Cleaning implement having insertable member
The invention relates to a cleaning implement having a cavity dimensioned to allow selective removal and reinsertion of an insertable pad, such as melamine. The cavity is constructed and arranged to frictionally engage the insertable pad. The cleaning implement may include a two part holding member incorporating both a fluid retention and non-fluid retention element allowing for versatility in cleaning.
In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), 120, 121, and/or 365(c) the present invention claims priority, as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/832,045, entitled “Cleaning Implement Having Insertable Member”, filed on Jul. 7, 2010. The contents of the aforementioned patent application are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe field of the invention is cleaning implements, more particularly cleaning implements containing both absorbent and insertable elements, and more particularly absorbent cleaning implements having an insertable, renewable insertable element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA multitude of cleaning implements exist in the prior art. A wide array of implements exist such a sponges, mops, scrub brushes and pads. They are comprised of absorbent material, coarse material and abrasive material such as phenolic or melamine based foam. However, there are no known cleaning elements that allow for the intermixing of components by the consumer for purposes of deep cleaning or should one of the components need to be replaced due to premature or planned wear.
Deep cleaning jobs to which this invention is directed are those applications where various types of abrasive materials are most beneficial. For instance, really tough cleaning jobs exist such as removing dirt and grease from grout. Another example is the removal of mold and mildew from vinyl, plastic and fiberglass. Still another example is the cleaning of fish remains including blood from the decks of boats.
Conventional sponges and cleaning pads are not durable enough to accomplish a deep cleaning job without other means. The use of a liquid abrasive can cause premature destruction of the conventional sponge, yet the water retention ability of a conventional sponge is highly desirable in most cleaning applications. The use of a non-liquid abrasive such as an abrasive pad requires moisture to prevent marring of a surface or needs to be made of a material that wears so that the removed grit is not embedded into the abrasive pad. An abrasive pad such as one that contains melamine will leave a residue which requires a secondary cleanup procedure to wipe away the residue. Certain wearable abrasive pads can lead to skin irritation when handled directly.
In addition to the above mentioned heavy duty jobs, the present invention is also well suited to effectively handle various household cleanup jobs. For example in the kitchen, burnt stove surfaces as well as burnt pots and pans can be scrubbed. Tough stains on tile and grout can be removed from showers and floors. Outdoors, vinyl patio furniture, PVC fencing and PVC pipe can also be thoroughly cleaned.
Numerous cleaning implements exist, many of which are patented as implements having an absorbent material, such as a sponge, and/or an abrasive material such as a phenolic or melamine based foam. Examples can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,665,580; 4,866,806; 4,949,417; 5,187,830; 6,485,822; 6,503,615; 6,857,159; 7,060,119; 7,454,813; 7,629,043 and U.S. Application Publication No. 2005/136238.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,830, discloses a nylon mesh covered sponge that has a braided pull at one end of the mesh covering. A pocketed jacket made of a cleaning sheet material receives and holds the net covered sponge. The entire assembly is used to wash a car. When a difficult spot is encountered, the net-covered sponge is partially or fully withdrawn from the jacket pocket to scrub the spot. The net covered sponge gives the jacket form and support, and the jacket provides quick access to the scrubber.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,822, discloses 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 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 corners 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.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,615, discloses 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.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,813, discloses a cleaning device includes a soft sponge layer, having at least one rib or bead on its surface; an intermediate layer, which is harder than the sponge layer, a cloth layer, that is bonded to the intermediate layer, opposite to the sponge layer. The layers may be bonded to one another.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,283,305, discloses a cleaning implement comprises an erodible foam substrate, such as a melamine foam substrate and a controlled release system comprising an active agent. The controlled release system comprises a component selected from the group consisting of a polymer matrix, microcapsule, a particulate porous carrier, a complexing agent, a semi-permeable film and a combination thereof and the active agent is selected from the group consisting of a surfactant, a bleaching agent, a limescale reducing agent, a biocide, a solvent and a mixture thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,296,895, discloses a disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,629,043 discloses a cleaning wipe product. The cleaning wipe includes a foam layer such as phenolic or melamine based foam that is configured for contacting and cleaning a surface. Attachment of materials is by laminate wherein the components are united to one another by an adhesive or the use of heat and/or pressure. The combined components cannot be separated if one or the other premature wears, or if one component is to be replaced with a component of a different abrasive rate. No disclosure if made of a cavity to hold a different component should the attachment fail.
U.S. Publication No. 2007/0157405 discloses a cleaning implement comprising melamine foam and a perfume source, processes for making them and methods for using them.
U.S. Publication No. 2010/0223748 discloses a cleaning pad system for use on a motorized floor cleaning or polishing machine wherein the pad has melamine resin based foam.
U.S. Publication No. 2007/0061991 discloses a cleaning implement suitable for hard surface cleaning comprising heat-compressed melamine foam.
U.S. Publication No. 2006/0005338 discloses a cleaning implement comprising a layer of melamine foam having water-absorbency.
JPO Publication No. 2002/253471 discloses a washing tool that is constituted of a grip having a forked holding part at one end and of a brush part to be held between the forked holding part so as to be attachable/detachable. The brush part is constituted of water absorbing and expanding materials which absorbs water while irreversibly expanding and of the melamine resin foamed body which is held between the water absorbing and expanding materials and is exposed between the materials.
Accordingly, a cleaning implement is needed that improves upon what is existing in the art and provides a more efficient, effective and durable manner of holding a replaceable abrasive pad. The insertable pad held within a cavity which allows for scrubbing in any lateral direction surrounded by sponge material to entrap removed material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe cleaning implement of the instant invention is comprised of a holding member having a replaceable abrasive pad attached thereto. The abrasive pad may be interchangeable depending upon the surface to be treated. In addition, the abrasive pad may be designed to wear, such as melamine, at a rate that is considerably faster than a conventional sponge. The holding member employs a cavity formed by sidewalls and a base wall for placement of the abrasive pad. The cavity is constructed and designed to maintain the abrasive pad in position during lateral scrubbing movements. In a first embodiment the holding member is constructed from a sponge material capable of fluid retention. In an alternative embodiment, the holding member comprises a layer of non-fluid retention material having a centrally disposed cavity for positioning of the replaceable abrasive pad, the non-fluid retention layer attached to a fluid retention layer. In another alternative embodiment, the holding member comprises a layer of fluid retention material having a centrally disposed cavity for positioning of the replaceable abrasive pad, the fluid retention layer attached to a non-fluid retention layer. The abrasive pad is preferably constructed of melamine, however, most any type of abrasive pad may be placed within the cavity.
The combination of the components provides significant advantages and exponentially enhances the ability to clean heavy duty jobs. The cleaning implement provides a significant advantage in helping to absorb and remove the residue from the material worn away from the abrasive pad during scrubbing. This combination also provides a significant advantage in providing a cleaning surface that is larger than an abrasive member alone, while also providing a more ergonomic design for the scrubbing process, thus providing an overall more efficient, durable and effective cleaning implement. It has been discovered the herein described invention provides significantly more efficient and effective cleaning, particularly when used for large cleaning tasks, such as boats and RV's. These aspects of the invention, singularly and combined, overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional sponges, pads and other described cleaning implements.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a cleaning implement based upon a sponge based holding member having a cavity for securing a replaceable abrasive pad, wherein longevity of the cleaning implement is possible by replacing the abrasive pad designed to wear faster than the holding member. Additionally, the abrasive pad may be replaced by a pad comprising soap or disinfectant. The pad could be super absorbent, a polishing pad, a buffing pad or any other cleaning implement.
Another objective of the instant invention to provide a cleaning implement that includes a replaceable abrasive pad positioned within a non-fluid retaining member that is attached to a fluid retaining member.
Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to provide a cleaning implement having a holding member and a removable abrasive pad, wherein said abrasive pad can be removed to allow for ease of cleaning the holding member.
It is another objective of the instant invention to employ the use of a wearable abrasive pad constructed from melamine that can be held in position by use of a cleaning implement wherein the abrasive pad can be used without direct contact with the human hand.
Still another objective of the instant invention to employ the use of a wearable abrasive pad adjacent to a non-fluid retention member that can operate as a residual holding member capable of entrapping material and residual worn away from the abrasive pad, and/or can further operate as a light abrasive member to enhance the use of the abrasive pad.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
Referring now to the Figures, set forth is a cleaning implement 100 comprised of a holding member 102 and an abrasive pad 112. In a primary embodiment the holding member consists of a fluid retaining sponge material having a cavity 104 formed along one surface. The sponge material is generally an open celled structure that can hold water and when moved over a surface is capable of removing grit, dirt, grime, mildew and other unwanted particles from the surface. The foam sponge is capable of holding liquids and typically has a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from random-celled hydrophilic urethane. The holding member 102 is defined by a top surface 105 and a bottom surface 106, first 107 and second 108 side surfaces, and first 109 and second 110 end surfaces. Illustrated is a holding member 102 having a length L of about 7.3″, a width W is about 4.25″ and a height H of about 2.5″. The sponge material is of a porosity capable of fluid retention.
In a preferred embodiment, the abrasive pad 112 and said cavity 104 are of a substantially rectangular shape, whereby the cavity walls having first sidewall 114 and second sidewall 116; and first end wall 115 and second end wall 117 constructed and arranged to frictionally engage the abrasive pad 112 in any direction despite the force applied to the cleaning implement 100. In this manner the height of the abrasive pad 112 can exceed the height of the side and endwalls. During a cleaning motion, the height of the abrasive pad 112 extends outward from the surface of the holding member to assure the abrasive pad 112 is the primary contact surface. This arrangement allows the individual's hand to avoid contact with the abrasive pad which may consist of melamine. Hand pressure is used applied to the holding element and the abrasive pad for deep cleaning of surfaces, the holding member maintaining a space between the hand and the abrasive pad.
The bottom surface of the holding member 102 includes a cavity 104 having a base wall inset from the bottom side surface forming first 114 and second 116 sidewalls and first 115 and second 117 end walls, each having a uniform depth D of about 0.75″. The cavity 104 sidewalls 114, 116 and endwalls 115, 117 form a continuous inner wall having a uniform depth extending into the holding member.
The cavity is constructed and arranged to cooperate with an abrasive pad 112 to frictionally engage on all sides. The cavity 104 is of a substantially conjugate shape. The abrasive pad 112 can be defined by a wear surface 120 and an attachment surface 121 with outer sidewalls 124, 125 and outer endwalls 122, 123 forming a thickness. The thickness is greater than the height of the cavity wall 0.75 inches and preferably about one inch in thickness. The abrasive pad 112 is positioned within the cavity 104 presenting a wear surface that extends outward from the top surface 105 of said holding member. The abrasive pad 112 is removable for ease of cleaning the holding member or for purposes of replacement when the wearable material degrades the performance of the cleaning apparatus. Cavity 104 sidewalls and endwalls hold the abrasive pad 112 in position. Should the abrasive pad be drawn over a surface imperfection that would otherwise grab the abrasive pad, the cavity sidewalls and endwalls hold the abrasive pad in position. Should the surface imperfection damage the abrasive pad 112, the pad can be easily replaced thereby saving the holding element 102 (sponge) from becoming waste. Further, a sponge 102 is cleaned by soaking in water and squeezing out the water to expel contaminants. By use of a removable abrasive pad 112, the sponge 102 can be cleaned properly as the abrasive pad will not hamper the cleaning motion. For instance when a nonporous abrasive pad is inserted, such as melamine, the sponge can entrap fluid behind the nonporous abrasive pad for melamine lacks the ability to pass fluids through its cell structure.
The abrasive pad 112 is releasably attached to the holding member 102 by frictional engagement with the sidewalls, or can be supplemented by use of a fastener 142 attached to the base wall of the cavity 104. The sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity 104 entrap the abrasive pad 112 within the holding member 102 allowing an individual to clean an area using lateral movement in multiple directions. For example, the holding member 102 is made of a fluid retention material namely open cell foam or sponge material, an individual can soak the sponge before cleaning an area. The wet sponge 102 facilitates the abrasive pad by providing lubrication to prevent dirt and grit from marring a surface while the cavity 104 maintains the abrasive pad 112 in position.
In a preferred embodiment the abrasive pad 112 is made of a material designed to wear as it is used to scrub an article. In this manner the material being abraded by the frictional contact between the abrasive pad 112 and the surface of the article wherein the sponge operates to pick up dirt, grit and residuals from the wear material. One example of such an abrasive pad 112 that provides a wear material is melamine based foam. Typically melamine based foam is used as an independent abrasive pad 112 or is permanently attached to another material. For purposes of this application where the abrasive pad is used in combination with the fluid holding member, the preferred melamine abrasive pad has a density of about 1 kg/m3 to 11 kg/m3. The melamine member being an open foam-like material consisting of a formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfate copolymer. The foam is micro-porous with a polymeric substance so that it operates as an extremely fine abrasive material that wears away, like a pencil eraser. The melamine member being abraded as the melamine member scrubs a surface. While not limiting, it has been discovered that using a melamine based foam with a density in this range provides a significant advantage in that it provides better wear resistance of the material, durability, and improved scrubbing ability, without the material becoming too hard so that it cleans well while remaining flexible and absorbent in a wet environment. By use of an abrasive pad 112 having a depth larger than the sidewalls of the cavity 104, the consumer can visually determine when the abrasive pad should be replaced so as to lessen damage to the holding member. Conventional melamine foam used for cleaning purposes is made from a melamine resin which can be a skin irritant.
