Patent Publication Number: US-2011056518-A1

Title: Cleaning and/or Hair Gathering Apparatus, Method, and Design

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/240,309 which was filed on Sep. 8, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure provides an apparatus, method, and design for cleaning and/or hair gathering. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The accumulation of pet hair is a common problem for pet owners and those who have pets visiting their home. Individuals purchase many products to assist them in removing hair from their furniture and carpet but many of these products are inefficient and expensive to purchase. One product historically used for removing pet hair is the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner is expensive and has a tendency to miss some of the hair trapped on the furniture. Other devices use adhesive tapes or rollers that quickly fill with hair and must be replaced often. Some products currently on the market cause a portion of the pet hair that is being collected to be expelled from the furniture or carpet into the surrounding air. 
     Additionally, the removal of stains and odors from carpet and/or furniture has historically been a common problem. There are many liquid stain remover applicators available but some or all of these applicators are expensive and/or inefficient. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatuses for cleaning of, and/or hair removal from furniture and other materials. The apparatuses can include first and second components configured to form a liquid dispenser and define a reservoir when operatively engaged. The second component can be configured as a multi-layered absorbent pad. The second component can be configured to have at least two layers, one layer comprising a substantially rigid material and another layer comprising a less rigid material than the first layer. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide cleaning and/or hair gathering methods as well. Example implementations of the methods can include applying pressure to within a liquid-dispensing reservoir to force liquid from the reservoir to one substantially rigid layer and then to another less rigid layer of a multi-layered absorbent pad. The multi-layered absorbent pad can be used to apply liquid to material to be cleaned. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide designs for cleaning of, and/or hair removal from furniture and other materials. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of an illustrative reservoir and multi-layered absorbent pad according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of an illustrative reservoir with an opening and a cap according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is another view of an illustrative reservoir with one-way-opening slits according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of an illustrative multi-layered absorbent pad according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of an illustrative reservoir and a cross sectional view of an illustrative multi-layered absorbent pad according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of an illustrative reservoir with a flexible biased member and demarcations according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  is a magnified cross sectional view of an illustrative flexible biased member according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of an illustrative multi-layered absorbent pad according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of an illustrative reservoir and multi-layered absorbent pad with a cross sectional view of an illustrative holding vessel according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of an illustrative multi-layered absorbent pad according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is an illustrative method for filling an apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustrative method for providing liquid from within the reservoir to the multi-layered absorbent pad according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustrative method for receiving at least a portion of the multi-layered absorbent pad to within a storage vessel according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is an illustrative method for swiping the apparatus across material to clean and/or gather hair according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 14-20  are design views of the engaged apparatus according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8). 
     The apparatuses, methods, and designs of the present disclosure are described with reference to  FIGS. 1-20 . Referring first to  FIG. 1 , apparatus  10  is shown that includes component  11  and can be configured as a reservoir capable of receiving, storing, and dispersing liquids. Apparatus  10  can also include component  12  that can be configured as a multi-layered absorbent pad. Component  12  can comprise at least two layers, component  14  and component  16 . According to example embodiments, component  14  can be configured as a substantially rigid material and component  16  can be configured as a less rigid material than component  14 . Either or both of components  14  and  16  can be comprised of an absorbent polymeric material. Component  11  can be comprised of a rigid, translucent polymeric material that can be resistant to degradation by organic chemicals. Additionally, component  11  can be configured as a handle that provides support for component  12  when the apparatus is used for cleaning and/or hair gathering. According to example embodiments, any and all components of apparatus  10  can also be described as elements or members. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , according to another implementation, apparatus  10  is shown, including component  11 . According to an example embodiment, component  11  can include lateral walls  19 . At least one of the lateral walls  19  can define opening  20  capable of receiving liquids. Opening  20  can be configured as a threaded female joint that can receive a cap. According to example implementations, component  11  of apparatus  10  can also include component  22  that can be configured as a cap to seal opening  20 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 3 , the underside of component  11  is shown including openings  18 . In accordance with example implementations, openings  18  can be configured as a multi-channeled exit port having one-way-opening slits  24  that can at least partially open. Slits  24  can be comprised of a substantially flexible material that opens when adequate pressure is applied to within component  11 , allowing liquid from within the reservoir to exit from the reservoir until pressure equilibrates. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 4 , component  12  is shown that includes components  14  and  16 . According to example implementations, component  14  can be configured as a substantially rigid, and/or highly porous material. Also according to example implementations, component  16  can be configured as a less rigid, and/or less porous material than that of component  14 . Component  14  can be configured to receive liquid from component  11  and disperse that liquid throughout a majority of component  14 . According to example implementations, component  14  can also disperse liquid from component  11  to component  16 , allowing a majority of component  16  to receive the liquid. Component  14  can also be configured to have a greater rate of absorption than that of component  16 , allowing liquid to pass freely through component  14  and into component  16 . The lesser rate of adsorption of component  16  can allow liquid to be retained within component  16  until adequate pressure is applied to component  16 . According to example implementations, the interface between component  14  and component  16  can be intermingled so that components  14  and  16  are not separate and distinct layers. 
     Components  14  and  16  can also be compressible and/or permeable. Component  16  can be configured to compress at a rate greater than that of component  14 . The greater compressibility of component  16  can allow retained liquid from within component  16  to be released with less pressure than that of component  14 . Both components  14  and  16  may be configured to compress under pressure and expand when pressure is released. According to example implementations, component  16  can be configured to compress under less pressure than that of component  14 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 5 , apparatus  10  is shown as well as component  12 . Component  11  can include components  23  that can be configured as a plurality of members extending outwardly from the surface defining openings  18  to the reservoir, which can be received by component  12 . Components  23  can provide a mechanism for attachment of component  11  to component  12 . Components  23  can also be configured to release component  11  from component  12 , allowing either component to be replaced as needed. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 6 , component  11  is shown that can include at least one demarcation  26  and one flexible biased member  28 . According to example embodiments, demarcations  26  can be visually observable from outside of component  11 . Demarcations  26  can be utilized during the filling procedure of apparatus  10  to provide a method of measuring cleaning solution and water and/or other liquid to within component  11 , the cleaning solution and water and/or other liquid being combined to provide an aqueous cleaning solution. 
     According to example embodiments, flexible biased member  28  can be configured to provide a pressure differential within component  11  when forced to an anti-biased position. Flexible biased member  28  can be forced to an anti-biased position by applying force to at least a portion of the member. When pressure is released, flexible biased member  28  can return to its original biased position and relieve pressure from within component  11 . According to an example embodiment, flexible biased member  28  can be located laterally of a centerline of component  11  in one cross section. The location of flexible biased member  28  can diminish the likelihood of accidental force being applied to flexible biased member  28  when component  11  is used as a handle. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 8 , component  11  and component  12  are shown. Also shown is component  30  that can be configured as a vessel to receive at least a portion of component  12  and/or component  11 . Component  30  can be defined as an open box that can hold liquids and can keep component  12  from drying for some time. Additionally, component  30  can be implemented as a storage device to protect component  11  and/or component  12  from drying out or from potential environmental wear and tear. Keeping component  12  from drying can allow component  12  to be used quickly when needed for cleaning and/or hair gathering. Additionally, component  30  can prevent unused liquids from within component  12  from evaporating, thus diminishing the possibility of wasting aqueous cleaning solution. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 9 , an embodiment of component  12  is shown that can include components  14  and  16 . According to an example embodiment, component  14  can be configured to be at least twice the thickness of component  16  in one cross section. The greater thickness of component  14  can provide a sturdier base for component  16  when the latter is swiped across furniture and other materials during cleaning. The thickness of both component  14  and  16  can allow liquid to be absorbed and retained within each component. Component  16  can also expand when adequate liquid is provided and can retract when external pressure is applied. Both component  14  and  16  may be compressible, but component  14  can be configured to be less compressible than component  16  to provide a more solid base for component  16 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 10 , methods for the filling procedure of apparatus  10  are shown. According to example implementations, apparatus  10  can be placed upon one of its lateral walls with opening  20  facing upward. Aqueous cleaning solutions can be received by component  11 , using the visual demarcations  26  to facilitate a proper ratio of cleaning solvent to water and/or other liquid. Once a desired amount of aqueous cleaning solution has been added to component  11 , cap  22  can be placed over opening  20  to substantially seal opening  20 . Component  12  can then be attached to component  11 . Apparatus  10  can then be rotated so that component  12  becomes the base of the apparatus and component  11  sits on top of component  12 . The aqueous cleaning solution within component  11  can remain inside the reservoir until cleaning and/or hair gathering is desired. 
