Disposable sealed hygienic pad elements with floor mop head

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for cleaning, dusting or applying disinfectants to a surface. The device features a sheath having a first surface and a second surface. The sheath is capable of assuming two positions. In said first position the first surface faces inward toward itself defining a first opening and a first chamber. In the second position the second surfaces faces inward towards itself defining a second opening and a second chamber and the first surfaces faces outward. At least one pad element is affixed to the first surface for cleaning, dusting or applying disinfectants as said sheath assumes the second position. A seal is associated with at least one of the first and second surfaces to close said first chamber for storing the pad element before use and after use.

1 . A device for cleaning, dusting or applying disinfectants to a surface comprising:
 a.) a sheath having a first surface and a second surface, said sheath capable of assuming two positions, in said first position said first surface faces inward defining a first opening and a first chamber, and said second surface faces outward defining a second opening and a second chamber;   b.) at least one pad element affixed to said first surface for cleaning, dusting or applying disinfectants as said sheath assumes said second position;   c.) seal means associated with at least one of said first and second surfaces to close said first chamber for storing said pad element before use or after use.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said at least one pad element is loaded with a solution for effecting at least one of the group of tasks consisting of cleaning, dusting or disinfecting. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said at least one pad is stored in said first position with said first chamber closed with seal means to prevent said solution from evaporating. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said at least one pad element is used in said second position and upon exhaustion of the pad element, said sheath is capable of being returned to said first position and said seal means sealed to contain said pad element. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said second chamber receives a hand or a cleaning implement. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said second chamber receives an implement head. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a tether element projecting from said second surface to facilitate moving said sheath from said second position to said first position. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein said sheath cooperates with an implement head having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said sheath assuming said second position with said implement head occupying said second chamber and said second surface abutting said exterior surface. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said implement has at least one interior surface defining a passage, said sheath received in said passage in said first position and assuming said second position as said second surface is drawn over in abutting relationship with said exterior surface of said implement head. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said sheath has a tether element projecting from said second surface, said tether element occupying said passage when said sheath is in said second position and capable of drawing said sheath into said first position in cooperation with said implement head as said tether element is withdrawn from said passage. 
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said seal means is selected from the group of closures comprising adhesive, interfitting flange and groove, and heat seal. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said sheath is comprised of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metal foils, polyfoils or plastic. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 6  further comprising an implement head. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein said implement head has as interior surface and an exterior surface, said interior surface defining a passage for receiving said sheath in a first position said exterior surface for receiving said sheath in said second position. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein said implement head holds a plurality of sheaths in a first position for storage until placed in said second position. 
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said implement head is capable of attachment and removal from an implement handle to allow an implement head with an exhausted supply of sheaths to be replaced. 
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 16  further comprising a handle element wherein at least one of said handle element and said implement head has one or more loading surfaces, said loading surfaces cooperate with a flat surface to hold said implement head substantially vertical, to facilitate moving said sheath to a second position. 
   
   
       18 . A method of cleaning or disinfecting a surface comprising the steps of
 a.) providing a device having a sheath, at least one pad element and seal means, said sheath having a first surface and a second surface, said sheath capable of assuming two positions, in said first position said first surface faces inward toward itself defining a first opening and a first chamber and said second surface faces outward; said at least one pad element affixed to said first surface for cleaning, dusting or applying disinfectants as said sheath assumes said second position; said seal means associated with at least one of said first and second surfaces to close said first chamber for storing said pad element before use or after use; and   b.) opening said at least one seal means at said first opening and manipulating said sheath into said second position;   c.) using said at least one pad to clean, dust or apply disinfecting agents; and,   d.) manipulating said sheath back into said first position for disposal.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising the step of closing said at least one seal means to contain said at least one pad. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said sheath cooperates with an implement head having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said sheath assuming said second position with said implement head occupying said second chamber and said second surface abutting said exterior surface and said sheath is drawn over said implement head as said sheath assumes said second position. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein said implement has at least one interior surface defining a passage, said sheath received in said passage in said first position and assuming said second position as said second surface is drawn over in abutting relationship with said exterior surface of said implement head. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein said sheath has a tether element projecting from said second surface, said tether element occupying said passage when said sheath is in said second position and capable of drawing said sheath into said first position in cooperation with said implement head as said tether element is withdrawn from said passage said method further comprising the step of withdrawing said tether element to place said pad element in said first chamber. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein said first chamber is sealed with said seal means. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 20  wherein said implement head has as interior surface and an exterior surface, said interior surface defining a passage for receiving said sheath in a first position said exterior surface for receiving said sheath in said second position, said method further comprising the step of storing at least one sheath in said passage. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein said implement head holds a plurality of sheaths in a first position for storage until placed in said second position. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein said implement head is capable of attachment and removal from an implement handle to allow an implement head with an exhausted supply of sheaths to be replaced, said method further comprising the step of replacing said implement head upon exhaustion of the supply of sheaths.