Self-Wringing Flat Mop with Fold-Away Wringer

The problem

Self-wringing flat mops are popular because you never touch the dirty pad. But on most of them the wringer is a fixed block at the bottom of the handle. It makes the mop bulky, catches on chair legs and table bases, and takes extra room in a cleaning closet.

The solution

This mop keeps the wringer folded away until you need it:

1. The flat mop head (2) is joined to the pole (1) by a two-way joint (6). For wringing it swings up so it lines up with the pole.
2. A sliding handle sleeve (7) on the pole drives a push rod (8). Two wringer plates (9) hang from the push rod, linked to the handle by connecting arms (10).
3. Slide the handle down: the arms push the two plates open until they are level. Push further and the plates slide down over the standing mop head, squeezing both faces of the pad.
4. Slide the handle back up: the plates fold flat along the pole again.

Who it is for

• Cleaning-product brands and Amazon sellers looking for a slimmer self-wringing flat mop.
• Housewares wholesalers and retailers wanting a differentiated mop at a mainstream price.
• Janitorial suppliers for offices, hotels and small commercial spaces.

How it works

The main parts

Mopping

The handle sleeve (7) is latched at the upper notch, and the wringer plates (9) lie flat against the pole. The mop head tilts on its joint (6) so it can follow the floor.

Wringing, step by step

1. Stand the mop head up - it swings on the joint (6) until it lines up with the pole.
2. Release the thumb catch (13) and slide the handle sleeve down to the lower notch. The connecting arms (10) push the two wringer plates (9) open to a level position (figure 3).
3. Push the handle down further. The push rod, arms and plates move down together; the mop head passes between the plates and both faces of the pad are squeezed.
4. Pull the handle back up and release the catch - the plates fold flat along the pole again.

A second version

The patent also describes a version where the wringer plates are hinged directly to the handle sleeve, opened by a small drive block on the pole and pulled closed by a spring, and hidden inside the handle sleeve when folded. Either version can be developed with you.

Applications

Homes and apartments

Hard floors, kitchens and bathrooms. The slim head gets under sofas and beds, and the mop hangs in a narrow closet.

Kitchens and dining areas with many chair legs

Because nothing sticks out from the bottom of the pole while mopping, it moves around furniture more easily than a mop with a fixed wringer block.

Offices and small shops

Quick daily mopping without a wringer bucket.

Hotels, vacation rentals and short-stay hosts

Turnover cleaning with washable pads and no hand contact with dirty water.

Retail and Amazon private label

A recognizable “fold-away wringer” feature to stand out in a crowded mop category, sold with replacement pads.

Where it is less suitable

• Large commercial floors - a janitorial cart with a bucket wringer is faster for big areas.
• Very rough or grouted surfaces such as garage floors or patios - a string mop or deck brush works better.