A foldable mop head

Abstract

The invention relates to a foldable mop head, comprising: (a) a mop frame that is divided into two frame sections, (b) a mop frame folding mechanism configured to facilitate a respective folding of said two frame sections between two or more selectable angular folding positions, and (c) a mop stick coupler configured to receive a mop stick, wherein said mop frame folding mechanism comprises a pivotal joint whereby said frame sections rotatably engage, and a clinging arrangement which is configured to force clinging between pivotal joint members associated with said frame sections, thereby to stably maintain a selected folding position therebetween, whereas when said clinging arrangement is disengaged, one or both of said frame sections may be rotatably shifted between two or more selectable angular folding positions

Description

A FOLDABLE MOP HEADFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to surface cleaning devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a foldable mop head, suitable for use with various mops, brooms, wipers, and the like, such as with foldable squeegee mops.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various types of mops, brooms, and the like are in use for epochs for sweeping and wiping different (substantially flat) surfaces. While the basic function of mops / brooms remains the same, various versions of mops, brooms, and the like are offered in the market with certain modifications and improvements, such as detergent sprayers, cleaning cloth clamps, and extendable mop sticks / handles.

[0003] The present invention is directed at providing a foldable mop, of which basic functions are enhanced by utilizing a simple adjustment mechanism.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the first aspect, the present invention relates to a foldable mop head, comprising: (a) a mop frame that is divided into two frame sections, (b) a mop frame folding mechanism configured to facilitate a respective folding of the two frame sections between two or more selectable angular folding positions, and (c) a mop stick coupler configured to receive a mop stick, wherein the mop frame folding mechanism comprises a pivotal joint whereby the frame sections rotatably engage, and a clinging arrangement which is configured to force clinging between pivotal joint members associated with the frame sections and, thereby, to stably maintain the frame sections at selected folding position, whereas when the clinging arrangement is disengaged, one or both of the frame sections may be rotatably shifted between two or more selectable angular folding positions.

[0005] In another aspect, the invention relates to a foldable mop, comprising: (a) the abovementioned foldable mop head, and (b) a mop stick attached to the mop stick coupler of thefoldable mop head. Optionally, the mop stick is adapted with a mid-joint that divides the mop stick into two, respectively foldable, sections.

[0006] In any of the above aspects of the present invention, the foldable mop head may further comprise a mop stick folding mechanism configured to enable folding of the mop stick coupler, optionally with a mop stick connected thereto, to a selectable folding angle relative to the mop head and to maintain the selected folding angle.

[0007] In certain embodiments of the invention, the clinging arrangement of the abovementioned foldable mop head may be configured as a spring-loaded clinging arrangement that may comprise a compressed spring or an alternative elastically compressed element.

[0008] In certain embodiments of the invention, the abovementioned pivotal joint members comprise two shafts, each of which is connected to a different frame section. The two shafts may be correspondingly cogged and / or concentrically threaded.

[0009] The abovementioned mop head frame may be configured to receive a continuous or divided squeegee blade.

[0010] In any of the above embodiments or in combined embodiments thereof, the abovementioned clinging arrangement may comprise a liftable handle for engaging / disengaging the clinging arrangement. Optionally, the liftable handle comprises an elastic region utilized as an alternative elastically compressed element.

[0011] The abovementioned mop frame folding mechanism may also comprise two or more folding restriction arms configured to engage with the frame sections to restrict respective folding thereof, wherein one or more folding restriction arms, which may be part of or connected with the abovementioned liftable handle, may disengage from the frame sections correspondingly with the disengagement of the clinging arrangement, such as when the liftable arm is being lifted.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] For a better understanding of various embodiments of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried out, reference is made in the following detailed description, by way of example, to the accompanying illustrative drawings, in which:- Fig. 1A-1B illustrate a foldable mop according to certain embodiments of the present invention;- Fig. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary configuration of a foldable mop head, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Figs. 3A and 3B are perspective and top views of a foldable mop head, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate a gradual lifting of a section of the foldable mop head of Fig. 2 before respectively folding its sections, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Figs. 5A and 5B are perspectives of a foldable mop head with its sections folded at a 90- degree, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Figs. 6A and 6B are perspectives of a foldable mop head following the operation of both mop head and stick mechanisms to obtain a 90-degree respective folding between the mop head frame sections and to incline an associated mop stick 110 to a desired angle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig. 7 is an exploded view that illustrates an alternatively configured foldable mop head configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate perspectives views of a mop head with different angular folding positions between its frame sections and with different folding positions of the mop stick coupler, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of a mop head adapted with an auxiliary folding restriction arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and- Fig. 10 is a side view of a mop head adapted with an auxiliary mop head sweeping support, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] In the above drawings, details of the invention are illustrated to provide a fundamental understanding of the invention, where the following detailed description, taken with thedrawings, makes it apparent to those skilled in the art how certain embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in practice.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention provides a foldable mop head, such as a squeegee mop, which is configured with foldable and adjustable portions that enhance its basic mopping capabilities and broaden its operational envelope, as further explained herein.

