Charging System

Abstract

The following are examples only, as the invention is broader than this Abstract. The present invention relates to a charging system for mops designed to improve efficiency and reduce liquid waste. The system comprises a single-piece saturation tray / liquid reservoir with an integrated liquid removal and reclamation ledge that channels excess liquid back into the reservoir. The tray is supported by a Slim-T bucket or a NovaSat Stand, and is available in multiple sizes to accommodate various cleaning applications, including room and hood cleaning. The tray is autoclavable, lightweight, and features a color-coded design for enhanced sanitary maintenance. The system allows for pre-saturation of mops, reclamation of excess liquid, and easy transport via modular components. It supports both single and multi-bucket configurations and is designed for compact use in small spaces, promoting fluid recycling and reducing disinfectant usage. The system can saturate up to four mops in less than two minutes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63 / 664,709 , entitled “Charging System” and filed Jun. 26, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditional mop charging, or pre-saturation, systems have predominantly relied on cart-based designs incorporating substantial stainless steel structural frames. These systems, while functional, tend to be large, cumbersome, and not easily adaptable to varying cleaning environments, including smaller enclosed spaces such as hood-cleaning environments or benchtop work surfaces.

[0003] Existing systems require significant liquid volumes to operate effectively, generate excess fluid waste, and are not well-suited for environments requiring compact, portable, and rapidly deployable cleaning solutions. A need therefore exists for a charging system that is lightweight, modular, capable of recycling excess cleaning fluid, and adaptable for use with or without a cart in a variety of hood-cleaning, benchtop, and commercial cleaning environments.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a charging system for mops that enhances cleaning efficiency, reduces liquid waste, and offers modularity for use across diverse cleaning environments.

[0005] In one aspect, the invention provides a charging system comprising a saturation tray defining a liquid reservoir, a liquid removal and reclamation ledge integrated with the saturation tray and configured to channel excess liquid from mops back into the liquid reservoir, and a support structure configured to receive and support the saturation tray. The saturation tray is removably received by the support structure.

[0006] In another aspect, the support structure is a rolling bucket having an open top configured to receive the saturation tray such that the tray is removable without tools.

[0007] In another aspect, the support structure is a freestanding frame having a plurality of legs, the frame being configurable in a benchtop height configuration or a floor-stand height configuration.

[0008] In another aspect, the saturation tray is a single-piece molded polymeric body defining the liquid reservoir and having the reclamation ledge coupled to the tray body.

[0009] In another aspect, the tray is available in multiple widths to accommodate mop heads of varying sizes, including mop heads up to approximately 18 inches (45 cm) in width.

[0010] In another aspect, the system is configured for pre-saturation of up to four mops in less than two minutes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mop charging system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, showing the saturation tray received within a rolling bucket support structure, with the mop removal and reclamation ledge visible at the top of the tray.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mop charging system of FIG. 1 from a second vantage point, illustrating the rear profile of the saturation tray within the rolling bucket support structure and the caster wheel assembly.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mop charging system showing two saturation trays received within a dual-bucket rolling support structure, illustrating the side-by-side modular configuration of the BucketBinder system.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a NovaSat Stand embodiment of the mop charging system, showing the saturation tray supported by a freestanding frame structure having an extended vertical handle and caster wheels, configured for room-height use.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mop charging system in a bench-top stand configuration, showing the saturation tray supported by a low-profile frame structure having four corner legs with feet, configured for hood-cleaning or benchtop applications.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mop charging system in a suspended stand configuration, showing the saturation tray supported at an elevated position by a tall freestanding frame with four corner legs and a central junction, illustrating the floor-stand configuration.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mop charging system showing two saturation trays received in a side-by-side dual rolling bucket support structure with the reclamation ledge deployed, illustrating the system in an open mop-loading position.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a single saturation tray in a rolling bucket support structure showing the tray in a raised or tilted position relative to the support structure, illustrating the tray removal feature.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a photographic view of the interior of the saturation tray showing the reclamation ledge in a partially open position with a mop being placed onto the liquid-expressing surface of the reclamation ledge, illustrating the mop pre-saturation step.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a photographic view of the interior of the saturation tray showing the reclamation ledge in a further open position with the liquid-expressing surface fully deployed and a mop positioned across the reclamation ledge, illustrating the wring-and-reclaim step.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a photographic view of the interior of the saturation tray showing the reclamation ledge in a fully deployed position with mops positioned on the liquid-expressing surface and the liquid level visible in the reservoir below, illustrating the multi-mop pre-saturation mode.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a photographic detail view showing the reclamation ledge and its connection mechanism from below, illustrating the coupling between the liquid-expressing surface of the reclamation ledge and the saturation tray body.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The following description sets forth specific embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following embodiments are illustrative and not limiting.I. Overview

