Patent Application
20240225406
Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate to a surface cleaning tool for hard surfaces, and more particularly, to a surface cleaning tool having an adjustable configuration.
Surface cleaning tools, 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 floors or large flat surfaces. Here, the handle is then used in a known manner to move the blade along a floor, driveway, walkway, or any other substantially flat surface to push liquid and/or solid debris to a desired location. The cleaning implement of existing tools is 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.
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.
According to an embodiment, a surface cleaning tool includes a handle body having a first longitudinal axis and a head configured to receive a wiper blade. A plane extending through a center of the head, parallel to the wiper blade, includes a second longitudinal axis of the head. The head is movable along a path of movement relative to the handle body. An orientation of the plane of the head remains constant relative to the longitudinal axis as the head moves along the path of movement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one position of the plurality of positions is located between the first position and the second position along the path of movement.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of positions includes a third position and in the third position, the second longitudinal axis is aligned with the first longitudinal axis.
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.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the locking mechanism includes an engagement mechanism movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The head is movable between the plurality of positions when the engagement mechanism is in the unlocked position and the head is restricted from moving between the plurality of positions when the engagement mechanism is in the locked position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the head includes a plurality of slots and in the locked position, a portion of the engagement mechanism is positionable within one of the plurality of slots.
According to an embodiment, a surface cleaning tool includes a handle body and a head connected to the handle body and configured to receive a wiper blade. The head is movable along a path of movement relative to the handle body. The head includes a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of slots formed between the plurality of protrusions. A locking mechanism is operable to selectively lock the head relative to the handle body. The locking mechanism includes an engagement mechanism having an engagement feature positioned adjacent to a surface of the head. The engagement feature is receivable within one of the plurality of slots to restrict movement of the head along the path of movement.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the engagement mechanism is manually movable to selectively lock the head relative to the handle body.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the engagement mechanism is translatable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The engagement feature is receivable within one of the plurality of slots in the locked position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments each of the plurality of slots is associated with a different position of the head along the path of movement.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the head is movable within a plane oriented parallel to the wiper blade and including a longitudinal axis of the head.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plane is arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the handle body.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the longitudinal axis of the head is coplanar with a longitudinal axis of the handle body.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the head is rotatable about an axis along the path of movement.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the axis is arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the handle body.
The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:
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.
With reference to the Figures, an example of a surface cleaning tool according to an embodiment is illustrated at 20. The surface cleaning tool 20 includes a handle assembly 22, a cleaning implement 24, such as a wiper blade for example, and a channel 26 for mounting the cleaning implement 24 to the handle assembly 22.
The cleaning implement or wiper blade 24 may be formed from a natural or synthetic material that is sufficiently rigid to allow the wiper blade to function, yet flexible and soft enough to prevent the wiper blade 24 from scratching the surface being cleaned. Examples of suitable materials of the wiper blade 24 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.
The channel 26 has a generally hollow interior (not shown) within which the wiper blade 24 is removably receivable. The channel 26 may also be made of any material suitable to withstand the forces exerted during normal operation of the surface cleaning tool 20 and to withstand the cleaning chemicals normally associated with the use of such tools. For example, the channel 26 can be made of materials including, but not limited to, molded polymeric material, die cast metallic materials, formed metallic materials, and extruded polymeric or metallic materials.
With further reference to
As best shown in
One or more gripping features may be formed at the outer surface of the handle portion 34. These gripping features may be strategically positioned and designed to facilitate a user's grasp about the handle portion 34. For example, a first type of gripping feature may include at least one elongate rib 48a extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the handle portion 34. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of elongate ribs 48a are spaced about a periphery of the handle portion 34 of the handle body 30. Alternatively, or additionally, a second type of gripping feature may include at least one groove 48b, such as arranged within a plane oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X for example, such that the groove 48b wraps about at least a portion, and in some embodiment an entirety, of the periphery of the handle portion 34. In an embodiment, a plurality of grooves 48b are spaced along the longitudinal axis X of the handle portion 34, such as at the region adjacent to the connector portion 38, where the outer diameter of the handle portion 34 may vary. 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 portion 34 does not include any gripping features are also within the scope of the disclosure.
The connector portion 38 of the handle body 30 may be integrally formed with an end 37 of the handle portion 34 of the handle body 30. In an embodiment, both the connector portion 38 and the handle portion 34 are formed from a first material, such as a plastic material. Further, the handle portion 34 may be over molded with a second material, different or identical to the first material, to form the one or more gripping features.
As shown, the connector portion 38 of the handle body 30 has a generally circular shape (in plan view). However, embodiments where the connector portion 38 has another shape are also contemplated herein. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the connector portion 38 generally includes only an upper wall 50 and a rear wall 52 extending at an angle from the upper wall 50, such as near the end 54 of the upper wall 50 adjacent to the handle portion 34. In other embodiments, the connector portion 38 may alternatively or additionally include a bottom wall (not shown) extending from the rear wall 52 generally parallel to the upper wall 50. In such embodiments, the bottom wall may, but need not have a similar configuration to that of the upper wall 50.
The head 32 of the handle assembly 22 is permanently or removably coupled to the connector portion 38 of the handle body 30. A cavity 56 is generally formed between the upper wall 50 and the rear wall 52, and when included, the bottom wall, and in an embodiment, at least a portion of the head 32 of the handle assembly 22 is receivable within the cavity 56. As shown, when the head 32 is connected to the handle body 30, a distal end 58 of the head 32 may protrude or extend beyond the connector portion 38. As shown, the head 32 is oriented such that a second longitudinal axis H of the head 32 is arranged at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis X of the handle portion 34. However, in other embodiments, the longitudinal axis H of the head 32 and the longitudinal axis X of the handle portion 34 may be coaxial or parallel to one another.
In an embodiment, the head 32 includes a housing assembly including an upper housing 60 and a lower housing 62. The upper and lower housing 58, 60 may be removably connected to one another, via a fastener, such as a knob or thumbscrew for example. Although the lower housing 62 is illustrated as being movably mounted to the upper housing 60 via a rotatable fastener 64, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for movably coupling the upper and lower housings 60, 62 is contemplated herein.
As shown in the FIGURES, the channel 26 is connectable to the distal end 58 of the head 32. In an embodiment, the channel 26 is positionable within a clearance formed between the upper housing 60 and the lower housing 62. The clamping pressure applied by the upper and lower housing 60, 62 (controlled by the fastener 64 or other connector) to the channel 26 is sufficient to restrict separation of the channel 26 from the head 32. When mounted to the head 32, the channel 26 extends generally parallel to the distal end 58 of the head 32.
In an embodiment, when the head 32 is connected to the handle body 30, the head 32, and therefore the channel 26 and wiper blade 24 connectable to the head 32, is movable relative to the handle body 30. For example, the head 32 may be generally rotatable about an axis R (
In an embodiment, the head 32 is rotatable relative to the handle body 30 between a plurality of positions. It should be appreciated that each of the plurality of positions may correlate to a respective or distinct angle between the longitudinal axis H of the head 32 and the longitudinal axis X of the handle portion 34. For example, in a first position, the longitudinal axis H of the head 32 may be arranged at a first angle, such as a 45° angle for example, relative to the longitudinal axis X and in a second position, the longitudinal axis H of the head 32 may be oriented at a second angle, such as a −45° angle, relative to the longitudinal axis X. Because the wiper blade 24 and channel 26 are oriented generally substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis H of the head 32, in the first and second configurations, the wiper blade 24 is also arranged at a −45° angle or 45° angle relative to the longitudinal axis X. Although the first and second positions are illustrated and described as being equal but opposite angles, embodiments where the first angle when the head 32 is rotated in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis X is different than the second angle when the head 32 is rotated in a second, opposite direction relative to the longitudinal axis X are also contemplated herein.
It should be appreciated that at least one position of the head 32 may be arranged between the first position and the second position, respectively, along the path of movement of the head 32. For example, the head 32 may be positionable at a third position where the longitudinal axis H of the head 32 is generally aligned or parallel with the longitudinal axis X, at a fourth position arranged between the first position and the third position, and at a fifth position arranged between the third position and the second position. In an embodiment, the plurality of positions of the head 32 includes seven distinct positions where the longitudinal axis H of the head 32 is arranged at 45°, 30°, 15°, 0°, −15°, −30°, and −45° relative to the longitudinal axis X of the handle portion 34, respectively. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the head 32 may be arranged at any suitable position along the path of movement between the first position and the second position to achieve varying degrees of angle of the head 32.
With continued reference to
As shown, a back side 76 of the upper housing 60 may have a generally arcuate contour complementary to the rear wall 52 of the connector portion 38. In an embodiment, a tab 78 protruding from the rear wall 52 of the connector portion 38 is receivable within a generally elongated slot or groove 80 formed in the surface of the back side 76. The groove 80 (see
The handle assembly 22 additionally includes a locking mechanism 90 operable to selectively lock or retain the head 32 in one of the plurality of positions along the path of movement. As shown in
An engagement mechanism 98 is movably mounted to the handle body 30, such as to the connector portion 38 for example. Although the engagement mechanism 98 is illustrated as being translatable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, it should be understood that embodiments where the engagement mechanism 98 is configured to move in another manner, such as rotate relative to the handle body 30 for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the engagement mechanism 98 includes a user portion 100 arranged at a first side of the connector portion 38. A user may apply force to the user portion 100 to transform the engagement mechanism 98 between the unlocked and locked positions.
The engagement mechanism 98 additionally includes one or more engagement features 102 arranged at a second side of the connector portion 38, adjacent to the surface of the upper housing 60. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the at least one engagement feature 102 includes a tooth or other protrusion. The engagement feature 102 is sized for receipt within each of the plurality of slot 96. When the engagement mechanism 98 is in the unlocked position, the engagement feature 102 is separated or remote from the slots 96 and the protrusions 92. In an embodiment, the engagement feature 102 is positioned in overlapping arrangement with the upper housing 60, such as at a position forward of the slots 96. In this position, the head 32 is freely rotatable about axis R. Once rotated about axis R to a desired position, a user applies a force to user portion 100 of the engagement mechanism 98 to move the engagement mechanism 98 to the locked position. In the locked position, at least a portion of the engagement feature 102 is arranged within a corresponding slot 96, abutting the adjacent protrusions 92. The interference or contact between the engagement feature 102 and the adjacent protrusions 92 restricts movement of the head 32 about the axis R in a first direction and a second, opposite direction. It should be understood that the locking mechanism 90 illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only and that embodiments including another type of locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the head 32 at various positions rotated about axis R relative to the handle body 30 are within the scope of the disclosure.
A surface cleaning tool 20 as illustrated and described herein provides enhanced operation by allowing for adjustment of the position of the head and wiper blade 24 relative to the handle body 30.
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.
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.
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.
The present application is a nonprovisional application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/479,289 filed on Jan. 10, 2023, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63479289 | Jan 2023 | US |
