Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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IMPLEMENT FOR USE WITH A CLEANING SHEET
Field
The present invention relates to an implement wlzich may be used in
conjunction
with a cleaning sheet for cleaning household fabric-based materials including
but not
limited to upholstery, carpet, draperies, children's fabric based toys such as
stuffed
animals and the like, automotive fabric-based materials, recreational vehicle
and water
transport fabric-based materials (including but not limited to motor homes,
tent trailers,
recreational boats, cruise ships, etc.) as well as fabric-based materials
found in institutions
(including but not limited to hospitals, schools, etc.) and fabric-based
materials found in
commercial sites (including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, office
buildings,
manufacturing sites, etc.). The present invention also relates to a kit
comprising the
implement of the present invention and a cleaning sheet for cleaning household
fabric-
based materials. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning
household fabric-
based materials utilizing the implement of the present invention.
Background
One difficulty associated with utilizing a cleaning sheet by itself for
cleaning
fabric-based materials around the house is that in many instances a user may
have to exert
pressure on the cleaning sheet especially when cleaning larger surfaces. This
may create
stress on the hand and wrist. Utilizing the cleaning sheet in conjunction with
the
implement of the present invention may help reduce this stress. The implement
includes
an ergonomically friendly design. Additionally, the implement of the present
invention
allows for more efficient spot treatment of the fabric. Furthermore, utilizing
the cleaning
sheet in conjunction with the implement of the present invention allows for
the more
efficient treatment of the fabric without having to subject the fabric to a
laundering or dry
cleaning process. Yet further, when used in conjunction with a moistened
cleaning sheet,
the implement can help provide more efficient delivery and penetration of the
solution
into the fabric to help facilitate removal of soil. 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.
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Summary
The present invention relates to a cleaning implement for use with a cleaning
sheet which can be used to clean household fabric-based materials. The
cleaning
implement comprises:
a) a handle;
b) a cleaning head connected to the handle, wherein the cleaning head
comprises a
base and a pad wllerein the pad includes indicia and wherein the cleaning head
includes
attachment structure; and
c) at least one angled surface wherein the angled surface adjoins the handle,
adjoins the cleaning head, or a combination thereof.
The present invention also relates to a kit for cleaning household fabric-
based
materials. The kit includes:
a) a cleaning implement wherein the cleaning implement comprises:
i) a handle;
ii) a cleaning head connected to the handle, wherein the cleaning head
comprises attachment structure, at least one apex, a base, and a pad
wherein the pad includes indicia, texture, or a combination thereof; and
iii) at least one angled surface adjoining the handle wherein the angle
formed between the topmost point of said angled surface and the
bottommost point of the outwardly facing side of the pad ranges from
about 10 to about 120 ; and
b) a cleaning sheet.
The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning household
fabric-
based materials. The method comprises:
a) providing a cleaning implement with a moistened cleaning sheet attached
thereto; and
b) contacting the cleaning implement to the fabric to be cleaned such that the
moistened cleaning sheet contacts the area of the fabric to be cleaned.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one non-limiting embodiment of an
implement made in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the implement of FIG. 1 cross-sectional
view
of a portion of the wipe substrate of FIG. 1.
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FIG. 3 is a front view of the implement of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the implement of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the implement of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a left view of the implement of FIG. 1 (wherein the right view is
not
shown as it is understood to be a mirror image of the left view).
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the implement of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the implement of FIG. 1.
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
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".
The terms "cleaning implement" and "cleaning tool" are used interchangeably
herein.
The terms "cloth", "wipe", "cleaning sheet" and "towelette" are used
interchangeably herein.
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 the term "fabric" encompasses articles of fabric including but
not
limited to: clothing, upholstery, linen, draperies, clothing accessories,
children's fabric-
based toys such as stuffed animals and the like, leather, floor coverings,
bedding, and the
like. The term also encompasses other items made in whole or in part of
fabric, including
but not limited to tote bags, furniture covers, leather upholstery and other
leather
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products, baby items including but not limited to strollers and car seats,
automobile and
boat interiors, tarpaulins, shoes, and the like.
As used herein, the term "disposable" is used to describe articles which are
not
intended to be laundered or otherwise restored but rather are intended to be
discarded
after use.
