WO2001012051A1

WO2001012051A1 - Fast absorbent dry use mop

Info

Publication number: WO2001012051A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/003069
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark East
Original assignee: Dacoma Limited
Priority date: 1999-08-13
Filing date: 2000-08-09
Publication date: 2001-02-22
Also published as: AU6307700A

Abstract

A fast absorbent mop for dry use absorption of excess liquids comprising a fabric outer casing (1, 12) having a fast absorbent core (14) comprising absorbent material together with a binder (15); a method for mopping excess liquids using the mop; a retrieval means for retrieving the mop; and a kit of parts comprising at least one mop and retrieval means.

Description

FAST ABSORBENT DRY USE MOP

The present invention relates to a fast absorbent mop for mopping up excess liquids, a method for mopping up excess liquids using the mop and the use thereof in mopping up excess liquids.

Currently available sponge or fibre mops of the long handled type are conventionally used together with a bucket containing water which is used to wet the mop which must then be wrung out to remove excess water, simply to render the fibres or sponge absorbent so as to be able to mop up spillages. This system, although highly effective in washing down large surface areas, are highly cumbersome and are therefore particularly unsuited to rapidly removing spillages, for example in public areas such as restaurants and cafes. This system also adds initially to the amount of liquid on the floor and increases the area of spillage before normal drying times are effective in completing the job of removing the spill. More recent wet use mops are known, for example as disclosed in US 5, 960, 508, which comprise a sponge or fibres of an absorbent material, such as cellulose or cross-linking polymers, and which are first thoroughly wetted in order to absorb a volume of water which is released slowly and distributed across a surface during the course of cleaning a surface.

These mops are designed to slowly absorb fluids whilst cleaning surface areas, and are not envisaged as such to rapidly absorb fluids for use in cleaning spills.

Accordingly, there is a need for an efficient convenient mop to clean up and dry spills, as distinct from washing down areas with water, particularly for use in public areas. We have now surprisingly found that a particular form of dry use mop is effective for this purpose and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Moreover, the mop of the invention which is intended for dry use only, is of simple construction, whereby it is suited for disposable use. In a further advantage, the mop of the invention dispenses with need for repeated wringing and drying, which can lead to strain injury, and dispenses with need to transport a bucket or the like to the spill site, and to use protective gloves.

Accordingly, in the broadest aspect of the invention there is provided a fast absorbent mop for dry use absorption of excess liquids comprising a fabric outer casing having a fast absorbent core comprising absorbent material together with a binder.

The outer casing and core may be integral or separate, the outer casing comprising the outer surface of, or serving to contain, the core material. Preferably the outer casing has wicking properties and more preferably serves to distribute fluid throughout the casing.

Core material serves to absorb and bind liquids, and may comprise a single absorbing, binding material or separate absorbent and binder. Absorbent preferably interfaces casing and binder and provides means to transport fluid therebetween and to store prior to binding. Absorbent preferably has an affinity for the fluid whereby it draws fluid distributed throughout the casing into contact with the binder core.

Binder preferably takes fluid off the absorbent and binds. Binder is suited to chemically or physically bind fluid in permanent or semi-permanent manner such that it cannot be mechanically released, even with application of pressure, or cannot be readily mechanically released.

Reference herein to a mop is to a dry use mop as defined. The dry use mop according to the invention comprising binder as defined is distinct from, and unsuited for wet use mops for wetting and washing down an area.

It will be appreciated that the mop according to the present invention provides a fast absorbent outer and core which is capable of dry use absorption of spillages, suitably in a single pass, and may be provided in conventional mop form having an attached long handle for mopping and retrieval, or more conveniently and preferably in spill management form, as an absorbent mop having attachment means for attaching a retrieval device, enabling mopping whereby fluid is absorbed, the mop is retrieved in conventional mop style and discarded without leakage.

Preferably the fabric outer comprises means for attaching to a retrieval device. For example, a retrieval device may be a pole or like elongate device providing a handle, such as a long handle, having co-operating attachment means.

Preferably the mop is flexible and deformable, in which case a mop head frame is provided with attachment means for retrieval device and mop, or integral with one of retrieval device and mop and attachable to the other. A mop head frame holds the deformable flexible mop in optimum configuration, providing stability to draw across a surface with maximum contact surface area. Preferably a mop head frame is provided integral with the retrieval device and provides attachment means for a mop whereby the mop is economically and environmentally suited for disposable use. Co-operating attachment means may be any readily engaging, and releasable means. The respective attachment means are suited for self-attachment and are suitable reversible, whereby the mop may be readily detached, and the retrieval device and its attachment means re-used.

Preferably co-operating attachment means are of interlocking nature, such as hook and loop, magnetic, adhesive, snap-twist cleat and plate, bar and strap or sleeve, frame and sheath, recess with retention means for a pole or handle end and the like, located on or integral with mop and retrieval device respectively or vice versa. Preferably the mop casing is inherently adapted to attach to cooperating attachment means on a retrieval device, by means of features of the fabric, which may be provided as the casing or extensions, such as. flaps, pockets and the like.

Preferably the fabric outer comprises any porous fabric material and is more preferably a looped fabric such as Microloop (commercially available, Dacoma). It is a particular advantage that such looped fabric facilitates wicking and provides for attachment. Preferably the co-operating attachment means therefor comprises any hook structure adapted to self engage with the looped fabric, and is more preferably a strip, array or region of micro hooks, such as Velcro ™ strip or the like mounted on a head frame.

The retrieval device may comprise means for removing from an attached mop, or a mop may be manually removed, for example by drawing or pulling the mop and mop head apart. Means for removing may comprise any suitable lever or like means for mechanically pulling mop and co-operating attachment means apart. The mop of the invention may be adapted for absorbing any desired spilled fluid types, and is preferably adapted for absorbing aqueous, volatile or nonvolatile liquids such as water, drinks, liquid foods, human or animal body fluids, cleaning materials, hospital fluids such as glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, coolant, chemicals and the like. The mop serves to reduce surface area and vapour loss of volatiles. Preferably the absorbent core is of hydrophilic nature. Preferably the fabric outer is also selected for its ability to selectively wick the desired spilled fluids, for example is of hydrophilic nature.

The absorbent may be any suitable absorbent and is preferably a polysaccharide such as cellulose, modified cellulose or cellulosic material, starch or the like or derivatives, mixtures, copolymers thereof. The binder suitably comprises or forms a gel, colloid, macromolecule or polymer or other material capable of permanently or semi-permanently binding liquid in solid, semi-solid, sol or like form. The binder may be any suitable binder and is preferably a gelling agent, such as a gelling polymer, more preferably polyacrylate, derivatives or mixtures thereof with other monomers or gelling polymers.

The mop may comprise any additional agents as known in the art. for example deodorants, anti-bacterial agents, colouring agents or colour neutralising agents, degreasing agent, sanitising liquid and the like.

The mop has a characteristic absorption capacity which is determined by its volume. Mops may therefore be provided having capacity suited for typical uses. Accordingly, it will be apparent that the absorbency of these mop heads is extremely effective and beneficial. Preferably the mop is elongate, more preferably is of tubular form sealed at its ends. The mop may extend throughout a surface area of 500 mm length by 500 mm width to 200 mm length by 500 mm width, for example, by configuring one or a plurality of elongate mops as hereinbefore defined, or by shaping according to desired surface configuration and area.

An elongate mop is suitably bent to a U or V shape, in the case of a flexible mop, this reduces the likelihood of spreading spillage, and in fact facilitates confining thereof.

n elongate mop head may simply be deformed and held in desired configuration by attachment of the retrieval means, or may be pre-configured, for example having a tensioning web, strap, bar or the like, serving to draw respective ends of the mop together, or the mop may comprise a rigid or deformable spine, baseplate, shell or the like rendering it with desired configuration. A baseplate may provide for combined absorption/binding of liquid, and gathering of solid debris.

Pre-configured or configurable mops may be shaped elongate, such as oval or other shape having varied cross section along the length thereof, suitably for optimum absorption at regions of contact with greater volumes of spilled liquids.

