Cleaning glove and method of cleaning

Abstract

A cleaning glove and method of cleaning a surface. The cleaning glove comprises a first layer and a second layer that are partially sealed together to form an expanded hand portion between the first layer and the second layer. The partially sealed first layer and second layer form an access opening defined therethrough. The cleaning glove further comprises at least one cleaning surface attached to the first layer, wherein the at least one cleaning surface includes a cleaning solution permeated throughout the at least one cleaning surface. Additionally, the cleaning glove comprises an impervious cover removably attached to the first layer, wherein the impervious cover sealably encloses the at least one cleaning surface. The impervious cover is removable with respect to the first layer to expose the at least one cleaning surface wherein a user's hand fits within the expandable hand portion such that the user's hand applies the exposed at least one cleaning surface against a surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/720,630 filed Sep. 26, 2005 and is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a cleaning glove and a method of cleaning a contaminated surface, and in particular, to a cleaning glove having at least one cleaning surface sealed by a removable impervious cover and having a fastener which seals debris within the cleaning glove when the user is finished cleaning the contaminated surface.

The various cleaning gloves and pads currently use an abrasive cleaning surface to provide scouring action when applying a cleaning solution to a contaminated surface. Typically, however, the user's hands contact the cleaning solution when the user applies the cleaning solution to the pad, or to the associated abrasive cleaning surface glove. The user's hands also contact the cleaning solution and debris when the user grasps the pad during the scouring action. Additionally, the user's hands contact the used pad/glove and associated debris when the user is finished with cleaning the contaminated surface.

Furthermore, dispersing the cleaning solution on the contaminated surface or on the abrasive cleaning surface of the pad/glove leads to repeated steps since the user typically does not apply the proper amount of the cleaning solution during each disbursement. Although cloths pre-soaked with cleaning solution eliminate the disbursement issue, this cleaning solution often evaporates due to the packaging conditions of the cloth. Additionally, the user's hands contact the pre-soaked cloth then the user pulls the pre-soaked cloth from the package.

For hygienic or allergenic reasons, users require a cleaning glove that prevents user contact with the abrasive cleaning surface, the cleaning solution and the debris. Users also require that the cleaning glove sealably encloses a pre-soaked cleaning surface.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to a cleaning glove and a method of cleaning a contaminated surface, and in particular, to a cleaning glove having at least one cleaning surface sealed by an impervious cover. The cleaning glove of the present disclosure also seals debris within the cleaning glove when the user is finished cleaning the contaminated surface.

The cleaning glove comprises a first layer and a second layer that are partially sealed together to form an expanded hand portion between the first layer and the second layer. The partially sealed first layer and second layer also form an access opening defined therethrough. The cleaning glove further comprises at least one cleaning surface attached to the first layer, wherein this at least one cleaning surface has a cleaning solution permeated therein.

Additionally, the cleaning glove comprises an impervious cover removably attached to the first layer, wherein the impervious cover sealably encloses the at least one cleaning surface. The impervious cover is removable with respect to the first layer to expose the at least one cleaning surface. During use, a user's hand fits within the expandable hand portion such that the user's hand applies the exposed at least one cleaning surface against the contaminated surface such that the first layer and the second layer prevent contact between the cleaning surface and the user's hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is breakaway perspective view of the cleaning glove constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure illustrating a first layer, a second layer and at least one cleaning surface;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational of FIG. 1 illustrating the at least one cleaning surface fastened to the first layer;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cleaning glove of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating a hand disposed within an expandable hand portion and a removable cover disposed over the at least one cleaning surface;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross section view of the cleaning glove of FIGS. 1-3 illustrating the first layer, the second layer, the expandable hand portion, the at least one cleaning surface and the removeable cover wherein the cross section view is exaggerated for clarity; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of cleaning using the cleaning glove of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure.

Referring to the drawings, a disposable cleaning glove 10 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The cleaning glove 10 is particularly adapted for sealing the user's hand 12 from contacting the contaminated surface and for sealing the user's hand 12 from the used cleaning glove 10.

Turning to FIG. 1, the cleaning glove 10 comprises a first layer 14, a second layer 16, at least one cleaning surface 18, an impervious cover 20 and a fastener 22. The first layer 14 and the second layer 16 comprise a liquid-impermeable material such a plastics material. The first layer 14 and the second layer 16 are partially sealed together at edges 24 to form an expandable hand portion 26 (FIGS. 2. 2 and 4). As such, the expandable hand portion 26 is positioned between the first layer 14 and the second layer 16. The expandable hand portion 26 is configured to accept the user's hand 12. Additionally, the first layer 14 and second layer 16 form an access opening 28 at a proximal end 30 providing an aperture therethrough whereby the user's hand 12 may enter the expandable hand portion 26 via the access opening 28. Accordingly, the first layer 14 and the second layer 16 are not sealed together at the access opening 28. When in place, the user's fingers will extend toward a distal end 32 of the first layer 14 and second layer 16 while the proximal end 30 will surround the user's wrist.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fastener 22 integrates with first layer 14 and the second layer 16 in a position around the access opening 28. The fastener 22 seals the user's hand 12 when the hand 12 is disposed within the expandable hand portion 26 and the fastener 22 seals the plurality of cleaning surfaces 18 within the first layer 14 when the user's hand 12 exits the expandable hand portion 26 as will be discussed. In one embodiment, the fastener 22 comprises an elastic band.

Turning to FIG. 4 and referring to FIGS. 1-3, the at least one cleaning surface 18 is attached to the first layer 14 via a removable fastener 33 such as a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive. In one embodiment, the at least one cleaning surface 18 comprises a first cleaning surface 34 and a second cleaning surface 36. The first cleaning surface 34 may comprise a scrub bristle having soft bristles, wherein the first cleaning surface 34 may be positioned near the distal end 32 of the first layer 14. The second cleaning surface 36 may comprise a cloth, which is formed of any material with absorbent qualities. The second cleaning surface 36 may be positioned between the access opening 28 and the first cleaning surface 34.

As shown in FIG. 4, the at least one cleaning surface 18 includes a cleaning solution 38 permeated throughout. The cleaning solution 38 may include a disinfectant and scent. In one embodiment, the first cleaning surface 34 has the permeated cleaning solution 38. In another embodiment, the second cleaning surface 36 has the permeated cleaning solution 38. As such, at least one of the first cleaning surface 34 and the second cleaning surface 36 has the permeated cleaning solution 38 dispersed throughout.

Turning to FIG. 3, the impervious cover 20 recoverably attaches to the first layer 14 and is configured to sealable enclose 20 the at least one cleaning surface 18. As such, the impervious cover 20 forms an enclosure 40 (FIG. 4) about the at least one cleaning surface 18 to seal in moisture of the cleaning solution 38. The impervious cover 20 removably attaches to the first layer 14 in a manner such that it can be peeled away from the first layer 14 with a minimum of force but forms an air and liquid-impermeable seal around the at least one cleaning surface 18 when in place. In one embodiment, the impervious cover 20 sealably encloses the first cleaning surface 34. In another embodiment, the impervious cover 20 sealably encloses the second cleaning surface 36. As such, the impervious cover 20 sealably encloses at least one of the first cleaning surface 34 and the second cleaning surface 36.

The cover 20 includes a tab 42 that is free of attachment to the first layer 14 and provides a point at which the impervious cover 20 can be grasped and peeled away from the first layer 14 to expose the at least one cleaning surface 18. In one embodiment, the cleaning glove 10 includes micro-perforations 44 to attach the impervious cover 20 to the first layer 14. In another embodiment, the cleaning glove includes a seal such as an adhesive to attach the impervious cover 20 to the first layer 14.

Turning to FIG. 5 and referring to FIGS. 1-4, the cleaning glove 10 of the present disclosure provides a method of cleaning the contaminated surface for removable or improvement of most common spots or contaminants such as but not limited to: chocolate, coffee, cosmetics, crayon, creams, floor wax, food spots, grass, grease, inks, juices, lipstick, liquor, oils, pet spots, shoe polish, tar, urine and vomit. During operation, the user grasps the tab 42 and removes the impervious cover 20 from the first layer 14 to expose the at least one cleaning surface 18. The user then positions his/her hand 12 into the expandable hand portion 26. Once the user's hand 12 is positioned within the expandable hand portion 26, the user seals the hand 12 within the expandable hand portion 26 by applying the fastener 22 around the user's wrist.

Next, the user applies the at least one cleaning surface 18 to the contaminated surface. The user may selectively apply the bristles of the first cleaning surface 34 against the contaminated surface. The user may also selectively apply the cloth and cleaning solution 38 of the second cleaning surface 36 to the contaminated surface. After cleaning the contaminated surface, the user easily seals the cleaning surfaces 34, 36 within the first layer 14 by gathering the used cleaning surfaces 34, 36 into the fist and pulling the cleaning glove 10 inside out and over the cleaning surfaces 34, 36 with the elastic fastener 22 now sealing the debris. In other words, the cleaning surfaces 34, 36 are folded within the first layer 14.

As such, the cleaning glove 10 is a convenient way to wipe down surfaces that contain spots or odors. This form-fitting plastic glove 10 is part absorbent cleaning fabric, part scrubbing bristle and part surgical glove. The leading edge of the first layer 14 at the top finger portion contains the soft bristles for scrubbing more vigorously as required. Location at this finger section provides the user with increased selective control as to the preferred cleaning surface. The first layer 14 also positions the presoaked soft cloth used for blotting and wiping. The impervious cover 20 is sealed tightly around the perimeter of the presoaked cloth so as to prevent evaporation and inadvertent dispensing of the cleaning solution 38. When the impervious cover 20 is removed, the cleaning solution 38 can be dispensed from the cloth with light manual pressure during the wiping process. The cleaning solution 38 and item being removed are kept away from the user's hand 12 via the first layer 14, and second layer 16.

Dimensions are specific so that one size of the cleaning glove 10 fits all. The cleaning glove 10 is packaged in a plastic molded container to further seal the permeated cleaning solution 38 while awaiting application. When the cleaning glove 10 is removed from the package, the user tears off the sealed impervious cover 20 to expose the pre-soaked cleaning surface 18 wherein the user's hand 12 fits through the access opening 28 and into the expandable hand portion 26. The user then applies the exposed at least one cleaning surface 18 against the contaminated surface such that the first layer 14 and second layer 16 prevent contact between the at least one cleaning surface 18 and the user's hand 12. The elastic fastener 22 secures the cleaning glove 10 to the hand 12 at the wrist. After the cleaning glove 10 is used and the surfaces are cleaned, the wearer simply gathers the at least one cleaning surface 18 into the fist and pulls the cleaning glove 10 inside out and over the cloth with the elastic fastener 22 now sealing the debris. The spot, debris and odors are contained within the cleaning glove 10 and the user's hand 12 never touches the cleaning solution 38 or filthy spots and odors.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A cleaning glove, comprising:

a first layer and a second layer which are partially sealed together to form an expandable hand portion between the first layer and the second layer, the partially sealed first layer and second layer forming an access opening defined therethrough;

at least one cleaning surface attached to the first layer, the at least one cleaning surface includes a cleaning solution permeated throughout the at least one cleaning surface; and

an impervious cover removably attached to the first layer, the impervious cover sealably enclosing the at least one cleaning surface, the impervious cover is removable with respect to the first layer to expose the at least one cleaning surface wherein a user's hand fits through the access opening and into the expandable hand portion such that the user's hand applies the exposed at least one cleaning surface against a surface wherein the first layer and the second layer prevent contact between the at least one cleaning surface and the user's hand.

2. The cleaning glove of claim 1 further comprising a fastener integrated with the first layer and the second layer in a position around the access opening.

3. The cleaning glove of claim 2 wherein the fastener comprises an elastic band.

4. The cleaning glove of claim 1 wherein the at least one cleaning surface comprises a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface.

5. The cleaning glove of claim 4 wherein the first cleaning surface comprises a bristle material positioned

6. The cleaning glove of claim 4 wherein the second cleaning surface comprises a cloth material positioned between the access opening and the first cleaning surface.

7. The cleaning glove of claim 1 wherein the at one least one cleaning surface is removably attached to the first layer.

8. A cleaning glove, comprising:

a first layer and a second layer which are partially sealed together to form an expandable hand portion between the first layer and the second layer the partially sealed first layer and second layer forming an access opening defined therethrough;

at least one cleaning surface attached to the first layer, the at least one cleaning surface having a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface, at least one of the first cleaning surface and the second cleaning surface having a permeated cleaning solution dispersed throughout; and

an impervious cover removably attached to the first layer, the impervious cover sealably enclosing at least one of the first cleaning surface and the second cleaning surface, the impervious cover is removable with respect to the first layer to expose the at least one sealably enclosed first cleaning surface and second cleaning surface wherein a user's hand fits through the access opening and into the expandable hand portion such that the user's hand applies the respective exposed first cleaning surface and second cleaning surface against a surface.

9. The cleaning glove of claim 8 further comprising a fastener integrated with the first layer and the second layer in a position around the access opening.

10. The cleaning glove of claim 8 wherein the first cleaning surface comprises a bristle material.

11. The cleaning glove of claim 10 wherein the first cleaning surface has the permeated cleaning solution.

12. The cleaning glove of claim 11 wherein the impervious cover sealably encloses the first cleaning surface.

13. The cleaning glove of claim 8 wherein the second cleaning surface comprises a cloth material.

14. The cleaning glove of claim 13 wherein the second cleaning surface has the permeated cleaning solution.

15. The cleaning glove of claim 14 wherein the impervious cover sealably encloses the second cleaning surface.

16. The cleaning glove of claim 8 wherein the at one least one cleaning surface is removably attached to the first layer.

17. The cleaning glove of claim 8 further comprising micro-perforations that removably attach the impervious cover to the first layer.

18. A method of cleaning a surface with a cleaning glove which has a first layer, a second layer and a expandable hand portion positioned between the first layer and the second layer, comprising:

removing a cover from the first layer to expose at least one cleaning surface;

positioning a hand into the expandable hand portion;

sealing the hand within the expandable hand portion;

applying the at least one cleaning surface to the surface; and

folding the at least one cleaning surface within the first layer.

19. The method according to claim 18 wherein applying the at least one cleaning surface comprises dispensing a cleaning solution which is permeated within the at least one cleaning surface.

20. The method according to claim 18 further comprising removing the at least one cleaning surface of the first layer.