Abstract:
The present invention relates to pet hair collectors and grip enhancers. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a material having a surface which, due to its specific manufacturing and curing process, provides a tacky surface and additionally develops an electrostatic charge during use that further serves to attract pet hair. The material preferably maintains all or most of its efficacy after repeated washing. The material is particularly adapted to removing pet hair when the material is placed in contact with (e.g., brushed against) the pet hair. In some embodiments, an existing glove made of a material such as nylon and/or elastane (Spandex), or bamboo, is coated with a material such as nitrile rubber which is partially cured to obtain the desired tack and/or electrostatic charging properties. In other embodiments, the pet hair collector and/or grip enhancer includes a covering.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The current application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/534,077, which was filed on 5 Nov. 2014, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/015,427, which was filed on 30 Aug. 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/837,900, titled “Pet Glove,” which was filed on 21 Jun. 2013, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to pet hair collectors for removing pet hair from, for example, all fabrics, and objects with fabric, clothing, pillows, comforters, furniture, etc., and to materials for use in various applications requiring a firm grip, such as athletic applications. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    Pets, such as dogs and cats, accumulate and shed a significant amount of hair. Various vacuums and other apparatuses have been developed to address pet hair accumulation in the caretaker&#39;s house. However, such machines are often expensive and not fully efficacious in removing pet hair. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,970 (“the &#39;970 patent”) describes a disposable lint mitt that includes an adhesive. There is no mention in the &#39;970 patent that the mitt would be efficacious in removing pet hair. Moreover, because the mitt of the &#39;970 patent includes an adhesive, it can only be used one time before it must be discarded. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,191 (“the &#39;191 patent”) describes a disposable, paw-shaped pet hair removal glove that includes a strong adhesive on the palm side. Because the glove of the &#39;191 patent uses an adhesive, like the mitt of the &#39;970 patent, it can be used only one time and must include a protective film covering to protect the adhesive before use. 
         [0008]    U.S. Design Pat. No. 466,662 (“the &#39;662 patent”) is by the same inventor as the &#39;191 patent and was filed on the same day. There is no discussion in the &#39;662 patent on the composition of the glove disclosed therein. 
         [0009]    Finally, Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. (San Diego, Calif.) sells the Evercare Pet Hair Pic-Up Mitt. According to user reviews of the product, the mitt is not efficacious in removing some types of pet hair (such as short hair) and is not efficacious removing pet hair from some objects. In addition, the mitt is not form-fitting. 
         [0010]    Various non-glove products exist for removing pet hair. For example, two products are marketed through infomercials as the SCHTICKY and STICKY BUDDY. Each product is advertised as including a reusable lint roller and claims to be effective at removing lint and pet hair. The roller for the SCHTICKY is advertised as being silicone-based, while the roller for the STICKY BUDDY is described as being made out of silicone rubber. Both rollers are advertised as being washable. However, roller-based products are not suitable and/or desirable for many applications, can be used only on flat surfaces and cannot remove pet hair from corners, cracks and crevices. 
         [0011]    Thus, there remains a continuing need for apparatuses to pick-up pet hair. 
         [0012]    Various products have also been proposed for enhancing the grip of the user, such as athletic participants, construction workers, and/or the like. These products include gloves, grip covers, and/or the like. However, many of these products are too bulky and/or thick for many users and/or applications. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0013]    The present disclosure relates to apparatuses configured to collect pet hair and/or enhance the grip of a user. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a wearable hand covering, such as a glove, for removing pet hair and/or enhancing the grip of a user. In some embodiments, the glove is a form-fitting glove with elastic properties so that the glove can stretch or contract based on the size of the human user&#39;s hand and fingers, thereby providing increased dexterity and/or control for the user over prior art products. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the glove, such as a palm portion of the glove, is sticky to the touch (e.g., tacky). Additionally, the glove works, at least in part, via an electrostatic charging attraction between the glove and the pet hair. In some embodiments, the glove is a coated glove that includes a plurality of fingers configured to receive fingers of a human, a palm portion configured to cover the human&#39;s palm when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted into the plurality of fingers, a back hand portion configured to cover the back of the human&#39;s hand when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted into the plurality of fingers and a glove opening defined by the back hand portion and the palm portion at a side opposite to the plurality of fingers so that the human&#39;s hand can be inserted through the glove opening. In some embodiments, the glove is comprised of a fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric is a fiber such as nylon, spandex (elastane) and/or bamboo. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the glove further includes a coating comprising a nitrile and/or a silicone bound to the fabric or other material making up the glove. In some embodiments, the nitrile is poly(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile). In some embodiments, the nitrile has a Mooney viscosity of between about 30 and about 50 MU when determined according to ISO 289. In some embodiments, the coating further includes an emulsifier/wetting agent, such as octylphenol ethoxylate, sodium dihexylsulphosuccinate or sodium 4-(5-dodecyl)benzenesolfonate, an antioxidant, such as N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, a filler, such as clay or titanium oxide and/or solvent(s) such as water, ethanol or 2-butanone. In some embodiments, the nitrile is adhered to the first material via an adhesive. In some embodiments, the nitrile is induced to bond to the supporting fabric glove by use of a coagulant such as calcium nitrate that can be supplemented with calcium carbonate. In some embodiments, the coating substantially covers at least the palm portion of the first material. In some embodiments, the coating substantially covers only the palm portion of the first material. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the glove may or may not include fingers. In such embodiments, the glove may be a coated glove that includes a glove comprising a plurality of finger openings configured to allow a human&#39;s fingers to pass there through; a palm portion adjacent to the plurality of finger openings and configured to cover a human&#39;s palm when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted through the finger openings; a back hand portion configured to cover the back of the human&#39;s hand when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted through the finger openings; and a glove opening defined by the back hand portion and the palm portion at a side opposite to the finger openings so that the human&#39;s hand can be inserted through the glove opening, the glove comprised of a first material. Preferably, the glove includes a coating bound to the first material. 
