US20080032605A1

US20080032605A1 - Abrasive lubricating wipes

Info

Publication number: US20080032605A1
Application number: US11/462,368
Authority: US
Inventors: Tracy L. Chan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-04
Filing date: 2006-08-04
Publication date: 2008-02-07

Abstract

A disposable wipe includes an abrasive disposable fabric. Further, the disposable wipe includes a lubricant which is carried by the wipe. A disposable wipe system is also disclosed. The disposable wipe system includes a container. The disposable wipe system also includes a plurality of abrasive wipes in the container. Further, the disposable wipe system includes a lubricant carried by the abrasive wipes.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention generally relates to disposable abrasive lubricating wipes which may be used for a variety of uses including, but not limited to cleaning and sharpening of garden tools, cutting blades, skate blades, ski edges, and the like.
It has been commonplace to use disposable wipes for a variety of cleaning tasks. For instance, many cleaning wipes are available on the market today for cleaning bathrooms, windows, etc. Uses of disposable wipes have not been commonplace for cleaning and honing blades and further have not been used with oils and abrasives.
Gardeners often use a variety of garden tools many of which have blades with surfaces which are made of steel and or other metals and metal alloys. These garden tools often require cleaning at the end of a period of use. Cleaning of these tools often requires hosing them down or wiping them off with a rag or wet cloth and then wiping them down with oil to prevent rusting.
In a particular technique of the prior art, gardeners and other people working with outdoor tools often retain a container of sand that is saturated with oil, as depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 depicts a container of oil sand 100 in which an axe 110, shovel, rake, hoe, clippers, trimmers, or other implements may be placed into after use. The idea behind the container of oil sand is that it provides some abrasion for cleaning and sharpening of the blade while providing lubrication to the blade. The lubrication is intended to prevent the blade or other metal surfaces from corroding, rusting, or otherwise oxidizing. Although container of oil sand 100 may be an effective method of preventing rusting on garden or other implements as well as providing a source of abrasion for cleaning and sharpening, it requires that a gardener or owner of the tools or implements maintain a container of oil sand 100 in their garage or other storage area. Such a container 100 has the disadvantage of taking up a large amount of space as while being dirty and possibly unsafe.
Accordingly, there is a need for disposable abrasive lubricating wipes which do not require a great deal of space and further are not significantly dangerous however carry out all the functions of a container of oil sand, that is provides abrasive for cleaning and sharpening as well as provides oil for lubricating and/or oxidation protection.
The techniques herein below extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned needs.

SUMMARY

What is provided is a disposable wipe. The disposable wipe includes an abrasive disposable fabric. Further, the disposable wipe includes a lubricant which is carried by the wipe.
What is also provided is a disposable wipe system. The disposable wipe system includes a container. The disposable wipe system also includes a plurality of abrasive wipes in the container. Further, the disposable wipe system includes a lubricant carried by the abrasive wipes.
Further, what is provided is a method of cleaning. The method of cleaning includes removing a wipe from a container. The wipe includes a wipe material, an abrasive material, and a lubricant. The method of cleaning also includes rubbing the wipe over the surface of an item to clean and lubricate the item.
Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments by way of example only, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a container of oil sand in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of an abrasive lubricating wipe;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of an abrasive lubricating wipe dispensing container;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary process diagram for producing a dispenser of abrasive lubricating wipes;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of an ice skate and depicting the use of an abrasive lubricating wipe;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of an axe blade being cleaned and sharpened by an abrasive lubricating wipe;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary process diagram of a method of lubricating and sharpening using a wipe; and

FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram of a hedge shears being cleaned and sharpened by an abrasive lubricating wipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail the particular improved system and method, it should be observed that the invention includes, but is not limited to a novel structural combination of processing components, materials, product configurations, and structures, and not in the particular detailed configurations thereof. Accordingly, the structure, methods, functions, control and arrangement of conventional components and circuits have, for the most part, been illustrated in the drawings by readily understandable block representations, schematic diagrams, and process diagrams, in order not to obscure the disclosure with structural details which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the description herein. Further, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments depicted in the exemplary diagrams, but should be construed in accordance with the language in the claims.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an abrasive disposable lubricating wipe 200 is depicted. Wipe 200 comprises a wipe fabric or surface 210 and has an embedded, woven, or adhered abrasive surface 220. Abrasive surface 220 may be, but is not limited to an abrasive weave of the fabric; fabrics which have an abrasive weave; an abrasive grit embedded in fabric 210, or grit adhered to fabric 210. Wipe 200 is an example of a wipe which may be disposable, biodegradable, or the like and has an abrasive surface and is wetted with a lubricant such as an oil or other oxidation protective lubricant or corrosion protective liquid.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a dispenser 300 for dispensing abrasive lubricating wipes is depicted. Dispenser 300 comprises a container 310, an exit hole 320, a cover or lid 330, and wipes 340 which may be stored in and dispensed from container 310 through dispensing hole 320. Container 310 may be, but is not limited to conventional wipe containers. Further, other types of containers may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Wipe container 310 may also be formed from any of a variety of materials including plastics, metals, polymers, and the like.
Referring now to FIG. 4 a process 400 for manufacturing a container of abrasive lubricating wipes is depicted. In order to manufacture such abrasive lubricating wipes, abrasive fabrics in one form or another are provided (process 410). Abrasive wipes, cloths, or fabrics may be any of a variety of abrasive cloths and may be provided in any of a variety of forms including stacks, rolls, etc. Abrasive fabrics may be formed of biodegradable or other fabrics and materials. The abrasive cloths may be embedded with abrasive grit or have abrasive grit interwoven into a fabric. Further, the fabric may be formed of abrasive threads. Further still, the abrasive wipes may be formed of an abrasive flexible material having a sprayed on abrasive surface. Once the abrasive cloths have been provided the abrasive cloths are then wetted with oil or other lubricants (process 420). Such lubricants may include, but are not limited to penetrating oils, linseed oils, motor oils, plant derived oils, tea tree oils, eucalyptus oils, etc. Also, lubricants may include any of a variety of anti-oxidation or anti-corrosion liquids and/or chemicals. A dispenser is provided for the lubricating abrasive cloths (process 430). Such dispensers include any of a variety of dispensers in which the abrasive and lubricating wipes may be contained and in which the lubricant, in a liquid form may also be contained. Further, it may be desirable that the container for the oil abrasive cloths be such that it is sealed whereby evaporation of any oil may be slowed or minimized.
Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 depicts an ice skate 500 having a boot 510 attached to an ice skate blade 515. A lubricating and abrasive cloth 520 is rubbed along the surface of blade 515 in a back-and-forth motion. The action of cloth 520 along the blade surface 515 removes dirt and grime along the blade edge thereby sharpening blade edge 515. Further, the action of cloth 520 removes any moisture from blade 515 and also lubricates blade 515 to prevent oxidation on blade 515 from occurring. Similarly other sporting goods may be maintained in this manner, such as but not limited to, ski edges, snowboard edges, sled runners, and the like.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an axe 600 is depicted. Axe 600 may be an axe which is dirty and dulled from use in the field. In such a case an abrasive lubricating wipe 610 may be rubbed across the surface of a blade 605 of axe 600. By moving the abrasive wipe 610 in a back-and-forth motion, the abrasive on or embedded in the cloth will tend to remove small burrs from the blade 605 of axe 600 thereby providing added sharpness to the blade 605. Further, the abrasiveness of cloth 610 may help to clean axe 600 and blade 605 along while leaving an oil residue or other lubricating and/or anti-corrosion liquid residue which will inhibit oxidation on blade 605.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 700 of using an abrasive lubricating wipe is depicted. Method 700 starts by a gardener or other user of a tool to use the tool or the item (process 710). A wipe is then dispensed from a disposable wipe dispenser (process 720). Once a wipe has been dispensed, the item or tool will be cleaned, sharpened or honed, and lubricated with the disposable wipe (process 730). Once the tool or item has been cleaned sharpened and lubricated, the wipe may then be disposed of (process 740).
Referring now to FIG. 8, a hedge shears 800 is depicted. Hedge shears 800 may be a hedge shears which is dirty and dulled from use in the field and further may carry bacteria, mold, or other undesired microbes. In such a case an abrasive lubricating wipe 810 may be rubbed across the surface of a blade 820 of hedge shears 800. By moving the abrasive wipe 810 in a back-and-forth motion, the abrasive on or embedded in the cloth will tend to remove small burrs from the blade 820 of hedge shears 800 thereby honing, truing, and/or sharpening blade 820. Further, the abrasiveness of cloth 810 may help to clean unwanted dirt from hedge shears 800 and blade 820 while leaving an oil residue or other lubricating and/or anti-corrosion liquid residue which will inhibit oxidation on blade 820. Further, the lubricant or other liquid may include disinfectant properties which may kill or otherwise destroy potential undesired cross-contaminating microbes.
The abrasive lubricating wipes may have many uses. In one exemplary embodiment, the abrasive lubricating wipes my include a lubricant which has a disinfectant mixed therein or may have inherent disinfecting properties. Gardeners and other persons tending plants may wish that the tool or implement be disinfected after use so that the diseases or other bacterias or molds are not carried from one plant to another. As such, the disposable wipes may be used in the field between cuttings of different plants. In such a situation it may be desirable to have the abrasive wipes in the form of a biodegradable cloth and potentially a biodegradable lubricant. Further, when used by gardeners or other plant care persons, sap, dirt, gunk, etc. may all be removed by the use of the abrasive lubricating wipes. Any of a variety of garden tools may be cleaned and lubricated by the use of the abrasive lubricating wipes. For example, one may wish to lubricate sharpen and clean any of a variety of tools including pruners, shears, loppers, cutters, saws, axes, shovels, spades, rakes, holders, etc. Certain implements, such as rakes having tines may be difficult to use sharpening stones therewith. Accordingly it may be desirable to have a flexible cloth such as an oiled abrasive cloth in order to sharpen and clean different portions of a rake having a plurality of times.
In accordance with a particular exemplary embodiment the cloth may be a nonabrasive cloth and the lubricant may be a suspension of an abrasive grit or other abrasive material, that when combined with the wipe, provides the same abrasive and lubricating properties as the abrasive wipe and lubricant as previously discussed.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the liquid carried by the wipe may not be an oily lubricant but may be any chemical composition which may inhibit oxidation, or corrosion of the item.
Other varied and interesting uses off the abrasive lubricating cloths are readily apparent, including, but not limited to garden implements skis, knife blades, tools, skate blades, etc. Further, any other type of tool or implement may be cleaned and/or lubricated and/or sharpened by using the abrasive cloths, without departing from the scope of the invention.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the disposable wipes may not include a lubricant and therefore may be used for cleaning. An exemplary embodiment may include a disposable cloth carrying an abrasive cleanser or other abrasive slurry. Such a wipe may be a substitute for a cleaning cloth in combination with a cleanser for cleaning a bathroom, an oven or stove, or any surface which may require an abrasive for cleaning.
While the detailed drawings, specific examples, and particular formulations given described exemplary embodiments, they serve the purpose of illustration only. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described maybe employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. The configurations shown and described may differ depending on the chosen performance characteristics and physical characteristics of the resultant products. The products shown and described are not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed. Method steps provided may not be limited to the order in which they are listed but may be ordered any way as to carry out the inventive process without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disposable wipe comprising:

an abrasive disposable fabric; and

a lubricant carried by the wipe.

2. The disposable wipe of claim 1, further comprising:

a container holding a plurality of wipes.

3. The disposable wipe of claim 1, wherein the abrasive fabric comprises a fabric woven with an abrasive grit.

4. The disposable wipe of claim 1, wherein the abrasive fabric comprises a fabric embedded with an abrasive grit.

5. The disposable wipe of claim 1, wherein the abrasive fabric comprises a fabric adhered with an abrasive grit.

6. The disposable wipe of claim 1, wherein the lubricant comprises an oil.

7. The disposable wipe of claim 6, wherein the oil comprises at least one of penetrating oil, linseed oil, plant derived oil, eucalyptus oil, motor oil, tea tree oil, or mineral oil.

8. The disposable wipe of claim 1, wherein the lubricant comprises a disinfectant.

9. A disposable wipe system, comprising:

a container;

a plurality of abrasive wipes in the container; and

a lubricant carried by the abrasive wipes.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of abrasive wipes comprises a roll of wipes.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the lubricant comprises a suspended abrasive grit.

12. The system of claim 9, the lubricant comprises a disinfectant.

13. A method of cleaning, comprising:

removing a wipe from a container, the wipe comprising a wipe material, an abrasive material, and a lubricant;

rubbing the wipe over the surface of an item to clean and lubricate the item.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the item comprises a garden tool.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the item comprises a blade.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the item comprises an ice skate blade.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the item comprises a ski or snowboard.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising disposing of the wipe.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

sharpening the item using the wipes.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the lubricant comprises a disinfectant.

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)