Fan Blade Cleaning Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel fan blade cleaning device. The device is a no mess, no ladder cleaning device that easily and safely cleans ceiling fan blades and traps dust in one motion. The device comprises a blade component that encloses a ceiling fan blade and a finger duster component secured to the opening of the blade component for dusting. The blade component and the finger duster component are then both secured to a telescoping pole component which can be extended to various heights.

Claims

1. A fan blade cleaning device that easily and safely cleans fan blades and traps dust, the fan blade cleaning device comprising: a blade sleeve component; a finger duster components; and a pole component that acts as a handle for the blade sleeve component and the finger duster component; wherein the blade sleeve component encloses a ceiling fan blade; wherein the finger duster component secures to an opening of the blade sleeve component; and wherein once the blade sleeve component is in place, the finger duster component contacts a top surface of the ceiling fan blade; and further wherein as the blade sleeve component is withdrawn, dirt and dust on the top surface of the ceiling fan blade is removed via the finger duster component and retained within an interior of the blade sleeve component.

2. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the blade sleeve component is shaped as a tubular sleeve with an opening at one end.

3. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the blade sleeve component comprises a width which fits over the ceiling fan blade and a length sufficient to encase a full length of the ceiling fan blade.

4. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 3, wherein the blade sleeve component is oval in cross-section and is designed to engage with both an upper and lower surfaces of the ceiling fan blade.

5. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 4, wherein an interior of the blade sleeve component comprises a textured, porous surface on which dust and debris would cling.

6. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the finger duster component is a long, slender tubular sleeve with an opening at one end.

7. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the finger duster component comprises a fine porous textile material for trapping dirt, dust, and debris.

8. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the finger duster component is slid over a support member to encapsulate the support member.

9. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 8, wherein the support member is slightly curved and rigid to maintain its shape.

10. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 9, wherein the support member is secured to a distal end of the pole component.

11. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the pole component is a telescoping pole component, which can be extended to various heights.

12. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 11, wherein a handle component is secured to a proximal end of the pole component.

13. A fan blade cleaning device that easily and safely cleans fan blades and traps dust, the fan blade cleaning device comprising: a blade sleeve component shaped as a tubular sleeve with an opening at one end which encloses a ceiling fan blade; a finger duster component shaped as a long, slender tubular sleeve with an opening at one end secured to the opening of the blade sleeve component; and a telescopic pole component that acts as a handle for the blade sleeve component and the finger duster component; and wherein once the blade sleeve component is in place, the finger duster component contacts a top surface of the ceiling fan blade; and wherein as the blade sleeve component is withdrawn, dirt and dust on the top surface of the ceiling fan blade is removed via the finger duster component and retained within an interior of the blade sleeve component.

14. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

15. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the blade sleeve component is oval in cross-section and is designed to engage with both an upper and lower surfaces of the ceiling fan blade.

16. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 15, wherein an interior of the blade sleeve component comprises a textured, porous surface on which dust and debris would cling.

17. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the finger duster component is slid over a support member to encapsulate the support member.

18. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 17, wherein the support member is secured to a distal end of the telescopic pole component.

19. The fan blade cleaning device of claim 18, wherein a handle component is secured to a proximal end of the telescopic pole component.

20. A method of cleaning ceiling fan blades comprising the steps of: providing a fan blade cleaning device comprising a blade sleeve component secured to a finger duster component, which is then secured to a telescoping pole component; choosing a specific size of blade sleeve component, depending on the size of fan blades to be cleaned; adjusting the telescoping pole component to a desired height, depending on the height of the ceiling fan; sliding the blade sleeve component onto the fan blade, such that the finger duster component contacts the top surface of the fan blade; sliding the finger duster component along the blade to wipe the fan blades clean; collecting dust and debris within the blade sleeve component; and emptying the blade sleeve component after cleaning and washing the blade sleeve component for reuse.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fan blade cleaning device of the present invention showing the blade component and finger duster component secured together in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fan blade cleaning device of the present invention showing the finger duster component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fan blade cleaning device of the present invention showing the support component for the blade component and the finger duster component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fan blade cleaning device of the present invention with the finger duster component secured to the support component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up, perspective view of one embodiment of the fan blade cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of cleaning ceiling fan blades in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0034] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0035] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fan blade cleaning device that provides users with a cleaning tool designed to remove and collect dust from ceiling fans in one swift, convenient motion. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a fan blade cleaning device that includes a six-inch-deep finger duster opening strip within an enclosed fabric case that is placed over a fan blade to easily remove dust with ease and no mess. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fan blade cleaning device that features an extendable handle to comfortably operate the tool from ground level. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents users from having to use standard dusters which typically just displaces dust from the ceiling fan blades to the floor, requiring additional cleaning. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fan blade cleaning device that eliminates the risk of injury that can be caused by carrying a cleaning device and climbing onto a ladder to clean ceiling fan blades. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fan blade cleaning device that saves extensive time and effort when cleaning ceiling fans in a home, office, etc.

[0036] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel fan blade cleaning device. The device is a no mess, no ladder cleaning device that easily and safely cleans ceiling fan blades and traps dust in one motion. The device comprises a blade component that encloses a ceiling fan blade and a finger duster component secured to the opening of the blade component for dusting. The blade component and the finger duster component are then both secured to a telescoping pole component, which can be extended to various heights. The present invention also includes a novel method of cleaning ceiling fan blades. The method includes the steps of providing a fan blade cleaning device comprising a blade component secured to a finger duster component, which is then secured to a telescoping pole component. The method also comprises choosing a specific size of a blade component, depending on the size of fan blades to be cleaned. Further, the method comprises adjusting the telescoping pole component to a desired height, depending on the height of the ceiling fan. The method comprises, sliding the blade component onto the fan blade, such that the finger duster component contacts the top surface of the fan blade. The method comprises sliding the blade component along the blade to wipe the fan blades clean. The method also comprises collecting dust and debris within the blade component. Finally, emptying the blade component after cleaning and washing the blade component for reuse.

[0037] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fan blade cleaning device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the fan blade cleaning device 100 is an improved fan blade cleaning device 100 that easily and safely cleans fan blades and traps dust. Specifically, the device 100 is a no mess, no ladder cleaning device that cleans fan blades. The fan blade cleaning device 100 comprises a finger duster component 102 with a blade sleeve component 104 secured to it that can be interchanged. Specifically, the blade sleeve component 104 encloses a ceiling fan blade (not shown) and the finger duster component 102 secures to an opening 106 of the blade sleeve component 104 for dusting the fan blade. The blade sleeve component 104 and the finger duster component 102 are then both secured to a telescoping pole component 108, which can be extended to various heights, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user to reach the ceiling fan to be cleaned.

[0038] Furthermore, the blade sleeve component 104 of the fan blade cleaning device 100 is manufactured of varying sizes and shapes to accommodate the various styles of ceiling fan blades available. The blade sleeve component 104 is utilized for collecting and trapping dirt and debris from the fan blades. The blade sleeve component 104 is sized and shaped to engage a standard ceiling fan blade and is generally shaped as a tubular sleeve but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. Specifically, this blade-engaging tubular sleeve 104 is of a width to closely fit over the fan blade to be cleaned and of a length sufficient to encase the full length of the fan blade from the tip to the motor. The blade sleeve component 104 is generally oval in cross-section and is designed to engage with both the upper and lower surfaces of the fan blade to be cleaned. The blade sleeve component 104 also comprises an opening 106 at one end 110 which allows the fan blade to be inserted into and encapsulated by the blade sleeve component 104.

[0039] Generally, the blade sleeve component 104 is manufactured of lightweight synthetic material or fine porous textile material (either woven or non-woven in construction) or woven with stretchy elastic to ensure a custom-like fit on the fan blade. The blade sleeve component 104 may be configured specifically to attract dust and debris and trap said dust and dirt within the interior 112 of each sleeve component 104 via pores 114 which constitute dirt trapping pockets for dirt, dust, debris, etc., removed from the fan blade surfaces by the wiping action of the blade sleeve component 104. Specifically, the inner surface or interior 112 of the blade sleeve component 104 may boast a textured, porous surface 114 on which dust and debris would naturally cling. Additionally, the blade sleeve component 104 may be augmented with a cleansing solvent 116 along with a scented component 118 to leave behind a pleasant smell. If used, the cleaning solvent 116 is chosen from a list of cleaning solvents consisting of ammonia, soap, acetic acid, and sodium hypochlorite, etc.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the fan blade cleaning device 100 comprises a finger duster component 102. The finger duster component 102 is a long, finger-like sleeve that is secured to the opening 106 of the blade sleeve component 104 in order to maintain the blade sleeve component 104 in a transversely taut condition. Specifically, the finger duster component 102 is affixed to a top edge 200 of the blade sleeve component 104 at the opening 106 of such sleeve component 104. In one embodiment, a finger duster component 102 is affixed to both the top edge 200 and the bottom edge 202 of the opening 106 of the blade sleeve component 104.

[0041] Further, the finger duster component 102 is utilized for wiping and trapping dirt and debris and, once in place, contacts a top surface of the fan blade. The finger duster component 102 is generally sized and shaped as a slender, tubular sleeve with an opening 204 at one end 206. Generally, the finger duster component 102 is formed of a fine porous textile material (either woven or non-woven in construction) or of a lightweight synthetic material. The pores 208 constitute dirt trapping pockets for dirt, dust, debris, etc., removed from the fan blade surface by the wiping action of the finger duster component 102.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, in use, the opening 204 of the finger duster component 102 is slid over a long, slender support member 300 to encapsulate the support member 300. The support member 300 is sized and shaped to fit within the finger duster component 102. Generally, the support member 300 is slightly curved or L-shaped to maintain the opening 106 of the blade sleeve component 104 in a taunt configuration, allowing a user to easily slide a fan blade into the blade sleeve component 104. Furthermore, the support member 300 is typically manufactured of lightweight metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or a polymer, such as polycarbonate, or any other rigid material that can maintain its shape as is known in the art, based on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0043] In operation, the opening 106 of the blade sleeve component 104 is fed over the tip end of the fan blade, such that the sleeve component 104 is easily slipped full-length over the fan blade to its motor, such as one would apply a glove or a sock. Once the blade sleeve component 104 is in place, the finger duster component 102 contacts the top surface of the fan blade, nearest the motor. As the blade sleeve component 104 is withdrawn, dirt and dust on the surfaces of the fan blade is removed therefrom via the finger duster component 102. Because the blade sleeve component 104 fits over the entire fan blade, any such displaced dirt or dust is retained within the interior 112 of the blade sleeve component 104 and is entrapped in the pores 114 of the textile material forming such sleeve component 104. Usually all of the blades of a conventional fan can be so cleaned before the blade sleeve component 104 becomes too dirty to continue to clean. However, if the blade sleeve component 104 and finger duster component 102 become too dirty to continue to clean the fan, the blade sleeve component 104 and the finger duster component 102, once withdrawn, can be removed from the support member 300 and turned inside out and/or vacuumed. Further, when cleaning is completed, the blade sleeve component 104 and the finger duster component 102 may be washed, dried, and made ready for further use.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the support member 300 is then secured to an elongated, telescopic pole component 108 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as press fit, locking pin, bolt, screw, etc. The telescopic pole component 108 is an elongated tubular shaft comprising a plurality of telescoping members 500. Further, the telescopic pole component 108 comprises a hollow interior recess 502 for receiving the curved or L-shaped supporting member 300 which is insertable into the distal end 504 of the elongated tubular shaft 108. Further, a polymeric handle component 506 is heat-pressed onto a proximal end 508 of the shaft 108 to create an ergonomic handle for a user. The handle component 506 can comprise finger grips, indentations, tread, score marks, etc., to allow a user to easily retain the shaft 108 in their hands while using the device 100. Thus, the proximal end 508 of the shaft 108 is the end by which the user holds the device 100 for cleaning purposes.

[0045] Before use, the telescopic pole component 108 is telescopically extracted by hand and positioned at a distance predetermined from the ceiling fan blade to allow contact with the fan blade while the user is still standing on the ground. Thus, the telescopic pole component 108 allows a user to clean the fan blades with the device 100 without utilizing a ladder.

[0046] The fan blade cleaning device 100 would enable users to clean their ceiling fans in a simple and efficient manner eliminating the need to stir up piles of dust that quickly cover furniture and flooring beneath the fan. Thus, the fan blade cleaning device 100 allows users to easily clean their ceiling fan, trapping and removing dirt, dust, and debris from each blade. Users should appreciate that dust, dirt, grime, and allergens would be contained within the blade sleeve component 104 as opposed to blowing about the room.

[0047] Perhaps most importantly, because dust, mildew, mold spores, pet dander and other airborne allergens would adhere to the inside of the blade sleeve component 104, use of this device 100 could greatly reduce the amount of harmful allergens permeating the household environment, resulting in fresher, cleaner air. Thus, the fan blade cleaning device 100 may be greatly beneficial to those who suffer allergies, asthma, or similar respiratory ailments.

[0048] Furthermore, the fan blade cleaning device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 510. The blade sleeve component 104 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the blade sleeve component 104, or any other indicia 510 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 510 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be cleaning, fan, or brand related.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of cleaning ceiling fan blades. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a fan blade cleaning device comprising a blade sleeve component secured to a finger duster component which is then secured to a telescoping pole component. The method also comprises at 602, choosing a specific size of blade sleeve component, depending on the size of fan blades to be cleaned. Further, the method comprises at 604, adjusting the telescoping pole component to a desired height, depending on the height of the ceiling fan. The method comprises at 606, sliding the blade sleeve component onto the fan blade, such that the finger duster component contacts the top surface of the fan blade. The method comprises at 608, sliding the finger duster component along the blade to wipe the fan blades clean. The method also comprises at 610, collecting dust and debris within the blade sleeve component. Finally, at 612, emptying the blade sleeve component after cleaning and washing the blade sleeve component for reuse.

[0050] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein fan blade cleaning device, cleaning device, fan blade device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the fan blade cleaning device 100 of the present invention.

[0051] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fan blade cleaning device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the fan blade cleaning device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the fan blade cleaning device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the fan blade cleaning device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the fan blade cleaning device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0052] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0053] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.