     As an alternative to using an aqueous cleaning solution as the cleaning solution to be received with component  11 , other liquids can also be used. For example, some stains react more readily with more polar organic solvents such as ethanol. Component  11  can be configured to be chemically resistant to a wide range of chemical polarities and chemical make-ups to receive and store such chemicals within the reservoir for a period of time. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 11 , methods for dispersing liquids from component  11  to component  12  are shown. According to example implementations, liquids can be dispersed from component  11  to component  12  by forcing flexible biased member  28  to an anti-biased position within component  11 , substantially increasing pressure within component  11 . The increased pressure within component  11  can provide enough force to within the reservoir to at least partially open slits  24 . When slits  24  are at least partially open, the liquid from within component  11  can flow from the reservoir to component  12 . Liquid forced from component  11  can flow first to component  14  of component  12 . Component  14  can be configured as a substantially rigid, highly porous, and/or substantially thick material that readily disperses the liquids from component  11  throughout a majority of component  14 . At least a portion of the liquid from within component  14  can then flow to component  16  of component  12 . A portion of the liquid can remain within component  14  as another portion of the liquid flows to component  16 . Component  16  can be configured as a less rigid, less porous, and/or thinner layer than component  14  and can readily absorb and retain liquids received from component  14 . Additionally, component  16  can be configured to have a lesser rate of dispersion than component  14 , which can allow component  16  to store liquids more readily than component  14 . Both components  14  and  16  can be configured to be compressible, but component  16  can be configured to be substantially more compressible than component  14 . According to example implementations, the compressibility and/or permeability of component  16  can allow liquids retained by component  16  to be expelled from component  16  when adequate external pressure is applied to component  16 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 12 , methods for apparatus  10  being received by vessel  30  are shown. Component  11  can be attached to component  12  and component  11  can be filled with cleaning solution. Component  12  can have retained liquids within it or be substantially dry. At least a portion of component  12  and/or component  11  can be received to within vessel  30 , vessel  30  providing storage for apparatus  10  when not in use. Where component  12  has retained liquids within it, vessel  30  can provide a moist environment for component  12  and hinder the same from drying. By keeping component  12  damp, cleaning and/or hair gathering can be accomplished without dispensing more liquid from within component  11 , thereby reducing wasted liquid and increasing the efficiency of the apparatus for cleaning and/or hair gathering. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 13 , methods for cleaning are shown. Apparatus  10  including, for example, component  16  can be placed upon materials to be cleaned and pressure can be applied to those materials. The applied pressure can compress component  16  and force retained liquids from within component  16  to materials to be cleaned. When a desired amount of liquid has been applied to materials to be cleaned, pressure on those materials can be released and the liquid absorbed back into component  16  as it retracts and decompresses. 
     Alternatively, component  16 , having retained liquids, can be swiped across materials to be cleaned, leaving the materials at least partially damp. This method of cleaning can allow liquids from component  16  to remain on materials to be cleaned for a greater period of time, allowing the liquids to react with stains on materials to be cleaned. Once a desired amount of time has passed, component  16  can be swiped back across the materials to be cleaned. The absorbent nature of component  16  can absorb the liquids from the cleaned materials to component  16  to be disposed of. 
     Additionally,  FIG. 13  illustrates at least one method for the gathering of hair. Component  16 , having retained liquids from component  11 , can be swiped across materials to remove hair. Component  16  can substantially attract hair from materials by providing greater friction between component  16  and the hair than between the hair and the materials to be cleaned. The liquid retained within component  16  can be released from component  16  to the hair on materials to be cleaned when component  16  is swiped across the surface of the materials to be cleaned. The transferred liquid on the hair can substantially hinder expulsion of the hair from the materials to be cleaned into the surrounding air. The dampness of the hair and the friction created between the hair and component  16  can allow hair to be gathered together when component  16  is swiped across materials to be cleaned. The gathered hair can then be disposed of without it being expelled into the surrounding air for example. Any hair that may have stuck to component  16  during the gathering process may be removed by the operator and component  16  can be used again for gathering hair. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 14-20 , a design for a cleaning apparatus is shown. 
     In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entire invention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodiments shown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.