U.S. patent application number 11/007406 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for cleaning impliments having magnetic means.
Invention is credited to Daniel Anthony Rothweil, David Anthony Rothweil.
Application Number | 20060016030 11/007406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35655579 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060016030 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rothweil; David Anthony ; et
al. |
January 26, 2006 |
Cleaning impliments having magnetic means
Abstract
The present invention is a device for cleaning surfaces
comprising; a housing having a handle on one end and a cleaning
head on the other end the cleaning head having an upper surface, a
lower surface, a perimeter edge and a magnetic means the magnetic
means providing a magnetic field to at least the lower surface of
the cleaning head and at least one attachment means provided on the
upper surface or the perimeter for securing a cleaning sheet over
the lower surface of the cleaning head.
Inventors: |
Rothweil; David Anthony;
(Poway, CA) ; Rothweil; Daniel Anthony; (Poway,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID B. WALLER & ASSOCIATES
5677 OBERLIN DRIVE
SUITE 214
SAN DIEGO
CA
92121
US
|
Family ID: |
35655579 |
Appl. No.: |
11/007406 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60589387 |
Jul 20, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.94 ;
15/228; 15/231 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/256 20130101;
A47L 13/41 20130101; A47L 13/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/104.94 ;
015/228; 015/231 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/17 20060101
A47L013/17 |
Claims
1. A device for cleaning surfaces comprising: a housing having a
handle on one end and a cleaning head on the other end said
cleaning head having an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter
edge and a magnetic means said magnetic means providing a magnetic
field to at least said lower surface of said cleaning head; at
least one attachment means provided on said upper surface or said
perimeter for securing a cleaning sheet over said lower surface of
said cleaning head.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said magnetic means is at
least one rigid magnet, a flexible magnetic sheet or at least one
magnetic filament.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said at least one rigid
magnet is provided within said cleaning head.
4. A device according to claim 2 wherein said flexible magnetic
sheet is affixed on said lower surface of said cleaning head.
5. A device according to claim 2 wherein said at least one magnetic
filament is provided on said lower surface of said cleaning
head.
6. A device according to claim 1 wherein said housing further
comprises a flexible means between said handle and said cleaning
head that allows said cleaning head to pivot about the handle.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein said flexible means is
comprised of a universal joint and a rotational joint.
8. A device according to claim 1 wherein said attachment means
functions by way of direct pressure.
9. A device according to claim 8 wherein said attachment means is a
clamp.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein said clamp is activated
by a spring or a magnet.
11. A device according to claim 9 wherein said clamp is a snap.
12. A device according to claim 1 wherein said attachment means
functions by way of frictional pressure.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein said attachment means is
Velcro.TM., at least one serrated strip or at least one pressure
grip.
14. A device for cleaning surfaces comprising: a handle; a cleaning
head attached to said handle, said cleaning head having an upper
surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge and a recessed portion;
a magnetic means attached to or encased within said recessed
portion of said cleaning head said magnetic means providing a
magnetic field to at least said lower surface of said cleaning
head; at least one attachment means provided on said upper surface
or said perimeter for securing a cleaning sheet over said lower
surface of said cleaning head.
15. A cleaning sheet comprising: a fiber matrix wherein one or both
surfaces of said fiber matrix have a static charge; and at least
one magnetic means provided within or sewn through said fiber
matrix.
16. A cleaning sheet according to claim 15 further comprising a
cleaning solution saturated into said fiber matrix.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
patent application Ser. No. 60/589,387 filed 20 Jul. 2004.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to devices used in cleaning. More
particularly, to dusting or sweeping devices that use magnetism to
assist in collecting dust or dirt that is susceptible to a magnetic
field.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A number of devices have been used over the centuries to
remove unwanted dust and dirt particles from surfaces both inside
and out. Brooms were developed long ago and were generally composed
of a bundle of firm sticks or fibers bound together onto a long
handle for brushing or sweeping dirt and other unwanted items from
a surface. Unfortunately, not all items that impact the floor could
be swept or brushed away.
[0004] Mops were designed to provide soap and water or a cleaning
solution to the floor for removing organic materials. Mops have
been used over the past few centuries and are generally composed of
absorbent rope or twine bundled together and affixed to a long
handle. While the mop has been effective in removing unwanted
organic matter from floor the surface must be allowed to dry prior
to use to prevent potential injury from slipping and/or
falling.
[0005] Recent innovations in cleaning devices have lead to the
development of the dust mop such as those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,815,878 and 6,305,046. The dust mop was designed to clean
smooth surfaces such as tile and wood floors. They have also been
adapted for use on furniture, such as tables, cabinets, or counters
as handheld dusters. The dust mop usually has a handle attached to
a cleaning head with a flat surface on which a cleaning sheet or
cloth is secured. This construction has the advantage of performing
the functions of both a broom and a mop simultaneously. The
cleaning sheet acts like a broom pushing and aggregating dirt and
dust as it is drawn over a surface. The chemicals provided on the
cleaning sheet dissolve and remove unwanted organic matter from the
surface as the head is passed over the affected area.
Unfortunately, these dust mops are limited on the volume and size
of the particles they are able to capture and remove from a
surface. The size limitations are generally a factor of the
cleaning sheet weave and the static charge provided on the sheet
surface. Particles not captures by the cleaning sheet may be too
heavy to be removed from the surface or simply too large.
[0006] Consequently, there is a need for a dust mop that functions
to remove dust and dirt from a surface like a broom, is able to
dissolve or remove organic matter from a surface like a mop and has
the ability to remove heavy and/or larger particles from a surface
that other commercially available mops are unable to remove.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention a device for
cleaning surfaces is provided comprising; a housing having a handle
on one end and a cleaning head on the other end the cleaning head
having an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge and a
magnetic means, the magnetic means providing a magnetic field to at
least the lower surface of the cleaning head and at least one
attachment means provided on the upper surface or the perimeter for
securing a cleaning sheet over the lower surface of the cleaning
head.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention a device for
cleaning surfaces is provided comprising; a handle, a cleaning head
attached to the handle, the cleaning head having an upper surface,
a lower surface, and a perimeter edge, a magnetic means attached to
or encased within the cleaning head, the magnetic means providing a
magnetic field to at least the lower surface of the cleaning head
and at least one attachment means provided on the upper surface or
the perimeter for securing a cleaning sheet over the lower surface
of the cleaning head.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention the magnetic
means is at least one rigid magnet, a flexible magnetic sheet or at
least one magnetic filament. Preferably the at least one rigid
magnet is provided within the cleaning head. Alternatively, the
magnetic means is a flexible magnetic sheet affixed on the lower
surface of the cleaning head. The magnetic means may also be at
least one magnetic filament provided on the lower surface of the
cleaning head.
[0010] In another embodiment the housing may further comprise a
flexible means between the handle and the cleaning head that allows
the cleaning head to pivot about the handle. Preferably the
flexible means comprises a universal joint and a rotational
joint.
[0011] In yet another embodiment the attachment means functions by
way of direct pressure. In this configuration it is preferable that
the attachment means is at least one clamp. Most preferably the
clamp is activated by a spring or magnet. In another configuration
the attachment means may function by way of frictional pressure. In
this configuration the attachment means is a serrated strip, at
least one pressure grip or Velcro.TM.. In yet another embodiment
the attachment means functions by mechanical pressure. In this
configuration it is preferable that the attachment means be one or
more snaps.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention a cleaning sheet is
provided comprising; a fiber matrix wherein one or both surfaces of
the fiber matrix have a static charge and at least one magnetic
means provided within or sewn through the fiber matrix. In one
embodiment of this aspect of the invention the cleaning sheet
further comprises a cleaning solution saturated into its fiber
matrix.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred handheld
duster of the present invention having pressure grips for affixing
a cleaning sheet on the top surface of the cleaning head.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one preferred duster floor
mop of the present invention having a magnet clamp for affixing a
cleaning sheet on the perimeter edge of the cleaning head.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the
same meaning as are commonly understood by one of skill in the art
to which this invention belongs. All patents, patent applications
and publications referred to throughout the disclosure herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that
there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in
this section prevail.
[0016] The term "attachment means" as used herein refers to a means
for securely, yet reversibly affixing a cleaning sheet the cleaning
head of the device by a variety of methods by a variety of methods
such as for example one or more press grip such as that described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,046, one or more snaps, one or more magnets
or one or more clamps.
[0017] The term "housing" as used herein refers to the main body of
the device in any shape or configuration that provides the
structure of a head on one end and a handle on the other in a
single unit. The housing may be provided in a variety of
configurations ranging from a relatively short configuration to an
elongated configuration. For example, the housing might have a
short handle integral to the upper surface of the cleaning head
wherein the handle is generally parallel to the length of the
cleaning head and may extend beyond the perimeter of the cleaning
head. Alternatively, the housing may be long having a handle on one
end and a cleaning head on the other, both integral to an elongated
shaft portion.
[0018] The term "head" or "cleaning head" as used herein refers to
a structural element of the invention that provides a lower surface
that interfaces with the surface to be cleaned for affixing a
cleaning sheet. The cleaning head may have a flat lower surface
such as would be preferred for a floor or tabletop.
