MXPA98003540A - Improved cleansing band and sujec method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polymeric mesh bearing from at least one open-cell mesh tube stretched between a pair of opposing supports, the mesh tube is bonded around a central point by a bonding method. non-abrasive and substantially permanent mesh, the tube is released from the supports to form a plurality of random folds, thus creating a substantially spherical cleaning implement for use in personal hygiene applications.

Description

IMPROVED CLEANSING BLADE AND CLAMPING METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates generally to the field of rubbing and cleaning implements and to methods for forming such implements. More in the particular! This invention relates to an improved polymer mesh tassel for personal hygiene and an improved method for its manufacture.

BACKGROUND PE THE INVENTION Various rubbing devices are known in the art and can be acquired. For example, "polymeric mesh balls have been used for washing dishes, trays and other household appliances" and for human skin. A rubbing device used for personal hygiene, commonly called a polymer mesh tassel, is often used to clean the skin. These polymeric mesh tassels are typically fabricated from one or more pieces of open cell synthetic mesh which are fastened together and are manipulated in a plurality of random folds to form a generally round or tasselled configuration. The structure of open cells of the mesh advantageously forms a structure that effectively cleans the body and from which the dirt is easily rinsed and which dries so relatively fast In addition »the synthetic material is extremely elastic» which results in a tassel that retains its shape throughout use. These tassels are formed by holding a piece of tubular mesh or a sheet of mesh around a central point »with a piece of string» and then forming a series of random bends around that central point »through various means of manipulation. For example, US Patent No. 3, 53, 19S of Barnhouse describes a method for manufacturing a tassel from an open cell mesh. A series of mesh sheets is stitched at a common center point and then fed through an alignment ring »which separates the sheets to a generally circular profile. The sheets are then cut and compressed in such a way that »during the compression phase» a series of folds is formed. A metal staple is used to permanently hold the folds together "around a central point. US Patent No. 5,144,744 to Campagnoli "incorporated herein by reference" discloses another method for manufacturing a tassel from a polyethylene mesh or having a structure of diamond cells. The tubular mesh is stretched in the direction transverse to its longitudinal axis (ie »stretched transversely relative to the theoretical center line of the tube). The stretched tube is then mounted between a pair of opposing curved supports. Then the tube is held in a central point »along its transverse axis and is selectively released from the supports »in such a way that the end result is a substantially spherical-shaped cleaning implement» formed by a series of random folds of mesh material. As regards the structure used to hold the mesh tube, Ca pagnol generically teaches the use of a "plastic strip" for fastening. One type of "plastic strip" used for this purpose is a zipper-type plastic cable tie device. These mooring devices are typically used to arrange and secure bundles of wires or cables in the electrical industry »to hold plants in agriculture or to close sacks, bags and similar objects. Typically, these lashing devices consist of a toothed band to enclose the objects to be fastened and an insurance head having a similar ratchet or internal safety structure to secure the band in place. While they are suitable for holding polymer mesh tassels, the use of these fastening devices as mesh fastening members can involve several problems. These problems include a potential for abrasion and damage (for example »the user can be cut» scratch or scrape) by sharp edges or protuberances on the plastic strip »after the tail end of the toothed belt is cut. In addition to the use of plastic strips, it is well known in the art to use a fabric or synthetic cord, such as a rope or line, to hold a tassel of polymer mesh. However, do these cloth cords tend to disintegrate and rust over time? by the cycle of wetting and drying the cord during use. and it often frays »which results in a short useful life for the tassel. The laces are also dislodged due to the knotless knotting during manufacturing, and because it is difficult to tie a blind knot and retain the tightness when the knot is secured. Polymeric mesh tassels exhibiting the features described above are generally undesirable because consumers are dissatisfied with the products. Therefore, there is an unattended need for a mesh fastening member that can permanently secure a tassel. of mesh around a central point without causing damage to the user. More specifically, the mesh fastening member should be free of sharp surfaces that might be able to cut, scratch, cause abrasion or other undesirable contact with the user, while properly surrounding and holding the polymer mesh tassel so that that his form be maintained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A wiping apparatus is provided which comprises at least one open cell mesh tube and one member substantially non-abrasive, substantially non-damaging mesh fastener for substantially permanently holding the tube or mesh tubes. The rubbing apparatus is formed by stretching each transverse mesh tube with respect to a longitudinal axis, between a pair of opposite curved supports. 1 mesh fastening member is used to substantially encircle and hold the mesh tube, preferably around its effective center point. If the wiper apparatus consists of more than one mesh tube, the tubes are joined collectively by the mesh holder member around the aggregate of the effective center points of the tubes, thereby forming a common center point. Cade; The mesh tube is then loosened »selectively» from the opposite supports and manipulated in such a way that a series of random folds is formed. The free ends of the folds preferably form a friction apparatus by default. If the effective center point of each mesh tube is generally equidistant between the opposed supports "along the transverse axis of the mesh tube, the wiper apparatus will be formed with a generally spherical shape. Five preferred mesh fastening members are provided for permanently permanently fastening a single mesh tube around its effective center point, or a plurality of tubes around the aggregate of effective center points. An insurer that has a rope and a jaw can be used to encircle substantially and hold the tube or the mesh tubes. The clamp can permanently secure the rope around the tube or the mesh tubes by a combination of mechanical and friction forces or by crimping. Another type of mesh fastener member may be an interlocking ring having a plurality of angled projections, which engage with at least one notch disposed in the intertrabber ring. so as to form the ring to a generally circular shape around the tube or the mesh tubes. Another type of mesh fastener member may be a continuous elastic ring »where the elastic ring presses around the tube or the mesh tubes. An additional type of mesh fastener member may be a fixed circumferential releasable tie-down having a securing pin on a feeding strip which is connected by means of a flexible member to a sleeve. One more type of mesh fastener member can be formed by heat-gripping the tube or mesh tubes "while being stretched between the opposing supports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the specification concludes with claims that state in detail and clearly claim the present invention, it is believed that it will be better understood from the following description "taken together with the attached drawings" in which: Figure 1 illustrates a step in the process of manufacturing a polymer mesh tassel. according to the present invention, which illustrates the stretching of two separate mesh tubes in a direction transverse to their respective longitudinal axis. Figure 2 illustrates a preferred step of collectively holding the two tubular mesh pieces, stretched »from Figure 1. around the aggregate of their effective center points. Figure 3 illustrates the step of selectively releasing and manipulating part of one of the mesh tubes separated from the curved sockets of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a polymer mesh tassel. With the present invention, Figure 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a mesh fastening member, of the type of cord and jaw, for a polymeric mesh tassel made in accordance with the present invention. sectional view of a rope and jaw of figure 5. when the rope is being passed through the jaw, figure 7 is a sectional view of a rope and jaw of figure 5. after the tightening is completed and tension is exerted in the opposite direction on the rope, the figure is an enlarged plan view of a mesh fastener member, of the ring type and tertiary for a polymer mesh tassel made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 9 is a sectional view, enlarged »of the interlock ring of Figure a. Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view of a mesh fastening member, of the continuous elastic ring type, for a polymeric mesh tassel made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 11 is an enlarged front view of the continuous elastic ring of Figure 10. Figure 12 is an enlarged top plan view of a mesh fastener member of the detachable mooring type. for a polyester mesh tassel made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional view of the tear-off mooring of Figure 12. Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the peel-off mooring of Figure 12, wherein the tines have been engaged in the bore fingers. Fig. 15 is an enlarged sectional view of the release tie of Fig. 14, wherein the separable portion has been removed at a predetermined fracture point; and Fig. 1S is a perspective view of the mesh fastener member of the p-type. thermal mesh, for a tassel of polymeric mesh made in accordance with the present invention, and shown for clarity while the mesh tubes are still stretched between the supports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments herein and to the preferred methods for making the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same numbers indicate the same elements in all views. Because it is believed that the invention and its structure will be better understood from a knowledge of the method for making the structure according to the present invention, a preferred method for making it will now be described, with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The figure 1 illustrates two mesh tubes 20 and 22, preferably drawn transversely to their longitudinal axes (i.e., stretched transversely to the theoretical center line of each mesh tube) between a pair of opposite curved supports 24a. 25b. 26a »26b, and gathered at a point towards the base of the supports. While in this stretched condition, the mesh tubes are securely fastened by means of a substantially permanent, non-abrasive mesh fastener member 30, thus forming a common center point 32 for the collective mesh tubes. He The term "common center point", as used herein, will connote a position formed generally from the aggregate of the aligned effective center points of each mesh tube. The term "effective central point", as used herein, will imply a position generally along the transverse axis of each mesh tube, while being stretched between the supports (eg 24a »24b» 26a »26b). Preferably, the effective center point is generally located near the intersection of the transverse and longitudinal axes of each mesh tube, although other positions along the transverse axis are equally suitable for alternative modalities. After the mesh tubes are fastened (eg »20» 22) by means of the mesh fastening member 30 »each mesh tube is selectively released from its respective curved support and manipulated so as to form a plurality of random folds 34 »Around the common center point 32. as better illustrated in Figure 3. Preferably the collective folds form a tassel 36 of polymeric mesh. like the one shown in figure 4. which has a substantially spherical shape. Although the method for manufacturing the polymer mesh tassel 36 has been described as comprising two mesh tubes joined together to form a common center point, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the method described above may also be adapted to hold a single mesh tube. around its effective central point, in order to form another modality of the tassel 36.

Once the preferred method for manufacturing the polymer mesh tassel 36 is illustrated, the preferred structure of the tassel 36 will now be described. Preferably each mesh tube (eg, 20, 22) has a plurality of individual open cells. The structure of each cell, which is defined both by the size and shape of the individual cells, can vary widely without departing from the scope of this invention or the effectiveness of the resulting tassel. In a preferred arrangement, the individual cell shape will have the shape of a diamond mesh. Preferably, each mesh tube is formed from a highly elastic polymer, such as polyethylene, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other polymers, metals, fibrous mixtures or similar materials may be suitable. In a similar way. the physical properties (eg »molecular weight» molecular weight distribution »melt index, etc.) of a material used to form each mesh tube» may vary as desired »to obtain the appropriate final characteristics (eg» elasticity »Softness» etc.) for the intended use »without adding or removing anything within the scope of this invention. The five preferred mesh fastener members will now be described for enclosing and securing at least one mesh tube "so as to form a center point 32. Each preferred mesh fastener member 30 is non-abrasive and substantially permanent. The term "non-abrasive" »such as used herein "will denote a fastener member 30 which" in use "is substantially free of rough edges" protrusions or outwardly extending structures "which may tend to cause undesirable tactile consequences (e.g., cuts» scrapes, cracks, or other damage to the user on any sensitive surface) during use. Further. the structure of each preferred mesh fastener member 30 is such that it will substantially permanently fasten, without discarding or otherwise undoing the fastener. the tassel 36 of polymeric mesh. under ordinary conditions, such as during manufacture »the distribution» sale and use. As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, one of said fastening devices is the fastening latch 32 having a flexible cord 34 and a clamping jaw 36. The wedge-shaped or conical jaws with internal insulating structures example »saw teeth, tapered inserts, sliding locks) have been used to restrict the movement of ropes and wires in articles of manufacture, such as clothing, exercise and sports equipment, and electrical junction boxes. For example, these jaw-like structures have been used to attach and secure ropes in manufacturing articles such as shoes, jackets, bags, sports equipment for water and handles for exercise devices. In the electric field, insurance clamps have been used to anchor conductors electrical to electrical jack boxes at the location where the driver passes through an opening in the box. Although the securing jaw 36 has a configuration similar to the jaw-like structures described above. the jaw 36 of the locking latch 32 functions to engage the cord 34 such that the cord 34 maintains a substantially permanent clamping force around the mesh tubes 20 and 22. Preferably, the cord 34, when engaged with the jaw 36 »Has the free ends 38 and the closed end 40. The passage 42 extends along the jaw 36, having an inlet portion 44 and an outlet portion 46. They are arranged around the inside diameter of the passageway 42, a plurality of teeth 48 individually arranged at an angle, sized and arranged at an angle so that the rope 34 can traverse the passage 42 in a direction D without substantial interference. Nevertheless, if a pulling force is applied to the rope 34, as would happen when it is tightened completely around the mesh tubes, the teeth 48 will engage the rope 34 as best illustrated in Figure 7, thereby preventing the insurance of the lock 32 insurance company. Obviously, the jaw 36 can be digested to accommodate a variety of external diameters of the rope 34. Although the jaw 36 preferably consists of the passageway 42 and the teeth 48, the coupling function of the jaw 36 will obviously be obtained by other equivalent ones. structural For example, the jaw 36 may incorporate a groove extending substantially the entire length thereof, so that the jaw 36 can be permanently crimped around the rope 34. It will be understood that the rope 34 may be formed of any material flexible textile or synthetic, such as polypropylene, nylon or the like, which is substantially immune to the damaging effects of cyclically exposing to water or other liquids that are likely to be encountered during use. The jaw 36 will preferably be constructed of any substantially rigid material. such as metal, wood, fiber glass or plastic. However, for economic reasons, the clamp 36 will most preferably be composed of acetal plastic, formed by injection molding. although other procedures can also be used, such as plastic welding or adhesive connection of the appropriate parts. The mesh tubes 20 and 22 are preferably joined with the securing lock 32 by first substantially surrounding the tubes around the effective center points "with the rope 34. The ends of the rope 34 are then inserted preferably simultaneously" through ". from the input portion 44, until both ends exit through the exit portion 46. The rope 34 is pulled through the jaw 36 until the rope 34 is sufficiently tight to clamp and hold the mesh tubes. In that condition, the teeth 48 to angle will lock the rope 34 in place to provide substantially permanent clamping of the tassel due to the recoil force E caused by the tension in the rope. The free ends of the rope can be used as a handle or a hanger for the tassel. Another preferred mesh bracket member 30 is the intertrabator ring 50. which is best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The rings and tertars. commonly known as clamping clamps »have been used in the plumbing and automotive industries to secure flexible hoses and hoses to interconnecting structures (eg bushings, tube connectors, nozzles, etc.). These clamping clamps generally include a flexible band that can be closed to a substantially circular shape by means of mutually insuring jaws »saw teeth or the like. They can often be removed from the interconnection structure in order to facilitate service, repair or cleaning of the hose or tube. The interlocking ring 50 has a generally similar structure, but not the function of the clamping clamps described above. The interlocking ring 50 has a first end 52 and a second end 54. Preferably the first end 52 has a plurality of projections at angle 56. The second end 54 preferably has a plurality of notches 58 which cooperate with the projections 56 in a manner that »if the interlocking ring 50 is formed to a form generally circular. the angle projections 56 and the notches 58 can engage each other, so as to close substantially permanently and secure the interlocking ring 50. While in this closed substantially circular form, the ring 50 will be subject to internal tensile forces. , which act from the neutral bending axis of the rim (ie, an axis along which no force is acting), to the outer surface 5B »and to internal compressive forces acting from the neutral bending axis of the rim to the inner surface 59. The combination of tensile and compressive forces will generally be acting against the engagement of the angle projections 56 and the notches 57 to return the ring 50 to its relaxed state. The interlock ring 50 may be formed of any flexible and elastic material, such as acetal plastic, which will be substantially immune to the damaging effects of cyclic exposure to water or other liquids that it is likely to encounter during use. The mesh tubes 20 and 22 are preferably joined together by first stretching the interlock ring 50 and substantially enclosing the mesh tubes therewith. The interlocking ring 50 can then be secured by coupling the angle projections 56 with the notches 58 until they cooperate as described above. Another preferred mesh fastener member is a continuous elastic ring 60, as best illustrated in FIGS. and 11. Elastic polymer rings, more commonly known as toroidal rings. they are generally used in the field of plumbing within fluid and gas devices (eg, valves, accumulators, pumps and the like) as a means to prevent the flow of fluid from one section of the device to another. In addition, these elastic toroidal rings can also be used in the medical and veterinary fields in procedures where it would be necessary to clamp an organ or tissue, in order to restrict the flow of blood thereto (for example, in castration procedures of domestic animals). . The ring 60 is of generally similar structure and composition, but not in its function, to the toroidal rings described above.The ring 60 preferably has a generally circular continuous shape, and has a dimension to remain in tension when enclosing the rings. mesh tubes, so that a clamping force is exerted substantially in a permanent manner Preferably, the ring 60 can be formed of any elastic and flexible material that is not substantially affected by the damaging effects of cyclic exposure to water or other liquids you probably find during use.Most preferable »Ring 60 is formed of natural rubber or a highly elastic polymer» such as silicone »polyisoprene or the like.A mesh tube is fastened with elastic ring 60 by first stretching and moving the elastic ring 60 throughout of a support (for example 24a »24b» 26a »26b). After a mesh tube is stretched and placed on the supports, the elastic ring 60 is passed over the upper end of the support and secured to the center point of the tube. Another preferred mesh fastener member is the detachable tie-down 62 illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 15. FIG. 12 preferably has a tear-off tie 62 having a feed strip 64 and a sleeve 66. The feed strip 64 preferably has at least minus one securing pin 68 which is disposed on the feed strip 64, such that the release tie 62 can substantially encircle and hold the mesh tubes 20 and 22. Preferably a mantle restrictor 69 is adjacent the barb 68 The sleeve 66 preferably has a hole 70 with an intake portion 72 and a discharge portion 74. It is disposed within the opening 70 »adjacent to the intake portion 72» at least one finger at angle 76. A flexible member 78 is connecting the feed strip 64 to the sleeve 66. Preferably, the feed strip 64 has a predetermined fracture point 80. which may be formed as a cross-sectional area. Reduced nsversal or other stress-inducing geometry (e.g., perforations or the like), so that a releasable portion 84 of the release tie 62 can be easily removed, preferably by bending or twisting the separable portion 84 around the predetermined fracture point 80.

It is preferred that the feed strip 64 and the flexible member 78 of the release tie 62 can be formed of any flexible material that is substantially immune to the damaging effects of cyclic exposure to water or other liquids likely to be encountered during use. It is more preferred that both the feed strip 64 and the flexible member 78 are formed of a suitable elastic polymer, such as acetal or the like. Preferably, the sleeve 66 of any substantially rigid material, such as metal, wood, fiberglass or plastic, can be constructed. Nevertheless. for economic and structural compatibility reasons cor. Flexiole member 78 what is most preferred is that sleeve 66 be composed of acetal. formed by injection molding. although other procedures could also be used »such as plastic welding or adhesive connection of the appropriate parts. The 20 and 22 mesh tubes are fastened preferably with the releasable tie 62 substantially first surrounding the 20 and 22 mesh tubes around the aggregate of the effective center points 28 »with the flexible member 78. The releasable tie 62 can then be tightened around the 20 mesh tubes and 22 »inserting the feed strip 64 through the intake portion 72 of the sleeve 66. so as to exit the outlet portion 74. Selectively pull the feed strip 64 through the sleeve 66 until the fingers angle 76 are coupled with the prong 68 and the male stop limiter 69 make contact with the sleeve 66. thus forming. preferably. the detachable mooring 62 to a fixed circumference. With tension, twisting or bending of the feeding strip 64, possible after the mantle restrictor 69 makes contact with the sleeve 66, the removable or detachable portion 84 can be removed from the measurement strip 64, so that the prong 68 is still engaged with the fingers at angle 76. as best shown in figure 15, "while the rough edge remains inside the sleeve. This ensures that the tie 62 will be substantially free of any edge or protrusion that could pose a risk of damage to the user of the polymer mesh tassel 36. If more than one tine 68 is provided in the feed strip 64. the device 62 can be manipulated to a predetermined number of fixed circumferences, corresponding to the number of tines 68 provided. Preferably, the tine 68 and the mantle restrictor 69 are arranged on the feed strip 64 so that when the releasable tether 62 spans the mesh tubes 20 and 22 the flexible member 78 remains in a stretched condition by tightening that way and holding the mesh tubes 20 and 22. in order to form a common center point 32. The angled fingers 76 preferably engage with the prong 68. thereby preventing significant movement of the feeding strip 64 in a direction away from the outlet portion 74 towards the intake portion 72 »in a manner that the stretched condition of flexible member 78 is substantially permanent. Another preferred mesh fastening member is a clamping or thermal clamping section B6 »which is better illustrated in Figure 16. The thermal clamping section B6 is formed by exposing the mesh tubes 20 and 22 to a heat source» in a manner that a mesh conglomerate is formed around the aggregate of effective center points 28, whereby a substantially permanent mesh fastening member is formed. Thus, the thermally-tight section 86 is not a detachable structure separate from the mesh tubes 20 and 22, as opposed to the other preferred "mesh fastener members 30", described above; rather, it is integral with and forms part of the 20 and 22 mesh tubes after the application of the heat source. The heat source used to melt the 20 and 22 mesh tubes can be a squeezing iron or squeezing rollers »heated electrically or thermally; an ultrasonic senator or similar. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for illustrative and description purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form illustrated. Modifications or variations are possible and are contemplated in light of the above teachings for those skilled in the art; and the modalities discussed were selected and described in order to better illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical application; and in fact, to allow in this way the use of the invention in various modalities and with various modifications that are suitable for the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims that follow.

Claims (8)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION
2. Rgtv ?, P ?? ??, or Is it
3. - A wiper device comprising: at least one folded tube of open cell mesh, having a predetermined configuration; the tube being manipulated to produce a plurality of random folds, thereby forming the predetermined configuration; the tube having an effective central point; characterized by a substantially non-abrasive fastening member. substantially permanent »secured substantially around the center point to maintain the shape of the tube. 2. The device according to claim 1 »further characterized in that the predetermined configuration is substantially spherical. 3. The device according to claim 1. further characterized in that the fastening member comprises a fastener lock; the lock further comprising a rope and an insurance clamp.
4. 4. The device according to claim 3. further characterized in that the jaw further comprises a slot »so that the groove allows the jaw to be wound around the rope.
5. 5. The device according to claim 1 »further characterized in that the fastening member comprises an intertrabador ring.
6. 6. The device according to claim 1 »further characterized in that the fastening member comprises a continuous elastic ring.
7. 7. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fastening member comprises a detachable mooring of substantially fixed circumference.
8. 8. The device according to claim 1 »further characterized in that the fastening member is formed by gathering and melting the effective center point of the mesh tube.