US20060277706A1

US20060277706A1 - Implement for use with a cleaning sheet

Info

Publication number: US20060277706A1
Application number: US11/401,810
Authority: US
Inventors: Melissa Clark; Kurt Karussi; Alisa Norcom; Danutcha Pestonji
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2004-09-01
Filing date: 2006-04-11
Publication date: 2006-12-14

Abstract

An implement for cleaning household fabric-based materials. The implement may be used in conjunction with a cleaning sheet for cleaning household fabric-based materials. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning household fabric-based materials utilizing the implement of the present invention in conjunction with a cleaning sheet.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of: U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/670,440 filed Apr. 12, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/685,815 filed May 31, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/731,718 filed Oct. 31, 2005; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/216,836 filed Aug. 31, 2005 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/606,820 filed Sep. 1, 2004.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an implement which may be used in conjunction with a cleaning sheet for cleaning household fabric-based materials including but not limited to upholstery, carpet, draperies, children's fabric based toys such as stuffed animals and the like, automotive fabric-based materials, recreational vehicle and water transport fabric-based materials (including but not limited to motor homes, tent trailers, recreational boats, cruise ships, etc.) as well as fabric-based materials found in institutions (including but not limited to hospitals, schools, etc.) and fabric-based materials found in commercial sites (including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, office buildings, manufacturing sites, etc.). The present invention also relates to a kit comprising the implement of the present invention and a cleaning sheet for cleaning household fabric-based materials. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning household fabric-based materials utilizing the implement of the present invention.

BACKGROUND

One difficulty associated with utilizing a cleaning sheet by itself for cleaning fabric-based materials around the house is that in many instances a user may have to exert pressure on the cleaning sheet especially when cleaning larger surfaces. This may create stress on the hand and wrist. Utilizing the cleaning sheet in conjunction with the implement of the present invention may help reduce this stress. The implement includes an ergonomically friendly design. Additionally, the implement of the present invention allows for more efficient spot treatment of the fabric. Furthermore, utilizing the cleaning sheet in conjunction with the implement of the present invention allows for the more efficient treatment of the fabric without having to subject the fabric to a laundering or dry cleaning process. Yet further, when used in conjunction with a moistened cleaning sheet, the implement can help provide more efficient delivery and penetration of the solution into the fabric to help facilitate removal of soil. This and other features, aspects, advantages, and variations of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure with the appended claims and are covered within the scope of the claims.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a cleaning implement for use with a cleaning sheet which can be used to clean household fabric-based materials. The cleaning implement comprises:
a) a handle;
b) a cleaning head connected to the handle, wherein the cleaning head comprises a base and a pad wherein the pad includes indicia and wherein the cleaning head includes attachment structure; and
c) at least one angled surface wherein the angled surface adjoins the handle, adjoins the cleaning head, or a combination thereof.
The present invention also relates to a kit for cleaning household fabric-based materials. The kit includes:
a) a cleaning implement wherein the cleaning implement comprises:

- i) a handle;
- ii) a cleaning head connected to the handle, wherein the cleaning head comprises attachment structure, at least one apex, a base, and a pad wherein the pad includes indicia, texture, or a combination thereof; and
- iii) at least one angled surface adjoining the handle wherein the angle formed between the topmost point of said angled surface and the bottommost point of the outwardly facing side of the pad ranges from about 10° to about 120°; and

b) a cleaning sheet.
The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning household fabric-based materials. The method comprises:
a) providing a cleaning implement with a moistened cleaning sheet attached thereto; and
b) contacting the cleaning implement to the fabric to be cleaned such that the moistened cleaning sheet contacts the area of the fabric to be cleaned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one non-limiting embodiment of an implement made in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the implement of FIG. 1 cross-sectional view of a portion of the wipe substrate of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the implement of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the implement of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the implement of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a left view of the implement of FIG. 1 (wherein the right view is not shown as it is understood to be a mirror image of the left view).
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the implement of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the implement of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout the views. All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated.
Except as otherwise noted, all amounts including quantities, percentages, portions, and proportions, are understood to be modified by the word “about”, and amounts are not intended to indicate significant digits.
Except as otherwise noted, the articles “a”, “an”, and “the” mean “one or more”.
The terms “cleaning implement” and “cleaning tool” are used interchangeably herein.
The terms “cloth”, “wipe”, “cleaning sheet” and “towelette” are used interchangeably herein.
As used herein, “comprising” means that other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end result can be added. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”. The compositions and methods/processes of the present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein. As used herein the term “fabric” encompasses articles of fabric including but not limited to: clothing, upholstery, linen, draperies, clothing accessories, children's fabric-based toys such as stuffed animals and the like, leather, floor coverings, bedding, and the like. The term also encompasses other items made in whole or in part of fabric, including but not limited to tote bags, furniture covers, leather upholstery and other leather products, baby items including but not limited to strollers and car seats, automobile and boat interiors, tarpaulins, shoes, and the like.
As used herein, the term “disposable” is used to describe articles which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored but rather are intended to be discarded after use.
It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
Cleaning Implement
Referring to FIGS. 1-8, one non-limiting embodiment of the cleaning implement of the present invention is shown. Cleaning implement 10 is comprised of handle 20 connected to cleaning head 30. Handle 20 may be comprised of a single solid component. Alternatively, handle 20 may be comprised of one or more components which are joined together. Handle 20 includes an upper area 21 and a lower area 22. Cleaning head 30 is comprised of a top and a bottom (not shown). The lower area 22 of handle 20 is connected to the top of cleaning head 30. Handle 20 may be stationary and/or may be capable of pivoting and/or rotating or a combination thereof.
The upper area 21 of handle 20 may include an indentation 23 on one or both ends of the upper area 21. While not wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that indentations 23 facilitate gripping of handle 20 and provide a comfortable fit for the user's fingers. In one non-limiting example, indentation 23 may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) in depth and may be located about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) from the center of handle 20 as measured in the longitudinal direction of the handle.
Upper area 21 of handle 20 may be comprised of a single unit. Alternatively, upper area 21 of handle 20 may be comprised of more than one component such as shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, upper area 21 is comprised of top component 210 and bottom component 211 which are joined together. Bottom component 211 is joined to lower area 22 of handle 20.
In one non-limiting example, top component 210 of upper area 21 of handle 20 may be comprised of a flexible polymer such as thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”). The top component 210 may be about 0.093 inches (2.36 mm) or less in thickness. The flexible polymer may be opaque, translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof. The bottom component 211 of upper area 21 of handle 20 may be made out of a rigid polymer non-limiting examples of which include polypropylene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”) or combinations thereof. The bottom component 211 may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less in thickness. The rigid polymer may be opaque, translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof. Top component 210 and bottom component 211 may be joined together by a process that bonds the flexible polymer to the rigid polymer, non-limiting examples of which include injection molding or adhesive bonding. The lower area 22 of handle 20 may be comprised of a rigid polymer such as polypropylene or ABS. The lower area 22 may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less in thickness. The rigid polymer may be opaque, translucent, transparent or a combination thereof. Upper area 21 and/or lower area 22 of handle 20 may include support structure 25. When included, support structure 25 if desired, may be arranged in an aesthetically pleasing visual manner. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, some portion of handle 20 could be translucent or transparent such that some portion of the support structure 25 is visible. Additionally or alternatively, support structure 25 if desired could be located on the exterior of handle 20. Additionally or alternatively, if desired an aesthetically pleasing visual pattern could be included on handle 20.
The upper area 21 of handle 20 may be joined to lower area 22 of handle 20 in any number of different ways, non-limiting examples of which include utilizing one or more snaps and/or one or more screws to join the parts, and/or bonding the parts together such as by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. Referring to FIG. 7, in one non-limiting example of the use of a snap, bottom component 211 of upper area 21 of handle 20 includes protrusion 212 which coincides with boss 220 of lower area 22 of handle 20 so as to join upper area 21 with lower area 22.
Referring to FIGS. 1-8, cleaning head 30 includes a top and a bottom. Cleaning head 30 may also include attachment structure 43 for attaching a cleaning sheet. Though not shown, attachment structure 43 could alternatively (or additionally) be included with handle 20. The top of cleaning head 30 is comprised of base 41. Base 41 may be comprised of a rigid or flexible polymer including but not limited to polypropylene or ABS. Base 41 may be about 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less in thickness and may be opaque, translucent, transparent or a combination thereof. Base 41 may have a length to width ratio between about 1:1 to about 2:1. It is desirable that the width of base 41 be sufficient to provide stability of the cleaning implement 10 while in use.
Base 41 of cleaning head 30 may be connected to handle 20 in any number of different ways, non-limiting examples of which include utilizing one or more snaps and/or one or more screws to join the parts and/or bonding the parts together such as by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding. Referring to FIG. 7, in one non-limiting example which displays the use of a snap, base 41 may include protrusion 412 which can be connected to a corresponding female connection (not shown) located in the lower area 22 of handle 20. Furthermore, screw 225 may be included to connect base 41 to pad 51. Referring to FIGS. 1-8, cleaning head 30 and/or pad 51 may include if desired at least one apex 413. The vertex of apex 413 forms angles θ₁and θ₂, as shown in FIG. 1, wherein either angle can range from about 20° to about 80°. When present, angles θ₁and θ₂, of cleaning head 30 may be the same as or different than angles θ₁and θ₂, of pad 51. While not wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that apex 413 can help facilitate cleaning by enabling a user to access hard to reach areas such as corners of the surface being cleaned. Furthermore, when implement 10 is used in conjunction with a moist cleaning sheet, apex 413 allows for enhanced delivery and penetration of the cleaning solution to the area being cleaned. This also allows for enhanced pinpoint spot cleaning.
Base 41 of cleaning head 30 may include concave area 42 which when present will typically be located near the center of base 41. Concave area 42 provides a convenient area for the knuckles of the user when the implement 10 is in use. Concave area 42 may be of any shape including but not limited to oval shaped. In one non-limiting example, concave area 42 has a depth of approximately 0.50 inches (13 mm), a length of approximately 4 inches (10 cm) and a width of approximately 3 inches (8 cm).
Cleaning implement 10 may include attachment structure 43. Attachment structure 43 can be formed as part of cleaning implement 10 or can be formed separately and applied to cleaning implement 10. Attachment structure 43 may be included with cleaning head 30, handle 20, or a combination thereof. Referring to FIGS. 1-8, in one non-limiting example, base 41 of cleaning head 30 may include attachment structure 43 for receiving and retaining a cleaning sheet. Examples of attachment structure 43 include but are not limited to VELCRO®, magnets, tabs, adhesives, hooks, grippers, and the like. Attachment structure 43 which may also be used with the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,346 issued to Kingry et al. on Nov. 26, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,290 issued to Kingry et al. on Nov. 25, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,046 issued to Kingry et al. on Oct. 23, 2001.
Cleaning head 30 may also include pad 51 as shown in FIGS. 1-8. Pad 51 can be joined to the bottom of cleaning head 30 by any suitable joining means. For example, pad 51 can be joined to the bottom with one or more snaps. Additionally, pad 51 can be adhesively joined. In another non-limiting embodiment pad 51 can be joined to the bottom by ultrasonic welding. If desired, pad 51 could optionally be removable and/or interchangeable. For instance, in one non-limiting example, pad 51 could be interchanged with another pad, a brush, adhesive surface, some other type of cleaning surface, or a combination thereof.
Pad 51 may be made of a polymer such as polypropylene or ABS. If a polymer is used, it can be opaque, translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof. Pad 51 may also be made from foam such as polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”). Typically the foam utilized for this purpose is a closed cell foam. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the closed cell foam will tend not to retain moisture as readily as an open cell foam hence reducing the chances of forming mold and mildew.
Pad 51 can be flat, convex, concave, or a combination thereof. If pad 51 is convex or concave, the height differential would be determined by measuring the difference between the lowest point on pad 51 and the highest point on pad 51. The height differential can range from about 0 mm to about 20 mm which would be determined by measuring the difference between the lowest point on the outwardly facing bottom of pad 51 and the highest point on the outwardly facing bottom pad of 51. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that a convex surface in contrast to a flat surface may allow for more efficient use of a cleaning sheet thereby maximizing delivery of the cleaning solution to the fabric.
If comprised of foam pad 51 may have an Indentation Force Deflection (“IDF”) of at least about 30 newtons as measured in accordance with ASTM D5672-03. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that an IDF of at least about 30 Newtons will allow pad 51 to deflect less than the surface being cleaned therefore enhancing the effectiveness of implement 10.
If desired, all or some portion of the outwardly facing surface of pad 51 can be modified to increase the coefficient of friction. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the increase in the coefficient of friction may enhance contact of the implement 10 to the surface being treated thereby facilitating soil removal from the treated surface. Furthermore, when implement 10 is used in conjunction with a cleaning sheet, it is believed that the increase in the coefficient of friction may assist with minimizing slippage of the cleaning sheet from implement 10. The outwardly facing surface of pad 51 can be modified by texturing, TPE, soft touch paint, etc. Referring to FIG. 5, the outwardly facing surface of pad 51 may also include indicia 52, a non-limiting example of which includes an array that creates an image or pattern such as raised and/or recessed areas. While not wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that when used in conjunction with a cleaning sheet, pad 51 which includes these indicia 52 provide a signal to a user. One non-limiting example of a signal includes a visual signal which can for instance signal the status/condition of the cleaning sheet, (i.e.; provide an indication of the soil level of the cleaning sheet and/or when the cleaning sheet needs to be changed), and/or send a message to a consumer such as provide use instructions, and/or indicate a trade name, logo, aesthetic design, and/or some other message.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 4-7, implement 10 may also include angled surface 60 on at least one end of handle 20 and/or cleaning head 30. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that angled surface 60 can allow for enhanced spot treatment/scrubbing of a fabric surface. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with a moist cleaning sheet, it is believed that angled surface 60 will allow for enhanced delivery of the cleaning solution upon contact of the cleaning sheet with the fabric surface. Angled surface 60 may be comprised of a foam or a rigid or flexible polymer non-limiting examples of which include polypropylene and/or ABS. Angled surface 60 may be smooth. Alternatively, some portion or all of angled surface 60 may be textured and/or include some other type of structure which increases the coefficient of friction of this surface. Referring to FIG. 6, in one non-limiting embodiment, the bottommost point of the outwardly facing side of pad 51 and the topmost point of angled surface 60 form angle a as shown in FIG. 6 wherein angle a may range from about 10° to about 120°; or from about 20° to about 110°; or from about 40° to about 100°; or from about 70° to about 90°. Angled surface 60 may be flat, convex, concave, or a combination thereof.
Kit
The cleaning implement of the present invention may be provided alone or it may be provided in conjunction with a cleaning sheet as a kit to clean fabrics around the house. The cleaning sheet may be used dry, may be moistened by the user, may be provided to the user in the form of a moistened cleaning sheet that is premoistened with a cleaning solution during manufacturing, and/or may be provided as a wet or dry cleaning sheet which includes a microencapsulated cleaning solution and/or other actives which rupture upon use thereby delivering the cleaning solution and/or other active to the surface to be treated. Non-limiting examples of suitable cleaning sheets useful with the present invention include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/606,820 filed on Aug. 1, 2004; U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,354 issued to Fereshtehkhou et al. on May 13, 2003; and WO 2004/080265 published in the name of Hofte et al. on Sep. 23, 2004. Additionally, other forms of cleaning sheets that could be used include but are not limited to baby wipes, cleaning wipes, towelettes, or the like. Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the cleaning sheet can be attached to attachment structure 43 of cleaning head 30 so as to substantially cover pad 51. Angled surface 60 may also be covered in whole or in part by the cleaning sheet. In addition, the cleaning sheet may be apertured or not apertured.
The cleaning implement may be provided in a package (not shown) such as a box or carton having a window and/or opening so as to allow the user to view and/or touch at least some portion of the cleaning implement prior to use without having to remove the cleaning implement from the package. In one non-limiting embodiment, in addition to the cleaning implement, the package may also include one or more cleaning sheets. Alternatively, the cleaning sheets could be packaged and/or provided separately from the cleaning implement.
Use Identifiers
Use identifiers (not shown), may be used if desired in order to identify that the cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheet is used for fabric. In addition to or alternatively, one or more use identifiers can also be utilized for example to indicate the types and/or forms of fabrics the cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheets may be used on. The use identifier may be utilized to quickly and easily communicate to a user what type of fabric(s) the cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheets may be used on. Use identifiers could be included if desired on one or more of the following: on the packaging for the kit, the cleaning implement, the cleaning sheet, or a combination thereof; on the cleaning implement itself; on the cleaning sheet itself; on the cleaning sheet(s) and/or cleaning implement overwrap; on a label attached for instance to some part of the kit including but not limited to: the package, the cleaning implement, the cleaning sheet, the cleaning sheet overwrap, or combinations thereof; on the use instructions; on separate print advertising; on in-store displays or the like; or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of the form of the use identifier could be in the form of written words, pictorials, graphics, symbols/icons, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples would be a use identifier which combines an icon and one or more words to indicate for example that the cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheet could be used on fabric. Additional non-limiting examples include combining an icon and one or more words to indicate that the cleaning implement and/or cleaning sheet could be used on: upholstery; draperies; pillows; comforters; bedding including but not limited to bed linens and mattress covers; car fabrics; baby/infant fabric items including but not limited to strollers and car seats, or the like; clothing; fabric clothing accessories including but not limited to purses, wallets, and shoes; or combinations thereof. For instance, one non-limiting use identifier could comprise the combination of an icon of a car with the words “car fabrics”. Another non-limiting use identifier could comprise the combination of an icon of a sofa with the word “upholstery”. Another non-limiting use identifier could comprise an icon of a stroller with the words “baby items”. Yet another non-limiting use identifier could comprise an icon of a bed with the words “bedding”.
Self-Instructing Article of Commerce
The present invention also encompasses an article of commerce comprising the cleaning implement and cleaning sheet kit described above. A set of instructions may be included in association with the kit which directs the user to follow the method of cleaning fabric around the house with the kit. The instructions may be in the form of written words, pictorials, graphic, symbols/icons, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. For instance, in one non-limiting embodiment, such instructions direct the user to attach a cleaning sheet to the implement and contact the area(s) of the fabric to be cleaned with the around the house fabric cleaning article. In another non-limiting embodiment, the user is directed to attach an apertured cleaning sheet to the cleaning implement such that the apertures are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle.
Herein, “in association with”, when referring to such instructions, means the instructions are either directly printed on the implement; directly printed on the packaging for the implement and/or the cleaning sheet; printed on a label attached to the packaging for the implement and/or the cleaning sheet; or presented in a different manner including, but not limited to, a brochure, print advertisement, electronic advertisement, broadcast or internet advertisements; and/or other media, so as to communicate the set of instructions to a consumer of the implement and/or the cleaning sheet.
Method of Use
The present invention also includes a method for treating household fabric-based materials with the implement of the present invention in conjunction with a disposable cleaning cloth/cleaning sheet. This includes attaching a cleaning sheet to the implement of the present invention; contacting the cleaning sheet portion of the implement to the surface to be cleaned so as to transfer the soil from the surface being cleaned to the cleaning sheet. In another non-limiting embodiment wherein an apertured cleaning sheet is utilized, the cleaning sheet may be attached to the cleaning implement such that the apertures are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle of the cleaning implement. In another non-limiting embodiment, the method of use may include one or more of the following steps: providing a package containing one or more cleaning sheets, removing a cleaning sheet from the package, wiping down the item to be cleaned with the cleaning sheet, disposing of the cleaning sheet after use such as tossing the used cleaning sheet into the garbage. In another non-limiting embodiment, similar to the above, after the cleaning sheet is removed from the package it may be attached to the cleaning implement of the present invention. For instance, in one-non-limiting example, the cleaning sheet is removed from the package and spread out vertically. The bottom of the cleaning implement is placed approximately in the center of the cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet is then attached to the cleaning implement. For instance, in one non-limiting example, the edges of the cleaning sheet are attached to the cleaning implement by tucking each corner of the cleaning sheet into a gripper located on the cleaning implement. After use, the cleaning sheet is then removed from the cleaning implement and disposed of.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. All documents cited herein are in relevant part, incorporated by reference. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

Claims

1. A cleaning implement for use with a cleaning sheet for cleaning fabric-based materials, said cleaning implement comprising:

a) a handle;

b) a cleaning head connected to said handle, wherein said cleaning head comprises a base and a pad wherein said pad includes indicia and wherein said cleaning head includes attachment structure; and

c) at least one angled surface wherein said angled surface adjoins said handle, adjoins said cleaning head, or a combination thereof.

2. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said handle is stationary.

3. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said handle pivots.

4. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said handle rotates.

5. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the upper area of said handle includes at least one indentation.

6. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said base has a length to width ratio from about 1:1 to about 2:1.

7. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said cleaning head includes at least one apex wherein either angle formed by the vertex of said apex can range from about 20° to about 80°

8. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said cleaning pad includes a concave area.

9. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said pad is made of a rigid polymer, a flexible polymer, or a combination thereof.

10. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said pad comprises a closed-cell foam.

11. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said pad is convex.

12. The cleaning implement of claim 12 wherein the crown height of said pad is from about 0 mm to about 20 mm.

13. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said pad has an indentation force deflection of at least about 30 Newtons.

14. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the outwardly facing side of said pad is textured.

15. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the outwardly facing side of said pad includes indicia.

16. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein some portion of said angled surface is textured.

17. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the angle formed between said angled surface and said pad ranges from about 10° to about 120°.

18. A kit for cleaning fabric-based materials, said kit comprising:

a) a cleaning implement wherein said cleaning implement comprises:

i) a handle;

ii) a cleaning head connected to said handle, wherein said cleaning head comprises attachment structure, at least one apex, a base, and a pad wherein said pad includes indicia, texture, or a combination thereof; and

iii) at least one angled surface adjoining said handle wherein the angle formed between the topmost point of said angled surface and the bottommost point of the outwardly facing side of said pad ranges from about 10° to about 120°; and

b) a cleaning sheet.

19. The kit of claim 18 wherein the outwardly facing side of said pad in conjunction with said cleaning sheet provides a visual signal to a user.

20. The kit of claim 19 wherein said visual signal provides an indication of the status of said cleaning sheet.

21. The kit of claim 19 which further includes a set of instructions which direct the user in the method of cleaning fabric around the house using said cleaning implement and said cleaning sheet.

22. The kit of claim 19 wherein said cleaning sheet is premoistened.

23. A cleaning article for cleaning fabric-based materials, said cleaning article comprising:

a) a cleaning implement wherein said cleaning implement comprises:

i) a handle; and

ii) a cleaning head connected to said handle; and

b) at least one use identifier wherein said use identifier is comprised of an icon.

24. The cleaning article of claim 23 wherein said use identifier further comprises at least one word.

25. The cleaning article of claim 23 further comprising a package for containing said cleaning implement wherein said use identifier is located on said package.

26. A method for cleaning fabric-based materials around the house, said method comprising:

a) providing a cleaning implement with a moistened cleaning sheet attached thereto; and

b) contacting said cleaning implement to said fabric to be cleaned such that said moistened cleaning sheet contacts the area of the fabric to be cleaned.

27. A package for containing a cleaning implement, said package comprising:

a carton having a window, opening, or a combination thereof which allows some portion of a cleaning implement contained within said carton to be touched without having to remove said cleaning implement from said carton.

28. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein said upper area of said handle, said lower area of said handle, or a combination thereof includes support structure.

29. The cleaning implement of claim 28 wherein said support structure is arranged in an aesthetically visually pleasing manner.

30. The cleaning implement of claim 29 wherein said handle is opaque, translucent, transparent or a combination thereof.

31. The cleaning implement of claim 30 wherein said handle is translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof.