US20150067945A1

US20150067945A1 - Disposable Wipe

Info

Publication number: US20150067945A1
Application number: US14/057,798
Authority: US
Inventors: John B. Bartlett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-09
Filing date: 2013-10-18
Publication date: 2015-03-12

Abstract

An improved disposable wipe that can be worn on the hand of an individual. The disposable wipe has an absorbent sheet that is heat sealed to a sanitary glove. The sanitary glove is ambidextrous in design, having a first thumb portion and a second thumb portion arranged on either side of an at least one finger portion. Additionally, the sanitary glove is liquid resistant, such that any fluid wiped up with the absorbent sheet is not transferred to the skin of the individual. The absorbent sheet may have a plurality of perforations interspersed between each thumb and finger portion of the glove, which allow the absorbent sheet to be ripped into small sections of material that can then be used for targeted cleaning using a single finger. It is also possible for the absorbent sheet to retain a cleansing solution that is dispensed upon use of the disposable wipe.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/875,401 filed on Sep. 9, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a cleaning device. More specifically, the present invention is a disposable wipe that can be worn by the user as a glove. Furthermore, the present invention may include the use of a cleaning solution to aid in the cleaning of surfaces, humans, animals, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cloths or other wiping products are commonly owned cleaning products used to sweep up dirt and debris, soak up a spill, or otherwise clean a desired surface. Typical wipes comprise a single sheet of material that is either woven or non-woven, and can be designed such that they are disposable or reusable. Wipes are versatile cleaning products, thus they are used for a variety of cleansing reasons, such as cleaning a kitchen or bathroom surface, cleansing an individual's skin, or wiping a pet's fur coat. Depending on the intended use, wipes may be used in conjunction with various cleaning solutions to further enhance the functionality of the wipe. These cleaning solutions are commonly purchased separately and applied to the wipe before use. Whether used in conjunction with a cleaning solution or not, wipes are typically manipulated by a single hand of an individual as the wipe is used to clean a surface. Precise movement of the wipe is often hindered, as conventional wipes suffer from deformation by friction while in use. This makes it difficult to press the wipe flat against the surface and thus efficiently and effectively clean the surface. Additionally, any removed filth can easily be transferred to the user as the wipe becomes crumpled.
Therefore it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved disposable wipe that can be worn on the hand of an individual. An absorbent sheet is heat sealed to a sanitary glove, such that the absorbent sheet can be readily manipulated by the hand of the individual. The sanitary glove is ambidextrous in design, such that the present invention can be used by either right or left handed individuals. Additionally, the sanitary glove is liquid resistant, such that any fluid wiped up with the absorbent sheet is not transferred to the skin of the individual. The absorbent sheet may comprise perforations in between each thumb and finger portion of the glove. The perforations allow the absorbent sheet to be ripped into small sections of material that can then be used for targeted cleaning using a single finger. It is also possible for the absorbent sheet to retain a cleansing solution that is dispensed upon use of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention with the sanitary glove having three finger portions.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the present invention with the sanitary glove having three finger portions.

FIG. 3 is a top sectional view showing the absorbent sheet being heat sealed to the sanitary glove.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view showing the hand opening and the interior of the sanitary glove.

FIG. 5 is a right side sectional view showing the cleaning solution being retained by the absorbent sheet.

FIG. 6 is top plan view of the absorbent sheet having perforations interspersed between the first thumb portion, second thumb portion, and each of the at least one finger portion.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view showing the sanitary glove having only one finger portion.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view showing the interior of the sanitary glove having only one finger portion.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention with the open end of the sanitary glove being sealed shut by a temporary seam.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a disposable wipe that can be worn on an individual's hand. The disposable wipe comprises an absorbent sheet 1 and a sanitary glove 2, as shown in FIG. 1. The absorbent sheet 1 is connected to the sanitary glove 2 and provides the cleaning surface of the present invention. The sanitary glove 2 allows the present invention to be worn by an individual, such that the individual can control the flatness of the absorbent sheet 1 as the disposable wipe is used to clean. After use, the disposable wipe can be removed from the hand of an individual by inverting the sanitary glove 2 inside out. The soiled disposable wipe can then be sanitarily handled by the individual by holding the interior surface of the sanitary glove 2.
The absorbent sheet 1 is constructed from a non-woven material, and can be designed in any shape or size. Ideally, the absorbent sheet 1 is larger than the sanitary glove 2, such that excess absorbent sheet 1 extends around the profile of the sanitary glove 2. The sanitary glove 2 is constructed from a liquid resistant material, such that the hand of an individual does not get wet from cleaning chemicals or the mess that is being cleaned. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sanitary glove 2 is constructed form polyethylene or polypropylene; however, it is possible for the sanitary glove 2 to be made out of any other material(s).
The sanitary glove 2 is designed such that it is ambidextrous, thus allowing the disposable wipe to be used by any individual. This absolves the need to manufacture disposable wipes for both left and right handed individuals. In reference to FIG. 1, The sanitary glove 2 comprises a palm portion 24, a first thumb portion 21, a second thumb portion 22, an at least one finger portion 23, a receiving volume 25, and an open end 26. The first thumb portion 21, the second thumb portion 22, and the at least one finger portion 23 are adjacently connected to the palm portion 24, thus forming the body of the sanitary glove 2. In this way, the first thumb portion 21, the second thumb portion 22, the at least one finger portion 23, and the palm portion 24 delineate the receiving volume 25. The receiving volume 25 is the interior open space of the sanitary glove 2 in which the individual places his or her hand. The receiving volume 25 is accessed through the open end 26, which is positioned across the palm portion 24 opposite the at least one finger portion 23.
In reference to FIG. 2, the at least one finger portion 23 is positioned in between the first thumb portion 21 and the second thumb portion 22. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one finger portion 23 is specifically three finger portions. Each of the three finger portions is designed to receive one of an index finger, middle finger, or ring finger. The inner portion of the at least one finger portion 23 is designed to receive the middle finger of an individual, while the two outer finger portions of the at least one finger portion 23 are designed to receive the index finger or ring finger of an individual. Similarly, both the first thumb portion 21 and the second thumb portion 22 are designed to receive either the thumb or pinky finger of an individual. In this way, the sanitary glove 2 is designed such that it is ambidextrous. For example, the thumb of an individual is placed in the first thumb portion 21 and the pinky finger of the individual is placed in the second thumb portion 22 for a right handed individual, or vice versa for a left handed individual.
In reference to FIG. 3, the absorbent sheet 1 is adjacently connected to the first thumb portion 21, the second thumb portion 22, the at least one finger portion 23, and the palm portion 24. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent sheet 1 is heat sealed to the sanitary glove 2, and as such, the disposable wipe comprises an at least one heat seal seam 3. The at least one heat seal seam 3 connects the absorbent sheet 1 to the first thumb portion 21, the second thumb portion 22, the at least one finger portion 23 and the palm portion 24. In other embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent sheet 1 is connected to the sanitary glove 2 through the use of an epoxy, glue, or similar material. However, the use of heat sealing is preferable, as there are no chemicals involved in the process. In addition to the methods of connection described, it is possible for the absorbent sheet 1 to be connected to the sanitary glove 2 in any other way.
In reference to FIG. 5, the absorbent sheet 1 may comprise a plurality of perforations 11. The plurality of perforations 11 are interspersed between the first thumb portion 21, each of the at least one finger portion 23, and the second thumb portion 22. Each of the plurality of perforations 11 extends from the palm portion 24 to the outer edge of the absorbent sheet 1. The plurality of perforations 11 allows the absorbent sheet 1 to be readily and purposefully torn by the individual, such that sections of the absorbent sheet 1 may be manipulated independently of each other. For example, the absorbent sheet 1 can be ripped along the plurality of perforations 11, such that a section of the absorbent sheet 1 around the individual's index finger can be used to clean small and/or hard to reach areas.
In reference to FIG. 6, the disposable wipe may also comprise a cleaning solution 12. The cleaning solution 12 can be any known cleanser, and is retained by the absorbent sheet 1. In this way, the cleaning solution 12 is dispensed from the absorbent sheet 1 onto the surface, human, animal, etc. as the disposable wipe is used. If no cleaning solution 12 is initially retained by the absorbent sheet 1, then the individual may choose the cleaning solution 12 of his or her liking and apply the cleaning solution 12 to the absorbent sheet 1 before the disposable wipe is used.
In some embodiments of the present invention when the cleaning solution 12 is used, the open end 26 of the sanitary glove 2 is closed shut by a temporary seam 4. The temporary seam 4 isolates the receiving volume 25 from the external environment of the sanitary glove 2 when the disposable wipe is being transported, stored, etc. The temporary seam 4 is intended to prevent the cleaning solution 12 from leaking into the receiving volume 25, such that the cleaning solution 12 does not come in contact with the hand of the individual. When an individual wishes to use the disposable wipe, the temporary seam 4 is broken, thus allowing the individual to access the receiving volume 25 through the open end 26. The temporary seam 4 can be formed by any known sealing method, such as using a perforated pull tab or an adhesive positioned along the length of the open end. The temporary seam 4 may extend along both the sanitary glove 2 and the absorbent sheet 1, as shown in FIG. 9, or across only the open end 26 of the sanitary glove 2.
In reference to FIG. 7-8, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the at least one finger portion 23 is specifically one finger portion. In this way, the sanitary glove 2 forms a mitt shape with two thumb portions, one thumb portion on each side of the mitt. For a right handed individual, the thumb of the individual is placed in the first thumb portion 21, while the remaining fingers are placed in the at least one finger portion 23. Optionally, the pinky finger of the right handed individual may be placed in the second thumb portion 22. Conversely, for a left handed individual, the thumb of the individual is placed in the second thumb portion 22, while the remaining fingers are placed in the at least one finger portion 23. Optionally, the pinky finger of the left handed individual may be placed in the first thumb portion 21.
In one embodiment of the present invention, materials for the absorbent sheet 1 and the sanitary glove 2 are provided in rolls. The rolls of material are simultaneously loaded onto a glove making machine. The glove making machine would then cut the unrolled materials using templates for both the absorbent sheet 1 and the sanitary glove 2. Once the absorbent sheet 1 and the sanitary glove 2 are cut from the unrolled material using the templates, the absorbent sheet 1 and the sanitary glove 2 are then heat sealed together. It is also possible for the disposable wipe to be constructed using any other known manufacturing process.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A disposable wipe comprises:

an absorbent sheet;

a sanitary glove;

the sanitary glove comprises a first thumb portion, a second thumb portion, an at least one finger portion, a palm portion, a receiving volume, and an open end;

the first thumb portion, the second thumb portion, and the at least one finger portion being adjacently connected to the palm portion;

the at least one finger portion being positioned in between the first thumb portion and the second thumb portion;

the open end being positioned across the palm portion opposite the at least one finger portion;

the receiving volume being delineated by the first thumb portion, the second thumb portion, the at least one finger portion, and the palm portion; and

the absorbent sheet being adjacently connected to the first thumb portion, the second thumb portion, the at least one finger portion, and the palm portion.

2. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a cleaning solution; and

the cleaning solution being retained by the absorbent sheet.

3. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the absorbent sheet comprises a plurality of perforations; and

the plurality of perforations being interspersed between the first thumb portion, each of the at least one finger portion, and the second thumb portion.

4. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the absorbent sheet being connected to the first thumb portion, the second thumb portion, the at least one finger portion, and the palm portion by an at least one heat seal seam.

5. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the at least one finger portion being one finger portion or three finger portions.

6. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the open end being sealed closed by a temporary seam.

7. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sanitary glove is constructed from a liquid resistant material, and wherein the absorbent sheet is a non-woven material.

8. A disposable wipe comprises:

an absorbent sheet;

a sanitary glove;

the absorbent sheet comprises a plurality of perforations;

the receiving volume being delineated by the first thumb portion, the second thumb portion, the at least one finger portion, and the palm portion;

the absorbent sheet being adjacently connected to the first thumb portion, the second thumb portion, the at least one finger portion, and the palm portion; and

9. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

a cleaning solution; and

the cleaning solution being retained by the absorbent sheet.

10. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

11. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

12. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

the open end being sealed closed by a temporary seam.

13. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sanitary glove is constructed from a liquid resistant material, and wherein the absorbent sheet is a non-woven material.

14. A disposable wipe comprises:

an absorbent sheet;

a sanitary glove;

a cleaning solution;

the absorbent sheet comprises a plurality of perforations;

the absorbent sheet being adjacently connected to the first thumb portion, the second thumb portion, the at least one finger portion, and the palm portion;

the plurality of perforations being interspersed between the first thumb portion, each of the at least one finger portion, and the second thumb portion; and

the cleaning solution being retained by the absorbent sheet.

15. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

16. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

17. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

the open end being sealed closed by a temporary seam.

18. The disposable wipe as claimed in claim 14, wherein the sanitary glove is constructed from a liquid resistant material, and wherein the absorbent sheet is a non-woven material.