Abstract: A mop having a handle with a wringing frame disposed at a distal end, which defines a cam slot. An actuator lever is pivotally attached to the handle intermediate the distal and proximal ends and is coupled to an actuator linkage that extends into the internal hollow of the handle and connects to a pad plate, which supports a cleaning pad, such as a sponge thereon at the distal end of the mop. The pad plate has hinges that permit it to bend upon itself. When the actuator lever is moved to wring the cleaning pad, the actuator linkage pulls the pad plate at least partially through the cam slot, causing it to bend at the hinges and wring the cleaning pad supported thereon.

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.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a mop includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the mop. In using the cleaning pad, the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning pad may be provided with a suitable attachment structure for mounting the pad onto a butterfly mop, a squeeze mop or a roller mop.

Abstract: A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalk and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner.

Abstract: An oral care device is provided. The oral care device includes a toothbrush and an absorbent pad. The toothbrush has an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines a handle for a user. The toothbrush also includes a plurality of bristles at the distal end. The bristles are dimensioned to enter the mouth of a human user. The pad has an outer circumference or edge. The pad further has an interior through-opening for frictionally and removably receiving the shaft of the toothbrush. The pad is fabricated at least along its circumference from an absorbent material. A method for brushing one's teeth using a toothbrush with a pad is also provided.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A head for cleaning a target surface, such as a toilet bowl. The head has a longitudinal axis and comprises a starch based material. The material may be provided as a sheet, and formed to make a generally round head or a head of laminae. The head may optionally contain granules, which optionally define a core and improve the stiffness of the head. The starch based material may be extruded to have a machine direction oriented in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device.

Abstract: The present invention envisages a cleaning implement comprising a melamine foam preferably having a thickness of at least about 5 mm and a perfume source, processes for making them and methods for using them.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A resilient foam material having an active antimicrobial bound to, incorporated within, and projecting from its surface is provided for incapacitating or destroying microbes. The antimicrobial has an atomic structure that is capable of mechanically piercing or lysing a microbe thereby incapacitating or destroying the microbe. The resilient antimicrobial foam material may be manufactured into a resilient antimicrobial foam product for drawing across a surface and mechanically incapacitating or destroying microbes on the surface. The resilient antimicrobial foam material may be manufactured into a membrane for providing a sterile barrier for a surface. The resilient antimicrobial foam material is manufactured by combining the antimicrobial with a foam polymer material, heating the foam polymer material under pressure to a temperate that does not deactivate the antimicrobial, incorporating a blowing agent, cooling the material, and extruding the material.

Abstract: A device for cleaning drinking glasses (1), comprising inner (2) and outer (3) cleaning aids extending substantially upright adjacent each other to cleaningly engage an outside and an inside respectively of a wall of a drinking glass inserted between the cleaning aids (2, 3). The outer cleaning aid (3) comprises at least one foam body of which a body portion, over at least a part of the height of the device, extends into a free area of a smallest circle enclosing a non-circular cross section of the inner cleaning aid (2).

Abstract: A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalls and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner.

Abstract: An exfoliating dentifrice composition is described that contains a plurality of granules and an orally acceptable vehicle. The granules include at least one polymeric binding agent. The composition includes at least one abrasive agent having an average particle diameter of 0.01 mm to 4 mm. Also included are methods of exfoliating an oral cavity soft tissue by use of the composition.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing sponge bodies (1) made of regenerated cellulose using at least partially agglomerated pore inducers made of sodium sulphate decahydrate is provided. First, a viscose solution is provided. A pore inducer is added to said viscose solution. The viscose solution is laid onto a conveyer belt which is continuously moving. The viscose solution is led through baths on the conveyor belt, resulting in a porous mass made of regenerated cellulose.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward a tool holder for a flexible tube that contains a composition used in connection with the tool. The tool holder has a frame adapted to be secured the sealed end of the and a tool portion having a tool such as a razor blade, a brush, a cosmetic scraper blade, a planar scraper blade, a massager head, sandpaper, polishing device, or sponge applicator head.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a mop includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the mop. In one embodiment of the invention the mop is a squeeze mop which includes a mounting plate and the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the mounting plate. In using the cleaning pad the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying when a cleaning article, such as a sponge, should be replaced or disposed within a period of time is disclosed. A cleaning article such as a sponge is labeled with a time increment that will act as an expiration date or reminder for the user. The time increment may be in month increments that can be abbreviated or spelled. At the end of the time increment, the user will be reminded that he has used the sponge longer than the time increment by seeing the time increment on the sponge. The sponge will be replaced with a sponge having a new time increment.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying when a cleaning article, such as a sponge, should be replaced or disposed within a period of time is disclosed. A cleaning article such as a sponge is labeled with a time increment that will act as an expiration date or reminder for the user. The time increment may be in month increments that can be abbreviated or spelled. At the end of the time increment, the user will be reminded that he has used the sponge longer than the time increment by seeing the time increment on the sponge. The sponge will be replaced with a sponge having a new time increment.

Abstract: A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.

Abstract: A sponge cleaning utensil has an inner core for holding a cleaning agent and encouraging the cleaning agent to be continually in contact with water drawn into the inner core preferably via a plurality of conduits which are preferably molded into the sponge material. The inner core is fabricated so as to be substantially larger than the solid cleaning agent therein allowing the cleaning agent free movement within the core. This allows water to freely surround the cleaning agent creating rich lather production and the lather to be easily removed to the surface. The conduits preferably have openings at a plurality of positions on the sponge exterior surface so as to provide even moisture and lather to all portions of the sponge exterior including the edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising elastic compressed foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.

Abstract: A cleaning sponge roller 1 is made of a polyvinyl acetal porous material having elasticity in a wet state, and includes a roller body 3 in an approximate cylinder form, and a plurality of protrusions 5 formed integrally on an outer peripheral surface 3a of the roller body 3, and rotates the multiple protrusions 5 to make contact with a surface to be cleaned so as to clean the surface. Outer surfaces of the protrusions 5 respectively have a top outer surface 5a (interior exposed surface) making contact with the surface to be cleaned while cleaning in a state where internal structures of the protrusions 5 are exposed.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for cleaning a nozzle, which can automatically clean pollutant of the nozzle. The nozzle cleaning apparatus comprises the nozzle in a polluted state, a nozzle cleaning unit to clean a pollutant material from the nozzle by use of an absorbing member, and an absorbing member cleaning unit to clean a pollutant material from the absorbing member. With this configuration, the nozzle cleaning apparatus can clean the polluted nozzle by use of the absorbing member and in turn, can clean the polluted absorbing member by use of cleaning liquid, whereby automatic cleaning of the nozzle can be accomplished. Automatic cleaning of the polluted nozzle has the effect of reducing cleaning labor and time, and improving productivity.

Abstract: A sponge with microfiber which includes a foam sponge having a front side, a back side, and a plurality of edges between the front and back sides and a microfiber material laminated to one side of the foam sponge. The microfiber material may be inset from all edges of the foam sponge on the side of the foam sponge to which it is laminated and one or more of the plurality of edges of the foam sponge may be contoured and comprise a beveled edge and/or a chamfered edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising hybrid foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.

Abstract: A scrub brush-sponge includes a base provided with a recessed peripheral lip, which has a plurality of attenuated regions configured to minimize the resistance of the base to external bending forces, and a sponge coupled to the base and made from polymeric material, which may have as low a PPI as 10. The sponge is configured so that it can effectively surround at least a substantial peripheral portion of instruments or portions to be treated with fluid, which is contained within the sponge, without applying substantial external forces to the base. A flexible layer made of woven or non-woven bonded polymeric fibers is on a scrubbing surface of the sponge and provides an enhanced scrubbing feature. An abrasive may be included on the flexible layer to further enhance the scrubbing feature.

Abstract: A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalls and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage tap plug for occupying and disinfecting, cleaning, or sanitizing a faucet opening of a beverage tap. The beverage tap plug comprises a support member supporting a resilient absorbent member. The absorbent member comprises a generally cylindrical column of absorbent material. The support member of the beverage tap plug comprises a relatively flat, disk-shaped base supporting a thin post in which the post defines a longitudinal axis with a first base end and second distal end. The post protrudes outwardly from the center of the base at the base end. Additionally, the outside diameter of the absorbent member is larger than the diameter of the diameter of the outer rim of the faucet opening. The absorbent member of the beverage tap plug is impregnated with a disinfectant, sanitizer or cleaner.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a contoured cooking surface is disclosed. Methods of cleaning a cooking system with the cleaning apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A PVA sponge with vegetal starch and bamboo charcoal includes at least one Polyester fiber substrate having through pores inside thereof, and a PVA foaming material having vegetal starch and bamboo charcoal therein. The substrate is covered by the PVA foaming material and will have acetalization by formaldehyde. The substrate is placed into a container with a predetermined shape and the PVA foaming material mixed with formaldehyde and hydrochloric is poured into the container. The colloid PVA and formaldehyde will have acetalization so that the PVA foaming material will cover among the structure of the substrate. A heating-up forming process is carried out when the PVA foaming material is full of the container. The added hydrochloric is an accelerator to accelerate the reaction.

Abstract: Cleansing and scrubbing devices, and methods of their use and manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a body cleansing device for personal hygiene and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a chemical mechanical polishing/planarizing (CMP) brush with an embedded mandrel. PVA foam injected into the substantially hollow mandrel expands through apertures in the mandrel to fill a mold in the desired shape of the brush with the foam in the mandrel being integral with the outer foam covering the brush.

Abstract: An applicator includes a support on one face of which is attached a resiliently deformable applicator element presenting an application surface opposite the support. The support has a preferential folding axis such that, in response to a folding force exerted on the support, the applicator element is deformed so as to modify the transverse curvature of the application surface observed transversely to the axis. The lengthwise curvature of the application surface observed axially along the axis is also modified.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a main body having a first side provided with a first opening defining a first accommodating space, and a second side provided with a second opening defining a second accommodating space; a squeezable wiper whose first end penetrates the first opening and is retained in the first accommodating space and whose second end is outside the main body; a shield connected with the first opening so that the second end of the wiper is received in the shield; a cleaning liquid bottle received in the second accommodating space and comprising a nozzle portion having a spraying hole; and a cap having a first side connected with the second opening and provided with a third opening, through which the nozzle portion extends to be received in the cap, and a second side having an aperture communicating with the third accommodating space and corresponding to the spraying hole.

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.

Abstract: A cleaning sponge with embedded clusters for providing enhanced scouring is disclosed. In one embodiment, the cleaning sponge comprises a sponge body and a plurality of discrete fiber clusters embedded within the sponge body. Each fiber cluster is a matrix of interconnected fibers. In one embodiment, each fiber cluster is a three dimensional web of entangled fibers bonded to one another at their mutual contact points.

Abstract: A cleaning implement wherein a scrubbing layer is adhesively fixed to a sponge layer. The cleaning implement has a plurality of holes arranged in an ordered matrix fashion traversing substantially perpendicularly through the scrubbing and sponge layers such that the flow of water or other cleaning fluid is easily facilitated throughout the body of the cleaning implement thus removing both foreign contaminants and any added cleaning agent more efficiently saving natural resources.

Abstract: A device with a squeegee configuration and an absorbent material positioned between protruding squeegee walls for treating a working surface with wiping edges of the squeegee configuration and the absorbent material is disclosed. A device, in accordance with the invention, comprises a curved squeegee and means for coupling the curved squeegee to a spray nozzle for wiping the working surface with edges of the curved squeegee and spray the working surface with the spray nozzle. A system, in accordance with the invention, comprises a vacuum source, a liquid source and an applicator head with squeegees and apertures wherein a portion the apertures are configured to couple the vacuum source and draw a vacuum on a working surface and a second portion of the apertures are configured to couple to the liquid source and deliver a liquid to the working surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing a foam comprising at least one antimicrobial active, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a solution or dispersion comprising at least one precondensate of the foam to be produced and at least one antimicrobial active, (2) foaming the precondensate by heating the solution or dispersion of step (1) to obtain a foam comprising at least one antimicrobial active, and (3) heat treating the foam obtained in step (2) at a temperature in the range from 120 to 300° C., a foam thus produced, a shaped article comprising such a foam and the use of such a foam for thermal and acoustical insulation of buildings and parts of buildings, thermal and acoustical insulation of the interiors of land, air and sea vehicles, low-temperature insulation, as an insulating wall cladding, as an insulating and shock-absorbing packaging material, as abrasive cleaning, grinding and polishing sponges, in the hygiene sector and as a filter material.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning the ferrule end surface of an optical fiber that has been installed in a connector, such as a connector coupler or bulkhead receptacle, comprises a cleaning head (22a, 22b, 22c). The cleaning head is made from thermally sintered polymers, e.g., thermally sintered particles and/or thermally sintered strands and provides a matrix of open-celled multi-directional pores. The cleaning head has zones (26, 28, 32) of increasing polymer densities from compression zone (26) to sidewall cleaning zone (28) to base zone (32). The cleaning head serves to lift, absorb, trap and remove contamination from the ferrule end faces (14a, 14b, 14c) and the end face of the optical fiber therein. The open-celled structure of the cleaning head (22a, 22b, 22c) allows the contact surface to compress both laterally and radially where it contacts the ferrule end, thus permitting effective cleaning for all ferrule end designs. The cleaning head may be used either dry or with a cleaning solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (5) to be used in a preimpregnated carbon fiber placement machine including at least one guiding roller (47) for guiding a band (21) of tows to an application head (25), comprising two filtering elements (11, 13) arranged such that a band (21) of tows supported by two plates (15, 17) joined with adjustable clamping means (29) for said filtering elements (11, 13) and means of fixing/separating them to/from said machine, circulates between them. The invention also relates to a preimpregnated carbon fiber placement machine with at least one cleaning device (5).

Abstract: An instrument for cleaning surgical instruments during surgery includes a plurality of cleaning surfaces. The surfaces can vary in roughness and can include bristles that remain constant or vary in height or thickness or both. The surfaces can be replaced and are attached to a flexible base that conforms to the shape of a surface on which the instrument is mounted, such as an arm. The instrument can also include a sponge-like surface that can be moistened from a reservoir of fluid such as a blister pack.

Abstract: There is provided a hand-utility interface for use in utility tasks. The interface comprises a foamed block body having a plurality of finger-receiving channels defined therein. In use, each finger-receiving channel is arranged to receive a finger of said user's hand such as to at least partly secure the interface to the user's hand. At least one finger-receiving channel is provided with a finger tip-receiving aperture such that in use, at least a portion of a finger tip of the user protrudes into said finger tip-receiving aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulation of the body, including sexual stimulation, includes a body, formed by a bathing or showing sponge, with a compartment for holding a stimulating apparatus, such as a vibrator. The compartment with the stimulating apparatus is concealed by the body, from plain view.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a contoured cooking surface is disclosed. Methods of cleaning a cooking system with the cleaning apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning wipe and cleaning product are provided. The cleaning wipe includes a foam layer such as phenolic or melamine based foam that is configured for contacting and cleaning a surface. A reinforcing web is attached to the foam.

Abstract: A cleaning sponge with improved gripping for providing enhanced scouring and/or wiping ability is disclosed. In one embodiment, the cleaning sponge comprises a foam body having a side perimeter contained between a first surface and a second surface, a first outer layer of material attached to the first surface of the body, and a second outer layer of material attached to the second surface of the body. At least a portion of the side perimeter includes a recessed groove extending along a length of the foam body.

Abstract: A sponge for cleaning or smoothing wallpaper being installed or repaired on a wall and in corner junctions formed by adjoining walls, the sponge is a pliable flexible one-piece body of a polymeric material having open cells and has at least one cleaning surface. The body has a generally planar first surface for wiping engagement with the wallpaper and a second surface. The second surface includes a flat surface that extends upwardly from the first surface at an acute angle ? to form a beveled edge for engaging corner junctions and an arcuate surface for nesting in the crotch formed between the thumb and index finger of the hand and positioning the thumb and fingers of the hand for gripping engagement with one and the other of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a contoured cooking surface is disclosed. Methods of cleaning a cooking system with the cleaning apparatus are also disclosed.