MXPA00011383A - Implement containing cleaning composition and disappearing dye - Google Patents

Abstract

A detergent composition for use with a disposable cleaning pad preferably comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, said pad preferably being part of a cleaning implement comprising a handle and said cleaning pad preferably being removable. The detergent composition contains a disappearing dye and, preferably, limited amount of detergent surfactant, preferably linear in structure and relatively hydrophilic, the level of hydrophobic materials preferably being kept below about 3%, and the pH preferably being above about 9, to allow the superabsorbent material to be readily absorbed by superabsorbent material. The process of using the detergent composition with such a cleaning pad, and the provision of a kit containing both detergent composition and cleaning pad are disclosed.

Description

IMPLEMENT THAT CONTAINS CLEANING AND COLORING COMPOSITION THAT FADES TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to detergent compositions for use with a cleaning implement, for example, mop, comprising a disposable absorbent pad, especially a pad comprising superabsorbent material useful for removing dirt from hard surfaces. The application particularly relates to detergent solutions that are used with the removable absorbent cleaning pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Normal floor cleaning devices are reusable, including mops containing cotton, cellulose and / or synthetic strips, sponges and the like. The invention relates to mops having disposable cleaning pads. For example, the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,094,559, issued March 10, 1992 to Rivera et al., Discloses a mop that includes a disposable cleaning pad. After completing the cleaning action, the pad is removed from the gg | ^. ¿Aunaba mop handle and set again for which the drying layer has contact with the floor. Similarly, the US patent. No. 5,419,015, issued May 30, 1995 to Garcia, uncork a mop that has washable work pads, which can be removed. The pad is described as comprising an upper layer which is capable of being attached to hooks on the head of a mop, a central layer of synthetic plastic microporous foam, and a lower layer for contacting the surface during the cleaning operation. The synthetic foam described by Garcia to absorb the cleaning solution has a relatively low absorption capacity for water and water-based solutions. Therefore, the user should use small amounts of cleaning solution to remain within the absorption capacity of the pad, or the user should leave a significant amount of cleaning solution on the surface being cleaned. The present invention relates primarily to detergent solutions for use with a cleaning implement comprising a removable cleaning pad, which eliminates the need to rinse the pad during use. This preferably includes an implement comprising a removable cleaning pad with sufficient absorption capacity, on a base of one gram of fluid absorbed per gram of cleaning pad, which allows the cleaning of a large area, such as that of a floor of typical hard surface (eg 7.43-9.29 m3), without the need to change the pad. This, in turn, requires the use of a superabsorbent material, preferably of the type described hereinafter. Detergent compositions that are used with such superabsorbent materials should be carefully formulated to avoid thwarting the purpose of using said superabsorbent material, as described in the co-pending provisional patent application of Masters et al., Serial number 60 / 045,858, published on May 8, 1997, said application is incorporated herein by reference. Preferred cleaning implements have a pad that offers beneficial dirt removal properties because it continuously provides a fresh surface, and / or edge to contact the soiled surface, for example, by providing a plurality of surfaces that contact the soiled surface during the cleaning operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As described in said provisional application, the detergent compositions to be used with an implement containing a superabsorbent material require sufficient detergent to allow the solution to provide cleaning without overloading the superabsorbent material with solution, but may not have more than 0.5% agent. detergent surfactant without affecting performance. The compositions of said provisional application provide excellent cleaning and constitute a real improvement in the ^ technique. However, surprisingly, there is a potential problem in the use of those compositions with such disposable pads. It has been found that the low level of solution required to clean is difficult to be seen by consumers under difficult lighting conditions and / or on certain floors. The addition of a dye solves this problem. However, also surprisingly, it has been found that despite the low level of detergent and colorant used, the small amount of colorant rapidly accumulates on non-floor surfaces such as bars, refrigerators, cupboards, etc., and exists an accumulation of color in the pad used, giving it an unacceptable appearance. These problems cause dissatisfaction among consumers, despite excellent cleaning performance and convenience. It is anticipated that these problems will be met with any disposable mop. As discussed previously, the solution to the first of the non-obvious problems described herein is to provide a dye in the cleaning solution that will allow the consumer to more easily determine the boundaries of the area that has been treated. This dye allows the consumer to treat the Complete surface and avoid overtreatment, which can be a problem with the limited absorption capacity of disposable implements. Furthermore, as discussed above, in order to avoid the accumulation of dye on the surface by continuous use, the dye should be one that does not accumulate over time, or there should be a mechanism to change and / or eliminate the color. Preferably, the dye is one that has a chromophore group destroyed by the action of, for example, light, oxygen, loss of volatile components such as water and / or other solvents, and / or change in pH, for example, by absorption of acidic materials, reaction with acidic materials, and / or evaporation of alkaline materials. Such dyes are well known in the art. Blue dyes are especially convenient, but yellows and greens can also be used when the perfume is compatible with color. Variations of blue, such as violet and / or light purple, can also be used. The main purpose of the dye is to simplify the application step, but the color is also conveniently one that has aesthetic values.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Detergent Composition The cleaning implement of the present invention is used in combination with a detergent composition that acts as a cleaning solution. Preferred detergent compositions that can be used with the preferred implement containing superabsorbent material, described hereinafter, require sufficient detergent to allow the solution to provide cleaning without overloading the superabsorbent material with solution, but typically if there is more than about 0.5% of detergent surfactant performance is affected. Therefore, the level of detergent surfactant is preferably about 0.01% at about 0.5%, most preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.45%, and still most preferably from about 0.2% to about 0.45%. The level of hydrophobic materials, including the solvent, is preferably less than 3%, most preferably less than about 2% and still most preferably less than about 1%, and pH is typically more than about 9.3, preferably more than 10, most preferably more than about 10.3, to avoid clogging absorption in the preferred superabsorbent material. The alkalinity should preferably be provided, at least in part, by volatile materials, to avoid problems of film / veining formation. The detergent surfactant is preferably linear, for example, no aromatic or branching groups should be present, and the detergent surfactant is preferably relatively soluble in water, for example, it has a hydrophobic chain containing from about 8 to about 12, preferably from about 8 to about 11 carbon atoms, and, for nonionic detergent surfactants , having an HLB of from about 9 to about 14, preferably from about 10 to about 13, most preferably from about 10 to about 12. The invention also comprises a detergent composition as described herein in a container, along with instructions for using it with an implement that comprises an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, and, optionally, in a container on a computer which comprises the implement, or, at least, a disposable cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material. The invention also relates to the use of the composition and to a cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material for carrying out the cleaning of soiled surfaces. The detergent composition (cleaning solution) is a water-based solution comprising one or more detergent surfactants, alkaline materials to provide the desired alkaline pH and optional solvents, detergency builders, chelators, suds suppressors, enzymes, etc. Suitable surfactants include anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants, preferably anionic and nonionic detersive surfactants having hydrophobic chains containing from about 8 to about 12, preferably from about 8 to about 11, carbon atoms. Examples of anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, linear alkyl sulphates, alkylsulfonates, and the like. Examples of nonionic surfactants include alkylethoxylates and the like. Examples of zwitterionic surfactants include betaines and sulfobetaines. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include alkylalanoglycinates and alkyliminopropionate. All of the above materials are commercially available and are described in cCutcheon's Vol. 1: Emulsifiers and Detergents, North American Ed., McCutheon Division, MC Publishing Co., 1995.

