JP2006515218A - Dirt removal brush - Google Patents

Abstract

A powered dirt removal brush is provided. A method of using a powered soil removal brush to clean an inanimate surface is also provided. The powered dirt removal brush includes a handle (30) having a motor (23) disposed therein, a head (20) having a longitudinal axis, and a neck (21) disposed between the handle and the head. Include. A bristle holder is associated with the head. The motor is operably connected to the bristle holder.

Description

  The present invention relates to a soil removal brush for fabrics or inanimate hard surfaces. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electric dirt removal brush for fabrics or inanimate hard surfaces.

  There are many techniques in the art for converting the rotational output of a motor or other electrical power source into the desired brushing action. Many techniques include a shaft as a component of the power transmission system. The shaft can rotate, vibrate, or reciprocate. The shaft is connected to the bristle holder. Very often, the bristle holder is driven by the shaft to rotate or vibrate about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

  Such powered brushes typically provide only a brush head that is not angled or tilted. While these brush heads are beneficial, it is believed that an inclined brush head having a defined cleaning effective angle on a powered brush can provide excellent cleaning action. It is further believed that there is an optimal frequency range and bristle holder diameter.

The present invention is directed to products and methods for cleaning inanimate surfaces. The product
i) a handle having a motor disposed therein;
ii) a head having a longitudinal axis;
iii) a neck disposed between the handle and the head;
iv) a bristle holder associated with the head that vibrates or rotates and has a cleaning effective angle of 0 ° to 100 °;
v) comprises a powered soil removal brush comprising a set of bristle or foam structure associated with the bristle holder;
The motor is operably connected to the bristle holder. The product may also include a set of instructions associated with a powered soil removal brush that places the solution in contact with the inanimate surface and uses the powered soil removal brush. To guide the user of the powered soil removal brush to brush the solution on the inanimate surface.

The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning an inanimate surface, the method comprising:
a) preparing a powered soil removal brush having a cleaning effective angle of approximately 0 ° to 100 °, the powered soil removal brush comprising:
i) a handle having a motor disposed therein;
ii) a head having a longitudinal axis;
iii) a neck disposed between the handle and the head;
iv) an inclined bristle holder associated with the vibrating head;
b) The motor is further operably connected to the bristle holder, including a set of bristle associated with the bristle holder. The solution is placed in contact with an inanimate surface. The surface is then brought into contact with a soil removal brush to brush the solution on an inanimate surface.

  These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure.

  The present invention will be better understood by reference to the following accompanying drawings in the following description.

  Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout. All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated.

  Except where noted differently, all amounts including quantities, percentages, parts and proportions are understood to be adjusted by the word “abbreviated” and the amounts are not intended to indicate significant figures.

  Except as otherwise noted, the articles “a”, “an”, and “the” mean “one or more”.

  As used herein, “comprising” means that other steps or ingredients that do not affect the final result can be added. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”. The compositions and methods / processes of the present invention may be any additional or optional components, components, steps, or steps described herein, as well as essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein. It may also consist of, consist of and consist essentially of restrictions.

  As used herein, “inanimate surface” means a surface that does not form part of a living organism (eg, does not include teeth). Examples of inanimate surfaces include, but are not limited to, fabrics and hard surfaces.

  As used herein, “dirt removal brush” means a brush for cleaning inanimate surfaces.

  As used herein, “powered” and “electric” are used interchangeably to describe the use of a power source to operate the soil removal brush. Power sources include, but are not limited to, batteries, plug-in power sources typically used with 110V and 220V currents, solar energy, and the like.

A. (Dirt removal brush)
As will be appreciated, the present invention is directed to an electric dirt removal brush (comprising an electric dirt removal brush having a replaceable head) and an electric dirt removal brush head having a movable bristle holder. The bristle holder performs rotational or vibrational or reciprocating and translational movements, or other non-rotating or vibrational movements. As used herein, the term “rotation” is intended to refer to unidirectional angular motion (eg, constant clockwise motion), while the term “vibration” refers to oscillating angular motion (eg, clockwise rotation). And repeated cycles of counterclockwise rotation). Vibration is any periodic movement that has a repetitive cycle. The oscillating motion can have one or more frequencies and amplitudes. Vibrating motion that is substantially linear is referred to herein as reciprocating motion.

  The present invention can be used with a combination of an electric dirt removal brush and an electric dirt removal brush head that includes a shaft that imparts movement to the bristle holder by rotation, vibration or reciprocating movement (and combinations thereof). Furthermore, the present invention can be used in a combination of an electric dirt removal brush and an electric dirt removal brush head in which the shaft is operably connected to the bristle holder. Now, with reference to the drawings, some typical electric dirt removing brushes made according to the present invention will be described. These electric dirt removal brushes utilize a rotating or reciprocating shaft. For simplicity and clarity, these embodiments will be described with respect to the specific motor and shaft arrangement shown in FIG. 1, but may be replaced with a shaft arrangement that rotates (or vibrates) with other motors. Is understood. For example, US Patent No. 5,617,603, US Patent No. 5,850,603, US Patent No. 5,974,615, US Patent No. 6,032,313, US Patent No. 5,732,432 No. 5,070,567, US Pat. No. 5,170,525, US Pat. No. 5,416,942, US Pat. No. 3,588,936, US Pat. No. 5,867,856 And U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,055 disclose possible arrangements of shafts that rotate or vibrate with other motors.

  1 to 4, the electric dirt removing brush includes a dirt removing brush head 20, a main body or handle 30, and a neck 21 therebetween. The term “longitudinal” is intended to refer to a longitudinal feature of a component when viewed from above. For example, the longitudinal axis 100 is the axis through the longest dimension of a component such as a head or shaft. The longitudinal direction is a direction that generally corresponds to the longitudinal axis 100, but does not have to be in the same plane as the longitudinal axis 100. For example, the shaft and soil removal brush head longitudinal axis 100 may not be in the same plane, but extend generally in the same direction from a front view. Similarly, the neck and head that are angled with respect to each other may not have longitudinal axes in the same plane, but have axes that extend generally in the same longitudinal direction from the front view. The electric dirt removing brush of the present invention typically has a cylindrical head.

  The handle 30 is hollow and includes a front housing 31 and a rear housing assembly 32. The front housing 31 may include a raised surface or dimple 60 to provide better handle grip. The handle also includes a motor 23, a battery 24, and a battery door 22 for powering the motor. The rechargeable power source can be replaced with a battery. A battery door seal ring 27 is also shown. The bristle holder 25 is disposed at the end of the handle 30. The bristle holder 25 is shown in a circular shape, but other shapes can be used. The bristle holder 25 may be replaceable and includes a connection system to facilitate attachment to the distal most end of the linkage system 26. The distal most end of the linkage system 26 is bent or offset from the longitudinal axis 100 of the motor shaft so that the bristle holder 25 is angled and no longer lies in the same plane as the motor shaft. . In other words, the bristle holder 25 oscillates about an axis having a slight tilt angle.

  The soil removal brush may comprise a replaceable head or a non-replaceable head. Here, the powered dirt removing brush produced according to the present invention will be described. These powered dirt removal brushes utilize a reciprocating shaft. For simplicity and clarity, these embodiments will be described with respect to the specific motor and shaft arrangement shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 but may be replaced with a shaft arrangement that reciprocates with other motors. Is understood.

  5 and 6, the powered soil removal brush includes a soil removal brush head 20, a body or handle 30, and an elongated neck 21 therebetween. The power transmission system includes a shaft and a gear that transmit motion from the motor 23 to the coupling head 80, and the coupling head 80 is connected to the replaceable bristle holder 25 (not shown) in a clip-on manner. The coupling head 80 and bristle holder are illustrated as circular shapes, but other shapes can be utilized. The handle 30 is hollow. The handle 30 is composed of several compartments and includes a motor 23 and a battery (not shown) for powering the motor 23. The motor 23 is held in place in the handle of the rear housing 32 by a motor holding plate 93. In this embodiment, the coupling head 80 only vibrates and does not reciprocate, translate, or otherwise non-rotate or vibrate.

  A first gear (not shown) is operably connected to the motor 23 and is thereby powered. The second gear or crown gear 91 is operably connected to the first gear. The rotation axis of the second gear 91 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first gear so that the teeth of the first gear mesh with the teeth of the second gear 91, and therefore the first gear rotates. Then, the rotation of the second gear 91 is caused.

  The T-link arm 88 is eccentrically and pivotally connected to the second gear 91 via a pin 92 or other fastening device. Due to the eccentric connection, the rotational movement of the second gear 91 is converted into the reciprocating movement of the T-type link arm 88 to move the T-type link shaft 89. The I-type link 90 is firmly fixed by press-fitting into the T-type link shaft 89 or the like, and is linked to the V-type link shaft 85 by a pin 86 or other fastening device. T-link shaft 89 is at least partially housed within neck 21 and guided through seal assembly 87. Referring to FIG. 6, a reciprocating T-link shaft 89 is connected at its distal end to a V-link 84 which is connected to a W-link 83 via a pin 86 or other fastening means. . The V-shaped link 84 is supported by the V-shaped link shaft 85. The end of the W-shaped link 83 is connected to the coupling head 80. The W-type link 83 is offset from the longitudinal axis of the T-type link shaft 89 and is therefore pinned near the outer periphery of the coupling head 80. This shifted arrangement converts the reciprocating motion of the W-shaped link 83 into the vibrating motion of the coupling head 80. The coupling head 80 is connected to the block 82 via a pin 81. The brush head 20 receives a block 82 within the rear housing 32.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a preferred embodiment of the soil removal brush is a slanted or angled bristle holder 25 having a cleaning effective angle 70. The cleaning effective angle 70 preferably has a cleaning effective angle 70 of approximately 0 ° to 100 °, more preferably approximately 35 ° to 95 °, and most preferably approximately 40 ° to 90 °. The cleaning effective angle 70 is measured at the intersection of the lines 200-200 and 300-300, the line 200-200 is measured at the intersection of the x-axis at the bottom of the handle 30, and the line 300-300 is the top surface of the bristle holder 25. Measured at 125 y-axes. If the bottom of the handle 30 is not a flat surface, the line 200-200 is measured from the point that touches the lowest point of the handle 30. If the top surface 125 of the bristle holder 25 is not flat, the line 300-300 is measured from the point that contacts the top point on the top surface 125.

  The bristle holder 25 is generally cylindrical and has a preferred diameter of approximately 10-50 mm, and more preferably approximately 20-40 mm. The distance between the top surface 125 of the bristle holder 25 and the bottom surface 126 of the bristle holder 25 may be approximately 2 to 15 mm. While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated for convenience with tufts of hair extending in a direction generally orthogonal to the top surface of the bristle holder, the bristle is arranged differently to supplement the operation of the bristle holder, or even It is assumed that it can be strengthened. The length of the hair is preferably about 5 to 15 mm, more preferably 7 to 12 mm. The diameter of the hair is preferably about 0.1 to 0.3 mm, more preferably about 0.15 to 0.2 mm.

  The electric dirt removal brush of the present invention can be made with any combination of bristles, dimensions, combinations, angles and arrangements, but a preferred arrangement is illustrated in FIG. The bristle holder 25 has a concentric circle of tufts. In one embodiment, there are a high tuft 43 and a low tuft 44 that form a dome-shaped brush head. The difference in length between the high tuft 43 and the low tuft 44 is approximately 0.5 mm to 5 mm in one embodiment and approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in another embodiment.

  The bristles 40 can have different characteristics such as different heights (tall and low) and soft or stiff as shown. For example, soft hair is preferred for cleaning delicate fabrics (eg, silk garments) and delicate hard surfaces (eg, glass, plexiglass, CD, DVD, gold-plated surfaces, etc.). Alternatively, stiffer hair is preferred in more robust fabrics (eg, denim, canvas, nylon, etc.) and most hard surfaces. In addition, harder hair usually requires less user added force compared to softer hair. Less force applied by the user results in less overall stress on the user's fingers, hands, wrists, arms, and / or shoulders. In another embodiment, the hair tress may be exchanged in the holder 25 with a sponge-like or foam structure 45 attached to the brush head 20 as shown in FIG. Both hair 40 and / or foam-like structure 45 may include different properties, non-limiting examples of which include antibacterial properties and / or fragrance components.

In one non-limiting example, the hair may be made from nylon 66 available from Tai Hing Nylon Filament Products Co., Ltd, Hong Kong. Examples of other suitable bristle materials include, but are not limited to nylon 6, nylon 612 and polypropylene. The hair diameter may be 0.15 mm (6 mils) and the hair height may be 12 mm ± 0.25 mm. The total area of the bristle head is approximately 93 cm ² . The bristle head may have a total of 94 tufts. Each tuft may consist of 34 ± 4 hairs.

  The bristle holder 25 vibrates at a rotation angle of approximately 20 ° to 45 ° in one embodiment and at a rotation angle of approximately 25 ° to 35 ° in another embodiment. The bristle holder has a peak frequency of approximately 1000 to approximately 10,000 cycles per minute in one embodiment and a peak frequency of approximately 2000 to 7000 cycles per minute in another embodiment. One cycle is one complete clockwise and counterclockwise (or vice versa) rotation when the battery is fully charged. It is believed that the frequency may fall outside these ranges as the battery is depleted with use.

  The aspect of the soil removal brush of the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. Others will come up with variations and modifications upon reading and understanding this specification. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

B. (how to use)
The present invention also includes a method of using a soil removal brush to clean an inanimate surface. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a) providing a motorized soil removal brush of the present invention, b) placing the solution in contact with an inanimate surface, c) placing the solution on the inanimate surface using the motorized soil removal brush. Including brushing.

  The brush of the present invention is particularly useful for cleaning inanimate surfaces. For example, a soil removal brush may be used alone or with additional laundry products and stain pretreatment products (including but not limited to liquid and powder detergents, bleach, water, special pretreatment equipment, etc.) In particular, wearable fabrics can be washed to remove stains from them. Examples of fabrics include acrylic, cotton, lycra, polyester, rayon, spandex, washable silk with color fastness qualities, wool, and the like with mixtures of any of the above materials. Using a soil removal brush, the product can be applied directly to the surface of the fabric stain via hair, or the product can be applied directly to the stained fabric prior to using this device. . Once the stain is ready, the operator operates the power button 50 to allow the brush head 20 to rotate, and then uses the soil removal brush to move the stain surface on the fabric in any direction (circular, vertical). , Sideways, diagonally or any combination of the above). Further, the dirt removing brush can be used as described above in the non-powered mode or the non-operating mode.

  A further use of the stain removal brush is to clean household fabrics such as upholstery fabrics, carpets, bedding, curtains, small rugs, tablecloths and other non-wearing fabrics in the same manner as listed above. Can be mentioned.

  Soil removal brushes can also be used to clean inanimate hard surfaces, such as those commonly found in the home (for example, cooktops, bathroom utensils, dishes, hydrants, fixtures, Floor skirting, grout, kitchen utensils, shower doors, sinks, tiles, toilet articles, tools and bathtubs), shoe washing and shoe polishing, car mechanisms (seats, cup holders, trims, decorations, wheels, spokes) and Includes jewelry.

  Preferred hard surfaces include enamel surfaces. As used herein, “enamel surface” means an inanimate surface made of or coated with enamel. As used herein, “enamel” means a titanium or zirconium white enamel or titanium or zirconium white powder enamel that is used as a coating for a metal (eg, steel) surface and preferably prevents corrosion of the metal surface. To do. Enamel surfaces can be commonly found in the home, for example in the kitchen or bathroom, including bathrooms, sink fixtures and fittings, showers, shower basins, tiles, bathtubs, and the like. In addition, cooking utensils, dishes, etc. may also have an enamel surface. Enamel surfaces can also be found on household appliances that may be coated with enamel on the inside and / or outside, including automatic dryers, freezers, heating boilers, microwave ovens, conventional ovens, dishwashers , Refrigerators, washing machines and the like, but are not limited thereto. Additional enamel surfaces can be found in industrial, architectural and other applications. Examples of enamel surfaces found in such applications include enamel surfaces on or in building panels, chemical process equipment, heat exchangers, hot water tanks, mechanical equipment, pipelines, pumps, reaction vessels, display boards, silos, Or a tank etc. are mentioned.

C. (Self-learning product)
The present invention also includes an article that includes 1) a motorized soil removal brush of the present invention and 2) a set of instructions that guide a user in the method of the present invention for cleaning an inanimate surface.

