Abstract:
A cleaning mitt for cleaning a variety of surfaces comprising of a plurality of sides peripherally joined to create a cavity for ambidextrously accommodating a human hand. The plurality of sides have an exterior surface consisting of a continuous absorbent material and an impermeable interior lining substantially lining the cavity to prevent chemical solutions propagating into the cavity. The cavity has an open end for receiving a human hand therein. Attached proximate to the open end is an attachment mechanism for releasably securing the cleaning mitt to a human wrist.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates a cleaning mitt, more specifically but not by way of limitation to a cleaning mitt that contains an interior generally impermeable lining resistant to chemical cleaning solvents and solutions and has an exterior surface of a suitable cleaning material.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Individuals participating in industrial or domestic cleaning tasks use a variety of chemicals to clean surfaces or objects. While engaged in such tasks, chemical solvents are often used to properly clean the desired surface. A variety of cleaning apparatus can be used to accomplish these tasks.  
         [0003]     While conventional cleaning mitts have been of assistance in cleaning automobiles and other items no current devices have been shown to address the need for cleaning a variety of surfaces while providing protection against chemical solvents and cleaning solutions. Accordingly there is a need for a cleaning apparatus that provides a plurality of external surfaces suitable for cleaning a variety of surfaces while also protecting the users hand from chemical solvents and cleaning solutions.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ambidextrous cleaning mitt that can clean a variety of surfaces with supplemental abrasive and non-abrasive surfaces.  
         [0005]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cleaning mitt that has an interior liner that can provide protection for the user&#39;s hand therein, from chemical solvents and cleaning solutions.  
         [0006]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning mitt with at least two compartments to allow ergonomic use thereof for an extended period of time to reduce pain such as but not limited to muscle cramping in a user&#39;s hand.  
         [0007]     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0008]     A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view a second alternative embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  of the present invention along line AA of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0014]     Referring now to the embodiments in  FIGS. 1-5  and wherein the various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in particular  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a mitt  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention.  
         [0015]     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 , the mitt  100 , comprises of a body member  50 , having two generally opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner. The two generally opposing sides are joined peripherally at a center seam  60  to define a cavity  70  therebetween. The two opposing sides are manufactured as a one-piece assembly through a process of stitching or other suitable mode of manufacturing. The cavity  70  is configured to have an opening for receipt of a human hand therein.  
         [0016]     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the body member  50  has a thumb compartment  10  for receipt therein of the user&#39;s thumb. The thumb compartment  10  provides an ergonomic method of use to prevent user discomfort or pain such as but not limited to muscle cramping with extended periods of use. The body member  50  consists of an exterior surface  40  and an interior lining  30 . The exterior surface  40  is constructed of a suitable abrasive cleaning material such as but not limited to polyester batting. Although the exterior surface  40  is shown to be substantially disposed around the external surface of the body member  50 , it is within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface  40  could be disposed on only one side or a section thereof. In conjunction with such a configuration it is also within the scope of the present invention that each opposing side could be constructed of alternate materials, abrasive and non-abrasive. The interior lining  30  is constructed of a semi-flexible suitable chemically resistant material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior lining  30  substantially covers the interior surface of the body member  50 , thumb compartment  10  and the wrist member  20 . Attached to the body member  50  proximate to the opening of the cavity  70  by a suitable method is a wrist member  20 . The wrist member  20  is proximate to the opening of the cavity  70  for providing access of a human hand into the cavity  70 . The wrist member  20  also acts to releasably secure the mitt  100  to the user&#39;s wrist.  
         [0017]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, mitt  200 , comprises of a body member  250 , having two generally opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner. The two generally opposing sides are joined peripherally to define a cavity therebetween. Although no cavity is shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , a cavity similar to  FIG. 5  is present therein. The two opposing sides are manufactured as a one-piece assembly through a process of stitching or other suitable mode of manufacturing. The cavity is configured to have an opening for receipt of a human hand therein.  
         [0018]     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the body member  250  has a thumb compartment  210  for receipt therein of the user&#39;s thumb. The thumb compartment  210  provides an ergonomic method of use to prevent pain such as but not limited to muscle cramping with extended periods of use. The body member  250  consists of an exterior surface  240  and an interior lining  230 . The exterior surface  240  is constructed of a suitable abrasive such as but not limited to nylon. Although the exterior surface  240  is shown to be substantially disposed around the external surface of the body member  250 , it is within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface  240  could be disposed on only one side or a section thereof. In conjunction with such a configuration it is also within the scope of the present invention that each opposing side could be constructed of alternate materials, abrasive and non-abrasive. The interior lining  230  is constructed of a semi-flexible suitable chemically resistant material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior lining  230  substantially covers the interior surface of the body member  250 , thumb compartment  210  and the wrist member  220 . Attached to the body member  250  proximate to the opening of the cavity by a suitable method is a wrist member  220 . The wrist member  220  is proximate to the opening of the cavity for providing access of a human hand therein. The wrist member  220  also acts to releasably secure the mitt  200  to the user&#39;s wrist.  
         [0019]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated yet another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated mitt  300 , comprises of a body member  350 , having two generally opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner. The two generally opposing sides are joined peripherally along a center seam  360  to define a cavity therebetween. Although no cavity is shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , a cavity similar to  FIG. 5  is present therein. The two opposing sides are manufactured as a one-piece assembly through a process of stitching or other suitable mode of manufacturing. The cavity is configured to have an open end for receipt of a human hand therein.  
         [0020]     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the body member  350  has a thumb compartment  310  for receipt therein of the user&#39;s thumb. The thumb compartment  310  provides an ergonomic method of use to prevent muscle pain such as but not limited to cramping with extended periods of use. The body member  350  consists of an exterior surface  340  and an interior lining  330 . The exterior surface  340  is constructed of a suitable non-abrasive material such as but not limited to woven wool cloth. Although the exterior surface  340  is shown to be substantially disposed around the external surface of the body member  350 , it is within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface  340  could be disposed on only one side or a section thereof. In conjunction with such a configuration it is also within the scope of the present invention that each opposing side could be constructed of alternate materials, abrasive and non-abrasive. The interior lining  330  is constructed of a semi-flexible suitable chemically resistant material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior lining  330  substantially covers the interior surface of the body member  350 , thumb compartment  310  and the wrist member  320 . Attached to the body member  350  proximate to the opening of the cavity by a suitable method is a wrist member  320 . The wrist member  320  is proximate to the opening of the cavity for providing access of a human hand therein. The wrist member  320  also acts to releasably secure the mitt  300  to the user&#39;s wrist.  
         [0021]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is illustrated, yet still another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, mitt  400 , comprises of a body member  450 , having two generally opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner. The two generally opposing sides are joined peripherally to define a cavity therebetween. Although no cavity is shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , a cavity similar to  FIG. 5  is present therein. The two opposing sides are manufactured as a one-piece assembly through a process of stitching or other suitable mode of manufacturing. The cavity is configured to have an open end for receipt of a human hand therein.  
         [0022]     Still referring to  FIGS. 4 , the body member  450  has a thumb compartment  410  for receipt therein of the user&#39;s thumb. The thumb compartment  410  provides an ergonomic method of use to prevent muscle pain such as but not limited to cramping with extended periods of use. The body member  450  consists of an exterior surface  440  and an interior lining  430 . The exterior surface  440  is constructed of a suitable non-abrasive material such as but not limited to soft sponge. Although the exterior surface  440  is shown to be substantially disposed around the external surface of the body member  450 , it is within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface  440  could be disposed on only one side or a section thereof. In conjunction with such a configuration it is also within the scope of the present invention that each opposing side could be constructed of alternate materials, abrasive and non-abrasive. The interior lining  430  is constructed of a semi-flexible suitable chemically resistant material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior lining  430  substantially covers the interior surface of the body member  450 , thumb compartment  410  and the wrist member  420 . Attached to the body member  450  proximate to the opening of the cavity by a suitable method is a wrist member  420 . The wrist member  420  is proximate to the opening of the cavity for providing access of a human hand therein. The wrist member  420  also acts to releasably secure the mitt  400  to the user&#39;s wrist.  
         [0023]     Now referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 , the body member  50 , is manufactured as a one-piece assembly from two opposing sides. The two opposing sides are joined peripherally at a center seam  60  to form a cavity  70 . The body member  50  is generally manufactured in a mitten shape to accommodate a human hand. Although the body member  50  is shown in the preferred embodiment in a mitten shape it is within the scope of the present invention that other shapes could be used to perform the intended function. More specifically but not by way of limitation the body member  50  could be manufactured in a rectangular or annular shape. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that numerous other shapes may be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the body member  50  in order to achieve the function described herein.  
         [0024]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the exterior surface  40 , consists of a relatively flexible and porous suitable cleaning material such as but not limited to woven wool, sponge or soft foam. The exterior surface  40  should allow the absorption of the desired cleaning solution therein in order to facilitate effective cleaning and abrading in cleaning applications. Although the exterior surface  40 , is used primarily for absorption of a desired cleaning solution and subsequent cleaning of a desired surface, it is within the scope of the present invention that other embodiments and functions are possible. More specifically but not by way of limitation, alternative abrasive surfaces could be used to facilitate cleaning in industrial applications. The exterior surface  40  could consist of a relatively flexible backing with a mineral secured thereto. Alternative surfaces such as plastic brushes and nylon meshes could be used to effectively clean and abrade in industrial applications. The exterior surface  40  could be comprised of 2 layers, an outermost layer of abrasive material and an inner layer of a suitable absorbent material. An embodiment of this configuration could be used to clean a variety of surfaces such as but not limited to countertops, appliance surfaces, tubs, shower stalls, chrome fixtures and wood shelves. Alternate configurations such as the two opposing sides of the body member  50  having each a different exterior surface  40  is within the scope of the present invention. One exterior surface  40  comprising of a non-abrasive material and the opposing exterior surface  40  would be comprised of an abrasive material. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous other materials may be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the exterior surface  40  in order to achieve the function described herein.  
         [0025]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the interior lining  30 , consists of a flexible and impermeable material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior surface  30  is resistant to chemical solvents and cleaning solutions. The interior lining  30 , is secured to the adjacent exterior surface  40  by suitable chemical or mechanical methods. The interior lining  30  is secured to the entirety of the external surface  40  of the body member  50  and extending to include attachment to the wrist member  20 . Substantial application to the cavity  70  of the interior lining  30  is necessary in order to inhibit chemical solvents, cleaning solutions and other liquids from entering into the cavity and contacting a user&#39;s hand. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous chemically resistant materials that could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with nitrile rubber to achieve the function suggested herein.  
         [0026]     The wrist member  20 , consists of a flexible elastic material and is attached to the body member  50  proximate to the opening of the cavity  70 . Substantially covering the internal surface of the wrist member  20  is the interior lining  30 . The wrist member  20  is secured to the body member  50  by suitable mechanical methods such as but not limited to stitching. Although the wrist member  20  is primarily used to releasably secure the mitt  100  to the user it is within the scope of the present invention that other embodiments and functions are possible. The wrist member  20  could be alternatively configured to include a lip to prevent spillage of any cleaning solution onto the user&#39;s arm. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous materials and designs could be manufactured to achieve the functions suggested herein of the wrist member  20 .  
         [0027]     Referring in particular to the drawings submitted herewith, a description of the operation of the mitt  100  is as follows. In use, a user inserts a desired hand, as the mitt  100  is manufactured to promote ambidextrous use thereof, into the cavity  70  of the body member  50  through the cavity  70  opening proximate to the wrist member  20 . Simultaneously, the user inserts their thumb into the thumb compartment  10 . The wrist member  20  secures the mitt  100  to the user&#39;s wrist. The mitt  100  is then placed in or saturated with a desired cleaning solution. The users hand is protected from the cleaning solution from the impermeable interior lining  30 . The user then applies the cleaning solution absorbed by the exterior surface  40  of the body member  50  to a desired surface. The user then applies a desired force to effectively clean and abrade the chosen surface.  
         [0028]     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.