Squeegee Patents (Class 15/245)
  • Patent number: 12083542
    Abstract: An air blade tool operable as a surface and crevice cleaning tool is provided. The air blade tool includes a housing assembly, blade assembly, and air conduit assembly adapted for mounting to an air blower. The housing assembly includes a housing, a handle, a blade retainer seat, and openings for emitting air. The blade retainer seat may comprise one or more blade supports. The housing assemblies may include a fastener system for releasably securing interchangeable blades at predetermined positions along the length of the housing. The blade assembly includes at least a blade and in some embodiments a blade retainer. The air conduit assembly includes an air conduit and may include a swivel fitting for engagement with an air blower for enabling relative movement of the fitted blower to minimize hindrance of control of the air blade tool during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Inventor: Steven Vanni
  • Patent number: 12023570
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for removing wax from surfaces, such as the exterior surfaces of surfboards. The devices are configured to be sufficiently stiff remove hardened wax, while being soft and pliable enough to avoid scratching or otherwise damaging the underlying surfaces, and to permit the devices to conform to contours and curves on the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher Sebastian Blotiau
  • Patent number: 11844457
    Abstract: A tamping augur may be controlled in various ways to obtain a consistent fill height and uniformity in the distribution of coffee grinds in a portafilter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Grassia, Daniel Robert Corkin
  • Patent number: 11760075
    Abstract: A tool for applying tint film to an inside window surface of an automobile has a unitary body with a handle portion and a downwardly depending neck extending from the handle portion to an elongate blade supporting portion. The blade supporting portion includes a bottom zone extending to a chamfered distal end. A flexible blade is attached to the bottom zone and the distal end of the blade supporting portion. The flexible blade includes a forwardmost portion that extends beyond the distal end of the blade supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Jay Mendez
  • Patent number: 11738722
    Abstract: A mirror cleaning device configured to effectively and properly clean side-view mirrors or rear-view mirrors having a curved profile on a vehicle. The mirror cleaning device comprises a head connected to an ergonomic handle. The head comprises a connecting bar and a cleaning blade retaining rail. The head is removably attachable to the ergonomic handle via a mechanical fastener. The mirror cleaning device further comprises a squeegee blade. The squeegee blade fits in a groove in the cleaning blade retaining rail. The squeegee blade is configured to move and adapt to the curvature of almost any mirror or glass surface to effectively remove any dirt, dust, water, or other contaminates from the surface of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Harvey Champagne
  • Patent number: 11633080
    Abstract: A lift-type cleaning device for a floor washer, a cleaning tool for cleaning a floor is disposed on the floor washer. The lift-type cleaning device includes a bucket for containing water, a drying member and a driver. The drying member and the driver are kept static during spin-drying and are disposed in the bucket. The cleaning tool is matched with the drying member. The driver is connected with the drying member and is able to control the drying member to rise. During cleaning, the drying member is located below. During drying, the. A support base is disposed in the bucket and supports the floor washer away from a bottom of the bucket. The support base is connected with the bottom of the bucket or is connected with the driver. The driver drives the support base to rise or fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: FORT PLASTIC & METALWORK (JIAXING) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jing Li, Hao Chen, Hongwei Liu, Bin Wu, Yongjian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11554753
    Abstract: A window wiper assembly for cleaning a surface of a vehicle window, which includes a guide rail mountable to a frame member supporting the window, a wiper arm having an elongate body configured with an opening and integrally connecting to a head portion for mounting thereto wheel assemblies capable of traversing interiorly within the guide rail, a glide post having a wheeled portion for slidably interacting with an integrated rail associated with the opening, a wiper blade assembly mounted to a bottom side of the elongate body, and a pivot arm equipped with first and second mount fittings respectively connecting to a shaft of the glide post and an output shaft of a wiper drive motor, whereby rotation of the output shaft aptly acts on the pivot arm to advance lateral movement of the wiper arm along the guide rail with that of the wiper blade assembly to effect entire surface cleaning of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: James William Curtwright
  • Patent number: 11517171
    Abstract: A detailing tool for removing unwanted particles from a target surface. The detailing tool includes a tool head and a pair of blades. The tool head extends longitudinally between a front side and a rear side, the front side being opposite the rear side. The tool head further extends transversely between a first end and a second end, the first end being opposite the second end. The tool head is adapted and configured to receive a plastic unitary one piece member. The pair of blades includes a rearward blade and a forward blade, the pair of blades being formed from the unitary one piece member. When the unitary one piece member is received within the tool head, the pair of blades are adapted and configured to flex and engage the target surface such that unwanted particles adhere to the pair of blades and are removed from the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: LILLY BRUSH CO., LLC
    Inventor: Elsie Cryder Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11511911
    Abstract: A liquid absorbing fabric that is cut to the shape of a ring with the exact measurements and design that slips down firmly over the neck of a wine bottle. The liquid absorbing ring catches the unwanted wine drip that follows your pour of wine into a glass which usually turns into a small stream of wine running down the side of the wine bottle. The Wine Drip Ring protects the wine label, table linens and other various surfaces from wine stains; furthermore, the Wine Drip Ring is disposable when the bottle of wine is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Neal Woodhead
  • Patent number: 10827894
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as a carpet extractor, includes a base and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from a surface to be cleaned. The fluid recovery system includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery chamber. The suction nozzle is mounted to the base for vertical movement with respect to the base and is biased into contact with the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Minh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10668960
    Abstract: A plow conversion kit includes a frame having a pivot plate configured to attach to a vehicle and a frame pivotally attached to the pivot plate. A first actuator is attached to the frame. A pivot bracket is directly pivotally attached to the frame at a first pivot and to the first actuator at a second pivot. A mounting bracket is directly pivotally attached to the frame such that the mounting bracket is adapted to releasably attach to a work piece. A mount arm is directly pivotally attached to the mounting bracket and to the pivot bracket at a third pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Richard A. Morrison, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10595680
    Abstract: A multipurpose kitchen utensil useful for wiping the wire elements of a whisk has a working portion containing a plurality of slots arranged arcuately and extending radially in spaced relation to one another and structured to receive the wire elements of a whisk. The utensil includes a central core member formed of a material capable of maintaining its shape when subject to external pressure, and an overlying layer of a more resilient material such as silicone. The radial slots extend inwardly and taper to an edge capable as serving as a spatula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: EDGE DESIGN GLOBAL ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventor: Steven Audet
  • Patent number: 10519615
    Abstract: A ground support apparatus for a material moving implement configured for moving a material from a surface. The material moving implement has a front surface and a rear surface. The ground support apparatus includes an actuating system that has at least one skid shoe actuator attached to the rear surface of the material moving implement, and at least one skid shoe operably coupled to the at least one skid shoe actuator. The skid shoe includes a first end configured for coupling to the at least one skid shoe actuator and a second end configured for contacting the surface. The ground support apparatus also includes manually-operated skid shoe controls operably connected to the actuating system and operable to actuate the at least one skid shoe actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas A. Miller
  • Patent number: 10500747
    Abstract: Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and an return element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. The return element provides resistance during shaving and positions the blade unit in a rest position when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SHAVELOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: William E. Tucker, Craig A. Provost, John W. Griffin, Aaron G. Cantrell, Douglas R. Kohring
  • Patent number: 10464531
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for a driving arm (2) of a wiper (3), in particular for a motor vehicle, said device comprising: a body (10) hinged to rotate about a pivot axis and capable of receiving the arm (2), and a means (14) for locking the arm (2) on the body (10), said locking means (14) being hinged with the body (10). The invention also relates to a system for wiping a window of a vehicle, comprising said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventor: Jean-François Rousseau
  • Patent number: 10272667
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a squeegee blade holder has a first side member, a second side member, and a pivot portion between the first and second side members. The holder also includes a separator between the first and second side members for maintaining compression of the side members against the squeegee blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: M&R Printing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Hoffman, Jr., Boguslaw W. Magda, Jerzy J. Podstawka, Remigiusz Kryszczuk
  • Patent number: 10266152
    Abstract: A wiper blade for cleaning a vehicle windscreen having a carrier element configured to hold a wiper rubber is disclosed. A wiper blade adapter, fixed to the carrier element, is configured to detachably connect the wiper blade to a wiper arm. The wiper arm includes a wiper arm adapter disposed on the wiper arm that is oriented along a longitudinal extension of the wiper arm in an assembly direction. The wiper blade adapter includes a first adapter section attached to the carrier element, a second adapter section configured to directly connect to the wiper arm adapter, and indirectly connect to the wiper arm via the wiper arm adapter, a joint that articulates the first adapter section and the second adapter section, and an electrical connecting element having an electrical contact configured to reversibly establish an electrical connection between a heating element and a current supply disposed on the wiper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Bruno Egner-Walter, Michael Schäuble
  • Patent number: 10232827
    Abstract: A windshield wiper blade including a primary part having an elongated main body and an interior space formed in the main body, and at least two secondary parts is provided. Each secondary part has a first end and a second end, the first end being received into the interior space of the main body, and the second end being exposed, wherein the secondary parts are hingedly connected to the primary part to swivel relative to the primary part to accommodate a changing curvature of a surface of a windshield based on pressure applied thereto against the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ALBEREE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Albert Lee
  • Patent number: 10232403
    Abstract: A spreading tool has blade for which the width and depth deployment of the blade are each variable. A pair of plates sandwich the blade between them and allow the blade to slide up and down therebetween in order to vary depth deployment. The blade is formed from two plates that each has a blade edge, the two plates slide with respect to each other, varying the overlap of the two blade edges and thus blade width. Slots on each plate with a connector passing therethrough, hold the blade plates together. Aligned slot pairs on the sandwiching plates receive a connector to hold the blade in its sandwiched position, each connector slides within its slot pair and abuts one of the sides of the blade to hold the blade in its selected width. Additional connectors connect the main plate and press plate without passing through the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Vitalie Daranuta
  • Patent number: 10165923
    Abstract: There is disclosed a floor squeegee for spreading resin on floors or removing liquid spills or debris from floors and other flat surfaces. The squeegee includes a frame section, a handle connected to the frame section such that the frame section is generally perpendicular to handle, the frame section including a preset number of internally threaded locator bosses. A flexible squeegee blade section includes a preset number of boss holes extending therethrough to receive the preset number of internally threaded locator bosses. The flexible squeegee blade section has a first section and a second section being integrally formed with the first elongate section and being inclined at an angle with respect to the first section in a range from about 0 to about 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: PRO PAINT GEAR INC.
    Inventor: Jack A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10093281
    Abstract: A wiper (1) comprising an elongate cleaning strip (2) which is substantially made of flexible material and a holder (3) for fixating the cleaning strip (2). Viewed along the longitudinal direction (9) of the cleaning strip (2), the cleaning strip (2) comprises a wiping edge (4) for wiping panes, and a wiping strip (5) comprising said wiping edge (4) which extends beyond the holder (3) along substantially its entire length. The holder (3) furthermore comprises retaining supports (6) which, at the location of the ends (7) of the wiping strip (5), extend along the wiping strip (5) almost as far as the wiping edge (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: MOERMAN NV
    Inventor: Guy Vande Vyvere
  • Patent number: 9932015
    Abstract: A blade rubber has an elongate shape extending along a longitudinal direction. The blade rubber includes a basal portion retained by a rubber holder and a wiping portion extending downward from the basal portion. The wiping portion slidably contacts and wipes a wiped surface along a width direction. The wiping portion has a cross-sectional shape, which inclines with respect to a downward hanging direction when the blade rubber is in an unloaded state. The cross-sectional shape is a shape of a cross-sectional surface of the wiping portion. The cross-sectional surface extends along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The downward hanging direction is a direction, which extends along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakano, Sohei Yamada
  • Patent number: 9539986
    Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
  • Patent number: 9421950
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) for the cleaning of vehicle windows, with a wiper blade body (12), which is able to be connected to a wiper arm (1) via preferably a wiper blade adapter (11) arranged approximately centrally on the wiper blade body (12), wherein the wiper blade body (12) has a wiper rubber (13) with a wiper lip (14), and wherein a receiving groove (16, 17) which is U-shaped in cross section is formed and in which a strip-shaped spring strip (18, 19) engages in the wiper rubber (13) on both longitudinal sides lying opposite each other. According to the invention, it is provided that the two spring strips (18, 19) are rigidly connected to each other by means of at least one reinforcing element (25), wherein the reinforcing element (25) engages over the wiper blade body (12) on the side facing away from the wiper lip (14) and is connected at least indirectly to the two spring strips (18, 19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Jürgen Bommer, Michael Buss
  • Patent number: 9393708
    Abstract: A smoothing tool includes a grip part and a blade part accommodated therein. The grip part is formed as a light metal hollow profile and has two brackets clasping the blade part, and the blade part has at least one support rib and one or two clamping ribs at least partially clasping a respective one of the brackets of the grip part. A process for manufacturing the composite smoothing tool includes providing the blade part as a tailored cold drawn steel part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Azer Babaev
  • Patent number: 9371058
    Abstract: A system for maintaining a wiper blade generally perpendicular to a curved windshield as the wiper moves throughout its stroke. A four bar linkage system is coupled to a first bevel gear causing it to drive a second bevel gear coupled to the wiper, thereby maintaining the wiper in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the curved windshield. The windshield wiper system may be used as a single blade or may be used in tandem with blades running either independently or in a synchronized manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hagie Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Aaron Goddard
  • Patent number: 9327687
    Abstract: A conventional wiper blade has such drawbacks that during the wiper portion is moved on the surface of the windshield in order to remove rainwater etc. attached on the surface of the windshield, the rainwater etc. trapped by the wiper portion flows from a free end portion of the wiper portion to the surface of the windshield by the centrifugal force applied to the trapped rainwater etc., so that the visibility of the windshield is lowered. [Manner for solve the Task] The wiper device of the present invention comprises a wiper portion having a lip portion sliding on a surface of the vehicle windshield for wiping the surface of the windshield, and a rainwater reserving portion formed on one side surface of a tip end portion of the lip portion, the rainwater reserving portion being extending normally to and outwardly from one side surface of the tip end portion of the lip portion and having a concave rearward surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Trend East Yugen Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 9241599
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a utensil that can be used to manipulate batter. In one embodiment, the utensil is a slotted batter spatula that comprises: (i) an elongated handle comprising a front end and a back end; (ii) a fork-shaped head attached to the front end of the elongated handle, said fork-shaped head having at least two substantially parallel tines; and (iii) a slotted head cover mounted over the fork-shaped head so that a slot of the head cover extends between each of the substantially parallel tines of the fork-shaped head. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manipulating batter with the slotted batter spatula. This method involves using the slotted batter spatula to lift, spread, stir, scrape, move, and/or remove batter from one or more surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: TONOGA INC.
    Inventors: John F. Cooper, Sherry Wong
  • Patent number: 9234358
    Abstract: A skimming tool 1 for smoothing and levelling wet plaster applied to a surface comprising: an elongate generally rectangular, flat, flexible, elastomeric web 2 and an elongate, substantially rigid handle 3 connected to and extending along substantially the length of one long edge of the web, wherein the handle is adapted to be gripped by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Scott Cutters Limited
    Inventors: Lee Harper, Kenneth Whittaker, Scott Rampling
  • Patent number: 9138886
    Abstract: A device for treating a target, such as cleaning a window. The device has a handle and head, mounted in pivotal relationship to each other. When the head is placed in sliding, contacting relationship with the target surface the handle can pivot relative to the head for the ergonomic convenience of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark John Steinhardt, William Michael Cannon, Jeremy David Jarrett
  • Patent number: 9126323
    Abstract: A device for treating a target, such as cleaning a window. The device has a handle and head, mounted in pivotal relationship to each other. When the head is placed in sliding, contacting relationship with the target surface the handle can pivot relative to the head for the ergonomic convenience of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark Alan Meili, William Michael Cannon, Mark John Steinhardt, Jeremy David Jarrett, Daniel James Prenger
  • Publication number: 20150136174
    Abstract: A new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields. In particular the invention described herein provides a new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields or the like, with corner portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jacob Paro
  • Publication number: 20150047140
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for surface treatment of an elongate object (50), such as a wire rope, while the apparatus (1) travels along the object (50), including a squeegee unit (10) for applying a deformable material, such as a coating material, comprising: a first and a second opening (16, 17) which are mutually aligned and through which said elongated object (50) is able to pass in a longitudinal direction (12), wherein a squeegee element (102) is provided between the first and the second opening (16, 17) defining an opening (15) which is adapted to the cross sectional shape of the elongated object (50) to distribute a coating layer by wiping along the surface of the elongated object (50) passing through said opening (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Muehlhan AG
    Inventor: John Phillip Wright
  • Patent number: 8955191
    Abstract: An end cap having a longitudinal axis is provided. The end cap includes a stationary portion, a movable portion, and a clamping member. The movable portion has a cam surface and the clamping member has a free end. The movable and stationary portions are interconnected so that the movable portion moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam surface influences the clamping member when the movable portion is in the locked position such that the cam surface resiliently flexes the clamping member to move the free end at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph K. Patterson, Paul Adams, Bernard Bensussan, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Kai Hirsch, Daniel Ferrara
  • Patent number: 8943637
    Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 8918954
    Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that is movable in a direction of travel and that includes a base and opposed walls defining a channel extending along the width of the frame, and a squeegee blade partially disposed in the frame within the channel adjacent one of the walls. The squeegee blade has a first longitudinal edge positioned adjacent the base of the channel and a second longitudinal edge extending outward from the channel. The squeegee assembly also includes a jam member that is engageable with the frame within the channel so that the squeegee blade is positioned between the frame and the jam member to couple the squeegee blade to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Oberhaensli, Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Publication number: 20140359961
    Abstract: The hand-held cleaning device, especially the hand-held cleaner for smooth surfaces, comprising a supporting unit, a wiper blade, a guiding device and a capture unit, wherein the wiper blade is fixed to the supporting unit, wherein the wiper blade at least in certain areas has a guiding element, which is designed for guiding fluid present at wiper blade in the direction of the guiding device, and wherein the guiding device is arranged adjacent to the wiper blade and is directly adjoining to the capture unit in order to transport the fluid from the wiper blade across the guiding element and the guiding device to the capture unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Karl Göttler
  • Patent number: 8875338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Oberhaensli, Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Patent number: 8863348
    Abstract: A handheld plumbob cleaner for efficiently cleaning a plumbob after measuring fluid in a storage tank. The handheld plumbob cleaner generally includes a frame portion, a handle portion extending from the frame portion and a cleaner attachment secured to the frame portion. The frame portion includes a slot leading to a central opening and a plurality of fastener apertures positioned around its outer perimeter. The cleaner attachment similarly includes a slot leading to a smaller central opening and corresponding fastener apertures around its outer perimeter. The cleaner attachment is secured to the frame portion via one or more fasteners. The gauge tape of the plumbob may then be inserted within the slots and the plumbob pulled up through the central opening to squeegee oily residue therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Darwin G. Hunskor, Judith Y. Hunskor
  • Patent number: 8844091
    Abstract: A squeegee and tray system is provided to clean up spills. The tray has a front edge, a ramp, and a trough for receiving and transporting a spill. The squeegee has a resilient edge to push a spill into the front edge of the tray. A bracket is provided to mount on a vertical surface that receives the tray. The tray has a slot for receiving the squeegee where the squeegee and tray are stored together when placed on the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Big T Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Lloyd Troyer
  • Publication number: 20140230172
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. Preferably, the retaining means is formed from at least two different materials. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from aluminum and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends permanently assembled into the end of a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: ERIC RESH
  • Patent number: 8726451
    Abstract: An end cap having a longitudinal axis is provided. The end cap includes a stationary portion, a movable portion, and a clamping member. The movable portion has a cam surface and the clamping member has a free end. The movable and stationary portions are interconnected so that the movable portion moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam surface influences the clamping member when the movable portion is in the locked position such that the cam surface resiliently flexes the clamping member to move the free end at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph K. Patterson, Paul Adams, Bernard Bensussan, Tony Sgroi, Kai Hirsch, Daniel Ferrara
  • Patent number: 8683636
    Abstract: A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 8677549
    Abstract: A squeegee device having an integrated scraper blade, which includes a removable and telescoping/extendable handle pivotably connected to a squeegee head for motion of the device between squeegee position, wherein the handle is generally orthogonal to the head for facilitating cleaning windshields and windows, and a storage configuration, wherein the handle and head are generally parallel and the head can be disposed and sealed entirely within a portable container which includes an integrated reservoir which holds a supply of aqueous cleaning solution. The device can be used in conjunction with instant glass cleaner tablets which dissolve in plain water within the integrated reservoir to make an aqueous cleaning solution, and includes an integrated removable tray which stores a supply of cleaner tablets within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Blaine Alan Fields
  • Publication number: 20140041137
    Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, JR., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20130326835
    Abstract: A handheld plumbob cleaner for efficiently cleaning a plumbob after measuring fluid in a storage tank. The handheld plumbob cleaner generally includes a frame portion, a handle portion extending from the frame portion and a cleaner attachment secured to the frame portion. The frame portion includes a slot leading to a central opening and a plurality of fastener apertures positioned around its outer perimeter. The cleaner attachment similarly includes a slot leading to a smaller central opening and corresponding fastener apertures around its outer perimeter. The cleaner attachment is secured to the frame portion via one or more fasteners. The gauge tape of the plumbob may then be inserted within the slots and the plumbob pulled up through the central opening to squeegee oily residue therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Darwin G. Hunskor, Judith Y. Hunskor
  • Patent number: 8595896
    Abstract: A squeegee assembly for a floor surface maintenance machine having a tabbed frame, an apertured front squeegee blade adapted to receive at least portions of the tabs of said frame, a tabbed vacuum core having a surface adapted to receive portions of the tabs of the frame, a rear squeegee blade having apertures adapted to receive at least portions of the tabs of the vacuum core; and a clamp band for securing the frame, front and rear squeegee blades and vacuum core together. A method of quickly and efficiently assembling a squeegee assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Shinler, Coert Verhoeve
  • Patent number: 8578543
    Abstract: A device for treating a target surface, such as occurs when cleaning a window. The device has plural squeegee blades joined by a head. The head has a slot therethrough. A sheet may be longitudinally move over one or more than one of the blades to renew its surface before, during or after use. Each squeegee blade may have a dedicated sheet. The sheet(s) may travel through the slot to originate from or be stored within the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, William Michael Cannon, Patricia R. Soll, Kuang-Kai Liu, Mark John Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 8566998
    Abstract: A device comprising an absorbent structure and one or more resilient contact elements integrated into the absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure is preferably a sponge or foam structure and the resilient contact elements are squeegees, nodules, or combinations thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the resilient contact elements include anchor features that are embedded within the absorbent stricture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix
  • Patent number: 8555459
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for collecting swept waste material are described herein. The apparatus includes a dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and a plurality of protrusions. The base is configured to be placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned and includes a front lip over which debris can be swept. The wall extends upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than the front lip and is configured to contain debris in the dustpan. The handle is coupled to a top edge of the wall opposite the front lip and extends away from the wall and downwardly from the top edge so that an end of the handle is disposed approximately even with the base. The plurality of protrusions extend inwardly from the wall and are configured to remove debris from bristles of a broom when the broom is swept across the plurality of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Quirky Incorporated
    Inventors: Bill Ward, Jordan Dialto, Kate Vallon, Gareth Brown, Nikki Kaufman