Patent Publication Number: US-7721381-B2

Title: Cleaning pad

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/639,752, filed Aug. 12, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,486, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety as part of the present disclosure. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to cleaning implements and, more particularly, to floor cleaning implements. 
   Floor cleaning implements are well-known and widely used in commerce to clean hard flooring surfaces, such as ceramic tile, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, linoleum and marble floors. 
   One type of floor cleaning implement that is well-known and widely used in the art is a dry duster, also commonly referred to in the art as a sweeper. Examples of some well known dry dusters are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,513,184, 6,484,346, and 6,305,046 and include the. 
   A dry duster of the type noted above is designed to capture onto a disposable, electrostatically-charged cloth light household debris, such as dust, dirt and hair, from a hard flooring surface. Typically, a dry duster comprises an elongated cylindrical handle which is pivotally coupled to a flat sweeper head through a universal joint. The flat sweeper head is adapted to releasably retain the disposable, electrostatically-charged cloth around its bottom surface. In use, an operator lightly glides the duster over a floor surface in need of cleaning so that the disposable cloth is in direct contact with the floor surface. As the disposable cloth comes into contact with dry household debris present on the floor, such debris is electrostatically retained on the disposable cloth. As can be appreciated, debris collected onto the disposable cloth can simply be disposed of by removing the used disposable cloth from the sweeper head and then discarding the used cloth as waste. In order to perform further cleaning, a new disposable cloth is mounted onto the sweeper head. 
   Although well-known and widely used in the art, dry dusters of the type described above suffer from a notable drawback. Specifically, dry dusters are designed to electrostatically capture household debris present on a floor but are not designed to wash or scrub a floor. As a result, dry dusters have been found to be inadequate instruments for thoroughly cleaning a hard flooring surface. 
   Accordingly, dry dusters have been modified in various ways to allow for the wet cleaning of a hard flooring surface. 
   As an example, it is well known in the art for dry dusters to use a cleaning pad which is moistened with a cleaning solution. In this manner, a pre-moistened cleaning pad can enable a conventional dry duster can be used to wash, or scrub, a hard flooring surface, which is highly desirable. 
   As another example, it is well known in the art for dry dusters to be equipped with a system for dispensing liquid floor cleaner (this type of duster being referred to herein as a quick clean mop). An example of a quick clean mop is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,006. 
   Quick clean mops are similar in construction to dry dusters in that quick clean mops comprise an elongated cylindrical handle which is pivotally coupled to a flat cleaning head through a universal joint. The flat cleaning head of a quick clean mop is adapted to releasably retain a disposable, absorbent cloth (also commonly referred to as a cleaning pad) around its bottom surface. 
   Quick clean mops differ in construction from dry dusters in that quick clean mops include a floor cleaner dispensing system which is typically actuated through a trigger assembly mounted in close proximity to the free end of the handle. As such, an operator can first dispense a supply of floor cleaner from the quick clean mop onto a desired area of a floor and then rub the absorbent cloth over the dispensed floor cleaner in order to scrub clean the desired area. 
   As noted briefly above, a quick clean mop is adapted to releasably retain a disposable, absorbent cloth around its flat cleaning head. However, it should be noted that different types of quick clean mops utilize different means for releasably retaining a disposable, absorbent cloth around its flat cleaning head. 
   One type of quick clean mop which is well-known in the art is provided with one or more attachment structures on the top surface of its flat cleaning head, each attachment structure including a plurality of contiguous, deformable, pie-shaped sections which together define a jagged slot. Examples of this type of quick clean mop include the CLOROX™ READYMOP™ which is manufactured by the Clorox Company of Oakland, Calif. and the GRAB-IT GO MOP™ which is manufactured by S.C. Johnson &amp; Son, Inc. of Racine, Wis. The cleaning pad designed for use in conjunction with this type of quick clean mop is sized and shaped to include winged portions along its outer periphery which are sized and shaped to be retained within the attachment structures formed on the flat cleaning head of the quick clean mop. Specifically, in use, the cleaning pad is positioned against the bottom surface of its flat cleaning head. In order to retain the cleaning pad in a mounted position against the flat cleaning head, each wing of the cleaning pad is folded onto the top surface of the flat cleaning head and is inserted, by hand, down into the jagged slot defined by each attachment structure, each of the pie shaped sections of the attachment structure engaging the cleaning pad so as to retain the cleaning pad in place on the flat cleaning head. 
