Patent Application
20130125328
The present invention relates to a cleaning sponge.
Cleaning sponges including a plurality of layers connected to one another, with a first layer made of viscose and a second layer being a sponge made of a synthetic material, are known from the prior art.
The first layer is constructed in the form of a so-called block-shaped viscose material which is discontinuously manufactured in blocks. In the prior-art manufacturing method used, viscose is produced in a number of processing steps from cellulose using a xanthation reaction. The viscose is mixed with sodium sulfate decahydrate, also known as Glauber's salt, which functions as a pore-forming agent, and is subsequently poured into a mold. In a subsequent processing step, xanthate is decomposed. The pore-forming agent is removed in the next processing step. This leads to the formation of a sponge-like structure. Subsequently, the blocks are cut into viscose layers and further processed.
A disadvantage of this method is that cutting the blocks to form layers is time-consuming and requires a large number of handling steps. Thus, the production of layers made of block-shaped viscose is expensive and time-consuming.
Another disadvantage is that cutting the blocks into layers creates surfaces with open or cut pores in which dirt can accumulate.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning sponge which can be easily produced and which has a highly dirt-repellant, yet absorbent surface.
According to the present invention, a first layer has a first side and a second side, with the first side and/or the second side having a compacted film-like surface and with the film-like surface having a higher density than the rest of the first layer. The film-like surface prevents dirt particles from penetrating into the pores of the viscose. In addition, it also stabilizes the first layer. Viscose manufactured using a method for the continuous production of viscose sponges has the advantage of having a film-like surface or skin. Block-shaped viscose, on the other hand, does not have such a film-like surface since it must be cut to size. A further advantage is that the first layer is durable and has a more hygienic appearance since it is nearly impossible for dirt to get stuck in the surface. A film-like surface has a positive influence on the dirt retention of the first viscose layer.
Specifically, it was found that viscose manufactured using a method for the continuous production of viscose sponges has the surfaces desired. The reason is that viscose manufactured by a method for the continuous production of viscose sponges is continuously deposited on a conveyer belt, where it is spread out by a roller, and transported on the conveyer belt through a plurality of baths. In the course of this process, the xanthate is decomposed and the pore-forming agent is removed. This creates a sponge-like structure. Subsequently, a viscose layer is finished with a film-like surface which provides the layer with dirt-repellant properties. Specifically, it was found that when manufacturing the first viscose layer using a method for the continuous production of viscose sponges, this layer requires cutting only in the longitudinal direction and/or transverse direction, but not in the direction of its thickness. It is therefore possible to produce the cleaning sponge with only a few handling steps. Thus, the invention makes available a cleaning sponge which can be easily manufactured and which has a highly dirt-repellant and, at the same time, an absorbent surface.
The first side and/or the second side can have a contoured surface. A contoured surface helps facilitate the pickup of dirt.
The first side could have a contoured surface that has nub-like elevations. Nub-like elevations surprisingly release a relatively small amount of water to a surface to be cleaned. It was also surprising to discover that a side that has nub-like elevations or nubs releases a smaller amount of water than a side with linear elevations or grooves.
The first side could have a contoured surface that has linear elevations. Surprisingly, linear elevations release a larger amount of water to a surface to be cleaned than nub-like elevations. Yet, a side of a first viscose layer manufactured by a method for the continuous production of viscose sponges and that has linear elevations still releases a smaller amount of water than a side made of block-shaped viscose. By way of an example, it was determined that viscose manufactured by a method for the continuous production of viscose sponges releases 0.8 g/m2 water while block-shaped viscose releases 1.2 g/m2. Therefore, a first layer of viscose manufactured by a method for the continuous production of viscose sponges releases approximately 30% less water than a first layer made of block-shaped viscose.
The second side could have a contoured surface that has nub-like elevations. The contoured surface facilitates bonding to the second layer since the adhesive interacts with the nub-like elevations in a fusion-bonding and form-fitting manner.
The second side could have a contoured surface that has linear elevations. The contoured surface facilitates bonding to the second layer since the adhesive interacts with the linear elevations in a fusion-bonding and form-fitting manner.
The second side could face the second layer. This would allow the first layer to be bonded to the second layer or to be laminated to it, with the first side of the first layer not having a cover.
A third layer that includes an abrasive element could be provided. This would make it possible to remove coarse caked-on dirt from a surface that is to be cleaned.
The abrasive element could be a fiber woven fabric. The fiber woven fabric can be a textile fabric or a nonwoven. Nonwovens can be produced inexpensively and can be easily heat-sealed or bonded to a sponge made of a synthetic material.
The abrasive element can take the form of a coating, in particular a polyurethane coating. A coating in the form of a pasty material can be applied with a doctor blade, or it can be sprayed or spread-coated onto the sponge. The coating can contain any particles that are sufficiently hard so as to be able to remove dirt.
The first layer could have a density of 60 kg/m3. Block-shaped viscose, on the other hand, in most cases has a density of only 35 kg/m3.
The first layer is a preformed layer that could have a thickness of approximately 1 cm. A first layer produced from block-shaped viscose can have any thickness since such a layer is cut from the block. The advantage of the cleaning sponge of the present invention is that the thickness is increased in that a second layer, i.e., the sponge, is attached. This sponge is preferably produced from polyurethane, polyester or polyether. The advantage is that the thickness is increased without loss of the water-absorbing capacity. More specifically, the sponge acts as a spacer and stabilizes the cleaning sponge in such a manner that any potential shrinkage in the thickness, length and width of the final product is reduced.
There are a number of possibilities to improve and further develop the teaching of the present invention to advantage. Thus, reference is made to the following description of preferred practical examples of the cleaning sponge according to the present invention based on the attached drawings.
In conjunction with the description of the preferred practical examples based on the drawing, other generally preferred configurations and advanced embodiments of the teaching of the invention will be described as well.
In the drawings, the upper portion in each of
The lower portion of
The first side 1a has a contoured surface that has linear elevations. These can be seen in the upper portion of
The lower portion of
The first side 1a has a contoured surface that has nub-like elevations. These can be seen in the upper portion of
The lower portion of
The lower portion of
In
The first layer 1 is made of viscose that is manufactured using a method for the continuous production of viscose sponges. This first layer is cut in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction. In the z-direction, i.e., in the direction of its thickness, the first layer 1 is not cut, but preformed.
In
Although not shown in
As to additional useful configurations and advanced embodiments of the teaching according to the present invention, reference is made, on the one hand, to the general part of the description and, on the other hand, to the attached claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2010 034 193.2 | Aug 2010 | DE | national |
This patent application is the national phase of PCT/EP2011/001418, filed Mar. 22, 2011 which claims the benefit of German Patent Application No. 10 2010 034 193.2, filed Aug. 12, 2010.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2011/001418 | 3/22/2011 | WO | 00 | 1/25/2013 |
