Cleaning implement having insertable member

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning implement having a cavity dimensioned to allow selective removal and reinsertion of an insertable pad, such as melamine. The cavity is constructed and arranged to frictionally engage the insertable pad. The cleaning implement may include a two part holding member incorporating both a fluid retention and non-fluid retention element allowing for versatility in cleaning.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cleaning implement comprising:
 a holding member constructed from a foam material is capable of holding liquids with a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3 and constructed from random-celled hydrophilic urethane is further defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second side surfaces and first and second end surfaces;   a cavity centrally disposed in said bottom surface of said holding member, said cavity having a base wall inset less than about 0.75 inches from said bottom surface and bounded by first and second inner sidewalls and first and second outer end walls of a uniform height;   an abrasive pad having a height greater than about 0.75 inches positioned within said cavity and extending outward therefrom, said abrasive pad having a top surface and a bottom surface, said abrasive pad having first and second outer sidewalls frictionally engaging at least a portion of said inner first and second sidewalls of said cavity, said abrasive pad having first and second outer end walls engaging at least a portion of said first and second inner end walls of said cavity;   wherein said abrasive pad engages said inner wall of said cavity to maintain position while in use whereby said abrasive pad is removable for cleaning or replacement.   
     
     
         2 . The cleaning implement according to  claim 1 , wherein said abrasive pad is constructed from melamine foam having a density of about 1 kg/m 3  to 11 kg/m 3 . 
     
     
         3 . The cleaning implement according to  claim 1 , wherein said holding member is fluid retaining foam having an open cell density. 
     
     
         4 . The cleaning implement according to  claim 1  wherein holding member formed from a non-fluid retention element bonded to a fluid retention element, said cavity formed in said non-fluid retention element. 
     
     
         5 . The cleaning implement according to  claim 1  wherein holding member formed from a non-fluid retention element bonded to a fluid retention element, said cavity formed in said fluid retention element. 
     
     
         6 . The cleaning implement according of  claim 1  wherein said abrasive pad is supplementally fastened to said holding member by use of a hook and loop fastener positioned between said base wall and said bottom surface of said abrasive pad, said fastener allowing for attachment and removal of said abrasive pad. 
     
     
         7 . A cleaning implement comprising:
 a holding member formed from a non-fluid retention element of non-reticulated foam having a density of about 1.8+/−10% lbs/ft 3  bonded to a fluid retention element formed from a double-open celled hydrophilic urethane capable of holding liquids with a density between 1.30-2.50 lbs/ft3, said holding member having a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second side surfaces and first and second end surfaces;   a centrally disposed cavity formed within said holding member, said cavity having a base wall inset about 0.75 inches from said bottom surface and bounded by first and second inner sidewalls and first and second outer end walls of a uniform height;   an insertable pad constructed from melamine foam securable within said cavity having a height greater than about 0.75 inches extending outward from said bottom surface of said holding member, said insertable pad having a top surface and a bottom surface, said insertable pad having first and second outer sidewalls frictionally engaging at least a portion of said inner first and second sidewalls of said cavity, said insertable pad having first and second outer end walls engaging at least a portion of said first and second inner end walls of said cavity;   wherein said insertable pad engages said inner wall of said cavity to maintain position while in use and is removable for cleaning or replacement.   
     
     
         8 . The cleaning implement according to  claim 7 , wherein said melamine foam has a density of about 1 kg/m 3  to 11 kg/m 3 . 
     
     
         9 . The cleaning implement according to  claim 7 , wherein said fluid retention material is sponge foam having an open cell density. 
     
     
         10 . The cleaning implement according of  claim 7  wherein said insertable pad extends through said non-fluid retention element and is placed adjacent to said fluid retention element. 
     
     
         11 . The cleaning implement according of  claim 7  wherein said insertable pad is supplementally attached to said fluid retention element by use of a hook and loop fastener.