         [0017]    The present disclosure also provides a method of using a wearable hand covering, such as a glove, to remove pet hair. In some embodiments, the method includes a) providing the coated glove; and b) removing the pet hair with the coated glove. In some embodiments, the method can further include washing the coated glove and reusing the coated glove to remove pet hair. 
         [0018]    The present disclosure also provides a method of using a wearable hand covering, such as a glove, to enhance the grip of a user during an activity. In some embodiments, the method includes a) providing the coated glove; and b) utilizing the coated glove to enhance the grip of the user during an activity. In some embodiments, the activity is an athletic competition. In some embodiments, the method can further include washing the coated glove and reusing the coated glove to enhance the grip of the user during an activity. 
         [0019]    The present disclosure also provides a method of making a wearable hand covering, such as a glove, configured to remove pet hair and/or enhance the grip of a user. In some embodiments, the method includes a) providing a glove that includes a plurality fingers configured to receive fingers of a human, a palm portion configured to cover the human&#39;s palm when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted into the plurality of fingers; a back hand portion configured to cover the back of the human&#39;s hand when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted into the plurality of fingers; a glove opening defined by the back hand portion and the palm portion at a side opposite to the plurality of fingers so that the human&#39;s hand can be inserted through the glove opening, the glove comprised of a first material; b) applying (e.g., by dipping the glove in) a coating composition comprising a nitrile; and c) partially curing (vulcanizing) the coating so as not to cross-link the nitrile 100%. Optionally, an adhesive or coagulant is added before step b). In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a thinner to the glove and/or the coating composition prior to step b) and/or applying an adhesive to the glove and/or the coating composition prior to step b). In some embodiments, the adhesive is poly(vinyl alcohol) and/or poly(vinyl acetate). 
         [0020]    In other embodiments, the pet hair collector and/or grip enhancer is configured as another type of removable covering (e.g., for a handled surface cleaning instrument, such as a mop, a duster, and/or the like; for a handle of an athletic instrument, such as a baseball bat, a tennis racket, a bicycle handle bar, and/or the like; for a handle of a construction tool, such as a hammer, a saw, and/or the like), as a contact surface for another type of cleaning instrument, such as a roller, and/or the like, that includes a nitrile coating. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a removable covering for removing pet hair and/or enhancing grip. In some embodiments, the removable covering is sized and has elastic properties so that the removable covering can stretch or contract based on a surface of an instrument, such as a cleaning instrument, an athletic instrument, a tool, and/or the like, over which the removable covering can be placed. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the removable covering is sticky to the touch (e.g., tacky) and attracts pet hair via an electrostatic charging attraction between the removable covering and the pet hair and/or enhances grip of a user. In some embodiments, the removable covering is comprised of a fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric is a fiber such as nylon, spandex (elastane) and/or bamboo. In some embodiments, the removable covering includes a coating described herein bound to the fabric or other material making up the removable covering. In some embodiments, the coating comprises a partially cured nitrile. 
         [0022]    The present disclosure also provides a method of using a removable covering to remove pet hair and/or enhance grip. In some embodiments, the method includes placing the removable covering over a surface of a cleaning instrument; and removing the pet hair with the cleaning instrument. In some embodiments, the method includes placing the removable covering over a handle of an instrument; and gripping the instrument on the removable covering. In some embodiments, the method can further include washing the removable covering and reusing the removable covering to remove pet hair and/or enhance grip. 
         [0023]    The present disclosure also provides a method of making a removable covering configured to remove pet hair and/or enhance grip. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a material, such as an elastic fabric, and applying a coating composition described herein to at least a portion of the material. In some embodiments, the coating composition comprises a nitrile, which is subsequently partially cured so as not to cross-link the nitrile 100%. In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a thinner and an adhesive to the material and/or the coating composition prior to applying the coating composition to the material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates a side, elevation view of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1   b  illustrates a side, elevation view of a fingerless glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1   c  illustrates a top, isometric view of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side, close-up, elevation view of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a FT-IR/ATR spectrum of the back hand portion of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a FT-IR/ATR spectrum of the palm portion of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a GC-MS total ion chromatogram of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention extracted with chloroform. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a GC-MS total ion chromatogram of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention extracted with benzene. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a GC-MS total ion chromatogram of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention extracted with DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide). 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a GC-MS total ion chromatogram of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention extracted with tetrahydrofuran. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a HPLC chromatogram of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention and a procedural blank. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a total ion chromatogram of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention and a procedural blank using the positive APCI mode. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is a total ion chromatogram of a glove of one embodiment of the present invention and a procedural blank using the negative APCI mode. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a mass spectra of Compound 1 found in a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a mass spectra of Compound 2 found in a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is a mass spectra of Compound 3 found in a glove of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of a coated roller of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  illustrates a close-up, isometric view of the roller of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0043]      FIGS. 18A-18C  show top, isometric, and close up views of a removable covering of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    The present disclosure relates to apparatuses for removing pet hair from surfaces and/or enhancing the grip of a user. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a substrate, such as a roller or glove, that is coated with a chemical that attracts pet hair and is reusable and washable. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a removable covering, such as a removable cleaning pad, that is coated with a chemical that attracts pet hair and is reusable and washable. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a substrate, such as a grip cover or glove, that is coated with a chemical that enhances grip and is reusable and washable. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a wearable hand covering, such as a glove, for removing pet hair and/or enhancing grip, which is designated by the numeral  10 . In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing for the sake of clarity. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the glove  10  is a coated glove that includes a plurality of finger openings  11  that may lead to a plurality of fingers  12  configured to receive fingers of a human, a palm portion  14  configured to cover the human&#39;s palm when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted through the plurality of finger openings  11  and optionally into the plurality of fingers  12 , a back hand portion  16  configured to cover the back of the human&#39;s hand when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted through the finger openings  11  and optionally into the plurality of fingers  12  and a glove opening  18  defined by the back hand portion  16  and the palm portion  14  at a side opposite to the plurality of finger openings  11  so that the human&#39;s hand can be inserted through the glove opening  18 . In some embodiments, the glove  10  includes five fingers  12  as shown in the illustrations in order to accommodate the thumb and four fingers of a human&#39;s hand. In other embodiments, the glove  10  may be a mitt that includes a first finger  12  for the human&#39;s thumb and a second finger  12  for the four other fingers of a human&#39;s hand. In still other embodiments, the glove  10  may be a fingerless glove that lacks fingers  12 . Preferably, however, the glove  10  includes a plurality of fingers  12 . It is further preferred that the glove  10  is form-fitting and elastic so that the glove can accommodate users having various sized fingers and hands. The glove  10  also can provide increased dexterity and/or control for the user (e.g., the user can grab, and get into areas (cracks, crevices, etc.)) whereas other prior art products do not enable such uses. 
         [0047]    The glove  10  is comprised of a first material, which may be, for example, a fabric comprised of a plurality of fibers such as a polyamide. In some embodiments, the polyamide is nylon. In addition to, or instead of nylon, the first material may be comprised of spandex (elastane) or bamboo. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, at least a portion of the glove  10 , such as a palm portion  14  of the glove  10 , is sticky to the touch (e.g., tacky). In some embodiments, the coated glove  10  further includes a coating  20  bound to the first material. In some embodiments the coating is a nitrile and/or a silicone. As known to those of ordinary skill, a nitrile is a chemical compound with carbon triple bonded to nitrogen. Preferably, the nitrile is a nitrile polymer. In some embodiments, the nitrile is poly(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile), alone or in combination with other nitriles. In some embodiments, the coating  20  further includes an emulsifier such as octylphenol ethoxylate, a wetting agent, an antioxidant, a filler or solvent. In some embodiments, the nitrile is adhered to the first material of the glove  10  via an adhesive, such as dodecyl acrylate or another acrylic adhesive such as poly(vinyl)acrylate. Preferably, if included, the adhesive is covered by the coating so that the glove is not too tacky. In some embodiments, the coating  20  substantially covers at least the palm portion  14  of the glove  10 . Preferably, prior to use, the coating is dried—i.e., not wet. 
         [0049]    Nitrile synthetic tri-polymers display similar characteristics to rubber once they have been vulcanized (a process where the latex film is heated, and the curing or vulcanizing mixture, typically a combination of sulfur, accelerator and heat cause cross-linking of the rubber, giving strength and elasticity to the film). Nitrile also has no natural rubber proteins and therefore eliminates the well-documented protein risks associated with natural rubber latex. Nitrile conforms to the shape of wearer&#39;s hands, has good puncture resistance, greater chemical protection and, because it contains no latex proteins, Type 1 Latex Allergy is eliminated. Preferably, the glove  10  is hypoallergenic. 
         [0050]    The present disclosure also provides a method of using a substrate described herein, such as the glove  10 , to remove pet hair. In some embodiments, the method includes a) providing the glove  10 ; and b) removing the pet hair with the glove  10 . In some embodiments, the pet hair is removed by putting the object (e.g., the human&#39;s clothes, fabrics, pillows, comforters or furniture) in contact with the glove  10 , preferably with the portion of the glove  10  that includes the coating  20  (e.g., with the palm portion  14 ). In some embodiments, the object is brushed or swiped with the glove  10 . In some embodiments, the method can further include washing the glove  10  (e.g., with water) and reusing the glove  10  to remove pet hair. 
         [0051]    The present disclosure also provides a method of making a substrate described herein, such as the glove  10 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the glove  10 , such as the palm portion  14  of the glove  10 , is sticky to the touch (e.g., tacky). In some embodiments, the method includes a) providing a glove  10  that includes a plurality of finger openings  11  that optionally lead to a plurality of fingers  12  configured to receive fingers of a human, a palm portion  14  configured to cover the human&#39;s palm when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted into the plurality of finger openings  11 , a back hand portion  16  configured to cover the back of the human&#39;s hand when the human&#39;s fingers are inserted into the plurality of finger openings  11 , a glove opening  18  defined by the back hand portion  16  and the palm portion  14  at a side opposite to the plurality of openings  11  so that the human&#39;s hand can be inserted through the glove opening  18 , and the glove  10  is comprised of a first material; b) applying (e.g., by dipping the glove  10  in) a coating composition comprising a silicone and/or a nitrile to provide a coated glove  10 ; and c) partially but not completely curing the coated glove  10  by, for example, heating the glove  10  or leaving the glove  10  at room temperature so that the coating is partially cross-linked. In some embodiments, the glove  10  is a fingerless glove that lacks fingers  12 , as described herein. In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a thinner to the glove  10  and/or the coating composition prior to step b) and/or applying an adhesive to the glove  10  and/or the coating composition prior to step b). Without being bound by any particular theory, it has been observed that if the glove  10  is completely cured (dried), the glove  10  loses its effectiveness (e.g., tackiness). It has also been observed that if the glove  10  is not sufficiently cured, the glove  10  is too tacky and breaks apart. Thinners that may be used in conjunction with the present invention include, for example, water, alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol, and 1-methoxy-2-propanol, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane and propylene glycol monomethyl ether. Optionally, the method further includes adding a tackifier (e.g., rosin) to at least one of the glove and the coating composition prior to step b). 
         [0052]    Partially curing the glove  10  may be accomplished by, for example, reducing the temperature of curing, the time of the curing process, the composition of the curing agent, the amount of the curing agent, or by chemically neutralizing the curing agent before full cure is achieved. In some embodiments, the glove  10  is cured at between about 0 and about 75% of the recommended curing temperature of the nitrile or silicone coating  20 . In another embodiment, the glove is cured between about 25% and 50% of the recommended curing temperature of the nitrile or silicone coating  20 . In another embodiment, the glove  10  is cured between about 50% and about 75% of the recommended curing temperature of the nitrile or silicone coating  20 . Optionally, the coating has a thickness of between about 50 and about 250 microns. The thickness of five total locations on gloves prepared using a method described herein was measured and it was determined that the coating had a thickness of between about 78 and about 198 microns. 
         [0053]    Preferably, the glove  10  is not washed after step c). As known to those of ordinary skill, nitrile gloves in the prior art are typically washed after curing to remove impurities. In the instant application, however, where an initially tacky, nitrile glove  10  is desired, it is advantageous to keep the impurities, which may add to the initial tackiness and/or electrostatic properties of the glove  10 . While the glove  10  is described as having an initial tackiness, the inventor has found that the glove  10  remains effective at removing pet hair from a plethora of surfaces even after the tackiness is reduced after one or many uses of the glove  10 . In an embodiment, a surface of the glove can be rough and non-uniform (e.g., vary by approximately 100 to approximately 200 microns), which can assist with entanglement by grabbing hairs and dragging them around. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, the coating composition 20 is supplemented with one or more components found in the SCHTICKY roller (Square One Entertainment, Inc., Miami Beach, Fla.). 
         [0055]    Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the coated glove  10  collects pet hair by being slightly tacky and also due to electrostatic charging between the glove  10  and pet hair. Electrostatic charging refers to the phenomena observed when two materials with neutrally charged surfaces come into contact (&lt;4 angstroms) and then separate, the materials undergo tribocharging and acquire a non-neutral surface charge level. The level and polarity of this newly acquired surface charge is dependent on several factors, but can be relatively answered by considering the triboelectric series. A material such as glass that comes into contact with a vinyl material will acquire a more positive charge because it is near the more positive position in the triboelectric series relative to the position of vinyl. Alternately, the vinyl will acquire a more negative charge following the same logic. The fact that these two materials are far apart from each other in the series may result in a larger charge level generated than if the glass came into contact with, for example, aluminum. 
         [0056]    In the case of the present invention, without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that when the glove  10  contacts pet hair, the pet hair becomes more positively charged and the nitrile or silicone becomes more negatively charged. Optionally, the nitrile or silicone can be modified to contain carboxyl groups. In some embodiments the nitrile or silicone contains about 1-10% carboxyl groups. In an embodiment, a nitrile contains 7% carboxyl groups. It has been observed that when pet hair is collected by the coated gloves 10, the pet hair tends to stick to itself (coadhere/ball up) on the glove  10 . Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that friction between the pet hair and the nitrile causes electrons (negatively charges particles) to move from the pet hair to the nitrile. This leaves the nitrile with excess electrons and thus a negative charge and the pet hair with a deficit and a positive charge. Since opposite charges attract, the pet hair clings to the nitrile. In addition, because similar charges repel, once charged there will be a repulsive force between individual pet hairs. However, in the glove  10 , the pet hairs roll up and become entangled/ball up, which overwhelms the repulsive force between the individual pet hairs and causes the individual hairs to stick together. Preferably, the coated glove  10  is configured to adhere to pet hair. For purposes of the present invention, the term “adhere to pet hair” when used in conjunction with the coated glove  10  means that the coated glove  10  adheres to most if not all cat hair and at least some types of dog hair, especially long-haired dogs, it being understood that the coated glove  10  need not adhere to all types of dog or cat hair. For example, to date, it has been observed that the coated glove  10  of Examples 1 and 2 adheres to all cat hair but is not particularly efficacious in adhering to the short, wiry hair of some dogs. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 16-17 , in other embodiments, the pet hair collector is a roller  30  that includes a nitrile-based coating  32  and, optionally, further includes a pivot pin  34 , a bracket  36  that is attached to the pivot pin  34  and that is configured to allow the roller  30  to rotate about the pivot pin  34 , and a handle  38  attached to the bracket  36 . Preferably, the nitrile coating is partially cured and attracts pet hair via the roller&#39;s tackiness as well as an electrostatic adhesion between the pet hair and the nitrile coating. In addition to the nitrile coating, the roller may include one or more features described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,236, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Optionally, the roller is cylindrical. Optionally, the handle  38  is a pole. 
         [0058]    In still other embodiments, the pet hair collector is a removable covering for various types of cleaning instruments. For example, the pet hair collector can comprise a substrate described herein with an elastic opening for selectively covering and uncovering a surface of a cleaning instrument. Alternatively, the pet hair collector can be a substantially rectangular material that can be held by a user and/or applied to a surface of a cleaning instrument using any solution during use. For example, the cleaning instrument can include one or more features described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,046, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Still further, the pet hair collector can comprise a surface of a handled cleaning instrument, which can allow for more ready cleaning of various surfaces, such as flooring (e.g., below furniture), and/or the like. 
         [0059]    In other embodiments, the pet hair collector includes a cleaning instrument with one or more removable coverings. For example the cleaning instrument can include a handle  38 , a cleaning surface (e.g., the roller  30 , a mop head, and/or the like), and a pivotal and/or rotatable attachment mechanism (e.g., a pivot pin  34  and a bracket  36 , a universal joint, and/or the like) attaching the handle  38  to the cleaning surface. The cleaning instrument can further include one or more removable coverings described herein for use in conjunction with the cleaning instrument. In some embodiments, the removable covering is sized with respect to a cleaning surface and has elastic properties that require it to stretch when placed over the cleaning surface. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 18A-18C , in some embodiments, a removable covering  40  is comprised of a fabric. A central portion  42  of the removable covering  40  is shown with contract enhanced to illustrate the fabric, and a portion  44  of the central portion  42  is shown enlarged in  FIG. 18C . In some embodiments, the fabric is a fiber such as nylon, spandex (elastane) and/or bamboo. In some embodiments, the removable covering  40  includes a coating described herein bound to the fabric or other material making up the removable covering. In some embodiments, the coating comprises a partially cured nitrile. In some embodiments, the coating has a thickness of between approximately 50 microns and approximately 250 microns. In some embodiments, the a surface of the removable covering  40  varies by approximately 100 to approximately 200 microns. In some embodiments, a total thickness of the removable covering  40  is less than five millimeters (less than two millimeters in more particular embodiments and less than 1.6 millimeters in still more particular embodiments). 
         [0061]    The present disclosure also provides a method of using a substrate described herein, such as the glove  10 , a grip cover, and/or the like, to enhance a grip of a user. In some embodiments, the method includes a) providing the glove  10 ; and b) wearing the glove  10  while performing an activity for which an enhanced grip is desired. In some embodiments, the activity is a part of participating in a sporting event. In some embodiments, participation in the sporting event includes one or more of: holding a ball, catching a ball, or throwing a ball. Illustrative sporting events include: American football, rugby, Australian rules football, basketball, and/or the like. In some embodiments, participation in the sporting event includes gripping a handle. Illustrative sporting events include: baseball, hockey, tennis, golf, lacrosse, bicycling, auto racing, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the activity is gripping a tool as part of utilizing the tool. Illustrative tools include: hammer, screwdriver, steering wheel, saw, various power tools, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the method can further include washing the glove  10  (e.g., with water) and reusing the glove  10  to perform an activity for which an enhanced grip is desired. 
         [0062]    The inventor has found that embodiments of the glove  10  described herein can provide one or more of numerous advantages over gloves available in the prior art. For example, an embodiment of the glove  10  that is only partially cured (e.g., includes partially cross-linked nitrile) can provide a tacky grip, whereas many prior art gloves are fabricated of a material that can easily slip in certain conditions. An embodiment of the glove  10  having a roughened outer surface can provide the user with a more tight, firm, and/or non-slip grip, whereas many prior art gloves do not. An embodiment of the glove  10  manufactured from a single layer of a woven, flexible fabric can be breathable, lightweight, form fitting, and/or washable, whereas many prior art gloves are fabricated from a material that does not breath (e.g., leather), is substantially thicker, and/or is not stretchable. Embodiments of the glove  10  including any combination of two or more of these features and/or one or more additional features can provide additional advantages including, for example, a more comfortable grip; an ability for the user to keep the glove on between uses (e.g., between golf swings); an ability for the user to feel the action of the activity; and/or the like. Embodiments of the glove  10  also have other ancillary benefits over many gloves of the prior art including, for example: remaining soft; never shrinking; more pliable; non-wrinkle; more readily placed in pocket; does not retain water (e.g., get saturated unlike leather); and/or the like. It is understood that while these advantages have been described in conjunction with a glove  10 , similar advantages can be attained from embodiments of a material described herein utilized in different configurations, e.g., as a grip cover for an instrument. 
         [0063]    The following examples are provided to illustrate some embodiments of the glove  10  of the present disclosure but should not be interpreted as any limitation thereon. Other embodiments within the scope of the claims herein will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the consideration of the specification or the apparatuses or methods disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification, together with the examples, be considered to be exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims which follow the examples. 
       Example 1 
       [0064]    Zeon LX 550 nitrile (Zeon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), a partially carboxylated nitrile (approximately 7%) was mixed with a curing package that included 0.06%, 0.1% sulfur zinc oxide, and 0.1% titanium dioxide to form a coating composition. The coating composition was thinned with a solvent. 
         [0065]    Nylon and spandex-mixed gloves were placed on Teflon-coated hand molds and then dipped into a coagulant that included 35% calcium nitrate and the coating composition so that the coating composition covered the palm portion of the gloves. The gloves were then dipped into a water wash to partially cure the gloves and cool the nitrile. The gloves were then heated/dried and cured 50-60% of the nitrile manufacture&#39;s recommended condition for complete curing. (The manufacturer recommended 120° C. for 20 minutes for complete curing). The gloves were not washed after the drying process and were found to be efficacious in removing pet hair, creating an electrostatic charge and tackiness. 
       Example 2 
       [0066]      FIGS. 4-15  and Table 1, as described below, provide additional information concerning the composition of an illustrative glove  10  of another embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that the chemical composition below is merely exemplary and the glove  10  may contain 0, 1 or several of the components described below. 
         [0067]    FT-IR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)/ATR 
         [0068]      FIG. 4  provides a FT-IR/ATR 4000-550 cm −1  spectrum of the back hand portion  16  of a coated glove  10  of one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  provides a FT-IR/ATR 4000-550 cm −1  spectrum of the palm portion  14  of the exemplary coated glove  10 . The experimental conditions of the FT-IR/ATR were as follows: Both sides were analyzed using a DURASCOPE diamond attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory on a Thermo-Nicolet Nexus 670 FT-IR spectrometer running OMNIC software with VALPRO Qualification software (version 8.0.342 from Thermo Scientific 1992-2008). The spectra were recorded, software corrected for the ATR accessory and baseline shift and peak picked. The main absorbance bands in the FT-IR spectrum of the back portion  16  were characteristic of a polyamide and the main absorbance bands in the FT-IR spectrum of the palm portion  14  were characteristic of poly (butadiene-co-acrylonitrile). 
         [0069]    GC-MS 
         [0070]      FIG. 6  is a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the glove  10  extracted with chloroform,  FIG. 7  is a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the glove  10  extracted with benzene,  FIG. 8  is a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the glove  10  extracted with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and  FIG. 9  is a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the glove  10  extracted with tetrahydrofuran. In particular, about 1 gram portions of the glove  10  were extracted with chloroform, tetrahydrofuran (THF), benzene, and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) for approximately two hours. The extracts were centrifuged and the supernatants were injected and analyzed by GC-MS. Gas chromatography analysis was performed under the following chromatographic conditions: 
         [0071]    Capillary Column: ZB-5MS, 30 m×0.25 mm I.D.×0.25 μm film thickness; Inlet Temperature: 300° C. 
         [0072]    Carrier Gas (He) Flow: Constant Flow at 1 mL/min 
         [0073]    Injection Volume: 1 μL split injection, 10:1 split ratio 
         [0074]    Temperature Program: 40° C. (2 min) increased at 15° C./min to 300° C. (10 min) 
         [0075]    Transfer Line: 300° C. 
         [0076]    Detector: Agilent 5973 MSD, Scan m/z 30-400 
         [0077]    The sample was extracted with four different solvents to determine if any polymer additives were present. GC-MS analysis of the nitrile extracts of benzene, tetrahydrofuran, and chloroform did not detect any polymer additives. The extract from N,N-dimethylformamide detected dodecyl acrylate. The total ion chromatograms for the four extracts are included as  FIGS. 6-9 . 
         [0078]    LC-MS 
         [0079]    A portion of the chloroform extract that was prepared for the GC-MS analysis was also utilized for the LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis. Three milliliters of the chloroform extract was diluted with six milliliters of acetonitrile for this analysis. The resulting extract was filtered through a combination of two 25 mm filters: a Whatman 2.7 μm GF/D with GMF filter and a PALL 0.45 μm PVDF Acrodisc LC filter. Both the chloroform extract and a procedural blank were treated with the above procedure. 
         [0080]    The sample extract was injected into an Agilent 1100 Series HPLC system equipped with a multiple wavelength detector (UV detector) and a LC-MSD Trap mass spectrometer (ion trap). The LTV absorption was monitored at a wavelength of 210 nm. The separation was also monitored by mass spectrometry to provide peak assignments. The mass spectrometer utilized both positive and negative atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) as the ionization source for sample injections. Experiments were conducted using MSn to obtain fragmentation data on the sample analytes, and separations were achieved using a 30 mm×4.6 mm Cadenza CD-C18 column with 3 μm particles. 
         [0081]    The HPLC-UV plots and the total ion chromatograms that were obtained for the sample extract using LC-MS are shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . Several small signals were detected by HPLC-UV as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . ( FIG. 10  is a HPLC chromatogram at 210 nm of the glove  10  and a procedural blank. The chromatographic region from 8 to 26 minutes is provided in these plots to show more detail for the analysis). One of the signals at a retention time of 13.7 minutes correlates with the octylphenol ethoxylates that were detected by LC-MS in the positive APCI mode (see  FIG. 11 ). ( FIG. 11  is a total ion chromatogram of the glove  10  and a procedural blank using the positive APCI mode. The chromatographic region from 8 to 26 minutes is provided in these plots to show more detail for the analysis). Two signals were detected by HPLC-UV at retention times of 11.1 and 15.9 minutes in the sample extract that correlated with components that were detected by LC-MS in the negative APCI mode ( FIG. 12 ). ( FIG. 12  is a total ion chromatogram of the glove  10  and a procedural blank using the negative APCI mode. The chromographic region from 8 to 26 minutes is provided in these plots to show more detail for analysis). The signal at 11.1 minutes also appears to have a background contribution from the procedure as this signal was also observed in the procedural blank. As noted above, a small amount of octylphenol ethoxylates (approximately nine ethoxylated units on average) was observed at retention time of 13.7 minutes by LC-MS using the positive APCI mode as illustrated in  FIG. 11  (ions were observed at mass-to-charge ratios of 559.8, 603.6, and 647.5). Some polyethylene glycol was also observed in the sample at earlier retention times. The polyethylene glycol could be originating from the octylphenol ethoxylates or could be added as a separate component. No other components were detected at significant amounts in the sample extracts via this mode of analysis. At least three components were detected by LC-MS using the negative APCI mode as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . These compounds also appear to be detected by UV at 210 nm, but not at 254 nm. No corresponding positive ion spectra or GC-MS data were generated for these three components to assist with spectral interpretation. The lack of a response at 254 nm with UV detection indicates that these compounds do not contain aromatic or conjugated unsaturation. The lack of positive ion mass spectral response for these species indicates that the compounds most likely contain acidic functionality, carboxylic acid, phosphate, sulfate, or amide (the nitrogen is acidic in an amide and not basic as the nitrogen in an amine). The most abundant ions in these mass spectra are most likely deprotonated ions (M-H) and not odd electron radical ions (M)- (radical anions are possible for nitroaromatic species, but the lack of UV response at 254 nm indicates that these species are not present in the sample). Based on this premise, no MW matches were found from an internal list of additives except for three possible matches with various Tinuvin stabilizers for three of the quasimolecular ions observed in the original spectrum at 11.4 to 11.5 minutes. These ions could be some type of amide slip agent, hindered-amine light stabilizer (HALS), or possibly a phosphite stabilizer. Mass spectral data that are obtained in the positive APCI mode are typically one mass unit higher than the molecular weight of a compound, and mass spectral data that are obtained in the negative APCI are typically one mass unit less than the molecular weight of a compound. 
         [0082]    Detailed Examination of Mass Spectral Data for Compounds 1 Through 3 
         [0083]    Spectra at 11.1 Minutes (Spectra #215 and #216)—Detailed Interpretation for Compound 1. 
         [0084]    The base peak in the mass spectrum is the ion at m/z 326.2 which is proposed to be a deprotonated ion and indicates that the MW for this species is 327 ( FIG. 13 ). ( FIG. 13  is the mass spectra for Compound 1). This would indicate that the species contains nitrogen. The base peak in the MS 2  spectrum is the ion at m/z 196.7 which is the loss of 129.5 from the parent ion. This could possibly represent a loss of an octylamine group from the deprotonated ion. The second most abundant ion is the fragment ion at m/z 283.0 which is a loss of 43 from the deprotonated ion. This likely represents a 3 carbon alkyl fragment. The lack of a LTV response at 254 nm indicates that aromatic functionality is unlikely. This information along with the proposed MW of 327, indicate this species is most likely not 2-hydroxy-4(octyloxy)benzophenone (MW326). [Also, 2-hydroxy-4-(octyloxy)benzophenone should be detected by GC/MS]. A definitive identification was not possible. 
         [0085]    Spectra at 11.4-11.5 Minutes (Spectra #221-#223)—Detailed Interpretation for Compound 2 
         [0086]    The mass spectral data is about two orders of magnitude less intense for Compound 2, as compared to Compounds 1 and 3 (see  FIG. 14 ). ( FIG. 14  is the mass spectra for Compound 2). The base peak in the mass spectrum is the ion at m/z 451.6 which may indicate a MW of 453. If so, the compound would contain nitrogen. No match was found of this MW from an internal list of polymer additives. Other significant ions are observed at 325.0, 375.7, 424.5, 479.5 and 507.5. The 325 ion may represent the deprotonated ion for MW 326 and could indicate the presence of a low level of 2-hydroxy-4-(octyloxy)benzophenone. The 424.5 ion may represent the deprotonated ion for MW 425, and could represent the presence of Tinuvin 1577. The 479.5 ion may represent the deprotonated ion for MW 480, and could represent the presence of Tinuvin 770. The 507.5 ion may represent the deprotonated ion for MW 508, and could represent the presence of Tinuvin 292. The base peak in the MS spectrum (451.8 parent ion) is the 433.3 ion. This ion may indicate the loss of water from the parent ion and may represent the presence of carbonyl, carboxyl, or hydroxy functionality. The signal intensity for the MS 3  ion is very weak. The base peak in the MS spectrum for the 451.8 ion is the fragment ion at 320.9 and represents the loss of 112 from the 433.3 ion which could represent the loss of an octyl group. A definitive identification was not possible. 
         [0087]    Spectra at 15.9 Minutes (Spectra #308-#310)—Detailed Interpretation for Compound 3 
         [0088]    The base peak in the mass spectrum is the ion at m/z 460.1 which is proposed to be a deprotonated ion and indicates that the MW for this species is 461 ( FIG. 15 ). ( FIG. 15  is a mass spectra for Compound 3). This would indicate that the species contains nitrogen. The base peak in the MS 2  spectrum is the ion at m/z 403.2 which is the loss of 57 from the parent ion. This could possibly represent a loss of a t-butyl group from the deprotonated ion. A second fragment ion is seen at m/z 295.1 and could indicate the subsequent loss of an octyl group from the 403.2 ion. The base peak in the MS 3 spectrum is the fragment ion at m/z 348.0 with a second large fragment ion at m/z 347.1. The 348.0 fragment ion is a subsequent loss of 55 from the 403 ion and may represent a C 4 H 7  which may indicate the presence of a second t-butyl group. A definitive identification was not possible. 
         [0089]    ICP-OES 
         [0090]    The inorganic components of the glove  10  were investigated by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Approximately 200 mg of the sample were subjected to microwave digestion using 5 mL of concentrated nitric acid (HNO 68%), and 5 mL of de-ionized (DI) water. After digestion the sample solution was clear and colorless, without any solid residues, and it was further diluted to 50 mL with DI water for the analysis. The following conditions were used for the microwave digestion: 
         [0091]    Max power: 1600 W 
         [0092]    Ramp time: 35 min 
         [0093]    Temperature: 200° C. 
         [0094]    Holding time: 30 min 
         [0095]    A Thermo Scientific iCAP 6300 Duo spectrometer was used under the following conditions: 
         [0096]    RF Power: 1150 W 
         [0097]    Peristaltic Pump Rate: 25 rpm 
         [0098]    Auxiliary Gas Flow Rate: 0.50 L/min 
         [0099]    Nebulizer Gas Flow Rate: 0.70 L/min 
         [0100]    Purge Gas: Argon 
         [0101]    Multi-element calibration standards were prepared at 0.1, 1, and 5 ppm. Calibration curves were found to be linear with an R 2  value of 0.99 or better. 
         [0102]    The results, adjusted for sample weight and dilution, are presented in Table 1 below. The most abundant elements found were calcium, potassium and sulfur (&gt;1000 ppm). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Element 
                 Symbol 
                 ppm (μg/g) 
                 Detection Limits 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Silver 
                 Ag 
                 N/D 
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 Aluminum 
                 Al 
                 15.5 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Arsenic 
                 As 
                 N/D 
                 0.3 
               
               
                   
                 Boron 
                 B 
                 N/D 
                 0.3 
               
               
                   
                 Barium 
                 Ba 
                 &lt;0.2 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Beryllium 
                 Be 
                 N/D 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Calcium 
                 Ca 
                 2196.3 
                 0.3 
               
               
                   
                 Cadmium 
                 Cd 
                 N/D 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Cerium 
                 Ce 
                 N/D 
                 0.9 
               
               
                   
                 Cobalt 
                 Co 
                 N/D 
                 0.7 
               
               
                   
                 Chromium 
                 Cr 
                 N/D 
                 0.3 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Cu 
                 &lt;0.5 
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 Iron 
                 Fe 
                 9.3 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Germanium 
                 Ge 
                 N/D 
                 1.1 
               
               
                   
                 Potassium 
                 K 
                 1023.6 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Lithium 
                 Li 
                 N/D 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Magnesium 
                 Mg 
                 39.8 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Manganese 
                 Mn 
                 1.7 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Molybdenum 
                 Mo 
                 N/D 
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium 
                 Na 
                 647.6 
                 0.3 
               
               
                   
                 Nickel 
                 Ni 
                 2.1 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Phosphorous 
                 P 
                 517.5 
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 Lead 
                 Pb 
                 N/D 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Sulfur 
                 S 
                 1996.2 
                 2.4 
               
               
                   
                 Antimony 
                 Sb 
                 &lt;1.8 
                 0.5 
               
               
                   
                 Selenium 
                 Se 
                 N/D 
                 0.5 
               
               
                   
                 Silicon 
                 Si 
                 40.5 
                 0.7 
               
               
                   
                 Tin 
                 Sn 
                 N/D 
                 0.4 
               
               
                   
                 Strontium 
                 Sr 
                 1.7 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Titanium 
                 Ti 
                 190.1 
                 0.3 
               
               
                   
                 Thallium  
                 Tl 
                 N/D 
                 0.6 
               
               
                   
                 Vanadium  
                 V 
                 N/D 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Zinc 
                 Zn 
                 6.6 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 Zirconium 
                 Zr 
                 &lt;0.2 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 N/D = Not detected 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0103]    While the invention has been primarily shown and described in conjunction with the removal of pet hair from a plethora of surfaces and/or enhancing the grip of a user, it is understood that a wearable hand covering described herein can be utilized in removing any type of loose debris present on a surface. 
         [0104]    Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined and limited solely by the following claims.