US4957810A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Synthetic sponge-type articles having excellent water retention
Assignee: 3M Co
•
Filing: 1989-04-24
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Granted: 1990-09-18
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Expires: 2009-04-24
Abstract
Abstract Articles comprise a body made of hydrophobic synthetic partially open-cell material at least partially covered with a layer of hydrophilic material. The body of each article is characterized by the fact that it has a specific surface at least equal to about 40 cm 2 /cm 3 , and at least about 25% of its internal and external surface has a surface energy at least equal to about 73×10 -7 newton/meter. The articles find use as sponges, so-called suede type materials, and wiping clothes. The sponges may be used for wiping, cleaning and other household or industrial uses.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard Eleouet
- 👤 Michel Ramage
- 👤 Gilles Rongier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:39
CPC Classifications
B; B32; B32B; B32B5/00; B32B5/18; A; A47; A47L; A47L13/00; A47L13/10; A47L13/16; A47L13/17; B32B27/00; B32B27/06; B32B27/065; B32B27/08; B32B27/30; B32B27/308; B32B27/40; B32B2266/00; B32B2266/02; B32B2266/0214; B32B2266/0278; B32B2307/00; B32B2307/70; B32B2307/728; B32B2307/73; B32B2432/00; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/249921; Y10T428/249953; Y10T428/249955; Y10T428/249958
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
Synthetic sponge-type articles having excellent water retention properties, comprising a flexible, partially open celled foam body made of hydrophobic synthetic material, at least partially covering the cell walls of said foam body with a layer of hydrophilic absorbent material, wherein the foam body has a specific surface at least equal to about 40 cm 2 /cm 3 , and at least about 25% of its internal and external surface has an energy surface at least equal to about 73 x 10-7 Newton/meter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
Synthetic sponge-type articles having excellent water retention properties, comprising a flexible, partially open celled foam body made of hydrophobic synthetic material, at least partially covering the cell walls of said foam body with a layer of hydrophilic absorbent material, wherein the foam body has a specific surface at least equal to about 40 cm 2 /cm 3 , and at least about 25% of its internal and external surface has an energy surface at least equal to about 73 x 10-7 Newton/meter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The article in accordance with claim 1 wherein average diameter of the cells of said body are less than about 0.7 mm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The article in accordance with claim 1 wherein the specific surface of the body is between 50 and 70 cm 2 /cm 3 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The article in accordance with claim 1 wherein said foam body has a dry air-permeability corresponding to an overpressure of at least equal to about 100 pascals for a sample thickness of about 2 cm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The articles in accordance with claim 1 having a water absorption by capillary action at normal room temperature of at least about 2 grams of water per 1 cm 2 of cross-section for a thickness of about 2 cm, for 15 seconds.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The articles in accordance with claim 1 wherein said hydrophobic material is polyurethane and said hydrophilic material layer is a surface-active polymer of the acrylate type polymerized in situ.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4555313A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-09-17 | 1994-03-19 | 1994-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-09-17 | 1998-03-19 | 1998-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-09-17 | 2002-03-19 | 2002-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |