US20090094772A1

US20090094772A1 - Microfiber scrubbing sponge

Info

Publication number: US20090094772A1
Application number: US11/869,891
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter Lee; Charles Park
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-10
Filing date: 2007-10-10
Publication date: 2009-04-16

Abstract

An aspect of the invention provides a microfiber scrubbing sponge. The microfiber scrubbing sponge includes a base block, and first and second scrubbing pattern portions. The base block has top, bottom, and side surfaces. The first scrubbing pattern portions are provided on the top surface of the base block, and each includes microfibers which are configured to scrub with higher friction in a direction. The second scrubbing pattern portions are provided on the top surface of the base block. The first scrubbing pattern portions and the second scrubbing pattern portions are disposed alternatingly. The first scrubbing pattern portions may include strips disposed in parallel with gaps, and the second scrubbing pattern portions may include strips disposed substantially in parallel. Each of the second scrubbing pattern portions may be disposed in the gaps provided between the first scrubbing pattern portions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a scrubbing sponge. More particularly, this invention relates to a microfiber scrubbing sponge, which facilitates scrubbing or wiping surfaces by introducing microfiber pattern portions.
Scrubbing surfaces is an important action of cleansing surfaces. Scrubbing involves two surfaces through an intermediate region between the two surfaces. Therefore, the mechanical or physical properties of the two surfaces themselves are major players in scrubbing.
In cleansing a surface of an object, the property of the surface of the object is not controllable in many cases. It is the property of surface of the scrubbing medium that we control. Properties such as friction, roughness, or texture are a few of those properties we can control to facilitate scrubbing function of the scrubbing medium.
Also, since scrubbing depends on a medium present in the interface between the two surfaces, liquid like water is added in scrubbing.
Accordingly, a need for a microfiber scrubbing sponge for scrubbing surfaces effectively has been present for a long time considering the expansive demands of cleansing in the everyday life. This invention is directed to solve these problems and satisfy the long-felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contrives to solve the disadvantages of the prior art.
An objective of the invention is to provide a microfiber scrubbing sponge.
Another object of the invention is to provide a microfiber scrubbing sponge, which is used to scrub surfaces for cleaning.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a microfiber scrubbing sponge, which uses microfiber patches.
An aspect of the invention provides a microfiber scrubbing sponge. The microfiber scrubbing sponge includes a base block, a plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions, and a plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions.
The base block has a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions are provided on a plurality of first portions of the top surface of the base block, and each of the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions includes a plurality of microfibers which are configured to scrub with higher friction in a first direction rather than a second direction.
The plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions are provided on a plurality of second portions of the top surface of the base block.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions and the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions are disposed alternatingly.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions may include a plurality of strips. The plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions may include a plurality of strips.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions may include a plurality of strips disposed substantially in parallel with gaps inbetween, and the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions may include a plurality of strips disposed substantially in parallel. Each of the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions may be disposed in the gaps provided between the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions may include a plurality of straight strips, and the plurality of straight strips may extend perpendicularly to the first direction.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions may include a plurality of wavy strips, and the plurality of wavy strips may extend generally perpendicularly to the first direction.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions may include a plurality of patches, and the plurality of patches are disposed with regular intervals inbetween.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions may include a plurality of patches, and the plurality of patches are disposed with irregular intervals inbetween.
The base block may include one or more sponges. The base block may be substantially parallelepiped in shape. The base block may be substantially ellipsoidal disc in shape.
The microfiber scrubbing sponge may further include an enwrapping cover having an outer surface configured to enwrap the base block, and the first and second scrubbing pattern portions may be provided on the outer surface of the enwrapping cover. The enwrapping cover may include a slit configured to be fastened or unfastened such that the base block is pushed in or pulled out through the slit.
The second pattern portions may be made of fabric.
The fabric may include a plurality of loops and files.
The first and second scrubbing pattern portions may be extended further to at least part of the side surfaces of the base block.
Another aspect of the invention provides a microfiber scrubbing sponge including: a block of sponge having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces; an enwrapping cover configured to enwrap the block of sponge, the enwrapping cover having an outer surface; a plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions provided on a plurality of first portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover, wherein each of the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprises a plurality of microfibers which are configured to scrub with higher friction in a first direction rather than a second direction; and a plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions provided on a plurality of second portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover. The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions and the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions are disposed alternatingly.
The first and second scrubbing pattern portions may cover portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover which corresponds to the top surface and at least part of the side surfaces of the block of sponge.
The advantages of the present invention are: (1) the microfiber scrubbing sponge is very effective in wiping out surfaces; (2) the microfiber scrubbing sponge includes microfiber patches having a specific direction of higher friction; and (3) the microfiber scrubbing sponge facilitates wiping with two kinds of pattern portions disposed alternatingly.
Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained by the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view showing a microfiber scrubbing sponge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective elevational view of the microfiber scrubbing sponge of FIG. 1 with a base block and scrubbing pattern portions apart;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the scrubbing pattern portions along line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the scrubbing pattern portions in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 a partial top plan view of the scrubbing pattern portions according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 a partial top plan view of the scrubbing pattern portions according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 a partial top plan view of the scrubbing pattern portions according to still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a base block according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a base block according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a base block according to still another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an enwrapping cover according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a top perspective view of a microfiber scrubbing sponge 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 show cross-sectional view of first and second scrubbing pattern portions.
In the illustrated embodiment, the microfiber scrubbing sponge 100 includes a base block 10, a plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20, and a plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions 30.
The base block 10 has a top surface 12, a bottom surface 14, and side surfaces 16 as shown in FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the base block 10 can have any shape. The base block 10 can have a physical property to give in under pressure like sponge. And, then the shape of the base block 10 is not so important because it can deform itself to accommodate the surface in any shape.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20 are provided on a plurality of first portions of the top surface 12 of the base block 10, and each of the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20 includes a plurality of microfibers which are configured to scrub with higher friction in a first direction 42 rather than a second direction 44 as shown in FIG. 4.
The plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions 30 are provided on a plurality of second portions of the top surface 12 of the base block 10. The area ratio of the first and second scrubbing pattern portions 20, 30 can be determined in manufacturing according to the uses.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20 and the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions 30 are disposed alternatingly.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20 may include a plurality of strips. The plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions 30 may include a plurality of strips.
The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20 may include a plurality of strips disposed substantially in parallel with gaps inbetween, and the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions 30 may include a plurality of strips disposed substantially in parallel. Each of the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions 30 may be disposed in the gaps provided between the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20.
The pattern of the first and second scrubbing pattern portions 20, 30 may have various shapes as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.
In certain embodiments shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20 may include a plurality of straight strips, and the plurality of straight strips may extend perpendicularly to the first direction.
In another certain embodiments shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20 may include a plurality of wavy strips, and the plurality of wavy strips may extend generally perpendicularly to the first direction.
In still another certain embodiments shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions 20 may include a plurality of patches, and the plurality of patches are disposed with regular intervals or with irregular intervals inbetween.
The base block 10 may include one or more sponges.
In certain embodiments shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the base block 10 may be substantially parallelepiped, rectangular-piped, or ellipsoidal disc in shape.
As shown in FIG. 11, the microfiber scrubbing sponge 100 may further include an enwrapping cover 50 having an outer surface 51 configured to enwrap the base block 10, and the first and second scrubbing pattern portions 20,30 may be provided on the outer surface 51 of the enwrapping cover 50. The enwrapping cover 50 may include a slit 52 configured to be fastened or unfastened such that the base block 10 is pushed in or pulled out through the slit 52. The enwrapping cover 50 may further include a fastening device 54 such as a Velcro and zipper.
The second scrubbing pattern portions 30 may be made of fabric. The fabric may include a plurality of loops and files. The second scrubbing pattern portions 30 does not have to have a property of different frictional coefficients according to the direction as in the first scrubbing pattern portions 20.
The first and second scrubbing pattern portions 20, 30 may be extended further to at least part of the side surfaces 16 of the base block 10.
In certain embodiments, the first and second scrubbing pattern portions 20, 30 may cover the base block 10 fully.
Another aspect of the invention provides a microfiber scrubbing sponge including: a block of sponge having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces; an enwrapping cover configured to enwrap the block of sponge, the enwrapping cover having an outer surface; a plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions provided on a plurality of first portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover, wherein each of the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprises a plurality of microfibers which are configured to scrub with higher friction in a first direction rather than a second direction; and a plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions provided on a plurality of second portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover. The plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions and the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions are disposed alternatingly.
The first and second scrubbing pattern portions may cover portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover which corresponds to the top surface and at least part of the side surfaces of the block of sponge.
Microfiber is fiber with strands less than one denier. Denier is a unit for measuring the linear mass density of fibers, which is defined as the mass (grams) per unit length (9,000 meters). Microfiber is made out of blending of polyester and polyamide. Microfibers are used for some cleaning applications due to their useful properties for the purpose.
One type of microfiber may be constructed in a blend of 80/20 ratio of polyester/polyamideams.
While the invention has been shown and described with reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations in form, detail, compositions and operation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A microfiber scrubbing sponge comprising:

a base block having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces;

a plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions provided on a plurality of first portions of the top surface of the base block, wherein each of the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprises a plurality of microfibers which are configured to scrub with higher friction in a first direction rather than a second direction; and

a plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions provided on a plurality of second portions of the top surface of the base block,

wherein the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions and the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions are disposed alternatingly.

2. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprise a plurality of strips.

3. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 2, wherein the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions comprise a plurality of strips.

4. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprise a plurality of strips disposed substantially in parallel with gaps inbetween, wherein the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions comprise a plurality of strips disposed substantially in parallel, and wherein each of the plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions is disposed in the gaps provided between the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions.

5. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprise a plurality of straight strips, and wherein the plurality of straight strips extend perpendicularly to the first direction.

6. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprise a plurality of wavy strips, and wherein the plurality of wavy strips extend generally perpendicularly to the first direction.

7. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprise a plurality of patches, and wherein the plurality of patches are disposed with regular intervals inbetween.

8. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprise a plurality of patches, and wherein the plurality of patches are disposed with irregular intervals inbetween.

9. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the base block comprises one or more sponges.

10. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 9, wherein the base block is substantially parallelepiped in shape.

11. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 10, wherein the base block is substantially ellipsoidal disc in shape.

12. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, further comprising an enwrapping cover having an outer surface configured to enwrap the base block, and wherein the first and second scrubbing pattern portions are provided on the outer surface of the enwrapping cover.

13. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 12, wherein the enwrapping cover comprises a slit configured to be fastened or unfastened such that the base block is pushed in or pulled out through the slit.

14. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the second pattern portions are made of fabric.

15. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises a plurality of loops and files.

16. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 1, wherein the first and second scrubbing pattern portions are extended further to at least part of the side surfaces of the base block.

17. A microfiber scrubbing sponge comprising:

a block of sponge having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces;

an enwrapping cover configured to enwrap the block of sponge, the enwrapping cover having an outer surface;

a plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions provided on a plurality of first portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover, wherein each of the plurality of first scrubbing pattern portions comprises a plurality of microfibers which are configured to scrub with higher friction in a first direction rather than a second direction; and

a plurality of second scrubbing pattern portions provided on a plurality of second portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover,

18. The microfiber scrubbing sponge of claim 17, wherein the first and second scrubbing pattern portions cover portions of the outer surface of the enwrapping cover which corresponds to the top surface and at least part of the side surfaces of the block of sponge.