Wiper, Dauber, Or Polisher Patents (Class 15/209.1)
  • Publication number: 20130089354
    Abstract: A cleaning member for an image forming apparatus, includes a core, a foamed elastic layer disposed by winding a strip-shaped foamed elastic member on an outer peripheral surface of the core in a helical form so as to extend from one end of the core to the other end, and a bonding layer for bonding the core and the foamed elastic layer together, wherein the area of a region within a surface at one or both ends at least in a longitudinal direction of the foamed elastic layer on a side facing the outer peripheral surface of the core, contacting the outer peripheral surface of the core via the bonding layer is substantially 35% or more by area ratio per unit area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fuyuki KANO, Takeshi KAWAI
  • Publication number: 20130061414
    Abstract: A cleaning system is provided comprising a compliant pad and a consumable pad for use in conjunction with a variety of cleaning implements. The compliant pad may according to embodiments of the invention provide for both compliance to the contour of the surface being cleaned but also allows for the compliant pad to provide for controlled release of fragrance, solvents, cleaning agents etc within the matrix or matrices provided in its construction. Likewise the consumable pad may provide elements providing dust attraction/retention, abrasion, as well as controlled release of fragrance, solvents, cleaning agents etc within the materials provided in its construction. According to embodiments of the invention the compliant pad and/or consumable pad are water soluble to provide this release wherein the water is provided either from within one or both of the compliant pad and consumable pad or from the cleaning implement to which they are attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Francisca Swist, Jason Swist
  • Patent number: 8393043
    Abstract: The invention concerns an applicator (1) for cosmetic product, comprising: a pad element (2) having a first side for application of the cosmetic product and a second side opposite the first side, and a support element (3) comprising a central attached portion (8) and two side grasping portions (9, 10) arranged either side of the central attached portion (8), the central attached portion (8) being attached onto the second side (5) of the pad element (2), wherein the support element (3) is formed from a planar blank having two slots, each slot forming a space separating the central attached portion (8) from a side grasping portion (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Albea Services
    Inventors: Michel Limongi, Vincent Lequeux
  • Patent number: 8387165
    Abstract: Screen covers, devices, systems and methods of using the covers. The screen cover can have dome shaped front configuration and capital A rear side configuration that can be formed from a pliable material having a waterproof coated surface. The screen cover can have a closed front side, closed top, closed sides and an elastic band across the back having openings above and below the band. The screen cover can be disposable or reusable. Methods of using and removing the screen cover include removing the cover without contaminating the other hand that removes the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Nailah Sakin
  • Patent number: 8387292
    Abstract: A rotatable pennant assembly comprising a pennant formed of planar material having a grommet of predetermined diameter “d” proximate an edge, said grommet providing a circular hub having a bearing surface. An elongated, unitary molded member terminating in a bulbous first stop member having a diameter greater than the diameter “d,” an axle portion of diameter less than “d” proximate said bulbous portion, and a second stop member spaced from said first stop member adjacent said axle. Said elongated member including a handle portion adapted to be gripped by a user and said second stop member being sufficiently flexible to permit said grommet to pass over it and thereafter to trap said grommet over said axle portion between the first and second stop members, whereby said pennant may be attached to said elongated member through said grommet by a quick-connect snap action for rotation about the axis of said elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Antonio G. Rasmus
  • Publication number: 20130047365
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a wet wipe for hand and surface cleaning applications which includes a first nonwoven fibrous layer made of continuous polyolefin filaments, a second nonwoven fibrous layer made of polyolefin filaments, said second nonwoven fibrous layer being, and third nonwoven fibrous layer made of continuous polyolefin filaments, in which the second nonwoven fibrous layer is located between the first nonwoven fibrous layer and the third nonwoven fibrous layer; and wherein the first, second and third nonwoven fibrous layers are bonded together to from a multilayered nonwoven fabric, wherein liquid is retained in the multilayered nonwoven fabric and the liquid wets said multilayered nonwoven fabric, the dry volume of said multilayered nonwoven fabric is substantially unchanged after retaining said liquid, and wherein the density of the dry said multilayered nonwoven fabric is at least 0.15 grams per centimeter cube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SYCAMORE ISRAEL (1994) LTD.
    Inventor: Moshe Goldwasser
  • Publication number: 20130042879
    Abstract: Synthetic microfiber articles of manufacture and methods for use in consume applications for absorbing liquids and cleaning surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Nailah Orr
  • Publication number: 20130034594
    Abstract: A fiber containing ferrate, which comprises (1) one or more ferrate compounds, wherein the ferrate compound is selected from a group consisting of a metal ferrate(V) compound, metal ferrate(VI) compound, and a mixture thereof; and (2) one or more nonaqueous polymers. Also, methods are disclosed that make and/or use the fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Bruce F. Monzyk, Robert D. Giammar, Ada Cowan
  • Patent number: 8365340
    Abstract: A multipurpose tool for cleaning, sanding, abrading, scrubbing, finishing, and polishing a work surface orientated in an angular or coplanar manner, which comprises a body having a top face and left and right sides integrally associated with leftward and rightward runners, respectively, for mounting thereon a pair of movably arranged plates in three distinct positional arrangements. Each leftward and rightward runner comprises a bottom face situated in between inward and outward angular walls each being angularly orientated within a specified range. Each movably arranged plate comprises a beveled edge correlating to a select angular orientated value of the outward and inward angular walls and first and second planar surfaces affixed with a hook and loop fastener to accept thereon an interchangeable surface element appropriately suited to operate on the work surface, the tool further comprising strap members attached to the body to engage one's hand to permit secure handling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Alan Barstad, Michael Allen Mochinski
  • Publication number: 20130030340
    Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs including a multiplicity of randomly oriented discrete fibers and a multiplicity of chemically active particulates secured to the web, and methods of making and using same. In some embodiments, more than 0% and less than 10% wt. of the nonwoven fibrous web is made of multi-component fibers having at least a first region exhibiting a first melting temperature and a second region exhibiting a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In other embodiments, the discrete fibers include a first population of monocomponent thermoplastic fibers having a first melting temperature, and a second population of monocomponent fibers having a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In certain embodiments, at least some of the particulates are bonded to the fibers. In other embodiments, at least some of the particulates are secured within interstices of the fibrous web, without substantial bonding to the fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bernard Vincent, Lahoussaine Lalouch, Tien T. Wu, Eric M. Moore
  • Publication number: 20130025627
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (100) for dry cleaning, in particular dust removal, in particular of irregular objects (150) such as miniature models, drinking vessels and the like, comprising a hollow body (110) having a first opening (120) for introducing the object (200) into the hollow body, wherein the hollow body (110) is equipped on an inner face (111-114) with dry cleaning means (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Hans A. Müller
  • Publication number: 20130023836
    Abstract: A method of making a nonwoven web comprising nanofibers that are made by a melt film fibrillation process is disclosed. The nanofibers have a diameter of less than 1 micron, and comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web. The process generally includes the steps of providing a polymeric melt, utilizing a central fluid stream to form an elongated hollow polymeric film tube, and using this and/or other fluid streams to form multiple nanofibers from the hollow tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130022386
    Abstract: A paint trimmer with a three-part edging guide includes a paint applicator, a paint distributing manifold and a handle. The three-part edging guide includes a paint mask, a spacer, and a beveled trimmer guide. The three-part edging guide components work together to allow the paint trimmer to create a straight edge of paint along a surface without any extra traditional masking needed to prevent paint from being applied to any unwanted areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ARIGALA PAINTING, INC.
    Inventor: Jose Antonio Gallardo
  • Publication number: 20130023177
    Abstract: The present invention provides bicomponent fibers, a method of producing bicomponent fibers, nonwoven materials comprising one or more such bicomponent fibers, and a method for making such nonwoven materials. The bicomponent fibers according to the present invention comprise (a) a first component comprising a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, and polyamide; and (b) a second component comprising a polyethylene composition comprising less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and less than 20 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers; wherein the polyethylene composition has a density in the range of from 0.945 to 0. 965 g/cm3, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 1.70 to 3.5, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.2 to 150 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw) in the range of from less than 2.5, vinyl unsaturation in the range of from less than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Dow Blobal Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Gert J. Claasen, Angels Domenech, Thor Gudmundsson
  • Patent number: 8356381
    Abstract: A structure for automatically rotating a spiral rod is provided. The structure allows a dusting cloth to be turned into a spiral shape along the spiral rod by rotating a rotating element, and, while the rotating element is being rotated, a torsion spring generates a restoring torque. Once the rotating element is no longer rotated, a pulling element pressing against the teeth inside the rotating element retains the rotating element and thus keeps the dusting cloth in the spiral shape. When the pulling element is subsequently pulled away from the teeth of the rotating element, the rotating element automatically rotates in the reverse direction due to the restoring torque of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Ya-Ching Yang, Yi-Jun Pan
  • Publication number: 20130007974
    Abstract: A bathing apparatus is described that comprises a loosely knitted or woven fabric bag made from a hydrophobic yarn material and includes an opening at one end to allow cleansing material, such as a bar of soap, to be inserted into and encased within the apparatus and loops woven into the ends of the apparatus that allow the user to grasp it readily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Lamia Shorees
  • Patent number: 8347447
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mop body that includes side surfaces that are substantially recessed from a lowermost contact point. The greatly recessed side surfaces completely remove a large portion of the cleaning surface from contact with the surface to be cleaned. Upon rotation of the mop body, the side surfaces can be placed into contact with the surface to be cleaned in order to pickup dirt, hair, lint, or other debris captured by the portion of the mop body contacting the surface to be cleaned. Further, in some embodiments the lowermost contact provides essentially a single point of contact with the surface to be cleaned to enable the mop body to easily remove debris from corners. The disclosed mop construction greatly enhances the total amount of surface area that can be effectively used for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Shaelyn D. Benson, Sean C. McGreevy, Lloyd S. Vasilakes, Ivana Babic
  • Publication number: 20130000066
    Abstract: A screen cleaning device and method of making the same is provided having a support member, a cleaning member that is matingly connectable to the support member, and a retainer member. The cleaning member may include a pad and a covering overlying the pad. The cleaning member may be partially carried by an interior portion of the support member, and the retainer member may slidably fit about the cleaning member. The retainer member may be fastenable to the support member to fasten the cleaning member to the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Skelton
  • Publication number: 20130002756
    Abstract: A wiping system is disclosed. The wiping system has a wiper blade and a web wipe. The wiper blade forms an angle with the surface to be cleaned. The wiper blade has a tip formed in the front end of the wiper blade. The wiper blade moves in a wiping direction with the front end leading the rest of the blade when the wiper blade is moving in the wiping direction. The web wipe is placed between the tip and the surface to be cleaned, with the web wipe contacting both the tip and the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Adrian Kriz
  • Publication number: 20130000064
    Abstract: A lower face of a base body (15) includes a wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) of which cross-section in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined direction along which cleaning is performed with a cleaning device body (11) in a planar view is wave-shaped as having a ridge portion (17) and a valley portion (18) arranged alternately and continuously. The valley portion (18) of the wave-like corrugated surface portion (19) includes an oblique valley portion (18a) of which end part is opened to a side portion of the base body (15) facing to the predetermined direction as being extended obliquely against the predetermined direction to obliquely guide objects such as dust to be stuck to a cleaning sheet (13) in accordance with wiping of the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Katou, Susumu Fujinami, Kimie Sannomiya, Yukio Noda, Tomohisa Hirata, Yutaka Hamano, Takuaki Harada
  • Patent number: 8341797
    Abstract: A swab (10, 110) for a mop includes an outer casing (14) and an inner filling (20), the outer casing (14) being made of an absorbent material and enveloping the inner filling (20), and the inner filling (20) being made of an absorbent material, opposite major surfaces (16, 18) of the outer casing (14) being attached together though the inner filling (20) to form depressions (28) in the opposite major surfaces (16, 18) of the outer casing (14) and to limit movement of the inner filling (20) within the outer casing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Alexander Young
  • Publication number: 20120325710
    Abstract: A method for demonstrating the surface cleaning performance of a disposable paper product. The method comprising the steps of: selecting at least one test implement comprising disposable paper product; selecting at least one demonstration implement comprising a durable cloth substrate; selecting a testing surface; preparing at least one spill specimen, the spill specimen comprising a fluorescing or luminescent component; applying the spill specimen on a first portion and a second portion of the testing surface; wiping the spill specimen from the first portion of testing surface with the test implement; wiping the spill specimen from the second portion of testing surface with the demonstration implement; and, revealing by sufficient lighting means any of the fluorescing or luminescent component remaining on the testing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Ann Marie Woulms, Courtney Lynn Wargo, Alan Howard Ullman, Janese Christine O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8336157
    Abstract: A scrubbing pad includes a lesser abrasive scrubbing layer attached to a steel wool pad, resulting in a single unit that may be used for scrubbing a variety of surfaces. The two separate pads, having the same size, may be sandwiched together and may be connected together with, for example, a plurality of ties on each side of the sandwiched pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Romeo Valdez Aguila
  • Patent number: 8336149
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning multiple types of fiber optic connectors includes a container having an opening in a face formed in a side of the container and a plurality of discrete soft, work surfaces on a face of the container. The surfaces are configured as a pair of outwardly disposed surfaces having a width and a pair of inwardly disposed surfaces having a width that is less than the width of the outwardly disposed surfaces. The surface are parallel to each other. Gaps are disposed between each of the adjacent work surfaces. Each of the gaps has a width. A plurality of cleaning wipes are located inside the container. The wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic connector. The wipes provide indication that they have been used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Blair, Edward J. Forrest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8332987
    Abstract: A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Brian F. Kaminer, Charles A. Boulos, James N. Lewiecki, Kathleen V. Jones, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Publication number: 20120311803
    Abstract: Provided is a cleaning sheet in which a plurality of fiber bound materials produced by bundling a plurality of fibers is joined on a base sheet, and at least two adjacent bound fiber materials have respectively different length in the longitudinal direction of the fibers and different density, to constitute a cleaning portion and which can sufficiently wipe off even relatively large dirt particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Kikuo YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20120312323
    Abstract: There is provided a substrate cleaning method which optimizes the shape of a roll cleaning member and can efficiently clean a substrate surface with a high degree of cleaning and reduce the number of defects remaining on the substrate surface. The substrate cleaning method performs scrub cleaning of a surface of a substrate with a roll cleaning member, having a large number of nodules on the surface and extending linearly over approximately an entire length of a diameter of the substrate and which forms a cleaning area between it and the substrate surface, by bringing the nodules into contact with the substrate surface while rotating the roll cleaning member and the substrate each in one direction. During this scrub cleaning, the area of contact between the nodules and the substrate surface in the cleaning area is made smaller in a forward-direction cleaning area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Tomoatsu ISHIBASHI
  • Patent number: 8328949
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a freshly laid egg is provided. An egg cleansing towelette is impregnated with an egg cleansing solution and sealed in a container. The towelette can be removed from the container when needed. The impregnated towelette can be rubbed over the shell of the freshly laid egg to remove dirt, blood, yolk and other undesirable materials found in a chicken coop. The towelette can also include an abrasive material to help remove the undesirable material. The egg cleansing solution can be fragrance-free and blended as to not potentially damage the bloom on the egg. The towelettes can be purchased in a container with a resealable opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Samuel Jeffries
  • Patent number: 8321990
    Abstract: A detachable multifunctional cleaner comprises a handle which has an insertion piece downwardly protruded from one end; a cover which has an insertion hole at one side of an upper surface for inserting the insertion piece; and a foreign substance removing means which is detachably attached to the cover, wherein the insertion piece and the insertion hole are assembled on a vertical line Z with respect to a bottom surface of the cover, and at least one position determination protrusion and at least one position determination groove are formed in the insertion piece and the insertion hole, respectively, for determining the engaging position of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Pil Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20120297562
    Abstract: A compact cleaning device includes a housing having opposed front and rear portions. A first pair of first and second opposed flaps is connected to the front and rear portions, respectively, each of the first and second opposed flaps having inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the first pair of first and second flaps is a moist wipe material. Each of the first and second flaps is movable between a closed configuration in which respective inner surfaces bear against one another and an open configuration in which the respective inner surfaces are displaced from one another. The first pair of first and second flaps is biased toward the closed configuration by spring members. The cleaning device further includes a scent dispenser and a light member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Flavia Miriane Loreto Bhojwani
  • Publication number: 20120291802
    Abstract: A multi-use cloth for cleaning and conditioning metal and non-metal objects includes a two-layer, three-layer or multi-layer structure. Each layer is made of material either capable of retaining an oil, aqueous solution, aqueous suspension or solid or capable of preventing penetration of an oil, aqueous solution, aqueous suspension or solid. In a three-layer or multi-layer cloth, the separation layer is affixed in between two layers having one or both layers embedded with an oil, aqueous solution, or aqueous suspension. In a two-layer cloth, the separation layer is affixed to one side of the layer that is embedded with an oil, aqueous solution or an aqueous suspension. The cloth is folded with the oil, or aqueous solution, or aqueous suspension embedded side on an inner side. A user's hand holds the outside of the cloth and no contamination from oil, aqueous solution, or aqueous suspension or solid occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Lei Zhu, Chunlei Huang
  • Patent number: 8312586
    Abstract: A device for holding and manipulating compressible cleaning implements is disclosed wherein the cleaning implements may be made from a compressible material and may have a compressible portion. The device may include a handle. A blade may be attached to the handle. An outer blade edge may surround the blade. An opening through the blade may be defined by an inner blade edge. A channel may pass through the blade and may extend from the inner blade edge to the outer blade edge, and may be defined by a first channel edge and a second channel edge. The compressible portion of the cleaning implement may be passed through the channel into the opening and may be held in the opening by engagement with the inner blade edge. Each of the first and second channel edges may respectively define first and second circumferentially directed points configured to poke into the compressible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Patent number: 8307489
    Abstract: A towel assembly for suspension from a golf push cart handle, the towel assembly including an absorbent fabric sheet having an upper end, a lower end, a lateral side, an oppositely lateral side, a rearward surface, and a forward surface; a vertical fold extending the fabric sheet's lateral side forwardly and oppositely laterally; a horizontal fold extending the fabric sheet's upper end forwardly and downwardly; snap fasteners connected operatively to the fabric sheet, the snap fasteners being adapted for, upon positioning the golf push cart handle beneath the horizontal fold, alternatively enveloping the golf push cart handle for the towel suspension, and releasing the golf push cart handle; and embroidered logo indicia positioned upon the fabric sheet's rearward surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald Adame
  • Publication number: 20120280706
    Abstract: Provided is a cleaning unit for removing foreign matter adhering to a probe needle of a probe card for a continuity test, the cleaning unit being capable of effectively removing the foreign matter adhering to the probe needle without abrading the probe needle. A cleaning sheet of the present invention is a cleaning sheet, including a cleaning layer for removing foreign matter adhering to a probe needle of a probe card for a continuity test, in which the cleaning layer has an arithmetic average roughness Ra in conformity with JIS-B-0601 of 100 nm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: C/O NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Uenda, Makoto Namikawa, Takeshi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 8291542
    Abstract: A foam core cleaning element of stitch-bonded construction having a multi-surface operative cleaning face. The cleaning element includes at least one fluid absorbing layer of absorptive polymeric foam. At least a first plurality of yarns extends in discontinuous patterned stitched relation through discrete selected zones of the fluid absorbing layer such that the first plurality of yarns forms a patterned array of first surface loop zones projecting outwardly away from a first side of the fluid absorbing layer in a defined patterned arrangement across the operative cleaning face of the cleaning element. A plurality of stitch-free zones of the polymeric foam define outwardly projecting convex curved surfaces at positions adjacent to the first surface loop zones across the operative cleaning face of the cleaning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Tietex International Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Wildeman, Lori Shannon Sears, Michelis Hardegree
