Abstract:
A cleaning article holder defines an upper wall that includes a first finger placement area that may include one or more slip-resisting elements. One or more cleaning article surrounds, sidewalls or bands depend from the upper wall. Together with the upper wall, the cleaning article surrounds, sidewalls or bands are adapted to embrace or engage the cleaning article, such as a sponge, during cleaning use.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The field of the present invention relates to holders for cleaning articles, and particularly holders for block-shaped cleaning articles. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    It takes continued effort to keep surfaces free from dirt. In many instances sponges, which may have absorptive and/or abrasive properties, are used to keep surfaces clean. Sponges may be formed with cellulose or with a cellular polymer, such as a hydrophilic polyurethane foam or a melamine foam, or with a combination of materials. Most sponges are shaped in block form, and sized to be held by hand. Holding a sponge directly by hand, however, may prevent use of all sponge surfaces, and may make gripping and positioning of the sponge during cleaning more challenging. 
         [0005]    Traditionally, only the widest upper and lower surfaces of a sponge are used for cleaning. During use, the palm of the hand is positioned over the upper surface, while the fingers are positioned such that the bottom sponge surface may be used for cleaning. Positioning the fingers to use the side surfaces of a sponge, however, is awkward for most users. Sponge materials are generally too soft such that inadequate pressure may be applied to side surfaces during cleaning. Also, awkward positioning of fingers can mar finger polishes or can cause damage to fingernails and even development of calluses on fingers over time. 
         [0006]    When increased effort is required to remove dirt and stains from surfaces, usually fingers are positioned to apply increased pressure. Unfortunately, due to the nature of some sponge materials and the types of cleaning products applied to the sponge, finger positioning cannot be optimized. Some sponge materials easily degrade and deform after use a few uses. In addition, some cleaning products cause sponge surfaces to become slippery. Degradation and slipperiness of sponge surfaces also interfere with the application of pressure for cleaning purposes. Although certain sponge materials have improved abrasion properties such that less application of pressure is required during cleaning, comfortable and less awkward positioning of fingers remains an issue. 
         [0007]    Melamine foam has been widely recognized as a sponge material because of its ability to abrade surfaces without significant application of pressure. After wetting, melamine foam sponges are able to clean stained and encrusted surfaces without substantial effort. Melamine foam sponges are even able to remove stains and marks that were previously considered very difficult to remove. Marks that fall into this category include those resulting from crayons and “permanent” markers. 
         [0008]    Although melamine foam has been widely recognized for its superior cleaning abilities, it does have drawbacks. After just a few uses, a melamine foam sponge will become visibly degraded. Compared to traditional cellulose sponges and other foam sponges, melamine foam sponges have excessive and non-uniform wear. While a melamine foam sponge can be re-positioned, once a corner or edge of the sponge degrades, the sponge becomes very difficult to grasp and position for cleaning. 
         [0009]    For these reasons, among others, there is a clear need for holder for cleaning articles such as melamine foam sponges manufactured in block form. The present invention fulfills this need and provides further related advantages, as described in the following summary. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    Various configurations of cleaning article holders are described herein. The cleaning article holder engages a cleaning article, such as a sponge or other block-shaped cleaning article, during cleaning use. The cleaning article holder includes at least an upper wall defining one or more finger placement areas. These finger placement areas include slip-resisting elements that allow a user to grip the holder and associated cleaning article during cleaning use. With the holder, a user may apply increased areas of pressure on surfaces to be cleaned. Preferably, the holder embraces the cleaning article securely enough to keep the cleaning article in place during cleaning use. Structure to embrace the cleaning article may comprise depending surrounds, sidewalls, or bands. 
         [0011]    A more complete understanding of various configurations of holders for cleaning articles will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by consideration of the following detailed description. Reference will be made to the appended sheets which will first be described briefly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar components: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first configuration of a cleaning article holder including a block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is side view of the cleaning article and holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows gripping or positioning of a user&#39;s hand on the cleaning article holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows alternative gripping or positioning of a user&#39;s hand on the cleaning article holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a right front perspective view of a second configuration of a cleaning article holder including a rectangular block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a right side view of the cleaning article and holder of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows gripping or positioning of a user&#39;s hand on the cleaning article and holder of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows alternative gripping or positioning of a user&#39;s hand on the cleaning article and holder of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a right front perspective view of a third configuration of a cleaning article holder, including a rectangular block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the holder and cleaning article of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a right front perspective view of a fourth configuration of a cleaning article holder, including a rectangular block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a left front perspective view of the cleaning article holder of  FIG. 11  without the rectangular block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a left rear perspective view of a fifth configuration of a cleaning article holder; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a left side elevational view of the cleaning article holder of  FIG. 13  showing gripping or positioning of a user&#39;s hand; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a right front perspective view of a sixth configuration of a cleaning article holder, including a rectangular block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a right side elevational view of the cleaning article holder of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a right bottom perspective view of the cleaning article holder of  FIG. 15  without the rectangular block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a right front perspective view of a seventh configuration of a cleaning article holder, including a block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a left rear perspective view of the cleaning article holder of  FIG. 18  without the block-shaped cleaning article; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the cleaning article holder of  FIGS. 18 ; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a right perspective view of the cleaning article holder of  FIG. 18  showing gripping or positioning of a user&#39;s hand. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]      FIGS. 1-21  show various configurations of cleaning article holders  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 . The cleaning article holders shown and described herein are particularly suited for block-shaped cleaning articles and rectangular block-shaped cleaning articles. However, the application and use of each respective holder shown and described herein is not limited to use with block-shaped cleaning articles. 
         [0035]    By “block-shaped cleaning articles” and “rectangular block-shaped cleaning articles” is meant absorbent or abrasive materials customarily used for residential and industrial cleaning, such as but not limited to sponges. The cleaning articles described herein may be manufactured from conformable materials known in the art as suitable for sponges. Other types of cleaning materials, however, may be suitable for use with the cleaning article holder. These materials include, but are not limited to, fabrics, foams, cellulose materials, steel wool, and nonwoven materials. It should be understood, however, that after subsequent uses, all the cleaning articles shown and described herein will degrade over time. When degradation occurs, a cleaning article may become difficult to hold. Significant degradation occurs particularly with melamine-based foam sponges, such as but not limited to, those sold under the trademark MAGIC ERASER®, 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1-4  show a first configuration of a cleaning article holder  100 . This holder configuration is assembled with a cleaning article  2   a , which upon first use has a substantially square and block-like shape. 
         [0037]    Referring particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the holder  100  includes an upper wall  112   a , having a first finger placement area  114   a  and a first indicator element  116   a , and a lower wall  112   b , having a second finger placement area  114   b  and second indicator element  116   b . A theoretical boundary  115   a  for the first finger placement area  114   a  is also shown in  FIG. 1 , which generally indicates the range of the first finger placement area  114   a . A similar theoretical boundary  115   b  may apply to the second finger placement area  114   b  on the lower wall  112   b . These boundaries, however, are for representative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. 
         [0038]    Separately or together, the finger placement areas  114   a ,  114   b  and indicator elements  116   a ,  116   b  may be used to indicate where a user  6  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) may place one or more fingers  8  (including the thumb  8   a ), during use of the cleaning article  2   a . The indicator elements shown in  FIGS. 1-4  comprise portions extending from the upper and lower walls  112   a ,  112   b  to form semi-circular shapes at the outer edges  118   a ,  118   b  of the upper and lower walls  112   a ,  112   b . However, other geometric edge formations (not shown) may alternatively be used to form indicator elements. For example, one or more indicator sections form a triangular shape. 
         [0039]    At least one finger placement area may include one or more slip-resistant regions that prevent slippage of fingers  8 , during use of the cleaning article  2   a , and particularly regions where application of increased pressure by the user  6  may be helpful during cleaning.  FIG. 2  shows a side view of the holder  100 , including a first slip-resistant region  120   a  on the upper wall  112   a  and a second slip-resistant region  120   b  on the lower wall  112   b . Each slip-resistant region includes one or more slip-resistant elements such as or protrusions  122   a ,  122   b  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  extending outwardly from the upper wall and lower wall and onto which a user may place his or her fingers  8  during use of the holder and application of the cleaning article. The slip-resistant elements  122   a ,  122   b  limit, retard or prevent slippage of the user&#39;s fingers  8 . 
         [0040]    For all holder configurations shown and described herein, slip-resistant elements may include one or more of a variety of shaped surfaces, including protrusions, depressions, formed surfaces, roughened surfaces, and surfaces including adhered urethanes, silicones, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and other types of thermoplastic materials. These and other elements may be used to provide frictional resistance when a finger is placed on one or more slip-resistant regions. In addition, slip-resistant elements may or may not form a pattern in a slip-resistant region.  FIGS. 1-4  show slip-resistant elements as nub-like protrusions positioned at least partially in a finger-placement area. As used herein the term, “nub-like” should be construed as raised protrusions which generally have a curved geometrically-shaped outer periphery. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show just two examples of the alternative manners in which a user&#39;s fingers  8  may be positioned on the holder  100  when using the cleaning article holder  100  together with the cleaning article  2   a  to clean a surface.  FIG. 3 , for example, shows how the user&#39;s fingers  8  may be positioned when causing a corner  3  of the cleaning article  2   a  to contact a surface to be cleaned (surface to be cleaned not shown in  FIG. 3 ). In this example, the user&#39;s thumb  8   a  is positioned substantially on the slip-resistant region  120   a .  FIG. 4  shows another example of how the user&#39;s fingers  8  may be positioned when pressing the bottom surface  5  of the cleaning article  2   a  against a surface to be cleaned (surface to be cleaned not shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0042]    Depending from or coupled to the upper wall  112   a  and the lower wall  112   b  are cleaning article surrounds  124 ,  126  or sidewalls. These surrounds or sidewalls, in combination with the upper and lower walls  112   a ,  112   b , are configured to embrace the cleaning article  2   a . As used herein, the term “embrace” is defined as holding at least a portion  4  of a cleaning article such that the cleaning article stably fits within the holder  100  for cleaning use. The portion  4  is a section of the cleaning article  2   a  that is fully or partially embraced. To assure that the portion  4  is embraced by the holder  100 , the surrounds are adjacent and preferably integral with the upper and lower walls  112   a ,  112   b . To further embrace a cleaning article  2   a , each surround may include a curved surround section  128 ,  130  to envelop a respective corner of the cleaning article  100  by curving inwardly toward a central area  132  of the holder  100 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 5-8  show a second configuration of a cleaning article holder  200 . This holder configuration  200  includes a cleaning article  2   b . Upon initial use, the cleaning article has a substantially elongated and rectangular block-like shape. The holder  200  includes an upper wall  212   a , having a first finger placement area  214   a  and first indicator element  216   a , and a lower wall  212   b , having a second finger placement area  214   b  and indicator element  216   b .  FIG. 5  shows a theoretical boundary  215   a , which generally indicates the range of the first finger placement area  214   a . As in the first holder configuration, a similar theoretical boundary  215   b  (not shown) may apply to the second finger placement area  214   b . Neither boundary  215   a ,  215   a  should be construed as limiting. 
         [0044]    The upper and lower walls  212   a ,  212   b  also include indicator sections  216   a ,  216   b , which separately or together with the finger placement areas  214   a ,  214   b  indicate where a user  6  (FIGS.  7  and  8 ) may position one or more fingers  8 . These indicator sections  216   a ,  216   b  are particularly helpful in indicating areas where increased pressure facilitates cleaning. The indicator sections  216   a ,  216   b  shown in  FIGS. 5-8  comprise extended portions of the upper and lower walls  212   a ,  212   b  to form semi-circular shapes at outer edges  218   a ,  218   b  of the upper and lower walls  212   a ,  212   b . However, as in the first holder configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , these indicator sections shown in  FIGS. 5-8  may form other geometric shapes. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the holder  200 , including a first slip-resistant region  220   a  of the upper wall  212   a  and a second slip-resistant region  220   b  of the lower wall  112   b . Each slip-resistant region includes one or more slip-resistant elements  222   a ,  222   b  that limit or retard or prevent slippage of fingers  8  contacting such elements during use of the holder and application of the cleaning article.  FIGS. 5-8  also show slip-resistant elements as nub-like protrusions extending outwardly from each of the upper wall and lower wall and positioned at least partially in respective finger-placement areas of such upper wall and lower wall. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show how a user&#39;s fingers  8  may be positioned on the holder  200 , during application of the cleaning article  2   b .  FIG. 7 , for example, shows how the user&#39;s fingers  8  may be positioned when using a side  7  of the cleaning article  2   a  to clean a surface (surface to be cleaned not shown in  FIG. 7 ). In this example cleaning position, the user&#39;s thumb  8   a  is positioned substantially on the slip-resistant region  120   a  for gripping purposes.  FIG. 8  shows another exemplary cleaning position showing the user&#39;s fingers  8  positioned when pressing the bottom of the cleaning article  2   b  against a surface to be cleaned (surface to be cleaned is not shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0047]    Depending from or coupled to the upper wall  212   a  and the lower wall  212   b  are cleaning article surrounds  224 ,  226  or sidewalls. These surrounds or sidewalls, in combination with the upper and lower walls  112   a ,  112   b , are configured to embrace the cleaning article such that the cleaning article stably fits within the holder  200  for cleaning use. To assure that the portion  4  is embraced by the holder  200 , the surrounds or sidewalls preferably are adjacent and integral with the upper and lower walls  212   a ,  212   b.    
