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EP 0 401 753 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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14.09.1994 Bulletin 1994/37 |
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Date of filing: 05.06.1990 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC)5: A47L 13/258 |
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Improved squeegee particularly for washing floors and/or tiled walls
Reinigungsgerät für Fussböden und Fliesenwände
Appareil de nettoyage notamment pour sols et murs carrelés
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE |
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Priority: |
08.06.1989 IT 3066989 U
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Date of publication of application: |
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12.12.1990 Bulletin 1990/50 |
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Proprietor: EUROMOP S.p.A. |
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I-35010 Villa Del Conte (Padova) (IT) |
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Inventor: |
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- Cervellin, Sergio
I-35010 Villa del Conte (Padova) (IT)
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Representative: Modiano, Guido, Dr.-Ing. et al |
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Modiano & Associati S.r.l.
Via Meravigli, 16 20123 Milano 20123 Milano (IT) |
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References cited: :
AT-B- 199 341 US-A- 3 911 521
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GB-A- 2 055 040 US-A- 4 845 800
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] The present invention relates to a squeegee of the kind disclosed in GB-A-2 055 040,
particularly for washing floors and/or tiled walls.
[0002] Squeegees are known for washing floors which are constituted by an elongated rigid
plate downwardly covered with a rubber or sponge element, and having a device to which
a handle is articulated.
[0003] A gauze or anti-static cloth is associated with said plate.
[0004] The length of the plate may be about at least half a meter, so as to be able to perform
a cleaning action on a wide floor surface.
[0005] However, this entails a considerable disadvantage, due to the fact that floor tiles,
which are usually squares of 20 cm x 20 cm, are not always arranged with perfect co-planarity.
[0006] For this reason the squeegee does not make contact with the floor along its entire
length but only at the highest resting points.
[0007] The cleaning action is therefore not optimum, since dirt remains accumulated in particular
in the connecting regions between tiles placed at different heights and requires,
for its removal, further passes with cloths or other cleaning means.
[0008] This same disadvantageous phenomena occurs also in the case of other types of pavements
or floor coverings which have a surface that is not level.
[0009] A mop of the kind defined in the preamble of the present claim 1, with an improved
head is known from GB-A-2 055 040. The improved mop head comprises a central member
with two lateral spring biased panels which are pivotably connected to the central
member, a yoke being provided for pivoting the two panels towards each other. However,
in the solution proposed by GB-A-2 055 040 the pivoting arrangement of the panels
is complicated and is not suitable for economical production.
[0010] An other squeegee is known from AT-B-199 341. In this squeegee the panel members,
though pivotable, are secured in a predetermined position and thus not oscillable
during cleaning operation. Therefore, again such squeegee fails to perform in an efficient
manner if used for cleaning surfaces that are not level.
[0011] The aim of the present invention is to solve the disadvantage described above in
the known art by providing an improved squeegee which allows an excellent cleaning
action even on uneven floors.
[0012] A consequent primary object is to provide an improved squeegee which can also be
conveniently used for cleaning tiled walls.
[0013] Another important object is to provide an improved squeegee which can be produced
at low cost with conventional thermoplastic injection-molding systems.
[0014] This aim, these objects and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved
by an improved squeegee particularly for washing floors, as defined in claim 1.
[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from
the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative
example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
figure 1 is a partially sectional side view, taken in a median region, of the improved
squeegee according to the invention;
figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the squeegee according to the invention
associated with a handle, without the lower covering element;
figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the median portion of the improved squeegee
according to the invention.
[0016] With reference to the above figures, the improved squeegee particularly for washing
floors is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1 and comprises three substantially
plate-like aligned elements, respectively indicated by the reference numerals 2, 3
and 4, preferably produced by injection-molding thermoplastic materials.
[0017] Two parallel tabs, respectively 5 and 6, extend from the central element 3, at a
median region thereof, and an insertion seat 100 is provided therebetween for a cylindrical
element 7. The element 7 has an axial hole 8 within which a central spring 9 pushes
two lateral dowels, respectively 10 and 11, so as to cause them to become inserted
into respective seats 12 and 13 provided in the element 3, when the element 7 is inserted
into the seat 100.
[0018] The cylindrical element 7 is therefore rotationally coupled to the element 3, and
a tab 14 extends therefrom; a handle 15 is expediently oscillably coupled to said
tab 14.
[0019] According to the invention, pairs of laminae 18 and 19, preferably having a substantially
rectangular cross section, extend in a co-planar manner from the smaller opposite
surfaces 16 and 17 of the element 3. Each lamina ends with a respective rounded raised
portion or lugs 20, 21 which extends in a slightly downward direction.
[0020] Said pairs of laminae 18,19, which extend from the corresponding smaller surfaces
defined at the end portions of the lateral elements 2 and 4, are adapted to be inserted
in snap-together engagement relationship in respective seats 22, 23.
[0021] Each seat 22, 23 advantageously has an appropriately shaped transverse cross section,
e.g. rectangular, which decreases from the outside towards the inside due to the inclination
of the lower surface and leads, at a cross section which is slightly greater than
the cross section of the laminae 18 and 19, into expansions 24 and 25 which are open
downwardly and are adapted to accommodate said raised portions or lugs 20 and 21.
[0022] The length of the seats 22 and 23 is conveniently smaller than the length of the
laminae 18 and 19, so that the elements 2 and 4 are oscillably coupled to the element
3 and can perform small rotations in an exclusively downward direction.
[0023] As can be seen in the figures, the entire squeegee 1 has, on its upper surface, an
annular perimetral seat 26 which can accommodate a corresponding overturned edge 27
extending from a rubber element 28 which covers the lower surface and may be downwardly
provided with longitudinal laminae 29.
[0024] An auxiliary cleaning element such as a cloth or a gauze can be fixed so as to wrap
around the squeegee by means of known plug devices, respectively 30 and 31, provided
upwardly on the elements 2 and 4.
[0025] From what has been described it can thus be seen that the squeegee according to the
invention is capable of adapting to the uneven regions of floors since it is composed
of elements which are mutually articulated.
[0026] The fact that the lateral elements can perform only downward oscillations with respect
to the central element allows the force imparted on the handle by the operator to
be transmitted in any case on the entire extension of the squeegee.
[0027] It has thus in practice been observed that the invention has achieved the intended
aim and objects.
[0028] The invention can furthermore be produced in large numbers at low cost with conventional
thermoplastic material injection systems.
[0029] In practice, the materials employed, so long as compatible with the contingent use,
may be any according to the requirements.
[0030] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs,
those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility
of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect
on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.
1. Improved squeegee particularly for washing floors, comprising at least three substantially
plate-like aligned elements (2-4) being covered downward with a cleaning element (28)
made of a soft material, said plate-like elements (2-4) including at least two lateral
elements (2,4) coupled to a central element (3), said central element (3) having means
(7,14) for coupling with a handle (15), said lateral elements (2,4) being oscillably
coupled to said central element (3) such that to perform downward oscillation with
respect to said central element (3), characterized in that said central element (3)
includes pairs of parallel co-planar laminae (18,19) extending from the opposite smaller
surfaces (16,17) of said central element (3), each of said co-planar laminae (18,19)
ending with a rounded raised portion (20,21) which extends slightly downward, said
co-planar laminae (18,19) being insertable in respective seats (22,23) which extend
from the corresponding smaller surfaces of the lateral elements (2,4), each seat (22,23)
having a transverse cross section which decreases from the outside inward due to the
inclination of the lower surface, each seat (22,23) leading, at a cross section which
is slightly greater than that of the respective lamina (18,19), into an expansion
(24,25) adapted to accommodate a respective one of said rounded terminal raised portions
(20,21), said expansion (24,25) constituting the rotation seat for said rounded raised
portion (20,21).
2. Squeegee according claim 1, characterized in that the seats (22,23) for the coupling
of said lateral elements (2,4) to said co-planar laminae (18,19) of said central element
(3) have a smaller length than said laminae (18,19), such that to allow slight oscillations
of said lateral elements (2,4) exclusively downward with respect to said central element
(3).
3. Squeegee according to claims 1-2, characterized in that said at least three elements
(2-4) are preferably produced by injection-molding thermoplastic materials.
4. Squeegee according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it
further comprises means (30,31) for at least temporarily fixing at least one auxiliary
cleaning element thereto.
5. Squeegee according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it
further comprises at least two tabs (5,6) rigidly associated with said central element
(3), at least one cylindrical element (7) rotatably with said tabs (5,6), and means
(14) for rotatably connecting said cylindrical element (7) to said handle (15).
6. Squeegee according to claim 5, characterized in that said tabs (5,6) have seats (12,13)
formed therein, and in that said cylindrical element (7) has formed therein an axial
hole (8), at least two dowels (10,11) being at least partially accommodated in said
axial hole (8) and rotatably engaging said seats (12,13), elastic biasing means (9)
being interposed between said dowels (10,11).
1. Verbessertes Reinigungsgerät, insbesondere zur Reinigung von Fußböden, bestehend aus
mindestens drei im wesentlichen plattenförmigen, ausgerichteten Elementen (2 - 4),
die unten mit einem Reinigungselement (28), das aus weichem Material besteht, abgedeckt
sind, wobei die plattenförmigen Elemente (2 - 4) mindestens zwei seitliche Elemente
(2, 4) aufweisen, die mit einem mittleren Element (3) verkoppelt sind, wobei das mittlere
Element (3) eine Einrichtung (7, 14) zum Anschluß eines Handgriffes (15) aufweist,
und die seitlichen Elemente (2, 4) mit dem mittleren Element (3) schwenkbar so gekoppelt
sind, daß sie in bezug auf das mittlere Element (3) eine Abwärtsbewegung durchfuhren,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das mittlere Element (3) ein Paar paralleler , koplanarer Plättchen (18, 19)
aufweist, die von den sich gegenüberliegenden kleineren Flächen (16, 17) des mittleren
Elementes (3) abstehen, wobei jedes der koplanaren Plättchen (18, 19) in einem abgerundeten,
verdickten Teil (20, 21) endet, welches leicht nach unten geneigt ist, und die koplanaren
Plättchen (18, 19) in entsprechende Aufnahmen (22, 23) einsteckbar sind, welche von
den entsprechenden kleineren Flächen der seitlichen Elemente (2, 4) abgehen, wobei
jede Aufnahme (22, 23) einen schrägen Querschnitt aufweist, welcher sich von außen
nach innen, infolge der Neigung der unteren Fläche, verengt, und jede Aufnahme (22,
23) mit einem Querschnitt, welcher etwas größer als der des entsprechenden Plättchens
(18, 19) ist, in eine Erweiterung (24, 25) führt, die so gestaltet ist, daß sie einen
entsprechenden der abgerundeten verdickten Endteile (20, 21) aufnehmen kann, und die
Erweiterung (24, 25) die Drehlagerung für das abgerundete, verdickte Teil (20, 21)
bildet.
2. Reinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Aufnahmen (22, 23) zur Ankopplung der seitlichen Elemente (2, 4) an die
koplanaren Plättchen (18, 19) des mittleren Elementes (3) eine kürzere Länge als die
Plättchen (18, 19) aufweisen, so daß sie geringfügige Schwenkbewegungen der seitlichen
Elemente (2, 4) im Verhältnis zum mittleren Element (3) ausschließlich nach unten
zulassen.
3. Reinigungsgerät nach den Ansprüchen 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens drei Elemente (2 - 4) vorzugsweise durch Spritzgießen thermoplastischer
Materialien hergestellt werden.
4. Reinigungsgerät nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es weiterhin Mittel (30, 31) zur zumindest zeitweisen Befestigung mindestens
eines Reinigungshilfselementes an diesem aufweist.
5. Reinigungsgerät nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es weiterhin mindestens zwei Nasen (5, 6), die fest mit dem mittleren Element
(3) verbunden sind, mindestens ein zylindrisches Element (7), das drehbar mit den
Nasen (5, 6) verbunden ist, und eine Einrichtung (14) zur drehbaren Verbindung des
zylindrischen Elementes (7) mit dem Handgriff (15) aufweist.
6. Reinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in den Nasen (5, 6) Lager (12, 13) eingeformt sind, daß in dem zylindrischen
Element (7) eine axiale Bohrung (8) vorhanden ist, und daß mindestens zwei Bolzen
(10, 11), zumindest teilweise in der axialen Bohrung (8) aufgenommen sind, und drehbar
in die Lager (12, 13) eingreifen, sowie ein elastisch vorgepanntes Teil (9), zwischen
den Bolzen (10, 11) angeordnet ist.
1. Outil à raclette amélioré, particulièrement pour laver des sols, comprenant au moins
trois éléments (2-4) sensiblement alignés en forme de plaque, recouverts vers le bas
d'un élément de nettoyage (28) réalisé en une matière souple, lesdits éléments en
forme de plaque (2-4) incluant au moins deux éléments latéraux (2,4) accouplés à un
élément central (3), ledit élément central (3) ayant des moyens (7, 14) pour coopérer
avec un manche (15), lesdits éléments latéraux (2,4) étant accouplés, de façon oscillante,
sur ledit élément central (3) de façon à réaliser une oscillation vers le bas par
rapport audit élément central (3),
caractérisé en ce que ledit élément central (3) comporte des paires de lamelles coplanaires
parallèles (18, 19) s'étendant des surfaces opposées plus petites (16, 17) dudit élément
central (3), chacune desdites lamelles coplanaires (18, 19) se terminant par une partie
en saillie arrondie (20, 21) qui s'étend légèrement vers le bas, lesdites lamelles
coplanaires (18, 19) étant insérables dans des sièges respectifs (22, 23) qui s'étendent
des surfaces correspondantes plus petites des éléments latéraux (2,4), chaque siège
(22, 23) ayant une section transversale qui diminue de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur
à cause de l'inclinaison de la surface inférieure, chaque siège (22, 23) aboutissant
à une section transversale qui est légèrement plus grande que celle de la lamelle
respective (18, 19), dans un espace (24, 25) adapté pour recevoir une desdites parties
en saillie terminales arrondies (20, 21), ledit espace (24, 25) constituant le siège
de rotation pour ladite partie arrondie en saillie (20, 21).
2. Outil à raclette selon la revendication 1,
caractérisé en ce que les sièges (22, 23) pour le couplage desdits éléments latéraux
(2, 4) auxdites lamelles coplanaires (18, 19) dudit élément central (3) ont une longueur
plus petite que lesdites lamelles (18, 19), de façon à permettre de légères oscillations
desdits éléments latéraux (2,4) exclusivement vers le bas par rapport audit élément
central (3).
3. Outil à raclette selon les revendications 1-2,
caractérisé en ce que lesdits trois éléments (2-4) sont de préférence produits par
moulage par injection de matières thermoplastiques.
4. Outil à raclette selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, de plus, des moyens (30, 31) pour fixer au moins
temporairement au moins un élément auxiliaire de nettoyage à celui-ci.
5. Outil à raclette selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, de plus, au moins deux pattes (5,6) associées rigidement
audit élément central (3), au moins un élément cylindrique (7) rotatif par rapport
auxdites pattes (5,6), et des moyens (14) pour relier, de façon rotative, ledit élément
cylindrique audit manche (15).
6. Outil à raclette selon la revendication 5,
caractérisé en ce que lesdites pattes (5,6) ont des portées (12, 13) formées dans
celles-ci, et en ce que ledit élément cylindrique (7) présente, formé dans celui-ci,
un trou axial (8), au moins deux goupilles (10, 11) étant au moins partiellement logées
dans ledit trou axial (8) et engageant, de façon rotative, lesdites portées (12, 13),
des moyens de sollicitation élastiques (9) étant interposés entre lesdites goupilles
(10, 11).