Abstract:
A cleaning tool comprising a handle assembly and a pad assembly. The pad assembly is coupled to the handle assembly such that the handle assembly extends distally beyond a first end of the pad assembly. The pad assembly includes a pad securing surface having a plurality of pad securing members extending substantially perpendicularly from the pad securing surface, and a slotted member located at a second end of the pad assembly, the second end being opposite the first end. The slotted member defines a slot configured to accept a cleaning pad, and the slotted member extends at an angle from the pad securing surface.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/906,494, filed Nov. 20, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a tool for holding and using a replaceable cleaning pad. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the area of household and commercial cleaning, a need may arise for the use of an abrasive surface for the removal of dirt, grime or other surface residue. Often a non-woven cleaning pad may be used; however, one problem with the use of a non-woven cleaning pad is that direct skin-to-pad contact may abrade or irritate skin over prolonged use. Further, chemical cleaners are often added to the non-woven pad for added cleaning strength. These added chemical cleaners may come in contact with skin, nails, etc. of the user and can cause negative impacts such as allergic reactions and damage to nail polish. Thus many tools exist on the market to allow a user to make use of a non-woven cleaning pad without directly contacting such a pad or any chemical cleaner that has been applied to it. However, these tools can require that the non-woven cleaning pad be spread out over a large area, thereby reducing the cleaning force that can be applied to the pad. 
         [0004]    While a variety of devices and means for holding a cleaning pad have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used an invention as described herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    One embodiment provides a cleaning tool comprising a handle assembly and a pad assembly. The pad assembly is coupled to the handle assembly such that the handle assembly extends distally beyond a first end of the pad assembly. The pad assembly comprises a pad securing surface having a plurality of pad securing members extending substantially perpendicularly from the pad securing surface. A slotted member is located at a second end of the pad assembly, the second end being opposite the first end. The slotted member defines a slot configured to accept a cleaning pad, wherein the slotted member extends at an angle from the pad securing surface. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment provides a cleaning tool comprising a handle assembly and a pad assembly. The pad assembly is coupled to the handle assembly such that the handle assembly extends distally beyond a first end of the pad assembly. The pad assembly comprises a pad securing surface having a plurality of pad securing members extending substantially perpendicularly from the pad securing surface. A slotted member is located at a second end of the pad assembly. The slotted member extends at an angle from the pad securing surface. The slotted member includes a slot configured to accept a cleaning pad, and the slot includes an open end at a first side of the tool and a closed end at a second opposite side of the tool. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment provides a cleaning tool comprising a handle assembly and a pad assembly. The pad assembly is coupled to the handle assembly such that the handle assembly extends distally from the pad assembly. The pad assembly comprises a pad securing surface having a plurality of pad securing members extending substantially perpendicularly from the pad securing surface. A slotted member is located at a first end of the pad assembly. The slotted member extends at an angle from the pad securing surface. The slotted member includes a slot configured to accept a cleaning pad and includes an open end at a first side of the tool and a closed end at a second opposite side of the tool. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    While the specification may conclude with one or more claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of an exemplary cleaning tool, showing a handle assembly and a cleaning pad assembly. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the exemplary cleaning tool, showing the handle assembly and a cleaning pad slot. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  depicts a side view of the cleaning tool. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  depicts a bottom view of the cleaning tool. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a cleaning pad being installed into the cleaning tool. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing the cleaning tool being prepared for use. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view showing a possible operation of the cleaning tool. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0017]    The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary cleaning tool  10 . Cleaning tool  10  comprises handle assembly  12  and pad assembly  14 . As is shown, cleaning tool  10  is a unitary design with handle assembly  12  and pad assembly  14  being a single piece of the same material. However, other designs may be used wherein handle assembly  12  and pad assembly  14  can be distinct parts connected by a mechanical fastener, an adhesive bond, or another type of bonding process or attachment technique. Moreover, handle assembly  12  and pad assembly  14  may be constructed of distinct materials. 
