Cleaning Pad

Abstract

A reusable cleaning sheet for removing debris from a surface comprises a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface and scrubbing elements affixed on the top surface. The scrubbing elements are defined as protruded dots spaced closely apart and disposed uniformly throughout the top surface of the main body. The protruded dots are adaptable for scrubbing the debris due to friction created by the protruded dots and the main body is capable of absorbing the debris released by protruded dots without scratching the surface. The protruded dots provide lubrication to permit greater movement through the hard surface when the main body is wet. The bottom surface is free of scrubbing elements and is used to remove dust from dry surfaces and moisture from damp surfaces. The cleaning sheet can be removably attached to a cleaning device. The cleaning sheet can be used in both wet and dry surfaces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] This embodiment relates to cleaning implements, and more particularly to a cleaning sheet adaptable for scrubbing and absorbing dirt, sticky stuff or grime from a surface without scratching the surface.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

[0004] Cleaning sheets/pads are widely used for cleaning purposes. Cleaning pads are made to remove dirt, and oil and grease stains from different surfaces. Current brands of cleaning pads have a complicated structural arrangement of protrusions and abrasives with additional attachments. This complicated construction leads to increased manufacturing and design complexity costs. Some cleaning pads must be dried after being washed with water and this makes the cleaning time-consuming. Also, some cleaning pads have extended protrusions that are made of friction less material and so these cleaning pads cannot remove sticky stain from the hard surfaces. Some cleaning pads are made from materials that can cause scratching on the surfaces.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,192 issued to Flora on Oct. 27, 2009, describes a cleaning system for cleaning hard surfaces, comprising the cleaning implement, and a cleaning sheet removably attached to the mop head of said cleaning implement. The invention further discloses a method of cleaning a hard surface comprising the step of wiping the surface with the cleaning system. The cleaning implement and cleaning system of this invention have improved cleaning performance, particularly in improving the ability to pick-up larger soil particles. However, the cleaning system cannot provide a scrubbing action and cannot be used effectively on wet surfaces.

[0006] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,510 issued to Tanaka on Apr. 14, 2009 provides a cleaning sheet which is intended to be placed on the bottom face of a cleaning head, and attachment sheets which extend from the main body and are intended to be secured on the top face of the cleaning head. The main body has an attachment surface and a cleaning surface on opposite sides. The attachment surface is intended to face the bottom of the cleaning head. The main body includes a substrate sheet and a stretchable support sheet disposed on the cleaning surface side of the substrate sheet to have projections extending beyond opposite side edges of the substrate sheet. Each attachment sheet is joined to a respective projection of the support sheet. However, this cleaning sheet lacks a scrubbing means and cannot facilitate the scrubbing and cleaning of sticky stuff, such as oily or greasy substances.

[0007] Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,227 issued to Otsuka on Jul. 29, 2008 provides a cleaning sheet adapted to be attached to the head of a cleaning tool. The cleaning sheet has a wiping portion that is disposed on the bottom of the head when the cleaning sheet is attached to the head. The cleaning sheet has projecting parts on the wiping portion which stick out of the forward and backward edges of the head by a projecting length when the cleaning sheet is attached to the head. The projection preferably has pointed tips. Even though the dirt is removed by this cleaning sheet the user requires an additional cloth or a sponge for absorbing the released dirt.

[0008] In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 20030049407 published to Kacher on Mar. 13, 2003 describes a disposable cleaning sheet for removing debris from a surface. The cleaning sheet comprises a substrate and a plurality of protrusions affixed to the substrate. The method of removing debris from a surface comprises contacting the surface with a cleaning sheet. In another embodiment, a strip of base material comprising protrusions on at least one surface can be removably attached to a cleaning device such as a cleaning implement or a cleaning mitt; or even be used by hand without the need for an additional device. However, the cleaning sheet is disposable and cannot be washed and reused.

[0009] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for an economical, a washable, and a reusable cleaning sheet that is suitable for cleaning both hard and soft surfaces. Such a needed tool would include scrubbing elements that are adaptable for scrubbing the dirt from surfaces and a main body that is capable of absorbing the dirt released by the scrubbing elements from the surface. Further, the present embodiment would include scrubbing elements made of material to create friction. The friction created by the scrubbing elements on the main body removes the sticky stain from the hard surface. Also, the scrubbing elements, when wet, provides lubrication to permit greater movement through the hard surface without scratching the surface when the cleaning sheet is wet. Such a cleaning sheet would include a surface free of scrubbing elements which is used to remove dust from dry surfaces and wipe moisture from damp surfaces. Such a cleaning sheet would be used as both duster and wiper. The present embodiment accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] The present embodiment is a cleaning sheet for removing dirt, sticky stuff and grime from a surface. The cleaning sheet comprises a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of scrubbing elements affixed on the top surface of the main body. The scrubbing elements are defined as a plurality of protruded dots spaced closely apart and disposed uniformly throughout the top surface of the main body. The protruded dots are made of plasticized, rubberize, such as, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, or the like, and are uniform in size. The plurality of protruded dots is adaptable for scrubbing the dirt, sticky stuff and grime due to friction created by the plurality of protruded dots on the main body and the main body is capable of absorbing the dirt, sticky stuff and grime released by the plurality of protruded dots from the surface without scratching the surface. The protruded dots are made from materials that can create friction on the hard surface. The main body is substantially rectangular in shape. The main body is made from a non-woven layer.

[0011] The main body imprinted with the plurality of protruded dots provides lubrication to glide through the surface when the main body is wet. Specifically, the scrubbing elements, when wet, provides lubrication to permit greater movement through the hard surface. The cleaning sheet may be sold individually or perforated roll of cleaning sheets. The plurality of cleaning sheets is wrapped into the perforated roll with transverse perforations at intervals for quick and easy detachment and retrieval of a single cleaning sheet. The perforated roll of cleaning sheets preferably has equally spaced-apart transverse perforations. Individual cleaning sheets of nonwoven material can thus be separated from the roll successively, along their respective perforations and use the cleaning sheet for a variety of cleaning jobs.

[0012] The bottom surface of the main body is free of scrubbing elements. The bottom surface can be used to remove dust and clean the dry surfaces. The bottom surface can also be used to wipe moisture from damp (slightly wet) surfaces. Thus the cleaning sheet can be used as both duster and wiper. The cleaning sheet can be removably attached to the cleaning device. The cleaning sheet can be used in both wet and dry surfaces.

[0013] The present embodiment provides an economical, a washable, and a reusable cleaning sheet that is suitable for cleaning both hard and soft surfaces. Such a needed tool would include scrubbing elements that are adaptable for scrubbing the dirt from surfaces and a main body that is capable of absorbing the dirt released by the scrubbing elements from the surface. Further, the present embodiment would include scrubbing elements made of material to create friction. The friction created by the scrubbing elements on the main body removes the sticky stain from the hard surface. Also, the scrubbing elements provide lubrication to permit greater movement through the hard surface without scratching the surface when the cleaning sheet is wet. Such a cleaning sheet would include a surface free of scrubbing elements which is used to remove dust from dry surfaces and wipe moisture from damp surfaces. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cleaning sheet in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a cleaning sheet in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2B is a blow up view of a plurality of scrubbing elements shown in FIG. 2A;

[0017] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a cleaning sheet having a plurality of scrubbing elements when in contact with a hard surface;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a perforated continuous roll of cleaning sheet manufactured in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a perforated roll of cleaning sheet as the cleaning sheet is separating from the roll at perforation;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention in-use with a dry surface on a door;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention in-use with a cleaning device; and

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention in-use with a cleaning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] The following describes example embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. This invention, however, may be embodied in many different ways, and the description provided herein should not be construed as limiting in any way. Among other things, the following invention may be embodied as methods or devices. The following detailed descriptions should not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0024] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive "or," such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, front and perspective views of a cleaning sheet 10 for removing dirt, sticky stuff and grime from a surfaces 19, 30, 44, as seen for example in FIGS. 2C, 5-7 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is respectively illustrated. The cleaning sheet 10 comprises a main body 12 having a top surface 14 and a bottom surface 18 (See FIG. 6) and a plurality of scrubbing elements affixed on the top surface 14 of the main body 12. The scrubbing elements are defined as a plurality of protruded dots 16 spaced closely apart and disposed uniformly throughout the top surface 14 of the main body 12. The protruded dots 16 are made of plasticized, rubberize, such as, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and are uniform in size. The plurality of protruded dots 16 is adaptable for scrubbing the dirt, sticky stuff and grime due to friction created by the plurality of protruded dots 16 on the main body 12 and the main body 12 is capable of absorbing the dirt, sticky stuff and grime released by the plurality of protruded dots 16 from the surface 19 and 44 (See FIGS. 2C and 7) without scratching the surface 19 and 44 (See FIGS. 2C and 7). The protruded dots 16 are made from materials that can create friction on a hard surface 19 (See FIG. 2C). The main body 12 is substantially rectangular in shape. The surface is selected from the group consisting of: tiles, linoleum tiles, ceramic tiles, windows, hard wood floors, travertine tiles, marble floors, cement concrete floors, stone floors, hard surfaces, flat/soft surfaces, walls, counter tops, stoves, grills, refrigerators, microwave ovens, tables, shower stalls, bath tubs, sinks, and cooking ranges.

[0026] The main body 12 is made from a non-woven layer. The non woven layer is made from a group consisting of: absorbent rayon fibers, viscose rayon fibers, a combination of rayon with other natural fibers, and a combination of rayon with man-made fibers. The rayon can be made from a variety of different natural materials as wood, sisal, corn, bagasse, grass or bamboo. The main body 12 can be made of any thickness to increase the absorption level from 0.2 mm-3 mm. Moreover, preferably, the main body 12 can be made from different materials for different cleaning purposes.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2B, a blow up view of the protruded dots 16 is illustrated. The protruded dots 16 are spaced closely apart and disposed uniformly throughout the top surface 14 of the main body 12. The protruded dots 16 are uniform in size and are formed of any shape such as circular, square, oblong etc. The protruded dots 16 are made from a material that creates friction on the main body 12 when in contact with the hard surface 19 to remove sticky stain from the hard surface 19. The main body 12 imprinted with the plurality of protruded dots 16 provides lubrication to glide through the surface 19 when the main body 12 is wet. The cleaning sheet 10 of the present invention may be used, for example, for cleaning various items. The protruded dots 16 are made of plasticized, rubberize, such as, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and are uniform in size, and may be used for cleaning surfaces 19 that may not be subject to scratching or on surfaces that may require abrasive cleaning. The protruded dots 16 can also be made from mineral base material and may be used for cleaning surface 19 that has encrusted food particles. For example, the protruded dots 16 made from mineral base material may be used to scrub pots and pans. Moreover, preferably, the protruded dots 16 can be made from a variety of materials for different cleaning purposes.

[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one embodiment of a perforated continuous roll of cleaning sheet 20 manufactured in accordance with the present invention. The cleaning sheet 10 may be sold individually or perforated roll of cleaning sheets 20. The plurality of cleaning sheets 10 is wrapped into the perforated roll 20 with transverse perforations 22 at intervals for quick and easy detachment and retrieval of a single cleaning sheet 10. The perforated roll of cleaning sheets 20 preferably has equally spaced-apart transverse perforations 22. Individual cleaning sheets 10 of nonwoven material can thus be separated from the roll 20 successively, along their respective perforations 22 and use the cleaning sheet 10 for a variety of cleaning jobs. The perforated roll 20 can be stored in a dispenser container or packet to provide easy storage, dispensing, shipping and protection. The cleaning sheet 10 may be constructed thinner, for example, 0.2 mm-3 mm to wrap into the continuous perforated roll 20. Thicker embodiments may be as large as 2.0 mm. The perforated roll of cleaning sheet 20 of the present invention is of a construction which is easy to use, and requires little or no skill to use. The perforated roll of cleaning sheet 20 of the present invention is also of inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention in-use with a dry surface on a door 30. The bottom surface 18 (See FIG. 6) of the main body 12 is free of scrubbing elements. The bottom surface 18 (See FIG. 6) can be used to remove dust and clean the dry surfaces.

[0030] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate perspective views of the invention in-use with a cleaning device 40. The cleaning sheet 10 is removably attached to the cleaning device 40. The cleaning device 40 is supplied with replacement lengths of cleaning sheet 10 that separates from the perforated roll 20 at the perforation 22 as needed. The cleaning sheet 10 is removably attached to the cleaning device 40 by utilizing at least one fastening means selected from a group consisting of: spring clips, Velcro, stitching, low-tack adhesives, elastic bands, straps and press and hold cloth grippers, or the like. As shown in FIG. 6, the top surface 14 of the main body 12 can be attached with a cleaning head 42 of the cleaning device 40. Since the bottom surface 18 is free of any scrubbing elements, the bottom surface 18 of the main body 12 can be used to wipe moisture from damp (slightly wet) surfaces (not shown). The bottom surface 18 of the main body 12 is attached with the cleaning head 42 of the cleaning device 40 as shown in FIG. 7. The protruded dots 16 over the top surface 14 of the main body 12 can loosen the dirt or stains stuck on the surface (not shown) and the main body 12 can absorb the dirt released by the protruded dots 16. Thus the cleaning sheet 10 can be used as both duster and wiper as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0031] Alternatively, the cleaning sheet 10 can be cut into any size and sewn together to form various sorts of cleaning apparatuses such as mops, sponge scrubbers, window cleansers, cloths etc. The used cleaning sheet 10 may be washed and reused or disposed as needed. The cleaning sheet 10 can be used in both wet and dry surfaces.

[0032] While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the cleaning sheet 10 may be provided with any scrubbing feature and may be customized according to user preferences, for example, size, shape and material. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning sheet comprising: a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a plurality of scrubbing elements affixed on the top surface of the main body; whereby the plurality of scrubbing elements is adaptable for scrubbing debris due to friction created by the plurality of scrubbing elements on the main body and the main body is capable of absorbing the debris released by the plurality of scrubbing elements from the surface without scratching the surface.

2. The cleaning sheet of claim 1 wherein the scrubbing elements are defined as a plurality of protruded dots spaced closely apart and disposed uniformly throughout the top surface of the main body.

3. The cleaning sheet of claim 2 wherein the protruded dots are made of plasticized, rubberize, such as, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), poly lactic acid (PLA), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and are uniform in size.

4. The cleaning sheet of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface is free of scrubbing elements and is used to remove dust from dry surfaces and wipe moisture from damp surfaces.

5. The cleaning sheet of claim 1 wherein the main body is substantially rectangular in shape.

6. The cleaning sheet of claim 1 wherein the surface is selected from the group consisting of: tiles, linoleum tiles, ceramic tiles, windows, hard wood floors, travertine tiles, marble floors, cement concrete floors, stone floors, hard surfaces, flat/soft surfaces, walls, counter tops, stoves, grills, refrigerators, microwave ovens, tables, shower stalls, bath tubs, sinks, and cooking ranges.

7. The cleaning sheet of claim 1 is configured for use with a cleaning device.

8. The cleaning sheet of claim 1 is washable and reusable.

9. The cleaning sheet of claim 1 wherein the main body is made from a non-woven layer.

10. The cleaning sheet of claim 9 wherein the non-woven layer is made from a group consisting of: absorbent rayon fibers, viscose rayon fibers, man-made fibers, a combination of rayon with other natural fibers, a combination of rayon with man-made fibers, and pulp with man-made fibers.

11. A reusable cleaning sheet for removing dirt, sticky stuff and grime from a surface comprising: a main body made from a non-woven layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of scrubbing elements being defined as a plurality of protruded dots spaced closely apart and disposed uniformly throughout the top surface of the main body, wherein the protruded dots are made of plasticized, rubberize, such as, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, or polyvinyl chloride plastic material, and the bottom surface being free of scrubbing elements; whereby the plurality of protruded dots is adaptable for scrubbing the dirt, sticky stuff and grime due to friction created by the plurality of protruded dots on the main body and the main body is capable of absorbing the dirt, sticky stuff and grime released by the plurality of protruded dots from the surface without scratching the surface.

12. The reusable cleaning sheet of claim 11 wherein the main body affixed with the plurality of protruded dots provides lubrication to permit greater movement through the hard surface when the main body is wet.

13. The reusable cleaning sheet of claim 11 wherein the protruding dots are further made of mineral base materials or a combination of mineral base and plastic materials.

14. The reusable cleaning sheet of claim 11 wherein the bottom surface is used to remove dust from dry surfaces and wipe moisture from damp surfaces.

15. The reusable cleaning sheet of claim 11 wherein the non-woven layer is made from a group consisting of: absorbent rayon fibers, viscose rayon fibers, man-made fibers, a combination of rayon with other natural fibers, a combination of rayon with man-made fibers, and pulp with man-made fibers.

16. A method for cleaning a surface utilizing a cleaning sheet, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing the cleaning sheet comprising a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface being affixed with a plurality of scrubbing elements and the bottom surface being free of scrubbing elements; (b) moistening the main body with a cleaning solution; (c) placing the top surface of the main body upon the surface to be cleaned; (d) scrubbing dirt, sticky stuff and grime stuck on the surface with the plurality of scrubbing elements; and (e) wiping the dirt, sticky stuff and grime with the main body; whereby the main body is adaptable to absorb the dirt, sticky stuff or grime released by the plurality of scrubbing elements from the surface without scratching the surface.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step (c) further comprising: (c1) attaching the main body on a cleaning head of a cleaning device.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the main body is removably attached to the cleaning device by utilizing at least one fastening means selected from a group consisting of: spring clips, Velcro, stitching, a low-tack adhesive, elastic bands, straps, or press and hold cloth grippers.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the bottom surface is used to remove dust from dry surfaces and wipe moisture from damp surfaces.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein the scrubbing elements are defined as a plurality of protruded dots and are made from a hard material which creates friction on the main body when in contact with a hard surface.