ADJUSTABLE SQUEEGEE WITH SCRUBBER BAR

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.

BACKGROUND

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to theFIGS.1-2, an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure is shown. Device100has a handle assembly102, a pivoting assembly124, a blade assembly170, and a scrub bar assembly178. The pivoting assembly124receives a blade assembly170, which includes a blade172and a carriage174, such that the blade assembly can be secured into position but the blade can be replaced. The scrub bar assembly includes a base section180that extends from the bottom portion of the handle assembly102at an angle, for example 45°, and a scrub bar182extending from the left and right of the base section180, and is parallel to the blade172.

Advantageously, device100is configured, by way of pivoting assembly124, to easily allow blade assembly170to be rotated with respect to handle assembly102about the pivot axis P to at least a first and second positions, as shown inFIGS.1and10, and also lock the blade holder in these positions. Device100has been designed so that pivoting assembly124has a reduced number of components that can be easily molded and assembled.

Referring toFIG.1, device100can be grasped by handle body104and manipulated so that a cleaning edge176of blade172can held against and moved across a surface being cleaned. Additionally, device100is configured so that handle body104can 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 body104can be made of any material having the desired strength and rigidity such as, but not limited to, polypropylene (PP).

With further reference toFIGS.2-3and6, the handle assembly102is illustrated in more detail. As shown, the handle assembly102includes a handle body104, a first and second gripping feature106,108mounted to the handle body104. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle body104includes a distal end110and a proximal end112(FIG.6). The pivoting assembly124, described below, is operatively coupled to the distal end110of the handle body104. The handle body104is generally elongate and may be cylindrical in shape. Although the outer diameter of the handle body104is illustrated as varying over the axial length thereof (the outer diameter gradually decreases and then increases toward the distal end110), embodiments where the outer diameter is substantially constant are also contemplated herein.

As shown inFIG.5, a channel114may be formed at the proximal end112of the handle body104. The channel114may extend over the entirety of the axial length of the handle body104, up to the distal end110, or may extend along a portion of the axial length of the handle body104. In an embodiment, the portion of the channel114at the proximal end112is sized to receive the end of a pole or other component (not shown) therein to allow for use of the device100in an extended configuration. To removably mount the device100to the end of the pole, the handle assembly102includes at least a portion of a coupling mechanism116. For example, a portion of a coupling mechanism116may be arranged or formed within the channel114.

As shown inFIGS.3and6-7, one or more gripping features may be formed at the outer surface of the handle body104. These gripping features may be strategically positioned and designed to facilitate a user's grasp about the handle body104. For example, a first gripping feature106may include at least one elongate rib120extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the handle body104. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of elongate ribs120are spaced about a periphery of the handle body104. Alternatively, or additionally, a second gripping feature108may include a substantially smooth surface, such that the second gripping feature108wraps about the entire periphery of the handle body104. In an alternative embodiment, the second gripping feature108may 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 body104. 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.

An opening122may be included on the top portion, at the proximal end112, of the handle body104, to allow storage of the device100, for example on a hook or rack. Additionally, the handle body104is 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 body104may 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.

The pivoting and locking of handle body104and blade assembly170with respect to one another via the pivoting assembly124is described with simultaneous reference toFIG.2. As will be described in more detail below, pivoting assembly124defines pivot axis P through head128such that it is perpendicular to the cleaning edge176of blade172.

Pivoting assembly124includes a shaft126, a head128, a locking mechanism148, and other components described below, which cooperate to selectively lock the blade assembly170in one of several positions. The shaft126extends from the proximal end198of the head298. Pivoting assembly124is described here as having two predetermined positions. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for pivoting assembly124to be configured to provide more than two predetermined positions.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the head128generally includes an upper wall130(FIGS.1and4), a front wall132extending at an angle from the upper wall130, at the end of the upper wall130opposite to the handle body104, and a left and right wall134,136extending at an angle from the upper wall130. In other embodiments, the head128may alternatively or additionally include a bottom wall (not shown) extending from the front wall132generally parallel to the upper wall130. In such embodiments, the bottom wall may, but need not have a similar configuration to that of the upper wall130.

A cavity138is generally formed between the upper wall130, the front wall132, the left and right wall134,136, and when included, the bottom wall. As shown, the head128is oriented such that a third longitudinal axis H of the head128is arranged at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis X of the handle body104.

In an embodiment, the head128includes a cover140and a blade clasp142. The cover140and blade clasp142may be removably connected to one another, via a rotatable fastener144, such as a knob or thumbscrew for example. Although the cover140is illustrated as being removably mounted to the blade clasp142via the rotatable fastener144, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for movably coupling the cover140and blade clasp142is contemplated herein. The connection means described above additionally secures the cover140and blade clasp142to the head128.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the blade assembly170is receivable within the cavity138. The blade assembly170is positionable within a clearance formed between the front wall132and the cover140and blade clasp142. The blade clasp142includes a rounded section along the distal end to form around the portion of a carriage174of the blade assembly170that is positioned within the cavity138. The clamping pressure applied by the cover140and blade clasp142(controlled by the rotatable fastener144or other connector) to the blade assembly170is sufficient to restrict separation of the blade assembly170from the pivoting assembly124. As shown inFIG.3, when the blade assembly170is connected to the pivoting assembly124, containing a second longitudinal axis B, a distal end200of the blade assembly170may protrude or extend beyond the head128. When mounted to the head128, the blade assembly170extends generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis X.

In an embodiment, when the pivoting assembly124is connected to the handle assembly102, the pivoting assembly124, and therefore the blade assembly170connectable to the pivoting assembly124, is movable relative to the handle assembly102. For example, the pivoting assembly124may be generally rotatable about the pivot axis P (FIGS.6and11) arranged at a non-parallel angle to the longitudinal axis X. In an embodiment, the pivoting assembly124is configured to rotate within a plane extending through a center of the head128, parallel to the length of the blade172, and containing the third longitudinal axis H.

Referring toFIG.2, in an embodiment, the head128is rotatable relative to the handle body104between a plurality of positions. In an embodiment, the head128, and therefore the blade assembly170, rotates 180° between a first position (FIG.1) and a second position (FIG.10). In both positions, the cleaning edge176of the blade172is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis X. To rotate the head128, a locking mechanism148, described below, is moved into an unlocked position. The shaft126is then able to rotate within the channel114. The shaft126facilitates a rotatable connection between the head128and the handle body104. Once the head128and shaft126has completed the rotation between the first and second positon, the locking mechanism148is 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.

The pivoting assembly124further includes a locking mechanism148, such as a C-clip or lever for example, operable to selectively lock or retain the shaft126and head128in one of the plurality of positions along the path of movement. As shown inFIG.2, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the locking mechanism has a C-shape body. The locking mechanism may be secured to the handle assembly102and pivoting assembly124via a pin164or other means.

When it is desired to pivot the shaft126and head128with respect to the handle body104, a user can exert a force on a tab168of the locking mechanism to overcome the friction force securing the locking mechanism is the locked position. The tab168may extend substantially perpendicular to the C-shape body to provide leverage. The unlocking force causes the locking mechanism148to rotate about the pin164and away from the handle body104. Once the locking mechanism148has been rotated away from the handle body104, the shaft126and head128can be pivoted with respect to the handle body104about axis X.

When it is desired to relock the pivoting assembly124, the user rotates the locking mechanism148toward the handle body and exerts a return force to reengage the locking mechanism148.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that the simple construction of pivoting assembly124can 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.

Referring toFIGS.8A-C, device100further includes scrub bar assembly178. The scrub bar assembly178includes a base section180that extends from the bottom portion of the handle body104, and a scrub bar, wing or extension182extending from either side of the base section180. In an embodiment, the base section180extends at substantially 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis X. The scrub bar182includes and first and second section184,186. The first and second section184,186include at least one cooperating features188,190that ensure that the first and second section184,186are secured and positioned on the base section180in a desired orientation and position. As shown inFIGS.8B-8C, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sections184,186are shown with a first cooperating features188as two protrusions and the base section180is shown with a second cooperating features190as a corresponding number of openings to receive the protrusions. When the first and second sections184,186are received on the base section180, the openings and protrusions of the first and second cooperating features188,190cooperate to ensure the desired orientation and position of the scrub bar182on the base section180. Accordingly, device100can use cooperating features188,190to align and scrub bar assembly178on the handle assembly102.

A cleaning cloth (not shown), such as a microfiber cloth, can be attached to or slid onto the scrub bar182via connection pads194,196(FIGS.1and8C), such as using a hook and loop fastener for example. The first and second section184,186may further include water channels or ribs192to provide an even distribution of liquid throughout the cleaning cloth when the scrub bar is inserted into a cleaning solution.

The fourth longitudinal axis S of scrub bar assembly178, as shown inFIG.4-5, is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis B of the blade assembly170. In an embodiment, the scrub bar assembly178does not extend past the blade assembly170such that when the blade assembly170is rotated between the first and second positions (FIG.1andFIG.10respectively) it is able to rotate unencumbered.

Referring toFIG.9, device100further includes blade assembly170, which can be easily removed from and reinserted into the pivoting assembly124.

The cleaning implement or blade172may be formed from a natural or synthetic material that is sufficiently rigid to allow the blade172to function, yet flexible and soft enough to prevent the blade172from scratching the surface being cleaned. Examples of suitable materials of the blade172include, 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.

As discussed above, blade assembly170includes blade172and carriage174. The carriage174has a generally hollow interior (not shown, sometimes referred to as a channel) within which the blade172is removably receivable. The carriage174may also be made of any material suitable to withstand the forces exerted during normal operation of the device100and to withstand the cleaning chemicals normally associated with the use of such tools. For example, the carriage174can 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.

Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for blade172and carriage174to have any desired feature or features that ensure the desired orientation and position of the blade on the carriage.

When it is desired to withdraw the blade assembly170from the pivoting assembly124, the user merely removes the rotatable fasteners144from the pivoting assembly124to release the clamping pressure applied by the cover140, the blade clasp142, and the head128.

Thus, device100is configured, by way of blade assembly170, to easily allow blade172to be removed from and reinstalled, but with a reduced number of components that can be easily molded and assembled.

A cleaning tool100as illustrated and described herein provides enhanced operation by allowing for adjustment of the position of the blade assembly170relative to the handle assembly102.