U.S. patent application number 12/665307 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-26 for floor cleaning pad and apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC.. Invention is credited to Shwn-Meei Y. Linden, Doug Watson, Glenn N. Weaver.
Application Number | 20100212690 12/665307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40156709 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100212690 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Linden; Shwn-Meei Y. ; et
al. |
August 26, 2010 |
FLOOR CLEANING PAD AND APPARATUS
Abstract
A cleaning device including a mel amine sponge is employed for
use in a floor scrubbing machine for cleaning uncoated, stone
floors. A backing material is secured to the melamine sponge and a
non-woven fabric is secured to the backing material which in turn
is engaged by the driver block of the machine. The cleaning device
in conjunction with the floor scrubbing machine is capable of
removing dirt and scuff marks from stone floors using only water as
the cleaning agent.
Inventors: |
Linden; Shwn-Meei Y.;
(Racine, WI) ; Weaver; Glenn N.; (Racine, WI)
; Watson; Doug; (Des Plaines, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Diversey, Inc.
8310 16TH STREET, M/S 509, PO BOX 902
STURTEVANT
WI
53177-0902
US
|
Assignee: |
JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC.
Sturtevant
WI
|
Family ID: |
40156709 |
Appl. No.: |
12/665307 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
June 20, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/67673 |
371 Date: |
December 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60945485 |
Jun 21, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/6 ;
15/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4038 20130101;
A47L 11/283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/6 ;
15/98 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/02 20060101
A47L011/02 |
Claims
1. A cleaning device for use on a portable, powered, hand-held
tool, the cleaning device comprising: a melamine foam pad; a
backing layer connected to the melamine foam pad; and a connection
layer connected to the backing layer, the connection layer
constructed and arranged to be connected and retained to the
hand-held tool.
2. The cleaning pad of claim 1 where the melamine foam pad is
uncompressed.
3. The cleaning pad of claim 1 where the melamine foam pad is
compressed.
4. The cleaning pad of claim 1 wherein the melamine foam pad is
about 1/2 inch in thickness.
5.-9. (canceled)
10. A cleaning apparatus for use on a floor scrubbing machine, the
cleaning apparatus comprising: a pad driver connected to the
driving member; and a melamine foam pad connected to the pad
driver.
11. The cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein the melamine foam
pad is essentially round and has a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein the melamine foam
pad has a diameter in the range of about 3 to about 20 inches.
13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 10 further including a backing
layer connected to the melamine foam pad.
14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the backing layer is
composed of polyurethane.
15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 13 further including a
connection layer connected to the backing layer.
16. The cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the backing layer is
composed of a felt material.
17. A method of cleaning a floor surface employing the cleaning
apparatus of claim 10.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the floor surface is a porous
stone floor with grout.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the porous stone floor is
porcelain.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein water is applied to the floor
surface and is scrubbed into the surface, the melamine foam pad
being essentially round and having a thickness of about 1/2
inch.
21. The method of claim 17 wherein a low volatile cleaning agent is
applied to the floor surface and is scrubbed into the surface.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein only water is used as the
cleaning agent applied to the floor surface and is scrubbed into
the surface.
23. The method of claim 17 wherein the floor surface is
uncoated.
24.-28. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to cleaning devices. More
particularly, it relates to scrubbing machines and a melamine foam
pad for use therewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Melamine-formaldehyde resin foams, also referred to herein
as melamine foams, are well known in the art for use in industrial
applications, for example, as heat or sound insulating materials as
well as for fire protection purposes. Indeed, in the automotive
industry, melamine foam is commonly used to insulate motor
compartments and driver cabins of cars and trucks. It has been
found that melamine foams can be used to clean hard surfaces as
well as remove soil and stains from hard surfaces.
[0003] Surprisingly it has been discovered that melamine foams in
the form of pads can be connected to floor scrubbing machines for
cleaning hard surfaces such as stone, concrete, ceramic tile and
porcelain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a cleaning device for use on
a scrubbing machine which includes a melamine foam pad, a backing
layer connected to the melamine foam pad, and a connection layer
connected to the backing layer. The connection layer is constructed
and arranged to be connected to and retained by a pad driver of the
scrubbing machine.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the melamine foam pad is
uncompressed.
[0006] In another preferred embodiment the melamine foam pad, the
backing layer and the connection layer of the cleaning device are
essentially round and the melamine foam pad is about 1/2 inch in
thickness.
[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning device includes
an essentially round melamine foam pad and an essentially round
connection layer constructed and arranged to be connected to a pad
driver of the scrubbing machine.
[0008] In one aspect, a cleaning apparatus for scrubbing floors is
presented which includes a scrubbing machine having a drive means
to drive a driving member. A pad driver is connected to the driving
member, and a melamine foam pad connected to the pad driver.
[0009] In another aspect, the melamine foam pad has a diameter in
the range of 3 to 20 inches.
[0010] In still another aspect, there is presented a method for
cleaning an uncoated stone floor with a floor scrubbing machine
having a melamine scrubbing pad. A cleaning agent such as water or
a low volatile organic cleaning solution is scrubbed into the
floor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a scrubbing
machine employed in conjunction with the melamine foam pad of this
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the melamine foam
pad;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the melamine foam pad shown in
FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the foam pad engaged by
a driver block;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing a different
driver block engaging the foam pad; and
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1 the cleaning device generally 10 is
shown in conjunction with a floor scrubbing machine 12 which is a
TASKI autoscrubber, sold under the Swingo brand name.
[0019] The machine 12 comprises a body or frame 14 and a chassis
16, 18 to enable the machine to move over a surface or floor S. The
chassis includes in this case one or two front wheels 16 and one or
two rear wheels 18. In use, an operator is guiding the machine and
is steering it through a handle or bar 20, but the machine can also
have a seat for a driver and drive means to move the machine.
[0020] The machine further comprises a head 22 including the
cleaning device 10 to act on the floor S. The cleaning device 10 is
rotatably driveable around an axis perpendicularly to the lower
surface of the cleaning device 10. A drive means (not shown) is
provided to rotate the cleaning device 10 by means of driver blocks
24 or 25 shown in the FIGS. 4 and 6, respectively. The head 22 is
positioned in front of the front wheels 16 of the machine.
[0021] The head 22 is supported by the frame 14 in a manner so as
to be freely moveable up and down in order to follow slopes and
other irregularities in the surface S to be scrubbed.
[0022] In order to enable the head 22 to move, it is attached to
the free end of a first lever arm 28 of a two armed lever 30. This
lever 30 is attached to the frame 14 through a pivot 32 which is
positioned between the first lever arm 28 and a second lever arm
34. These lever arms 28, 34 are positioned at an angle with respect
to each other. The free end of the second arm 34 is connected to an
axle 36 of the front wheels 16 of the machine.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the cleaning device 10 is composed
of three layers in the form of a disk. A melamine sponge layer 40,
a polyurethane foam layer 42 and a non-woven fabric layer 44. The
preferred melamine sponge material is available from BASF as
BASOTECT and is a melamine formaldehyde sponge material. The
preferred polyurethane foam is EGM polyurethane yellow foam
available from WM. T. BURNETT & CO. The preferred non-woven
fabric layer is FIBERBOND non-woven fabric available as product
number 111211 available from Fiber Bond Corporation. The melamine
sponge layer 40 is preferably bonded to the foam backing layer 42
and the foam backing layer 42 bonded to the non-woven fabric 44
with a 3M FASTBOND adhesive.
[0024] The round melamine sponge pad or layer 40 is preferably 1/2
thick. However it can range from 1/4 to 1 inch in thickness. The
advantage of the 1/2 inch thickness is retention on the driver
block 24 when it is saturated with water. The polyurethane backing
layer 42 is preferably 0.23 inches thick. This thickness can vary
from 0.1 to 1 inch. The non-woven fabric layer 44 is preferably
0.375 inches thick but can vary from 0.1 to 1 inch. The preferred
diameter of layers 40, 42 and 44 is 14 inches. However it can vary
from 3 to 20 inches in diameter.
[0025] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, embodiment 10 differs from
embodiment 10A in a different type of driver block 26. Driver block
24 is composed of hard plastic material with a metallic connection
to the machine and has a multiplicity of projections 46 for
engaging the non-woven fabric layer 44. As to embodiment 10A,
longer projections 48 extend from a hard plastic material body 50
of driver block 26 to engage the non-woven fabric layer 44.
[0026] Several tests were made employing cleaning devices 10 or 10A
employing the Combimat 1600 with the 14 inch cleaning device and
the Tomcat 2100 employing an 11 inch disk and a head pressure of
133, 167 and 200 lbs. The results of these tests were directed at
determining the optimum head pressure applied to the cleaning
devices 10 and 10A by the floor scrubbing machine 12. The results
are set forth in the following Table as well as other disks and
head pressures which can be employed for Combimat and CombiPro
autoscrubbers, and Tomcat 2100 scrubbing machine.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE DISK total Taski dia. area, HEAD PRESSURE
autoscrubber Inch # in.sup.2 kg lb g/in.sup.2 lb/in.sup.2
g/cm.sup.2 RPM Combimat 1400 11 2 190 41 90 216 0.48 33 195
Combimat 1600 14 2 308 42 92 136 0.30 21 152 Combimat 1800 17 2 454
43 94 95 0.21 15 133 Combimat 14 2 308 42 92 136 0.30 21 1700-L1
Combimat 14 2 308 61 134 198 0.44 31 1700-L2 CombiPro 5 1 20 2.22
4.9 113 0.25 18 400 Tomcat 2100 11 2 190 38 83 199 0.44 31 200/270
with 5 settings 11 2 190 45 100 239 0.53 37 201/270 11 2 190 60 133
318 0.70 49 202/270 11 2 190 76 167 398 0.88 62 203/270 11 2 190 91
200 477 1.05 74 200/270
[0027] The results of these tests indicated that the amount of
force placed on the cleaning device 10 or 10A by a scrubbing
machine should be in the range of 0.1 to 1 lb/in.sup.2 or 74
g/cm.sup.2 with 0.5 lb/in.sup.2 being preferred in order to
minimize the wearing of the melamine sponge pad or layer 40.
[0028] A three layer cleaner device 10 and 10A is shown and
described in conjunction with FIG. 2. Optionally, a two layer
cleaner device can be employed without the backing layer 42 where
torque absorption is not a factor. In other words, a three layer
pad is more durable under greater forces than a two layer pad. The
advantage of three layer pad compared to a two layer pad is
illustrated in the comparative results below.
[0029] As illustrated in Tables 1-3, the durability of samples of
melamine foam pads were tested and compared. Table 1 compares the
results of a three layer pad, a two layer pad, and a single layer
pad under relatively low torque conditions (i.e., 0.42
lb/in.sup.2). Table 2 compares a three layer pad to two layer pad
under increasing torque conditions (starting at 0.42 lb/in.sup.2
and increasing to 0.99 lb/in.sup.2). Finally, Table 3 compares a
three layer pad to a two layer pad under relatively high torque
conditions (i.e., 0.99 lb/in.sup.2).
[0030] The durability test was carried over an uncoated black VCT
from Armstrong under a set vertical force (Z-force) using a
Precision Force Instrument. A piece of super-adhesive Nylon hook
(with seven 2'' long lines of Nylon hook on top of 0.4''.times.2''
strip) was placed on a fixed location of tile, at the center of
half tile (6''.times.12''), and 5'' from the both edges of tile.
The nylon hook tape (Velcro) was purchased from McMaster-Carr and
was used to simulate the dirt and rough surface of hard surface
floor. The pad was spinning at 50 r.p.m. while traveling over the
tile. One cycle of testing included moving the pad from one side of
a tile to an opposite side of the tile, and then moving the pad in
an opposite direction across the tile. Each run consists of pad
passing while spinning over the tile for ten cycles (total of 20
passes) with a pause included between cycles. The pad was removed
from the instrument after each run, and the loose particles from
the abrasion of melamine foam was lightly brushed off before the
weight of pad was recorded. This data is included Tables 1-3.
[0031] For the test illustrated in Table 1, the following materials
were used: All three pads were made from a 3-layer pad supplied
from Queen City. The pad included a first layer of half-inch thick
melamine foam, a second layer of polyurethane foam adhered to the
melamine foam, and a third layer of non-woven material coupled to
the polyurethane foam. The 3-layer pad used in this test was cut (3
inch diameter) from this melamine pad supplied by Queen City. The
2-layer pad was made by cutting another three-inch diameter section
of the pad and peeling off the top non-woven layer off of the
3-layer pad. The 1-layer pad was made by cutting another three-inch
diameter section of the pad and peeling off both the top non-woven
and middle polyurethane foam with only melamine foam layer
remaining.
[0032] The results of this first test are illustrated in Table 1
below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Z- Weight Weight Sample force Weight, loss/
loss set #1 Run # (lb)* in gram run, g total, g Pad appearance
3-layer 0 3.418 1 3 3.384 0.034 0.034 OK 2 3 3.336 0.048 0.082 OK 3
3 3.275 0.061 0.143 OK 2-layer 0 1.451 1 3 1.398 0.053 0.034 OK 2 3
1.349 0.049 0.102 OK 3 3 1.313 0.036 0.138 OK 1-layer 0 0.471 1 3
0.407 0.064 0.064 OK 2 3 0.351 0.056 0.120 OK 3 3 0 0.351 0.471
Crumbled/ destroyed
[0033] As illustrated in Table 1, the additional layers provided in
the 2-layer and S-layer pad made the pad more durable when compared
to the single layer pad. In other words, the 1-layer pad experience
significant weight loss under the force applied. The results of the
two layer and three layer pad are quite similar under the pressure
applied.
[0034] As discussed above, additional tests were conducted to
compare the 2-layer pad to the 3-layer pad under increased head
pressure. These results are illustrated in Tables 2 and 3. For
these tests, the 3-layer pads (3 inch diameter) were made of 3/4''
thick melamine foam, polyurethane foam and non-woven layer using 3M
Spray Mount Artist Adhesive, and the same size 2-layer were made
without the middle polyurethane foam. The samples were allowed to
dry overnight before testing.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Sample Z-force Weight, Weight loss/ Weight
loss set #2 Run # (lb)* in gram run, g total, g Pad appearance
3-layer 0 4.227 1 3 4.178 0.049 0.049 OK 2 3 4.125 0.053 0.102 OK 3
3 4.068 0.057 0.159 OK 4 3 4.014 0.054 0.213 OK 5 3 3.955 0.059
0.272 OK 6 6 3.872 0.083 0.355 OK 7 7 3.732 0.140 0.497 OK 8 7
3.554 0.178 0.673 3 pieces torn off: (0.029, 0.017, 0.027 g)
2-layer 0 3.177 1 3 3.126 0.051 0.051 OK 2 3 3.069 0.057 0.108 OK 3
3 3.022 0.047 0.155 OK 4 3 2.965 0.057 0.212 5 3 2.916 0.049 0.261
OK 6 6 2.825 0.091 0.352 OK 7 7 2.662 0.163 0.515 1 piece torn off:
(0.032 g) 8 7 2.422 0.240 0.755 2 pieces torn off: (0.122 g &
0.070 g) no melamine foam left
[0035] As illustrated in Table 2, the 2-layer pad and the 3-layer
pad have similar results under a three pound force (i.e., 0.42
lb/in.sup.2). However, once the force is increased to seven pounds
(i.e., 0.99 lb/in.sup.2), the three layer pad responds more
favorably initially.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Sample Z-force Weight, Weight loss/ Weight
loss set #3 Run # (lb)* in gram run, g total, g Pad appearance
3-layer 0 3.913 1 7 3.843 0.070 0.070 OK 2 7 3.757 0.086 0.156 OK 3
7 3.628 0.129 0.285 OK 4 7 3.498 0.130 0.415 OK, but 1 pieces torn
off: (0.028 g) 5 7 3.349 0.149 0.564 Partial exposure of PU foam, 1
piece torn off (0.064 g) 6 7 3.229 0.120 0.684 more exposure of PU
foam, 1 piece torn off (0.027 g) 2-layer 0 3.281 1 7 3.203 0.078
0.078 OK 2 7 3.125 0.078 0.156 OK 3 7 2.912 0.213 0.369 2 piece
torn off, exposed non-woven layer, some delaminated (0.155 g &
0.004 g)
[0036] As illustrated in Table 3, the three layer pad is
substantially more durable under a consistent seven pound force
(0.99 lb/in.sup.2). Specifically, the two layer pad was
substantially unusable after three trials. However, the three layer
pad was still usable after six passes.
[0037] An important aspect of this invention is that the cleaning
devices 10 and 10A in conjunction with the floor scrubbing machine
12 are capable of removing dirt and scruff marks from uncoated
ceramic tile floors with grout employing only water as a cleaning
agent. If desired, low volatile cleaners, degreasers and strippers
such as Profi and Fastrip available from JohnsonDiversey can be
employed in cleaning and restoration of stone and grout floors. The
large volume absorbance of these liquid materials by the melamine
sponge pad 40 is advantageous to the cleaning and restoration
process. In order not to add too much weight to the pad 40 so as to
cause it to separate from the machine 12 it should preferably be
not greater than about 5/8'' thick.
[0038] The preferred backing member 42 is polyurethane foam which
can include both polyester and polyether urethanes. Other materials
having similar properties could be employed such as neoprene/rubber
foam, soft polyethylene foam and silicone foam. Fiberbond non-woven
fabric has been described as the preferred material for engagement
with the driver block 24 and 26. Other non-woven fabric materials
such as those employed in scouring and cleaning pads could be
substituted. The preferred adhesive for bonding the melamine sponge
40 to the polyurethane layer 42 and it to the non-woven fabric 44
is 3M Fastbond which is a one-part neoprene-based product. Other
adhesives such as Bondmaster 40-452A and Bondmaster Versa-Weld
34-3210 available from National Starch could be substituted.
[0039] Cleaning devices 10 and 10A have been described for use in
scrubbing machine 12. If desired they can also be employed in
conjunction with portable battery or coed electric powered edging
and cleaning tools which are hand operated. They can also be
employed in conjunction with a battery or coed electric powered
swing machine which usually has only one pad, without the vacuum
capability, and with the wheels off the floor during the
operation.
[0040] Cleaning devices 10 and 10A are shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 as
having a round configuration. If desired they could have other
geometric configurations such as trapezoidal.
[0041] Other variations and modifications of this invention will be
obvious to those skilled in the art. This invention is not to be
limited except as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *