Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CLEANING TOOL ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHOD OF USE
Background
The present invention relates to a cleaning tool. More particularly, it
relates to a
manual cleaning tool assembly useful for cleaning various surfaces, such as
bathroom
surfaces.
A wide range of products and tools are currently available for assisting
consumers
with cleaning tasks. Many, such as sponges, mops, brooms, brushes, etc., have
been
available for countless years. Others, such as hand-held wipes, spray-on
cleaning
chemicals, liquid-containing/dispensing implements, scouring pads, etc.,
represent more
recent developments. Along these same lines, improvements to these and other
products
and tools are constantly being developed in an effort to address actual or
perceived
consumer needs presented by common cleaning tasks. Unfortunately, while
advancements
have certainly eased the efforts required to perform many cleaning tasks,
other common
consumer cleaning-related complaints remain unresolved.
One particularly demanding chore faced by consumers (both in the home and in
commercial/industrial settings) is cleaning a bathroom. Most bathrooms include
diverse,
hard surfaces (e.g., floor, sink, countertop, toilet, tub, shower stall, etc.)
that are frequently
exposed to debris that are difficult to completely remove, a condition
exacerbated over
time by the high humidity conditions of most bathrooms. For example, in
addition to dirt,
bathroom shower stall walls and doors can be contaminated with highly adherent
soap
scum and hard water stains. Shower stall floors can be similarly dirtied, as
can bathtub
walls/floors. Also, most bathrooms have tiled floors and/or walls and/or
vanities. While
water-resistant, the tiles readily accumulate hard-to-remove debris. Even more
problematic is the exposed grout that otherwise holds individual tiles
together and to a
support surface. Grout is aesthetically pleasing, but has a tendency to "lock
in" dirt and
other debris. Clearly, the toilet and surrounding areas present additional
cleaning
concerns.
Beyond the difficulties associated with removing many of the common debris
found in bathrooms, consumers have a need to ensure that all surfaces are
thoroughly
cleansed. The high humidity environment of most bathrooms in combination with
the
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types of contaminants normally found (e.g., bacteria) can result in mold or
mildew if not
properly removed. In fact, most consumers desire to not only achieve a
visually clean
appearance, but also to eliminate unwanted materials on a microscopic level.
Thus, for
example, disinfectant products are oftentimes applied to bathroom surfaces to
"kill"
bacteria, fungus, etc.
In light of the above, most consumers are forced to employ multiple different
products and tools when performing a bathroom cleaning task. Hand-held sponges
are
used to wipe surfaces. Brushes and scrubbing pads are used to scour surfaces.
Mops are
used to clean floors. Some of these tools are amenable for a user to deploy
while standing
upright, while others are shorter, and can be more physically taxing on the
user depending
upon the cleaning task being performed. Conversely, the consumer may not have
access
to (or there may not exist) an appropriately-sized tool for performing a
particular task. For
example, a common consumer complaint is having to repeatedly reach and stretch
when
attempting to clean shower stall walls with a hand-held sponge. Regardless, a
number of
different tools must be transported to and from the bathroom. In addition,
consumers
often bring various aggressive cleaning products, such as bleach or other
harsh chemicals,
to the bathroom (e.g., spray bottle or aerosol can). In many cases, the
dispensed
chemical(s) must be manually worked or scrubbed into the surface being
cleaned, such as
with a sponge. Under these circumstances, the user's hand(s) are in direct, or
nearly
direct, contact with cleaning solutions, posing certain health concerns (e.g.,
skin rashes).
Similarly, many popular liquid or liquid-like cleaning products generate fumes
or odors
(e.g., bleach) that are repugnant, even hazardous, to users if inhaled; where
the user
applies such a product by hand, the fumes generated by the product are in
close proximity
to the user's face thus increasing the likelihood of inhalation, especially in
the confined
environment of most bathrooms.
Bathroom cleaning is a necessary, but physically difficult task faced on a
regular
basis. While various tools and products are available for achieving enhanced
cleanliness,
multiple cleaning implements are still required and the task itself remains
quite time-
consuming and potentially hazardous. Therefore, a need exists for a cleaning
assembly or
device that addresses some, if not all, of the difficulties associated with
cleaning a
bathroom or similar area.
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Summary
One aspect of the present invention relates to a cleaning tool assembly for
cleaning
hard surfaces, such as bathroom surfaces. The cleaning tool assembly includes
a cleaning
tool and a cleaning pad. The cleaning tool includes a handle, a neck, and a
head. The
neck extends from the handle. The head defines a first side, a second side,
and a perimeter
having a thickness. The first side of the head is connected to the handle and
includes a
cleaning implement. Further, at least a portion of the perimeter defines a
compliant edge
surface. Finally, the cleaning pad is attached to the second side of the head.
With this in
mind, upon final assembly, at least three distinct, usable cleaning surfaces
are provided by
the cleaning implement, the compliant edge surface, and the cleaning pad.
Thus, the
cleaning tool assembly provides a user with the ability to perform at least
three different
cleaning operations, a feature effectively required by certain cleaning tasks,
such as
cleaning a bathroom. In one alternative embodiment, the cleaning pad is
releasably
attached to the head. In another alternative embodiment, the cleaning pad
includes a
bleach composition.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cleaning assembly kit for
cleaning hard surfaces, such as bathroom surfaces. The kit includes a cleaning
pad, a head
assembly, a handle and a container. The head assembly includes a neck and a
head, with
the head defining a first side, a second side, and a perimeter. The first side
of the head is
connected to the neck and includes a cleaning implement. Further, at least a
portion of the
perimeter defines a compliant edge surface. The handle is provided apart from
the head
assembly, and can be assembled to the neck. Finally, the cleaning pad, the
head assembly,
and the handle are contained within the container. During use, the cleaning
pad is
attachable to the second side of the head. In one embodiment, the handle is
extendable to
a length of at least 28 inches and the container has a length of not more than
12 inches.
Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a cleaning tool for use
with a
cleaning pad for cleaning hard surfaces, such as bathroom surfaces. The
cleaning tool
includes a handle, a neck, and a head. The neck extends from the handle. The
head
defines a first side, a second side, and a thiclcness. The first side of the
head is connected
to the neclc and is provided with a cleaning implement. Attachment bodies are
provided
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on the second side of the head for releasably maintaining a cleaning pad. At
least a
portion of the thickness is comprised of a compliant material. Finally, the
head has a
generally triangular shape. In one embodiment, the neck is pivotally attached
to the head.
Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of cleaning
hard
surfaces in a room, such as bathroom surfaces. The method includes providing a
cleaning
tool assembly including a handle, a neck, a head, and a cleaning pad. The neck
connects
the handle and the head. The head includes a top side having a cleaning
implement and a
thiclcness defining a perimeter at least a portion of which forms a compliant
edge surface.
Finally, the cleaning pad is attached to a bottom side of the head. With this
in mind, the
method further includes performing a first cleaning operation on a surface in
the room
with the cleaning pad; performing a second cleaning operation on a surface in
the room
with the cleaning implement; and performing a third cleaning operation on a
surface in the
room with the compliant edge surface. To this end, the first, second, and
third cleaning
operations are performed during a single cleaning session and are
characterized by the
cleaning pad remaining attached to the head. In one embodiment, the first
cleaning
operation includes applying bleach to the surface, with the bleach being
provided by the
cleaning pad. In another embodiment, a fourth cleaning operation is performed
by
replacing the cleaning pad with a second cleaning pad providing a differing
cleaning
attribute.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a cleaning tool assembly in
accordance
with the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a side view of the cleaning tool assembly of FIG. 1 in a retracted
state;
FIG. 2B is a top view of the cleaning tool assembly of FIG. 2A (at a smaller
scale)
in an extended state;
FIG. 3A is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning tool
taken
along the line 3A - 3A of FIG 2A;
FIG. 3B is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the cleaning tool of FIG. 3A
taken
along the line B- B;
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FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a head assembly portion of the
cleaning
tool assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the cleaning tool of FIG. 2A, with a
portion
shown in cross-section;
FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a portion of the head assembly of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6B is a side view of the head assembly of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a cleaning pad in accordance
with
one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment
cleaning
pad in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a top view of a portion of the cleaning tool asseinbly of FIG. 1
illustrating
removal of a cleaning pad from the cleaning tool; and
FIG. 10 is a simplified, exploded view of a cleaning assembly kit in
accordance
with the present invention.
