U.S. patent application number 11/844137 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for fibrous pad for cleaning/polishing floors.
Invention is credited to Georgi M. POPOV.
Application Number | 20090053982 11/844137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40382619 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090053982 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
POPOV; Georgi M. |
February 26, 2009 |
FIBROUS PAD FOR CLEANING/POLISHING FLOORS
Abstract
A cleaning/polishing pad for cleaning or polishing stone,
terrazzo or concrete floors comprises a flexible, disk-shaped pad
body having an upper mounting surface and a lower working surface,
the pad body comprising natural wool fibers. A plurality of resin
segments spaced apart from one another and affixed adjacent the
lower working surface of the disk-shaped pad body, the resin
segments including diamond particles embedded therein, wherein each
of the plurality of resin segments is affixed to the pad body in
such a way that the majority of the resin segment stands proud of
the pad body.
Inventors: |
POPOV; Georgi M.;
(Braselton, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF GREENWALD & VILLANUEVA. PC
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD, SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
40382619 |
Appl. No.: |
11/844137 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/527 ;
451/529 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24D 13/14 20130101;
B24D 11/02 20130101; B24B 7/186 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/527 ;
451/529 |
International
Class: |
B24D 11/00 20060101
B24D011/00; B24D 11/04 20060101 B24D011/04 |
Claims
1. A cleaning/polishing pad for cleaning stone, terrazzo or
concrete floors, the cleaning/polishing pad comprising: a flexible,
disk-shaped pad body having an upper mounting surface and a lower
working surface, the pad body comprising natural wool fibers; and a
plurality of resin segments spaced apart from one another and
affixed adjacent the lower working surface of the disk-shaped pad
body, the resin segments including diamond particles embedded
therein, wherein each of the plurality of resin segments is affixed
to the pad body in such a way that the majority of the resin
segment stands proud of the pad body.
2. A cleaning/polishing pad for cleaning stone, terrazzo or
concrete floors, the cleaning/polishing pad comprising: a flexible,
disk-shaped pad body having an upper mounting surface and a lower
working surface, the pad body comprising wool fibers; and a
plurality of resin segments spaced apart from one another and
affixed adjacent the lower working surface of the disk-shaped pad
body, the resin segments including diamond particles embedded
therein.
3. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 2 wherein the resin
segments are located from one another at predetermined, non-random
distances.
4. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 3 wherein the resin
segments are spaced apart from one another about 5-10 mm.
5. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 2 wherein the resin
segments are arranged in concentric rings.
6. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of
the plurality of resin segments is affixed to the pad body in such
a way that the majority of the resin segment stands proud of the
pad body.
7. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 6 wherein the resin
segments extend beyond the surface of the pad body between about
0.5 mm and 3 mm.
8. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 2 wherein at least
some of the resin segments are located in close proximity to an
outer edge of the cleaning/polishing pad.
9. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 2 further
comprising a releasable attachment backing for securing the pad to
a machine and secured adjacent the upper mounting surface of the
flexible, disk-shaped pad body.
10. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 9 wherein the
releasable attachment backing comprises hook and/or loop
material.
11. A cleaning/polishing pad for cleaning stone, terrazzo or
concrete floors, the cleaning/polishing pad comprising: a flexible,
disk-shaped, fibrous pad body having an upper mounting surface and
a lower working surface; and a plurality of resin segments spaced
apart from one another and affixed adjacent the lower working
surface of the disk-shaped pad body, the resin segments including
abrasive particles embedded therein.
12. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 11 wherein the
disk-shaped pad body comprises wool.
13. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 11 further
comprising a releasable attachment backing secured adjacent the
upper mounting surface of the resilient, disk-shaped pad body.
14. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 13 wherein the
releasable attachment backing comprises hook and/or loop
material.
15. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 11 wherein each of
the plurality of resin segments is affixed to the pad body in such
a way that the majority of the resin segment stands proud of the
pad body.
16. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 15 wherein the
resin segments extend beyond the surface of the pad body between
about 0.5 mm and 3 mm.
17. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 11 wherein at
least some of the resin segments are arranged in circular
arrays.
18. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 11 wherein the
resin segments are located from one another at predetermined,
non-random distances.
19. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 11 wherein at
least some of the resin segments are located in close proximity to
an outer edge of the cleaning/polishing pad.
20. A cleaning/polishing pad as claimed in claim 11 wherein the
abrasive particles comprise diamond particles or diamond-like
particles.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to pads for use with
floor cleaning machines for cleaning and polishing stone, terrazzo,
and/or concrete floors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Scouring, cleaning and polishing pads are widely known and
used to clean and restore stone, terrazzo, and/or concrete floors
and surfaces. Often, such pads are disk-shaped and fitted to a
conventional floor-cleaning machine of a conventional type.
Typically, floor-cleaning machines apply pressure to the
disk-shaped pads and rotate or gyrate the pads against the floor to
be cleaned/polished. It is widely known in the art for a user to
apply a cleaning/polishing paste or solution to the floor before
applying the disk-shaped pads thereto, to aid the pads in
successfully removing dirt and/or residue from the floor.
Generally, these pastes or solutions often include abrasive
particles therein to aid in scouring and grinding the
stone/concrete floor.
[0003] Recently, cleaning pads have been introduced that include
abrasive particles within the pads so that additional cleaning
solutions/pastes are generally no longer needed or their need has
been minimized. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,745 discloses a
disk-shaped cleaning element comprised of a nylon scouring material
having a plurality of recesses distributed across the element's
active cleaning surface, wherein the recesses contain grinding
elements therein. However, these cleaning elements only apply the
abrasive particles to the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning
element is compressed against the same with force. In this manner,
a user must apply additional pressure to the conventional
floor-cleaning machine if the user wants the abrasive particles of
the cleaning element to engage the cleaning surface. Additionally,
it has been found that nylon scouring elements are not well-suited
for retaining a sufficient quantity of abrasive particles,
resulting in a very short pad life span. Moreover, the abrasive
particles that are retained within nylon scouring elements are
often easily detached therefrom. Finally, it has been found that
nylon does not polish stone, terrazzo, concrete, etc. very
well.
[0004] Thus it can be seen that needs exist for improvements to
cleaning/polishing pads for polishing or cleaning the surface of
stone, terrazzo, concrete, and the like, the pad having abrasive
particles located within/on the pad. Additionally, it can be seen
that needs exist for improvements in the materials used in the
construction of cleaning/polishing pads that offer longer life
spans and improved polishing qualities. It is to the provision of a
cleaning and polishing element that meets these needs and others
that the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to a cleaning/polishing pad
for cleaning stone, terrazzo or concrete floors. The
cleaning/polishing pad includes a flexible, disk-shaped, fibrous
pad body having an upper mounting surface and a lower working
surface. A plurality of resin segments are affixed to the pad body,
are spaced apart from one another and are affixed adjacent the
lower working surface of the disk-shaped pad body. Advantageously,
the resin segments include diamond particles embedded therein.
[0006] Preferably, the fibrous pad body comprises a natural fiber,
and most preferably the disk-shaped pad body comprises dense
natural wool. The inventor has found that a natural wool pad body
does an excellent job of adhering the resin segments thereto,
improving the life and reliability of the cleaning/polishing
pad.
[0007] With the cleaning/polishing pad having a strong, reliable
adhesion between the resin segments and the fibrous pad body,
long-lasting, normally costly, abrasives can be employed
rationally. Indeed, the strength of the bond between the resin
segments and the wool pad body is particularly well-suited to the
use of industrial diamond as the abrasive. The resulting
cleaning/polishing pad exhibits outstanding cleaning and polishing
performance, while at the same time providing very long life (good
economy).
[0008] Optionally, the resin segments are spaced regularly apart
from one another at pre-determined distances. Optionally, the resin
segments are arranged in a concentric ring pattern. Alternatively,
the resin segments can be arranged in other patterns, including a
gradual spiral.