  • Patent number: 8287653
    Abstract: A method of debris removal is provided. The method includes positioning a nanometer-scaled tip adjacent to a piece of debris on a substrate. The method also includes adhering the piece of debris to the tip. In addition, the method also includes removing the piece of debris from the substrate by moving the tip away from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Rave, LLC
    Inventors: Tod Evan Robinson, Bernabe J. Arruza, Kenneth Gilbert Roessler
  • Patent number: 8286296
    Abstract: A folded hand towel having an upper towel portion used as an ice and beverage holder pocket and adapted for attaching to a golf bag. Ice cubes received in the pocket and when melted, provide moisture for wetting a lower towel portion for cleaning golf related items. The upper towel portion is divided from the lower towel portion by horizontal stitching across the width of the towel. Vertical edges of the upper towel portion are stitched together to form an open top ice and beverage holder pocket. The inside of the pocket includes an open top and an open bottom, water-proof liner. The liner is attached to opposite sides of the upper towel portion. The liner helps keep items stored therein cool and also prevent moisture from the ice from wetting the opposite sides of the upper towel portion. The open bottom of the liner allows moisture from the melted ice to migrate downwardly be gravity and wet the opposite sides of the lower towel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Derek Nakamura, Megian S. Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8281451
    Abstract: Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Paul H. Adams, Jeffrey Mulreed, Anthony T. Sgroi, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120247507
    Abstract: An oil cleaning tool comprising an elongated handle extending vertically from a floor; an absorption piece attached to a bottom portion of the elongated handle; a bracket with a plate connecting the absorption piece to the elongated handle wherein the bracket allows the absorption piece to slide along the floor when the elongated handle is moved by a user over a layer of oil. The absorption piece may be a piece of wood or a piece of plastic covered with an absorbent material to disperse the layer of oil against the floor. Additionally, the bracket may removably attach the elongated handle to the absorption piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Newlon
  • Publication number: 20120251597
    Abstract: Various fibrous articles incorporating a water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfiber are provided. The water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers can be incorporated into a number of different fibrous articles including personal care products, medical care products, automotive products, household products, personal recreational products, specialty papers, paper products, and building and landscaping materials. In addition, the water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers can be incorporated into nonwoven webs, thermobonded webs, hydroentangled webs, multilayer nonwovens, laminates, composites, wet-laid webs, dry-laid webs, laminates, composites, wet laps, woven articles, fabrics and geotextiles. These various end products can incorporate the water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers in varying amounts based on the desired end use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Daniel William Klosiewicz, Melvin Glenn Mitchell, Mark Dwight Clark, Chris Delbert Anderson
  • Patent number: 8276235
    Abstract: A wearable wipe unit having one or more absorbent members attachable to, and removable from, a retaining member, or each other. The retaining member has a mouth which attaches to a user's waist band or belt. One or more absorbent members may have a storage unit for securely holding a user's personal effects. The bottoms of the front and back sides of the retaining member are angled forward for ease of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel P. Naughton
  • Patent number: 8272801
    Abstract: A tool for treating a surface by rubbing and including means to dispense onto the surface stuff, for example, a lotion for skin treatment, and including also a pair of opposed fins which are supported by a stiff, tapered, upstanding spine portion that traverses the tool and has an upper radial face for wiping and scrapping stuff, the fins extending laterally of and along the lower length of the spine portion and having an under face for rubbing contact with the surface, and each fin having optionally an upper absorbent face on each side of the spine portion to provide a swabbing capability, and the tool having a distal end and a proximal end, with the upstanding spine portion narrowing toward the distal end of the tool and the spine portion being hollow and shaped towards the proximal end for holding of the tool directly or coupled to a holdable object and also a method for making the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Geoffrey Robert Linzell
  • Publication number: 20120227203
    Abstract: A wipe formed of a base layer and a secondary layer. The wipe has an initial caliper of at least about 0.5 mm, a basis weight of less than about 55 gsm and a % DIB of about 20-95%. The base layer is formed of a non-biodegradable material such as thermoplastic polymer and the secondary layer is formed of a biodegradable material such as wood pulp, cellulose and/or regenerated cellulose. The top surface of the secondary layer generally includes a non-uniform distribution of fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: The Clorax Company
    Inventors: William Ouellette, Nikhil Dani, Bernard Hill
  • Patent number: 8257818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low oil and basis weight, apertured dusting wipe exhibiting improved particulate pick up performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dianne Ellis, Wanda B. Best
  • Publication number: 20120216829
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning internal optical components of a fiber optic connector includes a cleaning strip that is advanced past one or more optical surfaces of the connector to wipe the connector free of contaminants. The cleaning tool includes a drive mechanism that is operated by rotating a drive, thereby advancing the cleaning strip along a cleaning strip path and into contact with the one or more optical surfaces. The cleaning tool comprises a cleaning tip that functions to place the cleaning strip in proper alignment within the connector in order to clean the optical surfaces that are not available for cleaning at the endface of the connector. Alignment features are provided in the cleaning tip to properly position the cleaning strip relative the optical surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Dave E. Cunningham, Micah C. Isenhour, Dennis M. Knecht, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 8250701
    Abstract: Novel appliances for the application, distribution, manipulation and/or removal of different types of media, including art and craft media, may be removably attached to conventional and commonly-available tools, such as palette/painting knives, brushes with hair/filament tips, and other media manipulators such as those having a polymeric contacting surface on their working end. The appliances are adapted for superimposition over the media-engaging working-head formations of the tools, and have media-engaging characteristics which differ from the native media-engaging characteristics of the working-head formations of the tools. Tools to which such appliances are attached in accordance with the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ladd Forsline
    Inventors: Ladd B. Forsline, Susanna R. Starr
  • Publication number: 20120192371
    Abstract: A 3D dusting sheet comprising a base sheet, an electrostatic dusting sheet on the base sheet, and one or more linings disposed between the base sheet and the electrostatic dusting sheet, wherein the one or more linings bulge partially a main body of the electrostatic dusting sheet, such that a surface of the 3D dusting sheet becomes three-dimensional. Meanwhile, one or more three-dimensional spaces are formed on the surface of the 3D dusting sheet, whereby a large amount of dirt is gathered in the one or more three-dimensional spaces, and the effect of scraping and collecting the dust or dirt at the same time may be achieved by the 3D dusting sheet during cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Ya-Ching Yang
  • Patent number: 8225453
    Abstract: Provided is a cleaning sheet in which a plurality of fiber bound materials produced by bundling a lot of fibers is joined on a base sheet, and at least adjacent two bound fiber materials have respectively different length in the longitudinal direction of the fibers, to constitute a cleaning portion and which can sufficiently wipe off even relatively large dirt particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kikuo Yamada
    Inventor: Kikuo Yamada
  • Publication number: 20120180240
    Abstract: The present invention provides treatment apparatus, a fluid application device and methods of removing and applying fluid and relates particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus and method suitable for applying fluid to an elongate object such as a bovine teat or the like and for removing excess fluid therefrom. The device comprising a holder (28) having a first end (58) and a second end (62) and an interior edge (54) defining a first opening (55), a first end having a second opening (56); a lower portion (70); and a cassette (30) for insertion into said second opening (56) and including a wiping device (32) having a wiping material (82, 84, 86) extending radially inwardly and for extending at least partially across said first opening (56).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: AMBIC EQUIPMENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard J. Hiley
  • Patent number: 8220099
    Abstract: A lint removal apparatus containing a tabbed end or ends on any side so a user to grip and hold the apparatus. One side of the apparatus contains an adhesive side that is protected by a backing. The backing must be removed by the user prior to using the apparatus. Once the backing is removed, a small portion of the backing will remain so that user can easily grip the apparatus. While gripping the apparatus, the user may remove lint by pressing the exposed adhesive side of the apparatus against the desired area containing lint or other particles to be removed. The apparatus is a small, durable, portable, economic, practical and be used by all individuals regardless of physical size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: John Michael Vidmar, Michael Edward Braatz