U.S. patent application number 13/013956 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-23 for absorbent pad for a steaming apparatus.
Invention is credited to Andrea Milanese, Pierantonio Milanese.
Application Number | 20120042462 13/013956 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45592880 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120042462 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Milanese; Pierantonio ; et
al. |
February 23, 2012 |
ABSORBENT PAD FOR A STEAMING APPARATUS
Abstract
In the exemplary embodiment, a steaming appliance in combination
with an absorber is disclosed. The steaming appliance has an
underside having a nozzle for dispensing steam. The absorber is
disposed under the underside and includes a pad having an opening
there-through. The absorber is attachable to the underside. The
opening is shaped and disposed to avoid the nozzle, such that steam
is dispensed without impacting and being absorbed the pad as it
exits the nozzle. The pad comprises hydrophilic fibers and
hydrogel-forming particles. The absorber also includes an envelope
made of a porous fabric for enclosing the pad. The envelope also
has a zippered opening through which the pad may be inserted into
or removed from the envelope's hollow interior chamber.
Inventors: |
Milanese; Pierantonio;
(Susegana, IT) ; Milanese; Andrea; (Conegliano,
IT) |
Family ID: |
45592880 |
Appl. No.: |
13/013956 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11885994 |
Sep 10, 2007 |
7891047 |
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13013956 |
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29378185 |
Nov 1, 2010 |
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11885994 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.93 ;
15/209.1; 15/231; 15/322 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/225 20130101;
A47L 13/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/104.93 ;
15/322; 15/209.1; 15/231 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/17 20060101
A47L013/17; A47L 13/16 20060101 A47L013/16; A47L 11/00 20060101
A47L011/00; A47L 13/26 20060101 A47L013/26 |
Claims
1. In combination, a steaming appliance and an absorber: the
steaming appliance comprising an underside having a nozzle for
dispensing steam from the underside to a surface to be steamed; and
the absorber disposed between the underside and the surface and
comprising a pad having an opening there-through; the pad disposed
relative to the underside for absorbing the dispensed steam from
the supporting surface as the element rests upon and is moved along
the surface; and the opening shaped and disposed to avoid the
nozzle, such that steam exiting the nozzle is dispensed directly to
the surface without impacting the pad.
2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pad comprises a
super-absorbent material.
3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the super-absorbent material
comprises hydrophilic fibers and hydrogel-forming particles.
4. The combination of claim 2 wherein the super-absorbent material
comprises cotton and sodium polyacrylate
5. The combination of claim 1 wherein the absorber further
comprises an envelope for containing the pad, the envelope
comprising a bottom sheet for resting on the surface and made of a
porous fabric, and a top sheet having a fastening element for
attaching the absorber to the underside to retain said relative
disposition of the pad to the underside.
6. The combination if claim 5 wherein the porous fabric is taken
from the group including a micro fiber fabric and a non-woven
fabric.
7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the fastening element is
taken from the group including Velcro-type hooks, Velcro-type
loops, and an adhesive strip.
8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the pad comprises a
super-absorbent polymer.
9. The combination of claim 8 wherein the super-absorbent material
comprises hydrophilic fibers and hydrogel-forming particles.
10. The combination of claim 8 wherein the super-absorbent material
comprises cotton and sodium polyacrylate
11. An absorber for a steaming appliance comprising; a pad of super
absorbent material; an opening through and disposed substantially
centrally in the pad.
12. The absorber of claim 11 further comprising an envelope for
containing the pad, the envelope comprising a bottom sheet made of
a porous fabric and a top sheet having a first fastening element
for attachment to a steaming appliance.
13. The absorber of claim 12 wherein the super-absorbent material
comprises hydrophilic fibers and hydrogel-forming particles.
14. The absorber of claim 12 wherein the super-absorbent material
comprises cotton and sodium polyacrylate.
15. The absorber if claim 14 wherein the porous fabric is taken
from the group including a micro fiber fabric and a non-woven
fabric.
16. The absorbent element of claim 15 wherein the first fastening
element is taken from the group including Velcro-type hooks,
Velcro-type loops, and an adhesive strip.
17. The absorber of claim 12 wherein the envelope contains a second
opening for removal and replacement of the pad.
18. The absorber of claim 17 wherein the second opening is closable
and re-openable by means of a second fastening element.
19. The absorber of claim 18 wherein the second fastening element
is taken from the group including a zipper, a Velcro-type hook and
loop fastening strip, and an adhesive strip.
20. The absorber of claim 11 wherein the super-absorbent material
comprises hydrophilic fibers and hydrogel-forming particles.
21. The absorber of claim 20 wherein the super-absorbent material
comprises cotton and sodium polyacrylate.
22. An absorber for a steaming appliance comprising; a planar pad
comprising hydrophilic fibers and hydrogel-forming particles, and
having a pad opening there-through and disposed substantially
centrally there-in; and an envelope comprising a porous non-woven
fabric surrounding a hollow chamber, the fabric having an envelope
opening for reception and removal of the pad into and from the
chamber.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of and claims the benefit
of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/885,994, filed Sep. 10,
2007, and Ser. No. 29/378,185, filed Jan. 11, 2010, the entire
teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to steam-cleaning and
disinfecting. More specifically, the invention is related to steam
cleaners which direct steam at a surface via a nozzle, and for an
absorbent pad for use in combination therewith to absorb the
condensed steam from the surface.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Steam-cleaning appliances are well known and commonly used
to clean surfaces, such as floors. Such appliances typically
sanitize and disinfect by dispensing steam at the floor. In many
arrangements of such apparatuses, it is preferential to dispense
the steam from the same portion of the apparatus, such as its
underside, that contacts the floor to maximize penetration of the
steam into the pores and fissures thereof. The dispensed steam
naturally condenses into liquid water upon contact with the cooler
floor, creating puddles. A disadvantage common to such prior art
steamers is a failure to fully remove these puddles.
[0004] Wiping pads have been employed with such appliances to
collect the condensed water, but in appliances where steam is
dispensed from the underside, such wiping pads have had to
compromise between the ability to avoid interfering with the
dispensing of the steam to the floor, requiring porosity and or a
lack of absorbency, and the ability to soak up the condensed water
from the floor, requiring absorbency.
[0005] Super-absorbent polymers are well known, and commonly used
in such items as disposable diapers and mopping pads. Such polymers
typically include hydrophilic fibers and hydrogel-forming
particles. Such hydrophilic fibers often include cotton, and such
hydrogel-forming particles often include polyacrylate. A deterrent
to using such
[0006] As used herein, the term "superabsorbent material" means any
absorbent material having a gig capacity for water of at least
about 15 gig, when measured under a confining pressure of 0.3 psi.
Because a majority of the cleaning fluids useful with the present
invention are aqueous based, it is preferred that the super
absorbent materials have a relatively high gig capacity for water
or water-based fluids.
[0007] Representative superabsorbent materials include water
insoluble, water-swellable superabsorbent gelling polymers
(referred to herein as "superabsorbent gelling polymers") which are
well known in the literature. These materials demonstrate very high
absorbent capacities for water. The superabsorbent gelling polymers
useful in the present invention can have a size, shape and/or
morphology varying over a wide range. These polymers can be in the
form of particles that do not have a large ratio of greatest
dimension to smallest dimension (e.g., granules, flakes,
pulverulents, interparticle aggregates, interparticle crosslinked
aggregates, and the like) or they can be in the form of fibers,
sheets, films, foams, laminates, and the like.
[0008] The use of superabsorbent gelling polymers in fibrous form
provides the benefit of enhanced retention, relative to particles,
during the cleaning process. While their capacity is generally
lower for aqueous-based mixtures than it is for water, these
materials still demonstrate significant absorbent capacity for such
mixtures. The patent literature is replete with disclosures of
water-swellable materials. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
3,699,103 (Harper et al.), issued Jun. 13, 1972; U.S. Pat. No.
3,770,731 (Harmon), issued Jun. 20, 1972; U.S. Pat. No. Reissue
32,649 (Brandt et al.), reissued Apr. 19, 1989; U.S. Pat. No.
4,834,735 (Alemany et al.), issued May 30, 1989.
[0009] Superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present
invention include a variety of water-insoluble, but water-swellable
polymers capable of absorbing large quantities of fluids. Such
polymeric materials are also commonly referred to as
"hydrocolloids", and can include polysaccharides such as
carboxymethyl starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl
cellulose; nonionic types such as polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl
ethers; cationic types such as polyvinyl pyridine, polyvinyl
morpholinione, and N,Ndimethylaminoethyl or N,N-diethylaminopropyl
acrylates and methacrylates, and the respective quaternary salts
thereof. Typically, superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the
present invention have a multiplicity of anionic functional groups,
such as sulfonic acid, and more typically carboxy, groups. Examples
of polymers suitable for use herein include those which are
prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers.
Thus, such monomers include the olefinically unsaturated acids and
anhydrides that contain at least one carbon to carbon olefinic
double bond. More specifically, these monomers can be selected from
olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids and acid anhydrides,
olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof.
[0010] Some non-acid monomers can also be included, usually in
minor amounts, in preparing the super absorbent gelling polymers
useful herein. Such non-acid monomers can include, for example, the
water-soluble or water-dispersible esters of the acid-containing
monomers, as well as monomers that contain no carboxylic or
sulfonic acid groups at all. Optional non-acid monomers can thus
include monomers containing the following types of functional
groups: carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid esters, hydroxyl groups,
amide-groups, amino groups, nitrile groups, quaternary ammonium
salt groups, aryl groups (e.g., phenyl groups, such as those
derived from styrene monomer). These nonacid monomers are
well-known materials and are described in greater detail, for
example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,663 (Masuda et al), issued Feb. 28,
1978, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,817 (Westerman), issued Dec. 13,
1977, both of which are incorporated by reference.
[0011] Olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid and carboxylic acid
anhydride monomers include the acrylic acids typified by acrylic
acid itself, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, a-chloroacrylic
acid, a-cyanoacrylic acid, .about.-methylacrylic acid (crotonic
acid), a-phenylacrylic acid, .about.-acryloxypropionic acid, sorbic
acid, a-chlorosorbic acid, angelic acid, cinnamic acid,
p-chlorocinnamic acid, .about.-sterylacrylic acid, itaconic acid,
citroconic acid, mesaconic acid, glutaconic acid, aconitic acid,
maleic acid, furmaric acid, tricarboxyethylene and maleic acid
anhydride.
[0012] Olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acid monomers include
aliphatic or aromatic vinyl sulfonic acids such as vinylsulfonic
acid, allyl sulfonic acid, vinyl toluene sulfonic acid and styrene
sulfonic acid; acrylic and methacrylic sulfonic acid such as
sulfoethyl acrylate, sulfoethyl methacrylate, sulfopropyl acrylate,
sulfopropyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl sulfonic
acid and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid.
[0013] Preferred superabsorbent gelling polymers for use in the
present invention contain carboxy groups. These polymers include
hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, partially
neutralized hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers,
starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers, partially neutralized
starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers, saponified vinyl
acetate-acrylic ester copolymers, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile or
acrylamide copolymers, slightly network crosslinked polymers of any
of the foregoing copolymers, partially neutralized polyacrylic
acid, and slightly network crosslinked polymers of partially
neutralized polyacrylic acid. These polymers can be used either
solely or in the form of a mixture of two or more different
polymers. Examples of these polymer materials are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,661,875, 4,076,663, 4,093,776, 4,666,983, and
4,734,478.
[0014] Most preferred polymer materials for use in making the
superabsorbent gelling polymers are slightly network cross-linked
polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acids and starch
derivatives thereof. Most preferably, the hydrogel-forming
absorbent polymers comprise from about 50 to about 95%, preferably
about 75%, neutralized, slightly network cross-linked, polyacrylic
acid (i.e. poly(sodium acrylate/acrylic acid)). Network
cross-linking renders the polymer substantially water-insoluble
and, in part, determines the absorptive capacity and extractable
polymer content characteristics of the superabsorbent gelling
polymers. Processes for network cross-linking these polymers and
typical network cross-linking agents are described in greater
detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,663.
[0015] While the superabsorbent gelling polymers is preferably of
one type (i.e., homogeneous), mixtures of polymers can also be used
in the implements of the present invention. For example, mixtures
of starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers and slightly network
cross-linked polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acid can
be used in the present invention.
[0016] While any of the superabsorbent gelling polymers described
in the prior art can be useful in the present invention, it has
recently been recognized that where significant levels (e.g., more
than about 50% by weight of the absorbent structure) of
superabsorbent gelling polymers are to be included in an absorbent
structure, and in particular where one or more regions of the
absorbent layer will comprise more than about 50%, by weight of the
region, the problem of gel blocking by the swollen particles can
impede fluid flow and thereby adversely affect the ability of the
gelling polymers to absorb to their full capacity in the desired
period of time. U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,343 (Kellenberger et al.),
issued Sep. 15, 1992 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,335 (Kellenberger et
al.), issued Sep. 22, 1992, describe super absorbent gelling
polymers in terms of their Absorbency Under Load (AUL), where
gelling polymers absorb fluid (0.9% saline) under a confining
pressure of 0.3 psi. (The disclosure of each of these patents is
incorporated herein.) The methods for determining AUL are described
in these patents. Polymers described therein can be particularly
useful in embodiments of the present invention that contain regions
of relatively high levels of superabsorbent gelling polymers. In
particular, where high concentrations of superabsorbent gelling
polymer are incorporated in the cleaning pad, those polymers will
preferably have an AUL, measured according to the methods described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,343, of at least about 24 m1!g, more
preferably at least about 27 ml/g after 1 hour; or an AUL, measured
according to the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,335, of
at least about 15 ml/g, more preferably at least about 18 ml/g
after 15 minutes.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,335 (Goldman et al.), issued Feb. 11,
1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,646 (Goldman et al.), issued Oct. 8,
1996 (both of which are incorporated by reference herein), also
address the problem of gel blocking and describe super absorbent
gelling polymers useful in overcoming this phenomena. These
applications specifically describe superabsorbent gelling polymers
which avoid gel blocking at even higher confining pressures,
specifically 0.7 psi. In the embodiments of the present invention
where the absorbent layer will contain regions comprising high
levels (e.g., more than about 50% by weight of the region) of
superabsorbent gelling polymer, it can be preferred that the
superabsorbent gelling polymer be as described in the
aforementioned patents to Goldman et al.
[0018] Other superabsorbent materials useful herein include
hydrophilic polymeric foams, such as those described in commonly
assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,222 (DesMarais et al.), issued Jul.
22, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207 (Dyer et al.), issued Feb. 7,
1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,179 (DesMarais et al.), issued Oct. 8,
1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,167 (DesMarais), issued Aug. 27, 1996;
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345 (DesMarais et al.), issued Nov. 9,
1993; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. These
references describe polymeric, hydrophilic absorbent foams that are
obtained by polymerizing a high internal phase water-in-oil
emulsion (commonly referred to as HIPEs).
[0019] These foams are readily tailored to provide varying physical
properties (pore size, capillary suction, density, etc.) that
affect fluid handling ability. As such, these materials are
particularly useful, either alone or in combination with other such
foams or with fibrous structures, in providing the overall capacity
required by the present invention.
[0020] Where superabsorbent material is included in the absorbent
layer, the absorbent layer will preferably comprise at least about
15%, by weight of the absorbent layer, more preferably at least
about 20%, still more preferably at least about 25%, of the
superabsorbent material.
[0021] The absorbent layer can also consist of, or comprise,
fibrous material. Fibers useful in the present invention include
those that are naturally occurring (modified or unmodified), as
well as synthetically made fibers. Examples of suitable
unmodified/modified naturally occurring fibers include cotton,
Esparto grass, bagasse, kemp, flax, silk, wool, wood pulp,
chemically modified wood pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose, and cellulose
acetate. Suitable synthetic fibers can be made from polyvinyl
chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene,
polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics such as ORLON.RTM., polyvinyl
acetate, Rayon.RTM., polyethylvinyl acetate, non-soluble or soluble
polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such as polyethylene (e.g.,
PULPEX.RTM.) and polypropylene, polyamides such as nylon,
polyesters such as DACRON.RTM. or KODEL.RTM., polyurethanes,
polystyrenes, and the like. The absorbent layer can comprise solely
naturally occurring fibers, solely synthetic fibers, or any
compatible combination of naturally occurring and synthetic
fibers.
[0022] The fibers useful herein can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or
can be a combination of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. As
indicated above, the particular selection of hydrophilic or
hydrophobic fibers will depend upon the other materials included in
the absorbent (and to some degree the scrubbing) layer. That is,
the nature of the fibers will be such that the cleaning pad
exhibits the necessary fluid delay and overall fluid absorbency.
Suitable hydrophilic fibers for use in the present invention
include cellulosic fibers, modified cellulosic fibers, rayon,
polyester fibers such as hydrophilic nylon (HYDROFIL.RTM.).
Suitable hydrophilic fibers can also be obtained by hydrophilizing
hydrophobic fibers, such as surfactant-treated or silica-treated
thermoplastic fibers derived from, for example, polyolefins such as
polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics, polyamides,
polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like.
[0023] Suitable wood pulp fibers can be obtained from well-known
chemical processes such as the Kraft and sulfite processes. It is
especially preferred to derive these wood pulp fibers from southern
soft woods due to their premium absorbency characteristics. These
wood pulp fibers can also be obtained from mechanical processes,
such as ground wood, refiner mechanical, thermo mechanical,
chemo-mechanical, and chemo-thermo-mechanical pulp processes.
Recycled or secondary wood pulp fibers, as well as bleached and
unbleached wood pulp fibers, can be used.
[0024] Another type of hydrophilic fiber for use in the present
invention is chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers. As used
herein, the term "chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers" means
cellulosic fibers that have been stiffened by chemical means to
increase the stiffness of the fibers under both dry and aqueous
conditions. Such means can include the addition of a chemical
stiffening agent that, for example, coats and/or impregnates the
fibers. Such means can also include the stiffening of the fibers by
altering the chemical structure, e.g., by cross-linking polymer
chains.
[0025] Where fibers are used as the absorbent layer (or a
constituent component thereof), the fibers can optionally be
combined with a thermoplastic material. Upon melting, at least a
portion of this thermoplastic material migrates to the
intersections of the fibers, typically due to interfiber capillary
gradients. These intersections become bond sites for the
thermoplastic material. When cooled, the thermoplastic materials at
these intersections solidify to form the bond sites that hold the
matrix or web of fibers together in each of the respective layers.
This can be beneficial in providing additional overall integrity to
the cleaning pad.
[0026] Amongst its various effects, bonding at the fiber
intersections increases the overall compressive modulus and
strength of the resulting thermally bonded member. In the case of
the chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers, the melting and
migration of the thermoplastic material also has the effect of
increasing the average pore size of the resultant web, while
maintaining the density and basis weight of the web as originally
formed. This can improve the fluid acquisition properties of the
thermally bonded web upon initial exposure to fluid, due to
improved fluid permeability, and upon subsequent exposure, due to
the combined ability of the stiffened fibers to retain their
stiffness upon wetting and the ability of the thermoplastic
material to remain bonded at the fiber intersections upon wetting
and upon wet compression. In net, thermally bonded webs of
stiffened fibers retain their original overall volume, but with the
volumetric regions previously occupied by the thermoplastic
material becoming open to thus increase the average interfiber
capillary pore size.
[0027] There exists a need for improvement in the sanitizing of
surfaces and objects, and such is an object of the present
invention. There exists the need for improvement of steaming and
steam-cleaning apparatuses, and such is an object of the present
invention. There exists the need for elimination of the improvement
of microbial regeneration conditions on surfaces and objects after
steaming, and such as an object of the present invention. There
exists the need for causing the sanitizing agent to penetrate
deeply into the pores and fissures of surfaces and objects, and
such as an object of the present invention. Further needs and
objects exist, which are addressed by the present invention, as may
become apparent by the included disclosure of an exemplary
embodiment thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The invention lies in a combination of a steaming appliance
and an absorber, and/or in the absorber alone.
[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, the invention may be practiced
in a combined steaming appliance and absorber, the steaming
appliance having an underside having a nozzle for dispensing steam
from the underside to a surface to be steamed. The absorber is
disposed between the underside and the surface and comprises a pad
having an opening there-through. The pad is disposed relative to
the underside for absorbing the dispensed steam from the supporting
surface as the element rests upon and is moved along the surface.
The opening is shaped and disposed to avoid the nozzle, such that
steam exiting the nozzle is dispensed directly to the surface
without impacting the pad.
[0030] Preferably, the pad is made of or includes a super-absorbent
material, such as hydrophilic fibers and hydrogel-forming
particles. More preferably, the hydrophilic fibers are cotton
fibers and the hydrogel-forming particles are made of sodium
polyacrylate.
[0031] The exemplary absorber may further include an envelope for
containing the pad, the envelope having a bottom sheet for resting
on the surface and made of a porous fabric, and a top sheet having
a fastening element for attaching the absorber to the underside to
retain the relative disposition of the pad to the underside. The
fastening element is preferable a series of Velcro-type loops,
removably connectable to a mating series of Velcro-type hooks on
the underside of the appliance. Alternative. The hooks and loops
could be swapped between the absorber and the appliance, or any
acceptable means of removable affixation could be used, such as an
adhesive strip.
[0032] The invention may also be embodied in an absorber for a
steaming appliance as described above, the absorber having a pad of
super absorbent material with an opening through and disposed
substantially centrally in the pad.
[0033] The exemplary absorber, as disclosed, could include an
envelope for containing the pad, the envelope having top and bottom
sheets sealed along three edges to create a hollow interior
chamber. The bottom sheet would preferably be made of a porous
fabric and the top sheet would preferably have the afore-mentioned
fastening element for attachment to a steaming appliance.
[0034] The unsealed fourth edge of the envelope would preferably
provide a second opening for removal and replacement of the pad.
This second opening would preferably be closable and re-openable by
means of a second fastening element, such as a zipper.
Alternatively, the second fastening element could include any
appropriate means for temporarily sealing the fourth edge, such as
a Velcro-type hook and loop fastening strip, or an adhesive
strip.
[0035] The invention may also be embodied in an absorber for a
steaming appliance including a planar pad of hydrophilic fibers and
hydrogel-forming particles, and having a pad opening there-through
and disposed substantially centrally there-in. The absorber, as
disclosed, may include an envelope comprising a porous non-woven
fabric surrounding a hollow chamber, the fabric having an envelope
opening for reception and removal of the pad into and from the
chamber.
[0036] Further features and aspects of the invention are disclosed
with more specificity in the Detailed Description, Drawings, and
Appendices provided herein and showing exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND APPENDICES
[0037] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the included drawings and appendices. The components
in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and all components
may not be present in all views, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0038] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a combination steaming
appliance/absorber in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 a partial perspective view of the combination of FIG.
1 during floor steaming;
[0040] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the absorber of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 4 is in underside view of the appliance of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the combination
of FIG. 1,
[0043] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a combination steaming
appliance/absorber in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 7 a perspective view of the combination of FIG. 6
during floor steaming;
[0045] FIG. 8 is in underside view of the appliance of FIG. 6;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the combination
of FIG. 6,
[0047] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through the absorber of
FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view through an absorber in
accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through an absorber in
accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0050] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view through an absorber
assembly in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0051] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the absorber assembly of FIG.
13;
[0052] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a combination
steaming appliance/absorber in accordance with a sixth exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0053] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a combination
steaming appliance/absorber in accordance with an seventh exemplary
embodiment of the invention; and
[0054] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the absorber frame of the absorber
of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 through 5, and 10, where
there is shown a steam-cleaning appliance 100 for dispensing steam
to a floor and an absorber 102 for soaking up the steam after it
has condensed to liquid water on the floor.
[0056] As best seen in FIG. 4, where the appliance's underside 104
is shown, the appliance has an array of nozzles 106 disposed
substantially centrally therein, and a pair of Velcro-type hook
strips 108. Referring back to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the
nozzles dispense steam 110 to the floor 112.
[0057] FIG. 3 shows the absorber 102, including its absorbent pad
114 and porous fabric envelope 116. The envelope is made of two
porous fabric sheets, top sheet 118 and bottom sheet 120, and has
four edges, three of which, 124R, 124B, and 124L along which the
top and bottom sheets are permanently bonded, and an unbounded
front edge 124F which provides a pad opening 126. The opening
allows pad 114 to be inserted into and removed from the envelope's
hollow interior chamber 128. The open front edge 124F includes a
zipper 130 for temporarily close the front edge 28 while the pad is
therein.
[0058] Top sheet 118 further includes an opening 134 and
Velcro-type loop strips 136. The strips and hole are arranges so
that the envelop may be affixed by the loops strips to the hook
strips 108 of the appliance to affix the absorber to the underside
104, and to align opening 134 with the array of nozzles 106. Pad
114 includes elongate opening 138 there-through, which, when the
absorber is affixed to the appliance, is also aligned with the
nozzle array.
[0059] Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, it can be seen how
steam 110 leaving nozzles 106 pass though openings 134 and 138, and
through porous bottom sheet 120, to reach the floor as steam
without being absorbed by pad 114. As this dispensed steam contacts
the floor, it simultaneously cleans/sanitizes the floor while
condensing into puddles of liquid water on the surface of the
floor. As can be readily understood, the wiping of the
appliance/absorber combination along the wet floor allows those
puddles to be absorbed through the porous bottom sheet 120 and into
absorbent pad 114.
[0060] Pad 114 preferably comprises a matrix of hydrophilic fibers,
such as a web of cotton, and a high-absorbency material commonly
known as "superabsorbent polymer" (SAP). The SAP material is
preferably comprised of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles,
such as sodium polyacrylate. As an alternative to cotton, the
matrix may comprise some other natural fiber such as cellulose
fluff, or less preferably, synthetic fibers, polymeric fibers,
meltblown fibers or a combination of meltblown fibers and natural
fibers. Superabsorbent material may be substantially homogeneously
mixed with the hydrophilic fibers, or may be otherwise combined
into the absorbent pad.
[0061] The pad may also alternatively comprise a laminate of
fibrous webs and super absorbent material or other suitable means
of maintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area. The
high-absorbency material in the absorbent pad may be selected from
among other well-known natural, synthetic and modified natural
polymers and materials. The high absorbency materials can be
inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds,
such as cross-linked polymers. The term cross-linked refers to any
means for effectively rendering normally water-soluble materials
substantially water insoluble but swellable, whereby absorbent
properties are available but the swelled material is substantially
immobile after absorbing water-based liquids. Such means can
include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains,
covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic
associations such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations
or Van der Waals forces.
[0062] Pad 114 may alternatively comprise a standard barrier tissue
layer covering and containing the SAP material and forming a tissue
layer there-around. Such tissue layers are well known in the art
both in terms of materials and functions. The tissue layers
generally are permeable to fluids, but retain the absorbent
material therein. A single tissue layer could be wrapped entirely
about, and secured to, the pad. Other arrangements, containing
layers of various materials disposed on surfaces and/or
encompassing absorbent material are contemplated as being within
the scope of the invention.
[0063] Such super-absorbents, or hydrogels, may be of any suitable
type, and are readily commercially available from a variety of
sources, including the products available under the following to
trade names: "Favor" super-absorbent powder (Stockhausen,
Greensboro, N.C.); "Sanwet" super-absorbent involutions 172
therein. For example, the web elements powder (Sanyo, Kyoto,
Japan); "Aridall" super-absorbent polymer (Chemdal); "Aquasorb"
sorbent (Aqualon, Wilmington, Del.) "SuperSorb" (Super Absorbent 15
Company, Lumberton, N.C.); and "DryTech" super absorbent (Dow
Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.).
[0064] A cross section of absorber 102 is shown in FIG. 10, where
it can be seen that a micro-fiber sheet 140 may be permanently
under-laminated to envelope 116. While porous enough to allow
passage of the dispensed steam, the microfiber material enhances
the ability of the absorber to scrub and remove residue from the
floor.
[0065] Referring next to FIGS. 6 through 9, there is shown a
steam-cleaning mop 200 for dispensing steam to a floor and an
absorber 202 for soaking up the steam after it has condensed to
liquid water on the floor. Like numerals in the 200-series are used
to identify components and features of this embodiment, which
otherwise differs only structurally from the first embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 11 shows a third-embodiment absorber 302 whose
construction is applicable to the absorbers used with either of the
two afore-described appliances. In microfiber sheet 340 is
removably affixed to envelope 316 by Velcro-type hook and loop
fastening 342, or some other fastening means, so that the
microfiber sheet may be removed from the absorber for washing
and/or replacement.
[0067] FIG. 12 shows a fourth-embodiment absorber 402 having its
steam opening 434/438 fully through the absorber's top sheet 418,
pad 414, and bottom sheet 420. In this embodiment, the top and
bottom sheets are permanently bonded around the full perimeter of
the envelope 416, and fully around the steam opening, and the pad
is therefore permanently contained within the envelope.
[0068] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a fifth-embodiment absorber assembly
502, comprising absorber 402 removably contained within a
microfiber envelope 540. The microfiber envelope may have a
zippered edge and fastening means similar to afore-describe
envelope 116, to allowing separation of absorber 402 from envelope
540 so that the envelope may be washed separate from the absorber,
and/or so that either the absorber or the envelope may be
individually replaced.
[0069] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a combination
steaming appliance/absorber in accordance with a seventh exemplary
embodiment of the invention. In this arrangement, the absorber 702
is received in the underside if steaming appliance 700, and a
microfiber sheet 740 then covers the absorber. Peripheral ring 742,
or some other common fastening means, holds the microfiber sheet to
the appliance. The absorber and/or microfiber sheet can thereby be
easily removed and replaced as desired.
[0070] FIGS. 16 and 17 show a combination in accordance with an
eighth exemplary embodiment, similar to the seventh embodiment
except equipped with a platen 844 biased downwardly by compression
springs 846, to gently force the absorber 802 against the
microfiber sheet 840.
[0071] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to these specific exemplary embodiments, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, and that the invention should therefore only be
limited according to the following claims, including all equivalent
interpretation to which they are entitled.
* * * * *