CLEANSING PAD WITH A SCOURING PORTION AND A SCRUBBING PORTION AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF

The present invention discloses a flexible cleansing pad with a scouring portion and a scrubbing portion that are characterized by all three parameters (i) hygienic and does not allow pathogen growth; (ii) an effective and easy cookware cleansing with water and soap, and (iii) undamaging the cookware, e.g., burnt pens and pots. The present invention also discloses methods of the production of the same.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a flexible cleansing pad with a scouring portion and a scrubbing portion and to methods of its production.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The cost of food-borne disease in the USA has been estimated at $4-$6 billion (1988). Cross-contamination of kitchen surfaces by contaminated meat products has been demonstrated. Objects contaminated from raw meat included the sink, dishcloth and cutting board. Domestic dishcloths contain up to 108 bacteria, including several members of Enterobacteriaceae. Studies have shown that contaminated cloths may transfer bacteria to hands or a clean surface in sufficient numbers to represent the possibility of infection if in contact with food; See Rusin P., Orosz-Coughlin P. and Gerba C. (1998). Reduction of fecal coliform, coliform and heterotrophic plate counts bacteria in the household kitchen and bathroom by disinfection with hypochlorite cleaners. Journal of Applied Microbiology 85 (9): 819-828.

Most of the household cookware is made of stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or aluminum with or without a nonstick coating. Those cook-wares are damaged by using a too-scratchy scrubber like steel wool, sand paper or an ultra-strong cleanser. Hence, damaged cookware is a significant cost in food management, namely up to 10 percent of the required capital costs; See Todd, Ewen C D. “Economic loss from foodborne disease outbreaks associated with foodservice establishments.” Journal of Food Protection 48.2((1985): 169-180.

Domestic dishcloths, dishwashing pads that e characterized by all three parameters (i) hygienic and does not allow pathogen growth; (ii) an effective and easy cookware cleansing with water and soap, and (iii) undamaging the cookware, e.g., burnt pens and pots, are hence still a long unmet need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad for both scouring and scrubbing. The pad is at least partially made of a flexible first material, characterized by at least one first portion made of the first material and characterized by a respectively low abrasivity. This portion is having elongated bristles-like flexible protrusions hence configured for scrubbing; integrated with the at least one first portion, at least one second portion made of the first material, incorporating a second material of respectively high abrasivity hence configured for scouring.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined above, wherein the at least one first portion is characterized by a low to moderate relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) ranging in a scale of about 10 to about 100 according to DIN EN ISO 11609.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the least one second portion is characterized by a moderate to high to very high RDA ranging in a scale of about 100 to about 250 (e.g., still wool or sand paper). The RDA of the at least one second portion to the first portion ratio is optionally ranging between 3:1 to 1.5:1; 10:1 to 3:1; and 100:1 to 1.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined above wherein at least one of the following is being held true: (a) said at least one first portion is characterized by low hardness ranging between 40 and 50 shore A; and (c) at least one second portion is characterized by higher hardness ranging between 50 and 85 shore A.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the bristle-like member comprising a stem interconnected with the pad and a tip. The tip is shaped in a manner selected from either concave or convex tip, flat-hat like tip, a tip with multiple forked or splintered heads, ball-like shape, coil-like tip, either smooth or texturized tip, sharp edge tip, or any combination thereof.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein at least one surface of the bristle-like member is characterized by (i) low to moderate, (ii) moderate to high or (iii) high to very high value of the RDA scale. The diameter of the bristle-like members, adjacent to their base, is optionally ranging from of about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, and its length from base to tip is ranging from about 4.0 mm to about 14.0 mm.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the at least one second abrasive portion containing, incorporated with, attached to, implant, provided with at least one portion comprises a purposive material, including a foamed polymer such as polyurethane foam, reversibly affixed to, socked with, inorganic fillers, biocides, disinfectants and antiseptic agents, including organic composition such as chlorohexidine and inorganic components including zinc, silver and oxides and salts thereof, colorants, deodorants and small agents, odorants, UV blockers, primers and binding polymers and copolymers, enzymes, water softening salts, lubricants, demulsifiers, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the first material is selected from a group consisting of polymeric elastomers, rubber, silicone, latex and a combination thereof. The elastomer is optionally selected from one or more members of a group consisting of unsaturated rubbers, including natural polyisoprene, cis-1,4-polyisoprene natural rubber and trans-1,4-polyisoprene gutta-percha, synthetic polyisoprene, chloroprene rubber, poly vinyl chloride, polychloroprene, including commercially available Neoprene and Baypren products, butyl rubber and any other copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, halogenated butyl rubbers, including chloro butyl rubber; bromo butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber and any other copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers such as commercially available Therban and Zetpol products; saturated rubbers including ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers such as commercially available Viton, Tecnoflon, Fluorel, Aflas and Dai-El products, perfluoroelastomers such as commercially available Tecnoflon, Kalrez, Chemraz and Perlast products, polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene such as commercially available Hypalon product, ethylene-vinyl acetate; polysulfide rubber and elastolefin, elastic fiber used in fabrics production and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a water sealed cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the first material is substantially nonporous.

The term substantially refers to any value being up to 20% greater or lower the defined measure. Hence for example, “substantially nonporous” means a material being 80% to 100% nonporous; “substantially perpendicular” means tilt ranging between 78 degrees to 108 degrees; and “member substantially having a cube-like shape” means a rectangular shape characterized by either or both one facet being up to 20% shorter or longer than other facets, and/or having one corner baring a tilt that is ranging from 78 degrees to 108 degrees.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the second material comprising abrasive particles selected from a group consisting of silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, Granit powder, alumina-zirconia, alumina silica like commercially available Duramul Product by Washimgton Mills (US), spinel, sulfur cake, iron pyrite, coated abrasive, manganese dichloride, fused Mullite, silica fume, boron carbide, chrome-alumina, sodium hexafluoroaluminate (Na3AlF6) Cryolite powder, potassium fluoroborate (KBF4), Magnesia-Chrome, commercially available Stoneblast product by Norton Company (US), commercially available BFA dark Alundum, Duralum, Duralum, Emerundum by Washington Mills (US), commercially available Staurolite by Dupont (US), organic materials, including ground olive stones, shell nuts (whole nut), and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the at least one first portion made of elastomer selected from rubber, silicon and latex, characterized by low to moderate relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) ranging in a scale of about 10 to about 100 according to DIN EN ISO 11609. This portion is having elongated bristles-like protrusions hence configured for scrubbing; integrated with the at least one first portion, at least one second portion made of elastomer selected from rubber, silicon and latex, incorporating silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, Granit powder or the like characterized by moderate to high or moderate to very high RDA ranging in a scale of about 100 to about 250 hence configured for scouring.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the at least one first portion is sharing the same plane with the at least one second portion. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one first portion is not sharing a same plane with said at least one second portion. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one first portion is laying on an opposite plane in respect to said at least second portion.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the pad is selected from a group consisting of sink pad, scraping member, dish washing sponge, brushes, mops, cleansing sponge, scouring cloths, cleaning cloth, copper-cleaning means, kitchen cookware and service-ware (including pans, pots, stoves, ovens, grills and modules thereof), toilet and shower-room cleans-ware, garden and garage cleansing-ware and personal cleansing-ware (including hands and legs). The cleansing pad may require use of liquid soap or detergent solution as lubricants for scouring and scrubbing.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the pad further comprising at least one sucker. Optionally, the sucker is provided substantially perpendicular to pad's main plane.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad characterized by a shape selected from a group consisting of 2D flat member with one main plane where length and width (2D dimensions) are much greater than its high (3d dimension); a rectangular, circular or a 2D shape of a known article of manufacture (including a flower shape, an artistically designed shape, a face shape); a 3D member having a cube-like shape, a ball-like shape, or a shape of a known article of manufacture (including animal shape, car shape, kitchenware shape).

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein the pad is comprising two or more layers; said at least one first portion is located in at least one first (top) layer, and said at least one second portion is located in at least one second (bottom) layer. Optionally, a void volume is provided between said at least one first (top) layer and said least one second (bottom) layer; and further wherein said volume is configure to at least temporarily accommodate at least one of the following; a cleansing means and user-hand. A glove is an example of a pad having a void volume in which cleansing means as soap and/or user hand can be reversibly accommodated.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above, wherein a method of producing a cleansing pad is disclosed. The method characterized by steps as follows: compression (or injection) molding at least one scouring portion (34) so that at least one first shape (positive, 35) textured or crossed cavity lines is obtained. Removing access (36) material around the positive (35) so a shape (37) is provided. On bottom of shape 37, compression (or injection) molding at least one scrubbing portion (38) made of at least one first flexible material to at least one second shape that comprising elongated bristles-like protrusions (39) made of first flexible material of low abrasivity; thereby implanting said positive scouring portion with said first material 38. steps c and d are provided together in a single molding step on the item prepared according to steps a and b. Optionally, a step of providing a sucker (40A) perpendicular to pad (38) and comprises a hanging hole (40B) is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The current invention will be better understood and the nature of the objectives set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. For clarity of explanation, the detailed description further makes reference to the attached drawings herein:

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate in out of scale manner a cleansing pads according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate in out of scale manner a cleansing pads (from left to right: top, bottom & side views) according to yet another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 3A-D describe and illustrate in out of scale manner cleansing pads according to another embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will become obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessary obscuring aspects of the present invention.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or an “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

The present invention discloses a cleansing pad for both scouring and scrubbing. The pad is inter alia made of, or otherwise comprises a flexible first material which is characterized by at least one first portion. This portion or portions is/are inter alia made of or otherwise comprises this first material and is characterized by a respectively low abrasivity. The term scouring also refers to a combination of scouring and polishing, e.g., for carefully scarping a burnt or scorched frying pan without damage it by using a too-scratchy scrubber like steel wool or etching it an ultra-strong cleanser. The term scrubbing also refers to washing cleaning and cleansing, e.g., for everyday manual dishwashing a kitchenware.

This portion or portions is/are having two or more elongated bristles-like protrusions hence configured for scrubbing. According to one embodiment of the invention, number of the protrusions is ranging from about 2 to about 10 per cm2. According to another embodiment of the invention, number of the protrusions is ranging from about 11 to about 20 per cm2. According to another embodiment of the invention, number of the protrusions is ranging from about 21 to about 30 per cm2. According to another embodiment of the invention, number of the protrusions is ranging from about 31 to about 40 or more per cm2.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the number, size and shape of the protrusion is homogenous. According to another embodiment of the invention, the number, size and shape of the protrusion is heterogeneous.

The term ‘about’ refers hereinafter to any number being equal, greater than or lower than 20 percent of the defined value.

Furthermore, at least one second portion is integrated, implanted, connected, glued, weld, or otherwise interconnected with the aforesaid at least one first portion. This second portion is inter alia made of or otherwise comprises the first material, incorporating a second material of respectively high abrasivity, hence it is configured for scouring. The shape of the second (scouring) material may vary from round shape, rectangular shape, a shape of an article of manufacture or other known item, like a logo to be promoted, trademark, hand, fruit, etc. the size may vary from about 5 mm×5 mm (or r=5 mm in rounded shape) to about 120 mm×120 mm (or r=50 mm). In one embodiment of the invention a scouring portion is e.g., continuous and round (r=25 mm). In another embodiment, the scouring portion is e.g., non-continuous and either square (e.g., r=35 mm) of rectangular (e.g., 70 mm×70 mm), were this portion is divided to e.g., two, three, four, six, or about ten to about 50 neighboring segments. A round scouring shape divided by a concentric cross, thereby having four segments, is an example of the same.

Relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) DIN EN ISO 11609 is a method of measuring of the erosive effect of abrasives in toothpaste on tooth dentin. It involves using standardized abrasives compared against the test sample. The determination of this value is done by determining the activity while cleaning worn dentin which is radioactively marked by mild neutron irradiation. The values obtained depend on the size, quantity and surface structure of abrasive used in toothpastes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cleansing pad as defined in any of the above comprises at least one first portion which is characterized by a low to moderate relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) ranging in a scale of about 10 to about 100 according to DIN EN ISO 11609.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cleansing pad as defined in any of the above comprises at least one second portion which is characterized by a moderate to high to very high RDA ranging in a scale of about 100 to about 250 (namely, like still wool or sand paper)

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cleansing pad as defined in any of the above is characterized in a manner that RDA the at least one second portion to the first portion ratio is ranging between 3:1 to 1.5:1, or alternatively between 10:1 to 3:1; or alternatively between 100:1 to 10:1 or alternatively between 1,000:1 to 100:1.

