US20060123575A1 - Adjustable holder for cleaning implement - Google Patents
Adjustable holder for cleaning implement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060123575A1 US20060123575A1 US11/011,404 US1140404A US2006123575A1 US 20060123575 A1 US20060123575 A1 US 20060123575A1 US 1140404 A US1140404 A US 1140404A US 2006123575 A1 US2006123575 A1 US 2006123575A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support head
- shank
- torque
- catch
- mount
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/42—Details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/20—Mops
- A47L13/24—Frames for mops; Mop heads
Definitions
- the present invention relates to cleaning devices such as hand dusters and dust mops. More particularly, it relates to devices of this type having a replaceable cleaning implement, preferably a telescoping handle, and an adjustable support head for mounting the cleaning implement relative to the handle at various angles.
- the invention provides an adjustable holder for a cleaning implement.
- the holder has a support head having one end suitable to mount a replaceable cleaning implement thereon and another end that has a connector portion.
- the connector and connection portions can be assembled to connect the support head to the shank such that the support head can rotate on an axis that is transverse to the shank.
- the connector and connection portions when assembled in this fashion, constitute a threshold type holding system that essentially prevents rotation of the support head on the transverse axis when the support head is exposed to no torque, or a torque below a selected level of torque. However, it permits rotation of the support head on the transverse axis when the support head is exposed to above that selected level of torque.
- the term “essentially” is used in this context to recognize that the support head may have an inherent material flexibility such that lower levels of torque will cause the material to flex.
- rotation of the support head on the transverse axis can be initiated by applying a force to said one end of the support head that is suitable to mount the replaceable cleaning implement thereon when that force results in a torque above the selected level.
- the rotation can be achieved without the need for a user of the holder to contact the connector or connection portions.
- the selected level should be above 0.25 Newton meters of torque, preferably between 0.3 and 1.4 Newton meters of torque, and even more preferably between 0.7 and 0.9 Newton meters of torque. Note that if the threshold is set above 1.4 Newton meters of torque some consumers may have difficulty adjusting the positions of the holder, and there may be some instances of material breakage as some consumers apply too much force when trying to cause the adjustment.
- the holder can have a support head having one end suitable to mount a replaceable cleaning implement thereon and another end having a lug (preferably a wheel) with a plurality of recesses; a shank having a handle portion at one end and a mount at another end, the support head being mountable to the mount for rotation on an axis that is transverse to the shank; and a resilient catch located on the mount and extendible into such a recess.
- the catch can inhibit rotation of the support head on the transverse axis when in such a recess, and can permit rotation of the support head on the transverse axis if not in that interfering position.
- a torque of at least 0.25 Newton meters preferably 0.3-1.4 Newton meters, even more preferably 0.7-0.9 Newton meters
- the catch may be in the form of a tooth that is resiliently biased towards the wheel by a resilient arm/root, and the wheel/lug may be generally sprocket-shaped along the majority of its radial periphery.
- the wheel recesses can be radially open recesses, preferably those which are essentially dished in shape
- the end of the support head can be in the form of a fork
- a telescoping handle can be linked to the handle portion of the shank so that it can be fixed at varying lengths
- the support head can be releasably fixed by the catch at a specified angle relative to the telescoping handle.
- a user of the device can adjust the specified angle of the support head relative to the telescoping handle merely by contacting the support head against a wall, provided that a torque exceeding the selected level is applied.
- a single shank can mount two such support heads, and/or the cleaning implement can be in the form of a sleeve of dusting cloth capable of surrounding one or more tines of the support head.
- the cleaning implement can be in the form of a sleeve of dusting cloth capable of surrounding one or more tines of the support head.
- means associated with the mount are provided for restricting the rotational position of each of the support heads.
- the restricting means can be a resilient catch located on the mount. In any event, notwithstanding the restricting means a torque applied to the support head of at least 0.25 Newton meters (preferably 0.3-1.4 Newton meters, even more preferably 0.7-0.9 Newton meters) can rotate the support head relative to the shank.
- the support heads can be positioned/temporarily fixed at varying angles with respect to each other, they provide the opportunity for increased cleaning effectiveness.
- the top of a dresser can be dusted at the same time that a side of the dresser is being dusted when such a device is provided.
- the invention provides a method of adjusting such a holder.
- an object e.g. a wall or a floor
- a sleeve-like cleaning mitt be mounted over a forked portion of the support head so that all tines of the fork are within the sleeve.
- the support head tines are, in this configuration, thus capable of being fully enclosed by the mitt, avoiding the possibility of the fork scratching delicate furniture or other items being contacted.
- Embodiments of the present invention therefore achieve many of the desired functionalities found in existing dusters (e.g. capability of replacing the cleaning head after a single use; a single product which can dust mop a floor or furniture; a dust mop capable of angular adjustment relative to the main handle; relatively low production and assembly costs). However, they also achieve other desirable functionalities in various embodiments.
- the angular adjustment can be achieved while the consumer is only holding a portion of the telescoping handle very remote from the duster.
- a consumer can merely press the head end against a wall or floor without having to bring the head towards the consumer or re-orient the head using a complex locking mechanism adjacent or at the connector/connecting portions.
- this a quicker adjustment that is achieved with low cost parts, for consumers having allergies or asthma this will be perceived to be of importance.
- the consumer will be able to have a very wide variety of adjustment position settings, corresponding to the number of recesses in the wheel.
- FIG. 1 is a right, upper, rear, perspective view of an assembled cleaning implement holder, of the present invention, shown in an elongated configuration;
- FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 , but with parts exploded from each other, and with an associated cleaning mitt shown adjacent thereto;
- FIG. 3 is a partial vertical cross sectional view taken along the FIG. 1 longitudinal axis, albeit when the support head has already been repositioned to about the 2 o'clock position, rather than the 9 o'clock position shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is an elevational view taken along plane 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a catch in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view of how the support head can be positioned to dust a floor
- FIG. 8 is a schematic view of how the support head can be repositioned to dust the top of a cabinet.
- FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment in which two such support heads are mounted for rotation.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a holder 10 designed to be used with a cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt 11 .
- the holder has a grip 12 , telescoping handle extension pieces 13 and 14 , shank 15 and support head 16 .
- various radially extending bumps 19 are formed on some of these parts which fit into corresponding catch holes 17 on adjacent parts. While not shown in detail, these bumps 19 are preferred to be positioned on flexible tabs which can deflect radially inwardly as the tubular parts are assembled to one another, and then flex radially outwardly into the holes 17 to temporarily fix the tubular parts in the FIG. 1 position.
- extension part 13 One can then press the bump 19 of extension part 13 radially inward to permit extension part 13 to telescope into a hollow of handle grip 12 .
- the bump 19 on the rear end of extension part 14 can be pressed radially inward to permit extension part 14 to telescope into a hollow of tubular extension part 13 .
- bump 19 at the forward end of extension part 14 is pressed radially inward to permit extension part 14 to alternatively telescope into a hollow of shank 15 .
- the present invention can preferably be practiced regardless of whether the handle can telescope at all, or what the particular linkage is between the parts of the handle, or whether the handle is formed from multiple parts or one part.
- the support head 16 has a forked end 22 with tines 23 supported by a linking section 24 , which connects to a lug/wheel 25 .
- the catch 20 is best appreciated by reviewing FIG. 6 . It has a base 30 on which is mounted an interfering projection 31 linked by a flexible arm/root 32 to the base 30 . Pressure on the projection 31 will cause it to deflect rearwardly. In the absence of pressure it will flex back to its FIG. 6 position.
- the shank 15 has an upper handle section 41 and a forward mount 40 having two spaced ears 42 .
- the wheel 25 preferably has outer integral axels 26 on its opposed lateral sides.
- the ears 42 of the shank 15 can flex outward from each other when the wheel 25 is pushed there between.
- the ears have corresponding holes 27 into which the axels 26 then snap, thereby creating a pivot joint. This permits about 300 degrees of rotational movement of the support 16 relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 .
- FIG. 3 shows how the resulting internal assembly will operate.
- the wheel 25 has a series of shallow dished pockets 29 , of a generally parabolic nature, arrayed around its periphery, to create an almost sprocket-like appearance.
- the projection 31 has a corresponding shape which fits into a selected one of the pockets at a time.
- the support head 16 As torque is applied to the support head 16 , it starts to rotate on the axis formed by axels 26 .
- the radially outward sections 28 on the wheel 25 abut against the projection 31 , causing it to deflect rearward, removing the interference of the projection, and permitting rotation to the next pocket 29 .
- the pockets 29 and projection 31 as well as the tension on the biasing means/resilient arm/root 32 , are such that if a consumer holds the handle grip 12 and pushes the support head 16 with an intention to adjust the support head angle relative to the handle longitudinal axis, the angle will be repositioned to another stable fixed position, without the need for the consumer to place a hand on or near the support head 16 . Yet, the typical torque experienced during dusting or drying a surface will not be sufficient to cause the angular adjustment.
- the catch 20 is molded from a flexible plastic such as acetyl or nylon
- the support head 16 is molded from a more rigid plastic such as ABS or a polycarbonate/ABS blend.
- the flexibility of the biased projection 31 is such that a torque of at least 0.25 Newton meters (preferably 0.3-1.4 Newton meters, even more preferably 0.7-0.9 Newton meters) applied to the support head in a plane parallel to the handle 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 will not cause angular adjustment of the support head 16 relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 , although additional torque will, without causing a destruction of a portion of the device.
- the angular position can be re-adjusted in a similar manner, depending on the object being cleaned.
- the angle can be adjusted to that shown in FIG. 8 to permit dusting of the top of a tall furniture cabinet 60 , or other items such as the top of ceiling fan blades (not shown).
- the device can be compactly stored as the support head 16 can be rotated to the FIG. 3 position, and the handle parts can be telescoped together.
- the device can be shipped in a compact package in disassembled form, yet can be quickly assembled by a consumer without complex instructions.
- the shank 15 , catch 20 , and support head 16 be pre-assembled at the factory prior to shipment.
- FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment in which the telescoping handle parts are the same except for a modification to the forward end of the shank 15 A as described below, and except for the use of two similar support heads 16 A with a slightly different axel feature as described below.
- the support heads 16 A do not have integral axels 26 . Instead, when their wheels are aligned side to side inside the shunt mount, they each have a through hole where the axel would be.
- the catch 20 A (not shown) would have a wide enough projection 31 so that a single projection can interfere with rotation of both support heads 16 A.
- the resilient catch or catches interfit with the wheels of the support heads 16 A to provide similar resistive force permitting dusting without adjustment, yet allowing torque over a certain threshold to permit adjustment.
- the recesses could instead be positioned on the shank with the catch on the support head.
- fluidic or other threshold damping systems could be applied to achieve the desired function.
- the support head have a forked end, as distinguished from a single unitary mounting slab.
- the catch 20 be a single piece.
- resilient catching means can be provided which drives a blocker into a temporary interference with the lug recesses 29 (e.g. a spring under a catch member). It is, however, desirable that the force needed to remove the blocking member from the recess be such as to restrict support head rotation during normal dusting, yet permit support head rotation when adjustment is truly intended.
- the present invention provides a holder for a duster head or other cleaning implement, where the support head for the duster sleeve is angularly adjustable relative to a handle in a remote fashion.
Abstract
Description
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- The present invention relates to cleaning devices such as hand dusters and dust mops. More particularly, it relates to devices of this type having a replaceable cleaning implement, preferably a telescoping handle, and an adjustable support head for mounting the cleaning implement relative to the handle at various angles.
- It is well known to clean dust and dirt from floors, furniture, or other room surfaces by rubbing a dust rag against the surface, such that the dust and dirt adhere to the cloth. Sometimes this cleaning is facilitated by wetting the rag with water, a polish or other liquid. Such cloths or strips thereof have on occasion also been mounted on a head of a cleaning implement, which in turn is affixed to an elongated handle, to thereby create a floor dust mop. See e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 2,898,619. Alternatively, the handle has been formed somewhat shorter so that the resulting structure functions as a hand duster (e.g. one used to clean dust from Venetian blinds and other structures that are closer to the person cleaning them). See e.g. WO 02/102221 and WO 02/34101.
- There have also been efforts to make dusting heads that are used with such handles of a material that retains dust even without being wetted with a polish or other liquid, where the head is nevertheless still so inexpensive that it can be used for a short period of time until soiled and then disposed of. See e.g. WO 02/065887. This is in some applications an improvement over having materials having such great structural integrity (and therefore often cost) that they are used for prolonged purposes or washed between uses.
- In other developments, to render a single dusting device more suitable for both floor/ceiling dusting and close-in furniture dusting, some such dusting devices have been designed with a telescoping handle which can be shortened when furniture dusting is desired, and can be elongated when floor or ceiling dusting is desired. See WO 2004/017806.
- Recently, there has also been an attempt to provide adjustability between the angle of the duster head relative to the angle of the handle axis. See WO 2004/008935. However, this prior design used a strong locking device as part of the angle adjuster, such that adjustment of the handle angle typically required two hands to achieve, with the consumer's hand needing to come near to the portion of the device where the soiled dusting heads were positioned when an adjustment was to be made.
- Thus, a need still exists for improved adjustable holders for cleaning implements.
- In a first embodiment the invention provides an adjustable holder for a cleaning implement. The holder has a support head having one end suitable to mount a replaceable cleaning implement thereon and another end that has a connector portion. There is also a shank having a handle portion at one end and another end that has a connection portion. The connector and connection portions can be assembled to connect the support head to the shank such that the support head can rotate on an axis that is transverse to the shank.
- The connector and connection portions, when assembled in this fashion, constitute a threshold type holding system that essentially prevents rotation of the support head on the transverse axis when the support head is exposed to no torque, or a torque below a selected level of torque. However, it permits rotation of the support head on the transverse axis when the support head is exposed to above that selected level of torque. The term “essentially” is used in this context to recognize that the support head may have an inherent material flexibility such that lower levels of torque will cause the material to flex.
- In accordance with this aspect of the invention, rotation of the support head on the transverse axis can be initiated by applying a force to said one end of the support head that is suitable to mount the replaceable cleaning implement thereon when that force results in a torque above the selected level. The rotation can be achieved without the need for a user of the holder to contact the connector or connection portions.
- To avoid undesired rotation of the support head when it is exposed to torques typically experienced during normal dusting, the selected level should be above 0.25 Newton meters of torque, preferably between 0.3 and 1.4 Newton meters of torque, and even more preferably between 0.7 and 0.9 Newton meters of torque. Note that if the threshold is set above 1.4 Newton meters of torque some consumers may have difficulty adjusting the positions of the holder, and there may be some instances of material breakage as some consumers apply too much force when trying to cause the adjustment.
- While a wide variety of threshold type connector assemblies are envisioned to achieve this result, we prefer that one of the connector and connecting portions have a lug with a plurality of recesses and the other of the connector and connecting portions have a resilient catch extendible into such a recess. The holder can have a support head having one end suitable to mount a replaceable cleaning implement thereon and another end having a lug (preferably a wheel) with a plurality of recesses; a shank having a handle portion at one end and a mount at another end, the support head being mountable to the mount for rotation on an axis that is transverse to the shank; and a resilient catch located on the mount and extendible into such a recess.
- The catch can inhibit rotation of the support head on the transverse axis when in such a recess, and can permit rotation of the support head on the transverse axis if not in that interfering position. When the catch is in such a recess in an interfering position a torque of at least 0.25 Newton meters (preferably 0.3-1.4 Newton meters, even more preferably 0.7-0.9 Newton meters) applied to the support head can nevertheless drive the catch from a recess to permit such rotation. The catch may be in the form of a tooth that is resiliently biased towards the wheel by a resilient arm/root, and the wheel/lug may be generally sprocket-shaped along the majority of its radial periphery.
- The wheel recesses can be radially open recesses, preferably those which are essentially dished in shape, the end of the support head can be in the form of a fork, a telescoping handle can be linked to the handle portion of the shank so that it can be fixed at varying lengths, and the support head can be releasably fixed by the catch at a specified angle relative to the telescoping handle. Importantly, in accordance with a highly preferred feature of the present invention, notwithstanding that the catch begins in such an interfering position, a user of the device can adjust the specified angle of the support head relative to the telescoping handle merely by contacting the support head against a wall, provided that a torque exceeding the selected level is applied.
- In yet other forms a single shank can mount two such support heads, and/or the cleaning implement can be in the form of a sleeve of dusting cloth capable of surrounding one or more tines of the support head. Where two support heads rotationally mounted to the shank, means associated with the mount are provided for restricting the rotational position of each of the support heads. The restricting means can be a resilient catch located on the mount. In any event, notwithstanding the restricting means a torque applied to the support head of at least 0.25 Newton meters (preferably 0.3-1.4 Newton meters, even more preferably 0.7-0.9 Newton meters) can rotate the support head relative to the shank.
- Because the support heads can be positioned/temporarily fixed at varying angles with respect to each other, they provide the opportunity for increased cleaning effectiveness. For example, the top of a dresser can be dusted at the same time that a side of the dresser is being dusted when such a device is provided.
- In yet another aspect the invention provides a method of adjusting such a holder. One first obtains the holder. While holding the handle portion (and preferably no other portion of the device), one presses the support head against an object (e.g. a wall or a floor) to cause rotation of the support head relative to the handle portion.
- When the device is used, it is preferred that a sleeve-like cleaning mitt be mounted over a forked portion of the support head so that all tines of the fork are within the sleeve. The support head tines are, in this configuration, thus capable of being fully enclosed by the mitt, avoiding the possibility of the fork scratching delicate furniture or other items being contacted.
- Embodiments of the present invention therefore achieve many of the desired functionalities found in existing dusters (e.g. capability of replacing the cleaning head after a single use; a single product which can dust mop a floor or furniture; a dust mop capable of angular adjustment relative to the main handle; relatively low production and assembly costs). However, they also achieve other desirable functionalities in various embodiments.
- For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment the angular adjustment can be achieved while the consumer is only holding a portion of the telescoping handle very remote from the duster. A consumer can merely press the head end against a wall or floor without having to bring the head towards the consumer or re-orient the head using a complex locking mechanism adjacent or at the connector/connecting portions. Not only is this a quicker adjustment that is achieved with low cost parts, for consumers having allergies or asthma this will be perceived to be of importance. In any event, the consumer will be able to have a very wide variety of adjustment position settings, corresponding to the number of recesses in the wheel.
- The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the following description reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration preferred embodiments of the invention. Such embodiments do not represent the full scope of the invention. Reference should therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a right, upper, rear, perspective view of an assembled cleaning implement holder, of the present invention, shown in an elongated configuration; -
FIG. 2 is a view similar toFIG. 1 , but with parts exploded from each other, and with an associated cleaning mitt shown adjacent thereto; -
FIG. 3 is a partial vertical cross sectional view taken along theFIG. 1 longitudinal axis, albeit when the support head has already been repositioned to about the 2 o'clock position, rather than the 9 o'clock position shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an elevational view taken along plane 4-4 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a catch in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of how the support head can be positioned to dust a floor; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of how the support head can be repositioned to dust the top of a cabinet; and -
FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment in which two such support heads are mounted for rotation. - As best seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown aholder 10 designed to be used with a cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt 11. The holder has agrip 12, telescoping handleextension pieces shank 15 andsupport head 16. There is also aresilient catch 20. - In this preferred form various radially extending
bumps 19 are formed on some of these parts which fit into corresponding catch holes 17 on adjacent parts. While not shown in detail, thesebumps 19 are preferred to be positioned on flexible tabs which can deflect radially inwardly as the tubular parts are assembled to one another, and then flex radially outwardly into theholes 17 to temporarily fix the tubular parts in theFIG. 1 position. - One can then press the
bump 19 ofextension part 13 radially inward to permitextension part 13 to telescope into a hollow ofhandle grip 12. Similarly, thebump 19 on the rear end ofextension part 14 can be pressed radially inward to permitextension part 14 to telescope into a hollow oftubular extension part 13. Another possibility is forbump 19 at the forward end ofextension part 14 to be pressed radially inward to permitextension part 14 to alternatively telescope into a hollow ofshank 15. - This creates a handle out of
parts FIG. 1 , or can be configured in a smaller length for use in closer in applications, or perhaps shipment or storage. Of course, the present invention can preferably be practiced regardless of whether the handle can telescope at all, or what the particular linkage is between the parts of the handle, or whether the handle is formed from multiple parts or one part. - As best seen in
FIG. 2 , thesupport head 16 has a forkedend 22 withtines 23 supported by a linkingsection 24, which connects to a lug/wheel 25. Thecatch 20 is best appreciated by reviewingFIG. 6 . It has a base 30 on which is mounted an interferingprojection 31 linked by a flexible arm/root 32 to thebase 30. Pressure on theprojection 31 will cause it to deflect rearwardly. In the absence of pressure it will flex back to itsFIG. 6 position. - As best seen in
FIGS. 2 and 4 , theshank 15 has anupper handle section 41 and aforward mount 40 having two spacedears 42. - The
wheel 25 preferably has outerintegral axels 26 on its opposed lateral sides. Theears 42 of theshank 15 can flex outward from each other when thewheel 25 is pushed there between. The ears have correspondingholes 27 into which theaxels 26 then snap, thereby creating a pivot joint. This permits about 300 degrees of rotational movement of thesupport 16 relative to the longitudinal axis of thehandle 12/13/14/15. - As best seen in
FIG. 3 thecatch 20 can be mounted in arecess 50 in the forward end of theshank 15.Walls 34 rest on correspondingledges 54 inside therecess 50. When thesupport head 16 has itswheel 25 assembled into theears 42 as shown inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 3 shows how the resulting internal assembly will operate. It should be noted that thewheel 25 has a series of shallow dishedpockets 29, of a generally parabolic nature, arrayed around its periphery, to create an almost sprocket-like appearance. Theprojection 31 has a corresponding shape which fits into a selected one of the pockets at a time. - As torque is applied to the
support head 16, it starts to rotate on the axis formed byaxels 26. The radiallyoutward sections 28 on thewheel 25 abut against theprojection 31, causing it to deflect rearward, removing the interference of the projection, and permitting rotation to thenext pocket 29. Thepockets 29 andprojection 31, as well as the tension on the biasing means/resilient arm/root 32, are such that if a consumer holds thehandle grip 12 and pushes thesupport head 16 with an intention to adjust the support head angle relative to the handle longitudinal axis, the angle will be repositioned to another stable fixed position, without the need for the consumer to place a hand on or near thesupport head 16. Yet, the typical torque experienced during dusting or drying a surface will not be sufficient to cause the angular adjustment. - In highly preferred forms, the
catch 20 is molded from a flexible plastic such as acetyl or nylon, and thesupport head 16 is molded from a more rigid plastic such as ABS or a polycarbonate/ABS blend. The flexibility of thebiased projection 31 is such that a torque of at least 0.25 Newton meters (preferably 0.3-1.4 Newton meters, even more preferably 0.7-0.9 Newton meters) applied to the support head in a plane parallel to thehandle 12/13/14/15 will not cause angular adjustment of thesupport head 16 relative to the longitudinal axis of thehandle 12/13/14/15, although additional torque will, without causing a destruction of a portion of the device. - Hence, when the device is held by the
handle grip 12 as shown inFIG. 7 , and begins in theFIG. 1 position, pressing the forward end of a tine ormultiple tines 23 of thesupport head 16 against a vertical wall with sufficient force can cause the device to adjust to theFIG. 7 stable position. However, lighter force, such as would typically be applied during dusting, will not cause the angular position to be adjusted. - Thereafter, the angular position can be re-adjusted in a similar manner, depending on the object being cleaned. For example, the angle can be adjusted to that shown in
FIG. 8 to permit dusting of the top of atall furniture cabinet 60, or other items such as the top of ceiling fan blades (not shown). - Once dusting of an area has been completed, one can remove the replaceable dusting
sleeve 11 and replace it with another. In between uses the device can be compactly stored as thesupport head 16 can be rotated to theFIG. 3 position, and the handle parts can be telescoped together. For purposes of shipment the device can be shipped in a compact package in disassembled form, yet can be quickly assembled by a consumer without complex instructions. However, it is preferred that theshank 15,catch 20, andsupport head 16 be pre-assembled at the factory prior to shipment. -
FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment in which the telescoping handle parts are the same except for a modification to the forward end of theshank 15A as described below, and except for the use of two similar support heads 16A with a slightly different axel feature as described below. The support heads 16A do not haveintegral axels 26. Instead, when their wheels are aligned side to side inside the shunt mount, they each have a through hole where the axel would be. - In this embodiment the catch 20A (not shown) would have a wide
enough projection 31 so that a single projection can interfere with rotation of both support heads 16A. Alternatively, there could be two such catches mounted in the end of theshank 15A. In any event, the resilient catch or catches interfit with the wheels of the support heads 16A to provide similar resistive force permitting dusting without adjustment, yet allowing torque over a certain threshold to permit adjustment. - While a resilient catch/recess system, with the recesses on the support head and the catch on the shank are the preferred controlling system, the recesses could instead be positioned on the shank with the catch on the support head. Alternatively, fluidic or other threshold damping systems could be applied to achieve the desired function.
- Also, it is not necessary that the support head have a forked end, as distinguished from a single unitary mounting slab. Further, it is not necessary that the
catch 20 be a single piece. Various other types of resilient catching means can be provided which drives a blocker into a temporary interference with the lug recesses 29 (e.g. a spring under a catch member). It is, however, desirable that the force needed to remove the blocking member from the recess be such as to restrict support head rotation during normal dusting, yet permit support head rotation when adjustment is truly intended. - While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and otherwise disclosed herein, alternative embodiments are also intended to be within the scope of the claims. Thus, the invention is not to be judged solely by the preferred embodiments. Rather, the claims should be looked to in order to judge the full scope of the invention.
- The present invention provides a holder for a duster head or other cleaning implement, where the support head for the duster sleeve is angularly adjustable relative to a handle in a remote fashion.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/011,404 US20060123575A1 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2004-12-14 | Adjustable holder for cleaning implement |
US11/240,991 US7886396B2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2005-09-30 | Adjustable holder for cleaning implement having two support heads |
US11/384,953 US7802340B2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2006-03-20 | Extendable cleaning implement having two support heads |
US13/013,264 US20110114118A1 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2011-01-25 | Method of using an adjustable tool supporting a cleaning implement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/011,404 US20060123575A1 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2004-12-14 | Adjustable holder for cleaning implement |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/124,527 Continuation-In-Part US7891898B2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2005-05-06 | Cleaning pad for wet, damp or dry cleaning |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/240,991 Continuation-In-Part US7886396B2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2005-09-30 | Adjustable holder for cleaning implement having two support heads |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060123575A1 true US20060123575A1 (en) | 2006-06-15 |
Family
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US11/011,404 Abandoned US20060123575A1 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2004-12-14 | Adjustable holder for cleaning implement |
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Cited By (18)
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US20060171767A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2006-08-03 | Hoadley David A | Cleaning device with liquid reservoir and replaceable non-woven pad |
US20070180640A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2007-08-09 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Flexible Cleaning Tool With Replaceable Non-woven Pad and Cleaning Fluid Reservoir |
US7600287B1 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2009-10-13 | Camco Manufacturing, Inc. | Collapsible broom and dustpan |
CN102058356A (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2011-05-18 | 吴成芳 | Dust sweeping device |
US7958591B1 (en) | 2007-11-07 | 2011-06-14 | Rogers John L | Cleaning tool with telescoping shaft and manipulateable, interchangeable cleaning surfaces |
US20110174119A1 (en) * | 2011-03-31 | 2011-07-21 | Enclave Technologies | Low-Profile Tool Apparatus |
US20110226638A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2011-09-22 | Hoadley David A | Cleaning kit including duster and spray |
US20110247157A1 (en) * | 2010-04-08 | 2011-10-13 | Concept Microfibre | Bent stick for a floor cleaning mop, and a mop including the stick |
ITPD20120137A1 (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2013-11-05 | T T S S R L Tecno Trolley System | BASE FOR MOP EQUIPPED WITH ROTATION LIMITER |
US20140332029A1 (en) * | 2013-05-08 | 2014-11-13 | Amy Thompson | Cleaning Tool Device |
US9241560B1 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2016-01-26 | Camco Manufacturing, Inc. | Flow thru telescoping handle and method |
USD782765S1 (en) * | 2015-03-04 | 2017-03-28 | Nice-Pak Products, Inc. | Cleaning device |
JP2017136130A (en) * | 2016-02-01 | 2017-08-10 | エレコム株式会社 | Dust eliminator |
USD903211S1 (en) * | 2020-07-23 | 2020-11-24 | Hongtao Gao | Dog pooper scooper rod |
US10952587B2 (en) | 2010-04-16 | 2021-03-23 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Dusting devices |
USD924498S1 (en) * | 2021-03-03 | 2021-07-06 | Hongtao Gao | Pet litter scoop |
USD936304S1 (en) * | 2019-11-08 | 2021-11-16 | Yan Jiang | Pet poop spade |
USD936303S1 (en) * | 2019-11-08 | 2021-11-16 | Yan Jiang | Pet poop rake |
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US7600287B1 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2009-10-13 | Camco Manufacturing, Inc. | Collapsible broom and dustpan |
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US20070180640A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2007-08-09 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Flexible Cleaning Tool With Replaceable Non-woven Pad and Cleaning Fluid Reservoir |
US20060171767A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2006-08-03 | Hoadley David A | Cleaning device with liquid reservoir and replaceable non-woven pad |
US20110226638A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2011-09-22 | Hoadley David A | Cleaning kit including duster and spray |
US7958591B1 (en) | 2007-11-07 | 2011-06-14 | Rogers John L | Cleaning tool with telescoping shaft and manipulateable, interchangeable cleaning surfaces |
US20110247157A1 (en) * | 2010-04-08 | 2011-10-13 | Concept Microfibre | Bent stick for a floor cleaning mop, and a mop including the stick |
US10952587B2 (en) | 2010-04-16 | 2021-03-23 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Dusting devices |
CN102058356A (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2011-05-18 | 吴成芳 | Dust sweeping device |
US20110174119A1 (en) * | 2011-03-31 | 2011-07-21 | Enclave Technologies | Low-Profile Tool Apparatus |
ITPD20120137A1 (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2013-11-05 | T T S S R L Tecno Trolley System | BASE FOR MOP EQUIPPED WITH ROTATION LIMITER |
CN104363812A (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2015-02-18 | Tts手推车装置有限公司 | Mop base fitted with a hinged rotation limiter |
US20150128371A1 (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2015-05-14 | Renato Zorzo | Mop base fitted with a hinged rotation limiter |
RU2598144C2 (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2016-09-20 | Т.Т.С. С.Р.Л. | Mop base fitted with a hinged rotation limiter |
WO2013164800A1 (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2013-11-07 | T.T.S. S.R.L. | Mop base fitted with a hinged rotation limiter |
US20140332029A1 (en) * | 2013-05-08 | 2014-11-13 | Amy Thompson | Cleaning Tool Device |
US9682408B2 (en) * | 2013-05-08 | 2017-06-20 | Amy Thompson | Cleaning tool device |
US9241560B1 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2016-01-26 | Camco Manufacturing, Inc. | Flow thru telescoping handle and method |
USD782765S1 (en) * | 2015-03-04 | 2017-03-28 | Nice-Pak Products, Inc. | Cleaning device |
JP2017136130A (en) * | 2016-02-01 | 2017-08-10 | エレコム株式会社 | Dust eliminator |
USD936304S1 (en) * | 2019-11-08 | 2021-11-16 | Yan Jiang | Pet poop spade |
USD936303S1 (en) * | 2019-11-08 | 2021-11-16 | Yan Jiang | Pet poop rake |
USD903211S1 (en) * | 2020-07-23 | 2020-11-24 | Hongtao Gao | Dog pooper scooper rod |
USD924498S1 (en) * | 2021-03-03 | 2021-07-06 | Hongtao Gao | Pet litter scoop |
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