TOOL FOR CLEANING SURFACES

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A tool for cleaning a surface, the tool comprising: a body; a first cover slidably coupled to the body between a first position and a second position, the first cover having a first leading edge; a second cover 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; and a blade 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 the second leading edge when in the second position.

2. The tool of claim 1 further comprising a retainer member removably coupled to the body, the blade being coupled to the body by the retainer member.

3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the first cover includes a first handle portion extending from a first side of a first body portion opposite the first leading edge, and the second cover includes a second handle portion extending from a second side of a second body portion opposite the second leading edge.

4. The tool of claim 3, wherein the first cover includes a first rib extending from the first handle portion, and the second cover includes a second rib extending from the second handle portion.

5. The tool of claim 4, wherein the body includes a first slot on a first side and a second slot on a second side, the first slot including a first projection and a second projection that define a first groove therebetween, the second slot including a third projection and a fourth projection that define a second groove therebetween.

6. The tool of claim 5, wherein the first rib is 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.

7. The tool of claim 4, wherein the first body portion includes at least one first tab extending toward the blade and the second body portion includes at least one second tab extending toward the blade.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the body further includes 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 when the first cover is in the second position.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein the head portion and retaining member have a second shoulder sized and positioned to receive the at least one second tab when the second cover is in the second position.

10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the head portion includes 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 includes a second notch sized and positioned to receive the at least one second tab when the second cover is in the first position.

11. The tool of claim 4, wherein: 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 includes 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; and the first end engaging with the fourth end and the second end engaging 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.

12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the first rib is integral with the first wall and the second rib is integral with the second wall.

13. The tool of claim 3, further comprising: a first clip operably coupled between the first body portion and the second body portion on a first side of the first handle portion; and a second clip operably coupled between the first body portion and the second body portion on a second side of the first handle portion, the second side of the first handle being opposite the first side of the first handle portion.

14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the first clip and the second clip bias the first cover and the second cover towards a plane defined by the blade.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein: 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; and 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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, 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 disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a tool in a first or closed position in accordance with an embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a top view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a front view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 7 is an unassembled perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective view of a first cover for use with the tool of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the first cover and a second cover in the closed position in accordance with an embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a body for use with the tool of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the body of FIG. 9A;

[0033] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are top and bottom perspective views of a retainer member for use with a tool of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1 with the covers in a second or open position;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a top view of the tool of FIG. 11;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a side view of the tool of FIG. 11;

[0037] FIG. 14 is a side sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 15 is a side sectional view taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0039] FIG. 16 is a partial side sectional view taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment.

[0040] The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure 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 disclosure are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7 an embodiment of a tool 20 is shown for cleaning surfaces, such as windows for example. The tool 20 may include a blade 22 that is secured between a body 24 and a retaining member 26. In an embodiment, a pair of fasteners 28 and nuts 29 may couple the retaining member 26 to the body 24 securing the blade 22 therebetween. Extending from a side of the body 24 opposite the blade 22 may be a handle 30 that is secured to the body 24 by a fastener 32. In an embodiment, the handle 30 may include a co-molded grip 34 covering some or all of the handle 30. The co-molded grip 34 may alter the shape of the handle 30 and/or be made of a different material than the handle 30 to provide a superior grip or ergonomic support. In an embodiment, the handle 30 has an end 36 that is configured to receive an accessory, such as a pole for example.

[0043] The tool 20 may also have a movable cover assembly 38 slideably attached to the body 24. The cover assembly 38 may include a top or first cover 40 and a bottom or second cover 42. As discussed in more detail herein, the covers 40, 42 may be movably coupled to the body 24. In an embodiment, the cover assembly 38 may include a pair of clips 44, 46 that bias the covers 40, 42 together and around the body 24, retaining member 26, and blade 22.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, an embodiment is shown of the cover assembly 38 and covers 40, 42. In an embodiment, the covers 40, 42 may be the same or substantially the same shape being mirror images of each other about a plane that extends through the blade 22. It should be appreciated that while the first cover 40 is described in greater detail, the second cover 42 may be constructed in the same or similar manner. The cover 40 may include a body portion 48 having a leading edge 50 which may be the distal edge of the cover 40. A pair of end walls 52 and a rear wall 54 may define a perimeter and a generally hollow interior of the body portion 48. A pair of holes 56 may extend through the body portion 48. The holes 56 may be sized and positioned to allow insertion and removal of the fasteners 28. It should be appreciated that this may allow the user to adjust the retaining member 26 and/or change the blade 22 without needing to disassemble the cover assembly 38.

[0045] Extending from the body portion 48 may be a handle portion 58 having an arcuate upper surface 60. In an embodiment, the upper surface 60 may be shaped with groves, protrusions, or depressions to receive the users finger. Extending from a side of the handle portion 58 opposite the surface 60 may be a wall 62. The wall 62 may extend away from the underside of the handle portion 58 opposite the surface 60 and may include a first end portion 64 and a second end portion 66. In an embodiment, the first end portion 64 may include a semi-cylindrical shape and the second end portion 66 may include a semi-cylindrical recess. Further, the wall 62 and ends 64, 66 may be sized and positioned such that when the cover assembly 38, including covers 40, 42, is assembled (FIG. 8B), the ends 64, 66 of wall 62 on the first cover 40 engage corresponding ends 64, 66 of wall 62 on the second cover 42 to define a pivot about an axis 68. In other words, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the semi-cylindrical end 64 from cover 40 engages with the semi-cylindrical recessed end 66 from cover 42, and the semi-cylindrical end 64 from cover 42 engages the semi-cylindrical recessed end 66 on cover 40, whereby the engagement of the semi-cylindrical ends 64 with the semi-cylindrical recessed ends 66 creates a pivot axis 68 through the center of the semi-cylindrical ends 64.

[0046] In an embodiment extending from the handle portion 58 may be a rib 70. The rib 70 may be a panel extending orthogonally away from the wall 62 and down from the underside of the handle portion 58 opposite the upper surface 60. The rib 70 may be coupled to or is integral with the wall 62 and may form a T-shape with the wall 62. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the rib 70 is sized and positioned to slide between a groove in the body 24 as the covers 40, 42 move from a closed or first position (FIG. 1) to an open or second position (FIG. 11). The covers 40, 42 may further include at least one tab 72 positioned within the hollow interior and extending from the bottom of the body portion 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the covers 40, 42 each have a pair of tabs 72. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the tabs 72 are sized and positioned to engage elements on the body 24 and retaining member 26 to secure the covers 40, 42 in the first and second positions.

[0047] In an embodiment, the body portion 48 may further include a pair of cavities 74 arranged on opposite sides of the handle portion 58 and adjacent to each end wall 52. In an embodiment, the cavities 74 may include a pocket or slot 76 representing a further depression in the cavities 74. The cavities 74 may be sized to receive clips 44, 46. The clips 44, 46 may be configured flex or bend to apply a biasing force on the cavities 72 to bias the covers 40, 42 towards each other. In an embodiment, the pocket 76 may be sized to receive a tooth or projection 78 of the clips 44, 46. In an embodiment, the clips 44, 46 may be deformed when installed in the cavities 74 and the elasticity of the material of the clips creates the biasing force.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-8, an embodiment is shown of the body 24. The body 24 may include a base portion 80 and a head portion 82. The base portion 80 may include a first end 84 that is configured to couple to the handle 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 84 includes an hole 86 with a plurality of teeth 88 that engage corresponding teeth on the handle 30. A threaded opening 90 may be arranged in the hole 86 to receive the fastener 32 to secure the handle 30 to the base portion 80.

[0049] The base portion 80 may include a pair of slots 92, 94 arranged on opposite sides of the base portion. Positioned within each of the slots 92, 94 may be a pair of parallel projections 96, 98. Each of the pairs of projections 96, 98 may be spaced apart to define grooves 100, 102 that are sized to receive the respective rib 70 of each cover 40, 42. In an embodiment, the ends of each of the projections 96, 98 may have an arcuate shape. An opening 104 may extend through a portion of each slot 92, 94.

[0050] Extending from an end of the base portion 80 opposite the end 84 is the head portion 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the head portion 82 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base portion 80. The head portion 82 may include a surface or channel 106 that is sized to receive the blade 22. The channel 106 may include at least one notch 108 that is sized and positioned to receive the tabs 72 when the covers 40, 42 are in the first position. It should be appreciated that the engagement of the tabs 72 with the notches 108 may prevent the covers 40, 42 from sliding into the second position and inadvertently exposing the edge of the blade 22. To disengage the tabs 72 from the notches 108, the user may squeeze the handle portions 58, causing the covers 40, 42 to rotate about the axis 68 and move the tabs 72 out of the notches 108. Arranged between the notches 108 in the channel 106 may be a circular projection 110. The projection 110 may be sized and positioned to receive an opening 112 (FIG. 7) in the blade 22. It should be appreciated that the engagement of the projection 110 with the opening 112 may center the blade 22 in the channel 106.

