on September 26, 1892, reference is made to U.S. Patent No. 499,402 issued to T.W. Stewart for Mop in 1893. Since then, pad mops have been developed and have become common household items used to wipe and clean surfaces. However, pad mops are not a typical type of tool or mechanism that can be used to properly remove stubborn dirt / grease from the floor or surface.

[0004] Thus, there is a recognition in the prior art that a mechanism that can be used in combination with a pad mop to loosen and remove stubborn dirt / grease on the surface is needed. The gist disclosed in this specification is that S has been shown to loosen tartar attached to teeth ONICAREThe invention is inspired by vibrating toothbrushes, such as those exemplified by the (registered trademark) brand toothbrushes. Based on this concept, the gist of what is disclosed herein is to provide a pad mop assembly or device (hereinafter referred to as "device" herein) and adapter device that imparts a vibrating motion to the mop pad, thereby enhancing the contact between the pad and the surface and improving surface cleaning, as described in detail below. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 499,402 [Overview of the project]

[0006] One embodiment of the gist disclosed herein provides a pad mop device that improves surface cleaning by applying a vibratory motion to the mop pad to enhance contact between the pad and the surface. The pad mop device disclosed herein uses a pad mop and an adapter device together. The pad mop has an elongated handle portion and a mop head attached to the lower end of the elongated handle portion. The adapter device has at least one haptic generator and a haptic generator interface.

[0007] The adapter device further has a circuit that electrically supplies power to at least one tactile generating device and selectively applies vibration to the tactile generating device interface. The mop head is detachably attached to the adapter device, and the adapter device can be positioned on the mop pad such that the mop pad covers at least a portion of the tactile generating device interface. The tactile generating device operates selectively to apply vibration to the mop pad via the tactile generating device interface, increasing (enhancing) the contact between the pad and the surface, thereby facilitating surface cleaning while the user moves the mop pad along the surface via the pad mop.

[0008] In some embodiments, the adapter device has a head support platform portion configured to support the mop head in a residing and resting position when the user moves or traverses the surface of the mop pad. In some embodiments, the head support platform portion has a platform length and platform width configured to correspond to the mop head length and mop head width, respectively. In some embodiments, the adapter device has a head alignment structure that aligns the mop head when it is residing and placed on the head receiving platform portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the head alignment structure extends upward from a head support platform portion located on a predetermined side. In some embodiments, the head alignment structure has a alignment structure height corresponding to the mop head thickness, so that a substantially homogeneous device top surface is formed from the top surface of the mop head and the top surface of the head alignment structure when the mop head is housed and placed on the head support platform portion. In some embodiments, the head alignment structure is located on the rear side of the adapter device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the head support platform portion extends parallel to the tactile sensor interface. In some embodiments, the tactile sensor interface is attached to the external portion of the adapter device at the bottom. In some embodiments, the head support platform portion and at least one of the bottom portion have engaging material that engages with a receiving opposing structure. In some embodiments, the bottom portion has opposing engaging material that extends along the tactile sensor interface that engages with a mop pad on the opposing side.

[0011] In some embodiments, the opposing engagement material and tactile feedback interface both extend within the pad receiving plane, flattening the mop pad and enhancing pad-to-surface contact while the flat mop pad is moved along (or traversed) the surface by the user, thereby facilitating surface cleaning. In some embodiments, the mop head and head support platform portion each have an engagement material, which is attached to engage with the head support platform when the mop head is housed and placed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pad mop has a liquid supply mechanism that allows the user to selectively apply an ozonated aqueous solution to the surface, which is supplied between the mop pad and the surface as the mop pad moves across the surface, thereby sterilizing the surface. In some embodiments, the adapter device has an illumination mechanism that selectively irradiates the surface during cleaning.

[0013] Another embodiment of the gist disclosed herein provides an adapter device that applies vibration to a mop pad to enhance the contact between the pad and the surface, thereby improving the surface cleaning effect. The adapter device disclosed herein comprises a tactile sensor, a tactile sensor interface, and a circuit that electrically transmits power to the tactile sensor and selectively applies vibration to the tactile sensor interface.

[0014] The tactile generator interface is positioned on the mop such that the mop pad covers at least a portion of the tactile generator interface, and the tactile generator is selectively activated to impart vibration to the mop pad via the tactile generator interface, thereby enhancing the surface cleaning effect as the mop pad moves across the surface by strengthening the pad-to-surface contact. In some embodiments, the adapter device has a head support platform portion configured to support the mop head in a residing position as the mop pad moves across the surface by the user. In some embodiments, the head support platform portion has a platform length and a platform width configured to correspond to the mop head length and mop head width, respectively.

[0015] In some embodiments, the adapter device has a head alignment structure that aligns the mop head when it is placed on the head receiving platform. In some embodiments, the head alignment structure extends upward from the head support platform at a predetermined side. In some embodiments, the head alignment structure has a height of the aligner structure corresponding to the thickness of the mop head, and substantially homogenizes the upper surface of the device formed from the upper surface of the mop head and the upper surface of the head alignment structure when the mop head is placed on the head support platform.

[0016] In some embodiments, the head alignment structure is located on the rear side of the adapter device. In some embodiments, the head support platform portion extends parallel to the tactile generation device interface. In some embodiments, the tactile generation device interface is attached to the external portion of the adapter device at the bottom. In some embodiments, the head support platform portion and at least one of the bottom portion have engaging material that engages with an opposing structure received therein.

[0017] It has an opposing engagement material that extends along the interface of the tactile generation device on the bottom side and engages with the mop pad on the opposing side thereof. In some embodiments, the opposing engagement material and the interface of the tactile generation device together extend in a pad receiving plane, flattening the mop pad to enhance the user's contact with the pad surface and facilitate surface cleaning while the mop pad is being traversed across the surface by the user.

[0018] Each of the mop head and the head support platform portion has an engagement material, and when the mop head is accommodated and placed, it is attached so as to engage with the head support platform. In some embodiments, the adapter device has an illumination mechanism that selectively irradiates the surface during cleaning. In some embodiments, the illumination mechanism is located on the front side of the adapter device and irradiates the surface on the front side during cleaning.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an elevational side view showing a comprehensive and relatively simple pad mop that can be used in combination with an adapter device according to the gist disclosed in this specification. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an elevational side view showing a comprehensive and relatively complex pad mop that can be used in combination with an adapter device according to the gist disclosed in this specification. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view enlarged and cross-sectioned from FIG. 2, showing in more detail the trigger mechanism in the comprehensive and relatively complex upper handle portion. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view enlarged and cross-sectioned from FIG. 2, showing in more detail the liquid outlet of the liquid supply mechanism in the lower portion of the comprehensive and relatively complex pad mop. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an elevational side view showing the comprehensive and relatively simple pad mop shown in FIG. 1, except that it is assembled with a first adapter device to form a first pad mop device according to the gist disclosed in this specification. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is an elevation side view showing a second pad mop device according to the gist disclosed herein, which is a comprehensive and relatively complex pad mop not shown in FIG. 2 and is assembled with a second adapter device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a top plan view showing a first adapter device according to the gist disclosed herein. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top plan view showing a mop head from a comprehensive and relatively simple pad mop not shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and is shown in a parallel relationship for easy comparison with FIG. 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a rear view showing a first adapter device according to the gist disclosed in this specification. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a reduced end side view showing a first adapter device in a deployed relationship with respect to cooperative peripheral elements including a mop head, a first adapter device, a mop pad, and a surface from top to bottom. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an upper front perspective view showing a first adapter device according to the gist disclosed herein. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a bottom front perspective view showing a first adapter device according to the gist disclosed herein. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an enlarged end side view showing in more detail a first adapter device in a deployed relationship with respect to cooperative peripheral elements including a mop head, a first adapter device, a mop pad, and a surface from top to bottom. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a top view of the first pad mop device shown in FIG. 3, except that it shows the second soiled surface / dirty surface after wiping by the first pad mop device according to the gist disclosed herein. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a top view showing the pad mop shown in FIG. 1, except that it shows a surface with the first dirt / dust after wiping by the first pad mop shown in a parallel relationship with respect to the first pad mop device for easy comparison. [Figure 14A]Figure 14A is a bottom view of the first mop pad removed from the first pad mop shown in Figure 12, using a bubble (partial magnification), and shows the first degree of dirt / debris collection obtained by the first pad mop device. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a bottom view of the second mop pad, removed from the first pad mop shown in Figure 13, using a bubble (partial magnification), and shows the first dirt / debris collection rate obtained by the first pad mop device. However, the second dirt / debris collection rate is smaller than the first dirt / debris collection rate obtained by the mop pad shown in Figure 14A. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a top plan view showing a second adapter device relating to the gist of what is disclosed herein. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the mop head from a comprehensive and relatively complex pad mop, which is not shown in Figures 2 and 4, and is a top view showing it in a parallel relationship to facilitate comparison with Figure 15. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a rear view showing the second adapter device relating to the gist of the disclosure herein. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a reduced end-side view showing the second adapter device in an expanded configuration relative to the mop head, first adapter device, mop pad, and surrounding elements including the surface, viewed from top to bottom. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an upper rear perspective view showing the second adapter device relating to the gist of the disclosure herein. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a bottom rear perspective view showing the second adapter device relating to the gist of the disclosure herein. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows a second adapter device not shown in Figure 18. To show it in more detail, it is an enlarged side view of the end of the second adapter device, showing the mop head, second adapter device, mop pad, and surrounding elements including the surface in an unfolded state. [Figure 22]Figure 22 is a top view showing the surface of a second pad mop, which has been wiped with a second pad mop device not shown in Figure 4, and which has a second layer of dirt / debris on it after wiping with the second pad mop device disclosed herein. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a top view showing the surface of the pad mop with the first dirt / debris on it after wiping by the second pad mop device, which is not shown in Figure 2, and is shown in parallel with the second pad mop device in Figure 21 for easier comparison. [Figure 23A] Figure 23A is an enlarged and cross-sectional view of Figure 22, showing in detail the lower part of a comprehensive and relatively complex pad mop device with a liquid outlet from which liquid is supplied. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a bottom view of the mop pad removed from the second pad mop device shown in Figure 21, using a bubble (partial magnification), and is a bottom view showing the degree of dirt / debris collection by the second pad mop device. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the internal circuitry of a comprehensive adapter device relating to the gist of what is disclosed herein, including multiple tactile generating devices, an overall outline of the lower housing portion of the adapter device, and a partial outline of the upper housing portion of the adapter device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The gist of this specification, as described below with reference to the attached drawings, relates as a whole to adapter devices, indicated by reference numerals 12 and 13, for use in conjunction with conventional pad mop devices. When used in conjunction with a pad mop, the adapter devices disclosed herein can be considered as a pad mop device. There are various types of pad mops for wiping floors and other similar surfaces, and the adapter devices disclosed herein can be configured in various ways to work in conjunction with and enhance the functions of such pad mops. The adapter devices disclosed herein have several central important embodiments or features that support the inventiveness of the gist of this specification.

[0021] As described above, the first exemplary adapter device relating to the gist of the disclosure herein is denoted collectively by reference numeral 12, and the second exemplary adapter device is denoted collectively by reference numeral 13. Both adapter device 12 and adapter device 13 are B ONA (Registered Trademark), (Registered Trademark)R UBBERMAID (Registered Trademark) and / or S WIFFER This enhances the practicality of conventional pad mop devices or pad mops used for residential and industrial cleaning, as exemplified by (registered trademark). A comprehensive and relatively simple pad mop is shown by reference numeral 10 in Figures 1, 3, 12, and 13, and a comprehensive and relatively complex pad mop is shown by reference numeral 11 in Figures 2, 4, 22, and 23. In some embodiments relating to the gist of the disclosure herein, the intended use of adapter device 12 is in conjunction with the relatively simple pad mop shown by reference numeral 10, and adapter device 13 can be used with the relatively complex pad mop shown by reference numeral 11. Adapter devices 12 and 13 are described and illustrated as different forms of pad mops, as exemplified by pad mop 10 and pad mop 11. That is, the illustrations and descriptions supporting the gist of the disclosure herein are essentially illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0022] Both the pad mops 10 and 11 can be characterized as essentially having an elongated handle portion 15 to which a handle 20 is attached at the upper end, and a substantially planar or flattened mop head, indicated by reference numeral 16 or 16', at the lower end of the elongated handle portion 15. The mop head 16 is rectangular in shape as a whole, extending in first and second dimensions, and has a relatively reduced thickness or depth extending in a third dimension perpendicular to these first and second dimensions. Mop pads 14 can be attached to these types of flattened or substantially planar mop heads 16, and these mop pads act as an interface between the mop head 16 and the surface to be wiped or cleaned 100 beneath it. Generally, these mop pads 14 are disposable, single-use pads that can be easily discarded or replaced as needed after being used once to wipe away dirt and debris from the surface 100.

[0023] In the case of a relatively complex pad mop 11, the pad mop 11 may further have a cleaning solution spray device or liquid supply mechanism. The cleaning solution spray device or liquid supply mechanism can be said to consist essentially of a cleaning solution container 17 and a manual mechanism or trigger 19, which, as indicated by arrow 101, can supply cleaning solution 21 onto the surface 100 from the cleaning solution container 17 by manual operation through a liquid outlet or orifice 22 usually located at the lower end of the container 17. Pad mops such as the one shown in reference numeral 11 are generally considered to have a high capacity for the user to clean the surface 100. This is because these mops have a high capacity to supply cleaning solution 21 to the surface 100 and a high capacity to humidify the surface and the dirt / debris on this surface. The mop pad 14 can not only pick up dirt / debris as it moves across the surface, but can also absorb the humidified dirt / debris from the surface, further collecting dirt / debris and promoting surface cleaning.

[0024] The gist of the disclosure herein relates to an add-on or adapter device indicated by either reference numeral 12 or 13, which is structurally linked to and detachably coupled to a mop head indicated by reference numeral 16 or 16', introducing a relatively powerful vibration mechanism between the mop head 16 and the mop pad 14, thereby loosening and lifting dirt / debris from the surface 100 while the user guides the pad mop 10 / 11 attached to the surface 100. In other words, the adapter devices 12 and 13 essentially provide a vibrating action or vibration 102 to the mop pad 14, increasing pad-to-surface contact and improving surface cleaning. That is, the gist of the disclosure herein essentially relates to a transducer having a tactile generator interface 23 and at least one tactile generator 43. In some embodiments, the use of multiple tactile generators 43 is intended, as schematically shown in Figure 25.

[0025] In some embodiments, the tactile generator interface 23 is attached to the outer portion of the adapter device indicated by reference numeral 12 or 13. In some embodiments, the tactile generator interface 23 is attached to the outer portion of the lower housing portion 42 of the bottom side 32 of each adapter device 12 or 13. In some embodiments, at least one tactile generator 43 is attached to the tactile generator interface 23 to selectively apply vibration 102 to the tactile generator interface 23. This vibration 102 is schematically shown in Figures 3, 4, 12 and 22. In some embodiments, a series or more tactile generators 43 are attached to the tactile generator interface 23 to apply vibration energy along its length, increasing its intensity and transmitting it more evenly, thereby enhancing the pad-to-surface contact while the user guides the pad mop 10 / 11 attached to the surface 100, loosening and lifting dirt / debris from the surface 100.

