(19)
(11) EP 3 257 415 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
20.12.2017 Bulletin 2017/51

(21) Application number: 17175485.6

(22) Date of filing: 12.06.2017
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A47L 1/06(2006.01)
A47L 13/11(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
MA MD

(30) Priority: 15.06.2016 BE 201605443

(71) Applicant: Moerman NV
8760 Meulebeke (BE)

(72) Inventor:
  • VANDE VYVERE, Guy
    9790 WORTEGEM-PETEGEM (BE)

(74) Representative: Cardoen, Annelies Andréa C. et al
KOB NV President Kennedypark 31c
8500 Kortrijk
8500 Kortrijk (BE)

   


(54) WINDOW WIPER AND ASSEMBLY OF A WINDOW WIPER AND A WASHER


(57) Assembly (1) of a window wiper (10) and an accessory (2), in which the window wiper (10) comprises a cleaning strip (4) which is held by a holder (3), and in which the holder (3) comprises at least one fastening element (5) for detachably attaching the accessory (2), in which each fastening element (5) of the holder (3) is provided at a location which, viewed on a cross section (X-X) through the fastening element (5), is situated on the upper side of the axis (A) with respect to the axis (A) along which the cleaning strip extends in the rest position when the window wiper (10) is used to wipe a vertical surface (S) in a downward direction.




Description


[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly of a window wiper and an accessory, in which the window wiper comprises a cleaning strip which is held by a holder, in which the holder comprises at least one fastening element for detachably attaching the accessory and in which each fastening element of the holder is provided at a location which, viewed on a cross section (X-X) through the fastening element, with respect to the axis (A) along which the cleaning strip extends in the rest position, is situated on the upper side of the axis (A) when the window wiper is used to wipe a vertical surface (S) in a downward wiping direction.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a window wiper comprising a cleaning strip which is held by a holder, in which the holder is detachably connectable to an accessory and to this end comprises at least one fastening element.

[0003] Window wipers are used to wipe surfaces, such as windows. Wiping windows is performed when cleaning windows. During the cleaning of windows, other operations are also performed, other than wiping the windows, such as soaping the windows using a washer, a sponge, etc., optionally drying the window using a chamois leather, a cloth, etc. In order to facilitate the cleaning of windows, an assembly of a window wiper and an accessory may be provided, such as a washer (soaping cloth), a sponge, a chamois leather, a cloth, etc., in which the accessory is detachably connectable to the window wiper. It is then possible to clean windows by means of one tool, namely said assembly.

[0004] The drawback with these existing assemblies is that the fastening means by means of which the accessory is connectable to the window wiper take up a certain amount of space, as a result of which the window wiper is often difficult to handle when the accessory is attached thereto and the use of this assembly may even cause damage to the window. The window wiper and the accessory are normally provided with complementary fastening means, as a result of which the window wiper comprises at least one fastening means. This fastening means also prevents wiping of a window or renders it more difficult. In addition, the fastening means only permits one way of handling the assembly. In order to make an additional way of handling possible, additional fastening means are provided.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to produce a window wiper and to provide an assembly of the window wiper and an accessory, in which the attachment of the accessory to the window wiper does not form a limitation with regard to the ease of use and the functionality of the assembly and of the window wiper per se, and in which the risk of damage during use of this assembly or the window wiper as such is limited and in which the assembly is easily manoeuvrable in different ways.

[0006] This object is achieved by providing an assembly as illustrated in the first paragraph of this description, in which, viewed on said cross section (X-X) through the fastening element of the holder and in the indicated position of use, the accessory is connectable to the window wiper in at least two positions, being a first position in which the accessory is from the fastening element folded over the upper side of the holder and a second position in which the accessory is from the fastening element folded over the lower side of the holder.

[0007] The cleaning strip is usually made from a strip of elastic and/or flexible material, such as rubber, as a result of which the strip deforms slightly in use. The expression 'the axis (A) along which the cleaning strip extends in the rest position' is here understood to mean that said axis (A) is the axis along which a cross section of the cleaning strip extends when no forces are exerted on the cleaning strip, and the latter is thus in a non-deformed state or rest position and is, for example, not pushed against a surface in order to wipe this surface. When wiping a surface, the cleaning strip is moved across the surface along a certain direction by the user. This moving direction is also referred to as the 'wiping direction' in this patent application. The cleaning strip is in this case held against the surface in a position in which the longitudinal axis thereof extends approximately at right angles to the wiping direction. In this case, a window wiper also always has to be used with the same side of the cleaning strip facing forwards (i.e. facing forwards in the wiping direction). This may be determined by the position and the orientation of the handle of the window wiper and/or by the fact that a relatively large surface of the cleaning strip is detained at the rear side in order to prevent excessive deformation of the cleaning strip towards the rear.

[0008] The expression 'when the window wiper is used to wipe a vertical surface in a downward wiping direction' is used above and in claim 1 to describe a specific position of use, i.e. the position of use when wiping a vertical surface in a downward wiping direction, in order to then be able to determine that each fastening element is situated above the axis (A) when the window wiper is held in this specific position of use (this position of use is illustrated, inter alia, in figures 11 and 12). Indicating this specific position of use has the sole aim of being able to determine the relative position of each fastening element with respect to the axis (A), and can therefore not be interpreted as limiting in another sense.

[0009] The wiping direction mentioned is then, for example, even vertical as well.

[0010] Said axis (A) divides the holder into an upper portion, which extends on the upper side of the axis (A) when wiping a vertical surface, and a lower portion which is situated opposite this upper portion and extends on the lower side of the axis (A) when wiping a vertical surface.

[0011] Here, each fastening element then forms part of the upper portion of the holder. During normal use of the window wiper, this upper portion faces away from the surface to be wiped. As a result thereof, the fastening element is not annoying when using the window wiper. Therefore, it does not present an obstacle when moving the cleaning strip across the surface. Also, during normal use of the window wiper when wiping a window surface, this fastening element cannot readily come into contact with the window, as a result of which the risk of damage to the window as a result of contact with the fastening element is small. Even when the accessory is attached to the window wiper at the location of this upper portion of the holder, the cleaning operation is not impeded. If the accessory is, for example, a washer, this attachment will not render soaping of a surface to be cleaned more difficult, since this attachment means cannot come into contact with the surface during soaping. During normal use of the window cleaner while cleaning a window, the fastening elements cannot come into contact with the window frame either, as a result of which the risk of damage to the window frame is much smaller than is the case when using the existing window wipers.

[0012] The division of the holder into the upper portion and the lower portion also essentially corresponds with the division described below, as a result of which the position of the fastening element of the holder can also be defined in a second way. This division is effected by means of the upper side and the lower side of the cleaning strip. Thus, the cleaning strip comprises a lower side which is configured to adjoin the surface when wiping a vertical surface, and an opposite upper side. Each first fastening element, in a rest position and viewed on a cross section through the fastening element, is provided on the side of the holder which is substantially on the upper side of the cleaning strip. By referring to the position of the cleaning strip, it is then possible to refer to an upper portion of the holder which extends substantially on the upper side of the cleaning strip and an opposite lower portion of the holder.

[0013] These upper and lower portions of the holder may also be defined as follows if the cleaning strip is substantially symmetrical: in the rest position, the cleaning strip extends substantially along a plane of symmetry or a sphere of symmetry which divides the holder into a lower portion, which is situated substantially at the location of the lower side of the cleaning strip, and an upper portion, which is situated opposite this lower portion. Here, the lower portion of the holder then is the portion of the holder which is turned towards the surface during use of the window wiper for wiping a vertical surface, while the upper portion of the holder is turned away from the window during wiping of the window.

[0014] Since a cleaning strip normally has a limited thickness, the lower portion and the upper portion may also essentially be defined as follows: in the rest position, the lower side of the cleaning strip extends substantially along a plane or a sphere which divides the holder into a lower portion, which extends substantially at the location of the lower side of the cleaning strip, and an upper portion, which is situated opposite this lower portion and extends substantially at the location of the upper side of the cleaning strip.

[0015] If the holder is an elongate holder which extends in a certain longitudinal direction, the lower side of the cleaning strip is configured to extend substantially in a plane in the rest position and the cleaning strip comprises a plane of symmetry, if it is of an essentially symmetrical design. Here, the cross section (X-X) is thus a cross section at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the holder at the location of the fastening element.

[0016] If the window wiper is a curved window wiper, in which the holder is slightly curved and extends substantially along an arc, the lower side of the cleaning strip will extend essentially along a sphere and the cleaning strip defines a sphere of symmetry, if it is of an essentially symmetrical design. Here, the cross section (X-X) then is a cross section at right angles to the contact surface with said arc at the location of the fastening element.

[0017] It may also be said that, during normal use, the same side of the window wiper always faces forwards when wiping in a certain wiping direction, so that this side of the window wiper and of the holder can be referred to as the front side, the other side obviously being the rear side. Furthermore, it is possible to say that the relative position with respect to the axis (A) may be referred to as being behind or in front of this axis (A).

[0018] According to an alternative phrasing, each fastening element according to the invention is provided at a location of the holder which, viewed on a cross section through the fastening element, with respect to the axis (A) along which the cleaning strip extends in the rest position, is situated behind the axis (A) when moving the window wiper across a surface according to a certain wiping direction during normal use of the window wiper.

[0019] The accessory is connectable to the window wiper in at least two positions, in which - viewed on said cross section through the fastening element of the holder and in said position of use - the accessory is, in the first position, folded over the upper side of the holder from the fastening element (clockwise in figures 2, 3, 6 and 13) and, in a second position, is folded over the lower side of the holder from the fastening element (counter-clockwise in figures 4, 7 and 14).

[0020] Here, the user can chose in which position he/she wants to use the accessory, for example depending on the way in which this user wants to handle the assembly.

[0021] Here, it is also possible to easily alternate between both positions. In this case, use may be made of the same fastening elements for both positions, as a result of which no additional fastening elements are required in order to make at least two positions possible.

[0022] The accessory is preferably a washer. With washers, it is of interest to be able to choose between both of said positions. The most suitable position is chosen, depending on the way in which a window is to be soaped: either by moving the assembly mainly from the top down across the surface during soaping or by moving the assembly mainly from the bottom up across the surface.

[0023] Together with the window wiper, the soaping cloth may also be brought into a position in which it is not folded around the holder and leaves the cleaning strip clear, so that the window wiper can be used for wiping the window.

[0024] If the window wiper comprises a handle or is connected to a handle, the accessory, in said first position, is placed opposite the lower side of the handle and, in the second position, opposite the upper side of the handle. Here, the lower side of the handle is then, for example, also the portion of the handle which is provided to be directed towards the window while wiping the window with this window wiper, and the upper side of the handle is situated opposite the lower side of the handle.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening element of the holder is a first fastening element and the accessory comprises a second fastening element which is detachably attachable to this first fastening element for detachably attaching the accessory to the holder. Since both the accessory and the holder here comprise fastening elements which are able to cooperate with each other, the detachable connection between the window wiper and the accessory can readily be brought about and severed again.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one fastening element of the holder forms a projecting portion of the holder. It is simple to attach an accessory to a projecting portion, as something which projects is readily accessible. Also, the attachment may easily be detached, if desired. The projecting portion does not increase the risk of damage, since the fastening element is provided on said upper side of the axis (A) and can thus not readily come into contact with the surface which is being cleaned or wiped during normal use of the assembly and the window wiper as such.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, viewed on said cross section (X-X) through the fastening element of the holder, said at least one fastening element extends substantially along an axis (B) which makes an angle (α) with said axis (A) along which the cleaning strip extends in the rest position, this angle (α) being between 20° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 60°. Still more preferably, this angle is between 40° and 50° and most preferably it is virtually 45°. During use of such a window wiper, the window wiper moves across the surface to be cleaned. Since said angle is between 20° and 80°, the risk of the fastening element of the holder coming into contact with the surface during use is small and this risk is even smaller if the angle is between 30° and 60° and is smallest if this angle is virtually 45°.

[0028] Preferably, the holder is an elongate holder and the holder comprises a handle or the holder is configured to be attached to a handle, in which the holder comprises at least two said first fastening elements, in which the accessory comprises an equal number of second fastening elements which are detachably attachable to a respective first fastening element of the holder, so that the accessory is detachably connectable to the window wiper, and in which the at least two first fastening elements are configured to extend on either side of the handle at a distance from each other, viewed along the longitudinal direction of the holder. In order to attach an accessory to the window wiper, the former is then connected to the holder in two locations which are situated on either side of the handle, as a result of which the accessory is securely connected to the holder. Thus, the accessory can be securely connected to the holder along the entire longitudinal direction of the holder.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, in which the holder is a curved holder which extends along an arc and in which the holder comprises a handle or is configured to be attached to a handle, the holder comprises at least two said first fastening elements, in which the accessory comprises an equal number of second fastening elements which are detachably attachable to a respective first fastening element of the holder, so that the accessory is detachably connectable to the window wiper, and in which the at least two first fastening elements are configured to extend on either side of the handle at a distance from each other, viewed along the arc along which the holder extends.

[0030] Preferably, the accessory is a washer and the washer is in the shape of an elongate strip with a central recess at the location of one of the longitudinal sides, with the second fastening elements extending on either side of the recess at the location of said longitudinal side. Due to this central recess, the washer can extend freely at the location of the handle. Since the second fastening elements extend on either side of this recess, it is possible to pack the window wiper securely together with the washer if the washer is connected to the window wiper. As a result thereof, mainly and virtually only the washer will come into contact with the window when soaping a window with this assembly. Thus, a very suitable tool for soaping a window is obtained. Also, it is very simple in this case to ensure that the cleaning strip is clear when the washer is connected to the window wiper, as a result of which it is possible to wipe immediately after soaping the window, without having to remove the washer first.

[0031] The edge of the recess which extends along the upper side or the lower side of the handle has preferably less flexibility than the other edges of the soaping cloth. This is achieved, for example, by providing a rod-shaped element having a certain stiffness at this edge. Thus, this edge acquires a certain rigidity, as a result of which the folding of the soaping cloth around the holder proceeds more smoothly. Also, changing the position of the folding direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) of the soaping cloth about the holder proceeds more quickly and easily as a result. Due to the reduced flexibility of the edge, a roller surface is formed for the soaping cloth, as it were. During said changes in position, the soaping cloth will execute a rolling movement on the holder and/or on the adjoining end of the handle.

[0032] The first and the second fastening elements are preferably complementary click-fit connection elements. Click-fit connections can easily be brought about and are also easily severed again, if desired. Click-fit connections are thus ideal to provide detachable connections. Thus, these complementary click-fit connection elements may be, for example, press-studs. With press-studs, there is a projecting male part and a female part in which the male part can engage in order to produce the click-fit connection. A said first fastening element is then preferably the male part, while a said second fastening element is then the female part. Preferably, the male part then extends along a direction which makes an angle with said axis (A) along which the cleaning strip extends in the rest position, this angle being between 20° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 60°. Here, this direction corresponds with the direction of said axis (B) along which the first fastening element extends.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the holder comprises a holding part for holding the cleaning strip and the fastening element of the holder is detachably connectable to the holding part. Here, it is then possible to choose to detach the fastening element from the holding part if no accessory has to be connected to the window wiper. It is also possible to alternate between different types of fastening elements, depending on the accessory which is to be attached to the window wiper. Obviously, if both said first and second fastening elements are provided, the second fastening elements for different types of accessories are preferably compatible with the same first fastening elements, so that only one type of first fastening elements has to be provided.

[0034] Furthermore preferably, the holder comprises a fastening part, in which the fastening part comprises the fastening element, in which the fastening part is detachably connectable to the holding part so that the fastening element is detachably connectable to the holding part. Here, the fastening element then forms part of a larger whole, namely the fastening part, in which case the fastening part can be configured such that it is easily detachably connectable to the holding part.

[0035] The holding part furthermore preferably also comprises at least one retaining element to connect the fastening part to the holding part in the desired position. The retaining element is, for example, a groove and the fastening part then comprises a projection which is engageable in this groove in order to connect the fastening part to the holding part. This retaining element may also serve to attach other things to the window wiper and/or to hang the window wiper somewhere.

[0036] The object is also achieved by providing a window wiper comprising a cleaning strip which is held by a holder, in which the holder is detachably connectable to an accessory and to this end comprises at least one fastening element, in which each fastening element of the holder is provided at a location which, viewed on a cross section (X-X) through the fastening element, is situated on the upper side of the axis (A) with respect to the axis (A) along which the cleaning strip extends in the rest position when the window wiper is used to wipe a vertical surface (S) in a downward wiping direction.

[0037] This downward wiping direction is also vertical, for example.

[0038] Here, the window wiper and the accessory to which it is detachably connectable form an assembly as illustrated above. The advantages and preferred embodiments of the window wiper of the assembly therefore also apply to this window wiper.

[0039] In the following description, a detailed description of an assembly and a window wiper according to the present invention is given. The sole aim of this detailed description is to indicate how the invention may be realised and to illustrate the particular characteristics of the invention and, where necessary, give a further explanation thereof. This description can therefore not be seen as a limitation of the scope of protection of this patent. Likewise, the following description shall not limit the area of application of the invention.

[0040] This description refers to the attached figures, in which:
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a window wiper according to the invention;
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an assembly of a window wiper and a washer according to the invention, in which the window wiper is a window wiper as illustrated in Fig. 1 and the washer is connected to the window wiper around the upper side of the handle;
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the assembly illustrated in Fig. 2, in which the washer is connected to the window wiper around the upper side of the handle and the washer is shown in a partly transparent manner, so that the second fastening elements are visible;
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the assembly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, in which the washer is connected to the window wiper around the lower side of the handle;
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of the window wiper as illustrated in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 6 is a side view of the assembly as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, in which the washer is connected to the window wiper around the upper side of the handle;
  • Fig. 7 is a side view of the assembly as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 and Fig. 6, in which the washer is connected to the window wiper around the lower side of the handle,
  • Fig. 8 is a close-up of a top view of a window wiper as illustrated in Figures 1 and 5;
  • Fig. 9 is a top view of a fastening part of the window wiper;
  • Fig. 10 is a side view of the holder of the window wiper;
  • Fig. 11 is a cross section (X-X) through the fastening element of the holder, the cleaning strip and a window surface (S) to be wiped, in which the cleaning strip is held against the window surface in a non-deformed manner;
  • Fig. 12 is a cross section (X-X) through the fastening element of the holder and the cleaning strip of a window wiper, in which the cleaning strip is pushed against a window surface and is consequently deformed;
  • Figures 13 and 14 show a diagrammatic cross section (X-X) through the fastening element of the holder, the deformed cleaning strip and a soaping cloth attached to the holder, during soaping of a vertical window surface, in which the soaping cloth is folded over the holder in clockwise manner (Fig. 13) and in counter-clockwise manner (Fig.14); and
  • Fig. 15 is a partial perspective view of an assembly of a window wiper and a soaping cloth, in which the soaping cloth has an edge of reduced flexibility which extends opposite the lower side of the handle of the window wiper.


[0041] In the figures, one possible embodiment of a window wiper (10) and an assembly (1) comprising this window wiper (10) and a soaping cloth or washer (2) is illustrated. Obviously, other embodiments are possible.

[0042] The washer (2) may, for example, be a fabric (e.g. woven from nylon threads). A preferred soaping cloth is multi-layered, comprising a pile fabric on the rear side and on the front side (of the velvet fabric or pile fabric type) with projecting pile threads - preferably at least partly composed of microfibres. Between these two outer layers, an intermediate layer is provided which absorbs water well. This may be a sponge-like element, but is preferably a non-woven, at least partly composed of microfibres. Thus, the water is absorbed in a satisfactory manner, but can also quickly be released again.

[0043] Here, the window wiper (10) comprises a holder (3), a cleaning strip (4) and a handle (8). The holder (3) consists of an elongate holding part (9) for holding the cleaning strip (4), two fastening parts (11) which, viewed along the longitudinal direction (L) of the holding part (9), are detachably connected to the holding part (9) on either side of the handle (8). The handle (8) is, viewed along the longitudinal direction (L) of the holding part (9), centrally detachably connected to the holding part (9). Each fastening part (11) comprises a first projecting fastening element (5), with this first fastening element (5) being the male part of a press-stud.

[0044] The fastening parts (11) are held on the holder in a fixed position. In order to prevent them from moving in the longitudinal direction L, each fastening part, on at least one side, comprises an edge (11a) which is detained in a small transverse groove provided on the holder (not shown in the figure).

[0045] Each first fastening element (5) is situated, viewed on a cross section (X-X) through the first fastening element (5), with respect to an axis (A) along which the cleaning strip (4) extends in the rest position, on the upper side of the axis (A) during use of the window wiper (10) for wiping a vertical surface (S). Here, this axis (A) divides the holder (3) into an upper portion (7b) which extends at the top of the axis (A) and a lower portion (7a) which extends at the bottom of the axis (A) (see Fig. 11). Each first fastening element (5) forms part of the upper portion (7b) of the holder (3).

[0046] This upper portion (7b) corresponds to the portion (7b) of the holder (3) which is substantially on the upper side (6b) of the cleaning strip (4) in the rest position and the lower portion (7a) corresponds to the portion (7a) which is substantially on the lower side (6a) of the cleaning strip (4) in the rest position. Here, the lower side (6a) of the cleaning strip (4) is the side (6a) which is configured to come into contact with the window surface (S) while wiping a window, whereas the upper side (6b) of the cleaning strip (4) extends opposite the lower side (6a) of the cleaning strip (4). The lower portion (7a) is configured to be turned towards the window surface (S) while cleaning a window.

[0047] The division between the lower portion (7a) and the upper portion (7b) may also be described using the plane of symmetry of the cleaning strip (4) in the rest position of the assembly (1) of the window wiper (10) as such, viewed along the longitudinal direction (L) of the holder (3). Here, said axis (A) extends in this plane of symmetry. The lower portion (7a) extends below this plane, whereas the upper portion (7b) extends above this plane during the wiping of a vertical window surface (S).

[0048] The two first fastening elements (5) form part of the upper portion (7b) of the holder (3). When wiping a window surface (S) using the window wiper (10), these first fastening elements (5) are no impediment.

[0049] The washer (2) is an elongate strip with a central recess in one of the longitudinal sides and two second fastening elements (50) which extend on either side of the central recess at the location of said longitudinal side. To attach the washer (2) to the window wiper (10), the second fastening elements (50) are connected to the first fastening elements (5). The second fastening elements (50) are female parts of a press-stud, so that attachment to the first fastening elements (5) is readily achievable.

[0050] By means of the central recess, it is easy to attach this washer (2) to the first fastening elements (5), since this recess ensures that the soaping cloth (2) can readily extend along the handle (8). The edge (2a) of this recess which extends along the upper side or the lower side of the handle (8) is configured to have less flexibility than the other edges of the soaping cloth (2). This is achieved, for example, by providing a rod-like element of a certain stiffness at this edge. This is, for example, a piece of string of the washing line type which is, for example, sewn into this edge (2a). Thus, this edge (2a) acquires a certain degree of rigidity, as a result of which folding the soaping cloth around the holder proceeds more smoothly. Likewise, changing the position of the folding direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) of the soaping cloth (2) around the holder (3) is quicker and smoother as a result. The edge (2a) of the recess of the soaping cloth (2) remains taut while the soaping cloth (2) is being folded up or down.

[0051] Due to the reduced flexibility of the edge (2a), a roller surface is formed for the soaping cloth (2), as it were. During said changes in position, the soaping cloth will perform a rolling movement on the holder and/or on the adjoining end of the handle (8).

[0052] When attaching the washer (2) to the window wiper (10), the washer (2) may be attached around the upper side of the handle (8). This is illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 13. Here, the washer (2) is folded around the holder (3) in the clockwise direction from the first fastening element (5).

[0053] However, the washer (2) may also be attached around the lower side of the handle (8). This is illustrated in Figures 4 and 14. Here, the washer (2) is folded around the holder (3) in the counter-clockwise direction from the first fastening element (5).

[0054] As is illustrated in Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14, each first fastening element (5) extends along an axis (B) which makes an angle (α) of virtually 45° degrees with said axis (A) along which the cleaning strip (4) extends in the rest position.


Claims

1. Assembly (1) of a window wiper (10) and an accessory (2), such as a washer, a sponge, a chamois leather or a cloth, in which the window wiper (10) comprises a cleaning strip (4) which is held by a holder (3), and in which the holder (3) comprises at least one fastening element (5) for detachably attaching the accessory (2), in which each fastening element (5) of the holder (3) is provided at a location which, viewed on a cross section (X-X) through the fastening element (5), with respect to the axis (A) along which the cleaning strip (4) extends in the rest position, is situated on the upper side of the axis (A) when the window wiper (10) is used to wipe a vertical surface (S) in a downward wiping direction, characterized in that, viewed on said cross section (X-X) through the fastening element (5) of the holder (3) and in the indicated position of use, the accessory (2) is connectable to the window wiper (10) in at least two positions, being a first position in which the accessory (2) is from the fastening element (5) folded over the upper side of the holder (3) and a second position in which the accessory (2) is from the fastening element (5) folded over the lower side of the holder (3).
 
2. Assembly (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one fastening element (5) of the holder (3) is a first fastening element (5) and the accessory (2) comprises a second fastening element (50) which is detachably attachable to this first fastening element (5) for detachably attaching the accessory (2) to the holder (3).
 
3. Assembly (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one fastening element (5) of the holder (3) forms a projecting portion of the holder (3).
 
4. Assembly (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that, viewed on said cross section (X-X) through the fastening element (5), the fastening element (5) extends substantially along an axis (B) which makes an angle (α) with said axis (A) along which the cleaning strip (4) extends in the rest position, this angle (α) being between 20° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 60°.
 
5. Assembly (1) according to Claim 2 or according to Claim 2 and Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the holder (3) is an elongate holder (3) and comprises a handle (8) or is configured to be attached to a handle (8), in that the holder (3) comprises at least two first fastening elements (5), in that the accessory (2) comprises an equal number of second fastening elements (50) which are detachably attachable to a respective first fastening element (5) of the holder (3), so that the accessory (2) is detachably connectable to the window wiper (10), and in that the at least two first fastening elements (5) are configured to extend on either side of the handle (8) at a distance from each other, viewed along the longitudinal direction (L) of the holder (3).
 
6. Assembly (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the accessory (2) is a washer (2) and is in the shape of an elongate strip with a central recess at the location of one of the longitudinal sides, with the second fastening elements (50) extending on either side of the recess at the location of a respective longitudinal side.
 
7. Assembly (1) according to Claim 2 or according to Claim 2 and one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the first and the second fastening elements (5, 50) are complementary click-fit connection elements.
 
8. Assembly (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the complementary click-fit connection elements (5, 50) are press-studs.
 
9. Assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (3) comprises a holding part (9) for holding the cleaning strip (4) and in that the fastening element (5) of the holder (3) is detachably connectable to the holding part (9).
 
10. Assembly (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the holder (3) comprises a fastening part (11), in that the fastening part (11) comprises the fastening element (5), and in that the fastening part (11) is detachably connectable to the holding part (9), so that the fastening element (5) is detachably connectable to the holding part (9).
 
11. Assembly (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the holding part (9) comprises at least one retaining element to connect the fastening part (11) to the holding part (9) in the desired position.
 
12. Assembly (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the retaining element is a groove and the fastening part (11) comprises a projection which is engageable in this groove in order to connect the fastening part (11) to the holding part (9).
 
13. Window wiper (10) comprising a cleaning strip (4) which is held by a holder (3), in which the holder (3) is detachably connectable to an accessory (2), such as a washer, a sponge, a chamois leather or a cloth and to this end comprises at least one fastening element (5), characterized in that the window wiper is a window wiper according to one of Claims 1 to 12.
 




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Search report