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Cleaning and surface preparation deviceRelated Patent Categories: Brushing, Scrubbing, And General Cleaning, Implements, Fabric, Wiper, Dauber, Or PolisherCleaning and surface preparation device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070169296, Cleaning and surface preparation device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/434,737, filed Dec. 18, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/489,232, filed Jul. 21, 2003, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates in general to the field of cleaning devices and, more particularly, to an improved cleaning and surface preparation device able to concentrate pressure on a specific surface area. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is an unavoidable reality that everyday items in the home, office, car, or any other place accumulate dirt, mold, and other undesirable substances. For example, floors become scuffed, and walls, moldings, and ceilings accumulate dirt. These are just a few of the many items and places that can become dirty from normal activities. In addition, these places can become extremely dirty when exposed to pets, children, inclement weather, and activities that tend to spread debris (e.g., home improvement projects, parties, etc.). [0004] When an item or place becomes dirty, one usually tries to clean it. Many cleaning solutions and devices are available to assist in cleaning. For example, a sponge can be used wherein the user of the sponge moistens the sponge with water or a cleaning solution and then presses the sponge forcefully against the area to be cleaned. Alternatively, a paper towel can be used in a similar fashion. The user may need to exert significant force, for example, while on his or her hands and knees, in an effort to remove dirt or scuffs from floors, moldings, shower stalls, etc. In any of these scenarios, sponges work only when wet and paper towels last for only a limited time. [0005] Cleaning devices have also been developed to assist a user in cleaning a surface. For example, flexible moisture-absorbent swabs or sponges have been attached to plastic handles in order to provide more leverage (and resulting cleaning force). Some devices even have semi-rigid end caps to prevent the end of the handle from scratching the surface to be cleaned. [0006] However, when exerting a substantial amount of force or pressure on a cleaning device to clean a surface area, either the force is exerted over the entire surface of the sponge or the pressure is exerted upon only a small area corresponding to the diameter or size of the end of the handle on which the sponge or swab is located. For example, when a user forcefully pushes the handle of a mop, the force applied causes the entire head of the mop to exert downward pressure on the area to be cleaned. If a user desires to use the mop on an area smaller than the size of the head of the mop, the user cannot easily concentrate the pressure only on a small dirty area. In addition, there has not been an efficient method or device to both spot clean flat surfaces and apply conforming pressure to irregular-shaped surfaces, such as window mullions, car rims, etc. There is, thus, a need for a more efficient way of cleaning by exerting pressure over a specific surface area and applying cleaning pressure to non-planar shapes without the use of multiple cleaning devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a surface preparation device has a handle with a lower end and an upper end, and a head piece attached to the upper end of the handle. The head piece has a substantially rigid core surrounded at least in part by a membrane-covered foam and is capable of focusing a substantial amount of pressure on a specific location across a variety of surface areas. In one embodiment of the invention, the head piece is removable. [0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of cleaning or preparing a surface area using the surface preparation device comprises a user holding the handle at a comfortable location, placing the head piece on the surface area to be cleaned and/or prepared and applying pressure to the surface area via the head piece. The pressure causes the foam portion to conform to the shape of the core at the location to be cleaned or prepared. The user then moves the head piece of the device to clean or prepare the surface area. [0009] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the detailed description are exemplary, but not restrictive of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] In the drawings, which are discussed below, one or more preferred embodiments are illustrated, with the same reference numerals referring to the same pieces of the invention throughout the drawings. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments depicted in the drawings herein, but rather it is defined by the claims appended hereto and equivalent structures. [0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the invention. [0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. [0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the substantially rigid core in the head piece of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of the core of FIG. 3. [0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of the core of FIG. 3. [0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the head piece of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 9 is a graphic representation of a partial cross-section of the invention in use. Continue reading about Cleaning and surface preparation device... Full patent description for Cleaning and surface preparation device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Cleaning and surface preparation device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Cleaning and surface preparation device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Manual toothbrush Next Patent Application: Caulk spreading and smoothing tool Industry Class: Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Cleaning and surface preparation device patent info. 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