ADJUSTABLE SQUEEGEE WITH SCRUBBER BAR

Abstract

 A multi-positional cleaning device includes a handle body having a first longitudinal axis, a head configured to receive a blade, and a pivoting assembly to rotate the blade. A plane extending through a center of the head, parallel to the blade. The head is rotatable about a pivot axis relative to the head. An orientation of the plane of the head remains constant relative to the longitudinal axis as the blade moves along the path of movement.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate to devices such as cleaning devices for windows, including scrapers. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to cleaning devices having an adjustable configuration.

[0002] Surface cleaning devices, such as squeegee devices, typically include a handle having a cleaning implement, such as a wiper or squeegee blade secured thereto. Many such devices have been developed for use with windows or large flat surfaces. Here, the handle is then used in a known manner to move the blade along a vertical surface, or any other substantially flat surface to push liquid and/or solid debris to a desired location. The cleaning implement of existing tools are typically fixedly positioned relative to the handle, thereby limiting the ease of access by a user to non-uniformly shaped or difficult to reach areas.

[0003] Accordingly, while existing squeegee devices are suitable for their intended purposes the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a squeegee having the features described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] Multi-positional cleaning devices are provided. According to an embodiment, a window cleaning device includes a handle body having a first longitudinal axis, a scrub bar assembly including a base section extending from the handle body, a blade assembly, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly includes a head configured to receive the blade assembly and rotate the blade assembly about a pivot axis with respect to the handle body. The blade assembly includes a second longitudinal axis. A plane extending through a center of the head, parallel to the blade, includes a third longitudinal axis of the head. An orientation of the plane of the head remains constant relative to the longitudinal axis as the head moves along a path of movement. The pivoting assembly includes a releasable locking mechanism, allowing the handle and head to be pivoted with respect to one another about a pivot axis to at least two predetermined angular positions. The pivot axis is perpendicular to the edge of the blade.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the handle body includes at least one gripping feature.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least on gripping feature at least one elongate rib extending substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one gripping feature has a substantially smooth surface.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one gripping feature includes a plurality of grooves substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the head is positionable at a plurality of positions relative to the handle body.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the head is rotatable relative to the handle body between the plurality of positions.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of positions includes a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second longitudinal axis is arranged at a first angle relative to the first longitudinal axis and in the second position, the second longitudinal axis is arranged at a second angle relative to the first longitudinal axis.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first angle is equal and opposite to the second angle.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the surface cleaning tool includes a locking mechanism operable to retain the head in one of the plurality of positions.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the locking mechanism includes an C-clip engagement mechanism movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The head is movable between the plurality of positions when the C-clip engagement mechanism is in the unlocked position and the head is restricted from moving between the plurality of positions when the C-clip engagement mechanism is in the locked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a multi-positional cleaning device in a first position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a scrub bar assembly of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a base of the scrub bar assembly of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a scrub bar of the scrub bar assembly of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a blade assembly of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the multi-positional cleaning device in a second position; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of the multi-positional cleaning device of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

[0017] With reference to the Figures 1-2, an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure is shown. Device 100 has a handle assembly 102, a pivoting assembly 124, a blade assembly 170, and a scrub bar assembly 178. The pivoting assembly 124 receives a blade assembly 170, which includes a blade 172 and a carriage 174, such that the blade assembly can be secured into position but the blade can be replaced. The scrub bar assembly includes a base section 180 that extends from the bottom portion of the handle assembly 102 at an angle, for example 45⁰, and a scrub bar 182 extending from the left and right of the base section 180, and is parallel to the blade 172.

[0018] Advantageously, device 100 is configured, by way of pivoting assembly 124, to easily allow blade assembly 170 to be rotated with respect to handle assembly 102 about the pivot axis P to at least a first and second positions, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, and also lock the blade holder in these positions. Device 100 has been designed so that pivoting assembly 124 has a reduced number of components that can be easily molded and assembled.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1, device 100 can be grasped by handle body 104 and manipulated so that a cleaning edge 176 of blade 172 can held against and moved across a surface being cleaned. Additionally, device 100 is configured so that handle body 104 can be secured to an extension pole (not shown) in a known manner such as, but not limited to, a threaded connection, a press-fit connection, or a locking connection as described in Applicants' own U.S. Design Pat. No. 907,474 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, handle body 104 can be made of any material having the desired strength and rigidity such as, but not limited to, polypropylene (PP).

[0020] With further reference to FIGS. 2-3 and 6, the handle assembly 102 is illustrated in more detail. As shown, the handle assembly 102 includes a handle body 104, a first and second gripping feature 106, 108 mounted to the handle body 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle body 104 includes a distal end 110 and a proximal end 112 (FIG. 6). The pivoting assembly 124, described below, is operatively coupled to the distal end 110 of the handle body 104. The handle body 104 is generally elongate and may be cylindrical in shape. Although the outer diameter of the handle body 104 is illustrated as varying over the axial length thereof (the outer diameter gradually decreases and then increases toward the distal end 110), embodiments where the outer diameter is substantially constant are also contemplated herein.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 5, a channel 114 may be formed at the proximal end 112 of the handle body 104. The channel 114 may extend over the entirety of the axial length of the handle body 104, up to the distal end 110, or may extend along a portion of the axial length of the handle body 104. In an embodiment, the portion of the channel 114 at the proximal end 112 is sized to receive the end of a pole or other component (not shown) therein to allow for use of the device 100 in an extended configuration. To removably mount the device 100 to the end of the pole, the handle assembly 102 includes at least a portion of a coupling mechanism 116. For example, a portion of a coupling mechanism 116 may be arranged or formed within the channel 114.

[0022] As shown in FIGS 3 and 6-7, one or more gripping features may be formed at the outer surface of the handle body 104. These gripping features may be strategically positioned and designed to facilitate a user's grasp about the handle body 104. For example, a first gripping feature 106 may include at least one elongate rib 120 extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the handle body 104. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of elongate ribs 120 are spaced about a periphery of the handle body 104. Alternatively, or additionally, a second gripping feature 108 may include a substantially smooth surface, such that the second gripping feature 108 wraps about the entire periphery of the handle body 104. In an alternative embodiment, the second gripping feature 108 may include at least one groove (not pictured) arranged within a plane substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis X, such that the groove wraps about at least a portion, and in some embodiments an entirety, of the periphery of the handle body 104. It should be appreciated that the gripping features illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only and that a gripping feature having any suitable configuration is within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, embodiments where the handle body does not include any gripping features are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0023] An opening 122 may be included on the top portion, at the proximal end 112, of the handle body 104, to allow storage of the device 100, for example on a hook or rack. Additionally, the handle body 104 is formed from a first material having the desired strength and rigidity such as, but not limited to, such as a plastic material, polypropylene (PP). Further, the handle body 104 may include one or more over-molded regions with a second material of high grip material such as, but not limited to, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), to form the one or more gripping features.

[0024] The pivoting and locking of handle body 104 and blade assembly 170 with respect to one another via the pivoting assembly 124 is described with simultaneous reference to FIG. 2. As will be described in more detail below, pivoting assembly 124 defines pivot axis P through head 128 such that it is perpendicular to the cleaning edge 176 of blade 172.

[0025] Pivoting assembly 124 includes a shaft 126, a head 128, a locking mechanism 148, and other components described below, which cooperate to selectively lock the blade assembly 170 in one of several positions. The shaft 126 extends from the proximal end 198 of the head 298. Pivoting assembly 124 is described here as having two predetermined positions. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for pivoting assembly 124 to be configured to provide more than two predetermined positions.

[0026] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the head 128 generally includes an upper wall 130 (FIG. 1 and 4), a front wall 132 extending at an angle from the upper wall 130, at the end of the upper wall 130 opposite to the handle body 104, and a left and right wall 134, 136 extending at an angle from the upper wall 130. In other embodiments, the head 128 may alternatively or additionally include a bottom wall (not shown) extending from the front wall 132 generally parallel to the upper wall 130. In such embodiments, the bottom wall may, but need not have a similar configuration to that of the upper wall 130.

[0027] A cavity 138 is generally formed between the upper wall 130, the front wall 132, the left and right wall 134, 136, and when included, the bottom wall. As shown, the head 128 is oriented such that a third longitudinal axis H of the head 128 is arranged at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis X of the handle body 104.

[0028] In an embodiment, the head 128 includes a cover 140 and a blade clasp 142. The cover 140 and blade clasp 142 may be removably connected to one another, via a rotatable fastener 144, such as a knob or thumbscrew for example. Although the cover 140 is illustrated as being removably mounted to the blade clasp 142 via the rotatable fastener 144, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for movably coupling the cover 140 and blade clasp 142 is contemplated herein. The connection means described above additionally secures the cover 140 and blade clasp 142 to the head 128.

[0029] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the blade assembly 170 is receivable within the cavity 138. The blade assembly 170 is positionable within a clearance formed between the front wall 132 and the cover 140 and blade clasp 142. The blade clasp 142 includes a rounded section along the distal end to form around the portion of a carriage 174 of the blade assembly 170 that is positioned within the cavity 138. The clamping pressure applied by the cover 140 and blade clasp 142 (controlled by the rotatable fastener 144 or other connector) to the blade assembly 170 is sufficient to restrict separation of the blade assembly 170 from the pivoting assembly 124. As shown in FIG. 3, when the blade assembly 170 is connected to the pivoting assembly 124, containing a second longitudinal axis B, a distal end 200 of the blade assembly 170 may protrude or extend beyond the head 128. When mounted to the head 128, the blade assembly 170 extends generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis X.

[0030] In an embodiment, when the pivoting assembly 124 is connected to the handle assembly 102, the pivoting assembly 124, and therefore the blade assembly 170 connectable to the pivoting assembly 124, is movable relative to the handle assembly 102. For example, the pivoting assembly 124 may be generally rotatable about the pivot axis P (FIGS. 6 and 11) arranged at a non-parallel angle to the longitudinal axis X. In an embodiment, the pivoting assembly 124 is configured to rotate within a plane extending through a center of the head 128, parallel to the length of the blade 172, and containing the third longitudinal axis H .

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the head 128 is rotatable relative to the handle body 104 between a plurality of positions. In an embodiment, the head 128, and therefore the blade assembly 170, rotates 180° between a first position (FIG. 1) and a second position (FIG. 10). In both positions, the cleaning edge 176 of the blade 172 is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis X. To rotate the head 128, a locking mechanism 148, described below, is moved into an unlocked position. The shaft 126 is then able to rotate within the channel 114. The shaft 126 facilitates a rotatable connection between the head 128 and the handle body 104. Once the head 128 and shaft 126 has completed the rotation between the first and second positon, the locking mechanism 148 is reengaged and moved into a locked position. It should be understood that in another embodiment, the head may rotate between more than two positions and that each of the plurality of positions may correlate to a respective or distinct angle between the third longitudinal axis H and the first longitudinal axis X.

[0032] The pivoting assembly 124 further includes a locking mechanism 148, such as a C-clip or lever for example, operable to selectively lock or retain the shaft 126 and head 128 in one of the plurality of positions along the path of movement. As shown in FIG. 2, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the locking mechanism has a C-shape body. The locking mechanism may be secured to the handle assembly 102 and pivoting assembly 124 via a pin 164 or other means.

[0033] When it is desired to pivot the shaft 126 and head 128 with respect to the handle body 104, a user can exert a force on a tab 168 of the locking mechanism to overcome the friction force securing the locking mechanism is the locked position. The tab 168 may extend substantially perpendicular to the C-shape body to provide leverage. The unlocking force causes the locking mechanism 148 to rotate about the pin 164 and away from the handle body 104. Once the locking mechanism 148 has been rotated away from the handle body 104, the shaft 126 and head 128 can be pivoted with respect to the handle body 104 about axis X.

[0034] When it is desired to relock the pivoting assembly 124, the user rotates the locking mechanism 148 toward the handle body and exerts a return force to reengage the locking mechanism 148.

[0035] It has been determined by the present disclosure that the simple construction of pivoting assembly 124 can be provided with a reduced number of parts and provides a clean, easy to use system for the user, while providing the necessary strength to maintain the assembly at the desired pivoted position.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 8A-C, device 100 further includes scrub bar assembly 178. The scrub bar assembly 178 includes a base section 180 that extends from the bottom portion of the handle body 104, and a scrub bar, wing or extension 182 extending from either side of the base section 180. In an embodiment, the base section 180 extends at substantially 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis X. The scrub bar 182 includes and first and second section 184, 186. The first and second section 184, 186 include at least one cooperating features 188, 190 that ensure that the first and second section 184, 186 are secured and positioned on the base section 180 in a desired orientation and position. As shown in FIGS. 8B-8C, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sections 184, 186 are shown with a first cooperating features 188 as two protrusions and the base section 180 is shown with a second cooperating features 190 as a corresponding number of openings to receive the protrusions. When the first and second sections 184, 186 are received on the base section 180, the openings and protrusions of the first and second cooperating features 188, 190 cooperate to ensure the desired orientation and position of the scrub bar 182 on the base section 180. Accordingly, device 100 can use cooperating features 188, 190 to align and scrub bar assembly 178 on the handle assembly 102.

[0037] A cleaning cloth (not shown), such as a microfiber cloth, can be attached to or slid onto the scrub bar 182 via connection pads 194, 196 (FIGS. 1 and 8C), such as using a hook and loop fastener for example. The first and second section 184, 186 may further include water channels or ribs 192 to provide an even distribution of liquid throughout the cleaning cloth when the scrub bar is inserted into a cleaning solution.

[0038] The fourth longitudinal axis S of scrub bar assembly 178, as shown in FIG. 4-5, is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis B of the blade assembly 170. In an embodiment, the scrub bar assembly 178 does not extend past the blade assembly 170 such that when the blade assembly 170 is rotated between the first and second positions (FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 respectively) it is able to rotate unencumbered.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 9, device 100 further includes blade assembly 170, which can be easily removed from and reinserted into the pivoting assembly 124.

[0040] The cleaning implement or blade 172 may be formed from a natural or synthetic material that is sufficiently rigid to allow the blade 172 to function, yet flexible and soft enough to prevent the blade 172 from scratching the surface being cleaned. Examples of suitable materials of the blade 172 include, but are not limited to, polyolefin plastic, any deformable plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, an elastomer, a foam material including elastomeric or other deformable polymeric foams and the like.

[0041] As discussed above, blade assembly 170 includes blade 172 and carriage 174. The carriage 174 has a generally hollow interior (not shown, sometimes referred to as a channel) within which the blade 172 is removably receivable. The carriage 174 may also be made of any material suitable to withstand the forces exerted during normal operation of the device 100 and to withstand the cleaning chemicals normally associated with the use of such tools. For example, the carriage 174 can be made of materials including, but not limited to, molded polymeric material, such as, but not limited to, nylon, die cast metallic materials, formed metallic materials, and extruded polymeric or metallic materials.

[0042] Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for blade 172 and carriage 174 to have any desired feature or features that ensure the desired orientation and position of the blade on the carriage.

[0043] When it is desired to withdraw the blade assembly 170 from the pivoting assembly 124, the user merely removes the rotatable fasteners 144 from the pivoting assembly 124 to release the clamping pressure applied by the cover 140, the blade clasp 142, and the head 128.

[0044] Thus, device 100 is configured, by way of blade assembly 170, to easily allow blade 172 to be removed from and reinstalled, but with a reduced number of components that can be easily molded and assembled.

[0045] A cleaning tool 100 as illustrated and described herein provides enhanced operation by allowing for adjustment of the position of the blade assembly 170 relative to the handle assembly 102.

[0046] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

[0048] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-positional cleaning device comprising:

a handle assembly having a handle body and at least one gripping feature;

a scrub bar assembly coupled to the handle assembly;

a blade assembly having a blade configured to wipe a surface; and

a pivoting assembly securing the handle assembly and the blade assembly to one another such that the blade assembly may be selectively pivoted with respect to the handle assembly about a pivot axis, the pivoting assembly having a releasable lock coupled to the handle body, the releasable lock selectively fixing the blade assembly in at least one of a first position or a second position.

2. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises an C-clip engagement mechanism movable between an unlocked position and a locked position.

3. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 2, the blade assembly being movable between at least the first position and the second position when the C-clip engagement mechanism is in the unlocked position, and the blade assembly being restricted from moving between at least the first position and the second position when the C-clip engagement mechanism is in the locked position.

4. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a protrusion for applying an unlocking force.

5. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the handle body includes a first longitudinal axis.

6. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the blade assembly includes a second longitudinal axis.

7. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the blade assembly is positionable in at least the first position or the second position relative to the handle body.

8. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the blade assembly is rotatable relative to the handle body between in at least the first position or the second position.

9. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 6, wherein in the first position, the second longitudinal axis is arranged at a first angle relative to the first longitudinal axis, and in the second position, the second longitudinal axis is arranged at a second angle relative to the first longitudinal axis.

10. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 9, wherein the first angle is equal and opposite to the second angle.

11. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 1, the blade assembly further comprising a carriage, the blade received by the carriage to ensure that the blade is positioned in a desired orientation and/or position.

12. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 1, the scrub bar assembly including a scrub bar and a base section, the base section extending at a predetermined angle from the handle body, the scrub bar and the base section including at least one cooperating feature that ensure that the scrub bar is positioned on the base section in a desired orientation and/or position.

13. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the at least one gripping feature includes at least one elongate rib extending substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

14. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the at least one gripping feature includes a substantially smooth surface.

15. The multi-positional cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the at least one gripping feature includes a plurality of grooves substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

Drawing