[0025] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-12, the charging system 10 of the present invention comprises a saturation tray 100 and a support structure 200. The saturation tray 100 defines a liquid reservoir 110 and incorporates an integrated liquid removal and reclamation ledge 120. The support structure 200 is configured to receive and support the saturation tray 100 in an operative position, with the saturation tray 100 being removable from the support structure 200 without tools.II. Saturation Tray

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7-12, the saturation tray 100 is a single-piece molded polymeric body defining the liquid reservoir 110 configured to hold cleaning or disinfectant solution. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir 110 has a capacity of up to approximately 3 liters and includes an integrated fluid level indicator line 116 to facilitate rapid approximation of remaining fluid volume. The tray 100 is configured to operate with as little as approximately 1 liter of fluid.

[0027] The reclamation ledge 120 is coupled to the tray body and includes a liquid-expressing surface, as shown in FIGS. 9-12. In use, a mop head is pressed against the liquid-expressing surface of the reclamation ledge 120 so that excess liquid is expressed from the mop head and channeled back into the liquid reservoir 110 for reuse in saturating subsequent mops. This fluid recycling capability reduces consumption of cleaning and disinfectant solutions.

[0028] The saturation tray 100 is constructed of lightweight, durable polymeric material and in a preferred embodiment weighs less than approximately 5 pounds (2.5 kg) when empty and less than approximately 15 pounds (7.5 kg) when loaded with liquid and mops. The tray 100 is autoclavable, facilitating use in environments requiring high-level hygiene protocols.

[0029] The saturation tray 100 is available in multiple widths. In one embodiment, a hood-cleaning tray has a width of approximately 10.5 inches (26 cm). In another embodiment, a room-cleaning tray has a width of approximately 18 inches (45 cm), configured to accommodate mop heads of approximately 14 inches (35 cm), 16 inches (40 cm), and up to 18 inches (45 cm) in width.

[0030] The tray 100 is optionally provided in multiple colors to facilitate an integrated color-coded sanitary maintenance system distinguishing between different cleaning zones or fluid types.III. Support Structure-Rolling Bucket Configuration

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 7, and 8, in one embodiment the support structure 200 is a rolling bucket 210 having an open upper end sized and configured to receive the saturation tray 100. The rolling bucket 210 is equipped with a caster wheel assembly 212 to facilitate transport. The saturation tray 100 is removably seated within the rolling bucket 210 such that it may be lifted out and removed without tools.

[0032] In a modular configuration shown in FIG. 3, two rolling buckets 210 may be joined side-by-side using a BucketBinder frame to form a dual-bucket system accommodating two saturation trays 100 simultaneously. The rolling bucket 210 may be paired with a bucket-based mop removal tool that facilitates collection of used mops into a waste bag without direct handling.IV. Support Structure-Freestanding Frame Configuration

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, in another embodiment the support structure 200 is a freestanding frame 220 having a plurality of legs 222 and configured to support the saturation tray 100 at a predetermined height. The freestanding frame 220 is provided in at least two height configurations: a benchtop configuration having legs of a height suitable for placement on a work surface or within a hood-cleaning environment, as shown in FIG. 5; and a floor-stand configuration having extended legs suitable for use at floor level by a standing operator, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0034] In the floor-stand configuration of FIG. 4, the freestanding frame 220 includes an extended vertical handle 224 and a caster wheel assembly 212 to facilitate repositioning.V. Operation

[0035] In a pre-saturation mode, cleaning or disinfectant solution is introduced into the liquid reservoir 110 of the saturation tray 100. Up to four mop heads are then placed into the reservoir 110 simultaneously, allowing the mop heads to absorb the solution. Upon removal, each mop head is pressed against the reclamation ledge 120 to express excess liquid, which is channeled back into the reservoir 110 and reused to saturate subsequent mops. The system 10 is configured to pre-saturate up to four mops in less than two minutes.

[0036] The saturation tray 100 may also be used in a traditional dip-wring-mop mode in which a single mop head is repeatedly immersed in and wrung out from the reservoir 110.Abstract

[0037] A charging system for mops comprises a single-piece saturation tray defining a liquid reservoir and having an integrated liquid removal and reclamation ledge configured to channel excess liquid expressed from mop heads back into the reservoir for reuse. The saturation tray is removably supported by a support structure, which may be a rolling bucket or a freestanding frame configurable in benchtop or floor-stand height configurations. The saturation tray is formed of lightweight, durable, autoclavable polymeric material and is available in multiple widths to accommodate mop heads of varying sizes. The system is configured to pre-saturate multiple mops simultaneously and to reclaim excess cleaning or disinfectant solution to reduce waste. Optional color-coded tray variants facilitate integrated sanitary zone maintenance.

Claims

1-30. (canceled)31. A mop charging system comprising:a saturation tray formed as a single-piece polymeric body and defining a liquid reservoir configured to receive cleaning solution and one or more mop heads for pre-saturation thereof;a reclamation ledge integral with the saturation tray body and configured to receive a mop head and express excess liquid therefrom, the reclamation ledge channeling the expressed liquid back into the liquid reservoir; anda support structure configured to removably receive the saturation tray in an operative position, the saturation tray being removable from the support structure without tools;wherein the liquid reservoir both supplies cleaning solution for saturation of the one or more mop heads and receives the expressed excess liquid returned by the reclamation ledge, such that cleaning solution is reclaimed and reused within the same unitary tray body.

32. The mop charging system of claim 31, wherein the liquid reservoir includes an integrated fluid level indicator configured to allow a user to approximate remaining fluid volume without removing the saturation tray from the support structure.

33. The mop charging system of claim 31, wherein the saturation tray is autoclavable.

34. The mop charging system of claim 31, wherein the saturation tray is provided in a plurality of color variants to facilitate a color-coded sanitary zone maintenance system.

35. The mop charging system of claim 31, wherein the saturation tray has an empty weight of less than approximately 5 pounds and a fully-loaded weight of less than approximately 15 pounds.

36. The mop charging system of claim 31, wherein the liquid reservoir has a maximum capacity of approximately 3 liters and is configured to operate effectively with a minimum fluid volume of approximately 1 liter.

37. The mop charging system of claim 31, wherein the support structure is a rolling bucket having an open upper end configured to removably receive the saturation tray, and a caster wheel assembly.

38. The mop charging system of claim 37, wherein a plurality of rolling buckets are joined by a modular frame to form a multi-bucket configuration supporting a plurality of saturation trays simultaneously.

39. The mop charging system of claim 31, wherein the support structure is a freestanding frame having a plurality of legs configured to support the saturation tray at a predetermined working height above a support surface.

40. The mop charging system of claim 39, wherein the freestanding frame is selectively configurable between a benchtop height configuration sized for placement on a work surface or within a hood-cleaning environment, and a floor-stand height configuration sized for use at floor level by a standing operator.

41. The mop charging system of claim 39, wherein the freestanding frame further comprises an extended handle and a caster wheel assembly to facilitate repositioning.

42. A method of pre-saturating mop heads using a mop charging system, the method comprising:providing a saturation tray formed as a single-piece polymeric body defining a liquid reservoir and having a reclamation ledge integral therewith, the saturation tray being removably supported without tools on a support structure;filling the liquid reservoir with a cleaning solution;immersing one or more mop heads in the cleaning solution within the liquid reservoir to pre-saturate the mop heads;removing the one or more mop heads from the liquid reservoir; andpressing at least one of the removed mop heads against the reclamation ledge to express excess liquid therefrom and return the expressed liquid to the liquid reservoir from which the mop heads were pre-saturated;whereby cleaning solution expressed from the mop heads is reclaimed into the same reservoir and is available to pre-saturate subsequent mop heads.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of immersing comprises simultaneously immersing up to four mop heads in the liquid reservoir.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the steps of immersing, removing, and pressing are completed for a plurality of mop heads in less than approximately two minutes.

45. The method of claim 42, further comprising removing the saturation tray from the support structure without tools and transporting the saturation tray independently of the support structure.

46. A mop charging system comprising:a single-piece polymeric saturation tray defining a liquid reservoir and having an integral reclamation ledge configured to express excess liquid from mop heads and return the expressed liquid to the liquid reservoir; anda freestanding frame having a plurality of legs and configured to support the saturation tray at a working height above a support surface, the saturation tray being removable from the freestanding frame without tools;wherein the freestanding frame is selectively configurable between a benchtop height configuration sized for placement on a work surface or within a hood-cleaning environment and a floor-stand height configuration sized for use at floor level by a standing operator.

47. The mop charging system of claim 46, wherein in the benchtop height configuration the freestanding frame positions the saturation tray at a height suitable for use within a hood-cleaning work envelope, and the saturation tray has a width of approximately 10.5 inches to accommodate hood-cleaning mop heads.

48. The mop charging system of claim 46, wherein in the floor-stand height configuration the freestanding frame further comprises a caster wheel assembly and an extended handle to facilitate repositioning.

49. The mop charging system of claim 46, wherein the saturation tray has a width of up to approximately 18 inches to accommodate room-cleaning mop heads of up to approximately 18 inches in width.

50. The mop charging system of claim 46, wherein the saturation tray is autoclavable and is provided in a plurality of color variants to facilitate a color-coded sanitary zone maintenance system.

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