Cleaning article
The cleaning article with an elastomeric member and optional scrubbing member addresses the inconvenience of silicone-based articles by improving cleaning efficiency in confined spaces and flexibility for diverse applications.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2025/055951
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-25
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-02
AI Technical Summary
Conventional silicone-based cleaning articles are inconvenient to use with cleaning agents and fail to effectively clean surfaces in confined spaces.
A cleaning article featuring an elastomeric member with a cavity and through openings, designed to receive and retain a cleaning agent, and optionally a removable scrubbing member for enhanced cleaning, providing flexibility for various applications.
Enhances cleaning efficiency in confined spaces and offers flexibility for different cleaning needs, while maintaining hygiene and durability.
Smart Images

Figure IB2025055951_02012026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CLEANING ARTICLE
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a cleaning article for use with a cleaning agent.
[0004] Background
[0005] Cleaning articles including silicone may provide various advantages, such as resistance to degradation of shape and color at high temperatures, pleasant haptics, and hygienic benefits. Further, such silicone based cleaning articles may not absorb fluids, may not stain easily, and may be easy to clean due to a low surface energy of silicone. However, conventional silicone based cleaning articles may be inconvenient to use with cleaning agents, and may fail to clean surfaces located in confined spaces.
[0006] Summary
[0007] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article for use with a cleaning agent. The cleaning article includes an elastomeric member including a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface and spaced apart from the first major surface. The elastomeric member further includes a periphery surface extending from the first major surface to the second major surface and defining a periphery of the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member further includes a cavity surface extending from the first major surface to the second major surface. The cavity surface is spaced apart from the periphery surface, such that the cavity surface is surrounded by the periphery surface. The cavity surface defines a cavity configured to at least partially receive a cleaning agent therein. The elastomeric member further includes a plurality of through openings extending from the first major surface to the second major surface and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, wherein each through opening from the plurality of through openings is arranged between the cavity surface and the periphery surface, and wherein each through opening comprises a minimum distance from the cavity surface measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
[0008] Brief Description of Drawings
[0009] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labelled with the same number.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic top perspective view of a cleaning article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the cleaning article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of the cleaning article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the cleaning article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3C is a schematic front view of the cleaning article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cleaning article taken along a line A-A of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 5A is a photograph of a cleaning article in an uncoupled configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 5B is a photograph of the cleaning article of FIG. 5A in a coupled configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 6A is a photograph of a cleaning article in an uncoupled configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 6B is a photograph of the cleaning article of FIG. 6A in a coupled configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description
[0020] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0021] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.
[0022] As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.
[0023] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally,” unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).
[0024] The term “substantially,” unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.
[0025] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about.” The term “about,” unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.
[0026] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting of this disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.
[0027] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B.”
[0028] As used herein, the term “between about,” unless otherwise specifically defined, generally refers to an inclusive or a closed range. For example, if a parameter X is between about A and B, then A < X < B.
[0029] As used herein, the term “abrasiveness” refers to an ability of a component to remove contamination, stains, soils, deposits, and the like from a surface so as to clean the surface. Abrasiveness may also define a scouring performance of the component. The present disclosure relates to a cleaning article for use with a cleaning agent. The cleaning article includes an elastomeric member extending along a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a vertical axis perpendicular to each of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The elastomeric member includes a first major surface. The elastomeric member further includes a second major surface opposite to the first major surface and spaced apart from the first major surface along the vertical axis. The elastomeric member further includes a periphery surface extending from the first major surface to the second major surface. The periphery surface defines a periphery of the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member further includes a cavity surface extending from the first major surface to the second major surface. The cavity surface is spaced apart from the periphery surface along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, such that the cavity surface is surrounded by the periphery surface. The cavity surface defines a cavity configured to at least partially receive the cleaning agent therein. The elastomeric member further includes a plurality of through openings extending from the first major surface to the second major surface and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, wherein each through opening from the plurality of through openings is arranged between the cavity surface and the periphery surface, and wherein each through opening comprises a minimum distance from the cavity surface measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The elastomeric member may also optionally include at least one protrusion extending from the cavity surface into the cavity. The at least one protrusion is configured to engage with the cleaning agent at least partially received within the cavity.
[0030] The cleaning article of the present disclosure may be effectively used with the cleaning agent to dust, wipe, scrub, or clean a wide variety of surfaces. Specifically, the at least one protrusion may provide a high-friction surface that engages with the cleaning agent. The at least one protrusion may frictionallyengage with the cleaning agent to at least partially retain the cleaning agent within the cavity during use of the cleaning article. Moreover, the at least one protrusion may allow the elastomeric member to be squeezed, such that the cleaning agent produces a rich lather to facilitate cleaning. In some implementations, the elastomeric member may reduce accumulation and spread of bacteria found in conventional cleaning articles, such as, sponges and loofahs. In some examples, the elastomeric member may include a plurality of through openings. The plurality of through openings may improve a conformability of the elastomeric member. Thus, the elastomeric member may be used to clean surfaces that are located in confined spaces. Furthermore, the plurality of through openings may facilitate squeezing of the elastomeric member to produce a rich lather. The plurality of through openings may also reduce a weight of the elastomeric member.
[0031] In some examples, the cleaning article may further include a scrubbing member. The scrubbing member may be removably couplable to the elastomeric member, such that upon removable coupling, the scrubbing member at least partially encloses the elastomeric member. An abrasiveness of the scrubbing member may be selected based on desired application attributes. For example, the abrasiveness of the scrubbing member may depend upon a material from which the scrubbing member is made. Alternatively, the abrasiveness of the scrubbing member may be adjusted using abrasive layers / particles. As a result, the cleaning article including the scrubbing member may be suitable for use in a wide variety of cleaning and polishing applications. Furthermore, the elastomeric member may be reusable. The scrubbing member may be disposable and may be disposed of after one or more uses. In some examples, the scrubbing member may be biodegradable and / or recyclable, and thus, environmental friendly.
[0032] The elastomeric member may be used without the scrubbing member if a cleaning application does not demand high abrasive performance. The elastomeric member may be used with the scrubbing member if the cleaning application demands high abrasive performance. Therefore, the cleaning article may provide increased flexibility for different cleaning and polishing applications.
[0033] Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a cleaning article 10 for use with a cleaning agent 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic top perspective view of the cleaning article 10 and FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic bottom perspective view of the cleaning article 10.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning article 10 includes an elastomeric member 100 extending along a longitudinal axis 35, a transverse axis 40 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 35, and a vertical axis 45 perpendicular to each of the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40. A plane 125 may be defined the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40. The elastomeric member 100 includes a first major surface 102. The elastomeric member 100 further includes a second major surface 104 opposite to the first major surface 102 and spaced apart from the first major surface 102 along the vertical axis 45. The first major surface 102 and the second major surface 104 may define a thickness of the elastomeric member 100 therebetween.
[0035] The elastomeric member 100 further includes a periphery surface 106 extending from the first major surface 102 to the second major surface 104. The periphery surface 106 defines a periphery of the elastomeric member 100.
[0036] The elastomeric member 100 further includes a cavity surface 108 extending from the first major surface 102 to the second major surface 104. The cavity surface 108 is spaced apart from the periphery surface 106 along the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40, such that the cavity surface 108 is surrounded by the periphery surface 106. The cavity surface 108 defines a cavity 110.
[0037] The cavity 110 is configured to at least partially receive the cleaning agent 50 therein. The cleaning agent 50 is not shown in FIG. 2 for illustrative purposes. The cleaning agent 50 may include any solid article including one or more materials that disinfect, sanitize, or otherwise clean a surface. For example, the cleaning agent 50 may include a solid soap bar. In another example, the cleaning agent 50 may include an absorbent article (such as reticulated foam) soaked with liquid cleaning solutions and other fluids. In some examples, the absorbent article may be pre-loaded with liquid soap / cleaning solutions. In some examples, the absorbent article may be loaded with a user-preferred liquid soap during use. The cavity 110 may have any shape and dimensions based on desired application attributes.
[0038] The elastomeric member 100 further includes at least one protrusion 112 extending from the cavity surface 108 into the cavity 110. The at least one protrusion 112 is configured to engage with the cleaning agent 50 at least partially received within the cavity 110. The at least one protrusion 112 may provide a high-friction surface that engages with the cleaning agent 50. The at least one protrusion 112 may frictionally engage with the cleaning agent 50 to at least partially retain the cleaning agent 50 within the cavity 110 during use of the cleaning article 10. As a result, the cleaning article 10 may be effectively used with the cleaning agent 50 to dust, wipe, scrub, clean etc., a wide variety of surfaces. Moreover, the at least one protrusion 112 may allow the elastomeric member 100 to be squeezed, such that the cleaning agent 50 produces a rich lather to facilitate cleaning. Furthermore, the elastomeric member 100 may be reusable.
[0039] In some embodiments, the elastomeric member 100 further includes a plurality of through openings 122 extending from the first major surface 102 to the second major surface 104 and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40. Each through opening 122 from the plurality of through openings 122 may be arranged between the cavity surface 108 and the periphery surface 106. The plurality of through openings 122 may surround the cavity 110.
[0040] The plurality of through openings 122 may improve a conformability of the elastomeric member 100. Thus, the elastomeric member 100 may be used to clean surfaces that are located in confined spaces. Furthermore, the plurality of through openings 122 may facilitate squeezing of the elastomeric member 100 to produce a rich lather. The plurality of through openings 122 may also reduce a weight of the elastomeric member 100. In other words, the plurality of through openings 122 may reduce an overall weight of the cleaning article 10.
[0041] The elastomeric member 100 may include any suitable elastomeric material or a combination of two or more elastomeric materials based on desired application attributes. That is, an elastomeric material with desired properties may be selected to manufacture the elastomeric member 100. In some examples, the elastomeric member 100 may be dishwasher safe. In some examples, the elastomeric member 100 may also withstand use of harsh cleaning chemicals.
[0042] In some embodiments, the elastomeric member 100 includes silicone. Silicone may provide various desirable properties, such as temperature resistance, high flexibility, environmental protection (e.g., resistance to environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ozone, and moisture), and resistance to chemical and cleaning agents. Further, silicone may not absorb odor, may not stain easily, and may be easy to clean due to low surface energy.
[0043] In some embodiments, the elastomeric member 100 includes a closed-cell foam material. In such embodiments, the elastomeric member 100 may be fluid impervious. In other words, the elastomeric member 100 may not absorb fluids. Thus, the elastomeric member 100 may reduce accumulation of and spread of bacteria as compared to conventional cleaning articles, such as sponges and loofahs. In some other embodiments, the elastomeric member 100 includes an open-cell foam material. For example, the elastomeric member 100 may include an open-celled silicone foam. In such embodiments, the elastomeric member 100 may absorb fluids and promote lathering of soaps / detergents of the cleaning agent 50 by facilitating a mixture of air and the cleaning agent 50.
[0044] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate various views of the cleaning article 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 3 A illustrates a schematic top view of the cleaning article 10, FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic side view of the cleaning article 10, and FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic front view of the cleaning article 10. Further, FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the cleaning article 10 taken along a line A-A of FIG. 3 A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion 112 includes a plurality of protrusions 112 spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 A, the cavity surface 108 includes a first portion 114 (also shown in FIG. 4) and a second portion 116 opposite to and facing the first portion 114. Further, the plurality of protrusions 112 includes a set of first protrusions 118 extending from the first portion 114 and a set of second protrusions 120 extending from the second portion 116. The set of first protrusions 118 and the set of second protrusions 120 may be configured to engage with the cleaning agent 50 at least partially received within the cavity 110. In some embodiments, each of the first portion 114 and the second portion 116 may be substantially planar.
[0046] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 112 may be arranged in a plurality of rows 132 spaced apart from each other along the vertical axis 45. The protrusions of 112 of each row 132 from the plurality of rows 132 may have a substantially equal minimum distance measured along the vertical axis 45 from the first major surface 102.
[0047] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, adjacent rows 133 from the plurality of rows 132 may be staggered with respect to each other. Such staggered configuration of the plurality of rows 132 may improve engagement of the plurality of protrusions 112 with the cleaning agent 50. Such staggered configuration may also allow the cleaning agent 50 having a variety of different shapes and dimensions to be used with the elastomeric member 100. Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, each through opening 122 may include a minimum distance 124 from the cavity surface 108 measured in the plane 125 defined by the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40. In some embodiments, each through opening 122 having a first minimum distance 126 may have at least one greater dimension than each through opening 122 having a second minimum distance 128 that is less than the first minimum distance 126. In some examples, through openings 122 that are farther from the cavity surface 108 in the plane 125 may have greater dimensions than those through openings 122 that are closer to the cavity surface 108.
[0048] In some embodiments, the plurality of through openings 122 may be arranged in a plurality of rings 130 spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40. Each ring 130 from the plurality of rings 130 may surround the cavity surface 108. The through openings 122 of a respective ring 130 from the plurality of rings 130 may have substantially equal minimum distances 124 from the cavity surface 108. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of rings 130 may be circular, rectangular, elliptical, oval shaped, or the like. The plurality of rings 130 may have any suitable closed shape in the plane 125.
[0049] In some embodiments, the elastomeric member 100 may have an ovular shape in the plane 125 defined by the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40. In some examples, the elastomeric member 100 may have a circular, rectangular, square, triangular shape, or the like in the plane 125.
[0050] As discussed above, the thickness of the elastomeric member 100 may be defined along the vertical axis 45. In some embodiments, the thickness of the elastomeric member 100 may along the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40 from the cavity surface 108 to the periphery surface 106. Specifically, in some embodiments, the thickness of the elastomeric member 100 may decrease along each of the longitudinal axis 35 and the transverse axis 40 from the cavity surface 108 to the periphery surface 106.
[0051] The elastomeric member 100 includes a maximum length 100L along the longitudinal axis 35. In some embodiments, the maximum length 100L may be from 90 millimeters to 120 millimeters. The elastomeric member 100 includes a maximum width 100W along the transverse axis 40. In some embodiments, the maximum width 100W may be from 60 millimeters to 90 millimeters. The elastomeric member 100 includes a maximum thickness 100T along the vertical axis 45. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness 100T may be from 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters.
[0052] In some embodiments, the maximum length 100L of the elastomeric member 100 may be greater than the maximum width 100W of the elastomeric member 100. Further, the maximum thickness 100T of the elastomeric member 100 may be less than the maximum width 100W of the elastomeric member 100.
[0053] The elastomeric member 100 having the aforementioned dimensions may offer improved ergonomics which may improve the user experience during use thereof.
[0054] FIGS. 5A and 5B show photographs of a cleaning article 20 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5 A shows a photograph of the cleaning article 20 in an uncoupled configuration. FIG. 5B shows a photograph of the cleaning article 20 in a coupled configuration.
[0055] The cleaning article 20 includes the elastomeric member 100 and a scrubbing member 150. The scrubbing member 150 is removably couplable to the elastomeric member 100, such that upon removable coupling, the scrubbing member 150 at least partially encloses the elastomeric member 100. The scrubbing member 150 has an abrasiveness greater than that of the elastomeric member 100.
[0056] The scrubbing member 150 may be configured as a sack or a bag that at least partially surrounds the elastomeric member 100. The scrubbing member 150 may include an opening 152 through which the scrubbing member 150 may at least partially receive the elastomeric member 100 therein. The opening 152 may allow auserto insert the elastomeric member 100 into the scrubbing member 150 and may allow the user to remove the elastomeric member 100 from the scrubbing member 150.
[0057] The scrubbing member 150 may further include a mechanical fastener 155. The mechanical fastener 155 is configured to removably couple the scrubbing member 150 to the elastomeric member 100. In other words, the mechanical fastener 155 may affix the scrubbing member 150 to the elastomeric member 100 such that the scrubbing member 150 at least partially envelopes the elastomeric member 100.
[0058] In some embodiments, the mechanical fastener 155 may fully receive the elastomeric member 100 therein. In such embodiments, the mechanical fastener 155 may be configured to close the opening 152. The mechanical fastener 155 may include any suitable fastener, such as butons, securing ties, snaps, hooks, clasps, and so forth. In some embodiments, the mechanical fastener 155 may be a hook and loop fastener.
[0059] In some embodiments, the scrubbing member 150 is a mesh. The mesh may allow the scrubbing member 150 to dry at a fast rate and promote efficient transfer of the cleaning agent 50 (shown in FIG. 3) from the cavity 110 to the surface to be cleaned. In some examples, scrubbing member 150 may include a plurality of mesh layers.
[0060] The abrasiveness of the scrubbing member 150 may be selected based on desired application atributes. For example, the abrasiveness of the scrubbing member 150 may depend upon a material from which the scrubbing member 150 is made. Alternatively, the abrasiveness of the scrubbing member 150 may be adjusted using abrasive layers / particles. As a result, the cleaning article 20 may be suitable for use in a wide variety of cleaning and polishing applications.
[0061] Specifically, in some embodiments, the scrubbing member 150 may further include a layer of scrubbing medium 156. The scrubbing medium 156 may include a particle-laden spray-coat, screen -printed dots, structured abrasive articles (e.g., “TRIZACT” marketed by 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn), and the like. The layer of scrubbing medium 156 may be configured as per the desired abrasiveness of the scrubbing member 150 to provide desired scouring performance for different application requirements. For example, the layer of scrubbing medium 156 may be paterned or discontinuous.
[0062] The scrubbing member 150 may be disposable and may be disposed of after one or more uses. In some examples, the scrubbing member 150 may be biodegradable and / or recyclable, and thus, environmental friendly.
[0063] FIGS. 6A and 6B show photographs of a cleaning article 30 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows a photograph of the cleaning article 30 in an uncoupled configuration. FIG. 6B shows a photograph of the cleaning article 30 in a coupled configuration.
[0064] The cleaning article 30 includes the elastomeric member 100 and a scrubbing member 160. The scrubbing member 160 is removably couplable to the elastomeric member 100, such that upon removable coupling, the scrubbing member 160 at least partially encloses the elastomeric member 100. The scrubbing member 160 has an abrasiveness greater than that of the elastomeric member 100. In some embodiments, the scrubbing member 160 includes a pocket 162 configured to receive and retain the elastomeric member 100 therein. In such embodiments, the scrubbing member 160 may include a material that is elastic enough to receive and retain the elastomeric member 100 within the pocket 162. The scrubbing member 160 may include a first flap 164 and a second flap 166 at least partially overlapping with the first flap 164 to form an overlapping region 165. The pocket 162 may be accessible through a gap between the first flap 164 and the second flap 166.
[0065] To removably couple the scrubbing member 160 to the elastomeric member 100, the elastomeric member 100 may be received within the pocket 162 through the gap between the first flap 164 and the second flap 166, and the first flap 164 and the second flap 166 may be adjusted, such that the first flap 164 is disposed between the elastomeric member 100 and the second flap 166 in the overlapping region 165. This may allow the cleaning article 30 to be used in all orientations.
[0066] The elastomeric member may be used without the scrubbing member if a cleaning application does not demand high abrasive performance (e.g., cleaning of skin or non- stubbom deposits). The elastomeric member may be used with the scrubbing member if the cleaning application demands high abrasive performance (e.g., cleaning of stubborn deposits or applications requiring scouring). Therefore, the cleaning article may provide increased flexibility for different cleaning and polishing applications.
[0067] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.
[0068] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Claims
CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A cleaning article for use with a cleaning agent, the cleaning article comprising: an elastomeric member extending along a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a vertical axis perpendicular to each of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, the elastomeric member comprising: a first major surface; a second major surface opposite to the first major surface and spaced apart from the first major surface along the vertical axis; a periphery surface extending from the first major surface to the second major surface and defining a periphery of the elastomeric member; and a cavity surface extending from the first major surface to the second major surface, wherein the cavity surface is spaced apart from the periphery surface along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, such that the cavity surface is surrounded by the periphery surface, and wherein the cavity surface defines a cavity configured to at least partially receive the cleaning agent therein, wherein the elastomeric member further comprises a plurality of through openings extending from the first major surface to the second major surface and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, wherein each through opening from the plurality of through openings is arranged between the cavity surface and the periphery surface, and wherein each through opening comprises a minimum distance from the cavity surface measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.
2. The cleaning article of claim 1, further comprising at least one protrusion extending from the cavity surface into the cavity, wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to engage with the cleaning agent at least partially received within the cavity.
3. The cleaning article of claim 2, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other.
4. The cleaning article of claim 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions is arranged in a plurality of rows spaced apart from each other along the vertical axis, wherein adjacent rows from the plurality of rows are staggered with respect to each other.
5. The cleaning article of claim 3, wherein the cavity surface comprises a first portion and a second portion opposite to and facing the first portion, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises a set of first protrusions extending from the first portion and a set of second protrusions extending from the second portion, and wherein the set of first protrusions and the set of second protrusions are configured to engage with the cleaning agent at least partially received within the cavity.
6. The cleaning article of claim 5, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion is substantially planar.
7. The cleaning article of claim 1, wherein each through opening having a first minimum distance has at least one greater dimension than each through opening having a second minimum distance that is less than the first minimum distance.
8. The cleaning article of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of through openings is arranged in a plurality of rings spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, wherein each ring from the plurality of rings surrounds the cavity surface, and wherein the through openings of a respective ring from the plurality of rings have substantially equal minimum distances from the cavity surface.
9. The cleaning article of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the elastomeric member defined along the vertical axis decreases along each of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis from the cavity surface to the periphery surface.
10. The cleaning article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric member comprises a maximum length along the longitudinal axis, a maximum width along the transverse axis, and a maximum thickness along the vertical axis, wherein the maximum length of the elastomeric member is greater than the maximum width of the elastomeric member, and wherein the maximum thickness of the elastomeric member is less than the maximum width of the elastomeric member.
11. The cleaning article of claim 10, wherein the maximum length is from 90 millimeters to 120 millimeters, the maximum width is from 60 millimeters to 90 millimeters, and the maximum thickness is from 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters.
12. The cleaning article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric member comprises an opencell foam material.
13. The cleaning article of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric member comprises a closedcell foam material.
14. The cleaning article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric member comprises silicone.
15. The cleaning article of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric member has an ovular shape in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.
16. The cleaning article of claim 1, further comprising a scrubbing member removably couplable to the elastomeric member, such that upon removable coupling, the scrubbing member at least partially encloses the elastomeric member, wherein the scrubbing member has an abrasiveness greater than that of the elastomeric member.
17. The cleaning article of claim 16, wherein the scrubbing member is a mesh.
18. The cleaning article of claim 16, wherein the scrubbing member comprises a layer of scrubbing medium.
19. The cleaning article of claim 16, wherein the scrubbing member comprises a mechanical fastener configured to removably couple the scrubbing member to the elastomeric member.
20. The cleaning article of claim 16, wherein the scrubbing member comprises a pocket configured to receive and retain the elastomeric member therein.
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