US20060277656A1

US20060277656A1 - Mitt with chemical resistant liner

Info

Publication number: US20060277656A1
Application number: US11/140,283
Authority: US
Inventors: Douglas Johnson; Gary Stump
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-27
Filing date: 2005-05-27
Publication date: 2006-12-14

Abstract

A cleaning mitt for cleaning a variety of surfaces comprising of a plurality of sides peripherally joined to create a cavity for ambidextrously accommodating a human hand. The plurality of sides have an exterior surface consisting of a continuous absorbent material and an impermeable interior lining substantially lining the cavity to prevent chemical solutions propagating into the cavity. The cavity has an open end for receiving a human hand therein. Attached proximate to the open end is an attachment mechanism for releasably securing the cleaning mitt to a human wrist.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates a cleaning mitt, more specifically but not by way of limitation to a cleaning mitt that contains an interior generally impermeable lining resistant to chemical cleaning solvents and solutions and has an exterior surface of a suitable cleaning material.

BACKGROUND

Individuals participating in industrial or domestic cleaning tasks use a variety of chemicals to clean surfaces or objects. While engaged in such tasks, chemical solvents are often used to properly clean the desired surface. A variety of cleaning apparatus can be used to accomplish these tasks.
While conventional cleaning mitts have been of assistance in cleaning automobiles and other items no current devices have been shown to address the need for cleaning a variety of surfaces while providing protection against chemical solvents and cleaning solutions. Accordingly there is a need for a cleaning apparatus that provides a plurality of external surfaces suitable for cleaning a variety of surfaces while also protecting the users hand from chemical solvents and cleaning solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ambidextrous cleaning mitt that can clean a variety of surfaces with supplemental abrasive and non-abrasive surfaces.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cleaning mitt that has an interior liner that can provide protection for the user's hand therein, from chemical solvents and cleaning solutions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning mitt with at least two compartments to allow ergonomic use thereof for an extended period of time to reduce pain such as but not limited to muscle cramping in a user's hand.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view a second alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the present invention along line AA of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the embodiments in FIGS. 1-5 and wherein the various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in particular FIG. 1, there is illustrated a mitt 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the mitt 100, comprises of a body member 50, having two generally opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner. The two generally opposing sides are joined peripherally at a center seam 60 to define a cavity 70 therebetween. The two opposing sides are manufactured as a one-piece assembly through a process of stitching or other suitable mode of manufacturing. The cavity 70 is configured to have an opening for receipt of a human hand therein.
Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the body member 50 has a thumb compartment 10 for receipt therein of the user's thumb. The thumb compartment 10 provides an ergonomic method of use to prevent user discomfort or pain such as but not limited to muscle cramping with extended periods of use. The body member 50 consists of an exterior surface 40 and an interior lining 30. The exterior surface 40 is constructed of a suitable abrasive cleaning material such as but not limited to polyester batting. Although the exterior surface 40 is shown to be substantially disposed around the external surface of the body member 50, it is within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface 40 could be disposed on only one side or a section thereof. In conjunction with such a configuration it is also within the scope of the present invention that each opposing side could be constructed of alternate materials, abrasive and non-abrasive. The interior lining 30 is constructed of a semi-flexible suitable chemically resistant material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior lining 30 substantially covers the interior surface of the body member 50, thumb compartment 10 and the wrist member 20. Attached to the body member 50 proximate to the opening of the cavity 70 by a suitable method is a wrist member 20. The wrist member 20 is proximate to the opening of the cavity 70 for providing access of a human hand into the cavity 70. The wrist member 20 also acts to releasably secure the mitt 100 to the user's wrist.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, mitt 200, comprises of a body member 250, having two generally opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner. The two generally opposing sides are joined peripherally to define a cavity therebetween. Although no cavity is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a cavity similar to FIG. 5 is present therein. The two opposing sides are manufactured as a one-piece assembly through a process of stitching or other suitable mode of manufacturing. The cavity is configured to have an opening for receipt of a human hand therein.
Still referring to FIG. 2, the body member 250 has a thumb compartment 210 for receipt therein of the user's thumb. The thumb compartment 210 provides an ergonomic method of use to prevent pain such as but not limited to muscle cramping with extended periods of use. The body member 250 consists of an exterior surface 240 and an interior lining 230. The exterior surface 240 is constructed of a suitable abrasive such as but not limited to nylon. Although the exterior surface 240 is shown to be substantially disposed around the external surface of the body member 250, it is within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface 240 could be disposed on only one side or a section thereof. In conjunction with such a configuration it is also within the scope of the present invention that each opposing side could be constructed of alternate materials, abrasive and non-abrasive. The interior lining 230 is constructed of a semi-flexible suitable chemically resistant material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior lining 230 substantially covers the interior surface of the body member 250, thumb compartment 210 and the wrist member 220. Attached to the body member 250 proximate to the opening of the cavity by a suitable method is a wrist member 220. The wrist member 220 is proximate to the opening of the cavity for providing access of a human hand therein. The wrist member 220 also acts to releasably secure the mitt 200 to the user's wrist.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated yet another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated mitt 300, comprises of a body member 350, having two generally opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner. The two generally opposing sides are joined peripherally along a center seam 360 to define a cavity therebetween. Although no cavity is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, a cavity similar to FIG. 5 is present therein. The two opposing sides are manufactured as a one-piece assembly through a process of stitching or other suitable mode of manufacturing. The cavity is configured to have an open end for receipt of a human hand therein.
Still referring to FIG. 3, the body member 350 has a thumb compartment 310 for receipt therein of the user's thumb. The thumb compartment 310 provides an ergonomic method of use to prevent muscle pain such as but not limited to cramping with extended periods of use. The body member 350 consists of an exterior surface 340 and an interior lining 330. The exterior surface 340 is constructed of a suitable non-abrasive material such as but not limited to woven wool cloth. Although the exterior surface 340 is shown to be substantially disposed around the external surface of the body member 350, it is within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface 340 could be disposed on only one side or a section thereof. In conjunction with such a configuration it is also within the scope of the present invention that each opposing side could be constructed of alternate materials, abrasive and non-abrasive. The interior lining 330 is constructed of a semi-flexible suitable chemically resistant material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior lining 330 substantially covers the interior surface of the body member 350, thumb compartment 310 and the wrist member 320. Attached to the body member 350 proximate to the opening of the cavity by a suitable method is a wrist member 320. The wrist member 320 is proximate to the opening of the cavity for providing access of a human hand therein. The wrist member 320 also acts to releasably secure the mitt 300 to the user's wrist.
Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated, yet still another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, mitt 400, comprises of a body member 450, having two generally opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner. The two generally opposing sides are joined peripherally to define a cavity therebetween. Although no cavity is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, a cavity similar to FIG. 5 is present therein. The two opposing sides are manufactured as a one-piece assembly through a process of stitching or other suitable mode of manufacturing. The cavity is configured to have an open end for receipt of a human hand therein.
Still referring to FIGS. 4, the body member 450 has a thumb compartment 410 for receipt therein of the user's thumb. The thumb compartment 410 provides an ergonomic method of use to prevent muscle pain such as but not limited to cramping with extended periods of use. The body member 450 consists of an exterior surface 440 and an interior lining 430. The exterior surface 440 is constructed of a suitable non-abrasive material such as but not limited to soft sponge. Although the exterior surface 440 is shown to be substantially disposed around the external surface of the body member 450, it is within the scope of the present invention that the exterior surface 440 could be disposed on only one side or a section thereof. In conjunction with such a configuration it is also within the scope of the present invention that each opposing side could be constructed of alternate materials, abrasive and non-abrasive. The interior lining 430 is constructed of a semi-flexible suitable chemically resistant material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior lining 430 substantially covers the interior surface of the body member 450, thumb compartment 410 and the wrist member 420. Attached to the body member 450 proximate to the opening of the cavity by a suitable method is a wrist member 420. The wrist member 420 is proximate to the opening of the cavity for providing access of a human hand therein. The wrist member 420 also acts to releasably secure the mitt 400 to the user's wrist.
Now referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the body member 50, is manufactured as a one-piece assembly from two opposing sides. The two opposing sides are joined peripherally at a center seam 60 to form a cavity 70. The body member 50 is generally manufactured in a mitten shape to accommodate a human hand. Although the body member 50 is shown in the preferred embodiment in a mitten shape it is within the scope of the present invention that other shapes could be used to perform the intended function. More specifically but not by way of limitation the body member 50 could be manufactured in a rectangular or annular shape. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that numerous other shapes may be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the body member 50 in order to achieve the function described herein.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the exterior surface 40, consists of a relatively flexible and porous suitable cleaning material such as but not limited to woven wool, sponge or soft foam. The exterior surface 40 should allow the absorption of the desired cleaning solution therein in order to facilitate effective cleaning and abrading in cleaning applications. Although the exterior surface 40, is used primarily for absorption of a desired cleaning solution and subsequent cleaning of a desired surface, it is within the scope of the present invention that other embodiments and functions are possible. More specifically but not by way of limitation, alternative abrasive surfaces could be used to facilitate cleaning in industrial applications. The exterior surface 40 could consist of a relatively flexible backing with a mineral secured thereto. Alternative surfaces such as plastic brushes and nylon meshes could be used to effectively clean and abrade in industrial applications. The exterior surface 40 could be comprised of 2 layers, an outermost layer of abrasive material and an inner layer of a suitable absorbent material. An embodiment of this configuration could be used to clean a variety of surfaces such as but not limited to countertops, appliance surfaces, tubs, shower stalls, chrome fixtures and wood shelves. Alternate configurations such as the two opposing sides of the body member 50 having each a different exterior surface 40 is within the scope of the present invention. One exterior surface 40 comprising of a non-abrasive material and the opposing exterior surface 40 would be comprised of an abrasive material. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous other materials may be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the exterior surface 40 in order to achieve the function described herein.
Referring to FIG. 5, the interior lining 30, consists of a flexible and impermeable material such as but not limited to nitrile rubber. The interior surface 30 is resistant to chemical solvents and cleaning solutions. The interior lining 30, is secured to the adjacent exterior surface 40 by suitable chemical or mechanical methods. The interior lining 30 is secured to the entirety of the external surface 40 of the body member 50 and extending to include attachment to the wrist member 20. Substantial application to the cavity 70 of the interior lining 30 is necessary in order to inhibit chemical solvents, cleaning solutions and other liquids from entering into the cavity and contacting a user's hand. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous chemically resistant materials that could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with nitrile rubber to achieve the function suggested herein.
The wrist member 20, consists of a flexible elastic material and is attached to the body member 50 proximate to the opening of the cavity 70. Substantially covering the internal surface of the wrist member 20 is the interior lining 30. The wrist member 20 is secured to the body member 50 by suitable mechanical methods such as but not limited to stitching. Although the wrist member 20 is primarily used to releasably secure the mitt 100 to the user it is within the scope of the present invention that other embodiments and functions are possible. The wrist member 20 could be alternatively configured to include a lip to prevent spillage of any cleaning solution onto the user's arm. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous materials and designs could be manufactured to achieve the functions suggested herein of the wrist member 20.
Referring in particular to the drawings submitted herewith, a description of the operation of the mitt 100 is as follows. In use, a user inserts a desired hand, as the mitt 100 is manufactured to promote ambidextrous use thereof, into the cavity 70 of the body member 50 through the cavity 70 opening proximate to the wrist member 20. Simultaneously, the user inserts their thumb into the thumb compartment 10. The wrist member 20 secures the mitt 100 to the user's wrist. The mitt 100 is then placed in or saturated with a desired cleaning solution. The users hand is protected from the cleaning solution from the impermeable interior lining 30. The user then applies the cleaning solution absorbed by the exterior surface 40 of the body member 50 to a desired surface. The user then applies a desired force to effectively clean and abrade the chosen surface.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. An apparatus for cleaning a variety of surfaces, comprising:

a body consisting of first and second opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner, said first and second opposing sides being peripherally joined to form a cavity, said cavity having an open end and being of sufficient size to accommodate a human hand therein;

an attachment mechanism provided connected to said open end of said cavity, said attachment mechanism to releaseably secure said apparatus to a human wrist;

an absorbent material disposed on at least a portion of one of said first side, said absorbent material being water absorbent and abrasion resistant;

an abrasive cleaning material disposed on at least a portion of said second side; and

a liner disposed within said cavity for inhibiting chemical solvents and solutions entering into said cavity; and wherein said liner is comprised of a nitrile rubber which is resistant to chemical solvents.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said attachment mechanism is substantially lined with said liner.

17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein said body is generally mitten-shaped.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said absorbent material includes woven wool.

21. An apparatus for cleaning a variety of surfaces, comprising:

a mitten shaped body consisting of first and second opposing sides configured in a substantially planar manner, said first and second opposing sides being peripherally joined to form a cavity, said cavity having an open end and being of sufficient size to accommodate a human hand therein;

an absorbent material secured to an outer surface at least a portion of at least one of said first and second opposing sides of the body;

an abrasive material secured to an outer surface of the absorbent material such that the abrasive and absorbent materials form two layers with the abrasive material the outermost layer; and