This invention relates to a cleaning tool for window treatments and, more specifically, to an expandable cleaning tool for use with window blinds or shadings, commonly sold under the trademark Silhouette® by Hunter Douglas.
Referring to
Blind 10 as depicted includes a number of vanes 12 which are configured as in a of the type which is well known in the art so as to be movable between an open horizontal position, as shown in
Silhouette® blind 10 includes a front fabric panel 16 and a back fabric panel 18 positioned on either side of vanes 12. Preferably, fabric panels 16 and 18 are made of a sheer material to permit light to permeate fabric panels 16 and 18 when vanes 12 are in an open position.
From
Silhouette® blind 10 is sold in various widths. Dirt and other debris, such as lint and dead insects, can be caught in cell 20. It is difficult to reach the inner parts of cell 20 to clean such debris from the cell. Because fabric panels 16 and 18 are typically sheer, this debris is unsightly and undesirable.
Typical means for cleaning cell 20 include utilizing a feather duster, employing ultrasonic cleaning, using canned air, or utilizing an upholstery cleaner on a vacuum cleaner. These methods have proven unsatisfactory and ineffective.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved cleaning tool to easily reach the interior portion of the cells of a Silhouette® blind to clean dirt and other debris therefrom.
Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
Referring to
As shown in
Mounted on the entire length of external surfaces 38a, 40a and 42a of sections 38, 40 and 42, respectively, is a coating 44. Coating 44 may be of any tacky material that will cause dirt and debris deposited in the interior portion of cell 20 to adhere to wand portion 36. It thus can be seen that when tool 30 is positioned in the open, extended position of FIG. 2 and inserted into cell 20 of a Silhouette® blind 10, the tool can be caused to touch the dirt or debris deposited in the cell so that when the tool is removed from cell 20, the dirt and debris will be removed along with the tool.
While it is preferred that coating 44 be applied to each external surface 38a, 40a and 42a, the present invention contemplates the use of coating 44 only on external surface 42a.
It is to be understood that wand portion 36 may be manufactured in varying lengths to suit the width of the blind 10 being purchased by the consumer. While it is contemplated that the length of wand portion 36 not exceed 54 inches with each section 38, 40 and 42 being 19 inches in length, it is to be understood that a longer wand is feasible and within the scope of the present invention.
In this disclosure, there is shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the invention concept as expressed herein.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application No. 60/369,058, entitled “Window Treatment Cleaning Tool,” filed Apr. 1, 2002, by inventor Lynn B. Severson.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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1785512 | Buttenheim | Dec 1930 | A |
5924157 | Barela | Jul 1999 | A |
6175984 | Prime et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6240590 | Nesbit | Jun 2001 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20030226226 A1 | Dec 2003 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60369058 | Apr 2002 | US |