Expandable, detergent-containing cleaning aids

Abstract

Disposable cleaning aids, packages thereof and production methods are provided. The disposable cleaning aid comprises an expandable sponge layer, a scouring pad made of plant fibers attached to the expandable sponge layer, and a cleaning agent layer attached between the expandable sponge layer and the scouring pad, wherein, upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand, and the cleaning agent layer is configured to release detergent. The scouring pad may be made of sisal (Agave sisalana) fibers, and the cleaning aids may be packaged as disposable cleaning aids that quickly expand and release detergent upon wetting.

Description

P-641332-PCEXPANDABLE, DETERGENT-CONTAINING CLEANING AIDSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cleaning and, more particularly, to disposable cleaning aids.2. DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Cleaning aids are commonplace and have versatile designs, typically including sponges and scouring pads that are used with detergents to clean various surfaces and utensils.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The following is a simplified summary providing an initial understanding of the invention. The summary does not necessarily identify key elements nor limit the scope of the invention, but merely serves as an introduction to the following description.

[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides a disposable cleaning aid comprising: an expandable sponge layer, a scouring pad made of plant fibers attached to the expandable sponge layer, and a cleaning agent layer attached between the expandable sponge layer and the scouring pad, wherein, upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand and the cleaning agent layer is configured to release detergent.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a package comprising a plurality of the disposable cleaning aids, and instructions for usage.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing a disposable cleaning aid, the method comprising attaching a cleaning agent layer between an expandable sponge layer and a scouring pad, which are attached to each other, wherein, upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand and the cleaning agent layer is configured to release detergent.

[0007] These, additional, and / or other aspects and / or advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description which follows, possibly inferable from the detailed description, and / or learnable by practice of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSP-641332-PC

[0008] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0009] In the accompanying drawings:

[0010] Figures 1A, IB and 2 are schematic illustrations of disposable cleaning aids, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0011] Figure 3 is a high-level flowchart illustrating a method, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0012] It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In the following description, various aspects of the present invention are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well known features may have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention. With specific reference to the drawings, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0014] Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments that may be practiced or carried out in various ways as well asP-641332-PCto combinations of the disclosed embodiments. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0015] Some embodiments of the present invention provide efficient and economical methods and mechanisms for cleaning, and thereby provide improvements to the technological field of disposable cleaning aids. Disposable cleaning aids, packages thereof and production methods are provided. The disposable cleaning aid comprises an expandable sponge layer, a scouring pad made of plant fibers attached to the expandable sponge layer, and a cleaning agent layer attached between the expandable sponge layer and the scouring pad, wherein, upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand, and the cleaning agent layer is configured to release detergent. The scouring pad may be made of sisal (Agave sisalana) fibers, and the cleaning aids may be packaged as disposable cleaning aids that quickly expand and release detergent upon wetting. Disposable cleaning aids thus comprise soap infused, pop up sponges, that provide highly hygienic and environmentally-friendly solutions for various cleaning tasks in various environments.

[0016] Figures 1A, IB and 2 are schematic illustrations of disposable cleaning aids 100, according to some embodiments of the invention. Figures 1A and IB illustrate cleaning aid with one and two scouring pads, respectively, in perspective, side and exploded view, and Figure 2 provides images of cleaning aids before and after expansion of the sponge layer upon absorption of water.

[0017] Disposable cleaning aids 100 comprise an expandable sponge layer 130, one or two scouring pad(s) 120 made of plant fibers, and a cleaning agent layer 110 attached between expandable sponge layer 130 and scouring pad 120. Sponge layer 130 is configured to expand and cleaning agent layer 110 is configured to release detergent upon absorption of water (see, e.g., Figure 2). For example, upon absorption of water, sponge layer 130 may be configured to expand in thickness by at least 5-10 times, e.g., from a thickness of ca. 0.1-0.2cm to a thickness of ca.1.4±0.2cm. As scouring pad(s) 120 and cleaning agent layer 110 maintain their thickness upon wetting (e.g., about 0.6cm and 0.4-0.5cm respectively), the total thickness of cleaning aid 100 may increase upon wetting by ca. 50%, from about 1.2+0.1cm to about 1.8+0.1cm (as part of the thickness of cleaning agent layer 110 is enveloped by the expanding sponge layer 130). In some embodiments, the total thickness of cleaning aid 100 may increase upon wetting by ca. 150%, from about 0.7+0.1cm to about 1.7+0.1cm (with a single scouring pad 120), or by ca. 170%, from about 0.7+0.1cm to about 1.9+0.1cm (with two scouring pads 120A, 120B), as measured in differentP-641332-PCexperiments. In some embodiments, the total thickness of cleaning aid 100 may increase upon wetting by ca. 50%, ca. 100%, ca. 150%, ca. 200% or intermediate values, depending on the material and size of sponge layer 130.

[0018] In various embodiments, cleaning agent layer 110 may comprise a combination of cleaning agent and adhesive, applied as a layer connecting scouring pad(s) 120 and sponge layer 130. When applied as comprise a combination of cleaning agent and adhesive, cleaning agent layer 110 may not be protruding into sponge layer 130 or into scouring pad(s) 120.

[0019] Disposable cleaning aid 100 may comprise one or two scouring pad(s) 120 and 120A, 120B on either side of sponge layer 130 (see Figures 1A and IB, respectively). Scouring pad(s) 120 may be made of various types of plant fibers, e.g., scouring pad(s) 120 may be made of sisal (Agave sisalana) fibers as shown in Figure 2. In various embodiments, scouring pad(s) 120 may be made of other plant-based fibers or materials such as coconut fibers, luffa, ananas fibers, bamboo fibers, flax fibers, jute fibers, raffia fibers, hemp fibers, palmyra fibers (or fibers from other types of palms), bagasse fibers, etc. Disposable cleaning aid 100 may be configured in various shapes and colors and may have rectangular or rounded corners.

[0020] In Figures 1A and IB, cleaning agent layer 110 is illustrated as a separate layer in the exploded views and is indicated in broken lines in the perspective views. It is noted that cleaning agent layer 110 is included within the volume of scouring pad(s) 120 and / or sponge layer 130 upon attachment (see also Figure 2).

[0021] Figures 1A and IB further illustrate schematically the expansion of sponge layer 130 upon wetting and absorption of water and the release of detergent from cleaning agent layer 110. It is noted that during the expansion of sponge layer 130, some envelopment of the cleaning agent layer 110 by sponge layer 130, particularly as the dimensions of cleaning agent layer 110 may be smaller than the dimensions of sponge layer 130 and scouring pad(s) 120.

[0022] For example, sponge layer 130 and scouring pad(s) 120 may be 6.5cm x 10cm in dimensions, while cleaning agent layer 110 may be 5.5cm x 8cm in dimensions. In various embodiments, the dimensions of cleaning agent layer 110 may be smaller than the dimensions of sponge layer 130 and scouring pad(s) 120 by, e.g., 10%, 20%, 30% or intermediate values in length and width, and / or the area of cleaning agent layer 110 may be smaller than the area of sponge layer 130 and scouring pad(s) 120 by, e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or intermediate values.P-641332-PC

[0023] Multiple disposable cleaning aids 100 may be included in a package comprising a plurality of disclosed disposable cleaning aids 100 and instructions for usage. The instructions may address the composition of cleaning aids 100, their proper use, possible hazards and corresponding safety measures. The package of disposable cleaning aids 100 may comprise a window through which the type and number of disposable cleaning aids 100 is visible, and package may be wrapped by a biodegradable wrapping, such as plant-based (e.g., maize-based) nylon. Various types of cleaning aids 100 may be produced to have different colors of layers to allow identification of the type of product through the window.

[0024] In various embodiments, expandable sponge layer 130 may be made of cellulose. Cleaning agent layer 110 may comprise any of various types of detergents for versatile purposes and may include any of: disinfectants, skin-protective agents, foaming agents, additives (e.g., for fragrance, color, etc.), added acids, lye, anionic and nonionic surfactants, sequestering agents, solvents, hydrotropic substances, etc. Attachment of the layers may be carried out with adhesives. Scouring pad(s) 120 may be configured to include various types of abrasive powders.

[0025] In production, scouring pad(s) 120 may be attached onto expandable sponge layer 130 in dry and compressed form to form a sheet which is then cut to measure to provide multiple disposable expandable cleaning aids 100. Cleaning agent layer 110 may be attached between the sheets of scouring pad(s) 120 and expandable sponge layer 130 before cutting, and / or cleaning agent layer 110 may comprise adhesive(s) and be used directly to attach scouring pad(s) 120 and expandable sponge layer 130 (before cutting).

[0026] Various embodiments of cleaning aids 100 may have different shapes and different dimensions (width, length and thickness before and after expansion), e.g., in correspondence with various types of usage, such as general cleaning, dish cleaning, facial cleansing, body cleaning, etc. Expansion of expandable sponge layer 130 may be carried out by absorbing liquids of various types, e.g., of water or water mixed with detergent, or various liquid cleaning materials.

[0027] Figure 3 is a high-level flowchart illustrating a method 200, according to some embodiments of the invention. The method stages may be carried out with respect to disposable cleaning aid 100 described above, which may optionally be configured to be produced by method 200. Method 200 may comprise the following stages, irrespective of their order.

[0028] Method 200 may comprise providing a disposable cleaning aid (stage 205) by attaching a cleaning agent layer between an expandable sponge layer and at least one scouring pad, which areP-641332-PCattached to each other (stage 230). Upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand, and the cleaning agent layer is configured to release detergent. In various embodiments, method 200 may further comprise configuring the sponge layer to expand upon absorption of water (stage 210) and / or configuring the cleaning agent layer to release detergent upon absorption of water (stage 215). Upon absorption of water, the sponge layer may be configured to expand in thickness by at least 5-10 times.

[0029] In various embodiments, method 200 may further comprise making the scouring pad of sisal (Agave sisalana) fibers (stage 220) and / or attaching an additional scouring pad to the sponge layer, on a side opposing the cleaning agent layer (stage 225).

[0030] It is noted that a value modified by the term “about” is understood to encompass ±10% of the value.

[0031] Elements from Figures 1A-3 may be combined in any operable combination, and the illustration of certain elements in certain figures and not in others merely serves an explanatory purpose and is non-limiting.

[0032] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the invention. The various appearances of "one embodiment”, "an embodiment", "certain embodiments" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Certain embodiments of the invention may include features from different embodiments disclosed above, and certain embodiments may incorporate elements from other embodiments disclosed above. The disclosure of elements of the invention in the context of a specific embodiment is not to be taken as limiting their use in the specific embodiment alone. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in certain embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

[0033] The invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unlessP-641332-PCotherwise defined. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

P-641332-PCCLAIMS1. A disposable cleaning aid comprising:an expandable sponge layer,at least one scouring pad made of plant fibers attached to the expandable sponge layer, and a cleaning agent layer attached between the expandable sponge layer and the scouring pad, wherein, upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand, and the cleaning agent layer is configured to release detergent.

2. The disposable cleaning aid of claim 1, wherein, upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand in thickness by at least 5-10 times.

3. The disposable cleaning aid of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one scouring pad is made of sisal {Agave sisalana) fibers.

4. The disposable cleaning aid of any one of claims 1-3, comprising two scouring pads.

5. A package comprising a plurality of the disposable cleaning aids of any one of claims 1-4, and instructions for usage.

6. The package of claim 5, comprising a window through which a type and / or a number of the disposable cleaning aids is visible, the package wrapped in bio-degradable wrapping.

7. A method of providing a disposable cleaning aid, the method comprising attaching a cleaning agent layer between an expandable sponge layer and a scouring pad, which are attached to each other, wherein, upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand and the cleaning agent layer is configured to release detergent.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising configuring the sponge layer to expand upon absorption of water.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, upon absorption of water, the sponge layer is configured to expand in thickness by at least 5-10 times.

10. The method of any one of claims 7-9, further comprising configuring the cleaning agent layer to release detergent upon absorption of water.

11. The method of any one of claims 7-10, further comprising making the scouring pad of sisal {Agave sisalana) fibers.

12. The method of any one of claims 7-11, further comprising attaching an additional scouring pad to the sponge layer, on a side opposing the cleaning agent layer

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