According to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the cleansing pad as defined in any of the above comprises bristle-like protrusions, each of which comprises a stem interconnected with the pad and a tip. The tip is shaped in a manner selected from either concave or convex tip, flat-hat like tip, a tip with multiple forked or splintered heads, ball-like shape, coil-like tip, either smooth or texturized tip, sharp edge tip, or any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one surface of the bristle-like protrusion is characterized by low to moderate RDA. Alternatively, it is characterized by moderate to high RDA. Yet again in alternative manner, it is characterized by is characterized by high to very high value of the RDA scale.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the bristle-like protrusions, adjacent to their base, is ranging from of about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, and its length from base to tip is ranging from about 4.0 mm to about 12.0 mm.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one second abrasive portion containing, incorporated with, attached to, coated by, provided with to a slow release mechanism, reversibly affixed to, socked with, inorganic fillers, biocides, disinfectants and antiseptic agents, including organic composition such as chlorohexidine and inorganic components including zinc, silver and oxides and salts thereof, colorants, deodorants and small agents, odorants, UV blockers, primers and binding polymers and copolymers, enzymes, water softening salts, lubricants, demulsifiers, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first material is selected from a group consisting of polymeric elastomers, rubber, silicone, latex and a combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the elastomer is selected from one or more members of a group consisting of unsaturated rubbers, including natural polyisoprene, cis-1,4-polyisoprene natural rubber and trans-1,4-polyisoprene gutta-percha, synthetic polyisoprene, chloroprene rubber, poly vinyl chloride, polychloroprene, including commercially available Neoprene and Baypren products, butyl rubber and any other copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, halogenated butyl rubbers, including chloro butyl rubber; bromo butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber and any other copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers such as commercially available Therban and Zetpol products; saturated rubbers including ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers such as commercially available Viton, Tecnoflon, Fluorel, Aflas and Dai-El products, perfluoroelastomers such as commercially available Tecnoflon, Kalrez, Chemraz and Perlast products, polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene such as commercially available Hypalon product, ethylene-vinyl acetate; polysulfide rubber and elastolefin, elastic fiber used in fabrics production and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first material, second material or both are substantially water sealed, namely nonporous, thus bacteriostatic, hygienic and prevents bacterial and other microorganism culture growth. The pad can be further sterilized in boiling water or in household microwave. The pad of the present invention is Kosher for use in Saturdays and holidays because it doesn't absorb water and it is not kneaded. Likewise, the pad is provided in many colors, e.g., red for meat dishes and blue for milk dishes.

The cleansing pad of claim 1, wherein the second material comprising abrasive particles selected from a group consisting of silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, Granit powder, alumina-zirconia, alumina silica like commercially available Duramul Product by Washimgton Mills (US), spinel, sulfur cake, iron pyrite, manganese dichloride, fused Mullite, silica fume, boron carbide, chrome-alumina, sodium hexafluoroaluminate (Na3AlF6) Cryolite powder, potassium fluoroborate (KBF4), Magnesia-Chrome, commercially available Stoneblast product by Norton Company (US), commercially available BFA dark Alundum, Duralum, Duralum, Emerundum by Washington Mills (US), commercially available Staurolite by Dupont (US), organic materials, including ground olive stones, shell nuts (whole nut), and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the least one first portion made of elastomer or elastomers selected from rubber, silicon and latex, characterized by low to moderate relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) ranging in a scale of about 10 to about 100 according to DIN EN ISO 11609, the portion is having about 15 to about 45 elongated bristles-like protrusions per secure cm with dimensions, size and shape being substantially similar, hence configured for scrubbing. The at least one second portion is integrated with the at least one first portion. It is made of thermoplastic elastomer selected from rubber, silicon and latex, incorporating silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, Granit powder or the like characterized by moderate to high or moderate to very high RDA ranging in a scale of about 100 to about 250 hence configured for scouring. Thermoplastic rubbers are enabled to be injected, like EVA, PVC, PE etc.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one first portion is sharing the same plane with the at least one second portion. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one first portion is not sharing a same plane with the at least one second portion. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one first portion is laying on an opposite plane in respect to the at least second portion.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cleansing pad is selected from a group consisting of sink pad, scraping member, dish washing sponge, brushes, mops, cleansing sponge, scouring cloths, cleaning cloth, copper-cleaning means, kitchen cookware and service-ware (including pans, pots, stoves, ovens, grills and modules thereof), toilet and shower-room cleans-ware, garden and garage cleansing-ware and personal cleansing-ware (including hands and legs).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the further comprising at least one sucker (e.g., vacuum pad, vacuum nipple, vacuum cap etc.). According to another embodiment of the invention, this sucker is provided substantially perpendicular to pad's main plane. Alternatively, the sucker is provided substantially parallel to pad's main plane.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the pad as defined in any of eth above is characterized by a shape selected from a group consisting of two dimensions (2D) substantially flat pad with one main plane, where length and width (2D dimensions) are much greater than its high (3d dimension), e.g., L,W=about 5 to about 500 H. According to another embodiment of the invention, the 2D shape having a rectangular, circular or a shape of a known article of manufacture (including, inter alia, a flower shape, cross shape, an artistically designed shape, a face shape, shape of a palm of a hand, etc.). According to another embodiment of the invention, the 3D pad is having substantially a cube-like shape, a ball-like shape, or a shape of a known article of manufacture (including, inter alia, animal shape, car shape, kitchen-ware shape etc.).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the pad comprises two or more layers. The at least one first portion is located in at least one first (top) layer, and the at least one second portion is located in at least one second (bottom) layer. According to another embodiment of the invention, a void volume or a plurality of volumes is/are provided between the at least one first (top) layer and the least one second (bottom) layer. According to another embodiment of the invention, this volume is configured by means of size and shape to at least temporarily accommodate at least one of the following, a cleansing means (including e.g., polishing materials, vinegar and antibacterial material) and cleaners-hand. It is in the scope of the invention wherein one or more of the layers comprises one or more apertures, allowing a material accommodate within the layers to dissolve outside the layer.

Compression molding is commonly utilized for cost effective production of rubber and silicone parts. Compression moulding is a method of moulding in which the moulding material, generally preheated, is first placed in an open, heated mould cavity. The mould is closed with a top force or plug member, pressure is applied to force the material into contact with all mould areas, while heat and pressure are maintained until the moulding material has cured. Silicone compounds needs also oven post cure to complete curing. The process employs thermosetting resins and binders in a partially cured stage, either in the form of granules, putty-like masses, or preforms.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of producing a cleansing pad as defined in any of the above is disclosed. The method characterized by a step of compression molding at least one scouring portion made of both (i) at least one first abrasive material and (ii) at least one second flexible material, so that at least one first shape (positive) is obtained. After step of removing access material around the positive, and on top of the positive, provided useful a step of compression molding at least one scrubbing portion, made of the at least one second flexible material to at least one second shape that comprising (i) elongated bristles-like protrusions and (ii) at least one recesses fitting the positive in shape, size and location thereby incorporating the positive within the negative.

The invention has been described using exemplary preferred embodiments. However, for those skilled in this field, the preferred embodiments can be easily adapted and modified to suit additional applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements based upon the same operating principle. The scope of the claims, therefore, should be accorded the broadest interpretations so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Example I

Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, illustrating a 3D sized cleansing pad (1) for both scouring and scrubbing. The pad made of a flexible first material, characterized by at least one first portion made of the first material (38) and characterized by a respectively low abrasivity. This rounded portion is having elongated bristles-like protrusions (not shown) hence configured for scrubbing. Integrated with this at least one first portion (38) is at least one second portion (35) made of the first material, incorporating a second material of respectively high abrasivity hence configured for scouring. Here, first and second portions are laying on mutual plane.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1B, illustrating a second pad were first and second portions are not laying on mutual plane but located on opposite planes.

It is well in the scope of the invention wherein the pad comprises n first portions and m and second portion, n and m are integer number being equal or greater than 1. In one embodiment of the invention, n equal in and in another embodiment n differ m. n and in may range from 1 to 5, from 6 to 10, from 11 to 20 or more.

Example II

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A, B and C, illustrating a top view (scrubbing surface on top), a bottom view (scouring surface 35, front view) and side view, respectively of a cleaning pad according an embodiment of the invention. This is a substantially flat pad (e.g., 2D sized cleansing pad) useful for both scouring and scrubbing. This pad made of a flexible first material, characterized by at least one first portion made of the first material and characterized by a respectively low abrasivity. Fiber-like protrusions are provided on the scrubbing surface. On the scouring surface, however, heterogeneously shaped protrusions, e.g., of two types, fiber-like or bristle-like respectively long protrusions (39 front) are provided in the peripheral portion(s) whilst either very short protrusions or even a flattened texture (39 back) are provided in center.

Example III

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-D, illustrating a top view (scrubbing surface on top), side view and a bottom view (scouring surface 35), respectively, of a cleaning pad (1) according an embodiment of the invention. Bristles-like protrusions 39 are provided in both surfaces. FIGS. 3B and D schematically illustrate in an unscaled manner side views of two different embodiment of the invention.

Example IV

Reference is now made to flow chart (FIG. 4A) and to process scheme (FIG. 4B). According to this schematic example, a method of producing a cleansing pad is disclosed (left side) and illustrated (right side). The method characterized by step of compression molding at least one scouring portion (34) so that at least one first shape (positive, 35) is obtained, this is a view of the front side. Another step is removing access (36) material around said positive (35) so a shape (37) is provided. On bottom (rear side) of shape 37, compression molding at least one scrubbing portion (38) made of at least one first flexible material to at least one second shape that comprising elongated bristles-like protrusions (39), thereby implanting said positive scouring portion with said first material 38, view of bottom side. Sucker (40A) is perpendicular to pad (38) and comprises a hanging hole (40B). Protrusions are shaped and sized in either homogenous or heterogeneous manner, and are selected from many sizes, textures, materials and shapes, e.g., an arrow like shape (39A), a column like shape (39B), a star-like ball tip (39C), a multi-filament tip (39D) and a hair/bristle/coil shape (39E).

It is in the scope of the invention wherein powders are admixed to the batches, including colorants, crosslinkers, coupling agents and other additives known in the art. In an embodiment of the invention, the composition of the disc is prepared in open mill or internal mixer. In this example, and according to other embodiments of the invention, a metered-dose multi cavity means are used. Disc is pressed for about 5 min at temperature range of about 150-180 degrees Celsius at about 200 Atm. According to other embodiments of the invention, discs are added to the cavities of eth main molding plate, and the carrying material is injected or pressed. According to other embodiments of the invention, intercrossing is provided for about 5 min at about 180 degrees Celsius at about 200 Atm.

Claims

1.-24. (canceled)

25. A cleansing pad for use in both scouring and scrubbing, made of a flexible first non-porous polymeric material, characterized by at least one first portion made of said first material and characterized by a respectively low abrasivity, said portion is having elongated bristles-like flexible protrusions hence configured for scrubbing; integrated with said at least one first portion, at least one second portion made of said first material, incorporating a second water-sealed less flexible non-porous moldable material comprising inorganic matter of respectively high abrasivity hence configured for scouring.

26. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein at least one of the following is being held true: (a) said at least one first portion is characterized by a low to moderate relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) ranging in a scale of about 10 to about 100 according to DIN EN ISO 11609; (b) said at least one first portion is characterized by low hardness ranging between 40 and 50 shore A; and (c) at least one second portion is characterized by higher hardness ranging between 50 and 85 shore A.

27. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein RDA said at least one second portion to said first portion ratio is ranging between 3:1 to 1.5:1; 10:1 to 3:1; and 100:1 to 1

28. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said bristle-like member comprising a stem interconnected with said pad and a tip, said tip is shaped in a manner selected from either concave or convex tip, flat-hat like tip, a tip with multiple forked or splintered heads, ball-like shape, coil-like tip, either smooth or texturized tip, sharp edge tip, or any combination thereof.

29. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein at least one surface of said bristle-like member is characterized by (i) low to moderate, (ii) moderate to high or (iii) high to very high value of the RDA scale.

30. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said at least one second abrasive portion containing, incorporated with, attached to, implant, provided with to a slow release mechanism, reversibly affixed to, socked with, inorganic fillers, biocides, disinfectants and antiseptic agents, including organic composition such as chlorohexidine and inorganic components including zinc, silver and oxides and salts thereof, colorants, deodorants and small agents, odorants, UV blockers, primers and binding polymers and copolymers, enzymes, water softening salts, lubricants, de-emulsifiers, and any combination thereof.

31. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said first material selected from a group consisting of polymeric elastomers, rubber, silicone, latex and a combination thereof.

32. The cleansing pad of claim 31, wherein said elastomer is selected from one or more members of a group consisting of unsaturated rubbers, including natural polyisoprene, cis-1,4-polyisoprene natural rubber and trans-1,4-polyisoprene gutta-percha, synthetic polyisoprene, chloroprene rubber, poly vinyl chloride, polychloroprene, including commercially available Neoprene trademark and Baypren trademark products, butyl rubber and any other copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, halogenated butyl rubbers, including chloro butyl rubber; bromo butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber and any other copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers such as commercially available Therban trademark and Zetpol trademark products; saturated rubbers including ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers such as commercially available Viton trademark, Tecnoflon trademark, Fluorel trademark, Aflas trademark and Dai-El trademark products, perfluoroelastomers such as commercially available Tecnoflon trademark, Kalrez trademark trademark, Chemraz trademark and Perlast trademark products, polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene such as commercially available Hypalon product, ethylene-vinyl acetate; polysulfide rubber and elastolefin, elastic fiber used in fabrics production and any combination thereof.

33. A water sealed cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said first material is nonporous.

34. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said second material comprising abrasive particles selected from a group consisting of silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, granite powder, alumina-zirconia, alumina silica like commercially available Duramul trademark Product by Washimgton Mills (US), spinel, sulfur cake, iron pyrite, coated abrasive, manganese dichloride, fused Mullite, silica fume, boron carbide, chrome-alumina, sodium hexafluoroaluminate (Na3AlF6) Cryolite powder, potassium fluoroborate (KBF4), Magnesia-Chrome, commercially available Stoneblast trademark product by Norton Company (US), commercially available BFA dark Alundum trademark, Duralum trademark, Duralum trademark, Emerundum trademark by Washington Mills (US), commercially available Staurolite by Dupont (US), organic materials, including ground olive stones, shell nuts (whole nut), and any combination thereof.

35. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said at least one first portion made of elastomer selected from rubber, silicon and latex, characterized by low to moderate relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) ranging in a scale of about 10 to about 100 according to DIN EN ISO 11609, said portion is having elongated bristles-like protrusions hence configured for scrubbing; integrated with said at least one first portion, at least one second portion made of elastomer selected from rubber, silicon and latex, incorporating silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, Granite powder or the like characterized by moderate to high or moderate to very high RDA ranging in a scale of about 100 to about 250 hence configured for scouring.

36. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said at least one first portion is sharing the same plane with said at least one second portion.

37. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said at least one first portion is not sharing a same plane with said at least one second portion.

38. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said at least one first portion is laying on an opposite plane in respect to said at least second portion.

39. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said cleansing pad is selected from a group consisting of sink pad, scraping member, dish washing sponge, brushes, mops, cleansing sponge, scouring cloths, cleaning cloth, copper-cleaning means, kitchen cookware and service-ware, toilet and shower-room cleans-ware, garden and garage cleansing-ware and personal cleansing-ware.

40. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said pad further comprising at least one sucker (vacuum nipple).

41. The cleansing pad of claim 25, wherein said sucker is provided substantially perpendicular to pad's main plane.

42. The cleansing pad of claim 25, characterized by a shape selected from a group consisting of substantially 2D flat member with one main plane where length and width are much greater than its high; a rectangular, circular or a 2D shape of a known article of manufacture; a 3D member substantially having a cube-like shape, a ball-like shape, or a shape of a known article of manufacture.

43. The multilayered cleansing pad of claim 42, wherein a void volume is provided between said at least one first (top) layer and said least one second (bottom) layer; and further wherein said volume is configure to at least temporarily accommodate at least one of the following; a cleansing means and user-hand.

44. A method of producing a cleansing pad, said method characterized by:

a. on first surface, multi-cavity compression-molding of at least one scouring portion (34) so that at least one first shape (positive, 35) is obtained;
b. removing access (36) material around said positive (35) so a shape (37) is provided;
c. compression-molding at least one portion made of at least one first high-abrasive low-flexible material to at least one second shape that comprising thick bristles-like protrusions (39);
d. on second opposite surface, compression molding at least one scrubbing portion (38) made of at least one material to at least one second shape that comprising thin low-abrasive high-flexible bristles-like protrusions (39), thereby implanting said positive scouring portion with said first material 38; steps (c) and (d) are manufactured together in a single molding step (a); and optionally, providing a sucker (40A) perpendicular to pad (38) and optionally providing a hanging hole (40B).
Patent History
Publication number: 20220167823
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 6, 2020
Publication Date: Jun 2, 2022
Inventors: David BACHAR (Tel Aviv), Dror BACHAR (Petach Tikva)
Application Number: 17/428,971
Classifications
International Classification: A47L 13/16 (20060101); A47L 17/08 (20060101);