SURFACE WIPING APPARATUS

Abstract

A surface wiping apparatus. The surface wiping apparatus has an adhesive component for attracting and capturing human hair, pet hair, dust and other dirt and debris from a surface and a disinfection component that simultaneously disinfects the surface. The surface wiping apparatus is attached onto a foot, or hand of a person or handwear or footwear of a person. The apparatus collects human hair, pet hair, dust and other dirt and debris from a surface and simultaneously disinfects the surface during its use.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. utility patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 63/485,287, filed on Feb. 16, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This application relates to wiping a surface. More specifically, it relates to a surface wiping apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a household, there are many instances in which human hair accumulate on a floor including a bathroom, bedroom, etc.

There are also many instances in which human hair and pet hair accumulates in a household including on any floor in a house.

There are also many instances in which food crumbs, dust, dirt, etc. accumulate on floor surfaces.

There are several problems associated with picking up human hair, pet hair and food crumbs, dust, dirt, etc. from floor surfaces.

One problem is that people that have mobility issues or issues with bending down, cannot easily reach a floor surface to clean up hair and other various particles on the floor.

Another problem is that human hair, pet hair and food crumbs, dust, dirt, etc. have to be swept up or mopped up requiring a broom, dust pan or mop to be physically moved from room-to-room.

Another problem is that human hair and pet hair are particularly hard to sweep up and often remaining attached to a broom or mop because of the static electricity properties of the hair in which the hair builds up an electrical charge.

Another problem is that it is not easy to simultaneously disinfect floor surfaces after hair and other debris are picked up.

Another problem is other surfaces besides floor surfaces may have human hair, pet hair, dust and other debris that needs to be removed.

There have been a number of attempts to solve some of the problems associated with picking up hair and other debris with foot and hand coverings.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,227, that issued to Swango, et al. teaches “A shoe or foot covering with slip-resistant properties is disclosed. In particular the foot covering includes slip-resistant portions made from a polymeric material that are preferably applied to the bottom portion of the foot covering. The polymeric material contains a metallocene catalyzed branch copolymer which has rubber-like properties.”

U.S. Published Patent Application No. US2020/0138143, published by Stirling teaches “Systems and methods of the present invention provide for one or more server computers communicatively coupled to a network and configured to make and use an article of manufacture, and the associated method steps for making and using a soft-shelled foot covering.”

U.S. Published Patent Application No. US2003/0190442, published by Campbell, et al. teaches “A shoe or foot covering with slip-resistant properties is disclosed. The shoe cover includes a slip-resistant material that is applied to the bottom portion of the shoe cover. The slip-resistant material may be a substantially amorphous atactic olefin polymer.”

DIRT DEVIL, cleaning slippers, microfiber washable dusting shoes, teaches “a comfortable and hands-free way to clean hard floors throughout the home. Dust baseboards or mop up wet spills with durable microfiber and chenille fabric while avoiding left behind footprints. The removeable cleaning pads are machine washable and designed for use again and again.”

TAMICY mop slippers, teaches “Super soft, washable and reusable, high absorbing ability, protect the surface of the floor while wiping. Lint free and unfading, best for long time use. Just wearing these mop slippers makes the whole house beautiful.”

However, these solutions still do not solve all of the problems associated with foot and hand coverings for wiping surfaces. Thus, it is desirable to solve some of the problems associated with foot and hand coverings for wiping surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, some of the problems associated with foot coverings are overcome. A surface wiping apparatus is presented.

The surface wiping apparatus has an adhesive component for attracting and capturing human hair, pet hair, dust and other dirt and debris from a surface and a disinfection component that simultaneously disinfects the surface. The surface wiping apparatus is attached onto a foot, or hand of a person or handwear or footwear of a person. The apparatus collects human hair, pet hair, dust and other dirt and debris from a surface and simultaneously disinfects the surface during its use.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description. The detailed description proceeds with references to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary surface wiping apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a peel-and-stick component;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom view of the surface wiping apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom view of the surface wiping apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of a foot wiping apparatus with a peel-and-stick component attached to a side of the body component of the surface wiping apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of a surface wiping apparatus with a peel-and-stick components attached to a side of the body component of the surface wiping apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of a surface wiping apparatus including a bare human foot on top of the surface wiping apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of a surface wiping apparatus including a bare human foot on top of the surface wiping apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a side view of a surface wiping apparatus including a human hand within the surface wiping apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom view of a hand wiping apparatus with a shape of a glove;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom view of a hand wiping apparatus with a shape of a glove;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom view a hand wiping apparatus with a shape of a mitten;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a bottom view of a hand wiping apparatus with a shape of mitten; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating both a human hand within the surface wiping apparatus and a human foot within the surface wiping apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary Surface Wiping Apparatus

FIG. 1 is a block diagram 10 illustrating an exemplary surface wiping apparatus 12.

