CLEANING DEVICE AND CLEANING METHOD

FIELD

[0001]The present disclosure relates to cleaning techniques. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning method.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Floor surface cleaning is a fundamental task for maintaining hygiene and safety in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Traditionally, this task has been performed using various tools such as brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners, each suited to different types of surfaces and degrees of soiling. Manual mopping, in particular, remains one of the most common methods for cleaning hard surfaces like tile, wood, and linoleum. This process typically involves applying a cleaning solution, scrubbing or wiping the floor to clear dirt and debris, and then drying it to remove stains and residues. However, conventional mopping techniques can be labor-intensive and may not always ensure thorough cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach areas or on heavily soiled surfaces. Consequently, there is a continuous need for improved floor cleaning tools and systems that enhance efficiency, ease of use, and overall cleaning effectiveness.

[0003]Indoor courts for sporting activities represent one environment in which surface cleaning can pose challenges. Conventionally, cleaning implements such as mops and various surfactants are used to clean indoor surfaces. However, while conventional mops are generally effective at cleaning indoor surfaces, indoor courts and similar spaces are often quite large. Because of the large surface area that must be covered, it can be difficult and/or time-consuming to sufficiently clean large indoor surfaces. As such, there is a need for a cleaning technique that allows for efficient and effective cleaning of large indoor surfaces such as indoor courts.

SUMMARY

[0004]Aspects of the disclosure relate to a cleaning device having a main body section, a cloth sleeve that envelops the main body section, first and second cord fasteners connected to respective edges of the main body section, and a pull cord tethered to the first and second cord fasteners. The cloth sleeve may define a first primary cleaning surface, a second primary cleaning surface, a first secondary cleaning surface, and a second secondary cleaning surface with respect to the main body section. The main body section may be rotated about its longitudinal axis between a plurality of cleaning positions at least including a first cleaning position and a second cleaning position. In the first cleaning position, the first primary cleaning surface faces downward, and the first primary cleaning surface and the first secondary cleaning surface engage with a cleaning target when moving in a first movement direction. In the second cleaning position, the second primary cleaning surface faces downward, and the second primary cleaning surface and the second secondary cleaning surface engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction.

[0005]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning device includes: a main body section having: a first longitudinal surface extending in a longitudinal direction of the main body section; a second longitudinal surface extending in the longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal surface; a first longitudinal edge extending in the longitudinal direction between the first longitudinal surface and the second longitudinal surface; a second longitudinal edge extending in the longitudinal direction between the first longitudinal surface and the second longitudinal surface opposite to the first longitudinal edge; a first transverse edge extending in a transverse direction of the main body section at a first distal end of the main body section; and a second transverse edge extending in the transverse direction at a second distal end of the main body section opposite to the first transverse edge; a cloth sleeve configured to envelop the main body section and define a first primary cleaning surface along the first longitudinal surface, a second primary cleaning surface along the second longitudinal surface, a first secondary cleaning surface along the first longitudinal edge, and a second secondary cleaning surface along the second longitudinal edge; a first cord fastener operably connected to the first transverse edge; a second cord fastener operably connected to the second transverse edge; and a pull cord tethered to the first cord fastener and the second cord fastener, wherein the main body section is configured to be rotated about its longitudinal axis between: a first cleaning position in which the first primary cleaning surface is oriented downward in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal surface, and the first primary cleaning surface and the first secondary cleaning surface are configured to engage with a cleaning target when moving in a first movement direction, and a second cleaning position in which the second primary cleaning surface is oriented downward in the vertical direction, and the second primary cleaning surface and the second secondary cleaning surface are configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction.

[0006]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the main body portion is formed from a plurality of coupled square tube sections.

[0007]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the cleaning device further includes an absorbent buffer layer configured to envelop the main body section provided between the main body section and the cloth sleeve.

[0008]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the absorbent buffer layer is formed from egg crate foam.

[0009]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the cloth sleeve is formed from a cloth panel with longitudinal edges fastened together to form a tubular opening therebetween for insertion of the main body section.

[0010]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the longitudinal edges of the cloth panel are fastened together using stitches.

[0011]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the cloth sleeve is fitted to tightly encase the main body section.

[0012]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the main body section has a length in the longitudinal direction of 214 centimeters or more.

[0013]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the first cord fastener and the second cord fastener are formed as separate components from the main body section and are configured to removably attach to the first transverse edge and the second transverse edge respectively via a coupling mechanism.

[0014]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the first cord fastener and the second cord fastener include an aperture configured to function as a handle for gripping the main body section.

[0015]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the first primary cleaning surface, the second primary cleaning surface, the first secondary cleaning surface, and the second secondary cleaning surface are configured to receive application of a cleaning solution.

[0016]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the cleaning device is configured to: clean a first cleaning target by being pulled using the pull cord while in the first cleaning position to collect debris from the first cleaning target using the first primary cleaning surface and the first secondary cleaning surface; convert from the first cleaning position to the second cleaning position when the first primary cleaning surface or the first secondary cleaning surface achieves a contamination threshold by being rotated around its longitudinal axis using the pull cord; and clean a second cleaning target by being pulled using the pull cord while in the second cleaning position to collect debris from the second cleaning target using the second primary cleaning surface and the second secondary cleaning surface.

[0017]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the main body section is configured to be rotated about its longitudinal axis between: a third cleaning position in which the first secondary cleaning surface is oriented downward in the vertical direction, and the first secondary cleaning surface and the second primary cleaning surface are configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction; and a fourth cleaning position in which the second secondary cleaning surface is oriented downward in the vertical direction, and the second secondary cleaning surface and the first primary cleaning surface are configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction.

[0018]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the first primary cleaning surface, the second primary cleaning surface, the first secondary cleaning surface, and the second secondary cleaning surface have substantially similar surface areas.

[0019]In embodiments, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cleaning method for use with a cleaning device, the cleaning device including a main body section having: a first longitudinal surface extending in a longitudinal direction of the main body section; a second longitudinal surface extending in the longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal surface, a first longitudinal edge extending in the longitudinal direction between the first longitudinal surface and the second longitudinal surface; a second longitudinal edge extending in the longitudinal direction between the first longitudinal surface and the second longitudinal surface opposite to the first longitudinal edge; a first transverse edge extending in a transverse direction of the main body section at a first distal end of the main body section; and a second transverse edge extending in the transverse direction at a second distal end of the main body section opposite to the first transverse edge; a cloth sleeve configured to envelop the main body section and define a first primary cleaning surface along the first longitudinal surface, a second primary cleaning surface along the second longitudinal surface, a first secondary cleaning surface along the first longitudinal edge, and a second secondary cleaning surface along the second longitudinal edge; a first cord fastener operably connected to the first transverse edge; a second cord fastener operably connected to the second transverse edge; and a pull cord tethered to the first cord fastener and the second cord fastener, wherein the main body section is configured to be rotated about its longitudinal axis between: a first cleaning position in which the first primary cleaning surface is oriented downward in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal surface, and the first primary cleaning surface and the first secondary cleaning surface are configured to engage with a cleaning target when moving in a first movement direction, and a second cleaning position in which the second primary cleaning surface is oriented downward in the vertical direction, and the second primary cleaning surface and the second secondary cleaning surface are configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction, the cleaning method including: applying a cleaning solution to at least the first primary cleaning surface of the cleaning device; orienting the cleaning device in the first cleaning position; pulling the cleaning device across a first cleaning target using the pull cord while in the first cleaning position; applying a cleaning solution to at least the second primary cleaning surface of the cleaning device; orienting, when the first primary cleaning surface achieves a contamination threshold, the cleaning device from the first cleaning position to the second cleaning position by rotating the cleaning device around its longitudinal axis using the pull cord; and pulling the cleaning device across a second cleaning target using the pull cord while in the second cleaning position.

[0020]According to an embodiment of any paragraph(s) of this summary, the cleaning method may further include applying a cleaning solution to at least the first secondary cleaning surface of the cleaning device; orienting the cleaning device in the third cleaning position; pulling the cleaning device across the first cleaning target using the pull cord while in the third cleaning position; applying a cleaning solution to at least the second secondary cleaning surface of the cleaning device; orienting, when the first secondary cleaning surface achieves a contamination threshold, the cleaning device from the third cleaning position to the fourth cleaning position by rotating the cleaning device around its longitudinal axis using the pull cord; and pulling the cleaning device across the second cleaning target using the pull cord while in the fourth cleaning position.

[0021]According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning device includes: a main body section having: a first longitudinal surface extending in a longitudinal direction of the main body section; a second longitudinal surface extending in the longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal surface; a first longitudinal edge extending in the longitudinal direction between the first longitudinal surface and the second longitudinal surface; a second longitudinal edge extending in the longitudinal direction between the first longitudinal surface and the second longitudinal surface opposite to the first longitudinal edge; a first transverse edge extending in a transverse direction of the main body section at a first distal end of the main body section; and a second transverse edge extending in the transverse direction at a second distal end of the main body section opposite to the first transverse edge; a cloth sleeve configured to envelop the main body section and define a first primary cleaning surface along the first longitudinal surface, a second primary cleaning surface along the second longitudinal surface, a first secondary cleaning surface along the first longitudinal edge, and a second secondary cleaning surface along the second longitudinal edge; a first cord fastener operably connected to the first transverse edge; a second cord fastener operably connected to the second transverse edge; and a pull cord tethered to the first cord fastener and the second cord fastener, wherein the main body section is configured to be rotated about its longitudinal axis between: a first cleaning position in which the first primary cleaning surface is oriented downward in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal surface, and the first primary cleaning surface and the first secondary cleaning surface are configured to engage with a cleaning target when moving in a first movement direction, a second cleaning position in which the second primary cleaning surface is oriented downward in the vertical direction, and the second primary cleaning surface and the second secondary cleaning surface are configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction, a third cleaning position in which the first secondary cleaning surface is oriented downward in the vertical direction, and the first secondary cleaning surface and the second primary cleaning surface are configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction; and a fourth cleaning position in which the second secondary cleaning surface is oriented downward in the vertical direction, and the second secondary cleaning surface and the first primary cleaning surface are configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction.

[0022]The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example systems, methods, and so on, that illustrate various example embodiments of aspects of the invention. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. An element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.

[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art cleaning device.

[0025]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a cleaning device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a main body portion and cord fasteners of the cleaning device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027]FIG. 4 illustrates an additional perspective view of a main body portion and cord fasteners of the cleaning device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028]FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cleaning device including an absorbent buffer layer, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029]FIG. 6 illustrates a cloth sleeve for use with a cleaning device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030]FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a transverse edge of a cleaning device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031]FIG. 8 illustrates an example step of a cleaning method in which a cleaning device is configured in a first cleaning position, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032]FIG. 9 illustrates an example step of a cleaning method in which a cleaning device is rotated from a first cleaning position to a second cleaning position, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033]FIG. 10 illustrates an example step of a cleaning method in which a cleaning device is configured in a second cleaning position, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034]FIG. 11 illustrates additional perspective views of the cleaning device in a third cleaning position and a fourth cleaning position, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035]Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, it should be noted in the following description that the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0036]Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art cleaning device according to U.S. Pat. No. 9,635,993 to Castellini. Castellini discloses a wide area mop including a rectangular mop base 1 onto which a grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6 is removably attached via a plurality of fasteners 7 and a plurality of hook fasteners 16 (not illustrated in FIG. 1). The rectangular mop base 1 is physically dragged along behind the user via a pull cord 8, allowing the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6 to accumulate dirt and grime. A set of circular weight plates 18 is placed atop the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6 once the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6 is folded onto and secured to the rectangular mop base 1. The set of circular weight plates 18 is able to provide additional weight to the rectangular mop base 1 and the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6, allowing the device to scrub a surface more effectively.

[0037]It should be noted, however, that the cleaning device according to Castellini is associated with shortcomings related generally to the fact that cleaning surfaces are provided only on the bottom and a portion of the front edge of the rectangular mop base 1. More particularly, the placement of the circular weight plates 18 on the top surface of the rectangular mop base 1 prevents the use of the top surface as a cleaning surface. Further, as only the bottom and a portion of the front edge of the rectangular mop base 1 act as cleaning surface, the usefulness of the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6 is limited, as it must be removed from the rectangular mop base 1, reversed, and reattached to the rectangular mop base 1 in order to offer a fresh cleaning surface. Further, this process may be time and labor-intensive, as removing the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6 requires first removing the circular weight plates 18 placed atop the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6, and subsequently unfastening the plurality of fasteners 7 engaged with the rectangular mop base 1 through the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6 before the grommeted foldable cleaning cloth 6 can be removed from the rectangular mop base 1.

[0038]Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to providing a cleaning device capable of being rotated about its longitudinal axis between a plurality of cleaning positions at least including a first cleaning position and a second cleaning position. In the first cleaning position, a first primary cleaning surface (e.g., a bottom surface) and a first secondary cleaning surface (e.g., a front edge) of a cloth sleeve enveloping the main body of the cleaning device are configured to engage with a cleaning target when moving in a first movement direction, and in the second cleaning position, a second primary cleaning surface (e.g., a top surface) and a second secondary cleaning surface (e.g., a back edge) of the cloth sleeve engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first cleaning direction. The cleaning device may be converted from the first cleaning position and the second cleaning position by using a pull cord to rotate the cleaning device about its longitudinal axis. Additionally, as described herein, the cleaning device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be further configured to be operable in a third cleaning position and a fourth cleaning position.

[0039]According to the cleaning device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by rotating between a plurality of cleaning positions, a greater number of surfaces of the cleaning device can be utilized, thereby providing a greater effective cleaning surface area and allowing for large areas (e.g., indoor courts) to be cleaned more efficiently. Additionally, as the cleaning device can be easily rotated between the plurality of cleaning positions by the user using the pull cord, it becomes possible to make use of a fresh cleaning surface without removing and reversing the cloth sleeve enveloping the main body of the cleaning device, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0040]FIGS. 2-10 illustrate various views of a cleaning device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Herein, for convenience of description, elements present in multiple views will be collectively described with reference to the figures.

[0041]With regard to directions, herein, aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to directions defined relative to the cleaning device 1. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning device 1 is referred to as the longitudinal direction L, a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L (and the transverse direction T described below) extending through the top and bottom surfaces of the cleaning device 1 is referred to as the vertical direction V, and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V extending through the side surfaces of the cleaning device 1 is referred to as the transverse direction T. Additionally, for convenience of explanation, aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to a consistent movement direction of left to right in the figures.

[0042]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a cleaning device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure primarily includes a main body section 5, a cloth sleeve 20 configured to envelop the main body section 5, a first cord fastener 12A operably connected to a first distal end of the main body section 5, a second cord fastener 12B operably connected to a second distal end of the main body section 5, and a pull cord 15 tethered to the first cord fastener 12A and the second cord fastener 12B.

[0043]The pull cord 15 may include a rope, cable, or other flexible link for attaching to and facilitating operation of the cleaning device 1. The pull cord 15 may be attached to both distal ends of the main body section 5 and be configured to be pulled by a user to drag the cleaning device 1 across a surface (e.g., floor). As illustrated in FIG. 2, ends of the pull cord 15 may be respectively attached to the set of cord fasteners 12A, 12B. More particularly, the pull cord 15 may include a first looped end for attachment to the cord fastener 12A and a second looped end for attachment to the cord fastener 12B. In embodiments, each end of the pull cord 15 may be provided with a locking hook to facilitate ease of attachment and removal with respect to the set of cord fasteners 12A, 12B. The length and material of the pull cord 15 are not particularly limited herein and may be suitably selected to facilitate use of the cleaning device 1. In embodiments, the pull cord 15 may be provided with hand grips at preferred grip locations to facilitate uniform and consistent pulling of the cleaning device 1. Additionally, a user may pull the pull cord 15 upwards and at an angle to rotate the cleaning device 1 about its longitudinal axis between a plurality of cleaning positions.

[0044]FIGS. 3-4 illustrate perspective views of a main body portion 5 and cord fasteners 12A, 12B of the cleaning device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly, FIG. 3 illustrates a view in which a first longitudinal surface 10A of the main body section 5 is oriented downward in the vertical direction V (corresponding to a first cleaning position, as described herein), and FIG. 4 illustrates a view in which the main body section 5 shown in FIG. 3 has been rotated 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis such that a second longitudinal surface 10B of the main body section 5 is oriented downward in the vertical direction 5 (corresponding to a second cleaning position, as described herein).

[0045]The main body section 5 provides the basic structure onto which the other components of the present disclosure are attached. The main body section 5 may be rigid and formed substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism. More particularly, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the main body section 5 includes a first longitudinal surface 10A extending in the longitudinal direction L of the main body section 5, a second longitudinal surface 10B extending in the longitudinal direction L opposite to the first longitudinal surface 10A, a first longitudinal edge 10C extending in the longitudinal direction L between the first longitudinal surface 10A and the second longitudinal surface 10B, a second longitudinal edge 10D extending in the longitudinal direction between the first longitudinal surface 10A and the second longitudinal surface 10B opposite to the first longitudinal edge 10C, a first transverse edge 10E extending in a transverse direction T of the main body section 5 at a first distal end of the main body section 5, and a second transverse edge 10F extending in the transverse direction T at a second distal end of the main body section 5 opposite to the first transverse edge 10E.

[0046]In embodiments, the main body section 5 may be formed from a plurality of square tube sections (illustrated by the dotted line in FIGS. 3-4) assembled and jointly coupled to form the main body section 5 with the desired dimensions. As examples, the square tube sections may be formed from aluminum, polymer compounds such as plastic, fiberglass, or other suitable material. Preferably, the main body section 5 is constructed from a material that will provide the main body section 5 with weight sufficient for making frictional contact with and effectively cleaning a cleaning target such as a floor. In certain embodiments, the square tube sections that form the main body section 5 may be at least partially filled with sand or the like to provide additional weight to the main body section 5. In embodiments, the main body section 5 may have a length in the longitudinal direction of 214 centimeters (7 feet) or more. By structuring the cleaning device 1 to have a length of 214 centimeters (7 feet) or more, it becomes possible to clean a standard width (50 feet wide) indoor court in 8 round-trip passes, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0047]In embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, a set of cord fasteners 12A, 12B may be attached to respective distal ends of the main body section 5. The set of cord fasteners 12A, 12B include devices configured to allow coupling of the pull cord 15 to respective distal ends of the main body section 5. In embodiments, the set of cord fasteners 12A, 12B may include a loop or clip with an opening through which one end of the pull cord 15 may be passed through and fastened. The set of cord fasteners 12A, 12B may be formed as separate components from the main body section 5 and be configured to removably attach to the first transverse edge 10E and the second transverse edge 10F of the main body section 5, respectively, via a quick-release latch, snap fit connection, or other coupling mechanism. In certain embodiments, the set of cord fasteners 12A, 12B may be structured from wood, plastic, or other suitable material, and respectively include apertures 13A, 13B large enough for a user to insert their hand or fingers. For instance, the apertures 13A, 13B may be approximately 8-12 centimeters (3.15 by 4.72 inches) by 2-5 centimeters (0.79 inches by 2 inches). In this way, the set of cord fasteners 12A, 12B may serve a dual purpose by functioning both as the fastener for the pull cord 15 as well as a handle for allowing users to grip the main body section 5 for transportation.

[0048]FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cleaning device 1 including an absorbent buffer layer 18, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The absorbent buffer layer 18 may include a material layer provided to surround the main body section 5. More particularly, the absorbent buffer layer 18 may be provided so as to wrap around the first longitudinal surface 10A, the second longitudinal surface 10B, the first longitudinal edge 10C, and the second longitudinal surface 10B of the main body section 5. In embodiments, the absorbent buffer layer 18 may be formed from a cushioned, porous material, such as egg crate foam, memory foam, polyurethane foam, cotton batting, cellulose sponge, felt, microfiber cloth, terrycloth, latex foam, viscose fabric, or the like. By providing the absorbent buffer layer 18 to surround the main body section 5, it is possible to increase the absorbency of the cleaning device 1 with respect to both liquid cleaning solutions and wet debris while also protecting the floor from scratches and other damage. Additionally, it should be noted that by providing the absorbent buffer layer 18 between the main body section 5 and the cloth sleeve 20, the frictional effect between the absorbent buffer layer 18 and the cloth sleeve 20 functions to keep the cloth sleeve 20 in place and avoid slippage with respect to the main body section 5 without the need for additional fasteners. Further, by making use of a textured material such as egg crate foam that has peaks and valleys on its surface as the absorbent buffer layer 18, it is possible to increase the cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning device 1. More particularly, the peaks on the surface of the absorbent buffer layer 18 may function to reach into crevices and dislodge debris, while the valleys act as traps to collect and hold on to the dislodged debris.

[0049]FIG. 6 illustrates a cloth sleeve 20 for use with a cleaning device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The cloth sleeve 20 may include a removable outer layer or casing that envelops the main body section 5. As used herein, the term envelop refers to an outer layer (e.g., the cloth sleeve 20 or the absorbent buffer layer 18) at least partially surrounding, wrapping, or covering the main body section 5. In the case that the absorbent buffer layer 18 is provided around the main body section 5, the cloth sleeve 20 may be provided surrounding the absorbent buffer layer 18 so as to form the outermost layer of the cleaning device 1. In embodiments, the cloth sleeve 20 may be configured to be easily slipped on and slipped off the main body section 5 by a user. In embodiments, the cloth sleeve 20 may be formed from a soft, absorbent material such as cotton, microfiber, linen, hemp, terrycloth, or a mixture of materials. The cloth sleeve 20 may be formed from a cloth (e.g., towel) panel having a length substantially similar to that of the main body section 5. The longitudinal edges of the cloth panel may be fastened together to form a tubular opening into which the main body section 5 can be inserted. In embodiments, the longitudinal edges of the cloth panel forming the cloth sleeve 20 may be sewn or stitched together. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal edges of the cloth panel forming the cloth sleeve 20 may be removably fastened together using Velcro (registered trademark), a zipper, buttons and buttonholes, snap buttons, laces and eyelets, adhesive strips, or the like. The cloth sleeve 20 may be configured to tightly fit the main body section 5 and the absorbent buffer layer 18 to avoid slippage. In certain embodiments, the cloth sleeve 20 may be provided with elastic bands around its circumference at one or more points (e.g., the midpoint and the longitudinal ends) to allow it to snugly conform to the main body section 5 and the absorbent material layer 18.

