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 surface which is more easy to use and which provides a comparable or better result than the prior art methods. In particular, it is an object to provide a method that is suitable for hard, smooth stone or stone-like surfaces.

[0022]An additional object is to provide a method of polishing, cleaning or otherwise maintaining hard, smooth and preferably glossy surfaces, in particular floor surfaces, with an eliminated or reduced need for surface-improving or cleaning chemicals.

[0023]The invention is based on the idea that abrasive particles in the form of diamond particles provide a polishing effect which is vastly superior to that achievable with those abrasive particles used in the examples shown in e.g. EP-B-0 562 919, and that this polishing effect is so superior as to eliminate the need for crystallization chemicals and other 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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