Squeegee Patents (Class 15/245)
  • Patent number: 8499404
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick change squeegee assembly for expeditiously replacing the blades of the assembly. A top rail is attached to a pole socket assembly. A hinged compression frame is attached to the top rail. The hinged compression frame includes hinge for coupling a pair of jaws to one another. A biasing member is positioned between the jaws for biasing the jaws away from one another. A plurality of springs can be used to bias the pair of jaws along the length thereof for holding within the jaws an inserted bladed securely along the length of the blade. Each spring can be associated with jaws using a T-bolt inserted through the threaded aperture of the spring, through an aperture of the hinged compression frame and through an aperture of the top rail. An adjustment knob is attached to the T-bolt. The adjustment knob can be activated by rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner for closing and opening the jaws of the hinged compression frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Matteo Spoleti, Tina C. Spoleti
  • Publication number: 20130125503
    Abstract: The present invention provides ergonomic grouting tools attached to a glove, mitt, brace, or other passive retention means worn on the hand of a user and methods of using them. In particular, one grouting tool according to the invention includes an elongate tool blade, which may for example be a squeegee, a hollow flexible tube, or a solid, flexible, generally round member, attached proximate to and extending along the fifth digit side of a glove. Reinforcement material integral with the tool blade is preferably included to prevent the tool blade from pulling away from a user's hand during use. The glove itself may be composed of fabric dip-coated in plastic, or otherwise waterproofed/sealed, over palm and finger portions, and uncoated over a wrist region and part of a region covering the back side of a user's hand to provide breathability and comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick William HILBURN
  • Patent number: 8443483
    Abstract: A wiper blade for use on a vehicle window comprises a blade hinge made of a hydrophobic, elastomeric material, a wiping lip and a blade body. The wiping lip has a tip that contacts the vehicle window, a wiping lip base adjoining the blade hinge, and a tapered portion extending between the tip and the wiping lip base. The wiping lip base is made of a hydrophobic, elastomeric material and a majority of the tapered portion is made of an elastomeric material that is not hydrophobic. The blade body includes a main body portion configured to secure a wiper arm thereto, and a base portion adjoining the main body portion and the blade hinge. The base portion is made of a hydrophobic, elastomeric material and the main body portion is made of an elastomeric material that is not hydrophobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert Dallos, Jr., Mark K Denison
  • Patent number: 8438687
    Abstract: A system for cleaning a hot food preparation includes a cleaning tool including a handle and a detachable base. The handle and detachable base comprise a polymeric material, where the melting point of the polymeric material in the handle is lower than the melting point of the polymeric material in the base. The system includes a scrubbing pad support member that is configured to engage and secure a scrubbing pad and connect the scrubbing pad to a handle or a base of a cleaning tool. The handle of the tool is constructed to be reused numerous times whereas the detachable accessories, e.g., the scrubbing pad support member and/or a scrubbing pad, are disposable. A method of molding the scrubbing pad support member is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric R. Cybulski, Arthur V. Lang, Jacob J. Orak, Adriana Paiva, Lowell C. Zeller
  • Publication number: 20130098549
    Abstract: A protective film that can be applied using a wet or dry application process. The protective film may be part of a protective film application kit that also includes a package and, optionally, liquid, installation tabs, and a squeegee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Invisible Gadget Guard, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Drage, William Nelson
  • Patent number: 8393268
    Abstract: A doctor blade support (2) for a machine for printing paste by silk screen printing, includes: a doctor blade (6) of substantially square cross-section which is to come into contact with the meshes of a silk screen printing screen in order to apply the paste to an element to be printed; a first (12) and a second (14) clamping jaws suitable for clamping the doctor blade (6); at least two elements (20) for tightening the first clamping jaw (12) towards the second clamping jaw (14) in order to clamp or withdraw the doctor blade (6); characterized in that each tightening element (20) includes a resilient element (40) applying a force between the two clamping jaws (12, 14) in order to move them towards each other, and elements for regulating the deformation of the resilient element (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Machines Dubuit
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Dubuit, Jose Albert Pontes, Daniel Troncon
  • Patent number: 8387201
    Abstract: A squeegee 10 which may operatively accommodate blades, such as blade 60, of differing lengths by the use of movable members 20, 40 which are movably coupled and which cooperatively form a blade reception slot 80 of differing and desired lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Trond William Darby, Matthew Anthony Pratto
  • Patent number: 8375500
    Abstract: A windshield maintenance assembly having a telescoping pole assembly that is selectively extendable and retractable. An upper end of the windshield maintenance assembly preferably includes a reversible snow brush and an ice scraper. The windshield maintenance assembly further includes a long strap that is attached at the top of the windshield maintenance assembly which allows a user to pull down or pull back on the upper end to increase operating forces. The windshield maintenance assembly beneficially enables a plurality of attachable heads, such as a squeegee, a broom, or a sponge, to be attached to the upper end to enable other maintenance functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Michael K. Aguirre
  • Publication number: 20130000070
    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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Oberhaensli, Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Publication number: 20120266916
    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: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, William Michael Cannon, Patricia R. Soll, Kuang-Kai Liu, Mark John Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 8276233
    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: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 8276231
    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: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 8261408
    Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that has a first and second suction ports separated from each other in a lateral direction, and a squeegee blade coupled to the frame and positioned adjacent the suction ports. The squeegee blade has a first portion adjacent the first suction port, and a second portion adjacent the second suction port. The first portion extends in lateral directions away from the first suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the first portion toward the first suction port. The second portion extends in lateral directions away from the second suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the second portion toward the second suction port such that the squeegee blade acts as a separate funnel for each of the first suction port and the second suction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Oberhaensli, Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Patent number: 8245350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) with a wiper strip (14) made of elastic material and having a wiper strip head (20) and a wiper lip (26) which can be placed on a window (22) to be wiped, wherein the wiper lip (26) is designed as a wedge-shaped extension (24) of the wiper strip head (20) and has a point angle (42) of between 60 degrees and 150 degrees, said point angle leading into a contact surface (44) having a radius (46) of smaller than 100 micrometers, and also to a method for the production of said wiper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Kris Van De Rostyne, Paul Wynen
  • Patent number: 8235621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grout dispensing system comprising: a suction mechanism that draws grout material into an elongated tube; a dispensing channel attached to a first end of the elongated tube; a suction handle extending through the elongated tube, where the suction handle draws grout into the tube when moved in a first direction and dispenses grout into the dispensing channel when moved in a second direction; a plurality of dispensing tips disposed below the dispensing channel; and a squeegee on one side of the dispensing channel. In one exemplary embodiment, the suction mechanism includes a suction cup at one end of the suction handle, where said suction cup is within said elongated tube; a suction opening at a lower end of the elongated tube; and a suction tube extending from the suction opening. The distal end of suction tube lies in a deposit of grout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Vernon Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120174329
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device and method selectively couple a floor cleaning implement, such as a pad or brush, in manner that can be easily released and connected. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Heinrich-Tito Mayer, Franz Oberhaensli
  • Publication number: 20120174332
    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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph K. Patterson, Paul Adams, Bernard Bensussan, Tony Sgroi, Kai Hirsch, Daniel Ferrara
  • Patent number: 8210762
    Abstract: A vehicle window cleaning system includes a housing that has an end wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends away from the end wall. The perimeter wall has a distal edge with respect to the end wall defining an opening extending into the housing. A squeegee assembly is removably positionable within the housing. Cleaning fluid is positionable within the housing and accessible by the squeegee assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Paul R. Breau
  • Patent number: 8201300
    Abstract: A cleaning implement is disclosed for effectively removing not only liquid and solid food debris from plate or dish surfaces, but also dirt and other debris accumulated on other surfaces without the use of water, thereby conserving water consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Cutler
  • Patent number: 8166603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that efficiently removes water from a surface without the need for a towel and effectively removes hair or fur from a surface. The apparatus is designed to provide a comfort gripping region to a human hand to facilitate ease in use. The material that the apparatus is made from can be static electric attracting to more effectively remove charged particles such as hair or fur from a surface. The apparatus may have various flex edges, including combs, slits and bulges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Donald Varner, Tom Palecki
  • Patent number: 8166606
    Abstract: A squeegee assembly (10, 10?) includes a flexible wiper blade (30) sandwiched between a mounting bracket (32, 32?) and a retaining strap (34, 34?). A retainer (94) has a head (98) which is positionable between aligned and misaligned positions with mounting apertures (82, 92) to allow disassembly, assembly and retention of the squeegee assembly (10, 10?). Arcuate portions (36, 36?, 66, 66?) formed in the mounting bracket (32, 32?) and the retaining straps (34, 34?) have different radiuses. Linear portions (68, 68?, 70, 70?) of the retaining straps (34, 34?) have upper and lower edges (72, 74) bent from center portions thereof. The mounting brackets (32, 32?) include L-shaped slots (46) for slideably receiving vertical bolts (56) of the floor maintenance machine (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance, Inc.
    Inventors: Kale R. Johnson, Everett Eugene Johnson
  • Patent number: 8156606
    Abstract: A wiper blade includes a first blade and a second blade surrounding the first blade, such that the first blade is not exposed for use, wherein the removal of the second blade exposes the first blade for use. In another embodiment, a wiper blade includes a body, an inner blade attached to the body, an outer blade bonded to the body or inner blade, a gripping mechanism attached to the outer blade and a removal mechanism located between the inner blade and outer blade, wherein the removal mechanism is attached to the gripping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Guttillo
  • Publication number: 20120087072
    Abstract: A protective film includes an adhesive material configured for “dry” application to a surface that is to be protected, such as the surface of an electronic device. An installation assembly that includes the protective film is configured to minimize or eliminate contact with the protective film as it is applied to the surface that is to be protected. Methods for manufacturing a protective film and an installation assembly that includes the protective film may be effected in contaminant-free conditions. Methods for applying the protective film are also disclosed, as are device (e.g., electronic devices, etc.) with at least one surface covered with a protective film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: James McGuire, Robert G. Pedersen, II, Derek M. Smith, John W. Melville, Brian S. Packer
  • Publication number: 20120047671
    Abstract: A squeegee module. The squeegee module of the present invention includes a rotary unit rotated in opposite directions, support rods mounted to the rotary unit on opposite sides of the center of the rotary unit, a squeegee holder connected to ends of the support rods, and a squeegee blade mounted to the squeegee holder, wherein the squeegee holder moves upwards and downwards in cooperation with rotation of the rotary unit, thus controlling the inclination angle of the squeegee blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yeo Il Park, Seon Jae Mun, Jun Hyeong Park, Seung Wan Kim, Sun Moon Kim, Dong Sun Kim, Seung Ho Beak, Chang Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20110283471
    Abstract: The present application concerns the field of machines for floor treatment, such as cleaning and scrubbing, and in particular relates to the use of a vacuum squeegee assembly for collecting and lifting liquid from a floor surface during treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: NUMATIC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Nicholas John Putt
  • Patent number: 8020241
    Abstract: The invention is a squeegee, consisting of a handle and blade assembly that is mounted on a set of tracks. The blade assembly has a left and a right side mounted roller which are designed to operate inside of each track. The side mounted rollers will allow the blade to move upwards and downwards on the tracks. Once installed, the track system ensures that the squeegee maintains constant pressure against the planar surface. In the preferred embodiment, the top of the tracks will feature a hook type design for the use of attaching the invention to the top of a planar surface. An alternative embodiment has the track mounted to the frame of the door or window. A third embodiment integrates a motorized squeegee that has the track mounted to the shower door or window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: David Farmer, Lynda Farmer
  • Publication number: 20110197916
    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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Franz Oberhaensli, Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Publication number: 20110173768
    Abstract: Disclosed is a squeegee having a handle with a resilient blade and sponge located at a distal end of the handle. The squeegee blade is set at an angle of less than 90 degrees of the angle formed between the handle and the point of the blade's attachment. This configuration allows the squeegee to work with gravity by preventing the newly cleaned surface from being fouled by used cleaning solution. When used with a tilt window the squeegee pushes the cleaning solution down the tilted surface and with gravity leaving a clean dry surface behind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Cecelia A. Donato
  • Publication number: 20110167577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade for cleaning the windshields of vehicles, comprising at least one elongated carrier element (6) on which a wiper strip (5) having at least one wiper lip (5.1) is held, a wiper blade adapter attached to the carrier element (6), said adapter being designed to mechanically connect the wiper blade (2) to a wiper arm (1) or to a wiper arm adapter (11) provided on the wiper arm (1) in a joint direction, at least one electric heating element provided on the wiper blade (2), and at least one electrical connecting element provided on the wiper blade adapter on the wiper blade side, said connecting element having at least one electrical contact for establishing an electrical connection between the heating element and a power supply provided or held on the wiper arm (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: VALEO SYSTEMES D'ESSUYAGE
    Inventors: Bruno Egner-Walter, Michael Schaeuble
  • Patent number: 7954199
    Abstract: A drain cleaner which is superior in portability and which makes it possible for a small number of people to perform drain cleaning operation on a broad floor. A drain cleaner (1) comprises a strip body (2), and a reel body (3) for winging or unwinding the strip body (2). The strip body (2) has a handle (4) at its front end (2a), the opposite edges (2b, 2b) thereof having attached thereto flexible members (20, 20) made of rubber having high adhesion to a floor or the like. Surrounding a puddle on a floor by the strip body (2) unwound from the reel body (3), one of two operators holds the handle (4) of the strip body (2) and the other holds the reel body (3). By pulling the strip body (2), the water in the puddle can be swept by the strip body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Hideki Kurata
  • Patent number: 7950106
    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: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Oberhaensli, Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Publication number: 20110107540
    Abstract: A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin L. Shinler, John C. Ickes, Steven V. Feeny
  • Publication number: 20110052307
    Abstract: A two-in-one screen cleansing device includes a holding body having a first and a second section connected to each other back to back, and the first and the second section defining a first and a second chamber, respectively; a cleansing fluid dispenser removably held in the first chamber; and a cleansing unit removably held in the second chamber. The cleansing fluid dispenser and the cleansing unit are held together as an integral body by the holding body 1 to avoid the risk of getting separated from each other easily to cause inconvenience to a user. The user can use the cleansing fluid contained in the cleansing fluid dispenser without the need of removing the cleansing fluid dispenser from the holding body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TAIWAN BOR YING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng WENG
  • Publication number: 20110041279
    Abstract: A device for holding and manipulating compressible cleaning implements. The device comprises a handle and a blade attached to the handle. The blade is provided with an opening and a channel communicating with the opening and with the outer edge of the blade. The inner end of the channel is narrower than the diameter of the opening so that compressible cleaning implements inserted into the opening through the channel cannot migrate out of the opening during use. The channel is positioned in the portion of the blade that is proximal to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Publication number: 20110035896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick change squeegee assembly for expeditiously replacing the blades of the assembly. A top rail is attached to a pole socket assembly. A hinged compression frame is attached to the top rail. The hinged compression frame includes hinge for coupling a pair of jaws to one another. A biasing member is positioned between the jaws for biasing the jaws away from one another. A plurality of springs can be used to bias the pair of jaws along the length thereof for holding within the jaws an inserted bladed securely along the length of the blade. Each spring can be associated with jaws using a T-bolt inserted through the threaded aperture of the spring, through an aperture of the hinged compression frame and through an aperture of the top rail. An adjustment knob is attached to the T-bolt. The adjustment knob can be activated by rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner for closing and opening the jaws of the hinged compression frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Matteo SPOLETI, Tina C. Spoleti
  • Publication number: 20110030725
    Abstract: A wiper blade configured to efficiently remove liquids from a surface without damaging or removing surface treatments. The wiper blade comprises a flexible, molded silicone body having a handle and a v-shaped wiping tip. In certain embodiments, the wiper blade comprises multiple v-shaped wiping tips each configured to remove liquids from surfaces having and surrounded by different features. In certain other embodiments, the v-shaped wiping tip extends beyond the handle so as to provide for removal of liquids in narrow, hard to access locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: James B. DeFrank, Russell E. Romer, Amir James Dia
  • Patent number: 7861362
    Abstract: A water-wiper apparatus has a handle having a height, width, and length with a substantially oval shape in cross-section orthogonal to the length, a major axis of the oval shape in the direction of the height, the handle formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, a first engagement interface along the length of the handle in a region bisected by the major axis, the engagement interface comprising a channel having a shape and a first width and an opening of a second width less than the first width to the outside of the handle, and a wiper blade of the length of the handle, formed of a flexible material and having a second engagement interface shaped to engage the first engagement interface, engaging the wiper blade with the handle, the wiper blade having a curved side in cross section from the handle to a tip end of a wiper leg away from the handle, the curve of the side having a radius of from one-half inch to one-and-one-half inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Varner
  • Patent number: 7836542
    Abstract: A wiper blade (10) comprising a wiper strip (24) that is provided with a folding wedge (38) and a wiper strip back (34) that are connected to each other via a tilting web (36). It is proposed that additional webs (42) be arranged lateral to the tilting web (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Jan Dietrich, Wilhelm Fangmeier
  • Patent number: 7832049
    Abstract: A snap-together wet nozzle for use with a vacuum assembly is described, as well as a removable squeegee assembly for use in combination with a wet nozzle for a vacuum assembly. The snap-together wet nozzle includes an elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing having outwardly tapering walls, spaced apart closed ends, and a connecting tube passageway for association with a vacuum-producing means, such as a wet/dry vacuum, and further includes a squeegee assembly capable of being insertably mounted within the elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Robert Hollis
  • Patent number: 7819487
    Abstract: A cleaning device and a method of manufacturing a cleaning device are provided. The method may include molding a squeegee blade out of a first material, providing a mold insert including a slot, providing a mold including a mold cavity, placing a first portion of the molded squeegee blade into the slot of the mold insert with a second portion of the molded squeegee blade exposed externally of the mold insert, placing the mold insert with the molded squeegee blade therein into the mold cavity, and subsequently molding a head member of the cleaning device, out of a second material of greater hardness than said first material, to the second portion of said previously molded squeegee blade by adding the second material to the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jace A. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7814604
    Abstract: A contact device with resilient contact elements is disclosed. The resilient contact elements have primary structures and secondary structures. The primary structures and secondary structures have contact surfaces for engaging a working surface. The primary structures are preferably molded structures with hardness value between 10 to 90 Shores A. The secondary structures are nodules, squeegees, arrays of nodules or squeegees and matrices but are preferably bristle structures formed from plastic resins, wherein the device is configured clean dentition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100257686
    Abstract: A cleaning implement is disclosed for effectively removing not only liquid and solid food debris from plate or dish surfaces, but also dirt and other debris accumulated on other surfaces without the use of water, thereby conserving water consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Cutler
  • Patent number: 7810205
    Abstract: Provided is a rubber blade for an automotive wiper capable of autonomously pressing firmly and resting securely against a windshield surface by altering the structure of the rubber blade. The rubber blade has a head portion forming an upper portion of the rubber blade. The head portion includes a pair of mounting slots for mounting the rubber blade along a wiper frame. The pair of mounting slots has a sectional offset angle (?1), dependant on the disposition of the wiper frame. A central axis in a center between the pair of mounting slots in a sectional view of the blade is offset by an angle (?3) from a vertical axis (L1). A wiping portion forms a lower portion of the rubber blade for contacting the windshield, and is disposed in the direction of the vertical axis (L1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Se-Heon Park
  • Patent number: 7757336
    Abstract: A water-wiping apparatus for wiping standing water from a curved surface has a flexible panel of a first height, with an upper long edge and a lower long edge, a soft, flexible handle attached along the upper long edge, and a lip formed along the lower edge, extending to one side of the flexible panel and ending in a sharp line at the end away from the flexible panel. The handle has a series of reduced area regions serving as a grip area and also serving to facilitate bending of the water wiper blade to conform to surface curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: One Pass LLC
    Inventor: Donald Varner
  • Patent number: 7748074
    Abstract: A window squeegee (1) for cleaning surfaces, such as skyscraper windows, comprises a handle (2) associated to a head (11) provided with a first connection element (12) and a second connection element (18) for connecting a spatula (46) to the handle (2). In a condition of normal use of the window squeegee, the spatula (46) is held between the first element (12) and the second element (18) and in a condition of replacement of the spatula, the second element (18) is rotated by the first element (12) to allow the replacement of the spatula (46) which is held associated to the head (11) of the window squeegee and is not free to remove, to ensure a safe replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pulex S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giulio Guizzi
  • Patent number: 7739768
    Abstract: A device with a squeegee configuration and an absorbent material positioned between protruding squeegee walls for treating a working surface with wiping edges of the squeegee configuration and the absorbent material is disclosed. A device, in accordance with the invention, comprises a curved squeegee and means for coupling the curved squeegee to a spray nozzle for wiping the working surface with edges of the curved squeegee and spray the working surface with the spray nozzle. A system, in accordance with the invention, comprises a vacuum source, a liquid source and an applicator head with squeegees and apertures wherein a portion the apertures are configured to couple the vacuum source and draw a vacuum on a working surface and a second portion of the apertures are configured to couple to the liquid source and deliver a liquid to the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7735184
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a windshield wiper comprising preferably of a dual blade design wherein a portion of the outside surface of each blades has a specific scrubbing configuration molded within or attached to outside surfaces of the one or more protruding blade components. The inside surface of each blade protruding component preferably has a smooth finish but for certain applications, may include the specific scrubbing configuration molded within or attached to one or more protruding blade components. The primary embodiment utilizes a plurality of triangular scrubbing configuration the projects from the outside surface of each blade. The triangular scrubbing configuration functions by engaging and impinging a piece of debris with the tip or point of the triangular configuration. The piercing small radius is followed by the wider section of the triangular configuration, which functions to split and shatter the engaged piece of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Donald William Westbrook
  • Patent number: 7726049
    Abstract: A squeegee blade includes a mounting plate with a surface. A relatively rigid support member is attached to the surface of the mounting plate and a relatively flexible blade is attached to the surface of the mounting plate adjacent to the support member so that the blade is supported by the support member against compression toward the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Giles A. Hill, III, Duane S. Birdsong
  • Patent number: 7716785
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a floor cleaning machine comprising a brush adapted to scrub the floor with a cleaning, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: CFM Nilfisk-Advance S.P.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Coccapani, Filippo Marchetti
  • Patent number: 7717524
    Abstract: The invention relates to cleaning devices adapted to sweep floors with an attached squeegee, and to methods of manufacturing such cleaning devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a squeegee blade may be molded out of a first material. Subsequently, a head member may be molded, out of a second material of greater hardness than the first material, to a first portion of the previously molded squeegee blade. Bristles and a handle may be attached to the head member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jace Alan Weaver