Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for retracting a drill bit relative to a drill. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a driving device within the drill, a drill bit coupleable to the driving device, a first engaging element coupled to the drill bit, a sensor in communication with the driving device, and a second engaging element coupled to the drill. The drill bit is rotatably drivable by the driving device. The sensor detects a change in a speed of the drill bit. The second engaging element engages with the first engaging element in response to the sensor detecting a change in the speed of the drill bit. The drill bit retracts relative to the drill in response to engagement between the second engaging element and the first engaging element.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/082,621 entitled “MOP/PAD SYSTEM” filed on Apr. 11, 2008 for Tanya M. Lewis, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a cleaning pad, and more particularly to a cleaning pad that includes a layer of microfiber material and an absorbent section of chamois material. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    From floors to countertops, cars to boats, many surfaces and objects need cleaning on a regular basis. As a result, a consumer often purchases disposable cleaning pads, which are become waste after use. Furthermore, while a consumer may use washable materials such as rags and other cleaning pads, these may be ill suited to particular cleaning tasks. In addition, a consumer may use several rags or pads, adapted for different cleaning surfaces, for a single cleaning task. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system for a cleaning pad. Beneficially, such an apparatus and system would provide a cleaning pad that both cleans and absorbs while also being washable, reusable, and convenient. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, the present disclosure has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available cleaning pads. Accordingly, the present disclosure has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for a cleaning pad that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0006]    One embodiment of an apparatus for a cleaning pad is provided. The apparatus includes a first peripheral layer and an absorbent section. The first peripheral layer includes a first microfiber material. The first peripheral layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The absorbent section is coupled to the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section and the first peripheral layer form a pad. At least a portion of the absorbent section is adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section includes a layer of a chamois material. 
         [0007]    According to a further embodiment, the pad includes an opening configured to accept a hand. In yet a further embodiment, the opening includes a liner layer coupled to an inner surface of the opening. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a second peripheral layer coupled to the absorbent section. The absorbent section may be positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer. In a further embodiment, the second peripheral layer includes a second microfiber material. The second microfiber material and the first microfiber material may have disparate fiber characteristics. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a coupling mechanism coupled to the pad. The coupling mechanism may be configured to releasably couple the pad to an attachment plate wherein an outer surface of the second peripheral layer may be adjacent to a first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate. In a further embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes two pairs of opposing straps. Each pair of opposing straps may include a first strap and a second strap, wherein the first strap and the second strap may be configured to fold over the attachment plate. A first end of the first strap may be configured to releasably couple with a second end of the second strap. At least one opposing strap in each pair of opposing straps may include a notch. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the attachment plate includes a pole coupled to a second outer surface of the attachment plate. The second outer surface may be opposite the first outer surface. In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes a securing mechanism coupled to an end of the pole. The securing mechanism may secure the pole to an operator. The pole may have an adjustable length. In certain embodiments, the absorbent section includes a plurality of chamois layers. Each chamois layer may include a chamois material. In one embodiment, the plurality of chamois layers may be independently coupled together. The independently coupled chamois layers may be coupled to the first peripheral layer. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an abrasive strip coupled to the outer surface of the first peripheral layer. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of an apparatus is provided for a cleaning pad. The apparatus includes a first peripheral layer, an absorbent section, and a second peripheral layer. The first peripheral layer includes a first microfiber material. The first peripheral layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The absorbent section is coupled to the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section and the first peripheral layer form a pad. At least a portion of the absorbent section is adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section includes a plurality of chamois layers, each chamois layer including a chamois material. The second peripheral layer is coupled to the absorbent section. The absorbent section is positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment, the pad includes an opening configured to accept a hand. In one embodiment, the second peripheral layer includes a second microfiber material. The second microfiber material and the first microfiber material may have disparate fiber characteristics. In certain embodiments, the plurality of chamois layers are independently coupled together. The independently coupled chamois layers may be coupled to the inner surface of the first layer. 
         [0011]    One embodiment of a system is also provided including a pad and an attachment plate. The pad includes a first peripheral layer including a first microfiber material. The first peripheral layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The pad includes an absorbent section coupled to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section and the first peripheral layer form the pad. The absorbent section is adjacent to the inner surface of the first peripheral layer. The absorbent section includes a plurality of chamois layers. Each chamois layer includes a chamois material. The second peripheral layer is coupled to the absorbent section. The absorbent section is positioned between the first peripheral layer and the second peripheral layer. The coupling mechanism is coupled to the second peripheral layer. The coupling mechanism is configured to releasably couple the pad to the attachment plate where an outer surface of the second peripheral layer is adjacent to a first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate in a first attachment mode. 
         [0012]    In a further embodiment, the second peripheral layer includes a second microfiber material. The second microfiber material and the first microfiber material may have disparate fiber characteristics. An outer surface of the first peripheral layer may be adjacent to the first outer surface of the attachment plate as the pad is releasably coupled to the attachment plate in a second attachment mode. The coupling mechanism may include two pairs of opposing straps. Each pair of opposing straps may include a first strap and a second strap. The first strap and the second strap may be configured to fold over the attachment plate. A first end of the first strap may be configured to releasably couple with a second end of the second strap. The first end and the second end may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface may include a first attaching mechanism and the second surface may include a second attaching mechanism. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the system includes a pole coupled to a second outer surface of the attachment plate. The second outer surface may be opposite the first outer surface. The system may further include a securing mechanism coupled to an end of the pole. The securing mechanism may secure the pole to an operator and the pole may have an adjustable length. In one embodiment, the pad and the attachment plate include at least a portion of one of a window cleaning tool, a boat washing tool, a car washing tool, a handheld scrubbing tool, and a mop. 
         [0014]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics of the subject matter described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective frontal view illustrating one embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective side view of the cleaning pad apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective frontal view illustrating another embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1D  is a perspective side view of the cleaning pad apparatus of  FIG. 1C ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2D  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective frontal view illustrating an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus implemented as a hand mitt; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective side view illustrating an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus implemented as a hand mitt; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective side view illustrating another embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus implemented as a hand mitt; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a perspective top view illustrating an embodiment of a cleaning system; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective top view illustrating one embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus with a coupling mechanism; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic perspective view of the cleaning pad apparatus of  FIG. 5A  in which the cleaning pad apparatus is coupled to an attachment plate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the subject matter described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0033]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , a cleaning pad apparatus  100  according to one embodiment includes a peripheral layer  102  and an absorbent section  104  coupled to the peripheral layer  102 . The peripheral layer  102  has an outer surface  106  and an inner surface  108  generally opposite the outer surface  106 . The peripheral layer  102  may comprise a microfiber material. As used herein, microfiber material is a material, cloth, and/or fabric that includes fine synthetic fibers with strands less than one denier. The fibers may be split fibers—divided fibers—to increase cleaning and dust attracting capabilities. Specifically, splitting creates angular segment of fiber that may act as miniature razors, trapping particles and scraping a surface clean. In one embodiment, the microfiber is formed from approximately 150 denier yarn divided into 72 filaments where each filament is split into nine pieces, each approximately 0.23 denier. In other embodiments, the peripheral layer  102  may include microfiber with other suitable characteristics including various grades and/or types of microfiber. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the microfiber material of the peripheral layer  102  comprises nylon and polyester. In certain embodiments, the microfiber material comprises industrial grade microfiber with high percentage of polyester. 
         [0035]    The microfiber material may be non-woven, woven and/or knitted. In addition, the microfiber material may have various kinds of weaves giving the microfiber material various characteristics and cleaning attributes. In one embodiment, the microfiber material includes a pile-type microfiber material with raised loops and/or fiber strands extending from the surface of the microfiber. In one embodiment, the loops and/or fiber strands of the pile-type microfiber material extend from the outer surface  106  of the peripheral layer  102 . 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the cleaning pad  100  includes an abrasive strip coupled to the outer surface  106  of the peripheral layer  102 . In other embodiments, the peripheral layer  102  includes multiple abrasive strips coupled to its outer surface  106 . The multiple abrasive strips may extend across the outer surface  106  at various points to aid in scrubbing or cleaning. Each abrasive strip may comprise material that is rougher in comparison to the microfiber material on the outer surface  106 . In one embodiment, the microfiber material includes an integrated anti-bacterial solution. 
         [0037]    In the depicted embodiment, the peripheral layer  102  is adjacent to the absorbent section  104 . Specifically, the inner surface  108  of the peripheral layer  102  is adjacent to the absorbent section  104 . In other embodiments, a portion of the peripheral layer  102  is adjacent to the absorbent section  104 . For example, as described in greater detail below, the peripheral layer  102  may be adjacent to the absorbent section at the periphery of the peripheral layer  102 , but non-adjacent in other areas to, for example, form a cavity to accept a hand or to include a liner layer between portions of the peripheral layer  102  and the absorbent section  104 . 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, the absorbent section  104  and the peripheral layer  102  are coupled together to form a pad.  FIG. 1B  depicts a side view of the cleaning pad  110  with the peripheral layer  112  adjacent to the absorbent section  114 .  FIG. 1B  also shows the inner surface  118  of the peripheral layer  112  adjacent to the absorbent section  114 , the inner surface  118  being generally opposite the outer surface  116 . 
         [0039]    Referring back to  FIG. 1A , in various embodiments, the absorbent section  102  and the peripheral layer  102  are coupled together with stitching that engages both the peripheral layer  102  and the absorbent section  104 . The absorbent section  104  and the peripheral layer  102  may be stitched near an outside edge such as at the periphery of the outer surface  106 . The absorbent section  104  and the peripheral layer  102  may be coupled with one or more rows of stitching across the cleaning pad  100  in addition to or in place of stitching at the periphery of the cleaning pad  100 . 
         [0040]    In the depicted embodiment, viewing the cleaning pad  100  from above the outer surface  106 , the cleaning pad  100  includes four sides and approximates a square. In other embodiments, the cleaning pad  100  may be embodied as other suitable shapes including, but not limited to a rectangle, an oval, a circle, a triangle, and the like. 
         [0041]    The absorbent section  104 , in the depicted embodiment, comprises a layer of a chamois material—also referred to as a shammy material. The chamois material may comprise soft, porous, absorbent leather. The chamois material may be natural leather (such as sheep or lambskin) or synthetic leather manufactured with similar absorbent qualities as natural chamois. In one embodiment, the chamois material is a Zorbeez brand or ShamWow® brand synthetic chamois material. However, the absorbent section  104  may include other suitable chamois material without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter. 
         [0042]    In other embodiments, the absorbent section  104  includes a plurality of layers of chamois material such as in the embodiments depicted in  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D .  FIG. 2C  depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a cleaning pad  214  that includes an absorbent section  218  with four layers  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226  of adjacent chamois material and a peripheral layer  228 .  FIG. 2D  depicts a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a cleaning pad  230  that includes an absorbent section  234  with two layers  236 ,  238  of adjacent chamois material and a peripheral layer  240 . In embodiments that include multiple chamois layers in the absorbent section  238 , the chamois layers  236 ,  238  may be independently coupled together. The independently coupled absorbent section  234  may be coupled, as a unit, to the peripheral layer  240 . In one embodiment, the absorbent section  234  includes a single chamois sheet folded one or more times forming multiple layers  236 ,  238  for the cleaning pad  230 . 
         [0043]    The absorbent section  230  may include various numbers of layers  236 ,  238  of chamois material without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, an absorbent section  234  with a greater number of layers  236 ,  238  of chamois material may absorb a greater amount of liquid during cleaning. 
         [0044]    Referring back to  FIG. 1A , an operator may use both the peripheral layer  102  when cleaning a surface and the absorbent section  104 . For example, an operator washing a car may first use the peripheral layer  102  against the surface of the car to scrub dirt and water spots off the car. The operator may then dry the car using the absorbent section  104  against the surface of the car. 
         [0045]      FIG. 1C  depicts another embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus  120 . In the depicted embodiment, the cleaning pad apparatus  120  includes a first peripheral layer  122 , an absorbent section  124  coupled to the first peripheral layer  122 , and a second peripheral layer  130  coupled to the absorbent section  124  generally opposite the first peripheral lawyer  122 . In the depicted embodiment, the absorbent section  124  is positioned between the first peripheral layer  122  and the second peripheral layer  130 . 
         [0046]    The first peripheral layer  122  may be similar to the peripheral layer  102  described above in relation to the cleaning pad  100  of  FIG. 1A . Specifically, the first peripheral layer  122  has an outer surface  126  and an inner surface  128  generally opposite the outer surface  126 . The first peripheral layer  122  may comprise a microfiber material as described above. In the depicted embodiment, the first peripheral layer  122  is adjacent to the absorbent section  124 . Specifically, the inner surface  128  of the first peripheral layer  122  is adjacent to the absorbent section  124 .  FIG. 1D  depicts a side view of the cleaning pad  136  showing the first peripheral layer  138  adjacent to the absorbent section  140 .  FIG. 1D  also shows the inner surface  142  of the peripheral layer  138  adjacent to the absorbent section  140  generally opposite the outer layer  144  of the first peripheral layer  138 . Referring again to  FIG. 3C , in other embodiments, a portion of the first peripheral layer  122  is adjacent to the absorbent section  124  as described above. 
         [0047]    Furthermore, the absorbent section  124  may be similar to the absorbent section  104  described above. Specifically, the absorbent section  124  may include one or more layers of a chamois material. 
         [0048]    The second peripheral layer  130  is coupled to the absorbent section  124  generally opposite the first peripheral layer  122 . The second peripheral layer  130  includes an inner surface  132  and an outer surface  134 . In the depicted embodiment, the second peripheral layer  130  is adjacent to the absorbent section  124 . Specifically, the inner surface  134  of the second peripheral layer  130  is adjacent to the absorbent section  124 .  FIG. 1D  depicts a side cross-sectional view of the cleaning pad  136  showing the second peripheral layer  146  adjacent to the absorbent section  140 .  FIG. 1D  also shows the inner surface  148  of the second peripheral layer  146  adjacent to the absorbent section  140 . In other embodiments, a portion of the second peripheral layer  102  is adjacent to the absorbent section. For example, as described above in relation to the peripheral layer  102  and absorbent section  104  of  FIG. 1A , the second peripheral layer  140  and the absorbent section  140  may form a cavity to accept a hand or to include a liner layer between portions of the second peripheral layer  146  and the absorbent section  140 . 
         [0049]    Referring back to  FIG. 1C , in one embodiment, the first peripheral layer  122 , the absorbent section  124  and the second peripheral layer  130  are coupled together to form a pad. In some embodiments, the first peripheral layer  122 , the absorbent section  124  and the second peripheral layer  130  are coupled together with stitching that engages the first peripheral layer  122 , the absorbent section  124 , and the second peripheral layer  130 . As described above in relation to  FIG. 1A , the first peripheral layer  122 , the absorbent section  124  and the second peripheral layer  130  may be stitched near an outside edge such as at the periphery of the outer surface  126  of the first peripheral layer  122 , through the absorbent section  124 , and at the periphery of the outer surface  132  of the second peripheral layer  130 . The absorbent section  124 , the first peripheral layer  122 , and the second peripheral layer  130  may be coupled with one or more rows of stitching across the cleaning pad  120  in addition to or in place of stitching at the periphery of the cleaning pad  120 . 
         [0050]    As with the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , in the depicted embodiment, viewing the cleaning pad  120  from the above the outer surface  126  of the first peripheral layer  122  or the outer surface  132  of the second peripheral layer  130 , the cleaning pad  120  includes four sides and approximates a square. In other embodiments, the cleaning pad  120  may be embodied as other suitable shapes including, but not limited to a rectangle, an oval, a circle, a triangle, and the like. 
         [0051]    In the depicted embodiment, the cleaning pad  120  has open outside edges exposing the absorbent section  124 . In some embodiments, the cleaning pad  120  has one or more closed edges forming an envelope to at least partially enclose the absorbent section  124 . For example, the first peripheral layer  122  may extend over the absorbent section  124  and couple to the second peripheral layer  130 . 
         [0052]    Referring also to  FIG. 1D  and  FIG. 2D , the second peripheral layer  130 ,  146 ,  232  may comprise a second microfiber material. In one embodiment, the second microfiber material and the first microfiber material have disparate fiber characteristics. As used herein, fiber characteristics include but are not limited to, material used for the fibers of the microfiber, pile length, weave type, denier of filament pieces, number of filament pieces divided from each filament, coarseness of the microfiber, and the like. 
         [0053]    Referring back to  FIG. 1C , an operator may use both the first peripheral layer  122  and the second peripheral layer  130  when cleaning a surface. For example, assuming the first peripheral layer  122  comprises a course microfiber, and the second peripheral layer  130  comprises a microfiber that is softer in relation to the first peripheral layer  122 , an operator cleaning a countertop may use the first peripheral layer  122  against the countertop surface to remove stubborn grime and dirt, and then use the second peripheral layer  130  against the countertop surface to polish and remove any remaining particles. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , in one embodiment, the second peripheral layer  208  is a backing layer. The backing layer  208  may include any suitable material for enclosing and/or protecting the absorbent section  210 . The backing layer  208  may also facilitate coupling the cleaning pad  206  to an attachment plate, handle, straps, and the like as described below.  FIG. 2C  also depicts a second peripheral layer  216  comprising a backing layer. In one embodiment, the backing layer  216  is a non-microfiber material. 
         [0055]    The cleaning pad apparatus may be embodied as a stand-alone cleaning pad in various implementations. In one embodiment, the cleaning pad is coupled to a fastening mechanism, such as a strap, to secure the pad to an operator&#39;s hand. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3A  illustrates an embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus  300  implemented as a hand mitt. In the depicted embodiment, the hand mitt  300  includes a cleaning pad  302  with an opening  302  configured to accept a hand. The cleaning pad  302  may be similar to the cleaning pad  100  described above in relation to  FIG. 1A . Specifically, referring also to  FIG. 3B , the cleaning pad  302  may include a peripheral layer  310  coupled to an absorbent section  312 . As described above, the peripheral layer  310  may comprise a microfiber material. In addition, the absorbent section  312  may comprise one or more layers of a chamois material. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, the cleaning pad  302  is similar to the cleaning pad  120  described above in relation to  FIG. 1C . Specifically, referring also to  FIG. 3C , the cleaning pad  302  may include a first peripheral layer  316  coupled to an absorbent section  318 , coupled to a second peripheral layer  320 . The first peripheral layer  316 , the absorbent section  318 , and the second peripheral layer  320  may be similar to the commonly named elements of the cleaning pad  120  in  FIG. 1C . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , the absorbent section  310  and the peripheral layer  312  may be coupled together around the periphery of the absorbent section  312  and the periphery of the peripheral layer  310  except at the opening  304 . The peripheral layer  310  may be adjacent to the absorbent section  312  around the periphery of the peripheral layer  310  but non-adjacent at the opening  304  thereby forming a cavity. 
         [0059]    In one embodiment, the cavity forms in response to the hand mitt  300  accepting an operator&#39;s hand by way of the opening  304 . In one embodiment, the cavity, referring to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2A , may form between the peripheral layer  202  and the absorbent section  204 . Referring to  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D , in one embodiment in which the cleaning pad  214 ,  230  includes multiple layers in the absorbent section  218 ,  234 , the cavity may form between layers of the absorbent section  218 ,  234 . In one embodiment, the opening  304  includes a liner layer coupled to an inner surface of the opening  304  and/or cavity, being positioned between the peripheral layer  228  and the absorbent section  218  (or between layers  220 - 228  of the absorbent section  218 ) throughout the cavity. The liner layer may comprise any suitable material for being in contact with an operator&#39;s hand such as a polyester blend fabric. The opening  304  may include a band  306  of material encircling the opening  304 . In one embodiment, the band  306  of material may comprise a flexible or elastic material configured to encircle and/or provide cushioning to an operator&#39;s wrist and/or to secure the hand mitt  300  on the operator&#39;s hand and wrist. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3C , the first peripheral layer  316 , the absorbent section  318 , and the second peripheral layer  320  may be coupled together at least at the periphery of the first peripheral layer  316 , the periphery of the absorbent section  318  and the periphery of the second peripheral layer  320  with the exception of the opening  304 , thereby forming a cavity configured to accept a hand. 