In addition, the cleaning implement can include a fastener, such as hook 142 and loop 140, alternatively, fastening can be accomplished by snap, elastic band, button, peel and stick or the like releasable attendant fastener, positioned between said cavity 104 base wall and the mounting surface of the abrasive pad 112, wherein the abrasive pad is primarily held within the cavity by the sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity and the base wall. This assists in holding an abrasive pad used in commercial environments where deep cleaning a surface with known imperfections or in very wet environment wherein the holding member may lose its shape. For instance, the cleaning of uneven grout between tiles or grates can attempt to draw an unfastened abrasive pad 112 from the cavity 104.
In an alternative embodiment, the holding member 200 consists of a non-fluid retaining member 202, such as a double-open celled structure capable of holding liquids, having a top surface 205 and a bottom surface 206 with end surfaces 207 and 209, and side surfaces 208 and 211. The non-fluid retaining member 202 is laminated to a fluid retaining member 203, namely conventional sponge foam, having a top surface 220 and a bottom surface 222 with side surfaces 223 and 224; and end surfaces 225 and 226. Non-reticulate extra firm scrubber being very porous, low density solid foam, open or closed cell structure, with few if any intact cells windows and it constructed of polyurethane or non-woven polyester, comprising a density of 1.8+/−10% lbs/ft3.
The non-fluid retaining member 202 and the fluid retaining member 203 have a substantially conjugate shape and are superposed upon each other and fixedly attached by adhesive or heat/pressure weldment. The fluid holding member is a double-open celled structure capable of holding liquids with a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from random-celled hydrophilic urethane. In this embodiment the non-fluid holding member 202 has a centrally disposed cavity 230. The cavity 230 has a continuous inner wall 232 having a uniform depth D′ of about 0.75″ extending through said non-fluid retaining member 202 abutting said fluid retaining member 203 to form a base wall. The cavity 230 is constructed and arranged to cooperate with an abrasive pad 212 to frictionally engage the abrasive pad on the side walls, end walls and base wall. The cavity 230 is of a substantially conjugate shape as the abrasive pad 212. The abrasive pad 212 having a top surface 214 and a bottom surface 216 with side surfaces 217 and 219 and end surfaces 218 and 221. The abrasive pad 212 is positioned to extend at a predetermined distance above the top surface 205 of the non-fluid retaining member 202 thus being greater than about 0.75 inches in height and preferably about 1 inch in height. The abrasive pad 212 must be removable for cleaning or replacement. In this manner the holding member can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs by simply replacing the abrasive pad 212 with an abrasive pad of higher or lower abrasive material. Further, should the cleaning implement be used in a particularly dirty environment, cleaning fish blood off a boat for example, removal of the abrasive pad would be necessary to rinse any material trapped behind the abrasive pad before reuse. The side walls of the holding member may include a grip edge 235 which is ornamental in design.
In addition, the cleaning implement can include a fastener, such as hook 242 and loop 240, alternatively, fastening can be accomplished by snap, elastic band, button, peel and stick or the like releasable attendant fastener, positioned between said cavity 230 base wall and the mounting surface of the abrasive pad 212, wherein the abrasive pad is primarily held within the cavity by the sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity and the base wall. This assists in holding an abrasive pad used in commercial environments where deep cleaning a surface with known imperfections or in very wet environment wherein the holding member may lose its shape. For instance, the cleaning of uneven grout between tiles or grates can attempt to draw an unfastened abrasive pad 212 from the cavity 230.
In an alternative embodiment, the holding member 300 consists of a fluid retaining member 302, namely conventional sponge foam, having a top surface 305 and a bottom surface 306 with end surfaces 307 and 309, and side surfaces 308 and 311. The fluid retaining member 302 is laminated to a non-fluid retaining member 303, such as non-reticulated extra firm scrubber foam being very porous, low density solid foam, open or closed cell structure, with few if any intact cell windows and is constructed from polyurethane or non-woven polyester, comprising a density of 1.8+/−10% lbs/ft3, having a top surface 320 and a bottom surface 322 with end surfaces 323 and 324; and side surfaces 325 and 326. Non-reticulate foam being a very porous, low density solid foam with few, if any intact cell windows. The fluid retaining member 302 and the non-fluid retaining member 303 have a substantially conjugate shape and are superposed upon each other and fixedly attached by adhesive or heat/pressure weldment. The fluid holding member is a foam sponge capable of holding liquids and typically has a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from one of random-celled hydrophilic urethane. In this embodiment the fluid holding member 302 has a centrally disposed cavity 330. The cavity 330 has a continuous inner wall 332 having a uniform depth D″ of about 0.75″ extending through said fluid retaining member 302 abutting said non-fluid retaining member 303 to form a base wall. The cavity 330 is constructed and arranged to cooperate with an abrasive pad 312 to frictionally engage the abrasive pad on the side walls, end walls and base wall. The cavity 330 is of a substantially conjugate shape as the abrasive pad 312. The abrasive pad 312 having a top surface 314 and a bottom surface 316 with end surfaces 317 and 319 and side surfaces 318 and 321. The abrasive pad 312 is positioned to extend at a predetermined distance above the top surface 305 of the fluid retaining member 302 thus being greater than about 0.75 inches in height and preferably about 1 inch in height. The abrasive pad 312 must be removable for cleaning or replacement. In this manner the holding member can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs by simply replacing the abrasive pad 312 with an abrasive pad of higher or lower abrasive material. Further, should the cleaning implement be used in a particularly dirty environment, cleaning fish blood off a boat for example, removal of the abrasive pad would be necessary to rinse any material trapped behind the abrasive pad before reuse. The side walls of the holding member may include a grip edge 335 which is ornamental in design.
In addition, the cleaning implement can include a fastener, such as hook 342 and loop 340, alternatively, fastening can be accomplished by snap, elastic band, button, peel and stick or the like releasable attendant fastener, positioned between said cavity 330 base wall and the mounting surface of the abrasive pad 312, wherein the abrasive pad is primarily held within the cavity by the sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity and the base wall. This assists in holding an abrasive pad used in commercial environments where deep cleaning a surface with known imperfections or in very wet environment wherein the holding member may lose its shape. For instance, the cleaning of uneven grout between tiles or grates can attempt to draw an unfastened abrasive pad 312 from the cavity 330.
In an alternative embodiment, the holding member 400 consists of a fluid retaining member 402, namely conventional sponge foam, having a top surface 405 and a bottom surface 406 with end surfaces 407 and 409, and side surfaces 408 and 411. The fluid retaining member 402 is laminated to a non-fluid retaining member 403, such as non-reticulated extra firm scrubber foam being very porous, low density solid foam, open or closed cell structure, with few if any intact cell windows and is constructed from polyurethane or non-woven polyester, comprising a density of 1.8+/−10% lbs/ft3, having a top surface 420 and a bottom surface 422 with end surfaces 423 and 424; and side surfaces 425 and 426. Non-reticulate foam being a very porous, low density solid foam with few, if any intact cell windows. The fluid retaining member 402 and the non-fluid retaining member 403 have a substantially conjugate shape and are superposed upon each other and fixedly attached by adhesive or heat/pressure weldment. The fluid holding member is a foam sponge capable of holding liquids and typically has a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from one of random-celled hydrophilic urethane. In this embodiment the fluid holding member 402 has a centrally disposed cavity 430. The cavity 430 has a continuous inner wall 432 having a uniform depth D″ of about 0.75″ extending through said fluid retaining member 402 abutting said non-fluid retaining member 403 to form a base wall. The cavity 430 is constructed and arranged to cooperate with an abrasive pad 412 to frictionally engage the abrasive pad on the side walls, end walls and base wall. The cavity 430 is of a substantially conjugate shape as the abrasive pad 412. The abrasive pad 412 having a top surface 414 and a bottom surface 416 with end surfaces 417 and 419 and side surfaces 418 and 421. The abrasive pad 412 is positioned to extend at a predetermined distance above the top surface 405 of the fluid retaining member 302 thus being greater than about 0.75 inches in height and preferably about 1 inch in height. The abrasive pad 412 must be removable for cleaning or replacement. In this manner the holding member can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs by simply replacing the abrasive pad 412 with an abrasive pad of higher or lower abrasive material. Further, should the cleaning implement be used in a particularly dirty environment, cleaning fish blood off a boat for example, removal of the abrasive pad would be necessary to rinse any material trapped behind the abrasive pad before reuse.
In addition, the cleaning implement can include a fastener, such as hook 442 and loop 440, alternatively, fastening can be accomplished by snap, elastic band, button, peel and stick or the like releasable attendant fastener, positioned between said cavity 430 base wall and the mounting surface of the abrasive pad 412, wherein the abrasive pad is primarily held within the cavity by the sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity and the base wall. This assists in holding an abrasive pad used in commercial environments where deep cleaning a surface with known imperfections or in very wet environment wherein the holding member may lose its shape. For instance, the cleaning of uneven grout between tiles or grates can attempt to draw an unfastened abrasive pad 412 from the cavity 430.
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A cleaning implement comprising:
- a holding member constructed from a foam material is capable of holding liquids with a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from random-celled hydrophilic urethane is further defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second side surfaces and first and second end surfaces;
- a cavity centrally disposed in said bottom surface of said holding member, said cavity having a base wall inset less than about 0.75 inches from said bottom surface and bounded by first and second inner sidewalls and first and second outer end walls of a uniform height;
- an abrasive pad having a height greater than about 0.75 inches positioned within said cavity and extending outward therefrom, said abrasive pad having a top surface and a bottom surface, said abrasive pad having first and second outer sidewalls frictionally engaging at least a portion of said inner first and second sidewalls of said cavity, said abrasive pad having first and second outer end walls engaging at least a portion of said first and second inner end walls of said cavity;
- wherein said abrasive pad engages said inner wall of said cavity to maintain position while in use whereby said abrasive pad is removable for cleaning or replacement.
2. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein said abrasive pad is constructed from melamine foam having a density of about 1 kg/m3 to 11 kg/m3.
3. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein said holding member is fluid retaining foam having an open cell density.
4. The cleaning implement according to claim 1 wherein holding member formed from a non-fluid retention element bonded to a fluid retention element, said cavity formed in said non-fluid retention element.
5. The cleaning implement according to claim 1 wherein holding member formed from a non-fluid retention element bonded to a fluid retention element, said cavity formed in said fluid retention element.
6. The cleaning implement according of claim 1 wherein said abrasive pad is supplementally fastened to said holding member by use of a hook and loop fastener positioned between said base wall and said bottom surface of said abrasive pad, said fastener allowing for attachment and removal of said abrasive pad.
7. A cleaning implement comprising:
- a holding member formed from a non-fluid retention element of non-reticulated foam having a density of about 1.8+/−10% lbs/ft3 bonded to a fluid retention element formed from a double-open celled hydrophilic urethane capable of holding liquids with a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3, said holding member having a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second side surfaces and first and second end surfaces;
- a centrally disposed cavity formed within said holding member, said cavity having a base wall inset about 0.75 inches from said bottom surface and bounded by first and second inner sidewalls and first and second outer end walls of a uniform height;
- an insertable pad constructed from melamine foam securable within said cavity having a height greater than about 0.75 inches extending outward from said bottom surface of said holding member, said insertable pad having a top surface and a bottom surface, said insertable pad having first and second outer sidewalls frictionally engaging at least a portion of said inner first and second sidewalls of said cavity, said insertable pad having first and second outer end walls engaging at least a portion of said first and second inner end walls of said cavity;
- wherein said insertable pad engages said inner wall of said cavity to maintain position while in use and is removable for cleaning or replacement.
8. The cleaning implement according to claim 7, wherein said melamine foam has a density of about 1 kg/m3 to 11 kg/m3.
9. The cleaning implement according to claim 7, wherein said fluid retention material is sponge foam having an open cell density.
10. The cleaning implement according of claim 7 wherein said insertable pad extends through said non-fluid retention element and is placed adjacent to said fluid retention element.
11. The cleaning implement according of claim 7 wherein said insertable pad is supplementally attached to said fluid retention element by use of a hook and loop fastener.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 6, 2012
Publication Date: Apr 18, 2013
Inventor: Arthur P. Frigo, Jr. (Jupiter, FL)
Application Number: 13/707,170
International Classification: A47L 13/12 (20060101); A47L 13/16 (20060101);
