Patent Document

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), 120, 121, and/or 365(c) the present invention claims priority, as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/832,045, entitled “Cleaning Implement Having Insertable Member”, filed on Jul. 7, 2010. The contents of the aforementioned patent application are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention is cleaning implements, more particularly cleaning implements containing both absorbent and insertable elements, and more particularly absorbent cleaning implements having an insertable, renewable insertable element. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A multitude of cleaning implements exist in the prior art. A wide array of implements exist such a sponges, mops, scrub brushes and pads. They are comprised of absorbent material, coarse material and abrasive material such as phenolic or melamine based foam. However, there are no known cleaning elements that allow for the intermixing of components by the consumer for purposes of deep cleaning or should one of the components need to be replaced due to premature or planned wear. 
         [0004]    Deep cleaning jobs to which this invention is directed are those applications where various types of abrasive materials are most beneficial. For instance, really tough cleaning jobs exist such as removing dirt and grease from grout. Another example is the removal of mold and mildew from vinyl, plastic and fiberglass. Still another example is the cleaning of fish remains including blood from the decks of boats. 
         [0005]    Conventional sponges and cleaning pads are not durable enough to accomplish a deep cleaning job without other means. The use of a liquid abrasive can cause premature destruction of the conventional sponge, yet the water retention ability of a conventional sponge is highly desirable in most cleaning applications. The use of a non-liquid abrasive such as an abrasive pad requires moisture to prevent marring of a surface or needs to be made of a material that wears so that the removed grit is not embedded into the abrasive pad. An abrasive pad such as one that contains melamine will leave a residue which requires a secondary cleanup procedure to wipe away the residue. Certain wearable abrasive pads can lead to skin irritation when handled directly. 
         [0006]    In addition to the above mentioned heavy duty jobs, the present invention is also well suited to effectively handle various household cleanup jobs. For example in the kitchen, burnt stove surfaces as well as burnt pots and pans can be scrubbed. Tough stains on tile and grout can be removed from showers and floors. Outdoors, vinyl patio furniture, PVC fencing and PVC pipe can also be thoroughly cleaned. 
         [0007]    Numerous cleaning implements exist, many of which are patented as implements having an absorbent material, such as a sponge, and/or an abrasive material such as a phenolic or melamine based foam. Examples can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,665,580; 4,866,806; 4,949,417; 5,187,830; 6,485,822; 6,503,615; 6,857,159; 7,060,119; 7,454,813; 7,629,043 and U.S. Application Publication No. 2005/136238. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,830, discloses a nylon mesh covered sponge that has a braided pull at one end of the mesh covering. A pocketed jacket made of a cleaning sheet material receives and holds the net covered sponge. The entire assembly is used to wash a car. When a difficult spot is encountered, the net-covered sponge is partially or fully withdrawn from the jacket pocket to scrub the spot. The net covered sponge gives the jacket form and support, and the jacket provides quick access to the scrubber. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,822, discloses a multi-layer combination sponge includes a scrubbing layer and a cleaning layer that are each laminated to an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is more compressible than the cleaning layer and the scrubbing layer, and a groove is formed a perimeter of the sponge between the cleaning layer and the scrubbing layer. The layers are preferably coextensive, forming a nose portion at the front of the combination sponge and having rounded corners at the rear of the combination sponge. The cleaning and intermediate layers each have an approximately equal thickness, and the scrubbing layer has a thickness less than one-half as thick as either the cleaning layer or the intermediate layer. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,615, discloses a wiping cleaner comprising a porous material of an open-cell structure having a density of 5 to 50 kg/m 3 , a tensile strength of 0.6 to 1.6 kg/cm 2 , an elongation at break of 8 to 20%, and cell number of 80 to 300 cells/25 mm and having a surface wherein upon wiping, particles are peeled from the wiping surface by friction. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,813, discloses a cleaning device includes a soft sponge layer, having at least one rib or bead on its surface; an intermediate layer, which is harder than the sponge layer, a cloth layer, that is bonded to the intermediate layer, opposite to the sponge layer. The layers may be bonded to one another. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,283,305, discloses a cleaning implement comprises an erodible foam substrate, such as a melamine foam substrate and a controlled release system comprising an active agent. The controlled release system comprises a component selected from the group consisting of a polymer matrix, microcapsule, a particulate porous carrier, a complexing agent, a semi-permeable film and a combination thereof and the active agent is selected from the group consisting of a surfactant, a bleaching agent, a limescale reducing agent, a biocide, a solvent and a mixture thereof. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,296,895, discloses a disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,629,043 discloses a cleaning wipe product. The cleaning wipe includes a foam layer such as phenolic or melamine based foam that is configured for contacting and cleaning a surface. Attachment of materials is by laminate wherein the components are united to one another by an adhesive or the use of heat and/or pressure. The combined components cannot be separated if one or the other premature wears, or if one component is to be replaced with a component of a different abrasive rate. No disclosure if made of a cavity to hold a different component should the attachment fail. 
         [0015]    U.S. Publication No. 2007/0157405 discloses a cleaning implement comprising melamine foam and a perfume source, processes for making them and methods for using them. 
         [0016]    U.S. Publication No. 2010/0223748 discloses a cleaning pad system for use on a motorized floor cleaning or polishing machine wherein the pad has melamine resin based foam. 
         [0017]    U.S. Publication No. 2007/0061991 discloses a cleaning implement suitable for hard surface cleaning comprising heat-compressed melamine foam. 
         [0018]    U.S. Publication No. 2006/0005338 discloses a cleaning implement comprising a layer of melamine foam having water-absorbency. 
         [0019]    JPO Publication No. 2002/253471 discloses a washing tool that is constituted of a grip having a forked holding part at one end and of a brush part to be held between the forked holding part so as to be attachable/detachable. The brush part is constituted of water absorbing and expanding materials which absorbs water while irreversibly expanding and of the melamine resin foamed body which is held between the water absorbing and expanding materials and is exposed between the materials. 
         [0020]    Accordingly, a cleaning implement is needed that improves upon what is existing in the art and provides a more efficient, effective and durable manner of holding a replaceable abrasive pad. The insertable pad held within a cavity which allows for scrubbing in any lateral direction surrounded by sponge material to entrap removed material. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The cleaning implement of the instant invention is comprised of a holding member having a replaceable abrasive pad attached thereto. The abrasive pad may be interchangeable depending upon the surface to be treated. In addition, the abrasive pad may be designed to wear, such as melamine, at a rate that is considerably faster than a conventional sponge. The holding member employs a cavity formed by sidewalls and a base wall for placement of the abrasive pad. The cavity is constructed and designed to maintain the abrasive pad in position during lateral scrubbing movements. In a first embodiment the holding member is constructed from a sponge material capable of fluid retention. In an alternative embodiment, the holding member comprises a layer of non-fluid retention material having a centrally disposed cavity for positioning of the replaceable abrasive pad, the non-fluid retention layer attached to a fluid retention layer. In another alternative embodiment, the holding member comprises a layer of fluid retention material having a centrally disposed cavity for positioning of the replaceable abrasive pad, the fluid retention layer attached to a non-fluid retention layer. The abrasive pad is preferably constructed of melamine, however, most any type of abrasive pad may be placed within the cavity. 
         [0022]    The combination of the components provides significant advantages and exponentially enhances the ability to clean heavy duty jobs. The cleaning implement provides a significant advantage in helping to absorb and remove the residue from the material worn away from the abrasive pad during scrubbing. This combination also provides a significant advantage in providing a cleaning surface that is larger than an abrasive member alone, while also providing a more ergonomic design for the scrubbing process, thus providing an overall more efficient, durable and effective cleaning implement. It has been discovered the herein described invention provides significantly more efficient and effective cleaning, particularly when used for large cleaning tasks, such as boats and RV&#39;s. These aspects of the invention, singularly and combined, overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional sponges, pads and other described cleaning implements. 
         [0023]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a cleaning implement based upon a sponge based holding member having a cavity for securing a replaceable abrasive pad, wherein longevity of the cleaning implement is possible by replacing the abrasive pad designed to wear faster than the holding member. Additionally, the abrasive pad may be replaced by a pad comprising soap or disinfectant. The pad could be super absorbent, a polishing pad, a buffing pad or any other cleaning implement. 
         [0024]    Another objective of the instant invention to provide a cleaning implement that includes a replaceable abrasive pad positioned within a non-fluid retaining member that is attached to a fluid retaining member. 
         [0025]    Yet still another objective of the instant invention is to provide a cleaning implement having a holding member and a removable abrasive pad, wherein said abrasive pad can be removed to allow for ease of cleaning the holding member. 
         [0026]    It is another objective of the instant invention to employ the use of a wearable abrasive pad constructed from melamine that can be held in position by use of a cleaning implement wherein the abrasive pad can be used without direct contact with the human hand. 
         [0027]    Still another objective of the instant invention to employ the use of a wearable abrasive pad adjacent to a non-fluid retention member that can operate as a residual holding member capable of entrapping material and residual worn away from the abrasive pad, and/or can further operate as a light abrasive member to enhance the use of the abrasive pad. 
         [0028]    Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the present invention having a fluid retaining holding member with a replaceable abrasive pad; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is side view thereof; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is an exploded side view thereof; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is an exploded top perspective view thereof; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view thereof; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the present invention having a non-fluid retaining holding member attached to a fluid retaining member with a replaceable abrasive pad; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a side view thereof; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is an exploded side view thereof; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is an exploded top perspective view thereof; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view thereof; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the present invention having a fluid retaining holding member attached to a non-fluid retaining member with a replaceable abrasive pad; 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  is a side view thereof; 
           [0041]      FIG. 13  is an exploded side view thereof; 
           [0042]      FIG. 14  is an exploded top perspective view thereof; 
           [0043]      FIG. 15  is a bottom view thereof; 
           [0044]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the present invention having a fluid retaining holding member attached to a non-fluid retaining member with a replaceable abrasive pad; 
           [0045]      FIG. 17  is a side view thereof; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 18  is an exploded side view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0048]    Referring now to the Figures, set forth is a cleaning implement  100  comprised of a holding member  102  and an abrasive pad  112 . In a primary embodiment the holding member consists of a fluid retaining sponge material having a cavity  104  formed along one surface. The sponge material is generally an open celled structure that can hold water and when moved over a surface is capable of removing grit, dirt, grime, mildew and other unwanted particles from the surface. The foam sponge is capable of holding liquids and typically has a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from random-celled hydrophilic urethane. The holding member  102  is defined by a top surface  105  and a bottom surface  106 , first  107  and second  108  side surfaces, and first  109  and second  110  end surfaces. Illustrated is a holding member  102  having a length L of about 7.3″, a width W is about 4.25″ and a height H of about 2.5″. The sponge material is of a porosity capable of fluid retention. 
         [0049]    In a preferred embodiment, the abrasive pad  112  and said cavity  104  are of a substantially rectangular shape, whereby the cavity walls having first sidewall  114  and second sidewall  116 ; and first end wall  115  and second end wall  117  constructed and arranged to frictionally engage the abrasive pad  112  in any direction despite the force applied to the cleaning implement  100 . In this manner the height of the abrasive pad  112  can exceed the height of the side and endwalls. During a cleaning motion, the height of the abrasive pad  112  extends outward from the surface of the holding member to assure the abrasive pad  112  is the primary contact surface. This arrangement allows the individual&#39;s hand to avoid contact with the abrasive pad which may consist of melamine. Hand pressure is used applied to the holding element and the abrasive pad for deep cleaning of surfaces, the holding member maintaining a space between the hand and the abrasive pad. 
         [0050]    The bottom surface of the holding member  102  includes a cavity  104  having a base wall inset from the bottom side surface forming first  114  and second  116  sidewalls and first  115  and second  117  end walls, each having a uniform depth D of about 0.75″. The cavity  104  sidewalls  114 ,  116  and endwalls  115 ,  117  form a continuous inner wall having a uniform depth extending into the holding member. 
         [0051]    The cavity is constructed and arranged to cooperate with an abrasive pad  112  to frictionally engage on all sides. The cavity  104  is of a substantially conjugate shape. The abrasive pad  112  can be defined by a wear surface  120  and an attachment surface  121  with outer sidewalls  124 ,  125  and outer endwalls  122 ,  123  forming a thickness. The thickness is greater than the height of the cavity wall 0.75 inches and preferably about one inch in thickness. The abrasive pad  112  is positioned within the cavity  104  presenting a wear surface that extends outward from the top surface  105  of said holding member. The abrasive pad  112  is removable for ease of cleaning the holding member or for purposes of replacement when the wearable material degrades the performance of the cleaning apparatus. Cavity  104  sidewalls and endwalls hold the abrasive pad  112  in position. Should the abrasive pad be drawn over a surface imperfection that would otherwise grab the abrasive pad, the cavity sidewalls and endwalls hold the abrasive pad in position. Should the surface imperfection damage the abrasive pad  112 , the pad can be easily replaced thereby saving the holding element  102  (sponge) from becoming waste. Further, a sponge  102  is cleaned by soaking in water and squeezing out the water to expel contaminants. By use of a removable abrasive pad  112 , the sponge  102  can be cleaned properly as the abrasive pad will not hamper the cleaning motion. For instance when a nonporous abrasive pad is inserted, such as melamine, the sponge can entrap fluid behind the nonporous abrasive pad for melamine lacks the ability to pass fluids through its cell structure. 
         [0052]    The abrasive pad  112  is releasably attached to the holding member  102  by frictional engagement with the sidewalls, or can be supplemented by use of a fastener  142  attached to the base wall of the cavity  104 . The sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity  104  entrap the abrasive pad  112  within the holding member  102  allowing an individual to clean an area using lateral movement in multiple directions. For example, the holding member  102  is made of a fluid retention material namely open cell foam or sponge material, an individual can soak the sponge before cleaning an area. The wet sponge  102  facilitates the abrasive pad by providing lubrication to prevent dirt and grit from marring a surface while the cavity  104  maintains the abrasive pad  112  in position. 
         [0053]    In a preferred embodiment the abrasive pad  112  is made of a material designed to wear as it is used to scrub an article. In this manner the material being abraded by the frictional contact between the abrasive pad  112  and the surface of the article wherein the sponge operates to pick up dirt, grit and residuals from the wear material. One example of such an abrasive pad  112  that provides a wear material is melamine based foam. Typically melamine based foam is used as an independent abrasive pad  112  or is permanently attached to another material. For purposes of this application where the abrasive pad is used in combination with the fluid holding member, the preferred melamine abrasive pad has a density of about 1 kg/m 3  to 11 kg/m 3 . The melamine member being an open foam-like material consisting of a formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfate copolymer. The foam is micro-porous with a polymeric substance so that it operates as an extremely fine abrasive material that wears away, like a pencil eraser. The melamine member being abraded as the melamine member scrubs a surface. While not limiting, it has been discovered that using a melamine based foam with a density in this range provides a significant advantage in that it provides better wear resistance of the material, durability, and improved scrubbing ability, without the material becoming too hard so that it cleans well while remaining flexible and absorbent in a wet environment. By use of an abrasive pad  112  having a depth larger than the sidewalls of the cavity  104 , the consumer can visually determine when the abrasive pad should be replaced so as to lessen damage to the holding member. Conventional melamine foam used for cleaning purposes is made from a melamine resin which can be a skin irritant. 
         [0054]    In addition, the cleaning implement can include a fastener, such as hook  142  and loop  140 , alternatively, fastening can be accomplished by snap, elastic band, button, peel and stick or the like releasable attendant fastener, positioned between said cavity  104  base wall and the mounting surface of the abrasive pad  112 , wherein the abrasive pad is primarily held within the cavity by the sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity and the base wall. This assists in holding an abrasive pad used in commercial environments where deep cleaning a surface with known imperfections or in very wet environment wherein the holding member may lose its shape. For instance, the cleaning of uneven grout between tiles or grates can attempt to draw an unfastened abrasive pad  112  from the cavity  104 . 
         [0055]    In an alternative embodiment, the holding member  200  consists of a non-fluid retaining member  202 , such as a double-open celled structure capable of holding liquids, having a top surface  205  and a bottom surface  206  with end surfaces  207  and  209 , and side surfaces  208  and  211 . The non-fluid retaining member  202  is laminated to a fluid retaining member  203 , namely conventional sponge foam, having a top surface  220  and a bottom surface  222  with side surfaces  223  and  224 ; and end surfaces  225  and  226 . Non-reticulate extra firm scrubber being very porous, low density solid foam, open or closed cell structure, with few if any intact cells windows and it constructed of polyurethane or non-woven polyester, comprising a density of 1.8+/−10% lbs/ft 3 . 
         [0056]    The non-fluid retaining member  202  and the fluid retaining member  203  have a substantially conjugate shape and are superposed upon each other and fixedly attached by adhesive or heat/pressure weldment. The fluid holding member is a double-open celled structure capable of holding liquids with a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from random-celled hydrophilic urethane. In this embodiment the non-fluid holding member  202  has a centrally disposed cavity  230 . The cavity  230  has a continuous inner wall  232  having a uniform depth D′ of about 0.75″ extending through said non-fluid retaining member  202  abutting said fluid retaining member  203  to form a base wall. The cavity  230  is constructed and arranged to cooperate with an abrasive pad  212  to frictionally engage the abrasive pad on the side walls, end walls and base wall. The cavity  230  is of a substantially conjugate shape as the abrasive pad  212 . The abrasive pad  212  having a top surface  214  and a bottom surface  216  with side surfaces  217  and  219  and end surfaces  218  and  221 . The abrasive pad  212  is positioned to extend at a predetermined distance above the top surface  205  of the non-fluid retaining member  202  thus being greater than about 0.75 inches in height and preferably about 1 inch in height. The abrasive pad  212  must be removable for cleaning or replacement. In this manner the holding member can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs by simply replacing the abrasive pad  212  with an abrasive pad of higher or lower abrasive material. Further, should the cleaning implement be used in a particularly dirty environment, cleaning fish blood off a boat for example, removal of the abrasive pad would be necessary to rinse any material trapped behind the abrasive pad before reuse. The side walls of the holding member may include a grip edge  235  which is ornamental in design. 
         [0057]    In addition, the cleaning implement can include a fastener, such as hook  242  and loop  240 , alternatively, fastening can be accomplished by snap, elastic band, button, peel and stick or the like releasable attendant fastener, positioned between said cavity  230  base wall and the mounting surface of the abrasive pad  212 , wherein the abrasive pad is primarily held within the cavity by the sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity and the base wall. This assists in holding an abrasive pad used in commercial environments where deep cleaning a surface with known imperfections or in very wet environment wherein the holding member may lose its shape. For instance, the cleaning of uneven grout between tiles or grates can attempt to draw an unfastened abrasive pad  212  from the cavity  230 . 
         [0058]    In an alternative embodiment, the holding member  300  consists of a fluid retaining member  302 , namely conventional sponge foam, having a top surface  305  and a bottom surface  306  with end surfaces  307  and  309 , and side surfaces  308  and  311 . The fluid retaining member  302  is laminated to a non-fluid retaining member  303 , such as non-reticulated extra firm scrubber foam being very porous, low density solid foam, open or closed cell structure, with few if any intact cell windows and is constructed from polyurethane or non-woven polyester, comprising a density of 1.8+/−10% lbs/ft 3 , having a top surface  320  and a bottom surface  322  with end surfaces  323  and  324 ; and side surfaces  325  and  326 . Non-reticulate foam being a very porous, low density solid foam with few, if any intact cell windows. The fluid retaining member  302  and the non-fluid retaining member  303  have a substantially conjugate shape and are superposed upon each other and fixedly attached by adhesive or heat/pressure weldment. The fluid holding member is a foam sponge capable of holding liquids and typically has a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from one of random-celled hydrophilic urethane. In this embodiment the fluid holding member  302  has a centrally disposed cavity  330 . The cavity  330  has a continuous inner wall  332  having a uniform depth D″ of about 0.75″ extending through said fluid retaining member  302  abutting said non-fluid retaining member  303  to form a base wall. The cavity  330  is constructed and arranged to cooperate with an abrasive pad  312  to frictionally engage the abrasive pad on the side walls, end walls and base wall. The cavity  330  is of a substantially conjugate shape as the abrasive pad  312 . The abrasive pad  312  having a top surface  314  and a bottom surface  316  with end surfaces  317  and  319  and side surfaces  318  and  321 . The abrasive pad  312  is positioned to extend at a predetermined distance above the top surface  305  of the fluid retaining member  302  thus being greater than about 0.75 inches in height and preferably about 1 inch in height. The abrasive pad  312  must be removable for cleaning or replacement. In this manner the holding member can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs by simply replacing the abrasive pad  312  with an abrasive pad of higher or lower abrasive material. Further, should the cleaning implement be used in a particularly dirty environment, cleaning fish blood off a boat for example, removal of the abrasive pad would be necessary to rinse any material trapped behind the abrasive pad before reuse. The side walls of the holding member may include a grip edge  335  which is ornamental in design. 
         [0059]    In addition, the cleaning implement can include a fastener, such as hook  342  and loop  340 , alternatively, fastening can be accomplished by snap, elastic band, button, peel and stick or the like releasable attendant fastener, positioned between said cavity  330  base wall and the mounting surface of the abrasive pad  312 , wherein the abrasive pad is primarily held within the cavity by the sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity and the base wall. This assists in holding an abrasive pad used in commercial environments where deep cleaning a surface with known imperfections or in very wet environment wherein the holding member may lose its shape. For instance, the cleaning of uneven grout between tiles or grates can attempt to draw an unfastened abrasive pad  312  from the cavity  330 . 
         [0060]    In an alternative embodiment, the holding member  400  consists of a fluid retaining member  402 , namely conventional sponge foam, having a top surface  405  and a bottom surface  406  with end surfaces  407  and  409 , and side surfaces  408  and  411 . The fluid retaining member  402  is laminated to a non-fluid retaining member  403 , such as non-reticulated extra firm scrubber foam being very porous, low density solid foam, open or closed cell structure, with few if any intact cell windows and is constructed from polyurethane or non-woven polyester, comprising a density of 1.8+/−10% lbs/ft 3 , having a top surface  420  and a bottom surface  422  with end surfaces  423  and  424 ; and side surfaces  425  and  426 . Non-reticulate foam being a very porous, low density solid foam with few, if any intact cell windows. The fluid retaining member  402  and the non-fluid retaining member  403  have a substantially conjugate shape and are superposed upon each other and fixedly attached by adhesive or heat/pressure weldment. The fluid holding member is a foam sponge capable of holding liquids and typically has a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from one of random-celled hydrophilic urethane. In this embodiment the fluid holding member  402  has a centrally disposed cavity  430 . The cavity  430  has a continuous inner wall  432  having a uniform depth D″ of about 0.75″ extending through said fluid retaining member  402  abutting said non-fluid retaining member  403  to form a base wall. The cavity  430  is constructed and arranged to cooperate with an abrasive pad  412  to frictionally engage the abrasive pad on the side walls, end walls and base wall. The cavity  430  is of a substantially conjugate shape as the abrasive pad  412 . The abrasive pad  412  having a top surface  414  and a bottom surface  416  with end surfaces  417  and  419  and side surfaces  418  and  421 . The abrasive pad  412  is positioned to extend at a predetermined distance above the top surface  405  of the fluid retaining member  302  thus being greater than about 0.75 inches in height and preferably about 1 inch in height. The abrasive pad  412  must be removable for cleaning or replacement. In this manner the holding member can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs by simply replacing the abrasive pad  412  with an abrasive pad of higher or lower abrasive material. Further, should the cleaning implement be used in a particularly dirty environment, cleaning fish blood off a boat for example, removal of the abrasive pad would be necessary to rinse any material trapped behind the abrasive pad before reuse. 
         [0061]    In addition, the cleaning implement can include a fastener, such as hook  442  and loop  440 , alternatively, fastening can be accomplished by snap, elastic band, button, peel and stick or the like releasable attendant fastener, positioned between said cavity  430  base wall and the mounting surface of the abrasive pad  412 , wherein the abrasive pad is primarily held within the cavity by the sidewalls and endwalls of the cavity and the base wall. This assists in holding an abrasive pad used in commercial environments where deep cleaning a surface with known imperfections or in very wet environment wherein the holding member may lose its shape. For instance, the cleaning of uneven grout between tiles or grates can attempt to draw an unfastened abrasive pad  412  from the cavity  430 . 
         [0062]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0063]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0064]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Category: 1