Pad mop ensemble and adaptor apparatus therefor

Abstract

A pad mop ensemble with adaptor apparatus imparts vibratory motion into a mop pad for increasing pad-to-surface contacts and improving surface cleansing. The adaptor apparatus for a pad mop includes a haptic generator, a haptic generator interface, and circuitry for electrically communicating power to the haptic generator for selectively imparting vibratory motion to the haptic generator interface. A mop head is removably attachable to the adaptor apparatus and the adaptor apparatus is positionable over the mop pad and such that the mop pad covers the haptic generator interface. The haptic generator is operable to direct vibratory motion into the mop pad via the haptic generator interface for imparting vibratory motion into the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contacts thereby improving surface cleansing as a user advances the mop pad across a surface via the pad mop.

Description

[0001] PAD MOP ENSEMBLE AND ADAPTOR APPARATUS THEREFOR

[0002] PRIOR HISTORY

[0003] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 445,045 filed in the USPTO, the specifications and drawings of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for outfitting a mop pad of a pad mop, and more particularly to an apparatus for outfitting a mop pad of a pad mop to direct vibratory action of the mop pad against the surface being mopped thereby so as to scrub and lift relatively more debris from the surface onto the mop pad.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] A mop may be basically defined as an implement consisting of a sponge or a bundle of thick loose strings attached to a handle, used for wiping floors or other surfaces, and have been in use for hundreds of years. Reference is drawn to US Patent No. 499,402, issued to T. W. Stewart in 1893 for a Mop, for example, as an early patented mop filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on 26 September 1892. Since that time, pad mops were developed and have become a common household tool used to wipe and clean surfaces. Pad mops, however, do not typically provide the type of tool or mechanism that can be used to properly lift well-bonded dirt / debris from a floor or surface.

[0008] The prior art thus perceives a need for a mechanism usable in combination with a pad mop to help loosen and lift surface-based dirt and debris from a surface. The presently disclosed subject matter took inspiration from vibratory toothbrushes as exemplified by the SONICARE® brand toothbrushes that have been shown to help loosen teeth-based debris. Building upon this general concept the presently disclosed subject matter provides a pad mop ensemble and adaptor apparatus operable for imparting vibratory motion into a mop pad for increasing pad-to-surface contacts and improving surface cleansing as summarized in more detail hereinafter. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0009] There is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a pad mop ensemble for imparting vibratory motion into a mop pad for increasing pad-to-surface contacts and improving surface cleansing. The pad mop ensemble according to the presently disclosed subject matter comprises, in combination, a pad mop and an adaptor apparatus. The pad mop comprises an elongate handle portion and a mop head attached to a lower end of the elongate handle portion. The adaptor apparatus comprises at least one haptic generator and a haptic generator interface.

[0010] The adaptor apparatus further comprises circuitry for electrically communicating a power source to the at least one haptic generator for selectively imparting vibratory motion to the haptic generator interface. The mop head is removably attachable to the adaptor apparatus and the adaptor apparatus is positionable over the mop pad such that the mop pad covers the haptic generator interface. The haptic generator is selectively operable to direct vibratory motion into the mop pad via the haptic generator interface for imparting vibratory motion into the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contacts thereby improving surface cleansing as a user advances the mop pad across a surface via the pad mop.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus comprises a head-supporting platform portion configured to support the mop head as seated thereupon when the user advances the mop pad across the surface. In some embodiments, the head-supporting platform portion has a platform length and platform width respectively configured to correspond to mop head length and a mop head width of the mop head. In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus comprises a head-alignment structure for aligning the mop head when being seated down atop the head-receiving platform portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the head- alignment structure extends upwardly from the headsupporting platform portion at a select side thereof. In some embodiments, the headalignment structure comprises an alignment structure height corresponding to a mop head thickness so as to provide a substantially uniform upper ensemble surface formed from a mop head upper surface and a head-alignment structure upper surface when the mop head is seated down upon the head-supporting platform portion. In some embodiments, the head- alignment structure is positioned at a back side of the adaptor apparatus.

[0013] In some embodiments, the head-supporting platform portion extends in parallel relation to the haptic generator interface. In some embodiments, the haptic generator interface is attached to an exterior portion of the adaptor apparatus at a bottom side thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the head-supporting platform portion and the bottom side comprises a matable material for mating with opposed structures received thereat. In some embodiments, the bottom side comprises opposed matable materials extending along the haptic generator interface for mating with the mop pad on opposite sides thereof.

[0014] In some embodiments, the opposed matable materials and the haptic generator interface together extend within a pad-receiving plane so as to flatten the mop pad for increasing pad-to-surface contact and improving surface cleansing as the user advances the planar mop pad across the surface. In some embodiments, the mop head and the headsupporting platform portion each comprise matable materials for matably mounting the mop head upon the head-supporting platform when seated down thereupon.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pad mop comprises a liquid delivery mechanism for enabling the user to selectively deposit an ozonated aqueous solution upon the surface, the ozonated aqueous solution being deliverable intermediate the mop pad and the surface for disinfecting the surface as the mop pad advances over the surface. In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus comprises an illumination mechanism for selectively illuminating the surface during cleansing action.

[0016] There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter an adaptor apparatus for imparting vibratory motion into a mop pad for increasing pad-to-surface contacts and improving surface cleansing. The adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter comprises a haptic generator, a haptic generator interface, and circuitry for electrically communicating a power source to the haptic generator for selectively imparting vibratory motion to the haptic generator interface.

[0017] The haptic generator interface is positionable over the mop pad such that the mop pad covers the haptic generator interface. The haptic generator is selectively operable to direct vibratory motion into the mop pad via the haptic generator interface for imparting vibratory motion into the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contacts thereby improving surface cleansing as the mop pad advances across a surface. In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus comprises a head-supporting platform portion configured to support the mop head as seated thereupon when the user advances the mop pad across the surface. In some embodiments, the head-supporting platform portion has a platform length and platform width respectively configured to correspond to mop head length and mop head width of the mop head.

[0018] In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus comprises a head-alignment structure for aligning the mop head when being seated down atop the head-receiving platform portion. In some embodiments, the head-alignment structure extends upwardly from the head-supporting platform portion at a select side thereof. In some embodiments, the head- alignment structure comprises an alignment structure height corresponding to a mop head thickness so as to provide a substantially uniform upper ensemble surface formed from a mop head upper surface and a head- alignment structure upper surface when the mop head is seated down upon the head- supporting platform portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the head- alignment structure is positioned at a back side of the adaptor apparatus. In some embodiments, the head- supporting platform portion extends in parallel relation to the haptic generator interface. In some embodiments, the haptic generator interface is attached to an exterior portion of the adaptor apparatus at a bottom side thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the head-supporting platform portion and the bottom side comprises a matable material for mating with opposed structures received thereat.

[0020] In some embodiments, the bottom side comprises opposed matable materials extending along the haptic generator interface for mating with the mop pad on opposite sides thereof. In some embodiments, the opposed matable materials and the haptic generator interface together extend within a pad-receiving plane so as to flatten the mop pad for increasing pad-to-surface contacts and improving surface cleansing as the user advances the mop pad across the surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mop head and the head-supporting platform portion each comprise matable materials for matably mounting the mop head upon the head- supporting platform when seated down thereupon. In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus comprises an illumination mechanism for selectively illuminating the surface during cleansing thereof. In some embodiments, the illumination mechanism is positioned at a front side of the adaptor apparatus for illuminating the surface at the front side during cleansing thereof.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of a generic, relatively simple pad mop usable in combination with the adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an elevational side view of a generic, relatively complex pad mop usable in combination with the adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter. FIG. 2A is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as enlarged and sectioned from FIG. 2 to show in greater detail a trigger mechanism at upper handle portions of the generic, relatively complex pad mop.

[0025] FIG. 2B is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as enlarged and sectioned from FIG. 2 to show in greater detail a liquid outlet of a liquid delivery mechanism at lower portions of the generic, relatively complex pad mop.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the generic, relatively simple pad mop otherwise depicted in FIG. 1 shown in assembled relation with a first adaptor apparatus thereby together providing a first pad mop ensemble according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an elevational side view of the generic, relatively complex pad mop otherwise depicted in FIG. 2 shown in assembled relation with a second adaptor apparatus thereby together providing a second pad mop ensemble according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the first adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a mop head from the generic, relatively simple pad mop otherwise depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 shown in side-by-side relation to FIG. 5 for ease of comparison.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a back side view of the first adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a reduced lateral edge view of the first adaptor apparatus shown in exploded relation relative to cooperative peripheral elements, including from top to bottom a mop head, the first adaptor apparatus, a mop pad, and a surface.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a top front perspective view of the first adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a bottom front perspective view of the first adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0034] FIG. 11 is an enlarged lateral edge view of the first adaptor apparatus otherwise shown in FIG. 8 enlarged to show in greater detail the first adaptor apparatus in exploded relation relative to cooperative peripheral elements, including top to bottom a mop head, the first adaptor apparatus, a mop pad, and a surface.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a top view of the first pad mop ensemble otherwise depicted in FIG. 3 showing a second dirt / debris laden surface after being wiped by the first pad mop ensemble according to the presently disclosed subject matter. FIG. 13 is a top view of the pad mop otherwise depicted in FIG. 1 showing a first dirt / debris laden surface after being wiped by the first pad mop shown in side-by-side relation to the first pad mop ensemble in FIG. 12 for ease of comparison.

[0036] FIG. 14A is a bubbled bottom plan view of a first mop pad removed from the first pad mop ensemble otherwise shown in FIG. 12 to show a first degree of dirt / debris collection achieved by the first pad mop ensemble.

[0037] FIG. 14B is a bubbled bottom plan view of a second mop pad removed from the first pad mop otherwise shown in FIG. 13 to show a second degree of dirt / debris collection achieved by the first pad mop, the second degree of dirt / debris collection being lesser than the first degree of dirt / debris collection achieved by the mop pad shown in FIG. 14 A.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the second adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a mop head from the generic, relatively complex pad mop otherwise depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4 shown in side-by-side relation to FIG. 15 for ease of comparison.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a back side view of the second adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0041] FIG. 18 is a reduced lateral edge view of the second adaptor apparatus shown in exploded relation relative to cooperative peripheral elements, including from top to bottom a mop head, the first adaptor apparatus, a mop pad, and a surface.

[0042] FIG. 19 is a top back perspective view of the second adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0043] FIG. 20 is a bottom back perspective view of the second adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0044] FIG. 21 is an enlarged lateral edge view of the second adaptor apparatus otherwise shown in FIG. 18 enlarged to show in greater detail the second adaptor apparatus in exploded relation relative to cooperative peripheral elements, including top to bottom a mop head, the second adaptor apparatus, a mop pad, and a surface.

