Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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STAIN-REMOVAL BRUSH INCLUDING CLEANING COMPOSITION DISPENSER
Field
The present invention relates to hand-held stain-removal brushes for inanimate
surfaces. More specifically, the invention relates to hand-held motorized
stain-removal
brushes for fabrics and inanimate hard surfaces.
Backctround
One difficulty associated with stain-removal brushes that dispense cleaning
compositions includes the tendency of the cleaning composition to drip and/or
leak from
the device after dispensing is concluded. The present invention addresses this
drawback. This and other features, aspects, advantages, and variations of the
present
invention will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of
the present
disclosure with the appended claims and are covered within the scope of the
claims.
Summary
The present invention is directed to an article of commerce and a method of
cleaning inanimate surfaces. The article of commerce comprises:
a motorized stain-removal brush, wherein the motorized stain-removal brush
comprises:
i) a handle having a motor, pump, liquid transfer channel, and nozzle
disposed therein wherein the nozzle opening includes a one way
restriction valve;
ii) a head having a longitudinal axis;
iii) a neck disposed between the handle and the head;
iv) a bristle holder associated with the head which oscillates or rotates;
v) a set of bristles or a foam structure associated with the bristle holder;
wherein the motor is operatively connected to the bristle holder.
The one way restriction valve may be a check valve. The check valve may be
a duckbill valve, umbrella check valve, poppet valve, flapper valve,
needle valve, sphere valve, or a combination thereof. The nozzle
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opening may be adjacent to the bristle holder, disposed within the bristle
holder, or a combination thereof.
The article may also include a reservoir for containing a cleaning
composition.
The reservoir may be attached to the handle.
The article of commerce may also include a set of instructions in association
with the motorized stain-removal brush, wherein the instructions direct a user
of the
motorized stain-removal brush to put a solution in contact with the inanimate
surface and
use the motorized stain-removal brush to brush the solution on the inanimate
surface.
Brief Descriation of the Drawings
It is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a motorized stain-removal brush made in accordance
with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a motorized stain-removal brush of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the motorized stain-removal brush of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a motorized stain-removal brush made
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view which shows cleaning efficiency angle.
FIG. 6 is a side view of a stain-removal brush bristle tuft pattern suitable
for use
with the motorized stain-removal brushes of FIGS. 1 to 4.
FIG. 7 is a side view of stain-removal brush head wherein a foam-like or
sponge-
like structure replaces the bristles suitable for use with the electric stain-
removal brushes
of FIGS. 1 to 4.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a device which can be used in conjunction with
a
tensile tester to measure cleaning efficiency angle.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a reservoir which can be used in conjunction
with
the motorized stain-removal brush of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view of a stain-removal brush made in accordance
with
the present invention.
Detailed Description
Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings
wherein like
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numerals indicate the same elements throughout the views. All percentages,
ratios and
proportions herein are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated.
Except as otherwise noted, all amounts including quantities, percentages,
portions, and proportions, are understood to be modified by the word "about",
and
amounts are not intended to indicate significant digits.
Except as otherwise noted, the articles "a", "an", and "the" mean "one or
more".
As used herein, "comprising" means that other steps and other ingredients
which
do not afFect the end result can be added. This term encompasses the terms
"consisting
of and "consisting essentially of'. The compositions and methods/processes of
the
present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the
essential
elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any of
the
additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations
described herein.
As used herein, "inanimate surface" means a surface that does not make up a
part of a living organism (e.g., does not include teeth). Examples of
inanimate surfaces
include, but are not limited to, fabrics and hard surfaces.
As used herein, "stain-removal brush" means a brush for cleaning an inanimate
surface.
As used herein, "motorized" and "electric" are used interchangeably to refer
to the
use of power source to activate the stain-removal brush. Sources of power
include but
are not limited to batteries, plug-in electrical sources such as commonly used
110V and
220V current, solar power, and the like.
A. Stain-removal brush
As will be appreciated, the present invention is directed to electric stain-
removal
brushes (including electric stain-removal brushes having replaceable heads)
and electric
stain-removal brush heads having moving bristle holders. The bristle holder
rotates or
oscillates or reciprocates and translates, or performs any other non-
rotational or
oscillatory motion. Herein, the term "rotate" is intended to refer to a
unidirectional
angular motion (e.g., a constant clockwise motion) while the term "oscillate"
is intended
to refer to vibratory angular motion (e.g., repeated cycles of clockwise
rotation and
counter clockwise rotation). Vibration is any periodic movement having
repeated cycles.
Vibratory motion can have one or more frequencies and amplitudes. Vibratory
motion
that is substantially linear is referred to herein as a reciprocating motion.
The present invention can be used in combination with electric stain-removal
brushes and electric stain-removal brush heads that include shafts that
rotate, oscillate,
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or reciprocate (as well as combinations thereof) to impart motion to the
bristle holders.
In addition, the present invention can be used in combination with electric
stain-removal
brushes and electric stain-removal brush heads where the shaft is operatively
connected
to the bristle holders. Referring to the Figures, some exemplary electric
stain-removal
brushes made in accordance with the present invention will now be described.
These
electric stain-removal brushes utilize a shaft that rotates or reciprocates.
While these
embodiments will be described with respect to the particular motor and shaft
arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1 for purposes of simplicity and clarity, it
will be
appreciated that other motor and rotating (or oscillating) shaft arrangements
can be
substituted. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,617,603; 5,850,603; 5,974,615;
6,032,313;
5,732,432; 5,070,567; 5,170,525; 5,416,942; 3,588,936; 5,867,856; and
4,397,055,
disclose other motor and rotating or oscillating shaft arrangements that might
be suitable.
Turning to FIGS. 1 to 4, the electric stain-removal brush 400 comprises a
stain-
removal brush head 20, a body or handle 30, and a neck 21 there between. The
term
"longitudinal" is intended to refer to a lengthwise feature of an element as
seen from a
top planar view thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a longitudinal axis
100 is an
axis passing through the longest dimension of an element, such as the head or
a shaft.
A longitudinal direction is a direction that generally corresponds to a
longitudinal axis 100
but which may not lie in the same plane as the longitudinal axis 100. For
example, the
longitudinal axes 100 of a shaft and a stain-removal brush head may not lie in
the same
plane but generally extend in the same direction from a front view. Similarly,
a neck and
head that are angled with respect to each other may not have longitudinal axes
that lie in
the same plane, but do have axes that extend in the same general longitudinal
direction
from a front view. The electric stain-removal brushes of the present invention
typically
have a cylindrical head.
