WO2011108926A1

WO2011108926A1 - Cleaning element, assembly and method for manufacturing the cleaning element

Info

Publication number: WO2011108926A1
Application number: PCT/NL2011/050147
Authority: WO
Inventors: René Alexander DE JONGH
Original assignee: The Job-Provider B.V.
Priority date: 2010-03-04
Filing date: 2011-03-04
Publication date: 2011-09-09
Also published as: NL2004341C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning element 1 for removing dirt and/or dust 10 from substantially roughened leather, the cleaning element 1 comprising a support having a substantially rough surface texture on at least one side. The support is completely surrounded by a latex layer 9. The invention also relates to an assembly of the cleaning element 1 and a support element 3. The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing the cleaning element 1.

Description

Cleaning element, assembly and method for manufacturing the cleaning element

The invention relates to a cleaning element for removing dirt and/or dust from substantially roughened leather.

The use of roughened leather, for example suede and nubuck, for the manufacture of for example clothing, shoes, bags and furniture is generally known. Suede is a type of leather which is obtained from goatskin, sheepskin or calfskin and is tanned using chrome salt. Suede is substantially made from the inner side of leather because that does not comprise any skin layer. As a result thereof, suede is thinner and softer than standard leather, but also less durable. Suede has a brushed look, due to which it may resemble cloth material, for example velour. This makes suede particularly suitable for manufacturing clothing.

Nubuck is a type of leather which does comprise a layer of skin. Due to the fact that this layer of skin is lightly sanded, nubuck may have a velvet-like appearance. As a result thereof, the appearance of nubuck may be similar to that of suede and/or velour. Due to the layer of skin, nubuck is thicker than suede and the durability of nubuck is greater. As a result thereof, nubuck is used in particular for the manufacture of shoes and furniture.

Suede is relatively susceptible to staining as the woven structure and the open pores of the suede make it possible for dirt, such as for example food and/or grease, to be quickly absorbed by the leather and are subsequently difficult to remove therefrom. Due to the open structure of the lightly sanded layer of skin, the same is also true, albeit to a slightly lesser degree, for nubuck.

The use of brushes which have metal and/or hard plastic bristles, is generally known for cleaning suede and/or nubuck shoes. As has already been mentioned above, the succesful removal of dirt and or dust and/or grease from suede and/or nubuck is relatively difficult. A drawback associated with the use of the abovementioned brushes is the fact that there is a significant risk of the leather being damaged when removing dirt and/or dust and/or grease.

When washing clothing which consists mainly of suede, the risk of damage due to the suede becoming hard is significant. Therefore, cleaning of suede clothing is usually carried out by means of a chemical method using special cleaning machines. In addition to the drawback that dry-cleaning is only really suitable for suede clothing, it can lead to accelerated wear and is relatively expensive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive cleaning element by means of which dust and/or dirt in the form of, for example, food and/or grease stains can at least be partially removed by hand from leather of a substantially roughened type of leather, such as suede and/or nubuck. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cleaning element which at least reduces the risk of damage to the leather as a result of cleaning.

At least one of the objects is achieved by a cleaning element according to the present invention comprising a support having a substantially rough surface structure on at least one side, wherein the support is completely surrounded by a latex layer. Due to the brushed structure of suede and nubuck, these types of leather are referred to as having a nap, just like certain fabrics. The nap is the direction in which fibres, yarns or a motive of a fabric are substantially arranged. Due to the substantially rough surface structure of the support, the nap of the suede and/or nubuck can be raised. As a result thereof, dirt and/or dust can be made more readily accessible for the latex layer which completely surrounds the support. As a result of the stickiness of the latex layer, dirt and or dust can be disposed of effectively. It will be clear that such a simple cleaning element is an inexpensive solution for at least partly removing dirt and/or dust by hand from products which comprise suede and or nubuck.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises fabric. The use of fabric as a support offers the possibility of providing a flexible cleaning element, for example a cleaning cloth. Furthermore, due to the flexibility of the support, the risk of damage to the leather is relatively small. In addition, such a cleaning cloth can be folded flat, as a result of which it can be readily stored in small storage means, such as a handbag or a trouser and/or inner pocket.

The fabric may, for example, be soaked or impregnated with latex as a result of which all separate fibres of a fabric are completely covered by a thin layer of latex. This could lead to an increased working surface of the cleaning element, due to which more dirt and/or dust could be taken up, which could result in a more effective cleaning of the suede and/or nubuck.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the fabric is an unwashed cheesecloth. An advantage of an unwashed cheesecloth is the fact that it comprises at least one surface with a substantially rough surface texture, as a result of which dirt and/or dust can be loosened.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cheesecloth is a fabric of substantially unbleached cotton. Fibres of unbleached cotton have a rougher texture than fibres of bleached cotton which may have a smoother texture as a result of the use of bleaching chemicals. As a result thereof, a cheesecloth of substantially unbleached cotton will have a rougher surface texture and a better cleaning action than a cheesecloth containing bleached cotton.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the fabric has a mesh width which is in a range of 0.1 - 2.0 mm, preferably in a range of 0.5 - 1.5 mm. The mesh width of the fabric is important with respect to the degree to which dirt and/or dust can be loosened and removed in an effective manner by the cleaning element. On the one hand, if the mesh width is smaller than 0.1 mm, it is virtually impossible to provide a surface which is sufficiently rough to loosen dirt and/or dust effectively from the suede and/or nubuck. On the other hand, if the mesh width is greater than 2.0 mm, the cleaning element can become too soft, which may greatly reduce the efficiency of removing dirt and/or dust.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cheesecloth has a weight per unit area which is in a range of 50- 180 g/m , preferably in a range of 90- 110 g/m . A cheesecloth having a weight per unit area of less than 50 g/m , is generally not sufficiently strong to be able to ensure effective removal of dirt and/or dust. With a cheesecloth having a weight per unit area of more than 180 g/m , it is generally not possible to render the roughness of the surface sufficiently large, thus making it difficult to achieve effective action of the cleaning element. The inventors have found that unwashed and/or unbleached cheesecloths having a weight per unit area in the range of 90 - 110 g/m² offer the best chance of removing dirt and/or dust from suede and/or nubuck most effectively.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the latex layer substantially comprises natural latex. An advantage of natural latex is the fact that its stickiness is sufficient to remove dirt and/or dust effectively without imparting damage in the form of, for example, remains of adhesive left behind on the suede and/or nubuck.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the latex layer substantially comprises synthetic latex. The use of synthetic latex could result in a reduction in costs in the manufacture of the cleaning element without having to compromise with regard to the degree to which dirt and/or dust can be removed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, ammonia is added to the synthetic latex. Ammonia is important when applying latex to the cheesecloth. Natural latex already contains ammonia, synthetic latex does not. Therefore, ammonia will have to be added in the case of synthetic latex when applying it to the cheesecloth.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dimensions for the length and/or width of the cleaning element are in a range of approximately 15-60 cm, preferably in a range of 20-40 cm. This makes manual use of the cleaning element possible.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning element can be used on at least two sides, for example because the latex has been applied on two sides. Thus, the cleaning element can be used more often and the costs for the consumer will decrease.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning element can be folded and stored in a packaging container. An advantage of a folded cleaning cloth is the fact that it takes up little space in, for example, a handbag or an inside pocket of a piece of clothing and can thus be carried more easily than, for example, a brush, which is usually used to clean suede. A pouch comprising cellophane can, for example, be used as a packaging container. The cellophane pouch can easily and inexpensively be made to be resealable by providing, for example, an adhesive edge on a part of the pouch which can be folded over an opening of the pouch in order to close the opening.

According to another aspect, the present invention comprises an assembly of a cleaning element and a support element, wherein the cleaning element can be attached, optionally detachably, to the support element. The cleaning element can be attached to the support element via a securing element, for example a hook and loop fastener. This offers the consumer the advantage of only having to buy an assembly, if desired once, for example in the form of a block with a cleaning cloth attached thereto. If the cleaning cloth is dirty, it can be removed from the support element and be replaced with a new cloth. If the cleaning cloth is not detachably attached to the support element, the assembly is disposed of after use. In this case, it is important to provide an inexpensive assembly, in which the support element comprises, for example, plastic.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the support element of the assembly comprises at least a first part which can be detachably attached to a second part, wherein at least the first part forms a handle, wherein the cleaning element can be attached to at least the second part. If the cleaning element is detachably attached to the second part, the second part can be disposed of together with the cleaning element after use and a new second part with a clean cleaning element can be attached to the first part. As a result thereof, it is possible to choose a more luxurious embodiment, for example made of wood and/or metal, for the handle which is formed by at least the second part.

Although the present invention will be described by means of specific

embodiments, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The invention is described by means of measures, in which case explicit advantages may be mentioned, but in which case there may also be implicit advantages. The subject matter of the invention of this application or of a divisional application may relate to each of these measures, some combinations of which have been described and/or shown explicitly in this description, but which may also be described implicitly. Although the drawings show explicit combinations of measures, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that a number of the measures can also be taken separate from one another.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. la shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the cleaning element according to the present invention,

Fig. lb shows a detail view of a cotton fibre which is surrounded by a latex layer. Some dirt and/or dust is sticking to the latex layer.

Fig. lc shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the cleaning element according to the present invention,

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, and

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention.

The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Identical or similar parts in different figures may be denoted by the same reference numerals.

Fig. la shows a cleaning cloth 1 as an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning element according to the present invention. The cleaning cloth 1 may be made of fabric. A suitable choice may be cheesecloth which has optionally been washed. An advantage of unwashed cheesecloth compared to washed cheesecloth is the greater roughness of the cotton fibres 8 which are incorporated in the cheesecloth. As a result thereof, dirt and/or dust 10 on roughened types of leather, such as suede and/or nubuck, can be loosened more readily. In addition, the roughness of unbleached cotton fibres 8 is greater than the roughness of bleached cotton fibres 8 because bleaching chemicals could make the cotton fibres 8 smoother.

The cleaning cloth 1 is completely surrounded by a latex layer 9. In this case, the latex can be natural latex or synthetic latex to which ammonia has been added for the purpose of applying it to the cheesecloth. Due to the stickiness of the latex layer 9, loosened dirt and/or dust 10 sticks to the latex layer 9 and can thus be removed from a suede and/or nubuck surface to be cleaned.

Fig. lb shows a detail view of a cotton fibre 8 which is completely surrounded by the latex layer 9. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the working surface of the cleaning cloth 1 is enlarged in this case and that more dirt and/or dust 10 can be removed using the same cloth.

Fig. la furthermore shows that the cleaning cloth 1 has a mesh structure 2, the mesh width (x) of which is in a range of 0.1 - 2.0 mm, preferably in a range of 0.5 - 1.5 mm. As has been indicated above, the mesh width (x) is important in connection with the effectiveness with which dirt and/or dust 10 can be removed.

Fig. 1 a furthermore shows the length (L) and width (B) of the cleaning cloth ( I ) which are in a range of approximately 15 - 60 cm, preferably in a range of 20 - 40 cm. This makes it possible to use the cleaning element 1 by hand.

Fig. lc shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the cleaning cloth 1 according to the present invention wherein a second mesh structure 7 is provided on the mesh structure 2. The mesh width (y) of the second mesh structure 7 is larger than the mesh width (x) of mesh structure 2. Providing the second mesh structure could increase the strength and/or the roughness of the cleaning cloth 1 which could, in turn, increase its effectiveness in removing dirt and/or dust 10.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly 20 according to the present invention. The support element 3 is configured as a block and the cleaning cloth 1 is attached, optionally detachably, to at least one side of the block 3. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that, instead thereof, it is also possible to use different shapes, such as a cylinder or triangle, for the support element 3. The cleaning cloth 1 may be detachably attached to the block 3 by means of a securing element, which is not shown in Fig. 2, for example a hook and loop fastener which is arranged between the cleaning cloth 1 and one side of the block 3. When the cleaning cloth 1 is dirty, it can be removed from the support element 3 and be replaced with a new cloth 1. If the cleaning cloth 1 is not detachably attached to the support element, for example by means of glue, the assembly 20 is disposed of after use. To this end, it is important to provide an inexpensive assembly 20, with the support element 3 comprising, for example plastic.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the assembly 20 according to the present invention. The support element 3 of the assembly 20 comprises at least a first part 4 which can be detachably attached to a second part 5. In Fig. 3, the second part 5 is represented as a block. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that it is also possible to use other shapes, such as a cylinder or triangle, instead thereof.

Attaching the second part 5 to the first part 4 can be effected by means of a connecting element 6. In Fig. 3, the connecting element is a screw which is attached to the first part 4 and can be screwed into the second part 5. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that other connecting elements can also be used. At least the first part 4 forms a handle for holding the support element 3 of the assembly 20 in a hand. The cleaning cloth 1 can be attached to at least the second part 5. If the cleaning cloth 1 is detachably attached to the second part 5, the entire second part 5 together with the cleaning cloth 1 can be disposed of after use and a new second part 5 with a clean cleaning cloth 1 can be attached to the first part 4. This makes it possible to choose a more luxurious embodiment, for example made of wood and/or metal, for the handle 5 which is formed at least by the second part.

The present invention is not limited to the abovementioned advantageous embodiments thereof. Rather, the rights sought are defined by the following claims, which allow for numerous modifications.

Claims

1. Cleaning element (1) for removing dirt and/or dust (10) from substantially

roughened leather, the cleaning element (1) comprising a support having a substantially rough surface texture on at least one side, wherein the support is completely surrounded by a latex layer (9).

2. Cleaning element (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the support comprises fabric.

3. Cleaning element (1) according to Claim 2, wherein the fabric is an unwashed cheesecloth.

4. Cleaning element (1) according to Claim 3, wherein the cheesecloth is a fabric of substantially unbleached cotton.

5. Cleaning element (1) according to Claim 4, wherein the fabric has a mesh width (2) which is in a range of 0.1 - 2.0 mm, preferably in a range of 0.5 - 1.5 mm.

6. Cleaning element (1 ) according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the cheesecloth has a weight per unit area which is in a range of 50 - 180 g/m², preferably in a range of 90 - 1 10 g m².

7. Cleaning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latex layer (9) substantially comprises natural latex.

8. Cleaning element (1 ) according to one of Claims 1-6, wherein the latex layer (9) substantially comprises synthetic latex.

9. Cleaning element (1) according to Claim 8, wherein ammonia is added to the synthetic latex.

10. Cleaning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensions for the length (L) and/or width (B) of the cleaning element (1) are in a range of approximately 15 - 60 cm, preferably in a range of 20 - 40 cm.

11. Cleaning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

cleaning element (1) can be used on at least two sides.

12. Cleaning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

cleaning element (1) can be folded and stored in a packaging container.

13. Assembly (20) of a cleaning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a support element (3), wherein the cleaning element (1) can be attached, optionally detachably, to the support element (3).

14. Assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the support element (3) comprises at least a first part (4) which can be detachably attached to a second part (5), wherein at least the first part (4) forms a handle, wherein the cleaning element (1) can be attached to at least the second part (5).

15. Method for manufacturing a cleaning element (1) according to one of Claims 1- 12, wherein the method comprises:

- providing a support having a substantially rough surface texture on at least one side, and

- providing a latex layer (9) which completely surrounds the support.