   Another type of quick clean mop which is well-known in the art is provided with one or more strips of a hook-type fastener material (commonly found in conjunction with VELCRO® products) on the bottom surface of its flat cleaning head. An example of this type of quick clean mop is the SWIFFER®WETJET® which is manufactured by Proctor &amp; Gamble of Cincinnati, Ohio. The cleaning pad designed for use in conjunction with this type of quick clean mop similarly includes one or more corresponding strips of pile-type fastener material (commonly found in conjunction with VELCRO® products) on its top surface which are adapted to engage the hook-type fastener material on the cleaning head of the quick clean mop. Specifically, in use, the cleaning pad is positioned against the bottom surface of the flat cleaning head such that the hook-type fastener material is drawn into contact against the pile-type fastener material, thereby securing the cleaning pad onto the cleaning head. 
   Although well-known and widely used in commerce, the various types of cleaning pads for quick clean mops as described above typically suffer from a notable drawback. Specifically, as noted above, each type of cleaning pad is specifically designed for use in conjunction with a particular quick clean mop. For instance, winged-type cleaning pads are only available for use with quick clean mops which include attachment structures on its top surface. Similarly, cleaning pads with strips of pile-type fastener material are only available for use with quick clean mops which include corresponding strips of hook-type fastener material on the bottom surface of its cleaning head. As a result, most conventional cleaning pads are only adapted for a use with a limited number of quick clean mops, thereby decreasing its range of potential applications, which is highly undesirable. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cleaning pad. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a cleaning pad as described above which can be mounted onto different types of cleaning implements. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cleaning pad as described above which is absorbent and disposable. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a cleaning pad as described above which has a limited number of parts, is inexpensive to manufacture and which is easy to use. 
   Accordingly, there is provided a cleaning pad adapted to be releasably retained on a cleaning implement, the cleaning implement comprising a cleaning head and at least one of a fastener material and an attachment structure coupled to the cleaning head, the cleaning pad comprising a fastener material adapted to engage the fastener material on the cleaning implement, and a mounting tab adapted to engage the attachment structure on the cleaning implement. 
   Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts: 
       FIG. 1  is a top, front perspective view of a cleaning pad constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the cleaning pad being shown with a conventional cleaning implement, the pattern of apertures on the tabs of the cleaning pad not being shown; 
       FIG. 2  is a top plan view, broken away in part, of the cleaning pad shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view, broken away in part, of the cleaning pad shown in  FIG. 1 , the pattern of apertures being shown in only a portion of the bottom layer for simplicity purposes only; 
       FIGS. 4(   a )-( c ) are bottom perspective fragmentary views of the cleaning pad shown in  FIG. 1 , the cleaning pad being shown at various stages during the attachment of the cleaning pad onto a cleaning implement; the pattern of apertures on the tabs and bottom layer of the cleaning pad not being shown; and 
       FIGS. 5(   a )-( c ) are top perspective fragmentary views of the cleaning pad shown in  FIG. 1 , the cleaning pad being shown disposed beneath the bottom surface of the sweeper head of a cleaning implement, the cleaning pad being shown at various stages during the attachment of the cleaning pad onto the cleaning implement, the pattern of apertures on the tabs of the cleaning pad not being shown. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a cleaning pad constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the cleaning pad being identified generally by reference numeral  11 . Cleaning pad  11  is shown in conjunction with a cleaning implement  13 . As will be described further in detail below, cleaning pad  11  is adapted to be releasably retained onto cleaning implement  13 . 
   Cleaning implement  13  represents any conventional floor cleaning implement which utilizes removable cleaning pads. Cleaning implement  13  is represented herein as being in the form of a conventional quick clean mop which utilizes removable cleaning pads, cleaning implement  13  comprising an elongated, multi-segment, cylindrical handle  15  pivotally coupled to a flat cleaning head  17  through a universal joint  19 . 
   Cleaning implement  13  additionally comprises a retainer  21  for releasably holding a container  23  of cleaning solution  25 . A nozzle  27  is shown mounted on cleaning head  17  and is connected to the supply of cleaning solution  25  by an elongated piece of plastic tubing  29 . A trigger  31  mounted on handle  15  proximate its free end is coupled to container  23  through a linkage (not shown) and can be used to spray a quantity of cleaning solution  25  out through nozzle  27 . 
   As noted above, cleaning implement  13  represents any conventional floor cleaning implement which utilizes removable cleaning pads. However, it should be noted that conventional floor cleaning implements of this type commonly utilize one of two principal means for retaining a cleaning pad onto its cleaning head. 