         [0061]    As described above, in one embodiment, the cavity forms in response to the operator inserting his hand. In one embodiment, the cavity, referring to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2B , may form between the first peripheral layer  212  and the absorbent section  210 , or between the absorbent section  210  and the second peripheral layer  208 . In one embodiment, the cavity, referring to the cross-sectional views of  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D  along with  FIG. 3A , may form between layers of the absorbent section  218 ,  234 . As described above, in one embodiment, the opening  304  includes a liner layer coupled to an inner surface of the opening  304  and/or cavity, being positioned between the first peripheral layer  228 ,  240  and the absorbent section  218 ,  234 , the absorbent section  218 ,  234  and the second peripheral layer  216 ,  232 , or layers of the absorbent section  218 ,  234 , throughout the cavity. The liner layer may be similar to the liner layer described above in relation to  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B . 
         [0062]    In the depicted embodiment, the hand mitt  300  is configured to enclose substantially all of the operator&#39;s hand. In other embodiments, the hand mitt  300  may enclose a portion of the operator&#39;s hand, such as the operator&#39;s thumb and fingers, or just the operator&#39;s fingertips. 
         [0063]    The cleaning pad  100 ,  120 , in addition to being implemented as a stand-alone pad, may be configured to be integrated as part of a cleaning system.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a cleaning system  400 . The cleaning system  400  includes an attachment plate  418 , a cleaning pad  420  coupled to the attachment plate  418  and a pole  402  coupled to the attachment plate  418 . A first end  408  of the pole is coupled to an outer surface of the attachment plate  418 . The pole  402  may be coupled to the attachment plate  418  with a swivel coupler, ball and socket, or hinge, allowing the attachment plate  418  various degrees of movement independent of the pole  402 . In the depicted embodiment, the pole  402  includes a handle  414  coupled to a second end  406  of the pole  402 . The handle  414  may be configured to be grasped by an operator&#39;s hand, allowing the operator to control the pole  402  and coupled attachment plate  418 . In other embodiments, the pole  402  does not include a handle  414 . 
         [0064]    The pole  402  may further include a securing mechanism  416  coupled to the handle  414  and/or second end  406  of the pole  402 . The securing mechanism  416  may secure the system  400  to an operator and may include a strap configured to fit around the operator&#39;s wrist. In other embodiments, the pole  402  does not include a securing mechanism  416 . Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment, the pole  402  has a mechanism to adjust the length of the pole  402 . For example, in one embodiment, the pole  402  may be a telescoping pole with an outer section  412 , and an inner section  410  that slides into the outer section  412 . The mechanism to adjust the length of the pole may include a tightening mechanism  404  to secure the inner section  410  at a particular point in relation to the outer section  412 . 
         [0065]    The attachment plate  418  may be generally rigid. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment plate  418  is rectangular. In other embodiments, the attachment plate  418  may be embodied as other suitable shapes including, but not limited to a rectangle, an oval, a circle, a triangle, and the like. In one embodiment, the attachment plate  418  and the cleaning pad  420  coupled to the attachment plate  418  are generally similar in shape. The attachment plate  418  may be configured to releasably or non-releasably couple a cleaning pad  420  similar to the cleaning pads described above in relation to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The attachment plate  418  may also be embodied without the coupled pole  402 . In one embodiment, the attachment plate  418  is embodied with a handle directly coupled to the outer surface of the attachment plate  418  and configured to allow an operator to grasp the attachment plate  418  and use the cleaning system as a handheld scrubber. The attachment plate  418  may be configured in various other suitable implementations configured for a variety of cleaning tasks. 
         [0066]    Furthermore, the attachment plate  418  includes a cleaning pad  420  removably coupled to the attachment plate  418  on an outer surface of the attachment plate  418  generally opposite the outer surface with the coupled pole  402 . Embodiments of the cleaning pad  420  coupled to the attachment plate  418  are described in detail below in relation to  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B . 
