US20110138564A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20110138564A1
Application number: US12/639,217
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne K. Dunshee
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Current assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date: 2009-12-16
Filing date: 2009-12-16
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: WO2011084309A1

Abstract

A cleaning material and a cleaning tool, and methods of their use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cleaning material and a cleaning tool having a plurality of cleaning segments.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a cleaning material and a cleaning tool, and methods of their use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cleaning material and a cleaning tool having a plurality of cleaning segments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of cleaning devices and cleaning materials are known. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2009/0032059, titled “Cleaning Material and Method of Cleaning a Surface” (Tuman et al.) discloses a cleaning material, a cleaning tool and a method of cleaning a surface. In one embodiment, a cleaning material comprises a backing including a first surface and a second surface, and an array of 20 to 1000 upstanding stems per square centimeter projecting from the first surface of the backing. Each stem has a height from 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters and a shore hardness less than 105 A. In one embodiment, the method of cleaning a surface comprises providing a cleaning material having an array of 20 to 1000 upstanding stems per square centimeter, wherein each stem has a height from 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters and a shore hardness less than 105 A, wiping the cleaning material over a surface to be cleaned, and capturing debris between the stems of the cleaning material.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/421,753, titled “Cleaning Sponge,” discloses a cleaning sponge with embedded clusters for providing enhanced scouring. In one embodiment, the cleaning sponge comprises a sponge body and a plurality of discrete fiber clusters embedded within the sponge body. Each fiber cluster is a matrix of interconnected fibers. In one embodiment, each fiber cluster is a three dimensional web of entangled fibers bonded to one another at their mutual contact points.

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/113,741, titled “Natural Fiber Nonwoven Scouring Material and Methods of Making” discloses an open, lofty nonwoven scouring material comprising natural fibers and a method of making the scouring material. The scouring material comprises a three dimensional nonwoven web of entangled fibers comprising natural vegetable fibers and synthetic fibers. Natural vegetable fibers comprise 20 to 80% wt. of the fibers of the web. The synthetic fibers comprise at least first synthetic fibers having a first melting point and second synthetic fibers having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point. The first synthetic fibers entirely melt and coalesce at mutual contact point of the natural fibers and second synthetic fibers to bond the fibers together and to create voids. The bonded web has a maximum density of 60 kg/m³.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0276971, titled “Cleansing Sponge” discloses a cleaning sponge with improved gripping for providing enhanced scouring and/or wiping ability. In one embodiment, the cleaning sponge comprises a foam body having a side perimeter contained between a first surface and a second surface, a first outer layer of material attached to the first surface of the body, and a second outer layer of material attached to the second surface of the body. At least a portion of the side perimeter includes a recessed groove extending along a length of the foam body.

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/148,738, titled “A Hair and Lint Cleaning Tool, discloses a flexible and conformable cleaning tool that includes a foam body with a first working surface, wherein the foam body has a shore hardness less than 40. The cleaning tool further comprises a cleaning material on at least a portion of the first working surface, wherein the cleaning material includes an array of 20 to 1000 upstanding stems per square centimeter, wherein each stem has a height from 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters and a shore hardness less than 105 A, wherein the cleaning material is wiped over a surface to be cleaned to gather debris, lint, or hair.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0038102 discloses a hand-held scouring product. The hand-held scouring product is hand-sized in three dimensions and, throughout. The hand-held scouring product consists essentially of abrasive material comprising non-woven, autogeneously-bonded fibers.

