MXPA06011093A - Surface cleaning pad having zoned absorbency and method of making same - Google Patents

Abstract

A floor cleaning pad is provided having a pad body comprising a cleaning surface configured for contact with a floor to be cleaned and an opposed surface configured to be coupled to a floor cleaning implement. The cleaning surface and the opposed surface defining a thickness of the pad body and superabsorbent polymer particles maintained within a zone of the pad body, a nd the zone of the superabsorbent polymer particles occupying a portion of the thickness and an area less than an area of the cleaning surface.

Description

SURFACE CLEANING PAD WITH ABSORBANCE BY ZONES AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a surface cleaning pad, such as a floor cleaning pad and to a method for manufacturing the surface cleaning pad in a form such as to provide a zone absorbency. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional floor mops comprise a handle rotatably connected to a mop head and a disposable absorbent wipe connected to the head of the mop. One side of the disposable absorbent cleaning fabric is placed in direct contact with a surface to be cleaned and the opposite side of the cleaning fabric is coupled to the mop head. The cleaning cloth absorbs and holds fluids, and looses and traps dirt particles on the cleaning surface. The cleaning fabric may comprise an absorbent part that includes super absorbent polymer particles (SAP). SAP particles can escape from the absorbent part during manufacturing, shipping, and conditions of normal use. This phenomenon is usually known as particle shaking. A reduction in Ref .: 176008 quantity or volume of SAP particles in the cleaning cloth impedes performance and reduces the degree of absorbency of the cleaning cloth. Attempts have been made to overcome this problem in other fields such as the field of baby diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins and the like. For example, an absorbent structure for such products is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,562,742, which illustrates a diaper absorbent body with SAP particles placed in discrete locations or zones within the structure. In accordance with the description of US Pat. No. 6,562,742, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the super absorbent polymer particles are placed in at least one stratum of a superior fold in discrete longitudinal bands along the length of the core, and the bands are separated by adjacent bands that include fibers and a binder. Such discrete placement of SAP particles is described to allow better particle containment, facilitate liquid flow in the Z direction due to the presence of areas with little or no SAP, and allow for easier flow and fluid absorption. along the length of the nucleus (direction x). Areas with little or no SAP particle can also be densified to improve integrity and create greater capillary tension within the smaller pores. However, there continues to be a need for an improved absorbent cleaning pad, such as a floor cleaning pad, and an improved method for manufacturing the cleaning pad in such a way as to provide a zone absorbency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a surface cleaning pad having a pad body with a cleaning surface configured to contact a surface to be cleaned and an opposing surface configured to be connected to a cleaning implement. The cleaning surface and the opposite surface together define a body thickness of the pad. The surface cleaning pad also has super absorbent polymer particles held in an area of the pad body. The area of the pad body occupies the thickness of the pad body and an area that is contiguous but less than the cleaning surface. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a body of surface cleaning pad having a matrix pattern of binder fibers and super absorbent polymer particles. The method includes depositing a mass of binder fibers on a conveyor. All except one selected area of the mass of binder fibers is protected, and the super absorbent polymer particles are deposited on the selected area of the mass of binder fibers in order to distribute the super absorbent polymer particles through a thickness of the mass of the binder fibers. The mass of binder fibers is transformed into a weft structure that substantially contains the super absorbent polymer particles, thus providing a cleaning pad body with super absorbent polymer particles substantially contained in an area of the mass of binder fibers occupying the thickness of the mass of binder fibers and the selected area. A joining device is applied to the body of the cleaning pad, thereby configuring the body of the pad to be attached to a cleaning implement. In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for forming cleaning pad bodies. The method includes forming a fiber substrate. The super absorbent polymer particles are applied to the substrate in zones extending along the substrate separated by a space extending along the substrate. The substrate is divided along the space to form substrate portions each with a substantially free edge portion of super absorbent polymer particles. The substrate is divided substantially perpendicular to the space to form cleaning pad bodies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Example modalities of the invention will be described with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 is a bottom view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a right side view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a terminal view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 1, including a cut-away portion of the cleaning pad; Figure 5A is a bottom view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5B is a bottom view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with still another example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5C is a bottom view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with still another example embodiment of the present invention;Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a system that can be used to form an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a sectional schematic side view of the system illustrated in Figure 6; and Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary steps of a process for forming an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with another example embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications can be made to the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. Also, the modalities selected for illustration in the figures are not shown to scale and are not limited to the proportions shown. As used herein, the term "super absorbent polymer particle (SAP)" refers to any absorbent material having a g / g capacity for water of at least about 20 g / g, when measured at a confining pressure. of 2.068 Pa (0.3 psi). Non-limiting examples of suitable superabsorbent materials include water-insoluble, water-swellable super-absorbent gelling polymers, which are described in US Application Serial No. 09 / 831,480, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its whole. With reference to the overall structure of an example embodiment, Figures 1-4 illustrate an absorbent cleaning pad designated generally by the numeral "110". Generally, the absorbent cleaning pad 110 has a pad body formed of a composite of air-agglomerated fibers and having a cleaning surface configured for cleaning contact with a surface to be cleaned and an opposing surface configured to be oriented toward, or fixed to, a cleaning implement. The surface cleaning pad also has a barrier adhered to, and substantially covering the opposite surface of the body of the pad and a pair of scrubbers members adhered to the cleaning surface of the pad body. More specifically, the example absorbent cleaning pad (or cloth) 110 is provided with an air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. Two folded dirt trap members 125 are adhered to a cleaning side 152 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 by of an adhesive 130 and extend along the length of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. A barrier layer 140 is adhered to an opposite bonding side 155 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 and is folded around the width-wise sides 124 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120, thereby wrapping the sides to the width 124 of the agglomerated fiber composite with air 120. Two joining members are adhered to the barrier layer 140 by means of an adhesive 130. The air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 of the exemplary embodiment absorbs and retains fluids and / or other matter that resides on the cleaning surface. The cleaning side 152 of the cleaning pad 110 is in direct contact with the floor surface, and the opposite joining side 155 of the absorbent cleaning pad 110 is in contact with a cleaning implement such as a mop head (not shown). ). The dirt trap members 125 serve to facilitate the removal of soil from the surface being cleaned by contact and trapped from larger dirt particles. The barrier layer 140 substantially prevents the fluid from passing from the agglomerated fiber composite with air 120 to the cleaning implement, to keep the cleaning implement substantially free. of fluid. The barrier layer 140 also substantially prevents the absorbent particles within the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 from escaping from the sides exposed to the width 124 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. The link members 145 provide a bonding mechanism simple that can be used to temporarily couple the absorbent cleaning pad 110 to a cleaning implement such as a mop head. In this example mode, the union members 145 are comprised of a loop fastening material available from Velero USA Inc. of Manchester, NH, USA. Additional benefits and features of attachment mechanisms are described in U.S. Application No. 11 / 241,138. The description of U.S. Application No. 11 / 241,138 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Also, benefits and features of additional optional components, such as turn components, are described in U.S. Application No. 11 / 240,949 and in U.S. Application No. 11 / 241,437, which are incorporated herein in their entirety by way of reference. . The exemplary embodiment of the absorbent cleaning pad 110 comprises a composite of unified agglomerated fibers 120 having an absorbent core of at least binder fibers, absorbent fibers and super absorbent polymer (SAP) particles 150. The absorbent core should be sufficient integrity to ensure that the absorbent core does not deform or exhibit discontinuities during its normal use in cleaning a surface. The SAP 150 particles provide the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 with greater absorbency, while the binder and absorbent fibers form the overall structure of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. In this embodiment, the binder fibers are optionally bicomponent fibers. and the absorbent fibers are optionally cellulosic fibers. The absorbent portion of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 can optionally be comprised of pulp fibers, rayon fibers, super absorbent fibers, a combination of super absorbent and pulp fibers, a combination of absorbent and rayon fibers, a combination of pulp, super absorbent and rayon fibers, a nonwoven web and super absorbent in situ (liquid), a tissue and super absorbent in situ (liquid), a pulp and super absorbent in situ (liquid), fibers of rayon and a super absorbent in situ (liquid), pulp fibers, rayon and a superabsorbent in situ (liquid), or a combination of any of the above. The absorbent core component is an essentially hydrophilic material capable of absorbing and retaining fluids. The absorbent component may be composed of fibers, powders, and polymeric binders, any of which may be natural or synthetic. The exposed sides of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 may be sealed or covered to substantially limit the SAP 150 particles escaping off the exposed sides of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. However, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, to prevent leakage of SAP 150 particles, the SAP particles can be concentrated or localized in areas at a suitable distance away from one or more of the exposed sides of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. The matrix pattern of the binder fibers would substantially inhibit SAP particles located in zones migrating a significant distance to the exposed sides of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. An example of a SAP region by zones is illustrated in Figure 1. Additional benefits and features of A composite construction of air-agglomerated fibers is described in the Solicit U.S. No. 11 / 240,929. The description of U.S. Application No. 11 / 240,929 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition to air-agglomerated fiber composites, other absorbent pad body materials, structures and / or processes are also contemplated. For example, in another exemplary embodiment an absorbent core prepared by the expansion of a bundle of polymeric filaments, described in International Publication No. WO 2004/017883, is also contemplated for use as an absorbent pad. The description of the International Publication No. WO 2004/017883 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this exemplary embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a plurality of filaments in the form of a bundle of expanded filaments, and a layer comprising a super absorbent liquid material on surfaces of the filaments.

The super absorbent liquid polymer can be applied to the expanded filament bundle, for example, by spray or by application using a rotogravure roller. In this embodiment, the liquid super absorbent polymer is applied to a portion (or portions) of the width and / or length of the expanded tow. Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, specifically FIG. 1, the SAP 150 articles are dispersed in a discrete zone of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers. 120. The SAP 150 particles are substantially concentrated in the center of the width of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 to substantially limit the SAP from the open sides along 123 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. The discrete zone of SAP 150 comprises the width "C", the length * B "and the thickness of the composite of fibers agglomerated with air 120. Although the SAP particle zones 150 is contiguous with the exposed width sides 124 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite, the portion of the barrier layer bent over the widthwise sides 124 substantially prevents the escape of SAP 150 outside the sides exposed to the width 124. The particles 150 also substantially prevent the leakage substantially through the cleaning side 152 and the bonding side 155 of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers. The dense weave of the binding fibers on the cleaning side 152 and the bonding side 155 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite substantially prevent the SAP 150 particles from escaping. In addition, the barrier layer 140 substantially prevents the SAP 150 particles from escaping off the joining sides 155 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120, as illustrated in Figure 4. The exemplary embodiments provide several advantages. Particulate SAP particles reduce particle shake, blockage of gels, and manufacturing costs and promote effective fluid absorption through the air-agglomerated fiber composite. SAP particle shaking impedes the performance of the cleaning pad and degrades the absorption rate of the cleaning pad. By virtue of the SAP by zones, the exemplary cleaning pad 110 can retain a large number of SAP particles in the air-agglomerated fiber composite.

The discrete placement of SAP particles also facilitates fluid flow along regions of the cleaning pad without SAP particles. Regions without SAP particles promote the flow and absorption of fluid throughout the length and width of the composite of agglomerated fibers with example air. Therefore, the discrete placement of SAP particles promotes the use of all the agglomerated fiber composite with air for absorption. The discrete placement of SAP particles also substantially reduces gel blocking in the air-agglomerated fiber composite, thereby improving the ability of the cleaning pad to absorb and retain fluid. Gel blocking results in the inhibition of fluid flow through the entire agglomerated fiber composite with air, thus reducing the degree of absorbency of the cleaning pad. In other words, the air-agglomerated fiber composite can not efficiently absorb fluid if many SAP particles are placed or concentrated on the cleaning surface of the air-agglomerated fiber composite, because the SAP particles prevent the fluid from moving in the Z-direction (ie, along the thickness of the fiber composite agglomerated with air). The discrete placement of SAP particles promotes uniform absorption of fluid through the composite of agglomerated fibers with example air. From the point of view of manufacturing, by virtue of the area of SAP 150 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the barrier layer 140 does not have to be bent over the widthwise sides 123 of the agglomerated fiber composite with air 120, because it is not necessary to prevent the particles of SAP 150 escape out of the sides along 123. The cleaning pad 110 therefore uses less barrier layer material and does not require the additional operation of bending the barrier layer on the sides along 123 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. This represents cost savings for the manufacturer by reducing of the cost of barrier layer material and labor or equipment expenses. Another example embodiment of the cleaning pad 510 is illustrated in Figure 5A. The particle zone of SAP 550 is provided in a central region of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 520, away from the entire periphery of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 520. The particle zone of SAP 550 can take any form, for example , square as shown, circular, rectangular, semicircular, etc. The sketch of the air-bonded fiber composite 520 is shown as dotted lines to indicate that the air-bonded fiber composite 520 has no limits and that the zone 550 can be provided in any desired shape or configuration. In other words, the length and width of the air-agglomerated fiber composite can be any dimension larger than the "D" length and the "E" width of the super absorbent particle zone 550. For example, the agglomerated fiber composite with air 520 of the exemplary embodiment may be an individual cleansing pad or a continuous cleansing cloth composed of a plurality of cleansing pads. By virtue of the area SAP 550, the barrier layer (not shown) of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 5a does not have to enclose or otherwise cover the exposed sides along and the width of the agglomerated fiber composite. with 520 air to avoid shaking the SAP. The SAP particles by zone 550 can not migrate to the periphery of the air-agglomerated fiber composite, assuming that there is adequate space between the SAP 550 particle zone and the periphery of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 520. When placing By zoning the SAP particles away from the periphery of the air agglomerated fiber composite 520, a reduction in material and assembly costs can be obtained, because a barrier layer material does not have to cover the sides of the agglomerated fiber composite with 520 air and the folding operations of the barrier layer are eliminated.

