CLEANING PAD APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for retracting a drill bit relative to a drill. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a driving device within the drill, a drill bit coupleable to the driving device, a first engaging element coupled to the drill bit, a sensor in communication with the driving device, and a second engaging element coupled to the drill. The drill bit is rotatably drivable by the driving device. The sensor detects a change in a speed of the drill bit. The second engaging element engages with the first engaging element in response to the sensor detecting a change in the speed of the drill bit. The drill bit retracts relative to the drill in response to engagement between the second engaging element and the first engaging element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/082,621 entitled “MOP/PAD SYSTEM” filed on Apr. 11, 2008 for Tanya M. Lewis, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning pad, and more particularly to a cleaning pad that includes a layer of microfiber material and an absorbent section of chamois material.

BACKGROUND

From floors to countertops, cars to boats, many surfaces and objects need cleaning on a regular basis. As a result, a consumer often purchases disposable cleaning pads, which are become waste after use. Furthermore, while a consumer may use washable materials such as rags and other cleaning pads, these may be ill suited to particular cleaning tasks. In addition, a consumer may use several rags or pads, adapted for different cleaning surfaces, for a single cleaning task.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system for a cleaning pad. Beneficially, such an apparatus and system would provide a cleaning pad that both cleans and absorbs while also being washable, reusable, and convenient.

Accordingly, the present disclosure has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available cleaning pads. Accordingly, the present disclosure has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for a cleaning pad that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

One embodiment of an apparatus for a cleaning pad is provided. The apparatus includes a first peripheral layer and an absorbent section. The first peripheral layer includes a first microfiber material. The first peripheral layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The absorbent section is coupled to the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section and the first peripheral layer form a pad. At least a portion of the absorbent section is adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section includes a layer of a chamois material.

According to a further embodiment, the pad includes an opening configured to accept a hand. In yet a further embodiment, the opening includes a liner layer coupled to an inner surface of the opening. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a second peripheral layer coupled to the absorbent section. The absorbent section may be positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer. In a further embodiment, the second peripheral layer includes a second microfiber material. The second microfiber material and the first microfiber material may have disparate fiber characteristics. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a coupling mechanism coupled to the pad. The coupling mechanism may be configured to releasably couple the pad to an attachment plate wherein an outer surface of the second peripheral layer may be adjacent to a first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate. In a further embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes two pairs of opposing straps. Each pair of opposing straps may include a first strap and a second strap, wherein the first strap and the second strap may be configured to fold over the attachment plate. A first end of the first strap may be configured to releasably couple with a second end of the second strap. At least one opposing strap in each pair of opposing straps may include a notch.

In one embodiment, the attachment plate includes a pole coupled to a second outer surface of the attachment plate. The second outer surface may be opposite the first outer surface. In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes a securing mechanism coupled to an end of the pole. The securing mechanism may secure the pole to an operator. The pole may have an adjustable length. In certain embodiments, the absorbent section includes a plurality of chamois layers. Each chamois layer may include a chamois material. In one embodiment, the plurality of chamois layers may be independently coupled together. The independently coupled chamois layers may be coupled to the first peripheral layer. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an abrasive strip coupled to the outer surface of the first peripheral layer.

Another embodiment of an apparatus is provided for a cleaning pad. The apparatus includes a first peripheral layer, an absorbent section, and a second peripheral layer. The first peripheral layer includes a first microfiber material. The first peripheral layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The absorbent section is coupled to the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section and the first peripheral layer form a pad. At least a portion of the absorbent section is adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section includes a plurality of chamois layers, each chamois layer including a chamois material. The second peripheral layer is coupled to the absorbent section. The absorbent section is positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer.

In a further embodiment, the pad includes an opening configured to accept a hand. In one embodiment, the second peripheral layer includes a second microfiber material. The second microfiber material and the first microfiber material may have disparate fiber characteristics. In certain embodiments, the plurality of chamois layers are independently coupled together. The independently coupled chamois layers may be coupled to the inner surface of the first layer.

One embodiment of a system is also provided including a pad and an attachment plate. The pad includes a first peripheral layer including a first microfiber material. The first peripheral layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The pad includes an absorbent section coupled to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section and the first peripheral layer form the pad. The absorbent section is adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section includes a plurality of chamois layers. Each chamois layer includes a chamois material. The second peripheral layer is coupled to the absorbent section. The absorbent section is positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer. The coupling mechanism is coupled to the second peripheral layer. The coupling mechanism is configured to releasably couple the pad to the attachment plate where an outer surface of the second peripheral layer is adjacent to a first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate in a first attachment mode.

In a further embodiment, the second peripheral layer includes a second microfiber material. The second microfiber material and the first microfiber material may have disparate fiber characteristics. An outer surface of the first peripheral layer may be adjacent to the first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate in a second attachment mode. The coupling mechanism may include two pairs of opposing straps. Each pair of opposing straps may include a first strap and a second strap. The first strap and the second strap may be configured to fold over the attachment plate. A first end of the first strap may be configured to releasably couple with a second end of the second strap. The first end and the second end may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface may include a first attaching mechanism and the second surface may include a second attaching mechanism.

In one embodiment, the system includes a pole coupled to a second outer surface of the attachment plate. The second outer surface may be opposite the first outer surface. The system may further include a securing mechanism coupled to an end of the pole. The securing mechanism may secure the pole to an operator and the pole may have an adjustable length. In one embodiment, the pad and the attachment plate include at least a portion of one of a window cleaning tool, a boat washing tool, a car washing tool, a handheld scrubbing tool, and a mop.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics of the subject matter described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective frontal view illustrating one embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus;

FIG. 1B is a perspective side view of the cleaning pad apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a perspective frontal view illustrating another embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus;

FIG. 1D is a perspective side view of the cleaning pad apparatus of FIG. 1C;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus;

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus;

FIG. 3A is a perspective frontal view illustrating an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus implemented as a hand mitt;

FIG. 3B is a perspective side view illustrating an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus implemented as a hand mitt;

FIG. 3C is a perspective side view illustrating another embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus implemented as a hand mitt;

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view illustrating an embodiment of a cleaning system;

FIG. 5A is a perspective top view illustrating one embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus with a coupling mechanism; and

FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the cleaning pad apparatus of FIG. 5A in which the cleaning pad apparatus is coupled to an attachment plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the subject matter described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, a cleaning pad apparatus 100 according to one embodiment includes a peripheral layer 102 and an absorbent section 104 coupled to the peripheral layer 102. The peripheral layer 102 has an outer surface 106 and an inner surface 108 generally opposite the outer surface 106. The peripheral layer 102 may comprise a microfiber material. As used herein, microfiber material is a material, cloth, and/or fabric that includes fine synthetic fibers with strands less than one denier. The fibers may be split fibers—divided fibers—to increase cleaning and dust attracting capabilities. Specifically, splitting creates angular segment of fiber that may act as miniature razors, trapping particles and scraping a surface clean. In one embodiment, the microfiber is formed from approximately 150 denier yarn divided into 72 filaments where each filament is split into nine pieces, each approximately 0.23 denier. In other embodiments, the peripheral layer 102 may include microfiber with other suitable characteristics including various grades and/or types of microfiber.

In one embodiment, the microfiber material of the peripheral layer 102 comprises nylon and polyester. In certain embodiments, the microfiber material comprises industrial grade microfiber with high percentage of polyester.

The microfiber material may be non-woven, woven and/or knitted. In addition, the microfiber material may have various kinds of weaves giving the microfiber material various characteristics and cleaning attributes. In one embodiment, the microfiber material includes a pile-type microfiber material with raised loops and/or fiber strands extending from the surface of the microfiber. In one embodiment, the loops and/or fiber strands of the pile-type microfiber material extend from the outer surface 106 of the peripheral layer 102.

In one embodiment, the cleaning pad 100 includes an abrasive strip coupled to the outer surface 106 of the peripheral layer 102. In other embodiments, the peripheral layer 102 includes multiple abrasive strips coupled to its outer surface 106. The multiple abrasive strips may extend across the outer surface 106 at various points to aid in scrubbing or cleaning. Each abrasive strip may comprise material that is rougher in comparison to the microfiber material on the outer surface 106. In one embodiment, the microfiber material includes an integrated anti-bacterial solution.

In the depicted embodiment, the peripheral layer 102 is adjacent to the absorbent section 104. Specifically, the inner surface 108 of the peripheral layer 102 is adjacent to the absorbent section 104. In other embodiments, a portion of the peripheral layer 102 is adjacent to the absorbent section 104. For example, as described in greater detail below, the peripheral layer 102 may be adjacent to the absorbent section at the periphery of the peripheral layer 102, but non-adjacent in other areas to, for example, form a cavity to accept a hand or to include a liner layer between portions of the peripheral layer 102 and the absorbent section 104.

In one embodiment, the absorbent section 104 and the peripheral layer 102 are coupled together to form a pad. FIG. 1B depicts a side view of the cleaning pad 110 with the peripheral layer 112 adjacent to the absorbent section 114. FIG. 1B also shows the inner surface 118 of the peripheral layer 112 adjacent to the absorbent section 114, the inner surface 118 being generally opposite the outer surface 116.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, in various embodiments, the absorbent section 102 and the peripheral layer 102 are coupled together with stitching that engages both the peripheral layer 102 and the absorbent section 104. The absorbent section 104 and the peripheral layer 102 may be stitched near an outside edge such as at the periphery of the outer surface 106. The absorbent section 104 and the peripheral layer 102 may be coupled with one or more rows of stitching across the cleaning pad 100 in addition to or in place of stitching at the periphery of the cleaning pad 100.

In the depicted embodiment, viewing the cleaning pad 100 from above the outer surface 106, the cleaning pad 100 includes four sides and approximates a square. In other embodiments, the cleaning pad 100 may be embodied as other suitable shapes including, but not limited to a rectangle, an oval, a circle, a triangle, and the like.

The absorbent section 104, in the depicted embodiment, comprises a layer of a chamois material—also referred to as a shammy material. The chamois material may comprise soft, porous, absorbent leather. The chamois material may be natural leather (such as sheep or lambskin) or synthetic leather manufactured with similar absorbent qualities as natural chamois. In one embodiment, the chamois material is a Zorbeez brand or ShamWow® brand synthetic chamois material. However, the absorbent section 104 may include other suitable chamois material without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter.

In other embodiments, the absorbent section 104 includes a plurality of layers of chamois material such as in the embodiments depicted in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D. FIG. 2C depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad 214 that includes an absorbent section 218 with four layers 220, 222, 224, 226 of adjacent chamois material and a peripheral layer 228. FIG. 2D depicts a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a cleaning pad 230 that includes an absorbent section 234 with two layers 236, 238 of adjacent chamois material and a peripheral layer 240. In embodiments that include multiple chamois layers in the absorbent section 238, the chamois layers 236, 238 may be independently coupled together. The independently coupled absorbent section 234 may be coupled, as a unit, to the peripheral layer 240. In one embodiment, the absorbent section 234 includes a single chamois sheet folded one or more times forming multiple layers 236, 238 for the cleaning pad 230.

The absorbent section 230 may include various numbers of layers 236, 238 of chamois material without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, an absorbent section 234 with a greater number of layers 236, 238 of chamois material may absorb a greater amount of liquid during cleaning.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, an operator may use both the peripheral layer 102 when cleaning a surface and the absorbent section 104. For example, an operator washing a car may first use the peripheral layer 102 against the surface of the car to scrub dirt and water spots off the car. The operator may then dry the car using the absorbent section 104 against the surface of the car.

FIG. 1C depicts another embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus 120. In the depicted embodiment, the cleaning pad apparatus 120 includes a first peripheral layer 122, an absorbent section 124 coupled to the first peripheral layer 122, and a second peripheral layer 130 coupled to the absorbent section 124 generally opposite the first peripheral lawyer 122. In the depicted embodiment, the absorbent section 124 is positioned between the first peripheral layer 122 and the second peripheral layer 130.

The first peripheral layer 122 may be similar to the peripheral layer 102 described above in relation to the cleaning pad 100 of FIG. 1A. Specifically, the first peripheral layer 122 has an outer surface 126 and an inner surface 128 generally opposite the outer surface 126. The first peripheral layer 122 may comprise a microfiber material as described above. In the depicted embodiment, the first peripheral layer 122 is adjacent to the absorbent section 124. Specifically, the inner surface 128 of the first peripheral layer 122 is adjacent to the absorbent section 124. FIG. 1D depicts a side view of the cleaning pad 136 showing the first peripheral layer 138 adjacent to the absorbent section 140. FIG. 1D also shows the inner surface 142 of the peripheral layer 138 adjacent to the absorbent section 140 generally opposite the outer layer 144 of the first peripheral layer 138. Referring again to FIG. 3C, in other embodiments, a portion of the first peripheral layer 122 is adjacent to the absorbent section 124 as described above.

Furthermore, the absorbent section 124 may be similar to the absorbent section 104 described above. Specifically, the absorbent section 124 may include one or more layers of a chamois material.

The second peripheral layer 130 is coupled to the absorbent section 124 generally opposite the first peripheral layer 122. The second peripheral layer 130 includes an inner surface 132 and an outer surface 134. In the depicted embodiment, the second peripheral layer 130 is adjacent to the absorbent section 124. Specifically, the inner surface 134 of the second peripheral layer 130 is adjacent to the absorbent section 124. FIG. 1D depicts a side cross-sectional view of the cleaning pad 136 showing the second peripheral layer 146 adjacent to the absorbent section 140. FIG. 1D also shows the inner surface 148 of the second peripheral layer 146 adjacent to the absorbent section 140. In other embodiments, a portion of the second peripheral layer 102 is adjacent to the absorbent section. For example, as described above in relation to the peripheral layer 102 and absorbent section 104 of FIG. 1A, the second peripheral layer 140 and the absorbent section 140 may form a cavity to accept a hand or to include a liner layer between portions of the second peripheral layer 146 and the absorbent section 140.

Referring back to FIG. 1C, in one embodiment, the first peripheral layer 122, the absorbent section 124 and the second peripheral layer 130 are coupled together to form a pad. In some embodiments, the first peripheral layer 122, the absorbent section 124 and the second peripheral layer 130 are coupled together with stitching that engages the first peripheral layer 122, the absorbent section 124, and the second peripheral layer 130. As described above in relation to FIG. 1A, the first peripheral layer 122, the absorbent section 124 and the second peripheral layer 130 may be stitched near an outside edge such as at the periphery of the outer surface 126 of the first peripheral layer 122, through the absorbent section 124, and at the periphery of the outer surface 132 of the second peripheral layer 130. The absorbent section 124, the first peripheral layer 122, and the second peripheral layer 130 may be coupled with one or more rows of stitching across the cleaning pad 120 in addition to or in place of stitching at the periphery of the cleaning pad 120.

As with the embodiment of FIG. 1A, in the depicted embodiment, viewing the cleaning pad 120 from the above the outer surface 126 of the first peripheral layer 122 or the outer surface 132 of the second peripheral layer 130, the cleaning pad 120 includes four sides and approximates a square. In other embodiments, the cleaning pad 120 may be embodied as other suitable shapes including, but not limited to a rectangle, an oval, a circle, a triangle, and the like.

In the depicted embodiment, the cleaning pad 120 has open outside edges exposing the absorbent section 124. In some embodiments, the cleaning pad 120 has one or more closed edges forming an envelope to at least partially enclose the absorbent section 124. For example, the first peripheral layer 122 may extend over the absorbent section 124 and couple to the second peripheral layer 130.

Referring also to FIG. 1D and FIG. 2D, the second peripheral layer 130, 146, 232 may comprise a second microfiber material. In one embodiment, the second microfiber material and the first microfiber material have disparate fiber characteristics. As used herein, fiber characteristics include but are not limited to, material used for the fibers of the microfiber, pile length, weave type, denier of filament pieces, number of filament pieces divided from each filament, coarseness of the microfiber, and the like.

Referring back to FIG. 1C, an operator may use both the first peripheral layer 122 and the second peripheral layer 130 when cleaning a surface. For example, assuming the first peripheral layer 122 comprises a course microfiber, and the second peripheral layer 130 comprises a microfiber that is softer in relation to the first peripheral layer 122, an operator cleaning a countertop may use the first peripheral layer 122 against the countertop surface to remove stubborn grime and dirt, and then use the second peripheral layer 130 against the countertop surface to polish and remove any remaining particles.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in one embodiment, the second peripheral layer 208 is a backing layer. The backing layer 208 may include any suitable material for enclosing and/or protecting the absorbent section 210. The backing layer 208 may also facilitate coupling the cleaning pad 206 to an attachment plate, handle, straps, and the like as described below. FIG. 2C also depicts a second peripheral layer 216 comprising a backing layer. In one embodiment, the backing layer 216 is a non-microfiber material.

The cleaning pad apparatus may be embodied as a stand-alone cleaning pad in various implementations. In one embodiment, the cleaning pad is coupled to a fastening mechanism, such as a strap, to secure the pad to an operator's hand.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus 300 implemented as a hand mitt. In the depicted embodiment, the hand mitt 300 includes a cleaning pad 302 with an opening 302 configured to accept a hand. The cleaning pad 302 may be similar to the cleaning pad 100 described above in relation to FIG. 1A. Specifically, referring also to FIG. 3B, the cleaning pad 302 may include a peripheral layer 310 coupled to an absorbent section 312. As described above, the peripheral layer 310 may comprise a microfiber material. In addition, the absorbent section 312 may comprise one or more layers of a chamois material.

In one embodiment, the cleaning pad 302 is similar to the cleaning pad 120 described above in relation to FIG. 1C. Specifically, referring also to FIG. 3C, the cleaning pad 302 may include a first peripheral layer 316 coupled to an absorbent section 318, coupled to a second peripheral layer 320. The first peripheral layer 316, the absorbent section 318, and the second peripheral layer 320 may be similar to the commonly named elements of the cleaning pad 120 in FIG. 1C.

Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the absorbent section 310 and the peripheral layer 312 may be coupled together around the periphery of the absorbent section 312 and the periphery of the peripheral layer 310 except at the opening 304. The peripheral layer 310 may be adjacent to the absorbent section 312 around the periphery of the peripheral layer 310 but non-adjacent at the opening 304 thereby forming a cavity.

In one embodiment, the cavity forms in response to the hand mitt 300 accepting an operator's hand by way of the opening 304. In one embodiment, the cavity, referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A, may form between the peripheral layer 202 and the absorbent section 204. Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D, in one embodiment in which the cleaning pad 214, 230 includes multiple layers in the absorbent section 218, 234, the cavity may form between layers of the absorbent section 218, 234. In one embodiment, the opening 304 includes a liner layer coupled to an inner surface of the opening 304 and/or cavity, being positioned between the peripheral layer 228 and the absorbent section 218 (or between layers 220-228 of the absorbent section 218) throughout the cavity. The liner layer may comprise any suitable material for being in contact with an operator's hand such as a polyester blend fabric. The opening 304 may include a band 306 of material encircling the opening 304. In one embodiment, the band 306 of material may comprise a flexible or elastic material configured to encircle and/or provide cushioning to an operator's wrist and/or to secure the hand mitt 300 on the operator's hand and wrist.

Referring now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, the first peripheral layer 316, the absorbent section 318, and the second peripheral layer 320 may be coupled together at least at the periphery of the first peripheral layer 316, the periphery of the absorbent section 318 and the periphery of the second peripheral layer 320 with the exception of the opening 304, thereby forming a cavity configured to accept a hand.

As described above, in one embodiment, the cavity forms in response to the operator inserting his hand. In one embodiment, the cavity, referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2B, may form between the first peripheral layer 212 and the absorbent section 210, or between the absorbent section 210 and the second peripheral layer 208. In one embodiment, the cavity, referring to the cross-sectional views of FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D along with FIG. 3A, may form between layers of the absorbent section 218, 234. As described above, in one embodiment, the opening 304 includes a liner layer coupled to an inner surface of the opening 304 and/or cavity, being positioned between the first peripheral layer 228, 240 and the absorbent section 218, 234, the absorbent section 218, 234 and the second peripheral layer 216, 232, or layers of the absorbent section 218, 234, throughout the cavity. The liner layer may be similar to the liner layer described above in relation to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

In the depicted embodiment, the hand mitt 300 is configured to enclose substantially all of the operator's hand. In other embodiments, the hand mitt 300 may enclose a portion of the operator's hand, such as the operator's thumb and fingers, or just the operator's fingertips.

The cleaning pad 100, 120, in addition to being implemented as a stand-alone pad, may be configured to be integrated as part of a cleaning system. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a cleaning system 400. The cleaning system 400 includes an attachment plate 418, a cleaning pad 420 coupled to the attachment plate 418 and a pole 402 coupled to the attachment plate 418. A first end 408 of the pole is coupled to an outer surface of the attachment plate 418. The pole 402 may be coupled to the attachment plate 418 with a swivel coupler, ball and socket, or hinge, allowing the attachment plate 418 various degrees of movement independent of the pole 402. In the depicted embodiment, the pole 402 includes a handle 414 coupled to a second end 406 of the pole 402. The handle 414 may be configured to be grasped by an operator's hand, allowing the operator to control the pole 402 and coupled attachment plate 418. In other embodiments, the pole 402 does not include a handle 414.

The pole 402 may further include a securing mechanism 416 coupled to the handle 414 and/or second end 406 of the pole 402. The securing mechanism 416 may secure the system 400 to an operator and may include a strap configured to fit around the operator's wrist. In other embodiments, the pole 402 does not include a securing mechanism 416. Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment, the pole 402 has a mechanism to adjust the length of the pole 402. For example, in one embodiment, the pole 402 may be a telescoping pole with an outer section 412, and an inner section 410 that slides into the outer section 412. The mechanism to adjust the length of the pole may include a tightening mechanism 404 to secure the inner section 410 at a particular point in relation to the outer section 412.

The attachment plate 418 may be generally rigid. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment plate 418 is rectangular. In other embodiments, the attachment plate 418 may be embodied as other suitable shapes including, but not limited to a rectangle, an oval, a circle, a triangle, and the like. In one embodiment, the attachment plate 418 and the cleaning pad 420 coupled to the attachment plate 418 are generally similar in shape. The attachment plate 418 may be configured to releasably or non-releasably couple a cleaning pad 420 similar to the cleaning pads described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. The attachment plate 418 may also be embodied without the coupled pole 402. In one embodiment, the attachment plate 418 is embodied with a handle directly coupled to the outer surface of the attachment plate 418 and configured to allow an operator to grasp the attachment plate 418 and use the cleaning system as a handheld scrubber. The attachment plate 418 may be configured in various other suitable implementations configured for a variety of cleaning tasks.

Furthermore, the attachment plate 418 includes a cleaning pad 420 removably coupled to the attachment plate 418 on an outer surface of the attachment plate 418 generally opposite the outer surface with the coupled pole 402. Embodiments of the cleaning pad 420 coupled to the attachment plate 418 are described in detail below in relation to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B.

Embodiments including the pole 402, attachment plate 418, and cleaning pad 420, include, but are not limited to a window cleaning tool, a boat washing tool, a car washing tool, a mop and the like. For example, an operator may use an embodiment of the cleaning system 400 to wash a boat. The adjustable pole 402 may allow the operator to clean difficult places to reach on the boat's surface. Furthermore, the operator may grip and control the cleaning system 400 with the handle 414, and the securing mechanism 416 may prevent the cleaning system 400 from falling in the water in case the operator drops the cleaning system 400.

FIG. 5A depicts one embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus 500 with a coupling mechanism coupled to the cleaning pad. Specifically, the coupling mechanism may releasably couple the cleaning pad to an attachment plate 418 such as the attachment plate described above in relation to FIG. 4. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes two pairs 506,518,508,520 of opposing straps. Each pair of opposing straps includes a first strap 506,508 and a second strap 518,520. As depicted in FIG. 5B, the first strap 544,538 and the second strap 540,542 are configured to fold over the attachment plate 532 to releasably couple the cleaning pad to the attachment plate 532. Referring also to FIG. 5A, for each pair of opposing straps, a first end of the first strap 506,508 is configured to releasably couple with a second end of the second strap 518,520. The first strap 506,508 and the second strap 518,520 may releasable couple using attachment mechanisms (releasable fasteners) 514,516 such as fabric “hook and loop” fasteners.

In the depicted embodiment, the outer surface 504 of the second peripheral layer is configured to be adjacent to an outer surface of the attachment plate 532 as the cleaning pad 502 is releasably coupled to the attachment plate 532. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 5A, in the depicted embodiment, at least one opposing strap 506,508 in each pair of opposing straps includes a notch 510,512. The notch 510,512 allows the cleaning pad 502 to accommodate various attachment plate 532 configurations. Referring to FIG. 5B, the notches 544,546 may fit around a scrubbing mechanism 548 on certain mop attachment plates 532. Additionally, the notches 544,546 may also fit around liquid squirters on certain mop attachment plates 532.

In one embodiment, the cleaning pad apparatus 500 is reversible. Specifically, the cleaning pad 502, as described above and as shown in FIG. 2D, may include a second peripheral layer 232 with a second microfiber material in addition to a first peripheral layer 240 with a first microfiber material. Referring also to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, in one embodiment, the cleaning pad 502 releasably couples to the attachment plate 532 using a first attachment mode and a second attachment mode. In this embodiment, the end of each strap of the coupling mechanism may include an attaching mechanism 514,516 on each side. Specifically, the end of each strap may have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface may have a first attaching mechanism and the second surface may have a second attaching mechanism. For example, the end of each strap may include a strip of fabric “hook and loop” fasteners on each side. As a result, an operator may clean a surface with either the first peripheral layer 240 or the second peripheral layer 232.

Therefore, in the first attachment mode, the microfiber of the first peripheral layer 240 may be used to clean a surface and the coupling mechanism may releasably couple the cleaning pad 502 to the attachment plate 532 such that the outer surface of the second peripheral layer 232 is adjacent to the attachment plate 532.

In the second attachment mode, the outer surface of the first peripheral layer 240 is adjacent to the attachment plate 532 as the cleaning pad 502 is releasably coupled to the attachment plate 532. In the second attachment mode, the microfiber of the second peripheral layer 232 may be used to clean a surface.

For example, if an operator is mopping a tile floor with deep grooves, the operator may couple the cleaning pad 502 to an attachment plate 532 of a mop and use microfiber with longer strands to penetrate the grooves. If the operator then cleans a delicate wood floor, the operator may switch the cleaning pad 502 such that the other microfiber layer (with a softer microfiber) is exposed to the floor surface.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the cleaning pad 502 may also be coupled to the attachment plate 532 using other embodiments of the coupling mechanism such as one or more releasable fasteners 522,524,526,528 coupled to the outer surface 504 of the second peripheral layer. The releasable fasteners 522,524,526,528 may be configured to releasably couple with releasable fasteners coupled to the outer surface of the attachment plate.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a first peripheral layer comprising a first microfiber material, the first peripheral layer comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; and

an absorbent section coupled to the first peripheral layer, the absorbent section and the first peripheral layer forming a pad, at least a portion of the absorbent section adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer, the absorbent section comprising a layer of a chamois material.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises an opening configured to accept a hand.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the opening comprises a liner layer coupled to an inner surface of the opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second peripheral layer coupled to the absorbent section, wherein the absorbent section is positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second peripheral layer comprises a second microfiber material, the second microfiber material and the first microfiber material having disparate fiber characteristics.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a coupling mechanism coupled to the pad, the coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the pad to an attachment plate wherein an outer surface of the second peripheral layer is adjacent to a first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises two pairs of opposing straps, each pair of opposing straps comprising a first strap and a second strap, wherein the first strap and the second strap are configured to fold over the attachment plate, a first end of the first strap configured to releasably couple with a second end of the second strap, wherein at least one opposing strap in each pair of opposing straps comprises a notch.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment plate comprises a pole coupled to a second outer surface of the attachment plate, the second outer surface opposite the first outer surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a securing mechanism coupled to an end of the pole, the securing mechanism securing the pole to an operator, wherein the pole has an adjustable length.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the absorbent section comprises a plurality of chamois layers, each chamois layer comprising a chamois material.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of chamois layers are independently coupled together, the independently coupled chamois layers coupled to the first peripheral layer.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an abrasive strip coupled to the outer surface of the first peripheral layer.

13. An apparatus comprising:

a first peripheral layer comprising a first microfiber material, the first peripheral layer comprising an outer surface and an inner surface;

an absorbent section coupled to the first peripheral layer, the absorbent section and the first peripheral layer forming a pad, at least a portion of the absorbent section adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer, the absorbent section comprising a plurality of chamois layers, each chamois layer comprising a chamois material; and

a second peripheral layer coupled to the absorbent section, wherein the absorbent section is positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pad comprises an opening configured to accept a hand.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second peripheral layer comprises a second microfiber material, the second microfiber material and the first microfiber material having disparate fiber characteristics.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of chamois layers are independently coupled together, the independently coupled chamois layers coupled to the inner surface of the first layer.

17. A system comprising:

a pad comprising, a first peripheral layer comprising a first microfiber material, the first peripheral layer comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; an absorbent section coupled to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer, the absorbent section and the first peripheral layer forming the pad, the absorbent section adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer, the absorbent section comprising a plurality of chamois layers, each chamois layer comprising a chamois material; a second peripheral layer coupled to the absorbent section, wherein the absorbent section is positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer; a coupling mechanism coupled to the second peripheral layer; and

an attachment plate, wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to releasably couple the pad to the attachment plate wherein an outer surface of the second peripheral layer is adjacent to a first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate in a first attachment mode.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the second peripheral layer comprises a second microfiber material, the second microfiber material and the first microfiber material having disparate fiber characteristics, and wherein an outer surface of the first peripheral layer is adjacent to the first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate in a second attachment mode, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises two pairs of opposing straps, each pair of opposing straps comprising a first strap and a second strap, wherein the first strap and the second strap are configured to fold over the attachment plate, a first end of the first strap configured to releasably couple with a second end of the second strap wherein the first end and the second end comprise a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface comprising a first attaching mechanism and the second surface comprising a second attaching mechanism.

19. The system of claim 17, further comprising a pole coupled to a second outer surface of the attachment plate, the second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, the system further comprising a securing mechanism coupled to an end of the pole, the securing mechanism securing the pole to an operator, wherein the pole has an adjustable length.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the pad and the attachment plate comprise at least a portion of one of a window cleaning tool, a boat washing tool, a car washing tool, a handheld scrubbing tool, and a mop.