US20160262591A1

US20160262591A1 - Cleaning Mitt

Info

Publication number: US20160262591A1
Application number: US15/066,209
Authority: US
Inventors: Terrence Smalls
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-10
Filing date: 2016-03-10
Publication date: 2016-09-15

Abstract

A cleaning mitt for receiving a hand of a user to clean and wipe flat and irregular surfaces is provided. The cleaning mitt includes first ply member attached a second ply member to form an interior volume, and a recessed opening that allows access to the interior volume. The interior volume is partitioned by a divider into a finger receiving region and a thumb receiving region. A webbed region is formed between the finger and thumb receiving region. Some embodiments include a cleaning mitt constructed from a fluid absorbing material. In alternative embodiments, the cleaning mitt further includes a textured region having an abrasive pad and one or more protruding members positioned on one of the ply members for removing dirt and debris. In other embodiments, the cleaning mitt contains a perforation line that forms a breakable attachment to a second cleaning mitt.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/130,658 filed on Mar. 10, 2015. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cleaning devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cleaning mitt comprising a body having a first ply member affixed to a second ply member to form an opening and interior volume configured to receive a hand of a user. The body also includes a divider that separates the interior volume into a finger receiving portion and a thumb receiving portion. At least one of the first and second ply members comprises a textured exterior region configured to dislodge debris and other material when rubbed thereagainst.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many attempts have been made to provide cleaning devices that assist with the wiping and removal of dirt, debris, and the like from tabletop surfaces to floors. However, these devices face serious deficiencies when cleaning surfaces of varying shapes and sizes. Standard cleaning pads, for example, do not allow for the necessary dexterity and versatility that many cleaning tasks require. These known devices typically require a user to manually grasp a portion of the cleaning pad causing the pad to become contaminated and a less effective cleaning surface.
Some cleaning pads do allow for the receiving of the hand of a user. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,044 of Glenn describes a cleaning pad mitt with removable cover attached adjacent a perimeter of one of the layers of the cleaning pad mitt. However, Glenn fails to disclose a divider that partitions the interior volume configured to receive a user's hand and fails to provide a recessed opening for grasping the cleaning mitt. Further, these known cleaning mitts are stored individually and independent of other similar cleaning mitts. The present invention may include perforations along the cleaning mitt periphery ends to provide tear lines for easy removal of a first cleaning mitt from a second cleaning mitt.
In addition, none of the aforementioned devices provides a cleaning mitt having a first ply member affixed to a second ply member to form an opening and interior volume configured to receive a hand of a user, wherein the interior volume is partitioned by a divider into a thumb receiving portion and a finger receiving portion. The present invention further provides for a webbed region that enables improved cleaning of flat or irregular shaped surfaces. In addition, the present invention provides an exterior cleaning surface having a textured region configured to remove dirt and debris.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of wiping devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a cleaning mitt wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning various surfaces having flat or irregular shapes.
The present invention relates to a cleaning mitt comprising a body having a first ply member and a second ply member forming an opening and an interior volume configured to receive a hand. The body further includes a divider that partitions the interior volume of the body into a finger receiving region and a thumb receiving region. One of the ply members may include a cleaning agent, such as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents, disposed therein or thereon.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cleaning mitt that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning mitt that cleans flat and irregular surfaces.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning mitt having a body comprising a first ply member and a second ply member, whereby one of said ply members further comprises a textured surface for cleaning.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a body comprising a divider that partitions the interior volume of the body into a finger receiving region and a thumb receiving region.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cleaning mitt that utilizes a cleaning agent for disinfecting or otherwise wiping surfaces.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of one embodiment of the cleaning mitt.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cleaning mitt.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of one embodiment of the cleaning mitt.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the cleaning mitt being dispensed from a stacked arrangement.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one use of the cleaning mitt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the cleaning mitt. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for receiving a hand of a user to clean and wipe flat and irregular surfaces. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an overhead view of one embodiment of the cleaning mitt. The present invention provides a cleaning mitt 10 wearable on a user's hand to clean or otherwise perform hygienic care of various surfaces having flat or irregular shapes. The cleaning mitt 10 comprises a body 11 having a first ply member 12 and a second ply member, wherein said first ply member 12 and the second ply member are affixed to form an interior volume. Preferably, the first ply member 12 and the second ply member are substantially the same size and shape. The body 11 further includes a first end 30 and a second end 31, wherein an opening 15 is disposed at the first end 30.
In the shown embodiment, the opening 15 has a recessed area that extends away from the first end 30 to provide a gripping area for a user to open or otherwise handle. The recessed opening 15 assists a user in properly donning the cleaning mitt 10. This is particularly useful when a plurality of cleaning mitts 10 are stacked or otherwise stored and a user desires to grasp and open a single cleaning mitt 10.
In the shown embodiment, the body 11 is rectangular having a first end 30, a second end 31, a third end 32, and a fourth end 33 (collectively called periphery ends). However, in alternative embodiments, the body 11 may be circular, polygonal, or any other suitable shape. Herein, the third end 32 is defined as adjacent to a thumb receiving region 18 and opposing the fourth end 33, which is defined as adjacent to a finger receiving region 17. In the shown embodiment, the first ply member 12 and second ply member are affixed to one another at least at one of the periphery ends 30, 31, 32, 33 thereof.
A divider 16 partitions the interior volume (not shown in FIG. 1) into a finger receiving region 17 and a thumb receiving region 18. The finger receiving region 17 is configured to receive a plurality of fingers, such as the index, middle, ring, and pinky finger therein. The thumb receiving region 18 is configured to receive a thumb therein. In the shown embodiment, the divider 16 includes a threaded barrier that is affixed to the interior side of the first ply member 12 and the interior side of the second ply member 13.
The divider 16 is configured to extend between the index finger and the thumb of the hand of the user when the user's hand is inserted into the cleaning mitt 10. In the shown embodiment, the divider 16 extends from the third end 32 towards a central point of the body 11 until it reaches an inflection point, wherein the divider 16 extends towards, and terminates in, the second end 31 of the body 11. In alternative embodiments, the divider 16 may have various shapes and geometries that are configured to form the finger receiving region 17 and the thumb receiving region 18. The divider 16 provides for increased control of the cleaning mitt 10 by keeping a received hand within the body 11. As a received hand is moved back and forth in a wiping motion, the divider 16 provides an additional surface that the hand may engage with for manipulating and otherwise controlling the cleaning mitt 10.
In the shown embodiment, the divider 16 forms a webbed region 34 between the finger receiving region 17 and the thumb receiving region 18. The webbed region 34 provides the cleaning mitt 10 with an increased surface area for cleaning. In addition, the webbed region 34 allows from improved cleaning of irregular shaped objects, such as handles, cabinets, and the like.
In one embodiment, the cleaning mitt 10 is reversible, thereby usable on either hand. The body 11 may be constructed from a material adapted to resist tearing during use, yet provide sufficient softness to not damage surfaces. One desirable material may include natural fibers, such as cellulosic fiber, or synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cleaning mitt and an end view of one embodiment of the cleaning mitt. In the shown embodiments, the first and second ply members 12, 13 are substantially similar in size and shape. In alternative embodiments, either ply member 12, 13 may have any geometric shape. An elastic band 20 may be disposed on the periphery of the opening 15 that is configured to expand to receive a hand therethrough, and contract to secure a received hand. In one use, a user grasps the opening 15 and expands the elastic band 20 to insert their hand into the interior volume 14 of the cleaning mitt, wherein the divider 16 separates the finger receiving region and a thumb receiving region.
The body 11 of the cleaning mitt 10 may further include a textured region 21 to clean more effectively and efficiently. In the shown embodiment, the first ply member 12 includes a rectangular textured region 21 disposed on the exterior side of the first ply member 12 over the finger receiving region 17. The textured region 21 comprises a pad having a plurality of protruding members 19 in a rectangular arrangement. In the shown embodiment, the textured region 21 cover approximately one third of the surface area of the first ply member 12. However in alternative embodiments, the textured region 21 may cover any amount of the body 11.
In the shown embodiment, the textured region 21 comprises a plurality of protruding members 19 constructed from a rubber-like material. The protruding members 19 provides an abrasive surface that assists with the cleaning of surfaces and removing of dirt and debris therefrom. However, in alternative embodiments may include ribs, serrated members, or the like. When wiping, or otherwise contacting a surface to be cleaned, the textured region 21 allows for the removal of dirt, grime, and debris from a surface being cleaned. The textured region 21 may have different dimensions to cover different areas of cleaning mitt 10 as desired. In alternative embodiments, the textured region 21 may be disposed on the first ply member 12, the second ply member 13, both of the ply members 12, 13, or neither of the ply members 12,13. In addition, the textured region 21 may be positioned over any surface of the body 11 and have any geometric shape.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is a perspective view of one embodiment of the cleaning mitt being dispensed from a stacked arrangement. The cleaning mitt 10 may be removably affixed to a second cleaning mitt 110 along one of the periphery ends 30, 31, 32, 33 of the body 11. The cleaning mitt 10 may be perforated 23 along its periphery ends 30, 31, 32, 33 to provide tear lines for easy removal and use of its cleaning surfaces. In the shown embodiment, the cleaning mitts 10, 110 are connected in a side by side orientation, wherein the opposing third and fourth ends 32, 33 are perforated 23. The opening 15 also provides a gripping region to aid the user in the separation of a first cleaning mitt 10 from a second, substantially similar cleaning mitt 110. The opening 15 also aids with the donning and doffing of the cleaning mitt 10 from the hand of a user.
In the shown embodiment, the body 11 of the cleaning mitt 10 comprises a first perforated line 23 beginning at the first end 30 and extending along the edge of the third end 32. Further, a second perforated line 39 may be disposed on the opposing fourth end 33 of the body 11.
In the shown embodiment, the perforated lines 23, 39 comprise a plurality of perforations or apertures that allow the cleaning mitts 10, 110 to be freely torn away from each other. In this configuration, a plurality of substantially similar cleaning mitts 10, 110 may be stacked or otherwise arranged for being housed in dispensers, such as a container, that allow the user to access the cleaning mitt 10, 110, usually through an opening provided in the top of the container. In use, these dispensing containers enable individual cleaning mitts 10, 110 to be pulled and removed from the container, wherein the perforated lines 23, 39 are broken by tearing the cleaning mitts 10, 110 away from each other.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is a perspective view of one use of the cleaning mitt. In use, the cleaning mitt 10 generally encompasses the hand 24 of a user, wherein the thumb 26 is generally received within the thumb receiving region 18 and the fingers 25 are generally received within the finger receiving portion 17. In the shown embodiment, a user is wiping the surface of a tabletop 27 with the cleaning mitt 10 to remove dust, grime, and debris 28.
In some embodiment, the body 11 of the cleaning mitt 10 comprises an absorbent material that is configured to absorb fluid from a surface. In an alternative embodiment, the absorbent material is treated with a cleaning agent or solution. Thus, when the cleaning mitt 10 is used, some of the cleaning solution is discharged and applied to a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning solution may include hydrogen peroxide or other similar disinfectant solutions. The adhesion caused from the cleaning solution or other adhering means, such as static, may assist with the removal of dust, grime, and debris 28.
The cleaning mitt 10 also assists with the doffing of the cleaning mitt 10 by allowing a user to grasp the cleaning mitt 10 between one's index finger and thumb. The user can pull the cleaning mitt 10 away from the hand of the user causing the cleaning mitt 10 to be pulled away from the user.
The cleaning mitt 10 is dimensioned to fit all hand sizes, and may be interchangeable between one's right and left hand by flipping the body 11 so as to match the cleaning mitt 10 with the desired hand. In addition, the cleaning mitt 10 may be turned inside-out so that a user desiring to utilize the interior and exterior of the body may do so.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A cleaning mitt, comprising:

a body having a first ply member and a second ply member defining an interior volume;

wherein said first ply member is affixed to said second ply member along one or more periphery ends of said body;

wherein said body further comprises an opening positioned along one or more periphery ends of said body allowing access to said interior volume;

wherein said body further comprises a divider forming a finger receiving region and a thumb receiving region within the interior volume;

wherein said divider forms a webbed region between said finger receiving region and said thumb receiving region.

2) The cleaning mitt of claim 1, wherein:

said divider extends from a first periphery end of said body towards a central point of the body until it reaches an inflection point, wherein the divider extends towards, and terminates in, a second periphery end of the body.

3) The cleaning mitt of claim 1, wherein:

at least one of said first ply member and second ply member comprises a cleaning agent.

4) The cleaning mitt of claim 1, wherein:

at least one of said first ply and second ply comprises a textured region configured to remove dirt and debris.

5) The cleaning mitt of claim 4, wherein:

said textured region comprises a plurality of protruding members disposed on said finger receiving region of said body.

6) The cleaning mitt of claim 1, wherein:

said opening comprises a recessed area disposed towards said opening for grasping said body.

7) The cleaning mitt of claim 1, wherein:

said opening comprises an elastic band for securing a received hand.

8) The cleaning mitt of claim 1, wherein:

at least one of said first ply member and second ply member comprises a liquid absorbing material.

9) The cleaning mitt of claim 1, wherein:

said body is removably affixed to a substantially similar body via perforated line having a plurality of perforations.

10) The cleaning mitt of claim 9, wherein:

said perforated line extending along at least one of the periphery ends of said body.