[0050]When the main body section 5 is inserted into the cloth sleeve 20, the cloth sleeve 20 conforms to the shape of the main body section 5 (and absorbent buffer layer 18 when provided) to define a set of cleaning surfaces 10AS-10DS. More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, the cloth sleeve 20 may define a first primary cleaning surface 10AS along the first longitudinal surface 10A, a second primary cleaning surface 10BS along the second longitudinal surface 10B, a first secondary cleaning surface 10CS along the first longitudinal edge 10C, and a second secondary cleaning surface 10DS along the second longitudinal edge 10D. The set of cleaning surfaces 10AS-10DS refers to the surfaces of the cloth sleeve 20 configured to engage with and clean a cleaning target (e.g., floor). More particularly, the first and second primary cleaning surfaces 10AS, 10BS refer to the longitudinal surfaces (e.g., bottom and top surfaces) of the cleaning device 1 that share an interface (e.g., come into contact) with the floor when the cleaning device 1 is placed flat on the ground. As the first and second primary cleaning surfaces 10AS, 10BS extend in a plane parallel to the floor, a relatively large portion of the first and second primary cleaning surfaces 10AS, 10BS comes into contact with the floor, thereby creating a large cleaning surface area that facilitates increased cleaning efficiency. The first and second secondary cleaning surfaces 10CS, 10DS refer to the longitudinal edges (e.g., front and back edges) of the cleaning device 1 perpendicular to the first and second primary cleaning surfaces 10AS, 10BS. The first and second secondary cleaning surfaces 10CS, 10DS may be effective for collecting larger debris that protrudes above the plane of the floor when the cleaning device 1 is used in the first or second cleaning positions.

[0051]As used herein, the term “cleaning target” refers to an object or location to be cleaned by the cleaning device 1, and may also include the debris on the object or location. As an example, the cleaning target may include a floor and the debris that has accumulated on the floor. Additionally, as used herein, the phrase “configured to engage with the cleaning target” may indicate that the cleaning device 1 is in a state or position in which a particular cleaning surface is capable of operating to clean the cleaning target. For example, in embodiments, the phrase “configured to engage” may indicate that a particular cleaning surface is capable of interfacing with or contacting a floor, the debris on the floor, or both. It should be noted that which of the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS or the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS is configured to engage with the cleaning target in a particular cleaning position depends on the direction of movement of the cleaning device 1 across the floor.

[0052]As described herein, in embodiments, the cleaning device 1 is configured to be rotated about its longitudinal axis between a plurality of cleaning positions at least including a first cleaning position and a second cleaning position. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the first cleaning position, the first primary cleaning surface 10AS (e.g., the bottom surface) is oriented facing downward in the vertical direction V. In this position, the first primary cleaning surface 10AS and one of either the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS (e.g., the front edge) or the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS (e.g., the back edge) of the cloth sleeve 20 enveloping the main body section 5 of the cleaning device 1 are configured to engage with a cleaning target (e.g., floor). In the second cleaning position, the second primary cleaning surface 10BS (e.g., the top surface) is oriented facing downward in the vertical direction V. In this position, the second primary cleaning surface 10BS and one of either the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS (e.g., the front edge) or the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS (e.g., the back edge) of the cloth sleeve 20 enveloping the main body section 5 of the cleaning device 1 are configured to engage with a cleaning target (e.g., floor). As described herein, whether or not the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS or the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS is configured to engage with the cleaning target in a particular cleaning position depends on the direction of movement of the cleaning device 1 across the floor. The cleaning device 1 may be converted from the first cleaning position to the second cleaning position and vice versa by using the pull cord 15 to rotate the cleaning device 1 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis.

[0053]FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a transverse edge 10F of a cleaning device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 7, when viewed from the side, the cord fastener 12A occupies the central region of the main body section 5. The absorbent buffer layer 18 may be provided to surround and encase the first longitudinal surface 10A, the second longitudinal surface 10B, the first longitudinal edge 10C, and the second longitudinal surface 10B of the main body section 5. The cloth sleeve 20 may be slipped over the absorbent buffer layer 18 and may define the first primary cleaning surface 10AS along the first longitudinal surface 10A, the second primary cleaning surface 10BS along the second longitudinal surface 10B, the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS along the first longitudinal edge 10C, and the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS along the second longitudinal edge 10D.

[0054]FIGS. 8-10 illustrate example steps of a cleaning method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly, the cleaning method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a method for using the cleaning device 1 in a first cleaning position to clean a cleaning target, converting the cleaning device 1 from the first cleaning position to a second cleaning position, and subsequently using the cleaning device 1 in the second cleaning position to clean the cleaning target. In FIGS. 8-10, the cleaning device 1 is presumed to move in a consistent movement direction from left to right.

[0055]FIG. 8 illustrates an example step of a cleaning method in which a cleaning device 1 is configured in a first cleaning position. First, prior to beginning cleaning, a user 28 may apply a cleaning solution to one or more of the set of cleaning surfaces 10AS-10DS of the cleaning device 1. Preferably, the user 28 may use a spray-type cleaning solution to adequately saturate the first primary cleaning surface 10AS, the second primary cleaning surface 10BS, the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS, and the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS. By using a spray-type cleaning solution, it is possible to apply the cleaning solution to the set of cleaning surfaces 10AS-10DS without immersing the entire cloth sleeve 20 in the solution, facilitating ease of application and avoiding waste. Additionally, in the case that a textured material such as egg crate foam that has peaks and valleys on its surface was used as the absorbent buffer layer 18, wetting the set of cleaning surfaces 10AS-10DS causes the cloth sleeve 20 to adhere to the shape of the absorbent buffer layer 18, thereby leveraging the form of the absorbent buffer layer 18 to enhance cleaning performance. Here, it should be noted that while a user 28 may apply the cleaning solution to each of the set of cleaning surfaces 10AS-10DS prior to beginning cleaning, the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and the user 28 may apply or reapply the cleaning solution to particular surfaces as they perform the cleaning method described herein.

[0056]As illustrated in FIG. 8, initially, the cleaning device 1 is configured in a first position in which the first primary cleaning surface 10AS is oriented downward in the vertical direction V. In this orientation, in the case that the user moves to the right in FIG. 8, the first primary cleaning surface 10AS and the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS of the cleaning device 1 are configured to engage with a cleaning target such as the floor 25 and the debris 22 that has accumulated on the floor 25. In this position (after applying the cleaning solution described above), a user 28 may grip the pull cord 15 and walk forward (e.g., to the right in FIG. 8), thereby pulling the cleaning device 1 such that the cleaning device 1 is dragged across the floor 25. As the cleaning device 1 is dragged along the floor 25, the debris 22 that has accumulated on the floor is collected by the first primary cleaning surface 10AS and the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS. In this way, the debris 22 can be removed, cleaning the floor 25.

[0057]It should be noted that, when pulling the cleaning device 1, the user 28 may position themselves outside the space between the pull cord 15 and the main body section 5 (as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10), or inside the space between the pull cord 15 and the main body section 5. The method of pulling the cleaning device 1 is not particularly limited herein, and any method that maintains consistent and uniform pulling of the cleaning device 1 may be suitably used.

[0058]FIG. 9 illustrates an example step of a cleaning method in which a cleaning device 1 is rotated from a first cleaning position to a second cleaning position, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As described herein, aspects of the disclosure relate to the recognition that, after being used in the first cleaning position to clean a cleaning target as illustrated in FIG. 8, the first primary cleaning surface 10AS and the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS of the cleaning device 1 may become soiled. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to converting the cleaning device 1 from the first cleaning position to the second cleaning position to facilitate continued cleaning of the cleaning target.

[0059]More particularly, when one of either the first primary cleaning surface 10AS or the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS achieves a contamination threshold, the user 28 may pull the pull cord 15 upward and at an angle to rotate the cleaning device 1 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis from the first cleaning position, thereby converting the cleaning device 1 from the first cleaning position to the second cleaning position. As a result, the cleaning device 1 becomes reversed (e.g., flipped upside-down) such that the second primary cleaning surface 10BS faces downward in the vertical direction V, and the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS will face forward in the direction of movement (presuming that the user 28 continues moving in the same direction).

[0060]Here, the contamination threshold refers to a specific criterion or boundary used to determine whether a particular cleaning surface has become sufficiently saturated with debris such that changing to an alternate cleaning surface may be preferable. The user may suitably determine the contamination threshold 28 based on the appearance of the cleaning surface, the degree of soiling of the cleaning target, the type of debris being collected, and the like.

[0061]FIG. 10 illustrates an example step of a cleaning method in which a cleaning device 1 is configured in a second cleaning position, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As described herein, after being converted from the first cleaning position to the second cleaning position, the second primary cleaning surface 10BS faces downward in the vertical direction V. In this orientation, in the case that the user moves to the right in FIG. 10, the second primary cleaning surface 10BS and the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS of the cleaning device 1 are configured to engage with a cleaning target such as the floor 25 and the debris 22 that has accumulated on the floor 25. In this position (after applying or reapplying the cleaning solution described above), a user 28 may grip the pull cord 15 and walk forward (e.g., to the right in FIG. 10), thereby pulling the cleaning device 1 such that the cleaning device 1 is dragged across the floor 25. As the cleaning device 1 is dragged along the floor 25, the debris 22 that has accumulated on the floor is collected by the second primary cleaning surface 10BS and the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS. In this way, the debris 22 can be removed, cleaning the floor 25.

[0062]Herein, aspects of the present disclosure have been described with respect to a cleaning device 1 configured for use in a first cleaning position and a second cleaning position. However, the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and in certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 11, in addition to the first and second cleaning positions, the cleaning device 1 may be configured to operate in a third cleaning position (illustrated in FIG. 11A) in which the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS (e.g., the front edge) is oriented facing downward in the vertical direction V, and a fourth cleaning position (illustrated in FIG. 11B) in which the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS (e.g., the back edge) is oriented downward in the vertical direction V. In the third cleaning position, the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS and the second primary cleaning surface 10BS may be configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction (e.g., to the right in FIG. 11), and in the fourth cleaning position, the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS and the first primary cleaning surface 10AS may be configured to engage with the cleaning target when moving in the first movement direction (e.g., to the right in FIG. 11).

[0063]In such an embodiment, it is preferable that the main body section 5 have a substantially square shape, such that the first primary cleaning surface 10AS, the second primary cleaning surface 10BS, the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS, and the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS have substantially the same surface area. The cleaning device 1 may be converted to the third cleaning position by using the pull cord 15 to rotate the cleaning device 1 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis from the first cleaning position. Similarly, the cleaning device 1 may be converted to the fourth cleaning position by using the pull cord 15 to rotate the cleaning device 1 270 (or −90) degrees about its longitudinal axis from the first cleaning position.

[0064]The cleaning device 1 may be used in the third and fourth cleaning positions in the same manner as described above with respect to the first and second cleaning positions. That is, after applying a cleaning solution the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS (and optionally the second secondary cleaning surface 10DS) of the cleaning device 1, the cleaning device 1 may be oriented in the third cleaning position and pulled across a cleaning target such as a floor such that the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS and the second primary cleaning surface 10BS collect debris from the cleaning target. When the first secondary cleaning surface 10CS achieves a contamination threshold, the cleaning device 1 may be oriented from the third cleaning position to the first, second, or fourth cleaning positions by rotating the cleaning device 1 around its longitudinal axis using the pull cord 15. The cleaning device 1 may be used in a similar fashion in the fourth cleaning position. It should be noted that the orientation of the cleaning device 1 is not particularly limited herein, and a user may select the cleaning position for the cleaning device based on the degree of soiling of each of the set of cleaning surfaces 10AS-10DS.

[0065]In this way, by configuring the cleaning device 1 to operate in the third and fourth cleaning positions in addition to the first and second cleaning positions, it is possible to further increase the surface area of the cleaning device 1 available for cleaning, and offer greater cleaning efficiency.

[0066]As described herein, aspects of the disclosure relate to providing a cleaning device capable of being rotated about its longitudinal axis between a plurality of cleaning positions. By rotating the cleaning device between a plurality of cleaning positions, a greater number of surfaces of the cleaning device can be utilized, thereby providing a greater effective cleaning surface area and allowing for large areas (e.g., indoor courts) to be cleaned more efficiently. Additionally, as the cleaning device can be easily rotated between the plurality of cleaning positions by the user using the pull cord, it becomes possible to make use of a fresh cleaning surface without removing and reversing the cloth sleeve enveloping the main body of the cleaning device, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

DEFINITIONS

[0067]The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions.

[0068]An “operable connection,” or a connection by which entities are “operably connected,” is one in which signals, physical communications, or logical communications may be sent or received. Typically, an operable connection includes a physical interface, an electrical interface, or a data interface, but it is to be noted that an operable connection may include differing combinations of these or other types of connections sufficient to allow operable control. For example, two entities can be operably connected by being able to communicate signals to each other directly or through one or more intermediate entities like a processor, operating system, a logic, software, or other entity. Logical or physical communication channels can be used to create an operable connection.

[0069]To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed in the detailed description or claims (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995).

[0070]While example systems, methods, and so on, have been illustrated by describing examples, and while the examples have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit scope to such detail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the systems, methods, and so on, described herein. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, this application is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the preceding description is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.