The exemplary surface wiping apparatus 12 includes, but is not limited to, a body component 14 of a pre-determined size and pre-determined shape; a top portion 16 of the body component 14 including an opening 18 to attach the body component 14 to a cleaning component 20, the top portion of the body component 16 coated with a first chemical compound 22 to attract dust, dirt and hair from a surface 24 as the body component 14 is moved across the surface 24, a bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 including plural separate sections coated with plural different chemical compounds, the plural separate sections comprising: a first section 28 including a second chemical compound 30 to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24, and a second section 32 including a third chemical compound 34 to disinfect the surface 24 directly from contact with the surface 24. The first section 28 and second section 32 of the bottom portion 26 simultaneously collecting dust, dirt and hair from the surface 24 and disinfect the surface 24 when the surface wiping apparatus 12 is moved across the surface. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and more, fewer or other types of components and chemical compounds can be used to practice the invention.

The body component 14, includes, but is not limited to, non-toxic, bio-degradable, eco-friendly materials, including but not limited to, cotton, paper, recycled paper, recycled plastic, plastic, cloth, corrugated paper material, organic cotton, bamboo microfiber cloth, cotton microfiber cloth, microfiber cloth including antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral, coatings, microfiber materials, NYLON, POLYESTER, POLYAMIDE, MELAMINE, SPANDEX, RAYON, polypropylene, a mesh material and/or other materials and/or a combination of such materials. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the opening 18 in body component 14 includes an elastic component around the opening to prevent the body component 14 from slipping off a cleaning component 20 (e.g., hand, foot, broom, mop, broom handle, mop handle, etc.) when used with the surface wiping apparatus 12. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments with other coatings can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the top portion 16 of the body component 14 is coated with a first chemical compound 22 including a debris attraction chemical compound including molecules that use van der Waals forces to attract objects such as dust, dirt, hair, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments with other coatings can be used to practice the invention.

In molecular physics and chemistry, the van der Waals forces are a distance-dependent interaction between atoms or molecules. Unlike ionic or covalent bonds, these attractions do not result from a chemical electronic bond. The van der Waals force quickly vanishes at longer distances between interacting molecules. Van der Waals forces are often among the weakest chemical forces.

The van der Waals forces include attracting ions with a negative charge called anions and ions with a positive charge are called cations.

In one embodiment, the top portion 16 of body component 14 is coated with the first chemical compound 22 including, but not limited to a, nanoparticle, enzyme, protein, polyimide, graphene oxide, calcium compound and/or other coating that has van der Waals forces to attract cations, anions, or a combination thereof. The van der Waals forces attract hair and other debris with an electrical charge. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments with other coatings can be used to practice the invention.

Untreated human hair typically has a strongly negative surface charge. Carboxyl groups of glutamine, nucleotides, aspartic acid and sulfonic acid groups in the hair are responsible for this property. If a hair is treated with shampoo, conditioner, dye, or bleach and/or the hair was rubbed on a surface that transferred electrons, the charge of the hair surface changes from a negative charge to a positive charge. Dog and cat hair typically have a positive charge depending on the species of dog or cat. Dust and debris have various types of both positive and negative surface charges.

In one specific embodiment, the top portion of the body component 14 is coated with a first chemical compound 22 including a positively charged calcium compound. The calcium compound (e.g., Ca⁺² compound, etc.) is applied to the top portion 16 of the body component 14 resulting in a positive surface charge that attracts hair and other debris with a negative charge. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments with other coatings can be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, the first chemical compound 22 incudes a negatively charged (e.g., −1, −2, etc.) oligonucleotide compound and/or a mesocarbon compound (e.g., graphitic, etc.) that is applied to the top portion 16 of the body component 14 resulting in a negative surface charge to attract hair and other debris with a positive charge. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments with other coatings can be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, a mixture and/or combination of such positive and negative charged chemical compounds are applied to selected individual areas the top portion 16 of the body component 14 to attract hair and other debris with both positive and negative charges. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments with other coatings can be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, the top portion 16 of the body component is coated with an adhesive chemical compound as is described herein to collect, dirt, debris, dust and hair via direct contact with the adhesive compound. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments with other coatings can be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, the top portion 16 of the body component 14 is not coated with the first chemical compound 22 or any chemical compound. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the body component 14 includes, but is not limited to, different decorative patterns and/or colors. In such an embodiment, the different decorative patterns may include graphical patterns and/or photographs, etc. for a kitchen, bathroom, nursery, children's room, sports teams, sports figures, entertainment figures, public figures, sports team colors, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments without decorative patterns and/or colors may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the surface 24, includes a floor, wall, ceiling, lighting component, fan component (e.g., ceiling fan component, etc.), furniture component, edges and corners of surfaces 24, etc.

In one embodiment, the bottom portion 26 includes a material that is used for scrubbing (e.g., plastic mesh, etc.) a surface 24. In another embodiment, the bottom portion 26 includes a material for absorbing spills (e.g., CHENILLE fiber, microfiber, etc.) from a surface 24.

In one embodiment, the first section 28 of the bottom portion 26 includes a second chemical compound 30 to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24 as the surface wiping apparatus 12 is moved over the surface 24. The second chemical compound 30, includes but is not limited to, an adhesive component. The adhesive component is sticky enough to collect to dust, dirt, hair and other debris directly from contact with the surface 24, but not sticky enough to provide a component with a large coefficient of friction that prevents easy movement of the surface wiping apparatus 12 across the surface 24 with minimal resistance.

A coefficient of friction, u, is a measure of the amount of friction existing between two surfaces. A small coefficient of friction indicates that the force required for sliding to occur between the two surfaces is small. A high coefficient of friction indicates that a force required for sliding to occur between the two surfaces is high.

In one embodiment, second chemical compound 30 with the adhesive component includes, but is not limited to, a pressure sensitive acrylate (PSA) with microspheres, which are synthetic polymers that won't dissolve or melt down. “Acrylates” are the salts, esters, and conjugate bases of acrylic acid and are common monomers in polymer plastics. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, second chemical compound 30 with the adhesive component includes, but is not limited to, “elastomer adhesives.” “Elastomer adhesives” include rubber or silicone-based adhesives used to bond elastomeric materials to substrates and provide a flexibility to the bond formed. An “elastomeric material” is any material exhibiting elastic or rubber-like properties. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the second chemical compound 30 including the adhesive compound is coated with a disinfectant, anti-microbial compound and/or an anti-viral compound, and/or a combination thereof. In such an embodiment, the coated adhesive compound simultaneously collects, dust, dirt, hair, etc. and disinfects a surface 24. In another embodiment, the whole bottom portion 26 of the apparatus 12 includes the adhesive compound coated with the disinfectant, etc. providing simultaneous dust, dirt and hair collection and disinfection of a surface 24. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

The second section 32 includes a third chemical compound 34 to disinfect the surface 24 directly from contact with the surface 24 when the surface wiping apparatus 12 is moved across the surface 24. In one embodiment, the third chemical compound 34, includes but is not limited to, a disinfectant, germicide, anti-bacterial and/or anti-viral coating, or a combination thereof, to disinfect the surface 24 as the surface wiping apparatus 12 is moved across the surface.

