US2740146A - Sponge mop with adjustable handle and squeezer means - Google Patents

Description

April 3, 1956 S. P. VAUGHN SPONGE MOP WITH ADJUSTABLE HANDLE AND SQUEEZER MEANS Filed June 9, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet l SIDNEY F? VAUGHN www ATTORNEY SFONGE MOP WITH ADJUSTABLE HANDLE AND SQUEEZER MEANS Filed June 9, 1953 FIQ.

33 i g Fl G. 4'. 1| as :t: 55 G? 62 n; l

is :5 l5 551 i: i= D :s 'i i: 6o f 63 :n S 64 4Z 53 i :I d /fi; 55 7 l, 627 3 i ,f 57 L i: 50" Q il 45 58 Ill 6| 64 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR SmNeY P VAUGHN @WMM ATTORNEY April 3, 1956 s. P. VAUGHN 2,740,146

SPONGE MOP WITH ADJUSTABLE HANDLE AND SQUEEZER MEANS Filed June 9, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fl G. 8.

INVENTOR 5mm-.Y P VAUGHN www ATTORNEY United States Patent =`SPONGE MOP 'WITH ADJUSTABLE I'ANDLE AND SQUEEZER PVEA S Sidney P. Vaughn, San Diego, Calif. ApplicationJune 9,11953,SerialfNo. 360,550 Y8 Claims (C115- 119) .My invention relates to cleaning devices commonly known vas wetmops, and moreparticularly to thattype of wet mop in Vwhich a block of compressible andabsorbent vsponge material is usedas the cleaning or scrubbing element,;combined with mechanical means for squeezingthe .water out of the cleaning element.

In certain sponge mops, one of the means for squeezing Water .out of the sponge cleaning element is a presser plate, generally hinged either to the front or tothe back of the mop head, and adapted to swing intosqueezing contact lwith the sponge cleaning element. Another means commonly provided causes the sponge cleaning element to fold upon itselfto squeeze out thewater. The principalfault with either of vthe above methods is the trapping ofdirt in the sponge element,and the length ,of time required to clean the sponge by themechanical means used. Anotherfaultis that the sides of the mopis'limited to. the size of theusualhousehold pail.

Another method employed to squeeze water out of the spongeis to provide opposed rollers, paralleltwith'thefxed mop head, at right angles to the mophandle. vIn such mops, the general practice is to squeeze aboutone third of the sponge cleaning element into a narrowchannelfshaped mop head. For absorption purposes, about onethird of the sponge is wasted, and the size of the mop is limitedto the sizeof the average household pail.

It generally takes from two to four pounds pressure per square inch to squeeze sponge fairly dry, depending ,upon the kind of sponge used. Hence, the greaterjthe number of squareinchesemployed inthe scrubbing surface of the ,sponge mop, the greater will be the force .required to squeeze outthe ywater by any of the foregoing means.

The primaryobject ofthe inventionis to provide a mop in whichthe size of the mop head is not limited by thesize of the ordinary household pail, and one that will,readily squeeze the water out of the sponge cleaning element and clean the sponge with a minimumamountof eiort.

A further -objectof the invention is to provide :a-scrubbing mop having novel and simplified means for squeezing the water from the sponge element of the mop.

A further object is to provide in a Vmop ofthe abovevmentioned character a simplified and durable adjustable handle connection, which permits the mop to be used while the mop handle is in various angularly adjusted .positions relative to the mop head.

A further object is to provide an adjustable squeezing unit, bodily mounted upon the mop handle, and arranged not to interfere with normal usage of the mop.

A further object is to provide a movable squeezingdevice which makes use of the mop head plate as aguide or track during thesqueezing operation.

Another object is to provide means on the mop handle for holding or stowing the movable squeezing device, so that the mop may be used in the normal manner without displacing or moving the squeezing device.

Another'object is to provide a swivel -joint'for the Amop handle which releasably `holds the `same in 'upright-"and lowered positions.

plate of substantially stiifsheet metal, or thelike. headplate 20 ,is{at, as shown, and provided at its longiltudinaledgeswith shortdepending anges 21, preferably integral therewith, and extending throughout the entire length o'f the" head plate.

2,740,146 Patented Apu .3, 1956 5A.Stillifurthertobjectis toprovide novel and simplified means for tensioning the squeeze rollers ofthe movable jsgueezing unit,..so that the same willengage ,thesponge cleaning element .with adequate and uniform-pressure,- over its entire area.

Other ,objects and advantages of the `inventinnwill vbe apparent during the.course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part vof this applicationVand 4in whichlike numerals are employedto designate like partsthroughout the same,

l"Figure 1 'is a side elevation of amopembodying the invention, partbroken away,

Figure 2 is a central 'vertical 4longitudinal Ysection through the samebut with a portion of the sponge.. block broken away,

'Figure 3 is aplan view ofthe mop,

Figure 4] is a side elevation on a somewhat reduced scale showing the mop handlein .the upright position,

'.Figur'eS .iszanendelevationof the mop shownin Figure 2l,

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary verticalsection taken on,lne 6-6, of Figure 5,

"Figurejis a transverse verticalsection taken on line 7 7 of Figure6,

Figure 8 is.a transverse verticalsection taken online s--s ofiigurez,

'Figure 9.'is asimilar section taken on line 9 9 of Figure 2,

Figure .-10 is-afside elevation on a reduced scale ofthe mQP, Showingthe.squeezingdevice in the forwardmost position during thefsqueezingy operation, intermediate positions of the squeezing devicebeing shown in broken lines,

Figure I4-.is a fragmentary plan view of the same. i0v

`In the `drawings, where for the purpose ofillustration are shownpreferred.embodiments of the invention, atten- .,tion is directedrst'to Figures 1 tol() inclusive,fwhere in the numeral N20 designates an elongated rectangular head The v The flanges 21 add considerablecrigidlyto ,the headplate, and also serve @additional purposes, ,to`.be described.

I proYide...a re,adi ly removablesponge refill assembly, including anelongated rectangular block 22 of absorbent compres'sible.materialasuch .as cellulosic sponge, or the 4 like 'I`he. s po nge block 22 rnaybe of considerable thickness, and is preferably rectangular in transverse-cross section, Aas shown. A backing plate 23 of sheet metal, or the ,likeis applied .wlth -waterproof cement to the fupperface iofthespongeblocklz, and this backingplate is substantially coextensive with the head plate 20, and extends over substantially-theientirearea of the top of the sponge block.

The '.backingplate ,23 islikewise provided atfits longitudi- .naledges Av vithshort dependingilanges 24, which preferablyiitsnuglyinside of the ilangesZL Figure 9. As

,shown in the drawings,. end portions of the sponge block 22 project sljghtlylbeyond the ends of thehead and bacle ing plates 20 and 2 3, to serve as resilient buifers, which ,prevent, the mop'from mari-ing furniture, and the like,

duringit-s use.

A; pair of upwardly directed screws 25 engages vthrough 'registering -`openings 1in the head and'backingjplates 20 -and 23, -inwardly"off'their/ends,lFigure '2, and-wingnutsI 26 are fapplied 'tofthescrews l25, and engage :the -top ofthe 'bracket 27 comprises a flat head plate 20, for releasably securing the sponge refill assembly to the head plate.

A handle mounting bracket or adapter 27 is provided, and is preferably formed of sheet metal, or the like. This elongated rectangular bottorn 28, and spaced opposed upstanding sides 29, rigidly secured to the bottom 28 and preferably integral therewith. The sides 29 are parallel, and extend longitudinally of the head plate 20, and the bracket 27 is substantially narrower than the head plate, as shown. The bracket 27 is applied centrally to the head plate 20, and rigidly secured thereto in any suitable manner, such as by spot weld ing the bottom 28 to the head plate 20. The bracket 27 further comprises low upstanding ends 3l) and 31, rigidly secured to the bottom 28 and sides 29. The bracket 27 is arranged midway between the screws 25, and extends longitudinally over a considerable length of the head plate 20.

A mop handle 33 of vided, and an attaching in the lower end of the handle 33 by a transverse pin 35, or the like. The attaching head 34 projects forwardly of the adjacent end of the handle, and is bifurcated to form a pair of opposed extensions 36, engaging between the upstanding sides 29, and preferably slidably engaging the same. The head 34 is pivotally secured to the sides 29 by a transverse pin 37, engaging through aligned openings in the extensions 36 and sides 29.

A pair of friction rollers 38 extends transversely between the extensions 36, near and freely journaled upon transverse pins 39, rigidly se cured to the extensions 36. A leaf spring 40 is arranged upon the bottom 28 of the bracket 27, below the head 34, Figure 2, and this leaf spring is held against transverse and longitudinal movement by the sides 29 and ends 30 and 31. lThe spring 4t! is arched upwardly, and has a substantially tlat central portion 41 for engagement with the friction rollers 38, whose peripheries project slightly beyond the sides and ends of the extensions 36. The ar rangement is such, that the leaf spring 40 coacts with the rollers 33 to releasably hold the mop handle 33 in the lowered horizontal position of Figure 2, or in the upright position of Figure 4. The handle 33 is swingable counterclockwise in Figure 2, for a full 180 degrees, so that the handle may extend horizontally beyond the other end of the mop head plate 20. The handle 33 may of course be held in any desired intermediate position between the horizontal and vertical, during the use of the mop, and the spring 40, and associated elements, merely metal tubing, or the like, is proserve to releasably hold the handle in three major adjnsted positions, 90 degrees apart. The handle 33 may, of course, be any desired length.

I provide squeezing means for the compressible sponge block 22, comprising a stationary holding device or member 42. The member 42 has an upper portion 43, sub- Y stantially U-shaped in cross section, Figure 8, and engaging about the upper side of the handle 33 snugly, as shown. The U-shaped portion 43 is rigidly secured to the handle 33 by rivets 44', or the like. The sides of the U-shaped portion 43 terminate somewhat below the handie 33, Figure 2, and are bent laterally outwardly, at right angles to the sides for forming relatively narrow at shoulders 44. The shoulders 44 are at the elevation of the head plate 2t), and in alignment therewith, when the mop handle 33 is horizontally disposed, as shown in Figure 2. The member 42 further comprises spaced opposed parallel side extensions 4S, secured to the outer ends of the shoulders 44, and arranged at right angles thereto. The side extensions 45 project below the shoulders 44 for substantial distances, and have their lower ends terminating near and above the lower face of the sponge block 22, Figure 2.

The side extensions 45 have relatively narrow flanges 46 rigidly secured to their inner faces, in opposed relation, and these flanges include upwardly arched cirhead 34 is rigidly secured withtheir forward extremities,

cularly curved portions 47, and inclined cam portions or shoulders 48, integral therewith. Forward vertical portions 49 of the anges 46 extend above the inclined portions 48, and have their tops terminating at the lateral shoulders 44, Figure 2. The tops of the curved portions 46 are spaced above the lower ends of the inclined cam portions 48, as shown. The forward vertical end of the stationary member 42, adjacent to the ange portions 49 is in substantial alignment with the adjacent end of the sponge block 22, when the handle 33 isin the fully lowered position of Figure 2. Except for the narrow anges 46, the member 42 is open between the side extensions 45, and the sides of the U-shaped portion 43.

The squeezing means further comprises a movable carriage 50, adapted to travel longitudinally of the handle 33 and head plate 20, when the mop handle is in the lowered position of Figure 2. The carriage 50 comprises an upper generally U-shaped portion 51, larger than the U-shaped portion 43, and adapted to pass over the portion 43 telescopically, as shown. The sides 50' of the U-shaped portion 51 terminate just above the shoulders 44, Figure 8, and are bent laterally outwardly at right angles, to form companion lateral shoulders 52, integral therewith and slidably contacting the tops of the shoulders 44. r[he carriage 50 further comprises spaced opposed parallel side extensions 53, integral with the shoulders 52, and arranged at right angles thereto. The side extensions 53 engage outwardly of the side extensions 45 of the relatively stationary member 42, Figures 2 and 8. The lower ends of the side extensions 53 terminate slightly below the lower face of the sponge block 22, Figure 2. The forward edges 54 of the side extensions 53 terminate adjacent to the end of the sponge block 22, Figure 2. The carriage 50, which is generally U-shaped, is open between its sides, and adapted to move telescopically over the member 42, as stated, with the shoulders 52 slidably contacting the companion shoulders 44 of the member 42.

' The sides 50 and the shoulders S2 extend forwardly of the forward edges 54, Figure 2, so that the shoulders 52 are simultaneously in engagement with the shoulders 44 and the top of the head plate 20, Figure 2, when the carriage 50 is in the retracted position shown in Figure 2. The arrangement is such that the forward portions of the shoulders 52 form positive stops against the head plate 2t), to limit the downward swinging movement of the mop handle 33, when the same is lowered.

A cylindrical squeeze roller 55 is freely journaled upon a transverse axle or pin 56, engaging slidably in slots 57, formed within the side extensions 53, and opening through the bottoms of the side extensions. The squeeze roller 55 extends for the full distance between the side extensions 54. The length of the roller 55 is at least equal to the width of the sponge block 22, so that the squeeze roller can effectively squeeze the sponge block over its entire area. The squeeze roller S5 and its axle 56 are shiftable longitudinally within the slots 57, toward and from the handle 33.

The ends of the axle 56 project somewhat outwardly of the side extensions 53, for engagement with wire loops or clips 58 secured to the opposite ends of a heavy elastic band 59, of rubber or the like. The elastic band 59 engages over the sides and top of the carriage 50, as shown, and is tensioned to exert a considerable pull upon the axle S6, such as a ten pound pull, or the like. The elastic band 59 constantly urges the squeeze roller 55 toward the mop handle 33 and the slots 57 which are at right angles to the mop handle, guide the squeeze roller in its movement toward and from the mop handle 33. The squeeze roller 55 is bodily movable with the carriage 50, longitudinally of the handle 33 and head plate 20.

Means are provided to shift the carriage 50 longitudinally of the handle 33 and head plate 20. Such means comprises a sleeve 60 or slide handle, slidably mounted upon the handle 33, a substantial distance above the carriage 50. 'f he slide handle 66 is provided at its forward end with a pair of apertured ears -push rods 63 extend substantially `movement of the carriage handle.

"The side extensions 53 of the carriage ylateral movement of the same, during its \in the retracted 61, rigidly -secured1by rivets 62 to the rear ends of a pair of push-rods 63. These longitudinally of the handle 33, on opposite sides thereof, Figure 5, and have their forward portions rigidly secured by rivets 64 to the sides 50' of the generally U'shaped portion 51, just above the shoulders 52, Figure 1. As best shown in Figure 5,

`the push rods 63 diverge somewhat toward their forward ends, since the distance between the sides' 50 is somewhat greater than the distance between the ears 61. The push rods 63 are preferably substantially rigid.

In operation, the carriage 50 is retracted by means of the slide handle 6?, until the squeeze roller 55 snaps under the curved portions 47 of the flanges 46,v by rolling over the inclined cam portions 48. The elastic band 59 stretches to permit this action of the squeeze roller. The shoulders 52 are now in engagement with thefshoulders Y44, which-serve as tracks for the carriage 50-in the retracted position, and also in engagement with the top of the head plate 20, Figure 2. With this arrangement, as previously stated, the shoulders 52 form positive stops tolimit the downward swing of the mop handle'33 in Figure 2, and assure proper alignment of the carriage 50 with the head plate and the stationary member 42.

The mop handle 33 may be readily adjusted by swinging the same about its pivot 37, to any intermediateposition, or to the upright position of Figure 4; and the-leaf spring coacts with the rollers 38 to releasably hold the handle 33 in the three major adjusted positions, 90 degrees apart. During angular adjustment of the mop handle, the member 42 and carriage 50 swing as a unit with the mop handle, and the engagement of the squeeze roller within the curved anged portionsv 47 prevents longitudinally of the mop When it is desired to squeeze water out ofthe sponge block 22, the mo-p handle is swung to the position shown in Figure 2, wherein the shoulders 52 engage the `top of the head plate 20. The slide handle is grasped for shifting the carriage Sil forwardly, longitudinally of the 4-mop handle 33 and head plate 20. The shoulders'52 -slide from the shoulders 44, and slidably engage theside marginal portions of the head plate 20,which serves `as a guide or track for the carriage 50, during the squeezing operation. of the head plate 20, so that the above described movement of the carriage 50 along the head plate 20 is possible. are 'disposed just outwardly of the anges 21 of the head plate, and coact with these anges to guide the carriage movement longiplate. When the carriage50 -is position, Figures l and 2,the side'portions 54) remain in overlapping engagement with the tudinally of the head lianges 21, to assure proper alignment of -the carriage with the head plate 20, during the squeezing operation.

`When the carriage 50 is shifted forwardly'along'the head plate 2t), the squeeze roller 55 moves out ofl engagement with the anges 46, and rolls along the entire length of the sponge block 22, to squeeze or compress 'the same tightly against the backing plate 23. This action expels the water from the sponge block, and the carriage'50 and squeeze roller are shown in their forwardmost positions in Figure l0. Forward movement of the carriage 50 1s limited by engagement of the forward 4end ofslide `a second thorough squeezing by the squeezeroller. YThe The shoulders 52 are aligned with the top.v

50. and prevent.

1Sinee thef'carriage =50; durngthe `squeezing operation travels longitudinally of the` narrow elongated mop head,

i f mop head need not be limited usual household pail,I as would bethe case if the mop head'had to be introduced lthemop head may lbe introduced'longitudinally into a household pail, or the likejfor subjecting the sponge block "'22 to -a thorough cleansing,

sidewise into the pail, ffor cleansing and squeezingwater from 'the same.

In Figures 1l to 14\inc1usive,I haveshown a modied larrangement for ypivotallysconnecting the mop handle to'the head of the mop. `In these figures, a mop head `plate 65, substantially identical 4with the head plate 20 -isfprovided VThe sponge block 22 is securedr by cementing, or the like, to a 'backing-plate 66, substantially iden- Aplates cannot become separated.

'- tical to the backing plate 23.-"TThe-backing plate66 inter- "titswith the head plate 65 inthe same mannerthat the head and backing plates '20 and 23 interft, see Figure 13.

*The head-plate'65 is -prov-ided at and inwardly of its-ends with key hole slots 67, registering withscrew threaded openings 68 in Downwardly 'directedscrews '69*-engagethrough the key the backing plate 66.

hole slots 67 y*and screw threaded opening 68, and when the backing plate 66 is adjusted-so that 'the Shanks of the screws' 69; arefwithin the narrow ends of the key hole slots, -thescrewsfare tightened'forrigidly securing the backing plate'66 to thel'head'plateS. At "the yscrews-69 are outsof alignment wlth the wide ends yoffthe key-hole-slots 67, so 'that 'thehead and backing =When itis desired to remove or 'replace thez sponge blockf22, 'the screws 69 are 'loosened somewhat, and `thev y'backingplate 66 is shifted T longitudinally so that the'heads Hal'ignedewith'the wide ends ofthe'key holeslots 67, and wwhen this occurs, the backingplate 66 is readily separable fronr the head plate 65.

of the screws 69 become The head plate is engaged bythe forwardgportions of the shoulders-'52, whichserveas stops to limit the downward swing of the handle'33'in the clockwise direc- -'tion,"Figure 11p-in exactlythe same manner that the :squeeze roller now rolls over the inclined flange portions 48, and again snaps into the curved ange portions.:47,

v and the mop is ready for use in the normalmanner.

n is arranged centrally of --plane ythrough' the longitudinaly center line of the head `notches 80, spaced degrees sembly, :and apivot pin .aligned openingsin the platejportion 76 and head 71, for ypivotally-securing,themophandleto the bracket 75. A y compressible -coil :spring 74, between the pin 72 anda slidable plug or plunger S3, .also disposed within the ranged within'the bore `-an'd this ball detent -isadaptedwto Vride over the -arcuate -fend"79v and engage withinthe notches 80, when the-handle 33 is 'pivotedla'bout vthe pnfSl. `The`fballdetent 84 can- .notfescape-ffromthe bore 74, Ybecause the head 71 travels @in aconcentric'pathaboutthe-arcuate'end'79, which con- -shoulders52 engage' the headY plateZO, in the first form of r the invention.

' l'The mop handle 33,'Figures l'lto 13, s provided in its lower endwith lan attaching head"71, rigidly secured therein-by atransversepin'72. The head 71 projects *forwardly of fthe lmop-handle,and has atransverse slot "'-73' formed in 4its-forward end, and extending there- 50 through. The head'71also hasalongitudinal bore 74 -A'swivel bracket `75, including f an f'upstanding plate portion"`76, `isvr provided,` and this *bracket further comprrsesat#extensions or feet 77, engaging upon and rigidly secured-to the head plate 65, by rivets-"78, `or-the like. Theupstanding plate portion 76 the-headjplate 65,-and lies in a plate,at rightangles'thereto. The plate portion 76 has an arcuate upper end"79, provided with a pair of arcuate apart, .as shown in Figure 12.

The plateportion -76 Aengages within a slot 73, inas- 81. extends transversely through E82gis1disposed within the bore bore'74. A ball detent 84 is ar- 74,y forwardly lof* the plug 83,

stantly engages the ball detent and holds the same within the bore 74. The ball detent 84 cooperates with the notches 80, to releasably hold the mop handle in either the upright position of Figure ll, or the lowered horizontal position, not shown, wherein the shoulders 52 engage upon the head plate 65. The mop handle 33 is of course shiftable to any intermediate angular position between tlie notches 80, and in fact, the mop handle is swingable through a full 180 degrees, like the rnop handle 33 in the first form of the invention. The spring 82 yields to permit disengagement of the ball detent 84 from the notches 80, when suicient force is applied to the mop handle for pivoting the same about the pin 81.

In Figures ll to 14 inclusive, the identical means 'for squeezing the sponge element 22 is provided, as previously shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention, and this means includes the carriage 50, and associated elements, as well as the member or holder 42, and associated elements. These parts function for squeezing the sponge block 22, in the identical manner, shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention, and no further description of their construction and mode of operation is necessary here. All other parts of the mop in Figures ll to 14 inclusive are identical with those shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention.

While I have shown and described the sponge block 22 as rectangular in transverse cross section, and the squeeze roller 55 as cylindrical, it should be understood that the sponge block may be formed trapezoidal in cross section, if preferred, in which case, the squeeze roller may be formed conically tapered, for proper engagement with the inclined working surface of the sponge block.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention,

herewith shown and described are to be taken as prev ferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope ot the subjoined claims. v

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. A mop device comprising a head plate, a compressible scrubbing element arranged upon one face of the head plate and secured to the head plate, a handle arranged upon the opposite face of the head plate and pivotally mounted upon the head plate and swingable to a posi- ,i

tion generally parallel with said head plate, a relatively stationary holding member carried by the handle and provided with roller locking means, a carriage to move longitudinally of the handle and movable over said head plate, said carriage detachably engaging the relatively stationary holding member, a roller adjustably mounted upon the carriage for transverse movement with relation to the handle, resilient means to shift the roller transversely toward the handle, the resilient means serving to press the roller against the scrubbing element and also serving to shift the roller into the roller locking means, and means separate from the resilient means and connecting the carriage and handle to guide the carriage in its movement longitudinally of the handle.

2. A mop device comprising a mop head having a compressible scrubbing element secured to one facethereof, a handle arranged upon the opposite face of the mop head and pivoted to the mop head to swing with relation to the mop head and to be arranged substantially parallel with the mop head, a holding member secured to the handle and having guide parts in substantial alignment with the mop head when the handle is substantially parallel with the mop head, a carriage to be moved longitudinally of the handle and adapted for holding engagement with said guide parts of the holding member, said carriage being adapted for engagement with the mop head and having parts to be guided by the mop head during the movenient of the carriage with relation to the mop head, said member having rigid roller locking means and guide cam means leading to the roller locking means, a squeeze roller, means to mount the roller upon the carriage so that the roller is shirtable transversely of the handle toward and away from the same, resilient means to urge the roller transversely toward the handle, said resilient means causing the roller to have squeezing action against the scrubbing element and also shifting the roller into the rigid roller locking means, and means operating independently of the resilient means to shift the carriage longitudinally of the handle.

3. A mop device comprising a head plate, a compressible mop element secured to one face of the head plate, a handle mounted upon the opposite face of the head plate and pivoted to the head plate and adapted to be swung to a position substantially parallel with the head plate, a holding member lixedly secured to the handle, a carriage associated with the handle to be moved longitudinally of the handle into detachable engagement with the holding member and over the head plate, said member being provided with roller locking means, a squeeze roller, means to adjustably mount the squeeze roller upon the carriage so that the roller is shifted laterally toward and from the handle, resilient means to move the squeeze roller transversely toward the handle, said resilient means causing the roller to press against the compressible mop element and also moving the same into the roller locking means, a sleeve slidable upon the handle, and means connecting the sleeve and carriage to eiiect the longitudinal movement of the carriage, said connecting means operating independently of the resilient means.

4. A mop device comprising a head plate, a handle pivoted to the head plate and adapted to be positioned substantially parallel with and to extend beyond the head plate, a sponge block secured to the head plate at its side remote from the handle, a member carried by the handle and including guiding parts arranged in alignment with marginal portions of the head plate, an element secured to said member and having a recessed portion and an inclined portion leading into the recessed portion, a carriage associated with the handle and engageable over'the member and having parts engaging the guiding parts of the member when the carriage is adjacent to the member, an operating member slidable upon the handle and connected with the carriage to shift the same longitudinally of the handle and over the head plate, said parts of the carriage engaging the marginal portions of the head plate and guided thereby during movement of the carriage longitudinally of the handle, a squeeze roller mounted upon the carriage and movable with relation thereto and transversely with respect to the handle, and an elastic band connecting the squeeze roller and carriage and urging the squeeze roller transversely toward the head plate, whereby the squeeze roller rolls over the sponge block and squeezes the same against the head plate during movement of the carriage over the head plate, the squeeze roller engaging said inclined portion and moved by said elastic band into said recessed portion of the element for holding the carriage in a retracted position.

5. A mop device comprising a mop head having a compressible scrubbing element, a bracket secured to the mop head and having sides and ends, a handle arranged between the sides of the bracket and pivoted to the sides and adapted to be shifted to a position substantially parallel with the mop head, spaced rollers journaled upon the end of the handle between the sides of the bracket, a leaf spring arranged between the sides and ends of the bracket and confined thereby against appreciable movement and engaging said spaced rollers to releasably lock the handle in selected angular adjusted postions relative to the mop head, and a movable mop squeezing unit bodily carried by the handle and shiftable longitudinally of the handle and over the mop head for squeezing the compressible scrubbing element when the handle extends substantially parallel with the mop head.

6. A mop device comprising a mop head having a compressible scrubbing element, a handle pivoted to the mop head and adapted to lie substantially parallel with said mop head, a member fif-:edly secured to the handle and arranged near one end of the mop head when said handle is substantially parallel with said mop head and having parts forming a roller holding seat and guiding parts, said guiding parts then being in alignment with side portions of the mop head, a carriage movably mounted upon the handle and having parts engaging said guiding parts of the member when the carriage is retracted toward the member, said parts of the carriage engaging the side portions of the mop head and being guided thereby when the carriage moves longitudinally of the handle and over the mop head away from said member, a sleeve slidable upon the handle and spaced from the carriage, push rods connecting the sleeve and carriage, the carriage being provided in its sides with slots arranged transversely of the handle, an axle engaging within said slots and shiftable therein toward and from the handle, a squeeze roller journaled upon the axle and engaging in said holding seat when the. carriage is retracted for releasably securing the carriage to said member, and ref silient means to move said roller toward the handle, the resilient means causing the roller to compress the scrubbing element and also moving the roller into the holding seat.

7. A mop device'comprising a mop head having a compressible scrubbing element, a handle pivoted to the mop head and adapted to be arranged substantially parallel with said mop head and to extend beyond the same, a member carried by the handle and having shoulders in alignment with the top of the mop head when the handle is substantially parallel with said mop head, a carriage movably connected with the handle and having shoulders engaging the tops of the lrst named shoulders and the top of the mop head when the carriage is retracted into engagement with said member, the shoulders of the carriage then serving as positive stops to limit the downward movement of the handle and assure alignment of the rst named shoulders and mop head, said shoulders of the carriage movably engaging the top of the mop head for guiding the carriage over said mop head, a squeezing element for engaging and squeezing the scrubbing element when the carriage moves over the mop head, means to adjustably mount the squeezing element upon the carriage for transverse movement toward and from the handle, and resilient means connected with said squeezing element for urging the same toward said handle.

S. A mop device comprising a mop head having a compressible scrubbing element, a handle pivoted to the mop head and adapted to be shifted to a position substantially parallel with the mop head and to then extend beyond the same, a member xedly secured tothe handle and having shoulders aligned with the top of the mop head when the handle is substantially parallel with the mop head, a carriage longitudinally movably connected with the handle and having shoulders engaging upon the rst named shoulders and extending forwardly of the rst named shoulders in overlapping relation with the adjacent end portion of the mop head and engaging the mop head and serving as positive stops to limit the downward swing of the handle, side extensions secured to the shoulders of the carriage and engaging movably over the sides of the mop head to be guided thereby during movement of the carriage over the mop head, a squeeze roller, means for adjustably mounting the roller upon the side extensions of the carriage below the rst and second named shoulders so that the roller may move transversely with relation to the handle, and resilient means connected with the squeeze roller and urging the same toward the handle.

References Cited inthe tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

Images