Methods and Tool for Maintenance of Hard Surfaces, and a Method for Manufacturing Such a Tool

Abstract

A method is disclosed for treating or maintaining a hard surface comprising a stone or stone-like material, the method comprising treatment of the surface with a flexible pad, in the presence of abrasive particles, bonded to the pad, on a contact surface between the pad and the hard surface, wherein the abrasive particles comprise diamond particles, and the treatment is performed in the absence of an effective amount of crystallization agent on the contact surface. The treatment is performed on a substantially regular basis, such as daily, weekly or monthly, and the treatment is performed using a pad comprising an open, lofty, three dimensional non-woven webs of fibers. A tool for use in the method is also provided, as well as a floor-surfacing machine comprising such a tool and a method for manufacturing such a tool. Furthermore, methods for treating or maintaining hard, smooth surfaces such as wood, polymer material, lacquer, linoleum, gelcoat, glass and automotive enamel are disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates to a method and a tool for maintenance of hard surfaces, primarily concrete (cement), terrazzo and granite floor surfaces, but also marble or limestone surfaces. The disclosure particularly relates to a method and a tool for maintenance which are suitable for use on a regular basis to maintain a polished hard floor surface.[0002]In addition, the present disclosure relates to methods for maintenance of hard, smooth surfaces, primarily wood, linoleum, lacquer and vinyl floor surfaces. The disclosure particularly relates to a methods for maintenance which are suitable for use on a daily basis to maintain a shiny, hard, smooth surface, such as a floor surface.BACKGROUND[0003]It is known in connection with cleaning or light polishing of floor surfaces to use a pad in the form of a three-dimensional non-woven web. The pad is usually provided as a circular, disc-shaped body, which is to be disconnectably mounted on a circular carrier plat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides a method for maintaining a hard, smooth surface using a flexible pad with abrasive particles, particularly diamond particles, to polish and clean the surface without the need for additional surface-improving agents. The method can be performed in the absence of liquid on the surface and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including floor surfaces. The use of diamond particles as abrasive particles provides a superior polishing effect compared to conventional methods and eliminates the need for additional cleaning agents. The method can be performed using a pad with diamond particles bonded to the pad, which eliminates the need for additional abrasive particles. The pad has voids to contain dust and debris, reducing the risk of scratching the surface. The method can be performed using a pad with diamond particles of different average diameters and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including floor surfaces. The use of diamond particles as abrasive particles eliminates the need for surface-improving agents."

Problems solved by technology

This method is not suitable for daily maintenance purposes, since it involves use of special crystallization chemicals, including acids, which are to react with calcium present in the floor surface to form insoluble calcium salts.

The method described in EP-B-0 562 919 is thus too complicated for being used on a daily basis.

The need for crystallization chemicals, and other surface-improving agents, makes the polishing work more complicated, since the chemicals are to be applied to the surface, possibly followed by removal of excess chemicals, which also contribute to making the polishing work more time consuming.

Handling and application of the chemicals also constitute a potential hazard to the environment in general and to the work environment in particular.

Since such elements are fixedly mounted on a usually rotating plate, they do not have the ability to compensate for unevenness in the floor, which may lead to uneven treatment of the floor surface, or to scratching or staining of the floor surface in case such an element is to contact the surface at an excess pressure.

Yet another problem is that debris, such as grains of sand, small stones or metal may get stuck in or near the elements and cause scratching of the floor surface.

A disadvantage with the device disclosed in WO03 / 07534 is that it does not eliminate the risk of debris getting stuck in or near the grinding elements.

Yet another disadvantage is that this tool is complex and therefore more prone to breaking and more difficult and expensive to manufacture.

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