Correspondingly, the surface of the cleaning head may conform to
the surface intended to be cleaned. For example, if the cleaning
head is used to clean baseboard molding in a home it may have a
lower surface that conforms to the routed or milled surface to
increase the ease and effectiveness of cleaning.
[0019] The term "magnetic means" as used herein refers to any means
by which a magnetic field, B field, may be generated or maintained
during the normal use of the device. A magnetic field may be
generated by using permanent magnets or by an electromagnet wherein
the field is generated by passing electricity through a coil of
wire. Examples of permanent magnets that may be utilized with the
present invention include rigid or rare earth metal magnets
available commercially in a variety of shapes and strengths or
flexible magnetic sheets that may be conformed to the topography of
a surface.
[0020] The term "flexible means" as used herein refers to a means
for connecting two elements of the invention in a way that allows
some movement of one or both elements with respect to one another.
For example, a flexible means could be a hinge, a joint or bendable
portion either affixed to or created on one or both elements. Such
a bendable portion may be provided for example, by connecting the
head to the handle via a short shaft made of bendable material such
as rubber or by connecting both elements by a tightly coiled
spring.
[0021] The term "pressure grip" as used herein refers to an
attachment means that functions by way of friction to snag and then
grip a cleaning sheet securely holding the sheet against the
cleaning surface of the cleaning head. For example, one such
pressure grip is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,046.
[0022] The term "fiber matrix" as used herein refers to a fibrous
material that may be used to prepare a cleaning sheet such as for
example, cotton or polyester. The fiber matrix may be woven,
non-woven or may be provided by forming operations using melted
materials such as spunbonded, meltblown or air-through bonded.
[0023] The term "cleaning solution" as used herein refers to a
chemical composition that may be applied to a cleaning sheet, or in
which a cleaning sheet may be dipped, that assists in the capture,
collection and/or aggregation of dust and/or dirt, onto or by, the
sheet during use with the device of the present invention.
[0024] The housing may be prepared having both a head portion and a
handle portion within the same element. This configuration may be
achieved by form molding plastic into a single unit having a head
on one end and a handle on the other. Alternatively, the housing
may be constructed to provide a head to which a handle may be
attached or affixed. The housing may provide an elongated body
separating the head and handle in such a way that the device allows
the user to clean items at a distance such as the floor. In another
configuration the body is truncated wherein the distance between
the head and the handle is relatively short creating a device that
may be used to clean items closer to the user such as a table or
counter. Other configurations having intermediate lengths may be
provided based on the specific needs of the user. In addition, a
variety of lengths may be provided in one device by configuring the
housing to have a telescoping or an adjustable length between the
head and the handle. Telescoping capability may be provided by
tubular rods of desired lengths having diameters that allow one to
fit into the other with a securing means at locations where the
rods intersect. Device having similar telescoping capabilities are
commercially available such as walking sticks sold by outdoor
equipment companies. These devices typically have one or more
connector clamps that secure the rods in place at desired lengths
by twisting the rods in opposite directions on either end of the
connector. Alternatively a number of rods may be provided that may
be fastened together by screw joints to achieve a desired
length.
[0025] The elongated body may also be provided in a general linear
form of may have one of more bends that create desired angles for
cleaning specific items. For example, if the user would like to
clean the veins of a ceiling fan it would be beneficial to angle
the head such that its cleaning surface meets the surface to be
cleaned. This may be achieved by bending the elongated body nearer
to and including the head into a U-shape. Further the handle may be
bent perpendicular to the U-shaped body forming the shape of a
large hook. In this configuration the user is able to hook the head
over the vein with the head flush against the upper surface of the
vein. The surface is then dusted by drawing the head outward from
the center of the ceiling fan applying sufficient pressure to
maintain the cleaning surface on the top of the vein. These bends
may be provided by form molding the body into the desired shape.
Alternatively, if the handle and cleaning head are not prepared as
a single unit, one or more handles may be provided having desired
shapes and lengths for the users particular cleaning needs that may
be affixed to head prior to use.
[0026] A variety of configurations of the housing can be envisioned
base on the present invention. For example, a handheld dusting
device of the present invention can be configured to provide a
cleaning head and a relatively short handle, see FIG. 1. In this
aspect of the invention the housing 12 comprises a head 19 and a
handle 17. The head 19 having an upper surface 16, a lower surface
18 and a perimeter edge 11, may be provided in a number of shapes
based on the desires of the user, for example the head 19 may be
rectangular, square, oval, round, egg-shaped or any combination, of
any or all, of these shapes. Preferably the head 19 is provided in
a generally rectangular shape, having a length of about 6 inches to
about 36 inches, a width of about 2 inches to about 10 inches and a
thickness of about 1/4 inch to about 2 inches. The handle 17 may be
provided in a variety of shapes, for example the cross-section of
the handle 17 may be circular, oval, triangular or square. The
length of the handle 17 may be from about 3 inches to about 24
inches having a diameter or width of about 1/2 inch to about 11/2
inches. The handle 17 may be provided in tubular form or in solid
rod form. One skilled in the art would recognize that rigidity of
the handle 17 is necessary for effective use, consequently, if the
handle 17 is made of solid stock it may have a diameter or width
that is less than the diameter or width of the tubular stock.
Correspondingly, if the handle 17 is provided in tubular form the
thickness of the stock material will be thicker for narrower
diameter or width stock to maintain rigidity. Alternatively, the
thickness of the tubular stock may be thinner if the diameter or
width is larger. Preferably the handle 17 is tubular having a
cylindrical shape of diameter about 1 inch and a thickness of about
1/32 to about 3/16. The handle 17 may also be provided in a variety
of shapes based on the needs of the user such as for example a hook
shape for cleaning the veins of a ceiling fan. It may be extend
from one or more perimeter edges of the head or may extend from the
upper non-cleaning surface of the head 16. The handle 17 is
provided as a gripping element for securely holding and
manipulating the device. The handle 17 may be provided as a
projection extending from the head 19 at a length sufficient for
the width of a hand or may be provided with an extended length to
position the head 19 at a desired distance from the user.
[0027] When the handle 17 is provided in shorter lengths, such as
between about 3 inches to about 12 inches it may extend from the
upper surface of the head 16 at a desired angle such as for
example, 90 degrees, 45 degrees or 30 degrees generally parallel to
or generally perpendicular to the heads longest dimension.
Alternatively, the handle 17 may have a curved portion that allows
the handle 17 to be positioned parallel to the upper surface of the
head 16. For example as the handle 17 extends from the upper
surface of the head 16 about 2 inches to about 3 inches it bends or
curves at 90 degrees positioning the grippable portion of the
handle parallel with the upper surface of the head 16.
[0028] At longer lengths the handle 17 may have one or more bends
or curves depending on the needs of the user. As discussed
previously, the device of the present invention may be configured
for use in cleaning the veins of a ceiling fan. In this
configuration the length of the head 19 is about 1 to 3 times the
width of the vein. The handle 17 extends from the upper surface 16
or perimeter edge 11 of the head generally parallel to the upper
surface 16 for a distance of about 3 inches to about 6 inches, or
about the width of the vein, then curves forming a U-shape. The
width of the U being about 5 to 50 times the thickness of the vein
so that the device 10 may be easily positioned for cleaning. The
handle 17 is then bent at about a 90-degree angle to, and in line
with, the U curve. The length of this portion of the handle 17 may
vary depending on the height of the ceiling fan above the user.
[0029] A grippable portion 15 may be provided on the handle 17.
This portion may be molded to conform to the contour of a closed
hand for ease of use. In the elongated configuration the molded
contour grip may be provided on one end of the handle 17 and the
head 19 positioned on the other end. Correspondingly the grippable
portion 15 may be made of a flexible material that when gripped
conforms to the hand of the user.
[0030] In another configuration a floor mop is provided comprising
a cleaning head and an elongated handle. In this aspect of the
invention the head is provided similarly to that discussed for the
duster. The handle may be provided in a length of from 2 feet to 6
feet and preferably extends from the upper non-cleaning surface of
the head and more particularly about the center of the upper
surface. The handle may be adjustable but is preferably static
having a length of about 3 feet to about 4 feet. For ease of use it
is also preferable to have a flexible means between the head and
the handle. The flexible means may be provided by narrowing the
elongated handle just above the upper surface of the head in such a
way to allow the head to bend at an angle keeping the cleaning
surface flush with the floor during use. For example if the
elongated handle is provided with a groove parallel to the front
edge of the head narrowing the shaft so that the handle may bend
keeping the head flush with the floor during use. This
configuration of the flexible means provides a tilting capability
to the handle with respect to the head in a single direction, such
as side to side or forward to back. In another configuration the
flexible means is prepared by narrowing the shaft in at least two
positions in close proximity. One narrowing is provided parallel to
the front edge of the head and the second is provided perpendicular
to the front edge of the head. The narrowed connection regions are
positioned about the center of the handle shaft separated by a
region of the shaft having a length of about 1/16 to about 1/8
inch. These alternating direction narrowed connection regions may
be repeated one or more times to enhance the ease of flexibility.
This method is known and has been used for providing flexibility of
flat surface painting sponges between the head and handle.
[0031] In another aspect of the invention the head and handle are
provided separately and connected prior to use. In this
configuration the head and the handle may be made of different
materials that confer desired characteristics to the elements. For
example, the handle may be made of metal or wood to maintain
rigidity and the head may be made of polymer such as form molded
plastic to prevent scratching of the surfaces being cleaned.
Further the handle may comprise a gripping means that is affixed to
the end opposite the head. The gripping means may be made of a
compressible polymer such as rubber to conform to the user's hand.
Alternatively the gripping means may be made of plastic wherein the
surface of the grip is provided with a texture, or molded in a
shape, that enhances the user's ability to grip the device. The
gripping means may be affixed to the handle by a variety of methods
such as for example pressure fitting over the end of the handle, by
forming the gripping means in two halves that are clamped about the
handle, by for example screws, or may be adhered to the handle with
adhesive. If the handle is short in length such as in a duster
configuration, it may have a single gripping means,
correspondingly, if the handle is longer such as in a mop
configuration, see FIG. 2, there may be more than one gripping
means 27. For example, one gripping means 27 may be positioned on
the end of the handle 22 farthest from the cleaning head 24 and
another gripping means 27 positioned about midway between the
cleaning head 24 and the end of the handle 22. In this
configuration the user may grip the handle using both hands.
[0032] In the handheld duster device configuration of the present
invention the handle may be affixed or connected to the head
permanently by for example adhesive or welding, or may be affixed
reversibly by for example screw joint or snapping into place.
Alternatively, the handle may be connected to the cleaning head by
a rotatable connection that allows the head to rotate about the
handle. Correspondingly the handle may be connected to the head by
a hinge to allow the head to tilt about the handle. Preferably the
handle is affixed or connected to the head rigidly allowing more
control during use. If affixed rotatably the head preferably locks
into one of a variety of available positions prior to use.
[0033] In a floor mop device configuration of this aspect of the
present invention the handle is preferably affixed or connected to
the head by a joint that permits the head to move while maintaining
the lower cleaning surface flush with the floor see FIG. 2. In this
aspect of the invention and similar to the other devices described,
the head 24, has an upper surface 21, a lower surface 23 and a
perimeter edge 25. It may be provided in a number of shapes based
on the desires of the user, for example the head 19 may be
rectangular, square, oval, round, egg-shaped or any combination, of
any or all, of these shapes. Preferably the head 24 is provided in
a generally rectangular shape, having a length of about 6 inches to
about 36 inches, a width of about 2 inches to about 10 inches and a
thickness of about 1/4 inch to about 2 inches. The joint 28 may
provide tilting capability or both tilting and rotational
capability. When the joint 28 allows the head 24 to tilt in a
two-dimensional plane the joint 28 may be a hinge. For example, the
head 24 may comprise an adapter having two sides extending from and
perpendicular to the upper surface of the head 21 one opposite the
other each side having an aperture in line for receiving a hinge
pin. The handle 22 further comprises an adapter insert with a
single aperture to receive a hinge pin wherein the adapter insert
fits snugly between the two sides of the adapter provided by the
head 21. The hinge pin is inserted when the apertures of the
adapter sides and the adapter insert are positioned in line thereby
providing a joint 28 that allows tilting of the head during use.
The adapter in the head 21 may be provided by form molding or may
be affixed to the head 21 by for example screws or adhesive. If the
adapter is provided for affixing to the head 21, it may be made of
the same material as the head 21 or may be made of a different
material. For example the head 21 may be made of form molded
plastic and the adapter may be made of metal. Correspondingly, the
adapter insert may be for molded with the handle 22 as a single
piece or may be made for affixing to the handle 22. As with the
adapter, the adapter insert may be made of the same material as the
handle 22 or a different material. In other configurations the
flexible means may be a tightly coiled spring or rubber shaft in
line with the handle and affixed between the handle and the
cleaning head that maintains its rigidity until a set desired
angular pressure is applied allowing the spring to bend.
[0034] To provide both tilting and rotational capability the head
and handle may be affixed or connected by a universal joint. A
universal joint includes a first rotational joint having a shaft
with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mop head and
a second coplanar rotational joint having a shaft with an axis
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. For example the
end of the handle that is affixed to the head may have a U-shaped
adapter with an aperture for receiving a pin wherein the aperture
is provided perpendicular to the handle shaft. The head has a round
snap fit aperture about the center of the upper surface. This
aperture is able to receive the round snap fit base of an adapter
such that when the adapter is positioned in place the adapter may
rotate easily. An adapter insert is provided on and perpendicular
to the upper surface of the head having an aperture about the
center of the adapter insert that may be received by the U-shaped
adapter of the handle. When the apertures are in line the pin may
be placed in position completing assembly of the joint.
Alternatively, the universal joint may be a ball joint wherein the
end of the handle that connects to the head has a spherical member.
The head has a split ball joint adapter able to receive the
spherical member of the handle. The spherical member may be snapped
into the split ball joint adapter or the adapter may provide a
screw connection between the two sides of the split ball joint
adapter so that the joint may be tightened to the desired
rotational capability.
[0035] The magnetic means may be provided by a variety of methods
such as for example a solid rigid magnet, a flexible sheet magnet
or by magnetic thread. Correspondingly, a magnetic field may be
generated by an electrical current passed through a coil of wire.
In one preferred embodiment the magnetic means is provided through
the use of one or more solid magnets that may be affixed to the
head such that they are flush with the lower surface of the head.
Preferably indentations able to receive the magnets are provided in
the head such that the magnets are flush with the lower surface. In
this configuration the solid magnets may be affixed within these
indentations by a variety of means such as snap fit or adhesive.
These magnets are commercially available in a variety of shapes,
sizes and strengths. Alternatively, they may be form molded into
the head such that they are fully encased by the material used to
construct the head and such that the desired magnetic field is
exerted toward the surface being cleaned. In other configurations
the one or more magnets may be provided on the perimeter edge of
the head or may be positioned on the upper surface of the head in
such a way that a desired magnetic filed is exerted toward the
surface being cleaned.
[0036] One skilled in the art would recognize that the number of
magnets that may be used on any given head will depend on the size
and shape of the head and the size, shape and strength of the
magnets. One skilled in the art can determine the strength of the
magnets to be used for effective and efficient cleaning by
considering the distance between the magnetic and the magnetically
susceptible dust and/or dirt, the volume of magnetically
susceptible dust and/or dirt, the size of the cleaning surface of
the head, the area of the lower surface of the head occupied by the
one or more magnets and the positioning of the magnets in or on the
cleaning head. For example, to utilize as much of the magnetic
field generated by any particular magnet it is best to keep the
distance between the magnet and the magnetically susceptible dust
and/or dirt to a minimum. Consequently, it may be beneficial to
have a portion of the magnet exposed as opposed to being
encapsulated within the material used to construct the head.
Alternatively, if it is desirable to encapsulate the magnets to
protect the magnets from damage or corrosion a more powerful magnet
may be selected to maintain the strength provided in the exposed
magnet configuration.
[0037] If there is a large amount of magnetically susceptible dust
and/or dirt to be captured it may be beneficial to provide a larger
magnetic surface on the cleaning head. Correspondingly, if there is
only small amount of magnetically susceptible dust and/or dirt the
magnetic surface provided may be substantially smaller.
Alternatively, if the magnets are placed in a matrix configuration
at set distances from one another across the lower surface it may
be beneficial to increase the size and/or shape of the head to
provide additional magnets on the lower surface. Correspondingly,
the distances between the magnets within the matrix may be adjusted
to increase the active magnet surface area by decreasing the
distances within the matrix, or decrease the active surface based
on the needs of the user by increasing the distances within the
matrix.
[0038] If a limited number of magnets are to be used in the
cleaning head it would be important to position them in such a way
as to assure the effectiveness of the device. In FIG. 2, for
example, if only two magnets 29 are to be used it might be
beneficial that they be rod shaped so that they may be positioned
on the lower surface 23 about the middle, or along the leading
perimeter edge 25, and generally parallel to length of the cleaning
head 24.
[0039] In another preferred embodiment the magnetic means is a
flexible magnetic panel or sheet see FIG. 1. With this type of
magnetic means 13 the panel may be cut to a desired dimension and
affixed to the lower surface 18 of the cleaning head 19. Preferably
there is an indentation or recess in the lower surface 18 of the
head 19 to receive the flexible magnetic panel or sheet 13.
Preferably the magnet 13 is cut in the same shape and size as the
lower surface of the cleaning head 19. Alternatively, the sheet may
be cut into strips wherein two or more strips can be applied to the
lower surface of the cleaning head. The sheet magnet may be affixed
to the head by a variety of methods such as by magnetic attraction,
adhesive or screwing. If magnetic attraction is preferred a
metallic surface may be provided on, or within, the cleaning head
to allow affixing of the sheet magnet to the lower surface.
[0040] In another preferred embodiment the magnetic means is
provided as one or more magnetic threads affixed to, or affixed
across, the lower surface of the cleaning head. If one or more
magnetic threads are preferred they may be provided parallel to the
length of the cleaning head spaced apart at regular intervals
across the width of the cleaning head. Correspondingly the one or
more magnetic threads may be provided parallel to the width spaced
apart at regular intervals across the length of the cleaning head.
Preferably grooves are provided in the lower surface to receive the
magnetic threads.
[0041] In another configuration the magnetic threads may form a
cross-weave matrix that can be affixed to the lower surface of the
cleaning head. One skilled in the art would recognize that the
number of threads that may be used on any given head will depend on
the size and shape of the head, the size, shape and strength of the
magnetic threads and the number of magnetic threads per square inch
that may be desired. One skilled in the art can determine the
strength of the magnetic threads to be used for effective and
efficient cleaning by considering the amount of magnetically
susceptible dust and/or dirt to be captured and the size of the
cleaning surface of the head. If there is a large amount of
magnetically susceptible dust and/or dirt to be captured it may be
beneficial to provide a larger number of magnetic threads on the
cleaning head for example by decreasing the space between the
threads thereby increasing the number of threads per square inch.
Correspondingly, if there are only small amounts of magnetically
susceptible dust and/or dirt the number of magnetic threads
provided may be substantially smaller by for example increasing the
distances between the threads thereby decreasing the number of
threads per square inch.
[0042] In each of the magnetic means described thus far a cleaning
sheet is applied over the lower surface and affixed to the head
during proper use.
[0043] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention
the magnetic thread(s) may be woven into adhered to or bonded to
the cleaning sheets. The number of threads provided in a cleaning
sheet may be adjusted to a higher number to increase or to a lower
number to decrease the active magnetic surface area based on the
needs of the user.
[0044] Preferred sheets that are suitable for use with the present
invention are more fully described in U.S. patent application Ser.
Nos. 09/082,349 and 09/082,396 both of which are incorporated
herein by reference. The sheets in these application preferably
comprise two components: a polymeric net or scrim and a fibrous
material which is laid upon the scrim by lamination via heat or
chemical means such as adhesives or by hydrogen entanglement. Scrim
materials useful herein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,419,
which is incorporated herein by reference. The scrims may be formed
directly at the extrusion dies or can be derived from extruded
films by fibrillation or by embossment, followed by stretching and
splitting. The scrim may be derived from polyolefin such as
polyethylene or polypropylene, copolymers thereof, poly(butylene
terephthalate), polyethylene terephthalate, Nylon 6, Nylon 66 and
the like. Scrim materials are available from a variety of
commercial sources such as Conwed Plastics (Minneapolis,
Minn.).
[0045] Materials particularly suitable for forming the fibrous
material of the sheet include for example natural cellulosics, as
well as synthetics such as polyolefins (e.g. polyethylene and
polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, synthetic cellulosics (e.g.
Rayon, and blends thereof. Also useful are natural fibers, such as
cotton, or blends thereof and those derived from various cellulosic
sources. The material, weave or matrix selected by the user will be
based on the characteristics of the material that allow for capture
of larger particles drawing them preferably off the cleaned surface
onto the magnet of the head to prevent scratching. In one
configuration the magnets are positioned in the head a desired
distance from the surface to be cleaned such that when capturing
larger particles of dirt and/or dust they are drawn away from the
cleaned surface into the cleaning sheet and to the magnets thereby
preventing the particles from scratching the cleaned surface.
Preferred starting materials for making the hydrogentangled fibrous
sheets of the present invention are synthetic materials which may
be in the form of carded, or spunbouned meltblown, airlaid, or
other structures. Particularly preferred are polyesters, especially
carded polyester fiber. The degree of hydrophobicity or
hydrophilicity of the fibers is optimized depending upon the
desired goal of the sheet, either in terms of type of soil to be
removed, the type of additive that is provided, when the additive
is present, biodegradability, availability, and combinations of
such considerations. In general, the more biodegradable materials
are hydrophilic, but the more effective materials tend to be
hydrophobic.
[0046] There are a variety of attachment means that may be utilized
for affixing the cleaning sheet to the head such as by direct
pressure provided by for example a clamp or by frictional pressure
provided by for example Velcro.TM.. Alternatively, a cleaning sheet
may be affixed by use of a pin or by a pressure grip such as that
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,046.
[0047] If the attachment means is a clamp the clamp may be
activated by pressure applied in a similar fashion as a pressure
clip commercially used to hold a pad in a notebook. It may be a
spring activated similar to a clothes pin or a pressure band
activated similar to the triangular binder clips available
commercially for holding stacks of paper together. The clamp may be
affixed to the cleaning head by a variety of means. For example an
adapter may be form molded into the head to receive the clamp by
snap or press fitting Alternatively the clamp may be screwed onto
the head or adhered by adhesive to the head. The clamping means may
also be a magnet see FIG. 2. In this configuration the portion of
the head to which the cleaning sheet is attached must be
magnetically susceptible to provide a surface to attract the magnet
26. The surface may be form molded into the cleaning head 24,
screwed to the head 24 or adhered to the head 24 with adhesive.
Alternatively, the magnets positioned within the head may be
provided with sufficient magnetic strength to allow the magnetic
clamp 26 to be affixed to the upper surface of the head 21 without
the addition of a magnetically susceptible metallic surface.
[0048] If the attachment means functions by frictional pressure it
may be a serrated edge, Velcro.TM. or by pressure grip. If the
attachment means is a serrated edge such as for example a serrated
metal strip. In this configuration a strip may be provided on each
of two sides of the head opposite each other by a variety of
methods such as by screw or adhesive. These may be oriented at such
an angle that one edge of the cleaning sheet may be snagged on one
side of the head wrapped around the lower surface of the head and
the opposite edge of the cleaning sheet snagged on the other side
of the head. If the attachment means is Velcro.TM. the hook portion
of the Velcro.TM. may be provided on the head while the cleaning
sheet may be made of a fibrous material, that can be captured by
the hook portion such as a felt. The hook portion of the Velcro.TM.
may be affixed to the cleaning head by a variety of means but
preferably by adhesive. A pressure grip attachment means is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,046 and is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0049] The attachment means may be mechanical such as one or more
snaps. In this configuration the cleaning sheet may be clamped
between the male and female portions of each snap. Alternatively
the sheet may be provided with holes to avoid clamping of the sheet
between the male and female portions of the snap. The snaps may be
affixed to the cleaning head by a variety of methods, preferably by
rivet or by form molding into or as part of the head.
Alternatively, the attachment means may be one or more dowels that
when inserted into their corresponding pressure fit apertures over
the cleaning sheet clamp the sheet onto the head. In this
configuration the pressure fit apertures are provided in the
desired surface of the head to effectively affix the cleaning sheet
to the lower surface of the head.
[0050] Prior to use the user selects the appropriate cleaning
device of the present invention based on the surface to be cleaned,
for example if the surface to be cleaned is a table or countertop
the appropriate device might be a handheld duster, correspondingly
if the surface to cleaned is a floor a mop might be
appropriate.
[0051] Next the user determines the general magnetic strength
required to accommodate the volume of magnetically susceptible dust
and/or dirt to be removed from the surface. For example if the
volume is large volume or the particle size is greater than
construction grade sand a large magnetic surface area may be
desirable. Correspondingly, the strength of the field generated by
the magnetic surface should be sufficient to capture and maintain
those sized particles on the surface of the cleaning sheet.
[0052] Next the user may determine the cleaning sheet to be applied
to the device based on the amount, type and general size of the
dust and/or dirt to be captured, collected or retained by the
sheet. If for example there is a large amount of dust and/or dirt
to be removed from a surface a sheet having the appropriate
three-dimensional surface texturing to collect a large volume of
dust and/or dirt may be appropriate.
[0053] Once the device configuration, either duster or mop has been
selected having the appropriate magnetic means and the cleaning
sheet having sufficient characteristics is selected, the cleaning
sheet must be attached to the head of the device such that it
sufficiently covers the lower surface. The method for attaching the
sheet to the cleaning head will depend on the type of attachment
means provided on the head. If for example the head provides clamps
on the front and back perimeter edges of the cleaning head, then
one end of the sheet is inserted into the jaws of the first clamp
and secured. The sheet is then stretched across the lower surface
of the cleaning head and the opposite end of the sheet is inserted
into the jaws of the second clamp and secured. Preferably the sheet
is held tightly and generally taut across the lower surface of the
cleaning head. If the head provides snaps on the upper surface of
the cleaning head, preferably about four snaps positioned one in
each corner of the head, then each of the four corners of the sheet
may be snapped into each of the four snaps. Preferably the sheet is
held tightly and generally taut across the lower surface of the
cleaning head. If for example the head provides pressure grips such
as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,046 on the upper surface
of the cleaning head, preferably about four, one in each corner of
the upper surface, then the sheet is placed over the pressure grips
and pressed into each cavity such that the ends of the sheet do not
enter the cavity. Preferably the sheet is held taut across the
lower surface during this procedure to assure that it maintains its
tautness after being attached to the cleaning head.
[0054] Once the cleaning sheet is in place the user may begin
cleaning the surface. When the cleaning sheet has gather a
sufficient amount of dust and/or dirt the sheet is removed and
discarded and another sheet is positioned in place. If the device
selected for use comprises the magnetic means it would be
beneficial to remove the used cleaning sheet over a trash can or
receptacle to avoid the magnetically susceptible particle from
falling to the clean floor once removed from the magnetic means of
the cleaning head. Alternatively, the sheet may be removed by first
releasing its edges from the attachment means, folding the edges
over the used surface and slowly removing the sheet from the
magnetic means for disposal.
* * * * *