[0015] In one aspect, the foldable mop head of the present invention comprises a mop stick / handle folding mechanism that allows the folding of a mop stick attached thereto to a desired range of folding angles relative to the working surface (e.g., floor or window) to enable the maneuvering of the mop into hard-reaching locations, for instance, below furniture. In certain embodiments, the range of folding angles may include one or more temporary lockable folding positions.

[0016] In another aspect, the foldable mop of the present invention comprises a split mop head, comprising two sections, also referred to herein as “left side / section” and “right side / section” of the mop head, where a mop head folding mechanism is provided to facilitate the folding of one or both sections of the mop head into a desired angle therebetween, for instance, within the range of 90-180 degrees, and to stably maintain the desired folding angle while using the foldable mop, or while storing the same between uses. For example, for sweeping water accumulated at a room corner, the foldable mop head sections (e.g., a squeegee mop head) may be folded to obtain a right angle, thus forming a corner with its blade, to enable effective sweeping of water from that room corner.

[0017] In the following detailed description, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are discussed and illustrated, where references are made to accompanying drawings. These embodiments and accompanying drawings should be understood as non-limiting examples of implementing the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “optionally“, “for instance”, “for example”, “exemplary”, “e.g.,”, “may”, etc., refer to optional features being selected in certain embodiments of the invention for the sake of simplicity and clear explanation. It should beunderstood, however, that optional features mentioned in different embodiments may be used, in conjunction and / or separately, to carry out further embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figs. 1A and IB illustrate a foldable mop 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Mop 100 comprises a mop stick 110 and a mop head 120. Mop stick 110 may be a common stick used with mops, brooms, and the like, having a common mop head attachment such as a threaded end for coupling the same with mop head 120.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the present invention, mop head 120 comprises a mop frame 121 that is divided into two frame sections 121a and 121b, that can be folded respectively to form a desirable angle therebetween, such as a right angle (Fig. IB), by utilizing a mop frame folding mechanism 124 discussed hereinafter. In specific embodiments of the present invention, mop head 120 further comprises a mop stick folding mechanism 125 that facilitates the folding of stick 110 relative to mop head 120 and to the surface underneath, thereby enabling users of mop 100 to access and maneuver mop head 120 at hard-reaching areas.

[0020] Optionally, mop stick 110 is adapted with a mid-joint 111, dividing the mop stick into two foldable sections having a selectable folding angle therebetween. For example, as illustrated in Fig. IB, mop head 120 is substantially vertical (i.e., relative to the surface below), the bottom portion of stick 110 is nearly horizontal, and the top portion thereof extends upwardly. Such configuration may be significantly beneficial for reaching areas below / above heavy objects that are hard to move, such as heavy furniture. Joint 111 may be selected from common mechanical joints such as knuckle joints, saddle joints, and any other rotational joints.

[0021] For the sake of simplicity, mop head 120 is illustrated, e.g., in Figs. 1A and IB with a frame 121 that is adapted to receive and stably carry a squeegee blade 122. Nevertheless, in different implementations of the present invention, the profile of frame 121 may be selected from a multitude of profiles that are suitable for coupling with and carrying various types of mops, floor cloths, sponges, broom brushes, and the like. Furthermore, while a single blade 122 may be attached to both sections 121a and 121b, two separate blades may be attached thereto. Notably, when a single blade 122 is used, it may comprise an elastic middle section to allow the folding of the two sides relative to one another when folding any of sections 121a and 121b.

[0022] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary configuration of a foldable mop head 120, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Mop head 120 is configured with a mop frame folding mechanism 124 that comprises a pivotal joint, whereby sections 121a and 121b rotatably engage.

[0023] The pivotal joint comprises a first cogged shaft 221 that extends upwardly from frame section 121b, and a second cogged shaft 222 that laterally extends from a pedestal 223, which may be molded as an integrative part of frame section 121a or may be a separate part mounted thereon. The shape, size, and position of cogged shafts 221 and 222 relative to sections 121a and 121b are interrelated so that shaft 222 is concentrically positioned above shaft 221. Accordingly, shaft 222 is adapted with a cogged bottom face, whereas shaft 221 is designed with a cogged top face, where the cogs of both shafts are arranged to allow engagement of both cogged shafts at predetermined folding angles and angular folding positions between sections 121a and 121b.

[0024] For example, the cogs of shafts 221 and 222 may be predesigned with determined angular length and deployment, so that the cogs of shaft 221 will align with the corresponding depressions between the cogs of shaft 222 and, thus, allow tight engagement thereof when sections 121a and 121b are coaxial, or folded respectively to form, e.g., 150-, 120-, and 90-degree folding angles therebetween. The engaged cogs of shafts 221 and 222 prevent unintentional rotation of sections 121a and 121b.

[0025] To facilitate the shifting of sections 121a and 121b between different folding positions and stably maintain a selected folding position while using mop 100, frame folding mechanism 124 may further utilize a clinging arrangement that forces clinging between the pivotal joint members associated with sections 121a and 121b, such as between the cogged shafts 221 and 222. For example, the clinging arrangement may be a spring-loaded clinging arrangement substantially consisting of a core cylinder 224 that is threaded through shaft 222, with its bottom end affixed within shaft 221 (i.e., below shaft 222), and a spring limiter cap 225 is attached on its top end (i.e., above shaft 222). The length of core cylinder 224 is interrelated to the height of shafts 221 and 222 to leave a gap between shaft 222 and limiter cap 225, where an elastically compressed element such as a spring 226 is threaded on core cylinder 224, is compressed. Thecompressed spring 226 exerts a downward force that forces shaft 222 to firmly engage with shaft 221, thus firmly maintaining the selected folding position. The connection between the bottom end of core cylinder 224 and shaft 222 may be further secured by a securement bolt 221a that threads across the wall of shaft 221 and presses or is threaded into the core cylinder 224. Furthermore, the clinging force downwardly applied by spring 226 on shaft 222 may be adjusted by either selecting a different spring 226, e.g., having a higher spring constant or using a stretching mechanism that presses and releases the spring. Alternatively, the clinging force may be adjusted by threading limiter cap 225 to different extents with the top portion of core cylinder 224, thereby adjusting the gap between limiter cap 225 and shaft 222 and, thus, the compression of spring 226. In alternative embodiments, the clinging of shafts 221 and 222 and its release is carried out by utilizing a different elastically compressed element, such as the elastically compressible region 724a of Fig. 7.

[0026] Accordingly, to allow the respective shifting of sections 121a and 121b between different folding positions, section 121a is lifted relative to section 121b, thus disengaging the cogged shafts 221 and 222 and allowing respective rotation between sections 121a and 121b. Therefore, in certain embodiments, a folding handle 227 is attached to pedestal 223, providing a convenient grasp for lifting section 121a, thereby the user of foldable mop 100 can lift handle 227 while maintaining section 121b on the floor, thus disengaging the clinging arrangement (i.e., relieving the clinging force applied by spring 226 on shaft 222) and shafts 221 and 222, thereby enabling the rotatable shifting of section 121a relative to 121b. Upon reaching a selected folding position, the user may release handle 227 or gradually lower the same, thus re-engaging the clinging arrangement where spring 226 forces the re-engagement of shafts 221 and 222 to maintain the selected position.

[0027] The mop stick folding mechanism 125 of foldable mop head 120 may further comprise a mop stick coupler 228 to which mop sticks 110 may connect, such as by external threads on the bottom end of stick 110 and corresponding internal threads within coupler 228. Coupler 228 is rotatably connected to limiter cap 225, for instance, in the form of a hinged saddle joint secured by a securement hinge 229. Thereby, stick 110 is in connection with section 121b through its connection with stick coupler 228 which connects with limiter cap 225, core cylinder 224, and frame section 121b. Accordingly, to shift sections 121a and 121b between angular foldingpositions, a user of mop 100 may grasp and lift handle 227 while maintaining stick 110 at its position, thus maintaining section 121b down, thereby disengaging shafts 221 and 222, then shifting section 121a to a desired folding position relative to the maintained section 121b, and releasing handle 227 to secure the selected folding position.

[0028] In certain embodiments of the present invention, handle 227 comprises a hollow portion 227a through which a mop stick 110 is threaded prior to its coupling with coupler 228. Such an arrangement can improve the coupling stability between stick 110 and coupler 228 and reduce undesired rotation moments therebetween. Furthermore, this configuration provides a stable operation of handle 224 such that the lifting thereof is slidingly supported by mop stick 110, namely, by the slid travel of hollow portion 227a along a mop stick 110 threaded therethrough. To facilitate this configuration, the connection between the lower portion 227b of handle 227 and the top portion 223a of pedestal 223 is a hinged connection as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0029] Figs. 3A and 3B are perspective and top views of foldable mop head 120, correspondingly, that illustrate mop head 120 with a mop stick 110 connected to coupler 228 and folded to a parallel position with the surface underneath, while sections 121a and 121b are coaxial, i.e., forming a 180-degree angular position therebetween. Notably, handle 227 is folded into a parallel position with stick 110, as may be allowed by the parallelism of the hinged connections between handle 227 and pedestal 223, and the hinged connection between stick coupler 228 and spring limiter 225, as indicated by centerline 301. The selected folding angle between stick 110 and mop head 120 may be obtained by un-tightening securement hinge 229, folding stick 110 together with handle 227 to a desired angle, and then tightening securement hinge 229 to maintain mop stick 110 at the selected stick folding angle.

[0030] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate a gradual lifting of section 121a relative to section 121b, resulting in the disengagement of shafts 221 and 222 and forming a gap 501 therebetween. As gap 501 reaches an extent at which the cogs of shafts 221 and 222 do not overlap (i.e., reaching the cogs’ height), section 121a can be rotated / folded respectively to section 121b. Notably, in this state spring 226 may be partially covered by limiter cap 225 and shaft 222.

[0031] Figs. 5A and 5B are perspectives of foldable mop head 120, with sections 121a and 121b respectively folded at a 90-degree angular position (Fig. 5A) while handle 227 and section 121a are lifted and stick 110 and section 121b are maintained down; and following a subsequential release of handle 227 and re-engagement of shafts 221 and 222 (Fig. 5B), where spring 226 is visible between limiter cap 225 and shaft 222.

[0032] Figs. 6A and 6B are perspectives of foldable mop head 120, following the operation of both mop head and stick mechanisms to obtain a 90-degree respective folding between sections 121a and 121b and to incline an associated mop stick 110 to a desired angle.

[0033] While operating mechanisms 124 and 125 should not interfere with each other, notably in the folded state of stick 110 (such as in Fig. 3 A) further folding sections 121a and 121b to a desirable folding position (i.e., by lifting the bottom portion of handle 227 while maintaining section 121b down) may require some effort. Therefore, completely separate mop folding and stick folding mechanisms 124 and 125 may be utilized, as further discussed hereinbelow.

[0034] Fig. 7 is an exploded view illustrating an alternatively configured foldable mop head 720, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The frame folding mechanism 124 of foldable mop head 720 utilizes an alternative pivotal joint in which cylindrical shaft 221 having a lateral extension 721 is correspondingly shaped as frame section 121b and respectively downsized to allow a threaded and tight-fitting coupling therewith.

[0035] Shaft 221 is concentrically threaded into a cylindrical shaft 222 having a lateral extension 722 which is threaded into frame section 121a and is shaped and sized to form a tight- fitting coupling therewith. Shaft 222 is hollow and is designed with an internal diameter that corresponds to the external diameter of shaft 221, to concentrically receive the same at a rotatable engagement.

[0036] The respective rotation angle of shaft 221 and shaft 222 may be limited by corresponding rotation limiters 721a and 722a, which are suitably deployed to limit the respective rotation of the shafts, at least in one direction, such as to a maximum of a 180-degree / flat angular position. Optionally, an auxiliary rotation limiter 723 is threaded into shaft 221 while erecting apre-sized protrusion 723a between limiters 721a and 722a to further limit the respective rotation of shafts 221 and 222, hence of sections 121a and 121b.

[0037] Frame folding mechanism 124 may further employ a clinging arrangement that forces clinging between the pivotal joint members related to sections 121a and 121b, such as between shafts 221 and 222. The clinging arrangement comprises a handle 724, which is threaded over shafts 221 and 222 and supports a limiter cap 725. Limiter cap 725 is clamped onto shafts 221 and 222 by a tightening bolt 725a threaded therethrough to the top portion of shaft 221. Such clamping results in increased friction between limiter cap 725 and the concentrically threaded shafts 221 and 222. Furthermore, in this state, shaft 222 is clamped between limiter cap 725 from above, and the lateral extension of shaft 221 from below. Thereby the clinging arrangement forces clinging between shafts 221 and 222, preventing respective rotation therebetween.

[0038] To shift sections 121a and 121b between selectable angular folding positions therebetween, bolt 725a is un-tightened, thus releasing the clamping of limiter cap 725, and the clinging of shafts 221 and 222 and allowing the shifting of section 121a to a desired folding position relative to section 122a while restraining the latter. Upon reaching a selected folding position, bolt 725a is tightened to shaft 221, thus clamping limiter cap 725 thereto.

[0039] Optionally, handle 724 may comprise an elastically compressible region 724a that acts similarly to spring 226 of Fig. 2, thus, the clinging arrangement operates as a spring-loaded clinging arrangement. Accordingly, shifting sections 121a and 121b between folding positions may be allowed by disengaging the clinging arrangement, such as by lifting handle 724 upwardly, thus, releasing the clinging between shafts 221 and 222. In this lifted state region 724a is further compressed. Subsequently, section 121a may be shifted to a desired folding position relative to section 122a while restraining the latter downwards. Upon reaching a desirable folding position handle 724 is released, thus allowing region 724a to expand to its initial state while forcing the clinging of shafts 221 and 222, thereby maintaining the selected folding position. The abovementioned clinging force may be adjusted by tightening / releasing bolt 725a and by a predetermined design of region 724a consisting of ribs and supports therebetween of preselected thickness and deployment that derive the stiffness level of region 724a similarly to choosing a spring 226 of a desirable spring constant.

[0040] In certain embodiments of the present invention, handle 724 comprises one or more folding restriction arms, such as arms 724b and 724c, adapted with one or more engagement grooves 724d (i.e., a single groove 724d per arm is shown in the embodiment of Fig. 7) that correspond to corresponding engagement protrusions 726 on sections 121a and 121b. The engagement positions (i.e., at respective folding of sections 121a and 121b) of grooves 724d and protrusions 726 constitute a detachable folding lock that, along with the clinging force of handle 724 with shaft 221 (i.e., provided by the tightening of cap 725 to shaft 221), maintain a selected angular folding position of sections 121a and 121b.

[0041] Further shown in Fig. 7 is mop stick folding mechanism 125, comprising a stick coupler 228 (i.e., to which a mop stick 110 may be connected) that rotatably connects with a stick coupler seat 724e which is part of or connected to handle 724. Seat 724e may be positioned in near proximity to the pivot of shafts 221 and 222 to reduce a potential rotation moment that may be applied when stick 110 is pressed downward. Furthermore, at its vertical or near-vertical position, stick 110 may be pulled up, thus pulling handle 724 upwardly and allowing the shifting of sections 121a and 121b between selectable respective folding positions therebetween.

[0042] Accordingly, stick 110 may be folded into different angles (i.e., relative to handle 724 or to the surface underneath), while sections 121aa and 121b may be folded to different respective folding positions, with no relationship between the folding operations and without requiring any specific order of operations of mechanisms 124 and 125.

[0043] Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate perspectives views of mop head 720 with different angular folding positions between sections 121a and 121b and with different folding positions of stick coupler 228. Specifically, Fig. 8A illustrates an acute folding angle of coupler 228, hence of a mop stick (not shown) that may be connected thereto, and an obtuse folding angle between sections 121a and 121b, whereas Fig. 8B illustrates a higher folding angle of stick coupler 228 and a 90-degree folding angle between sections 121a and 121b.

[0044] Notably, in Fig. 8A, engagement groove 724d of restriction arm 724b is engaged with protrusion 726 of section 121a, and its folding position relative to section 121b is maintained bythe clinging of arm 724 to shafts 221 and 222, whereas in Fig. 8B both restriction arms 724b and 724c are engaged with sections 121a and 121b, forming a 90-degree rotation limiter and setting the allowable folding angle range of between 90-180-degrees.

[0045] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the adjacent ends of sections 121a and 121b are adapted with corresponding diagonal depressions or voids that allow further folding thereof to respective angular folding positions in which the respective angle is smaller than 90 degrees, thereby enabling convenient storage of the mop while consuming reduced storage space.

[0046] Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of a mop head 720 adapted with an auxiliary folding restriction arm 901 adapted with an annular portion 901a threaded on the top portion of handle 724 while being restricted downwardly by limiter cap 725, thereby being firmly connected with handle 724, hence, when handle 724 is lifted up, all arms 724b, 724c, and 901 are lifted together.

[0047] Therefore, restriction arms 724b, 724c, and 901 provide three engagement positions between handle 724 and sections 121a and 121b at 180-degree and 90-degree respective folding. Correspondingly, further restriction arms and engagement protrusions 726 may be added to the mop head of the foldable mop of the present invention, to stably maintain sections 121a and 121b at any desirable number of selectable folding positions therebetween.

[0048] Fig. 10 is a side view of a mop head 720 adapted with an auxiliary mop head sweeping support 1001, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of Fig. 10, stick coupler 228 and a stick 110 attached therewith (not shown) are folded to a nearly parallel position with the surface below, for instance, to allow sweeping water from underneath a sofa. In such cases, to prevent uncontrolled rotation of frame 121 toward the floor (i.e., due to the pulling of coupler 228 during the sweeping action), sweeping support 1001 is attached (e.g., by threading, clamping, or any other attachment type) onto restriction arm 724c, to slidably support mop head 720 throughout the sweeping action.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a top limiter 1002 is rotatably connected to handle 724 or to limiter cap 725 by bolt 725 and is rotated to protrude above stick coupler 228 and prevent the abovementioned unintentional mop head rotation.

[0050] A multitude of modifications and additions of auxiliary accessories to the foldable mop of the present invention may be readily selected by a person skilled in the art to add optional enhancements without departing the scope of the present invention. For example, additional limiters may be attached to handle 724 to provide a firm grasp of a floor cloth disposed over frame 121 of the mop head. In certain embodiments of the invention, the distant ends are adapted with magnets that enable the chaining of two or more mop heads to form a long spillage blockage by squeegee blades engaged with the chained mop frames.

[0051] Furthermore, any of the components of the foldable mop of the present invention or its entirety may be produced in multiple different sizes and proportions while maintaining required interrelations therebetween that are explicitly described hereinabove as being essential to the proper operation of the foldable mop. For instance, the entire mop head, such as mop head 720, can be suitably downsized to form a foldable windows mop, such as to effectively clean the glass surface of a window, including corners thereof that are limited by the window frame.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A foldable mop head, comprising: a) a mop frame that is divided into two frame sections; and b) a mop frame folding mechanism configured to facilitate a respective folding of said two frame sections between two or more selectable angular folding positions; and c) a mop stick coupler configured to receive a mop stick, wherein said mop frame folding mechanism comprises a pivotal joint whereby said frame sections rotatably engage, and a clinging arrangement which is configured to force clinging between pivotal joint members associated with said frame sections and, thereby, to stably maintain a selected folding position therebetween, whereas when said clinging arrangement is disengaged, one or both of said frame sections may be rotatably shifted between two or more selectable angular folding positions.

2. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the clinging arrangement is configured as a spring-loaded clinging arrangement.

3. A foldable mop head according to claim 2, wherein the clinging arrangement comprises an elastically compressed element.

4. A foldable mop head according to claim 3, wherein the elastically compressed element is a spring.

5. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the pivotal joint members comprise two shafts, each of which is connected to a different frame section.

6. A foldable mop head according to claim 5, wherein the two shafts are correspondingly cogged.

7. A foldable mop head according to claim 5, wherein the two shafts are concentrically threaded.

8. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the mop head further comprises a mop stick folding mechanism configured to enable folding of the mop stick coupler, optionally with a mop stick connected thereto, to a selectable folding angle relative to said mop head and to maintain said selected folding angle.

9. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the mop frame is configured to receive a squeegee blade.

10. A foldable mop head according to claim 9, wherein the squeegee blade comprises two sections corresponding to the mop frame sections.

11. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the clinging arrangement comprises a liftable handle, the lifting of which exerts disengagement of the clinging arrangement.

12. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the liftable handle comprises an elastic region.

13. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the mop frame folding mechanism comprises two or more folding restriction arms configured to engage with the frame sections to restrict respective folding therebetween.

14. A foldable mop head according to claim 13, wherein one or more folding restriction arms disengage from the frame sections corresponding with the disengagement of the clinging arrangement.

15. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the mop head is adapted with a mop head sweeping support configured to prevent unintentional mop head frame rotation.

16. A foldable mop head according to claim 1, wherein the mop head is suitably sized to form a foldable window mop.

17. A foldable mop, comprising: a) a foldable mop head according to any of claims 1 or 8; and b) a mop stick attached to the mop stick coupler of said foldable mop head.

18. A foldable mop according to claim 17, wherein the mop stick is adapted with a mid-joint that divides said mop stick into two, respectively foldable, sections.