[0045] FIG. 22 is a top view of the second pad mop ensemble otherwise depicted in FIG. 4 showing a second dirt / debris laden surface after being wiped by the second pad mop ensemble according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0046] FIG. 23 is a top view of the pad mop otherwise depicted in FIG. 2 showing a first dirt / debris laden surface after being wiped by the second pad mop shown in side-by-side relation to the second pad mop ensemble in FIG. 21 for ease of comparison. FIG. 23A is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as enlarged and sectioned from FIG. 22 to show in greater detail lower portions of the generic, relatively complex pad mop including a liquid outlet with liquid being directed therefrom.

[0047] FIG. 24 is a bubbled bottom plan view of a mop pad removed from the second pad mop ensemble otherwise shown in FIG. 21 to show a degree of dirt / debris collection achieved by the second pad mop ensemble.

[0048] FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic depiction of internal circuitry of a generic adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing a plurality of haptic generators; a full outline of a lower housing portion of the adaptor apparatus; and a fragmentary outline of an upper housing portion of the adaptor apparatus.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Referring now the drawings with more specificity, the presently disclosed subject matter generally concerns an adaptor apparatus as alternatively illustrated and referenced at 12 and 13 for use in combination with traditional pad mop assemblies. When used in combination with a pad mop, the adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter may be considered a pad mop ensemble. As there are various types of pad mops operable to essentially wipe floor and similar other surfaces, the adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter may be variously constructed to cooperate with and enhance the functionality of such types of pad mops. The adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter comprises certain central key aspects or features that support the inventiveness of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0051] As prefaced above, a first exemplary adaptor apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter is generally depicted and referenced at 12, and a second exemplary adaptor apparatus is generally depicted and referenced at 13. The adaptor apparatus 12 and the adaptor apparatus 13 both enhance the utility of the traditional pad mop assemblies or pad mops used for residential and industrial cleaning as exemplified by BONA®, RUBBERMAID® and / or SWIFFER® brand pad mops. A generic, relatively simplified pad mop is depicted and referenced at 10 in FIGS. 1, 3, 12, and 13; and a generic, relatively complex pad mop is depicted and referenced at 11 in FIGS. 2, 4, 22, and 23. In some embodiments according to the presently disclosed subject matter, the intended use of the adaptor apparatus 12 is in combination with a relatively simplified pad mop as at 10, and the adaptor apparatus 13 is usable in combination with a relatively complex pad mop as at 11. Alternative embodiments 12 and 13 of the adaptor apparatus are herein discussed and illustrated in view of alternative types of pad mops as exemplified by pad mop 10 and pad mop 11. Accordingly, the illustrations and descriptions in support of the presently disclosed subject matter are exemplary in nature and should not be construed as limiting.

[0052] Both pad mops 10 and 11 may be characterized as essentially having or comprising an elongate handle portion 15 outfitted with a handle 20 at the upper end thereof and a substantially planar or flattened mop head as referenced at either 16 or 16’ at the lower end of the elongate handle portion 15. Mop heads 16 generally have a rectangular shape extending in first and second dimensions with a relatively abbreviated thickness or depth extending in a third dimension orthogonal to the first and second dimensions. These types of flattened or substantially planar mop heads 16 may be outfitted with mop pads 14 that serve as an interface between the mop head 16 and the underlying surface 100 to be mopped or cleaned. Typically, these mop pads 14 are disposable, single use type pads, which when singularly used wipe up debris or dirt form the surface 100 and can then be easily discarded and replaced, as needed.

[0053] In the case of the relatively more complex pad mop 11, the pad mop 11 may further comprise a cleaning solution sprayer assembly or liquid delivery mechanism. The cleaning solution sprayer assembly or liquid delivery mechanism may be said to essentially comprise a cleaning solution holding vessel 17 and a hand-operable mechanism or trigger 19 that may be manually operated as at arrows 101 to dispense cleaning solution 21 from the cleaning solution holding vessel 17 onto the surface 100 by way of a liquid outlet or orifice 22 generally located at a lower end of the holding vessel 17. Pad mops such as those depicted at 11, are generally considered superior in their ability to help users clean a surface 100 since they offer the ability to dispense cleaning solution 21 upon the surface 100, which then wets the surface and dirt / debris located thereupon. The mop pad 14 may then not only pick up dirt / debris as it advances over the surface, but also absorb wetted dirt / debris material from the surface 100 collecting additional dirt / debris and improving surface cleansing.

[0054] The presently disclosed subject matter essentially contemplates an add-on assembly or adaptor apparatus as alternatively referenced at 12 and 13 configured to structurally cooperate with and removably attach to a mop head as at either 16 or 16’ for introducing a relatively strong vibrational mechanism intermediate the mop head 16 and the mop pad 14 to help further loosen and lift surface-based dirt and debris from a surface 100 as the user guides the outfitted pad mop(s) 10 / 11 over a surface 100. In other words, the adaptor apparatus 12 and the adaptor apparatus 13 are essentially operable to impart vibratory motion or vibrations as at 102 into a mop pad 14 for increasing pad-to-surface contact(s) and improving surface cleansing. In this regard, the presently disclosed subject matter essentially provides a transducer assembly having a haptic generator interface 23 and at least one haptic generator as at 43. In some embodiments, a plurality of haptic generators 43 are contemplated as diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 25.

[0055] In some embodiments, the haptic generator interface 23 is attached to an exterior portion of the adaptor apparatus as depicted and referenced at either 12 or 13. In some embodiments, the haptic generator interface 23 is attached to an exterior portion of a lower housing portion 42 at a bottom side 32 of each adaptor apparatus referenced at 12 or 13. In some embodiments, at least one haptic generator 43 is attached to the haptic generator interface 23 for selectively imparting vibrations 102 to the haptic generator interface 23, which vibrations 102 are diagrammatically depicted and referenced in FIGS. 3, 4, 12 and 22. In some embodiments, a series or plurality of haptic generators 43 are attached to the haptic generator interface 23 for increasing and more consistently directing vibrational energy into the haptic generator interface 23 along its length to further loosen and lift surface-based dirt and debris from a surface 100 and increases pad-to-surface contact(s) as the user guides or advances the outfitted pad mop(s) 10 / 11 over a surface 100.

[0056] Referencing FIG. 25, the reader will there consider a series of three haptic generators 43 attached to the haptic generator interface 23. The haptic generators 43 are in electrical communication via circuitry 48 with a power source 45 exemplified by a battery or battery pack. In some embodiments, the haptic generators 43 may be switched on / off by a button switch actuator as referenced at 28 in communication with a switch 60 of the circuitry 48. In some embodiments the button switch actuator 28 is foot operable and may be depressed as at arrows 120 by a user’s foot to selectively turn on / off the haptic generators 43 via the switch 60 in electrical communication with the circuitry 48 housed within the lower housing portion 42 of the adaptor apparatus 12 and the adaptor apparatus 13 as diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 25.

[0057] In some embodiments, the haptic generator(s) 43 are in electrical communication with the power source 45 positioned within a power source compartment 46 in further electrical communication with the switch 60 operable by way of the switch actuator 28. Circuitry 48 communicates power deriving from the power source 45 exemplified by a battery or battery pack to the haptic generator(s) 43. In some embodiments, each haptic generator 43 is positioned within a window 44 formed in a lower housing portion 42 of the adaptor apparatuses 12 / 13, while the power source compartment 46 is located in an upper housing portion 41 of the adaptor apparatuses 12 / 13 in adjacency to the switch actuator 28.

[0058] In some embodiments, the haptic generator interface 23 is substantially planar and formed from a metallic material (e.g., a stainless-steel panel or strip) and fastened to an exterior portion of the lower housing portion 42 at the bottom side while the haptic generator(s) 43 are housed within the lower housing portion 42 and mounted to the haptic generator interface 23 via the windows 44. A top side 31 of the upper housing portion 41 is configured to receive and position the mop head 16 thereupon. A mop pad 14 is removably attachable to the bottom side 32 covering the haptic generator interface 23. By depressing the switch actuator 28, the user selectively activates the haptic generator generator(s) 43, which impart vibrations or vibratory motions 102 to the haptic generator interface 23 thereby further imparting vibratory motions 102 into the mop pad 14 so as to help loosen surface laden dirt and / or debris coming into contact with the mop pad 14.

[0059] Once either the adaptor apparatus 12 or the adaptor apparatus 13 is switched on by way of the button switch actuator 28 and the switch 60, the haptics or haptic generator(s) 43 generate a vibratory wave pattern which stimulates the haptic generator interface 23. The haptic generator interface 23 transfers the wave pattern haptic energy into the mop pad 14 providing constant vibratory motion 102 at the mop pad 14. This causes the mop head pad 14 to drive the vibratory motion / energy 102 between the mop pad 14 and the surface 100 as exemplified by a floor surface. In effect, the mop pad 14 is in constant changing motion with respect to the surface 100. This helps to break the bond between the surface 100 and dirt or debris that is attached to the surface 100.

[0060] By providing such a pad mop ensemble and adaptor apparatus, the mop pads 14 are enabled to collect additional dirt / debris from the surface 100. Further, since the surface contact area between the mop pad 14 and the surface 100 is ever-changing due to the oscillatory action of the vibratory motions 102, a greater surface area of the mop pad 14 is exposed to the dirt / debris on the surface 100 when in use. In summary, the haptic generator interface 23 and haptic generators 43 help loosen the surface-based dirt / debris and help the mop pad 14 to accept relatively more dirt / debris than an arrangement devoid of intermediary vibrational motions 102. It is further noted that if a cleaning solution were to also be used, the resulting dirt / debris laden solution formed at the surface 100, the ever-changing mop pad 14 contact points with the surface 100 during the vibratory motions 102 thereof, the surface 100 may be wiped to an even cleaner degree. In connection with adaptor apparatus 12, the reader is generally directed to FIGS. 3 and 12 through 14B. Comparatively referencing FIGS. 3 and 12 through 14B, the reader will see vibratory motions 102 imparted at the surface 100 by way of the adaptor apparatus 12. FIG. 13 depicts a more traditional, relatively simple pad mop 10 with mop head 16 and mop pad 14 attached to the mop head 16 intermediate the mop head 16 and the surface 100. The mop head 16 and mop pad 14 are directed to and fro as at arrows 103 wiping the first dirt / debris laden surface 105 resulting in dirt / debris collection upon the mop pad 14 further depicted in FIG. 14B diagrammatically depicting a first dirt / debris collection at 129. The pattern depicted at the first dirt / debris laden surface 105 comprises a series of relatively densely arranged lines depicting a less clean or first dirt / debris laden surface 105 corresponding to a mop pad 14 having a relatively thinner arrangement of lines to depict a lesser degree of dirt / debris collection as at first dirt / debris collection at 129.

