FORM - 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)

&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
CLEANING ARTICLE
FREUDENBERG GALA HOUSEHOLD PRODUCT PVT. LTD.
an Indian company
of B -902/903/904, 02 Galleria,
Plot No. 23/24, Minerva Industrial Estate,
Off LBS Marg, Near Asha Nagar, Mulund (W) Mumbai - 400080, Maharashtra, India
Inventor:
GALA JAT1N TARACHAND
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure generally relates to cleaning articles.
Background
Cleaning of surfaces such as floors, walls, windows and doors and objects such as vehicles, storage cabinets and equipment 'constitute an essential routine in any establishment. Over the years, plenty of devices and articles have been introduced for cleaning purposes such as mops, sweepers, scrubbers, vacuum cleaners, high pressure jet cleaners and steam cleaners. In spite of such advancements, most of the typical Indian population/consumers continue to use cloth or sheets for cleaning purposes, particularly for wet cleaning of surfaces, due to low costs and ease of availability. With a staggering 32.7% of the total Indian population, still falling below the international poverty line, the afore-presented fact can be surprising to just a few.
Conventional cleaning cloths or sheets used for wet cleaning of surfaces such as floors, however, suffer from many disadvantages such as less durability, short life span and less efficiency. Sheets are constantly subjected to wear and tear which aggravates their degradation. Further, sheets are frequently in contact with fluids such as water, detergent solutions and soap solutions which decrease their lifespan even further. Moreover, sheets have a tendency to get torn at the center due to continuous wear and tear, which is a very commonly observed disadvantage associated with prior art cleaning articles.
Accordingly, there is a need to develop an effective cleaning article, particularly for wet floor cleaning applications, that is comparatively more absorbent and durable. Further, there is a need to develop a cleaning article which is subjected to continuous wear and tear that has comparatively more life span. Furthermore, there is a need of a cleaning article that may be used for prolonged cleaning while being in continuous contact with fluids such as water, detergent solutions and soap solutions.

Definitions:
As used in the present disclosure, the following words and phrases are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used to indicate otherwise.
The expression "reinforcement" means a patch of woven material or a patch of non-woven material or a pocket containing either a patch of woven material or a patch of non-woven material or a differently woven part of the parent, non-reinforced sheet of the cleaning article or a densely woven part of the parent, non-reinforced sheet of the cleaning article or a densely embroidered part of the parent, non-reinforced sheet of the cleaning article or a chemically bonded part of the parent, non-reinforced sheet of the cleaning article and combinations thereof.
Objects
Some of the objects of the system of the present disclosure which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning article.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning article that is durable, tenacious and long-lasting.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning article that is comparatively more absorbent.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning article that releases absorbent in a controlled and sustained fashion.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning article that is easy to manufacture and is thereby economical.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning article that may be adapted for both manual and mechanical use.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
A cleaning article in accordance with the present disclosure is disclosed. The cleaning article includes a first element and at least one second element disposed on at least a portion of the first element for providing reinforcement of the second element on the first element.
Typically, the first element and the second element are made up of at least one material selected from the group consisting of cotton fibers, flax fibers, jute fibers, ramie fibers, sisal fibers, hemp fibers, kenaf fibers, bamboo fibers, coconut fibers, wool, polyesters, polypropylene, nylons, acrylics, felts, sponges, viscous fibers, cellulose fibers, microfibers, silks and combinations thereof.
Typically, the reinforcement of the second element on the first element is performed by at least one of stitching, Velcro fastening, gluing, knitting, clamping, bandaging, lacing, sealing, blending, fusing, bonding, fastening and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the second element is reinforced on the first element on an area of the first element in a range of 10% to 50%.
Typically, the thickness of the reinforcement of the second element on the first element is in a range of 0.5 to 5 times thickness of the first element.
In one embodiment, the second element is permanently disposed on the first element.
In another embodiment, the second element is removably disposed on the first element.
Typically, at least one of the first element and the second element has a single layered structure.
Alternatively, at least one of the first element and the second element has a multi-layered structure.
In one embodiment, the second element is of a non-woven material.
In another embodiment, the second element is of a woven material.
Typically, the second element has a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, rectangular, square, elliptical, triangular, oval, polygonal and combinations thereof.
In one embodiment, the first element has at least one pocket configured thereon on at least a portion thereof, wherein the pocket receives at least one second element
therein.
Typically, the pocket is permanently configured on the first element.

Alternatively, the pocket is removably configured on the first element.
Typically, the pocket is of a material selected from the group consisting of cotton fibers, flax fibers, jute fibers, ramie fibers, sisal fibers, hemp fibers, kenaf fibers, bamboo fibers, coconut fibers, wool, polyesters, polypropylene, nylons, acrylics, felts, sponges, viscous fibers, cellulose fibers, microfibers, silks and combinations thereof.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
The disclosure will now be explained in relation to the non limiting accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure la illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of a vertical, rectangular patch;
Figure lb illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of a star-shaped patch;
Figure lc illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of a circular patch;
Figure Id illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of two horizontal rectangular patches placed laterally in contact with each other;
Figure le illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of an ellipsoidal patch;
Figure If illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of a triangular patch;

Figure 1g illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of a hexagonal patch;
Figure 1h illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of a permanently configured pocket which in turn contains a non-replaceable patch; and
Figure 1i illustrates a front view of a cleaning article; wherein a first element of the cleaning article is disposed with reinforcement in the form of a removably configured pocket which in turn contains a replaceable patch.
Detailed Description
A cleaning article of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The description hereinafter, of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the

meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
A cleaning article, as disclosed in the present disclosure, is comparatively more absorbent and durable. Further, a cleaning article, subjected to continuous wear and tear, has comparatively more life span. A cleaning article may be used for prolonged cleaning while being in continuous contact with fluids such as water, detergent solutions and soap solutions. The present disclosure envisages a cleaning article that is durable, long-lasting and highly effective.
Figure la illustrates the cleaning article 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning article 100 includes a first element 2 and a second element 4.
The first element 2 is a woven material and is made up of a material such as cotton fibers, flax fibers, jute fibers, ramie fibers, sisal fibers, hemp fibers, kenaf fibers, bamboo fibers, coconut fibers, wool, polyesters, polypropylene, nylons, acrylics, felts, sponges, viscous fibers, cellulose fibers, microfibers, silks and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the first element 2 has a single layered structure. In another embodiment, the first element 2 has a multi-layered structure.
In one embodiment, the material of the first element 2 is differently woven. In another embodiment, the material of the first element 2 is densely woven. In yet another embodiment, the material of the first element 2 is densely embroidered. In still another embodiment, the material of the first element 2 is chemically bonded. The processes of differently weaving or dense weaving or dense embroidering or chemical bonding may be carried out during the process of preparation of the first element 2 of the

cleaning article or after the process of preparation of the first element 2, Typically, the embroidering can be carried out using materials that include but are not limited to cotton, jute, wool, polyester, nylon, silk and combinations thereof.
The second element 4 is disposed on at least a portion of the first element 2 for providing reinforcement of the second element 4 on the first element 2. In one embodiment, the second element 4 is permanently disposed on the first element 2. In another embodiment, the second element 4 is removably disposed on the first element 2. The second element 4 is made up of a material such as cotton fibers, flax fibers, jute fibers, ramie fibers, sisal fibers, hemp fibers, kenaf fibers, bamboo fibers, coconut fibers, wool, polyesters, polypropylene, nylons, acrylics, felts, sponges, viscous fibers, cellulose fibers, microfibers, silks and combinations thereof. The second element 4 is either a single layered structure or a multi-layered structure wherein the multi-layered structure is either made of a single material or made up of different materials. Typically, the second element 4 is a woven material. Alternatively, the second element 4 is a non-woven material.
The reinforcement of the second element 4 on the first element 2 is either symmetrical or asymmetrical. The reinforcement of the second element 4 on the first element 2 is performed by at least one of stitching, Velcro fastening, gluing, knitting, clamping, bandaging, lacing, sealing, blending, fusing, bonding, fastening and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the reinforcement of the second element 4 on the first element 2 is carried out on one side of the first element 2. In another embodiment, the reinforcement of the second element 4 on the first element 2 is carried out on both the sides of the first element 2. Further, the orientation of the reinforcements may be selected from the group that includes but is not limited to horizontal, vertical and diagonal and combinations thereof. The arrangement of the reinforcements may be random or symmetrical and is selected from the group that includes but is not limited to three sided, four sided, multisided geometrical, circular, superimposing, concentric, symmetrical, centripetal and centrifugal arrangement. The reinforcements may be touching each other or may be independent of each other.

Typically, the second element 4 is reinforced on the first element 2 on an area of the first element 2 ranging from 10% to 50% and the thickness of the reinforcement of the second element 4 on the first element 2 is in the range of 0.5 to 5 times the thickness of the first element 2.
In one embodiment as shown in Figure la, the cleaning article 100 includes the first element 2 that is rectangular in shape and the second element 4 that is rectangular in shape. In another embodiment as shown in Figure lb, the cleaning article 100b includes the first element 2b that is rectangular in shape and the second element 4b that is star shaped. In yet another embodiment as shown in Figure lc, the cleaning article 100c includes the first element 2c that is rectangular in shape and the second element 4c that is circular in shape. In still another embodiment as shown in Figure 1d, the cleaning article 100d includes the first element 2d that is rectangular in shape and the second element 4d that is made up of two horizontal patches that are laterally connected with each other. In another embodiment as shown in Figure 1e, the cleaning article 100e includes the first element 2e that is rectangular in shape and the second element 4e that is elliptical in shape. In yet another embodiment as shown in Figure 1f, the cleaning article 100f includes the first element 2f that is rectangular in shape and the second element 4f that is triangular in shape. In still another embodiment as shown in Figure 1g, the cleaning article 100g includes the first element 2g that is rectangular in shape and the second element 4g is hexagonal in shape. Although, the present disclosure is described with the first element 2 that is rectangular in shape and the second element 4 that is of rectangular, star, circular, elliptical, triangular and hexagonal in shape. However, the first element 2 and the second element 4 of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular shape such as rectangular, star, circular, elliptical, triangular and hexagonal as disclosed, any shapes or combination of shapes can be used for the first element 2 and the second element 4.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure and as shown in Figure 1h, the cleaning article 100h includes the first element 2h, the second element 4h and at least one pocket 8h. The first element 2h has at least one pocket 8h

configured thereon on at least a portion thereof, wherein the pocket 8h receives at least one second element 4h therein. The pocket 8h is permanently connected to the first element 2h. More specifically, the second element 4h is inserted into the pocket 8h and the edges of the pocket 8h are permanently connected to the first element 2h.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure and as shown in Figure 1i, the cleaning article 100i includes the first element 2i, the second element 4i and at least one pocket 8i. The first element 2i has at least one pocket 8i configured thereon on at least a portion thereof, wherein the pocket 8i receives at least one second element 4i therein. The pocket 8i is removably connected to the first element 2i by means of the connecting element 6i. More specifically, the second element 4i is inserted into the pocket 8i and at least one edge of the pocket 8i is openably connected to the first element 2i for periodic opening of the pocket 8i. The periodic opening of the pocket 8i for replacement of the second element 4i increases the durability and efficiency of the cleaning article l00i.
Typically, the pockets 8h and 8i, respectively are connected to the first element 2h and 2i, by a connecting element such as stitching, Velcro, gluing, knitting, clamping, bandaging, lacing, sealing, blending, fusing, bonding, fastening and combinations thereof. Typically, the pockets 8h and 8i is made up of material like cotton fibers, flax fibers, jute fibers, ramie fibers, sisal fibers, hemp fibers, kenaf fibers, bamboo fibers, coconut fibers, wool, polyesters, polypropylene, nylons, acrylics, felts, sponges, viscous fibers, cellulose fibers, microfibers, silks and combinations thereof. Typically, the pocket 8h and 8i is made of a single layered material. Alternatively, the pocket 8h and 8i is multi-layered materia] wherein the multi layered material is either made up of the same material or is made up of different materials.
In accordance with one embodiment, the first element 2 (including 2b to 2i), the second element 4 (including 4b to 4i), and the pockets 8h and 8i are made up of same material. In accordance with another embodiment, the first element 2 (including 2b to

2i), the second element 4 (including 4b to 4i), and the pockets 8h and 8i are made up of different materials.
The cleaning article 100 (including 100b to 100i) as described in the present disclosure possesses several advantages as compared to the conventional cleaning materials. Due to the incorporation of various reinforcements as described in the present disclosure, the cleaning article 100 (including 100b to 100i) gains tenacity which results in more durability. By virtue of various additional layers, in the form of reinforcements, on the first element 2 of the cleaning article 100 (including 100b to 100i), the cleaning article 100 (including 100b to 100i) shows greater resistance to wear. Further, the additional layers in the cleaning article 100 (including 100b to 100i) absorb and hold a greater quantity of fluids such as detergent or soap water or disinfectant solutions. Even further, the resultant arrangement of the layers release the fluids in a controlled and sustained fashion. All the afore-mentioned provisions ensure an improved cleaning article with enhanced efficiency and functionality.
The cleaning article 100 (including 100b to 100i) provided in the present disclosure has numerous applications. The cleaning article may be used in a wide spectrum of facilities including but not limiting to commercial, residential, research, bureaucratic and entertainment facilities. The cleaning article 100 (including 100b to 100i) may be used for cleaning surfaces including but not limiting to floor, walls, windows, doors, and objects including but not limited to furniture, vehicles, storage cabinets, fixtures, decorative artifacts and scientific apparatus.
The present disclosure will now be explained with the help of the following non-limiting examples. The cleaning article 100 (including 100b to 100i) is subjected to two tests of which one is a Taber Abrasion Resistance Test and the other is a Liquid Absorptive Capacity Test as described below.

Test 1: Taber Abrasion Resistance Test
The taber abrasion test was used to derive the abrasion resistance of the cleaning article 100 and therefore determine the longevity of the cleaning article 100. Cleaning articles with less abrasion or less weight loss indicate better abrasion resistance and are therefore more durable cleaning articles. The first element 2 and the second element 4 were independently subjected to the Taber Abrasion Resistance test where the tendencies of the first element 2 and the second element 4 to get abraised were tested. The combined results of the first element 2 and the second element 4 resulted in the taber abrasion resistance test of the cleaning article 100.
The taber abrasion test was carried out by connecting the first element 2 and the second element 4 to a CS 17 wheel with a load of 250 g , wherein each of the first element 2 and the second element 4 were cloths of size 1 m2. The taber abrasion test was carried out in accordance with the international standard of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) with ASTM Grade D (3884-1992) with 300 test cycle . The results of the Taber Abrasion Test are presented in Table 1 tabulated below:
Table 1. Weight loss calculation and Taber abrasion test results

Sr.
No. Sample Weight in
(g)/ m2 A Weight loss in
(g)/m2 B Weight loss (%) if Second element 4 is in contact with the abrading surface (B1/A3) Weight loss (%) if First
element is in contact with the abrading surface (B2/A3) Weight loss
1 Second element 4 150 1.671 0.28 1.114 (B1/A1*100)

2 First element 2 444 4.551 0.77 1.025 (B2/A2*100)

3 Cleaning article 100 594
(A1+A2) 0.200-0.850

Test 2: Liquid Absorptive Capacity Test
The Liquid Absorptive Capacity test was carried to identify the absorption capacity of the cleaning article 100 by independently testing the capacity of each of the first element 2 and the second element 4 to absorb water. The combined results obtained for both the first element 2 and the second element 4 were used to derive the water absorption capacity of the cleaning article 100. The results illustrate the quantity of water absorbed with respect to the original weight of the materials. The Liquid Absorptive Capacity Test was carried out with a cloth of 1 m2 in size. The results of the Liquid Absorptive Capacity Test are presented in Table 2 tabulated below:
Table 2. Water absorption calculation and Liquid Absorptive Capacity results

Sr. No. Sample Weight in grams
(g)/ m2 A Weight of water absorbed (g)/ m2 B Absorptive Capacity (%)
1 Second element 4 150 1384.2 99.3
2 First element 2 444 440.9 922.8
3 Cleaning article 100 594
(A1+A2) 1825.1 (B1+B2) 200-800 (B3/A3*100)
Technical advancement and economic significance:
The cleaning article in accordance with the present disclosure has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:
• a cleaning article that is durable, tenacious and long-lasting;
• a cleaning article that is comparatively more absorbent;
• a cleaning article that releases absorbents in a controlled and sustained fashion;
• a cleaning article that is easy to manufacture and is thereby economical; and

• a cleaning article that may be adapted for both manual and mechanical use.
The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising'", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification
specific to the contrary.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,

readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We Claim:
1. A cleaning article comprising:
a. a first element; and
b. at least one second element disposed on at least a portion of said first
element for providing reinforcement of said second element on said first
element.
2. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first element and said second element are made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of cotton fibers, flax fibers, jute fibers, ramie fibers, sisal fibers, hemp fibers, kenaf fibers, bamboo fibers, coconut fibers, wool, polyesters, polypropylene, nylons, acrylics, felts, sponges, viscous fibers, cellulose fibers, microfibers, silks and combinations thereof.
3. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reinforcement of said second element on said first element is performed by at least one of stitching, Velcro fastening, gluing, knitting, clamping, bandaging, lacing, sealing, blending, fusing, bonding, fastening and combinations thereof.
4. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second element is reinforced on said first element on an area of said first element in a range of10% to 50% .
5. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein thickness of said reinforcement of said second element on said first element is in a range of 0.5 to 5 times thickness of said first element.
6. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second element is permanently disposed on said first element.

7. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second element is
removably disposed on said first element.
8. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first element and said second element has a single layered structure.
9. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first element and said second element has a multi-layered structure.

10. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second element is of a non-woven material.
11. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second element is of a woven material.
12. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second element has a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, rectangular, squar, elliptical, triangular, oval, polygonal and combinations thereof.
13. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first element has at least one pocket configured thereon on at least a portion thereof, wherein said pocket is adapted to receive said at least one second element therein.
14. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 13, wherein said pocket is permanently configured on said first element.
15. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 13, wherein said pocket is removably configured on said first element.

16. The cleaning article as claimed in claim 13. wherein said pocket is of material selected from the group consisting of cotton fibers, flax fibers, jute fibers, ramie fibers, sisal fibers, hemp fibers, kenaf fibers, bamboo fibers, coconut fibers, wool, polyesters, polypropylene, nylons, acrylics, felts, sponges, viscous fibers, cellulose fibers, microfibers, silks and combinations thereof.