Utility textile with microfiber core

Abstract

A utility textile having, in one embodiment, three layers: a working layer, a core layer, and a backing layer. The working layer can include any suitable cleaning material, but preferably contains microfibers. The core layer preferably contains microfibers instead of, or in addition to, the traditional sponge core layer. In one embodiment the core layer also contains antimicrobial properties. Lastly, the backing layer preferably contains a surface that allows the utility textile to be attached to a frame using, for instance, a hook and loop attachment system.

1 . A utility textile comprising: 
 a working layer;    a core layer adjacent said working layer; and    a backing layer adjacent said core layer, wherein said core layer comprises microfibers.    
   
   
       2 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said core layer contains antimicrobial properties.  
   
   
       3 . The utility textile of  claim 2 , wherein said antimicrobial properties are imparted using an antimicrobial compound that is permanently bonded to fibers in both the working layer and the core layer.  
   
   
       4 . The utility textile of  claim 2 , wherein said antimicrobial properties are imparted after the flat mop is assembled.  
   
   
       5 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said core layer is in the form of a woven sheet of microfibers.  
   
   
       6 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said core layer is in the form a knitted sheet of microfibers.  
   
   
       7 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said core layer is in the form of a non-woven, non-knitted web of microfiber material.  
   
   
       8 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein the core layer is in the form of a loose filling-type microfiber material.  
   
   
       9 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said core layer is substantially said microfibers  
   
   
       10 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said core layer further comprises polyester fibers blended with said microfibers.  
   
   
       11 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said utility textile is a flat mop.  
   
   
       12 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said utility textile is an applicator.  
   
   
       13 . The utility textile of  claim 1 , wherein said applicator is used to apply flooring finishes.  
   
   
       14 . A utility textile comprising: 
 a layer of microfiber material and no other layers, wherein said layer of microfiber material performs the functions of a working layer, a core layer and a backing layer.    
   
   
       15 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said layer contains antimicrobial properties.  
   
   
       16 . The utility textile of  claim 15 , wherein said antimicrobial properties are imparted using an antimicrobial compound that is permanently bonded to fibers in the core layer.  
   
   
       17 . The utility textile of  claim 15 , wherein said antimicrobial properties are imparted after the flat mop is assembled.  
   
   
       18 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said layer is in the form of a woven sheet of microfibers.  
   
   
       19 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said layer is in the form a knitted sheet of microfibers.  
   
   
       20 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said layer is in the form of a non-woven, non-knitted web of microfiber material.  
   
   
       21 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein the layer is in the form of a loose filling-type microfiber material.  
   
   
       22 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said layer is substantially said microfibers  
   
   
       23 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said layer further comprises polyester fibers blended with said microfibers.  
   
   
       24 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said utility textile is a flat mop.  
   
   
       25 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said utility textile is an applicator.  
   
   
       26 . The utility textile of  claim 14 , wherein said applicator is used to apply flooring finishes.