It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given
throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if
such lower
numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical
limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher
numerical
limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written
herein. Every
numerical range given throughout this specification will include every
narrower
numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such
narrower
numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
Cleaning Implement
Referring to FIGS. 1- 8, one non-limiting embodiment of the cleaning implement
of the present invention is shown. Cleaning implement 10 is comprised of
handle 20
connected to cleaning head 30. Handle 20 may be comprised of a single solid
component. Alternatively, handle 20 may be comprised of one or more components
which are joined together. Handle 20 includes an upper area 21 and a lower
area 22.
Cleaning head 30 is comprised of a top and a bottom (not shown). The lower
area 22 of
handle 20 is connected to the top of cleaning head 30. Handle 20 may be
stationary
and/or may be capable of pivoting and/or rotating or a combination thereof.
The upper area 21 of handle 20 may include an indentation 23 on one or both
ends
of the upper area 21. While not wishing to be limited by theory, it is
believed that
indentations 23 facilitate gripping of handle 20 and provide a comfortable fit
for the
user's fingers. In one non-limiting example, indentation 23 may be about 0.25
inches
(6.35 mm) in depth and may be located about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) from the
center of
handle 20 as measured in the longitudinal direction of the handle.
Upper area 21 of handle 20 may be comprised of a single unit. Alternatively,
upper area 21 of handle 20 may be comprised of more than one component such as
shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, upper area 21 is comprised of top
component 210
and bottom component 211 which are joined together. Bottom component 211 is
joined
to lower area 22 of handle 20.
In one non-limiting example, top component 210 of upper area 21 of handle 20
may be comprised of a flexible polymer such as thermoplastic elastomer
("TPE"). The
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top component 210 may be about 0.093 inches (2.36 mm) or less in thickness.
The
flexible polymer may be opaque, translucent, transparent, or a combination
thereof. The
bottom component 211 of upper area 21 of handle 20 may be made out of a rigid
polymer
non-limiting examples of which include polypropylene and acrylonitrile-
butadiene-
styrene ("ABS") or combinations thereof. The bottom component 211 may be about
0.25
inches (6.35 mm) or less in thickness. The rigid polymer may be opaque,
translucent,
transparent, or a combination thereof. Top component 210 and bottom component
211
may be joined together by a process that bonds the flexible polymer to the
rigid polymer,
non-limiting examples of which include injection molding or adhesive bonding.
The
lower area 22 of handle 20 may be comprised of a rigid polymer such as
polypropylene
or ABS. The lower area 22 may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less in
thickness.
The rigid polymer may be opaque, translucent, transparent or a combination
thereof.
Upper area 21 and/or lower area 22 of handle 20 may include support structure
25. When
included, support structure 25 if desired, may be arranged in an aesthetically
pleasing
visual manner. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, some portion of
handle 20
could be translucent or transparent such that some portion of the support
structure 25 is
visible. Additionally or alternatively, support structure 25 if desired could
be located on
the exterior of handle 20. Additionally or alternatively, if desired an
aesthetically
pleasing visual pattern could be included on handle 20.
The upper area 21 of handle 20 may be joined to lower area 22 of handle 20 in
any number of different ways, non-limiting examples of which include utilizing
one or
more snaps and/or one or more screws to join the parts, and/or bonding the
parts together
such as by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. Referring to FIG. 7, in one
non-
limiting example of the use of a snap, bottom component 211 of upper area 21
of handle
20 includes protrusion 212 which coincides with boss 220 of lower area 22 of
handle 20
so as to join upper area 21 with lower area 22.
Referring to FIGS. 1- 8, cleaning head 30 includes a top and a bottom.
Cleaning
head 30 may also include attachment structure 43 for attaching a cleaning
sheet. Though
not shown, attachment structure 43 could alternatively (or additionally) be
included with
handle 20. The top of cleaning head 30 is comprised of base 41. Base 41 may be
comprised of a rigid or flexible polymer including but not limited to
polypropylene or
ABS. Base 41 may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less in thickness and may
be
opaque, translucent, transparent or a combination thereof. Base 41 may have a
length to
width ratio between about 1:1 to about 2:1. It is desirable that the width of
base 41 be
sufficient to provide stability of the cleaning implement 10 while in use.
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Base 41 of cleaning head 30 may be connected to handle 20 in any number of
different ways, non-limiting examples of which include utilizing one or more
snaps
and/or one or more screws to join the parts and/or bonding the parts together
such as by
adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. Referring to FIG. 7, in one non-
limiting
example which displays the use of a snap, base 41 may include protrusion 412
which can
be connected to a corresponding female connection (not shown) located in the
lower area
22 of handle 20. Furthermore, screw 225 may be included to connect base 41 to
pad 51.
Referring to FIGS. 1 - 8, cleaning head 30 and/or pad 51 may include if
desired at least
one apex 413. The vertex of apex 413 forms angles 01 and 02, as shown in FIG.
1,
wherein either angle can range from about 20 to about 80 . When present,
angles 01 and
02, of cleaning head 30 may be the same as or different than angles Ol and 02,
of pad 51.
While not wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that apex 413 can
help facilitate
cleaning by enabling a user to access hard to reach areas such as corners of
the surface
being cleaned. Furthermore, when implement 10 is used in conjunction with a
moist
cleaning sheet, apex 413 allows for enhanced delivery and penetration of the
cleaning
solution to the area being cleaned. This also allows for enhanced pinpoint
spot cleaning.
Base 41 of cleaning head 30 may include concave area 42 which when present
will typically be located near the center of base 41. Concave area 42 provides
a
convenient area for the knuckles of the user when the implement 10 is in use.
Concave
area 42 may be of any shape including but not limited to oval shaped. In one
non-
limiting example, concave area 42 has a depth of approximately 0.50 inches (13
mm), a
length of approximately 4 inches (10 cm) and a width of approximately 3 inches
(8 cm).
Cleaning implement 10 may include attachment structure 43. Attachment
structure 43 can be formed as part of cleaning implement 10 or can be formed
separately
and applied to cleaning implement 10. Attachment structure 43 may be included
with
cleaning head 30, handle 20, or a combination thereof. Referring to FIGS. 1-
8, in one
non-limiting example, base 41 of cleaning head 30 may include attachment
structure 43
for receiving and retaining a cleaning sheet. Examples of attachment structure
43 include
but are not limited to VELCRO , magnets, tabs, adhesives, hooks, grippers, and
the like.
Attachment structure 43 which may also be used with the present invention is
disclosed
in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,484,346 issued to Kingry et al. on November 26, 2002;
U.S.
6,651,290 issued to Kingry et al. on November 25, 2003; and U.S. 6,305,046
issued to
Kingry et al. on October 23, 2001.
Cleaning head 30 may also include pad 51 as shown in FIGS. 1- 8. Pad 51 can
be joined to the bottom of cleaning head 30 by any suitable joining means. For
example,
pad 51 can be joined to the bottom with one or more snaps. Additionally, pad
51 can be
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adhesively joined. In another non-limiting embodiment pad 51 can be joined to
the
bottom by ultrasonic welding. If desired, pad 51 could optionally be removable
and/or
interchangeable. For instance, in one non-limiting example, pad 51 could be
interchanged with another pad, a brush, adhesive surface, some other type of
cleaning
surface, or a combination thereof.
Pad 51 may be made of a polymer such as polypropylene or ABS. If a polymer is
used, it can be opaque, translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof.
Pad 51 may
also be made from foam such as polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA").
Typically the foam utilized for this purpose is a closed cell foam. While not
wishing to
be bound by theory, it is believed that the closed cell foam will tend not to
retain moisture
as readily as an open cell foam hence reducing the chances of forming mold and
mildew.
Pad 51 can be flat, convex, concave, or a combination thereof. If pad 51 is
convex or concave, the height differential would be determined by measuring
the
difference between the lowest point on pad 51 and the highest point on pad 51.
The
height differential can range from about 0 mm to about 20 mm which would be
determined by measuring the difference between the lowest point on the
outwardly facing
bottom of pad 51 and the highest point on the outwardly facing bottom pad of
51. While
not wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that a convex surface in
contrast to a flat
surface may allow for more efficient use of a cleaning sheet thereby
maximizing delivery
of the cleaning solution to the fabric.
If comprised of foam pad 51 may have an Indentation Force Deflection ("IDF")
of
at least about 30 newtons as measured in accordance with ASTM D5672-03. While
not
wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that an IDF of at least about 30
Newtons
will allow pad 51 to deflect less than the surface being cleaned therefore
enhancing the
effectiveness of implement 10.
If desired, all or some portion of the outwardly facing surface of pad 51 can
be
modified to increase the coefficient of friction. While not wishing to be
bound by theory,
it is thought that the increase in the coefficient of friction may enhance
contact of the
implement 10 to the surface being treated thereby facilitating soil removal
from the
treated surface. Furthernlore, when implement 10 is used in conjunction with a
cleaning
sheet, it is believed that the increase in the coefficient of friction may
assist with
minimizing slippage of the cleaning sheet from implement 10. The outwardly
facing
surface of pad 51 can be modified by texturing, TPE, soft touch paint, etc.
Referring to
FIG. 5, the outwardly facing surface of pad 51 may also include indicia 52, a
non-limiting
example of which includes an array that creates an image or pattern such as
raised and/or
recessed areas. While not wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that
when used
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in conjunction with a cleaning sheet, pad 51 which includes these indicia 52
provide a
signal to a user. One non-limiting example of a signal includes a visual
signal which can
for instance signal the status/condition of the cleaning sheet, (i.e.; provide
an indication
of the soil level of the cleaning sheet and/or when the cleaning sheet needs
to be
changed), and/or send a message to a consumer such as provide use
instructions, and/or
indicate a trade name, logo, aesthetic design, and/or some other message.
Referring to FIGS. 1- 2 and 4 - 7, implement 10 may also include angled
surface
60 on at least one end of handle 20 and/or cleaning head 30. While not wishing
to be
bound by theory, it is thought that angled surface 60 can allow for enhanced
spot
treatment/scrubbing of a fabric surface. Furthermore, when used in conjunction
with a
moist cleaning sheet, it is believed that angled surface 60 will allow for
enhanced
delivery of the cleaning solution upon contact of the cleaning sheet with the
fabric
surface. Angled surface 60 may be comprised of a foam or a rigid or flexible
polymer
non-limiting examples of which include polypropylene and/or ABS. Angled
surface 60
may be smooth. Alternatively, some portion or all of angled surface 60 may be
textured
and/or include some other type of structure which increases the coefficient of
friction of
this surface. Referring to FIG. 6, in one non-limiting embodiment, the
bottommost point
of the outwardly facing side of pad 51 and the topmost point of angled surface
60 form
angle a as shown in FIG. 6 wherein angle a may range from about 10 to about
120 ; or
from about 20 to about 110 ; or from about 40 to about 100 ; or from about
70 to
about 90 . Angled surface 60 may be flat, convex, concave, or a combination
thereof.
Kit
The cleaning implement of the present invention may be provided alone or it
may
be provided in conjunction with a cleaning sheet as a kit to clean fabrics
around the
house. The cleaning sheet may be used dry, may be moistened by the user, may
be
provided to the user in the form of a moistened cleaning sheet that is
premoistened with a
cleaning solution during manufacturing, and/or may be provided as a wet or dry
cleaning
sheet which includes a microencapsulated cleaning solution and/or other
actives which
rupture upon use thereby delivering the cleaning solution and/or other active
to the
surface to be treated. Non-limiting examples of suitable cleaning sheets
useful with the
present invention include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial
No.
60/606,820 filed on August 1, 2004; U.S. Patent No. 6,561,354 issued to
Fereshtehkhou
et al. on May 13, 2003; and WO 2004/080265 published in the name of Hofte et
al. on
September 23, 2004. Additionally, other forms of cleaning sheets that could be
used
include but are not limited to baby wipes, cleaning wipes, towelettes, or the
like.
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Referring to FIGS. 1 - 6, the cleaning sheet can be attached to attachment
structure 43 of
cleaning head 30 so as to substantially cover pad 51. Angled surface 60 may
also be
covered in whole or in part by the cleaning sheet. In addition, the cleaning
sheet may be
apertured or not apertured.
The cleaning implement may be provided in a package (not shown) such as a box
or carton having a window and/or opening so as to allow the user to view
and/or touch at
least some portion of the cleaning implement prior to use without having to
remove the
cleaning implement from the package. In one non-limiting embodiment, in
addition to
the cleaning implement, the package may also include one or more cleaning
sheets.
Alternatively, the cleaning sheets could be packaged and/or provided
separately from the
cleaning implement.
