WO2017095378A1

WO2017095378A1 - Cleaning pad

Info

Publication number: WO2017095378A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/063005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan Lennart BLOM
Original assignee: Blom Dan Lennart
Priority date: 2015-11-30
Filing date: 2015-11-30
Publication date: 2017-06-08
Also published as: US20170150864A1

Abstract

A cleaning pad. The cleaning pad may comprise: a base layer; at least one first knitted section, one or more second knitted sections, and one or more third knitted sections. The base layer may be constructed of an absorbent material. The at least one first knitted section may comprise a plurality of blended microfiber yarns in stitched relation along a first portion of a bottom face of the base layer. The microfiber yarns may form a plush surface, each of the microfiber yarns projecting outwardly from the bottom face. The one or more second knitted sections may be in stitched relation along a second portion of the bottom face of the cleaning pad. The one or more third knitted sections may be in stitched relation along a third portion of the base layer. The top face of the base layer may removeably attach to a cleaning utensil.

Description

CLEANING PAD

FIELD OF USE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cleaning pads, and more particularly, to cleaning pads comprising various knitted material, such as microfiber and polyester material.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various types of cleaning pads have been used to clean surface floors. Cleaning pads are generally coupled to a cleaning utensil such as a mop handle or push stick and usually include cleaning surface material such as fabric or sponges. The cleaning surface material is generally used to capture or gather dirt and other micro particles and is preferably located at the bottom face of the cleaning pad. The rear face of the cleaning pad may include fasteners used for attaching the cleaning pad to the mop handle or push stick, and the advantages of utilizing such cleaning pads is to obtain a more effective scrubbing and cleaning action.

[0003] In recent years, the use of synthetic and natural fibers for cleaning pads such as microfiber material has been gaining popularity. Unlike the traditional cleaning pads, microfiber tends to attract more dirt and common household allergens, resulting in an increase in cleaning efficiency. In particular, the microfibers in these pads are usually positively charged, causing dust to cling onto the pads. Thus, unlike traditional sponge or cotton mops, which push dirt on a floor, microfiber tends to pick up even the tiniest specks or particles.

[0004] Importantly, microfiber generally does not create dust when burnishing the cleaning utensil because microfibers tend not to micro abrade. Because microfiber pads are generally washable and reused numerous times, microfiber pads tend to be an environmentally friendly cleaning choice. Although a number of cleaning pads utilizing microfibers are commercially available and useful for attracting dust, such cleaning pads are generally not as efficient for scrubbing and cleaning.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a new and improved cleaning pad that is more efficient in cleaning surface floors than traditional cleaning pads. Preferably, the new and improved cleaning pad may be efficient in cleaning, scrubbing, and/or attracting micro particles.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

[0006] To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present disclosure, the present specification discloses a new and improved cleaning pad.

[0007] One embodiment may be a cleaning pad adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base layer, at least one first knitted section, and one or more second knitted sections; wherein the base layer may be constructed of an absorbent material; wherein the at least one first knitted section may comprise a plurality of blended microfiber yarns in stitched relation along one or more first portions of a bottom face of the base layer; wherein the plurality of blended microfiber yarns may form a plush surface, and wherein each of the plurality of microfiber yarns may project outwardly from the bottom face of the base layer; wherein the one or more second knitted sections may be in stitched relation along one or more second portions of the bottom face of the base layer; and wherein a top face of the base layer may be adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus. The one or more second knitted sections may comprise a plurality of draw textured polyester yarns; wherein the plurality of draw textured polyester yarns may form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from the bottom face of the base layer; and wherein the plurality of draw textured polyester yarns may be substantially twisted at a range of approximately 400 to 500 turns per meter. The cleaning pad may further comprise: one or more third knitted sections; wherein the one or more third knitted sections may be in stitched relation along one or more third portions of the bottom face of the base layer and may comprise a plurality of polyester monofilament yarns; wherein the plurality of polyester monofilament yarns may form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from the bottom face; and wherein the plurality of polyester monofilament yarns may be substantially twisted at a range between approximately 400 to 500 turns per meter. The plurality of microfiber yarns may be 160d/72f blended microfiber yarns. The plurality of draw textured polyester yarns may be 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarns. The plurality of polyester monofilament yarns may be 225d/9f polyester monofilament yarns. The base layer may comprise a plurality of warp yarns and weft yarns interwoven with each other; wherein the plurality of weft yarns may be draw textured polyester yarns; and wherein the plurality of warp yarns may be fully drawn polyester yarns. The plurality of weft yarns may be 300d/96f draw textured polyester yarns. The plurality of warp yarns may be 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns. A pile height of the cleaning pad may be in a range between approximately 8 mm to 10 mm. A mass per unit area of the cleaning pad may have a weight in the range between approximately 500 to 540 grams per square meter. The top face of the base layer may comprise a hook and loop fastening material. [0008] Another embodiment may be a cleaning pad adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base layer; at least one first knitted section; one or more second knitted sections; and one or more third knitted sections; wherein the base layer may be constructed of an absorbent material; wherein the at least one first knitted section may comprise a plurality of blended microfiber yarns in stitched relation along one or more first portions of a bottom face of the base layer; wherein the plurality of blended microfiber yarns may form a plush surface; wherein each of the plurality of microfiber yarns may project outwardly from the bottom face of the base layer; whererin the one or more second knitted sections may be in stitched relation along one or more second portions of the bottom face of the base layer; wherein the one or more second knitted sections may comprise a plurality of draw textured polyester yarns; wherein the plurality of draw textured polyester yarns may form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from the bottom face of the base layer; wherein the plurality of draw textured polyester yarns may be substantially twisted at approximately 450 turns per meter; wherein the one or more third knitted sections may be in stitched relation along one or more third portions of the bottom face of the base layer; wherein the one or more third knitted sections may comprise a plurality of polyester monofilament yarns; wherein the plurality of polyester monofilament yarns may form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from the bottom face; wherein the plurality of polyester monofilament yarns may be substantially twisted at approximately 450 turns per meter; wherein the third portion of the base layer may be disposed between the one or more first portions and the one or more second portions of the base layer; wherein the plurality of microfiber yarns may be 160d/72f blended microfiber yarns; wherein the plurality of draw textured polyester yarns is 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarns; wherein the plurality of polyester monofilament yarns may be 225d/9f polyester monofilament yarns; and wherein a top face of the base layer may be adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus. The base layer may comprise a plurality of warp yarns and weft yarns interwoven with each other; wherein the plurality of weft yarns may be draw textured polyester yarns; wherein the plurality of warp yarns may be fully drawn polyester yarns. The plurality of weft yarns may be 300d/96f draw textured polyester yarns. The plurality of warp yarns may be 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns. A pile height of the cleaning pad may be in the range between approximately 8 mm to 10 mm. A mass per unit area of the cleaning pad may have a weight in the range between approximately 500 to 540 grams per square meter. A mass per unit area of the cleaning pad may have a weight in the range between approximately 550 to 650 grams per square meter.

[0009] Another embodiment may be a cleaning pad adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base layer; at least one first knitted section; one or more second knitted sections; and one or more third knitted sections; wherein the base layer is constructed of an absorbent material; wherein the at least one first knitted section comprises a plurality of blended microfiber yarns in stitched relation along one or more first portions of a bottom face of the base layer; wherein the plurality of blended microfiber yarns form a plush surface; wherein each of the plurality of microfiber yarns projects outwardly from the bottom face; wherein the one or more second knitted sections are in stitched relation along one or more second portions of the bottom face of the base layer and comprises a plurality of draw textured polyester yarns; wherein the plurality of draw textured polyester yarns form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from the bottom face of the base layer; wherein the plurality of draw textured polyester yarns are substantially twisted in approximately 450 turns per meter; wherein the one or more third knitted sections are in stitched relation along one or more third portions of the bottom face of the base layer; wherein the one or more third knitted sections comprise a plurality of polyester monofilament yarns; wherein the plurality of polyester monofilament yarns form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from the bottom face; wherein the plurality of polyester monofilament yarns are substantially twisted in approximately 450 turns per meter; wherein the one or more third portions of the base layer is disposed between the one or more first portions and the one or more second portions of the base layer; wherein the plurality of microfiber yarns is 160d/72f blended microfiber yarns; wherein the plurality of draw textured polyester yarns is 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarns; wherein the plurality of polyester monofilament yarns is 225d/9f polyester monofilament yarns; wherein the base layer comprises a plurality of warp yarns and weft yarns interwoven with each other; wherein the plurality of weft yarns is 300d/96f draw textured polyester yarns; wherein the plurality of warp yarns is 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns; wherein a pile height of the cleaning pad is in the range between approximately 8mm to 10 mms; wherein a mass per unit area of the cleaning pad has a weight in the range between approximately 550 to 650 grams per square meter; and wherein the top face of the cleaning pad comprises a hook and loop fastening material adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus.

[0010] It is an object to provide a cleaning pad that is adapted to be used on various surfaces, including hardwood, marble, and laminate floors.

[0011] It is an object to provide a cleaning pad that is adapted to perform multiple functions, including cleaning and scrubbing surfaces as well as attracting micro particles and dirt.

[0012] It is an object to provide a cleaning pad that is washable and reusable.

[0013] It is an object to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0014] These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, of the accompanying drawings, and of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bottom face of one embodiment of the cleaning pad.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the cleaning pad.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a bottom face of another embodiment of the cleaning pad.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-section view of another embodiment of the cleaning pad.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a close up illustration of one embodiment of the base layer.

[0021] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a top face of one embodiment of the cleaning pad.

[0022] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of a cleaning pad attached to a cleaning apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] In the following detailed description of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiments. However, the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0024] While some embodiments are disclosed here, other embodiments will become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of the following detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. The figures, and their detailed descriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

[0025] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is "substantially" located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "approximately" and "about" generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term "approximately" and "about", refer to a deviance of between 1-10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

[0027] As used herein, the term "pile height" refers to the measurement from the surface of the back to the top of a cleaning pad's pile, not including the thickness of the back of the pad.

[0028] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bottom face of one embodiment of the cleaning pad. As shown in FIG. 1 one embodiment of the cleaning pad 100 may comprise: a first knitted section 105, second knitted sections 110, and a base layer 115. The first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110 are preferably stitched material such as fabric, yarn, or polyester, adapted to clean various surfaces. The base layer 115 is generally absorbent material comprising of warp yarns 505 and weft yarns 510 (both shown in FIG. 5) interwoven with each other and used for stitch bonding of the first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110. The first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110 are preferably stitched onto the base layer 115 and may be a single color or multicolored.

[0029] The first knitted section 105, second knitted sections 110, and base layer 115 are preferably constructed of different yarn materials in order to perform multiple functions such as cleaning surfaces and attracting/holding dust and micro particles. For example, in one embodiment, the first knitted section 105 may be constructed of a microfiber yarn; the second knitted sections 110 may be constructed of polyester fabric; and the base layer 115 may be constructed of polyester fabric. In another embodiment, the first knitted section 105 may be constructed of a 160d/72f blended microfiber yarn; the second knitted sections 110 may be constructed of 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yarn; and the base layer 115 may be constructed of 300d/96f textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yarn, and/or 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first knitted section 105 may be constructed of a 160d/72f blended microfiber yarn, plied with zero twists per meter (tpm) to keep the first knitted section 105 fluffy or plush to form a total of 480d/216f blended microfiber yarn. Further, in this preferred embodiment, the second knitted sections 110 may be constructed of 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yarn and highly twisted in the range between approximately 400 to 500 tpm (preferably around 450 tpm), to lower the friction between the cleaning pad 100 and a floor. Additionally, in this preferred embodiment, the base layer 115 may be constructed of 300d/96f textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yarn, and 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns to ensure a low shrinkage rate.

[0031] As discussed above, the first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110 are preferably constructed of different yarn materials in order to perform different functions in removing dust and particles and cleaning various types of surfaces. For example, in the above embodiments, the first knitted section 105 may be constructed of a microfiber yarn in order to attract various dust and micro particles via charged ions, similar to a magnetic action, and the second knitted sections 110 may be constructed of polyester fabric to wipe and clean surfaces upon contact. This may allow this embodiment of the cleaning pad 100 to perform dual functions - i.e., cleaning and attracting dust particles.

[0032] FIG. 1 also shows that the first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110 are divided into two different sections on the bottom face of the cleaning pad. This will preferably help enhance the functionality and purpose of both the first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the first knitted section 105 is located along the center portion of the cleaning pad 100 and the second knitted sections 110 may be adjacent to the first knitted section 105 (i.e., top section and bottom section) of the cleaning pad 100. This configuration will preferably allow the second knitted sections 110 of the cleaning pad 100 to first clean or wipe the surface and then allow the first knitted section 105 to attract the dust or micro particles from the surface. Thus, when a user wipes a surface using the bottom face of the cleaning pad 100, the first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110 may be capable of performing its dual function of cleaning and attracting micro particles efficiently. However, it is contemplated that, in different embodiments, the material of the first knitted section 105 and the second knitted sections 110 may each be constructed of the same material. Additionally, in various embodiments, the first knitted section 105 and the second knitted sections 110 may be interwoven with each other and mixed within the same area.

[0033] In accordance with various embodiments, the cleaning pad 100 may have a mass per unit area of about 300 to 700 grams per square meter, more preferably about 400 to about 600 grams per square meter and most preferably about 520 grams per square meter. The cleaning pad 100 may also have a pile height of about 5-15 millimeters and more preferably about 8 to about 10 millimeters. While this embodiment of the cleaning pad 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is only using only two types of knitted material, it is likewise contemplated that a greater number of knitted material may be used if desired. For instance, another embodiment of the cleaning pad, shown in FIG. 3, may utilize three knitted sections.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the cleaning pad. As shown in FIG. 2 one embodiment of the cleaning pad 100 may comprise: a first knitted section 105, second knitted sections 110, and a base layer 115. FIG. 2 shows that first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110 are preferably stitched onto or otherwise connected to the base layer 115.

[0035] FIG. 2 also shows that the first knitted section 105, second knitted sections 110, and base layer 115 are preferably constructed of different yarn materials in order to help remove dust and particles and clean various types of surfaces. As discussed above, in one embodiment, the first knitted section 105 may be constructed of a microfiber yarn; the second knitted sections 110 may be constructed of polyester fabric; and the base layer 115 may be constructed of polyester fabric.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, however, the first knitted section 105 may be constructed of a 160d/72f blended microfiber yarn, plied with zero tpm to form a total of 480d/216f blended microfiber yarn; the second knitted sections 110 may be constructed of 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yarn and highly twisted around 450 tpm; and the base layer 115 may be constructed of 300d/96f textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yarn, and 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns.

[0037] FIG. 2 also shows that the first knitted section 105 and second knitted sections 110 may be divided into different sections on the bottom face of the cleaning pad. As shown in FIG. 2, the first knitted section 105 may preferably be located along the center portion or area of the cleaning pad 100 and the second knitted sections 110 may be adjacent to the first knitted section 105 (i.e., top section and bottom section) of the cleaning pad 100. This configuration may preferably allow the second knitted sections 110 of the cleaning pad 100 to first clean or wipe the surface and then allow the first knitted section 105 to attract additional or remaining dust or micro particles from the surface.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a bottom face of another embodiment of the cleaning pad. As shown in FIG. 3, another embodiment of the cleaning pad 300 may comprise: a first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, third knitted sections 315, and a base layer 320. The first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315 are preferably stitched material such as fabric, yarn, or polyester, adapted to clean various surfaces. The base layer 320 is generally absorbent material comprising of warp yarns 505 and weft yarns 510 interwoven among each other and used for stitch bonding of the first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315. As shown, the first knitted section 105, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315 may preferably be stitched onto the base layer 320.

[0039] Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, third knitted sections 315, and base layer 320 are preferably constructed of different yarn materials in order to help remove dust and particles and clean various types of surfaces. For example, in another embodiment, the first knitted section 305 may be constructed of a microfiber yarn; the second knitted sections 310 may be constructed of polyester fabric; the third knitted sections 315 may be constructed of polyester monofilament, and the base layer 320 may be constructed of polyester fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the first knitted section 305 may be constructed of a 160d/72f blended microfiber yarn; the second knitted sections 310 may be constructed of 450d/144f draw textured polyester yam or continuous filament yam; the third knitted sections 315 may be constructed of 225d/9f polyester monofilament, and the base layer 320 may be constructed of 300d/96f textured polyester yam or continuous filament yarn, and/or 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yams.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the first knitted section 305 may be constructed of a 160d/72f blended microfiber yam, plied with zero twists per meter (tpm) to keep the first knitted section 305 fluffy or plush to form a total of 480d/216f blended microfiber yam. In this embodiment, the second knitted sections 310 may be constructed of 450d/144f draw textured polyester yam or continuous filament yam and highly twisted in the range between approximately 400 to 500 tpm (preferably around 450tpm), to lower the friction. The third knitted sections 315 may be constructed of 225d/9f polyester monofilament yarn and highly twisted in the range between approximately 400 to 500 tpm (preferably around 450 tpm). The third knitted section will help ensure that the bottom face of the cleaning pad 100 provides sufficient scrubbing on a ground surface without damaging that surface. Further, in this preferred embodiment, the base layer 320 may be constructed of 300d/96f textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yam, and 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yams to ensure a low shrinkage rate.

[0041] The first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315 are preferably constructed of different yarn materials in order to perform multiple, complementary functions in removing dust and particles and clean various types of surfaces. For example, in the above embodiment, the first knitted section 305 may be constructed of a microfiber yam in order to attract various dust and micro particles via charged ions, similar to magnets; the second knitted section 310 may be constructed of polyester fabric to wipe and clean surfaces upon contact; and the third knitted sections 315 may be constructed of polyester monofilament yam to ensure sufficient scrubbing. This may allow the cleaning pad 100 to perform multiple functions - i.e., cleaning, scrubbing, and attracting dust particles.

[0042] FIG. 3 also shows that the first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315 are divided into three distinct sections on the bottom face of the cleaning pad 300. This will preferably help enhance the functionality and purpose of the first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315. As shown in FIG. 3, the first knitted section 305 may be located along the center portion of the cleaning pad 300; the second knitted sections 310 may be located at the top section and bottom section of the cleaning pad 300; and the third knitted sections 315 may be positioned between the first knitted section 305 and second knitted sections 310. This configuration will preferably allow the cleaning pad 100 to: (1) first clean or wipe the surface via the second knitted sections 305; (2) scrub the surface via the third knitted sections 315; and (3) then attract and hold dust or micro particles from the surface via the first knitted surface 305. Thus, when a user wipes the surface using the cleaning pad 100, the first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315, are able to perform the multiple functions of cleaning, scrubbing, and attracting micro particles efficiently. However, it is contemplated that, in different embodiments, the material of the first knitted section 305, the second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315 may each be constructed of the same material. Additionally, in various embodiments, first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315 may be interwoven with each other within the same sections.

[0043] In accordance with various embodiments, the cleaning pad 300 may have a mass per unit area of about 400 to 800 grams per square meter, more preferably about 550 to about 650 grams per square meter and most preferably about 600 grams per square meter. The cleaning pad 300 may also have a pile height of about 5-15 millimeters and more preferably about 8 to about 10 millimeters. Of course, while the cleaning pad 300 illustrated is using only three knitted sections, it is likewise contemplated that a greater number of knitted sections may be used if desired.

[0044] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-section view of another embodiment of the cleaning pad. As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment of the cleaning pad 300 may comprise: a first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, third knitted sections 315, and a base layer 320. The first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315 are preferably stitched onto the base layer 320 and may be a single color or multicolored.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows that the first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, third knitted sections 315, and base layer 320 are preferably constructed of different yarn materials in order to help remove dust and particles and clean various types of surfaces. For example, in another embodiment, the first knitted section 305 may be constructed of a microfiber yarn; the second knitted sections 310 may be constructed of polyester fabric; the third knitted sections 315 may be constructed of polyester monofilament, and the base layer 320 may be constructed of polyester fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the first knitted section 305 may be constructed of a 160d/72f blended microfiber yarn; the second knitted sections 310 may be constructed of 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yarn; the third knitted sections 315 may be constructed of 225d/9f polyester monofilament, and the base layer 320 may be constructed of 300d/96f textured polyester yarn or continuous filament yarn, and/or 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns.

[0046] FIG. 4 also shows that the first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315 are divided into independent sections on the bottom face of the cleaning pad 300. This will preferably help enhance the functionality and purpose of the first knitted section 305, second knitted sections 310, and third knitted sections 315. As shown in FIG. 4, the first knitted section 305 may be located along the center portion of the cleaning pad 300; the second knitted sections 310 may be located at the top section and bottom section of the cleaning pad 300; and the third knitted sections 315 may be positioned in-between the first knitted section 305 and second knitted sections 310. This configuration will preferably allow the cleaning pad 100 to: (1) first clean or wipe the surface via the second knitted sections 305; (2) scrub the surface via the third knitted sections 315; and (3) then attract and hold dust or micro particles from the surface via the first knitted surface 305.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a close up illustration of one embodiment of the base layer. As shown in FIG. 5, one embodiment of the base layer 500 may comprise warp yarns 505 and weft yarns 510. The warp yarns 505 may be fabric that is tightly stretched lengthwise, and the weft yarns 510 may be fabric that is woven between the warp yarns 505. In one embodiment, the warp yarns 505 may be stronger and coarser than the weft yarns 510 in order to withstand tight stretching during weaving. The warp yarns 505 may also be coarser to provide core support for the cleaning pad.

[0048] The warp yarns 505 and weft yarns 510 may collectively make up the base layer, and the warp yarns 505 and/or weft yarns 510 may be one color, or multicolored. In various embodiments, the warp yarns 505 and weft yarns 510 may together create various patterns and forms. Some weavers also like to use different types of material for an assortment of textures.

[0049] In one embodiment, the weft yarns 510 may be draw textured polyester yarns, and the warp yarns 505 may be fully drawn polyester yarns. In a preferred embodiment, the weft yarns may be 300d/96f draw textured polyester yarns, and the warp yarns may be 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns.

[0050] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a top face of one embodiment of the cleaning pad. As shown in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the cleaning pad 600 may comprise hook and loop fastening material 605. The hook and loop fastening material 605 may be positioned at the top face of the cleaning pad 100 and may be adapted to removeably attach to hook and loop fasteners of a cleaning apparatus. For example, in one embodiment, the hook and loop fastening material may be constructed of a cloth adapted to removeably attach to hook and loop fasteners. Although FIG. 6 shows the hook and loop fastening material 605 may be located almost the entire top face of the cleaning pad 100, the hook and loop fastening material 605 may be positioned at one or multiple regions of the cleaning pad' s top face. Cleaning pad 600 may be cleaning pad 100 or 300. In other embodiments attachment devices and other fastening materials may be used to attach the cleaning pad 600 to cleaning apparatus 700.

[0051] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of a cleaning pad attached to a cleaning apparatus. As shown in FIG. 7, one embodiment of the cleaning apparatus 700 may comprise: an attachment head 705 and an elongated shaft 715. FIG. 7 shows that the cleaning pad 710 may be coupled to the bottom portion of the attachment head 705, and the elongated shaft 715 may couple to the top portion of the attachment head 705. The cleaning pad 710 may be coupled via fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners, and the elongated shaft 715 may be coupled to the top portion of the attachment head 705 via a joint 730 such as hinges, pivot, swivels, and the like. In one embodiment, the elongated shaft 715 may comprise a handle 725 attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft 715. Cleaning pad 710 may be cleaning pad 100 or 300.

[0052] In one embodiment, the elongated shaft 715 may be a telescoping shaft, which allows the length of the cleaning apparatus 700 to be adjustable in length. Specifically, the elongated shaft 715 may comprise one or more sections that slide over one another. The elongated shaft 715 may be adjusted by various tightening mechanisms to secure a section with respect to another section.

[0053] The attachment head 705 may be a rigid plate adapted couple or fasten the cleaning pad 710. The attachment head 705 may be rectangular in shape, as shown in FIG. 7, but may also be constructed in various shapes. As discussed above, the attachment plate 710 may also comprise a hinge or pivot for angular movement of the elongated shaft 715 and fasteners (e.g. , hook and loop fastening material) for attachment of the cleaning pad 715 to the attachment head 705. [0054] During one embodiment of the operation, the user may couple or join the cleaning pad 710 to the attachment head 705 via hook and loop fasteners. While the cleaning pad 710 is resting on the ground surface, the user may grasp the handle 725 and adjust the elongated shaft 715 to a desired length. This may include adjusting the joint 730 of the cleaning apparatus 700 to a desired degree. Once the joint 730 is adjusted, the user may push the cleaning apparatus 700 across a floor or other surface to be cleaned.

[0055] A knitting machine may be used to knit the first knitted section 105, 305, second knitted sections 110, 310, and/or third knitted sections 115, 315 onto the base layer 120, 320. In one embodiment, the knitting machine may be a Karl Mayer knitting machine, and in a preferred embodiment, the knitting machine may be a Karl Mayer, KS-4 FBX, warp-knitting machine.

[0056] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0057] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

[0058] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A cleaning pad adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base layer;

at least one first knitted section; and

one or more second knitted sections;

wherein said base layer is constructed of an absorbent material;

wherein said at least one first knitted section comprises a plurality of blended

microfiber yarns in stitched relation along one or more first portions of a bottom face of said base layer;

wherein said plurality of blended microfiber yarns form a plush surface, and wherein each of said plurality of microfiber yarns projects outwardly from said bottom face of said base layer;

wherein said one or more second knitted sections are in stitched relation along one or more second portions of said bottom face of said base layer; and wherein a top face of said base layer is adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus.

2. The cleaning pad of Claim 1, wherein said one or more second knitted sections

comprise a plurality of draw textured polyester yarns;

wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from said bottom face of said base layer; and wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns are substantially twisted at a range of approximately 400 to 500 turns per meter.

3. The cleaning pad of Claim 1, further comprising:

one or more third knitted sections;

wherein said one or more third knitted sections are in stitched relation along one or more third portions of said bottom face of said base layer and comprise a plurality of polyester monofilament yarns;

wherein said plurality of polyester monofilament yarns form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from said bottom face; and wherein said plurality of polyester monofilament yarns are substantially twisted at a range between approximately 400 to 500 turns per meter.

4. The cleaning pad of Claim 1, wherein said plurality of micro fiber yarns is 160d/72f blended microfiber yarns.

5. The cleaning pad of Claim 2, wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns is 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarns.

6. The cleaning pad of Claim 3, wherein said plurality of polyester monofilament yarns is 225d/9f polyester monofilament yarns.

7. The cleaning pad of Claim 1, wherein said base layer comprises a plurality of warp yarns and weft yarns interwoven with each other;

wherein said plurality of weft yarns are draw textured polyester yarns; and wherein said plurality of warp yarns are fully drawn polyester yarns.

8. The cleaning pad of Claim 7, wherein said plurality of weft yarns is 300d/96f draw textured polyester yarns.

9. The cleaning pad of Claim 7, wherein said plurality of warp yarns is 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns.

10. The cleaning pad of Claim 1, wherein a pile height of said cleaning pad is in a range between approximately 8mm to 10 mm.

11. The cleaning pad of Claim 1, wherein a mass per unit area of said cleaning pad has a weight in the range between approximately 500 to 540 grams per square meter.

12. The cleaning pad of Claim 1, wherein said top face of said base layer comprises a hook and loop fastening material.

13. A cleaning pad adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base layer;

at least one first knitted section;

one or more second knitted sections; and

one or more third knitted sections;

wherein said base layer is constructed of an absorbent material;

microfiber yarns in stitched relation along one or more first portions of a bottom face of said base layer; wherein said plurality of blended microfiber yarns form a plush surface;

wherein each of said plurality of microfiber yarns projects outwardly from said

bottom face of said base layer;

whererin said one or more second knitted sections are in stitched relation along one or more second portions of said bottom face of said base layer; wherein said one or more second knitted sections comprise a plurality of draw

textured polyester yarns;

wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns form a plurality of loops

projecting outwardly from said bottom face of said base layer; wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns are substantially twisted at approximately 450 turns per meter;

wherein said one or more third knitted sections are in stitched relation along one or more third portions of said bottom face of said base layer;

wherein said one or more third knitted sections comprise a plurality of polyester monofilament yarns;

wherein said plurality of polyester monofilament yarns form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from said bottom face;

wherein said plurality of polyester monofilament yarns are substantially twisted at approximately 450 turns per meter;

wherein said third portion of said base layer is disposed between said one or more first portions and said one or more second portions of said base layer; wherein said plurality of microfiber yarns is 160d/72f blended microfiber yarns; wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns is 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarns;

wherein said plurality of polyester monofilament yarns is 225d/9f polyester

monofilament yarns; and

wherein a top face of said base layer is adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus.

The cleaning pad of Claim 13, wherein said base layer comprises a plurality of warp yarns and weft yarns interwoven with each other;

wherein said plurality of weft yarns are draw textured polyester yarns; wherein said plurality of warp yarns are fully drawn polyester yarns.

15. The cleaning pad of Claim 14, wherein said plurality of weft yarns is 300d/96f draw textured polyester yarns.

16. The cleaning pad of Claim 14, wherein said plurality of warp yarns is 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns.

17. The cleaning pad of Claim 13, wherein a pile height of said cleaning pad is in the range between approximately 8mm to 10 mm.

18. The cleaning pad of Claim 13, wherein a mass per unit area of said cleaning pad has a weight in the range between approximately 500 to 540 grams per square meter.

19. The cleaning pad of Claim 13, wherein a mass per unit area of said cleaning pad has a weight in the range between approximately 550 to 650 grams per square meter.

20. A cleaning pad adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base layer;

at least one first knitted section;

one or more second knitted sections; and

one or more third knitted sections;

wherein said base layer is constructed of an absorbent material;

wherein said plurality of blended microfiber yarns form a plush surface;

wherein each of said plurality of microfiber yarns projects outwardly from said

bottom face;

wherein said one or more second knitted sections are in stitched relation along one or more second portions of said bottom face of said base layer and comprises a plurality of draw textured polyester yarns;

wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns form a plurality of loops projecting outwardly from said bottom face of said base layer;

wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns are substantially twisted in approximately 450 turns per meter; wherein said one or more third knitted sections are in stitched relation along one or more third portions of said bottom face of said base layer; wherein said one or more third knitted sections comprise a plurality of polyester monofilament yarns;

wherein said plurality of polyester monofilament yarns are substantially twisted in approximately 450 turns per meter;

wherein said one or more third portions of said base layer is disposed between said one or more first portions and said one or more second portions of said base layer;

wherein said plurality of microfiber yarns is 160d/72f blended microfiber yarns; wherein said plurality of draw textured polyester yarns is 450d/144f draw textured polyester yarns;

wherein said plurality of polyester monofilament yarns is 225d/9f polyester

monofilament yarns;

wherein said base layer comprises a plurality of warp yarns and weft yarns

interwoven with each other;

wherein said plurality of weft yarns is 300d/96f draw textured polyester yarns;

wherein said plurality of warp yarns is 150d/96f fully drawn polyester yarns;

wherein a pile height of said cleaning pad is in the range between approximately 8mm to 10 mms;

wherein a mass per unit area of said cleaning pad has a weight in the range between approximately 550 to 650 grams per square meter; and

wherein said top face of said cleaning pad comprises a hook and loop fastening

material adapted to removeably attach to a cleaning apparatus.