Cleaning pad and cleaning implement

Abstract

The present invention relates to disposable cleaning pads for removable attachment to a cleaning implement, the cleaning pad comprising an absorbent structure, and a plurality of reservoirs defined in the absorbent structure, formed by bonding or embossing throughout the thickness of the absorbent structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to cleaning pads and cleaning implements for cleaning hard surfaces, and in particular floors. More particularly, the present invention relates to pre-moistened cleaning pads. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Numerous implements are known for cleaning hard surfaces such as tiled floors, linoleum floors, hardwood floors, counter tops and the like. In the context of cleaning floors, suitable implements typically comprise a handle and means for applying a liquid cleaning composition. Some implements are reusable, including mops containing cotton strings, cellulose and / or synthetic strips, sponges, and the like. While these mops are successful in removing many soils from hard surfaces, they typically require the inconvenience of performing one or more rinsing steps during use to avoid saturation of the material with dirt, soil, and other residues. This requires the use of a separate container to perform the rinsing step(s), and typically...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

According to a first aspect of the present invention, various types of cleaning pad are defined in claims 1 and 15. The discrete fluid reservoirs formed in the above-mentioned cleaning pads restrain fluid flow to the edges of the pad, thereby reducing drippage experienced on attaching the cleaning pad to a cleaning implement while held inverted between a consumer's legs.

Typically, after cleaning, the cleaning pad is removed and disposed of, and with it the germs and dirt removed from the surface, thereby promoting better hygiene and malodour control. However, the cleaning pad may be used for multiple cleaning, depending upon whether the pad is saturated with liquid and / or dirt. This can be readily ascertained by the consumer.

Problems solved by technology

While these mops are successful in removing many soils from hard surfaces, they typically require the inconvenience of performing one or more rinsing steps during use to avoid saturation of the material with dirt, soil, and other residues.

This requires the use of a separate container to perform the rinsing step(s), and typically these rinsing steps fail to sufficiently remove dirt residues.

This can result in redeposition of significant amounts of soil during subsequent passes of the mop.

Furthermore, as reusable mops are used over time, they become increasingly soiled and malodorous.

This negatively impacts subsequent cleaning performance.

Irrespective of this, attachment of the cleaning pad tends to take several seconds, allowing drippage to occur while the pad is being held essentially upright.

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