Suitable solvents include short chain derivatives (for example Ci-Cβ) of oxyethylene glycol and oxypropylene glycol, such as n-hexyl ether of mono- and diethylene glycol, n-butyl ether of mono-, di- and tripropylene glycol and the like. The level of hydrophobic solvents, for example, those having solubilities in water of less than 3%, most preferably less than about 2%. Suitable builders include those derived from phosphorus sources, such as orthophosphate and pyrophosphate, and from non-phosphorus sources, such as nitrilotriacetic acid, S, S-ethylenediamine disuccinic acid, and the like. Suitable chelators include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid, and the like. Suitable suds suppressors include silicone polymers and linear or branched C 10 -C 8 fatty acids, or alcohols. Suitable enzymes include lipases, proteases, amylases and other enzymes known to be useful for the catalysis of soil degradation. The total level of said ingredients is low, preferably less than about 0.1%, most preferably less than about 0.05%, to avoid causing problems of film / veining formation. Preferably, the compositions should be essentially free of materials that cause problems of film / grain formation. Accordingly, it is desirable to use alkaline materials that do not cause film / streaking for most of the pH regulation. Suitable alkaline pH regulators are carbonate, bicarbonate, citrate, etc. Alkaline pH regulators that are preferred are alkanolamines having the formula: CR 2 (NH 2) CR 2 OH wherein each R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups containing from one to four carbon atoms, and the total of carbon atoms in the compound is from three to six, preferably 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol. A cleaning solution suitable for use with the present implement comprises from about 0.1% to about 0.5% detergent surfactant, preferably comprising a linear alcohol ethoxylated detergent surfactant (eg, Neodol 1-5®, available from Shell Chemical Co.) and an alkylsulfonate (for example Bioterge PAS-8s, a linear C8 sulfonate available from Stepan Co.); from about 0 to about 0.2%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.01% potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate and / or bicarbonate; from about 0.01% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.6% of a volatile alkaline material, for example, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-1-propanol; optional adjuvants such as colorants and / or perfumes; and from about 99.9% to about 90% deionized or softened water. Alkalinity should preferably be provided, at least in part, by volatile materials, to avoid film / veining formation.

• * - • * ~ - - • »-» --- * -. II. Dye that fades The dye to be used in the composition and / or cleaning solution of the invention is one that will fade. Preferably the color fades on the treated surface five minutes after sprinkling; the color fades significantly when the solution goes to the pad; no precipitate forms during storage; there is no visible color change in the bottles for about a year; and, a useful level of color remains in the solution after about 3 months of bottle storage. However, useful colorants do not meet these criteria completely. A preferred type of dye is a pH indicator dye. Especially convenient are those colorants which have a deep color under alkaline conditions, for example, 10.2-10.8, but which become slightly colored or colorless at lower pHs than those found in the cleaning solution. When sprayed on the floor, the pH will fall by collection of C02 or by evaporation of an alkaline component, for example, volatile amine solvent. It is desirable, therefore, to align the pH of the solution, controlled by the proper selection of an alkaline material such as an amine, with the indicator transition pH. The loss of color can occur in other ways besides the drop in the pH of the solution. For example, by virtue of the insolubility of the non-protonated form of the indicator. For example, thymolphthalein is completely insoluble in water that does not contain additives. It is soluble in alkaline solutions (returns the blue solution) and is completely soluble (but not colored) in certain surfactant solutions. However, this solubility of surfactants may be accompanied by disadvantages as described hereinafter. For some indicators, irreversible decomposition may occur. When the color is lost from the solutions of thymolphthalein or xylenolphthalein, it can be fully recovered by the addition of sodium hydroxide. The loss of color by phenolphthalein, cresolphthalein, naphtholphthalein, and tymol blue seems irreversible since extra sodium hydroxide has no effect. There are references that establish that in strongly basic solutions the phthalein indicators can form bleached carbinol bases. Vanishing dyes and suitable fade dye systems are described in U.S. Patents: 4,353,866, Wong, issued October 12, 1982; 4,420,412, Wong, issued December 13, 1983; 4,384,869 Wong, issued May 24, 1983; 4,499,001, Eoga, issued on February 12, 1985; 4,248,827, Kitko, issued February 3, 1981; 4,308,625, Kitko, issued January 5, 1982; 4,678, 658, Casey et al., Issued July 7, 1987; 4,793,988, Casey et al., Issued December 27, 1988; 4,965,063, Casey et al., Issued October 23, 1990; 557,303, Casey, issued October 15, 1991; 5,064,653, Casey, issued November 12, 1991; and 5,110,492, Casey, issued May 5, 1992, all patents and references cited in said patents are hereby incorporated by reference. reference. Other pH indicators are described in the book "Indicators", Edmund Bishop, Ed., Pergamon Press, 1972, Chapter 3, "Acid-Base Indicators" by Eva Banya. Said reference is incorporated herein by reference. 5 The preferred type of dye that fades is a pH indicator, because the mechanism to fade is the decrease in the pH that occurs naturally by the action of C02 in the air and / or the neutralization and / or the disappearance of the materials alkaline in the cleaning solution. Suitable pH indicators include phthaleins, especially o-cresolphthalein; thymophthalein; phenophthalein; p-xylenolphthaleins; sulfonephthaleins; such as thymol blue, m-cresol purple, and cresol red; and mixtures thereof. The preferred pH indicators are in the family of phthaleins since these become a kind of color, when they are alkaline, to colorless after a drop in pH. Some of the indicators are least desirable. For example, sulfonated phthaleins (such as blue of -íßtaai = ií _ ^ - iaHHlüj Because there are two -OH groups on the - phthalein moiety, and only deprotonation of one of them is required, it is possible to add ethoxylation or graft the dye to water soluble polymers to increase solubility or stability. Anything that helps to increase / stabilize the unprotonated form of the indicator is convenient. The additives that stabilize the protonated structure help to avoid insoluble formation, but will decrease the color intensity of the solution and, possibly, its stability. The Indicator-H molecule is in equilibrium with the Indicator "and H + The Indicator" is the desired color species (for example, blue) and the alkaline conditions help by removing the H +. Preferred are the materials that stabilize the Indicator, "such as cationic, divalent ions, etc. The intensity of color actually increases in full bottles that contain an aluminum cap coating.The stability is better in fully filled containers that are hermetically sealed than in partially filled containers If left in a beaker opened overnight, a solution of timoiftalein in a formula composed of 0.09% CnE5 nonionic surfactant, 0.05% C8 sulfonate anionic surfactant and 0.35% of 1, 3-bis (aminomethyl) cyclohexane will lose 88% of its color, while a solution of xylenephthalein will lose 17% of its color.There does not seem to be a stability benefit when using glass containers compared to plastic containers, example, bottles of high density polyethylene. The nitrogen gas products show advantages for stability. An increasing pH is good for stability. However, the practice limits the maximum usable pH due to aspects related to human safety, surface safety, the ability to collect C02 to change the color in a reasonable time once it has been sprayed, and the desire for the color to be lost in the pad (the pad should be able to lower the pH to an acceptable level). The regulation must be done with assets and at levels that do not interfere with the appearance of the final result. 1, 3-bis (aminomet? L) cyclohexane and other diamines, seem ideal since relatively high levels (0.1- 0.5%) can be used without causing turbidity. Volatile amines are especially desirable because their evaporation limits the amount of waste and quickly reduces the pH of the system. Collection of C02 is not required to lower the pH of the solution if the amine is sufficiently volatile. The total amount of free amine available to associate with the ionized indicator helps to stabilize the ionized state and, therefore, the blue color. Surfactants play a major role in color stability. The surfactants provide dramatically improved dye solubility and decreased precipitate formation.