         [0048]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show a third configuration of a cleaning article holder  300 . This holder configuration is assembled with a cleaning article  2   b , which upon first use has a substantially elongated and rectangular block-like shape. The holder  300  includes an upper wall  312  with a central section  313  and two finger placement areas  314   a ,  314   b , and two indicator elements  316   a ,  316   b  that extend from or protrude outwardly from the central section  313  of the upper wall. Indicator elements  316   a ,  316   b  may be used to indicate where a user may place his/her fingers (not shown) during use of the cleaning article. 
         [0049]    The indicator elements as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 10  form polygonal-shapes and include slip-resistant regions  320   a ,  320   b . Each slip-resistant region includes one or more elements that limit, retard or prevent slipping of fingers during use of the holder  300  and application of the cleaning article  2   b .  FIGS. 9 and 10  show outer slip-resistant elements  322   a ,  322   b  formed around the perimeter of the slip-resistant regions  320   a ,  320   b . In a central area of each region, an inner slip-resistant element  323   a ,  323   b  is formed. Other types of slip resistant elements, including depressions, formed surfaces, and slip-resistant materials may be included in slip-resistant regions  320   a ,  320   b.    
         [0050]    Positioned on the sides of the cleaning article  2   b  and depending from the upper wall  312  are cleaning article surrounds  224 ,  226  or sidewalls. These surrounds, in combination with the upper wall  312 , are configured to embrace the cleaning article  2   b . The surrounds are bent towards the cleaning article  2   b  at an angle a such that the cleaning article fits stably within the holder. This positioning of the surrounds assures that a portion  4  of the cleaning article is embraced by the holder  300 . Preferably, the angle a is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees. 
         [0051]    In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a fourth configuration of a holder  400  for a cleaning article is shown assembled with a cleaning article  2   b . The holder  400  includes an upper wall  412  with a finger placement area  414  and indicator elements  416 ,  417 . In this holder configuration, the material forming the upper wall  412  includes bends to form indicator elements  416 ,  417  such that each element protrudes upwardly or outwardly from sections of the upper wall  412 . These indicator elements serve the functions of limiting, retarding or preventing movement of fingers and aiding in positioning of fingers (not shown), when the holder  400  is used to as a gripping means to enable a user to apply the cleaning article  2   b  against a surface to be cleaned. The holder  400  may include additional elements that limit, retard or prevent movement and slippage of fingers during use of a holder and cleaning article combination. Such additional elements include, but are not limited to, depressions, formed surfaces, and slip-resistant materials positioned on the upper wall. The cleaning article holder  400  of  FIGS. 11 and 12  includes a surround  424 , which in combination with the upper wall  412 , allows the holder to embrace the cleaning article  2   b . In this configuration, the surround is shaped to form a band around the cleaning article  2   b . Side portions  428  of the surround  424  may extend from the upper wall at an angle β, as shown in  FIG. 11 . Preferably, the angle β is in the range of 80 to 110 degrees. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show a fifth configuration of a cleaning article holder  500  assembled with a cleaning article  2   b . The holder  500  includes an upper wall  512 , sidewalls  534 , and a handle  536  coupled to the upper wall. The upper wall  512  and the sidewalls  534  form a surround  524  such that a portion  4  of the cleaning article  2   b  fits within the surround. During use of a cleaning article and holder, the cleaning article is embraced by or held by the surround such that it stably fits therein without substantial movement between the cleaning article and the holder. In addition, the cleaning article may be bonded to the surround or the holder may include a separate bonding agent. The handle may be integrally formed with the surround or may be attached to the surround using a suitable bonding method. In this holder configuration, the handle  536  includes at least one finger placement area  514  and indicator elements  516 ,  517 . In the embodiment shown, each indicator element  516 ,  517  protrudes upwardly or outwardly from the handle  536 . These indicator elements limit, retard or prevent movement and aid in positioning of fingers  8 , including the thumb  8   a , during use of the holder  500  and application of the cleaning article  2   b  against surfaces. The handle  536  also may have at least one curved side  538  against which a user&#39;s thumb may rest during use. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 15-17  show a sixth configuration of a cleaning article holder  600  assembled with a cleaning article  2   b . The holder  600  includes an upper wall  612 , sidewalls  634 , and a handle  636  coupled to the upper wall. Together, the upper wall  612  and the sidewalls  634  form a surround  624 , as particularly shown in  FIG. 17 . A portion  4  of the cleaning article  2   b  fits within the surround when the cleaning article is applied to surfaces. The fit is such that a portion  4  of the cleaning article  2   b  is embraced by the holder  600 . In this configuration, the handle  636  is shown integrally formed with the surround. However, the handle may be attached to the surround using suitable bonding methods. In this holder configuration, the handle  536  has a curved shape such that a user&#39;s fingers (not shown) can grasp the handle during use of the holder/cleaning article assembly. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 18-21  show a seventh configuration of a cleaning article holder  700 , that is particularly suited for use with cleaning articles  2   a  having at least one flat surface. The holder  700  includes an upper wall  712   a , a lower wall  712   b , and a sidewall  734 . This holder configuration also includes a slip-resistant elements  722  formed around the perimeter of holder. These elements are raised relative to walls  712   a ,  712   b ,  734  such that the slip-resistant elements limit, retard or prevent a user&#39;s fingers from slipping off of the walls during use of the cleaning article/holder assembly.  FIG. 21  shows how a user&#39;s fingers  8 , including the thumb  8   a , may be positioned on the holder  700  during application of the cleaning article  2   a . In this example, a user&#39;s thumb  8   a  is positioned adjacent to the slip-resistant element  722  to facilitate gripping of the holder. 
         [0055]    The cleaning article holders according to the invention may be molded or thermoformed from polymeric materials, preferably materials with sufficient hardness to withstand compressive forces without significant bending. Examples of such polymeric materials, including resins, include, but are not limited to, ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymers, acrylics, high density polyethylenes (HDPE), styrenics (IMPS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers, poly(methylmethacrylates) (IM-PMMA), polypropylene, polycarbonate, polycaprolactam, polycaprolactone, polyurethanes, polyesters, polypropylene-ethylene propylene diene monomer (PP/EPDM), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), acrylic rubber TPV, styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) TPV, low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinylchoride (PVC), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC) elastomer compounds, styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) linear block copolymers, styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) linear block copolymers, styrene-butadiene (SB)n branched copolymers, styrene-co-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS) linear block copolymers, styrene-co-ethylene-propylene (SEP) diblock copolymers, styrene-co-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEEPS) copolymers, mineral reinforced thermoplastic ethylene-styrene (TES/SEBS), polyethersulfone (PES), glass reinforced polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylic-styrene-methylmethacrylate coploymers (NAS), polydimethylsilicone (PDMS), polyurea, silicone-polyurea, segmented polyurethane (SPU), perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), perfluoroelastomer (FEPM), chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, fluoroelastomer, silicone room temperature vulcanizate (RTV), cast polyurethane, chloroprene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, perfuoroelastomer compounds (FFKT), and mixtures thereof. 
         [0056]    Thus, various configurations of cleaning article holders are disclosed. While embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims.