Floor cleaning tool with a squeezing element

Abstract

A floor cleaning tool is disclosed that includes a simplified structure for a mop head and squeezing element that allows for clean and compact storage of the mop head. The floor cleaning tool comprises a mop head having a backing surface supporting a cleaning material, a handle, and a squeezing element. The backing surface includes a first backing side and second backing side such that the mop head can be in a first position wherein the cleaning material is planar and a second position wherein the cleaning material is nonplanar. The handle extends from the backing surface. The squeezing element is longitudinally slidable along the handle and disconnected from the mop head. The squeezing element comprises a first squeezing side, a second squeezing side, a first connecting side between the first squeezing side and second squeezing side, and second connecting side between the first squeezing side and second squeezing side. The first squeezing side abuts with the first backing side and the second squeezing side abuts with the second backing side to move the mop head from the first position to the second position. In the second position the mop head is entirely positioned within the squeezing element.

1 . A floor cleaning tool comprising:
 a mop head having a backing surface supporting a cleaning material, wherein the backing surface includes a first backing side and second backing side such that the mop head can be in a first position wherein the cleaning material is planar and a second position wherein the cleaning material is nonplanar;   a handle extending from the backing surface;   a squeezing element longitudinally slidable along the handle and disconnected from the mop head, wherein the squeezing element comprises:
 a first squeezing side; 
 a second squeezing side; 
 a first connecting side between the first squeezing side and second squeezing side; 
 second connecting side between the first squeezing side and second squeezing side; 
   wherein the first squeezing side abuts with the first backing side and the second squeezing side abuts with the second backing side to move the mop head from the first position to the second position; and   wherein in the second position the mop head is entirely positioned within squeezing element.   
     
     
         2 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a hinge element between the first backing side and second backing side. 
     
     
         3 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein the backing surface includes an area of weakness between the first backing side and second backing side. 
     
     
         4 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein the area of weakness is a living hinge. 
     
     
         5 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first backing side is disconnected from the second backing side. 
     
     
         6 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein in the first position the first backing side and second backing side are planar and parallel with one another. 
     
     
         7 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein in the second position the first backing side and second backing side are nonplanar. 
     
     
         8 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein in the second position the first backing side and second backing side are parallel to one another with the cleaning material between the first backing side and second backing side. 
     
     
         9 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first squeezing side is slidable along the first backing side and the second squeezing side is slidable along the second backing side to move the mop head from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         10 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first squeezing side, second squeezing side, first connecting side, and second connecting side form a continuous perimeter at an end of the squeezing element opposite an end connected to the handle. 
     
     
         11 . The floor cleaning tool of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning material is a foam or sponge.