Adjustable-head cleaning implement

Abstract

An adjustable cleaning head for a cleaning implement. The cleaning head has first and second cleaning panels defining respective first and second working surfaces. The first cleaning panel is pivotably attached to the second cleaning panel, whereby the first cleaning panel is movable relative to the second cleaning panel. The position of the first cleaning panel relative to the second cleaning panel is fixable, such that the first and second working surfaces form a fixed cleaning angle therebetween. The cleaning angle is greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees.

1 . An adjustable cleaning head for a cleaning implement, comprising: 
 first and second cleaning panels defining respective first and second working surfaces;    means for pivotably attaching said first cleaning panel to said second cleaning panel, whereby said first cleaning panel is movable relative to said second cleaning panel;    means for fixing the position of said first cleaning panel relative to said second cleaning panel, such that said first and second working surfaces form a fixed cleaning angle therebetween; and    said cleaning angle being greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees.    
   
   
       2 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 1 , wherein said means for pivotably attaching said first and second cleaning panels comprises a living hinge.  
   
   
       3 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 1 , wherein said means for fixing the position of said first cleaning panel comprises first and second interfering elements cooperating to frictionally lock said first cleaning panel in position relative to said second cleaning panel.  
   
   
       4 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 3 , and comprising first and second panel tabs located on respective first and second cleaning panels, and wherein said interfering elements are formed with respective panel tabs.  
   
   
       5 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 4 , wherein said interfering elements comprise a mating indent and detent formed with respective panel tabs.  
   
   
       6 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 1 , wherein said first cleaning panel is adjustable between a wet clean position, wherein said fixed cleaning angle is substantially 180 degrees, and a dry clean position, wherein said fixed cleaning angle is greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees.  
   
   
       7 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 6 , and comprising a finger post extending from said first cleaning panel, and adapted for being engaged by a user to move said first cleaning panel between the wet and dry clean positions.  
   
   
       8 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 1 , and comprising at least one cloth holder formed with at least one of said first and second cleaning panels.  
   
   
       9 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 8 , and comprising a disposable dry cloth adapted for being releasably attached to said at least one cloth holder.  
   
   
       10 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 8 , and comprising a disposable wet cloth adapted for being releasably attached to said at least one cloth holder.  
   
   
       11 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 1 , and comprising a third cleaning panel attached to said second cleaning panel, and defining a third working surface.  
   
   
       12 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 11 , and comprising means for pivotably attaching said third cleaning panel to said second cleaning panel.  
   
   
       13 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 12 , and comprising means for fixing the position of said third cleaning panel relative to said second cleaning panel, such that said third and second working surfaces form a fixed cleaning angle therebetween.  
   
   
       14 . An adjustable cleaning head according to  claim 13 , wherein the fixed cleaning angle between said third and second working surfaces is greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees.  
   
   
       15 . An upwardly-angled cleaning head for a cleaning implement, comprising: 
 first and second cleaning panels defining respective first and second working surfaces, said working surfaces forming a fixed cleaning angle therebetween; and    said cleaning angle being greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees.    
   
   
       16 . An upwardly-angled cleaning head according to  claim 15 , and comprising at least one cloth holder formed with at least one of said first and second cleaning panels.  
   
   
       17 . An upwardly-angled cleaning head according to  claim 16 , and comprising a disposable dry cloth adapted for being attached to said at least one cloth holder.  
   
   
       18 . An upwardly-angled cleaning head according to  claim 16 , and comprising a disposable wet cloth adapted for being attached to said at least one cloth holder.  
   
   
       19 . A cleaning implement, comprising: 
 an elongated handle;    an adjustable head attached to said handle, and comprising:    first and second cleaning panels defining respective first and second working surfaces;    means for pivotably attaching said first cleaning panel to said second cleaning panel, whereby said first cleaning panel is movable relative to said second cleaning panel;    means for fixing the position of said first cleaning panel relative to said second cleaning panel, such that said first and second working surfaces form a fixed cleaning angle therebetween; and    said cleaning angle being greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees.    
   
   
       20 . A method for cleaning a surface area, comprising the steps of: 
 upwardly tilting a first cleaning panel relative to a second cleaning panel of an adjustable cleaning head, the first and second cleaning panels defining respective first and second working surfaces;    locking the position of the first cleaning panel relative to the second cleaning panel, such that the first and second working surfaces form a fixed cleaning angle therebetween, the cleaning angle being greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees; and    using the handle, pushing the adjustable cleaning head over the surface area to be cleaned.