U.S. patent application number 11/167456 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for foaming cleaning pad.
Invention is credited to Cartwright, Brian, Kilkenny, Andrew, Mittelstaedt, Lisa, Morales, Sara, Pivonka, Nicholas.
Application Number | 20050229344 11/167456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34753201 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050229344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mittelstaedt, Lisa ; et
al. |
October 20, 2005 |
Foaming cleaning pad
Abstract
A cleaning pad for use with a cleaning implement can be used to
effectively clean surfaces, especially shower and bathroom
surfaces. The cleaning pad has a scrubbing layer, an optional
absorbent layer, and an attachment layer. The pad compressibility
and the thickness of the attachment layer allows the pad to clean
small crevices and generate sufficient foam. Examples of suitable
cleaning implements include a hard surface floor mop, a carpet mop,
an auto cleaning device, a toilet cleaning device, a bathroom
cleaning device, and a shower cleaning device.
Inventors: |
Mittelstaedt, Lisa;
(Oakland, CA) ; Cartwright, Brian; (Oakland,
CA) ; Kilkenny, Andrew; (Oakland, CA) ;
Morales, Sara; (Oakland, CA) ; Pivonka, Nicholas;
(Oakland, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CLOROX COMPANY
1221 BROADWAY PO BOX 2351
OAKLAND
CA
94623
US
|
Family ID: |
34753201 |
Appl. No.: |
11/167456 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11167456 |
Jun 27, 2005 |
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10836303 |
Apr 30, 2004 |
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10836303 |
Apr 30, 2004 |
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10758722 |
Jan 16, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.94 ;
15/210.1; 15/228 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 8/0208 20130101;
A61K 8/737 20130101; A01N 37/36 20130101; A01N 59/02 20130101; A61Q
5/12 20130101; A61Q 5/02 20130101; B08B 1/00 20130101; C11D 3/2086
20130101; A61K 2800/5426 20130101; A61L 2/186 20130101; A61K 8/731
20130101; A01N 25/30 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N 37/36
20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N 25/30 20130101; A01N 59/02
20130101; B08B 3/08 20130101; A01N 59/02 20130101; A61L 2202/17
20130101; A01N 37/36 20130101; C11D 17/049 20130101; A01N 59/02
20130101; A01N 37/36 20130101; C11D 3/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/104.94 ;
015/228; 015/210.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 013/17 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A cleaning implement comprising: a. a handle; and b. a removable
cleaning pad comprising: i. a substrate; ii. a cleaning composition
impregnated in said substrate; iii. wherein said substrate
comprises: 1. a scrubbing layer; 2. an optional intermediate
absorbent layer; and 3. an attachment layer; iv. wherein said
attachment layer has a thickness from 0.2 to 1.5 inches; and V.
wherein said substrate has a compression of 50% to 90% at a load of
1000 g.
2. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said substrate has a
compression of 60% to 90% at a load of 1000 g.
3. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said scrubbing layer
comprises material selected from the group consisting of an
apertured film, a meltblown web, a mesh of filaments, a polymeric
bead mixture, a mineral binder layer, and combinations thereof.
4. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said attachment layer
comprises greater than 40% of the thickness of the cleaning
pad.
5. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said attachment layer
comprises a dual density material.
6. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said attachment layer
has a thickness of from 0.3 to 1.0 inches.
7. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said attachment layer
has a bulk density less than 0.10 g/cc.
8. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said attachment layer
comprises fibers having denier greater than 3.
9. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said attachment layer
is attached to a fitment.
10. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein said substrate is
substantially dry-to-the-touch.
11. A cleaning pad for attachment to a cleaning implement
comprising: a. a substrate; b. a cleaning composition impregnated
in said substrate; c. wherein said substrate comprises: i. a
scrubbing layer; ii. an optional intermediate absorbent layer; and
iii. an attachment layer; d. wherein said attachment layer has a
thickness from 0.2 to 1.5 inches; and e. wherein said substrate has
a compressibility of 50% to 90% at a load of 1000 g.
12. The cleaning implement of claim 11, wherein said scrubbing
layer comprises material selected from the group consisting of an
apertured film, a meltblown web, a mesh of filaments, a polymeric
bead mixture, a mineral binder layer, and combinations thereof.
13. The cleaning implement of claim 11, wherein said attachment
layer comprises greater than 40% of the thickness of the cleaning
pad.
14. The cleaning implement of claim 11, wherein said attachment
layer comprises a dual density material.
15. The cleaning implement of claim 11, wherein said attachment
layer has a thickness of from 0.3 to 1.0 inches.
16. The cleaning implement of claim 11, wherein said attachment
layer comprises fibers having denier greater than 3.
17. The cleaning implement of claim 11, wherein said attachment
layer is attached to a fitment.
18. A cleaning pad for attachment to a cleaning implement
comprising a substrate; a. wherein said substrate comprises: i. a
scrubbing layer; ii. an optional intermediate absorbent layer; and
iii. an attachment layer; b. wherein said attachment layer has a
thickness from 0.2 to 1.5 inches; c. wherein said attachment layer
is water permeable and comprises fibers having denier greater than
3; and d. wherein said substrate has a compressibility of 50% to
90% at a load of 1000 g.
19. The cleaning implement of claim 18, wherein said attachment
layer comprises greater than 50% of the total pad thickness and
said scrubbing layer comprises less than 25% of the total pad
thickness.
20. The cleaning implement of claim 18, wherein said attachment
layer is attached to a fitment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of
Co-pending application Ser. No. 10/836,303, which was filed Apr.