  In a preferred embodiment, the merchandise includes a soil removal brush of the present invention associated with a set of instructions that guide the user to follow the inanimate surface cleaning method described above. For example, in one embodiment, such instructions may 1) place the solution in contact with the inanimate surface to be cleaned, and 2) guide the user to brush the solution on the inanimate surface using an electric soil removal brush. .

  As used herein, “associated” refers to such instructions, whether the instructions are printed directly on the stain removal brush, directly on the package for the stain removal brush, or stain removal. Printed on the label attached to the brush, printed on the label attached to the packaging for the soil removal brush, or brochure, printed advertisement, electronic advertisement, broadcast or internet advertisement and / or other media Means presented in a different way, including but not limited to, to convey the set of instructions to the consumer of the soil removal brush.

  The solution used in the present invention may be aqueous or non-aqueous. One non-limiting example of a non-aqueous solution is a lipophilic solution.

D. (Aqueous solution)
As used herein, “aqueous solution” refers to a solution containing water. The aqueous solution used in the present invention may be any solution that helps remove stains on inanimate surfaces. In one embodiment, the aqueous solution comprises at least 10% water. In another embodiment, the aqueous solution further comprises a surfactant.

  In embodiments involving fabric washing, the aqueous solution is preferably a liquid laundry detergent. In another embodiment for cleaning fabrics, the user can combine granular laundry detergent with water to form a suitable aqueous solution.

  In embodiments involving hard surface cleaning, the aqueous solution is preferably a liquid hard surface cleaning agent. In another embodiment for cleaning hard surfaces, a user can combine a granular hard surface cleaner with water to form a suitable aqueous solution.

  In another embodiment, the aqueous solution further comprises a solvent. Solvents are particularly useful when cleaning hard surfaces.

  Non-limiting additional examples of aqueous solutions for use in the present invention may further include ammonia, general purpose cleaners, baking soda, bathroom / shower cleaners, bleaches, automotive cleaners, and / or carpet cleaners. .

  In another embodiment, the aqueous solution further comprises particles. Such particles are particularly useful for promoting mechanical breakup of stains on inanimate surfaces.

E. (Lipophilic solution)
The lipophilic solution used in the present invention may be any non-aqueous solution that helps remove stains on inanimate surfaces and meets the requirements set forth in the lipophilic fluid test (LF test) described below.

(Quality of lipophilic fluid: Lipophilic fluid test (LF test))
Any water-insoluble fluid that can meet known requirements for a stain removal fluid (e.g., flash point, etc.) and can at least partially dissolve sebum as shown in the test methods described below. Suitable as a lipophilic fluid. The ability of a particular substance to remove sebum can be measured by any known technique. As a general guide, cyclopentasiloxane (D5) dissolves sebum, while perfluorobutylamine (Fluorinert FC-43®) by itself (with or without additives). ) A reference material that by definition is unsuitable as a lipophilic fluid (which is essentially a non-solvent).

  The following are methods for investigating and qualifying other materials for use as lipophilic fluids, such as other low viscosity, free flowing silicones. This method uses commercially available Crisco® canola oil, oleic acid (95% purity, available from Sigma Aldrich Co.) and squalene (99% purity) as model soils for sebum. , Available from JT Baker). The test substance is substantially anhydrous and should not contain added adjuvants or other materials under evaluation.

  Prepare three vials. Place 1.0 g of canola oil in the first vial, 1.0 g of the oleic acid (95%) in the second vial, 1.0 g of the squalene (95%) in the third and final vials. 99%). In each vial is placed 1 g of the fluid to be tested for lipophilicity. In a standard stirred mixer at room temperature and room pressure, each vial containing the lipophilic soil and fluid to be tested is mixed individually for a maximum setting of 20 seconds. The vial is placed on a workbench and allowed to settle for 15 minutes at room temperature and room pressure. If a single phase is formed in any vial that has lipophilic soil when stationary, the fluid is rated as suitable for use as a “lipophilic fluid” according to the present invention. Is done. However, when more than one separation layer is formed in all three vials, the amount of fluid dissolved in the oil phase is before being rejected or accepted as graded. In addition, it needs to be measured further.

  In such a case, a 200 ml sample is carefully extracted from each layer of each vial with a syringe. After measuring the retention time of each of the three model soil calibration samples and the fluid being tested, the layer sample taken with the syringe is placed in a GC autosampler vial and subjected to conventional GC analysis. If any one of the oleic acid layer, canola oil layer, or squalane layer contains more than 1%, preferably more, of the test fluid, if it is found by GC, the test fluid is also Rated as suitable for use as a lipophilic fluid. If necessary, the above method can be further calibrated using heptacosafluorotributylamine, ie Fluorinert FC-43 (fail) and cyclopentasiloxane (pass).

A suitable GC is the Hewlett Packard Gas Chromatograph HP5890 Series II equipped with a split / splitless injector and FID. A suitable column used in measuring the abundance of lipophilic fluid is J & W Scientific's capillary column DB-1HT (30 m, 0.25 mm ID, 0.1 μm film thickness, catalog number 1221131). ). The GC is preferably operated under the following conditions:
Carrier gas: Hydrogen Column head pressure: 62 kPa (9 psi)
Flow rate: Column flow rate @ About 1.5 ml / min Split vent @ About 250-500 ml / min Septum purge @ 1 ml / min Injection: HP7673 autosampler, 10 μl syringe, 1 μl injection Injector temperature: 350 ° C.
Detector temperature: 380 ° C
Oven temperature program: start 60 ° C., 1 minute hold rate 25 ° C./minute final 380 ° C., hold 30 minutes Preferred lipophilic fluid suitable for use herein is used because it has excellent clothing care properties Can be further qualified to do so. Clothing care property tests are well known in the art and are graded using a wide range of clothing or fabric article components, including thread and elastic bands and various buttons used for fabrics and seams, etc. Including testing the fluid. Preferred lipophilic fluids for use in the present invention have excellent garment care properties, for example, good shrinkage or cloth tacking properties and do not appreciably damage plastic buttons.

  For garment care testing, or other ratings such as flammability, certain lipophilic fluids used in the lipophilic fluid may be the final lipophilic properties that will come into contact with the fabric article, for example in a mixture with water. It can be present in a ratio close to that used in fluids. Certain substances that remove sebum are eligible to be used as lipophilic fluids, however, for example, ethyl lactate may be totally undesirable due to its tendency to dissolve buttons, making these substances lipophilic. When used in a fluid, it is formulated with water and / or other solvents so that the entire mixture does not substantially damage the button. Other lipophilic fluids, such as D5, adequately meet garment care requirements. Some suitable lipophilic fluids are granted US Pat. No. 5,865,852, US Pat. No. 5,942,007, US Pat. No. 6,042,617, US Pat. No. 6,042, No. 618, US Pat. No. 6,056,789, US Pat. No. 6,059,845, and US Pat. No. 6,063,135.

  Lipophilic solvents can include linear and cyclic polysiloxanes, hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons. More preferred are linear and cyclic polysiloxanes and glycol ether hydrocarbons, acetate ester hydrocarbons, lactate ester hydrocarbons. Preferred lipophilic solvents include cyclic siloxanes having a boiling point at about 101 kPa (760 mmHg) of less than about 250 ° C. Particularly preferred cyclic siloxanes for use in the present invention are octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane. It should be understood that mixtures of useful cyclic siloxanes may contain small amounts of other cyclic siloxanes in addition to the preferred cyclic siloxanes, such as hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane. Or higher cyclics such as tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane. In general, the amount of these other cyclic siloxanes in useful cyclic siloxane mixtures is less than about 10% by weight of the total mixture.

F. (Absorbent dirt receiving article)
In another embodiment, the soil removal brush and cleaning solution are used in combination with an absorbent soil receiving article (“ASRA”). The ASRA herein can include any of a number of absorbent structures that make a difference in capillary pressure through its thickness (Z direction). The following considerations are considered when designing an ASRA for use in the stain removal process herein. First, the cleaning solution only removes dirt from the fabric fibers when stirred. If the cleaning solution carrying the soil remains on the fabric, the soil will reattach to the fabric as the cleaning solution dries. The more completely the cleaning solution is removed from the fabric, the more complete the removal of dirt.

  Secondly, the fabric to be treated is itself essentially a fiber-absorbing structure that holds a liquid (ie, a cleaning solution) in the capillaries between the fibers. Some liquid may be absorbed into the fibers, but most of the liquid is retained in the capillaries between the fibers, including the capillaries between the filaments that are twisted into yarn. The liquid retained in the fabric can be removed by contact with another absorbent structure such as the ASRA herein. During this process, the liquid is transferred from the fabric capillary to the ASRA capillary.

Third, the liquid is held in the capillary by capillary pressure. Capillary pressure (Pc) is generally described by the following formula:
Pc = (2 × G × Cos A) / R
here,
G is the surface tension of the liquid,
A is the contact angle between the liquid and the capillary wall,
R is the capillary radius.

  Therefore, capillary pressure is highest in capillaries with small contact angles and small radii. The liquid is most securely held by the high capillary pressure and moves from the low capillary pressure region to the high capillary pressure region. Thus, in the subject ASRA that creates a difference in capillary pressure through its thickness, liquid moves from a region of low capillary pressure to a region of high capillary pressure. Although various techniques can be used to measure capillary pressure, a liquid cleaning composition is used as the test liquid.

  In practice, most absorbent materials are composite structures consisting of a wide range of capillary sizes and contact angles. As a result of this consideration, the capillary pressure of a material or the capillary pressure region within a material is defined as the volume weighted average of the pressure range found within that material or region.

  For illustrative purposes, in a situation where a soil fabric saturated with a cleaning solution is in liquid communication contact with two identical layers of a homogeneous absorbent material, such as paper towels, the solution and soil are 2 Easily moves from fabric to towel until the capillary pressure in the two materials is approximately equal. At equilibrium, a certain amount of solution and dirt will remain in the fabric. The exact amount depends on the basis weight and capillary pressure characteristics of the fabric and towel. A reduction in the solution and dirt remaining in the fabric, and thus a better cleaning, is obtained as a result of replacing the lower layer of the towel (the layer not in direct contact with the fabric) with an absorbent layer of higher capillary pressure than that of the towel. It is done. This absorbent layer, due to its higher capillary pressure, moves more solution from the lower capillary pressure upper towel layer to the higher capillary pressure absorbent layer, which in turn will cause more solution from the fabric. Move to upper towel layer. The result is better cleaning because there is less residual solution and dirt remaining in the fabric.

  This type of multi-layer system is also beneficial when pressure in the Z direction is applied to wet soiled fabric and ASRA. This pressure compresses the various materials, thereby reducing their void volume and liquid absorption capacity (increasing the percent saturation of the material). This allows the liquid to be squeezed out. Due to the layered structure, free liquid can be absorbed by the lower layer, ie the layer furthest from the fabric. This reduces liquid reabsorption by the fabric. This also means that the lower layer (highest capillary pressure layer) is relatively less compressible (holds its void volume at a higher percentage under pressure) than the upper layer (lower capillary pressure layer). This is especially true for cases. In this case, it may be desirable that the upper layer be elastically compressible so that the liquid can be squeezed out under pressure and the lower layer can absorb it.

  As such, ASRA can include two or more relatively different layers with differences in capillary pressure. As seen in the capillary pressure formula, the difference in capillary pressure can be achieved by changing the capillary size or the contact angle between the wash solution and the ASRA. Both factors can be adjusted by the configuration of ASRA. The contact angle portion of the formula can also be affected by chemically treating the ASRA with a water repellent material such as a surfactant that decreases the contact angle or a silicone that increases the contact angle.

  The effectiveness of ASRA including multiple layers with different capillary pressures can be enhanced by placing most of the total absorption capacity in the high capillary pressure portion. The upper layer facing the fabric need only be thick enough to isolate the fabric from the liquid retained in the lower layer.

  The effectiveness of layered ASRA can be further enhanced by selecting the low capillary pressure portion to have a higher capillary pressure than the fabric being treated.

  In ASRA consisting of two or more layers with different capillary pressures, the pattern of capillary pressure change can be characterized as “stepping”. There is a sharp change or step in capillary pressure at the interface of the layers through the thickness of the ASRA. It will be appreciated that the ASRA herein need not include multiple different layers, but rather can include a single layer structure having a relatively continuous capillary size gradient through its thickness.

  Fiber ... ASRA can be made of various materials including fibrous absorbents and foams. Useful fibrous absorbents include nonwovens (card processing, hydroentanglement, thermal bonding, latex bonding, meltblown, span, etc.), thermally bonded airlaid nonwovens ("TBAL"), latex bonded airlaid nonwovens ("LBAL") ), Composite bonded airlaid nonwoven (“MBAL” in combination with latex and thermal bonding) wet laminated paper, woven, knitted fabric, or a combination of materials (ie, upper layer of carded nonwoven and lower layer of wet laminated paper) ) And the like. These fibrous absorbents can be manufactured using a wide variety of fibers including natural and synthetic fibers. Useful fibers include wood pulp, rayon, cotton, cotton linter, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, nylon, multicomponent binder fibers, and the like. Numerous fiber types can be blended together to make useful materials. Useful foam materials include polyurethane foam and high internal phase emulsion foam. The most important factor is the difference in capillary pressure within the thickness of the ASRA. A wide range of fiber sizes can be used. A typical but non-limiting diameter range is from about 0.5 μm to about 60 μm. In the case of a meltblown, the preferred fibers are less than approximately 10 μm. Typical spunbond and synthetic staple fibers have a diameter range of about 14 μm to about 60 μm. In general, smaller diameter fibers are selected for the high capillary pressure layer and larger diameter fibers are selected for the low capillary pressure layer. The fiber length can depend on the forming process being used and the desired capillary pressure. Spunbond includes substantially continuous fibers. For airlaid fibers, 4-6 mm is typical. For carded fibers, the range is typically 25-100 mm. Further, it has now been found that reinforced bicomponent fibers in the upper layer reduce linting during use. Enhancing synthetic (eg, bicomponent) fibers in the upper layer can also enhance cleaning due to its lipophilic nature that helps remove oily stains from the fibers being processed.

  Absorbent gel material ("AGM"), such as what is sometimes referred to as "superabsorbent" in diaper technology, can be on either or both layers of the receiver, or on the ASLA fiber layer or on the back of the lower layer It can be added as a separate layer. The AGM functionally provides additional liquid absorption capability and serves to drain from the capillaries in the ASRA structure, helping to maintain a capillary pressure gradient as the liquid is absorbed.

  In light of the foregoing considerations, the ASRA herein can be defined as an absorbent structure having a difference in capillary pressure through its thickness (Z direction). In a typical but non-limiting form, this is relatively larger (eg, with a radius of 50-100 μm) in the upper liquid receiving portion of the ASRA that is placed in contact with the fabric being treated. This can be achieved by having a capillary. The lower liquid storage portion has a relatively smaller capillary (eg, a radius of 5-30 μm). Regardless of the size used, it is desirable that the difference in mean capillary pressure between the two layers is sufficiently large to minimize the overlap of the capillary pressure range between the two layers.

  Basis weight: The basis weight of the ASRA can vary depending on the amount of cleaning solution that must be absorbed. A preferred 127 mm × 127 mm receiving material absorbs approximately 10-50 g of water. In practice, only a much smaller volume is required because a very small amount of liquid is used in a typical stain removal process. A typical TBAL ASRA pad weighs approximately 4-6 g. Therefore, the useful range is about 1 g to about 7 g. For example, various sizes such as 90 mm × 140 mm can be used.

  Size: The preferred size of ASRA is approximately 127 mm x 127 mm, but other sizes such as 90 mm x 140 mm can also be used. The shape can also be changed.

  Thickness ... The preferred overall thickness of the ASRA is approximately 3 mm (120 mils), but can vary over a wide range. The lowermost end may be limited by the desire to provide an absorption compression force. A reasonable range is 0.635 mm (25 mils) to 5.08 mm (200 mils).

  Linting-inhibiting binder spray: ASRA is preferably free of dust. Some materials are inherently dust free (synthetic nonwovens). Some materials that generally contain cellulose can be dusty because not all fibers are bound. Dust can be reduced by bonding substantially all the fibers present on or near the surface of the ASRA that contacts the fabric being treated. This can be achieved by application of a resin such as latex, starch or polyvinyl alcohol. It is also possible to further reduce the tinting tendency using cold or hot crimping, sonic bonding, thermal bonding and / or sewing along all edges of the receiver.

  Backing sheet: ASRA is generally sufficiently robust to be used as it is. However, it is preferable to adhere a liquid impermeable barrier sheet to the lowermost surface of the lower layer in order to prevent the liquid from penetrating onto the table top or other processing surface selected by the user. This backing sheet also improves the integrity of the entire article. For the bottom layer, using conventional procedures, a polyethylene or polypropylene coating layer is extruded 0.01-0.05 mm (0.5-2.0 mils), preferably 0.03 mm (1.0 mils). Can be coated. The coating layer can also be laminated to the lower layer by adhesion or thermally. The overcoat layer is designed to be a pinhole-free barrier to prevent any undesirable leakage of the cleaning composition beyond the receiver. The backing sheet can be printed with instructions for use, embossed, and / or decorated as desired by the formulator. ASRA is intended for use outside the dryer. However, the backing sheet is preferably made of a heat resistant film such as polypropylene or nylon, since the receiver can be inadvertently placed in a dryer and exposed to high heat.

  Color: White is a preferred color for ASRA because the user can observe the movement of the stain from the fabric to the backing. However, there is no functional limitation on the color selection. The backing sheet can optionally be of an emphasized color.

  Embossing ... ASRA can be embossed with any desired pattern or logo.

Manufacture—A typical but non-limiting embodiment of the ASRA herein includes an upper low capillary pressure layer and a lower high capillary pressure placed in fluid communication with the fabric being treated. TBAL material consisting of layers. ASRA can be conveniently manufactured using procedures known in the art for manufacturing TBAL materials, see US Pat. No. 4,640,810. Overall, TBAL manufacturing processes are typically absorbent, such as relatively short (2-4 mm) wood pulp fibers with relatively long (4-6 mm) bicomponent fibers intermingled therein. Including laminating a web of fibers. The sheath of bicomponent fibers is melted by heating to achieve thermal bonding. The bicomponent fibers mix throughout with the wood pulp fibers, thereby co- "adhering" the entire mat. Both layers of one embodiment of the ASRA herein can be a uniform blend of wood pulp fibers and bicomponent thermal adhesive fibers. In a more preferred embodiment, the top layer is 100% concentric bicomponent fiber with a PP core comprising polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) in 50:50 (weight) and covered with an outer sheath of PE. . Gradient is achieved by supplying a higher proportion of bicomponent bonded fibers to the upper layer compared to the lower layer. Using the TBAL process as described in US Pat. No. 4,640,810, the upper low capillary pressure layer is 100% bicomponent fiber (All Thermal C available from Danaklon a / s). (AL-Thermal-C), 1.7 decix, 6 mm length), formed by the first forming station. The basis weight of this all two-component upper layer is approximately 30 gsm (g / m ² ). The lower high capillary pressure layer is a fiber blend consisting of approximately 72% wood pulp (Flint River Fluff available from Weyerhaeuser Co.) and approximately 28% bicomponent binder fibers. To the upper layer by second and third forming stations. The basis weight of this lower layer is approximately 270 gsm. Each of the second and third forming stations deposit approximately half of the total basis weight of the lower layer. The two layers are then calendered to give a final bond thickness of approximately 3 mm. Subsequently, a 0.03 mm (1.0 mil) polypropylene coating is extrusion coated onto the exposed surface of the lower layer. Individual receiving materials are cut into a size of 127 mm × 127 mm. In one optional form, this material is wound onto a roll before the backing sheet is applied, so that before the thermal bonding, the lower layer is used to prevent dust from moving to the entire two-component upper layer. A binder (e.g., Airflex 124 latex available from Air Products) can be applied onto the exposed surface. Alternatively, a non-linting sheet can be placed on the ASRA during winding to prevent linting for contact between surfaces.

  The composition and basis weight of the layers can be varied while still providing ASRA with the desired capillary pressure gradient and cleaning performance.

G. (Measurement method of effective cleaning angle)
This provides a method that can be used to measure the cleaning effective angle. An instrument for measuring tensile strength may be used. A non-limiting example of a suitable instrument is Instron Model No. 8511 manufactured by Instron, Inc. of Canton, Massachusetts. Referring to FIG. 10, the bristle holder 25 is mounted on the plastic block 300. A protractor 350 having an angular gradient is mounted on a plastic block * 300. The protractor 350 and the plastic block 300 are attached to each other by a pivot arm 370. The protractor 350, the plastic block 300, and the swivel arm 370 are attached to the base 380. Base 380 is attached to mounting bracket 390. Mounting brackets are available from Instron. Protractor 350 and plastic block 300 may be pivoted to a desired angle with respect to base 380 and mounting bracket 390. The mounting bracket 390 is then mounted on the tensile tester so that the center point of the bristle holder 25 is aligned with the center line of the load cell. The resistance reading from the load cell is set in the range of 889 N (200 pounds). The displacement rate is 0.5 inches per minute. The rest at full displacement is 0.5 seconds.

  The method described above was used to measure the cleaning effective angle. Instron model number 8511 was used utilizing an Instron displacement program called "trapezoid". Resistance readings from Instron load cells ranged from 889 N (200 pounds). Resistance and displacement were monitored with a Nicolet Pro 20 O scope. The angle of brush engagement was set for each test increment. The test was performed with 2.5 ° increments to both the right and left sides. The dynamic top plate is lowered manually from the non-engaged position (zero) to the point of engagement with the complete brush bristles. This is the total test displacement. The test is stopped at this point and returned to rest. Return the dynamic faceplate to the zero position. Full brush engagement occurs when all bristles actually engage the top plate. Nicolet is calibrated to a 2.3 kg (5 pound) weight and programmed to show displacement in inches (channel 1) and resistance in pounds (channel 2). Nicolet is triggered by a displacement curve. Nicolet's curve is for time in seconds. At the start of the test: the dynamic faceplate is lowered to the point of engagement with the complete brush face at 0.5 inches per second to engage the brush. Rest for 0.5 seconds. Return to the zero displacement point at 0.5 inches per second. This cycle is repeated at least once to ensure repeatability. At Nicolet: The engagement point between the dynamic face plate and the first plain is determined. The difference between this point and the total test displacement determines the complete bristle engagement displacement. At Nicolet: The engagement point and total test displacement at the time of contact with the first hair (zero force) determines the resistance force reported at full hair engagement. This is an indication of kinetic effects. The static force reading occurs at rest for 0.5 seconds. The static action readings are slightly higher than the dynamic action readings.

  The aspects and embodiments of the invention described herein have a number of advantages. For example, the present invention can provide a result of improved cleaning and / or faster cleaning on inanimate surfaces, and can reduce user finger, hand, arm, and / or shoulder fatigue. .

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. All cited documents are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant part. Citation of any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

1 is a front view of a powered soil removal brush made in accordance with the present invention, which includes a coupling head that rotates or vibrates. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the powered dirt removing brush of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the powered dirt removing brush of FIG. 1. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a powered dirt removal brush made according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of a linkage system suitable for use with the powered soil removal brush of FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a linkage system suitable for use with the powered dirt removal brush of FIGS. The side view which shows the washing | cleaning effective angle of the dirt removal brush of FIGS. 5 is a side view of a hair tuft pattern of a soil removal brush suitable for use with the powered soil removal brush of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of a soil removal brush head, using a foam-like or sponge-like structure instead of hair suitable for use with the electric soil removal brush of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus that can be used with a tensile tester to measure the cleaning effective angle.

Claims (23)

A method of cleaning an inanimate surface,
a) having an effective cleaning angle of approximately 0 ° to 100 °;
i) a handle having a motor disposed therein;
ii) a head having a longitudinal axis;
iii) a neck disposed between the handle and the head;
iv) an inclined bristle holder associated with the head that vibrates or rotates;
v) a set of bristles associated with the bristle holder;
Providing a powered dirt removal brush with the motor operably connected to the bristle holder;
b) placing the solution in contact with an inanimate surface;
c) contacting the motorized soil removal brush with the inanimate surface and brushing the solution on the inanimate surface. A method of cleaning an inanimate surface,
a) having an effective cleaning angle of approximately 0 ° to 100 °;
i) a handle having a motor disposed therein;
ii) a head having a longitudinal axis;
iii) a neck disposed between the handle and the head;
iv) an inclined bristle holder associated with the head that vibrates or rotates;
v) a set of bristles associated with the bristle holder;
Providing an electric dirt removal brush with the motor operably connected to the bristle holder;
b) providing an absorbent soil receiving article in contact with the inanimate surface;
c) placing the solution in contact with the inanimate surface;
d) contacting the electric soil removal brush to brush the solution on the inanimate surface;
e) contacting the inanimate surface treated with the solution with the absorbent soil receiving article.   The method of claim 1, wherein the inclined bristle holder vibrates at a frequency of approximately 1000 to 10,000 cycles per minute.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the bristle holder has a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 10 to 50 mm.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the length of the hair is approximately 5 to 15 mm.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the hair has a diameter of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm.   The method of claim 1, wherein the solution is an aqueous solution.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the aqueous solution is first applied to the hair and then placed in contact with the inanimate surface.   The method of claim 7, wherein the solution further comprises a surfactant.   The method of claim 1, wherein the solution is a lipophilic fluid.   The method of claim 10, wherein the lipophilic solution is first applied to the hair and then placed in contact with the inanimate surface.   The method of claim 10, wherein the lipophilic solution further comprises a surfactant.   The powered dirt removal brush further comprises a shaft disposed at least partially within the neck, the shaft operably connected to the motor and the bristle holder, and the shaft disposed within the neck. The method according to claim 1, wherein a distal end of the motor is not coplanar with the motor shaft disposed within the handle.   The method of claim 13, wherein the shaft reciprocates.   The method of claim 13, wherein the shaft comprises a V-shaped link.   The method of claim 13, wherein the distal end of the shaft comprises a W-shaped link.   The method of claim 1, wherein the tufts of hair have different lengths.   The method of claim 1, wherein the bristle holder has an inclined base. a) i) a handle having a motor disposed therein;
ii) a head having a longitudinal axis;
iii) a neck disposed between the handle and the head;
iv) a bristle holder associated with the head that vibrates or rotates;
v) a set of bristle or foam structures associated with the bristle holder;
Powered dirt removing brush comprising:
A product including a powered dirt removal brush having a cleaning effective angle of approximately 0 ° to 100 °, wherein the motor is operably connected to the bristle holder. A set of instructions associated with the powered soil removal brush;
The instructions are
i) place the solution in contact with the inanimate surface;
The product of claim 19, wherein ii) guides a user of the electric soil removal brush to brush the solution on the inanimate surface using the powered soil removal brush.   The product according to claim 19, wherein the bristle holder is inclined.   The product of claim 19, wherein the bristle holder vibrates.   The commodity according to claim 19, wherein the powered dirt removing brush has a cleaning effective angle of approximately 35 ° to 95 °.

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