MX2012002552A - Cleaning implement. - Google Patents

Abstract

Novel cleaning implements and novel components of cleaning implements are provided. Aspects relate to novel wringers having convex regions with a plurality of drain exits. In some embodiments, concave regions are also provided. The concave regions are substantially devoid of any drain exits. An upper portion of the wringer may be substantially cylindrical or conic-cylindrical and a lower portion may be neither cylindrical nor conic-cylindrical. The bottom perimeter of the bottom may define a square-like shape. Further aspects relate to novel connection assemblies. Certain assemblies may have a top portion with a vertical wall that is configured to position mop fibers along a vertical axis.

Description

CLEANING INSTRUMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One type of mop that has found commercial success in the market is a mop that has a coupled run-off bucket, described in U.S. Patent No. 5,060,338. Other examples may be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,709,622; 3,364,512; 3,946,457; and 4,809,287, and German Published Patent Application No. DE3607121 Al.

The drip buckets used in this type of mops often have grooves or ribs on the inside. When the cone-shaped drip bucket is pushed down onto the mop fibers, the ribs help to squeeze the water from the mop fibers. Runoff is not always completely effective, however. Some of the water that has been squeezed out of the mop fibers can sometimes re-enter the fibers before it drains completely out of the runoff bucket. Certain runoff and / or connection assemblies allow mop fibers to be entangled or twisted at locations below other areas that still retain fluids, thereby preventing proper drainage of fluids. Other systems also can not properly orient the fibers to allow for proper drainage characteristics.

What is needed, therefore, are improved systems and methods that improve with respect to conventional devices and processes, which include one or more of the limitations mentioned above.

Summary of the invention The following description presents a general summary of the aspects of the invention for the purpose of providing a basic understanding of the invention and various features of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but merely provides a general review and context for the following more detailed description.

The aspects of this description relate to an innovative drip bucket. In one embodiment the drip bucket has holes in it that can allow water to drain out of the drip bucket more quickly and efficiently to help prevent resorption. In one embodiment, the drip bucket includes ribs directed inwardly and the ribs include perforations to improve water drainage from the mop fibers.

In one embodiment, the runoff hub may comprise a unitary body having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end may have an end portion having a first perimeter that is substantially circular and a first interior perimeter defining a central bore configured to allow passage of the elongate member within an interior portion of the unitary body. In certain embodiments the lower end may have a final part having a second outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the second outer perimeter may not be circular or oval. The second outer perimeter may also be longer than the first outer perimeter.

The unitary body, such as the lower end, may include ribs that extend inwardly. Each of the ribs may have a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib bottom. The ribs that extend internally may not have any of the perforations. The unitary body may also have outwardly extending ribs, such as those located at the lower end. Externally extending ribs may include a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib portion. In certain embodiments, the rib sides of the externally extending ribs may not have perforations. In some embodiments, the rib portion comprises a plurality of perforations.

The plurality of outer ribs can define a square-like shape along a horizontal parallel plane with the first outer perimeter of the upper end of the squeegee. In other embodiments, an upper end of the squeegee may be substantially cylindrical or conical and may have no drain outlet and a lower end is conical but not cylindrical. The lower end may further include convex regions defining at least two opposite concave regions positioned between the adjacent convex regions. The lower end may also have drainage outlets located on each concave region. The drain outlets may be located on a higher location of the more distant convex regions from the innermost portion of the concave regions. In certain embodiments, no more than one single drain outlet is supplied on any given horizontal plane of each convex region.

The drainage outlets can be arranged vertically in a parallel manner along the vertical axes (in this case, height) of the convex regions. In one embodiment, at least one drain outlet has a height that is approximately 25-30% of its length. The drain outlet may be at least about 1 centimeter away from the innermost location of the adjacent concave regions. Another drain outlet may have a height that is approximately 35-40% of its length and is at least about 2 centimeters from the innermost location of the adjacent concave regions.

The squeegee may be configured such that the plurality of fibers are completely retracted within the inner portion of the squeegee, an upper portion of the fibers may be located at least above the uppermost drain outlet of the externally extending ribs and they are aligned in a vertical parallel manner to the vertical axis defined by the central perforation. A first compression force can cause an initial twist of the mop fibers located near the elongate handle before the corresponding sections of the same fibers located in an intermediate section of the drainer and corresponding sections located in a lower section of the drainer next to the outlet of lower drainage. The fibers in the intermediate portion may remain extended within an inner region of the convex regions, thereby resulting in an inner fiber of proximity in the intermediate portion that is less than an inner fiber of proximity in the upper end of the squeegee. At least a fraction of the fibers near an inner side of the convex regions remain in a non-twisted state under the application of the first force, thereby allowing the flow of the fluids from the upper portion into the lower portion of, and outside the drainage exits.

An increase in twisting forces can result in a second compression force initiating fiber twisting in the intermediate section, thereby resulting in a downward progression of the fiber twist. For example, the fibers in the middle section will twist around the central axis and away from the convex regions in a downward progression.

Additional aspects relate to a cleaning instrument comprising an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The cleaning instrument may include a squeegee configured to be slidably positioned along at least a portion of the elongated member. A connection assembly can be configured to be mounted on the second end of the elongate member and secure a plurality of mop fibers. The connecting assembly may include an upper portion having a first surface defining a first outer perimeter along a horizontal plane and a vertical wall extending downwardly extending parallel with the elongate member, the wall is close to the outer perimeter of the first flat surface. The connection assembly can also include a lower portion. The lower portion may have a second planar surface defining a second outer perimeter along the horizontal plane that is longer than the second outer perimeter. In certain embodiments, securing the mop fibers between the first and second planar surfaces, the vertical wall of the portion is configured to force the plurality of mop fibers to traverse from inwardly toward outwardly along the plane horizontal towards a vertical descending direction.

Additional aspects relate to connector assemblies for mop fibers. In one embodiment the connector assembly can be configured to allow easier assembly of the mop fibers to an elongated mop member.

Brief description of the Figures A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description in consideration of the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a squeegee mop in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the handle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of the squeegee hub shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a rotated side view of the squeegee hub shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is an enlarged side elevation view of a second embodiment of the squeegee hub; Figure 6 is a rotated side view of the squeegee hub shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is an exploded side view of one embodiment of a connector assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 in Figure 7; Figure 11 is a cross sectional view taken along line 11-11 in Figure 7; Figure 12 is a sectional view taken on line 12-12 in Figure 8; Figure 13 is an enlarged side elevational view of a third embodiment of the drip bucket; Figure 14 shows an illustrative top portion of a connection assembly in accordance with one embodiment. Specifically, Figure 14A shows a top view of the exemplary top of Figure 14B and Figure 14B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the top portion illustrative of a possible connection assembly; Figure 15 represents an exemplary lower portion of a connection assembly in accordance with one embodiment; Figure 16 shows an illustrative squeegee in accordance with one embodiment. Specifically, Figure 16A shows a perspective view, Figure 16B shows a side view, Figure 16C shows a bottom view and Figure 16D shows a top view of the illustrated drainer; Y Figure 17 shows a side view of an illustrative squeegee in accordance with one embodiment.

In the following description of several exemplary structures according to the invention, reference is made to the appended Figures, which form a part thereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration several examples of cleaning instruments, wringers, and connection assemblies according to the invention. Additionally, it should be understood that other specific arrangements of the parts and structures may be used and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "back", "right", left, and the like may be used in this specification to describe various features and exemplary elements of the invention, These terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, for example, based on the exemplary orientations shown in the Figures and / or the guidance in typical use.

Figures 1-4 show an embodiment of an illustrative mop 10 in accordance with one embodiment of this description. The illustrated mop can include an elongated member 12, a mop element assembly 14 on one end 16 of the elongate member 12, and a run-off bucket 18. To fasten the mop elements 14 to the end 16 of elongate member 12, it is provided a connector assembly 50.

It is conventionally known that the elongated member for such mops can be of a lightweight metal tube, however, any rigid structure, including wood and / or plastic, can be employed. The elongated member illustrated includes an optional handle 20, described below.

The mop elements 14 are illustrated taking the form of flat ribbons. It is conventionally known that such tapes can be made of (for example) non-woven water-absorbent fiber material that is about 18 or 19 inches long and about 0.15 inches thick in its compressed state. Other materials can also be used.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the illustrated drip bucket 18 can be disposed on the elongate member 12 on the mop elements 14, and has an outer wall 23 that flares outward toward a lower end 25. The shape Precise and draining cube arrangement may not be important for various embodiments of the invention, however, it is important for other embodiments described herein. It is conventionally known that the runner buckets used in such mops are preferably slidably mounted on the elongate member, such as member 12, and can take the form of a tubular plate that can be molded in one piece with a polymeric material such as propylene. It is also conventionally known that such runoff buckets may include slots 27 to help drain the liquid from the mop fibers during runoff.

The optional handle 20 that has been illustrated in Figure 2 is mounted on the elongated member 12, on the mop elements 14. The handle is arranged to support the drip bucket 18 on the mop element fibers when the mop is being used. This position is illustrated in Figure 1, in which an upper portion 29 of the drip bucket (see Figure 3) fits within a lower portion 31 of the handle.

The mop elements 14, which can also be collectively referred to as a mop head, tend to become highly absorbent to allow the mop 10 to collect the spills. This absorption means, however, that when it draws the water from the mop elements 14, the water in the vicinity of the mop elements 14 tends to be absorbed again. The perforations 35 in the drip bucket 18 help to allow the water that is drained from the mop elements 14 to be transported away to reduce resorption. According to what has been discussed below, however, several embodiments have perforations of different sizes 35. Additional modalities are directed towards the location and dimensions of the perforations 35 and / or other outlets for the fluids.

The mop patterns 10 may differ from the previously known mops with drip buckets in the perforations 35, 38 on the drip bucket 18. As best seen in Figures 1-3-5 and 13, the illustrated bores are disposed near the lower end 25 of the drip bucket. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the illustrated perforations preferably have a width that is greater than about 1/3 of the diameter of the elongate member 12, and are less than the width of the flat ribbons forming the mop elements 14. on the end of the elongated member.

While the perforations 35 are useful, additional trajectories to extract the water could be useful in certain embodiments. According to what is observed in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the ribs 27 may include a plurality of perforations 38, such as those arranged in a linear manner. However, the perforations 38 are preferably located on one side 27a in place at the center 27b of the ribs 27 so as not to interfere with the compression of the mop element 14 by the ribs 27 during the execution of the water extraction. As is evident from Figures 3, 5 and 13, the drip bucket 18 includes a first end 18a and a second end 18b. As can be appreciated, the size of the perforations 35, 38 can be substantially uniform or they can be increased from smaller to larger by moving towards the second end 18b of the drip bucket 18. This is useful to allow more water to be drained by from the second end 18b to the first end 18a of the runoff hub 18. In other embodiments, different configurations and size patterns, such as smaller and larger, perforations may be used.

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of drip bucket shown in Figure 5. It should be noted that due to the angle, the perforations 38 in the ribs 27 are not visible. In one embodiment, one or two of the ribs 27 may include the perforations 38. In another embodiment all of the ribs include the perforations on one or both of the sides of the ribs 27 and the perforations are aligned between the ribs.

Back to Figures 7-12, the characteristics of one embodiment of the connector assembly 50 are illustrated. Noting in Figure 7, the connector assembly 50 includes a collar 60 configured to be installed on an insert 70. The insert 70 includes a tubular end 71 that is positioned within the elongate member 12. The insert 70 further includes a plurality of tabs 72 on the side walls 73 of the insert 70. The insert 70 supports the inner member 80, and the plurality of tabs 72 engage a plurality of depressions 82 on the inner member 80. In turn, the inner member 80 is configured to engage the outer member 90 for supporting the mop element 14 in place. In one embodiment, the outer member 90 is inserted into the inner member 80 and the ratchet 91 contains the outer member 90 in place.

Figure 9-11 illustrates several views of the insert 70. As can be seen from these Figures, the plurality of tabs 72 an outer portion 74 and an inner portion 76. The inner portion 76 is configured to engage the depressions 82 of the member. 80. The outer portions 74 each are of an appropriate size and shape to provide a friction point for the collar 60 as the collar 60 is slidably installed on the insert 70 to ensure engagement of the tabs 72 with respect to to the inner member 80.

Figure 8 illustrates the components of a mode of the connector 50 in the installed position. As depicted, the outer member 90 is inserted into the inner member 80 and together the outer and lower members 80, 90 support the mop member 14. The inner member 80 is held in position by the insert 70 and the collar 60 is positioned around the insert 70. As depicted, the collar 60 includes the bevelled wall 62 which connects the flared edge 64 to the bevelled end 66. The inner surface of the beveled wall 62 is generally circular in its cross-section to allow the collar is slid over the insert 70 in essentially any rotational orientation. While the beveled end 66 is not required, it helps the collar to be placed in the installed position (as shown), more easily.

When the drip bucket 18 is pulled down on the mop elements 14, some water is forced out of the mop elements 14. To drain off more water, the drip bucket 18 can be rotated. As can be appreciated, however, the rotation of the drip bucket 18 is more effective if the mop elements 14 are contained in a fixed position relative to the elongated mop member 12. The mop elements 14 are fixed to the elongated member 12 by the insert 70. When the insert 70 is installed, the frictional force between the tubular end 71 and the elongated member 12 helps prevent displacement of the insert 70.

As noted above, the inner and outer members 80, 90 are in turn mounted to the insert 70. Observing Figure 12, while the tabs 72 help contain the inner and outer members in place, to resist the force of torsion, the inner and outer members 80, 90 are configured in four side arrays that interact with the insert 70 to prevent rotation.

While the four side arrays are useful, the configuration of the collar 60 in such a corresponding configuration makes the assembly of the connector 50 more complex. ThusIt is useful to allow collar 60 to be installed regardless of its rotational orientation. To provide this functionality, in one embodiment, the tabs 72 include the external portion 74 extending externally. In one embodiment, as depicted in Figure 12, the outer portion 74 of the four tabs 72 provides a circle-like profile that provides an appropriate frictional arrangement of the collar 60.

Some of the above examples of a connection assembly show illustrative upper portions (e.g., inner member 80) and lower portions (e.g., outer member 90) in accordance with various embodiments. As discussed above, the connection assemblies can be configured to retain a plurality of fibers therebetween. Figure 14 shows another illustrative example of an upper portion (upper portion 1402) in accordance with one embodiment of this disclosure. Specifically, Figure 14A shows a top view of the exemplary top portion 1402 and Figure 14B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the top portion 1402. Looking first at Figure 14A, the top portion 1402 may comprise a or more structures such as structure 1404 configured to engage an elongated member, such as elongated member 12 shown in Figures 1-4. The connection of the upper portion 1402 to an elongated member 12 can be direct or indirect and / or include one or more structural components positioned between the upper portion 1402 and the elongate member 12.

The upper portion 1402 further comprises a first surface 1406 that is shown from the inside out away from the center. According to that shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the first surface 1406 exits from the inside outward away from a center in a uniform manner to form a circular cross-sectional area. The first surface 1406 can also define a first outer perimeter 1408 on a horizontal plane. Because the illustrative outside perimeter 1408 is circular, the diameter of area within it perimeter 1408 can be determined by the diameter of the perimeter 1408. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter 1408 can have a diameter of about 4 centimeters. Other dimensions, however, do not go beyond the scope of this description.

Although the perimeter 1408 is shown along a horizontal plane, the surface of the structure 1406 need not be planar with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, as best seen in Figure 14B, the surface 1406 may travel along a vertical direction, such as by a curve in a descending manner along the y-axis. According to that shown in Figure 14B, the upper portion 1402 may include a vertical wall extending downwardly, such as the wall 1410, close to the outer perimeter 1408 of the first surface 1406. In the illustrative embodiment, the wall which extends vertically downwardly 1410 may be an extension of the surface 1406. In certain embodiments, the presence of curves downwardly in the structure 1406 in conjunction with the wall 1410 may allow a greater amount of fibers to be secured between the portion upper 1402 and a lower portion (see, for example, 1502 of Figure 15) than if wall 1410 were used without any curvature of structure 1406.

In certain embodiments, the wall 1410 can be a substantially vertical wall, so that it is parallel with a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In that way, the vertical wall can be approximately 90 ° from the horizontal axis. In such an embodiment, the outer perimeter 1408 may be the outermost perimeter of the upper portion 1402. In one embodiment, the wall 1410 may be approximately 2 centimeters in length along the vertical axis. In even other embodiments, the vertical wall 1410 may be from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees from the vertical axis. In still other embodiments, the wall 1410 may be less than 45 degrees from the vertical axis and the surface 1406 may have a curve of about 1 degree to about 44 degrees from the horizontal axis.

Although wall 1410 is shown as a solid and uniform structure, those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that it is not a requirement that wall 1410 be so. For example, the lower edge 1412 of the wall 1410 may be toothed, curved, regular and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments the perimeter portions 1408 may not have corresponding portions of vertical wall 1410.

The upper portion 1402 may further include peaks 1414 or other structures for applying force and / or penetrating a plurality of fibers, such that when used in combination with a lower portion, such as 1502 of Figure 15, which will be discussed below. . For example, the peaks 1414 may be shaped and / or dimensioned to help secure the fibers between the upper portion 1402 and the lower portion.

Figure 15 shows an exemplary lower portion 1502 which may be used in conjunction with the upper portion 1402. The lower portion 1502 may comprise an upwardly extending central protrusion 1503 configured to be received by the upper portion 1402. As shown in FIG. shown in Figure 15, the protrusion 1503 may include one or more retention structures, such as a retaining structure 1504 for securing the lower portion 1502 to the upper portion 1402. The lower portion 1502 may also comprise one or more structures, such as as structures 1506 for applying force on and / or penetrating a plurality of fibers (e.g., structures 1506). The portion of mop fibers secured between the upper and lower portions 1502 may be substantially limited against a rotational movement with respect to the horizontal plane.

In one embodiment, the lower portion 1502 may comprise a first surface, (such as the surface 1508). In one embodiment, the surface 1508 is positioned to be substantially planar with the horizontal plane when the lower portion 1502 is secured with the upper portion 1402. The surface 1508 defines an outer perimeter that is less than the outermost perimeter of the upper portion 1402 , such as the outer perimeter 1408. In certain embodiments, the surface 1508 may be substantially circular. In one embodiment, the transverse cross-sectional distance (in this case the diameter) of the surface 1508 may be about 1.5 centimeters (see item 1510). In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional (or diameter) distance of the surface 1508 of the lower portion 1502 may be from about 30 to about 40 percent of the transverse perimeter 1408 and / or the outermost perimeter of the upper portion 1402. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional distance (or diameter) of the surface 1508 of the lower portion 1502 may be about 37 to about 48 percent of the transverse perimeter 1408 and / or the outermost perimeter of the upper portion 1402.

In one embodiment, the upper and lower portions 1402, 1502 may be configured such that when secured together with the mop fibers between them, the wall 1410 may be positioned to force the mop fibers to be approximately parallel with the vertical plane (in this case, along the Axis y) . In another embodiment, the wall 1410 must be positioned to force the mop fibers to be at least 45 degrees from the horizontal plane. In another embodiment, the wall 1410 can be positioned to force the plurality of mop fibers at least 65 degrees from the horizontal plane. In still a further embodiment, the wall 1410 can be positioned to force the mop fibers at least 75 degrees from the horizontal plane.

In certain embodiments, the size and / or proportion of the dimensions of the upper portion 1402 and lower portion 1502 may provide improved aspects with respect to the various previously known systems and methods. In one embodiment, the size and / or proportion of the upper portion or lower portion 1402, 1502 may allow one or more of the following exemplary improvements: a better alignment of the individual mop fibers in a vertical orientation, the reduction of a twist of fiber on itself, an increased return of the fibers in a rotational manner about the axis of the elongate member 12 during the use of the mop, and combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art together with the benefit of this disclosure will quickly appreciate that these features are merely exemplary and that other improvements over various prior art devices are not excluded.

Additional aspects in relation to the new squeegees as well as the squeegees that have the different new characteristics. Figure 16A shows a perspective view of the exemplary squeegee 1602 in accordance with one embodiment of this description. The drainer 1602 may comprise a unitary body having an upper end 1604 of a lower end 1606 along the vertical axis (such as the y-axis). In one embodiment, the drainer 1602 can be from about 25 to about 30 centimeters in length along the y-axis. In even other modalities, this can be from approximately 28 to approximately 29 centimeters. In yet still further embodiments, the drainer 1602 may be approximately 28.5 centimeters in length.

Looking first at the illustrative upper end 1604, this may have a terminal portion 1608 defining a first outer perimeter (see perimeter 1610). In certain embodiments, the outer perimeter 1610 may be substantially circular or oval. The terminal portion 1608 may further include a first interior perimeter 1612 defining a central bore 1614. The central bore 1614 may be configured to allow the passage of elongated member 12 within the interior of the drainer 1602. Therefore, in some embodiments, the central perforation 1614 can be substantially circular. In other embodiments, however, the size and shape of the central perforation 1614 may vary.

In addition to the terminal part 1608, other portions of the upper end 1604 may be characterized by a circular or oval perimeter with respect to the horizontal axis. Therefore, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the upper end 1604 may be cylindrical. This can best be seen by looking at the side view of the drainer 1602 shown in Figure 16B and the top view shown in Figure 16C. For example, when looking first at Figure 16B, the perimeter 1610 is substantially circular with respect to the horizontal plane of Figure 16B, therefore it is shown as a straight line. In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeters 1616 and 1617 are also substantially cylindrical, therefore, the cross-sectional area of the drainer 1602 between the perimeter 1616 and the perimeter 1617 of the illustrated example is substantially cylindrical. The upper end portions 1604 may be more cylindrical than other portions. For example, the terminal portion 1606 could define a perimeter (in this case perimeter 1608) that is more cylindrical than a perimeter on an upper end location 1604 that is closer to the lower end 1606, such as the perimeter 1617. With respect to this , the cross-sectional area of the upper portion 1604 may become more conical or conical-cylindrical in shape as it approaches the lower end 1606. Figure 16C shows a bottom view of the drainer 1602. According to what is observed in the Figure 16C, the perimeters 1610, 1616 and 1617 are each shown as concentric circles in which the perimeter 1610 is smaller than the perimeter 1616 which in turn is smaller than the perimeter 1617. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment , the upper end 1604 of the drainer 1602 can be of a substantially cylindrical shape, however, it has a slightly conical-cylindrical three-dimensional structure. In additional embodiments, the upper end portions 1604 may not have a perimeter that resembles a cylinder and / or an oval. As will be explained below in relation to a lower end of the drainer 1604, the cross-sectional area or distance of the drainer 1602 in various portions of the upper end 1604 may be different regardless of the cross-sectional area or distance of the drainer 1602 in several end portions. lower 1606.

The upper end 1604 may be from about 40% to about 60% over the full length of the drainer 1602. In other embodiments, the upper end 1604 may be from about 45% to about 55% or 47.5% or up to 52.5% of the length of the drainer 1602. In yet another embodiment, the upper portion 1604 is approximately 50% of the length of the drainer 1602. In additional embodiments, the upper portion 1604 may be approximately 12 to approximately 18 centimeters in length. In one embodiment, the upper portion 1604 may be approximately 15 to approximately 16 centimeters in length. In certain embodiments, the upper portion 1604 may be characterized in its absence of voids or protrusions for the removal of water during the operation of the drainer 1602. The upper end 1604 may be defined by the lack of voids as well as a cylindrical shape that is different of the lower portion 1606.

Unlike other systems and methods of the prior art which teach the benefits of using so many gaps on a drainer for extracting water from the mop fibers, the embodiments of this description are directed towards an upper portion of a drip bucket , such as an upper end 1604 of the drainer 1602, which is completely devoid of any gap with the exception of the perforation 1614. For example, as shown in the illustrative embodiment, the upper end 1604 is devoid of any protuberances or protrusions. Hollow for water drainage. Additional discussions regarding different modalities will be provided further in relation to the 1631 departures.

The upper end 1604 may include one or more raised extrusions or portions, such as the structures 1618. The structures 1618 may be configured so that they can be held by a user, for example, to maneuver the squeegee during operation. In certain embodiments, the extrusions 1618 may comprise one or more V-shaped patterns, as shown in the Figures.

The lower end 1606 of the drainer 1602 can include a terminal portion 1620 having a second outer perimeter (see, for example, the element 1622). In certain embodiments, the second outer perimeter 1622 may not be circular or oval. This can be true even in embodiments in which the upper end 1604 is substantially cylindrical or cylindrical-cylindrical and / or the first outer perimeter 1610 is substantially circular or oval. Although the second outer perimeter 1622 is not an oval or a circle in certain embodiments, it may comprise one or more convex, concave, curved and / or rounded components. In the illustrated embodiment, the second outer perimeter 1622 comprises a cross-sectional surface area longer than the first outer perimeter 1610. Additional features of the perimeter 1622 will be provided in more detail below. Additionally, the perimeter 1622 can include one or more features or qualities described in relation to the projection 1632 and vice versa. It should be understood, however, that in certain embodiments, the projection 1632 comprises a perimeter 1622. Even in other embodiments, the projection 1632 is absent from the drainer 1602.

In one embodiment, the perimeter 1622 and / or the projection 1632 may be approximately 16.3 centimeters. In one embodiment, the perimeter 1622 is approximately twice the length as compared to the perimeters 1610, 1616 and / or 1617. In one embodiment, the perimeters 1610, 1616 and / or 1617 may be approximately 50-60% of the perimeter 1622 In another embodiment, perimeters 1610, 1616 and / or 1617 may be approximately 55% of perimeter 1622. In one embodiment, the difference in cross-sectional area between perimeters 1610, 1616 and / or 1617 at the upper end. 1604 and perimeter 1622 at the lower end 1606 may be due to the presence of one or more convex or concave regions of the lower end 1606, such as those described below.

The lower end 1606 of the drainer 1602 may include one or more convex regions 1624-1630. In the illustrated embodiment, the convex regions 1624-1630 may comprise columns. Therefore, regions 1624-1630 can be referred to as "columns" throughout the description with reference to the mode shown in Figure 16 but the reader is warned that the description is not so limited. The convex regions / columns 1624-1630 can be substantially vertical. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, columns 1624-1630 are implemented so that the length is substantially straight, not curved (in this case there is no bending along the horizontal axis).

As can be seen from Figures 16A-16D, columns 1624-1630 can be implemented as rounded components that can be extended along the horizontal plane (see x axis) according to the distance of upper end 1604 increases and the distance to the second outer perimeter 1622 decreases. According to what is best shown in Figure 16D, the columns 1624-1630 may terminate at a ledge 1632. In this respect, the columns 1624-1630 may terminate proximate the second outer perimeter 1622 at the projecting portions 1632a-1632d, which may be oval and / or circular . In certain embodiments, highlight portions 1632a-1632d are convex circular for at least 90 degrees. In still other embodiments, the shoulder portions 1632a-1632d may be circular or convex by at least 135 degrees, even in other embodiments these may form semicircles and thus be approximately 180. With respect to this, certain embodiments of the convex regions 1624-1630 can be implemented as cross-section splices of conical or conical-cylindrical structures. For example, as best seen in Figure 16C the perimeter 1622 may comprise a round component 1622a.

In certain modalities, a pair of round components (see components 1622a and 1622b) can be positioned in an opposite manner, such as that shown in Figure 16C. Those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that any range of circular shapes is within the scope of this description. The outer perimeter 1622 may be substantially identical to the shoulder 1632, so that the corresponding portions of the perimeter 1622 have substantially the same shape as the shoulder 1632 or those described in relation to 1632.

The convex regions / columns 1624-1630 can be positioned in an opposite manner, such as that shown in Figure 16C. In illustrative embodiments, two pairs of round components are shown, each being approximately 90 degrees from one another with respect to the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the positioning of the four convex regions 1624-1630 may be such that a generally square shape is formed (see Figure 16D). In such an embodiment, a lower portion of the convex regions is formed more like a square than the upper portion of the convex regions. With respect to this the projection 1632 may be generally square in shape. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other forms are within the scope of this description.

The specific modalities are directed towards the implementation of the convex regions that provide a drainer 1602 with a non-circular cross-section through a horizontal plane. Additional implementations may not use convex regions, which include the regions 1624-163, such that the lower end 1606 of the drainer 1602 has an increased cross-sectional area when compared to the upper portion 1604. In certain embodiments, this may result in a lower pressure against the corresponding mop fibers. In additional embodiments, the mop fibers having less pressure against the drainer 1602 may allow the mop fibers to expand when compared to the inner fiber vicinity at the upper end 1604 of the drainer 1602. In certain embodiments, the proximity of Decreased interior fiber can result in improved water drainage with respect to previous art systems and methods. For example, the perimeter 1622 may be substantially square in shape. Examples of improved drainage are also discussed in more detail in relation to Figure 17.

Aspects of the invention should not be limited to the outer perimeter 1622 consisting of opposing round surfaces of pairs thereof. Other forms and configurations are within the scope of this description. In addition, certain embodiments are directed toward components that are concave such as concave regions 1634-1640 (Figure 6D shows the general form of illustrative regions 1634-1640 as an imaginary line located near shoulder 1632 and / or perimeter 1622 and the Figure 6A shows a possible shape of a portion of the concave region 1634). By observing Figure 6A, the concave region 1634 can be formed by the presence of the adjacent convex regions, such as regions 1624 and 1626. In certain embodiments, each of the concave regions 1634-1640 can be formed by the presence of regions adjacent convex, such as regions 1624-1630. For example, the connection of the convex regions 1624 and 1626 forms a concave region 1634. Therefore, several locations on the surface may be part of a concave and a convex region. One or more concave regions may be substantially inverse to a convex region such as 1624-1630.

The concave regions 1634-1640 may be described in some embodiments as a plurality of internally extending ribs. According to what is observed in Figures 16A-16D, each rib comprises a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib bottom. The bottom may be the innermost curvature of the concave regions 1634-1640. As explained in more detail below, the concave regions 1634-1640 may not have any drain outlet, therefore, in other embodiments, the rib bottom and the rib sides may be substantially unperforated.

Similarly, the convex regions 1624-1630 may be described in some embodiments as a plurality of externally extending ribs. According to that observed in Figures 16A-16B, each outer rib comprises a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib portion. The upper part may be the outermost curvature of the convex regions 1624-1630. As explained in more detail below, the convex regions 1624-1630 may comprise drainage outlets, therefore, in certain embodiments, the upper rib portion and the rib sides may comprise perforations. In certain embodiments, only the outermost curvature of the convex regions 1624-1630 comprises perforations.

The adjacent convex regions 1624-1630 and the concave regions 1634-1640 may share a common side. For example, a first side of a rib of a concave region may be a first or a second side of a rib for a convex region. In certain embodiments, the concavity of a concave region may be equal to the convexity of an adjacent opposite and / or convex region 1624-1630. In still other embodiments, one or more concave regions 1634-1640 may be unrelated to the shape and / or curvature of one or more convex regions 1624-1630. The concave regions 1634-1640 can be extended along the horizontal plane (see axis x) according to the distance of the upper end 1604 is increased and the distance to the second lower outer perimeter 1622 decreases. According to what is observed in Figure 16D, columns 1634-1640 may end in a ledge 1632.

The combination of the convex regions 1624-1630 and the concave regions 1634-1640 can provide improved drainage characteristics with respect to prior art designs. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area across the horizontal plane (along the x axis) at the lower end 1604 of the drainer 1602 may resemble an "X". The cross-sectional diameter of the lower end 1604 near the perimeter may be at least twice that of the corresponding cross-section diameter of the lower end 1604 proximate the upper end 1604 of the drainer 1602. In one embodiment, the cross-section diameter of the end bottom 1604 near the perimeter may be approximately 200% of the corresponding cross-sectional diameter of the lower end 1604 proximate the upper end 1604 of the drainer 1602. In one embodiment, the circumference 1602 of the drainer at a lower end location 1604 that is immediately adjacent to the upper end 1604 may be substantially circular or oval and have a perimeter of about 14 to about 15 centimeters and the location of lower end 1606 immediately adjacent to perimeter 1622 may be non-circular or oval and have a perimeter of about 26 to about 2 7 centimeters The presence of the concave regions 1634-1640 as described may result in a pressure application against at least an outer portion of mop fibers by the use of the drainer 1602. As shown in the embodiment illustrated, a of the concave regions 1634-1640 are substantially devoid of any drain outlet from any outlet or drainage ports, such as outlets 1631. One or more convex regions 1624-1630 may comprise drainage outlets, such as the plurality outputs 1631. In certain embodiments, the drain outlets 1631 may be positioned substantially along the convex regions 1624-1630. (For simplification aspects, the outputs 1631 are not each individually labeled, however, it is evident from the Figures that the outputs not indicated may form part of the outputs 1631).

As shown in the Figures, each of the regions 1624-1630 can comprise one or more outputs, such as the outputs 1631. In one embodiment, the plurality of outputs 1631 can be positioned along at least 75% of the vertical length (parallel to the elongated member 12 of Figures 1-4 of the convex regions 1624-1630). In still other embodiments, the plurality of outlets may be at least 80%, 85% or 90% or 95% of the vertical length of the convex region 1624-1630. In one embodiment, there are from 8 to 10 vertically arranged outputs 1631 positioned along the length of each region 1624-1630. In one modality, there are 9 outputs 1631 per region 1624-1630.

The positioning and / or placement of drainage outlets 1631 can be configured to improve drainage with respect to existing designs. For example, as an outer portion of the mop fibers contacts the inner perimeter of the convex regions 1624-1630 of the lower end 1606, the outlets 1631 may allow for improved drainage characteristics. In this regard, the drain outlets 1631 can be conditioned only on a more external surface of the convex regions 1624-1630. In one embodiment, only one outlet is conditioned on any given horizontal plane for each convex column or region 1624-1630. For example, when looking at Figures 16A-16D, the outlets 1631 are conditioned in the side slits that have horizontal lengths that are greater than their vertical heights.

The uppermost outlet 1631a of region 1624 (or any other outlet) may be approximately 0.05 centimeters in height and approximately 2 centimeters in length. In another embodiment the outlet 1631 may be from about 0.5 to about 0.7 centimeters in height and about 2.0 to about 2.2 centimeters in length. With heights that have a length greater than the height may be convenient, either alone or in combination with other elements of this description. In one embodiment, the output 1631a and / or any plurality of output 1631 may have a height that is approximately 25-30% of its length. In still other embodiments, the output 1631a and / or any plurality of outputs 1631 may have a height that is approximately 28.5% of its length. The output 1631a can be at least 1 centimeter away from the innermost location of adjacent concave regions, such as region 1634. This parameter is shown in Figure 16A as 1642.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of outputs 1631 each may have the same general shape, such as that shown in the Figures. This, however, is not a requirement. Additionally, different outputs with the plurality of outlets 1631 may have different dimensions in relation to the dimensions of the convex regions 1624-1630. In one embodiment, according to the convex regions 1624-1630 expand away from the center of the drainer 1602 the dimensions of the corresponding outputs can also change in a predictable index. For example, the outlet 1631b can be from about 0.7 to about 0.9 centimeters in height and about 2.0 to about 2.2 centimeters in length. In one embodiment, the outlet 1631b may be approximately 0.8 centimeters in height and approximately 2.1 centimeters in length. In certain embodiments, the outlet 1631b and / or any plurality of outlets 1631 may have a height that is approximately 35-40% of its length. In other embodiments, the output 1631b and / or any other plurality of outputs 1631 may have a height that is approximately 38% of its length. The output 1631b may be at least about 2 centimeters away from the innermost location of adjacent concave regions, such as region 1634. This parameter is shown in Figure 16A as 1644.

As shown in Figure 17, aspects of the invention relate to a cleaning instrument that allows a plurality of mop fibers to be retracted upwardly through the bottom, such as perimeter 1622 and in one direction vertical towards the upper end 1604 of the drainer 1602. For example, the mop fibers, which can be connected to a connection assembly similar or identical to the connection assembly of Figure 14 can be retracted along the 1702 direction towards up inside the interior of the drainer 1602. In one embodiment, the fibers can be a water-absorbing nonwoven fiber material from a non-woven water absorbent material. The fibers may be tapes that are approximately 18 or 19 inches long and approximately 0.15 inches thick in their compressed state. Other materials and dimensions can also be used.

The plurality of fibers can be retracted in a vertical manner so that the individual fibers will have an upper portion located at least above the upper outlet, such as 1631a. For example, at least a portion of the mop fibers may be located above the imaginary line 1704 when fully retracted in the drainer 1602. A vertical wall, such as a wall 1410 may be used, either alone or in conjunction with the upper end 1604 of the squeegee for positioning at least an outer portion of fibers located above the imaginary line 1704 to be in a substantially vertical orientation. In one embodiment, an outer portion of the mop fibers located at the upper end 1604 of the wiper are configured to be in a substantially vertical orientation when the fibers are fully retracted within the drainer 1602.

The upper portion of the fibers will travel vertically downward to an intermediate portion, which may be located below the uppermost outlet such as outlet 1631a but on the lowermost outlet, such as outlet 1631b. In one embodiment, the intermediate portions of the mop fibers will be close to the imaginary line 1706. A lower portion of the same fibers may be located next but vertically lower than the intermediate portion. For example, the lower portions of the fibers may be located near or below the lowermost outlet, such as the outlet 1631b. In one embodiment, the lower portions of the fibers may be close, but vertically lower than, the imaginary line 1708.

When the mop fibers are retracted into the drainer 1602, the drainer can be configured to rotate about a central axis, such as the elongate member 12 of Figures 1-4 conditioned through the bore 1614 (shown in Figure 16A) located on the upper end 1604 of the drainer 1602. For example the arrows 1710 show that the drainer 1602 can be rotated in either the horizontal direction along the vertical axis. The vertical positioning of the mop fibers, either as a result of the connection assembly and / or the shape or size of the drainer 1602 can result in improved drainage. In one embodiment, the rotation of the mop along one of the directions 1710 may result in only a portion of the mop fibers to be "drained." For example, in one embodiment, the upper portion of the mop fibers (which may be located near location 1704 or above outlet 1631a) will begin to twist before the intermediate portion of the mop fibers (which they may be located next to location 1706). In additional embodiments, the intermediate portion of the mop fibers (which may be located near location 1706) may begin to twist before the lower portion of the mop fibers (which may be located close to location 1708 or the output 1631b).

In certain embodiments, the upper portion of the mop fibers (which may be located near or above location 1704) may be twisted to extract fluids within the fibers. At the same time, the intermediate and / or lower portions of the fibers can be located against an inner side of the convex regions 1624-1630. Thus, certain embodiments allow the flow of the fluids from the upper portion of the mop fibers downwardly into the intermediate and / or lower portion of the fibers and out of the outlets 1631. The fluids may also exit through the openings. created by the perimeter 1622. According to the fibers are drained, the torsional force on the upper portion of the mop fibers will increase and may result in the twisting of the intermediate portion of the fibers. In certain embodiments, the intermediate fibers are also twisted along the direction 1710 may result in the extraction of the fluids from the twisted intermediate portions of the fibers, which may travel downward toward the lower fibers in the intermediate portion and / or the lower portion of the mop fibers.

The positioning of the concave regions 1634-1640 can provide a rigid surface resulting in compressive forces on the fibers as they are twisted.

The fluid can continue to be extracted through the outlets positioned in the lower zone, such as the outlet 1631b and / or the bottom. As the mop fibers are twisted the shape and / or size of the drainer 1602, alone or in combination, with the vertical lineing of the fibers resulting from a vertical wall on a connecting assembly, may result in the fibers being twisted around of the vertical axis and moving away from the convex regions 1624-1630.

The cleaning instrument can further be configured so that the application of additional torsional forces is transferred downward resulting in the twisting of a lower intermediate portion of the fibers. For example, additional compression forces can result in a second compression force on the fibers. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the fibers must be twisted by at least 25% of a total evolution prior to the twisting of the intermediate fibers. In another embodiment, the upper portion of the fibers must rotate at least 50% of a complete revolution before twisting the intermediate fibers will rotate more than 10% of the revolution. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the fibers must rotate at least 50% of a full revolution before twisting the intermediate fibers will rotate more than 20% of the revolution. In certain embodiments, the lower portion fibers are also twisted along the 1710 direction, resulting in the removal of fluids from the lower twisted portions of the fibers. This fluid may travel downward towards the lower fibers in the lower portion and / or outside the bottom of the drainer 1602. The fluid may continue to be drawn through the outlets positioned in the lower part, such as outlet 1631b and / or the bottom.

In a certain embodiment, the drainer is configured so that the convex regions, such as the regions 1624-1630, expand outwardly away from the vertical axis at a rate greater than the concave regions, such as the regions 1634-1640. This can be useful, for example, when the upper portion of the fibers is bent before the lower portion of the mop fibers. For example, because the concave regions 1624-1630 have more cross-sectional area closer to the bottom (in this case close to the perimeter 1622), the lower fibers are less compressed than the upper portions of the fibers. This can result in an increased water containment capacity of the lower portion of the fibers. Therefore, in addition to the outlets to drain out the fluids 1631, the fluids can also be transferred to portions positioned in the lower area of the fibers according to the upper portion being twisted. Unlike some prior art methods, these fibers positioned at the bottom are not even twisted (or at least in the same proportion), therefore, the increased fluid drainage from the upper portion can be realized. The fibers that are positioned within the cross-sectional area of the concave portions 1624-1630, however, can be subsequently drained as the spirally descending torsional forces pull them towards the inner center.

In one embodiment, the upper portion of the fibers must be twisted by at least 25% of a complete revolution before the lower portion of the fibers is twisted. In another embodiment, the upper portion of the fibers must rotate at least 50% of a complete revolution before twisting the lower fibers will rotate more than 10% of the revolution. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the fibers must rotate at least 50% of a complete revolution before the torsion of the lower fibers will rotate more than 20% of the revolution.

Although the reference to upper, intermediate, lower portions was provided with reference to mop fibers, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such references may be analogous to the corresponding sections of the drainer 1602. For example, the mop fibers located in the upper section of the drainer 1602 may be bent under a first compression force before the corresponding portion of those same fibers located in an intermediate section and / or a lower section of the drainer 1602.

This detailed description has been provided for clarity of understanding only. Modifications may be obvious to those skilled in the art. The intended scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A wringer characterized in that it comprises: a unitary body having an upper end and a lower end along a vertical axis; the upper end comprises a conical or frusto-conical shape and further comprises a first interior perimeter defining a central bore configured to allow the passage of an elongate member into an interior portion of the unitary body; the lower end comprises: a plurality of externally extending ribs, each rib comprises a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib portion, wherein the sides of the rib extending externally are without perforations and the rib end comprises a plurality of perforations; the plurality of externally extending ribs further define a first outer perimeter enclosing an X-shaped cross-sectional area through a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the vertical axis; a terminal part defining a second outer perimeter similar to a square along the horizontal plane parallel to the first outer perimeter of the lower end of the squeegee; Y wherein the second outer perimeter is larger than the first outer perimeter of the upper end.

2. The squeegee according to claim 1, characterized in that the second outer perimeter resembling a square of the terminal part of the lower end comprises a plurality of convex regions and a plurality of convex regions.

3. The squeegee according to claim 2, characterized in that the second outer perimeter similar to a square of the end element of the lower end comprises two pairs of opposite convex regions and two pairs of opposite concave regions.

4. The squeegee according to claim 1, characterized in that during the coupling of the first end of the elongated member with a plurality of fibers, the squeegee is configured so that when the plurality of fibers is retracted through a central perforation vertically opposite lower , an upper portion of the fibers will be located at least above a more superior drainage outlet of the externally extending ribs and are aligned in a vertical manner parallel to the vertical axis under a first compression force against the drainer.

5. The squeegee according to claim 4, characterized in that the squeegee is configured such that when an elongated member is retracted completely into the inner portion of the squeegee and during the rotation of the squeegee about the vertical axis it results in a first compressive force that causes a first initial twist of the upper portion of the mop fibers located proximate the elongated member before twisting the corresponding sections of the same mop fibers located in an intermediate section of the wringer and before twisting the corresponding sections located in a lower section of the drainer near the lowest drainage outlet; wherein, prior to the rotation of the squeegee, the fibers in the intermediate portion extend within an interior region of the convex regions formed in the squeegee, resulting in an inner fiber proximity in the intermediate portion that is less than a Proximity of inner fiber at the upper end of the drainer; Y wherein at least a fraction of the fibers near an inner side of the convex regions remain in a state without torsion under the application of the first compression force, which allows the flow of the fluids from the upper portion within the lower portion and outside the drainage exits.

6. The squeegee according to claim 5, characterized in that the squeegee is also configured in such a way that an increase in the torsional forces results in a second compression force initiating the twisting of the fibers in the intermediate section, which results in a descending progression of a twisting of the fibers; Y wherein the fibers in the middle section will twist around the vertical axis and away from the convex regions in a downward progression.

7. The squeegee according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of internally extending ribs that each share a common side with an externally extending rib; Y Each internally extending rib comprises a first side and a second side converging to form a rib bottom, wherein the rib bottom and the rib sides of the internally extending ribs are devoid of perforation.

8. The squeegee according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the externally extended ribs, no larger than a single drai outlet is provided on any given horizontal plane.

9. The squeegee according to claim 8, characterized in that the drai outlets are arranged vertically along in a parallel manner along each of the externally extended ribs.

10. The squeegee according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one drain outlet has a height that is approximately 25-30% of its length and is at least about 1 centimeter away from the innermost location of the bottom of a rib which extends internally adjacent, and at least one drai outlet has a height that is about 35-40% of its length and is at least about 2 centimeters away from the bottom of an internally extending rib adjacent.

11. A cleaning instrument characterized in that it comprises: an elongate member having a first end and a second end along a vertical axis, a squeegee configured to be slidably positioned along at least a portion of the elongated member; a connection assembly configured to be mounted on the second end of the elongate member and securing a plurality of mop fibers to an elongate member, the connection assembly comprising: a portion comprising: a first surface defining a first outer perimeter along a horizontal plane; Y a vertical wall extending downwardly extending parallel to the elongated member and perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the wall is close to the first outer perimeter of the first surface; a lower portion comprising: a second surface defining a second outer perimeter along the horizontal plane, wherein the first perimeter is greater than the second outer perimeter, and wherein during the securing of the mop fibers between the first and second surfaces, the vertical wall of the upper portion is configured to force the plurality of mop fibers to traverse from the inside outwardly along the horizontal plane towards a vertical direction descending to provide an increased twist of the fibers in a rotary fashion around the vertical axis and reduce the twisting of the mop fibers by themselves when the squeegee is being used.

12. The cleaning instrument according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises an insert configured to be mounted on the second end of elongate member and including a tab with an outer portion extending in a direction away from and passing through the elongate member when mounted on the elongate member; Y a collar configured to frictionally engage the outer portion of the tongue.

13. The cleaning instrument according to claim 12, characterized in that the squeegee comprises a unitary body having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end comprises: an upper part having a first outer perimeter that is substantially circular and a first outer perimeter defining a central bore configured to allow passage of the elongated members within an unitary body inner portion; the lower end comprises: a plurality of externally extending ribs defining a first outer perimeter of the lower end enclosing an X-shaped cross-sectional area through a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the vertical axis; Y a terminal element defining a second outer perimeter similar to a square along the horizontal plane parallel to the first outer perimeter of the lower end; Y wherein the second outer perimeter is larger than the first outer perimeter of the upper end and comprises concave and convex regions.

14. The squeegee according to claim 13, characterized in that the lower end further comprises: a plurality of ribs that extend internally, each rib comprises a first side and a second side that converge to form a rib bottom, wherein the bottom of the rib The rib and the rib sides of the ribs that extend internally do not have any perforation; a plurality of externally extending ribs, each rib comprises a first side and a second side that converge to form an upper rib portion, wherein the sides of the externally extending ribs do not have perforations and the rib end portions each one comprises a plurality of perforations; Y wherein at least one internally extending rib shares a common side with an outer rib.

15. The cleaning instrument according to claim 14, characterized in that the central perforation of the squeegee is configured to allow the elongated member to extend through the inner portion of the squeegee; Y wherein during the coupling of the first end of the elongated member to a plurality of fibers, the drainer is configured such that when the plurality of fibers are retracted through the vertically opposite bottom of the central perforation, an upper portion of the fibers will be located by at least above a more superior drainage outlet of the ribs which extend and are aligned in a vertical manner parallel to the vertical axis between the central perforation and a center of the perimeter of the bottom of the drainer and under a first compression force against the wringer.

16. The cleaning instrument according to claim 15, characterized in that the drainer is configured so that retracting the elongated member completely within the inner portion of the drainer and the rotation of the drainer around the central axis results in a first compression force which causes an initial twist of the mop fibers located near the elongated member before twisting the corresponding sections of the same fibers located in an intermediate section of the wringer and before twisting the corresponding sections located in a lower section of the wringer next to the lowest drain outlet; wherein the fibers in the intermediate portion extend within an interior region of the convex regions formed in the squeegee, resulting in an inner fiber proximity in the intermediate portion that is less than an intermediate fiber proximity in the upper end of the squeegee; Y wherein at least a fraction of the fibers near an inner side of the convex regions remain in a non-twisted state under the application within the first compression force, which allows the flow of the fluids from the upper portion within the lower portion and outside the drainage outlets.

17. The cleaning instrument according to claim 14, characterized in that the plurality of outer ribs define a shape similar to a square along a horizontal plane parallel to the first outer perimeter of the upper end of the squeegee; Y where the square-like shape has a perimeter that is larger than the first outer perimeter of the upper end.

18. The cleaning instrument according to claim 13, characterized in that the upper end is substantially conical-cylindrical and has no drain outlet and the lower end is conical but not cylindrical and the lower end further comprises: a plurality of convex regions defining at least two opposite concave regions positioned between adjacent convex regions; Y drain outlets located on each concave region, where the drain outlets are only located on a pinnacle location which is defined by the most distant area of the convex regions of the innermost portion of the concave regions.

19. The cleaning instrument according to claim 18, characterized in that for each convex region, no more than one single drain outlet is provided on any given horizontal plane.

20. A wringer, characterized in that it comprises: a unitary body having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end comprising: a first outer perimeter and a first inner perimeter defining a central bore configured to allow the passage of an elongated member within the interior portion of the unitary body and wherein the first outer perimeter rests in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the elongate member; the lower end comprises: a plurality of ribs extending parallel; a second outer perimeter and a third outer perimeter wherein the second outer perimeter extends between the first outer perimeter and the third outer perimeter and the second outer perimeter and the third outer perimeter are both orthogonal with respect to the elongated member, wherein the first outer perimeter, the second outer perimeter and the third outer perimeter each have a different shape; Y wherein the second outer perimeter is larger than the first outer perimeter and the third outer perimeter is larger than the second outer perimeter.

21. The squeegee according to claim 20, characterized in that each rib comprises a first side and a second side that converges to form an upper part of rib, and wherein the upper part of the rib comprises the plurality of perforations.