In one embodiment, the third chemical compound 34 including the disinfection component includes, but is not limited to, a coating of alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride and/or alkyl dimethylethylbenzyl ammonium chloride. For example, many types of household disinfecting wipes include such a disinfection component. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, the third chemical compound 34 including the disinfection component includes, but is not limited to, a coating of sodium diamphoacetate and coco phosphatidyl PG-dimonium chloride. Many types of personal wipes include chemicals that don't strip the skin of natural oils and also decrease skin irritation potential in case the disinfection component 32 is touched. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, the third chemical compound 34 including the disinfection component includes, but is not limited to, sodium hypochlorite, ethanol, methanol, pine oil, hydrogen peroxide, citric acid and/or quaternary ammonium compounds. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, the third chemical compound 34 including the disinfection component includes, but is not limited to, distilled water, vinegar, white vinegar, mineral oils, essential oils (e.g., with scented oils to release scent), alkalis, bleach, hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, iodophor disinfectants, quaternary ammonium compounds, detergents, sanitizers and/or other solvents. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the third chemical compound 34 including the disinfection component includes, but is not limited to, (a) Chemical germicides, (b) Iodophors 30-50 mg of free iodine per liter; and/or 70-150 mg of available iodine per liter; (c) Chlorine solutions 500-5000 mg of free chlorine per liter; (d) Alcohol (e.g., methyl; ethyl; isopropyl, etc.); (e) 70% Iodine; (f) alcohol 0.5%+70% Phenolic compounds, aqueous 0.5%-3% and/or (g) Quarternary ammonium compounds, aqueous 0.1-0.2%. However, the present invention is not limited to these compounds and/or concentrations and other compounds and/or concentrations can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the third chemical compound 34 including the disinfection component includes, but is not limited to, only a scented oil and/or a scented essential oil and no disinfection component. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the third chemical compound 34 is not used and the surface wiping apparatus 12 does not include a disinfection component. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the second chemical compound 30 including the adhesive is replaced with the first chemical compound 22 in the first section 28 on the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 to use van der Waals forces to attract objects such as dust, dirt, hair, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the third chemical compound 34 including the disinfectant is with the first chemical compound 22 in the second section 32 on the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 to use van der Waals forces to attract objects such as dust, dirt, hair, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, both the top portion 16 of the body component 14 and the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 is coated with the second chemical compound 30 including an adhesive compound. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, first chemical compound 22 and the third chemical compounds 32 are both replaced with a fourth chemical compound 29 including a second type of adhesive compound with less adhesive strength then the second chemical compound 28 including the original adhesive. In such an embodiment, dust, dirt, hair, etc. is collected with the adhesive properties of the third 28 and fourth 29 chemical compounds. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the cleaning component 20 includes, but is not limited to, a human foot 56, without and/or without footwear (e.g., shoe, sock, slipper, etc.) a human hand 64 and/or a cleaning utensil comprising, a mop, mop handle, broom and/or broom handle and/or other cleaning component. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be use to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, an end of a mop and/or broom is placed inside the opening 18 inside the surface wiping apparatus 12 over the end of the mop and/or broom to use the apparatus 12 to clean and disinfect the surface 24. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be use to practice the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 36 illustrating a peel-and-stick component 38.

In one embodiment, the first section 28 on the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 is covered with a peel-and-stick component 18. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention, with and without the peel-and-stick component.

In FIG. 2, the peel-and-stick and component 38 includes a cover strip component 40 that is placed over the second chemical compound 30 in the first section 28 of the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12.

The cover strip component 40 includes, but is not limited to, non-toxic, bio-degradable, eco-friendly materials including a paper and/or plastic material and/or other material that is placed over the adhesive component 30 during a manufacturing process.

The cover strip component 40 is placed over the second chemical compound 30 in the first section 28 of the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12 during a manufacturing process and is pulled off when the surface wiping apparatus 12 is used.

