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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 11 / 886,546 filed Feb. 18, 2009, the entire content of which is incorporated therein by reference. U.S. Ser. No. 11 / 886,546 is a National Stage of PCT / EP05 / 12360 filed Nov. 16, 2005, and claims priority to European Application No. 05005570.6 filed Mar. 15, 2005 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 079,081 filed Mar. 15, 2005.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]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.[0003]In addition, the present disclosure relates to methods for maintenance of hard, smooth surfaces, primarily wood, linoleum, lacquer and vinyl floor surfaces. The disclosure particularl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]It is an object to provide an improved technique, which wholly or partially eliminate the problems with the prior art methods and pads. In particular, it is an object to provide a method of treating a hard surfac

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.

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