   In the first means, which is shown on cleaning implement  13 , top surface  17 - 1  of cleaning head  17  is provided with a plurality of attachment structures  33 . As seen most clearly in  FIG. 5(   a ), each attachment structure  33  includes a plurality of contiguous, deformable, generally pie-shaped sections  35  which together define a multi-segmented slot  37 . Examples of this type of quick clean mop include the CLOROX™ READYMOP™ which is manufactured by the Clorox Company of Oakland, Calif. and the GRAB-IT GO MOP™ which is manufactured by S.C. Johnson &amp; Son, Inc. of Racine, Wis. In use, with a specifically designed cleaning pad disposed against bottom surface  17 - 2  of cleaning head  17 , a portion of the cleaning pad is folded onto top surface  17 - 1  of cleaning head  17  and is inserted, by hand, down into the slot  37  defined by each attachment structure  33 . In this manner, each deformable section  35  of the attachment structure  33  engages the cleaning pad so as to retain the cleaning pad in place on cleaning head  17 . 
   In the second means, which is not shown on cleaning implement  13 , one or more strips of a hook-type fastener material (commonly found in conjunction with VELCRO® products) is mounted onto the bottom surface of its cleaning head. An example of this type of quick clean mop is the SWIFFER® WET JET® which is manufactured by Proctor &amp; Gamble of Cincinnati, Ohio. In use, with a specifically designed cleaning pad disposed against the bottom surface of the cleaning head, one or more corresponding strips of pile type fastener material (commonly found in conjunction with VELCRO® products) on the top surface of the specifically designed cleaning pad are adapted to engage the hook-type fastener material on the bottom surface of the cleaning head of the cleaning implement so as to retain the cleaning pad in place on the cleaning implement. 
   As will be described further in detail below, cleaning pad  11  of the present invention is specifically designed for use with conventional floor cleaning implements which use either of the two aforementioned means for retaining a cleaning pad on its cleaning head. Specifically, cleaning pad  11  is designed for use with a floor cleaning implement which includes one or more attachment structures  33  on the top surface  17 - 1  of its cleaning head  17 . In addition, cleaning pad  11  is designed for use with a floor cleaning implement which includes one or more strips of hook-type fastener material mounted on the bottom surface of its cleaning head. In this capacity, cleaning pad  11  serves as a universal-type cleaning pad which can be used by either type of floor cleaning implement, which is a principal object of the present invention. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , cleaning pad  11  comprises a top layer  41  and a bottom layer  43  which are affixed together. 
   Top layer  41  is preferably constructed out of a thin layer of 20 g/m2 polyethylene which is formed into a generally rectangular configuration, top layer  41  having a length L  1  of approximately 29.6 cm and a width W 1  of approximately 14.1 cm. 
   Bottom layer  43  is preferably constructed out of a thin layer of 85 g/m2, 100% rayon which is formed into a generally rectangular configuration, bottom layer  43  having a length L 2  of approximately 29.6 cm and a width W 2  of approximately 14.1 cm. 
   As seen most clearly in  FIG. 3 , bottom layer  43  is provided with a pattern of apertures  45  which extend through the thickness of bottom layer  43 , apertures  45  being provided into bottom layer  43  during its forming process. It should be noted that the particular pattern of apertures  45  serves to add greatly to the texture, bulk and absorbency of bottom layer  43 , which is highly desirable. For simplicity purposes only, the pattern of apertures  45  is shown on only a portion of bottom layer  43 . However, it is to be understood that, in the preferred embodiment, the pattern of apertures  45  extends throughout the entire bottom layer  43 . 
   The pattern of apertures  45  formed into bottom layer  43  includes a plurality of oval shaped apertures  45 - 1  and a plurality of circular-shaped apertures  45 - 2 . The pattern of apertures  45  are configured into a plurality of parallel, equidistantly-spaced apart vertical columns, each vertical column alternating a single oval-shaped aperture  45 - 1  with a single circle-shaped aperture  45 - 2  along its entire length. Preferably, each adjacent column is staggered in such a manner so that horizontal rows are formed, each horizontal row alternating a single oval-shaped aperture  45 - 1  with a single circle-shaped aperture  45 - 2  along its entire length. 
   Top layer  41  and bottom layer  43  have the same approximate shape and size. With top layer  41  stacked in direct alignment on top of bottom layer  43 , a bond line  47  is formed along the outer peripheries of top layer  41  and bottom layer  43 , bond line  47  having an approximate width W 3  in the range between 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm. In this manner, bond line  47  serves to secure together the outer peripheries of top layer  41  and bottom layer  43  in such a manner so as to define an enclosed pocket  49  therebetween. 
   It should be noted that bond line  47  represents any conventional means for bonding together the outer peripheries of top layer  41  and bottom layer  43 . As an example, bond line  47  may represent a uniform continuous layer of an adhesive, a patterned layer of an adhesive or any array of separate lines, spirals or spots of an adhesive. As another example, bond line  47  may represent, inter alia, a heat bond, a pressure bond, an ultrasonic bond, a dynamic mechanical bond or any other suitable bonding means or combinations of these means as are known in the art. 
   A middle layer  51  is disposed within enclosed pocket  49 . Middle layer  51  is preferably constructed out of three sheets of 150 g/m2 wood pulp paper which are formed into a unitary rectangular pad having a length of 25.6 cm and a width of 12.3 cm. As can be appreciated, with middle layer  51  disposed within pocket  49 , bond line  47  serves to enclose pocket  49 , thereby trapping middle layer  51  between top layer  41  and bottom layer  43 . 
   As noted above, cleaning pad  11  is a universal cleaning pad which is constructed for use with either of the following types of conventional floor cleaning implements: (1) floor cleaning implements which include one or more strips of a hook-type fastener material (commonly found in conjunction with VELCRO® products) mounted onto the bottom surface of its cleaning head (this type of floor cleaning implement being referred to herein simply as a floor cleaning implement with hook-type fastener material); and (2) floor cleaning implements which include one or more attachment structures formed on the top surface of its cleaning head, each attachment structure comprising a plurality of contiguous, deformable, generally pie-shaped sections which together define a multi segmented slot (this type of floor cleaning implement being referred to herein simply as a floor cleaning implement with one or more attachment structures). The particular method in which cleaning pad  11  can be secured onto each of the aforementioned floor cleaning implements will be described in detail below. 
   As seen most clearly in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a pair of mounting strips  53  are secured onto the outer surface of top layer  41 . Strips  53  are preferably constructed of a pile-type fastener material (commonly found in conjunction with VELCRO® products). Specifically, strips  53  are preferably constructed of 50 g/m2 polyester. 
   Strips  53  are secured onto outer surface of top layer  41  in a spaced apart, parallel configuration, strips  53  extending the entire length of top layer  41 . Each strip  53  is preferably secured onto top layer  41  using any conventional securement means, such as through the application of a conventional adhesive. 
   As can be appreciated, strips  53  enable cleaning pad  11  to be releasably retained onto a floor cleaning implement with one or more strips of a hook-type fastener material. Specifically, cleaning pad  11  is first positioned on a flat surface (e.g., a floor) with top layer  41  facing upward. With cleaning pad  11  disposed in this manner, the consumer positions the floor cleaning implement with one or more strips of a hook-type fastener material such that the bottom surface of its cleaning head is drawn into contact against top layer  41  of cleaning pad  11 . Positioned as such, the one or more strips of hook-type fastener material located on the bottom surface of the cleaning head of the floor cleaning implement are drawn into contact with corresponding mounting strips  53  on cleaning pad  11 , thereby securing cleaning pad  11  onto the floor cleaning implement. It should be noted that, in order to remove cleaning pad  11  from the floor cleaning implement, the consumer is required to pull cleaning pad  11  away from the floor cleaning implement with a withdrawal force greater than the engagement force between mounting strips  53  and the hook-type fastener material located on the bottom surface of the cleaning head of the floor cleaning implement. 
   As seen clearly in the drawings, a plurality of mounting tabs  55  are secured onto the outer surface of bottom layer  43 . Tabs  55  are preferably constructed out of the same material as bottom layer  43  (i.e., a thin layer of 85 g/m2, 100% rayon). Tabs  55  are disposed on outer surface of bottom layer  43 , each tab  55  being located in close proximity to a corresponding corner of bottom layer  43 . 
   Each tab  55  is generally rectangular in configuration and has a length L 3  of approximately 6.0 cm. Each tab  55  is also spaced in from an associated corner of bottom layer  43  a distance  01  of approximately 2.6 cm. As will be described further in detail below, each tab  55  can be disposed between a retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 4(   a ), and an extended position, as shown in  FIG. 4(   b ). 
   As seen most clearly in  FIG. 4(   a ), each tab  55  is folded about a fold line  57  so as to define a lower flap  59  and an upper flap  61 . A portion of lower flap  59  is secured onto bottom layer  43  by a strip of an adhesive  63 . Upper flap  61  is disposed directly above lower flap  59 , the free end  65  of upper flap  61  extending out from the outer periphery of bottom layer  43  a distance  02  of approximately 0.6 cm when disposed in its retracted position. 
   It should be noted that, while in their retracted positions, tabs  55  extend a relatively short distance out from the outer periphery of bottom layer  43  so as not to interfere when cleaning pad  11  is used in conjunction with a cleaning implement which includes one or more strips of a hook-type fastener material, which is highly desirable. It should also be noted that, the relatively short length L 3  of tabs  55  serves to preclude tabs  55  from interfering with the dispensing of cleaning solution from particular models of cleaning implements, which is highly desirable. 
   Due to the pattern of apertures  45  formed into tabs  55 , a relatively small amount of the strip of adhesive  63  penetrates through lower flap  59  and contacts upper flap  61 , thereby securing a portion of upper flap  61  to a portion of lower flap  59 , as shown in  FIG. 4(   a ). With a portion of upper flap  61  secured to a portion of lower flap in the manner noted above, tab  55  is in its originally-configured, retracted (i.e., folded) position. 
   It should be noted that the strength of the adhesive bond between lower flap  59  and bottom layer  43  is significantly greater than the adhesive bond between upper flap  61  and lower flap  59 . As will be described further below, the difference in the strengths of the adhesive bonds enables the user to separate upper flap  61  from lower flap  59  without compromising the adhesive bond between lower flap  59  and bottom layer  43 , the separation of upper flap  61  from lower flap  59  being accomplished through the application of a minimal withdrawal (i.e., pulling) force onto free end  65 . 
   As can be appreciated, mounting tabs  55  enable cleaning pad  11  to be releasably retained onto a floor cleaning implement with one or more attachment structures, such as floor cleaning implement  13 . Specifically, cleaning pad  11  is first positioned on a flat surface (e.g., a floor) with top layer  41  facing upward. With cleaning pad  11  disposed in this manner, the consumer positions floor cleaning implement  13  such that bottom surface  17 - 2  of cleaning head  17  is drawn into contact against mounting strips  53  of cleaning pad. 
   It should be noted that cleaning pad  11  is originally configured with its mounting tabs  55  disposed in their retracted (i.e., folded) position, as shown in  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  5 ( a ). With mounting tabs  55  disposed in their retracted position, free end  65  of each tab  55  extends past the outer periphery of bottom layer  43  a distance D 2  of approximately O.6 cm. In order to secure cleaning pad  11  onto cleaning head  17  of cleaning implement  13 , the user is required to pull free end  65  of each tab  55  laterally out and away from the outer periphery of bottom layer  43 , as shown in  FIGS. 4(   b ) and  5 ( b ). Pulling free end  65  laterally outward in the direction represented by arrow A in  FIGS. 4(   b ) and  5 ( b ) causes the weak adhesive bond between upper flap  61  and lower flap  59  to be broken, thereby enabling upper flap  61  and the portion of lower flap  59  which is not adhered to bottom layer  43  to be outwardly extended. With free end  65  pulled out as far as it can go, each tab  55  is the to be in its extended (Le., unfolded) position. It should be noted that, with each tab  55  disposed into its extended position, upper flap  61  extends out past the outer periphery of bottom layer  43  a distance  03  of approximately 4.5 cm, as seen most clearly in  FIG. 5(   b ). 
   With each tab  55  pulled laterally out and into its extended position, as shown in  FIGS. 4(   b ) and  5 ( b ), each tab  55  is then wrapped around cleaning head  17  such that its free end  65  is drawn towards an associated attachment structure  33 . Specifically, to secure cleaning pad  11  onto cleaning head  17 , each tab  55  is wrapped around cleaning head  17  in the direction represented by arrow B in  FIGS. 4(   c ) and  5 ( c ). The free end  65  of each tab  55  is then pushed (Le., tucked) into the slot  37  defined by a corresponding attachment structure  33 . As can be appreciated, with the free end  65  of each tab  55  tucked into an associated attachment structure  33 , the generally pie-shaped sections  35  of attachment structure  33  engage the material of tab  55 , thereby retaining cleaning pad  11  in place on cleaning head  17 . It should be noted that, in order to remove cleaning pad  11  from cleaning head  17 , cleaning pad  11  is pulled away from cleaning head  17  with a force greater than the cumulative engagement force between attachment structures  33  and tabs 
   The embodiment shown in the present invention is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.