Specific surfactants can adversely affect color stability by changing the pK of the indicator dye. This happens already that the surfactant will pull the protonated dye into the micelle, thus requiring a higher pH for the deprotonation (and color formation) to occur. If left in a beaker opened overnight, a solution of thymiftalein in a solution of alkyl sulfonate surfactant / alkyl ethoxylate at 0.15% will lose 88% of its color, while a null version of the surfactant the same solution will only lose 39% of its color. The improved color and / or stability can be achieved by using lower levels of surfactant, incorporating an alkyl carboxylate in the formula (Neodox), or using an alkylpolyglucoside-based formula. If enough surfactant is available to moisturize, but not important production of micelles, that is, rich in monomers, the stability should be improved much more. This is why the levels of low surfactants and / or high critical micelle concentration surfactants show improved color and stability. Specific solvents can help stabilize the color. A formula containing 1% ethanol and 0.75% butoxypropanol shows better color stability in half-filled containers than a corresponding solution with only 0.5% EtOH. The order of addition can help avoid poor stability. The solution is suitable at a high pH, for example (<; 10.5), before the dye is added to avoid the formation of large particles that build up precipitation and loss of color. If the solution at 50 ° C, gives an increase of 5% in color intensity, due to the improved solubility of the dye. Mixtures of dyes are particularly desirable because they provide different and / or more visible colors with less dye. Mixtures of phenophthalein and thymiftalein are especially convenient. The level of colorant in the cleaning composition is typically from about 0.0005% to about 0.01%, preferably from about 0.0005% to about 0.005%, most preferably from about 0.001% to about 0.0025% by weight of the cleaning solution . The aspects of visibility and aesthetics define the levels, but the dye is preferably used at the lowest level that provides the desired result. Typically, the pH indicator will have a color change between a pH of about 8 and a pH of about 10.5. The types and levels of surfactants and solvents that are presented should not have a significant effect on the ability of these formulas to experience the desired color changes. Therefore, any surfactant and / or reasonable solvent can be used as long as they do not regulate, or alter, the pH of the solution. The examples given hereinafter provide the desired color loss. Other dyes, which fade by different means than the pH change, can also be used. These dyes may fade due to sensitivity to light, interaction with oxygen, loss of solvent, or through other subsequent reactions as long as their _ ^, color is protected during storage. An example of a useful light-sensitive dye is the sodium salt of zinc tetrasulfonic acid phthalocyanine. When stored inside an opaque bottle or one that eliminates UV light, good stability can be achieved. Once the solution is applied to the surface, however, the color will fade and will not leave permanent staining. Other ingredients may be added to the pad, such as pH regulators or bleaches, to cause the dye to rapidly discolor once on the pad. In addition, the system may be designed so that the ingredients that discolor the colorant are limited so that the color remains once the pad is saturated with solution indicating that the pad needs to be changed. As an example, if one wishes the pad to absorb no more than 150 mL of solution, only enough buffer can be added to the pad to reduce the pH of 150 mL of solution. Once this level of solution is exceeded, the pad will begin to change color indicating that it is time to change it. The invention also preferably comprises a detergent composition as described herein in a container, together with instructions for use with an absorbent structure comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, and, optionally, in a container in an equipment comprising the implement, or, at least, one disposable cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material. The invention also relates to the use of the composition and a cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material for carrying out the cleaning of soiled surfaces, i.e. the method of cleaning a surface consisting of applying an effective amount of a composition. detergent, typically containing no more than 1% detergent surfactant; a level of hydrophobic materials, including solvent, which is less than 3%, and having a pH of more than 9 and absorbing the composition in an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent material. In a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the detergent composition described comprising a dye that fades with an implement to clean a surface, the implement typically comprises: a. a handle; and b. a removable cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material and having a plurality of substantially planar surfaces, wherein each of the substantially planar surfaces makes contact with the surface being cleaned, and preferably a pad structure having both a first layer as a second layer, where the first layer is located between the rubbing layer and the second layer and has a width smaller than the second layer. Depending on the means used to attach the cleaning pad to the handle of the cleaning implement, it may be preferable that the cleaning pad further comprises a different bonding layer. In these embodiments, the absorbent layer would be placed between the rubbing layer and the bonding layer. The detergent composition and, preferably, the implement of the present invention are compatible with all substrates of hard surfaces, including wood, vinyl, linoleum, floors other than wax, ceramic, Formica®, porcelain, glass, rock-board and Similar.

III. Cleaning pad The present invention improves the convenience of a removable and / or disposable cleaning pad, which preferably contains a superabsorbent material and which preferably also provides significant cleaning benefits. The cleaning performance benefits that are preferred are related to the preferred structural features described below, combined with the ability of the pad to remove solubilized soil. The preferred cleaning pad, as described herein, when used with a preferred detergent composition, as described below, provides optimum performance.

The cleaning pads will preferably have an absorbent capacity, when measured under a confining pressure of 0.0065 kg / cm2 after 20 minutes (1200 seconds) (hereinafter referred to as "absorbent capacity" 1200"), of at least about 10. g of deionized water per gram of cleaning pad The absorbent capacity of the pad is measured 20 minutes (1200 seconds) after exposure to deionized water, as this represents a typical time for the consumer to clean a hard surface such as a floor The confining pressure represents typical pressures exerted on the pad during the cleaning procedure, so that the cleaning pad must be able to absorb significant amounts of the cleaning solution during this period of 1200 seconds under 0.0065 kg / cm2 The cleaning pad will preferably have an absorbent capacity '1200 of at least about 15 g / g, most preferably at least about 20 g / g, still more preferably at least about 25 g / g and most preferably at least about 30 g / g. The cleaning pad will preferably have an absorbent capacity '900 of at least about 10 g / g, most preferably an absorbent capacity' of at least about 20 g / g. The values for absorptive capacity '1200 and' 900 are measured by means of the yield under pressure method (referred to herein as "PUP"), which is described in detail in the section on Subsequent Test Methods.

The cleaning pads will also preferably, but not necessarily, have a total fluid capacity (deionized water) of at least about 100 g, most preferably at least about 200 g, still more preferably at least about 300 g very preferably around at least 400 g. Although pads having a total fluid capacity of less than 100 g are within the scope of the invention, they are not as well adapted to clean large areas, such as those seen in a typical house, since they are capacity pads highest. Each of the components of the absorbent pad is described in detail. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that various materials known to function for similar purposes can be substituted with similar results.

A. Absorbent layer An absorbent layer preferably serves to retain any fluid and dirt absorbed by the cleaning pad during use. Although the preferred rubbing layer, described later herein, has some effect on the ability of the pad to absorb fluids, the absorbent layer plays the major role in achieving the desired overall absorbency. In addition, the absorbent layer preferably comprises multiple layers that are designed to provide the cleaning pad with multiple flat surfaces.

From a fluid absorbency perspective, the absorbent layer will be able to remove fluids and dirt from any "rubbing layer", so the rubbing layer will have the ability to continuously remove dirt from the surface. The absorbent layer must also be capable of retaining material absorbed under typical use pressures to avoid "expulsion" of the absorbed dirt, the cleaning solution, etc. The absorbent layer can comprise any material that is capable of absorbing and retaining fluids during use. To achieve desired total flow capacities, it is preferred to include in the absorbent layer a material having a relatively high fluid capacity (in terms of grams of fluid per gram of absorbent material). As used herein, the term "superabsorbent material" means any absorbent material having a g / g capacity for water of at least about 15 g / g, when measured under a confining pressure of 0.021 kg / cm2. Since most of the cleaning fluids useful with the present invention are water-based, it is preferred that the superabsorbent materials have a relatively high g / g capacity for water or water-based fluids. Representative superabsorbent materials include water insoluble and water swellable superabsorbent gelling polymers (herein called "superabsorbent gelling polymers") which are well known in the art. These materials demonstrate very high absorbent capacities for water. The superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention may have a size, Ma utÉH? Sß shape and / or morphology that varies on a wide scale. These polymers may be in the form of particles that do not have a large ratio from the largest dimension to the smallest dimension (eg, granules, flakes, powders, aggregates between particles, aggregates intertwined between particles and the like) or may be in the form of fibers, sheets, films, foams, laminates and the like. The use of superabsorbent gelling polymers in fibrous form provides the benefit of providing improved retention of the superabsorbent material, relative to the particles, during the cleaning process. Although their capacity is generally lower for water-based mixtures, these materials still demonstrate significant absorbent capacity for such mixtures. The patent literature is replete with descriptions of water-swellable materials. See, for example, the patent of E.U.A. 3,699,103 (Harper et al.), Issued June 13, 1972; patent of E.U.A. 3,770,731 (Harmon), issued June 20, 1972; reissuance of patent of E.U.A. 32,649 (Brandt et al.), Reissued on April 19, 1989; patent of E.U.A. 4,834,735 (Alemany et al.), Issued May 30, 1989. The superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention include a variety of water-insoluble but water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing large amounts of fluids. Said polymeric materials are also commonly called "hydrocolloids", and may include polysaccharides such as carboxymethyl starch, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose; non-ionic types such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl ethers; cationic types such as polyvinylpyridine, polyvinylmorpholinione and N, N-dimethylaminoethyl- or N, N-diethylaminopropylacrylates and methacrylates, and the respective quaternary salts thereof. Typically, the superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention have various anionic functional groups, such as sulfonic acid and very typically carboxyl groups. Examples of polymers suitable for use herein include those which are prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated and acid-containing monomers. In this manner, said monomers include the olefinically unsaturated acids and anhydrides which contain at least one carbon-to-carbon olefinic double bond. More specifically, these monomers can be selected from olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids and anhydrides, olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acid and mixtures thereof. Some non-acidic monomers, usually in minor amounts, may also be included to prepare the superabsorbent gelling polymers useful herein. Such non-acidic monomers may include, for example, the soluble or water-dispersible esters of the acid-containing monomers, as well as the monomers that do not contain sulfonic carboxylic acid groups at all. Monomers that are not optional acids may also include monomers containing the following types of functional groups: esters of carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid, hydroxy groups, amide groups, amino groups, nitrile groups, quaternary ammonium salt groups, aryl groups (e.g., phenyl groups such as those derived from styrene monomers). These non-acidic monomers are well-known materials and are described in greater detail, for example, in the U.S.A. 4,076,663 (Masuda et al.), Issued February 28, 1978, and the patent of E.U.A. 4,062,817 (Westerman), issued December 13, 1977, both incorporated herein by reference. The carboxylic acid and olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride monomers include acrylic acids typified by acrylic acid itself, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, α-chloroacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, β-methylacrylic acid (crotonic acid), acid a-phenylacrylic, β-acryloxypropionic acid, sorbic acid, chlorosorbic acid, angelic acid, cinnamic acid, p-chlorocinnamic acid, β-stearylacrylic acid, itaconic acid, citroconic acid, mesaconic acid, glutaconic acid, aconitic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tricarboxyethylene and maleic acid anhydride. The olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acid monomers include aliphatic or aromatic vinylsulfonic acids such as vinylsulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, vinyltoluenesulfonic acid and styrenesulfonic acid; acrylic and methacrylic sulfonic acid such as sulfoethyl acrylate, sulfoethyl methacrylate, sulfopropyl acrylate, sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulfopropyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl sulfonic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

The superabsorbent gelling polymers that are preferred to be used in the present invention contain carboxyl groups. These polymers include hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, partially neutralized hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, acrylic acid-starch graft copolymers, partially neutralized starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers, acrylic ester-acetate copolymers. saponified vinyl, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile and acrylamide copolymers, entangled polymers of any of the foregoing copolymers, partially neutralized polyacrylic acid, and partially neutralized polyacrylic acid network crosslinked polymers. These polymers can be used either individually or in the form of a mixture of two or more different polymers. Examples of these polymer materials are described in the U.S.A. 3,661, 876, U.S. Patent. 4,076,663, U.S. Patent No. 4,093,776, patent of E.U.A. 4,666,983 and patent of E.U.A. 4,734,478, all of these patents being incorporated herein by reference. The most preferred polymer materials to be used in the manufacture of superabsorbent gelling polymers are the cross-linked network polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acids and starch derivatives thereof. Most preferably, the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers comprise from about 50 to about 95%, preferably about 75% of slightly network-interlaced polyacrylic acid and neutralized (ie say, poly (sodium acrylate / acrylic acid)). The network entanglement makes the polymer substantially insoluble in water and, in part, determines the absorbent capacity and the characteristics of the extractable polymer content of the superabsorbent gelling polymers. The procedures for interweaving the network of these typical network interlacing agents and polymers are described in greater detail in the U.S. Patent. 4,076,663. Although superabsorbent gelling polymers are preferred of one type (ie, homogeneous), mixtures of polymers can also be used in the implements of the present invention. For example, mixtures of graft copolymers of acrylic acid-starch and slightly interlaced network polymers of neutralized polyacrylic acid can be used in the present invention. Although any of the superabsorbent gelling polymers described in the prior art may be useful in the present invention, it has generally been recognized that when significant levels (eg, more than about 50% by weight of the absorbent structure) of superabsorbent gelling polymers will be included in an absorbent structure, and in particular where one or more regions of the absorbent layer will comprise more than about 50% by weight of the region, the problem of blockage of the gel by the swollen particles could impede the flow of the fluid and therefore adversely affect the ability of the gelling polymers to absorb up to their full capacity in the desired period of time. The patent of E.U.A. 5,147,343 (Kellenberger et al.), Issued September 15, 1992 and the patent of E.U.A. 5,149,355 (Kellenberger et al.), Issued September 22, 1992, describe superabsorbent gelling polymers in terms of their Under Absorbency Load (AUL), wherein the gelling polymers absorb fluid (0.9% saline) under a pressure of 0.021 kg / cm2. (The description of each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference). Methods for determining AUL are described in these patents. The polymers described therein may be particularly useful in the embodiments of the present invention which contain regions of relatively high levels of superabsorbent gelling polymers. In particular, when high concentrations of superabsorbent gelling polymers are incorporated in the cleaning pad, those polymers will preferably have an AUL, measured in accordance with the methods described in the U.S.A. 5,147,343, of at least about 24 ml / g, most preferably about 27 ml / g after 1 hour; or an AUL measured in accordance with the methods described in the US patent. 5,149,335, of at least about 15 ml / g, most preferably at least 18 ml / g after 15 minutes. The requests of E.U.A. co-pending and commonly assigned Nos. Serial No. 08 / 219,547 (Goldman et al.), filed on March 29, 1994 and 08 / 416,396 (Goldman et al.), filed on April 6, 1995 (both incorporated herein by way of reference), also touch the problem of blocking the gel and describe gelling polymers superabsorbents useful to overcome this phenomenon. These applications specifically describe superabsorbent gelling polymers that prevent gel blocking even at the highest pressures, specifically 0.049 kg / cm2. In embodiments of the present invention wherein the absorbent layer will contain regions comprising high levels (e.g., more than about 50 wt% of the region) of superabsorbent gelation polymer, it may be preferred that the superabsorbent gelling polymer be as described in previous applications by Goldman and others. Other useful superabsorbent materials include hydrophilic polymeric foams, such as those described in the patent application of E.U.A. commonly assigned assignee Serial No. 08 / 563,866 (DesMarais et al.), filed on November 29, 1995 and the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,387,207 (Dyer et al.), Issued February 7, 1995. These references describe polymeric and hydrophilic absorbent foams which are obtained by polymerizing a high internal phase water-in-oil emulsion (commonly called HIPEs). These foams are easily configured to provide variable physical properties (pore size, capillary suction, density, etc.) that affect the fluid handling capacity. In this way, these materials are particularly useful, either alone or in combination with other foams or with fibrous structures, to provide the overall capacity required by the present invention. - < ^ ". ^ ^, -" ^ -_-.

When superabsorbent material is included in the absorbent layer, the absorbent layer will preferably comprise about %, by weight of the absorbent layer, most preferably at least about 20%, still more preferably at least about 25%, of superabsorbent material. The absorbent layer may also consist of or comprise fibrous material. Fibers useful in the present invention include those that occur naturally (modified or unmodified), as well as synthetically made fibers. Examples of suitable modified or unmodified natural fibers include cotton, Esparto grass, bagasse, hemp, silk, wool, wool pulp, chemically modified wool pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate. Suitable synthetic fibers can be manufactured from polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics such as ORLON®, polyvinyl acetate, Rayon®, polyethyl vinyl acetate, soluble or insoluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such as polyethylene (that is, PULPEX®) and polypropylene, polyamides such as nylon, polyesters such as DACRON® or KODEL®, polyurethanes, polyesters and the like. The absorbent layer may comprise only natural fibers, only synthetic fibers or any compatible combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

The fibers useful herein can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or can be a combination of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. As indicated above, the particular selection of fibers Jjjj Hydrophilic or hydrophobic will depend on the other materials included in the absorbent layer (and to some degree the rubbing layer). That is, the nature of the fibers will be such that the cleaning pad exhibits the necessary fluid delay and the required fluid absorbency. Hydrophilic fibers suitable for use in the present invention include cellulosic fibers, modified cellulosic fibers, rayon, polyester fibers such as hydrophilic nylon (HYDROFIL®). Suitable hydrophilic fibers can also be obtained by hydrophilizing hydrophobic fibers such as thermoplastic fibers treated with surfactants or with silica derived from, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylics, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. Suitable wood pulp fibers can be obtained from well-known chemical processes such as the Kraft and sulfite processes. It is especially preferred to derive these wood pulp fibers from southern softwoods due to their excellent absorbency characteristics. These wood pulp fibers can also be obtained from mechanical processes such as pulverized wood, refining pulping procedures, mechanical, thermomechanical, chemomechanical and chemimetromechanical. Recycled or secondary wood pulp fibers, as well as bleached or unbleached wood pulp fibers can be used. Another type of hydrophilic fiber for use in the present invention are the chemically hardened cellulosic fibers. As used in the present, the term "chemically hardened cellulosic fibers" means cellulosic fibers that have been hardened by chemical means to increase the stiffness of the fibers under both dry and aqueous conditions. Said means may include the addition of a chemical hardening agent which, for example, coats and / or impregnates the fibers. Such means may also include hardening the fibers by altering the chemical structure, e.g., by interlacing polymer chains. When fibers are used as the absorbent layer (or a constituent component thereof), the fibers may optionally be combined with a thermoplastic material. After melting, at least a portion of this thermoplastic material migrates to the intersections of the fibers, typically due to capillary gradients between fibers. These intersections become junction points for the thermoplastic material. When cooled, the thermoplastic materials solidify at these intersections to form the junction points that hold the matrix or fiber network together in each of the respective layers. This can be beneficial to provide additional total integrity to the cleaning pad. Among its different effects, the junction at the intersections of the fiber increases the total compression modulus and the strength of the resulting thermally bonded member. In the case of chemically hardened cellulosic fibers, the melting and migration of the thermoplastic material also has the effect of increasing the average pore size of the resulting web while maintaining the density and the basis weight of the originally formed frame. This can improve the fluid acquisition properties of the thermally bonded web after initial exposure to the fluid, thanks to improved fluid permeability, and after subsequent exposure, thanks to the combined ability of the hardened fibers to retain their stiffness after being wetted and the ability of the thermoplastic material to remain attached at fiber intersections after wetting and after wet compression . In the web, the thermally bonded webs of hardened fibers retain their original total volume, but with the volumetric regions previously occupied by the thermoplastic material opening to thereby increase the average capillary pore size between fibers. The thermoplastic materials useful in the present invention can have any variety of shapes including particles, fibers or combinations of particles and fibers. Thermoplastic fibers are a form that is particularly preferred because of their ability to form numerous junctions between fibers. Suitable thermoplastic materials can be made from any thermoplastic polymer that can be fused at temperatures that do not extensively damage the fibers comprising the primary web or matrix of each layer. Preferably, the melting point of this thermoplastic material will be less than about 190 ° C, and preferably between about 75 ° C and about 175 ° C. In any case, the melting point of this The thermoplastic material should not be less than the temperature at which the thermally bonded absorbent structures will be stored when used in the cleaning pads. The melting point of the thermoplastic material is typically not less than about 50 ° C. The thermoplastic materials, and in particular the thermoplastic fibers, can be made from a variety of thermoplastic polymers, including polyolefins such as polyethylene (eg, PULPEX®) and polypropylene, polyesters, copolyesters, polyvinyl acetate, polyethyl vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics, polyamides, copolyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and copolymers of any of the foregoing such as vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate and the like. Depending on the desired characteristics for the resulting thermally bonded absorbent member, suitable thermoplastic materials include hydrophobic fibers that have been made hydrophilic such as thermoplastic fibers treated with surfactant or silica derived from, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics , polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. The surface of the hydrophobic thermoplastic fiber can be made hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant such as a nonionic or anionic surfactant, eg by spraying the fiber with a surfactant, immersing the fiber in a surfactant or including the surfactant as part of the polymer bath in the production of the thermoplastic fiber. After fusion and resolidification, the agent Surfactant will tend to remain on the surfaces of the thermoplastic fiber. Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as Brij® 76 manufactured by ICI Americas, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, and various surfactants sold under the trademark Pegosperse® by Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut. Apart from the nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants can also be used. These surfactants can be applied to the thermoplastic fibers at levels of, for example, from about 0.2 to about 1 g per cm 2 of thermoplastic fiber. Suitable thermoplastic fibers can be made from a single polymer (single-component fibers) or can be made from more than one polymer (eg, bicomponent fibers). As used herein, the term "bicomponent fibers" refers to thermoplastic fibers comprising a core fiber made of a polymer that is enclosed within a thermoplastic shell made of a different polymer. The polymer comprising the shell is typically fused at a lower temperature than the polymer comprising the core. As a result, these bicomponent fibers provide thermal bonding by melting the cover polymer, while retaining the desirable strength characteristics of the core polymer. Bicomponent fibers suitable for use in the present invention may include cover / core fibers having the following polymer combinations: polyethylene / polypropylene, acetate polyethyl vinyl / polypropylene, polyethylene / polyester, polypropylene / polyester, copolyester / polyester and the like. Particularly suitable bicomponent thermoplastic fibers for use herein are those having a polypropylene or polyester core, and a lower melting copolyester, polyethyl vinyl acetate or polyethylene shell (for example, those available from Danaklon a / s, Chisso Corp., and CELBOND®, available from Hercules). These bicomponent fibers can be concentric or eccentric. As used herein, the terms "concentric" and "eccentric" refer to whether the cover has a uniform, or non-uniform, thickness along the cross-sectional area of the bicomponent fiber. Eccentric bicomponent fibers may be convenient to provide more compressive strength at lower fiber thicknesses. Methods for preparing thermally bonded fibrous materials are described in the patent application of E.U.A. Serial No. 08/479, 096 (Richards et al.), Filed July 3, 1995 (see especially pages 16-20) and patent of E.U.A. 5,549,589 (Horney et al.), Issued August 27, 1996 (see especially columns 9 to 10). The description of both of these references is incorporated herein by way of reference. The absorbent layer may also comprise a hydrophilic polymeric foam derived from HIPE that does not have the high absorbency of those described above as "superabsorbent materials". Said foams and methods for their preparation are described in the patent of E.U.A. ^ g¡ ,550,167 (DesMarais), issued August 27, 1996; and in the patent application of E.U.A. commonly assigned Serial No. (08 / 370,695 (Stone et al.), filed January 10, 1995 (both incorporated herein by reference.) The absorbent layer of the cleaning pad may comprise a homogeneous material as a mixture of cellulosic fibers (optionally thermally bonded) and particulate swellable superabsorbent gelling polymer Alternatively, the absorbent layer may comprise discrete layers of material such as a layer of thermally bonded air laid material and a discrete layer of a superabsorbent material For example, a thermally bonded layer of cellulosic fibers can be located below (ie, below) the superabsorbent material (ie, between the superabsorbent material and the rubbing layer.) To achieve high absorbent capacity and low fluid uptake. pressure, while giving an initial delay in collecting fluid, it may be preferable to use said cap discrete when the absorbent layer is formed. In this regard, the superabsorbent material can be placed away from the rubbing layer by including a less absorbent layer than the lowermost aspect of the absorbent layer. For example, a layer of cellulosic fibers may be placed under (ie, below) the superabsorbent material (ie, between the superabsorbent material and the rubbing layer).

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent layer will comprise a ribbon laid to the thermally bound air of cellulosic fibers (Flint River, available from Weyerhaeuser, Wa) and AL Thermal C (available thermoplastic from Danaklon a / s, Varde, Denmark), and a polymer superabsorbent of inflatable hydrogel formation. The superabsorbent polymer is preferably incorporated such that a discrete layer is placed near the surface of the absorbent layer that is further away from the rubbing layer. Preferably, a thin layer of, for example, cellulose fibers (optionally thermally bonded) is placed on the superabsorbent gelling polymer to improve the containment capacity.

B. Optional, but preferred rubbing layer The rubbing layer is the portion of the cleaning pad that contacts the dirty surface during cleaning. Thus, useful materials such as the rubbing layer must be durable enough so that the layer retains its integrity during the cleaning process without damaging the surface being cleaned. In addition, when the cleaning pad is used in combination with a solution, the rubbing layer must be capable of absorbing liquids and solids, and of sending those liquids and solids to the absorbent layer. This will ensure that the rubbing layer will be continuously able to remove additional materials from the surface being cleaned. Whether the Implement is used with a cleaning solution (ie, in wet state) or without cleaning solution (ie, in dry state), the rubbing layer, in addition to removing particulate material, will facilitate other functions, such as polishing, shaking and polishing the surface that is being cleaned. The rubbing layer may be a single-layer or multi-layer structure, one or more of whose layers may be grooved to facilitate rubbing the soiled surface and picking up particulate material. This rubbing layer, when passing over the dirty surface, interacts with the dirt (and the cleaning solution when it is used), loosening and emulsifying difficult soils and allowing them to pass freely into the absorbent layer of the pad. The rubbing layer preferably contains openings (eg, grooves) that provide an easy way for larger particles to move freely and become trapped within the absorbent layer of the pad. Low density structures are preferred for use as the rubbing layer, to facilitate the transport of the particulate material to the absorbent layer of the pad. To provide the desired integrity, materials particularly suitable for the rubbing layer include synthetic materials such as polyolefins (eg, polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, synthetic cellulosic materials (eg, RAYON®), and its mixtures Said synthetic materials can be manufactured using procedures known such as carding, spinning, weaving, air laying, needle puncture and the like.

C. Optional fastening layer The cleaning pads of the present invention will also optionally have a fastening layer that allows the pad to be connected to the implement handle or to the support head on preferred implements. The fixing layer will be necessary in those embodiments in which an absorbent layer is used, but it is not suitable for fixing the pad to the handle support head. The fastening layer may also function as a means to prevent spillage of fluid through the top surface (i.e., the surface that contacts the handle) of the cleaning pad, and may also provide improved pad integrity. . As with the rubbing and absorbent layers, the fixing layer may consist of a single-layer or multi-layer structure, as long as it meets the above requirements. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing layer will comprise a surface that will be capable of being mechanically fixed to the handle support head by the use of known hook and loop technology. In said embodiment, the fixing layer will comprise at least one surface that will be mechanically fixable to hooks that are permanently attached to the lower surface of the handle support head. In order to achieve the desired fluid impermeability and fixability, a laminated structure comprising, for example, a fibrous non-woven structure and melt blown film is preferred. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing layer is a three layer material having a layer of polypropylene film blown under melting between two layers of woven polypropylene.

D. Optional, but Preferred Multiple Flat Surfaces Although the ability of the cleaning pad to absorb and retain fluids has been determined to be important for hard surface cleaning performance (see, for example, US patent application serial number). 08 / 756,507 (Holt et al.), U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 756,864 (Sherry et al.) And U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 756,999 (Holt et al.), All filed on November 26, 1996 and incorporated herein by way of reference), the preferred performance can be achieved by adequately defining the general structure of the cleaning pad. In particular, pads having an essentially flat floor contact surface (i.e., an essentially flat surface to contact the dirty surface during cleaning) do not provide the best performance because the dirt it tends to accumulate on the leading edge, which is also the main point where the cleaning solution is transferred to the absorbent layer. The preferred pads provide multiple flat surfaces during cleaning and provide improved performance. The preferred cleaning pad has a top surface that allows the pad to attach to and be released from a handle and a lower surface that contacts the floor and other surfaces during cleaning. The lower surface preferably consists of three substantially different flat surfaces. The planes intersect the plane corresponding to the lower surface. Thus, when an implement to which the pad is attached is moved forward, the friction causes the pad to rock, so that the front lower plane contacts the surface being cleaned. As the movement in front decreases, the lower half surface comes into contact with the surface being cleaned. When the implement and pad are set in motion from zero in a backward direction, the friction causes the pad to rock so that the lower rear surface contacts the surface being cleaned. As this movement is repeated back and forth, the part that is in contact with the dirty surface changes constantly. It is believed that the improved cleaning of the preferred pads is due in part to the "lifting" action that results from back and forth movement during cleaning. In particular, when it stops the cleaning movement in one direction and the forces exerted on the implement allow the pad to "rock" so that the flat surface that makes contact with the surface moves from surface to surface, the dirt moves in an upward direction. The cleaning pad of the present invention should be capable of retaining absorbed fluids, even during the pressures exerted in the cleaning process. This is known herein as the ability of the cleaning pad to prevent "expulsion" of the absorbed fluid, or conversely its ability to retain fluid absorbed under pressure. The method for measuring expulsion is described in the Test Methods section. Briefly, the test measures the ability of a saturated pad to retain fluids when subjected to a pressure of 0.017 kg / cm2. Preferably, the cleaning pads of the present invention will have an expulsion value of not more than about 40%, more preferably not greater than about 25%, even more preferably not more than about 15%, and most preferably not more than about 10% IV. Cleaning implements The detergent compositions described above can be conveniently used with an implement to clean a surface, said implement comprising: a. a handle; Y b. a removable cleaning pad containing an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, and having a plurality of substantially planar surfaces, wherein each of the substantially planar surfaces comes into contact with the surface being cleaned, more preferably said pad being a Removable cleaning pad having a length and width, the pad comprises: i. a rubbing layer; and ii. an absorbent layer comprising a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is located between the rubbing layer and the second layer (i.e., the first layer is below the second layer), and has a smaller width than the second layer. An important aspect of the cleaning performance provided by the preferred pad is related to the ability to provide multiple flat surfaces that come in contact with the dirty surface during the cleaning operation. In the context of a cleaning implement such as a mop these flat surfaces are provided, so that during the typical cleaning operation (i.e., when the implement is moved back and forth in a direction substantially perpendicular to the width of the pad), each of the flat surfaces comes into contact with the surface being cleaned as a result of "rocking" of the cleaning pad.

The person skilled in the art will recognize that various materials can be used to carry out the claimed invention. In this way, although preferred materials are described below for the different components of the implement and the cleaning pad, it is recognized that the field of the invention is not limited to said descriptions. to. The handle The handle of the previous cleaning implement will be any material that facilitates the attachment of the cleaning implement. The handle of the cleaning implement will preferably comprise any elongated and durable material that provides practical cleaning. The length of the handle will be governed by the end use of the implement. The handle will preferably comprise at one end a support head to which the cleaning pad can be releasably secured. For ease of use, the support head can be pivotably secured to the handle using known joining assemblies. Any suitable means for attaching the cleaning pad to the support head can be used, as long as the cleaning pad remains fixed during the cleaning process. Examples of suitable fastening means include clamps, hooks and loops (e.g., VELCRO®) and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the support head will comprise hooks on its inner surface that will be mechanically fixed to the layer top (preferably a different attachment layer) of the absorbent cleaning pad. A preferred handle, comprising a fluid delivery means, is fully described in the co-pending U.S. patent application. Serial No. 08 / 756,774, filed on November 15, 1996 by V. S. Ping et al. (Case 6383), which is incorporated by reference in the present. Another handle that is preferred, and that does not contain a fluid delivery means, is fully described in the co-pending U.S. patent application. Serial No. 08 / 716,755, filed September 23, 1996 by A. J. Irwin (Case 6262 of P &G), which is incorporated herein by reference. b. The cleaning pad The cleaning pads described above can be used without attachment to a handle, or as part of the above cleaning implement. Therefore, they can be constructed without the need to be fixed to a handle, that is, so that they can be used in combination with a handle or as an independent product. As such, it may be preferred to prepare the pads with an optional fixing layer as described above. With the exception of one fixing layer, the pads themselves are as described above. As used herein, the term "direct fluid communication" means that the fluid can be easily transferred between two "cleaning pad" components or layers (eg, rubbing layer and absorbent layer) without "substantial accumulation, transport or restriction by an interposed layer, eg, fabrics, nonwoven webs, building adhesives, canvases and similar may be present between the two distinct components, while maintaining "direct fluid communication", as long as they do not substantially block or restrict the fluid as it passes from one component or layer to another. "Z dimension" refers to the length and width of the cleaning pad of the present invention, or a component thereof, orthogonal to the dimension.Z dimension typically corresponds to the thickness of the cleaning pad or a pad component As used herein, the term "XY dimension" refers in the orthogonal plane to the thickness of the cleaning pad, or to a component thereof. The dimensions X and Y normally correspond to the length and width, respectively, of the cleaning pad or a component thereof. In general, when the cleaning pad is used in conjunction with a handle, the implement will be moved in a direction parallel to the Y dimension of the pad, i.e., perpendicular to the width. As used herein, the term "layer" refers to a member or component of a cleaning pad whose primary dimension is X-Y, that is, along its length and width. It should be understood that the term layer is not necessarily limited to layers or sheets ^ j j individual of material. In this way, a layer may comprise laminates or combinations of various sheets or webs of the type of materials required. Accordingly, the term "layer" includes the terms "layers" and "layers". As used herein, the term "hydrophilic" is used to refer to surfaces that are wettable by aqueous fluids deposited thereon. Hydrophilicity and wettability are typically defined in terms of contact angle and surface tension of the fluids and solid surfaces involved. This is described in detail in the publication of the American Chemical Society entitled Contact Anqle. Wettabi tv and Adhesion, edited cleaning. Suitable materials include materials that have a continuous and open structure, such as synthetic and wire mesh canvases. The open areas of these materials can be easily controlled by varying the number of interconnected strands that comprise the mesh, controlling the thickness of those interconnected strands, etc. Other suitable materials include those whose texture is provided by a discontinuous pattern printed on a substrate. In this regard, a durable material (eg, synthetic) can be printed on a substrate in a continuous or discontinuous pattern, such as dots and / or individual lines, to provide the required texture. Similarly, the continuous or discontinuous pattern can be printed on a release material that then acts as the canvas. These patterns can be repetitive or they can be random. It will be understood that one or more approaches described to provide the desired texture can be combined to form the optional canvas material. The height and open area of the Z-direction of the canvas and / or rubbing substrate layer help to control and / or retard the flow of liquid in the absorbent core material. The height Z of the canvas and / or rubbing layer help provide a means to control the volume of liquid in contact with the cleaning surface while at the same time controlling the rate of liquid absorption, fluid communication in the core material of absorption. For purposes of the present invention, the "top" layer of a cleaning pad is a layer that is relatively farther from the surface to be cleaned (i.e., in the context of the implement, relatively closer to the handle of the implement during use). The term "lower" layer inversely means the layer of a cleaning pad that is relatively nearer the surface to be cleaned (i.e., in the context of the implement, relatively further away from the implement handle during use). In this way, the rubbing layer is the lowermost layer and the absorbent layer is a top layer in relation to the rubbing layer. The terms "upper" and "lower" are used similarly when reference is made to layers that are multi-pleated (for example, when the rubbing layer is a two-fold material). The terms "up" and "down" are used to describe relative positions of two or more materials in the thickness of a cleaning pad. By way of illustration, a material A is "up" of material B, if material B is located closer to the rubbing layer than material A. Similarly, material B is "down" of material A in this illustration. All percentages, ratios and proportions used herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified. All numerical limits are normal approximations within normal precision limits. All references herein have been included insofar as their descriptions are relevant.

V. Other types of cleaning pad To improve the ability of the pad to remove stubborn dirt and increase the amount of cleaning fluid that comes into contact with the cleaning surface, it may be convenient to incorporate a canvas material into the cleaning pad. cleaning pad. The canvas will consist of a firm and durable material that will provide texture to the pad rubbing layer, particularly when pressures are applied to the pad during use. Preferably, the canvas will be placed so that it is close to the surface being cleaned. In this way, the canvas can be incorporated as part of the rubbing layer or the absorbent layer; or it can be included as a distinct layer, preferably located between the rubbing and absorbent layers. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the material of the canvas is of the same XY dimension as the cleaning pad in general, it is preferred that the material of the canvas be incorporated so that it does not come into direct contact, to a significant degree, with the surface that is being cleaned. This will allow maintaining the ability of the pad to move easily through the hard surface, and will help to avoid uneven removal of the cleaning solution used. As such, if the canvas is part of the rubbing layer, it will be a top layer of this component. In fact, the canvas must be positioned sufficiently below the pad at the same time to provide its rubbing function. In this way, if the canvas is incorporated as part of the absorbent layer, it will be a lower layer thereof. In a separate mode, It may be convenient to place the canvas so that it is in direct contact with the surface that will be cleaned. In addition to the importance of properly positioning the canvas, it is also important that the canvas does not significantly impede the flow of fluid through the pad. Therefore, the canvas is a relatively open fabric. The material of the canvas will be any material that can be processed to provide a fabric of firm and open texture. Such materials include polyolefins (eg, polyethylene, polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, and the like. The person skilled in the art will recognize that these different materials show a different degree of hardness. In this way, the hardness of the canvas material can be controlled, depending on the final use of the pad / implement. When the canvas is incorporated as a discrete layer, there are many commercial sources of such materials (for example, design number VO1230, available from Conwed Plastics, Minneapolis, MN). Alternatively, the canvas may be incorporated by embossing a resin or other synthetic material (e.g., latex) on a substrate, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,021, issued May 17, 1988 to Ping III et al., And the patent of E.U.A. No. 4,733,774, issued March 29, 1988 to Ping III et. al., which are incorporated herein by way of reference. The different layers comprising the cleaning pad can be joined together using any means that provides the Pad sufficient integrity during the cleaning procedure. The rubbing and fixing layers can be attached to the absorbent layer or to each other by any of the different joining means, including the use of a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a layer with patterns of adhesive or any arrangement of separate lines, Spirals or adhesive points. Alternatively, the bonding means may comprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, mechanical dynamic joints or any other suitable joining means or combinations of these joining means that are known in the art. The joint can be around the perimeter of the cleaning pad (for example, by heat sealing the rubbing layer and the optional fixing layer) and / or over the entire area (i.e., the XY plane) of the cleaning pad to form a pattern on the surface of the cleaning pad. The attachment of the cleaning pad layers with ultrasonic joints throughout the area of the pad will provide integrity to prevent tearing of the discrete pad layers during use. The cleaning pad does not need substantially flat multiple surfaces. Each layer may comprise a single layer of material, and one or more of these layers may consist of a laminate of two or more sheets. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the rubbing layer is a laminate of two sheets of carded polypropylene, in which the lower layer is grooved. Also, materials that do not inhibit the passage of fluids can be placed between the rubbing layer and the absorbent layer and / or between the absorbent layer and any fixing layer. However, it is important that the rubbing and absorbent layers be in substantial fluid communication, to provide the required absorbency of the cleaning pad. It is preferable that the rubbing layer and the fixing layer be larger than the absorbent layer, so that they can be attached to the periphery of the absorbent pad to provide integrity. The rubbing and fixing layers may also be attached to the absorbent layer or to each other by means of a wide variety of joining means, including the use of a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a layer with adhesive patterns or any line arrangement. , spirals or separate adhesive spots. Alternatively, the joining means may comprise heat bonds, pressure joints, ultrasonic joints, dynamic mechanical joints or any other suitable joining means or combinations of these joining means known in the art. The joint can be made around the perimeter of the cleaning pad, and / or on the entire surface of the cleaning pad so as to form a pattern on the surface of the rubbing layer. In another embodiment of the cleaning pad, the rubbing layer of the cleaning pad and the optional fixing layer are combined with an absorbent layer having a three-layered structure. Specifically, the absorbent layer may consist of a discrete layer of a particular superabsorbent gelling material placed between two discrete layers of fibrous material. In this modality, due to the region of gU ^ u High concentration of superabsorbent gelling material, it is preferable that the superabsorbent material does not show the aforementioned gel blocking. In a particularly preferable embodiment, each fibrous layer will be a thermally bonded fibrous substrate of cellulosic fibers, and an inner fibrous layer will be in direct fluid communication with the rubbing layer. The inner layer may alternatively be a mixture of fibrous material and superabsorbent material, wherein the superabsorbent material is preferably present in a relatively high percentage by weight of the layer. The different layers can be used to create steps, the lower layers being smaller than the adjacent upper layers. When a rubbing and fixing layer is included, said combination will provide a pad with multiple substantially planar surfaces. The progressive thinning of the materials of the absorbent layer can provide multiple flat surfaces. In one embodiment, the upper layers may comprise increasingly high concentrations of superabsorbent material, while the lower layer contains little or no superabsorbent material. In such embodiments, one or more of the top layers may comprise a homogeneous mixture of superabsorbent material and fibrous material. Alternatively, one or both layers may comprise discrete layers, for example, two fibrous layers surrounding an essentially continuous layer of superabsorbent particles.

^^^ Although it is not a requirement, it has been observed that it is convenient to reduce the level of or eliminate the superabsorbent particles at the front and back ends.

SAW. Test Methods A. Performance under Pressure This test determines the gram / gram absorption capacity of deionized water for a cleaning pad that is laterally confined to a piston / cylinder assembly under an initial confining pressure of approximately 0.006 kg / cm2. (Depending on the composition of the cleaning pad sample, the confining pressure may decrease slightly while the sample absorbs water and swells during the test). The objective of the test is to determine the ability of the cleaning pad to absorb fluid, during a practical period, when the pad is exposed to conditions of use (horizontal absorption and pressures). The test fluid for the PUP capacity test is deionized water. This fluid is absorbed by the cleaning pad under conditions of absorption of demand at a hydrostatic pressure of almost zero. The test is shown in provisional co-pending patent serial No. 60 / 045,858, filed May 8, 1997 by Ronald A. Masters, et al., (Case 6555P2).

The data is recorded at intervals for a total period of approximately 1200 seconds (20 minutes). Absorbent capacity PUP is determined as follows: absorbent capacity t1200 (g / g) = [Wr (t = o) - Wr (l = 12oo) - WffcjTWds where the absorbent capacity tt? Oo is the capacity g / g of the pad after 1200 seconds, Wr ^ o) is the weight in grams of the tank 512 before the start, is the weight in grams of the tank 512 to 1200 seconds after the start, Wffc is the correction weight of the fritted funnel and Wds is the dry weight of the cleaning pad sample. Of what it follows that the absorption capacities t0 and t90o of the sample are measured similarly, except that Wr (t = 30) and Wr (t = goo) (ie, the deposit weight at 30 seconds and 900 seconds after the start, respectively) are used in the previous formula. The percentage absorption t30 of the sample is calculated as [absorption capacity t30] / [absorption capacity t? 2oo] X 100%.

B. Ejection The ability of the cleaning pad to retain fluid when exposed to pressures during use and thus to prevent "expulsion" of fluid is another important parameter of the present invention. The "ejection" is measured in a complete cleaning pad by determining the amount of fluid that can be extracted from the sample with a Whatman filter paper under pressures of 0.017 kg / cm2. The expulsion is carried out in jj ^ a sample that has been saturated to a capacity with deionized water by means of horizontal absorption (specifically, by absorption from the surface of the pad consisting of the rubbing layer or the contact layer with surfaces). (A means for obtaining a saturated sample is described as the Horizontal Gravimetric Absorption method of the patent application Serial No. 08 / 542,497 (Dyer et al.), Filed on October 13, 1995, which is incorporated in the present as a reference). The sample containing fluid is placed horizontally in an apparatus capable of providing the respective pressures, preferably using a bag filled with air that will provide uniformly distributed pressure over the entire surface of the sample. The ejection value is reported as the weight of the test fluid lost per gram in the wet sample.

EXAMPLE 1 A detergent composition / solution containing the following ingredients is applied to a floor surface and removed with an implement as shown above (containing an effective amount of sodium polyacrylate, preferably interlaced sodium polyacrylate, a superabsorbent material) and as it is exemplified in the tables. The result is a clean floor.

"Non-ionic detergent surfactant based on ethoxylation of a Cu alcohol with approximately 5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. ** Dow Chemical Company *** The foam suppressor contains: polyethylene glycol stearate (4% by weight, CAS # 9004993), methylated silica (2% by weight, CAS # 67762907), octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane (2% by weight, CAS # 556672) For stability reasons the following has also been observed as the optimal order of addition: ) a premix is made with a final concentration of 0.5% thymiftalein in ethanol, b) in a separate vessel, weigh the appropriate amount of deionized water and adjust to a pH = 11.0 using how many drops of NaOH (NaOH is not shown in the previous formula); c) the solvents, including the ethanolic thymiftalein solution are combined in a separate vessel, shaken, and then emptied into the rapid stirring water of step b; and d) the remaining ingredients are added. The foam suppressant at an effective level, typically from about 0.0005 to about 0.02, preferably from 0.001 to about 0.01, more preferably from about 0.002 to about 0.003, provides a better technique in stain removal and protection, particularly in ceramic surfaces. The reason for this is that the lines of injection in the ceramics create low points while the humidity is traveling, and generates foam. If too high a level of foam is generated, it can dry up and become streaks. In addition, market research shows that the foam seen on the floor when mopping is perceived by some consumers as film / veining. The reduction of foam on the floor during mopping can offer different degrees of technical and perceptual benefits to avoid streaking. The degree of benefit depends on the level of foam created and to what degree the level of foam is controlled, particularly during mopping. ^^^^^^^^^^ m ^^^^ j ^ g ^^^ Known foam suppressors can be used, but it is very convenient to use the silicone foam suppressors as they are effective at very low levels and therefore can reduce to a minimum the water-insoluble material needed when there is at least a considerable amount of water. foam suppressor present. Other examples include: EXAMPLE II The following formula containing a light-sensitive dye can be used. For greater stability, the formula must be stored in an opaque bottle.

Claims (25)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - Detergent composition containing a dye that fades, for use with an implement having a disposable pad optionally containing superabsorbent material and when said pad contains this superabsorbent material, the composition optionally contains: (1) not more than about 10% one or more detergent surfactants; (2) the level of hydrophobic materials, including the solvent, is limited to less than about 3%; and / or (3) the pH is optionally greater than about 9.

2. The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the dye that fades comprises a pH indicator with an appropriate color transition scale of pH. .

3. The detergent composition according to claim 2, further characterized in that the pH indicator has a color transition scale between about 8 and about 10.5.

4. The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the dye that fades is sensitive to light and fades due to the action of light.

5. - The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the dye that fades, fades due to the interaction with oxygen.

6. The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the dye that vanishes, fades due to the evaporation of the solvent.

7. The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the level of detergent surfactant is from about 0.01% to about 0.5%; the level of hydrophobic materials, including the solvent, is less than about 1%; and the pH is greater than about 10.

The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the level of detergent surfactant is from about 0.1% to about 0.45%; the level of hydrophobic materials, including the solvent is less than about 1%; and the pH is greater than about 10.3.

9. The detergent composition according to claim 8, further characterized in that the detergent surfactant has a linear structure.

10. The detergent composition according to claim 8, which contains a considerable amount of the foam suppressant.

11. - The detergent composition according to claim 10, further characterized in that the foam suppressant is at a level of about 0.0005 to about 0.02.

12. The detergent composition according to claim 10, further characterized in that the foam suppressant is at a level of about 0.001 to about 0.01.

13. The detergent composition according to claim 10, further characterized in that the foam suppressor comprises a silicone foam suppressant.

14. The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the detergent surfactant has a predominantly linear structure.

15. The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the detergent surfactant has a linear structure and is selected from the group consisting of anionic and non-anionic straight chain detergent surfactants.

16. The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that an alkalinity is provided, at least in a considerable amount, by means of volatile alkaline agents.

17. - The detergent composition according to claim 17, further characterized in that the volatile alkaline agent is an alkanolamine having the formula: CR2 (NR2) CR2OH, wherein each R is ¡F i i r-Ütr selects from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups containing from one to four carbon atoms and the total carbon atoms in the compound is from three to six.

18. The detergent composition according to claim 18, further characterized in that the volatile alkaline agent is 2-amino, 2-methylpropanol.

19. The detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the dye that fades is a pH indicator that has a color transition in the pH range between about 8 and about 10.5.

20. The detergent composition according to claim 20, further characterized in that the dye that fades is thymiftalein.

21. The detergent composition according to claim 16, further characterized in that the dye that fades is a mixture of thymiftalein and phenophthalein.

22. A kit comprising an implement containing a pad containing superabsorbent material and the detergent composition according to claim 1.

23. The detergent composition according to claim 1 in a container, together with the instructions for using it. with a pad that contains superabsorbent material.

24. The method of cleaning a surface comprising the application of a considerable amount of the detergent composition according to claim 1 and the absorption of the composition into an absorbent structure comprising a superabsorbent material.

25. The method according to claim 25, further characterized in that the surface is ceramic and said detergent composition comprises a considerable amount of foam suppressant.