Cleaning article

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a disposable cleaning article to be supported by a fastener and can be used as a floor cleaning cloth or it can be held by one hand and, more particularly, it refers to a cleaning article that is provided with a brush part that has an effective effect to collect dust and high rigidity.

Previous technique

In the cleaning article of the conventional type of floor cloth for cleaning rooms, its part of the cepiium is normally formed of twisted cotton strands or the like. However, the cleaning article of this type is so expensive in its manufacturing cost that it is difficult to sell it as a disposable type product (i.e., single use). In addition, the cleaning article of this type can absorb the dust by means of an adhesive oil agent such as liquid paraffin horn, which is applied to the surfaces of the twisted strands; but the twisted strands by themselves are not good to be able to collect the dust. Consequently, it has a defect in the ability to collect hair or the like.

On the other hand, cleaning supplies such as

<img file="AR051306A2_D0001.tif" />

<img file="AR051306A2_D0002.tif" />

described in Japanese Patent Publications not examined Nos. 154791/1997 and 38009/1997 are designed for disposable use. These cleaning items can be attached to a bra. The first is done by rolling two sheets of nonwoven fabric to leave its peripheral parts not adhered together; and the second is done by cutting a peripheral portion of a non-woven fabric to form a duster part that has long agostas strips.

These cleaning items, such as those described in the official gazettes mentioned above and made with a non-woven fabric, are economical and convenient for disposable use. In addition, they can easily clean fine dust. However, the cleaning articles themselves are so pianos that their ability to collect relatively large dust is low.

On the other hand, disposable cleaning articles where a part of the brush is made of fibers are also known in the art. However, because the brush part is only made of fibers, the stiffness of the brush part is inferior. Consequently, the fibers are entangled or curled during the cleaning operation. As a result, the part that functions substantially as the part of the brush is compressed causing a defect whereby the effect of dust collection with the fibers cannot be sufficiently exhibited.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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The present invention has the object of providing a cleaning article which is provided with a part of the brush that has a high dust collection capacity and a high retention method and can be manufactured at a low cost.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a cleaning article is provided comprising a brush part that includes: a plurality of strips; and at least one layer of a bundle of fiber.

This cleaning article can collect fine dust with its layer of fiber bundle that forms the brush portion, while suppressing the tangle of the fibers with the strips. In addition, the strips themselves can exhibit the cleaning effect. With the strips, in addition, the part of the brush thus increases the stiffness to have a high retention form against an external force.

For example, this cleaning article can be constructed in such a way that at least one sheet having a plurality of strips formed therein and the fiber bundle layer is pressed and is partially bonded to a base material. If the two come together like this, the disaggregation or entanglement of fibers that form the fiber bundle layer can be suppressed in such a way that the ability to collect dust from the brush part

<img file="AR051306A2_D0006.tif" />

<img file="AR051306A2_D0007.tif" />

It is also reinforced on its face adjacent to the base material. The base material may be formed with a sheet with strips. This can reinforce contact with the object to be cleaned which can have various surface shapes, such that the ability to collect dust can be further improved.

The cleaning article according to the first aspect of the invention can be constructed such that the sheet appears on the end face of the cleaning article on its cleaning side. In this construction, because the strips that have a relatively high stiffness are positioned on the most extreme face, the phenomenon by which the fibers of the layer become entangled and fixed during the cleaning operation, almost no occur that the cleaning article can resist the use for a prolonged term.

Alternatively, the fiber bundle layer may appear on the end face of the cleaning article on its cleaning side, instead of the secondary sheet. In this construction, the fiber bundle layer can conform to the fine irregularities of the object to be cleaned, to have due to this improved contact. Therefore, the ability to collect fine dust can be improved.

At this point, it is preferable that the fibers of the fiber bundle layer are fixed to each other over a length (jt.)

V 'i (&gt;

"ace

<img file="AR051306A2_D0008.tif" />

predetermined part where the layer of fiber bundle joins the base material. With the bundle layer fibers of. fiber that fixed to each other over a predetermined length with respect to the part of the joint, even when the fiber bundle layer appears on the end face, the fibers of the fiber bundle layer can be prevented from entangling or bonding with each other by friction during the cleaning operation.

It is also possible that another fiber bundle layer is provided in such a way that a fiber bundle layer that is closer to the base material has a base weight greater than that of the other fiber bundle layer on the outer face of the cleaning item, on its cleaning side. In this embodiment, the base material during the cleaning operation is prevented from being exposed on the cleaning side of the cleaning article. In addition, the cleaning article can provide a sufficient cushioning sensation during the cleaning operation.

Preferably, the base material is provided on its outer face opposite the cleaning face with a clamping sheet. In this embodiment, for example, between the outer face of the base material and the clamping sheet, a space can be formed clamp in which a user's hand or a bra can be inserted.

In addition, the fiber bundle layer can be attached to the material

<img file="AR051306A2_D0009.tif" />

<img file="AR051306A2_D0010.tif" />

/ base on both sides of the holding space that extends in a direction along which the hand or the fastener can be inserted. In this embodiment, the object to be cleaned is not affected by the hardness of the fastener so that the cleaning article provides a soft contact sensation when used for the cleaning operation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a cleaning article is provided comprising: at least two sheets, at least one of which has a plurality of strips; and at least two layers of a bundle of fiber, where the two sheets are superimposed and joined together in two joining parts, which define a fastening space between the faces faced of the two sheets, and the two layers of bundle of fiber are arranged on the cleaning faces, respectively, of the two sheets, and are attached to them in two joining parts.

The cleaning article according to the second aspect of the invention can exhibit the cleaning function on both surfaces and back. Therefore, it can be used for the cleaning operation regardless of its cleaning side. In addition, because the cleaning article can be used for the cleaning operation first with one face and then with the other face, a useful life is thus allowed

<img file="AR051306A2_D0011.tif" />

prolonged

In this embodiment, too, it is possible that the fiber bundle strips and layers form a brush portion. Therefore, the cleaning article can collect fine dust while suppressing the tangle of the fibers. In addition, the strips themselves can exhibit cleaning effect.

At this point, it is possible that some of the fibers in the fiber bundle layer are not continuously extended between the two parts of the joint such that it forms the fiber brush parts, each of the two portions of the joint extending. and having a free end. These fiber brush parts can exhibit the dust cleaning function to improve the cleaning capacity.

For example, the two sheets and fiber bundle layers can be additionally joined together midway between the two joining parts to divide the fastening space into two parallel fastening spaces, and the direction in which the Fiber in the fiber bundle layers can cross the two fastening spaces. In this embodiment, these fastening spaces are preferably opened at their two opposite ends for insertion of the fastener.

In the above individual embodiments, it is preferred that the fiber bundle layer be partially attached to

IZÏ r * rfy and ^ .w

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'7 / adjacent strips, in positions ^ jênAT ^^ Average congitude of adjacent strips. With this embodiment, the fiber bundle layer moves along with the strips in such a way as to prevent the fiber bundle layer from moving independently so that its fibers cannot tangle or stick together. *

In addition, it is preferred that a sheet to form the strips is made of a nonwoven fabric comprising thermoplastic fibers or a thermoplastic resin film. Also, it is preferred that the bundle of fibers comprises heat meltable thermoplastic fibers. At this point, the sheet that has the strips and the layer of fiber bundle can be easily and quickly melted together by heat. Especially if thermoplastic fibers are used to form the sheet, the non-woven fabric can be manufactured by a process of bonding with air circulation to have a little stiffness and elasticity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a cleaning article according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view that exhibits a brush part of the cleaning article of the

To i

Y

<img file="AR051306A2_D0013.tif" />

fig. one; · ''

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the cleaning article of fig. 1 on the back side;

Figs. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing a base sheet of the cleaning article of fig. 1 and a laminate of the base sheet and a first layer of fiber bundle, respectively;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a laminate of a second layer of fiber bundle and a secondary laminate of the cleaning article of fig. one;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view that exhibits a modification of the cleaning article of the first embodiment;

<td></td><td>The</td><td>fig. 7 is</td><td>a sight</td><td>in perspective that</td><td>exhibits a</td>

<td colspan="2">Article</td><td>cleaning</td><td>according to one</td><td>second mode of</td><td>realization</td>

<td>from</td><td colspan="2">the invention;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td colspan="2">fig. 8 is a view on</td><td>article cut of</td><td>cleaning of</td>

<td>the</td><td>fig.</td><td>7; Y</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>fig. 9 is</td><td>a sight</td><td>in perspective that</td><td>exhibit a</td>

modification of the cleaning article of the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the term that article of

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brush, which is presumed to be used for cleaning or sweeping purposes.

As used herein, the term "cleaning face / cleaning side" refers to faces / sides that are presumed to be directed to the object to be cleaned or swept at the time of use.

<td>How</td><td>I know</td><td>use</td><td>at the moment,</td><td>the term</td><td>strip </td><td>I know</td>

<td>It refers to</td><td>a</td><td>piece of</td><td>a long sheet</td><td>and narrow.</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>How</td><td>I know</td><td colspan="2">used herein, the</td><td>term that</td><td>bunch</td><td>from</td>

<td>fiber se</td><td colspan="2">refers to a</td><td>bunch of several</td><td>fibers The</td><td>examples</td><td>from</td>

The fibers include filaments, flat strands, separate strands and the like. Unless stated otherwise, these fibers do not melt heat together in the fiber bundle.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view that exhibits a cleaning article according to a first embodiment of the invention and is taken from the side of a cleaning face; fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a brush portion of the cleaning article of fig. 1 on an enlarged scale; fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the cleaning article of fig. 1 on the side of the back; the figs. 4A and 4B and fig. 5 they are perspective views showing the cleaning article of fig. 1 separately from the layers; and fig. 6 is a view on

<img file="AR051306A2_D0015.tif" />

perspective that exhibits another layer structure of a cleaning article.

In figs. 1 and 2, a cleaning article 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated with its cleaning side facing up. The cleaning article 1 comprises a primary sheet (or the base sheet) 2, and a first layer of fiber bundle 3, a second layer of fiber bundle 4, a secondary sheet 5 which has a form of strips made in the same, and a third layer of bundle of fiber 6 then laminated on the cleaning face of the base sheet 2. The shorter sides of the cleaning article 1 extend parallel to the supply direction (or MD) along which materials are continuously supplied for the layers mentioned above in the Production line. These individual layers (i.e., the base sheet 2, the first fiber bundle layer 3, the second fiber bundle layer 4, the secondary lamina 5 and the third fiber bundle layer 6) are joined together. in the line of union of all the layers 7 that extends perpendicularly to MD.

In the embodiment illustrated, the base sheet 2 and the sheet 5 are individually made of a nonwoven fabric made only of fibers or containing thermoplastic fibers (i.e. heat melt fibers). Examples of thermoplastic fibers include: PE fibers x, '' '*&gt; \ · \ \^Λ'

<img file="AR051306A2_D0016.tif" />

(polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) ο PET (polyethylene terephthalate); and PE / PET ο PE / PP conjugate fibers (for example, conjugate fibers of a core / sheath structure it possesses, a PP or PET center and a PE sheath). The nonwoven fabric may be a thermally bonded nonwoven fabric, a nonwoven fabric with spun yarn or a nonwoven fabric with lace yarn. Alternatively, a base sheet 2 and sheet 5 can be made of a thermoplastic resin film such as a PE film or a PP film. Of course, it is also possible that a base sheet 2 and sheet 5 are made of a laminated laminate of a non-woven fabric and a resin film.

To increase stiffness and elasticity, it was preferred that the base sheet 2 and sheet 5 be made with a nonwoven fabric bonded by air where the thermoplastic fibers are bonded with hot air. Especially where a sheet 5 is arranged to form the outer face of the cleaning article on the cleaning side (See Fig. 6), it is convenient that the sheet 5 be made with a nonwoven fabric bonded by air.

In the embodiment illustrated, the first fiber bundle layer 3, the second fiber bundle layer 4 and the third fiber bundle layer 6 comprise a bundle of individual thermoplastic filaments. These individual filaments continuously extend to cross each layer of

<img file="AR051306A2_D0017.tif" />

fiber bundle Such a layer of fiber bundle can be easily formed by opening a bundle of filaments. More specifically, each layer of fiber bundle can be made on a sheet by the following steps of; open a bundle of filaments to have a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness (or volume), while being continuously fed in MD; joining the open beam on a continuously supplied sheet material; and cutting the beam together with the sheet material in an interval (corresponding to the size of the cleaning article in MD). The filaments can be made of any suitable material such as PE, PP, PET, Ne (nylon), rayon, or combination thereof. Preferably, the filaments are conjugate fibers of a core / sheath structure having a PP or PET center and a PE sheath.

Preferable filaments should have a fineness of 1 to 50 dtex, more preferably 2 to 10 dtex. Here, the individual fiber bundle layers may contain fibers of different finenza.

However, the fibers that form the fiber bundle layer of the invention should not be limited to the filaments. For the fiber bundle layer, piano stamens or split strands can also be used. Piano stamens are prepared by dividing a film into tapes and stretching the tapes in the longitudinal direction. The divided stamens are prepared

<img file="AR051306A2_D0018.tif" />

dividing a thermoplastic film in the direction. perpendicular to the direction of orientation of the resin so that the film is fibrillated and interconnected in a net form.

Preferably, the fibers that form the fiber bundle layer of the invention are curled. With the curled fibers, the fiber bundle layer becomes bulky until it becomes a structure that allows dust to be easily captured by means of the curled parts. Especially preferable are the curly filaments open from a beam.

The structures of individual layers that make up the cleaning article 1 and the process for laminating the layers will be described herein.

Fig. 4A illustrates the base sheet 2 which is formed of a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, an airborne nonwoven fabric, or the like. A base sheet 2 has a central region 2a, and regions 2b and 2b forming strips opposite each other and interspersed with the central region 2a therein. On the other hand, fig. 3 illustrates the base sheet 2 with its back side 2B facing up. On the rear side 2B, a fastening sheet 8 is placed extending from the central region 2a to the regions forming strips 2b and 2b. In the embodiment illustrated, the holding sheet 8, such as the base sheet 2, of a non-woven fabric is made

<img file="AR051306A2_D0019.tif" />

such as a nonwoven fabric bonded by yarn, a nonwoven fabric bonded by air, or the like. However, a clamping sheet 8 can be made of a resin film. The base plate 2 and clamping sheet 8 are identical in their sizes in MD, but they are not identical in their sizes in the direction perpendicular to MD. The clamping plate 8 is shorter than the base plate 2 in the direction perpendicular to

MD.

With the holding sheet 8 placed on the outer face 2B of the base sheet 2, the cutting line 11 in a zigzag shape (or in a sawtooth shape) is cut in the regions forming strips 2b and 2b, to form a plurality of strips 12, which are separated from each other by the cutting line 11 and of length MD, in the base sheet 2 and the clamping sheet 8.

On the cleaning face 2A of the base sheet 2 having strips 12, as illustrated in Fig. 4B, the first fiber bundle layer 3 is placed. At this time, the individual filaments that form the first bundle layer of fiber '3 extend. in MD, and the first layer of fiber bundle 3 has a predetermined volume on the cleaning face 2A of the base sheet 2.

In such a rolling state, the base sheet 2, the clamping sheet 8 arranged on the outer face 2B, and the first

<img file="AR051306A2_D0020.tif" />

fiber bundle layer 3 disposed on the cleaning face 2A are joined together on the joining lines 13 and 13 and the connecting lines 14 and 14. Here, the bonding has been made with heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing , or the like, so that the base sheet 2, clamping sheet 8 and the first layer of fiber bundle 3 are joined by fusion to the joint line 13 and 14.

The coincident joining lines 13, 13 are made along the length of the dividing lines between the central region 2a and the regions forming strips 2b and 2b, so that they extend in parallel with each other while they are separated in

MD. On the other hand, the joint line 14, 14 is made in a zigzag shape (or in a sawtooth shape) in the regions that form strips 2b and 2b, respectively.

As a result, as illustrated in Fig. 2 on an enlarged scale, the individual filaments that form the first fiber bundle layer 3 are attached to the underlying strips 12 in the joint line 14 extending obliquely transversely over the strips 12 in the areas of the middle between its longitudinal ends. With the joining lines 14, the movements of the individual filaments can be appropriately restricted so that the filaments are prevented from being excessively separated or tangled, while being allowed to move relatively freely on the strips 12, whereby

<img file="AR051306A2_D0021.tif" />

It exhibits an excellent dust collecting effect.

Fig. 5 illustrates the state in which the second fiber bundle layer 4 and the sheet 5 are laminated.

The sheet 5 is made of a nonwoven fabric joined by spinning or by air as the base sheet 2, or a resin film. The sheet 5 has the same size and shape as that of the base sheet 2, except those strips formed therein.

The sheet 5 has a central region 5a and regions forming strips 5b and 5b located opposite each other and interspersed in the central region 5a thereof. These regions forming strips 5b and 5b are cut to form a plurality of cut lines 16 that extend in a zigzag shape (or in a sawtooth shape) from the longer side edges of the sheet 5 towards a central portion 5th in MD. Thus, there is made a plurality of strips 17 which are separated by the line of cut 16 and of length MD.

If the strips 12 of the base sheet 2 illustrated in fig. 4A have a length L1 and a width W1 and if the strips 17 of the sheet 5 illustrated in fig. 5 have a length L2 and a width W2, L2&gt; L1 and W1&gt; W2 so that the strips 17 are thinner and longer than the strips 12. In the present, the individual strips 12 and 17 are made to have widths of at least 2 mm, preferably widths of 2 to 50 mm and lengths of 10 to 100 mm.

<img file="AR051306A2_D0022.tif" />

<img file="AR051306A2_D0023.tif" />

The second layer of fiber bundle 4 is laminated on the back side 5B of the sheet 5. In the manufacturing process, the back side 5B of the sheet 5 is directed upwards, and the second layer of fiber bundle 4 is placed on the back side 5B. At this time, the individual filaments that form the second fiber bundle layer 4 extend in MD, and the second fiber bundle layer 4 has a predetermined volume on the back side 5B of the sheet 5.

In such a laminated state, the strips 17 and the second layer of fiber bundle 4 are joined together to join the parts 18 which are positioned in the middle between the longitudinal ends of the strips 17. In these joining parts 18, specifically , the strips 17 and the second layer of fiber bundle 4 are melted together heat sealed or with ultrasonic sealing. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the joining parts are made alternately in each of the strips 17 which are arranged in order perpendicular to the direction to MD. In other words, the strips 17 with and without joining parts 18 alternate with each other. However, all 17 strips can

<td colspan="2">have union parts</td><td colspan="2"> 18.</td><td rowspan="2">view</td><td rowspan="2">partially</td><td rowspan="2">expanded from</td><td rowspan="2">the</td>

<td></td><td>As illustrated</td><td>in</td><td>a</td>

<td>fig.</td><td colspan="2">2, the second layer</td><td>from</td><td>bunch</td><td>fiber 4</td><td>join in.</td><td>The</td>

<td>strips</td><td>overlapping 17</td><td>in</td><td>the</td><td>parts</td><td>of union 18</td><td>positioned</td><td>in</td>

half between the longitudinal ends of the strips 17. For

<img file="AR051306A2_D0024.tif" />

consequently, the second fiber bundle layer 4 is retained in this way by the strips 17 in such a way that it prevents the filaments that form the second fiber bundle layer 4 from becoming excessively entangled or curled.

In the final state of the manufacturing process of the cleaning article 1, on the first laminate in the base sheet 2, a holding sheet 8 and the first fiber bundle layer 3 are laminated and bonded, as illustrated in fig. 4B, the second laminate is placed in which the second layer of fiber bundle 4 and the laminate 5 are laminated and joined, as illustrated in fig. 5. To this lamination, the first and second laminate are placed in such a way that the second fiber bundle layer 4 is placed on top of the first fiber bundle layer 3.

On the cleaning face 5A of the sheet 5 of the second laminate, in addition, the third layer of fiber bundle 6 is placed, as illustrated in fig. 1. The individual filaments that form the third fiber bundle layer 6 extend in MD, and the third fiber bundle layer 6 has a substantially homogeneous volume on the cleaning face 5A of the sheet 5. Then, a holding sheet 8, base sheet 2, first layer of fiber bundle 3, second layer of fiber bundle 4, sheet 5 and third layer of fiber bundle 6 are joined together in a structure integrated into a line which joins all layers 7 which extends in MD along the line of the center of the cleaning article 1.

<img file="AR051306A2_D0025.tif" />

This line that joins all the layers 7 is a fusion sealing line by means of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing or the like, so that the individual layers are joined by fusion in the joint line of all the layers 7 to be integrated total.

As illustrated in figs. 1 and 2, the cleaning article 1 thus constructed has brush parts 2 6 on the left and right sides on the cleaning face 2A of the base sheet 2. These brush parts 26 are formed by a set of strips 12 of the base sheet 2, the first fiber bundle layer 3, the second fiber bundle layer 4, the strips 17 of the lamina 5 and the third fiber bundle layer 6.

When the floor, furniture, or the like are cleaned with the cleaning side of the cleaning article 1, which is illustrated upwards in fig. 1, the fine powder can be collected by the third layer of fiber bundle 6 that appears on the most extreme face of the cleaning article 1, and by the first and second layers of fiber bundle 3 and 4 within the brush parts 26 . Here, strips 12 and 17 exhibit the function of cleaning the dust, and the dust, as it is cleaned by strips 12 and 17, can also be collected by means of the bundle layer of fibers 3, 4 and 6 .

In this embodiment, the strips 17 are interposed between the second layer of fiber bundle 4 and La

<img file="AR051306A2_D0026.tif" />

third fiber bundle layer 6. When cleaning operations are repeated, therefore, the filaments of the second fiber bundle layer 4 and the filaments of the third fiber bundle layer 6 are prevented from becoming entangled excessively, so such that the shape of the brush parts 26 can be retained for a proioned term.

In addition, the filaments of the first fiber bundle layer 3 and the filaments of the second fiber bundle layer 4 that are partially attached to the strips 12 and the strips 17, respectively, so that they are prevented from becoming excessively curled or entangle Even after a cleaning operation for a prolonged period, therefore, the brush portions 26 are strongly crushed so that they are excellent in retaining the shape.

On the side of the outer face of the cleaning article L thus completed, as illustrated in fig. 3, the base sheet 2 and the clamping sheet 8, which first joins the joining line 13 and 13, also joins the line that joins all the layers 17 which is made in the middle between the line of union 13 and 13. In the clamping region on the outer face of the central region 2a, therefore, two parallel clamping spaces 20 and 20 are made each of which are defined between a joint line 13 and the line that joins all the layers.

<img file="AR051306A2_D0027.tif" />

Accordingly, the cleaning article 1 can be held on the side of the outer face by a fastener 21 of a bifurcated structure, such as that illustrated in fig. 3. This fastener 21 includes a bifurcated insertion part 22 and 22 and a gripping part 23. The insertion parts 22 and 22 are inserted into the holding space 20 and 20. Thus, the cleaning operation can be performed by holding the portion of grip

23.

It is possible to adopt a variety of structures to prevent the cleaning article 1 from easily detaching out of the fastener 21 at the time of cleaning.

First, the insertion part 22 and 22 can be formed on their lower faces with a number of sawtooth-shaped protuberances 22a, which are finely placed with their sharp edges. With the protuberances 22a moving towards the base plate 2, the insertion part 22 and 22 is inserted into the holding space 20 and 20. In this inserted state, the sawtooth-shaped protuberances 22a and the base sheet 2 are retained in a high coefficient of friction so that they can prevent the cleaning article 1 from easily leaving.

It is also effective to arrange a retaining clasp 24 in the root end portion of the insertion portion 22 and 22 of the fastener 21. This retaining clasp 24 is shaped

<img file="AR051306A2_D0028.tif" />

Fine hook or mushroom-shaped projections. With the retaining clasp 24 which is retained on the rear side 2B of the base sheet 2, the cleaning article 1 is prevented from leaving the fastener 21.

In addition, it is also possible to provide a pivotable connection member 25 at the main end portion of one of the bifurcated insertion parts 22. This connecting member 25 is rotated, when the insertion parts 22 and 22 are inserted until they are embedded in the holding spaces 20 and 20 so that their ends cross and exit the holding space 20 and 20, to retain by means of this the connection member 25 at the main end of the other insertion part 22 by the coupling between the concavity and convexity, or the like. The prevention of the cleaning article 1 so that it cannot leave the fastener 21 can also be ensured by this retention.

To the fastener 21, all or at least one of the means can be provided to prevent detachment of the cleaning article 1 (i.e., all or at least one of the protuberances 22a, retaining clasp 24 and the connecting member 25) . Here, the fastener 21 which such means can not only be used in the cleaning article of the invention but also in any cleaning article.

The cleaning article 1 described above has a symmetrical shape, as illustrated in Fig. 3. By

<img file="AR051306A2_D0029.tif" />

consequently, if the cleaning article 1 is used for the cleaning operation while it is attached to the fastener 21 of the direction illustrated in fig. 3 and becomes dirty locally, the cleaning article 1 can be removed from the fastener 21 and can be rotated 180 degrees from the position illustrated in Fig. 3 to be attached again to the fastener 21. If the cleaning article 1 is used for the cleaning operation by changing its address described above, the individual parts of the cleaning article 1 can be used homogeneously without any imbalance.

Here, if the insertion parts 22 of the fastener 21 are made of an easily deformable material, it is possible to arbitrarily bend the cleaning article 1 held by the fastener 21. If the grip part 23 is made of an extensible structure On the other hand, the cleaning operation can be carried out while the gripping part 23 extends along its length.

In the cleaning article 1, the first fiber bundle layer 3 joins the base sheet 2 to the joint line 13 and 13, as illustrated in fig. 4B, so that the cleaning face of the insertion parts 22 and 22 are inserted into the space, fasteners 20 and 20 are covered at any time not only when with the base sheet 2 but also with the first layer of fiber bundle 3 . Therefore, even when the right or left brush portion is turned unintentionally during the cleaning operation, the first fiber bundle layer 3 is made at a sufficient predetermined thickness between the object to be cleaned and the insertion part 22 and 22 of the fastener 21. As a result, the object to be cleaned is not affected by the hardness of the fastener that the cleaning article 1 provides a perception of soft contact when used for cleaning operation.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a cleaning article IA as a modification of the first embodiment of the invention.

The cleaning article IA illustrated in Fig. 6 is prepared by changing the order of laminations of the individual layers of the cleaning article 1 illustrated in figs. 1 to 5

In this cleaning article IA, an external base sheet 15 is provided which is made with a nonwoven fabric bonded by air, and the base sheet 2 is made with a nonwoven fabric bonded by spinning or the like is located above of the cleaning face of this external base sheet 15. On top of the cleaning face 2A of the base sheet 2, in addition, the first fiber bundle layer 3, the second fiber bundle layer 4, the third fiber bundle layer 6 and the sheet 5 are sequentially facing up. . Plate 5 is made with strips and appears on the outer face of the cleaning article IA in

<img file="AR051306A2_D0030.tif" />

Your cleaning side. The sheet 5 can be made with any convenient material such as a nonwoven fabric or a resin film, but preferably it is made with a nonwoven fabric bonded by air.

Then, the outer base sheet 15, the base sheet 2 and the first fiber bundle layer 3 are joined together in the same joint line 13 and 13 as illustrated in fig. 4B. In addition, all the layers from the outer base sheet 15 to the sheet 5 that have the strips 17 are joined together in the same line that joins all the layers 7 as illustrated in figs. 1 and 2. This line that joins all layers 7 extends along the center line of the cleaning article IA.

Here, as in the structure illustrated in fig. 5, the third bundle of fiber that can be attached to the layer 6 and the bottom sheet 5 to the union line 18 positioned in the middle between the longitudinal ends of the strips 17 so that some of the filaments of the third layer of fiber bundle 6 are partially integrated into strips 17. In addition, the base sheet 2 can be made with a plurality of strips

<td>12 horn</td><td>in the</td><td>fig. 4A, and the</td><td>strips</td><td> 12</td><td>Y</td><td>the first layer</td><td>from</td>

<td>bunch of</td><td>fiber</td><td>3 can also</td><td>join</td><td>to</td><td>the</td><td>union lines</td><td>in</td>

<td>zigzag 14</td><td>horn</td><td>in fig. 4B.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>By</td><td colspan="2">of course it is also</td><td colspan="2">possible</td><td colspan="2">that a lamina</td><td>from</td>

fastener 8 joins the outer face of the base sheet

<img file="AR051306A2_D0031.tif" />

external 15, such as horn in fig. 3, to form the holding space 20 and 20 between the outer base sheet 15 and the holding sheet 8.

In the cleaning article IA illustrated in fig. 6, the sheet 5 which has the strips 17 is provided to form the end face on the cleaning side so that it ends preferentially against the object to be cleaned, such as the floor, furniture or the like. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the filaments of the individual underlying fiber layers 3, 4 and 6 from becoming entangled excessively or stuck by friction with the object to be cleaned. Especially if some of the filaments of the third layer of fiber bundle are attached to the joint line 18 to the lower strips 17, they barely tangle or stick together. If the outer sheet 5 is made with a non-woven fabric joined by highly rigid and soft air, in addition, that the brush part 26, such as that formed with the strips and the layers of fiber bundle, is scarcely deformed by friction with the object to be cleaned, so that they barely lose their shape even after being used for a long time.

When a sheet 5 having the strips 17 forms the outer face of the cleaning article on its cleaning side, such as illustrated in Fig. 6, it is more preferable that the individual strips 17 are longer. Therefore, it is preferred

<img file="AR051306A2_D0032.tif" />

that the cut line 16 will separate the strips 17 that extend to or near the line that joins all the layers 7. Alternatively, it is also possible that the cut line 16 crosses the entire area of ​​the sheet 5 in MD so that the strips are completely separated from each other before they join the other layers in the line that joins all layers 7.

As described above, if the strips 17 formed of the air-bonded nonwoven fabric are positioned on the outer face of the cleaning article on its cleaning side, as in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, the part of Brush 26 can reliably retain its equal shapes after use for a prolonged period of time. On the other hand, if the fiber bundle layer is positioned on the outer face of the cleaning article on its cleaning side, as in an embodiment illustrated in. the figs. 1 to 5, the filaments of the fiber bundle layer are responsible for being entangled or glued by friction in order to be cleaned for a prolonged, comparatively long term.

In the cleaning article 1 illustrated in figs. Therefore, it was preferred to apply a fixing agent to the third layer of fiber bundle 6 that appears on the outer face. Examples of the fixing agent include an oil agent, a wax, and a resin such as an HMA (melt adhesive or

<img file="AR051306A2_D0033.tif" />

hot). This applied fixing agent can prevent the freedom of movement of the filaments (that is, suppresses the disaggregation of the filaments) so that the filaments can be prevented from becoming entangled excessively or can stick together at the time of cleaning.

This fixing agent can be partially applied to the third layer of fiber bundle 6. For example, the fixing agent can therefore be sprayed exclusively on the cleaning face of the third layer of fiber bundle δ to fix the filaments that appear in The cleaning face of the third layer of fiber bundle 6 exclusively. Alternatively, the fixing agent may be applied to the third fiber bundle layer 6 over a predetermined length of the bonding line of all layers 7 so that the filaments forming the third fiber bundle layer 6 remain free on the side. of its free ends. In both cases, it can be prevented that the filaments forming the third layer of fiber bundle 6 can become entangled excessively, without diminishing the effect of collecting dust by the fiber bundle layer 6. Preferably, the fixing agent is solid in temperature environment.

In the case where one wax is used to fix, for example, the proportion of the wax to the fiber bundle layer 6 is preferably from 0.5 to 25 by weight. If the proportion is less than 0.5% by weight, the tangle of the filaments could not

<img file="AR051306A2_D0034.tif" />

³⁰ ', prevent effectively. If it is more than 25% by weight, on the other hand, the filaments will be firmly fixed excessively. Therefore, because the filaments cannot rise sufficiently, the dust collecting effect decreases.

In the case where an HMA is used for fixing, it is preferred that this HMA has a low viscosity. If an HMA is used that has a high viscosity, the property that collects dust is reinforced but the filaments are prone to be entangled. Of course, the fixing agent can be prepared by mixing a wax and an HMA having a low viscosity.

Here, the entanglement of the filaments can be prevented not by the method of applying the fixing agent to the fiber bundle layer 6 but by solidifying the filaments of the fiber bundle layer 6 again after melting them with a solvent or by heat In this case, too, it is possible to firmly fix the filaments of the fiber bundle layer 6 only to the side of the line that joins all the layers 7 to prevent entanglement, while allowing a degree of freedom on the side of its ends so The filament can be easily lifted.

Of course, the fixing of filaments in each layer of fiber bundle should not be limited to the cleaning article 1. For example, also in the cleaning article IA illustrated in fig. 6, the filaments in the fiber bundle layers

<img file="AR051306A2_D0035.tif" />

<img file="AR051306A2_D0036.tif" />

<img file="AR051306A2_D0037.tif" />

Individuals 4 and 6 can be fixed together with a fixing agent or by melting them, as described above.

In the cleaning article 1 illustrated in fig. 1, the third layer of fiber bundle 6 only joins the other layers to the line that joins all the layers 7. However, it is also possible to form other lines of the spaced joint apart from the line that joins all the layers 7 to join that is why only the third layer of fiber bundle 6 to the underlying sheet 5 or all other layers (i.e., from sheet 5 to base sheet 2). This can also prevent the filaments of the third layer of fiber bundle 6 from becoming entangled or sticking excessively.

In both cleaning articles 1 illustrated in fig. 1 and the cleaning article IA illustrated in fig. 6, it is preferable that the weight of the base of the first layer of fiber bundle 3 more internal to the base sheet 2 is larger than those of the second layer of lower fiber bundle 4 and third layer of fiber bundle 6 . In such an embodiment, even if the strips or filaments that form the brush part 2 6 become entangled or glued when repeating the cleaning operations for a prolonged term, the base sheet 2 is not exposed to the brush part 26. Therefore, the base sheet 2 can be prevented from coming into direct contact with the object to be cleaned.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view that displays a part / 1

<img file="AR051306A2_D0038.tif" />

of a cleaning article 30 according to a second embodiment of the invention, and fig. 8 is a particular view of the cleaning article 30.

The cleaning article 30 comprises sheets 31 and 32 formed with a non-woven fabric or the like, and bundle layers of fiber 33 and 34. The sheet 31 has a plurality of strips 31a formed in its two sides of the side and length in MD . The sheet 32 ​​also which is placed on the sheet 31 has a plurality of strips 32a formed in its two lateral parts. These strips 3La and 32a are made forming a plurality of cutting lines in. the two lateral parts of individual sheet 31 and 32.

The fiber bundle layer 33 is arranged on the underside (cleaning face) of the sheet 31; and the fiber bundle layer 34 are disposed on the upper face (cleaning face) of the sheet 32. The sheets 31 and 32 and the fiber bundle layer 33 and 34 thus laminated are integrally joined by fusion in a joint of the central line 35 and the lateral joint line 36 and 36. In the outer side parts in addition to the lateral joint line 36 and 36, brush parts 37 and 37 of strip assemblies 31a and 32a and fiber bundle layers 33 and 34 are made.

The two lateral joining lines 36 and 36 define a clamping region 38 between them. In the clamping region 38, two clamping spaces 39 and 39 are formed separated by the

<img file="AR051306A2_D0039.tif" />

union of the Central Line 35 between the sheet 31 and the sheet 32. In these fastening spaces 39 and 39, the insertion portions 22 and 22 of the fastener 21 illustrated in fig. 3. Alternatively, a relatively wide fastening space can only be formed between the lateral joint line 36 and 36 without providing the central joint line 35. Here, the fastener to be inserted into the wide fastening space can be given a flat shape

In the clamping region 38, in addition, cut lines 41 are made each of which extends in the direction perpendicular to MD. Halfway between adjacent junction line 35 and 36, these cut lines 41 are intermittently placed in a predetermined space. The sheets 31 and 32 and the fiber bundle layers 33 and 34 are cut together on the cutting lines 41.

As a result, on both upper and lower faces (i.e. two cleaning faces) of the cleaning article 30, filaments that cross the cutting line 41 are cut in the clamping region 38, thus forming the fiber brush part 42 extending from junction line 35 and 36. On the other hand, the filaments that do not cross the cutting line 41 remain uncut in the clamping region 38, so they form fiber bridges 43 extending between the adjacent joint line 35 and 36. These fiber brush parts 42 and bridge

<img file="AR051306A2_D0040.tif" />

of fiber 43 alternate in the direction perpendicular to MD.

In this cleaning article 30, the brush part 37 and 37 in its two side parts are the sets of the fiber bundle layers 33 and 34 and the strips 31a and 32a. Accordingly, the brush parts 37 have high general stiffnesses so that the strips 31a and 32a can clean the dust considering that the fiber bundle layers 33 and 34 can collect the dust.

In the clamping region 38, on the other hand, the fiber brush part 42, as performed by cutting the fiber bundle layers 33 and 34 in the cutting line 41, can exhibit the function of cleaning the dust, and fiber bridges 43 can collect cleaning dust. Accordingly, the cleaning article 30 can not only exhibit the cleaning function on the brush part 37 and 37 but also on both upper and lower faces in the clamping region 38, so that it can perform an effective cleaning operation on any part.

As illustrated in fig. 8, it is also possible to provide other layers 44 and 45 between the sheet 31 and the fiber bundle layer 33 which has the fiber brush portion 42 and between the sheet 32 ​​and the fiber bundle layer 34 which owns the portion of 42 fiber brush, respectively. These layers 44 and 45 are not cut in the cut line 41 and can be made with

<img file="AR051306A2_D0041.tif" />

<img file="AR051306A2_D0042.tif" />

a bundle of fiber that has a large base weight or a nonwoven fabric bonded by air.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a cleaning article 50 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

In this cleaning article 50, two parts of the side of a sheet 51 are cut into a plurality of cutting lines to form a plurality of strips 51a, and two parts of the side of a sheet 52 are equally cut to form a plurality of strips 52a. On the bottom face of the sheet 51, a fiber bundle layer 53 is disposed, and on the top face of the sheet 52, a fiber bundle layer 54 is disposed. Sheet 51, sheet 52, the fiber bundle layer, 53 and the fiber bundle layer 54 are integrally fused to the joining lines 55 and 56 extending in parallel.

In the two lateral parts beyond the joining line 55 and 56, the brush part 57 of the strip assembly 51a, the strips 52a, the fiber bundle layer 53 and the fiber bundle layer 54 are made.

The union line 55 and the union line 5 6 define a clamping space between the sheet 51 and the sheet 52. In this clamping space, a fastener 61 is inserted. At this time, if the cleaning article 50 is attached ai 61 while it is twisting, the brush part 57 can

<img file="AR051306A2_D0043.tif" />

warp to extend helically.

In this cleaning article 50, the brush part 57 is directed in all directions around the fastener 61. Accordingly, the cleaning article 50 can collect dust effectively when used to clean a narrow hole or the like.

Here, the embodiment of fig. 7 may indicate a structure in which a layer of fiber bundle is additionally held between the strips 31a of the sheet 31 and the strips 32a of the sheet 32. Similarly, the embodiment illustrated in fig. 9 can also indicate a structure in which a layer of fiber bundle is additionally held between strips 51a of sheet 51 and strips

52a of the sheet 52.

In the embodiments of figs. 7 and 9, in addition, the strips and fiber bundle layers can be partially joined to each other in half between the longitudinal ends of the strips.

In the above individual embodiments, if the fiber bundle layers are made of curled fibers, the fibers can easily collect dust. If the fibers (for example, the open filaments of a split beam or strand) are attached to the sheet while they are stretched in MD, and then they are cut together with the sheet, in addition, the fibers are

<img file="AR051306A2_D0044.tif" />

curl so that the parts of the fiber bundle layer that forms the brush parts are shorter than the strips. In this embodiment, it is possible to reinforce both the function of collecting the dust by the curled fibers and the function that cleans the dust by the strips that extend beyond the free ends of the curled fibers, so that it can effectively display the cleaning function by means of all the fibers and strips.

In addition, the effect of adsorption and dust collection can be reinforced by applying a powder adsorption agent to the fiber bundle layers and / or the strips. This powder adsorption agent is exemplified by a surface active agent, mineral oil or wax. It is also possible to apply an acrylic adhesive or a hot melt adhesive that has a weakened adhesion.

The fiber bundle layers and / or the strips may also contain a substance such as a deodorant, a humectant or an antifungal agent in addition to the dust adsorption agent.

If the sheets in the individual embodiments are made expandable elastically between the union lines formed in the clamping region, in addition, the sheets can make proximity contact with the fastener when the cleaning article is attached to the fastener, so that The cleaning item can barely stand out from! bra

<img file="AR051306A2_D0045.tif" />

In the individual embodiments, the non-woven fabric used to form the sheets possessing the strips should not be limited to those formed by the spin bonding procedure or the air bonding procedure, but can be performed by bonding thermal, while spin bonding, point bonding, blow fusion, stitch bonding, chemical bonding, needle stitching or similar. In addition, the non-woven fabric can be replaced by a material to be worked in strips, such as urethane, sponge, a woven fabric, a grid or a divided fabric.

When the sheets possessing the strips are made with a non-woven fabric, the preferable non-woven fabric has a basis weight from 10 to 100 g / m² and a thickness from 0.5 to 5 mm, from the point of view of manuability when combined with the layers of fiber bundle and from the point of view of technical process. In addition, the preferable nonwoven fabric has a width of 250 mm in MD.

As described above, the cleaning article of the invention has a brush portion formed with strips and a fiber bundle layer, such that the fibers of the fiber bundle layer can be prevented from becoming entangled or curled excessively, therefore to reinforce the retention of the shape of the brush part. Especially, if the strips and / f / S'ï'S ν'- * fffvyPC¹-'¹'' ί · Λ &lt;vi il c. ι · τ il Ο · 't *; i ». VV __— 'C. , Y ·: //

<img file="AR051306A2_D0046.tif" />

The fiber bundle layer is partially bonded together, the fiber bundle layer that forms the part of the brush can be stiffly reinforced and can be prevented from curling or compressing even after prolonged use.

Although various exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention is not limited only by the scope of the following claims.