GB2446366A

GB2446366A - A cleaning glove

Info

Publication number: GB2446366A
Application number: GB0702391A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Abbie Norton-Triggs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-02-08
Filing date: 2007-02-08
Publication date: 2008-08-13
Also published as: GB0702391D0

Abstract

A cleaning article 2 comprises a flexible enclosure 4 for enclosing the hand of a user, the enclosure 4 comprising an opening for receiving the hand of a user and for extending around the wrist or lower arm of the user when in use. At least a portion of the outer surface of the enclosure 4 is formed from an absorbent material 22, 24 which is impregnated with a liquid cleaning composition and the enclosure 4 is of a size such that the article may be easily everted during removal from the hand of a user. The liquid cleaning composition may comprise one or a combination of water, a bactericide, biocide, antiseptic, detergent, surfactant, scent or perfume. A layer of impermeable material may be disposed within the enclosure 4 to protect the hand of the user.

Description

CLEANING ARTICLE

The present invention relates to a cleaning article, in particular a cleaning article that may be worn on the hand of a user.

Gloves and the like are known to be used as cleaning articles, for use by the wearer in a range of cleaning operations.

Thus, US 7,020,898 discloses a multiuse hand-worn article, in particular a glove. The article has enclosures for thumb and fingers, with one or more the enclosures being provided with a plurality of raised elements, such as bristles, extending perpendicular from the outer surface of the article. The specific embodiments shown have the raised elements provided on the outer portion of the article corresponding to the tips or ends of the fingers and thumb. The article may be a full glove, having an enclosure for four fingers and a thumb, or may have fewer enclosures, with two or more fingers and optionally the thumb being housed within a single enclosure. The article is specifically described as being of use for personal hygiene, including tooth brushing, cleaning and massaging, together with other cleaning and polishing activities.

US 2006/0143847 concerns a cleaning article in the form of a glove or mitt that may take one of a variety of different forms. The glove or mitt is provided on its outer surface with one of a range of materials, for example a material that is fluffy, lofted or three-dimensional, to provide a suitable cleaning function. The glove or mitt is provided with an impervious inner liner.

It is known to provide cleaning articles in the form of material or cloths impregnated with one or more components for use in a cleaning function. Suitable components to impregnate the material or cloths include disinfectants, detergents, soaps and the like. It is also known to provide a cleaning article in the form of an impregnated glove, that may be worn on the hand of the user during the cleaning operation.

Thus, WO 2004/103137 discloses a disposable humidified glove made from an absorbent material. The glove is provided with an internal protective plastic film to protect the hand of the wearer during use. The absorbent material is soaked in a non-foaming liquid detergent. The glove is provided in a sealed envelope, to protect the glove and avoid contamination prior to use. It is disclosed that the glove is particular suitable for use in personal hygiene, such as washing oneself, or the cleaning of the hair or fur of an animal, such as a pet or the like.

JP 2005095386 addresses the problem of providing a glove-shaped cleaning article that may be used for wiping soiled surfaces and the like, in particular the provision of a glove that provides a high degree of sensitivity for the user, to enable small parts to be cleaned. This document particularly addresses the problem of personal hygiene and the cleaning of relatively inaccessible portions of the body, such as between the fingers and toes. JP 2005095386 teaches that the solution to IS the problem is to form the glove of a non-woven fabric as a component member, the non-woven fabric having a saturation water absorption of 2 or more. The non-woven fabric is impregnated with water and/or a chemical cleaning solution. It is specifically taught that the glove is not provided with a liquid-impermeable inner layer.

The safe disposal of a glove after having been used for cleaning is a particular problem, exacerbated when the glove is particularly heavily soiled with hazardous materials or waste.

One approach to solving this problem is disclosed in JP 2004075088. This document describes a bag formed with a glove attached to the body of the bag, such that objects and waste may be located in the bag and handled using the attached glove. Whilst it would appear possible to place the soiled glove inside the bag, the attachment of the glove to the bag makes this operation less than simple.

DE 10052216 describes a glove, having on its outside at least one reversing layer which may be pulled over the outer surface of the glove when the outer surface is soiled or contaminated. This would appear to be a complex structure to manufacture and use.

US 7,022,100 concerns a glove for use in removing liquid material from surfaces, in particular blood and other potentially bio-hazardous materials. The glove comprises a fluid-impermeable liner of any suitable material, such as latex, rubber, vinyl, plastic, etc. The glove is provided with a fluid-absorbing material on its outer surface, in particular the portion corresponding to the palm and fingers of the user. In one embodiment, the glove is provided with a bag on the outer surface adjacent the wrist opening, into which the soiled glove may be place after use.

US 6,481,766 attempts to address the problem of providing a safe cleaning article and proposes a glove-like disposal bag. The bag is of sturdy, pliable plastic or rubber having a major portion for receiving the hand of a user and a thumb portion for receiving the user's thumb. A flexible bag portion extends between the thumb portion and the major portion for receiving waste that is collected using the article. A cleaning pad is provided on the portion of the article opposite the thumb portion for use in wiping a surface and for protecting the artide from abrasion during use. In addition, the article may comprise an elongate sanitizing bar extending along one edge of the cleaning pad, which may contain a sanitizing or deodorizing substance.

The article may be everted after use. A draw string may be provided around the opening.

While attempts have been made to provide a cleaning article that may be worn over the hand of the user during use, can provide an effective cleaning action and may be disposed of in a safe manner that avoids contamination of other articles or surfaces, the proposals have not fully addressed the problems. Accordingly there is a need for an improved cleaning article for use on the hand of a user that provides the user with an effective cleaning function and the ability to safely enclose the soiled article and/or any waste collected after use.

According to the present invention, there is provided a cleaning article comprising a flexible enclosure for enclosing the hand of a user, the enclosure comprising an opening for receiving the hand of a user and for extending around the wrist or lower arm of the user when in use, at least a portion of the outer surface of the enclosure being formed from an absorbent material, the absorbent material being impregnated with a liquid cleaning composition, the enclosure being of a size such that the article may be easily everted during removal from the hand of a user.

The cleaning article of the present invention is simple to manufacture and simple to use, providing a high cleaning performance, while allowing the soiled article and any waste collected during use to be quickly, easily and safety stored by everting the article. Upon eversion, the article is turned inside out, with the soiled absorbent material being on the inside of the article, which may then be safely disposed of. To allow for simple and safe eversion of the article after use, the article is a loose fit on the hand of the use, allowing the article to be removed from the hand with ease and without risk of any waste collected on the exterior of the article soiling or contaminating other objects or surfaces. This loose fit is also important to avoid the user from soiling their hands when removing and everting the article.

The cleaning article may be any suitable form of glove, mitten or the like.

Thus, in one embodiment, the enclosure comprises a first enclosure portion for receiving the thumb of the user and a second enclosure portion for receiving one or more fingers of the user. In the case that the second enclosure portion is for receiving all four fingers of the hand of the user, the article resembles a conventional mitten design. The first enclosure portion may receive one or more fingers in addition to the thumb of the user. In an alternative embodiment, the comprises one or more of a third, fourth and fifth enclosure portion, each of the said third, fourth and fifth enclosure portions for receiving one or more fingers of the user. Thus, the cleaning article in the form of a conventional glove comprises a first enclosure portion for the thumb of the user, together with four further enclosure portions, one for each finger of the user.

Preferably, the enclosure may comprise a means for securing the article about the wrist or tower arm of the user when the hand of the user is present in the enclosure. This ensures that the inside of the article and the users hand remain clean and unsoiled during the cleaning operation. The means for securing the article about the wrist or lower arm may be any suitable means, for example an elasticated portion of the enclosure, a strap, draw string, or the like.

The cleaning article may have the absorbent material disposed over the entire outer surface of the enclosure or, alternatively, over one or more portions of the outer surface. The cleaning article may have the absorbent material disposed over the entire area of the article corresponding to the palm and adjacent area of the fingers, that is the entire area lying within the grip of the hand of the user when the article is in use.

In one embodiment, the absorbent material extends across the portion of the enclosure corresponding to the palm of the hand of the user. In addition, or alternatively, the absorbent material may extend across at least a part of the enclosure for receiving the fingers of the user. In this way, the user may use their fingers to clean small objects and restricted spaces. In one preferred embodiment, the cleaning article comprises a plurality of enclosure portions each for receiving the thumb and/or one or more fingers of the user, the absorbent material extending over at least a part of each of the enclosure portions.

The absorbent material may be any suitable material that may be impregnated with a liquid cleaning composition. Suitable materials are well known in the art and are available commercially. The material may be a woven material or a non-woven material. The material may be a natural fibrous material, such as cotton.

Alternatively, the material may comprise synthetic fibrous material, in particular polymer fibres, for example polyester or viscose. The material may combine both natural and synthetic fibres, in order to provide the desired properties of abrasiveness, absorbency and resistance to abrasion.

The liquid cleaning composition may be any suitable liquid composition required to perform one or a range of cleaning duties. Suitable liquid compositions are known in the art and available commercially. Examples of suitable components for the liquid composition include one or a combination of a bactericide, biocide, antiseptic, detergent, surfactant, scent, or perfume. For use in personal hygiene, the cleaning composition may comprise a soapor other cleanser, optionally with one or more other treatments for the skin, such as aloe.

The liquid composition may be an aqueous composition, comprising water as a solvent for one or more components. Alternatively, the composition may comprise an organic solvent, examples of which include alcohols, in particular the lower alcohols.

Preferably, the cleaning article further comprises means for sealing the opening when everted. Suitable means for sealing the opening include a draw string, an adhesive, or a hook and loop fastener. Again, suitable sealing means are well known in the art and available commercially.

In one embodiment, the cleaning article comprises a strap or the like extending from a region adjacent the opening. The strap or the like is of sufficient length to be useable to secure around the wrist of the user when the article is being used. The article may be provided with a suitable adhesive or other means, such as a hook and loop fastener, to secure the strap to the body of the article. Preferably, the strap is also useable to sealing the opening when the article is removed and everted. In a preferred embodiment, the strap or the like is provided as an aid to putting the article on and removing the article from the hand of the user, in particular by allowing the user to grip the strap with the other hand to pull the article on or off.

When a strap or the like is provided to seal the article around the wrist of the user, the opening in the article may be made wider, to allow the article to be put on or removed from the hand more easily.

The cleaning article may be handed', that is for use on either the left or the right hand of the user. In such a case, the absorbent material is disposed to enable the cleaning operation to be performed by the appropriate hand, preferably with the absorbent material being disposed on the palm and/or finger portions of the enclosure. Alternatively, the article may have the enclosure and the absorbent material so arranged that the user may use the article on either hand.

In one embodiment, the article further comprises a layer of impermeable material disposed within the enclosure, the hand of the user being inserted within the layer of impermeable material when in use. Suitable material for the impermeable layer is material that is impermeable to both liquid and gases, thus offering the best protection to the hand of the user. Suitable impermeable materials are known in the art and are commercially available.

In one embodiment, the entire enclosure is formed from the absorbent material. In such a case, it is preferred to employ an impermeable layer within the enclosure to receive the hand of the user.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompany drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of a cleaning article according to one embodiment of the present invention in use for a cleaning operation; and Figure 2 is a view of a cleaning article according a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a cleaning article, generally indicated as 2. The cleaning article 2 is in the form of a glove having an enclosure 4 for receiving the hand of a user. The enclosure 4 comprises a first enclosure portion 6 for the thumb of the user and four further enclosure portions, 8, 10, 12 and 14, for each of the four fingers of the user. The enclosure 4 comprises an elasticated portion 16 that, in use, extends around the wrist of the user and seals the interior of the enclosure. A draw string 18 extends around the open end 20 of the enclosure.

A first portion of absorbent material 22 extends along the length of the first or thumb portion 6 of the enclosure 4. A second portion of absorbent material 24 extends across the portion of the enclosure corresponding to the palm of the user and along each of the four finger portions 8, 10, 12 and 14 of the enclosure 2. The absorbent material is impregnated with a liquid cleaning composition as hereinbefore described.

The article 2 further comprises an impermeable liner 26 extending within the enclosure 4.

A tab 28 extends from the edge of the opening 20 and may be grasped by the user to aid in putting the article onto a hand and, more importantly, to aid in removing the soiled article from the hand.

In an alternative embodiment, the entire enclosure 4 may be covered in or prepared from the absorbent material.

In use, the user places their hand inside the enclosure 4 and the liner 26 and wears the article in the conventional manner for a glove. Cleaning operations may be performed using the portions of the article having the absorbent material. The article may be used, for example to collect waste, wipe articles, wipe surfaces, and the like.

When the cleaning operation has been completed, the cleaning article is removed from the hand of the user. The article is a loose fit over the hand of the user to facilitate its removal and to avoid waste and contaminants collected on the absorbent matenal from being passed to other items. During removal, the article is allowed to become everted, such that the absorbent material is within the article, together with the collected waste and contaminants, and the liner 26 is outermost. In this way, all solid and liquid contaminants are retained safely within the liner. The opening 20 is closed using the draw string.

As noted above, the cleaning article may also be in the form of a mitten, that is an article having the general features of Figure 1, with the enclosure portions 8, 10, 12 and 14 combined to form a single enclosure for the user's fingers. The mode of use is as described hereinbefore.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a cleaning article, generally indicated as 102. The cleaning article 102 is in the form of a mitten, having a single enclosure portion 104 for the fingers and an enclosure 106 for the thumb of the hand of the user. An adsorbent material 108 extends across the entire surface of the article 102 corresponding to the palm and finger area of the hand of the user. The adsorbent material 108 is provided so as to line the entire area of the grip of the hand of the user when in use.

The article 102 is provided with an opening 110. The opening 110 shown in Figure 2 is wider than that of the article in Figure 1, making it easier to put on and take off the article.

A strap 112 extends from the region adjacent the opening 110. The free or distal end of the strap 112 is provided with a portion of hook or loop material 114. A corresponding portion of loop or hook material 116 is provided adjacent the opening 110. In use, the strap 112 may be gripped by the free hand of the user and used to pull the article onto the hand of the user. The strap 112 may then be secured around the article adjacent the opening 110, in order to seal the article around the wrist of the user. The hook and loop fastener portions 114, 116 are provided to fasten the strap. The strap 112 may also be used to aid in removing the article from the users hand. Finally, when the article is everted and turned inside out after use, the strap may be used to close and seal the opening.

The hook and loop fastener portions 114, 116 may be replaced by one or more portions of a suitable adhesive, as is known in the art.

Claims

1. A cleaning article comprising a flexible enclosure for enclosing the hand of a user, the enclosure comprising an opening for receiving the hand of a user and for extending around the wrist or lower arm of the user when in use, at least a portion of the outer surface of the enclosure being formed from an absorbent material, the absorbent material being impregnated with a liquid cleaning composition, the enclosure being of a size such that the article may be easily everted during removal from the hand of a user.

2. The cleaning article according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises a first enclosure portion for receiving the thumb of the user and a second enclosure portion for receiving one or more fingers of the user.

3. The cleaning article according to claim 2, wherein the first enclosure portion is for receiving one or more fingers.

4. The cleaning article according to claim 2, wherein the enclosure comprises a one or more of a third, fourth and fifth enclosure portion, each of the said third, fourth and fifth enclosure portions for receiving one or more fingers of the user.

5. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure comprises a means for securing the article about the wrist or lower arm of the user when the hand of the user is present in the enclosure.

6. The cleaning article according to claim 5, wherein the said means comprises an elasticated portion of the enclosure.

7. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent material extends across the portion of the enclosure corresponding to the palm of the hand of the user.

8. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent material extends across at least a part of the enclosure for receiving the fingers of the user.

9. The cleaning article according to claim 8, comprising a plurality of enclosure portions each for receiving the thumb and/or one or more fingers of the user, the absorbent material extending over at least a part of each of the enclosure portions.

10. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent material comprises a non-woven material.

11. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent material comprises natural fibres, synthetic fibres or a combination thereof.

12. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid cleaning composition comprises one or a combination of a bactericide, biocide, antiseptic, detergent, surfactarit, scent, perfume.

13. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid cleaning composition comprises water.

14. The cleaning article according to any of claims Ito 12, wherein the liquid cleaning composition comprises an organic solvent, in particular an alcohol.

15. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for sealing the opening when everted.

16. The cleaning article according to claim 15, wherein the said means is a draw string, an adhesive, or a hook and loop fastener.

17. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, further comprising a strap or the like extending from a portion adjacent the opening for sealing the article around the wrist of the user when in use.

18. The cleaning article according to claim 17, further comprising a means for securing the free end of the strap to the article.

19. The cleaning article according to claim 18, wherein the means for securing comprises an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener.

20. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure and the absorbent material are so arranged that the user may use the article on either hand.

21. The cleaning article according to any preceding claim, further comprising a layer of impermeable material disposed within the enclosure, the hand of the user being inserted within the layer of impermeable material when in use.

22. The cleaning article according to claim 21, wherein the enclosure is formed entirely of the absorbent material.

23. A cleaning article substantially as hereinbefore described, having reference to Figure 1.