[0051] A side of the head portion 82 opposite the channel 106 may include an angled surface 114 that defines a shoulder 116. It should be appreciated that the angled surface 114 may allow the tabs 72 to slide along the head portion 82 until moved into the slots 92, 94 and engage the shoulder 116. As will be discussed in more detail herein, when the user squeezes the handle portions 58, the covers 40, 42 may rotate about the pivot axis 68 to disengage the tabs 72 from the notches 108. This may allow the user to slide the covers 40, 42 rearward (i.e. towards the end 84) in to the second position. When the covers 40, 42 are in the second position, by releasing the handle portions 58, the tabs 72 may engage the shoulder 116 and prevent the covers 40, 42 from sliding forward during use until the users once again squeezes the handle portions 58 to slide the covers 40, 42 forward (i.e. away from the end 84) into the first position.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, an embodiment is shown of a retaining member 26. The retaining member 26 may have a planar or generally planar top surface 120 that engages the blade 22 such that the blade 22 is secured between the top surface 120 of the retaining member 26 and the channel 106 of the body 24 in response to the tightening of the fasteners 28. A pair of holes 122 may extend through the retaining member 26. The holes 122 may be aligned with the holes 56 in the cover 40 and the holes 83 in the head portion 82 of the body 24. On a side 126 opposite surface 120, an optional pair of hexagonal recesses 124 may be provided to receive nuts 29 that engage fasteners 28.

[0053] The retaining member 26 may further include at least one notch 128 that is sized and positioned to receive the tabs 72 of cover 42 in a similar manner to how the notches 108 receive the tabs 72 of cover 40. The side 126 may further include an angled surface 130 adjacent the notches 128. The angled surface 130 may allow the tabs 72 to slide as the covers are moved rearward (i.e. towards the end 84). A shoulder 132 is arranged at the end of angled surface 130 that engages the tabs 72 to prevent the cover 42 from moving forward from the second position into the first position unless the user once again squeezes the handle portions 58.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 11-16 with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-10, the operation of the tool 20 is described. In a closed or first position (FIG. 14), the covers 40, 42 are forwardly disposed such that the blade 22 is enclosed by the covers 40, 42. It should be appreciated that in this closed or first position, the blade 22 is protected from damage and cannot be inadvertently contacted with undesired objects (FIG. 14). When in the closed or first position, the covers 40, 42 may be prevented from moving to expose the blade 22 by the tabs 72 engaging the notches 108, 128 in the body 24 and retaining member 26 respectively and/or by the biasing force of the clips 44, 46.

[0055] It should be appreciated that when the user desires to use the tool 20, such as to remove debris material from a window, the user may squeeze the handle portions 58 of each cover 40, 42 causing the tabs 72 to disengage from the notches 108, 128. With the tabs 72 disengaged, the user may pull or slide the covers 40, 42 towards the open or second position (FIG. 15). As the covers 40, 42 are pulled rearward, the tabs 72 slide along the angled surfaces 114, 130 causing further rotation of the covers 40, 42 about pivot axis 68. The angle of the angled surfaces 114, 130 may provide the user additional mechanical advantage to resists the biasing force of clips 44, 46 when moving the cover assembly 38 between the first and second positions. When the tabs 72 are disengaged, the rib 70 may slide into the groove 100, 102 (FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B) to prevent lateral or side to side movement of the covers 40, 42. Once the tabs 72 reach the end of angled surfaces 114, 130, the tabs 72 may drop or snap into place causing the tabs 72 to engage the shoulders 116, 132. The shoulders 116, 132 may prevent the covers 40, 42 from sliding forward into the first position and interfering with the use of the blade 22 while it is being used to remove the debris material.

[0056] After the user has finished using the tool 20, such as before placing the tool 20 in storage for example, the user may once again squeeze the handle portions 58 causing the covers 40, 42 to rotate about the axis 68 and causing the tabs 72 to disengage from the shoulders 116, 132. By pushing in a forward direction (i.e. towards the blades, the disengaged covers 40, 42 may be slid into the first position with the tabs 72 once again reengaging the notches 108, 128.

[0057] 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. For example, about can include a range of ?8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the 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.

[0060] While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.