         [0067]    Embodiments including the pole  402 , attachment plate  418 , and cleaning pad  420 , include, but are not limited to a window cleaning tool, a boat washing tool, a car washing tool, a mop and the like. For example, an operator may use an embodiment of the cleaning system  400  to wash a boat. The adjustable pole  402  may allow the operator to clean difficult places to reach on the boat&#39;s surface. Furthermore, the operator may grip and control the cleaning system  400  with the handle  414 , and the securing mechanism  416  may prevent the cleaning system  400  from falling in the water in case the operator drops the cleaning system  400 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 5A  depicts one embodiment of a cleaning pad apparatus  500  with a coupling mechanism coupled to the cleaning pad. Specifically, the coupling mechanism may releasably couple the cleaning pad to an attachment plate  418  such as the attachment plate described above in relation to  FIG. 4 . In the depicted embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes two pairs  506 , 518 , 508 , 520  of opposing straps. Each pair of opposing straps includes a first strap  506 , 508  and a second strap  518 , 520 . As depicted in  FIG. 5B , the first strap  544 , 538  and the second strap  540 , 542  are configured to fold over the attachment plate  532  to releasably couple the cleaning pad to the attachment plate  532 . Referring also to  FIG. 5A , for each pair of opposing straps, a first end of the first strap  506 , 508  is configured to releasably couple with a second end of the second strap  518 , 520 . The first strap  506 , 508  and the second strap  518 , 520  may releasable couple using attachment mechanisms (releasable fasteners)  514 , 516  such as fabric “hook and loop” fasteners. 
         [0069]    In the depicted embodiment, the outer surface  504  of the second peripheral layer is configured to be adjacent to an outer surface of the attachment plate  532  as the cleaning pad  502  is releasably coupled to the attachment plate  532 . Furthermore, referring to  FIG. 5A , in the depicted embodiment, at least one opposing strap  506 , 508  in each pair of opposing straps includes a notch  510 , 512 . The notch  510 , 512  allows the cleaning pad  502  to accommodate various attachment plate  532  configurations. Referring to  FIG. 5B , the notches  544 , 546  may fit around a scrubbing mechanism  548  on certain mop attachment plates  532 . Additionally, the notches  544 , 546  may also fit around liquid squirters on certain mop attachment plates  532 . 
         [0070]    In one embodiment, the cleaning pad apparatus  500  is reversible. Specifically, the cleaning pad  502 , as described above and as shown in  FIG. 2D , may include a second peripheral layer  232  with a second microfiber material in addition to a first peripheral layer  240  with a first microfiber material. Referring also to  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , in one embodiment, the cleaning pad  502  releasably couples to the attachment plate  532  using a first attachment mode and a second attachment mode. In this embodiment, the end of each strap of the coupling mechanism may include an attaching mechanism  514 , 516  on each side. Specifically, the end of each strap may have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface may have a first attaching mechanism and the second surface may have a second attaching mechanism. For example, the end of each strap may include a strip of fabric “hook and loop” fasteners on each side. As a result, an operator may clean a surface with either the first peripheral layer  240  or the second peripheral layer  232 . 
         [0071]    Therefore, in the first attachment mode, the microfiber of the first peripheral layer  240  may be used to clean a surface and the coupling mechanism may releasably couple the cleaning pad  502  to the attachment plate  532  such that the outer surface of the second peripheral layer  232  is adjacent to the attachment plate  532 . 
         [0072]    In the second attachment mode, the outer surface of the first peripheral layer  240  is adjacent to the attachment plate  532  as the cleaning pad  502  is releasably coupled to the attachment plate  532 . In the second attachment mode, the microfiber of the second peripheral layer  232  may be used to clean a surface. 
         [0073]    For example, if an operator is mopping a tile floor with deep grooves, the operator may couple the cleaning pad  502  to an attachment plate  532  of a mop and use microfiber with longer strands to penetrate the grooves. If the operator then cleans a delicate wood floor, the operator may switch the cleaning pad  502  such that the other microfiber layer (with a softer microfiber) is exposed to the floor surface. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 5A , the cleaning pad  502  may also be coupled to the attachment plate  532  using other embodiments of the coupling mechanism such as one or more releasable fasteners  522 , 524 , 526 , 528  coupled to the outer surface  504  of the second peripheral layer. The releasable fasteners  522 , 524 , 526 , 528  may be configured to releasably couple with releasable fasteners coupled to the outer surface of the attachment plate. 
         [0075]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.