MXPA06011096A - Absorbent pad with cleaning cuffs and method of making the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A surface cleaning pad is provided with a pad body configured for attachment to a cleaning implement. The surface cleaning pad also has a cuff coupled to the pad body and extending along a longitudinal extent of the pad body. The cuff has an edge portion having a length dimension that is greater than the longitudinal extent of the pad body.

Description

ABSORBENT PAD WITH CLEANING DOUBLES AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an absorbent pad with folds for cleaning and to a method for manufacturing the absorbent pad. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional floor mops comprise a handle rotatably connected to a mop head and a disposable absorbent cleaning pad coupled to the head of the mop. The absorbent pad absorbs and holds fluids, and loosens and traps dirt particles on the cleaning surface. Several features for cleaning pads have been proposed in order to improve the cleaning performance of the cleaning pad in terms of particles that are picked up by the pad. For example, the Publication of U.S. Patent Application No. 20040128786 proposes a cleaning pad which may have one or more "free-floating" functional folds which may be attached to a leading edge and / or the trailing edge of a cleaning pad. In reviewing the cleaning pad comprising such functional folds back and forth on a hard surface, the functional folds "REF: 176004 slide" from side to side, allegedly picking up and trapping particulate matter. However, there continues to be a need to refine and further improve the absorbent pads such as those used with floor mops. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a surface cleaning pad includes a pad body configured to be fixed to a cleaning implement. The surface cleaning pad also includes a fold coupled to the pad body and extending along a longitudinal extension of the pad body. The fold has an edge portion 'having a dimension of length that is. greater than the longitudinal extension of the pad body. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a surface cleaning pad. The method includes coupling a fold along a longitudinal extension of a pad body. Before or after attaching the fold to the pad body, an edge portion having a length dimension that is greater than the longitudinal extent of the pad body is defined on the fold. 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 terminal view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with another example embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a right side view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a terminal view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a terminal view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7-16 illustrate an example assembly and manufacturing steps for making the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 17 is a terminal view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a top view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a terminal view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is a top view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 19; Figures 21-25 illustrate an example assembly and manufacturing steps used to make the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figures 19 and 20; Figure 26 is a terminal view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 27 is a top view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 20; Figure 28 is a top view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 29 is a partial end view of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Fig. 28, showing a lap flap portion; Figure 30 is a right side view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 31 is a top view of an absorbent cleaning pad in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; Figures 32 to 35 are top views of absorbent cleaning pads in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Y Figures 36 to 40 are partial top views of exemplary folds components that can be used in accordance with aspects of the present 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. With reference to the overall structure of an example embodiment, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an absorbent cleaning pad generally designated by • the number "10".

Generally, the absorbent cleaning pad 10 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 a cleaning implement. The surface cleaning pad also has a barrier adhered to and substantially covering the opposite surface of the surface of the pad body and a pair of grime trapping members adhered to the cleaning surface of the pad body. More specifically, the absorbent cleaning pad of Example 10 is provided with an absorbent layer in the form of a composite of air-agglomerated fibers 20, grit trapping surfaces in the form of two coarse folds 25, a barrier layer, and two connecting members 45. Each thick fold 25 is bent into two equal segments already placed along. the length "B" of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20. A three-dimensional open film strip 35 is sandwiched between the folded layers of each thick fold 25. An adhesive 30 bonds both sides of the open three-dimensional film strip 35 to the surfaces inner of the thick fold 25. A portion of the width of each thick fold 25 is attached to a cleaning surface 21 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20 using an adhesive 30. The thick bends 25 are placed in such a way that the ends of the face closed 26 is oriented towards the other. The barrier layer is adhered to the back side 22 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20 using an adhesive 30. Two bonding members 45 are adhered to the barrier layer 40 using an adhesive 30. In the present invention, the bonding members 45 are comprised of hook and loop material such as the VELCRO loop material available from Velero USA Inc. of Manchester, NH. The functional side of the VELCRO loop material is oriented outwardly from the barrier layer 40. The joining members 45 are optionally placed along the entire length of the barrier layer 40 and are separated by a distance "C" of the lateral edges of the barrier layer 40, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In functional terms, the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20 of the exemplary embodiment absorbs and retains fluids and / or other matter residing on a surface that it's going to be cleaned The thick bends 25 serve to facilitate the removal of soil from the surface being cleaned by contact and trapping large particles of soil. The thick bends 25 can provide structural integrity and stiffness by bending and adhering on itself a single layer of thick crease material could be selected to provide these properties. The open three-dimensional film strip 35 in each fold 25 provides improved structural integrity and stiffness to the thick fold 25 and also traps particles from small solid particles to those suspended in liquid. However, the use of the open three-dimensional film strip 35 in each fold is optional. The barrier layer 40 substantially prevents the fluid from passing from the agglomerated fiber composite by air 20 to the head of the mop or other structure to which the cleaning pad 10 can be attached. If the cleaning pad 10 is configured to be attached to a head mop, barrier is configured to keep the mop head substantially free of fluid. The connecting members 45 provide a simple attachment mechanism for temporarily coupling the absorbent cleaning pad 10 to the mop head. In other words, the connecting members 45 facilitate the releasable engagement of the cleaning pad 10 to a surface of a cleaning implement. The surface may be the surface of the underside of the mop head and or another part of the cleaning implement. In the exemplary embodiment and still with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting members 45 are VELCRO loop fasteners adhered to the barrier layer and optionally configured to engage with hook fasteners such as VELCRO hook fasteners at a surface of the underside of a commercially available mop head. The VELCRO hook and loop fasteners are configured to withstand the pressure and stress associated with typical mopping and scrubbing movements against a surface to be cleaned. The VELCRO hook and loop fasteners substantially limit the absorbent cleaning pad to prevent it from moving, bunching, or otherwise detaching, either partially or completely, from the mop head. The joining members 45 can be designed in such a way as to allow the joining of multiple types of commercially available mop systems as described below in greater detail. While the example embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 utilizes a loop fastener for securing a hook fastener of another component, the cleaning pad is alternately provided with a hook fastener for attachment to a loop fastener of another component. Also, other forms of fasteners are contemplated, including adhesives, co-adhesives, and other known fastening mechanisms. Referring now to the material composition of the exemplary embodiment, the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20 is a unified body with an absorbent core optionally composed of wood pulp and binder fibers. The binder fibers of the overall structure of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20, and the wood fibers provide absorbency. The term "unified" refers to fibers agglomerated by air that is composed of a single material compound. However, the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 20 can be composed of several layers of material adhered to one another. The air-agglomerated fiber composite 20 is commonly manufactured using a fiber agglomeration process by air, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,172,276, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In accordance with the US patent No. 6,172,276, the agglomeration of fibers by air is a process in which a fibrous non-woven layer is formed. In the process of agglomeration of fibers by air, sets of small fibers are separated, ie binder fibers in accordance with the example embodiment, and are entrained in a supply of air and then deposited by means of a head formed on a mesh Trainer in multiple stages, usually with the help of vacuum supply. The randomly deposited fibers are bonded to one another using, for example, hot air or a spray adhesive. Additional benefits and features of an air-agglomerated fiber composite construction are described in U.S. Application No. 11/240, 929. The description of U.S. Application No. 11/240, 929 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. . Although this embodiment includes an absorbent pad body formed of a composite of air agglomerated fibers, the present invention is not limited to an absorbent pad having a structure of air agglomerated fibers.

Other absorbent pad body materials, structures and / or processes are also contemplated. For example, there is also contemplated an absorbent core made of long polymeric filaments prepared by expansion of a polymeric filament bundle, described in International Publication No. WO 2004/017883 for use as an absorbent pad. The description of International Publication No. WO 2004/017883 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The barrier layer 40 may be composed of semipermeable or impermeable material. The barrier layer 40 may be made of any material known in the art, which substantially limits the passage of fluid. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and similar materials, as well as hydrophobic foams, air agglomerated fibers, wet agglomerated fibers, and laminations thereof. The barrier optionally takes the form of a film, sheet, or similar substrate. The material of the thick fold 25 has a relatively large and open porous structure for catching particles and is configured to be flexible, support multiple uses and resist tearing or deformation. The thick fold 25 may optionally be composed of open polyethylene or polypropylene films, foams, air-agglomerated fibers, wet agglomerated fibers, or laminations and combinations thereof. The component of the thick fold 25 can be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The connecting member 45 can be composed of any structure or material that provides a mechanism for attaching to a cleaning implement such as a commercial mop head. Some examples include hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, cohesives, snap structures, magnetic elements or any other joining mechanism commonly known in the art. These materials may optionally have elastic functionality. The open three-dimensional film strip 35 can optionally be composed of polyethylene or polypropylene films. The adhesive 30 of the exemplary embodiment may be composed of any material sufficient to provide a bond between the components of the absorbent cleaning pad. In the exemplary embodiment and by way of non-limiting example, an example adhesive is manufactured by H.B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, MN, for example, Part Number 1696. However, someone skilled in the art will recognize that other types of adhesives and other fastener mechanisms are suitable for this application. With reference to the size of the components of the example mode as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the width "A" of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 20 can be of any dimension sufficient to cover a whole portion of the width of a surface of a cleaning implement, such as, for example, a mop head. For purposes of illustration only, the width "A" may be approximately 14,478 cm (5.7 inches). The length "B" of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20, as illustrated in Figure 1, may be of any dimension sufficient to cover all or a portion of the length of the cleaning implement. For purposes of illustration only, the length "B" may be approximately 29,464 cm (11.6 inches). The thickness "E" of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20, as illustrated in Figure 2, can be of any dimension sufficient to absorb an appropriate volume of fluid and retain its structural integrity when wet. The length and width of the joining member 45 may be of any dimension suitable for adequately coupling with another structure such as a mop head. The distance "C" separating the side of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 20 and the side of the joint member 45 can be of any dimension suitable for adequately coupling to the attachment member with the cleaning implement. The length and width of the barrier layer 40 may be of any dimension sufficient to cover all or a portion of the composite of air agglomerated fibers 20. The length of the thick fold 25 may be of any dimension sufficient to cover all or a portion of the the length "B" of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20. The width "D" of the folded thick fold 25 can be of any dimension sufficient to cover a portion of the width "A" of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 20. width "D" should be small enough to provide a suitable surface area for the air-agglomerated fiber composite 20 and large enough to provide a suitable scrubbing surface area to remove particles from the cleaning surface. Similar to the embodiment of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of an absorbent cleaning pad 110 is shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. The absorbent cleaning pad 110 is provided with a composite of fibers agglomerated by air 120, two thick folds 152, a barrier layer 140, and two joining members 145. The absorbent pad 110 is additionally provided with Super Absorbent Particles (SAP) 150 dispersed through at least one zone discrete of the x composed of air agglomerated fibers 120. In other words, the SAP 150 can be placed "zoned" as in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Alternatively the SAP 150 can be dispersed uniformly throughout the body of the agglomerated fiber composite by air 20. Result of the addition of SAL 150, the barrier layer 140 illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5 is especially advantageous. To prevent the escape of the zoned SAPs 150 during use, handling, or transport of the cleaning pad 110, the barrier layer 140 is bent over the two sides or edges 124 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. as illustrated in Figure 4, the folded sides 141 of the barrier layer 140 adhere to the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120, using an adhesive 130. The SAP 150 of this embodiment is concentrated in the center of the width of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 120 designated by the "F" dimension, and is insulated from the open and exposed long sides 123. The SAP 150 is substantially concentrated in the center of the width of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120 to avoid that the SAP 150 escape out of the exposed long sides 123 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 120. Although not illustrated, it is also contemplated that the SAP 150 may be concentrated in the center of the width "Ai" and the length "Bi" of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 120, thereby isolating the SAP 150 from the entire periphery of the agglomerated fiber composite. by air 120. In such a case, the barrier layer 140 is not required to cover the sides 123 or the sides 124 wide to prevent the escape of SAP 150 along the periphery, from the agglomerated fiber composite by air 120.

Additional benefits and features of a "zoned" SAP construction are described in US Application No. 11 / 240,726. The description of US Application No. 11 / 240,726 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Optional additional features of absorbent cleaning pads are also described in US Application No. 11 / 241,138 and US Application No. 11 / 240,949, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Similar to the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the exemplary embodiment of an absorbent cleaning pad 210 is shown in Figure 6 provided with a composite of air-agglomerated fibers 220, two thick folds 225, one layer barrier 240, two binding members 245, and super absorbent particles (SAP) 250. In this example embodiment, the superabsorbent particles (SAP) are dispersed throughout the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 220. Consequently, for reducing or preventing the escape of SAP 250 from the exposed sides of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 220, the barrier layer 240 is especially advantageous. The barrier layer 240 is bent over the sides along and width of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 220 to prevent the SAP 250 from escaping along the periphery of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 220. Example steps for Making the cleaning pad mode 210 shown in Figure 6 are illustrated in Figures 7-16. Many of the following steps illustrated in Figures 7-16 are also relevant for the manufacture of the previous example embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-5. As illustrated in Figure 7, the material used to form the thick fold 225 is unwound and cut (designated by the triangle symbol) to a predetermined length and width. An adhesive 230 is then applied to one side of the thick fold 225. The thick fold 225 bends on itself, keeping the adhesive 230 inside the fold, as illustrated in Figure 8. A portion of the width of the fold Thickness 225 adheres to the air-agglomerated fiber composite 220 using an adhesive 230, as illustrated in Figure 9. An adhesive 230 is then applied to the barrier side 222 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 220, before centering the barrier side 222 and applying the sheet used to form the barrier layer 240, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In this FIG. At the stage, a plurality of air-agglomerated fibers 220 are centered and applied to the sheet forming the barrier layer 240, and the air-agglomerated fiber composites. 220 are separated by a distance "G", also illustrated in Figure 10. An adhesive 230 is applied to a single side of a "cut and fit" barrier layer 260 (Figure 11) that is cut to a length and width predetermined The width "H" of the barrier layer 260 for cutting and placing can optionally be smaller than the width "J" of the barrier layer 240. The adhesive side of the barrier layer for cutting and placing 260 is centered and applied over the ends across the air-agglomerated fiber composite 220, as illustrated in Figure 11. The adhesive 230 on the underside of the cut-and-place barrier layer 260 adheres the barrier layer to cut and place 260 to the air-agglomerated fiber composite 220 and the barrier layer forming sheet 240. In other words, the cut-and-place barrier layer 260 traverses the "G" space between two air-bonded fibers 220 and overlaps the ends across the width of air-agglomerated fiber composites 220. Referring now to Figure 12, the material forming the joining member 245 is unwound and cut (designated by the triangle symbol) at a predetermined length and width , as schematically illustrated in Figure 12. An adhesive 230 is then applied to the non-functional side of the bonding member 245, as illustrated in FIG. 13. The non-functional adhesive side of the bonding member 245 is applied to the barrier layer 240, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The free ends of the barrier layer 240 that extend as far as possible. length of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 220 are folded and adhered to the barrier layer for cutting and placing 260 and to the thick crease 225, as illustrated in Figure 15. The barrier layer 240 partially overlaps the pleats thickness 225, thus encapsulating a portion of the thick folds 225. The absorbent cleaning pads 210 are finally cut and separated from each other, as illustrated in Figure 16. Similar to the embodiment of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figure 6 , the exemplary embodiment of an absorbent cleaning pad 310 illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 is provided with a composite of air-agglomerated fibers 320, two thick folds 325, a barrier layer 340, and two pulls. of binding members 345. In this exemplary embodiment, the air-agglomerated fiber composite 320 does not include Super Absorbent Particles (SAP), and the periphery of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 320 does not need to be sealed. However, it is contemplated that SAP is optionally concentrated in the center of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 320, to avoid the SAPs escaping the air-agglomerated fiber composite. The barrier layer 340 differs from the barrier layer illustrated in the above example embodiment. The barrier layer 340 of this exemplary embodiment serves two purposes, i.e., to prevent the fluid from coming in contact with the cleaning implement for which it is fixed and a joining mechanism is provided to secure the absorbent cleaning pad 310. to the cleaning implement. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 provides attachment members 3454 (e.g., loop strips) configured to engage attachment members on the underside of a cleaning implement such as a mop head (not illustrated). ). By way of non-limiting example, the connecting members 345 can be VELCRO loop strips and the attachment members of the underside of the mop head can be VELCRO hook strips, or vice versa. In addition to the linking mechanism provided by the joining members 345, the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18 provides a second mop head attachment mechanism. The barrier layer forms two portions of tapes 355 that can be inserted into the retaining structures of a cleaning implement, such as those described in US Pat. No. 6,305,046. However, one skilled in the art will understand that a wide variety of other types of retaining structures are suitable for retaining an absorbent cleaning pad and providing the same benefits. The retaining means on the upper surface of a cleaning implement such as a mop head are suitable for mechanically latching and retaining a sheet of material incorporated with or attached to an absorbent cleaning pad. Non-limiting examples of retaining means located on the upper surface of a mop head include loops, clips, mechanical fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners, pins and the like such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,991,250 and in U.S. Patent No. 3,698,030. One skilled in the art will understand that the retaining means described above can also be located on the sides or on other surfaces of a mop head and still provide the same benefits. Still referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the barrier layer 340 adheres to the barrier side 324 of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 320 using an adhesive 330. Both side edges of the barrier layer 340 are first bent forming two portions of wings 356. A portion of each wing portion 356 is adhered to the barrier layer 340 using an adhesive 330. The barrier layer 340 is folded a second time to form four portions of tape 355., as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. The tape portions 355 adhere to the wing portions 356 using an adhesive or cohesive strip 330. The four tape portions 355 are free to be separated from the air-agglomerated fiber composite. , as illustrated by the dotted line segment in Figure 17. Tape portions 355 are configured to be inserted into the retaining structures on top of a mop head. With reference now to FIGS. 19 and 20, similar to the cleaning pad <.; absorbent illustrated in Figure 6, the exemplary embodiment of an absorbent cleaning pad 410 is provided with an air-agglomerated fiber composite 420, two coarse folds 425, a barrier layer 440, Super Absorbent Particles (SAP) 450 dispersed through of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 420, and two attachment members 445 configured to engage with a portion of a cleaning implement such as a mop head. In this exemplary embodiment, the SAP 450 is dispersed throughout the air-agglomerated fiber composite 420. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the barrier layer 440 is bent over the sides along the compound of air agglomerated fibers 420 to prevent the SAP 450 from escaping along the longitudinal periphery of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 420. The barrier layer for cutting and placing .460 prevents the SAP 450 from escaping along the transverse periphery of the air-agglomerated fiber composite 420. In addition to the mop head attachment mechanism provided by the attachment members 445, this exemplary embodiment provides a secondary member for attachment. The example embodiment illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 is provided with four flap portions 470. < The tape portions 470 are free to be separated from the air-agglomerated fiber composite 420, as illustrated by the dotted line segment in Figure 19. The four flap portions 470 may be inserted into retaining structures placed on top or side of a mop head, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,305,046. However, someone skilled in the art will recognize that many other types of retaining means are suitable for retaining a cleaning pad. absorbent and provide the same benefits. The flap portions 470 are configured to withstand the pressure and stress associated with typical mopping and scrubbing movements against a surface being cleaned and are configured to limit the absorbent cleaning pad 410 so that it does not move, bunch, or detach otherwise, either partially or completely, from the mop head. In this example embodiment, the length "K", the width "L" and the thickness of the flap portions 470 can be of any dimension sufficient to reach and that is suitable to be retained by the retaining structures arranged in the implement cleaner. The flap portions 470 can be composed of numerous materials. Some examples include loop material, polyethylene or polypropylene films, wet agglomerated fibers, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, air agglomerated fibers, polyethylene films, or laminations and combinations thereof. These materials can be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic and optionally have elastic functionality. The four flap portions 470 can individually adhere to the barrier layer 440 using adhesive 430. The. four flap portions 470 may also provide an optional tie member 465 configured to engage with the tie members 445. As a non-limiting example, the tie member 445 may be a loop fastener and the tie member 465 may be a hook fastener (or vice versa), but one skilled in the art will understand that other latching means are suitable for retaining flap portions 470 to absorbent cleaning pad 410. Example steps that can be used to make cleansing pad 410 of The example mode shown in Figures 19 and 20 are illustrated in Figures 7-16 and 21-25. Figures 7-16 were previously described with reference to another embodiment of exemplary cleaning pad. Referring now to Figure 21, the material used to form each of the four connecting members 465 is unwound and cut to a predetermined length. An adhesive 430 is then applied to the non-functional side of each joint member 465. The material used to form each flap portion 470 is unwound and cut to a predetermined length and width, as illustrated in Figure 22.

The adhesive side of the bonding member 465 is placed and applied to each flap portion 470 as illustrated in Figure 23. An additional bead of adhesive 430 is applied to the ends of the four flap portions 470, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 24. The flap portions 470 each adhere to the barrier layer 440 using the adhesive 430 as illustrated in Figure 25. The optional joint members are engaged with the tie members 445. The final stages of fabrication they are illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. Similar to the embodiment of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the exemplary embodiment of an absorbent cleaning pad 510 is illustrated in Figures 26 and 27 provided with a fiber composite. air agglomerated 520, two coarse folds 525, a barrier layer 540 bent over the sides along the air-agglomerated fiber composite 520, and Super Absorbent Particles (SAP) 550 dispersed through s of the entire air-agglomerated fiber composite 520. The cut-and-place barrier layer 560 prevents the SAPs from escaping along the transverse periphery of air-agglomerated fiber composite 520. The exemplary embodiment of the cleaning pad The absorbent provides two means for attachment to a conventional mop head, because the perforated flap portions 570 are able to separate along the perforation line 574. In a joined state, the two perforated flap portions 570 are configured to mating with the underside of a mop head,. In a separate state, the perforated flap portions 570 form four flap portions 570. The separate flap portions 570 may be inserted into retaining structures on the top or one side of the mop head, such as those described in the patent. US No. 6,305,046. Two portions of tape 575 optionally contiguous with the flap portions 570 are provided to facilitate removal of the absorbent pad 510 from the mop head. In use, the user pulls tightly the two portions of tape 575 to remove the absorbent cleaning pad 510 from the mop head without having to touch the composite of air-agglomerated fibers 520 dirty, the dirty coarse crease 525 or the head of mop. The two tape portions 575 extend outwardly from the air-agglomerated fiber composite 520, the thick crease 525 and the mop head. It is optional that a tape portion may be provided in the flap portion 570 and the tape portions 575 could be placed on either longitudinal side of the absorbent pad 510. The tape portion 575 may also extend outwardly on each or a transverse end 580 of absorbent cleaning pad 510, if desired.

The length M, and the width "N" and the thickness of the flap portions 570 may be of any suitable dimension to allow the user to remove the absorbent cleaning pad 510. The flap portions 570 may be composed of many different materials. Some examples include loop material, polyethylene or polypropylene films, wet agglomerated fibers, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, air agglomerated fibers, polyethylene films, or laminations and combinations thereof. These materials can be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic and optionally have elastic functionality. Similar to the embodiment of the absorbent cleaning pad illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the exemplary embodiment of an absorbent pad 610 is illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 provided with a composite of air-agglomerated fibers, two thick folds, one layer of barrier bent over the sides along and width of the composite of air-agglomerated fibers, and Super Absorbent Particles (SAP) dispersed throughout the air-agglomerated fiber composite and two connecting members 645 configured to be coupled with a mop head. In addition to the attachment mechanism of the mop head provided by the union members 645, this example embodiment provides a member for secondary attachment. The four overlapping flap portions 670 are configured to engage a mop head 680. In use, the flap portions 670 are wound around the mop head 680 and are joined to one another, thereby coupling the absorbent cleaning pad 610 to the mop head, as illustrated in Figure 29. The flap portions 670 may be composed of VELCRO fasteners, or any other material capable of attaching one flap portion 670 with another. A third tie member 645 adhered to the barrier layer 640 is optionally provided to engage with the mop head to further limit displacement, piling, or otherwise dislodging the absorbent cleaning pad, either partially or completely, from the mop head. Similar to the absorbent cleaning pad embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent cleaning pad 710 illustrated in FIG. 30 is additionally provided with a portion of extendable tape 770. The expandable tape portion 770 is shaped of "Z" when viewed laterally and is configured to unfold and extend in the indicated direction. The expandable tape portion 770 is unfolded to provide a greater distance between the wearer and the soiled cleaning pad and mop head. The stretchable tape portions 770 could optionally be placed on either side of the absorbent cleaning pad 710. In use, the stretchable tape portion 770 is stored in a Z-shaped position as shown to avoid contact with the tape. dirty cleaning surface. To separate the absorbent cleaning pad 710 from the mop head, the user pulls and extends the tape portion 770 until the absorbent cleaning pad 710 is separated from the mop head. Similar to the absorbent cleaning pad embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent cleaning pad 810 illustrated in FIG. 31 is additionally provided with a mechanism for engaging a user's hand such that the pad cleaner can be used, without the need of a cleaning implement, to clean a surface by hand. In this embodiment, the cleaning pad 810 is provided with a hand strap 880, for example. The material used to form the 880 hand strap is optionally elastic, although a wide variety of materials can be used. The absorbent cleaning pad 810 also provides perforated flap portions 870 that can be used to engage an upper or lower side of a mop head. In this form, the absorbent cleaning pad 810 is similar to several embodiments described above. The elastic hand strap 880 is configured to allow the user to operate the absorbent cleaning pad 810 independently of a cleaning implement such as a mop. The elastic hand strap 880 provided in the absorbent cleaning pad 810 can be useful for cleaning any small, delicate, or non-flat surface that a mop head can not clean or is unable to reach. The elastic hand strap 880 can be made of any elastic material sufficiently flexible to stretch around a child's or adult's hand and stiff enough to firmly hold a child's or adult's hand. In another embodiment (not shown), the perforated flap portions 870 by themselves are optionally comprised of an elastic material to provide a hand strap to allow the wearer to operate the absorbent cleansing pad 810 independently of a mop. In such an embodiment the hand strap 880 can be removed. With general reference to figures 32 to 40, additional embodiments of an absorbent cleaning pad will be described. According to these embodiments, an absorbent cleaning pad is configured to be attached to a cleaning implement and includes a pad body and a fold (or folds) coupled to the pad body. The folds extend along a longitudinal extension of the pad. pad body, wherein the fold has an edge portion with a length dimension that is greater than the longitudinal extent of the pad body. The longitudinal extension of the pad body may be equal to or less than the entire end-to-end length of the pad body. It should be understood that the longitudinal extension of the pad body represents the straight length of the fold coupled to the pad body. Optionally, the width of the crease component can be narrow, with respect to the previous crease modes, thus increasing the overall absorbent cleansing surface available. For example, and in accordance with one embodiment, the folds for an absorbent pad can be formed of a 60 mm wide material whereby the resulting width of each fold is approximately 40 mm. Also, by virtue of the greater edge of the fold (provided with an edge length dimension that is greater than the longitudinal extent of the pad body to which it is attached, the fold has a greater potential to grip or trap more dirt than a fold is a shorter edge. a relatively shorter edge is illustrated in Figure 3. For example, the edge portion of the fold is optionally curved to maintain the length dimension larger than the longitudinal extent of the pad body, and the edge portion may be in the shape of wave extending along the edge of the fold Optionally, the waveform comprises a sine wave In another embodiment, the edge portion of the fold is grooved in multiple places to maintain the length dimension larger than the longitudinal extent to which the fold is attached to the pad body The grooves may be substantially spaced At least some of the grooves These can be oriented transverse to the longitudinal extension of the pad body, each oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the pad body, at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal extension of the pad body, or in some other configuration. For example, at least some of the slots may be oriented at an angle of about 30 and about 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal extent of the pad body. Optionally, an angle of approximately 45 degrees is selected. In other embodiments, the fold may include a repeated pattern of grooves oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal extent of the pad body and grooves oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the pad body. Also, at least some of the grooves along the edge portion of the fold can generally face one end of the pad body while at least some of the grooves are generally oriented toward an opposite end of the pad body. To manufacture such embodiments of a surface cleaning pad, a fold that is optionally formed of a fairly thick material is coupled along a longitudinal extension of a pad body, and an edge portion having a length dimension that is greater than the longitudinal extension to which the fold engages the pad body is defined in the fold. The steps of coupling the pad body fold preferably takes place after the step of defining the edge portion in the fold, but the coupling step can be carried out before the definition step. For embodiments in which a waveform such as a sine wave is provided along a 1 edge portion of the fold, the wave pattern can help grip and trap additional dirt compared to a fold having a straight line cut. . Modes such as those shown in Figs. 32 to 40 are advantageous because they may require less overall use of a crease material (e.g., a narrower width <). Also, such embodiments make it possible to optimize or maximize the surface area of the pad body that is available for contact with the floor or cleaning surface. Additionally, the greater length of the fold edge (eg, provided by the wavy shape or grooves or other features) provides a potential for improved and faster cleaning. Also, the improved crease configuration is better adapted to trap dirt from common homes such as animal hair and fur. With specific reference to the cleansing pad embodiment illustrated in Figure 32, the absorbent cleansing pad 1010 includes a pair of folds 1025, the ends of which are adhered to and placed under layers of barriers to cut and place opposite 1'024. The folds 1025 are restricted with respect to the pad body such as air agglomerated fibers 1020 on the outer edges of the folds 1025 and the terminal ends of the folds 1025 next to the sides 1024 of the cleansing pad 1010. Each of the folds 1025 includes an edge portion 1012 oriented inwardly away from the long side edge of the absorbent cleaning pad 1010. Each edge portion 1012 includes a curve 1014 which is this particular embodiment is a sine wave that extends substantially from one end of the fold 1025 to the other. As shown in figure 32, the length dimension (i.e., the length of the edge) of the edge portion 1012 is greater than the longitudinal extension (i.e., the length of the long side edge) to which the fold 1025 of the pad body 1020 engages. but with a different handle, the length of the edge portion 1012, if it is straight, would extend farther than the straight length dimension of the fold 1025. With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 33, an absorbent cleaning pad 1110 also includes barrier layers for cutting and placing 1124 and a pair of folds 1125 extending between them. Each of the folds, as illustrated in Figure 32, includes a series of curves 1114 that extend along the length of the folds 1125. Unlike the absorbent cleaning pad 1010 illustrated in Figure 32, the folds 1125 of the absorbent cleaning pad 1110 further include a series of slots 1116 formed along the edge portion 1112, and along the curves 1114, thereby further increasing the length dimension of the edge portion as compared to the extension longitudinal to which the fold 1125 is coupled to the body of the pad 1120. In other words, the length of the slots 1116, when combined with the length of the combined curves 1114 of the edge portion 1112 are substantially longer than the longitudinal extension to which the pleats are attached or otherwise placed adjacent to the pad body 1120. Referring now to Figure 34, the 1210 absorbent cleansing pad includes barrier layers for cutting and placing 1224 positioned on opposite sides of the pad and a pair of folds 1225 extending therebetween. As the absorbent cleaning pad 1110 shown in FIG. 33, the absorbent cleaning pad 1210 includes a series of slots 1216 spaced along the length of the folds 1224. In contrast to the absorbent cleaning pad 1110, however the absorbent cleaning pad 1210 has a substantially straight edge 1214 along an edge portion 1212 of each fold 1225. Again, due to the edges formed by grooves 1216, the length dimension of the edge along the edge portion 1212 is greater than the longitudinal extent to which the folds 1225 are attached to the pad body 1220. This larger length is achieved by defining the grooves 1216 in the folds 1225 even without defining curves, such as the curves 1114 of the folds 1125 illustrated in FIG. Figure 33. Referring now to Figure 35, the absorbent cleaning pad 1310 includes barrier layers for cutting and placing 1. 324 positioned on opposite sides of the pad and a pair of folds 1325 extending therebetween. Similar to other embodiments, the edge portion 1312 includes a substantially straight edge 1314 and grooves 1316. In contrast to the above embodiments, however, the grooves are provided in an orientation that is transverse to the dimension along the pad 1310 While a wide variety of angles can be selected, the angle of the slot 1316 with respect to the length dimension of the pad is between about 30 and 60 degrees, and optionally about 45 degrees. The slots 1316 in opposite folds 1325 are optionally oriented thereon or in opposite directions in comparison to one another. As illustrated in Figure 35, for example, each of the slots 1316 in a fold 1325 can be oriented substantially in the same direction (eg, parallel with one another). Referring now to Figures 36-40, a wide variety of geometric configurations are available for the slots 1316 provided in the folds 1325 of the absorbent pad 1310. For example, and for illustration purposes only, the slots can be substantially perpendicular to the length of the pleats and be grouped in pairs, such as the slots 1316a shown in Figure 36.

Further, the slots can be oriented at alternating acute angles, such as the slots 1316b shown in Figure 37. These slots can have a pattern in alternating perpendicular and angled directions, such as the slots 1316c and 1316d illustrated in Figures 38 and 39, respectively. The slots may also be grouped and have a pattern in opposite diagonal or angled directions, such as slots 1316e shown in Figure 40. While a variety of absorbent cleaning pad embodiments have been selected for illustration in Figures 32 through 35, it will be recognized that a wide variety of pleat configurations having an edge portion with a length dimension that is greater than the corresponding longitudinal extent of the pad body is available. This includes the option to attach more than one pair of folds to the absorbent pad, which could have different groove geometry if desired. For example, a third fold is optionally oriented along the length of the pad body and in a central region of the pad body between a pair of spaced folds. Alternatively, it is contemplated that only one fold is provided. Also, although a variety of slot configurations are illustrated in FIGS. 36 to 40 for absorbent cleaning pad having creased slots, it will be recognized that a wide variety of configurations may be employed. 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. 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 (29)

2. 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 configured to be fixed to a cleaning implement; and a fold coupled to the pad body and extending along a longitudinal extension of the pad body, wherein the fold has an edge portion having a length dimension that is greater than the length extension of the body of the pad. pad. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge portion of the fold is curved to maintain the length dimension larger than the longitudinal extension of the pad body.
3. 3. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 2, characterized in that the curve is a waveform extending along the edge portion of the fold.
4. 4. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 3, characterized in that the waveform comprises a sine wave.
5. 5. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 2, characterized in that the edge portion of the fold is grooved. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge portion of the fold comprises at least one slot for maintaining the length dimension greater than the longitudinal extension of the pad body. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 6, characterized in that the edge portion of the fold comprises a plurality of slots to maintain the length dimension larger than the longitudinal extension of the pad body. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 7, characterized in that the grooves are located along the longitudinal extension of the pad body. 9. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 7, characterized in that the grooves are spaced substantially uniformly. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 7, characterized in that at least some of the grooves are oriented transverse to the longitudinal extension of the pad body. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 10, characterized in that at least some of the grooves are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the pad body. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 11, characterized in that at least some of the grooves are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal extension of the pad body. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a repeated pattern of grooves oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal extension of the pad body and the grooves oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal extension of the pad body. body of pad. 14. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 10, characterized in that at least some of the grooves are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal extension of the pad body. 15. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 14, characterized in that at least some grooves are oriented at an angle of between about 30 and about 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal extension of the pad body. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 14, characterized in that at least some of the grooves are generally oriented towards one end of the pad body and at least some of the grooves are generally oriented towards an opposite end of the pad body . 17. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of folds coupled to the pad body and extending along a longitudinal extension of the pad body, each of the folds with an edge portion having a length dimension that is greater than the longitudinal extent of the body of pad. 18. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal extension of the pad body corresponds to an end-to-end length of the pad body. 19. The surface cleaning pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal extension of the pad body is shorter than an end-to-end length of the pad body. 20. A method of forming a surface cleaning pad, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: coupling a fold along a longitudinal extension of a pad body; and defining in the crease an edge portion having a length dimension that is greater than the longitudinal extent of the pad body. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the coupling step is performed before the definition step. 22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the coupling step is performed after the definition step. 23. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the defining step comprises forming a curve in the edge portion of the fold to maintain the length dimension greater than the longitudinal extension of the pad body. 24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the definition step comprises forming a waveform in the edge portion. 25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the definition step "comprises forming a sine wave in the edge region 2
6. 6. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the defining step comprises forming slots in the edge portion of the fold to maintain the length dimension greater than the longitudinal extent of the pad body 2
7. 7. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the definition step further comprises forming a repeated pattern of oriented slots in a angle with respect to the longitudinal extension of the pad body and grooves oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the pad body 2
8. 8. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the definition step further comprises guiding at least some of the grooves usually towards an extr emo of the pad body and at least some of the grooves generally towards an opposite end of the pad body. 2
9. 9. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the coupling step comprises coupling a plurality of folds along the longitudinal extension of the pad body.