I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a cleaning device and, more particularly, to a combination cleaning pad and squeegee.
II. Description of the Prior Art
There are many previously known cleaning devices which typically comprise a cleaning pad having a planar surface. An elongated handle is secured to the opposite side of the support pad while an electrostatic cleaning sheet is detachably secured across the planar side of the pad. In use, the cleaning pad is manipulated by the handle along the surface to be cleaned such that the electrostatic sheet removes dirt from that surface.
While cleaning pads with electrostatic sheets are highly effective for cleaning certain surfaces, they are ineffective for cleaning windows and similar surfaces. Consequently, in addition to electrostatic cleaning pads, it has been previously necessary to utilize a separate cleaning tool, namely a squeegee, for cleaning windows and like surfaces. The requirement to have both a squeegee as well as electrostatic cleaning pad increases not only the cost of the cleaning tools but also their required storage space.
The present invention provides a combination electrostatic cleaning pad and squeegee which overcomes all of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the previously known devices.
In brief, the cleaning device of the present invention comprises a support pad having a planar side and a side opposed to the planar side. An electrostatic cleaning sheet is detachably secured to the support pad so that the electrostatic cleaning sheet extends over and covers the planar side of the support pad.
An elongated arm is secured at one end to the opposed side of the support pad. An elongated handle then has one end secured to the second end of the arm by a locking joint. Preferably, the locking joint between the arm and the handle enables the arm and the handle to be locked together at any of a plurality of predetermined pivotal positions.
An elongated rubber blade is secured to the opposed side of the support pad. In use, this elongated rubber blade functions as a squeegee for cleaning windows when desired.
Consequently, unlike the previously known devices, the cleaning device of the present invention functions not only as a cleaning pad for cleaning certain surfaces, but also as a squeegee for cleaning windows and like surfaces.
A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
With reference first to
With reference now particularly to
The inserts 26 are preferably positioned adjacent the four corners of the pad 22 and are aligned at an angle with respect to the plane of the pad 22. As such, the inserts 26 minimize wastage of the electrostatic cleaning sheets 30.
With reference again to
With reference now to
With reference to
With reference now to
Referring now to
With reference now to
As best shown in
As best shown in
With reference now particularly to
In order to secure the buttons 90 to the handle hub 80, each button 90 preferably includes at least one and preferably two snap tabs 94. These snap tabs 94 have an outer diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the handle hub throughbore 82. Upon insertion of the buttons 90 into the handle hubs 80, the locking tabs 94 deflect radially inwardly. Upon full insertion, the locking tabs 94 flex radially outwardly and engage an annular abutment surface 96 (
With reference now to
Conversely, when the buttons 90 are moved to their depressed position, illustrated in
Since the lock joint 52 positively locks the support pad 22 with its attached electrostatic sheet 30 at multiple user selected angles, difficult surfaces, such as the tops of ceiling fan blades, can be easily cleaned.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the cleaning device of the present invention provides a simple and yet highly effective cleaning device for use with both an electrostatic pad as well as for use as a squeegee. Having described my invention, however, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.
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