[0009] The inventor has found that placing the resin segments on
the working surface of the pad body (so that the resin segments
stand proud thereof) is superior to imbedding abrasive-bearing
resin in openings formed in a pad. This is so because having the
resin segments extend above the surface of the pad body keeps the
resin (and the abrasive therein) continually exposed despite
progressive wear on the resin segments during use. Indeed, in this
way nearly all of the resin (and nearly all of the abrasive) can be
consumed before the cleaning/polishing pad becomes unusable due to
wear. This construction thus makes economical use of diamond
particles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning pad according to
an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cleaning pad shown in FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is side view of the cleaning pad shown in FIG. 1
depicted with several of the resin segments removed for
clarity.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of a single resin segment as shown in
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of the invention
taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which
form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this
invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods,
conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that
the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended
to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the
specification including the appended claims, the singular forms
"a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a
particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be
expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular
value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular
value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes
from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.
Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of
the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular
value forms another embodiment.
[0015] Referring now to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1-3 depict a
cleaning/polishing pad 10 according to an example embodiment of the
present invention. Generally, the cleaning pad 10 comprises a pad
body 20 and a plurality of resin segments 30 affixed thereto. The
pad 10 can be received by a conventional floor-cleaning machine for
direct application to a floor or other surface to be cleaned and/or
polished. Typically, the pad 10 of the present invention can be
used to clean and polish hard surfaces, such as stone, terrazzo,
concrete, and/or other similar surfaces, as desired by a user.
[0016] In example embodiments, the pad body 20 is generally
disk-shaped and has a circular hole 22 formed in the center of the
pad body to accommodate a conventional floor-cleaning machine.
However, in other embodiments, the pad body 20 can be rectangular,
elliptical, or other shapes as desired. The disk-shaped pad body 20
can be produced in multiple sizes to accommodate different
conventional floor-cleaning machines, the pad body ranging from
about 3 inches to more than 20 inches in diameter. Additionally,
the thickness of the pad body 20 can vary as desired, and for
example can range from about 1/4 inch to over 1 inch. In one
exemplary commercial embodiment, the pad body 20 is approximately 9
inches in diameter and about 3/8 inch thick. In other exemplary
commercial embodiments, the pads can be about 15 or 16 inches in
diameter. It is preferred, but not required, that the pad body 20
can be constructed from any flexible, fibrous, and/or resilient
material, although in commercial embodiments, the body is formed
from natural wool fiber. It has been found that pad bodies 20
constructed from natural wool display the appropriate amount of
both resiliency and flexibility and are particularly adept at
adhering to the resin segments described below. Other natural
fibers can be employed in the pad body, such as cotton or sisal.
However, the use of wool is preferred.
[0017] The pad body 20 can better be defined as having an upper
mounting surface 24 and lower working surface 26. The upper
mounting surface 24 is received by a conventional floor-cleaning
machine and affixed thereto. The mounting surface 24 can be secured
to a floor-cleaning machine with epoxy, glue, snaps, hook and loop
material (VELCRO.RTM.), or other conventional means of the
achieving the same. In commercial embodiments, the mounting surface
24 includes a loop backing 28 for releasable engagement with a
plurality of hooks located on a corresponding receiving surface of
a conventional floor-cleaning machine.
[0018] The lower working surface 26 is the pad body's active
cleaning/polishing surface, which a user works against the floor or
other surface to be cleaned. The working surface 26 has a plurality
of resin segments 30 affixed thereto. The resin segments 30 are
generally much more abrasive than the underlying pad body 20 and,
as seen in FIG. 4, comprise both cured (solidified) resin 32 and
abrasive particles 34, such as diamonds, diamond-like materials,
diamond simulants, silicon, garnet, glass, etc. The resin 32 binds
the abrasive particles 34 (diamond or otherwise) to the pad body
20, which promotes the long-term adherence of the abrasive
particles to the same. In commercial embodiments, the use of wool
for the body 20 permits a very strong adhesion between the pad body
and resin segments 30, as the resin 32 is believed to be infused
into the closely-knit fibers of the wool and create a strong bond
thereto.
[0019] In example embodiments, the resin segments 30 are attached
to the exterior of the pad body 20, and thus it has been found that
pads according to the present invention can contain a larger
quantity of abrasive particles 34 per pad than other
cleaning/scouring pads presently known in the art. Moreover, by
having the resin segments stand proud of the pad body, as the resin
segments are worn away through use, abrasive (preferably diamond)
particles remain exposed for use by virtue of the segments being
proud of, instead of in, the pad body.
[0020] Example embodiments can utilize many different types of
resin 32 to bind the abrasive particles 34 therein, such as one or
more types of epoxy resin. In commercial embodiments, epoxy resin
is preferred. As previously discussed, the resin segments 30
project vertically beyond the working surface 26 of the pad body 20
when the body is in a non-pressurized state, as best seen in FIGS.
3-4. The distance that the resin segments can project vertically
beyond the working surface 26 ranges between about 0.5 mm and about
5 mm, although in commercial embodiments, the resin segments extend
out between about 0.5 mm and 3 mm. It has been found that if the
resin segments 30 extend too far beyond the pad working surface 26,
the resin 32 and abrasives 34 can break off from the same in use,
particularly when meeting a seam in a floor. So the resin segments
should not be made to stand too tall in relation to the surface of
the pad body. On the other hand, making the resin segments shorter
limits the effective life of the pad.
[0021] In alternative embodiments, some abrasive particles can also
be contained within the pad body 20. In the commercial embodiment,
the resin segments are attached to the pad body by pouring liquid
resin (containing diamond particles) onto the pad body and allowing
the resin to cure (set up and solidify). Before the resin cures,
some of the resin is absorbed into the fibers of the pad body and
becomes infused therein, resulting in a stronger adhesion than if
the resin segments remained merely completely external to the pad
body.
[0022] The segments 30 can be applied to the working surface 26 in
multiple configurations including: circular arrays, concentric
circles, a continuous spiral, or other configurations as desired,
and can extend from the inner hole 22 to the outer edge of the pad
body 20 to ensure that the entire pad can be utilized. Regardless
of the exact configuration and layout of the segments 30, it is
preferred that the segments are spaced apart from each other in
some manner. The segments 30 can be spaced apart between about 2 mm
and more than 10 mm apart. In an exemplary commercial embodiment,
each segment 30 preferably is spaced between about 5 mm and 10 mm
apart from the adjacent resin segments. The spacing between the
segments 30 provides room for the flexible pad body 20 to contact
the surface to be cleaned in a complementary fashion to the
abrasive filled resin segments. It also provides a handy space for
dust, dirt, stone residue, cleaning residue, etc, to collect and be
expelled without interfering with the contact between the resin
segments and the floor.
[0023] In commercial embodiments, it has been found a wool pad body
20 has the right flexibility to conform to the gap between the
resin segments 30, gently adding to the polishing of the floor by
allowing a slight, low-force contact between the pad body and the
floor surface.
[0024] In operation, a user desiring to clean/polish a stone,
terrazzo, and/or concrete surface can affix a cleaning pad 10
according to an example embodiment to a corresponding surface of a
conventional floor-cleaning machine. The user can then operate the
floor-cleaning machine in a conventional manner, (e.g., through
powered rotation), such that the working surface 26 of the cleaning
pad 10 is applied and worked against the floor surface to be
cleaned. As the pad 10 is pressed against the floor surface to be
cleaned, the resin segments 30 scour and polish the surface.
Because the resin segments 30 are vertically projected beyond the
pad body 20 (when the body is in a relaxed state), the segments are
constantly engaged with the surface to be cleaned. However, the
pressure from the floor-cleaning machine can cause the flexible and
fibrous (e.g., wool) pad body 20 to conform to the gaps between
each resin segment 30, whereby the surface to be cleaned is worked
and polished by both the resin segments, containing the abrasive
particles, and the fibrous pad body. Additionally, because the pad
body 20 is flexible, the pad 10 is able to conform to any
undulations or surface irregularities in the floor to be cleaned.
The pads 10 can be used dry or wet, although in commercial
embodiments it is recommended that the pads be used dry, as the
need for a wetting agent or paste is minimized or obviated by the
abrasive particles 34 protruding from the pad body 20.
[0025] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and
deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *