U.S. patent application number 17/246637 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for cleaning system having a plurality of tethered sponge cleaning devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to FTI Brands LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is FTI Brands LLC. Invention is credited to Kevin Blaise Consolo, Christopher Michael Pavlica.
Application Number | 20210338036 17/246637 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005609534 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210338036 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Consolo; Kevin Blaise ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
Cleaning System having a Plurality of Tethered Sponge Cleaning
Devices
Abstract
A cleaning system includes a tether and a plurality of sponge
cleaning devices. Each sponge cleaning device has an opening
extending therethrough. The tether has body portion, an elongate
holding portion extending from the body portion, a first retainer
on the holding portion, and a second retainer on the holding
portion between the first retainer and the body portion. The tether
holding portion extends through the openings of the plurality of
sponge cleaning devices. The tether first retainer removably
retains at least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices in
a use position along the holding portion. The tether second
retainer removably retains at least one of the plurality of sponge
cleaning devices in a storage position along the holding portion
between the second retainer and the body portion.
Inventors: |
Consolo; Kevin Blaise;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Pavlica; Christopher Michael;
(Shadow Hills, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FTI Brands LLC |
Upper Arlington |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FTI Brands LLC
Upper Arlington
OH
|
Family ID: |
1000005609534 |
Appl. No.: |
17/246637 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63019708 |
May 4, 2020 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/44 20130101;
A47L 13/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/16 20060101
A47L013/16; A47L 13/44 20060101 A47L013/44 |
Claims
1. A cleaning system comprising, in combination: a plurality of
sponge cleaning devices, wherein each sponge cleaning device has an
opening extending therethrough; a tether having a body portion, an
elongate holding portion extending from the body portion, a first
retainer on the holding portion, and a second retainer on the
holding portion between the first retainer and the body portion;
wherein the holding portion extends through the openings of the
plurality of sponge cleaning devices; wherein the first retainer
removably retains at least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning
devices in a use position along the holding portion; and wherein
the second retainer removably retains at least one of the plurality
of sponge cleaning devices in a storage position along the holding
portion between the second retainer and the body portion.
2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second retainers are each spherical shaped.
3. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the first
retainer is provided with barbs.
4. The cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein there are two
of the barbs that are each shaped like rectangular plates and the
barbs upwardly and outwardly extend from a top of the first
retainer on opposite sides of the holding portion.
5. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the tether
comprises silicone.
6. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein each of the
sponge cleaning devices comprises melamine foam.
7. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein each of the
sponge cleaning devices includes a melamine foam layer and a
holding layer and the opening extends through both melamine foam
layer and the holding layer.
8. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the openings
are each offset from a center of the foam sponge cleaning
devices.
9. A tether for use with a plurality of sponge cleaning devices
each having an opening extending therethrough, the tether
comprising, in combination: a body portion; an elongate holding
portion extending from the holding portion; wherein the holding
portion is sized and shaped to extend through the openings of the
plurality of sponge cleaning devices; a first retainer on the
holding portion and sized and shaped to removably retain at least
one of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices in a use position
along the holding portion; and a second retainer sized and shaped
to removably retain at least one of the plurality of sponge
cleaning devices in a storage position along the holding portion
between the second retainer and the body portion.
10. The cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the holding
portion is circular in cross-section.
11. The cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the first and
second retainers are each spherical shaped.
12. The cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the first
retainer is provided with barbs.
13. The cleaning system according to claim 12, wherein there are
two of the barbs that are each shaped like rectangular plates and
the barbs upwardly and outwardly extend from a top of the first
retainer on opposite sides of the holding portion.
14. The cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein the tether
comprises silicone.
15. A sponge cleaning device for use with a tether, said cleaning
device comprising, in combination: a body of melamine foam sponge
having a front side and a rear side opposed to the front side; and
wherein an opening extends through the body from the front side to
the rear side and is sized and shaped for passage of the tether
therethrough.
16. The cleaning system according to claim 15, wherein each of the
sponge cleaning devices comprises melamine foam.
17. The cleaning system according to claim 15, wherein each of the
sponge cleaning devices includes a melamine foam layer and a
holding layer and the opening extends through both melamine foam
layer and the holding layer.
18. The cleaning system according to claim 17, wherein the holding
layer comprises cloth.
19. The cleaning system according to claim 17, wherein the holding
layer comprises a scouring pad.
20. The cleaning system according to claim 15, wherein the openings
are each offset from a center of the foam sponge cleaning devices.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 63/019,708 filed on May 4, 2020,
the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable
PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
[0004] Not applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The field of the present invention generally relates to
cleaning devices, and more particularly, to such devices that
comprise sponges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Melamine foam sponges have become popular for household
cleaning of hard surfaces such as floors, walls, and kitchen and
bathroom fixtures. An example of a currently available melamine
foam sponge is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser which is produced by the
Proctor & Gamble Company. Such melamine foam sponges have been
observed to be effective in the removal of stubborn stains and
marks from hard surfaces such as, for example but not limited to,
crayon marks on painted wall surfaces or scuff marks from
floors.
[0007] Melamine foam sponges can also be used clean other hard
surfaces such as, for example, surfaces of motor vehicles,
watercraft, sports equipment, and the like. While these sponges are
effective at cleaning these types of surfaces, the sponges can be
difficult to keep nearby for quick and easy use. Particularly, as
the items to be cleaned are moved about away from home.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for improved cleaning system
having sponge cleaning devices that can easily travel about with
the items to be cleaned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a cleaning system having a
plurality of tethered sponge cleaning devices which addresses at
least one of the above-noted problems of the prior art. Disclosed
herein is a cleaning system comprising, in combination, a plurality
of sponge cleaning devices, and a tether having a body portion, an
elongate holding portion extending from the body portion, a first
retainer on the holding portion, and a second retainer on the
holding portion between the first retainer and the body portion.
Each sponge cleaning device has an opening extending therethrough.
The holding portion extends through the openings of the plurality
of sponge cleaning devices. The first retainer removably retains at
least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices in a use
position along the holding portion. The second retainer removably
retains at least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices in
a storage position along the holding portion between the second
retainer and the body portion.
[0010] Also disclosed herein is a tether for use with a plurality
of sponge cleaning devices each having an opening extending
therethrough. The tether comprises, in combination, a body portion,
an elongate holding portion extending from the holding portion, a
first retainer on the holding portion and sized and shaped to
removably retain at least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning
devices in a use position along the holding portion, and a second
retainer sized and shaped to removably retain at least one of the
plurality of sponge cleaning devices in a storage position along
the holding portion between the second retainer and the body
portion. The holding portion is sized and shaped to extend through
the openings of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices.
[0011] Also disclosed herein is a sponge cleaning device for use
with a tether. The cleaning device comprises, in combination, a
body of melamine foam sponge having a front side and a rear side
opposed to the front side. An opening extends through the body from
the front side to the rear side and is sized and shaped for passage
of the tether therethrough.
[0012] From the foregoing disclosure and the following more
detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention
provides a significant advance in the technology and art of sponge
cleaning devices. Particularly, significant in this regard is the
potential the invention affords for providing a reliable and
effective means for keeping sponge cleaning devices nearby while
moving about. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be better understood in view of the detailed description
provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and further objects of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cleaning system having a
plurality of tethered sponge cleaning devices according to the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tether of the cleaning
system of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the tether of FIG.
2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the tether of FIGS. 2
and 3.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the tether of FIGS. 2 to 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the tether of FIGS. 2 to
5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a right-side elevational view of the tether of
FIGS. 2 to 6.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a left-side elevational view of the tether of
FIGS. 2 to 7.
[0022] FIG. 9
[0023] FIG. 10
[0024] FIG. 11
[0025] FIG. 12
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sponge cleaning device of
the cleaning system of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the cleaning device
FIG. 13.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the cleaning device
FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the sponge cleaning device of
FIGS. 13 to 15.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the sponge cleaning device
of FIGS. 13 to 16.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a right-side elevational view of the sponge
cleaning device of FIGS. 13 to 17.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a left-side elevational view of the sponge
cleaning device of FIGS. 13 to 18.
[0033] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not
necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified
representation of various preferred features illustrative of the
basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of
the various components of the cleaning system as disclosed herein,
including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations,
locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular
intended application and use environment. Certain features of the
illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to
others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In
particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for
clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position,
unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the
components illustrated in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to
those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology,
that many uses and design variations are possible for the cleaning
systems disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of
various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the
general principles of the invention with regard to the specific
application of a cleaning system having a plurality melamine foam
sponge cleaning devices. Other embodiments suitable for other
applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the
benefit of this disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cleaning system 10 according
to the present invention. The illustrated cleaning system 10
comprises a plurality of sponge cleaning devices 12, wherein each
sponge cleaning device 12 has an opening 14 extending
longitudinally therethrough, and a tether 16 extending through the
openings 14 for holding the plurality of sponge cleaning devices 12
together. The illustrated tether 16 has a body portion 18, an
elongate holding portion 20 extending from the body portion 18, a
first retainer or nub 22 along the holding portion 20, and a second
retainer or nub 24 along the holding portion 20 between the first
retainer 22 and the body portion 18. The holding portion 20 extends
through the openings 14 of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices
12. The first retainer 22 removably retains at least one of the
plurality of sponge cleaning devices 12 in a use position 26 along
the holding portion 20 between the first retainer 22 and the second
retainer 24. The second retainer 24 removably retains at least one
of plurality of sponge cleaning devices 12 in a storage position 28
along the holding portion 18 between the second retainer 24 and the
body portion 18. Typically, only one of the plurality of sponge
cleaning devices 12 is retained in the use position 26 and the
remainder of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices 12 are
retained in the storage position 28.
[0036] FIGS. 2 to 8 illustrate an exemplary tether 16 according to
the present invention for use in the above-described cleaning
system 10. It is noted that the tether 16 can alternatively have
any other suitable configuration. The illustrated tether 16 has the
body portion 18 and the elongate holding portion 20 extending from
the body portion 18. The illustrated body portion i18 s generally
disc shaped having substantially planar front and rear faces 30, 32
with a generally circular shaped outer peripheral edge 34. The
front and rear faces 30, 32 can be provided with logos or other
graphical or written indicia if desired. The top end of the body
portion, 18 opposite the holding portion 16, is provided with
attachment 36. The illustrated attachment 16 is in the form of a
passage extending therethrough for passage of, for example but not
limited to, a strap, cord, carabiner clip, and the like to secure
the body portion 18 of the tether 16 at a desired location. The
illustrated passage is in the form a laterally extending slot but
it is noted that the passage can alternatively have any other
suitable size and or shape.
[0037] The illustrated elongate holding portion 20 extends downward
from the body portion 18 opposite the attachment 36. The
illustrated holding portion 20 is substantially circular in cross
section and has a diameter smaller than the openings 14 in the
sponge cleaning devices s12 o that the holding portion 20 can
freely pass through openings 14 to permit free movement of the
sponge holding devices 12 along the holding portion 20. The holding
portion 20 can alternatively have any other suitable size and/or
shape. The length of the holding portion 20 can be any suitable
length to hold the plurality of sponge cleaning devices 12, and
preferably at least four to six of the sponge cleaning devices
12.
[0038] The illustrated first retainer or nub 22 is located at the
lower or free end of the holding portion 20 opposite the body
portion 18. The first retainer 22 is sized and shaped to removably
retain at least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices 12
in the use position 26 along the holding portion 20 above the first
retainer 22 (best seen in FIG. 1). The illustrated first retainer
22 is generally spherical having a diameter larger than the
openings in the sponge cleaning devices so that the first retainer
cannot freely pass through the openings 14 in the sponge cleaning
devices 12 and the sponge cleaning devices 12 are held along the
holding portion 20 above the first retainer 22 unless enough force
is applied to the sponge cleaning device 12 to resiliently deform
the first retainer 22 so that the first retainer 22 passes through
the opening 14 in the sponge cleaning device 12. Once passed
through the opening 14, the first retainer 22 resiliently returns
to its un-deformed shape. It is noted that the first retainer 22
can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.
[0039] The illustrated second retainer 24 is located along the
holding portion 20 between the first retainer 22 and the body
portion 18. The distance between the first retainer 22 and the
second retainer 24 defines the use position 26 (typically for
holding a single one of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices
12) and the distance between the second retainer 24 and the body
portion 18 defines the storage position 28 (typically for holding
the remainder of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices 12). The
lengths of the use position 26 and the storage position 128 can be
any suitable lengths. The second retainer 24 is sized and shaped to
removably retain at least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning
devices 12 in the storage position 28 along the holding portion 20
above the second retainer 24 (best seen in FIG. 1). The illustrated
second retainer 24 is generally spherical having a diameter larger
than the openings 14 in the sponge cleaning devices 12 so that the
second retainer 24 cannot freely pass through the openings 14 in
the sponge cleaning devices 12 and the sponge cleaning devices 12
are held along the holding portion 20 above the second retainer 24
unless enough force is applied to the sponge cleaning device 12 to
resiliently deform the second retainer 24 so that it passes through
the opening 14 in the sponge cleaning device 12. Once passed
through the opening 14, the second retainer 24 resiliently returns
to its un-deformed shape. It is noted that the second retainer 24
can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.
[0040] At least the holding portion 20 of the tether 16 comprises a
flexible material so that it can be easily resiliently bent during
use of the sponge cleaning device 12 in the use position 26. At
least the first and second retainers 22, 24 comprise a resiliently
or elastically deformable material so that they can be selectively
deformed to pass through the openings 14 in the sponge cleaning
devices 12. The illustrated tether 16 is entirely molded of a
flexible and elastically deformable material such as, for example
but not limited to, silicone and the like. It is noted that the
tether 16 can alternatively be formed by any other suitable process
and/or comprise any other suitable material or combination of
materials and/or components.
[0041] FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrate a tether 16A according to
alternative embodiment. The illustrated tether 16A is substantially
the same as the above-described tether 16 except that a pair of
barbs 38 are provided at the first retainer or nub 22. The barbs 38
are sized and shaped to increase the force required to pass the
sponge cleaning device 12 over the first retainer. Thus, the barbs
further ensure that the sponge cleaning device 12 does not
unintentionally fall off of the lower end of the tether 16A when
wet and/or when in-use/cleaning` as you clean from the tether 16A.
The barbs 38 also further insure that the user can easily remove
the sponge cleaning device 12 from the tether 16A when intended.
The illustrated barbs 38 are each shaped like rectangular shaped
plates having a length greater than a width and a width greater
than a thickness. The illustrated barbs 16 extend upward and
outward in an inclined manner from the top of the first retainer 22
on opposite sides of the holding member 20. Thus, the lower end of
each barb 38 is fixed to the retainer and the upper end of each
barb 38 is freely extends in a cantilevered manner. The barbs 38
preferably comprise a resiliently deformable material such as, for
example but not limited to, silicone and can comprise the same
material as the remainder of the tether 16A as discussed above. It
is noted that the barbs 38 can additionally or alternatively be
located on the second retainer 24 if desired. It is also noted that
the barbs can alternatively have any other suitable
configuration.
[0042] FIGS. 13 to 19 illustrate the exemplary sponge cleaning
device 12 according to the present invention for use in the
cleaning system 10. It is noted that the sponge cleaning device 12
can alternatively have any other suitable configuration. The
illustrated sponge cleaning device 12 includes a body of melamine
foam sponge 40 having a front side 42 and a rear side 44 opposed to
the front side 42, and a holding layer 46 secured to the rear side
44 of the body of melamine foam sponge 40 to prevent relative
movement therebetween.
[0043] The body of melamine foam sponge 40 is sized and shaped for
hand-held cleaning or scrubbing. The illustrated body of melamine
foam sponge 40 is generally disk or cylindrical shaped having the
opposite-facing and spaced-apart front and rear sides or faces 42,
44 connected by a substantially perpendicular sidewall 48 that
extends between the front and rear sides 42, 44. The illustrated
front and rear sides 42, 44 each have a circular outer periphery to
form circular outer edges with the sidewall 48. Thus, the body 40
has a circular-shaped cross-section throughout its thickness. The
body of melamine foam sponge 40 preferably has a diameter of about
1.5 inches to about 3.0 inches, and more preferably a diameter of
about 2.25 inches. The body of melamine foam sponge 40 preferably
has a thickness of about 0.4 inches to about 0.8 inches, and more
preferably a thickness of about 0.6 inches. It is noted that the
body of melamine foam sponge 40 can alternatively have any other
suitable shape and/or size.
[0044] The front and rear sides or faces 42, 44 of the body of
melamine foam sponge 40 are each generally flat or planar. The
front side or face 42 of the body of melamine foam sponge 40 is
provided with a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 50 that
extend outward in the forward direction. The illustrated
protrusions 50 are generally dome or semicircular shaped but any
other suitable shape can alternatively be utilized.
[0045] The body of melamine foam sponge 40 is a foam-like material
comprising a formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. The
melamine foam sponge is preferably an abradable melamine foam which
disintegrates or wears away during use. Suitable melamine foam is
marketed as basotect and is available from BASF of Germany but any
other suitable melamine foam can be utilized. Melamine foam is an
open cell foam that is microporous and extremely hard so that when
rubbed on a surface for cleaning it works like extremely fine
sandpaper. The foam material is abradable and wears away or
disintegrates to leave a residue on the surface that must be
removed. When moistened with a liquid, rubbing the foam on a
surface can remove otherwise "unremovable" external markings. It is
noted that when the surface being cleaned is not of suitable
hardness, the surface may be finely scratched by the melamine
foam.
[0046] The illustrated holding layer 46 is a relatively thin layer
of material which covers and is secured to only the rear side or
face 42 of the body of melamine foam sponge 40. The illustrated
holding layer 46 is circular in shape to closely match the size and
shape of the rear side or face 42 of the body of melamine foam
sponge 40. The holding layer 46 preferably comprises a material
such as, for example but not limited to, a scouring pad of metal or
plastic mesh or the like which can be used to scour a surface. The
scouring pad both makes it easier to grasp hold the body of
melamine foam sponge 40 with a hand as it wears away by providing a
non-wearable and relative slip-resistant resistant surface and
assists in holding the body of melamine foam sponge 40 together
against crumbling or breaking-apart during use to extend its useful
life by providing a tear-resistant surface. The illustrated holding
layer 46 has a thickness about the same as the thickness of the
body of melamine foam sponge 40. Alternatively the holding layer 46
can be cloth. The cloth is preferably is natural or synthetic
chamois which can also be utilized to buff and/or polish the marked
surface after cleaning but can alternatively be any other suitable
cloth such as, for example but not limited to, a micro-fiber cloth.
When the holding layer 46 comprises cloth, it has a thickness much
smaller than the thickness of the body of melamine foam sponge 40
and preferably has a thickness of about 0.05 inches to about 0.15
inches and more preferably about 0.10 inches. It is noted that the
holding layer 46 can alternatively have any other suitable
material, size, and shape.
[0047] The illustrated holding layer 46 is secured to the rear face
42 of the body of melamine foam sponge 40 to prevent relative
movement therebetween. The illustrated holding layer 46 is secured
to the body of melamine foam sponge 40 with a layer of adhesive or
glue. The adhesive or glue is preferably a non-water soluble
adhesive or glue. Any suitable adhesive or glue can be utilized. It
is noted that the holding layer 46 can alternatively be secured to
the body of melamine foam sponge i40 n any other suitable
manner.
[0048] The illustrated opening 14 extends entirely though the
sponge cleaning device 12 from the front face 42 to the rear face
40 and extending through both the body of melamine foam sponge 40
and the holding layer 46. The opening 14 is sized and shaped for
free passage of the elongate holding portion 20 of the tether 16
therethrough. The opening 14 also is sized and shaped so that the
first and second retainers 22, 24 do not freely pass through the
opening 14 to retain the sponge cleaning device 12 on the hanging
portion 20 unless enough force is applied to the sponge cleaning
device 12 so that the first or second retainer 22, 24 resiliently
deforms to pass through the opening 14. The required force to
resiliently deform the first or second retainer 22, 24 is greater
than the force created by gravity acting on the plurality of sponge
cleaning devices 12 hanging on the holding portion 20 of the tether
16. The illustrated opening 14 has a rectangular shape with its
length being substantially greater than its width. The illustrated
length is about four times larger than the width. The length is
also substantially larger than both the diameter of the tether
hanging portion 20 and the diameter of the first and second
retainers or nubs 22, 24. The width is larger than the diameter of
the tether hanging portion 20 but smaller than the diameter of the
first and second retainers or nubs 22, 24.
[0049] The illustrated opening 14 is located in a position offset
from the center of the sponge cleaning device 12 in a direction
perpendicular to its length to a location about half way between
the center and the outer edge of the sponge cleaning device 12
(best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11). It is noted that the opening 14 can
alternatively have any other suitable location.
[0050] The cleaning system 10 described above can be advantageously
utilized to clean marks from a wide variety of items such as, for
example but not limited to, golf clubs and the like. Because heads
of golf clubs are used to strike golf balls lying on the ground,
they tend to be easily inadvertently dirty and/or marked-up during
use. The tether 16 (holding a plurality of the sponge cleaning
devices 12) can be easily attached to a golf club bag using a
carabiner clip or the like connecting the attachment passage of
tether body portion 18 to the golf bag.
[0051] In order to remove this dirt and/or surface marks, the user
grasps the sponge cleaning device 12 secured in the use position 26
of the tether 16 and rubs the front face 42 and/or sidewall 48
and/or holding layer 46 of the sponge cleaning device 12 onto a
surface of the golf club having any dirt or surface marks that are
desired to be removed until the dirt or surface marks are removed
from the club. The sponge cleaning device 12 is then released so
that it again hangs from the golf bag via the tether 16. This
process can be repeated whenever there is undesired or surface
marks on the golf club. When the sponge cleaning device i12 n the
use position 26 of the tether 16 is no longer usable, the user
grasps the sponge cleaning device 12 and pulls with enough force so
that the first retainer 22 resiliently deforms and the used sponge
cleaning device 12 passes over the first retainer 22 and off of the
tether 16. With the used sponge cleaning device 12 removed from the
tether 16, the used sponge cleaning device 12 can be discarded. The
new sponge cleaning device 12 located directly above the second
retainer 24 is then grasped by the user and pulled with enough
force so that the second retainer 24 resiliently deforms and the
new cleaning sponge device 12 passes over the second retainer 24
and into the use position 26 above the first retainer 22. This
process continues until there are no remaining sponge cleaning
devices 12 held by the tether 16. The tether 16 can then be
reloaded with new sponge cleaning devices 12 if desired.
[0052] It is noted that each of the features of the various
disclosed embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in
any combination with each of the other disclosed embodiments of the
present invention.
[0053] From the above disclosure it can be appreciated that the
cleaning systems according to the presents invention can be easily
be available for use when desired.
[0054] The embodiments of this invention can be achieved by many
techniques and methods known to persons who are skilled in this
field. To those skilled and knowledgeable in the arts to which the
present invention pertains, many widely differing embodiments will
be suggested by the foregoing without departing from the intent and
scope of the present invention. The descriptions and disclosures
herein are intended solely for purposes of illustration and should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *