Patent Application
20250160600
This patent specification relates to the field of cleaning devices. More specifically, this patent specification relates to a cleaning device having a plurality of inner cleaning layers that are revealed by removing outer cleaning layers.
Cleaning objects is an essential component of home life and professional life for many individuals. Typically, these individuals use cleaning instruments, such as cloths and sponges, to wipe and scrub surfaces and objects. Due to the nature of this use and with the use of cleaning products, the cleaning surfaces of these cleaning instruments can become worn to the point of decreasing their effectiveness. Users must then discard the entire cleaning instrument and replace it with another one. Not only is this time consuming and costly, but this leads to increased waste. Additionally, many users must add a cleaning agent to their cleaning instruments and/or to the object that they desire to clean which results in requiring the users to keep track of manage two or more cleaning agents and cleaning instruments during a cleaning process.
Therefore, a need exists for novel cleaning devices. A further need exists for novel cleaning devices which have a plurality of cleaning surfaces which can be individually revealed to provide the cleaning devices with renewed cleaning surfaces. A further need exists for novel cleaning devices which decrease the need for a user to manage and keep track of one or more cleaning agents.
A renewable cleaning device is provided which has a plurality of cleaning surfaces which can be individually revealed to provide the cleaning devices with renewed cleaning surfaces and which decreases or eliminates the need for a user to manage and keep track of one or more cleaning agents.
In some embodiments, the device may include a body having two or more flexible material layers, and each flexible material layer may include a water absorbing material. One or more flexible material layers may include a cleaning agent dispersed or otherwise applied to it or within it. The flexible material layers may be coupled together via compressing the flexible material layers together, and the flexible material layers may be removably coupled to each other so that they may be mechanically separated from each other, such as by peeling or pulling apart, without damaging the structural integrity of the flexible material layers.
In some embodiments, a cleaning agent may comprise one or more detergents, surfactants, enzymes, solvents, and/or bleaching agents.
In some embodiments, each flexible material layer may include and/or may be microfiber fabric impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol. Microfiber fabric impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol provides water absorption capabilities that are many times greater than other existing commonly used sponge and fabric materials. Through extensive testing, it has been determined that a renewable cleaning device having each flexible material layer made from microfiber fabric impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol has extreme absorbing ability and is able to retain a cleaning agent within the flexible material layers so that it can be used 30-40 times (e.g., used by adding water and squeezing the device 3-4 times, so that it is ready to use for cleaning purposes).
In some embodiments, the device may include a body having two flexible material layers and an adhesive layer, and each flexible material layer may include a water absorbing material. One or more flexible material layers may include a cleaning agent dispersed or otherwise applied to it or within it. The two flexible material layers may be coupled together via an adhesive, so that the adhesive layer removably couples the two flexible material layers together so that they may be separated without damaging the two flexible material layers.
In further embodiments, the device may include a plurality of flexible material layers and a plurality of adhesive layers. Each flexible material layer of the plurality of flexible material layers may be coupled to an adjacent flexible material layer via an adhesive layer of the plurality of adhesive layers so that the plurality of adhesive layers removably couple the plurality of flexible material layers together.
In further embodiments, each flexible material layer of the plurality of flexible material layers is made from a first material so that each flexible material layer is made from the same material, and each adhesive layer of the plurality of adhesive layers is made from a second material so that each adhesive layer is made from the same material, the material of the adhesive layers being a different material than that of the flexible material layers.
Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “front,” “side,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.
As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 20% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, more preferably within about 5% of the actual desired value and even more preferably within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.
A new renewable cleaning device is discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.
The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.
A flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, of the device 100A, 100B, may be made from or may comprise any flexible material which may be used for cleaning purposes. While the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, may be made from or may comprise any flexible material which may be used for cleaning purposes, preferably each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, may comprise a water absorbing material.
In some embodiments, a water absorbing material may comprise a synthetic sponge material. In preferred embodiments, each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, may comprise and/or may be polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge. PVA Sponge has a porous structure made from water soluble PVA acetalized with an acid catalyst. The finished product becomes Poly Vinyl Formal-often referred to as “PVA Sponge”. During the acetalizing process, the pore forming agent or method (starch or air) is added. After a water soluble porous structure is made, the agent (starch) is extracted. In the case of air pore forming, there is no need to remove any additional material. In some embodiments, one or more, such as each, flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, of the plurality of flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, may comprise a synthetic sponge material, such as which may be made of polyvinyl alcohol sponge, polyester sponge, polyurethane sponge, melamine foam, or synthetic expanded and foam materials.
In some embodiments, one or more, such as each, flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, of the plurality of flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, may comprise a water absorbing material that may be a natural sponge material, such as animal fiber or sea sponges, vegetable cellulose sponge, or other naturally occurring sponge material. In some embodiments, one or more, such as each, flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, of the plurality of flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, may comprise a water absorbing material that may be a fabric cloth material, such as all-purpose cloth made from microfiber fabric impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), e.g., Molecular Cleaning PVA microfiber. Microfiber fabric impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol provides water absorption capabilities that are many times greater than other existing commonly used sponge and fabric materials. Further example fabric cloth materials may include synthetic fabrics such as polyester, polyamide, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, spandex blends, and natural fabrics such as coir, cotton, terry cloth, hemp, jute, linen, ramie, wool, silk, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials.
In preferred embodiments, the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, may be may be removably coupled to each other so that they may be mechanically separated from each other, such as by peeling or pulling apart, without damaging the structural integrity of the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, via compressing the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, together. In preferred embodiments, the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, may be removably coupled together so that each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, may be mechanically separated from an adjacent flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, such as by peeling or pulling apart, without damaging the structural integrity of the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, via compressing the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, with a compression of between 100 grams to 1,000 kilograms per centimeter squared, optionally subjecting the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, to heat of between 60 to 260 degrees Celsius.
In some embodiments and as perhaps best shown in
The device 100A, 100B, may comprise a plurality of flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24. In preferred embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise at least two flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc., flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24. In further preferred embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise at least ten flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, such as ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, or more flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24.
Flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, and therefore the body 11, may be configured in any size and shape. In preferred embodiments, flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, may comprise a generally rectangular prism shape as shown in
In some embodiments, the device 100B may comprise one or more adhesive layers 41, 42, 43. In preferred embodiments, the device 100B may comprise at least two adhesive layers 41, 42, 43, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc., adhesive layers 41, 42, 43. In further preferred embodiments, the device 100B may comprise at least eleven adhesive layers 41, 42, 43, such as eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, or more adhesive layers 41, 42, 43. Adhesive layers 41, 42, 43, 23, may be configured in any size and shape. Preferably, an adhesive layer 41, 42, 43, may be shaped or applied to substantially cover (over 90 percent) of a major surface 21A, 21B, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B, to which it is applied or adhered to.
An adhesive layer 41, 42, 43, may be made from or may comprise any flexible adhesive material which may be suitable for removably coupling two flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, together and which may be flexible to allow the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, and therefore the body to be bent and flexed for use during cleaning, adsorbing, and rubbing tasks. In preferred embodiments, one or more, such as each, adhesive layer 41, 42, 43, may comprise a flexible waterproof adhesive material, such as described in the following paragraphs.
In some embodiments, a flexible adhesive material may comprise a hot melt adhesive. Hot melt adhesives are brought to liquid form with heat and can be used to coat entire surfaces before the adhesive cools into a solid polymer. Many industrial sectors appreciate them for their eco-friendliness, safety and shelf life. Different types of hot melt adhesives include EVA-based, APAO-based and those that are pressure-sensitive. Polyurethane hot melts are also available and may be used.
In some embodiments, a flexible adhesive material may comprise a reactive hot melt adhesive. Unlike non-reactive hot melt, reactive hot melt adhesives generate additional chemical bonds after the solidification process. This results in stronger adhesion once cured, expanded bonding as well as a higher resistance to moisture, heat and chemicals.
In some embodiments, a flexible adhesive material may comprise a thermosetting adhesive. Thermosetting adhesives are usually available in two-part forms. Resin and Hardener are mixed to obtain a desired setting time. The resin and hardener can be used in one-part form, however these aren't as common because they must be stored in low temperatures. Storing them in high temperatures can cause the desired reaction to occur prematurely, resulting in a much lower shelf life.
In some embodiments, a flexible adhesive material may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Adhesives in this category are low modulus elastomers, meaning they do not require much pressure to deform and can be used on wet surfaces. They are quite durable for light load applications and are normally purchased as tapes or labels for non-structural applications. Pressure sensitive adhesives are usually based on an elastomer compounded with a suitable tackifier (e.g., a rosin ester). The elastomers can be based on acrylics, which can have sufficient tack on their own and do not require a tackifier. Styrene block copolymers (SBC), also called styrene copolymer adhesives and rubber-based adhesives, have good low-temperature flexibility, high elongation, and high heat resistance. They are frequently used in hot melt adhesive applications, where the composition retains tack even when solidified; however non-pressure-sensitive formulations are also used. They usually have A-B-A structure, with an elastic rubber segment between two rigid plastic endblocks. High-strength film formers as standalone, increase cohesion and viscosity as an additive. Water-resistant, soluble in some organic solvents; cross-linking improves solvent resistance. Resins associating with endblocks (cumarone-indene, α-methyl styrene, vinyl toluene, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.) improve adhesion and alter viscosity. Resins associating to the midblocks (aliphatic olefins, rosin esters, polyterpenes, terpene phenolics) improve adhesion, processing and pressure-sensitive properties. Addition of plasticizers reduces cost, improves pressure-sensitive tack, decrease melt viscosity, decrease hardness, and improves low-temperature flexibility. The A-B-A structure promotes a phase separation of the polymer, binding together the endblocks, with the central elastic parts acting as cross-links; SBCs do not require additional cross-linking. Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) is used in high-strength PSA applications, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) in low self-adhering non-woven applications, and styrene-ethylene/propylene (SEP) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) are used in low-viscosity high-tack PSA applications.
In some embodiments, a flexible adhesive material may comprise a contact adhesive. Contact adhesives are elastomeric and are applied to both items being bonded together. Once the solvent evaporates, the items are brought into direct contact. These types of adhesives are found in rubber cement or countertop laminates.
Referring now to the example device 100B of
Still referring to the example device 100B of
Still referring to the example device 100B of
While the three preceding paragraphs have referenced the example device 100B of
In preferred embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise at least two flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc., flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24. In further preferred embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise at least ten flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, such as eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, or more flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24.
In preferred embodiments, the device 100B may comprise at least one adhesive layer 41, 42, 43, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc., adhesive layers 41, 42, 43. In further preferred embodiments, the device 100B may comprise at least eleven adhesive layers 41, 42, 43, such as twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, or more adhesive layers 41, 42, 43, and more preferably a number of adhesive layers 41, 42, 43, that is one less than the number of flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24.
In some embodiments, one or more flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, of the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a cleaning agent that may be dispersed within the material of the one or more flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24. In preferred embodiments, each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, of the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a cleaning agent that may be dispersed within the material of the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24.
A cleaning agent may comprise one or more chemicals that may be used to remove stains on clothes, carpet, furniture and upholstery, ceramic tile, stone tile, wood flooring, other types of floor materials, automotive and vehicle surfaces, shoe fabric, shoe leather, shoe sole material, other shoe materials, glass, painted surfaces, stainless steel, or any other surface that is commonly cleaned with chemical agents. In preferred embodiments, a cleaning agent may be a water-based cleaner so that the cleaning agent is soluble in water and so that water is a solvent of the cleaning agent (e.g., soluble preferably meaning that the cleaning agent dissolves in water to give a solution with a concentration of at least 0.1 moles per liter at room temperature). Water-based cleaners are aqueous cleaners with the ability to eliminate oil and dissolving contaminants. They can chemically react with these pollutants, making them increasingly dissolvable in water. As the name suggests, water-based cleaners use water as their primary solvent. In addition to water, they include detergents, pH modifiers, builders, chelating agents, and various other compounds. The purpose of adding a large range of other components in the cleaner is to enhance their cleaning properties, making them more suitable for a wide number of applications. Some example cleaning agent chemicals include water soluble detergents, water soluble surfactants, water soluble enzymes, water soluble solvents, and water soluble bleaching agents. Surfactants help to lift and suspend the stain, enzymes break down organic stains, solvents dissolve oily and greasy stains, and bleaching agents help to remove color from stains.
Surfactants typically include a water-repellent and a water-attracting part, they enable water and oil to mix; they can form foam and facilitate the detachment of dirt. In some embodiments, a surfactant of a cleaning agent may include an anionic surfactant that contains an anionic functional group at its head, such as sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate, and carboxylates. Prominent alkyl sulfates include ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SLS, or SDS), and the related alkyl-ether sulfates sodium laureth sulfate (sodium lauryl ether sulfate or SLES), and sodium myreth sulfate. Other anionic surfactants include: Alkylbenzene sulfonates, Sodium C10-16 Alky Benzenesulfonate, Docusate (dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate), Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), Perfluorobutanesulfonate, Alkyl-aryl ether phosphates, and Alkyl ether phosphates. Carboxylates are the most common surfactants and comprise the carboxylate salts (soaps), such as sodium stearate. More specialized species include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and carboxylate-based fluorosurfactants such as perfluorononanoate, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA or PFO). In further embodiments, a surfactant of a cleaning agent may include: a surfactant having a cationic head group, a zwitterionic surfactant; a non-ionic surfactant, an ethoxylate surfactant, a fatty alcohol ethoxylate surfactant; special ethoxylated fatty esters and oils; ethoxylated amines and/or fatty acid amides; terminally blocked ethoxylates; fatty acid esters of polyhydroxy compounds; fatty acid esters of glycerol; fatty acid esters of sorbitol; fatty acid esters of sucrose; alkyl polyglucosides; amino acid-based surfactants; and gemini surfactants.
Further example cleaning agents may include detergents that may include anionic detergents, cationic detergents, non-ionic detergents, and amphoteric detergents. Optionally, a cleaning agent may comprise one or more alkylbenzene sulfonates, such as sodium c10-16 alky benzenesulfonate, which are soap-like compounds that are more soluble in hard water, because the polar sulfonate (of detergents) is less likely than the polar carboxylate (of soap) to bind to calcium and other ions found in hard water. In some embodiments, a cleaning agent may comprise one or more surfactants, foam regulators, builders, bleach, bleach activators, enzymes, dyes, and fragrances. In preferred embodiments, a cleaning agent may comprise one or more detergents and/or one or more surfactants. In further embodiments, a cleaning agent may comprise one or more detergents, surfactants, enzymes, solvents, organic salts and chelating agents, such as tetrasodium glutamate di-acetate glutamic acid di-acetic acid (GLDA), ethylene-diamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA), hydroxyl-ethylethylene-diamine-tri-acetic acid (HEDTA), rimercaptotriazine, potassium/sodiumthiocarbonate, and sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, etc., and/or bleaching agents.
Preferably, one or more flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, of the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a cleaning agent that may be dispersed, impregnated, or otherwise disposed within the material of the one or more flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24. In some embodiments, each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, of the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a cleaning agent that may be dispersed, impregnated, or otherwise disposed within the material of each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, by having the body 11 (comprising the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24) positioned in a liquid cleaning agent so that the liquid cleaning agent is absorbed in each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, and then the body 11 may be removed from the liquid cleaning agent and allowed to dry so that the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, each comprise dried liquid cleaning agent. In preferred embodiments, each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, of the device 100A, 100B, may comprise microfiber fabric impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol, and each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, may comprise a cleaning agent dispersed, impregnated, or otherwise disposed within the material of each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, by having the body 11 (comprising the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24) positioned in a liquid cleaning agent so that the liquid cleaning agent is absorbed in each flexible material layer 21, 22, 23, 24, and then the body 11 may be removed from the liquid cleaning agent and allowed to dry so that the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, each comprise dried liquid cleaning agent.
While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device 100A, 100B, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the flexible material layers 21, 22, 23, 24, adhesive layers 41, 42, 43, and any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 18/512,937, filed on Nov. 17, 2023, entitled “RENEWABLE CLEANING DEVICE”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18512937 | Nov 2023 | US |
| Child | 18435344 | US |
