US20040154118A1 - Stain removing device - Google Patents

Stain removing device Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040154118A1
US20040154118A1 US10/364,183 US36418303A US2004154118A1 US 20040154118 A1 US20040154118 A1 US 20040154118A1 US 36418303 A US36418303 A US 36418303A US 2004154118 A1 US2004154118 A1 US 2004154118A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
backing
scrubbing
scrubbing protrusions
sponge
flexible
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/364,183
Inventor
Jamie Bohn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/364,183 priority Critical patent/US20040154118A1/en
Publication of US20040154118A1 publication Critical patent/US20040154118A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L13/00Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L13/10Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
    • A47L13/12Implements with several different treating devices
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L13/00Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L13/10Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
    • A47L13/16Cloths; Pads; Sponges
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L25/00Domestic cleaning devices not provided for in other groups of this subclass 
    • A47L25/08Pads or the like for cleaning clothes

Definitions

  • the disclosure is generally related to a device to treat a soiled fabric, and more particularly to a combination sponge and scrubber.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an example of a stain removing device.
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the stain removing device of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is side view of the stain removing device of FIG. 1 in a compressed state.
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the stain removing device of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a second example of a stain removing device.
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the stain removing device of FIG. 5.
  • the stain removing device 10 includes an absorber 12 , with an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16 , and a scrubber 18 .
  • the absorber 12 can be any structure known to absorb liquids, including but not limited to a sponge or sponge-like material, a towel, a cloth, or other materials known in the art.
  • the scrubber 18 includes a backing 20 , with an inner surface 22 and an outer surface 24 , and a plurality of scrubbing protrusions 26 extending from the outer surface 24 of the backing 20 .
  • the inner surface 22 of the backing 20 is fastened to the inner surface 16 of the absorber 12 using any means known in the art, such as adhering the backing 20 to the absorber 12 using a glue.
  • the backing 20 can be made from a flexible, resilient material, such as rubber or a flexible elastomer material.
  • the scrubbing protrusions 26 can also be made from a flexible, resilient material such as rubber or a flexible elastomer material. Further, the scrubbing protrusions 26 and the backing 20 can be made from the same material and, to facilitate ease of manufacture and assembly, the scrubbing protrusions 26 and the backing 20 can be molded as a single unit.
  • the scrubbing protrusions 26 can be molded into a conical shape with rounded tips 30 .
  • the rounded tips 30 ensure that a delicate fabric will not be damaged while a user is scrubbing out a stain with the device 10 .
  • the scrubbing protrusions 26 can be hollow.
  • FIG. 3 details a particular feature of the disclosed stain removing device 10 .
  • the backing 20 being manufactured from a flexible material, it is possible to fold the device 10 about itself such that the absorber 12 is compressed upon itself and between a left section 32 and a right section 34 of the backing 20 .
  • liquid held within the absorber 12 such as water, stain removing liquid, and the stain itself, may be squeezed out and disposed of, as is well known in the art.
  • the device 10 can flexible in all directions with a flexible backing 20 , the device 10 can be folded about itself in any direction.
  • FIGS. 2 and 4 detail the geometric layout of the present example of the device, and define a direction X and a direction Y.
  • the scrubbing protrusions 26 may have a base diameter D 1 and a crown diameter D 2 .
  • the scrubbing protrusions 26 can have a base diameter D 1 of approximately 5 mm and can taper to a crown diameter D 2 of approximately 3 mm at the rounded tips 30 .
  • the scrubbing protrusions 26 further have a distance D 3 between their respective centers along the X direction, and a distance D 4 between their respective centers along the Y direction.
  • the distance D 3 can be approximately 9 mm
  • the distance D 4 can also be 9 mm.
  • the angle ⁇ between directions X and Y can be approximately 73°. All dimensions listed herein are illustrative, and many sizes and dimensions may be found to be effective.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show an isometric view and a bottom view of a second example of a stain removing device 40 .
  • the features and functionality of the second stain removing device 40 are similar to the first stain removing device 10 , however the layout of the scrubbing protrusions 42 are different.
  • the rows and columns of the scrubbing protrusions 42 define directions X 2 and Y 2 which have an angle ⁇ 2 which is approximately 90°.
  • the distance D 5 between the centers of the scrubbing protrusions 42 along the X 2 direction is approximately 9 mm
  • the distance D 6 between the centers of the scrubbing protrusions 42 along the Y 2 direction is also approximately 9 mm.
  • the stain removing device disclosed herein is particularly adapted for the use of removing stains associated with owning a pet.
  • Pets such as dogs and cats tend to leave large stains with large particles that smell unpleasant, i.e. vomit, feces, etc.
  • the larger scrubbing protrusions with rounded end points allow for thorough scrubbing action to remove the large particles without damaging the underlying fabric. This is very helpful when dealing with such an unsightly and unpleasant mess.
  • a user may apply a stain removing liquid to a stain in a fabric such as carpet, upholstery, clothing, etc.
  • the user can then agitate the stain by rubbing the scrubbing protrusions 26 against the stain, thereby lifting the stain from the fabric.
  • the user can then invert the device 10 and blot the stain and the liquid by applying the absorber 12 to the fabric to remove the liquids from the fabric.
  • the user can then rid the absorber 12 of the liquids by folding the device 10 about itself and applying pressure, such that the absorber 12 is compressed on itself and between the left section 32 and the right section 34 of the backing 20 .
  • By compressing the absorber 12 liquid is forced out of the absorber 12 as is well known in the art.

Abstract

A device for treating a stain is disclosed. The device includes a scrubber which has a backing with an inner surface and an outer surface. Extending from the outer surface of the backing is a plurality of scrubbing protrusions. Fastened to the inner surface of the backing is an absorber such as a sponge. The backing and scrubbing protrusions may be molded from a flexible, resilient material, with the scrubbing protrusions being conical in shape with rounded ends. The absorber may be compressed to remove liquid held therein by folding the device about itself such that the backing is over the absorber and applying pressure.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The disclosure is generally related to a device to treat a soiled fabric, and more particularly to a combination sponge and scrubber. [0001]
  • BACKGROUND
  • Many stain removing liquids for fabrics such as carpet and upholstery direct the user to apply the liquid stain remover directly to the stain, then agitate the stain and remover with a sponge or a paper towel. The user is then to blot up the stained area using a second paper towel or sponge. Depending on the severity of the stain, including the length of time the stain has set, a paper towel, rag, or sponge does not provide a sufficient agitation to effectively break up and lift the stain. Further, a more abrasive scrubbing brush may damage the fabric. There is a need for a stain removing device that can effectively agitate and scrub a fabric to lift a stain without damaging the fabric. It is also desirable to have an attached absorber to blot and lift out the stain and liquid stain remover.[0002]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an example of a stain removing device. [0003]
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the stain removing device of FIG. 1. [0004]
  • FIG. 3 is side view of the stain removing device of FIG. 1 in a compressed state. [0005]
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the stain removing device of FIG. 1. [0006]
  • FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a second example of a stain removing device. [0007]
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the stain removing device of FIG. 5.[0008]
  • While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and the equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [0009]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, an example of a [0010] stain removing device 10 is illustrated. In the disclosed example, the stain removing device 10 includes an absorber 12, with an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16, and a scrubber 18. The absorber 12 can be any structure known to absorb liquids, including but not limited to a sponge or sponge-like material, a towel, a cloth, or other materials known in the art. The scrubber 18 includes a backing 20, with an inner surface 22 and an outer surface 24, and a plurality of scrubbing protrusions 26 extending from the outer surface 24 of the backing 20. The inner surface 22 of the backing 20 is fastened to the inner surface 16 of the absorber 12 using any means known in the art, such as adhering the backing 20 to the absorber 12 using a glue.
  • In one example, the [0011] backing 20 can be made from a flexible, resilient material, such as rubber or a flexible elastomer material. The scrubbing protrusions 26 can also be made from a flexible, resilient material such as rubber or a flexible elastomer material. Further, the scrubbing protrusions 26 and the backing 20 can be made from the same material and, to facilitate ease of manufacture and assembly, the scrubbing protrusions 26 and the backing 20 can be molded as a single unit.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the scrubbing protrusions [0012] 26 can be molded into a conical shape with rounded tips 30. The rounded tips 30 ensure that a delicate fabric will not be damaged while a user is scrubbing out a stain with the device 10. To increase flexibility and decrease cost of manufacture, the scrubbing protrusions 26 can be hollow.
  • FIG. 3 details a particular feature of the disclosed [0013] stain removing device 10. With the backing 20 being manufactured from a flexible material, it is possible to fold the device 10 about itself such that the absorber 12 is compressed upon itself and between a left section 32 and a right section 34 of the backing 20. By applying compressive force F on the absorber 12, liquid held within the absorber 12, such as water, stain removing liquid, and the stain itself, may be squeezed out and disposed of, as is well known in the art. Being that the device 10 can flexible in all directions with a flexible backing 20, the device 10 can be folded about itself in any direction.
  • FIGS. 2 and 4 detail the geometric layout of the present example of the device, and define a direction X and a direction Y. The scrubbing protrusions [0014] 26 may have a base diameter D1 and a crown diameter D2. In this example the scrubbing protrusions 26 can have a base diameter D1 of approximately 5 mm and can taper to a crown diameter D2 of approximately 3 mm at the rounded tips 30. The scrubbing protrusions 26 further have a distance D3 between their respective centers along the X direction, and a distance D4 between their respective centers along the Y direction. In this example, the distance D3 can be approximately 9 mm, and the distance D4 can also be 9 mm. The angle θ between directions X and Y can be approximately 73°. All dimensions listed herein are illustrative, and many sizes and dimensions may be found to be effective.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show an isometric view and a bottom view of a second example of a stain removing device [0015] 40. The features and functionality of the second stain removing device 40 are similar to the first stain removing device 10, however the layout of the scrubbing protrusions 42 are different. In this example, the rows and columns of the scrubbing protrusions 42 define directions X2 and Y2 which have an angle θ2 which is approximately 90°. The distance D5 between the centers of the scrubbing protrusions 42 along the X2 direction is approximately 9 mm, and the distance D6 between the centers of the scrubbing protrusions 42 along the Y2 direction is also approximately 9 mm.
  • The stain removing device disclosed herein is particularly adapted for the use of removing stains associated with owning a pet. Pets such as dogs and cats tend to leave large stains with large particles that smell unpleasant, i.e. vomit, feces, etc. The larger scrubbing protrusions with rounded end points allow for thorough scrubbing action to remove the large particles without damaging the underlying fabric. This is very helpful when dealing with such an unsightly and unpleasant mess. [0016]
  • To use the [0017] stain removing device 10, a user may apply a stain removing liquid to a stain in a fabric such as carpet, upholstery, clothing, etc. The user can then agitate the stain by rubbing the scrubbing protrusions 26 against the stain, thereby lifting the stain from the fabric. The user can then invert the device 10 and blot the stain and the liquid by applying the absorber 12 to the fabric to remove the liquids from the fabric. The user can then rid the absorber 12 of the liquids by folding the device 10 about itself and applying pressure, such that the absorber 12 is compressed on itself and between the left section 32 and the right section 34 of the backing 20. By compressing the absorber 12, liquid is forced out of the absorber 12 as is well known in the art.
  • From the foregoing, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure sets forth a device for removing stains in a fabric. However, one of ordinary skill in the art could readily apply the novel teachings of this disclosure to any number of situations in which this device could be used. For example, this device may be useful as a shower aid or in massage therapy. As such, the teachings of this disclosure shall not be considered to be limited to the specific examples disclosed herein, but to include all applications within the spirit and scope of the invention. [0018]

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. A cleaning apparatus comprising:
an absorber;
a scrubber including a backing with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of scrubbing protrusions extending from the outer surface of the backing; and
wherein the absorber is attached to the inner surface of the backing.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backing is resiliently flexible, whereby the apparatus is capable of being folded about itself such that the absorber is squeezed to remove liquids held therein.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backing is rubber or flexible elastomer.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the scrubbing protrusions are manufactured from a resilient material.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the scrubbing protrusions are rubber or flexible elastomer.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the backing and the plurality of scrubbing protrusions are manufactured from a single mold.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the scrubbing protrusions are coneshaped.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the scrubbing protrusions have a rounded endpoint.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the scrubbing protrusions are hollow.
10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the absorber is a sponge.
11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the absorber is bonded to the scrubber by an adhesive.
12. A method of treating a stain in a fabric, including a flexible scrubber attached to a sponge, the method comprising:
agitating the fabric with the flexible scrubber,
inverting the scrubber, and
blotting the stain with the sponge, thereby treating the stain.
13. The method of claim 12, further including compressing the sponge by folding the flexible scrubber about the sponge to remove the liquid from the sponge.
14. The method of claim 12, further including the step of applying a cleaner to the stain prior to scrubbing the fabric with the flexible scrubber.
15. A device for removing pet stains, comprising:
a sponge;
a scrubber including a backing with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of scrubbing protrusions extending from the outer surface of the backing;
the backing being flexible and resilient;
the scrubbing protrusions being flexible and resilient, and having rounded endpoints;
the backing and the scrubbing protrusions being of unitary construction; and
wherein the sponge is attached to the inner side of the backing.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the scrubbing protrusions are substantially conical.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the scrubbing protrusions have a base diameter of approximately 5 mm, and a crown diameter of approximately 3 mm.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the distance between the centers of the scrubbing protrusions is approximately 9 mm.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the scrubbing protrusions are disposed in rows and columns, and the angle between the rows and columns is approximately 90 degrees.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the scrubbing protrusions are disposed in rows and columns, and the angle between the rows and columns is approximately 73 degrees.
US10/364,183 2003-02-11 2003-02-11 Stain removing device Abandoned US20040154118A1 (en)

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Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008048220A3 (en) * 2005-12-14 2008-07-17 Kimberly Clark Co Cleaning wipe with textured surface
US20090103969A1 (en) * 2007-10-23 2009-04-23 Joshua Bradley Feldman Abrasive injury cleaning system
US20110088186A1 (en) * 2008-06-14 2011-04-21 Werner Hilmann Brush
US7934284B2 (en) 2003-02-11 2011-05-03 Braun Gmbh Toothbrushes
US20140310909A1 (en) * 2011-04-18 2014-10-23 Quirky, Inc. Waste receptacle
US20150196184A1 (en) * 2014-01-14 2015-07-16 Dylan F. Muise Multi-purpose cleaning device
US9204775B2 (en) 2011-04-26 2015-12-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Scrubbing strip for a cleaning sheet, cleaning sheet used therewith, and method of making
USD861270S1 (en) * 2018-07-15 2019-09-24 Michael Ross Catania Sponge
USD869806S1 (en) * 2018-07-15 2019-12-10 Michael Ross Catiana Sponge
USD869805S1 (en) * 2018-07-15 2019-12-10 Michael Ross Catania Sponge
USD1010262S1 (en) * 2021-07-08 2024-01-02 Mya Johnson Cleaning apparatus with surface pattern
USD1017251S1 (en) * 2023-11-03 2024-03-12 Wenhuan Lin Sponge brush

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2485899A (en) * 1948-10-09 1949-10-25 Mcbreen James Brush or rubbing device
US2650158A (en) * 1950-08-03 1953-08-25 Carborundum Co Scouring implement
US4181446A (en) * 1977-08-29 1980-01-01 Kaufman Jack W Pre-operative surgical scrubber
US4903365A (en) * 1988-09-28 1990-02-27 Kaufman Jack W Resilient scrub brush
US5312197A (en) * 1993-05-24 1994-05-17 Abramson Daniel J Inter-digital surgical scrub brush for reducing skin trauma
US5429678A (en) * 1992-01-23 1995-07-04 Fany; Arthur J. Sponge squeegee combination
US6810553B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2004-11-02 Kao Corporation Disposable brush

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2485899A (en) * 1948-10-09 1949-10-25 Mcbreen James Brush or rubbing device
US2650158A (en) * 1950-08-03 1953-08-25 Carborundum Co Scouring implement
US4181446A (en) * 1977-08-29 1980-01-01 Kaufman Jack W Pre-operative surgical scrubber
US4903365A (en) * 1988-09-28 1990-02-27 Kaufman Jack W Resilient scrub brush
US5429678A (en) * 1992-01-23 1995-07-04 Fany; Arthur J. Sponge squeegee combination
US5312197A (en) * 1993-05-24 1994-05-17 Abramson Daniel J Inter-digital surgical scrub brush for reducing skin trauma
US6810553B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2004-11-02 Kao Corporation Disposable brush

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7934284B2 (en) 2003-02-11 2011-05-03 Braun Gmbh Toothbrushes
US7958589B2 (en) 2003-02-11 2011-06-14 The Gillette Company Toothbrushes
US8695149B2 (en) 2003-02-11 2014-04-15 Braun Gmbh Toothbrushes
WO2008048220A3 (en) * 2005-12-14 2008-07-17 Kimberly Clark Co Cleaning wipe with textured surface
US20090103969A1 (en) * 2007-10-23 2009-04-23 Joshua Bradley Feldman Abrasive injury cleaning system
US7540680B2 (en) * 2007-10-23 2009-06-02 Joshua Bradley Feldman Abrasive injury cleaning system
US20110088186A1 (en) * 2008-06-14 2011-04-21 Werner Hilmann Brush
US8595887B2 (en) * 2008-06-14 2013-12-03 Werner Hiltmann Brush
US20140310909A1 (en) * 2011-04-18 2014-10-23 Quirky, Inc. Waste receptacle
US20160338564A1 (en) * 2011-04-18 2016-11-24 Q Holdings Llc Waste receptacle
US9204775B2 (en) 2011-04-26 2015-12-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Scrubbing strip for a cleaning sheet, cleaning sheet used therewith, and method of making
US20150196184A1 (en) * 2014-01-14 2015-07-16 Dylan F. Muise Multi-purpose cleaning device
USD861270S1 (en) * 2018-07-15 2019-09-24 Michael Ross Catania Sponge
USD869806S1 (en) * 2018-07-15 2019-12-10 Michael Ross Catiana Sponge
USD869805S1 (en) * 2018-07-15 2019-12-10 Michael Ross Catania Sponge
USD1010262S1 (en) * 2021-07-08 2024-01-02 Mya Johnson Cleaning apparatus with surface pattern
USD1017251S1 (en) * 2023-11-03 2024-03-12 Wenhuan Lin Sponge brush

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