Integral Dual Functionality Cleaning Pads

Abstract

A cleaning pad has a facing layer joined to a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the facing layer and backsheet. The facing layer is an integral sheet having a first region comprising a plurality of apertures, and a second region comprising a plurality of raised protrusions. The two different regions provide dual functionalities of absorbing (or distributing) liquid, such as a cleaner, and scrubbing, respectively.

1 . A cleaning pad for attachment to the head of a cleaning implement, said pad comprising:
 a backsheet and a facing sheet joined in face-to-face relationship with an absorbent core therebetween, said facing sheet being an integral sheet having a first region having apertures therethrough, and a second region having a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly therefrom and away from said core, wherein said second region circumscribes said first region.   
     
     
         2 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 1  wherein said cleaning pad is generally rectangularly shaped having two spaced longer edges and two spaced apart shorter edges, each of said backsheet and said facing sheet having two spaced apart longer edges and two spaced apart shorter edges, said longer edges of said backsheet extending outwardly beyond said longer edges of said facing sheet. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 2 , having a first region intermediate two second regions, wherein one of each said second region is juxtaposed with each said longer edge. 
     
     
         5 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 4  having a width between said longer edges, and said first region comprises from 30 to 90 percent of said width. 
     
     
         6 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 5 , wherein said first region and said second regions are contiguous. 
     
     
         7 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 5 , wherein said first region has apertures with an open area ranging from about 1 to about 9 square millimeters per aperture. 
     
     
         8 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 7 , wherein said second region has protrusions extending outwardly about 0.5 to about 4 millimeters. 
     
     
         9 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 1  wherein said first region and said second region overlap. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 1  wherein said first region and said second region are separated by a visually discernable region free of said plurality of protrusions and free of said apertures. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A cleaning pad according to  claim 1  removably attached to a cleaning implement, said implement comprising a handle and a head attached thereto, wherein said backsheet of said cleaning pad is attached to said head. 
     
     
         14 . A cleaning pad which is premoistened, and for attachment to the head of a cleaning implement, said pad comprising:
 a backsheet and a facing sheet joined in face-to-face relationship with an absorbent core therebetween, said facing sheet being an integral sheet having a first region having apertures therethrough, a second region having a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly therefrom and away from said core and moisture therein for wetting a surface to be cleaned.   
     
     
         15 . A method of cleaning a target surface, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a cleaning pad suitable for attachment to the head of a cleaning implement, said cleaning pad having a backsheet and a facing sheet joined in face-to-face relationship with an absorbent core therebetween, said facing sheet being an integral sheet having a first region having apertures therethrough, and a second region having a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly therefrom and away from said core,   placing said facing sheet in contact with the target surface; and   wiping said cleaning pad across the target surface to remove debris therefrom.   
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein said step wiping said cleaning pad across the target surface comprises the step of cleaning a floor. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16  further comprising the step of removably attaching said cleaning pad to a cleaning implement, said implement comprising a handle and a head attached thereto, wherein said step of attaching said cleaning pad to said cleaning implement comprises the step of attaching said backsheet of said cleaning pad to said head of said cleaning implement. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17  further comprising the step of distributing cleaning fluid onto the floor from a reservoir before wiping the floor with said cleaning pad. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein said step of providing a cleaning pad comprises the step of providing a cleaning pad which is premositened.