[0026] Referring to Figure 25, three tactile generating devices 43 are mounted in a series on the tactile generating interface 23. These tactile generating devices 43 are electrically connected to a power source 45, such as a battery or battery pack, via a circuit 48. In some embodiments, the tactile generating devices 43 can be turned on / off by a button-type switch actuator, indicated by reference numeral 28, which communicates with a switch 60 in the circuit 48. In some embodiments, this button-type switch actuator 28 is foot-operated and can be pressed by the user's foot, as indicated by arrow 120, allowing the tactile generating devices 43 to be selectively turned on / off by a switch 60 that electrically communicates with a circuit 48 housed in the lower housing portion 42 of the adapter devices 12 and 13, as schematically shown in Figure 25.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tactile generating device 43 is electrically connected to a power supply 45 located in a power box (compartment) 46, which is further electrically connected to a switch 60 operated by a switch actuator 28. The circuit 48 supplies power from the power supply 45, such as a battery or battery pack, to the tactile generating device(s) 43. In some embodiments, each tactile generating device 43 is located within a window 44 formed in the lower housing portion 42 of the adapter device 12 / 13, and the power box 46 is located within the upper housing portion 41 of the adapter device 12 / 13, adjacent to the switch actuator 28.

[0028] In some embodiments, the tactile generator interface 23 is substantially planar, formed from a metallic material (e.g., a stainless steel panel or strip), and fixed to the outside of the lower housing portion 42 on the bottom side. Meanwhile, the tactile generator 43(or more) is housed within the lower housing portion 42 and attached to the tactile generator interface 23 via a window 44. The upper side 31 of the upper housing portion 41 receives and supports the mop head 16. The mop pad 14 is detachably attached to the bottom side 32 covering the tactile generator interface 23. The user activates the tactile generator 43(or more) by pressing a switch actuator 28, thereby applying vibrations (or vibratory motions) 102 to the tactile generator interface 23, which in turn applies further vibrations 102 to the mop pad 14, making it easier to loosen dirt and / or debris accumulated on the surface in contact with the mop pad 14.

[0029] After either adapter device 12 or adapter device 13 is turned on by the button switch actuator 28 and switch 60, the tactile generator 43 (or more) generates a vibration wave pattern, which stimulates the tactile generator interface 23. The tactile generator interface 23 transmits the tactile energy of the wave pattern to the mop pad 14, causing the mop pad 14 to perform a constant vibration action 102. This causes the mop head pad 14 to drive vibration action / energy between the mop pad 14 and, for example, the floor surface 100. In effect, the mop pad 14 performs a constant change action on the surface 100. This helps to break the bond between the surface 100 and any dirt / debris adhering to it.

[0030] By providing such a pad mop device and adapter device, the mop pad 14 can collect even more dirt / debris from the surface 100. In addition, because the surface contact area between the mop pad 14 and the surface 100 continues to change due to the vibration action of the vibration action 102, a larger surface area of ​​the mop pad 14 is exposed to the dirt / debris on the surface 100 during use. In summary, the tactile sensor interface 23 and the tactile sensor 43 loosen the bonds of dirt / debris on the surface and play a role in collecting relatively more dirt / debris than a device that lacks the vibration action 102 in between. Furthermore, when a cleaning solution is used, a solution containing dirt / debris is generated on the surface 100, and the constantly changing mop pad 14 forms contact with the surface 100 during the vibration action 102, allowing the surface 100 to be wiped to a higher degree of cleanliness.

[0031] The adapter device 12 will be described in general with reference to Figures 3 and 12-14B. A comparison of Figures 3 and 12-14B shows that the adapter device 12 applies a vibration action 102 to the surface 100. Figure 13 shows a widely used, relatively simple pad mop 10, where the mop head 16 and mop pad 14 are attached to the mop head 16 midway between the mop head 16 and the surface 100. The mop head 16 and mop pad 14 move back and forth as indicated by arrow 103, wiping the surface 105 with initial dirt / debris, and then collecting the dirt / debris onto the mop pad 14, as schematically shown in Figure 14B, indicated by reference numeral 129. The pattern shown on the surface 105 with the first dirt / debris has a series of relatively dark lines, which correspond to the mop pad 14 which has relatively light lines indicating a lower degree of dirt / debris collection, as shown in reference numeral 129, and the surface 105 with the first dirt / debris has a lower degree of cleanliness.

[0032] Figure 12, in contrast to Figure 13, shows a more widely used, relatively simple pad mop 10, which constitutes a first pad mop device in which the mop head 16 is housed and mounted in an adapter device 12, and the mop pad 14 is attached to the adapter device 12, or the device is incorporated between the adapter device 12 and the surface 100. After the mop head 16 is housed and mounted in the adapter device 12, and the device is oriented in the direction indicated by arrow 107 and engaged with the surface 100, the mop pad 14 aligns between the adapter device 12 and the surface 100. Next, the device and the mop pad 14 move back and forth as indicated by arrow 103, wiping the surface 104 with the second dirt / debris, and as a result the dirt / debris can be collected on the mop pad 14 as shown in Figure 14A, schematically indicated by reference numeral 128.

[0033] The pattern shown on the surface 104 with the second layer of dirt / debris corresponds to a relatively thin line configuration showing a relatively clean surface 104 with the second layer of dirt / debris, corresponding to a mop pad 14 with a relatively dense line configuration showing a greater degree of dirt / debris collection, such as the second layer of dirt / debris collection shown by reference numeral 128. As can be seen from the comparison between Figure 14A and Figure 14B, the amount of dirt / debris collected on the mop pad 14 shown by reference numeral 128 in Figure 14A is greater than the amount of dirt / debris collected on the mop pad 14 shown by reference numeral 129 in Figure 14B. Thus, it should be understood that the adapter device 12, unlike the mop pad 14 directly attached to the pad mop 10, increases the degree of dirt / debris collection 128 when used in combination with the pad mop 10.

[0034] Figures 4, 22, 23, and 24 will be described in relation to the adapter device 13. As can be seen from the comparison in Figures 4, 22, 23, and 24, a vibration action 102 is applied to the surface 100 by the adapter device 13. Figure 23 shows a relatively complex pad mop 11 having a mop head 16' (which is slightly different in configuration from the mop head 16) and a corresponding mop pad 14 attached to the mop head 16' midway between the mop head 16' and the surface 100. The mop head 16' and mop pad 14 move back and forth as indicated by the arrow 103 to wipe the surface 105 with the first dirt / debris, resulting in a lower degree of dirt / debris collection onto the mop pad 14, and, although not explicitly shown, otherwise equivalent to that shown in Figure 14B. However, the pattern of the first soiled / dirty surface 105 has a series of relatively dense constituent lines indicating a low level of cleanliness of the first soiled / dirty surface 105, as implied above.

[0035] Figure 22, in contrast to Figure 23, shows a relatively complex pad mop 11 in which the mop head 16' is housed and mounted on the adapter device 13, and the mop pad 14 is attached to the adapter device 13 midway between the adapter device 13 and the surface 100. After the mop head 16' is housed and mounted on the adapter device 13, and the device moves as indicated by arrow 107 and engages with the surface 100, the mop pad 14 forms an interface midway between the adapter device 13 and the surface 100. Next, the device and the mop pad 14 move back and forth as indicated by arrow 103, effectively wiping the surface 104 with the second dirt / debris, resulting in the second dirt / debris being collected on the mop pad 14 as shown schematically in Figure 24, reference numeral 128. The pattern shown on the second surface 104 with dirt / debris has relatively thin lines indicating a cleaner surface 104 with dirt / debris, corresponding to the mop pad 14 which has relatively dense lines indicating a greater degree of dirt / debris collection, as shown by reference numeral 128. Furthermore, this adapter device 13 can achieve a higher degree of dirt / debris collection 128 than when wiping / mopping the surface with the configuration shown in Figure 23.

[0036] The main differences between adapter device 12 and adapter device 13 stem from their overall size and shape configuration. The total length 109 of adapter device 12 shown in the figure is relatively shorter than the total length 114 of adapter device 13. Adapter device 12 was designed for use with a relatively simple pad mop 10, which has a standard-sized, relatively simple mop head 16 having a mop head length 110 extending laterally between opposing mop head sides 40, and a mop head width 111 extending between the rear and front sides of the mop head, as indicated by reference numerals 38 and 39 in Figure 6.

[0037] In some embodiments, the upper side 31 of the adapter device 12 has a head support platform portion 49. In some embodiments, this head support platform portion 49 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the tactile generation device interface 23. The head support platform portion 49 has a platform length and platform width 108 that corresponds to or is substantially equal to the total length 109. Since the platform length 109 and platform width 108 correspond to the mop head length 110 and mop head width 111, respectively, the mop head 16 can be housed and placed on the head support platform portion 49 at the upper side 31, as shown by arrow 106 in Figures 8 and 11. From a comparison between Figures 12 and 13, it can be seen that the dimensional characteristics of the mop head 16 are essentially fit or matched with the first and second dimensional characteristics of the head support platform portion 49, which simplifies the device during use.

[0038] More specifically, the adapter device 12 has an upper side 31, a bottom side 32, a laterally opposed side 33, a rear side 34, and a front side 35. The mop head 16 shown in Figure 6 is rectangular in its first and second dimensions as a whole. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the head support platform portion 49 is rectangular as a whole and has a rear side 34 parallel to the laterally opposed sides 33 and the front side 35. In some embodiments, the button switch actuator 28 extends upward from the head support platform portion 49 at the rear side 34 adjacent to the upwardly projecting housing portion 29.

[0039] The length 130 of the button switch actuator 28 extends along a first portion of the total length 109, and the upwardly projecting housing portion 29 extends along a second portion of the total length 109, forming a head alignment structure 50 that facilitates the user positioning the mop head 16 on the head support platform portion 49 when the mop head 16 is housed and placed. In some embodiments, the head alignment structure 50 is formed on the rear side 34 of the adapter device 12. In some embodiments, the upwardly projecting housing portion 29 of the head alignment structure 50 houses the power box 46 within the upper housing portion 41.

[0040] In some embodiments, the head alignment structure 50 extends along the overall length 109 as illustrated in relation to the adapter device 12. The head alignment structure 50 has an aligner width 121 and an aligner height 112 as illustrated in Figures 5, 7, 8, and 11. In some embodiments, the mop head 16 has a certain depth or thickness 113 corresponding to the aligner height 112, so that when the mop head 16 is housed and placed on the head support platform portion 49, the device has a substantially uniform or planar top surface, as shown as a plane 131 in Figure 2 as a whole. The platform width 108 and the aligner width 121 together constitute the overall device length 123, which is configured to be structurally manageable as oriented 103 over the surface 100 to be cleaned when the adapter device 12 is in use. The button switch actuator 28 is configured to work in conjunction with the user's foot width while the user presses the switch actuator 28 and turns the adapter device 12 on and off via the switch 60.

[0041] In some embodiments, the adapter device 12 may further include an engagement structure that helps to detachably secure opposing device structures or components to each other. In this regard, it should be noted that the mop head 16 is housed and mounted on the head support platform portion 49 of the adapter device 12, for example, as indicated by reference numeral 106, and that this housed and mounted position can be properly achieved by the alignment operation of the head alignment structure 50. The mop head 16 has a first type of engagement material 25 on its underside, which can engage with a second type of engagement material 26 provided on the head support platform portion 49 of the adapter device 12. In some embodiments, the engagement materials 25 and 26 may extend longitudinally along the head support platform portion 49 and, correspondingly, longitudinally along the underside of the mop head 16. In some embodiments, these engagement materials 25 and 26 may consist of spaced parallel strips of engagement material that extend longitudinally. In some embodiments, V may be used as the engagement materials 25 and 26. ELCRO Examples include hook / loop fastening materials of the (registered trademark) brand.

[0042] In some embodiments, the adapter device 12 may further have an engaging material 27 on the bottom side 32 of the unit that engages with the mop pad 14. Since a tactile sensor interface 23 is provided on the bottom side 32, this tactile sensor interface 23 extends longitudinally along the bottom side 32 of the lower housing portion 42 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, since the tactile sensor interface 23 is located midway between the front side 35 and the rear side 34, the engaging material 27 can be provided on either side of the tactile sensor interface 23 that extends longitudinally along it.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the tactile feedback interface 23 is also planar. The engaging material 27 and the tactile feedback interface 23 work together to form a substantially planar surface, as shown by surface 100 in Figure 3, thereby flattening the mop pad 14 and maximizing the contact surface area between the mop pad 14 and the surface 100 to be cleaned beneath it. Conventional mop pads 14 have at least V ELCRO It consists of engaging materials 27 such as hook-type fastening materials of the (registered trademark) brand, along with materials (such as loop-type materials) that have unique engaging properties.

[0044] The adapter device indicated by reference numeral 13 has a total length 114 which is relatively longer than the total length 109 of the adapter device 12. In some embodiments, the adapter device 13 is designed to be used with a relatively complex pad mop 11 which has a relatively complex mop head 16' with a certain non-rectangular configuration as a whole, as shown in Figure 16. As shown in Figure 16, the mop head 16' is quadrangular, more specifically isosceles trapezoidal in shape, and the front side 38 of the mop head is relatively shorter in length than the rear side 39 of the mop head, which has a rear length 117 formed by a lateral side portion 37 that is obliquely related to the front side 38 and rear side 39 of the mop head, with a front length 119. In other words, in some embodiments, the mop head 16' has a rear mop head length 117, a front mop head length 119, and a mop head width 118.

[0045] In some embodiments, the upper side 31 of the adapter device 13 has a head support platform portion 52. In some embodiments, the head support platform portion 52 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the tactile generation device interface 23. In some embodiments, the rear length 114 of the head support platform portion corresponds to the rear length 117 of the mop head, the front length 116 corresponds to the front length 119 of the mop head, and the platform width 115 corresponds to the mop head width 118, so that the mop head 16' can be housed and placed on the head support platform portion 52 on the upper side 31, as shown by arrow 106 in Figure 18.

[0046] As can be seen from the comparison between Figures 22 and 23, the dimensional characteristics of the mop head 16' are matched to those of the head support platform portion 52, which is thought to simplify the device during use. More specifically, the adapter device 13 has an upper portion 31, a bottom portion 32, laterally opposed sides 36, a rear portion 34, and a front portion 35. In some embodiments, the laterally opposed sides 36 are obliquely related to the rear portion 34 and the front portion 35. The mop head 16' shown in Figure 16 has an isosceles trapezoidal shape overall, and therefore, in some embodiments, the head support platform portion 52 has a similar shape, with its shorter front portion 35 extending parallel to the longer rear portion 34 which has a non-parallel laterally opposed side portion 36.

[0047] In some embodiments, the button switch actuator 28 of the adapter device 13 extends upward from the head support platform portion 52 at the rear side 34, which is in the middle of the laterally opposed and upwardly projecting housing portion 30. Since the length 130 of the button switch actuator 28 (longer than the front side length 116 shown) extends along the first portion of the rear side length 114, and the upwardly projecting housing portion 30 extends along the opposing portion of the rear side length 114, the total length 124 of the head alignment structure 51 at the rear side 34 is relatively shorter than the rear side length 114 in some embodiments.

[0048] In some embodiments, the overall length 124 of the head alignment structure 51 is relatively shorter than the length 116 of the front side. Similar to the head alignment structure 50 of the adapter device 12, the head alignment structure 51 of the adapter device 13 makes it easier for the user to house and place the mop head 16' on the head support platform portion 52 when housing and placing the mop head 16'. In some embodiments, at least one or both of the upwardly projecting housing portions 30 allow the power box 46 to be housed within the upper housing portion 41.

[0049] In other words, as clearly shown in Figure 15, and in contrast to the head alignment structure 50 of the adapter device 12, the head alignment structure 51 extends along either the front length 116 or the rear length 114. Similar to the head alignment structure 50, the head alignment structure 51 has an aligner width 121 and an aligner height 112, as shown for comparison in Figures 15, 17, and 18. In some embodiments, the mop head 16' has a certain depth or thickness 113 corresponding to the aligner height 112, so that when the device is placed on the head support platform portion 52, as indicated by reference numeral 106, the device has a substantially homogeneous or planar upper device surface, such as the plane 131 shown in Figure 4. The platform width 108 and the aligner width 121 together constitute the overall device width 123, which is oriented towards the surface 100 to be cleaned when the adapter device 13 is in use and is structurally controllable. The length 130 of the button switch actuator 28 is such that it is coordinated with the user's foot width while the user presses the switch actuator 28 and switches the adapter device 13 on or off.

[0050] In some embodiments, the adapter device 13 may further include an engagement structure that helps to detachably fasten opposing device structures or components to each other. In this regard, it should be noted that the mop head 16' is housed and mounted on the head support platform portion 52 of the adapter device 13, for example, as indicated by reference numeral 106, and that this housed and mounted position can be properly achieved by the alignment operation of the head alignment structure 51. The mop head 16' has a first type of engagement material 25 on its underside, which can engage with a second type of engagement material 26 provided on the head support platform portion 52 of the adapter device 13. In some embodiments, the engagement materials 25 and 26 may extend longitudinally along the head support platform portion 52 and, correspondingly, longitudinally along the underside of the mop head 16'. In some embodiments, these engagement materials 25 and 26 may consist of spaced parallel strips of engagement material that extend longitudinally. In some embodiments, V may be used as the engagement materials 25 and 26. ELCRO Examples include hook / loop fastening materials of the (registered trademark) brand.

[0051] In some embodiments, the adapter device 13 may further have an engaging material 27 on the bottom side 32 of the unit that engages with the mop pad 14. Since a tactile sensor interface 23 is provided on the bottom side 32, this interface extends longitudinally along the bottom side 32 of the lower housing portion 42 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, since the tactile sensor interface 23 is located midway between the front side 35 and the rear side 34, the engaging material 27 can be provided on either side of the tactile sensor interface 23 that extends longitudinally along it. Furthermore, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the tactile sensor interface 23 is also planar. The engaging material 27 and the tactile sensor interface 23 work together to form a substantially planar mounting surface, which flattens the mop pad 14 and maximizes the contact surface area between the mop pad 14 and the surface 100 to be cleaned beneath it. Conventional mop pads 14 have at least V ELCROIt consists of engaging materials 27 such as hook-type fastening materials of the (registered trademark) brand, along with materials (such as loop-type materials) that have unique engaging properties.

[0052] Furthermore, the relatively complex and flat head pad mop described above and indicated by reference numeral 11 may be further equipped with a spray device for cleaning solution, which selectively supplies cleaning solution 21 from an orifice 22 by a manual mechanism such as a trigger 19. The cleaning solution 21 can be held or contained in a cleaning solution holding solution 17. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that receives non-ozonated water in a cleaning solution container 17 and ozonates it on the pad mop 11. In some embodiments, it is also possible to ozonate water separately and send it to the cleaning solution container 17 attached to the pad mop 11. Furthermore, in applications requiring a large amount of ozonated water, it is also possible to send separately ozonated water to the cleaning solution container 17. In this regard, another aspect disclosed herein is to fluidly connect a separately ozonated water / solution container 18 to the cleaning solution container 17, send ozonated water / solution to it, and then supply or distribute it via the orifice 22. Furthermore, ozonated water has been recognized as providing a sterilization option in addition to enhancing cleaning capabilities, which is the essence of this invention, by eliminating the survival ability of viruses and bacteria.

[0053] In some embodiments, the adapter device 12 / 13 may further include some kind of lighting means or lighting mechanism to help the user visually inspect a surface 100 to be cleaned, for example, under low-lighting conditions. In some embodiments, the adapter device 12 / 13 may include at least one light source, and in some embodiments, it may include at least two laterally opposed light-emitting diode LEDs, schematically shown by reference numeral 47 in Figures 22 and 25. The lighting means, exemplified as LED 47, may in some embodiments be operable by a button switch actuator 28, which can direct light or illumination outward from the device 12 / 13 to illuminate an adjacent area. In some embodiments, the LEDs may be located laterally spaced apart on the front side 35 of the unit and may emit light or illuminate 49 forward, as schematically shown in Figure 22 in relation to the adapter device 13. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 10, 11 Pad Mop 12, 13 Adapter device 14 Mop Pads 15. Long, slender handle 16, 16' Mop head 17. Cleaning solution holding container 18 Water / Solution Containers 19 Trigger 20 handles 22 Orifice 23 Interface of a tactile sensory generation device 25, 26, 27 Engaging materials 28 Switch Actuator 29. Housing portion that protrudes upward 31 Upper side 32 Bottom side 33. Lateral opposing side, side 34 Rear side 35 Front side 36 Side 37 Side view 38 Front side of mop head 38 39 Rear side of the mop head 39 40 Opposite mop head side 41 Upper housing section 42 Lower housing section 43. Tactile sensation generating device 44 windows 45 Power supply 46 Power Box 47 LED 48 circuits 49, 52 Head support platform section 50, 51 Head alignment structure 60 switches 100, 104, 105 surface 102 Vibration operation or vibration 103, 107, 120 Arrows 108 platform width 109 Overall length, platform length 110 mop head length 111, 118 Mop head width 112 Aligner height 113 Depth or thickness 114 Rear length 116 Front length 117 Rear mop head length 119 Front length 121 Aligner width 123 Overall length of device 124 Total length of the head alignment structure 128, 129 Dirt / garbage (degree of collection) 130 Button switch actuator length 131 plane

Claims

1. A pad mop device that applies vibration to the mop pad to increase contact between the pad and the surface, and promotes surface cleaning, A pad mop having an extended handle portion and a mop head attached to the lower end of the extended handle portion, The device comprises a tactile generator, a tactile generator interface, and an adapter device having a circuit configuration for electrically transmitting power to the tactile generator in order to selectively impart vibration to the tactile generator interface. The mop head is detachably attached to the adapter device, and the adapter device can be installed on the mop pad such that the mop pad covers at least a portion of the tactile sensor interface. The tactile generator selectively operates to instruct the mop pad to vibrate via the tactile generator interface, thereby facilitating surface cleaning when the user moves the mop pad across a surface via the pad mop by applying vibration to the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contact. A pad mop device characterized by the following features.

2. The pad mop device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter device has a head support platform portion configured to support the mop head in a resting position when the user crosses the surface of the mop pad.

3. The pad mop device according to claim 2, wherein the head support platform portion has a platform length and a platform width configured to correspond to the mop head length and mop head width of the mop head, respectively.

4. The pad mop device according to claim 2, wherein the adapter device has a head alignment structure that aligns the mop head when it is placed on the head receiving platform portion.

5. The pad mop device according to claim 4, wherein the head alignment structure extends outward from the head support platform portion located on a predetermined side.

6. The pad mop device according to claim 4, wherein the head alignment structure has an aligner height corresponding to the mop head thickness of the mop head, and so that when the mop head is placed on the head support platform portion, a substantially uniform upper surface of the device is formed by the upper surface of the mop head and the upper surface of the head alignment structure.

7. The pad mop device according to claim 5, wherein the head alignment platform portion is located on the rear side of the adapter device.

8. The pad mop device according to claim 2, wherein the head support platform portion extends parallel to the tactile sensor interface.

9. The pad mop device according to claim 8, wherein the tactile sensor interface is attached to the external portion of the adapter device on the bottom side.

10. The pad mop device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the head support platform portion and the bottom portion is made of an engaging material that engages with the receiving opposing structure.

11. The pad mop device according to claim 10, wherein the bottom side is composed of opposing engaging materials extending along the tactile generator interface for engaging with the mop pad on the opposing side.

12. The pad mop device according to claim 11, wherein the opposing engaging material and the tactile generator interface both extend within the pad receiving plane, thereby flattening the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contact when the flat mop pad traverses the surface by the user, thereby promoting surface cleaning.

13. The pad mop device according to claim 10, wherein the mop head and the head support platform portion are each made of an engaging material, and the mop head is attached to the head support platform by engaging with it when the mop head is placed on it.

14. The pad mop device according to claim 1, wherein the pad mop has a liquid supply mechanism that allows the user to selectively apply an ozonated aqueous solution to the surface, the ozonated aqueous solution can be supplied between the mop pad and the surface, and sterilizes the surface while the mop pad moves over the surface.

15. The pad mop device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter device has a lighting mechanism that selectively illuminates the surface during cleaning.

16. An adapter device that applies vibration to a mop pad to increase pad-to-surface contact and promote surface cleaning, The device comprises a tactile generator, a tactile generator interface, and a circuit configuration for electrically transmitting power to the tactile generator in order to selectively impart vibration to the tactile generator interface. The tactile generator interface is positioned on the mop such that the mop pad covers at least a portion of the tactile generator interface, and the tactile generator selectively operates to instruct the mop pad to vibrate via the tactile generator interface, thereby promoting surface cleaning as the mop pad moves across the surface by vibrating the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contact. An adapter device characterized by the following features.

17. The adapter device according to claim 16, wherein the adapter device has a head support platform portion configured to support the mop head in a resting position when the mop pad moves across the surface by the user.

18. The adapter device according to claim 17, wherein the head support platform portion has a platform length and a platform width configured to correspond to the mop head length and mop head width of the mop head, respectively.

19. The adapter device according to claim 17, wherein the adapter device has a head alignment structure that aligns the mop head when it is placed on the head receiving platform portion.

20. The adapter device according to claim 19, wherein the head alignment structure extends outward from the head support platform portion located on a predetermined side.

21. The adapter device according to claim 19, wherein the head alignment structure has an aligner height corresponding to the mop head thickness, and so that when the mop head is placed on the head support platform portion, a substantially uniform upper surface of the device is formed by the upper surface of the mop head and the upper surface of the head alignment structure.

22. The adapter device according to claim 20, wherein the head alignment platform portion is located on the rear side of the adapter device.

23. The adapter device according to claim 17, wherein the head support platform portion extends parallel to the tactile sensor interface.

24. The adapter device according to claim 23, wherein the tactile sensor interface is attached to the external portion of the adapter device on the bottom side.

25. The adapter device according to claim 24, wherein at least one of the head support platform portion and the bottom portion is made of an engaging material that engages with the receiving opposing structure.

26. The adapter device according to claim 25, wherein the bottom side is composed of opposing engaging materials extending along the tactile generator interface for engaging with the mop pad on the opposing side.

27. The adapter device according to claim 26, wherein the opposing engaging material and the tactile generator interface both extend within the pad receiving plane, thereby flattening the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contact when the flat mop pad traverses the surface by the user, thereby facilitating surface cleaning.

28. The adapter device according to claim 25, wherein the mop head and the head support platform portion are each made of an engaging material, and the mop head is attached to the head support platform by engaging with it when the mop head is placed on it.

29. The adapter device according to claim 16, wherein the adapter device has an illumination mechanism that selectively illuminates the surface during cleaning.

30. The adapter device according to claim 29, wherein the lighting mechanism is located on the front side of the adapter device and illuminates the surface on the front side when cleaning.

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