The mop may have continuous or discrete, same or different leading and trailing, upper and lower faces, for example may comprise attachment means at different faces thereof, or in the case of hook and loop may be attached at any desired portion thereof. Faces may be used in turn for minimum wastage of absorbent and binder or may be used in different operations, for example for absorbing different liquids, and/or gathering liquids and solid debris such as broken glass, ice, insoluble powers or grains and the like.

A mop according to the invention may be suitable for conventional cleaning and may comprise a leading portion adapted to distribute water or cleaning solution, with the mop according to the invention provided as a trailing portion adapted to absorb and dry in a single movement. Other configurations within the scope of the invention will be apparent from the foregoing.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for mopping excess liquids using the mop of the invention. Preferably the method comprises applying a dry mop as hereinbefore defined to an area of spilled liquid, drawing across the area of spillage and removing with subsequent disposal of the mop. The method is therefore a dry use method whereby the mop is activated by the spilled liquid itself. Activated mop is not suitable for storage for re-use but is intended for disposal.

Accordingly it will be apparent that the method of the invention is extremely convenient and avoids increasing volumes and areas of liquids at the site of spillage, is rapid and effective whereby the risk of accidents by the public slipping on residue of spillages is minimised. In fact, the mop and method of the invention provide immediate and total removal of spilled liquid.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a retrieval means for retrieving a mop according to the invention in use. Suitable retrieval means comprises a head frame adapted to attach a used or in use mop, the frame mounted on a long handle pole and comprising self-attaching means for the mop which may be reversed for disposal of the mop once retrieved. Suitably the self-attaching means comprises Velcro ™ as hereinbefore defined. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising at least one mop as hereinbefore defined together with a retrieval means as hereinbefore defined. Further disposable mops may be provided. Preferably a kit comprises a head frame and a selection of mops of different material suited for differentiating between liquids, and use in all spill types. Alternatively a kit comprises a selection of mops for differentiating between fluids, as defined, for use with any suitable head frame or for reuse of an existing head frame.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a novel attachment means, or retrieval device or head frame incorporating novel attachment means as hereinbefore defined.

The invention is now illustrated in non limiting manner with reference to the following figures and examples wherein

Figures 1 and 2 show a mop according to the invention attached to a head frame and handle, in use;

Figure 3 shows a mop of the invention configured for use;

Figures 4a and 4b show one and two mops respectively configured for use and attached to a mop head in two configurations providing for different total surface areas;

Figure 5 shows novel head frames and attachment means according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows the spill management mechanism according to the invention. In Figure 1 and 2 the mop is shown comprising fabric outer (1) together with core (absorbent and binder, not visible), the mop has self-attached to head frame (2) which is mounted on pole (3) by means of hinged mounting (4). The retrieval device comprises a head frame (2) having opposing faces, respectively providing a mounting for a handle and attachment means for a mop (1). Attachment means may be continuous throughout the face of the retrieval device or may be provided in one or more segments. Suitably the attachment means provides a total surface area and total distribution across the face of the retrieval device to be effective in securing and manipulating the mop.

In each case the mop has simply been drawn across a spillage (5) and instantaneous absorption is apparent. It is also apparent that the mop has been used dry and has not contributed further liquid to the spillage, and that after partial removal of spillage the mop remains dry, does not spread the spillage and has not leached absorbed liquid.

In Figure 3 the mop is shown comprising tubular fabric outer (1) sealed at its ends, configured to self attach to a head frame (not shown).

In Figure 4a the configured mop of Figure 3 is shown with frame attached at its U-bend for optimum efficiency for smaller spills for example suitable for spills of up to three pints.

In Figure 4b is shown two mops (1, 1-), co-aligned in divergent H shape with head frame (2) attached for optimum efficiency, suitable for larger spills, for example of four-six pints. Figure 4 illustrates an advantage of the invention whereby the mop is suitably of shape providing for rapid coverage of an area and efficient contact with spilled liquid. In its simplest form the mop is of elongate configuration but by the nature of its fabric outer and the granular, powder of similar nature of absorbent / binders, may be deformed, configured or otherwise bent to adopt any suitable configuration for improved efficiency of fluid absorption. It is a particular advantage of the invention that the nature of the attachment means is non-directional and allows for attachment to a configured mop, moreover providing means for retaining the configured shape whilst drawing the mop across the area of spillage.