Detailed Description
One embodiment of a cleaning tool assembly 20 in accordance with the present
invention is shown in FIG. 1. The cleaning tool assembly 20 includes a
cleaning too122
and a cleaning pad 24. The various components are described in greater detail
below. In
general terms, however, the cleaning pad 24 is attached to the cleaning
too122, and in one
embodiment is releasably attached to the cleaning tool 22. The resultant
cleaning tool
assembly 20 provides a plurality of cleaning surfaces for performing cleaning
tasks, such
as cleaning various hard surfaces of a bathroom. To this end, the cleaning
tool assembly
20 can incorporate a number of features highlighted below that promote
convenient use
under a variety of circumstances including, in one embodiment, delivering a
cleaning
solution (not shown), such as bleach, otherwise carried by the cleaning pad
24.
A. CleaningTool
The cleaning too122 includes a handle 30 and a head assembly 32. The head
assembly 32 can be attached to the handle 30 in a variety of fashions, and is
described in
greater detail below. Regardless, and in one embodiment, the handle 30 is
configured to
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be extendable, as best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In particular, the handle 30
is
configured to be transitionable between a retracted state or position (FIG.
2A) and one or
more extended state(s) or position(s) (FIG. 2B) in which an overall length of
the handle 30
is increased as compared to the retracted position.
The extendable feature of the handle 30 is achieved, in one embodiment, by
forming the handle 30 to include a grip portion 40 and an extension shaft 42
(shown best
in FIG. 2B). The shaft 42 is slidably received within the grip portion 40 and
is connected
to the head assembly 32. With this configuration, the shaft 42 can be
longitudinally
extended and retracted relative to the grip portion 40 to increase and
decrease a length,
respectively, of the handle 30 and thus a longitudinal position of the head
assembly 30
relative to the grip portion 40. As described in greater detail below, in one
embodiment,
the handle 30 further includes a locking mechanism 44 (referenced generally)
adapted to
selectively maintain or "lock" the handle 30 at a selected longitudinal
length.
The grip portion 40 is generally tubular in nature, and in one embodiment
includes
a grip body 46, an intermediate segment 48 and an end segment 50. The grip
body 46, the
intermediate segment 48 and the end segment 50 can be formed separately and
assembled
to one another; alternatively, components of the grip portion 40 can be
integrally formed.
Regardless, the grip body 46, the intermediate segment 48 and the end segment
50
collectively define an internal passage 52 (shown with dashed lines in FIG.
2B) sized to
receive the shaft 42.
The grip body 46 can assume a wide variety of forms, and preferably provides a
contoured outer surface 54 configured to facilitate grasping thereof by a
user's hand (not
shown). The outer contoured outer surface 54 extends between a proximal end 56
and a
distal end 58. In addition, the grip body 46 forms a cavity 60 (referenced
generally in
FIG. 2B) adjacent the distal end 58 and within which a lever assembly 62 is
maintained, as
described below.
The intermediate segment 48 of the grip portion 40 is affixed to, and extends
rearwardly from, the proximal end 56 of the grip body 46, and thus can assume
a variety
of shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, the intermediate segment 48 is a tube
having an
outer diameter less than an outer diameter of the grip body 46. Because, in
one
embodiment, it is not intended for a user to grasp the intermediate segment 48
during use,
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the intermediate segment 48 can be thinner than the grip body 46, and thus
less expensive.
Alternatively, the intermediate segment 48 can be commensurate in thickness
with the grip
body 46, and, in one embodiment, is integrally formed with the grip body 46.
In one
embodiment, the intermediate segment 48 is of sufficient length to
longitudinally space the
grip body 46 and the end segment 50 at ergonomically desired positions for
convenient,
natural grasping by both hands of a user (i.e., one hand grasps the grip body
46 and the
other hand grasps the end segment 50). For example, in one embodiment, the
intermediate
segment 48 defines a spacing between the grip body 46 and the end segment on
the order
of 5 - 15 inches. Alternatively, other dimensions, either lesser or greater,
are also
acceptable.
The end segment 50 is connected to the intermediate segment 48 opposite the
grip
body 46, and can assume a variety of shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, the
end
segment 50 forms a hole 84 that provides a convenient means for hanging the
cleaning
assembly 20 from a hook (not shown) or similar body when not in use.
Alternatively, the
hole 84 can be eliminated. Regardless, the end segment 50 preferably has an
increased
outer diameter as compared to the intermediate segment 48, sized for
convenient grasping
by a user (not shown).
In one einbodiment in which the grip body 46, the intermediate segment 48, and
the end segment 50 are separately formed and subsequently assembled, differing
materials
can be employed in the manufacture of each component. For example, in one
embodiment, the grip body 46 is formed of a molded plastic, the intermediate
segment 48
is a more rigid metal-based material, and the end segment 50 has a rubberized
exterior for
enhanced handling by a user (not shown). The end seginent 50 need not have a
rubberized
exterior, and can be formed from any acceptable material such as
polypropylene,
thermoplastic rubber or ABS. The components are preferably rigidly affixed to
one
another, such as by frictionally mounting opposing ends of the intermediate
segment
within corresponding passages of the grip body 46 and the end segment 50. For
example,
the grip body 46 can define a passage (not shown) adjacent the proximal end 56
thereof
sized to frictionally receive and maintain a portion of the intermediate
segment 48. Other
attaclunent techniques (e.g., adhesive, mechanical connectors, etc.) are
equally acceptable;
conversely, the grip body 46, the intermediate segment 48 and the end segment
50 can be
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integrally formed. Even fiuther, one or more of the grip body 46, the
intermediate
segment 48 and/or the end segment 50 can be eliminated. Regardless, the grip
portion 40
is sized to slidably maintain the shaft 42 as described below.
As referenced above, the lever assembly 62 is connected to the grip body 46.
The
lever assembly 62 forms a portion of one embodiment of the locking mechanism
44. In
particular, and with additional reference to FIG. 3A, the lever assembly 62
includes a lever
arm 64, a pin 66, and a biasing device 68. In general terms, the lever arm 64
is pivotally
mounted to the grip body 46 via the pin 66, with the biasing device 68 biasing
the lever
arm 64 to a locked position.
The lever arm 64 defines a trailing end 70, an intermediate portion 72 and a
leading end 74 terminating in a finger 76. In one embodiment, and as best
shown in FIG.
2B, the trailing end 70 has an increased width as compared to a remainder of
the lever arm
64, and defines a central depression 78 (referenced generally) sized for
receiving a user's
thumb and./or finger (not shown). Alternatively, the trailing end 70 can
assume a variety
of other shapes and/or sizes. Regardless, and returning to FIG, 3A, the lever
arm 64 is
sized in accordance with the cavity 60 otherwise formed by the grip body 46,
and is
preferably configured such that an outer surface 80 thereof generally matches
the contour
of the outer surface 54 of the grip body 46, resulting in a streamlined
appearance. The
intermediate portion 72 provides a pivot point at the pin 66, and defines an
imier surface
82 configured to interface with the biasing device 68. Finally, the leading
end 74, and in
particular the finger 76, extends downwardly (relative to the orientation of
FIG. 3A) from
the intermediate portion 72, and is adapted to selectively mate with a
corresponding
portion of the shaft 42, as described below.
The pin 66 can assume a variety of forms, and is generally constructed to
pivotally
connect the lever arm 64 to the grip body 46. Similarly, the biasing device 68
can have a
number of different constructions, and is adapted to bias the lever arm 64
toward a locked
position (i.e., biases the lever arm 64 clockwise (about the pin 66) relative
to the
orientation of FIG. 3A). For example, in one embodiment, the biasing device 68
is a
torsional spring located within the cavity 60 and bearing against the inner
surface 82 of the
intermediate portion 72 between the pin 66 and the trailing end 70; this
configuration
biases the lever arm 64 to rotate or pivot clockwise relative to the
orientation of FIG. 3A.
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Notably, the cavity 60 can be sized to limit overt movement or rotation of the
lever aim 64
in response to the force generated by biasing device 68, such as by abutting a
top surface
of the lever arm 64 in the locked position of FIG. 3A. Alternatively, a number
of other
configurations for the lever assembly 62 can be employed, and the lever
assembly 62 need
not be permanently attached to the grip body 46.
With reference to FIGS. 2B and 3A, the shaft 42 is, in one embodiment, a rigid
tubular structure defining first and second ends 90, 92. With this in mind,
the shaft 42
forms a longitudinal passage 94 (FIG. 3A) and a plurality of transverse
locking recesses 96
(FIG. 3A). In one embodiment, the longitudinal passage 94 extends between the
first and
second ends 90, 92. Regardless, the longitudinal passage 94 is sized to
receive and
maintain a corresponding portion of the head assembly 32 as described in
greater detail
below. To this end, the shaft 42 includes an opposing pair of grooves 98 that
further
facilitate attachment of the head assembly 32 to the shaft 42 (it being
understood that for
purposes of clarification, the head assembly 32 is shown disassembled from the
shaft 42 in
FIG, 3A). As best shown in FIG. 2B, the recesses 96 are spaced along an
exterior of the
shaft 42 and are sized to selectively receive the finger 76 (FIG. 3A) provided
by the lever
assembly 62. The recesses 96 can be identically sized holes or other forms of
indentations
relative to an outer diameter of the shaft 42. Thus, in one embodiment, the
recesses 96
form a complimentary portion of the locking mechanism 44. For example, and
with
reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, when properly aligned, the finger 76 is received
within a
corresponding one of the recesses 96. Because the lever arm 64, and thus the
finger 76, is
biased to the locked position of FIGS. 3A and 3B via the biasing device 68, in
this locked
position, the locking mechanism 44 "locks" the grip portion 40 relative to the
shaft 42.
When desired, the locking mechanism 44 can be "released" by a user (not shown)
pressing
down (relative to the orientation of FIG. 3A) on the trailing end 70 of the
lever arm 64
with sufficient force to overcome the biasing device 68. This action, in turn,
pivots or
rotates the finger 76 out or away from the recess 96, allowing the shaft 42 to
freely slide
relative to the grip portion 40.
Once the locking mechanism 44 is released (e.g., the user (not shown)
maintains
the lever arm 64 in the lifted position whereby the finger 76 is not within
one of the
recesses 96), the user can slide the shaft 42 relative to the grip portion 40
to position the
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handle 30 at a desired length. For example, the plurality of recesses 96 can
include first,
second and third recesses 96a - 96c (as shown in FIG. 2B). In a retracted
position, the
grip portion 40 is positioned relative to the shaft 42 such that the finger 76
can engage
within the first recess 96a. In a first extended position, the grip portion 40
is positioned
relative to the shaft 42 such that the finger 76 nests within the second
recess 96b upon
releasing the lever arm 64 (with the biasing device 68 acting to bias the
lever arm 64
toward the locked position in which the finger 76 extends within the second
recess 96b
once properly aligned). Thus, the handle 30 has an overall length in the first
extended
position greater than a length in the retracted position. Similarly, a second
extended
position of the handle 30, with a length greater than the first extended
position, is achieved
upon aligning the finger 76 with the third recess 96c. The number of extended
positions
available with the handle 30 is thus a function of the number of recesses 96
(it being
understood that more or less of the recesses 96 can be provided as compared to
the
illustration of FIG. 2B). A spacing between adjacent ones of the recesses 96
can be
uniform along a length of the shaft 42, or can vary. Regardless, the shaft 42
is preferably
configured such that in the retracted position, the head assembly 32 abuts the
distal end 58
of the grip body 46 thereby defining a minimal overall length of the cleaning
assembly 20,
as shown in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, the handle 30 has a length on the
order of 17.5
inches when fully retracted, although other dimensions are also acceptable.
With the above construction, the head assembly 32 longitudinally moves
relative to
the grip portion 40, and in particular the grip body 46, with longitudinal
movement of the
shaft 42 relative to the grip portion 40. Thus, regardless of an extended
length of the
handle 30, a desired spacing between the grip body 46 and the end segment 50
is
unchanged. Alternatively, the handle 30 can be constructed such that the grip
body 46 is
directly connected to the head assembly 32, with extension of the handle 30
being
accomplished between the grip body 46 and the end segment 50. Regardless, and
with
specific reference to FIG. 3B, in one embodiment, the grip portion 40 and the
shaft 42 are
configured to minimize or eliminate undesired rotation of the shaft 42
relative to the grip
portion 40, thus ensuring proper aligninent between the finger 76 and a
corresponding one
of the recesses 96 otherwise provided by the shaft 42. In particular, the
shaft 42/grip body
46 interface is non-circular in transverse cross-section such that the shaft
42 does not
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readily rotate relative to the grip body 46. For example, an outer surface of
the shaft 42
(and corresponding shape of the passage 52 provided by the grip body 46) can
be obround
in transverse cross-section as shown; alternatively, other cross-sectional
shapes such as
rectangular, square, triangular, etc., are also acceptable.
Returning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the head assembly 32 is adapted for connection
to
the handle 30 and generally includes a neck 110 and a head 112. As described
in greater
detail below, the neck 110 can be connected or assembled to the handle 30 and
maintains
the head 112. The head 112, in turn, provides a variety of cleaning surfaces
and maintains
the cleaning pad 24.
With reference to FIG. 4, in one embodiment the neck 110 is an elongated body
configured to be pivotally attached to the head 112, and defines a handle end
114, a head
end 116, and an intermediate region 118 extending between the ends 114, 116.
The
handle end 114 is adapted for mounting to the handle 30 (FIG. 2A) and in
particular the
shaft 42 (FIG. 3A). Mounting of the neck 110 to the handle 30 can be
accomplished in a
variety of fashions, and in one embodiment, the handle end 114 forms a pair of
spaced
legs 120a, 120b each including an outwardly extending tab 122 (the tab 122
associated
with the leg 120a is visible in the view of FIG. 4). In particular, the handle
end 114
extends from a shoulder 124 of the intermediate region 118, with the legs
120a, 120b
combining to define an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of
the shoulder
124. The legs 120a, 120b are inwardly deflectable toward one another, but
naturally
assume the position shown in FIG. 4. With this configuration, then, the handle
end 114 is
adapted for mounting to the first end 90 of the shaft 42 as best shown in FIG.
5 (that
otherwise depicts a portion of the shaft 42 in cross-section and apart from
the grip portion
40 (FIG. 2A)). More particularly, the neck 110 is assembled to the shaft 42 by
inserting
the handle end 114 within the passage 94 of the shaft 42 at the first end 90
thereof. In an
unloaded state, the legs 120a, 120b combine to define an outer diameter that
is slightly
greater than a diameter of the passage 94. However, the deflectable nature of
the legs
120a, 120b allows the handle end 114 to be inserted within the passage 94.
Once the tabs
122 are aligned with corresponding ones of the grooves 98 of the shaft 42, the
legs 120a,
120b naturally deflect outwardly such that the tabs 122 nest within a
corresponding groove
98, thus "locking" the neck 110 to the shaft 42. In one embodiment, the handle
end
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114/shaft 42 are configured such that the locked relationship is not readily
reversed by a
user (e.g., a user cannot easily remove the handle end 114 from the passage 94
once
assembled) due to, for example, abutment between the tabs 122/shaft 42 along a
plane
(referenced generally at 125 in FIG. 5) that is perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the
shaft 42; alternatively, the handle end 114/shaft 42 can be configured such
that the neck
110 is releasable from the shaft 42. Even further, the neck 110 and the shaft
42 can be
integrally formed. Conversely, a variety of other interlocking designs can be
employed.
For example, the legs 120a, 120b can be provided as part of the shaft 42 for
insertion
within a corresponding passage in the neck 110.
Returning to FIG. 4, and as previously described, the head end 116 of the neck
110
is, in one embodiment, configured for pivoting or rotating connection to the
head 112 and
can include a transversely extending shank 126 and a rounded surface 128.
Assembly of
the head end 116 to the head 112 is a function of a construction of the head
112 itself, and
thus is described in greater detail below. In general terms, however, the neck
110 can
assume a variety of configurations varying from that shown, each capable of
facilitating
connection to the head 112.
The intermediate region 118 preferably has a contoured shape, tapering in
outer
diameter from a first section 130 adjacent the handle end 114 to a second
section 132
adjacent the head end 116. This one preferred configuration renders the first
section 130
of appropriate size and shape for convenient grasping by a user's hand (not
shown), such
that a user can readily operate the cleaning assembly 20 (FIG. 1) via the neck
110. In
other words, the handle 30 (FIG. 1) can be removed and a cleaning operation
performed
by simply grasping and manipulating the neck 110, and in particular the first
section 130.
To this end, the second section 132 is preferably sized and shaped for rigidly
engaging a
corresponding portion of the head 112, as described below. Alternatively, the
intermediate
region 118 can assume a wide variety of other shapes and sizes.
With continued reference to FIG. 4, in one embodiment the head 112 is
generally
triangular in shape and includes a plate 140, a support pad 142 and a mounting
device 144
(referenced generally). In general terms, the plate 140 maintains the support
pad 142 and
is attachable to the neck 110. The support pad 142, in turn, maintains the
mounting device
144 that is otherwise adapted to selectively receive the cleaning pad 24 (FIG.
1) as
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described below. Thus, the head 112 can be described as having a first side
146 (defined
by the plate 140), a second side 148 (referenced generally in FIG. 4; defined
by the
support pad 142 opposite the first side 146), and a perimeter 149 defined by
the support
pad 142. The generally triangular shape in conjunction with a location and
pivoting
direction of the neck 110 relative to the head 112 creates an identifiable
front 150 and a
back 152, corresponding generally with a visual impression created upon a user
when the
cleaning tool assembly 20 is grasped at the handle 30 (FIG. 1).
With additional reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B (that better illustrate the above
described front 150 and back 152), the plate 140 has a leading section 154, a
central
section 156 and a trailing section 158. The leading section 154 is defined at
an apex of the
triangular shape defined by the plate 140 (i.e., the front 150), whereas the
trailing section
158 terminates at an edge 160 opposite the leading section 154 (i.e., the back
152). With
this convention in mind, in one embodiment, central section 156 forms sides or
"wings"
162a, 162b as lateral extensions from a longitudinal centerline 164 (FIG. 6A)
that
otherwise bisects the apex at the leading section 154.
In one embodiment, a cleaning implement 166 is attached to the plate 140 at
the
leading section 154 thereof. The cleaning implement 166 can assume a variety
of forms,
and in one embodiment is a plurality of bristles 168 (referenced generally)
extending
outward from a top surface 170 (FIG. 6B) of the plate 140. The bristles 168
can assume a
variety of forms known in the art, and preferably including rearward bristles
168a and
forward bristles 168b. As best shown in FIG. 6B, the rearward bristles 168a
extend
substantially perpendicular to a plane of the top surface 170 of the plate
140. In one
embodiment, the forward bristles 168b extend at a non-perpendicular angle from
the plate
140. In particular, the forward bristles 168b extend at a forward angle from
the plate 140
toward the front 150 (i.e., each of the forward bristles 168b includes a base
172 and a free
end 174; the forward bristles 168b are oriented such that the base 172 of each
of the
forward bristles 168b is closer to the trailing section 158 of the plate 140
as compared to
the free end 174). This preferred, forwardly extending orientation facilitates
placement of
the forward bristles 168b in tight areas, such as corners and provides an
ergonomically
correct position when a user manipulates the cleaning assembly 20 (FIG. 1) via
the neck
110 when the neck 110 is otherwise nested against the head 112 as described
below. In
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one embodiment, the bristles 168 terminates in a single bristle 168c (FIG. 6A)
adjacent the
front 150; by including a single, forward-most bristle 168c, a point-like
surface is provided
for cleaning highly confined areas. Alternatively, the cleaning implement 166
can assume
a variety of other forms, such as a scrubby pad, sponge, cloth, etc.
In addition to forming the sides 162a, 162b, the central section 156 forms an
attachment body 180 (referenced generally in FIG. 4) configured for receiving
the neck
110. In particular, the attachment body 180 includes, in one embodiment, a
pair of spaced
shoulders 182a, 182b extending from opposite sides of a groove 184. Each of
the
shoulders 182a and 182b forms an aperture 186 (shown for the shoulder 182a in
FIG. 4)
sized to receive a corresponding portion of the shank 126 associated with the
head end 116
of the neck 110. In one embodiment, each of the shoulders 182a, 182b further
defines a
slot 188 (best shown in FIG. 6A) that guides the shank 126 into the
corresponding aperture
186 upon assembly of the neck 110 to the head 112. Regardless, the apertures
186 are
configured to facilitate pivoting attachment of the head end 116 to the plate
140, with the
groove 184 providing sufficient clearance for the rounded surface 128 of the
neck 110
during movement of the neck 110 relative to the head 112. Alternatively, the
attachment
body 180 can assume a number of other configurations capable of pivotally
connecting the
neck 110 to the head 112. Even further, the neck 110 can be permanently
mounted to the
head 112.
In one embodiment, the attachment body 180 is configured to position the neck
attachment point (e.g., the apertures 186) approximately at a center point of
the plate 140
(plus or minus 0.5 inch) relative to a longitudinal length thereof. More
particularly, and as
best shown in FIG. 6A, the apertures 186 are in close proximity to a
longitudinal center
point C of the plate 140. This one preferred location promotes the application
of a pushing
force onto the plate 140, and thus the head 112, via the neck 110 (FIG. 4)
that is otherwise
attached to the handle 30 (FIG. 1) at a location that does not cause the head
112 to "flip"
up or down (i.e., the front 150 or back 152 raises away from the surface being
cleaned)
when the neck 110 is otherwise positioned at an angle relative to the head
112. In other
words, during normal use, the handle 30, and thus the neck 110, will extend at
an upward
angle (e.g., in the range of 30 - 75 degrees) relative to the head 112. In
this orientation, a
pushing force applied to the head 112 via the neck 110 would have a tendency
to cause the
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head 112 to translate or "flip" upwardly (pivoting at the front 150 or the
back 152) if the
neck 110/head 112 connection point were offset from the center point C (e.g.,
greater than
0.5 inch). By centrally positioning the neck 110 connection point relative the
head 112,
undesired pivoting of the head 112 relative to the surface being cleaned is
avoided.
The sides 162a, 162b defined by the central section 156 are preferably
symmetrical
in nature, each having a contoured interior area 200 and a planar exterior
area 202. The
contoured interior areas 200 combine to define the groove 184, and have an
increased
thiclcness as compared to the exterior areas 202. In this regard, the
contoured interior
areas 200 each define a lateral protrusion 206 over the groove 184, as best
shown in FIG.
6A. A distance between the corresponding lateral protrusions 206 is sized to
be slightly
smaller than an outer diameter or dimension of the second section 132 (FIG. 4)
of the neck
110 (FIG. 4). Thus, the neck 110 can be selectively retained within the groove
184 via
frictional engagement with the protrusions 206, as shown for example in FIG.
6B.
In addition, the plate 140, and in particular the sides 162a, 162b, are
configured, in
one einbodiment, to distribute a force applied to the head 112 via the neck
110 to exterior
areas of the head 112. By way of explanation, a force applied to the head 112
via the neck
110 will be centralized at the point of attachment (i.e., the attachment body
180). During
use, it is desirable for this force to be distributed across a majority of the
cleaning pad 24
(FIG. 1) that is otherwise attached to the second side 148 of the head 112. By
forming the
sides 162a, 162b to each have the thicker interior area 200 (i.e., adjacent
the attachment
body 180) and the thinner exterior area 202, the force is more even
distributed across the
cleaning pad 24. In a preferred embodiment, the plate 140 is formed of a
relatively rigid
material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, plastic etc. that further promotes
this force
distribution. Alternatively, other configurations for the plate 140 can be
employed.
Finally, the trailing section 158, and in particular the trailing edge 160,
preferably
forms a cutout region 210 (FIG. 6A) that facilitates removal of the cleaning
pad 24 (FIG.
1). Features of the cutout region 210 are best described with reference to a
corresponding
feature of the support pad 142, and thus are provided below. In general terms,
however,
the cutout region 210 is defined as an inward extension of the trailing edge
156 toward the
leading section 154.
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The support pad 142 preferably has a perimeter shape mimicking a shape of the
plate 140, and thus, in one embodiment, is generally triangular. Thus, in one
embodiment,
and with reference to FIG. 6A, the support pad 142 defines a leading side 220
at an apex
(e.g., the front 150) of the triangular shape and a trailing side 222 (e.g.,
the back 152)
opposite the leading side 220. The support pad 142 is preferably formed of a
compliant
material, such as foam, preferably closed cell and even more preferably
polyethylene. In
one alternative embodiment, the support pad 142 is capable of retaining liquid
such as
water, though this may not be desirable for certain applications. Although the
support pad
142 has a shape approximating a shape of the plate 140, is larger than the
plate 140 as best
shown in FIG. 6A. With this construction, then, the perimeter 149 of the head
112 is
defined by a thickness of the support pad 142. In particular, the perimeter
149 can be
described as having a plurality of connected edge cleaning surfaces 223 (such
as surfaces
223a, 223b, and 223c). In addition, the trailing side 222 of the support pad
142 is defined
by opposing end segments 224a, 224b and a central, cutout or cutout segment
226. The
end segments 224a, 224b are approximately co-planar, with the cutout segment
226
extending inwardly relative to the leading side 220. In one embodiment, the
cutout
segment 226 approximates a half-circle, although any other shape or
combination of
shapes is equally acceptable. As described below, the cutout segment 226
provides a
convenient location for a user (not shown) to grasp and remove the cleaning
pad 24 (FIG.
1) otherwise attached to the head 112.
Returning to FIG. 4, the mounting device 144 can assume a variety of forms and
in
one embodiment is a plurality of connection bodies 230. The connection bodies
230 are
configured to selectively retain the cleaning pad 24 (FIG. 1) and include, in
one
embodiment, appropriate material such as a multiplicity of micro-hooks or
micro-loops.
With this one construction, the connection bodies 230 are mounted to the
support pad 142,
extending from the support pad 142 opposite the plate 140 as shown in FIG. 6B.
To
promote relatively uniform attachment of the cleaning pad 24 relative to a
perimeter of the
head 112, six of the connection bodies 230 are provided, strategically
positioned at the
locations shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, the connection
bodies 230
are fastened to the support pad 142 at locations commensurate with a perimeter
of the
plate 140. As described above, one embodiment of the plate 140 distributes an
applied
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force to the perimeter thereof; thus, by locating the connection bodies 230
"beneath" a
perimeter of the plate 140, this distributed force promotes a more complete
connection
between the cleaning pad 24 and the connection bodies 230. Alternatively, more
or less of
the connection bodies 230 can be provided and at different locations. Further,
the
mounting device 144 can assume an entirely different configuration. For
example, the
mounting device 144 can include or be replaced by one or more components that
"wrap"
the cleaning pad 24 along sides/top of the head 112.
Returning to FIG. 4, assembly of the head 112 includes fastening the support
pad
142 to the plate 140. For example, the support pad 142 can be affixed to the
plate 140 via
an appropriate adhesive. Alternatively or in addition, mechanical fasteners
can be
employed. Similarly, the mounting device 144 (e.g., the connection bodies 230
in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention) can be attached to
the support
pad 142 (or the plate 140) in a variety of fashions, such as an adhesive.
Finally, the neck
110 can be pivotally assembled to the head 112 via connection of the head end
116 to the
attachment body 180.
B. Cleaniniz Pad
Returning to FIG. 1, the cleaning pad 24 can assume a wide variety of forms.
For
example, the cleaning pad 24 can be a wipe, a scrubbing pad, bristles, sponge,
etc., or a
combination of different materials useful for cleaning; thus, the term
"cleaning pad" as
used in this specification, including the claims, is inclusive of a wide
variety of material
constructions and is not limited to a conventional "pad". In one embodiment,
however,
the cleaning pad 24 is formulated to provide, or is loaded with a cleaning
solution, and in
particular a bleaching ageiit, in dry form. Such a loaded wipe or pad would be
able to
remove soap scum, hard water stains and mildew with minimal scrubbing, a
feature
desired by most users, and serve as a disinfectant. In general terms, the
bleach is applied
in a dry form in the cleaning pad 24 and is activated upon contact with water
to perform a
cleaning operation. The term "dry" is defined to mean "dry to the touch" such
as by
having a moisture content of less than 5%, preferably not greater than 2%
under normal
ambient conditions. A surfactant carried by the cleaning pad 24 imparts a
foaming
characteristic and assists in uniformly applying bleach to the surface being
cleaned, and
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serves to clean debris such as soap scum. By providing bleach as part of the
cleaning pad
24 in accordance with one embodiment, a user is away from fumes that are
traditionally
associated with chemicals that need to be sprayed on to the surface to be
cleaned from a
spray bottle or aerosol container. Delivery of a dry bleach composition via
the cleaning
pad 24 also minimizes streaking and leaves minimal or no residue that might
otherwise
require application of a specially formulated rinsing agent.
For example, in one embodiment, the cleaning pad 24 is a two-sided, non-woven
wipe comprised of two or more layers of non-woven substrates. More
particularly, and
with reference to FIG. 7, the cleaning pad 24 includes a first layer 300, a
second layer 302
and a bleach composition 304. The first layer 300 defines a first side 306 of
the cleaning
pad 24, whereas the second layer 302 defines a second side 308. The bleach
composition
304 is encapsulated between the first and second layer 300, 302. For ease of
illustration,
the bleach composition 304 is shown as being applied in discrete locations; as
described in
greater detail below, the bleach composition 304 can be randomly scattered
between the
layers 300, 302. Further, while the cleaning pad 24 is shown in FIG. 7 as
having two of
the non-woven-based layers 300, 302, in alternative embodiments, additional
non-woven
layers can be included.
The first layer 300 and the second layer 302 can assume a wide variety of
forms,
and may or may not be identical. For example, the layers 300, 302 can include
any non-
woven substrate, such as 100% PET or polyester, that preferably does not
degrade in the
presence of bleach. Alternatively, a variety of other non-woven constructions
are also
acceptable. For example, the fibers comprising the layers 300, 302 are
preferably
synthetic or manufactured, but can include natural fibers. As used herein, the
term "fiber"
includes fibers of indefinite length (e.g., filaments) and fibers of discrete
length (e.g.,
staple fibers). The fibers are used in connection with one or both of the
layers 300, 302
and can be multicomponent fibers (i.e., a fiber having at least two distinct
longitudinally
extensive structure polymer domains in the fiber cross-section). Regardless,
useful fibrous
materials include, for example, rayon (viscose), polypropylene, nylon, etc.
The layers
300, 302 can also be comprised of varying blends of the above-mentioned fibers
that may
or may not be of varying size or denier. The layers 300, 302 can be formed by
any lcnown
process such as hydroentagling, thermal bonding, and spun bonding to name but
a few.
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In one embodiment, the second layer 302 is more lofty as compared to the first
layer 300 (e.g., the second layer 302 is a high loft needle-punched non-woven
substrate
whereas the first layer 300 is a "tight" needle-punched non-woven substrate);
with this
configuration, the bleach composition 304 can be released primarily through
the second
layer 302. In a further embodiment, the second layer 302 is thicker than the
first layer
300. For example, the second layer 302 can have a thickness in the ra.nge of
0.05 - 0.5
inch, whereas the first layer 300 can have a thickness in the range of 0.02 -
0.2 inch,
although other dimensions are also acceptable.
In one embodiment, the first layer 300 forms the first side 306 to facilitate
attachment to the mounting device 144 (FIG, 4), whereas the second layer 302
forms the
second side 308 in a manner that promotes a desired cleaning operation. With
this in
mind, in one embodiment, the first layer 300 includes a non-woven substrate
that defines a
surface (i.e., the first side 306), either integrally or by an additional
material attached to
the non-woven substrate, that releasably engages the connections bodies 230
(FIG. 4). For
example, where the connection bodies 230 form a plurality of micro-hooks, the
first side
306 of the cleaning pad 24 can include or form a plurality of corresponding
micro-loops,
or vice-versa. Conversely, the second layer 302 includes, in one embodiment, a
non-
woven substrate that forms a cleaning surface (i.e., the second side 308),
either integrally
or by an additional material attached to the non-woven substrate, capable of
cleaning or
scrubbing a surface. For example, the second layer 302 can be a needle-tacked
web that is
laminated to or coated with a resin bonded or printed scrubbing layer (e.g.,
an acrylic
abrasive). In other words, the second layer 302 either inherently forms the
second side
308 as a scrubby surface, or a scrubby surface can be applied (e.g.,
laminated, coated,
printed, etc.) to the second layer 302. Alternatively, a wide variety of other
configurations
are also acceptable. In one embodiment, one or both of the layers 300, 302 are
capable of
absorbing water and/or collecting dirt/debris.
The bleach composition 306 includes a bleaching agent and a nonionic or
anionic
surfactant, and may include other inert ingredients such as a binder,
chelating agent,
fragrance, etc. With the preferred bleach/surfactant formulation, the bleach
composition
306, and thus the cleaning pad 24, can be presented to a user in dry form,
with the user
exposing the cleaning pad 24 to water during use. Alternatively, the cleaning
pad 24 can
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be configured to be presented to a user in wet form. With the one embodiment
in which
the cleaning pad 24 is initially dry, the bleach composition 306 includes a
mixture of a
solid bleach and solid surfactant. For example, in one embodiment, the bleach
component
or agent is sodium dichloroisocyanurate, dihydrate salt (available, for
example, from 3V
Inc. of Charlotte, NC under the product designation "Oxidan DCN/WSG").
Alternatively,
a number of other bleaching agents, such as hypochlorite (e.g., calcium
hypochlorite),
peroxide or peroxy-based compounds (e.g., urea hydrogen peroxide, calcium
peroxide,
zinc peroxide, Mg peroxide, etc.), peroxy carboxylic acid or hydrophilic
precursors
thereof, perboric acid or precursors thereof, percarbonic acid or precursors
thereof,
hypochloric acid or hypobromic acid or precursors thereof, to name but a few,
are also
acceptable. Other oxygen-releasing bleaching compounds useful with the present
invention include sodium perborate, sodium mono-persulfate (available, for
example, from
Dupont Company under the trade name OxoneTM), etc. Further, the compound
PeroxydoneTM XL-10 from ISP Technologies Inc., that contains hydrogen peroxide
(bleaching agent) and poly-vinyl pyrrolidinone (a film-forming polymer that
can enhance
the gloss of the surface being cleaned) is another example of an acceptable
bleach
composition.
The surfactant can also assume a variety of forms appropriate for use with the
selected bleaching agent. For example, in one embodiment, the surfactant is
sodium
dodecylbenzene sulfonate (available, for example, from Stepan Co. of
Northfield, IL under
the product designation "Nacconol 90G"). Alternatively, a number of other
surfactants,
such as anionic surfactants (e.g., alkyl ethoxy sulfates), amphoteric
surfactants (e.g., amine
oxides), non-ionic surfactants (e.g., alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl aryl
phenols), zwitterionic
surfactants, etc, are also available. The surfactant chosen can also be used
with other
agents such as chelators, builders, sequestrans, etc., as described below.
Where desired, the bleach composition 304 can further include an appropriate
binder. For example, caprolactam (available, for example, from Dow Chemical
Co. of
Midland, MI under the product designation "Tone Polymer, P767") has been found
to be
useful in binding or adhering the layers 300, 302. Alternative binders
include, for
example, copolyesters, copolyamides, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and other
hot melt
powder adhesives. The binder preferably exhibits melting below 150 degree F
for low
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temperature adhesion of the two non-woven layers 300, 302, greatly assisting
in handling
of the surfactant and bleaching agent(s) below their flash points. Further,
the binder can
assist in the controlled release of the cleaning chemical.
The bleach composition 304 can further include other components, such as
bleach
activator(s) (e.g., tetracetyl ethylene diamine, NOBS, acyl triethyl citrate,
nonylamide of
peradipic acid, etc.); bleach catalyst(s) (e.g., complexes of metals such as
Co, Mn and Fe,
etc.); thickening agent(s) (water-soluble thickening polymer or solvent such
as propylene
glycol); fragrance(s); etc.
The bleach composition 304 preferably includes 60%-95% surfactant, 5%-40%
bleach (more preferably approximately 5%-10% bleach), and 0%-30% binder. For
example, acceptable bleach compositions have been formulated with
surfactant/bleachfbinder ratios of 67/23/10; 80/10/10; 70/10/20; and 90/10/0.
In one
embodiment, the bleach composition 304 is provided in dry form, with a mass of
approximately 5- 20 grams per cleaning pad, more preferably 5-10 grams per
cleaning
pad, with a targeted coating amount of 250-400 g/m2.
Regardless, in one embodiment, the bleach composition 304 is formed as a
powder
blend (e.g., milling the individual powder ingredients) and is coated on to
the first or
second layer 300 or 302 (and subsequently encapsulated by the other layer 300
or 302). In
one preferred embodiment, the bleach composition is scatter coated on to the
first or
second layer 300 or 302. Scatter coating of the dry powder bleach composition
304 avoids
exposing the bleaching agent to moisture or water that would otherwise
undesirably
activate the bleaching agent and enable the pre-mature release of chlorine
during
manufacture. Alternatively, the bleach composition can be coated via calender
roll. Even
further, the bleach composition 304 can be formed as a viscous paste (e.g.,
mixture of
surfactant, bleaching agent and a solvent (e.g., 10% propylene glycol)) that
is knife coated
or extrusion coated on to the first or second layer 300 or 302 to form one or
more "stripes"
(e.g., akin to the illustration of FIG. 7). Even further, the bleach
composition 304 can be
deposited directly onto the fibers used to subsequently manufacture one or
both of the
non-woven layers 300 and/or 302. The layers 300, 302 can then be laminated
together
using, for example, a hot melt adhesive, needle-punching or similar dry-
processing
techniques. Even further, component(s) of the bleach composition 304 can be
provided
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(e.g., scatter coated) on to different layers of the cleaning pad. For
example, FIG. 8
illustrates an alternative embodiment cleaning pad 320 including a first layer
322, a
second layer 324, a third layer 326, a first portion bleach composition 328
and a second
portion bleach composition 330. In one embodiment, the first portion bleach
composition
328 includes a mixture of surfactant and binder that is coated (e.g., scatter
coated) on to
the first layer (non-woven) 322. Following application of the second layer 324
(as
described below), the second portion bleach composition 330 in the form of a
bleaching
agent is coated (e.g., scatter coated) on to the second layer 324 and
subsequently
encapsulated by the third layer 326. This one technique assists in the
manufacture of a
multi-layer construction that lends itself to being more conformable during
cleaning tasks.
Also, the separation of the surfactant and bleaching agent by different non-
woven layers
can result in better controlled-release properties.
Returning to the embodiment of FIG. 7, the layers 300, 302 can be bonded
together
in a variety of fashions to ensure encapsulation of the bleach composition 304
that
otherwise facilitate a desired, slow release of the cleaning agents during
use. For example,
where the bleach composition 304 includes a binder/adhesive, the
binder/adhesive
facilitates adhesion of the two non-woven substrate layers 300, 302 together.
The
resultant laminate can be further laminated via ultrasonic bond(s) or seal(s)
that improve
an overall aesthetic appeal of the cleaning pad 24 as well as capturing of the
powder
bleach composition 304. Along these same lines, the layers 300, 302 can first
be bonded
(e.g., ultrasonically bonded) along two or more corresponding edges to define
a pocket.
The bleach composition 304 is then dispensed into this pocket, followed by
bonding of the
remaining, corresponding edges of the layers 300, 302 to thus encapsulate the
bleach
composition. Even further, the layers 300, 302 (or additional layers) can be
bonded along
two or more corresponding edges in a manner that defines two pockets (either
simultaneously or consecutively). With this approach, a portion of the bleach
composition
304 (e.g., the first portion bleach composition 328 of FIG. 8) is dispensed
into the first
pocket and a remaining portion of the bleach composition 304 (e.g., the second
portion
bleach composition 330 of FIG. 8) is dispensed into the second pocket. Further
bonding
of the layers 300, 302 encapsulates the bleach composition 304 portions.
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Alternatively, where the bleaching composition 304 does not include a binder,
the
bleach composition 304 can be coated (e.g., scatter coated) on to the first
layer 300,
followed by needle-tacking or needle-punching fibers of the second layer 302
through the
first layer 300 to encapsulate and hold the powdered bleach composition 304
between the
two layers 300, 302.
It will be understood that the above descriptions reflect but a few possible
configurations of the cleaning pad 24. Once again, while in one embodiment the
cleaning
pad 24 includes a bleach composition, in other embodiments, the cleaning pad
24 does not
include a bleach composition. Further, the cleaning pad 24 can include one or
more
differing cleaning characteristics (e.g., sponge, scouring surface, bristles,
encapsulated
cleaning chemicals, etc.). Preferably, the cleaning pad 24 has a size and
shape generally
akin to that of the second side 148 (FIG. 4) of the head 112 (e.g., the planar
size and shape
of the support pad 142) and thus is, in one embodiment, generally triangular.
With
additional reference to FIG. 9 that otherwise shows the cleaning pad 24
assembled to the
head 112, however, the cleaning pad 24 does not include a cutout feature
(i.e., does not
incorporate a feature or shape akin to the cutout segment 226 of the support
pad 140).
Instead, a trailing edge 340 of the cleaning pad 24 is approximately linear in
one
embodiment. As described in greater detail below, this relationship
effectively defines a
grasping region 342 on the cleaning pad 24 that is otherwise "exposed" via the
cutout
segment 226 and that facilitates removal of the cleaning pad 24.
Alternatively, the
cleaning pad 24 can have any other shape and/or size.
C. Cleaning Assembly Kit
Returning to FIG. 1, regardless of an exact configuration of the cleaning pad
24,
the cleaning tool assembly 20 is, in one embodiment, made available to
consumers in the
form of a kit. In particular, and with reference to FIG. 10, one embodiment of
a kit 350 in
accordance with the present invention includes the handle 30, the head
assembly 32, one
or more of the cleaning pad(s) 24, and a container 352. In kit form, the
handle 30, the
head assembly 32 and the cleaning pad 24 are separately packaged within the
container
352 for subsequent assembly by a user (not shown). In one embodiment, the
extendable
nature of the handle 30 enables the resultant cleaning assembly 20 (FIG. 1) to
be highly
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conducive to upright operation by a user (e.g., a user can stand while
performing a
cleaning task on a floor using the cleaning assembly 20), yet packaged in the
container
352 that is otherwise properly sized for retail sales. By way of reference,
most retailers
desire that products being displayed for sale be as small possible so as to
not occupy an
inordinate amount of shelf space (or inventor storage space). Normally,
products having
elongated handles (such as a mop or broom) must be sold in a non-packaged
form,
typically hanging from a hook or similar device; retailers view this technique
as being
inefficient as a relatively large space is required to ship, store and display
the items. In
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, these concerns are
overcome.
In particular, in one embodiment, a combination of the handle 30 and the neck
I 10
(that otherwise combine to define an effective length of the cleaning tool
assembly 20) is
extendable to length of at least 28 inches, more preferably a length of at
least 30 inches,
and even more preferably a length of at least 32 inches. Conversely, due to
the retractable
nature of the handle 30 and, in some embodiments, an ability to quickly
disassemble and
assemble components of the handle 30 (e.g., the end segment 50, the
intermediate segment
48 and/or the grip body 46 can be disassembled from one another within the
container
352), the container 352 has a length (or major dimension) of not more than 14
inches,
more preferably not more than 13 inches, and even more preferably not more
than 12
inches, and even more preferably approximately 11.25 inches. With this in
mind, the
container 352 can assume a variety of forms, such as a cardboard or paper box,
plastic
packaging, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning tool assembly 20
(FIG. 1) is
provided to consumers in a fully assembled form.
D. Method of Use
Regardless of how initially provided to a user, the cleaning tool assembly 20
of the
present invention is highly suitable for performing cleaning tasks in a
variety of
environments, for example cleaning hard surfaces in a bathroom. In many
cleaning
operations, multiple different cleaning surfaces are normally encountered,
presenting
unique obstacles, such as composition of the surface to be cleaned (e.g.,
grout, tile, etc.),
physical constraints associated with the surface to be cleaned (e.g., corners,
floors, high
walls, etc.), debris being removed (e.g., soap scum, hard water stains, etc.),
augmented end
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results (e.g., disinfecting, gloss finishing, etc.) to name but a few. The
cleaning assembly
20 can address one or more or all of these concerns as follows.
A user (not shown) can conveniently clean a floor or wall or other surface
beyond
a normal reach of the user via the extendable handle 30. For example, and with
reference
to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the handle 30 can be extended to a desired length that
otherwise
promotes ready cleaning of the surface in question by releasing the locking
mechanism 44
and extending the shaft 42 (and thus the head assembly 32) relative to the
grip portion 40
as previously described. Once the handle 30 is at a desired length, the
locking mechanism
44 is actuated (e.g., the lever arm 64 is released) to re-engage the grip
portion 40 with the
shaft 42. The cleaning pad 24 can then be employed to clean the surface in
question via
simple manipulation of the handle 30 while the user remains standing. For
example, the
cleaning pad 24 can be used to clean a bathroom floor or wall. To this end,
and in
accordance with one embodiment in which the cleaning pad 24 includes a dry
bleach (e.g.,
the bleach composition 304 of FIG. 7), the user can expose the cleaning pad 24
to water to
promote release of the bleaching agent on to the surface in question. Notably,
due to the
extended length of the handle 30, the cleaning pad 24 (and thus the contained
bleaching
agent in accordance with one embodiment) is spaced a relatively large distance
from the
user's face (especially as compared to conventional bleach applications in
which a wipe or
sponge is held in the user's hand and used to apply the bleach along a
surface), thus
minimizing the possibility of an adverse reaction to the bleaching agent by
the user.
Further, as previously described, a pushing force placed on the handle 30 is
relatively
uniformly distributed across the head 112, and thus the cleaning pad 24, to
promote
substantial interface between the surface being cleaned and a majority of the
cleaning pad
24 surface otherwise facing the surface being cleaned.
In conjunction with, or apart from (either before or after cleaning with the
cleaning
pad 24), the handle 30 can be manipulated to present one of the cleaning edge
surfaces 223
(FIG. 6A) provided by the support pad 142 to another surface to be cleaned.
For example,
the cleaning edge surface 223 can be used to clean (e.g., scrub) grout on a
tile wall.
Regardless, the cleaning edge surface 223 presents, in one embodiment, a
cleaning
characteristic differing from the cleaning pad 24. For example, the preferred
foam
construction of the support pad 142 that otherwise defines the cleaning edge
surface 223
CA 02593709 2007-07-11
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provides a compliant attribute that more readily engages rough surfaces, such
as grout, and
easily conforms to corners and curved surfaces.
In conjunction with, or apart from (either before or after cleaning with the
cleaning
pad 24 and/or the cleaning edge surface 223), the handle 30 can be manipulated
to present
the cleaning implement 166 to another surface to be cleaned. For example, in
one
embodiment in which the cleaning implement 166 is a plurality of bristles 168,
the bristles
168 can be employed to scrub a surface, such as tile, in an effort to clean
hard-to-remove
debris such as soap scum or hard water stains. Regardless, to facilitate
providing adequate
pressure on to the cleaning implement 166 during use, the handle 30 can be
maneuvered to
a nested position in which the neck 110 is engaged by the head 112. For
example, and as
previously described, the neck 110 can be tilted or pivoted relative to the
head 112 (for
example via manipulation of the handle 30) such that the neck 110 is engaged
within the
groove 184 of the head 112. In this nested position, the head 112 does not
move relative
to the neck 110/handle 30, thus promoting rigorous cleaning/scrubbing with the
cleaning
implement 166. Regardless, in one embodiment, the cleaning implement 166
provides a
cleaning characteristic that differs from the cleaning pad 24 and the cleaning
edge surface
223.
Each of the above cleaning operations (i.e., cleaning with the cleaning pad
24, the
cleaning edge surface 223, and the cleaning implement 166) is accomplished, in
one
embodiment, with the cleaning assembly 20 remaining intact. That is to say,
three distinct
cleaning activities can be preformed by the cleaning assembly 20 alone,
without altering
the cleaning assembly 20 in any way. The cleaning assembly 20 further
facilitates
additional cleaning operations with only minor alterations. For example, the
handle 30
can be removed from the head assembly 32. The user can then perform a cleaning
task by
simply grasping the nec1c110 (such as along the first section 130). To this
end, the neck
110 can be locked to the head 112 (such as via the attachment body 180 (FIG.
4) as
previously described), such as where it is desired to use the cleaning
implement 166 in a
confined space. Alternatively, the neck I 10 can remain pivotable relative to
head 112.
In addition, the cleaning assembly 20 is, in one embodiment, adapted to
promote
easy replacement of the cleaning pad 24 with another cleaning pad (not shown)
that is
either identical to, or different from, the cleaning pad 24. For example,
where the cleaning
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pad 24 carries a bleach composition, once the user detects that the bleach
composition has
been depleted, the cleaning pad 24 can be replaced by another, bleach
composition-
carrying cleaning pad. Alternatively, the replacement cleaning pad can have a
different
cleaning characteristic. For example, the replacement cleaning pad can be a
scrubbing
pad. Alternatively, the replacement cleaning pad can be a cloth or similar
structure suited
for dryiiig a surface being cleaned. Even further, the replacement cleaning
pad can
include or carrying a finishing composition, such as a finishing composition
available
under the trade name ScotchGardTM, available from 3M of St. Paul, MN.
Regardless of the replacement pad configuration, removal of the cleaning pad
24
from the cleaning too122 is, in one embodiment, easily performed by the user
(not
shown). With specific reference to FIG. 9 that otherwise depicts a top view of
the head
112 having the cleaning pad 24 attached thereto, a user grasps the grasping
region 342 of
the cleaning pad 24 through the cutout segment 226 provided by the head 112.
The cutout
segment 226 affords access to a sufficient surface area of the cleaning pad 24
to allow for
forceful pulling of the cleaning pad 24 from the head 112 (e.g., the user can
apply
sufficient pulling force to the cleaning pad 24 to disengage the cleaning pad
24 from the
connection bodies 230). Once removed, the replacement cleaning pad (not shown)
is
readily assembled to the head 112 in a similar fashion. Alternatively or in
addition, the
cleaning pad 24 can include a tab (not shown) or similar structure that can be
grasped by a
user during a cleaning pad removal operation. Alternative releasable
connection designs
can also be employed, such as providing the cleaning pad 24 with an elastic
perimeter that
"captures" the head 112; forming the cleaning pad 24 to include a pocket that
nests about
the head 112; etc. Regardless, the head 112 remains part of the cleaning tool
22, and only
the cleaning pad 24 is removed/replaced, thus minimizing disposal/replacement
costs.
The cleaning tool assembly, cleaning tool, kit, cleaning pad and method of use
of
the present invention provides a marked improvement over previous designs.
Multiple
hard surfaces of a room or other area are readily cleaned using a single
device that
provides diverse cleaning characteristics. The extendable handle allows the
user to stand
while cleaning high or low surfaces with minimal exertion. The handle can
further pivot
with respect to the head where desired, and can also be locked with respect to
the head
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where desired. The cleaning pad can dispense bleach where desired, and is
easily
replaced.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it
will
be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of
alternate and/or
equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown and
described without departing from the scope of the present invention. For
example, the
cleaning tool can be configured to contain a volume of liquid (e.g., water)
that is
selectively dispensed during use. One such possible configuration includes the
handle
being hollow and in fluid communication with an exit port(s) on the head;
liquid stored in
the handle can thus be dispensed via the exit port(s). Alternatively, the head
can be
configured to define a scoop-like top surface; with this design, water or
other liquid can be
temporarily stored in the scoop-like surface and then dispensed as desired by
the user,
such as when cleaning a wall. Similarly, the head can include a sponge-like
material that
holds water or other liquid; during use, as pressure is applied by the user to
the head (such
as via the handle), the contained water or other liquid is then released from
the sponge-like
material. Alternatively, the head can be configured to form or include a
thermoplastic
rubber (TPR) or similar material, allowing the head to be used as a squeegee.
28
