Patent Publication Number: US-2012042467-A1

Title: Reusable cleaning cloth

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of cleaning cloths and more specifically relates to a cleaning cloths. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many products are offered for cleaning both homes and offices. When cleaning floors, there are products for use in wet conditions and products for use solely for removing dust. Many of these products are disposable upon use. Such disposability is undesirable for long term cost and environmental friendliness. And, many of the currently available products are ineffective, have a short life-span, are non absorbent and are not durable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In example embodiments, the present invention provides a reusable cloth for cleaning. The reusable cloth comprises a microfiber material and an internal foam layer. A reusable cleaning article comprising a base layer of microfiber cloth and a top layer of polyester material. The layer of polyester material is secured to the base layer of microfiber cloth. The reusable cleaning article also comprises a layer of foam. The layer of foam is secured between the base microfiber layer and the top polyester layer. 
     These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a reusable cleaning cloth according to a first example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the cleaning cloth of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a reusable cleaning cloth according to a second example embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a reusable cleaning cloth according to a third example embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a reusable cleaning cloth according to a fourth example embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of a reusable cleaning cloth according to a fifth example embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
     Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
     The initial invention relates to a cleaning cloth that has durable qualities and can be reused numerous times after use. This cleaning cloth can also be washed and cleaned without detrimental effects on long-term effectiveness or durability. The cleaning cloth can be hand used or it can be removably secured by a fastener to the head of a mop or alternative similar cleaning device through. Example fasteners include clips, friction fit within a pinch mechanism on the mop head, mating snaps and/or hook-and-loop closures. For example, one side of the cloth can have hook straps that correspond with loop straps on the opposite side of the cloth. 
     With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a cleaning cloth  100  according to an example embodiment of the invention. The cloth  100  includes a base layer  102  and a second top layer  104 . A layer of foam (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is secured between the base layer  102  and the top layer  104  such that no foam exits from underneath the top layer  104 . Flexible flaps  107  extend outwardly away from the top layer  104 . The flaps  107  can be separate from the base layer  102  or are part of the base layer. 
     The base layer  102  is constructed of a microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Microfiber is a material that is constructed of fewer than 1 denier per filament and as a result has properties including softness, water repellency, absorption and durability. Preferably, the microfiber base  102  is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the microfiber base  102  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the microfiber base  102  is a terry material that is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. Dimensions for an example embodiment base layer are about ten inches in length and about eight inches in width. 
     The second top layer  104  is constructed of microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Preferably, the second layer  102  microfiber is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the second layer  104  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the second layer second layer  104  microfiber is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. Dimensions for an example embodiment second layer are about ten inches in length and about four and a half inches in width. 
     The cloth  100  further includes an intermediate layer (shown in  FIG. 2 ) secured between the base layer  102  and the second layer  104 . In typical commercial embodiments, the intermediate layer is made of a foam material selected to provide stability and a form. An example foam layer is constructed of polyurethane or a similar synthetic material designed to provide a form. The foam layer provides additional support when increased pressure is placed on the cloth  100 . The internal layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  104  and the base layer  102 . 
     As shown, the base layer  102  can be secured by a border  106  on all sides. An example border is formed by conventional stitching. This border  106  prevents fraying of the edges of the base layer  102  during repeated use and washing. The cloth  100  further includes stitching  110  on the edges of the second layer  104  to secure this second layer to the base  102  and to restrict any movement of the internal foam layer. The internal foam layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  104  and the base layer  102 . As shown, the cloth  100  includes at least one, and preferably two, lines of stitching  108  between the second layer boundary stitching  110 , and through the second layer  104  to the base layer  102 . These stitching lines  108  assist in maintaining the location of the foam layer between the base  102  and the second layer  104  and increasing rigidity. An example type of stitching is that commonly known in the industry. 
       FIG. 2  represents a cross sectional view of a cloth  200  according to the first example embodiments shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown, an internal layer of foam  204  is secured between a base layer  206  and a second layer  202 . Flaps  207  extend outwardly from the connection point between the base layer  206  and the second layer  202 . The flaps  207  and can be arranged to wrap around a designated structure, for example a mop-head. The flaps  207  can extend from the base layer  206  as separate sections or continuing sections of the base layer  206 . 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of a cleaning cloth  300  according to a second example embodiment of the invention. The cloth  300  includes a base layer  302  and a second top layer  304 . An internal layer of foam (not shown) is secured between the base layer  302  and the top layer  304  such that no foam exits from underneath the top layer  304 . Flexible flaps  307  extend outwardly away from the top layer  304 . The flaps  307  can be separate from the base layer  302  or are part of the base layer. 
     The base layer  302  is constructed of a microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Microfiber is a material that is constructed of fewer than 1 denier per filament and as a result has properties including softness, water repellency, absorption and durability. Preferably, the microfiber base  302  is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the microfiber base  302  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the microfiber base  302  is a terry material that is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. 
     The second top layer  304  is constructed of microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Preferably, the second layer  302  microfiber is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the second layer  304  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the second layer second layer  304  microfiber is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. 
     The intermediate layer of foam (not shown) is secured between the base layer  302  and the second layer  304 . In typical commercial embodiments, the intermediate layer is made of a foam material selected to provide stability and a form. An example foam layer is constructed of polyurethane or a similar synthetic material designed to provide a form. The foam layer provides additional support when increased pressure is placed on the cloth  300 . The internal layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  304  and the base layer  302 . 
     As shown, the base layer  302  can be secured by a border  306  on all sides. An example border is formed by conventional stitching. This border  306  prevents fraying of the edges of the base layer  302  during repeated use and washing. The cloth  300  further includes stitching  310  on the edges of the second layer  304  to secure this second layer to the base  302  and to restrict any movement of the internal foam layer. The internal foam layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  304  and the base layer  302 . As shown, the cloth  300  includes at least one, and preferably two, lines of stitching  308  between the second layer boundary stitching  310 , and through the second layer  304  to the base layer  302 . These stitching lines  308  assist in maintaining the location of the foam layer between the base  302  and the second layer  304  and increasing rigidity. An example type of stitching is that commonly known in the industry. 
     The cloth  300  further includes at least one scrubber material strip  312  secured to an edge of the second layer  304  and the base layer  302  by stitching  314 . The scrubber strip  312  can be secured above the internal layer of foam, or preferably is secured outside of the boundaries of the second layer  304  and at least partially on a flap  307 . An example scrubber strip  312  includes an elongated strip with a plurality of synthetic bristles. Example bristle material can be made of 100% polyester or alternatively can be made of nylon. The bristles are more rigid than the microfiber material of the base layer  302  or the second layer  306 . The scrubber strip  312  is used for scrubbing surfaces that require more friction than the microfiber alone provides. 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of a cleaning cloth  400  according to a third example embodiment of the invention. The cloth  400  includes a base layer  402  and a second top layer  404 . An internal layer of foam (not shown) is secured between the base layer  402  and the top layer  404  such that no foam exits from underneath the top layer  404 . Flexible flaps  407  extend outwardly away from the top layer  404 . The flaps  407  can be separate from the base layer  402  or are part of the base layer. 
     The base layer  402  is constructed of a microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Microfiber is a material that is constructed of fewer than 1 denier per filament and as a result has properties including softness, water repellency, absorption and durability. Preferably, the microfiber base  402  is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the microfiber base  402  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the microfiber base  402  is a terry material that is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. 
     The second top layer  404  is constructed of microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Preferably, the second layer  402  microfiber is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the second layer  404  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the second layer second layer  404  microfiber is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. 
     The intermediate layer (not shown) is secured between the base layer  402  and the second layer  404 . In typical commercial embodiments, the intermediate layer is made of a foam material selected to provide stability and a form. An example foam layer is constructed of polyurethane or a similar synthetic material designed to provide a form. The foam layer provides additional support when increased pressure is placed on the cloth  400 . The internal layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  404  and the base layer  402 . 
     As shown, the base layer  402  can be secured by a border  406  on all sides. An example border is formed by conventional stitching. This border  406  prevents fraying of the edges of the base layer  402  during repeated use and washing. The cloth  400  further includes stitching  410  on the edges of the second layer  404  to secure this second layer to the base  402  and to restrict any movement of the internal foam layer. The internal foam layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  404  and the base layer  402 . As shown, the cloth  400  includes at least one, and preferably two, lines of stitching  408  between the second layer boundary stitching  410 , and through the second layer  404  to the base layer  402 . These stitching lines  408  assist in maintaining the location of the foam layer between the base  402  and the second layer  404  and increasing rigidity. An example type of stitching is that commonly known in the industry. 
     The second layer  404  includes alternating elongated strips of microfiber  410  and synthetic scrubber material  408 . In the typical commercial embodiment shown, there are five elongated strips of microfiber  410  and five elongated strips of scrubber material  408 , however, alternate numbers of each are possible. It is possible to have more or fewer of each of the scrubber strips  408  and/or microfiber strips  410 . As further shown, the scrubber strips  408  and microfiber strips  410  can have equivalent size and shape. An example microfiber material used in both layers  402  and strips  410  is similar to the microfiber described in the first and second embodiments. An example scrubber material  408  can include a plurality of nylon loops or a raised weave. The example scrubber material  408  is more rigid than the example microfiber material. In order to increase durability, more than one line of stitching divides each the second layer  404  into a plurality of sections, each section having microfiber  310  and scrubber  308 . The stitching secures the second layer to the base layer  302  through the foam layer. 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of a cleaning cloth  500  according to a fourth example embodiment of the invention. The cloth  500  includes a base layer  502  and a second top layer  504 . An internal layer of foam (not shown) is secured between the base layer  502  and the top layer  504  such that no foam exits from underneath the top layer  504 . Flexible flaps  507  extend outwardly away from the top layer  504 . The flaps  407  can be separate from the base layer  502  or are part of the base layer. 
     The base layer  502  is constructed of a microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Microfiber is a material that is constructed of fewer than 1 denier per filament and as a result has properties including softness, water repellency, absorption and durability. Preferably, the microfiber base  502  is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the microfiber base  502  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the microfiber base  502  is a terry material that is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. 
     The second top layer  504  is constructed of microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Preferably, the second layer  502  microfiber is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the second layer  504  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the second layer second layer  504  microfiber is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. 
     The intermediate layer (not shown) is secured between the base layer  502  and the second layer  504 . In typical commercial embodiments, the intermediate layer is made of a foam material selected to provide stability and a form. An example foam layer is constructed of polyurethane or a similar synthetic material designed to provide a form. The foam layer provides additional support when increased pressure is placed on the cloth  500 . The internal layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  504  and the base layer  502 . 
     As shown, the base layer  502  can be secured by a border  506  on all sides. An example border is formed by conventional stitching. This border  506  prevents fraying of the edges of the base layer  502  during repeated use and washing. The cloth  500  further includes stitching  510  on the edges of the second layer  504  to secure this second layer to the base  502  and to restrict any movement of the internal foam layer. The internal foam layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  504  and the base layer  502 . As shown, the cloth  500  includes at least one, and preferably two, lines of stitching  508  between the second layer boundary stitching  510 , and through the second layer  504  to the base layer  502 . These stitching lines  508  assist in maintaining the location of the foam layer between the base  502  and the second layer  504  and increasing rigidity. An example type of stitching is that commonly known in the industry. 
     An example material used for the second layer  504  is glass cloth. Glass cloth is a synthetic material that is effective in cleaning glass without scratching or smudging, and can clean glass without cleaning materials or chemicals. The example glass cloth can be made of a combination of polyester and polyamide. Preferably, the microfiber base  102  is constructed of a higher percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the microfiber base  502  is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. The second layer  504  is secured over the layer of foam to the base layer  502  with stitching  510 . At least one, preferably more than one, line of stitching  508  secures the second layer  504  to the base layer  502  to increase durability. 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view of a cleaning cloth  600  according to a fifth example embodiment of the invention. The cloth  600  includes a base layer  602  and a second top layer  604 . An internal layer of foam (not shown) is secured between the base layer  602  and the top layer  604  such that no foam exits from underneath the top layer  604 . Flexible flaps  607  extend outwardly away from the top layer  604 . The flaps  607  can be separate from the base layer  602  or are part of the base layer. 
     The base layer  602  is constructed of a microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Microfiber is a material that is constructed of fewer than 1 denier per filament and as a result has properties including softness, water repellency, absorption and durability. Preferably, the microfiber base  602  is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the microfiber base  602  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the microfiber base  602  is a terry material that is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. 
     The second top layer  606  is constructed of microfiber material, for example a polyester and polyamide combination. Preferably, the second layer  606  microfiber is constructed of a greater percentage of polyester than polyamide. More preferably, the second layer  606  is a terry material that is constructed of between about 80-90% polyester and about 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the second layer second layer  604  microfiber is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Alternatively, different combinations of polyester and polyamide can be used. This microfiber material is very durable and absorbent. 
     The intermediate layer (not shown) is secured between the base layer  602  and the second layer  606 . In typical commercial embodiments, the intermediate layer is made of a foam material selected to provide stability and a form. An example foam layer is constructed of polyurethane or a similar synthetic material designed to provide a form. The foam layer provides additional support when increased pressure is placed on the cloth  600 . The internal layer is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  606  and the base layer  602 . 
     As shown, the base layer  602  can be secured by a border  604  on all sides. An example border is formed by conventional stitching. This border  604  prevents fraying of the edges of the base layer  602  during repeated use and washing. The cloth  600  further includes stitching (not shown) on the edges of the second layer  606  to secure this second layer to the base  602  and to restrict any movement of the internal foam layer. The internal foam layer (not shown) is completely secured within the boundaries of the connection between the top layer  606  and the base layer  602 . The cloth  600  includes at least one, and preferably two, lines of stitching  508  (not shown) between the second layer boundary stitching (not shown), and through the second layer  606  to the base layer  602 . These stitching lines (not shown) assist in maintaining the location of the internal foam layer between the base  602  and the second layer  606  and increasing rigidity. An example type of stitching is that commonly known in the industry. 
     An example material used for the second layer  606  is chorded chenille constructed of a polyester and polyamide combination. An example chenille material is manufactured by creating a tightly wound core for a yarn. Then short lengths of fabric, which are referred to in the industry as piles of fabric, are wrapped about the core. Once the fabric is wrapped around the core, its edges stand at right angles from the center of the fabric. The edges of these piles then stand at right angles from the yarn&#39;s core, giving chenille both its softness and its characteristic look. An example chenille material is constructed of a higher percentage of polyester than polyamide combination. The chorded chenille layer  506  design includes a substrate layer (not shown) from which extends a plurality of chords  608 . The chords  608  are made of a microfiber material and have elongate finger-like shapes. More preferably, the chenille second layer  606  is constructed of between 80-90% polyester and 10-20% polyamide. Most preferably, the chenille second layer  606  is constructed of about 85% polyester and about 15% polyamide. Preferably the second layer  506  is secured to the base layer  502  with stitching (not shown). This stitching can extend through a layer of foam (not shown). 
     While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.