30, 2004, entitled "MULTILAYER CLEANING PAD", which is a
continuation-in-part of Co-pending application Ser. No. 10/758,722,
which was filed Jan. 16, 2004, entitled "CLEANING COMPOSITION FOR
DISPOSABLE CLEANING HEAD", and both incorporated herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to devices for
cleaning hard surfaces. The invention also relates to cleaning
substrates, cleaning heads, cleaning pads, cleaning sponges and
related systems for cleaning hard surfaces. The invention also
relates to cleaning substrates, cleaning heads, cleaning pads,
cleaning sponges and related systems for cleaning hard surfaces,
wherein the cleaning substrates and related systems are impregnated
with cleaning compositions. The invention also relates to a device
for cleaning hard surfaces that contains an onboard vessel
containing a cleaning composition. The invention also relates to a
cleaning implement comprising a handle and and a cleaning
substrate, cleaning head, cleaning pad, cleaning sponge and related
systems for cleaning hard surfaces. The invention also relates to a
device for cleaning toilet bowls and the like. The invention also
relates to a device for showers and bathtubs and the like.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Numerous types of cleaning compositions, as well as holders
for disposable cleaning pads, are known in the art. Illustrative
are the compositions and apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,852,201, 4,523,347, 4,031,673, 3,413,673 and 3,383,158.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,567 to Foster discloses a buffing pad
engaged with a buffing apparatus for buffing automoble bodies. U.S.
patent application 2004/0128786 to Policicchio et al. discloses a
cleaning implement with attached cleaning pad wherein the
attachment wings are attached to grippers. U.S. patent application
US2004/0226123 to Policicchio et al. discloses a cleaning pad for a
mop with a liquid impervious attachment layer. U.S. Pat. No.
6,132,841 to Guthrie et al. describes a wiping device having a
thermoplastic sheet with a plurality of capillaries and cavities, a
backsheet, and an absorbent core. U.S. patent application
2004/0176002 to Siegwart describes a dry disposable cleansing
implement having an inner layer and an outer exfoliating layer
surrounding the inner layer. U.S. patent application 2003/0039804
to Burwell et al. describes a laminated personal care article
having an apertured film layer laminated to an absorbent layer.
U.S. patent application 2005/0054998 to Poccia et al. describes an
absorbent article comprising a nonwoven with an apertured film
secured to at least one surface.
[0007] Cleaning pads for attachment to a cleaning implement for
cleaning hard surfaces generally have an exterior scrubbing layer,
a thick absorbent layer, and a thin water impervious attachment
layer. The reason for this may be because these pads are primarily
designed to restrict the generation of foam and to absorb excess
liquid. We have found that prior art cleaning pads do not have the
thickness and compressibility to fit into tight spaces and to
generate sufficient foam to clean both small crevices and large
surfaces. By expanding the thickness of the attachment layer and
restricting the size of the absorbent layer, the resulting cleaning
pad can provide for increased foam generation and have the
compressibility to clean in small crevices.
[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a device with a disposable cleaning pad that overcomes the
disadvantages and shortcomings associated with prior art cleaning
substrates, cleaning heads, cleaning pads, cleaning sponges and
related systems for cleaning hard surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, one aspect of the present
invention comprises a cleaning implement comprising:
[0010] a. a handle; and
[0011] b. a removable cleaning pad comprising:
[0012] i. a substrate;
[0013] ii. a cleaning composition impregnated in said
substrate;
[0014] iii. wherein said substrate comprises:
[0015] 1. a scrubbing layer;
[0016] 2. an optional intermediate absorbent layer; and
[0017] 3. an attachment layer;
[0018] iv. wherein said attachment layer has a thickness from 0.2
to 1.0 inches; and
[0019] v. wherein said substrate has a compression of 50% to 90% at
a load of 1000 g.
[0020] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, another aspect of the
present invention comprises a cleaning pad for attachment to a
cleaning implement comprising:
[0021] a. a substrate;
[0022] b. a cleaning composition impregnated in said substrate;
[0023] c. wherein said substrate comprises:
[0024] i. a scrubbing layer;
[0025] ii. an optional intermediate absorbent layer; and
[0026] iii. an attachment layer;
[0027] d. wherein said attachment layer has a thickness from 0.2 to
1.0 inches; and
[0028] e. wherein said substrate has a compressibility of 50% to
90% at a load of 1000 g.
[0029] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, another aspect of the
present invention comprises a cleaning pad for attachment to a
cleaning implement comprising a substrate;
[0030] a. wherein said substrate comprises:
[0031] i. a scrubbing layer;
[0032] ii. an optional intermediate absorbent layer; and
[0033] iii. an attachment layer;
[0034] b. wherein said attachment layer has a thickness from 0.2 to
1.0 inches;
[0035] c. wherein said attachment layer is water permeable and
comprises fibers having denier greater than 3; and
[0036] d. wherein said substrate has a compressibility of 50% to
90% at a load of 1000 g.
[0037] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view
of the detailed description of preferred embodiments below, when
considered together with the attached claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Further features and advantages will become apparent from
the following and more particular description of embodiments of the
invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in
which like referenced characters generally refer to the same parts
or elements throughout the views, and in which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention; and
[0041] FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to
be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly
exemplified systems or process parameters that may, of course,
vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the
invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention in any manner.
[0043] All publications, patents and patent applications cited
herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0044] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "a surfactant" includes two or more
such surfactants.
[0045] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although
a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice of the present
invention, the preferred materials and methods are described
herein.
[0046] As used herein, the term "x-y dimension" refers to the plane
orthogonal to the thickness of the cleaning pad, or a component
thereof. The x and y dimensions correspond to the length and width,
respectively, of the cleaning pad or a pad component. In this
context, the length of the pad is the longest dimension of the pad,
and the width the shortest. In general, in use, a cleaning
implement will be moved in a direction parallel to the y-dimension
(or width) of the pad. Of course, the present invention is not
limited to the use of cleaning pads having four sides. Other
shapes, such as circular, elliptical, and the like, can also be
used. When determining the width of the pad at any point in the
z-dimension, it is understood that the pad is assessed according to
its intended use. As used herein, the term "z-dimension" refers to
the dimension orthogonal to the length and width of the cleaning
pad of the present invention, or a component thereof. The
z-dimension therefore corresponds to the thickness of the cleaning
pad or a pad component.
[0047] The cleaning pad can be used as a disinfectant, sanitizer,
and/or sterilizer. As used herein, the term "disinfect" shall mean
the elimination of many or all pathogenic microorganisms on
surfaces with the exception of bacterial endospores. As used
herein, the term "sanitize" shall mean the reduction of
contaminants in the inanimate environment to levels considered safe
according to public health ordinance, or that reduces the bacterial
population by significant numbers where public health requirements
have not been established. An at least 99% reduction in bacterial
population within a 24 hour time period is deemed "significant." As
used herein, the term "sterilize" shall mean the complete
elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life and which
is authorized under the applicable regulatory laws to make legal
claims as a "Sterilant" or to have sterilizing properties or
qualities.
[0048] In the application, effective amounts are generally those
amounts listed as the ranges or levels of ingredients in the
descriptions, which follow hereto. Unless otherwise stated, amounts
listed in percentage ("%'s") are in weight percent (based on 100%
active) of the cleaning composition alone, not accounting for the
substrate weight. Each of the noted cleaner composition components
and substrates is discussed in detail below.
[0049] As used herein, the term "substrate" is intended to include
any material that is used to clean an article or a surface.
Examples of cleaning substrates include, but are not limited to
nonwovens, sponges, films and similar materials which can be
attached to a cleaning implement, such as a floor mop, handle, or a
hand held cleaning tool, such as a toilet cleaning device.
[0050] As used herein, "film" refers to a polymer film including
flat nonporous films, and porous films such as microporous,
nanoporous, closed or open celled, breathable films, or apertured
films.
[0051] As used herein, "wiping" refers to any shearing action that
the substrate undergoes while in contact with a target surface.
This includes hand or body motion, substrate-implement motion over
a surface, or any perturbation of the substrate via energy sources
such as ultrasound, mechanical vibration, electromagnetism, and so
forth.
[0052] As used herein, the term "fiber" includes both staple
fibers, i.e., fibers which have a defined length between about 2
and about 20 mm, fibers longer than staple fiber but are not
continuous, and continuous fibers, which are sometimes called
"continuous filaments" or simply "filaments". The method in which
the fiber is prepared will determine if the fiber is a staple fiber
or a continuous filament.
[0053] As used herein, the terms "nonwoven" or "nonwoven web" means
a web having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are
interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted web.
Nonwoven webs have been formed from many processes, such as, for
example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, and bonded
carded web processes. The basis weight of nonwoven webs is usually
expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy) or grams per
square meter (gsm) and the fiber diameters useful are usually
expressed in microns, or in the case of staple fibers, denier. It
is noted that to convert from osy to gsm, multiply osy by
33.91.
[0054] As used herein, the term "bulk density" refers to the weight
of a material per unit of volume and is generally expressed in
units of mass per unit bulk volume (e.g., grams per cubic
centimeter).
[0055] The term "cleaning composition", as used herein, is meant to
mean and include a cleaning formulation having at least one
surfactant.
[0056] The term "surfactant", as used herein, is meant to mean and
include a substance or compound that reduces surface tension when
dissolved in water or water solutions, or that reduces interfacial
tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. The
term "surfactant" thus includes anionic, nonionic and/or amphoteric
agents.
[0057] Cleaning Implement Drawings
[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates a cleaning implement having a handle 10,
a cleaning head 12, and a joint 11 attaching the handle 10 to the
cleaning head 12. The cleaning head 12 attaches to a removable
cleaning pad 13. The removable cleaning pad 13 may have a scrubbing
layer on the bottom surface 15 and an attachment layer on the top
surface 14. The thickness of the cleaning pad 13 is measured from
top surface 14 to bottom surface 15.
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a cleaning implement having a handle 20
and a cleaning head 21. A cleaning pad 23 is attached to a fitment
22. The fitment 22 removeably attaches to the cleaning head 21.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the inventive
cleaning device.
[0061] Cleaning Implement
[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning implement
comprises the tool assembly disclosed in Co-pending application
Ser. No. 10/678,033, entitled "Cleaning Tool with Gripping Assembly
for a Disposable Scrubbing Head", filed Sep. 30, 2003.
[0063] In another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning
implement comprises the tool assembly disclosed in Co-pending
application Ser. No. 10/602,478, entitled "Cleaning Tool with
Gripping Assembly for a Disposable Scrubbing Head", filed Jun. 23,
2003.
[0064] In another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning
implement comprises the tool assembly disclosed in Co-pending
application Ser. No. 10/766,179, entitled "Interchangeable Tool
Heads", filed Jan. 27, 2004.
[0065] In another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning
implement comprises the tool assembly disclosed in Co-pending
application Ser. No. 10/817,606, entitled "Ergonomic Cleaning Pad",
filed Apr. 1, 2004.
[0066] In another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning
implement comprises an elongated shaft having a handle portion on
one end thereof. The tool assembly further includes a gripping
mechanism that is mounted to the shaft to engage the removable
cleaning pad. Examples of suitable cleaning implements are found in
US2003/0070246 to Cavalheiro; US2005/0060827 to James et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 4,455,705 to Graham; U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,659 to Paepke;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,212 to Bomgaars et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,781
to Brouillet, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,565 to Lundstedt; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,419,015 to Garcia; U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,717 to Castagliola;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,986 to Seals; US2002/0007527 to Hart; and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,094,771 to Egolf et al. The cleaning implement may have
a hook, hole, magnetic means, canister or other means to allow the
cleaning implement to be conveniently stored when not in use.
[0067] Cleaning Pad Attachment
[0068] The cleaning implement holding the removable cleaning pad
may have a cleaning head with an attachment means or the attachment
means may be an integral part of the handle of the cleaning
implement or may be removably attached to the end of the handle.
The cleaning pad may be attached by a friction fit means, by a
clamping means, by a threaded screw means, by hook and loop
attachment or by any other suitable attachment means. The cleaning
pad may have a rigid or flexible plastic or metal fitment for
attachment to the cleaning implement or the cleaning pad may be
directly attached to the cleaning implement.
[0069] Cleaning Pad Substrate
[0070] A wide variety of materials can be used as the cleaning pad
substrate. The substrate should have sufficient wet strength,
abrasivity, loft and porosity. Examples of suitable substrates
include, nonwoven substrates, wovens substrates, hydroentangled
substrates, foams and sponges. Methods of making nonwovens are well
known in the art. Generally, these nonwovens can be made by
air-laying, water-buying, meltblowing, coforming, spunbonding, or
carding processes in which the fibers or filaments are first cut to
desired lengths from long strands, passed into a water or air
stream, and then deposited onto a screen through which the
fiber-laden air or water is passed. The air-laying process is
described in U.S. patent application 2003/0036741 to Abba et al.
and U.S. patent application 2003/0118825 to Melius et al. The
resulting layer, regardless of its method of production or
composition, is then subjected to at least one of several types of
bonding operations to anchor the individual fibers together to form
a self-sustaining substrate. In the present invention the nonwoven
substrate can be prepared by a variety of processes including, but
not limited to, air-entanglement, hydroentanglement, thermal
bonding, and combinations of these processes. Any of these
substrates may be water-insoluble, water-dispersible, or
water-soluble.
[0071] Additionally, the first layer and the second layer, as well
as additional layers, when present, can be bonded to one another in
order to maintain the integrity of the article. The layers can be
heat spot bonded together or using heat generated by ultrasonic
sound waves. The bonding may be arranged such that geometric shapes
and patterns, e.g. diamonds, circles, squares, etc. are created on
the exterior surfaces of the layers and the resulting article.
[0072] The cleaning substrates can be provided dry, pre-moistened,
or impregnated with cleaning composition, but dry-to-the-touch. In
one aspect, dry cleaning substrates can be provided with dry or
substantially dry cleaning or disinfecting agents coated on or in
the multicomponent multilobal fiber layer. In addition, the
cleaning substrates can be provided in a pre-moistened and/or
saturated condition. The wet cleaning substrates can be maintained
over time in a sealable container such as, for example, within a
bucket with an attachable lid, sealable plastic pouches or bags,
canisters, jars, tubs and so forth. Desirably the wet, stacked
cleaning substrates are maintained in a resealable container. The
use of a resealable container is particularly desirable when using
volatile liquid compositions since substantial amounts of liquid
can evaporate while using the first substrates thereby leaving the
remaining substrates with little or no liquid. Exemplary resealable
containers and dispensers include, but are not limited to, those
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,047 to Doyle et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,353,480 to McFadyen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,048 to Kaspar et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,944 to Jackson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,786
to McBride et al.; the entire contents of each of the aforesaid
references are incorporated herein by reference. The cleaning
substrates can be incorporated or oriented in the container as
desired and/or folded as desired in order to improve ease of use or
removal as is known in the art. The cleaning substrates of the
present invention can be provided in a kit form, wherein a
plurality of cleaning substrates and a cleaning tool are provided
in a single package.
[0073] Exterior Scrubbing Layer
[0074] The exterior scrubbing layer can be an apertured film. One
example of an apertured film is a formed film. Examples of formed
films are Tredegar formed films, described, for example, in
US2004/0019340 to McBride and US2004/0002688 to Thomas et al.
Additional apertured films are described in PCT App. W003/018305 to
Burwell et al., U.S. patent application 2004/122396 to Maldonado et
al., U.S. patent application 2003/0171730 to Kelly, U.S. Pat. No.
4,629,643 to Curro, U.S. patent application 2005/0064136 to Turner,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,904 to Thomas, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,700,036 to
Thomas.
[0075] The exterior scrubbing layer can be a nonwoven meltblown web
as disclosed in U.S. patent application 2004/0111817 to Chen et al.
The exterior scrubbing layer can be a mesh or scrim of filaments or
ribbons as disclosed in U.S. patent application 2003/0028985 to
Prodoehl et al. and U.S. patent application 2003/0162684 to Huyhn
et al. The exterior scrubbing layer can be a polymeric bead mixture
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,588 to Wong et al. and U.S.
patent application 2003/0228813 to Johnson et al. The exterior
scrubbing layer can be a mineral binder layer such as an
aluminosilicate/latex acrylic binder as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,299,520 to Cheyne III.
[0076] Absorbent Layer
[0077] The absorbent layer may be comprised of substrates with high
holding capacity or large void space, for example, urethane foam,
cellulose foam, melamine foam, airlaid pulp, needlepunched
substrate, or through-air bonded substrate. The absorbent layer may
be comprised of dense substrates with high capacities, for example,
spunlace PET/pulp, spunlace PP/pulp, spunlace PE/pulp, spunbond PP,
spunbond PET, spunbond bicomponent fiber, meltblown PP, meltblown
PET, and SMS (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond).
[0078] The absorbent layer may also be a layer with controlled
release, for example, formed films or substrates with gradient
densities. Gradient density substrates can be formed from multiple
layers ultrasonically or adhesively laminated together. These
substrates could be formed using meltblown, spunbond, or SMS
(spunbond/meltblown/spunbond). Formed films may be used with the
cones pointing out in order to control the fluid rate in for
dilution, and not the fluid flow out. An example of formed films is
Tredegar formed films, described, for example, in US2004/0019340 to
McBride and US2004/0002688 to Thomas et al. The films may also be
needle-punched. Superabsorbent films containing polyethylene of
other hydrophobic material would also allow controlled release.
[0079] The absorbent layer may also incorporate dissolvable films,
such as PVA film. The PVA film may gradually dissolve to allow
access to the cleaning composition. Multiple layers of PVA may
allow release over time of subsequent cleaning compositions. The
absorbent layer may also contain granules of slowly hydrating
substances dispersed in a open structure, for example, an airlaid
substrate. Slowly hydrating substances may be composed of
superabsorbent polymer, starches, polypeptides, acrylates,
gel-forming materials, or other such materials.
[0080] Suitable absorbent layers may be prepared by
carded/chemically or resin bonded, air laid chemically bonded,
carded thermally bonded, airlaid thermally bonded, carded spunlaced
or hydroentangled, wet laid chemically bonded, wet laid spunlaced
or hydroentangled, meltblown, spunbonded, apertured, needle
punched, and any combinations of processes thereof. The absorbent
layer may be a coform nonwoven web as described in U.S. patent
application 2003/0211802. Additional suitable absorbent cores are
described in U.S. patent application 2003/0028985 to Prodoehl et
al. The absorbent layer can also comprise a HIPE-derived
hydrophilic, polymeric foam. Such foams and methods for their
preparation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,167 to DesMarais
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,179 to Stone et al. The absorbent may also
contain superabsorbent materials. A wide variety of high absorbency
materials (also known as superabsorbent materials) are known to
those skilled in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,663
to Masuda et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,082 to Tsubakimoto et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,817 to Westerman, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,706
to Obayashi et al.
[0081] Examples of suitable absorbent layers include, 100%
cellulose Wadding Grade 1804 from Little Rapids Corporation, 100%
polypropylene needlepunch material NB 701-2.8-W/R from American
Non-wovens Corporation, a blend of cellulosic and synthetic
fibres-Hydraspun 8579 from Ahlstrom Fibre Composites, and &0%
Viscose/30% PES Code 9881 from PGI Nonwovens Polymer Corp. Another
useful substrate is manufactured by Jacob Holm-Lidro Rough. It is a
composition material comprising a 65/35 viscose rayon/polyester
hydroentangled spunlace layer with a hydroenlongated bonded
polyeser scribbly layer. Still another useful substrate is
manufactured by Texel "TI". It is a composite material manufactured
from a layer of coarse fiber 100% polypropylene needlepunch, an
absorbent cellulose core and a fine fiber polyester layer
needlepunched together. The polypropylene layer can range from 1.5
to 3.5 oz/sq. yd.
[0082] Attachment Layer
[0083] The attachment layer may be a single or dual density
high-loft polyester substrate, for example HK KW 40 from Ahlsrom,
having a density of 0.37 to 0.51 oz/sq. ft. The cleaning substrate
may be a single layer or multiple layers. The attachment layer may
be comprised of a variety of fiber types, for example,
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, bicomponent, or
multicomponent fibers. The attachment layer may be formed from a
variety of processes, for example, carded and thermal bond, carded
and spray bond, needling, or a combination of these and other
processes. The attachment layer may be comprised of fibers of a
variety of thicknesses, including fibers of 1.5 denier or greater,
or fibers of 3 denier or greater, or fibers of 5 denier or greater,
or fibers of 12 denier or greater. The attachment layer may be
comprised of fibers of different thickness, for example, fibers of
less than 2 denier and 3 denier or greater, fibers of less than 2
denier and 6 denier or greater, fibers of about 3 denier and fibers
of about 6 denier or greater, fibers of about 3 denier and fibers
of about 12 denier or greater. The attachment layer may have a
thickness (Twing Albert) of about 0.20 inches, of about 0.25
inches, of about 0.30 inches, or of about 0.35 inches or higher.
The attachment layer may have a basis weight of greater than 90
gsm, or greater than 100 gsm, or greater than 110 gsm, or greater
than 120 gsm, or greater than 130 gsm, or greater than 140 gsm. The
attachment layer may have a basis weight of between 90 and 150 gsm,
or between 90 and 140 gsm, or between 90 and 130 gsm, or between 90
and 120 gsm, or between 100 and 150 gsm, or between 100 and 140
gsm, or between 100 and 130 gsm, or between 100 and 120 gsm, or
between 110 and 150 gsm, or between 110 and 140 gsm, or between 110
and 130 gsm, or between 110 and 120 gsm, or between 120 and 150
gsm, or between 120 and 140 gsm, or between 120 and 130 gsm. The
attachment layer thickness may be from 0.2 to 2 inches or from 0.4
to 1 inch or from 0.4 to 0.8 inch.
[0084] Laminate Process
[0085] Processes for forming a nonwoven apertured film composite is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,628 to Pelkie, PCT App.
WO2004/058121 to Cree, PCT App. WO2004/060664 to Maldonando, and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,950 to Merz. Other lamination processes are
described in U.S. patent application 2003/016684 to Huyhn. The
cleaning substrate of this invention may be a multilayer laminate
and may be formed by a number of different techniques including but
not limited to using adhesive, needle punching, ultrasonic bonding,
thermal calendering and through-air bonding. Such a multilayer
laminate may be an embodiment wherein some of the layers are
spunbond and some meltblown such as a spunbond/meltblown/spunbond
(SMS) laminate as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,041,203 to Brock et
al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5, 169,706 to Collier, et al., each hereby
incorporated by reference. The SMS laminate may be made by
sequentially depositing onto a moving conveyor belt or forming wire
first a spunbond web layer, then a meltblown web layer and last
another spunbond layer and then bonding the laminate in a manner
described above. Alternatively, the three web layers may be made
individually, collected in rolls and combined in a separate bonding
step.
[0086] Cleaning Pad Properties
[0087] The cleaning pad may show minimal migration of the cleaning
composition during storage. The cleaning pad may comprise 100%
thermoplastic fibers or 100% of the same thermoplastic fiber type
in order to allow the more convenient bonding of layers. The
cleaning pad may also comprise some non-thermoplastic fibers, such
as cellulosic fibers. The cleaning pad should allow the cleaning
composition to be used up after use on one to two tasks, for
example one to two showers. One example of an indication of no more
cleaning composition is the absence of foam. However, the consumer
normally desires lots of foam to ensure that there is adequate
cleaning performance. The combination of adequate attachment layer
thickness and pad compressibility allows quick foam generation,
good foam mileage, and sudden foam exhaustion. The pad should have
a compression of 50 to 90%, or from 60 to 90%.
[0088] The cleaning pad should not be so thick that the consumer
considers the pad not to be disposable. The pad may have a basis
weight greater than about 200 gsm, or greater than 250 gsm, or
greater than 300 gsm, or greater that 400 gsm. The pad may have a
bulk density less than 0.15 g/cc, or less than 0.10 g/cc, or less
than 0.08 g/cc. The bulk density was measured under a load of 0.25
psi for a 2 inch diameter sample.
[0089] Cleaning composition
[0090] In one embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a cleaning
pad that is impregnated with a cleaning composition and is
`wet-to-the-touch`. In another embodiment, the cleaning device
comprises a cleaning pad that is impregnated with a cleaning
composition that is `dry-to-the-touch`. By `dry-to-the-touch`, it
is meant that the substrate is free of water or other solvents in
an amount that would make them feel damp or wet-to-the-touch as
compared to the touch of a wet substrate, for example a wet
cleaning wipe. In another embodiment, the cleaning device contains
a removable attached vessel containing a cleaning composition and
the cleaning substrate is free of the cleaning composition.
[0091] The cleaning composition may contain one or more surfactants
selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, ampholytic, amphoteric
and zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. A typical
listing of anionic, nonionic, ampholytic, and zwitterionic classes,
and species of these surfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No.
3,929,678 to Laughlin and Heuring. A list of suitable cationic
surfactants is given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,217 to Murphy. Where
present, ampholytic, amphotenic and zwitteronic surfactants are
generally used in combination with one or more anionic and/or
nonionic surfactants. The surfactants may be present at a level of
from about 0% to 90%, or from about 0.001% to 50%, or from about
0.01% to 25% by weight.
[0092] Suitable organic solvents include, but are not limited to,
C.sub.1-6 alkanols, C.sub.1-6 diols, C.sub.1-6 alkyl ethers of
alkylene glycols, C.sub.3-24 alkylene glycol ethers, polyalkylene
glycols, short chain carboxylic acids, short chain esters,
isoparafinic hydrocarbons, mineral spirits, alkylaromatics,
terpenes, terpene derivatives, terpenoids, terpenoid derivatives,
formaldehyde, and pyrrolidones. Alkanols include, but are not
limited to, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, butanol,
pentanol, and hexanol, and isomers thereof. Diols include, but are
not limited to, methylene, ethylene, propylene and butylene
glycols. Alkylene glycol ethers include, but are not limited to,
ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether,
ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl
ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol
monohexyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol
ethyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, propylene glycol
monobutyl ether, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, di- or
tri-polypropylene glycol methyl or ethyl or propyl or butyl ether,
acetate and propionate esters of glycol ethers. Short chain
carboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, acetic acid,
glycolic acid, lactic acid and propionic acid. Short chain esters
include, but are not limited to, glycol acetate, and cyclic or
linear volatile methylsiloxanes. Water insoluble solvents such as
isoparafinic hydrocarbons, mineral spirits, alkylaromatics,
terpenoids, terpenoid derivatives, terpenes, and terpenes
derivatives can be mixed with a water-soluble solvent when
employed.
[0093] Examples of organic solvent having a vapor pressure less
than 0.1 mm Hg (20.degree. C.) include, but are not limited to,
dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol t-butyl
ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl
ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol propyl
ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl
ether acetate, diethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate, and
diethylene glycol butyl ether acetate (all available from ARCO
Chemical Company). The solvents are present at a level of from 0 to
10%, or from 0.01% to 10%, or from 1% to 4% by weight.
[0094] The cleaning compositions optionally contain one or more of
the following adjuncts: stain and soil repellants, lubricants, odor
control agents, perfumes, fragrances and fragrance release agents,
and bleaching agents. Other adjuncts include, but are not limited
to, acids, electrolytes, dyes and/or colorants, solubilizing
materials, stabilizers, thickeners, defoamers, hydrotropes, cloud
point modifiers, preservatives, and other polymers. The
solubilizing materials, when used, include, but are not limited to,
hydrotropes (e.g. water soluble salts of low molecular weight
organic acids such as the sodium and/or potassium salts of toluene,
cumene, and xylene sulfonic acid). The acids, when used, include,
but are not limited to, organic hydroxy acids, citric acids, keto
acid, and the like. Electrolytes, when used, include, calcium,
sodium and potassium chloride. Thickeners, when used, include, but
are not limited to, polyacrylic acid, xanthan gum, calcium
carbonate, aluminum oxide, alginates, guar gum, methyl, ethyl,
clays, and/or propyl hydroxycelluloses. Defoamers, when used,
include, but are not limited to, silicones, aminosilicones,
silicone blends, and/or silicone/hydrocarbon blends. Bleaching
agents, when used, include, but are not limited to, peracids,
hypohalite sources, hydrogen peroxide, and/or sources of hydrogen
peroxide.
[0095] Preservatives, when used, include, but are not limited to,
mildewstat or bacteriostat, methyl, ethyl and propyl parabens,
short chain organic acids (e.g. acetic, lactic and/or glycolic
acids), bisguanidine compounds (e.g. Dantagard and/or Glydant)
and/or short chain alcohols (e.g. ethanol and/or IPA). The
mildewstat or bacteriostat includes, but is not limited to,
mildewstats (including non-isothiazolone compounds) include Kathon
GC, a 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, KATHON ICP, a
2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and a blend thereof, and KATHON 886,
a 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, all available from Rohm
and Haas Company; BRONOPOL, a 2-bromo-2-nitropropane 1,3 diol, from
Boots Company Ltd., PROXEL CRL, a propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, from
ICI PLC; NIPASOL M, an o-phenyl-phenol, Na.sup.+ salt, from Nipa
Laboratories Ltd., DOWICIDE A, a 1,2-Benzoisothiazolin-3-one, from
Dow Chemical Co., and IRGASAN DP 200, a
2,4,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenylether, from Ciba-Geigy A.G.
[0096] The cleaning pad optionally contain an antimicrobial agent
including quaternary ammonium compounds and phenolics. Non-limiting
examples of these quaternary compounds include benzalkonium
chlorides and/or substituted benzalkonium chlorides,
di(C.sub.6-C.sub.14)alkyl di short chain (C.sub.1-4 alkyl and/or
hydroxyalkl) quaternaryammonium salts, N-(3-chloroallyl)hexaminium
chlorides, benzethonium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, and
cetylpyridinium chloride. Other quaternary compounds include the
group consisting of dialkyldimethyl ammonium chlorides, alkyl
dimethylbenzylammonium chlorides, dialkylmethyl-benzylammonium
chlorides, and mixtures thereof. Biguanide antimicrobial actives
including, but not limited to polyhexamethylene biguanide
hydrochloride, p-chlorophenyl biguanide; 4-chlorobenzhydryl
biguanide, halogenated hexidine such as, but not limited to,
chlorhexidine (1,1'-hexamethylene-bis-5-(4-chlorophenyl biguanide)
and its salts are also in this class.
[0097] Suitable antimicrobial organocarboxylic acids include citric
acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, gluconic acid, glucoheptonic
acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid,
adipic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid,
benzoic acid, phthalic acid, and mixtures thereof. Other suitable
organocarboxylic acids include low molecular weight polymeric
organocarboxylic acids (molecular weight average (Mw), below about
60,000 atomic mass units) such as poly(acrylic acid) and
poly(maleic) acid homopolymers and copolymers. Examples include
Goodrite K-7058.RTM. available from BF Goodrich Speciality
Chemicals, and Belclene 901.RTM. available from FMC
Corporation.
[0098] Suitable peroxide antimicrobials for use herein include
percarbonates, persilicates, persulphates such as monopersulfate,
perborates and peroxyacids such as diperoxy dodecandioic acid
(DPDA), magnesium perphthalic acid and mixtures thereof. Suitable
antimicrobial essential oils to be used herein include, but are not
limited to, thymol (present for example in thyme, ajowan), eugenol
(present for example in cinnamon and clove), menthol (present for
example in mint), geraniol (present for example in geranium and
rose, citronella), verbenone (present for example in vervain),
eucalyptol and pinocarvone (present in eucalyptus), cedrol (present
for example in cedar), anethol (present for example in anise),
carvacrol, hinokitiol, berberine, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid,
methyl salicylic acid, methyl salycilate, terpineol, limonene and
mixtures thereof. Preferred actives of essential oils to be used
herein are thymol, eugenol, verbenone, eucalyptol, terpineol,
cinnamic acid, methyl salicylic acid, limonene, geraniol or
mixtures thereof. Other suitable disinfecting materials for use
herein include chlorine-type bleaches, such as sodium and calcium
hypochlorite.
[0099] A variety of builders or buffers can be used and they
include, but are not limited to, phosphate-silicate compounds,
zeolites, alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium
polyacetates, trialkali salts of nitrilotriacetic acid,
carboxylates, polycarboxylates, carbonates, bicarbonates,
polyphosphates, aminopolycarboxylates, polyhydroxysulfonates, and
starch derivatives. Builders or buffers can also include
polyacetates and polycarboxylates. The polyacetate and
polycarboxylate compounds include, but are not limited to, sodium,
potassium, lithium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts of
ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, ethylenediamine triacetic acid,
ethylenediamine tetrapropionic acid, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic
acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, iminodisuccinic
acid, mellitic acid, polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid and
copolymers, benzene polycarboxylic acids, gluconic acid, sulfamic
acid, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, organic
phosphonic acids, acetic acid, and citric acid. These builders or
buffers can also exist either partially or totally in the hydrogen
ion form.
[0100] The builder agent can include sodium and/or potassium salts
of EDTA and substituted ammonium salts. The substituted ammonium
salts include, but are not limited to, ammonium salts of
methylamine, dimethylamine, butylamine, butylenediamine,
propylamine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, monoethanolamine,
diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, ethylenediamine
tetraacetic acid and propanolamine.
[0101] Buffering and pH adjusting agents, when used, include, but
are not limited to, organic acids, mineral acids, alkali metal and
alkaline earth salts of silicate, metasilicate, polysilicate,
borate, hydroxide, carbonate, carbamate, phosphate, polyphosphate,
pyrophosphates, triphosphates, tetraphosphates, ammonia, hydroxide,
monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, diethanolamine,
dipropanolamine, triethanolamine, 2-amino-2methylpropanol,
tri(hydroxymethyl)amino methane (TRIS),
2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-methyl-propanol,
2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanol, disodium glutamate, N-methyl
diethanolarnide, 2-dimethylamino-2-methylpropanol (DMAMP),
1,3-bis(methylamine)-cyclohexane, 1,3-diamino-propanol
N,N'-tetra-methyl-1,3-diamino-2-propanol,
N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine(- bicine),
N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl glycine(tricine), ammonium carbamate,
citric acid, acetic acid. Mixtures of any of the above are also
acceptable. Useful inorganic buffers/alkalinity sources include
ammonia, the alkali metal carbonates and alkali metal phosphates,
e.g., sodium carbonate, sodium polyphosphate. For additional
buffers see WO 95/07971, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Other pH adjusting agents include sodium or potassium hydroxide.
When employed, the builder, buffer, or pH adjusting agent comprises
at least about 0.001% and typically about 0.01-5% of the cleaning
composition.
[0102] Effervescence
[0103] The cleaning pad may comprise effervescent actives. Suitable
for this purpose are C2-20 organic mono- and poly-carboxylic acids
such as alpha- and beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids; C2-20
organophosphorus acids such as phytic acid; C2-20 organosulfur
acids such as toluene sulfonic acid; and peroxides such as hydrogen
peroxide or materials that generate hydrogen peroxide in solution.
Typical hydroxycarboxylic acids include adipic, glutaric, succinic,
tartaric, malic, maleic, lactic, salicylic and citric acids as well
as acid forming lactones such as gluconolactone and gluccrolactone.
A suitable acid is citric acid. Also suitable as acid material may
be encapsulated acids. Typical encapsulating material may include
water-soluble synthetic or natural polymers such as polyacrylates
(e.g. encapsulating polyacrylic acid), cellulosic gums,
polyurethane and polyoxyalkylene polymers. By the term "acid" is
meant any substance which when dissolved in deionized water at 1%
concentration will have a pH of less than 7. These acids may also
have a pH of less than 6.5 or less than 5. These acids may be at
25.degree. C. in solid form, i.e. having melting points greater
than 25.degree. C. Concentrations of the acid should range from
about 0.5 to about 80%, or from about 10 to about 65%, or from
about 20 to about 45% by weight of the total composition.
[0104] Another component of the effervescent materials may be a
alkaline material. The alkaline material may a substance that can
generate a gas such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or oxygen, i.e.
effervesce, when contacted with water and the acidic material.
Suitable alkaline materials are anhydrous salts of carbonates and
bicarbonates, alkaline peroxides (e.g. sodium perborate and sodium
percarbonate) and azides (e.g. sodium azide). An example of the
alkaline material is sodium or potassium bicarbonate. Amounts of
the alkaline material may range from about 1 to about 80%, or from
about 5 to about 49%, or from about 15 to about 40%, or from about
25 to about 35% by weight of the total composition.
[0105] When the cleaning composition comprises effervescent
materials, then the composition may comprise no more than 5%, or no
more than 3.5%, or no more than 1% water by weight of the total
composition. Water of hydration is not considered to be water for
purposes of this calculation. However, water of hydration may be
preferred or eliminated. The combined amount of acidic and alkaline
materials may be greater than 1.5%, or from about 40 to about 95%,
or from about 60 to about 80% by weight of the total
composition.
[0106] Water
[0107] Since the composition is an aqueous composition, water can
be, along with the solvent, a predominant ingredient. The water
should be present at a level of less than 99.9%, more preferably
less than about 99%, and most preferably, less than about 98%.
Deionized water is preferred. Where the cleaning composition is
concentrated, the water may be present in the composition at a
concentration of less than about 85 wt. %.
[0108] Package
[0109] The packaging for the cleaning implement and cleaning pads
can be less than 15 inches in width and 10.5 inches in height. The
packaging for the cleaning pads can be from 5-10 inches in width
and less than 10.5 inches in height. Suitable packaging includes an
individual or multiple (containing several up to 10 pads) flexible
pouch, such as one based on polyethylene. The pouch can be
laminated, for instance with polyethylene terephthalate. The pouch
can include a zipper or slider to allow the consumer easy access to
the cleaning pads. Suitable packaging includes a thermoformed
clamshell, for example out of polypropylene with a cardboard
sleeve. Suitable packaging includes a tub with a lid, for example
from thermoformed or injection molded polyethylene.
[0110] Method of Use
[0111] The cleaning pad can be used for cleaning, disinfectancy, or
sanitization on inanimate, household surfaces, including floors,
counter tops, furniture, windows, walls, and automobiles. Other
surfaces include stainless steel, chrome, and shower enclosures.
The cleaning pad can be packaged individually or together in
canisters, tubs, etc. The cleaning pad can be used with the hand,
or as part of a cleaning implement attached to a tool or motorized
tool, such as one having a handle. Examples of tools using a pad
include U.S. Pat. No.6,611,986 to Seals, WO00/71012 to Belt et al.,
U.S. patent application 2002/0129835 to Pieroni and Foley, and
WO00/27271 to Policicchio et al.
EXAMPLES
[0112] The cleaning pad may be a laminate comprising a scrubbing
layer, an interior absorbent layer, and an attachment layer or the
absorbent layer may be absent. Examples of suitable pads and layers
are given below.
[0113] The exterior scrubbing layer may be composed of 100%
thermoplastic fibers, or may have minor amounts of other fibers. An
example of the exterior scrubbing layer is given in Table I.
1 TABLE I Basis weight 100 gsm Fiber type Polypropylene Fiber size
3.12 denier Process Carded and needled MD tensile and elongation
7655 g/in and 130% CD tensile and elongation 3250 g/in and 150%
Supplier Texel - Buff 0100
[0114] The interior absorbent layer may be entirely spunbond
thermoplastic, for example polypropylene. An example of a
hydrophilic interior absorbent layer and its properties is given in
Table II. An interior layer of greater than three layers may have
superior absorbent properties to an interior layer of the same
basis weight with fewer layers. An interior layer of greater than
five layers may have superior absorbent properties to an interior
layer of the same basis weight with fewer layers.
2TABLE II Basis weight 520 gsm Fiber type Polypropylene Fiber size
2.5 denier Process Composite of 2 thermal bonded layer and 8
spunbonded layers ultrasonically bonded MD tensile >25,000 g/in
CD tensile and elongation 13836 g/in and 106% Supplier BBA
Nonwovens - 30062
[0115] Examples of suitable attachment layers are given in Table
III.
3TABLE III Fiber Basis Thickness, thickness, Supplier/Grade weight,
gsm Process in denier PGI/FB185 142 Carded, thermal 0.266 3 and 12
bonded PE/PET bicomponent Carlee/P3.60 122 Carded, thermal 0.327 3
and 6 bonded PET Fybon/ 119 Carded, cross lap 0.214 15 thermal bond
PE and PET
[0116]
4TABLE III Fiber Basis Thickness, thickness, Supplier/Grade weight,
gsm Process in denier Union 102 Carded, thermal 0.500 3 and 12
Wadding/ bonded with 3613688 needling PET Filtration 112 Carded
with spray 0.755 3 and 12 Group /VL- bond PET WT3.3 Filtration 136
Carded with spray 1.500 6 and 12 Group /VL-04 bond PET
[0117] Compression
[0118] The substrate sample (5 in..times.5 in.) is measured for
initial thickness in inches. Weight (1000 g) is applied to the
sample and that sample is compressed for 10 seconds. The thickness
of the compressed sample is measured. The compressed thickness is
divided by the original thickness and the result given in percent
compression. The samples were measured for compression and the
results are given in Table IV.
5TABLE IV Thickness under Sample Initial thickness, in. 1000 g %
Compression Sample A 0.5480 0.4690 86% Sample B 0.8785 0.6075
69%
[0119] Sample A is a three-layer composite of an apertured film
scrubbing layer, a spunbond PP absorbent layer, and a carded PET
attachment layer of thickness 0.40 inches. Sample B is a dual
density high-loft polyester attachment layer of thickness 0.78
inches with an aluminosilicate/latex binder scrubbing layer and no
absorbent layer.
[0120] Examples of suitable cleaning compositions are provided in
Table V. The cleaning compositions can be loaded on the cleaning
substrate in a ratio by weight of from about 0.2 to 4.0 of cleaning
composition to cleaning substrate.
6 TABLE V Composition A Composition B Composition C Alkyl 2.0 13.8
polyglycoside.sup.a Alcohol 10.2 ethoxylate.sup.b Sodium dodecyl
0.5 2.6 diphenyloxide disulfonate.sup.c Sodium lauryl 4.5 2.6 2.5
sulfate.sup.d Glycolic acid 8.1 Citric acid 1.5 Lactic acid 4.0
Sulfamic acid 1.0 Isopropanol 0.5 Dipropylene 2.0 glycol n-butyl
ether.sup.e d-limonene 0.5 Blue Dye 0.006 0.006 Fragrance 1.5 1.00
Water balance balance balance pH 2.2 .sup.aAPG 325N .RTM. from
Cognis .sup.bAlfonic 1012-5 .RTM. from Vista Chemical .sup.cDowfax
2A1 .RTM. from Dow Chemical .sup.dStepanol WAC .RTM. from Stepan
Chemical .sup.eDowanol DPnB .RTM. from Dow Chemical
[0121] Without departing from the spirit and scope of this
invention, one of ordinary skill can make various changes and
modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and
conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly,
equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence
of the following claims.
* * * * *