Apparatus and method for removing flooring scuffs

Abstract

An apparatus and method for using entangled fibers ( 120 ) to remove scuffs from flooring are described. A pad ( 100 ) for removing scuffs includes a non-metallic fabric ( 110 ) attached to a non-spherical backing ( 140 ). The non-metallic fabric ( 110 ) has a surface of entangled fibers ( 120 ) that extend away from the pad. The scuffs are contacted by the entangled fibers ( 120 ), and a rubbing motion of the pad ( 100 ) is used to remove the scuffs.

1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a non-spherical backing having a first surface and a second surface; and    a non-metallic fabric having a first surface that is attached to the first surface of the non-spherical backing, and having a second surface of entangled fibers wherein the entangled fibers extend away from the non-metallic fabric.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one support member attached to the second surface of the non-spherical backing.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one support member includes at least one strap for attaching the apparatus to a shoe.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the non-spherical backing forms an overshoe.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the non-spherical backing is made of rubber.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is melton.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein melton is felt.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein felt contains cotton.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein felt contains nylon.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein melton is as used in the manufacture of tennis balls in accordance with the International Tennis Federation's tennis ball specification.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a handle having a first end and a second end;    a head movably connected to the second end of the handle; and    a pad mounted the head wherein the pad has at least one surface of entangled fibers that extend away from the pad.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the entangled fibers are attached to a non-metallic fabric.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprises a non-spherical backing attached to the non-metallic fabric.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a folding mechanism in a middle section of the handle wherein the folding mechanism allows the first end of the handle be folded proximately close to the second end of the handle.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a bracket attached to the first end of the handle.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a first side of the head and a second side of the head wherein the first and second sided form an acute angle.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the pad attached to a curved surface of the head.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the head is made of foam rubber.  
   
   
       18 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a pad having a non-metallic fabric attached to a non-spherical backing wherein the non-metallic fabric has a surface of entangled fibers that extend away from the pad; and    rubbing scuffs with the pad wherein the entangled fibers contact the scuffs.    
   
   
       19 . A method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of: 
 cleaning a surface area proximately close and including the scuff.