[0061] FIG. 12, in contrast to FIG. 13, depicts a more traditional, relatively simple pad mop 10 with mop head 16 seated upon an adaptor apparatus 12 thereby together providing a first pad mop ensemble with a mop pad 14 attached to the adaptor apparatus 12 or resulting ensemble intermediate the adaptor apparatus 12 and the surface 100. The mop head 16 is seated upon the adaptor apparatus 12 and the mop pad 14 interfaces intermediate the adaptor apparatus 12 and the surface 100 once the ensemble is directed as at arrow 107 into engagement with the surface 100. The ensemble and mop pad 14 may then be directed to and fro as at arrows 103 wiping the second dirt / debris laden surface 104 resulting in dirt / debris collection upon the mop pad 14 depicted in FIG. 14A diagrammatically depicting a second dirt / debris collection at 128.

[0062] The pattern depicted at the second dirt / debris laden surface 104 comprises a relatively thinner arrangement of lines depicting a relatively cleaner or second dirt / debris laden surface 104 corresponding to a mop pad 14 having relatively a relatively denser arrangement of lines to depict a greater degree of dirt / debris collection as at second dirt / debris collection at 128. Comparatively referencing FIG. 14A versus FIG. 14B, the reader will there see greater dirt / debris collection upon mop pad 14 at 128 depicted in FIG. 14A as compared to lesser dirt / debris collection upon mop pad 14 at 129 depicted in FIG. 14B. It will thus be understood the adaptor apparatus 12 provides a greater degree of dirt / debris collection 128 when used in combination with the pad mop 10 as opposed to a mop pad 14 attached directly to a pad mop 10.

[0063] In connection with adaptor apparatus 13, the reader is directed to FIGS. 4, 22, 23, and 24. Comparatively referencing FIGS. 4, 22, 23, and 24, the reader will see vibratory motions 102 imparted at the surface 100 by way of the adaptor apparatus 13. FIG. 23 depicts a relatively complex pad mop 11 with mop head 16’ (of a slightly different configuration as compared to mop head 16) and a corresponding mop pad 14 attached to the mop head 16’ intermediate the mop head 16’ and the surface 100. The mop head 16’ and mop pad 14 are directed to and fro as at arrows 103 wiping the first dirt / debris laden surface 105 resulting in a lesser degree of dirt / debris collection upon the mop pad 14, not specifically depicted, but on par with what is otherwise shown in FIG. 14B. The pattern depicted at the first dirt / debris laden surface 105 does, however, comprise a series of relatively densely arranged lines depicting a less clean or first dirt / debris laden surface 105 reminiscent of the descriptions above.

[0064] FIG. 22, in contrast to FIG. 23, depicts a relatively complex pad mop 11 with mop head 16’ seated upon adaptor apparatus 13 with a mop pad 14 attached to the adaptor apparatus 13 intermediate the adaptor apparatus 13 and the surface 100. The mop head 16’ is seated upon the adaptor apparatus 13 and the mop pad 14 interfaces intermediate the adaptor apparatus 13 and the surface 100 once the ensemble is directed as at arrow 107 into engagement with the surface 100. The ensemble and mop pad 14 may then be directed to and fro as at arrows 103 effectively wiping the second dirt / debris laden surface 104 resulting in dirt / debris collection upon the mop pad 14 depicted in FIG. 24 diagrammatically depicting a second dirt / debris collection at 128. The pattern depicted at the second dirt / debris laden surface 104 comprises a relatively thinner arrangement of lines depicting a cleaner or second dirt / debris laden surface 104 corresponding to a mop pad 14 having a relatively denser arrangement of lines to depict a greater degree of dirt / debris collection as at second dirt / debris collection at 128. It will be understood the adaptor apparatus 13 provides a greater degree of dirt / debris collection 128 as compared to wiping / mopping the surface with the arrangement depicted in FIG. 23.

[0065] The primary difference between the adaptor apparatus 12 and the adaptor apparatus 13 stems from the overall size and shape configurations thereof. The adaptor apparatus depicted and referenced at 12 comprises a relatively abbreviated overall length 109 as compared to the overall length 114 of the adaptor apparatus 13. The adaptor apparatus 12 is designed to be used with relatively simplified pad mops 10 generally having a relatively simplified mop head 16 of a standard size having a mop head length 110 extending between laterally opposed mop head sides 40 and a mop head width 111 extending between a back mop head side 38 and a front mop head side 39 as referenced in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the top side 31 of the adaptor apparatus 12 comprises a headsupporting platform portion 49. In some embodiments, the head-supporting platform portion 49 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the haptic generator interface 23. The headsupporting platform portion 49 has a platform length corresponding to or substantially equal to the overall length 109 and a platform width 108. The platform length 109 and the platform width 108 respectively correspond to the mop head length 110 and the mop head width 111 such that the mop head 16 may seat down upon the head-supporting platform portion 49 at the top side 31 as at arrow 106 in FIGS. 8 and 11. Comparatively referencing FIG. 12 versus FIG. 13, the reader will there consider the dimensional characteristics of the mop head 16 essentially fit or match the first and second dimensional characteristics of the head- supporting platform portion 49 to provide a streamlined ensemble for use.

[0066] More particularly, the adaptor apparatus 12 comprises a top side 31, a bottom side 32, laterally opposed sides 33, a back side 34, and a front side 35. The mop head 16 depicted in FIG. 6 is generally rectangular in first and second dimensions. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the head-supporting platform portion 49 is generally rectangular having parallel laterally opposed sides 33 and a back side 34 parallel to the front side 35. In some embodiments, the button switch actuator 28 extends upwardly from the head-supporting platform portion 49 at the back side 34 adjacent an upwardly protruding housing portion 29.

[0067] The length 130 of the button switch actuator 28 extends along a first portion of the overall length 109 and the upwardly protruding housing portion 29 extends along a second portion of the overall length 109 to provide a head-alignment structure 50 for aiding the user in positioning the mop head 16 upon the head-supporting platform portion 49 when seating the mop head 16 thereupon. In some embodiments, the head- alignment structure 50 is formed at the back side 34 of the adaptor apparatus 12. In some embodiments, the upwardly protruding housing portion 29 at the head- alignment structure 50 houses the power source compartment 46 within the upper housing portion 41.

[0068] The head- alignment structure 50 extends along the overall length 109 in some embodiments as illustrated in connection with adaptor apparatus 12. The head-alignment structure 50 comprises an aligner width 121 and an aligner height 112 as depicted and referenced in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 11. In some embodiments, the mop head 16 comprises a certain depth or thickness 113 corresponding to the aligner height 112 such that when the mop head 16 is seated down 106 upon the head-supporting platform portion 49, the ensemble comprises a substantially uniform or planar upper ensemble surface as generally depicted at plane 131 in FIG. 2. Together the platform width 108 and the aligner width 121 provide an overall apparatus width 123 configured to be structurally manageable during use of the adaptor apparatus 12 as directed 103 over a surface 100 to be cleaned. The length 130 of the button switch actuator 28 is configured to cooperate with a user’s foot width as a user depresses the switch actuator 28 to switch on / off the adaptor apparatus 12 via the switch 60.

[0069] In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus 12 may further comprise matable structures to help removably fasten opposed ensemble structures or components to one another. In this regard, it will be recalled the mop head 16 seats down as at 106 upon the head- supporting platform portion 49 of the adaptor apparatus 12 and may be properly positioned thereupon with the alignment aid of the head- alignment structure 50. The mop head 16 may comprise a first type of matable material as at 25 at an underside thereof which first type of matable material 25 mates with a second type of matable material 26 mounted upon the head-supporting platform portion 49 of the adaptor apparatus 12. In some embodiments, the matable materials 25 and 26 may extend lengthwise along the headsupporting platform portion 49 and correspondingly lengthwise along the underside of the mop head 16. In some embodiments, the matable materials 25 and 26 may comprise spaced, parallel strips of matable materials extending lengthwise. In some embodiments, the matable materials 25 and 26 may be exemplified by VELCRO® brand hook and loop fastening materials.

[0070] In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus 12 may further comprise a matable material 27 at the bottom side 32 of the unit for mating with a mop pad 14. Recalling the bottom side 32 is outfitted with a haptic generator interface 23, the reader will note the haptic generator interface 23 extends lengthwise along the bottom side 32 of the lower housing portion 42 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the haptic generator interface 23 is positioned intermediate the front side 35 and the back side 34 such that matable material 27 may be positioned on either side of the haptic generator interface 23 extending lengthwise there alongside.

[0071] It will be further recalled, the haptic generator interface 23 is also planar in some embodiments. Together the matable materials 27 and the haptic generator interface 23 enable or provide a substantially planar attachment surface as essentially depicted at surface 100 in FIG. 3 for flattening the mop pad 14 so as to maximize contact surface area between the mop pad 14 and the underlying surface 100 to be cleaned. Traditional mop pads 14 comprise or are formed from a material having inherent matability (e.g., loop type material) with the matable materials 27 as also exemplified by at least VELCRO® brand hook fastening materials. The adaptor apparatus depicted and referenced at 13 comprises a relatively longer overall length 114 as compared to the overall length 109 of the adaptor apparatus 12. In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus 13 is designed to be used with relatively complex pad mops 11 having a relatively complex mop head 16’ of a certain non-rectangular configuration as generally depicted in FIG. 16. Referencing FIG. 16, the reader will there see a quadrilateral form of the mop head 16’, and more particularly, an isosceles trapezoidal form wherein the front mop head side 38 is relatively abbreviated in length as at front side length 119 as compared to the back mop head side 39 having a back side length 117 defined by the lateral sides 37 obliquely angled relative to the front and back mop head sides 38 and 39. In other words, in some embodiments, the mop head 16’ has a back side mop head length 117, a front side mop head length 119, and a mop head width 118.

[0072] In some embodiments, the top side 31 of the adaptor apparatus 13 comprises a headsupporting platform portion 52. In some embodiments, the head-supporting platform portion 52 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the haptic generator interface 23. In some embodiments, the head-supporting platform portion has a backside length 114 corresponding to the back side mop head length 117; a front side length 116 corresponding to the front side mop head length 119, and a platform width 115 corresponding to the mop head width 118 such that the mop head 16’ may seat down upon the head- supporting platform portion 52 at the top side 31 as at arrow 106 in FIG. 18.

[0073] Comparatively referencing FIG. 22 versus FIG. 23, the reader will there consider the dimensional characteristics of the mop head 16’ fit the dimensional characteristics of the head- supporting platform portion 52 to provide a streamlined ensemble for use. More particularly, the adaptor apparatus 13 comprises a top side 31, a bottom side 32, laterally opposed sides 36, a back side 34, and a front side 35. In some embodiments, the laterally opposed sides 36 are obliquely angled relative to the back and front sides 34 / 35. The mop head 16’ depicted in FIG. 16 is generally of an isosceles trapezoidal form and accordingly, in some embodiments, the head-supporting platform portion 52 is also of such a form having an abbreviated front side 35 extending parallel to the longer back side 34 with non-parallel laterally opposed sides 36.

[0074] In some embodiments, the button switch actuator 28 of the adaptor apparatus 13 extends upwardly from the head-supporting platform portion 52 at the back side 34 intermediate laterally opposed and upwardly protruding housing portions 30. The length 130 of the button switch actuator 28 extends along a first portion of the back side length 114 (greater than the front side length 116 as illustrated) and the upwardly protruding housing portions 30 extend along opposed portions of the back side length 114 such that the overall length 124 of the head-alignment structure 51 at the back side 34 is relatively shorter in length that the back side length 114 in some embodiments.

[0075] In some embodiments, the overall length 124 of the head- alignment structure 51 is also relative shorter in length than the front side length 116. As with the head-alignment structure 50 of adaptor apparatus 12, the head-alignment structure 51 of adaptor apparatus 13 aids the user in positioning or aligning the mop head 16’ upon the head- supporting platform portion 52 when the mop head 16’ is seated down thereupon. In some embodiments, at least one or both of the upwardly protruding housing portions 30 may house or provide a power source compartment 46 within the upper housing portion 41.

[0076] In other words, the head- alignment structure 51 extends along a portion of either the front side length 116 or the back side length 114 as perhaps most clearly seen in FIG. 15, and in contrast to the head- alignment structure 50 of the adaptor apparatus 12. Similar to the head- alignment structure 50, however, the head-alignment structure 51 comprises an aligner width 121 and an aligner height 112 as comparatively depicted and referenced in FIGS. 15, 17, and 18. In some embodiments, the mop head 16’ comprises a certain depth or thickness 113 corresponding to the aligner height 112 such that when seated down 106 upon the headsupporting platform portion 52, the ensemble comprises a substantially uniform or planar upper ensemble surface as at plane 131 depicted and referenced in FIG. 4. Together the platform width 108 and the aligner width 121 provide an overall apparatus width 123 configured to be structurally manageable during use of the adaptor apparatus 13 as directed over a surface 100 to be cleaned. The length 130 of the button switch actuator 28 is configured to cooperate with a user’s foot width as a user depresses the switch actuator 28 to switch on / off the adaptor apparatus 13.

[0077] In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus 13 may further comprise matable structures to help removably fasten opposed ensemble structures or elements to one another. In this regard, it will be recalled the mop head 16’ seats down 106 upon the head- supporting platform portion 52 of the adaptor apparatus 13 and may be properly positioned thereupon with the aid of the head- alignment structure 51. The mop head 16’ may comprise a first type of matable material as at 25 at an underside thereof which first type of matable material 25 mates with a second type of matable material 26 mounted upon head-supporting platform portion 52 of the adaptor apparatus 13. In some embodiments, the matable materials 25 and 26 may extend lengthwise along the head-supporting platform portion 52 and lengthwise along the underside of the mop head 16’. In some embodiments, the matable materials 25 and 26 may comprise spaced, parallel strips of matable materials extending lengthwise. In some embodiments, the matable materials 25 and 26 may be exemplified by VELCRO® brand hook and loop fastening materials.

[0078] In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatus 13 may further comprise a matable material 27 at the bottom side 32 of the unit for mating with a mop pad 14. Recalling the bottom side 32 is outfitted with a haptic generator interface 23, the reader will note the haptic generator interface 23 extends lengthwise along the bottom side 32 of the lower housing portion 42 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the haptic generator interface 23 is positioned intermediate the front side 35 and the back side 34 such that matable material 27 may be positioned on either side of the haptic generator interface 23 extending lengthwise there alongside. It will be further recalled the haptic generator interface 23 is also planar in some embodiments. Together the matable materials 27 and the haptic generator interface 23 enable or provide a substantially planar attachment surface for flattening the mop pad 14 so as to maximize contact surface area between the mop pad 14 and the underlying surface 100 to be cleaned. Traditional mop pads 14 comprise or are formed from a material having inherent matability (e.g., loop type material) with the matable materials 27 as also exemplified by at least VELCRO® brand hook fastening materials.

[0079] It will be recalled that relatively complex flat head pad mops as generically depicted and referenced at 11 may further comprise a cleaning solution sprayer assembly that selectively dispenses cleaning solution 21 from an orifice 22 via the hand-operable mechanism such a s a trigger 19. Cleaning solutions 21 may be held or contained within a cleaning solution holding vessel as at 17. The presently disclosed subject matter further contemplates an ensemble that adapts a standard cleaning solution vessel 17 to accept nonozonated water and create ozonated water on board the pad mop 11. In some embodiments, water may be separately ozonated and placed into the cleaning solution vessel 17 as attached to the pad mop 11. It is contemplated that separately ozonated water may be directed into the cleaning solution vessel 17 in those applications requiring high volumes of ozonated water. In this regard, the presently disclosed subject matter contemplates a separate ozonated water / solution vessel as at 18 which, in some embodiments, is in fluid communication with the cleaning solution vessel 17 to direct ozonated water / solution thereinto for further dispensing through the orifice 22. It is noted that ozonated water is recognized to eliminate the viability of viruses and bacteria thereby providing a disinfecting option in addition to the enhanced cleaning capabilities of the presently disclosed subject matter. In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatuses 12 / 13 may further comprise certain illumination means or an illumination mechanism for aiding the user in visually inspecting the surface 100 being cleaned as, for example, in low light conditions. In some embodiments, the adaptor apparatuses 12 / 13 may comprise at least one light source, and in some embodiments, the apparatuses may comprise at least two laterally opposed Light- Emitting Diodes or LED’s as generally depicted and referenced at 47 in FIGS. 22 and 25. The illumination means as exemplified by LED’s 47 are operable via the button switch actuator 28, in some embodiments, to direct light or illumination outwardly from the apparatuses 12 / 13 to illuminate areas in adjacency thereto. In some embodiments, the LED’s may be positioned at the front side 35 of the units in laterally spaced relation to direct light or illumination 49 in a forward direction as generally depicted in FIG. 22 in connection with adaptor apparatus 13.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pad mop ensemble for imparting vibratory motion into a mop pad for increasing pad-to-surface contacts and improving surface cleansing, the pad mop ensemble comprising, in combination: a pad mop, the pad mop comprising an elongate handle portion and a mop head attached to a lower end of the elongate handle portion; and an adaptor apparatus comprising a haptic generator, a haptic generator interface, and circuitry for electrically communicating power to said haptic generator for selectively imparting vibratory motion to the haptic generator interface; the mop head being removably attachable to the adaptor apparatus and the adaptor apparatus being positionable over the mop pad and such that the mop pad covers at least a portion of the haptic generator interface; said haptic generator being selectively operable to direct vibratory motion into the mop pad via the haptic generator interface for imparting vibratory motion into the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contacts thereby improving surface cleansing as a user advances the mop pad across a surface via the pad mop.

2. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 1 , wherein the adaptor apparatus comprises a head-supporting platform portion configured to support the mop head as seated thereupon when the user advances the mop pad across the surface.

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

4. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 2, wherein the adaptor apparatus comprises a head- alignment structure for aligning the mop head when being seated down atop the head-receiving platform portion.

5. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 4, wherein the head- alignment structure extends upwardly from the head-supporting platform portion at a select side thereof.

6. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 4, wherein the head- alignment structure comprises an aligner height corresponding to a mop head thickness of the mop head so as to provide a substantially uniform upper ensemble surface formed from a mop head upper surface and a head- alignment structure upper surface when the mop head is seated down upon the head-supporting platform portion.

7. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 5, wherein the head- alignment structure is positioned at a back side of the adaptor apparatus.

8. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 2, wherein the head- supporting platform portion extends in parallel relation to the haptic generator interface.

9. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 8, wherein the haptic generator interface is attached to an exterior portion of the adaptor apparatus at a bottom side thereof.

10. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the headsupporting platform portion and the bottom side comprises a matable material for mating with opposed structures received thereat.

11. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 10, wherein the bottom side comprises opposed matable materials extending along the haptic generator interface for mating with the mop pad on opposite sides thereof.

12. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 11, wherein the opposed matable materials and the haptic generator interface together extend within a pad-receiving plane so as to flatten the mop pad for increasing pad-to- surface contact and improving surface cleansing as the user advances the planar mop pad across the surface.

13. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 10, wherein the mop head and the headsupporting platform portion each comprise matable materials for matably mounting the mop head upon the head- supporting platform when seated down thereupon.

14. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 1, wherein the pad mop comprises a liquid delivery mechanism for enabling the user to selectively deposit an ozonated aqueous solution upon the surface, the ozonated aqueous solution being deliverable intermediate the mop pad and the surface for disinfecting the surface as the mop pad advances over the surface.

15. The pad mop ensemble according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor apparatus comprises an illumination mechanism for selectively illuminating the surface during cleansing action.

16. An adaptor apparatus for imparting vibratory motion into a mop pad for increasing pad-to-surface contacts and improving surface cleansing, the adaptor apparatus comprising: a haptic generator, a haptic generator interface, and circuitry for electrically communicating power to said haptic generator for selectively imparting vibratory motion to the haptic generator interface; said haptic generator interface being positionable over the mop pad such that the mop pad covers at least a portion of the haptic generator interface, the haptic generator being selectively operable to direct vibratory motion into the mop pad via the haptic generator interface for imparting vibratory motion into the mop pad and increasing pad-to-surface contacts thereby improving surface cleansing as the mop pad advances across a surface.

17. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the adaptor apparatus comprises a head-supporting platform portion configured to support the mop head as seated thereupon when the user advances the mop pad across the surface.

18. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the head-supporting platform portion has a platform length and platform width respectively configured to correspond to mop head length and mop head width of the mop head.

19. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the adaptor apparatus comprises a head- alignment structure for aligning the mop head when being seated down atop the head-receiving platform portion.

20. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the head-alignment structure extends upwardly from the head-supporting platform portion at a select side thereof.

21. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the head-alignment structure comprises an aligner height corresponding to a mop head thickness so as to provide a substantially uniform upper ensemble surface formed from a mop head upper surface and a head- alignment structure upper surface when the mop head is seated down upon the head- supporting platform portion.

22. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the head-alignment structure is positioned at a back side of the adaptor apparatus.

23. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the head-supporting platform portion extends in parallel relation to the haptic generator interface.

24. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the haptic generator interface is attached to an exterior portion of the adaptor apparatus at a bottom side thereof.

25. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 24, wherein at least one of the headsupporting platform portion and the bottom side comprises a matable material for mating with opposed structures received thereat.

26. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the bottom side comprises opposed matable materials extending along the haptic generator interface for mating with the mop pad on opposite sides thereof.

27. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the opposed matable materials and the haptic generator interface together extend within a pad-receiving plane so as to flatten the mop pad for increasing pad-to- surface contacts and improving surface cleansing as the user advances the mop pad across the surface.

28. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the mop head and the headsupporting platform portion each comprise matable materials for matably mounting the mop head upon the head- supporting platform when seated down thereupon.

29. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the adaptor apparatus comprises an illumination mechanism for selectively illuminating the surface during cleansing thereof.

30. The adaptor apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the illumination mechanism is positioned at a front side of the adaptor apparatus for illuminating the surface at the front side during cleansing thereof.

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