         [0019]    In the present example, both handle assembly  12  and pad assembly  14  can be comprised of a thermoplastic material such as HDPE or ABS. However, any suitable material may be used, such as wood, metal or metallic alloy. Additionally, other types of plastic or polymer materials can be used. Other materials from which handle assembly  12  and pad assembly  14  can be made will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  depicts handle assembly  12  as generally cylindrical in shape with a slight contour from one end of the handle assembly to the other. Any other suitable shape may be utilized for the construction of handle assembly. In other embodiments, handle assembly  12  may have a cross-sectional shape that is generally triangular, square, hexagonal or any other cross-sectional shape that may occur to those of skill in the art in view of this disclosure. Handle assembly  12  can extend distally from pad assembly  14  at a first angle relative to pad assembly  14 . As handle assembly  12  extends distally, the first angle can shift to a second angle lesser than the first angle. Handle assembly  12  should not be limited to any particular angle relative to pad assembly  14 . Nor should handle assembly be limited to shifting between any angles relative to pad assembly  14  as handle assembly  12  extends distally beyond the rearward end of pad assembly  14 . Indeed, other embodiments may utilize a single angle, different angles, or several angles relative to pad assembly  14 . Further, handle assembly  12  can have an elbow portion  18 . Elbow portion  18  can change the angle of the handle assembly  12  from the first angle relative to the pad assembly  13 . In one example, the elbow portion  18  can change the first angle of the handle assembly  12  to a second angle less than the first angle, relative to the pad assembly  13 . Alternatively, the elbow portion  18  can change the first angle of the handle assembly  12  to a second angle greater than the first angle, relative to the pad assembly  13 . In addition, handle assembly  12  is shown with a plurality of gripping surfaces  16 . In one embodiment, the plurality of gripping surfaces  16  can be voids. Alternatively, the plurality of gripping surfaces  16  can include raised ribbed features. Other examples may include gripping surfaces  16  of different shapes, sizes and configurations that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  depicts the exemplary cleaning tool  10  from a different angle relative to  FIG. 1 , showing a slotted member  30  integrated into pad assembly  14 . Slotted member  30  extends upwardly at an angle to planar portion of pad assembly  14  at the forward end of pad assembly  14 . Additionally slotted member  30  is shown with a slot  32  extending substantially from one side of pad assembly ( 14 ) to the other along the width of the pad assembly  14 . Slotted member  30  can extend across the entire width of the pad assembly  14  and can create a space, such that the slot  32  can be open at one end and closed at the other end. In one embodiment slot  32  can terminate at an open end  34  on one side of the slotted member  30  and a closed end  36  on an opposite side of the slotted member  30 . The slotted member  30  can also include arm member  38 , transverse member  40  and base member  42 . The transverse member  40  can extend along an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis of the arm member  38  and base member  42 . Additionally, the transverse member  40  can define the closed end  36 . 
         [0022]    Closed end  36  can allow slotted member  30  to maintain rigidity such that a cleaning pad (not shown) may be held in place by slot  32 . In one embodiment, the cleaning pad can be a non-woven cleaning pad. For example, the cleaning pad can be an abrasive non-woven cleaning pad such as those sold by Cerama Bryte, Inc., located at PO Box 781343, Indianapolis, Ind. Alternatively, the cleaning pad can be an abrasive non-woven cleaning pad. Additionally, other types of cleaning pads such as woven cleaning pads and/or closed cell cleaning pads could be used. Open end  34  of slot  32  can permit a cleaning pad (not shown) to be inserted into slot  32 . In one embodiment, the cleaning pad (not shown) can be inserted into slot  32  by sliding a first edge of the cleaning pad (not shown) into the open end  34  of slot  32 . The cleaning pad (not shown) can then be moved laterally such that the first edge of the cleaning pad (not shown) is placed adjacent to the closed end  36  of slot  32 . 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, slot  32  can have a width which allows for pressure to be placed on a cleaning pad (not shown) once inserted into the slotted member  30 . The cleaning pad (not shown) may be compressed sufficiently to keep the cleaning pad (not shown) from falling out of the slot  32 , but not so much as to substantially hinder its removal or the adjustment of its position in the slot  32 . The thickness can be defined by the transverse member  40 . The pressure can be accomplished by sizing the slot  32  to be approximately the same width as the thickness of the cleaning pad (not shown), such that there is slight compression when the cleaning pad (not shown) in inserted into the slotted member  30  between the arm member  38  and the base member  42 . This compression can secure the cleaning pad (not shown) such that the cleaning pad (not shown) can be less likely to be displaced from slot  32  during use. In one embodiment, the width of the slot  32  can be less than the thickness of the cleaning pad (not shown). For example, the width of the slot  32  can be about 3% smaller to about 8% smaller than the thickness of the cleaning pad (not shown), or more or less. In one embodiment, the width of the slot  32  can be about 0.5 centimeters. However, it should be known that the width of the slot  32  can be more than 0.5 centimeters, or less than 0.5 centimeters. 
         [0024]    Slot  32  is shown with a certain transverse size. However, many transverse sizes may be suitable. A suitable size can depend on the material used to construct slotted member  30  and the type of non-woven cleaning pad (not shown) used. Likewise the size and shape of closed end  36  may be of any suitable size or shape as dictated by the slotted member  30  material and the non-woven cleaning pad (not shown) to be used. Various size and shape combinations regarding the slotted member  30  will be obvious to those with ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the slotted member  30  can be located on the end of pad assembly  14  opposite the handle assembly  12 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows slotted member  30  oriented at an angle  50  relative to a bottom plane  70  of pad assembly  14 . In the present example, the angle  50  is approximately 45 degrees. However, angle  50  can be more than 45 degrees or less than 45 degrees. For example, angle  50  may range from about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. The angle  50  of slotted member  30  provides clearance for a cleaning pad (not shown) to be inserted into the slotted member  30  between the arm member  38  and the base member  42 , and wrap around to the bottom plane  70  of pad assembly  14 . Angle  50  also yields a surface raised from bottom plane  70  that helps a user better scrub concave surfaces. Additionally, wrapping a cleaning pad (not shown) around to the bottom plane  70  of pad assembly  14 , with a portion of the cleaning pad (not shown) inserted into slotted member  30  can create a pressure on the cleaning pad (not shown) in the slotted member  30  between the arm member  38  and the base member  42 , which can further secure the cleaning pad (not shown) in slot  32  in multiple normal orientations of the cleaning tool  10 . 
         [0026]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show a plurality of pad securing members  72  projecting from the bottom plane  70  of pad assembly  14 , along a perpendicular axis. In one example, a grid pattern of 7 by 11 pad securing members  72  is shown, but any suitable formation of pad securing members  72  may be used. The bottom plane  70  of pad assembly can also have more or less than the number of pad securing members  72  shown in  FIG. 3 . Moreover, pad securing members  72  need not even be in a particular pattern, as they may be dispersed randomly on the bottom plane  70  of pad assembly  14 . 
         [0027]    In the present example, pad securing members  72  are generally cylindrical in shape. Other examples may include pad securing members  72  of other shapes such as rectangular prisms, hexagonal prisms, tetrahedra or any other suitable shape. Pad securing members  72  are also shown as having a certain size relative to pad assembly  14 . In other examples, pad securing members  72  may be smaller or larger relative to pad assembly  14 . In one example plane  70  can have dimensions of about 5.7 cm by about 3.8 cm. Pad securing members  72  can have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 4 mm. Additionally, pad securing members  72  can extend substantially perpendicular from bottom plane  70  for a defined length. The length of the pad securing members  72  can be a percentage of the thickness of a cleaning pad (not shown). In one embodiment, the length of the pad securing members can be about 25% to about 50% of the thickness of the cleaning pad ( FIGS. 5-7 ). Alternatively, the length of the pad securing members  72  can be determined to prevent the pad securing members  72  from extending through the cleaning pad (not shown) during use. Various other suitable sizes will be obvious to those with ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 3 and 4  depict pad securing members  72  of a uniform size and shape. However, it is important to understand that other embodiments may have pad securing members  72  that vary in size and shape across the bottom plane  70  of pad assembly  14 . Moreover, the distribution of differently sized and shaped pad securing members  72  may be completely random or may consist of alternating groups of similarly sized and shaped pad securing members  72 . 
         [0029]    Pad securing members  72  can penetrate partially into non-woven cleaning pad when a downward pressure provided by a user compresses the non-woven cleaning pad between the bottom plane  70  and a generally parallel surface. This penetration by the pad securing members  72  can prevent or substantially reduce lateral and longitudinal shifting of the cleaning pad (not shown) relative to bottom plane  70  while a surface is being scrubbed. Additionally, the configurations of the pad securing members  72  can allow for a cleaning pad (not shown) to be easily lifted off from the pad securing members  72  in the transverse direction which is perpendicular to the bottom plane  70  of the pad assembly  14 . Pad securing members  72  press against the back of the pad with a pressure point at the end of each pad securing member  72 , but do not necessarily have barbs or other capturing means that inhibit the pad from lifting off of the pad securing members  72 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 5-7  provide schematic illustrations of one embodiment of using a cleaning tool  10 . In  FIG. 5 , cleaning pad  100  can first be installed into slotted member  30  as described above. The cleaning pad  100  can be larger than the pad assembly  14  in both the longitudinal and latitudinal axis (for example, 1.5 to 3 times larger). In the embodiment illustrated, the pad is 10.2 cm long by 6.5 cm wide. In one example, the cleaning pad  100  can have a surface area about 2.5 times larger than the surface area of bottom plane  70 . This can allow the non-woven cleaning pad to be positioned in the pad assembly  14  initially, and then repositioned in the pad assembly  14  such that different portions of the cleaning pad  100  can be placed directly under the bottom plane  70  of the pad assembly  14  by the user. This can allow the user to place an unused portion of the cleaning pad  100  under the bottom plane  70  when the portion of the cleaning pad  100  previously under then bottom plane  70  becomes worn. This technique can also be used when the portion of the cleaning pad  100  under the bottom plane  70  becomes dirty, such that trapped particulates in the cleaning pad  100  could result in damaging a surface to be cleaned. The tool  10  also allows the pad to be easily removed and turned over to use the opposite side for cleaning, as well. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  shows a user bending cleaning pad  100  towards the handle assembly  12  and along bottom plane  70  where the cleaning pad  100  can interface with pad securing members  72  (not shown).  FIG. 7  shows a user using cleaning tool  10  with cleaning pad  100 . Cleaning pad  100  can be compressed between cleaning tool  10  and a surface (not shown) to be cleaned when a user presses downward on the cleaning tool  10 , towards the surface to be cleaned (not shown). 
         [0032]    Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of the structure and operation show and described in the specification and drawings.