One example of a prior art bath pouf was handed out to users at a trade show more than one year prior to the filing date of this patent application. This prior art bath pouf was handed out at the Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing trade show during January 2008 located in Destin, Fla. by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. This prior art bath pouf included a nylon mesh bath pouf with an additional minor strip of material tied around the middle of the pouf. The strip of material was made from polyurethane foam. The minor strip of polyurethane foam was previously cut to form individual segments extending from opposite sides of the strip, with an uncut middle portion there between. The segments were cut to directly align the segments with one another on opposite sides of the strip. The segments in this prior art pouf are not offset from one another. Instead, they are directly extending opposite each other. In other words, the cut surfaces of a first segment directly align with the cut surfaces of the segment directly opposite the first segment. Unfortunately with this design, the foam segments have a tendency to rip from the middle portion holding the segments together because of the material nature of the foam and the direct alignment of the segments opposite each other. In addition, the segments are very narrow in width and thickness, as compared to the very significant length of the segments, which makes them more prone to ripping. In order to help avoid the disengagement of the segments, the uncut middle portion is significantly wide enough to provide strength to the overall strip and to present the segments away from the cinched middle portion, thus reducing the possible length of the segments significantly. Additionally, the minor strip of material was provided as an add-on accessory, provided for ornamental appearance and to potentially provide additional lathering ability. The major functionality of the bath pouf is the nylon mesh pouf itself. Inside the nylon pouf, portions of thin films of soap were inserted, where the thin film was flat and the portion was individually heart-shaped. It was intended that the prior art bath pouf could be used one-time use without the need for additional bar soap or liquid soap. After the thin films soap portions were consumed, a user would need to add their own liquid soap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides one embodiment of a cleaning material. In this embodiment, the cleaning material comprises: a strip of a material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip. In another embodiment, the cleaning material comprises: a strip of a material, wherein the material comprises a nonwoven material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, and wherein the cuts are aligned directly from one another on opposing sides of the strip.

Another aspect of the present invention provides one embodiment of a cleaning tool. In this embodiment, the cleaning tool, comprises: a handle portion including an attachment surface; a strip of a material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip, wherein the strip of material is attached to the attachment surface.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method of cleaning a surface. In this embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: providing a cleaning tool, comprising: a handle portion having an attachment surface; a strip of a material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip, wherein the plurality of segments include a plurality of surfaces and edges for cleaning the surface, and wherein the strip of material is attached to the attachment surface; cleaning a surface to be cleaned with the cleaning tool; and capturing debris matter from the surface to be cleaned with the surfaces and edges of the cleaning material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further explained with reference to the appended Figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a strip of cleaning material of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a strip of cleaning material of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a yet another alternative embodiment of a strip of cleaning material of the present invention;

FIG. 4ais a side view of a cleaning tool of the present invention including the strip of cleaning material ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4bis a side view of the cleaning tool ofFIG. 4aafter it has been used to clean a surface;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cleaning tool ofFIG. 4b;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cleaning material after it has been removed from the cleaning tool ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a side view of one embodiment of the cleaning tool of the present invention cleaning a surface;

FIG. 7B is a side view of another embodiment of the cleaning tool of the present invention cleaning a surface; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative strip of cleaning material of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is a need to provide a cleaning material and a cleaning tool, which more effectively cleans surfaces. The cleaning material of the present invention includes a unique segmented design that has enhanced scouring ability and provides multiple cleaning surfaces and edges, which more effecting removes heavy debris, soil, dirt, slimy coatings, stuck-on food matter, such as macaroni and cheese, organic matter, hair, lint, or biological matter, and the like (generally referred to hereafter as generally “debris matter”) and more effectively cleans a surface, compared to unsegmented prior art designs. In addition, the cleaning tool includes a support surface for the cleaning material that is curved that enhances the separation between the segments to provide spaces and improves the cleaning tool's ability to capture debris matter to be cleaned or removed from the surface, as the cleaning material is rubbed against the surface. The curved nature of the support surface also requires rocking the cleaning tool against the surface to be cleaned, which actually enhances the cleaning tool's ability to remove debris matter from the surface and to capture the removed matter by the cleaning material.

Prior art sponges and other cleaning materials are typically made from a rectangular or square strip of material. The rectangular strip may have one working sides or two working sides opposite one another, that are used to clean a surface. The working side of the sponge includes edges, which are useful in cutting through matter stuck on a surface to be cleaned. The working sides and edges help scrape off or rub the matter from the surface, assisting in cleaning the surface. However, the usefulness of the prior art sponge is often limited by the life and extent of the cleaning sides and edges. Once the edges of the sponge are worn or the sides are filled with matter, the cleaning effectiveness of the sponge is significantly reduced, particularly in cleaning thick layers of dirt, scum, slime, food matter, or biological-based films.

Prior art rectangular or square cleaning materials also have a tendency to move the matter after it has been scraped or removed from the surface, creating various piles of debris matter along the surface. This means that the user must collect the various piles of debris matter with another tool, such as a small brush, to remove the debris matter from the surface. In contrast, the cleaning material of the present invention is configured to provide spaces or reservoirs for collecting the removed debris matter, thus making cleaning more efficient and without the need for additional cleaning tools.

The cleaning material and cleaning tool of the present invention provides a more effective means of cleaning and a longer-lasting cleaning material. The cleaning material includes a unique set of cleaning segments, which provide multiple surfaces and multiple edges for cleaning of a surface, and spaces for capturing the debris matter being removed from the surface. The cleaning tool also provides a curved support surface for the cleaning material that enables the user to use a rocking motion when cleaning a surface, which increases the effectiveness of the cleaning and ergonomically is better for the user, because the user is not forced to hold the cleaning surface flat against the surface to be cleaned.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of astrip10 of material, which is useful for making the cleaning material of the present invention. Thestrip10 is illustrated as being made of a nonwoven material. However, thestrip10 of material may be made from a variety of materials. For example,strip10 may be made of sponge materials, such as a cellulose sponge, a hydrophilic foam sponge, coiled web, woven materials, nonwoven materials, or laminates or combinations of any of these materials. Preferably, the segment material includes some rigidity, and stiffness to provide segments that are self-supporting. A nonwoven material exhibits the characteristics of lofty strands of material that are crimpled and form bonds at points where they intersect and contact each other. One example of a suitable nonwoven material is commercially available from 3M Company located in St. Paul, Minn. under the trade designation “Scotch-Brite.” Scotch-Brite™ nonwoven sponges are commercially available in a variety of hardness, to provide different levels of cleaning. Another example of a suitable nonwoven material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,022, “Cleansing Pad,” by Chang et. al, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other examples of suitable woven and nonwoven structures include jute, sisal, hemp, flax, or linen.

The strip ofmaterial10 includes a variety of segments12. When using the term “strip” herein, including the claims, it is meant that the form of material has a certain length, width and thickness. Thestrip10 is illustrated as a longer, narrow piece of material having a uniform width; however, this configuration is not necessary. For example, the strip may be cut from material in any length, width and thickness desired. Cuts26 are made through the thickness of thestrip10 to form the segments12 in desired configuration.FIG. 1 illustrates one preferred configuration. Instrip10, the segments12 are on opposing sides, forming a first plurality ofsegments12aand a second plurality ofsegments12b, which extend in opposite directions. Between the opposing pluralities of

segments

12a,12bis an uncutmiddle portion28 of thestrip10. Themiddle portion28 connects the segments12 together.Cuts26a

Each segment includes a variety of surfaces or sides. For example,segment12aincludes a firstmajor surface14aopposite a secondmajor surface22a.Segment12aincludes afirst cut surface16aopposite asecond cut surface18a. Eachsegment12aalso includes adistal end20ahaving adistal end surface24a. Thedistal end20ais located opposite themiddle portion28. Likewise,segment12bincludes a firstmajor surface14bopposite a secondmajor surface22b.Segment12bincludes afirst cut surface16bopposite asecond cut surface18b. Eachsegment12balso includes adistal end20bhaving adistal end surface24b. Thedistal end20bis located opposite themiddle portion28.Edges17 are provided where two adjacent surfaces14,16,18,22,24 meet. The multiple surfaces and edges are convenient for scrubbing or removing debris matter from a surface to be cleaned, when the cleaning material is rubbed against the surface.

In one embodiment, the first and second plurality of

segments

12a,12bare configured similarly. In another embodiment, the first and second plurality of

segments

12a,12ball include the same dimensions of length, width, and thickness. However, in alternative embodiments, one plurality ofsegments12amay be configured differently than the other plurality ofsegments12b. The segments12 may be all uniform, in that they are configured to be the same size and shape. Uniformly-shaped segments are convenient for continuous cutting of equal sized segments, and are useful for ease of manufacture. However, it is not necessary that the segments12 be uniform. For example,

segments

12a,12badjacent one another could be sized differently, depending on what is desired.

In one embodiment, the cuts are configured to provide segments12 that are offset from one another on opposing sides of thestrip10. For example,first cut surface16aandsecond cut surface18aofsegment12ais offset fromfirst cut surface16bandsecond cut surface18bofsegment12b. In other words, the cut surfaces of

segments

12aand12bare not aligned with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the cut surface18aofsegment12ais parallel to cutsurface18bofsegment12b, but cutsurface18ais approximately aligned with the middle ofsegment12b. The cuts providemore edges17 and surfaces for the cleaningmaterial10 to remove debris matter from a surface to be cleaned. Also, the cuts allowmore spaces46 between adjacent segments12 (shown inFIG. 5), which assists in capturing removed debris matter from the surface.

In addition, the offset cuts26 forming the offset segments12 provide a configuration where the individual segments may be provided with a maximum length that extends into the middle portion. This configuration allows lengthy segments12, while still maintaining segments in one strip ofmaterial10. One preferred embodiment of a suitable configuration for the segments12 andmiddle portion28 includes amiddle portion28 that is between one-quarter to one-half of the length of the segments, measured along the same direction. In addition, in the embodiment of anonwoven material strip10, the nonwoven nature of the fibers being interconnected and bonded to one another randomly helps provide strength betweensegments12a,segments12boppositesegments12a, and themiddle portion28 there between, making the segments12 less prone to tearing from themiddle portion28. For another suitable example, with anonwoven material strip10, the length of the cuts26 may be no more than twice of the thickness of the segments12, to provide a configuration that rocks well against the work surface.

For comparison sake, if, the

cuts

26a,26bwere aligned directly across from each other, the segments12 would be more prone to ripping from themiddle portion28. For example, if the segments12 were made from foam, such an a polyurethane foam for instance, and the

segments

12aand12bwere directly aligned opposite from each other, as the prior art 3M bath pouf ball is described in the Background Section, then the foam segments would have a tendency to rip from themiddle portion28. Alternatively, in order to avoid the disengagement of the segments, the middle portion would need to be significantly wide enough to provide strength to the overall strip and to present the segments away from the middle portion, thus reducing the possible length of the segments12 significantly. If instead, the segments12 were made from woven or nonwoven materials and the segments were provided in the offset configuration of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 1, the segments12 have a tendency to remain intact when the cleaning material is used against a surface to be cleaned, both because of the internal strength of the materials and because of the offset design.

In the illustrated embodiment inFIG. 1, one half of the topright segment12ais protruding along the top right portion of thestrip10 and another half of the bottom leftsegment12bis protruding along the bottom left portion of thematerial strip10. However, to provide a more rectangular strip of material, those half segments may be cut off to provide amaterial strip10 with flush ends.

In an alternative embodiment, the cut surfaces16 and18 of the same segment12 may be cut at different angles relative to each other and not be parallel. In another alternative embodiment, the cut surface16 of one segment12 and the cut surface18 of an adjacent segment12 may be cut at different angles relative to each other and not be parallel.

FIGS. 2 and 3 provide alternative strips ofmaterial10′,10″ that are also useful for making the cleaning material of the present invention. The segments12 inFIG. 2 are configured the same as the segments inFIG. 1, except that the distal ends20 are cut to provide different shaped distal end surfaces18. The distal surfaces24 are cut to provide a zigzag arrangement, and provide a variety of alternating sharp points and valleys. InFIGS. 2 and 3, the cut surfaces16 are not the same sized surfaces, but rather alternate between a shorter and longer surface. Similarly, cut surfaces18 alternate between a shorter and longer surface. InFIG. 3, the distal ends20 are cut to provide a sinusoidal arrangement, and provide a variety of alternating softer hills and valleys. Also inFIG. 3, the cut surfaces16,18 are cut to provide a sinusoidal arrangement.

The distal ends20 may be arranged in any shape desired. For example, the distal end20 may be in the shape of a rectangle, square, trapezoid, triangle, wave, or oval. The shape of the distal end20 may be chosen by one skilled in the art.

In one particular embodiment of cleansing device of the present invention, where the cleansing device is made from a nonwoven material, it is possible to use multiple hardness nonwovens as a way to provide different levels of cleaning. For example, a suitable nonwoven material is commercially available under the trade designation Scotch-Brite from 3M Company, based in St. Paul, Minn. and provides different hardness of materials ranging from very gentle to very aggressive cleaning levels.

Segments12 may be formed to optimize the fullness of the cleaning material ultimately formed and used on thecleaning tool50, as illustrated inFIG. 4a. One example of astrip10 that provides this ratio is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 1 inch thick (2.54 cm.), which includes 16 segments. Another example of astrip10 is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 2 inches thick (5.08 cm), which includes 16 segments. Yet another example of astrip10 is a nonwoven strip having dimensions of 8.0 inches length (20.32 cm.) by 4.5 inches width (11.43 cm.) by 3 inches thick (7.2 cm.), which includes 16 segments.

In another optimized embodiment, the segments12 each include a thickness, width and length and are generally in a form of a parallel piped. In one particular embodiment, the ratio of length to width to thickness is 8 to 4 to 1. In another optimized embodiment, the ratio of length to width to thickness is 8 to 4.5 to 1. Depending on what is desired, the segments may be sized to provide a more segmented cleaning material, where the segments have more spaces between adjacent segments and more cleaning edges and surfaces, or the segments may be sized to provide a less segmented cleaning material, where the segments have less space between adjacent segments and less cleaning edges and surfaces.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one embodiment of thecleaning tool50 of the present invention.FIG. 4A illustrates thecleaning tool50 before it is used to clean a surface.FIG. 4B illustrated thecleaning tool50 after it is used to clean a surface.FIGS. 4A and4B include the cleaningmaterial10 described above attached to thecleaning tool50.FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of thecleaning tool50 after it has been used.

Cleaning tool

50 includes ahandle portion30 and anattachment portion34. Thehandle portion30 may includeoptional grooves42 for receiving a user's fingers comfortably. Theattachment portion34 includes a first end and a second end attached to thehandle portion30, defining acavity40 in between thehandle portion30 and theattachment portion34. Theattachment portion34 includes anattachment surface38 opposite thehandle portion32. The cleaningmaterial10 is attached to theattachment portion34 by theattachment surface38. Theattachment surface38 may include any means known in the art for attaching the cleaningmaterial10 to thecleaning tool50. For example, the attachment surface may include hook or loops or mushroom-shaped fasteners. Examples of hook or loop fasteners are commercially available from 3M Company based in St. Paul Minn. under the trade designation “Scotchmate.” Examples of mushroom-shaped fasteners are commercially available from 3M Company under the trade designation “Dual Lock.” Alternatively, the cleaningmaterial10 may be attached by adhesive.

In one embodiment, the attachment portion includes acurved support surface36 for theattachment surface38. In another embodiment, theattachment surface38 could be the same as thecurved support surface36. Thecurved support surface36 is preferably convexly shaped to allow a user to rock thecleaning tool50 against a surface to be cleaned. This rocking motion enhances the cleaning tool's ability to scrape off the debris matter to be removed, and then scooping up or capturing the removed debris matter into the cleaning material10 (as illustrated inFIG. 7B).

FIGS. 4band5 illustrate thecleaning tool50 after it has been used to clean a surface. The cleaningmaterial10 now containsdebris matter48. Thedebris matter48 is captured by the most bottom portion of the cleaningmaterial10, and in thespaces46 formed between the cut surfaces16 and18. As discussed above, the cleaningmaterial10 also includesmultiple edges17 for scraping or removing the debris matter and for assisting in removing thedebris matter48 from the surface and into the cleaningmaterial10. Thedebris matter48 is captured by the nonwoven material, as thedebris matter48 is removed from the cleaning surface. For example, thedebris matter48 may become embedded within the cleaningmaterial10 along the second major surfaces22 of the segments12, in the cut surfaces16,18 extending towards theattachment surface38, and on the distal end surfaces24.

FIG. 5 best illustrates how the segments12 of the cleaningmaterial10 separate from one another, once they are attached to theattachment surface38. Once attached, the cleaningmaterial10 includesspaces46 between adjacent segments12. This provides thecleaning tool50 with more areas for receiving thedebris matter48, compared to a prior art rectangular or square sponge, which makes it a more effective cleaning tool, as evidenced by the Examples below.

Once the cleaningmaterial10 is sufficiently full ofdebris matter48, the cleaningmaterial10 may then be removed as illustrated inFIG. 6. The usedcleaning material10 may then be thrown away, and then replaced with a new strip of cleaningmaterial10. In this embodiment, the cleaningmaterial10 is removably attached to thecleaning tool10. Alternatively, the used cleaningmaterial10 may be removed and then rinsed with water to clean thematerial10 ofdebris matter48, particularly to remove thedebris matter48 that was captured by thespaces46 of the cleaningmaterial10. Afterwards, the cleaningmaterial10 may then be reused.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate two embodiments of thehandle portion30 useful for the cleaning tool of the present invention, and some advantages affiliated with a handle portion having thecurved support surface36.FIG. 7A includes ahandle portion30′ having aflat support surface37. To clean thesurface70 with thecleaning tool50′, the cleaningmaterial10 is rubbed back and forth against thesurface70 in a horizontal direction, as indicated byarrow90. In contrast, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, the cleaningmaterial10 is rubbed back and forth against thesurface70 in a rocking direction, as indicated byarrow100. As either cleaning tool is used, both tend to gather thedebris matter48 on the front or back ends of the

cleaning tool

50,50′. However, thecleaning tool50, where the cleaningmaterial10 is shaped in a curved manner, supported by thecurved support surface36, has a tendency to capture more of the removeddebris matter48, compared to thecleaning tool50′. This is evidenced by thesmaller pile80 of debris matter in front of the cleaningbrush50, compared to thelarger pile60 of debris matter in front of cleaningbrush50′.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the cleaningmaterial10′ of the present invention. The cleaningmaterial10′ is just like the cleaningmaterial10 described above relative toFIG. 1, except that the cuts26 are aligned with one another to provide segments12 directly across from one another on opposing sides of the strip. For instance, thecuts26aforming the plurality of segments12 as are parallel to each other and aligned across from thecuts26bon the opposing side of thestrip10′″. As a result, thesegments12aare directly lined opposite from thesegments12b. In one preferred embodiment of this cleaningmaterial10′″, the material is made from a nonwoven material, such as those nonwoven materials described above. In another preferred embodiment, the cleaningmaterial10′″ may also be made thinner compared to the cleaningmaterial10. In this embodiment, approximate distance between adjacent cuts is approximately equal to the thickness of the material.

Thecleaning tool50 of the present invention may be used to clean all types of items and surfaces. For example, the cleaning tool may be used to clean boats, grills, or any other surface that has heavy soil or debris matter.

The operation of the present invention will be further described with regard to the following detailed examples. These examples are offered to further illustrate the various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. It should be understood, however, that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

The invention will be further explained with the following illustrative examples. The particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention. A description of the web utilized in all of these examples and comparative examples is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,284, “Body Cleansing Device,” Orentreich, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLESExample 1

A series of parallel, offset cuts were made in a section of cleaning material strip 4-inches (10.2 cm) wide by 6-inches (15.2 cm) long by 1-inch (2.54 cm) thick. The strip basis weight was 9.0 grams, with a density of approximately 0.023 gm/cm³. The cuts extended approximately 2.0 inches (5.1 cm) into the material strip and were spaced approximately 1-inch (2.54 cm) apart which. A series of 1-inch (2.54 cm) square segments were formed, extending outwardly from the middle portion of the material strip. This cleaning material strip was attached to a scrubbing handle to form a cleaning tool.

Examples 2 and 3

Two additional cleaning devices were made according to Example 1 utilizing a material strip with a density of approximately 0.024 gm/cc, 9.5 g/pad (Example 2) and 0.032 gm/cc, 12.5 g/pad (Example 3).

Comparative Examples 1, 2, 3

The same web material and size as utilized in Examples 1 through 3 were attached to a scrubbing handle. No cuts for forming segments were made in the comparative examples.

Results

A propylene glycol based gel was used to determine the ability of the scrubbing devices to pick up and retain dirt. This gel was contained within the Nexcare™ Cold/Heat Pack commercially available from 3M Company in St. Paul, Minn., which comprised of propylene glycol, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, and water. An excess of gel was placed on a flat surface. Each Example and Comparative cleaning tool was wiped over the gel. Weight of the cleaning material before and after wiping was recorded to determine how much gel was retained. Results are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1

Weight of Gel Retained in the Cleaning
Material of the Cleaning Tool

	Web Basis Weight	Gel Retained
	(g/pad)	(g)

Example
1	9.0	98.2
2	9.5	101.3
3	12.5	103.3
Comparative
1	9.0	34.4
2	9.5	46.0
3	12.5	63.3

The present invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The foregoing detailed description and examples have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. All patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exact details and structures described herein, but rather by the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures.

Claims

1. A cleaning material, comprising:

a strip of a material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, and wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip.

2. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of segments include a plurality of surfaces and edges for cleaning a surface.

3. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, further comprising spaces stretched between adjacent segments for capturing debris matter to be removed from a surface.

4. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein the cleaning material is attached to a cleaning tool.

5. The cleaning material ofclaim 4, wherein the cleaning tool includes an attachment surface, and wherein the cleaning material is attached to the attachment surface.

6. The cleaning material ofclaim 5, wherein the attachment surface comprises loops or hooks for securing the cleaning material to the attachment surface.

7. The cleaning material ofclaim 5, wherein the attachment surface comprises mushroom-shaped fasteners.

8. The cleaning material ofclaim 4, wherein the cleaning material is removably attached to the cleaning tool.

9. The cleaning material ofclaim 3, wherein the cleaning tool comprises a curved support surface, wherein the cleaning material is attached to the curved support surface.

10. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein the device includes a first plurality of segments and a second plurality of segments, wherein the first plurality of segments extend in the opposite direction of the second plurality of segments.

11. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein each segment includes a distal end, and wherein the distal end is in the shape of a rectangle, square, trapezoid, wave, or oval.

12. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of segments are uniform segments.

13. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein the material comprises a nonwoven material.

14. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein the material comprises a sponge material.

15. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein the material comprises a combination of a nonwoven and a sponge material.

16. The cleaning material ofclaim 1, wherein the material comprises woven materials.

17. A cleaning tool, comprising:

a handle portion including an attachment surface;

a strip of a material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip, and wherein the strip of material is attached to the attachment surface.

18. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the plurality of segments include a plurality of surfaces and edges for cleaning a surface.

19. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the strip of material further comprises spaces stretched between adjacent segments for capturing debris matter to be removed from a surface.

20. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the attachment surface comprises loops or hooks for securing the cleaning material to the attachment surface.

21. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the attachment surface comprises mushroom-shaped fasteners.

22. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the cleaning material is removably attached to the cleaning tool.

23. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the device includes a first plurality of segments and a second plurality of segments, wherein the first plurality of segments extend in the opposite direction of the second plurality of segments.

24. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein each segment includes a distal end, and wherein the distal end is in the shape of a rectangle, square, trapezoid, wave, or oval.

25. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the plurality of segments are uniform segments.

26. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the material comprises a nonwoven material.

27. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the material comprises a sponge material.

28. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the material comprises a combination of a nonwoven and a sponge material.

29. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the material comprises woven materials.

30. The cleaning tool ofclaim 17, wherein the cleaning tool comprises a curved support surface, and wherein the cleaning material is attached to the curved support surface.

31. A method of cleaning a surface, comprising the steps of:

providing a cleaning tool, comprising:

a handle portion having an attachment surface;

a strip of a material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, wherein the cuts are offset from one another on opposing sides of the strip, wherein the plurality of segments include a plurality of surfaces and edges for cleaning the surface, and wherein the strip of material is attached to the attachment surface;

cleaning a surface with the cleaning tool; and

capturing debris matter from the surface with the surfaces and edges of the cleaning material.

32. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the strip of material includes stretched out spaces between adjacent segments for capturing debris matter to be removed from the surface to be cleaned.

33. A cleaning material, comprising:

a strip of a material, wherein the material comprises a nonwoven material, wherein the strip includes cuts through the strip to form a plurality of segments and a middle portion, and wherein the cuts are aligned directly from one another on opposing sides of the strip.

34. The cleaning material ofclaim 33, wherein the plurality of segments include a plurality of surfaces and edges for cleaning a surface.

35. The cleaning material ofclaim 33, further comprising spaces stretched between adjacent segments for capturing debris matter to be removed from a surface.

36. The cleaning material ofclaim 33, wherein the cleaning material is attached to a cleaning tool.

37. The cleaning material ofclaim 36, wherein the cleaning tool includes an attachment surface, and wherein the cleaning material is attached to the attachment surface.

38. The cleaning material ofclaim 33, wherein the device includes a first plurality of segments and a second plurality of segments, wherein the first plurality of segments extend in the opposite direction of the second plurality of segments.