Another example embodiment of a cleaning pad 510 is illustrated in Figure 5B. Similar to the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the SAP 550 particle zone extends along the entire length of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 520. The widthwise sides of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 520 they are shown in dotted form to indicate that the length of the air-bonded fiber composite 520 is optionally continuous. This exemplary embodiment may optionally represent a web of agglomerated fibers with continuous air that can be divided by cutting in width and another partition operation, in a plurality of individual air-agglomerated fiber pads. Another example embodiment of the cleaning pad 510 is illustrated in Figure 5C. Similar to the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 5B, the SAP 550 zone extends along the entire length of the air agglomerated fiber composite 520. This example embodiment provides multiple zones of SAP 550 particles in width " G " However, the width of the multiple SAP zones may also vary, depending on fluid distribution and fluid handling. The discrete placement of the SAP 550 particle zones facilitates the flow of fluid along the regions of the cleaning pad without SAP particles. Regions without SAP particles promote fluid flow and absorption along the length and width of the cleaning pad and limit gel blocking. Alternatively, the cleaning pad embodiment shown in Figure 5C is provided as a substrate or intermediate step in the formation of an absorbent cleaning pad. For example, a method of forming cleaning pad bodies can include forming a fiber substrate, and then depositing super absorbent polymer particles to the substrates in zones extending along the separated substrate through one or more spaces extending as far as possible. length of the substrate to form the intermediate cleansing pad substrate 510. The substrate 510 can then be cut or otherwise split along one or more spaces to form substrate portions each with a substantially non-polymer super fine edge portion. absorbent. Such intermediate substrate 510 can then be split in a direction substantially perpendicular to the spaces to form bodies of cleaning pads. In other words, the substrate 510 can be divided along the spaces between adjacent zones and then cut or split in a direction substantially perpendicular to the spaces to form shorter lengths, thus forming a structure corresponding to the absorbent compound 120 used in the absorbent cleaning pad 110 shown in Figures 1-4. Figures 6 and 7 schematically show an example of an air agglomerated fiber composite forming system '600 which can be used to form an absorbent cleaning pad according to one aspect of the invention if the pad includes a composite of agglomerated fibers with air . It is also contemplated that the absorbent cleaning pad be formed with an alternative structure, including any fibrous or non-fibrous material capable of defining a substrate. Although only one example of an air agglomerated fiber composite forming system is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to the particular agglomerated fiber composite forming system selected for illustration in the figures, and the present invention is not it is limited to an absorbent pad having a fiber structure agglomerated with air. Other systems and processes for the production of pads of air-agglomerated fibers are also contemplated. The air agglomerated fiber composite forming system 600 comprises a mobile perforated forming wire 602, which acts as a conveyor, with a forming head equipment mounted on it. In the orientation illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the upper surface of the wire 602 moves from right to left at a rate appropriate for proper distribution of materials in the wire 602. Alternatively, the wire 602 can remain stationary while other equipment (for example, forming heads) is moved with respect to the wire 602. However, a continuous conveyor process is advantageous as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

The forming heads 604 and 606 each receive a flow of a fluidized fiber material with air (eg, binding fibers, wood pulp, or other fiber materials, or a combination thereof) through the supply channels 608. A suction source 614 mounted below the perforated movable wire 602 carries air downwardly through the perforated movable wire 602. In one embodiment, the binder fiber material is distributed and compacted (by the air flow) in the width of the wire 602 to form a light weft layer on the surface of the wire 602. A second forming head (not shown) is provided to distribute a second weft layer 616 composed of a mixture of binder fibers and cellulosic fibers on the layer of light weft. The SAP particles are introduced into the particle jet 620 through a tube 618. The particle jet 620 is configured to direct (eg, by spraying, spraying, releasing, etc.) the SAP particles onto the moving wire. perforated 602 above the weft layer 616. The SAP particles are distributed over a portion of the width and / or length of the weft layer 616 or are distributed over the entire weft layer 616. The SAP particles are mixed and they disseminate through the weft layer 616 and thereby are maintained throughout the thickness of the agglomerated fiber composite with air. A third forming head 606 is provided to distribute another weft layer 622 of binder and / or cellulosic fibers onto the SAP particles. Although only two forming heads are illustrated, more forming heads may be required to distribute additional layers of binder fiber or cellulosic fiber. Subsequently, the weft layers are heated for a period of time until the binder fibers melt together to form a weft-like structure, that is, a composite of air-agglomerated fibers. In functional terms, the first lightweight layer including binder fibers is oriented towards the surface and provides a structure to the composite of air-agglomerated fibers. The second weft layer 616 including binder fibers and cellulosic fibers is held over the first light weft layer and provides structure and absorbency to the composite of air agglomerated fibers. The SAP particles are maintained on the second weft layer 616 to provide additional absorbency to the composite of air-agglomerated fibers. The third weft layer 622 including binder fibers and cellulosic fibers is held on the SAP particles and is oriented towards the cleaning implement. The third web 622 provides structure and absorbency to the composite of air-agglomerated fibers. The weft layers together form a composite of fibers agglomerated with air in accordance with one embodiment. Although not shown, in yet another example embodiment, a preformed sheet comprising SAP particles can be placed on the light weft layer 616, as an alternative to using the particle jet 620. The preformed sheet can be of any equal size or smaller than the light weft layer 616. Still with reference to the air-agglomerated fiber composite forming system illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, to form the air-agglomerated fiber composite illustrated in Figure 5a, the SAP particles are distributed above a portion of the length and width of the weft layer 616. The particle jet 620 is configured to distribute a volume of SAP particles to a zone of length "D" and width " E "above the weft layer 616 to form a single composite of air agglomerated fibers. To form a continuous sheet composed of multiple air-agglomerated fiber composites 520, the particle jet 620 is configured to periodically distribute the SAP in zones on the layer of the moving web 616. A processing unit (not shown) controls the operation of the particle dispenser 620 and the duration of each SAP distribution period. The duration of each SAP distribution period depends on the speed of the mobile wire 602, the length of each composite of agglomerated fibers with individual air and the length of the SAP particle zone. In yet another example embodiment and still with reference to FIGS. 5a, 6, and 7, the SAP particles and the binder fibers are both introduced into the tube 618 of the particle jet 620. The particle jet 620 therefore distributes SAP particles and binder fibers on a zone of length "D" and width "E" on the weft layer 616. However, it should be understood that the particle dispenser 620 and the forming heads 604 and 606 can distribute any type of fiber or particle or combination thereof, because the spout and the forming heads are not limited to simply distributing binder fibers and SAP particles. Still with reference to the air agglomerated fiber composite forming system illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, to form the cleaning pad 520 illustrated in Figure 5b the SAP 550 particles are distributed over a "F" segment (as illustrated). in Figure 5b) of the weft layer 616. The particle jet 620 is configured to mimic the distribution of the SAP 550 particles over a segment "F" of the weft layer 616. In other words, the particle jet 620 only sprays, disperses by spraying, or releases the SAP 550 particles in segment "F". As an alternative for configuring the particle jet 620 to distribute SAP particles over the "F" segment of the weft layer 616, a mesh can be placed over the weft layer 616 to limit the placement of the SAP 550 particle zone to a segment "F" of the weft layer 616. In this example embodiment, the particle jet 620 is configured to distribute the SAP particles over the entire weft layer 616 although the mesh limits the distribution of the particles of SAP to the "F" segment on the weft layer 616. Figure 8 is a flow diagram 800 of example steps for making a composite of air-agglomerated fibers in accordance with the present invention. binder fibers on a movable perforated wire in order to define a cleaning surface of the pad body The block 803 illustrates the step of depositing both binder and cellulosic fibers on the binding fibers. Block 804 illustrates the step of depositing super absorbent polymer particles on the binder and cellulosic fibers, wherein one area of the super absorbent polymer particles is smaller than one area of the binder and cellulosic fibers. Block 808 illustrates the optional step of depositing additional binder fibers on the layer of binder and cellulosic fibers. Block 806 illustrates the final step of bonding the binding fibers with the cellulosic fibers and super absorbent polymer particles to form a structure of air-like fibers agglomerated. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only.

Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will be contemplated by those with experience without departing from the spirit of the invention. Consequently, the claims are intended to cover all those variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the modalities selected for illustration in the figures are not shown and are not limited to the proportions shown. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (40)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A surface cleaning pad, characterized in that it comprises: a pad body having a cleaning surface configured to contact a surface that is going to cleaned and an opposing surface configured to be coupled to a cleaning implement, the cleaning surface and the opposite surface together define a thickness of the pad body; and super absorbent polymer particles held within an area of the pad body, wherein the area of the pad body occupies the thickness of the pad body and an area that is contiguous but less than the cleaning surface.
2. 2. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the pad body is formed of a composite of fibers agglomerated with air.
3. 3. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the pad body comprises a plurality of substantially continuous and co-extensive filaments.
4. 4. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the super absorbent polymer particles are maintained in a substantially uniform concentration throughout the thickness of the pad body.
5. 5. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the super absorbent polymer particles are substantially maintained in the center of the thickness of the cushion body.
6. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a joining member coupled to the opposite surface of the pad body and configured to be fixed to the cleaning implement.
7. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the zone of the super absorbent polymer particles occupies a portion of a width of the pad body.
8. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 7, characterized in that the area of the super absorbent polymer particles occupies a portion of a length of the pad body.
9. 9. A method of forming a body of surface cleaning pad comprising a matrix pattern of binder fibers and particles of super absorbent polymer, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) depositing a mass of binder fibers on a conveyor; b) protect all except the area of the mass of the binding fibers; c) depositing super absorbent polymer particles on the selected area of the mass of binder fibers in order to distribute the super absorbent polymer particles through a thickness of the mass of the binder fibers; d) joining the mass of binder fibers to form a weft structure and to substantially contain the super absorbent polymer particles, thereby providing a cleaning pad body with super absorbent polymer particles substantially contained in one area of the mass of binder fibers which occupies at least a portion of the thickness of the mass of binder fibers and the selected area; and e) applying a joining device to the cleaning pad body, thereby configuring the pad body to secure the cleaning implement.
10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the step of further protecting comprises protecting all but one area of the mass of binder fibers that is contiguous but less than the mass of binder fibers.
11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the step of further protecting comprises protecting a discrete area of the mass of binder fibers along the length of the mass of binder fibers.
12. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the step of further protecting comprises protecting a discrete area of the mass of binder fibers along the width of the mass of binder fibers.
13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the step of depositing a mass of binder fibers further comprises depositing a mixture of binder fibers and absorbent fibers on a conveyor.
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of depositing a mass of binder fibers further comprises depositing a mixture of binder fibers and cellulosic fibers on a conveyor.
15. 15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of depositing a mass of binder fibers further comprises depositing a mixture of binder fibers and rayon fibers on a conveyor.
16. 16. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the joining step additionally comprises joining the mass of binder fibers to form a weft structure and to substantially contain the super absorbent polymer particles, thereby providing a body of a cleaning pad with particles of super absorbent polymer substantially contained in an area of the mass of the binder fibers occupying most of the thickness of the mass of binder fibers and the selected area.
17. 17. A method of forming a cleaning pad body comprising a matrix pattern of binding fibers and particles of super absorbent polymer, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) depositing a layer of binder fibers on a conveyor; b) depositing super absorbent polymer particles on a selected area of the binder fiber layer, thereby causing the super absorbent polymer particles to come into contact with the binder fibers in the area; c) joining the binder fibers to form a weft structure and to substantially contain the super absorbent polymer particles, thereby providing a cleaning pad body with super absorbent polymer particles distributed over at least a portion of its thickness and over an area of the frame structure area; and d) applying a joining device to the cleaning pad body, thereby configuring the pad body to be attached to a cleaning implement.
18. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of depositing super absorbent polymer particles further comprises depositing a mixture of super absorbent polymer particles, binder fibers and cellulosic fibers on the area of the binder fiber layer.
19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of joining the mixture of super absorbent polymer particles, binder fibers and cellulosic fibers with the layer of binder fibers.
20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of depositing super absorbent polymer particles further comprises depositing the super absorbent polymer particles on a portion along the layer of binder fibers.
21. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the step of depositing polymer particles. The super absorbent further comprises depositing the super absorbent polymer particles on a portion across the layer of binder fibers.
22. 22. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of depositing a layer of binder fibers additionally comprises depositing a mixture of binder fibers and absorbent fibers on a conveyor.
23. 23. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of depositing a layer of binder fibers additionally comprises depositing a mixture of binder fibers and cellulosic fibers on a conveyor.
24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of depositing super absorbent polymer particles on a selected area of the binder fibers and cellulosic fibers, wherein the selected area of the binder fibers and cellulose fibers on the which super absorbent polymer particles are deposited is less than the cleaning surface.
25. 25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of depositing a layer of binder and cellulosic fibers on the super absorbent polymer particles.
26. 26. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the joining step further comprises the step of joining the binder fibers to form a weft structure and to substantially contain the super absorbent polymer particles., thus providing a cleaning pad body with super absorbent polymer particles distributed over a greater portion of its thickness and over an area of the weft structure area.
27. A method of forming a pad body comprising a matrix pattern of binding fibers and particles of super absorbent polymer, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) depositing binder fibers in order to define a cleaning surface; b) depositing super absorbent polymer particles on a selected area of the binder fibers, wherein the selected area of the binder fibers on which the super absorbent polymer particles are deposited is less than an area of the cleaning surface; and c) joining the binder fibers to form a weft structure and to substantially contain the super absorbent polymer particles, thereby providing a cleaning pad body with improved absorbency.
28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of depositing a second layer of binder fibers on the super absorbent polymer particles in order to define a second cleaning surface.
29. 29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of joining the layers of binder fibers with the super absorbent polymer particles to form a weft structure, thereby providing a cleaning pad body with improved absorbency.
30. 30. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the step of depositing super absorbent polymer particles further comprises depositing the super absorbent polymer particles on a portion along the layer of binder fibers.
31. 31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the step of depositing super absorbent polymer particles additionally comprises depositing the super absorbent polymer particles on a portion across the layer of binder fibers, thereby providing a body of cleaning pad with improved absorbency.
32. 32. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the step of depositing binder fibers additionally comprises depositing a mixture of binder fibers and absorbent fibers.
33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of depositing super absorbent polymer particles over a selected area of the binder fibers and absorbent fibers, wherein the selected area of the binder fibers and absorbent fibers Upon which the super absorbent polymer particles are deposited is less than an area of the cleaning surface.
34. 34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of depositing a mass of binder fibers and absorbent fibers on the super absorbent polymer particles.
35. 35. A method of forming cleaning pad bodies, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) forming a fiber substrate; b) depositing super absorbent polymer particles to the substrate in zones extending along the substrate separated by a space extending along the substrate; c) dividing the substrate along the space to form substrate portions each with an edge portion substantially free of super absorbent polymer particles; and d) dividing the substrate substantially perpendicular to the space to form cleaning pad bodies.
36. 36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that said forming step comprises depositing a layer of fibers on a conveyor.
37. 37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that said forming step comprises depositing binder fibers and cellulosic fibers.
38. 38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of joining the binder fibers and the cellulosic fibers to form a weft structure and to substantially contain the super absorbent polymer particles.
39. 39. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the deposition step causes the super absorbent polymer particles to be contained in the substrate.
40. 40. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the step of dividing c) or d) comprises cutting the substrate.