Abstract: A bath sponge is formed from a foamed polyurethane to have a plurality of relatively shallow and small pores distributed over an outer surface thereof, and is provided on or between the shallow and small pores with a plurality of staggered and relatively deep and large holes resembling seawater corroded holes. Each of the relatively deep and large holes is internally provided at a bottom with a deeper and size-reduced hole, which do not extend through the bath sponge. Therefore, the bath sponge not only has an appearance like a natural sponge, but also has structural strength, breaking resistance, water absorbing ability, and softness better than both the natural sponge and other general types of bath sponge.

Abstract: A method of removing contamination from an apparatus used in lithography is disclosed. The method includes loading a substrate into the apparatus, the substrate comprising a rigid support layer and a deformable layer provided on the rigid support layer, bringing the deformable layer of the substrate into contact with a surface of the apparatus from which contamination is to be removed, introducing relative movement between the deformable layer and the surface of the apparatus from which contamination is to be removed to dislodge contamination from the surface for removal, and removing the dislodged contamination. Other aspects of the invention are also described and claimed.

Abstract: In a formulation of a wafer cleaning brush, forming a polymer solution with a plurality of nano-scale porogens or with a synthetic pore forming agent and curing the polymer solution to form a porous polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an applicator including a combination applicating device (110) and substance (120) to be applied. For example, the applicator is particularly suited to the application of liquids integrated with a sponge or sponge-like device. In such personal cleansing environments, the liquid is associated with the sponge, and by activating the sponge (e.g., squeezing it), a dose of liquid is distributed to the sponge matrix, and the applicator can be used to apply the liquid to a surface.

Abstract: A cleaning article in the form of a sponge body for absorbing and retaining a fluid and an encasement membrane attached to the sponge body. The encasement membrane covers a portion of the sponge body being sized to fit within and be held by the hand of a user while leaving exposed, a portion of the sponge body for engaging a surface to be cleaned. As a preferred embodiment, the encasement membrane is further characterized as being a thermal insulator substantially reducing thermal energy contained within the fluid from passing therethrough. The encasement membrane is also characterized as being impervious to water, steam or other gasses to prevent their escape where they could affect the user's hand. The present invention is ideally suited for cleaning a surface by applying a cleaning fluid, such as water with or without a detergent to the sponge body and placing the cleaning article within a microwave oven.

Abstract: A cleaning device is provided including a support body (1), which is connected to a cleaning sponge (2). The support body (1) has at least two needle-shaped projections (3.1, 3.2, . . . , 3.n) on the side facing the cleaning sponge (2), with these projections being arranged in only one common recess (4) of the cleaning sponge (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for helping assure the washing of a person's hands. An easily identifiable substance is provided which may be removed by washing. A marking mechanism is coupled with or contains the easily identifiable substance and the hand of the person is then marked with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered. Substantially concurrent (or somewhat delayed) with the hand being marked a signal is given off which helps assure that the person actually uses the marking mechanism. Another way to coerce use of the marking mechanism and to allow authority figures to monitor use of the marking mechanism is a information recording device which tracks use of the marking mechanism.

Abstract: A sponge for cleaning a vehicular grille has a multilayered polyester polyol-based polyurethane wherein the upper and lower layers are each a flexible polyester polyurethane foam and the central or medial layer is a reticulated polyurethane foam. The layers are bonded together. The sponge has a first serrated side edge and an opposed semicircular side edge enabling at least one edges to be inserted into the interstices of an automotive grille.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing a multi-element sponge consists of mixing together a polymer and a reagent to form a mixture to be expanded to produce a spongy mass, casting the mixture in a mould, depositing an insert onto said mixture and allowing the mixture to expand while maintaining the insert pressed against it, so that on termination of expansion the insert is directly connected to the spongy mass.

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 paralleogram 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: A cleaning article in the form of a sponge body for absorbing and retaining a fluid and an encasement membrane attached to the sponge body. The encasement membrane covers a portion of the sponge body being sized to fit within and be held by the hand of a user while leaving exposed, a portion of the sponge body for engaging a surface to be cleaned. As a preferred embodiment, the encasement membrane is further characterized as being a thermal insulator substantially reducing thermal energy contained within the fluid from passing therethrough. The encasement membrane is also characterized as being impervious to water, steam or other gasses to prevent their escape where they could affect the user's hand. The present invention is ideally suited for cleaning a surface by applying a cleaning fluid, such as water with or without a detergent to the sponge body and placing the cleaning article within a microwave oven.

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.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the tip portion and the side surfaces of a probe has two or more different kinds of intermediate sheets affixed to a substrate in a side-by-side relationship with respect to each other. One of these intermediate sheets is an elastic sheet having an elastic property. Another intermediate sheet of a different kind is a plastic sheet which is less elastic. The tip portion of a probe is cleaned by a polishing layer affixed to the elastic sheet. The side surfaces of the probe are cleaned by a polishing layer affixed to the plastic sheet. A porous foamed sheet having openings on its surface and having air bubbles inside may be used as the elastic sheet. A polishing layer is formed on the surface of the foamed sheet, having a porous surface with openings corresponding to the openings on the foamed sheet. A spacer may be provided between the substrate and the plastic sheet for adjusting the heights of the polishing layers formed over the intermediate sheets.

Abstract: A sponge for cleaning grout that occupies the concave spaces between tiles has a cleaning surface that includes a plurality of rows of elongate convexities. In a first embodiment, the convexities are linear in configuration, are disposed in parallel relation to one another, and the space between the convexities is flat. In a second embodiment, the space between the parallel, linear convexities is occupied by secondary convexities that have less height than the primary convexities. In a third embodiment, the convexities are non linear and non-parallel. In all embodiments, the convexities may be aligned with the concave grooves between tiles or positioned at a right angle to the grooves. In both orientations, the convexities extend into the concavities and clean the grout between the tiles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing mess sponges comprised of a sponge, a rope and a binder by using a folding method to repeatedly fold the sponge for several times into a flower-shaped structure having a plurality of pedals and a pistils/stamina. Since the sponge has a high density and adhesiveness for the soap and a powerful rubbing and scrubbing effect, which can be used for scrubbing a dirtier position of our body. The flower-shaped structure can also clean the smoother and softer parts of our body, and thus can greatly enhance the convenience of scrubbing human body, since the flower-shaped structure has a plurality of pedals and pistils/stamina. The present invention not only has a better appearance than other shower scrubbing tools, but also provides a more convenient way for its use.

Abstract: A multi-use bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin and as a toy, a holder of soap or like products, and a decoration. The bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) includes a toroidal sponge component (14) and can also have a removable attachment component (26, 30). The donut-shaped sponge component (14) is preferably made of mesh sponge material and is concentrically disposed about an inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) defining a central opening (12, 62) in which the attachment component (26, 30) can be removably secured. The inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) provides a ready gripping area which can be held for manipulating the bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58). The attachment component (26, 30) can be, for instance, a toy, a solid soap product, a container of a bath/cosmetic product or the like, a mesh netting pocket, or a knob-shaped hanging device (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) having a suction cup (66).

Abstract: A damp-wiping cloth (e.g., a sponge or the like) from a foam body of flexible foam material, the foam body (2) being interspersed with foam strips (3) whose hardness is greater than the hardness of the foam body (2).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleaning sponge. The cleaning sponge contains a cavity that is cut radially inward through one of the sides of the sponge. The cavity is located closer to the side of the sponge rather than its center. Furthermore, the sponge has two holding arms that are formed when the cavity is cut and form a channel, allowing the sponge to be placed on a faucet or any other hanging member. The holding arms pull apart when the sponge is placed on a faucet and once the sponge is on the faucet, they pull together. Since the cavity is near the side of the sponge, the holding arms do not interfere with the cleaning function of the sponge. Furthermore, the sponge has several layers with different coefficients of coarseness for cleaning different surfaces and may be cut in any decorative shape desired.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet has a base sheet, a first polishing layer formed on the base sheet, a porous foamed layer having air bubbles inside formed on the base sheet, and a second polishing layer formed on the foamed layer. The surface of the foamed layer may be flat or preferably porous with the second polishing layer having openings corresponding to those on the porous surface of the foamed layer. For cleaning a probe by using such a cleaning sheet, the tip of the probe is caused to penetrate the surface of the second polishing layer, to pass through the foamed layer and to be pressed against the first polishing layer.

Abstract: A renewable sponge. A body includes a non-abrasive layer and an abrasive layer that overlies, and is attached to, the non-abrasive layer. Each of the non-abrasive layer and the abrasive layer include a plurality of peel-off layers that are substantially separated from each other by strategically positioned slits so as to allow each of the plurality of peel-off layers to be peeled off when exhausted and expose a next peel-off layer so as to renew the renewable sponge. The strategically positioned slits extend between adjacent ones of the plurality of peel-off layers completely across the body, from one side of the body to the other side of the body. The strategically positioned slits that are between adjacent layers of the plurality of peel-off layers are separated from each other by non-slitted portions of the body.

Abstract: A method of cleaning electric grills including wetting a sheet of fluid-absorbent material constructed to conform to the wave-like contours of the upper and lower heating platters of a typical electric grill, and inserting the wetted material in between the electric grill's heating platters.

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 soft cushioned body sanding sponge made from foamed polymer sponge material having two radiused sides meeting front and back panels which are convex in shape and having an abrasive coating covering both sides and front and back panels. The body sanding sponge is particularly useful for sanding and smoothing the rough skin from the areas of the feet, knees, elbows, as well as other areas of the body and the combination of the foamed polymer sponge and the convex shape of the front and back panels enables the body sanding sponge to conform to the natural contours of the area being abraded as well as to be used in multiple sanding directions. The foamed polymer sponge may have different degrees of hardness by using different densities of the same foam material and the abrasive coating may have different degrees of grit or the like bonded to the outer portion of the sanding sponge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The cleaning pad is designed to provide multiple cleaning surfaces each of which contact the soiled surface during the cleaning operation. The cleaning pad also preferably has the ability to absorb at least about 10 g of water per g of pad.

Abstract: A scrubbing sponge is made with indicia by applying a light-transmissive adhesive in a pattern on the sponge, and adhering a plurality of discrete, shaped pellets of light-transmissive synthetic plastic material on the patterned adhesive. The indicia is visible through the pellets and the adhesive and serves as a promotional aid.

Abstract: A hand-held pad is disclosed for cleaning, waxing, rubbing, polishing and applying liquid or semi-liquid to surfaces. The pad has at least four faces that are in non-parallel planes to every other face. Each face has a wide end tapered to a narrow end. Each face may have different texture, absorbency and/or abrasiveness than each other face. The hand-held pad provides ergonomic advantages and may be used on a variety of surfaces and/or materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying a substance, the device comprising:

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic product having an applicator body with a first longitudinal axis and defining external and internal walls. The internal walls of the present invention define at least one internal member having a second longitudinal axis and capable of movement between a retracted first position and a second projected position. The internal member of the present invention provides the consumer with one application surface adapted to apply relatively small amounts of one or more cosmetic products.

Abstract: A hand-held pad is disclosed for cleaning, waxing, rubbing, polishing and applying liquid or semi-liquid to surfaces. The pad has at least four faces that are in non-parallel planes to every other face. Each face has a wide end tapered to a narrow end. Each face may have different texture, absorbency and/or abrasiveness than each other face. The hand-held pad provides ergonomic advantages and may be used on a variety of surfaces and/or materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a faux finish on a paintable surface. The apparatus includes a polyvinyl alcohol block having first and second ends, and a longitudinal body extending between the first and second ends. The body also includes at least one planar painting surface and a beveled surface located adjacent the first end of the body.

Abstract: An industrial sponge device and a method of manufacturing the same. The sponge is made from a polyvinyl acetal material with a process in which the pores are formed by gas to provide an open pore structure having no fibrils. Additionally, the sponge is purified by an extracting process which includes alternating exposure of the partially cross-linked sponge to solutions of high pH and low pH. The sponge is sterilized by electron beam radiation to destroy micro organisms that can cause contamination of the final product. The resulting sponge material is formed into an industrial sponge having a cylindrical body and a plurality of projections extending from the body. The projections are tapered truncated cones having a cross-sectional radius that decreases with distance from the body. The extracting process permits residual amounts of calcium, zinc, and other elements to be 2 ppm or less. preferably 1 ppm or less.

Abstract: A cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The removable cleaning pad is capable of absorbing at least 10 g deionized water per g of cleaning pad in 20 minutes, under a confining pressure of 0.09 psi. These implements provide the convenience of disposable cleaning implements and the cleaning ability of conventional mops.

Abstract: A cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The removable cleaning pad is capable of absorbing at least 10 g deionized water per g of cleaning pad in 20 minutes, under a confining pressure of 0.09 psi. These implements provide the convenience of disposable cleaning implements and the cleaning ability of conventional mops.

Abstract: The present invention involves to a cleaning tool comprising a pad or towel with a mark designating the intended use of the pad or towel. A cleaning kit comprises a plurality of cleaning pads or towels with at least one face with a mark designating an intended use and includes instructions for use of the pads, enclosed in a receptacle.

Abstract: A material comprising a porous support and a plurality of enzymes for the removal, decontamination or neutralization of hazardous chemicals such as OP compounds is disclosed. The material may be used on a variety of surfaces, including natural, synthetic and biological surfaces such as skin and other delicate membranes. Also disclosed is a process of making the material, kits and various methods and reactivation devices for reactivating the enzymatic activity of the material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cleaning device for casing components of electronic devices such as laptop computers, keyboards, monitors and such which are susceptible to dust. The device has a cuboidal block (10) made of a flexible material which on its underside, which is the surface of the block intended to contact the surface being cleaned, has a large number of incisions (14) which run crossways and form flexible fins (16) which can be deflected outward toward both sides. When the device is in use the fins spread and create slits (22) to collect dust. The incisions preferentially stretch over two thirds of the height of the block and run virtually parallel to its sides, so that the fins have a rectangular cross-section. The block is preferentially made of a soft foam.

Abstract: A back washing assembly for allowing the user to wash their back and other hard to reach areas with minimal effort. The back washing assembly includes a backing member designed for coupling to a shower wall, and a scrubbing portion coupled to the backing member such that the scrubbing portion faces outwardly from the shower wall, the scrubbing portion facilitates scrubbing portions of the users body.

Abstract: A cleaning pad including at least one surface formed with a plurality of spaced, protruding cleaning elements.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet has a base sheet, a foamed layer of a porous material on the base sheet and a polishing layer formed on the foamed layer. The foamed layer includes abrading particles and air bubbles. Such a cleaning sheet may be produced by preparing a paint having air bubbles dispersed inside by mechanically foaming a foaming material containing a foaming resin material and abrading particles, forming on the base sheet a foamed layer having abrading particles dispersed inside by coating a surface of the base sheet with this paint and drying it, and forming a polishing layer on the foamed layer. A probe having a tip may be cleaned with such a cleaning sheet by causing a surface of its polishing layer to be pressed against the tip of the probe and causing the tip of the probe to penetrate the polishing layer and further to be inserted into the foamed layer having abrading particles dispersed inside.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) sponge. More specifically, a PVA sponge according to the present invention has certain improved physical characteristics, such as uniform pore size, a microscopically rough surface, and/or a neutral surface charge. Certain characteristics may be achieved by a variety of methods in which pore-forming chemicals are dissolved into a PVA solution, so that no solid residues remain in the pores of a PVA sponge after production. Neutral surface charge of a PVA sponge may be achieved by adding a charge modifying agent during the sponge making process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in removing liquid from under a corneal flap generated during LASIK surgery. The apparatus comprises a handle, a sickle-shaped end coupled to the handle, the sickle-shaped end having a concave and a convex portion, and a sponge coupled with the concave portion of the sickle-shaped end, extending along the convex portion thereof, and being shaped substantially similarly to the sickle-shaped end. The sickle-shaped end extends from approximately 180° to 270°, or any other desired part of a circle and may have sponge on one or both sides thereof. The radius of the sickle-shaped end is the same or slightly larger than the diameter of a corneal flap generated during LASIK surgery so that when the apparatus is placed adjacent the cornea of a patient about the corneal flap, liquid is wicked from thereunder without requiring any contact with the corneal flap.

Abstract: A damp-wiping cloth (e.g., a sponge or the like) from a foam body of flexible foam material, the foam body (2) being interspersed with foam strips (3) whose hardness is greater than the hardness of the foam body (2).

Abstract: A cleaning sponge roller is made of a polyvinyl acetal-based porous sponge having elasticity in a wet state and comprises a generally cylindrical roll body and a plurality of protrusions molded integrally on the periphery of the roll body. The cleaning sponge roller rotatingly cleans a material to be cleaned by contacting the top portions of the protrusions with the surface of the material and brushing off polishing residues found on the surface of the material. Each of the protrusions has a tapered protruding base portion extending from the periphery of the roll body, and a protruding end portion having almost the same sectional shape from the top end surface of the protruding base portion to the top portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wiping cleaner comprising a porous material of an open-cell structure having a density of 5 to 50 kg/m3, a tensile strength of 0.6 to 1.6 kg/cm2, an elongation at break of 8 to 20%, and cell number of 80 to 300 cells/25 mm and having a surface wherein upon wiping, particles are peeled from the wiping surface by friction.

Abstract: A multi-layer combination sponge includes a scrubbing layer and a cleaning layer that are each laminated to an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is more compressible than the cleaning layer and the scrubbing layer, and a groove is formed around a perimeter of the sponge between the cleaning layer and the scrubbing layer. The layers are preferably coextensive, forming a nose portion at the front of the combination sponge and having rounded comers at the rear of the combination sponge. The cleaning and intermediate layers each have an approximately equal thickness, and the scrubbing layer has a thickness less than one-half as thick as either the cleaning layer or the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor cleaning device having a substantially cylindrical roller body made of polyvinyl acetal with a smooth outer surface and uniform material porosity having a mean flow pore pressure ranging from about 0.30 PSI to about 0.35 PSI with 95% of its pores ranging from 7 to 40 microns in size and a wet flow rate ranging from about 80.0 L/min to about 7.0 L/min.

Abstract: A device for treating surfaces of substrates utilized in electronics manufacturing includes a resilient skin encasing a porous polymeric interior. The resilient skin overlies the exterior surface of the brush, and is typically characterized by a higher density, a smaller pore size, and a lower porosity than the interior material of the brush. The skin may serve to distribute physical stress over a larger area, protecting raised or recessed brush features from abrasion and wear. The porosity of the skin may also influence the movement of liquids through the brush, ensuring the homogenous dispensing of cleaning fluids. The resilient skin may be formed during or subsequent to a brush fabrication process such as molding, extrusion, or milling, and can be accomplished through the application of heat, chemicals, or radiation.

Abstract: A drying sleeve is provided for a handle, such as a sports equipment handle. The drying sleeve has an open end, a closed end and an inner surface that define a cavity. An absorbent material and a containment material cover the majority of the inner surface to permit insertion and drying of the handle. A substantially moisture-proof outer cover covers the sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning apparatus that is adapted to be worn on the belt of a user. The apparatus permits its wearer to clean a golf ball at any point during a round of golf. The apparatus includes a water tight container with a hinged lid which houses a volume of cleaning fluid. A cleaning implement, such as a sponge, is removably positioned within the container such that it comes into contact with, and absorbs, the cleaning fluid. Thereafter, the implement can be removed from the container and used to clean the surface of a golf ball.

Abstract: Sawdust particles are freed from their terpene content and thereafter coated with a Teflon wax. The Teflon coated sawdust is hydrophobic and consequently does not absorb water, while the ability to absorb oil is improved. The Teflon coated sawdust is useful in control of oil spills.