Use Identifiers
Use identifiers (not shown), may be used if desired in order to identify that
the
cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheet is used ' for fabric. In addition to
or
alternatively, one or more use identifiers can also be utilized for example to
indicate the
types and/or forms of fabrics the cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheets
may be used
on. The use identifier may be utilized to quickly and easily communicate to a
user what
type of fabric(s) the cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheets may be used
on. Use
identifiers could be included if desired on one or more of the following: on
the packaging
for the kit, the cleaning implement, the cleaning sheet, or a combination
thereof; on the
cleaning implement itself; on the cleaning sheet itself; on the cleaning
sheet(s) and/or
cleaning implement overwrap; on a label attached for instance to some part of
the kit
including but not limited to: the package, the cleaning implement, the
cleaning sheet, the
cleaning sheet overwrap, or combinations thereof; on the use instructions; on
separate
print advertising; on in-store displays or the like; or combinations thereof.
Non-limiting
examples of the form of the use identifier could be in the form of written
words,
pictorials, graphics, symbols/icons, and the like, as well as combinations
thereof. Non-
limiting examples would be a use identifier which combines an icon and one or
more
words to indicate for example that the cleaning implement and/or cleaning
sheet could be
used on fabric. Additional non-limiting examples include combining an icon and
one or
more words to indicate that the cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheet could
be used
on: upholstery; draperies; pillows; comforters; bedding including but not
limited to bed
linens and mattress covers; car fabrics; baby/infant fabric items including
but not limited
to strollers and car seats, or the like; clothing; fabric clothing accessories
including but
not limited to purses, wallets, and shoes; or combinations thereof. For
instance, one non-
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limiting use identifier could comprise the combination of an icon of a car
with the words
"car fabrics". Another non-limiting use identifier could comprise the
combination of an
icon of a sofa with the word "upholstery". Another non-limiting use identifier
could
comprise an icon of a stroller with the words "baby items". Yet another non-
limiting use
identifier could comprise an icon of a bed with the words "bedding".
Self-Instructing Article of Commerce
The present invention also encompasses an article of commerce comprising the
cleaning implement and cleaning sheet kit described above. A set of
instructions may be
included in association with the kit which directs the user to follow the
method of
cleaning fabric around the house with the kit. The instructions may be in the
form of
written words, pictorials, graphic, symbols/icons, and the like, as well as
combinations
thereof. For instance, in one non-limiting embodiment, such instructions
direct the user
to attach a cleaning sheet to the implement and contact the area(s) of the
fabric to be
cleaned with the around the house fabric cleaning article. In another non-
limiting
embodiment, the user is directed to attach an apertured cleaning sheet to the
cleaning
implement such that the apertures are aligned in a direction perpendicular to
the
longitudinal axis of the handle.
Herein, "in association with", when referring to such instructions, means the
instructions are either directly printed on the implement; directly printed on
the
packaging for the implement and/or the cleaning sheet; printed on a label
attached to the
packaging for the implement and/or the cleaning sheet; 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 implement and/or the cleaning sheet.
Method of Use
The present invention also includes a method for treating household fabric-
based
materials with the implement of the present invention in conjunction with a
disposable
cleaning cloth/cleaning sheet. This includes attaching a cleaning sheet to the
implement
of the present invention; contacting the cleaning sheet portion of the
implement to the
surface to be cleaned so as to transfer the soil from the surface being
cleaned to the
cleaning sheet. In another non-limiting embodiment wherein an apertured
cleaning sheet
is utilized, the cleaning sheet may be attached to the cleaning implement such
that the
apertures are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the handle of
the cleaning implement. In another non-limiting embodiment, the method of use
may
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include one or more of the following steps: providing a package containing one
or more
cleaning sheets, removing a cleaning sheet from the package, wiping down the
item to be
cleaned with the cleaning sheet, disposing of the cleaning sheet after use
such as tossing
the used cleaning sheet into the garbage. In another non-limiting embodiment,
similar to
the above, after the cleaning sheet is removed from the package it may be
attached to the
cleaning implement of the present invention. For instance, in one-non-limiting
example,
the cleaning sheet is removed from the package and spread out vertically. The
bottom of
the cleaning implement is placed approximately in the center of the cleaning
sheet. The
cleaning sheet is then attached to the cleaning implement. For instance, in
one non-
limiting example, the edges of the cleaning sheet are attached to the cleaning
implement
by tucking each corner of the cleaning sheet into a gripper located on the
cleaning
implement. After use, the cleaning sheet is then removed from the cleaning
implement
and disposed of.
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. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document
conflicts with any
meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the
meaning
or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