FIG. 2 illustrates only one peel-and-stick and component 38 for simplicity and plural peel-and-stick and components 38 can be used to practice the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments with materials and coatings can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the peel-and-stick component 38 is die cut into the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12. “Die cutting” is a manufacturing-related fabrication process that involves the use of a machine to manipulate the size and shape of stock materials. It's called “die cutting” because it requires the use of a die. The stock material, such as the peel and stick component, is compressed against a die using a punch to attach it to the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In one embodiment, a single peel-and-stick component 38 and/or plural peel-and-stick components 38 that cover a whole bottom portion 26 of the foot wiping apparatus 12. In other embodiments as illustrated in the figures, a single peel-and-stick component 16 and/or plural peel-and-stick component 16 cover only a portion of the bottom portion 23 of the surface wiping apparatus 12. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments with materials and coatings can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the peel-and-stick component 38 includes one or more stacks 38-stack of plural peel-and-stick components 38a, 38b, . . . 38n, where “n” is a total number of individual peel-and-stick apparatus in the stack 38-stack (FIG. 2). In such an embodiment, a first cover sheet 40a is pulled off a first peel-and-stick component 38a to reveal a first layer of the second chemical compound 30a. When the first layer of the second chemical compound 30a of the first peel-and-stick component 38a is used, when the second cover sheet 40b is pulled off. The second cover sheet 40b also pulls off the previous first peel-and-stick component 38a to expose the second peel-and-stick component 38b and a second layer of the second chemical compound 30b, etc. This process is repeated until a bottom layer of the stack of peel-and-stick components 38-last is reached. When the last layer of the second chemical compound 30-last is used, the apparatus 12 is disposed of. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments with materials and coatings can be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 42 illustrating a bottom view of the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In FIG. 3, the bottom portion 26 of the foot wiping apparatus 12 is illustrated as an oval shape. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other shapes can be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a single peel-and-stick components 38 with a single cover strip component 40. The cover strip component 40 is removed from the second chemical compound 30 in the first section 28 of the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12 before use to expose the adhesive included in the second chemical compound 30.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 44 illustrating a bottom view of the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In FIG. 4, the bottom portion 26 of the foot wiping apparatus 12 is illustrated as an oval shape. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other shapes can be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates six plural circular shaped peel-and-stick components 46 with circular cover strip components 48. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and more, fewer and other shapes for the peel-and-stick components 46 can be used to practice the invention. The plural cover strip components 48 are removed from the second chemical compound 30′ in the first section 28 of the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12 before use to expose the adhesive included in the second chemical compound 30′.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram 26 illustrating a side view of a surface wiping apparatus 12 with a peel-and-stick components attached to a side of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In FIG. 5, The surface wiping apparatus 12 includes one or more peel-and-stick components 52 (one of which is illustrated for simplicity) attached to selected portions sides of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12. The one or more peel-and-stick components 52 on the side of the surface wiping apparatus 12 picks up additional hair dust, dirt and debris. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the one or more peel-and-stick components 52 on the sides of the body component 14 are replaced with a chemical compound coating including: (1) an attraction component comprising the first chemical compound 22; (2) an adhesive component comprising the second chemical compound 30; (3) a disinfect component comprising the third chemical compound 34; and/or a combination thereof. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram 54 illustrating a side view of a surface wiping apparatus 12 including bare human foot 56 inside the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In FIG. 6, the bare human foot 56 is placed inside the surface wiping apparatus 12 through the opening 18 to use the apparatus 12 by walking across the surface 24 and/or moving the apparatus 12 in a pre-determined motion on the surface 24. FIG. 6 illustrates only a selected portion of the first section 28 including the second chemical compound 30 with an adhesive to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24 is included on a bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram 58 illustrating a side view of a surface wiping apparatus including a bare human foot 56 on top of the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In FIG. 7, the bare human foot 56 is placed on top of the surface wiping apparatus 12 to use the apparatus 12 by moving it across the surface 24. FIG. 7 illustrates the body component 14 in a compressed configuration. FIG. 7 illustrates only a selected portion of the first section 28 including the second chemical compound 30 with an adhesive to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24 is included on a bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram 60 illustrating a side view of a surface wiping apparatus including a bare human foot 56 on top of the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In FIG. 8, the bare human foot 56 is placed on top of the surface wiping apparatus 12 compressing the body component 14 to use the apparatus 12 by moving it across the surface 24. FIG. 8 illustrates the body component 14 in a compressed configuration. FIG. 8 illustrates all of the first section 28 including the second chemical compound 30 with an adhesive to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24 is included on a whole bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12. In FIG. 8, none of the second section 32 with third chemical compound 34 is used. In another embodiment, the second chemical compound 30 on the whole bottom portion 26 of the body component is coated with the third chemical compound 34 providing simultaneous collect of dust, dirt, hair, etc. and disinfection of a surface 24. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment in FIGS. 7 and 8, the top portion 16 of the body component 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12 includes a rubberized material, a mesh material and/or other material with a large coefficient of friction u so the human foot 56 will not slide off the surface wiping apparatus 12 during use. In one embodiment, the top portion 16 and the bottom portion 26 of the body component include a same material. In one embodiment, the top portion 16 and the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 include a same material and the top portion 16 of the body component 14 is coated with same second chemical compound 30 including the adhesive as the whole bottom portion 26. In one embodiment, the top portion 16 of the body component 14 is coated with same second chemical compound 30 including the adhesive as the bottom portion 26. In such embodiments, the adhesive provides a large coefficient of friction u so the human foot 56 will not slide off the surface wiping apparatus 12 during use. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the top portion 16 and the bottom portion 26 of the body component 14 include a same material and the whole top portion 16 of the body component 14 is coated with same second chemical compound 30 including the adhesive as the whole bottom portion 26. In such an embodiment both sides (i.e., top 16 and bottom 26) are both sticky. In one embodiment, a small sticker 31 with including a material with a small coefficient of friction u is placed on the top portion 16 individual apparatus 12 in a stack of apparatus 12-stack, do not stick together and are more easily pulled off the stack for use. It has been determined experimentally, that such a small sticker 31 (FIG. 1) with a size similar to a U.S. twenty-five cent ($0.25) coin or about 0.955 inches. 24.26 millimeters in diameter, is large enough to allow for proper separation of individual apparatus 12a, 12b, . . . 12n, where “n” is a total number of apparatus in the stack, in a stack of apparatus 12-stack. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a bare human foot 56. However, the invention can be practiced with a human foot including a sock and/or footwear (e.g., shoe, boot, slipper, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram 62 is a side view of a surface wiping apparatus 12 including a human hand 64 within the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In FIG. 9, the human hand 64 is placed within the body 14 of the surface wiping apparatus 12. The surface wiping apparatus 12 is moved across the surface 24 to clean it via the human hand 64.

The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9, can also be used in the compressed configuration illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein the human foot 56 in FIGS. 7 and 8 is replaced with the human hand 64 from FIG. 9.

In one embodiment, the surface wiping apparatus 12 the pre-determined size and shape is configured as described for FIG. 1 herein for use with the human hand 64.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram 68 illustrating a bottom view of a hand wiping apparatus 12 with a shape of a glove 70.

FIG. 10 illustrates plural first sections 28a-28e in the shape of a rectangle, one on each finger and one on a thumb of the shape of the glove 70, including the second chemical compound 30a-30e to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24. FIG. 10 illustrates a second section 32′ of the bottom component 26′ as a palm portion of the shape of the human hand 70 including the third chemical compound 34 to disinfect the surface 24. FIG. 10 also illustrates plural peel-and-stick components 38a-38c, 40a-40e, one each to cover the plural first sections 28a-28c. FIG. 10 also illustrates a single peel-and-stick component 38′, 40′ to cover all plural first sections 28a-28c. Such a single peel-and-stick component makes it very easy to uncover all of the second chemical compound 30a-30e in one motion. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram 72 illustrating a bottom view of a hand wiping apparatus 12 with a shape of a glove 70′.

FIG. 11 illustrates plural first sections 48a-48e in the shape of a circle (FIG. 4), one on each finger and one on a thumb of the shape of the glove 70′, including the second chemical compound 30a-30e to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24. FIG. 11 illustrates a second section 32′ of the bottom component 26′ as a palm portion of the shape of the human hand 70 including the third chemical compound 34 to disinfect the surface 24. FIG. 11 also illustrates plural peel-and-stick components 38′ 40′ (only one of which is illustrated for simplicity) to cover the plural first sections 48a-48e. FIG. 11 also illustrates a single peel-and-stick component 38″,40″ to cover all plural first sections 48a-48c. Such a single peel-and-stick component makes it very easy to uncover all of the second chemical compound 30a-30e in one motion. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram 74 illustrating a bottom view a hand wiping apparatus 12 with a shape of a mitten 76.

FIG. 12 illustrates plural first sections 28a-28e in the shape of a rectangle, one on each finger and one on a thumb of the shape of the mitten 76, including the second chemical compound 30a-30e to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24. FIG. 12 illustrates a second section 32′″ of the bottom component 26′″ as a palm portion of mitten 76 including the third chemical compound 34 to disinfect the surface 24. FIG. 12 also illustrates plural peel-and-stick components 38a-38c, 40a-40c, one each to cover the plural first sections 28a-28e. FIG. 11 also illustrates a single peel-and-stick component 38′″, 40″ to cover all plural first sections 28a-28c. Such a single peel-and-stick component makes it very easy to uncover all of the second chemical compound 30a-30e in one motion. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram 80 illustrating a bottom view of a hand wiping apparatus 12 with a shape of mitten 78′.

FIG. 13 illustrates plural first sections 48a-48e in the shape of a circle (FIG. 4), arranged in pre-determined pattern on the shape of the mitten 78′, including the second chemical compound 30a-30e to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface 24. FIG. 13 illustrates a second section 32′ of the bottom component 26 as a palm portion of the shape of the human hand 70 including the third chemical compound 34 to disinfect the surface 24. FIG. 13 also illustrates plural peel-and-stick components 46a-46e, 48a-48e, one each to cover the plural first sections 28a-28c. FIG. 13 also illustrates a single peel-and-stick component 38″″,40″″ to cover all plural first sections 48a-48e. Such a single peel-and-stick component makes it very easy to uncover all of the second chemical compound 30a-30e in one motion. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram 82 illustrating both a human hand 64 within the surface wiping apparatus 12 and a human foot 56 within the surface wiping apparatus 12.

In FIG. 14, the surface wiping apparatus 12 is used simultaneously with both a human foot 56 and a human hand 64 to simultaneously clean and disinfect plural surface 24, 24′ by moving 84, 84′ the foot and hand 64 simultaneously across the surfaces 24, 24′. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the surface wiping apparatus 12, 70, 70′, 78, 78′ is specifically sized and shaped for a one-size-fits-all, use. In another embodiment, surface wiping apparatus 12, 70, 70′, 78, 78′ is created in multiple sizes, such as extra small, small, medium, large and extra-large to reengage plural different sizes of human hand 64 (e.g., small, medium, large, extra-large, etc.) and human feet 56 (e.g., sizes 1-14 US, etc.) However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments may be used to practice the invention.

The surface wiping apparatus 12, 70, 70′, 78, 78′ is disposed of after use. The materials used to create the surface wiping apparatus 12, 70, 70′, 78, 78′ are non-toxic, bio-degradable, eco-friendly, disposable, materials and can be thrown in a garbage container and/or flushed down a toilet, etc.

In one embodiment, the surface wiping apparatus 12, 70, 70′, 78, 78′ further includes an absorbent material and/or an absorbent material component (e.g., a CHENILLE fiber and/or microfiber component, cloth component, etc.) that is also used to clean up and absorb spills.

The surface wiping apparatus 12, 70, 70′, 78, 78′ is usable, including but not limited, in a healthcare, veterinarian, food, commercial, industrial, repair, manufacturing, vehicle (e.g., car, truck, boat, motorcycle, aircraft, snow machine, etc.) and/or an inside or outside home and/or office environment, and/or a combination thereof.

The surface wiping apparatus has an adhesive component for attracting and capturing human hair, pet hair, dust and other dirt and debris from a surface and a disinfection component that simultaneously disinfects the surface. The surface wiping apparatus is attached onto a foot, or hand of a person or handwear or footwear of a person. The apparatus collects human hair, pet hair, dust and other dirt and debris from a surface and simultaneously disinfects the surface during its use.

It should be understood that the architecture, programs, processes, methods and systems described herein are not related or limited to any particular type of materials unless indicated otherwise. Various types of general purpose or specialized materials may be used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings described herein.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles of the present invention can be applied, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the steps of the flow diagrams may be taken in sequences other than those described, and more or fewer elements may be used in the block diagrams.

While various elements of the preferred embodiments have been described as being implemented in specific materials and other implementations may alternatively be used, and vice-versa.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. In addition, use of the term “means” in any claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, and any claim without the word “means” is not so intended. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

Claims

1. A surface wiping apparatus, comprising:

a body component of a pre-determined size and pre-determined shape;

a top portion of the body component including an opening to attach the body component to a cleaning component,

the top portion of the body component coated with a first chemical compound to attract dust, dirt and hair from a surface as the body component is moved across the surface;

a bottom portion of the body component including a plurality of separate components coated with a plurality of different chemical compounds;

the plurality of separate sections comprising:

a first section including a second chemical compound to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface, and

a second section including a third chemical compound to disinfect the surface directly from contact with the surface,

the first section and second section of the bottom portion simultaneously collecting dust, dirt and hair from the surface and disinfecting the surface.

2. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body component includes a non-toxic, bio-degradable, eco-friendly, disposable, materials, including but not limited to, one or more of a cotton, paper, recycled corrugated material, recycled plastic, organic cotton, bamboo microfiber cloth, cotton microfiber cloth, microfiber cloth including antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral, coatings, microfiber materials, NYLON, POLYESTER, POLYAMIDE, MELAMINE, SPANDEX, RAYON, polypropylene, a mesh material, or a combination of these materials.

3. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the first chemical compound includes one or more of, a nanoparticle, enzyme, protein, polyimide, graphene oxide, calcium, oligonucleotide or mesocarbon compound chemical compound, or a combination thereof.

4. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the second chemical compound includes an adhesive compound including combination of a pressure sensitive acrylate (PSA) and microspheres or an elastomer compound, or a combination thereof.

5. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the adhesive compound includes a small coefficient of friction to allow the bottom portion of the surface wiping apparatus to be easily moved across the surface with minimal resistance.

6. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, third chemical compound includes a disinfecting compound including one or more of: the alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethylethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, sodium diamphoacetate, coco phosphatidyl PG-dimonium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, ethanol, methanol, pine oil, hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, distilled water, vinegar, white vinegar, mineral oils, essential oils, alkalies, bleach, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, iodophor disinfectants, quaternary ammonium compounds, detergents, or solvents, or a combination thereof.

7. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the pre-determined shape includes a shape of footwear, gloves, mittens or other polygons.

8. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, cleaning component includes a human hand, human foot or a cleaning utensil comprising, a mop, mop handle, broom or broom handle.

9. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the top portion of the body component further includes a friction material to allow the surface wiping apparatus to be used without inserting the cleaning component into the opening in the top portion of the body component and the friction material prevent the cleaning component from sliding off the top portion of the body component.

10. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the friction material includes a rubberized material, mesh material, plastic material or paper material, or a combination thereof, with a large coefficient of friction.

11. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the first section including the second chemical compound to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the surface includes one or more peel-and-stick components covering the second chemical compound.

12. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 11 wherein, the one or more peel-and-stick components cover a whole surface area of the first section or selected portions of the first section of the bottom portion of the body component.

13. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the second chemical compound including the adhesive is replaced with the first chemical compound in the first section on the bottom portion of the body component to use van der Waals forces to attract objects such as dust, dirt and hair and a combination thereof.

14. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the third chemical compound including the disinfectant is replaced with the first chemical compound in the second section on the bottom portion of the body component to use van der Waals forces to attract objects such as dust, dirt and hair and a combination thereof.

15. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, first chemical compound on the top portion of the body component is replaced with the second chemical compound including the adhesive.

16. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the second chemical compound including the adhesive further includes a coating comprising: a disinfectant, germicide, anti-bacterial or anti-viral coating, or a combination thereof.

17. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, first chemical compound on the top portion of the body component and the third chemical compound including the disinfectant in the second section on the bottom portion of the body component are both replaced with the second chemical compound including the adhesive.

18. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the second chemical compound including the adhesive the second section on the bottom portion of the body component and the third chemical compound including the disinfectant in the second section on the bottom portion of the body component are both replaced with the first chemical compound to use van der Waals forces to attract objects such as dust, dirt and hair and a combination thereof.

19. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, first chemical compound and the third chemical compounds are both replaced with a fourth chemical compound including a second type of adhesive compound with less adhesive strength than the adhesive in the third chemical compound.

20. The surface wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the pre-determined size and pre-determined shapes includes a single, one-size-fits-all size, or a plurality of different sizes for footwear and a plurality of sizes for gloves and mittens.

21. A surface wiping apparatus, comprising:

a body component of a pre-determined size and pre-determined shape;

a top portion of the body component to attach the body component to a cleaning component,

the top portion of the body component coated with a first chemical compound including an adhesive with a large coefficient of friction to keep the body component attached to the cleaning component during use; and

a bottom portion of the body component to attract dust, dirt and hair from a surface as the body component is moved across the surface including:

the bottom portion of the body component coated with a second chemical compound including a combination of an adhesive compound and a disinfectant compound with a small coefficient of friction to collect dust, dirt and hair directly from contact with the adhesive compound while simultaneously disinfecting the surface with the disinfectant compound.