Patent Description:
Surfaces, such as windows, often get dirty or contaminated and need to be cleaned. Some contaminants, such as dust or sand, may be removed using water with a relatively mild abrasive material such a microfiber cloth for example. Other types of contaminants may adhere to the window and do not come off with the application of water. In these instances, the user may employ a scraper. The scraper has a thin, rigid, and sharp edge that may be slid at an angle across the surface. The sharp edge mechanically removes the contaminant from the surface. It should be appreciated that the blade portion of the scraper is sharp and the user needs to be careful with the tool to avoid undesired contact with their clothing or body. Often, window scrapers have covers that are slid over the edge when not in use. Unfortunately, these covers are often lost or misplaced.

Accordingly, while existing surface scraping tools are suitable for their intended purposes the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a surface scraping tool having some of the features described herein.

<CIT> relates to a scraper including a shell, a first controlling mechanism movably installed within the shell for carrying a razor.

According to another aspect of the invention a tool for cleaning a surface is provided. The tool includes a body and a first cover. The first cover is slidably coupled to the body between a first position and a second position, the first cover having a first leading edge. A second cover is slidably coupled to the body and movable between the first position and the second position, the second cover having a second leading edge adjacent the first leading edge. A blade is coupled to the body and being disposed between the first cover and the second cover when in the first position and at least partially extending outward from the first leading edge and second leading edge when in the second position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include a retainer member removably coupled to the body, the blading coupled to the body by the retainer member.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the first cover having a first handle portion extending from a first side of a first body portion opposite the first leading edge, and the second cover having a second handle portion extending from a second side of a second body portion opposite the second leading edge.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the first cover having a first rib extending from the first handle portion, and the second cover having a second rib extending from the second handle portion.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the body having a first slot on a first side and a second slot on a second side, first slot having a first projection and a second projection that define a first groove therebetween, the second slot having a third projection and a fourth projection that define a second groove therebetween.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the first rib being sized and positioned to be at least partially disposed within the first groove and the second rib is sized and positioned to be at least partially disposed within the second groove as the first cover and second cover are moved from the first position to the second position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the first body portion having at least one first tab extending toward the blade and the second body portion includes at least one second tab extending toward the blade.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the body further having a head portion extending parallel to and configured to receive the blade, the head portion having a first shoulder sized and positioned to receive the at least one first tab with the first cover is in the second position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the head portion and retaining member cooperating to define a second shoulder sized and positioned to receive the at least one second tab when the second cover is in the second position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the head portion having a first notch sized and positioned to receive the at least one first tab when the first cover is in the first position and the retaining member having a second notch sized and positioned to receive the at least one second tab when the second cover is in the first position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the first cover includes a first wall having a first end and a second end, the first end having a semi-circular surface and the second end having a semi-circular recess. The second cover having a second wall having a third end and a fourth end, the third end having a semi-circular surface and the fourth end having a semi-circular recess. The first end cooperating with the fourth end and the second end cooperating with the third end to define a pivot, the first cover and second cover rotating about the pivot when the first cover and second cover are moved between the first position and the second position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the first rib being integral with the first wall and the second rib is integral with the second wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include a first clip operably coupled between the first body portion and the second body portion on a first side of the first handle, and a second clip operably coupled between the first body portion and the second body portion on a second side of the first handle, the second side being opposite the first handle.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the first clip and second clip biasing the first cover and second cover towards a plane defined by the blade.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the tool may include the first body portion includes a first cavity and an opposing second cavity, a first arm of the first clip being disposed in the first cavity and a second arm of the second clip being disposed in the second cavity. Wherein, the second body portion includes a third cavity and an opposing fourth cavity, a third arm of the first clip being disposed in the third cavity and a fourth arm of the second clip being disposed in the fourth cavity.

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a tool for cleaning surfaces, such as a window. The tool includes an integral movable cover that allows a blade to be selectively exposed. Embodiments provide advantages in allowing a blade to be selectively uncovered for use and then covered when not being used or for transportation to avoid undesired contact with other objects. The detailed description of one or more embodiments of the present invention are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

Referring now to <FIG> an embodiment of a tool <NUM> is shown for cleaning surfaces, such as windows for example. The tool <NUM> may include a blade <NUM> that is secured between a body <NUM> and a retaining member <NUM>. In an embodiment, a pair of fasteners <NUM> and nuts <NUM> may couple the retaining member <NUM> to the body <NUM> securing the blade <NUM> therebetween. Extending from a side of the body <NUM> opposite the blade <NUM> may be a handle <NUM> that is secured to the body <NUM> by a fastener <NUM>. In an embodiment, the handle <NUM> may include a co-molded grip <NUM> covering some or all of the handle <NUM>. The co-molded grip <NUM> may alter the shape of the handle <NUM> and/or be made of a different material than the handle <NUM> to provide a superior grip or ergonomic support. In an embodiment, the handle <NUM> has an end <NUM> that is configured to receive an accessory, such as a pole for example.

The tool <NUM> may also have a movable cover assembly <NUM> slideably attached to the body <NUM>. The cover assembly <NUM> may include a top or first cover <NUM> and a bottom or second cover <NUM>. As discussed in more detail herein, the covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be movably coupled to the body <NUM>. In an embodiment, the cover assembly <NUM> may include a pair of clips <NUM>, <NUM> that bias the covers <NUM>, <NUM> together and around the body <NUM>, retaining member <NUM>, and blade <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an embodiment is shown of the cover assembly <NUM> and covers <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment, the covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be the same or substantially the same shape being mirror images of each other about a plane that extends through the blade <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while the first cover <NUM> is described in greater detail, the second cover <NUM> may be constructed in the same or similar manner. The cover <NUM> may include a body portion <NUM> having a leading edge <NUM> which may be the distal edge of the cover <NUM>. A pair of end walls <NUM> and a rear wall <NUM> may define a perimeter and a generally hollow interior of the body portion <NUM>. A pair of holes <NUM> may extend through the body portion <NUM>. The holes <NUM> may be sized and positioned to allow insertion and removal of the fasteners <NUM>. It should be appreciated that this may allow the user to adjust the retaining member <NUM> and/or change the blade <NUM> without needing to disassemble the cover assembly <NUM>.

Extending from the body portion <NUM> may be a handle portion <NUM> having an arcuate upper surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the upper surface <NUM> may be shaped with groves, protrusions, or depressions to receive the users finger. Extending from a side of the handle portion <NUM> opposite the surface <NUM> may be a wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may extend away from the underside of the handle portion <NUM> opposite the surface <NUM> and may include a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first end portion <NUM> may include a semi-cylindrical shape and the second end portion <NUM> may include a semi-cylindrical recess. Further, the wall <NUM> and ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized and positioned such that when the cover assembly <NUM>, including covers <NUM>, <NUM>, is assembled (<FIG>), the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of wall <NUM> on the first cover <NUM> engage corresponding ends <NUM>, <NUM> of wall <NUM> on the second cover <NUM> to define a pivot about an axis <NUM>. In other words, in an exemplary nonlimiting embodiment, the semi-cylindrical end <NUM> from cover <NUM> engages with the semi-cylindrical recessed end <NUM> from cover <NUM>, and the semi-cylindrical end <NUM> from cover <NUM> engages the semi-cylindrical recessed end <NUM> on cover <NUM>, whereby the engagement of the semi-cylindrical ends <NUM> with the semi-cylindrical recessed ends <NUM> creates a pivot axis <NUM> through the center of the semi-cylindrical ends <NUM>.

In an embodiment extending from the handle portion <NUM> may be a rib <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may be a panel extending orthogonally away from the wall <NUM> and down from the underside of the handle portion <NUM> opposite the upper surface <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may be coupled to or is integral with the wall <NUM> and may form a T-shape with the wall <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the rib <NUM> is sized and positioned to slide between a groove in the body <NUM> as the covers <NUM>, <NUM> move from a closed or first position (<FIG>) to an open or second position (<FIG>). The covers <NUM>, <NUM> may further include at least one tab <NUM> positioned within the hollow interior and extending from the bottom of the body portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the covers <NUM>, <NUM> each have a pair of tabs <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the tabs <NUM> are sized and positioned to engage elements on the body <NUM> and retaining member <NUM> to secure the covers <NUM>, <NUM> in the first and second positions.

In an embodiment, the body portion <NUM> may further include a pair of cavities <NUM> arranged on opposite sides of the handle portion <NUM> and adjacent to each end wall <NUM>. In an embodiment, the cavities <NUM> may include a pocket or slot <NUM> representing a further depression in the cavities <NUM>. The cavities <NUM> may be sized to receive clips <NUM>, <NUM>. The clips <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured flex or bend to apply a biasing force on the cavities <NUM> to bias the covers <NUM>, <NUM> towards each other. In an embodiment, the pocket <NUM> may be sized to receive a tooth or projection <NUM> of the clips <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment, the clips <NUM>, <NUM> may be deformed when installed in the cavities <NUM> and the elasticity of the material of the clips creates the biasing force.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, an embodiment is shown of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> and a head portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> that is configured to couple to the handle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end <NUM> includes an hole <NUM> with a plurality of teeth <NUM> that engage corresponding teeth on the handle <NUM>. A threaded opening <NUM> may be arranged in the hole <NUM> to receive the fastener <NUM> to secure the handle <NUM> to the base portion <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> may include a pair of slots <NUM>, <NUM> arranged on opposite sides of the base portion. Positioned within each of the slots <NUM>, <NUM> may be a pair of parallel projections <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the pairs of projections <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart to define grooves <NUM>, <NUM> that are sized to receive the respective rib <NUM> of each cover <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment, the ends of each of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> may have an arcuate shape. An opening <NUM> may extend through a portion of each slot <NUM>, <NUM>.

Extending from an end of the base portion <NUM> opposite the end <NUM> is the head portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the head portion <NUM> is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base portion <NUM>. The head portion <NUM> may include a surface or channel <NUM> that is sized to receive the blade <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may include at least one notch <NUM> that is sized and positioned to receive the tabs <NUM> when the covers <NUM>, <NUM> are in the first position. It should be appreciated that the engagement of the tabs <NUM> with the notches <NUM> may prevent the covers <NUM>, <NUM> from sliding into the second position and inadvertently exposing the edge of the blade <NUM>. To disengage the tabs <NUM> from the notches <NUM>, the user may squeeze the handle portions <NUM>, causing the covers <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate about the axis <NUM> and move the tabs <NUM> out of the notches <NUM>. Arranged between the notches <NUM> in the channel <NUM> may be a circular projection <NUM>. The projection <NUM> may be sized and positioned to receive an opening <NUM> (<FIG>) in the blade <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the engagement of the projection <NUM> with the opening <NUM> may center the blade <NUM> in the channel <NUM>.

A side of the head portion <NUM> opposite the channel <NUM> may include an angled surface <NUM> that defines a shoulder <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the angled surface <NUM> may allow the tabs <NUM> to slide along the head portion <NUM> until moved into the slots <NUM>, <NUM> and engage the shoulder <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail herein, when the user squeezes the handle portions <NUM>, the covers <NUM>, <NUM> may rotate about the pivot axis <NUM> to disengage the tabs <NUM> from the notches <NUM>. This may allow the user to slide the covers <NUM>, <NUM> rearward (i.e. towards the end <NUM>) in to the second position. When the covers <NUM>, <NUM> are in the second position, by releasing the handle portions <NUM>, the tabs <NUM> may engage the shoulder <NUM> and prevent the covers <NUM>, <NUM> from sliding forward during use until the users once again squeezes the handle portions <NUM> to slide the covers <NUM>, <NUM> forward (i.e. away from the end <NUM>) into the first position.

Referring now to <FIG>, an embodiment is shown of a retaining member <NUM>. The retaining member <NUM> may have a planar or generally planar top surface <NUM> that engages the blade <NUM> such that the blade <NUM> is secured between the top surface <NUM> of the retaining member <NUM> and the channel <NUM> of the body <NUM> in response to the tightening of the fasteners <NUM>. A pair of holes <NUM> may extend through the retaining member <NUM>. The holes <NUM> may be aligned with the holes <NUM> in the cover <NUM> and the holes <NUM> in the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. On a side <NUM> opposite surface <NUM>, an optional pair of hexagonal recesses <NUM> may be provided to receive nuts <NUM> that engage fasteners <NUM>.

The retaining member <NUM> may further include at least one notch <NUM> that is sized and positioned to receive the tabs <NUM> of cover <NUM> in a similar manner to how the notches <NUM> receive the tabs <NUM> of cover <NUM>. The side <NUM> may further include an angled surface <NUM> adjacent the notches <NUM>. The angled surface <NUM> may allow the tabs <NUM> to slide as the covers are moved rearward (i.e. towards the end <NUM>). A shoulder <NUM> is arranged at the end of angled surface <NUM> that engages the tabs <NUM> to prevent the cover <NUM> from moving forward from the second position into the first position unless the user once again squeezes the handle portions <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> with continuing reference to <FIG>, the operation of the tool <NUM> is described. In a closed or first position (<FIG>), the covers <NUM>, <NUM> are forwardly disposed such that the blade <NUM> is enclosed by the covers <NUM>, <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in this closed or first position, the blade <NUM> is protected from damage and cannot be inadvertently contacted with undesired objects (<FIG>). When in the closed or first position, the covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be prevented from moving to expose the blade <NUM> by the tabs <NUM> engaging the notches <NUM>, <NUM> in the body <NUM> and retaining member <NUM> respectively and/or by the biasing force of the clips <NUM>, <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that when the user desires to use the tool <NUM>, such as to remove debris material from a window, the user may squeeze the handle portions <NUM> of each cover <NUM>, <NUM> causing the tabs <NUM> to disengage from the notches <NUM>, <NUM>. With the tabs <NUM> disengaged, the user may pull or slide the covers <NUM>, <NUM> towards the open or second position (<FIG>). As the covers <NUM>, <NUM> are pulled rearward, the tabs <NUM> slide along the angled surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> causing further rotation of the covers <NUM>, <NUM> about pivot axis <NUM>. The angle of the angled surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may provide the user additional mechanical advantage to resists the biasing force of clips <NUM>, <NUM> when moving the cover assembly <NUM> between the first and second positions. When the tabs <NUM> are disengaged, the rib <NUM> may slide into the groove <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) to prevent lateral or side to side movement of the covers <NUM>, <NUM>. Once the tabs <NUM> reach the end of angled surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, the tabs <NUM> may drop or snap into place causing the tabs <NUM> to engage the shoulders <NUM>, <NUM>. The shoulders <NUM>, <NUM> may prevent the covers <NUM>, <NUM> from sliding forward into the first position and interfering with the use of the blade <NUM> while it is being used to remove the debris material.

After the user has finished using the tool <NUM>, such as before placing the tool <NUM> in storage for example, the user may once again squeeze the handle portions <NUM> causing the covers <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate about the axis <NUM> and causing the tabs <NUM> to disengage from the shoulders <NUM>, <NUM>. By pushing in a forward direction (i.e. towards the blades, the disengaged covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be slid into the first position with the tabs <NUM> once again reengaging the notches <NUM>, <NUM>.

Additionally, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration. " Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to one, i.e. one, two, three, four, etc. The terms "a plurality" are understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to two, i.e. two, three, four, five, etc. The term "connection" can include an indirect "connection" and a direct "connection. " It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", "upper", "lower", and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

Claim 1:
A tool (<NUM>) for cleaning a surface, the tool comprising:
a body (<NUM>);
a first cover (<NUM>) slidably coupled to the body (<NUM>) between a first position and a second position, the first cover (<NUM>) having a first leading edge
a second cover (<NUM>) slidably coupled to the body (<NUM>) and movable between the first position and the second position, the second cover (<NUM>) having a second leading edge adjacent the first leading edge; and
the blade (<NUM>) coupled to the body and being disposed between the first cover (<NUM>) and the second cover (<NUM>) when in the first position and at least partially extending outward from the first leading edge and the second leading edge when in the second position, characterized in that the second position is rearward of the first position relative to the blade (<NUM>).