Cleaning implement

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional patent application bearing the title “EZ SQUEEZEE” filed on Mar. 12, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning implement, and more in particularly a cleaning implement that utilizes a plurality of holes traversing through substantially perpendicularly to the body of the cleaning implement such that the cleaning implement can be utilized to remove various types of dirt, grease, and grime.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are numerous cleaning implements that incorporate a plurality of various nylon-like scrubbing substrates affixed to a base sponge-like material. When the user utilizes the cleaning implement, the base sponge layer and scrubbing layer are saturated with a cleaning fluid, typically water, but the cleaning fluid could be a commonly utilized multi-cleanser fluid, e.g. 409® that is available on the market. In addition to the cleaning fluid, the user can also add to the cleaning implement an additional cleaning agent, such as common dish soap. The scrubbing layer, now saturated with the cleaning fluid and/or added cleaning agent, is then utilized to remove foreign contaminants, e.g. dirt, grease, grime, and stains, from surfaces that can tolerate the harsher characteristics of the scrubbing layer. When the surface to be cleaned requires less aggressive interaction between the user and the cleaning implement, the sponge layer side of the cleaning implement is then utilized. Surfaces like non-stick cookware, benefit from the sponge base layer, while typical pots, pans, and cookie sheets benefit from the scrubbing layer. The problems that are encountered out in the field with current cleaning implements are several-fold. First, because of the incorporation of the sponge base layer, the sponge material holds into the body of the sponge the foreign contaminants that are removed from the vessel or surface being cleaned. Because of the tendency of the foreign contaminants to become trapped into the cleaning implement and the associated difficulty of removing these foreign contaminants from the cleaning implement, a cleaning implement that incorporates a sponge layer is typically found to not be the most sanitary cleaning implement available. Second, the user has to incorporate a large volume of cleaning fluid in order to adequately rinse the cleaning implement out and remove not only the cleaning agent that may have been added, but also to remove the foreign contaminants that were absorbed by the scrubbing and sponge layers when the cleaning implement was utilized. This contributes to the wasting of natural resources.

What is needed in the art is a dual-layer cleaning implement that incorporates a scrubbing layer and a sponge layer that is more sanitary and does not waste natural resources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a dual-layer cleaning implement that is easy to clean and keep sanitary and that helps to conserve resources.

The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a base sponge layer attached to a scrubbing layer that incorporates a plurality of holes perpendicularly through both the sponge and scrubbing layer. The body of the cleaning implement utilizes several concave curvilinear profiles along the substantially longer axis of the cleaning implement in addition to several convex curvilinear profiles along the substantially shorter axis of the cleaning implement.

One advantage of the present invention is the incorporation of a plurality of the holes into the body of the cleaning implement allows greater air-flow throughout the cleaning implement thus drying the cleaning implement at a much improved rate, which helps to inhibit the growth of any bacterial cultures that could affect the sanitary condition of the cleaning implement.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the incorporation of the plurality of holes into the body of the cleaning implement allows the cleaning fluid to more efficiently cleanse the cleaning implement of both foreign containments and any cleaning agent that may have been added out of the body of the cleaning implement. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the presence of the plurality of holes in the cleaning implement allows the user to utilize less water when rinsing both the foreign contaminants and the cleaning agent out of the cleaning implement, thus saving resources.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the incorporation of the plurality of holes into the body of the cleaning implement reduces the disposable waste that is created when the life-span of the cleaning implement has ended and the cleaning implement is disposed of by the user. The cylindrical “slugs” that are generated when the plurality of holes are introduced into the body of the cleaning implement can be recycled and incorporated into the manufacture of new, similar cleaning implements thus reducing the overall waste generated during the life cycle of the cleaning implement.

The present invention can be manufactured from a variety of materials. It is envisioned that the scrubbing material is made from a common nylon material, but could be manufactured from a man-made or natural material that would provide a course structure that would facilitate the removal of foreign contaminants from the surface of the vessel being contained. The base sponge layer can also be manufactured from a variety of materials, but it is envisioned that this layer would be manufactured from polyurethane foam, a common material found in other cleaning style implements. Any man-made or natural material that would accept liquids into the inner porosity of the structure would work to achieve the benefits described in the present invention. The scrubbing layer and the base sponge layer are adhesively affixed. The envisioned adhesive is a polyurethane bonding glue, but any such adhesive that would be compatible with the materials selected for the scrubbing layer and the base sponge layer would suffice. It is envisioned that since one of the benefits of the present invention is that the invention saves resources and reduces waste, an environmentally safe glue that would not release harmful volatile compounds would be ideal.

The overall shape of the cleaning implement can be achieved by utilizing a variety of manufacturing methods such as injection molding, punch press, laser-burning, or cutting machine. The envisioned method to manufacture the cleaning implement's outer profile and the plurality of holes would be obtained by utilizing a single-punch cutting press.

The quantity and size of the plurality of holes found throughout the cleaning implement will vary depending upon the overall size and thickness of the cleaning implement. It has been found that varying the overall thickness of the cleaning implement still allows the cleaning implement to obtain the benefits previously discussed. The overall size determinations of the cleaning implement are dictated by the market that the invention is being sold to. A smaller cleaning implement would be ideal for small glassware and other similar vessels whereas a larger cleaning implement would accommodate the cleaning of vehicles and other large surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a top-view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 illustrates an end-view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and, more particularly to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a cleaning implement 2 that comprises a scrubbing layer 4 adhesively affixed to a sponge layer 6.

Traversing substantially perpendicularly through both the scrubbing layer 4 and the sponge layer 6 are a plurality of holes 8. The plurality of holes 8 are substantially arranged in an ordered matrix fashion such that an area 10 is equally maintained between the plurality of holes 8. This area 10 is in equivalent increments along a substantially longer axis XX of the present invention. The plurality of holes 8 are also substantially arranged in an ordered matrix fashion such that an area 12 is equally maintained between the plurality of holes 8. This area 12 is also in equivalent increments along a substantially shorter axis YY of the present invention. The plurality of holes 8 each contain a circumferential cutting edge 14 comprised of two portions: a top circumferential cutting edge that is created when the plurality of holes 8 traverses through the scrubbing layer 4 and a bottom circumferential cutting edge created when the plurality of holes 8 traverses through the sponge layer 6. The circumferential cutting edge 14 provides a great benefit in allowing the cleaning implement to have a greater “bite” or increased length of “cutting” edge when the user is trying to remove stubborn foreign contaminants from the surface of the item being cleaned.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a long side 16 portion of the perimeter of the present invention is parallel to the substantially longer axis XX is also substantially concaved towards a centerline xx of the present invention. The centerline xx is parallel to the substantially longer axis XX and bisects the present invention. The long side 16 portion of the perimeter is also largely curvilinear in shape. In addition, a short side 18 portion of the perimeter of the present invention is parallel to the substantially shorter axis YY and is also substantially convex outwards from a centerline yy of the present invention. The centerline yy is parallel to the substantially shorter axis YY and bisects the present invention. The short side 18 portion of the perimeter is also largely curvilinear in shape. The long side 16 provides a plurality of benefits to the user. First, it is easier for the user to grip the cleaning implement due to the substantially concave and curvilinear nature of the long side 16. Second, the inherent concave and curvilinear features of the long side 16 allow the cleaning implement to conform easier to the surfaces of the vessels and items-to-be-cleaned that have similar shaped walls. Lastly, the inherent shape of the long side 16 is more aesthetically pleasing to the user. The short side 18 also provides a plurality of benefits similar to those described for the long side 16. Namely, the convex and curvilinear shape more adaptly conforms to the vessel walls that are to be cleaned. This shape also provides improved aesthetics for the user.

Now additionally referring to FIG. 2, this perspective shows a top view of the present invention situated in a plane formed by the substantially longer axis XX and the substantially shorter axis YY. This perspective shows the equidistant pattern developed by when the plurality of holes 8 traverses substantially perpendicularly through the body of the present invention. The plurality of holes 8 are affixed in such a manner that the each area 10 is equivalent in spacing between each of the individual holes in the plurality of holes 8 and also such that the area 12 is equivalent in spacing between each of the individual holes in the plurality of holes 8.

Now additionally referring to FIG. 3, this perspective shows an end view of the present invention situated in a plane formed by the substantially shorter axis YY and a height axis ZZ that is perpendicular to both the substantially longer axis XX and the substantially shorter axis YY. This view shows the plurality of holes 8 traversing perpendicularly through both the scrubbing layer 4 that is adhesively affixed to the sponge layer 6 and the sponge layer 6. The area 12 is also best established in this view and the equidistant nature of the area 12 is also best presented by this view. Further, this view best demonstrates both portions of the circumferential cutting edge 14 that comprises the top circumferential cutting edge formed when the plurality of holes 8 traverses through the scrubbing layer 4 and the bottom circumferential cutting edge formed when the plurality of holes 8 traverses through the sponge layer 6. In addition, this view demonstrates the present invention having an outwardly curved radii edge 20 that is found on all of the outward corners of the cleaning implement 2 such that the outwardly perimeter edges of the scrubbing layer 4 and the sponge layer 6 have had material removed such that the outward edges of the cleaning implement 2 have been “softened” or rounded. This “softening” provides a plurality of benefits. One such benefit is that there is greater comfort afforded to the user when he or she grips the present invention. The “softened” edges of the cleaning implement provide a much gentler interaction between the cleaning implement and the hand of the user. The second such benefit is that the cleaning implement can better conform to the shape of the vessel or object being cleaned by the user.

Now additionally referring to FIG. 4, this perspective view shows a second embodiment of the present invention such that the plurality of holes 8 are placed substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the substantially longer XX and the substantially shorter YY axis in a random manner such that the area 10 between the plurality of holes 8 are no longer equidistant and likewise the area 12 between the plurality of holes 8 are also not equidistant. The plurality of holes 8 still traverses through the scrubbing layer 4 and the sponge layer 6. The circumferential cutting edge 14 still comprises two portions: a top circumferential cutting edge and a bottom circumferential cutting edge with the same benefits as previously discussed. One particular benefit of the random pattern of the plurality of holes 8 is that is does provide an aesthetic benefit to the user.

It is also envisioned that the plurality of holes 8 could also be positioned in such a manner that the plurality of holes 8 could run substantially parallel to the substantially longer XX axis and would be parallel to the plane formed by the substantially longer XX axis and the substantially shorter YY axis. The plurality of holes would still traverse through the entire length of the cleaning implement along the substantially longer XX axis and could be initiated in either an ordered matrix fashion as envisioned in FIG. 2 or could be in a random manner such as that found in FIG. 4. Furthermore it is also envisioned that the plurality of holes 8 could also be positioned in such a manner that the plurality of holes could run substantially parallel to the substantially shorter YY axis and would be parallel to the plane formed by the substantially longer XX axis and the substantially shorter YY axis. The plurality of holes 8 would still also traverse the entire width of the cleaning implement along the substantially shorter YY axis and could also be initiated in either an ordered matrix fashion as envisioned in FIG. 2 or could be in a random manner such as that found in FIG. 4. If an embodiment of the invention would incorporate a positioning of the plurality of holes 8 as described previously, the invention would still have a plurality of benefits. First, the orientation of the plurality of the holes 8 still allow greater air-flow through the cleaning implement 2 thus drying the cleaning implement 2 at a much improved rate, which also will inhibit the growth of any bacterial cultures that would affect the sanitary condition of the cleaning implement 2. Another advantage of the second embodiment is that the plurality of holes 8 still allows the cleaning fluid to more efficiently cleanse the cleaning implement 2 of both foreign containments and/or the cleaning agent out of the body of the cleaning implement 2. The orientation of the plurality of holes 8 still allows the user to utilize less water when rinsing the foreign contaminants and/or the cleaning agent out of the cleaning implement 2, thus saving resources.

Now referring to FIG. 5, this is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning implement 2 still comprises the scrubbing layer 4 adhesively-affixed to the sponge layer 6. Further, the cleaning implement 2 comprises the plurality of holes 8 that traverse through the scrubbing layer 4 and the sponge layer 6 and are substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the substantially longer axis XX and the substantially shorter axis YY. The area 10 and the area 12 are still present in this embodiment as well as both portions of the circumferential cutting edge 14. Further, it is envisioned that in this embodiment, the location of the plurality of holes 8 can either be in a ordered matrix fashion or a random pattern as previously discussed. The plurality of holes 8 can also traverse through the body of the cleaning implement running substantially parallel with the plane formed by the substantially longer axis XX and the substantially shorter axis YY. The third embodiment of the present invention also incorporates the curved edge 20 as previously discussed.

What is different is that a longer side 22 is not concaved inwardly towards the centerline xx like the longer side 16, nor is it curvilinear in shape like the longer side 16, but is instead exactly linear in shape. Likewise, a shorter side 24 is also exactly linear in shape and is not convexed outwardly away from the centerline yy like the shorter side 18, nor curvilinear in shape like the shorter side 18. Furthermore, the cleaning implement 2 envisioned in the third embodiment comprises an at least one filleted corner 26 with a radius with a center point situated about the height axis ZZ. Furthermore, the cleaning implement 2 envisioned in the third embodiment comprises an at least one right-angle corner 28 situated about the height axis ZZ.

The third embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of benefits from the incorporation of the at least one filleted corner 26 and the at least one right-angle corner 28. Namely, the cleaning implement 2 can better engage the vessel walls that are being cleaned.

While this invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains, and to which the claims are directed.

Claims

1. A cleaning implement comprising:

a scrubbing layer; and

a sponge layer; and

a plurality of holes.

2. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the scrubbing layer is made from a material comprising nylon.

3. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the sponge layer is made from a material comprising polyurethane foam.

4. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the said scrubbing layer is adhesively affixed to the sponge layer.

5. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the said plurality of holes traverse substantially perpendicularly through the said scrubbing layer and the said sponge layer.

6. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the said plurality of holes are arranged in ordered matrix fashion.

7. An apparatus for delivering a cleaning agent, the apparatus comprising:

a scrubbing layer; and

a sponge layer; and

a plurality of holes.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the scrubbing layer is made from a material comprising nylon.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sponge layer is made from a material comprising polyurethane foam.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the said scrubbing layer is adhesively affixed to the sponge layer.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the said plurality of holes traverse substantially perpendicularly through the said scrubbing layer and the said sponge layer.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the said plurality of holes are arranged in an ordered matrix fashion.

13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the said cleaning agent is selected from a group comprising dish soap, cleaning chemicals, and degreasers.

14. A device for efficiently removing foreign contaminants, the device comprising:

a scrubbing layer manufactured from a material comprising nylon; and

a sponge layer manufactured from a material comprising polyurethane foam; and

the said scrubbing layer being adhesively affixed to the said sponge layer,

an improvement comprising:

a plurality of holes, and

the said plurality of holes traverses substantially perpendicularly through the said scrubbing layer and the said sponge layer.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the said plurality of holes are arranged in an ordered matrix fashion.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein said foreign contaminants comprise dirt, soil, grease, food residue, and grime.