Figure 4 illustrates a further advantage of the invention whereby a plurality of dry mops as hereinbefore defined may be applied to a single area of spillage either in sequence or simultaneously. This is facilitated by means of the present invention, whereby a single mop head may attach to two or more mops, and thereby further increasing the surface area of coverage and the efficiency of contact with spilled fluid. It is a further advantage of the invention that by virtue of the flexible nature of the mop of the invention, a plurality of mops may be configured as hereinbefore defined in order to create in combination an H shape, star shape or simply a block surface area.

The mop is also suited for use with debris generated in the course of a spillage, by virtue of its flexible nature, whereby a concave advancing line of contact gathers debris in manner that it may be easily collected and removed.

Since absorption by the mop of the invention is substantially instantaneous, the elongate mop, providing an extended advancing line of contact of mop with fluid, avoids wastage of core material behind the line of contact. It is a further advantage of the invention that the comprehensive absorbency of the mop of the invention allows the use of a first area of the mop for absorption and a second for completing the mop action to dry, and this is facilitated with configured mop heads providing a plurality of surfaces as successive advancing lines of contact.

Figure 5a and 5b illustrates novel mop head frames (6, 6') having frame or bars for attachment of a reusable sheath interface (7') by means of pockets or flaps (8', 8") which in turn attaches a disposable mop by means of microloops (9). The interface may be simply discarded when micro hooks are worn or saturated with fibre fragments.

Figure 5c illustrates a conventional mop head frame ( 10) which is engaged by adhesive tabs (1 1 ) extending from a disposable mop. tabs may be continuous with a plastic backing, simplifying manufacture.

Figure 6 illustrates the wicking, absorbing, binding mechanism of the mop of the invention. Fabric casing (12) contacts fluid (13) which is wicked thereabout, and contacts absorbent fibre or aggregate ( 14) which transports into core to contact binder (15). Inspection of mop core within a few minutes of contact shows gellation has occurred, with total transport of fluid to core, leaving casing dry!

Example 1

Fabric outer comprising microloop material (600 mm x 600 mm) was folded and stitched to form an open ended tube. The outer having microloops to the outside was filled with core material by method a) or b) below and stitched closed. Method a) Trilobal cellulose yarn was chopped into fibres and blown into the fabric outer. Polyacrylate (pa) was introduced from a dosing system in approximately 10% by weight.

Method b) Premixed cellulose/polyacrylate fibre/power, was aerated or fluffed to high volume low density homogenous mix and blown into the fabric outer, to a total dispersion of 10% by weight pa.

In both methods, fine powdered pa was used for rapid gelling.

Example 2

A spill mop having 5 litre capacity is dropped into the centre of a spilled liquid. A mop frame and handle is rapidly assembled and the frame head placed on the underside of the mop, Velcro ™ strips on the frame locking into the loops on the fabric. The mop is simply drawn across the area of spillage and the spilled liquid is absorbed within 60 seconds. The attached head is then removed for disposal by disengaging the Velcro ™. On removal from the site of spillage there was total binding of liquid with no leaching.

A convenient capacity is for absorption of 3 litres of aqueous liquid (large) or 1.5 litres (small) and this may be provided in the mop according to the invention in the convenient size (preferably elongate deformed) of 500 - 600 mm, for example 500 mm, length x 300 - 500 mm, for example 500 mm width and 200 - 300 mm length x 300 - 500 mm width respectively. This absorbency has been found to completely dry a surface. Example 3

The mop obtained in Example 1 was used in absorbing a spill as described in Example 2 and as illustrated in the figures. Absorption and binding occurred as illustrated in Figure 6. The mop was cut open to observe the mechanism. Cellulose discoloured on absorbing water. After a few minutes the white powdery binder transformed to a colourless gel of increased volum e, and cellulose dried, reverting to white, and fabric outer was dry to the touch, indicating total binding of fluid. On inspection after some weeks, minimal release was observed, by volume reduction and evaporation, and no release was observed to the cellulose or outer.

Further advantages of the invention will be apparent from the foregoing.

Claims

1. A fast absorbent mop for dry use absorption of excess liquids comprising a fabric outer casing having a fast absorbent core comprising absorbent material together with a binder.

2. A mop as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the outer casing serves to contain the core material and preferably has wicking properties, more preferably serves to distribute fluid throughout the casing.

3. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 and 2 wherein absorbent has an affinity for fluid whereby it draws fluid distributed throughout the casing into contact with the binder, reduces surface area and vapour loss of volatiles.

4. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein binder is suited to chemically or physically bind fluid in permanent or semi-permanent manner such that it cannot be mechanically released, even with application of pressure, or cannot be readily mechanically released.

5. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the fabric outer comprises means for attaching to a retrieval device.

6. A mop as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the retrieval device comprises a pole or elongate device providing a handle having co-operating attachment means.

7. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the mop is flexible and deformable, integral with or provided with attachment means for a mop head frame.

8. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 5 to 7 wherein co-operating attachment means are any readily engaging, and releasable means.

9. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 5 to 8 wherein co-operating attachment means are of interlocking nature such as hook and loop, magnetic, adhesive, snap-twist cleat and plate, bar and strap or sleeve, frame and sheath, recess with retention means for a pole or handle end and the like.

10. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 5 to 9 wherein the mop casing is inherently adapted to attach to co-operating attachment means on a retrieval device by means of features of the casing or extensions, such as, flaps, pockets and the like.

11. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 wherein the fabric outer comprises a porous fabric material.

12. A mop as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the fabric outer comprises a looped fabric.

13. A mop as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the co-operating attachment means comprises a hook structure adapted to self engage with the looped fabric.

14. A mop as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the attachment means comprises a strip, array or region or micro hooks adapted to engage a micro looped fabric.

15. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 5 to 14 wherein the attachment means are suited for self-attachment and are suitably reversible, whereby the mop may be readily removed from the frame and the retrieval device and its attachment means re-used.

16. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 15 adapted for absorbing particular spilled fluid types, for example for absorbing aqueous, volatile or non-volatile liquids such as water, drinks, liquid foods, human or animal body fluids, cleaning materials, hospital fluids such as glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, coolant, chemicals and the like.

17. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 16 wherein the absorbent core is of hydrophilic nature.

18. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 17 wherein the fabric outer is of hydrophilic nature.

19. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 18 wherein the absorbent comprises a polysaccharide such as cellulose, modified cellulose or cellulosic material, starch or the like or derivatives, mixtures, copolymers thereof.

20. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 19 wherein the binder comprises or forms a gel, colloid, macromolecule or polymer or other material capable of permanently or semi-permanently binding liquid in solid, semi-solid, sol or like form, preferably comprises polyacrylate or mixtures thereof.

21. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 20 which is elongate, preferably is of tubular form sealed at its ends.

22. A mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 21 which is capable of being deformed and held in desired configuration by attachment of the retrieval means, or may be pre-configured, for example having a tensioning web, strap, bar or the like, serving to draw respective ends of the mop together, or the mop may comprise a rigid or deformable spine, baseplate, shell or the like rendering it with desired configuration.

23. A method for mopping excess liquids using a mop as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 22.

24. A method as claimed in Claim 23 which comprises applying a dry mop as hereinbefore defined to an area of spilled liquid, drawing across the area of spillage and removing with subsequent disposal of the mop, i.e. is a dry use method whereby the mop is activated by the spilled liquid itself.

25. A retrieval means for retrieving a mop as defined in any of Claims 1 to

22.

26. A retrieval means as claimed in Claim 25 comprising a head frame adapted to attach a used or in use mop, the frame mounted on a long handle pole and comprising self-attaching means for the mop which may be reversed for disposal of the mop once retrieved.

27. A kit of parts comprising at least one mop as defined in any of Claims 1 to 22 together with a retrieval means as defined in Claims 25 or 26.

28. A kit as claimed in Claim 27 comprising a head frame and a selection of mops of different material suited for differentiating between liquids, and use in all spill types.

29. A kit of parts comprising a selection of mops for differentiating between fluids, as defined in any of Claims 1 to 22, for use with any suitable head frame or for reuse of an existins head frame.