The handle 30 is hollow and includes a front housing 31, middle housing
assembly 32, and upper housing 430. The front housing 31 might contain a
profiled
surface or dimples 60 to provide a better handle grip. The handle 30 also
includes a
motor 23, motor mount 93, motor holding plate 523, and electrical connector
plate 524.
The handle 30 may also include batteries 24, and a battery door 22 for
powering the
motor. A rechargeable power source can be substituted for the batteries.
Additionally,
other alternative power sources could be used including but not limited to
plug-in
electrical sources such as 110V and 220V current, solar power, and the like.
Also shown
is a battery door seal ring 27. A bristle holder 25 is disposed at the end of
the handle
30. While the bristle holder 25 is illustrated as circular in shape, other
shapes can be
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utilized. The bristle holder 25 may be replaceable and includes a connection
system to
easily attach to coupling head 80 at the remote-most end of the linkage
system. The
remote-most end of the linkage system may be bent or offset from the
longitudinal axis
100 of the motor shaft, allowing the bristle holder 25 to be angled and not in
the same
plane as the motor shaft. In other words, the bristle holder 25 oscillates
about an axis
wherein the axis has a slight inclination angle.
The stain-removal brush 400 may be provided with a replaceable head or a non-
replaceable head. The motorized stain-removal brushes of the present invention
utilize a
shaft that reciprocates. While these embodiments will be described with
respect to the
particular motor and shaft arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10, for
purposes of
simplicity and clarity, it will be appreciated that other motor and
reciprocating shaft
arrangements can be substituted.
Turning to FIGS. 1 - 7 and 10, the motorized stain-removal brush 400 comprises
a stain-removal brush head 20, a body or handle 30, and an elongate neck 21
there
between. The drive train, is comprised of the shafts and gears that transmit
motion from
the motor 23 to the coupling head 80 that connects with the replaceable
bristle holder 25
(not shown) in a clip-on mode. While the coupling head 80 and the bristle
holder are
illustrated as circular in shape, other shapes can be utilized. The handle 30
is hollow. It
consists of several compartments and includes a motor 23 and batteries 24 for
powering
the motor 23. The motor 23 is held in place in the rear housing assembly 32
handle by
the motor-holding plate 523. In this embodiment, the coupling head 80 only
oscillates
and does not reciprocate, translate, or perform any other non-rotational or
oscillatory
motion.
A first gear (not shown) is operatively connected to and powered by the motor
23.
A second gear or crown gear 91 is operatively connected to the first gear. The
rotational
axis of the second gear 91 is approximately normal to the rotational axis of
the first gear
such that the teeth of the first gear mesh with teeth of the second gear 91,
thus causing
second gear 91 to rotate as the first gear rotates.
A T-link arm 88 is eccentrically and pivotably connected to the second gear 91
via
a pin 92 or other fastening device. Due to the eccentric connection, the
rotational motion
of the second gear 91 is converted into a reciprocating motion of the T-link
arm 88
moving the T-link shaft 90. The T-link shaft 90 is fixedly secured, such as by
a press fit
into the T-link shaft 90 and linked to the V-link shaft 85 by pin 86 or other
fastening
device. The T-link shaft 90 is housed at least partially within the neck 21
and guided
through a seal assembly 87. Referring to FIG. 4, the reciprocating T-link
shaft 90 is
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connected at its terminal end by connector 890 to the V-link 84 which connects
to the W-
link 83 via pin 86 or other fastening device. The V-link 84 is supported by
the V-link shaft
85. The terminal end of the W-link 83 connects to the coupling head 80. The W-
link 83
is offset from the longitudinal axis of the T-link shaft 90 so that it is
pinned (not shown)
adjacent to the outer periphery of the coupling head 80. This offset
arrangement
converts the reciprocating motion of the W-link 83 into an oscillating motion
of the
coupling head 80. The coupling head 80 is connected to bristle holder 25 via
coupling
head shaft 81. The coupling head shaft 81 is received by rear housing 32.
Referring to the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the stain-removal
brush 400 may have a tilted or angled bristle holder 25 having a cleaning
efficiency angle
70. The cleaning efficiency angle 70 may be between about 0 and 100 degrees,
or
between about 35 and 95 degrees, or between about 40 and 90 degrees. The
cleaning
efficiency angle 70 is measured at the intersection of line 200-200 with line
300-300,
wherein line 200-200 is measured at the intersection of the x-axis of the
bottom of the
handle 30 and wherein line 300-300 is measured at the y-axis of the top
surface 125 of
the bristle holder 25. Should the bottom of the handle 30 be a non-planar
surface, the
line 200-200 would be measured from the point tangent to the bottom-most point
of
handle 30. Should the top surface 125 of the bristle holder 25 be non-planar,
the line
300-300 would be measured from the point tangent to the upper-most point on
top
surface 125.
The bristle holder 25, which is generally cylindrical in shape, may have a
diameter of between about 10 and 50 millimeters and preferably between about
20 and
40 millimeters. The distance between the top surface 125 of the bristle holder
25 and
the bottom surface 126 of bristle holder 25 may be between about 2 and 15
millimeters.
While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated for
simplicity with tufts
of bristles that extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top
surface of the
bristle holders, it is contemplated that the bristles might be arranged
differently to
complement or further enhance the motions of the bristle holder. The bristle
length may
be between about 4 and 15 millimeters and preferably between about 6 and 13
millimeters. The bristle diameter may be between about 0.1 and 0.3 millimeters
and
preferably between about 0.15 and 0.2 millimeters.
The electric stain-removal brushes of the present invention can be made with
any
combination of bristles, dimensions, combinations, angles and arrangements.
One non-
limiting embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. The bristle holder 25 has
concentric rings of
tufts. In one non-limiting embodiment there are tall tufts 43 and shorter
tufts 44 forming
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a dome shaped brush head 20. The difference in length between the tall tufts
43 and the
shorter tufts 44 is between about 0.5 mm and 5 mm in one embodiment and
between
about 1 mm and 3 mm in another embodiment.
The bristles 40 can be provided with different characteristics, such as
different
heights (tall and short) as shown; and soft or firm. For example, soft
bristles may be
preferred for cleaning delicate fabrics (e.g., silk garments) and delicate
hard surfaces
(e.g., glass, plexiglass, compact discs, DVDs, gold plated surfaces, etc.).
Alternatively,
firmer bristles may be preferred for more rugged fabrics (e.g., denim, canvas,
nylon, etc.)
and most hard surfaces. Additionally, stiffer bristles typically require less
force to be
applied by the user, versus softer bristles. Less force applied by the user
results in
overall less stress on the user's fingers, hands, wrist arm and/or shoulder.
In another
embodiment, bristle tufts might be replaced in holder 25 by a sponge-like or
foam
structure 45 attached to the brush head 20 as shown in Fig. 7. Both bristles
40 and/or
foam-like structures 45 may include different properties, non-limiting
examples of which
include antimicrobial properties and/or perfume ingredients.
In one non-limiting example the bristles may be made of Nylon 66 available
from
Tai Hing Nylon Filament Products Co., Ltd of Hong Kong. Examples of other
suitable
bristle materials include but are not limited to Nylon 6, Nylon 612, and
polypropylene.
The bristle diameter may be 6 mils and the bristle height may be 12 mm t 0.25
mm. The
total area of the bristle head may be approximately 93 cm2. The bristle head
may have a
total of 94 tufts. Each tuft may consist of 34 ~ 4 bristles.
The bristle holder 25 oscillates at an angle of rotation between about 20
degrees
and 45 degrees in one embodiment and between about 25 degrees and 35 degrees
in
another embodiment. The bristle holder has a peak oscillation frequency
between about
1000 and about 10,000 cycles per minute in one embodiment and between about
2000
and 7000 cycles per minute in another embodiment. A cycle refers to one
clockwise
rotation to approximately 40 degrees and one counterclockwise rotation to
approximately
40 degrees (or vice versa) when the batteries are fully charged. It is
contemplated that
the oscillation frequency may drop outside of these ranges as the batteries
are drained
by use.
The stain-removal brush of the present invention may also dispense a cleaning
composition. Referring to FIGS. 2 - 4 and 9 - 10, upper housing 430 has a
hollow body
for accommodating a pump 480, liquid transfer channel 450, and nozzle 409
having an
opening containing a one-way restriction valve 410. More than one nozzle
and/or more
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than one restriction valve may be used. The hollow body may also include one
or more
reservoirs 420 for containing a liquid.
The reservoir 420 may be detachable from the brush 400 andlor integral with
the
brush 400. In embodiments wherein the reservoir 420 is detachable from the
brush 400,
the reservoir 420 may be disposable such that when the reservoir 420 is empty,
it may
be detached from the brush 400 and disposed of. The reservoir 420 may be
refillable.
The reservoir 420 may include a recloseable opening. In embodiments wherein
the
reservoir 420 is detachable and/or refillable, it may be desirable for the
reservoir 420 to
stand on end for ease of access such as when refilling. The brush 400 can also
include
a cartridge for containing a cleaning composition. The cartridge may be
attached to the
brush 400 housing and/or the reservoir 420. For example, the cartridge could
be
connected to an opening in the brush 400 housing or to an opening in the
reservoir 420.
The cartridge can include a seal such that when fully engaged into the opening
in the
brush 400 housing or in the reservoir 420, the opening is sealably closed.
Referring to FIGS. 4, and 9 - 10, in one embodiment the brush 400 comprises at
least one recess and/or protrusion 422 to fit into at least one corresponding
protrusion
and/or recess 421 of the reservoir 420 such that the reservoir 420 is
releaseably secured
in a leak-tight manner into the brush 400 such that fluid communication
between the
reservoir 420 and the brush 400 is established when the protrusions) and
recesses) are
fitted into one another. Typically the protrusions) and recesses) of the
reservoir 420
will have complementary shapes with the protrusions) and recesses) of the
brush 400.
Also the protrusions) and recesses) 421 of the reservoir 420 may have exact
complementary shapes with the protrusions) and recesses) 422 of the brush 400.
In
instances where the shape of the reservoir may be such that it differs from
that of the
dispensing means, a fluid connection between the two may be established but it
should
be understood that the risk of leakage may be enhanced.
Referring to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 9, in addition to
protrusions)
and/or recesses) 421, the reservoir 420, includes o-ring seal 423, an openable
and
closeable cap 424 attached to the reservoir 420. A dip tube (not shown) may
also be
included in the reservoir 420. The reservoir 420 may be located at the bottom
of the
brush 400 housing. The reservoir 420 can be made of any suitable material. Non-
limiting examples of which include metal alloy, glass, and plastic. The
reservoir 420 may
be comprised of a transparent material such as PET. Generally the volume of
the
reservoir 420 is about 10 - 100 ml or about 30 - 50 ml. The reservoir 420
generally
comprises one or more compartments. The compartments) will typically contain
one or
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more cleaning compositions. Non-limiting examples of cleaning compositions
which may
be used with the present invention include but are not limited to water,
surfactants,
solvents, soil-release agents, wetting agents, preservatives, bleach, perfume,
stain
repellents, brighteners, color enhancers, softeners, wrinkle release agents,
starch, sizing
agents, deodorizers, and the like. Non-limiting examples of viscosities of the
cleaning
compositions are typically about 10,000 cps or less as measured at
25°C.
The reservoir 420 may be vented to allow for simultaneous admission of air
back
into the reservoir 420 to compensate for the loss of contents from the
reservoir 420.
The cap 424 can have any suitable shape. It can be threaded, but can also be
secured to the reservoir 420 by any other suitable means including but not
limited to
bayonet fitments, clips, and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 2 - 4 and 10, the pump assembly 480 may include a manually
or electrically driven pump. Suitable electrically driven pumps include but
are not limited
to gear pumps, impeller pumps, piston pumps, screw pumps, peristaltic pumps,
diaphragm pumps, or other miniature pump. Generally, the pump 480 is a manual
pump
having a flexible dome. When the dome is depressed (i.e.; activated), cleaning
composition is pumped from the reservoir 420 through the liquid transfer
channel 450 to
the nozzle 409. The nozzle 409 may be adjacent to the bristle holder 25,
disposed within
the bristle holder 25, or a combination thereof.
In manual operation, in one non-limiting embodiment, a user activates the pump
by depressing the dome. Non-limiting descriptions of manual pump systems
suitable
with the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,250,833 and U.S.
Patent
No. 5,993,180. Generally, the pump 480 dispenses between about 0.5 ml to about
5 ml
or about 1 ml to about 3 ml of liquid per activation. In one embodiment of the
invention,
the pump 480 is designed to be reversible such that it can dispense a liquid
from the
reservoir 420 as well as remove liquid from a surface and/or from the liquid
transfer
channel 450 back into either the same reservoir 420 or alternatively a
different reservoir
(not shown). It should be understood that the pump illustrated herein is for
illustrative
purposes and that there are many other pumping mechanisms familiar to those of
ordinary skill in the art which are suitable for the present invention.
The liquid transfer channel 450 can be comprised of a conduit, non-limiting
examples of ,which include tubing and metal pipe. The tubing can be flexible
or rigid.
Suitable non-limiting examples of materials of construction for the tubing and
nozzle 409
include metal, rubber, and plastic. Non-limiting examples of materials of
construction for
the tubing include but are not limited to EVA, fluororesin (PFA), nylon or
polyamide,
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polyethylene or PEX, polyolefin, polypropylene (PP), PTFE, polyurethane or
urethane,
PVC, PVDF, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, TYGON~, vinyl, and VITON~.
Generally
the inside diameter of the liquid transfer channel 450 ranges from about 0.5
mm to about
2 mm while the outside diameter ranges from about 1.5 mm to about 5.0 mm.
The one-way restriction valve 410 may be a check valve. The one-way
restriction
valve 410 prevents backflow of the cleaning composition. One suitable check
valve is a
duckbill valve. The duckbill valve is a flow sensitive variable area valve. At
no flow
conditions, the flaps of the valve remain closed. This prevents liquid from
dripping from
the nozzle opening. It also prevents the liquid transfer channel 450 from
drying out. The
duckbill valve is a flow sensitive variable area valve. As the pump is
activated and the
flowrate of the cleaning composition increases through the liquid transfer
channel 450,
pressure is exerted on the flaps of the duckbill valve and the valve opens
more to
accommodate this increased pressure. This type of valve allows for relatively
high
velocities to be achieved at small flowrates, thereby generating a desirable
spray jet
which can provide a self cleaning effect. Hence, the duckbill design of the
valve allows
the valve to open with a small amount of inline pressure, which allows for
potentially line
clogging materials to be swept out of the liquid transfer channel 450.
Suitable duckbill
valves and check valves are available from Vernay Laboratories of
Yellowsprings, Ohio.
Non-limiting examples of suitable duckbill valves commercially available from
Vernay
Laboratories are model Nos. VA 3143, VA 3219, VA 3403, VA 4097, and VA 3272.
Other suitable restriction valves which may be used include but are not
limited to:
umbrella check valves, poppet valves, flapper valves, needle valves, and
sphere valves.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a kit is provided
which
comprises the brush 400 and at least one reservoir 420 containing a product.
The
product can be a cleaning composition non-limiting examples of which are
described
above. The brush 400 may include at least two removable reservoirs 420. Each
reservoir may contain a different product. The kit may further comprise an
absorbent
stain receiver article as described below.
The stain-removal brush aspect of the invention has been described with
reference to particular embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur
to others
upon reading and understanding this specification. It is intended that all
such
modifications and alterations are included insofar as they come within the
scope of the
appended claims or equivalents thereof.
B. Method of Use
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The present invention also encompasses a method of using the stain-removal
brush to clean inanimate surfaces. In one embodiment, the method comprises a)
providing the electric stain-removal brush of the present invention, b)
putting a solution in
contact with an inanimate surface; and c) employing the electric stain-removal
brush to
brush the solution on the inanimate surface.
In another embodiment, the method comprises a) providing the electric stain-
removal brush of the present invention, b) dispensing a solution from the
stain-removal
brush, and c) contacting an inanimate surface with the stain-removal brush and
the
solution.
The brush of the present invention is particularly useful for cleaning
inanimate
surfaces. For example, the stain-removal brush can be used alone or with
additional
laundry and stain pretreatment products (including but not limited to liquid
and powder
detergents, bleach, water, specialty pretreaters, and the like) to clean and
remove stains
from fabrics, particularly wearable fabrics. Fabrics include acrylic, cotton,
lycra,
polyester, rayon, spandex, washable silks with colorfast qualities, and wool,
along with
any blends of the above materials. The stain-removal brush can be used to
apply
products directly to the surface of the stain on the fabric via the bristles,
or products can
be directly applied to the stained fabric prior to using the device. The
product can be
dispensed from the stain-removal brush. The product can be dispensed from the
brush
through the bristles. The product can also be dispensed from the brush
adjacent to the
bristles. Alternatively, the product can be dispensed from the brush both
through the
bristles as well as adjacent to the bristles. Once the stain has been prepared
and the
operator has enabled the brush head 20 to rotate by actuating the power button
50, the
stain-removal brush can be used to manually brush the surface of the stain on
the fabric
in any direction (circular, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or any combination
of the above).
The stain-removal brush can also be used in the manner described above in a
non-
motorized or non-actuated mode.
Additional uses for the stain-removal brush include cleaning household fabrics
such as upholstery, carpets, bedding, curtains, throw rugs, tablecloths, and
other non-
wearable fabrics in the same manner as listed above.
The stain-removal brush can also be used to clean inanimate hard surfaces,
including those commonly found in a household (e.g., countertops, bathroom
appliances,
dishes, faucets, fixtures, floor baseboards, grout, kitchen appliances, shower
doors,
sinks, tile, toilets, tools, and tubs), shoe cleaning and polishing, car
features (upholstery,
cup holders, trim, detailing, car wheels, spokes) and jewelry.
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Preferred hard surfaces include enamel surfaces. Herein, "enamel surface"
means an inanimate surface being made of or coated with enamel. Herein
"enamel"
means titanium or zirconium white enamel or titanium or zirconium white powder
enamel used as a coating for metal (e.g., steel) surfaces preferably to
prevent corrosion
of said metal surfaces. Enamel surfaces can typically be found in houses:
e.g., in
bathrooms or in kitchens, and include, e.g., bathrooms, fixtures and fittings
sinks,
showers, shower wash basins, tiles, tubs, and the like. Furthermore, cookware,
dishes
and the like may have an enamel surface. Enamel surfaces may also be found on
household appliances which may be coated with enamel on their inside and/or
outside
surface including, but not limited to, automatic dryers, freezers, heating
boiler,
microwave ovens, conventional ovens, dishwashers refrigerators, washing
machines,
and so on. Further enamel surfaces may be found in industrial, architectural
and the
like applications. Examples of enamel surfaces found in said applications
include
enamel surfaces on or in architectural panels, chemical processing equipment,
heat
exchangers, hot water tanks, mechanical equipment, pipelines, pumps, reaction
vessels, signs, silos, or tanks.
C. Self-Instructina Article of Commerce
The present invention also encompasses articles of commerce comprising 1 ) the
electric stain-removal brush of the present invention, and 2) a set of
instructions directing
the user in the method of the present invention for cleaning an inanimate
surface.
In a one embodiment, the article of commerce comprises the stain-removal brush
of the present invention in association with a set of instructions, wherein
the instructions
direct the user to follow the method of cleaning an inanimate surface
described above.
For example, in one embodiment, such instructions would direct the user to 1 )
put a
solution in contact with the inanimate surface to be cleaned, and 2) employ
the electric
stain-removal brush to brush the solution on the inanimate surface.
Herein, "in association with", when referring to such instructions, means the
instructions are either directly printed on the stain-removal brush; directly
printed on the
packaging for the stain-removal brush; printed on a label attached to the
stain-removal
brush; printed on a label attached to the packaging for the stain-removal
brush; or
presented in a different manner including, but not limited to, a brochure,
print
advertisement, electronic advertisement, broadcast or Internet advertisements,
and/or
other media, so as to communicate the set of instructions to a consumer of the
stain-
removal brush.
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The solutions employed in the present invention may be aqueous or non-
aqueous. One non-limiting example of a non-aqueous solution is a lipophilic
solution.
D. Aqueous Solution
As used herein, "aqueous solution" refers to a solution which contains water.
The aqueous solution employed in the present invention may be any solution
that
facilitates the removal of a stain on an inanimate surface. In one embodiment,
the
aqueous solution comprises at least 10 % water. In another embodiment the
aqueous
solution further comprises a surfactant.
Preferably, in embodiments involving the cleaning of fabrics, the aqueous
solution is a liquid laundry detergent. In another embodiment for cleaning
fabrics, the
user may combine a granular laundry detergent with water to form a suitable
aqueous
solution.
Preferably, in embodiments involving the cleaning of hard surfaces, the
aqueous
solution is a liquid hard surface cleaner. In another embodiment for cleaning
hard
surfaces, the user may combine a granular hard surface cleaner with water to
form a
suitable aqueous solution.
In another embodiment, the aqueous solution further comprises a solvent.
Solvents are particularly useful when cleaning a hard surface.
Additional non-limiting examples of aqueous solutions for use in the present
invention may further comprise: ammonia, all-purpose cleaners, baking soda,
bathroom/shower cleaners, bleach, car cleaners, and/or carpet cleaners.
In another embodiment, the aqueous solution further comprises particles. Such
particles are particularly useful in facilitating mechanical disruption of a
stain on the
inanimate surface.
E. Lipophilic solution
The lipophilic solution employed in the present invention may be any non-
aqueous solution that facilitates the removal of a stain on an inanimate
surface and
meets the requirements set forth in the Lipophilic Fluid Test (LF Test) as
described
below.
Qualification of Lipophilic Fluid -- Li,aoinhilic Fluid Test ~(LF Test)
Any non-aqueous fluid that is both capable of meeting known requirements for a
stain removal fluid (e.g., flash point, etc.) and is capable of at least
partially dissolving
sebum, as indicated by the test method described below, is suitable as a
lipophilic fluid
herein. The ability of a particular material to remove sebum can be measured
by any
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known technique. As a general guideline, perfluorobutylamine (Fluorinert FC-
43~) on its
own (with or without adjuncts) is a reference material that, by definition, is
unsuitable as
the lipophilic fluid herein (it is essentially a non-solvent) while
cyclopentasiloxane (D5)
dissolves sebum.
The following is the method for investigating and qualifying other materials,
e.g.,
other low-viscosity, free-flowing silicones, for use as the lipophilic fluid.
The method uses
commercially available Crisco ~ canola oil, oleic acid (95% pure, available
from Sigma
Aldrich Co.) and squalene (99% pure, available from J.T. Baker) as model soils
for
sebum. The test materials should be substantially anhydrous and free from any
added
adjuncts, or other materials during evaluation.
Prepare three vials. Place 1.0 g of canola oil in the first; in a second vial
place 1.0
g of the oleic acid (95%), and in a third and final vial place 1.Og of the
squalene (99%).
To each vial add 1 g of the fluid to be tested for lipophilicity. Separately
mix at room
temperature and pressure each vial containing the lipophilic soil and the
fluid to be tested
for 20 seconds on a standard vortex mixer at maximum setting. Place vials on
the bench
and allow settling for 15 minutes at room temperature and pressure. If, upon
standing, a
single phase is formed in any of the vials containing lipophilic soils, then
the fluid
qualifies as suitable for use as a "lipophilic fluid" in accordance with the
invention.
However, if two or more separate layers are formed in all three vials, then
the amount of
fluid dissolved in the oil phase will need to be further determined before
rejecting or
accepting the fluid as qualified.
In such a case, with a syringe, carefully extract a 200 microliter sample from
each
layer in each vial. The syringe-extracted layer samples are placed in GC
autosampler
vials and subjected to conventional GC analysis after determining the
retention time of
calibration samples of each of the three models soils and the fluid being
tested. If more
than 1 % of the test fluid by GC, preferably greater, is found to be present
in any one of
the layers which consists of the oleic acid, canola oil or squalene layer,
then the test fluid
is also qualified for use as a lipophilic fluid. If needed, the method can be
further
calibrated using heptacosafluorotributylamine, i.e., Fluorinert FC-43 (fail)
and
cyclopentasiloxane (pass).
A suitable GC is a Hewlett Packard Gas Chromatograph HP5890 Series II
equipped with a split/splitless injector and FID. A suitable column used in
determining
the amount of lipophilic fluid present is a J&W Scientific capillary column DB-
1 HT, 30
meter, 0.25mm id, 0.1 um film thickness cat# 1221131. The GC is suitably
operated
under the following conditions:
Carrier Gas: Hydrogen
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Column Head Pressure: 9 psi
Flows: Column Flow @ ~1.5 ml/min.
Split Vent @ ~250-500 ml/min.
Septum Purge @ 1 ml/min.
Injection: HP 7673 Autosampler, 10 ul syringe, 1 ul injection
Injector Temperature: 350 °C
Detector Temperature: 380 °C
Oven Temperature Program: initial 60 °C, hold 1 min.
rate 25 °C/min.
final 380 °C hold 30 min.
Preferred lipophilic fluids suitable for use herein can further be qualified
for use
on the basis of having an excellent garment care profile. Garment care profile
testing is
well known in the art and involves testing a fluid to be qualified using a
wide range of
garment or fabric article components, including fabrics, threads and elastics
used in
seams, etc., and a range of buttons. Preferred lipophilic fluids for use
herein have an
excellent garment care profile, for example they have a good shrinkage or
fabric
puckering profile and do not appreciably damage plastic buttons.
For purposes of garment care testing or other qualification, e.g.,
flammability, a
lipophilic fluid for use in the lipophilic fluid can be present in a mixture,
e.g., with water, at
approximately the ratio to be used in the final lipophilic fluid which will
come into contact
with fabric articles. Certain materials, which remove sebum, qualify for use
as lipophilic
fluids; for example, ethyl lactates can be quite objectionable in their
tendency to dissolve
buttons, and if such a material is to be used in the lipophilic fluid, it will
be formulated
with water and/or other solvents such that the overall mix is not
substantially damaging
to buttons. Other lipophilic fluids, D5 for example, meet the garment care
requirements
commendably. Some suitable lipophilic fluids may be found in granted U.S.
Patent Nos.,
5,865,852; 5,942,007; 6,042,617; 6,042,618; 6,056,789; 6,059,845; and
6,063,135.
Lipophilic solvents can include linear and cyclic polysiloxanes, hydrocarbons
and
chlorinated hydrocarbons. More preferred are the linear and cyclic
polysiloxanes and
hydrocarbons of the glycol ether, acetate ester, lactate ester families.
Preferred lipophilic
solvents include cyclic siloxanes having a boiling point at 760 mm Hg. of
below about
250°C. Specifically preferred cyclic siloxanes for use in this
invention are
octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and
dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane. It should be understood that useful cyclic
siloxane
mixtures might contain, in addition to the preferred cyclic siloxanes, minor
amounts of
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16
other cyclic siloxanes including hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane or higher cyclics
such as
tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane. Generally the amount of these other cyclic
siloxanes in useful cyclic siloxane mixtures will be less than about 10
percent based on
the total weight of the mixture.
F. Absorbent Stain Receiver Article
In another embodiment, the stain-removal brush and cleaning solution is used
in
combination with an Absorbent Stain Receiver Article ("ASRA"). The ASRA herein
can
comprise any of a number of absorbent structures which provide a capillary
pressure
difference through their thickness (2-direction). When designing the ASRA for
use in the
spot removal process herein, the following matters are taken into
consideration. First,
the cleaning solution only removes the soil from the fibers of the fabric even
with
agitation. If the cleaning solution which carries the soil is allowed to
remain in the fabric,
the soil will be redeposited on the fabric as the cleaning solution dries. The
more
complete the removal of cleaning solution from the fabric, the more complete
will be the
removal of soil.
Second, the fabric being treated is, itself, basically a fibrous absorbent
structure
which holds liquid (i.e., the cleaning solution) in capillaries between the
fibers. While
some liquid may be absorbed into the fibers, most of the liquid will be held
in interfiber
capillaries (this includes capillaries between filaments twisted into a
thread). Liquid held
in the fabric may be removed by contacting it with another absorbent structure
such as
the ASRA, herein. In this process, liquid is transferred from the capillaries
of the fabric to
the capillaries of the ASRA.
Third, liquid is held in capillaries by capillary pressure. Capillary pressure
(Pc) is
generally described by the following equation:
Pc=(2XGxCos A)/R
where
G=the surface tension of the liquid
A=the contact angle between the liquid and the capillary wall
~ R=the radius of the capillary
Accordingly, capillary pressure is highest in capillaries which have a low
contact angle
and a small radius. Liquid is held most tightly by high capillary pressure and
will move
from areas of low capillary pressure to areas of high capillary pressure.
Hence, in the
subject ASRA which provides a capillary pressure difference through its
thickness, liquid
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will move from low capillary pressure areas to high capillary pressure areas.
Capillary
pressure can be measured using a variety of techniques, but will employ the
liquid
cleaning composition as the test liquid.
In reality, most absorbent materials are complex structures comprised of a
range
of capillary sizes and contact angles. For this discussion, the capillary
pressure of a
material or capillary pressure zone within a material is defined as the
volumetric
weighted average of the range of pressures found within that material or zone.
For purposes of illustration, in circumstances wherein a soiled fabric
saturated
with cleaning solution is in liquid communication contact with two stacked,
identical
layers of homogeneous absorbent material, such as a paper towel, solution and
soil
would readily transfer from the fabric to the towel until the capillary
pressure is
approximately equal in the two materials. At equilibrium a certain amount of
solution and
soil will remain in the fabric. The exact amount will depend on the basis
weight and
capillary pressure characteristics of the fabric and towel. A reduced amount
of residual
solution and soil in the fabric, and therefore better cleaning, would result
from replacing
the bottom layer (layer not in direct contact with the fabric) of towel with
an absorbent
layer of capillary pressure higher than that of the towel. By virtue of its
higher capillary
pressure this absorbent layer will cause more solution to transfer from the
low capillary
pressure top towel layer to the high capillary pressure absorbent layer which
in turn
causes more solution to transfer from the fabric to the top towel layer. The
result is
better cleaning due to less residual solution and soil remaining in the
fabric.
This type of multi-layer system is also beneficial when Z-directional pressure
is applied
to the wetted stained fabric and ASRA. This pressure compresses the various
materials,
thereby lowering their void volume and liquid absorption capacity (increasing
the
saturation of the materials). This can cause liquid to be squeezed out. The
layered
structure allows for free liquid to be absorbed by the lower layer, i.e., the
one furthest
away from the fabric. This lessens the reabsorption of liquid by the fabric.
This is
especially true if the bottom layer (layer of highest capillary pressure) is
also relatively
incompressible (retains a higher percentage of its void volume under pressure)
compared to the top layer (layer of lower capillary pressure). In this case it
may be
desirable for the top layer to be resiliently compressible so as to express
liquid under
pressure which can be absorbed by the bottom layer.
Thus the ASRA can comprise two or more relatively distinct layers which differ
in
capillary pressure. As can be seen from the capillary pressure equation, a
difference in
capillary pressure can be achieved by varying the capillary size or the
contact angle
between the cleaning solution and the ASRA. Both factors can be controlled by
the
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18
composition of the ASRA. The contact angle portion of the equation can also be
affected
by chemical treatment of the ASRA with, for example, a surfactant to lower the
contact
angle or a water repellent material such as silicone to increase contact
angle.
The effectiveness of an ASRA comprising multiple layers of differing capillary
pressure
can be enhanced by locating most of the total absorbent capacity in the high
capillary
pressure portion. The top fabric facing layer need only be thick enough to
insulate the
fabric from the liquid held in the bottom layer.
The effectiveness of the layered ASRA can be further enhanced by selecting the
low
capillary pressure portion to have a capillary pressure higher than that of
the fabric being
treated.
In an ASRA comprised of two or more layers differing in capillary pressure,
the pattern
of capillary pressure change can be characterized as "stepped". Through the
thickness
of the ASRA there is a sharp change or step in capillary pressure at the layer
interfaces.
It will be appreciated that the ASRA herein need not comprise multiple
distinct layers, but
rather can comprise a single layer structure with a relatively continuous
capillary size
gradient through its thickness.
Fibers--The ASRA can be made from a variety of materials including fibrous
absorbents and foams. Useful fibrous absorbents include nonwoven fabrics
(carded,
hydroentangled, thermal bonded, latex bonded, meltblown, spun, etc.), thermal
bonded
airlaid nonwovens ("TBAL"), latex bonded airlaid nonwovens ("LBAL"), multi-
bonded
airlaid nonwovens ("MBAL" combined latex and thermal bonded), wet laid paper,
woven
fabrics, knitted fabrics or combination of materials (i.e., top layer of a
carded nonwoven,
and a bottom layer of wet laid paper). These fibrous absorbents can be
manufactured
using a wide variety of fibers including both natural and synthetic fibers.
Useful fibers
include wood pulp, rayon, cotton, cotton linters, polyester, polyethylene,
polypropylene,
acrylic, nylon, multi-component binder fibers, etc. Multiple fiber types can
be blended
together to make useful materials. Useful foam materials include polyurethane
foams
and high internal phase emulsion foams. The critical factor is to have a
difference in
capillary pressure within the thickness of the ASRA. A broad range of fiber
sizes can be
employed. A typical, but non-limiting range of diameters is from about 0.5
micrometers to
about 60 micrometers. For meltblown, the preferred fibers are less than about
10
micrometers. Typical spun-bond and synthetic staple fibers range in diameter
from about
14 to about 60 micrometers. In general, one selects smaller diameter fibers
for the high
capillary pressure layer and higher diameters for low capillary pressure.
Fiber length can
depend on the forming process that is being used and the desired capillary
pressure.
Spun-bonds comprise a substantially continuous fiber. For air-laid fibers, 4-6
mm is
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typical. For carded fibers the range is typically 25 - 100 mm. In addition, it
has now been
found that enriching the upper layer in bicomponent fibers decreases tinting
during use.
Cleaning can also be enhanced by making the top layer rich in synthetic (e.g.,
bicomponent) fibers due to their lipophilic nature which aids in the removal
of oily stains
from the fabric being treated.
Absorbent gelling materials ("AGM") such as those sometimes referred to in the
diaper
art as 'supersorbers' can be added to either or both layers of the receiver or
as a
discrete layer between the fiber layers or on the back of the bottom layer of
the ASRA.
Functionally, the AGM provides additional liquid absorption capacity and
serves to drain
the capillaries in the ASRA structure which helps to maintain the capillary
pressure
gradient as liquid is absorbed.
In light of the foregoing considerations, the ASRA herein can be defined as an
absorbent structure which has a capillary pressure difference through its
thickness (Z-
direction). In a typical, but non-limiting mode, this can be achieved by
having relatively
larger capillaries (for example 50 - 100 micrometers radius) in the upper,
liquid-receiving
portion of the ASRA which is placed in contact with the fabric being treated.
The lower,
liquid-storage portion having relatively smaller capillaries (for example 5-30
micrometers
radius). Irrespective of the size employed, it is desirable that the
difference in average
capillary pressure between the two layers be large enough that the overlap in
capillary
pressure range between the two layers is minimized.
Basis Weight--The basis weight of the ASRA can vary depending on the amount of
cleaning solution which must be absorbed. A preferred 127 mmx127 mm receiver
absorbs about 10-50 grams of water. Since very little liquid is used in the
typical stain
removal process, much less capacity is actually required. A typical TBAL ASRA
pad
weighs about 4-6 grams. A useful range is therefore about 1 gram to about 7
grams. A
variety of sizes can be used, e.g., 90 mmX140 mm.
Size--The preferred size of the ASRA is about 127 mmx127 mm, but other sizes
can
be used, e.g., 90 mmx140 mm. The shape can also be varied.
Thickness--The overall thickness of the preferred ASRA is about 3 mm (120
mils) but
can be varied widely. The low end may be limited by the desire to provide
absorbency
impression. A reasonable range is 25 mils to 200 mils.
Lint Control Binder Spray--The ASRA is preferably dust free. Some materials
are
naturally dust free (synthetic nonwoven fabrics). Some, generally cellulose
containing
materials, can be dusty because not all the fibers are bonded. Dust can be
reduced by
bonding substantially all the fibers which reside on or near the surface of
the ASRA
which contacts the fabric being treated. This can be accomplished by applying
resins
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such as latex, starch, polyvinyl alcohol or the like. Cold or hot crimping,
sonic bonding,
heat bonding and/or stitching may also be used along all edges of the receiver
to further
reduce Tinting tendency.
Backing Sheet--The ASRA is generally sufficiently robust that it can be used
as-is.
However, in order to prevent strike-through of the liquid onto the table top
or other
treatment surface selected by the user, it is preferred to affix a liquid-
impermeable barrier
sheet to the bottom-most surface of the lower layer. This backing sheet also
improves
the integrity of the overall article. The bottom-most layer can be extrusion
coated with an
0.5-2.0 mil, preferably 1.0 mil, layer of polyethylene or polypropylene film
using
conventional procedures. A film layer could also be adhesively or thermally
laminated to
the bottom layer. The film layer is designed to be a pinhole-free barrier to
prevent any
undesired leakage of the cleaning composition beyond the receiver. This
backing sheet
can be printed with usage instruction, embossed and/or decorated, according to
the
desires of the formulator. The ASRA is intended for use outside the dryer.
However,
since the receiver may inadvertently be placed in the dryer and subjected to
high
temperatures, it is preferred that the backing sheet be made of a heat
resistant film such
as polypropylene or nylon.
Colors--White is the preferred color for the ASRA as it allows the user to
observe
transfer of the stain from the fabric to the receiver. However, there is no
functional limit to
the choice of color. The backing sheet can optionally be a contrasting color.
Embossing--The ASRA can also be embossed with any desired pattern or logo.
Manufacture--A typical, but non-limiting, embodiment of the ASRA herein is a
TBAL
material which consists of an upper, low capillary pressure layer which is
placed in liquid
communication contact with the fabric being treated and a bottom high
capillary pressure
layer. The ASRA can be conveniently manufactured using procedures known in the
art
for manufacturing TBAL materials; see U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,810. As an overall
proposition, TBAL manufacturing processes typically comprise laying-down a web
of
absorbent fibers, such as relatively short (2-4 mm) wood pulp fibers, in which
are
commingled relatively long (4-6 mm) bi-component fibers. The sheath of the
bicomponent fiber melts with the application of heat to achieve thermal
bonding. The bi-
component fibers intermingled throughout the wood pulp fibers thereby act to
'glue' the
entire mat together. Both layers in one embodiment of the ASRA herein can be a
homogeneous blend of wood pulp fibers and bi-component thermal bonding fibers.
In a
more preferred embodiment, the top layer is 100% concentric bi-component fiber
comprising 50:50 (wt.) polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) comprising a
PP core
enrobed in an outer sheath of PE. The gradient is achieved by providing a
higher
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proportion of bicomponent bonding fibers in the top layer compared to the
bottom layer.
Using a TBAL process as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,640,810, the top, low
capillary
pressure layer is formed by a first forming station from 100% bicomponent
fiber (AL-
Thermal-C, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm long available from Danaklon a/s). Basis weight of
this all-
bicomponent top layer is approximately 30 gsm (grams/meter~). The bottom, high
capillary pressure layer is formed upon the top layer by second and third
forming stations
from a fiber blend consisting of approximately 72% wood pulp (Flint River
Fluff available
from Weyerhaeuser Co.) and approximately 28% bi-component binder fiber. Basis
weight of this bottom layer is approximately 270 gsm. Each of the second and
third
forming station deposits approximately half of the total weight of the bottom
layer. The
two layers are then calendered to provide a final combined thickness of
approximately 3
mm. Subsequently, a 1.0 mil coating of polypropylene is extrusion coated onto
the
exposed surface of the bottom layer. Individual receivers are cut to 127
mmx127 mm
size. In one optional mode, since the material will be wound into a roll
before applying
the back sheet, a binder (e.g., latex--Airflex 124 available from Air
Products) can be
applied to the exposed surface of the lower layer prior to thermal bonding to
prevent
transfer of dust to the top all-bicomponent layer. Alternatively, a non-
tinting sheet can be
placed on the ASRA during roll-up to prevent tinting due to contact between
the surfaces.
The composition and basis weights of the layers can be varied while still
providing an
ASRA with the desired capillary pressure gradient and cleaning performance.
G. Method of Measurina Cleanina Efficiency Anale
This provides a method which may be used to measure the cleaning efficiency
angle. An instrument for measuring tensile strength may be used. A non-
limiting
example of a suitable instrument is an Instron Model #8511 manufactured by
Instron,
Inc. of Canton, Massachusetts. Referring to FIG. 10, the bristle holder 25 is
mounted
onto a plastic block 350. A protractor 300 having angular degree gradations is
mounted
onto the plastic block 350. The protractor 300 and plastic block 350 are
attached to one
another with pivot arm 370. The protractor 300, plastic block 350, and pivot
arm 370 are
attached to a base 380. The base 380 is attached to mounting bracket 390. The
mounting bracket is available from Instron, Inc. The protractor 300 and
plastic block 350
may be pivoted in relation to base 380 and mounting bracket 390 to the desired
angle.
The mounting bracket 390 is then mounted onto the tensile tester such that the
center
point of the bristle holder 25 is aligned with the load cell center line. The
force reading
from the load cell is set to the 200 pound range. The displacement rate is 0.5
inches per
minute. Rest at full displacement is 0.5 seconds.
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Example
The method described above may be used to measure cleaning efficiency angle.
An Instron Model #8511 can be used utilizing the Instron displacement program
referred
to as "trapezoid". A force reading from the Instron load cell is 200 pound
range. The
force and displacement can be monitored at Nicolet Pro 20 o-scope. For each
test
increment the angle of brush engagement is set. Tests are run at 2.5 degree
increments
both to the right and to the left. Top dynamic faceplate is manually lowered
from non-
engagement position (zero) to point of full brush bristle face engagement.
This is total
test displacement. This point becomes test stop, rest and return. Dynamic
faceplate is
returned to zero position. Full brush engagement is experienced when all
bristles
actually engage the top faceplate. Nicolet is calibrated against a 5 pound
weight and
programmed to provide displacement in inches (channel 1 ) and force in pounds
(channel
2). The Nicolet is triggered at displacement curve. The Nicolet curves are
against time
in seconds. At the start of the test, the dynamic face plate is lowered to
engage the
brush at 0.5 inches per second to the point of full brush face engagement.
There is a
rest for 0.5 seconds and then a return to the zero displacement point at 0.5
inches per
second. This cycle is repeated at least once to for repeatability purposes. At
the Nicolet,
the engagement point between the dynamic faceplate and the first bristle plane
is
determined. This point and the total test displacement difference determines
full bristle
engagement displacement. At the.Nicolet, the engagement point at first bristle
contact
(zero force) and total test displacement determines the reported force at full
bristle
engagement. This is a dynamic force reading. The static force reading occurs
at the 0.5
second rest. The static force reading will be slightly higher than the dynamic
force
reading.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated
and
described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other
changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and
modifications that are within the scope of this invention. All documents cited
herein are
in relevant part, incorporated by reference. The citation of any document is
not to be
construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present
invention.
