WO2014015389A1

WO2014015389A1 - Improvements in pivoting and swivelling devices

Info

Publication number: WO2014015389A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000837
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Wilhelm ERKEN
Original assignee: Erken Jacob Wilhelm
Priority date: 2012-07-27
Filing date: 2013-07-29
Publication date: 2014-01-30

Abstract

A handle (10) for a cleaning implement has first axis (16) and a mounting portion (18) at one end with the mounting portion (18)adapted to receive a cleaning head (14) for rotation relative to the mounting portion (18) about a second axis (20) extending at an angle relative the first axis (16). The mounting portion (18) is located along the second axis (20) between the intersection (22) of the first and second axes and the cleaning head (14).

Description

Improvements in Pivoting and Swivelling Devices

This invention relates to devices for use in wiping, painting, sweeping, cleaning or similar purposes, of substantially flat surfaces such as floors, walls and windows. It has particular advantages in relation to window squeegees and floor squeegees but is not limited to such devices. The general

applicability of devices comprising the present invention will be readily apparent to a skilled addressee.

Background

Squeegees, brooms, sweepers and the like have been used to clean and sweep floors and windows for over fifty years with various ways to change the angle of the cleaning head using pivots and hinges. In pivoting squeegees the central disc that holds the squeegee head or channel is controlled by the twisting or movement of the handle which is located on the underside of this disc.

Turning the handle applies force to opposite side of the disc to the direction of the squeegee blade therefore not applying sufficient pressure to the squeegee channel.

In order to efficiently clean a large surface area, such as a window or floor, it is advantageous to be able to clean in an "S" type side to side sweeping action. This is of particular advantage when removing water from the surface by using a squeegee as it allows the surface area to be covered quickly and without leaving behind any water or corresponding streaks. In an effort to obtain this sort of motion, there are known cleaning devices, including squeegees, which have a swivel built into the handle so that the head is free to pivot relative to the handle, there is little or no control of the orientation of the squeegee head which tends to revolve freely making the device practically useless. There are also pivoting squeegees that are pulled from an angled head but these tend to leave behind streaks due to the pulling action instead of a pushing action. Brooms and the like also have included a swivel joint allowing the broom to clean at different angles but the control of the cleaning head or brush is limited.

In all previous attempts to control the squeegee or cleaning head with pivoting and swivel technologies the turning momentum was impeded by the friction of the disc or lack of control with the right or left angled swivels. Operators needed skill to control the pivot range of almost one hundred and eighty degrees. Additionally it was not possible to push the cleaning head such as a broom due to the position of the pivot being positioned underneath the cleaning head.

Disclosure of the Invention

In all previous art the handle, joined at the pivot point, is positioned underneath the semi-circular disc or there is a swivel joint in the handle. The current invention positions the handle with pivot on top applying pressure on a small circular disc attached to the cleaning head or holding disc. The pressure applied is from the twisting of the squeegee handle and it is in the direction of the movement of the squeegee channel. The pivot point is now at a higher plane in relation to the squeegee channel in order to exert more pressure to the squeegee channel. A pivot control range is also introduced to give the user an advantage of different sized range angles. Beginners and non-professional cleaners can now learn to master the pivot action from narrow to wider ranges. The pivot now is free to travel within defined and relocatable stops within a given range. Pivot control is essential for applications such as long narrow windows or the sweeping of leaves from the gutter where a smaller range of pivot control is needed.

In one broad form the invention provides a cleaning implement comprising: a handle having a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; a cleaning head mounted on one side of the mounting portion about a second axis; said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis; a part of the mounting portion through which the second axis passes being located between the intersection of the first and second axes and the cleaning head.

The mounting portion may have a first contact surface that engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head with the first contact surface nearer the intersection than the second surface

In another broad form the invention provides a cleaning implement

comprising: a handle having a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; a cleaning head mounted on one side of the mounting portion for rotation about a second axis; said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis, wherein the mounting portion has a first contact surface that engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head and with the first contact surface nearer the intersection than the second contact surface along the second axis. In another broad form the invention provides a cleaning implement

comprising: a handle having a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; a cleaning head mounted on one side of the mounting portion for rotation about a second axis, said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis, wherein the mounting portion has a first contact surface that engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head and a force directed along the second axis from the intersection point toward the first contact surface causes application of a compressive force from the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

In another broad form the invention provides a handle for a cleaning implement having: a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; the mounting portion adapted to receive a cleaning head or a cleaning head mounting for a cleaning head for rotation relative to the mounting portion about a second said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis; wherein at least one of the following applies:

(a) the mounting portion being located along the second axis between the intersection of the first and second axes and the cleaning head or a cleaning head mounting;

(b) the mounting portion having a first contact surface that, in use, engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head or cleaning head mounting, the first contact surface is nearer the intersection than the second surface along the second axis; or

(c) the mounting portion having a first contact surface that, in use, engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head or cleaning head mounting, and a force directed along the second axis from the intersection toward the first contact surface causes application of a compressive force from the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

In another broad form the invention provides an adaptor for a handle for a cleaning implement, the handle having: a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; the mounting portion adapted to receive a cleaning head or a cleaning head mounting for a cleaning head for rotation relative to the mounting portion about a second axis; said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis; the mounting portion having an upper portion having a first contact surface that engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head or cleaning head mounting with the second contact surface nearer the intersection than the first surface along the second axis, wherein, the adaptor is configured to be mounted on the mounting portion and present a third contact surface against which a fourth engagement surface connected to or part of the cleaning head may bear and rotate about a third axis extending at an angle relative the first axis, with the third contact surface nearer the intersection than the fourth surface along the third axis. The second and third axes are preferably coincident.

The third axis preferably intersects the first axis at an angle of about 37 degrees.

In a preferred form the second axis intersects the first axis beyond the one end. In another form the second axis intersects the axis the first axis between ends of the handle. The angle defined by the first and second axes facing both the handle and the cleaning head is preferably an acute angle.

One of the mounting portion and the cleaning head may include means to limit rotation of the cleaning head about the second axis. One of the mounting portion and the cleaning head may include at least one stop pin mounting adapted to receive a stop pin that extends into the path of the other of the mounting portion and the cleaning head so as to limit rotation of the cleaning head about the second axis.

The second axis preferably intersects the first axis at an angle of about 37 degrees.

In another broad form the invention provides a handle with a raised

controlling collar positioned on top of a pivoting disk of a cleaning head, such as a squeegee, broom, liquid applying or the like.

The arrangement means that in use the mounting portion pushes on the cleaning head rather than pulls on the head as the head is drawn across a surface to be cleaned.

In a preferred form of the invention there is a relatively small contact area between the mounting portion and the cleaning head. The advantage of this being that the pivot point at which the cleaning head turns is the only point of contact providing superior manoeuvrability and accuracy with lower friction compared to positioning the handle under the semi-circular disk. The added strength in applications such as brooms and brushes by placing the controlling collet or disc in front of or on top of the cleaning head allows the user to exert more pressure on the cleaning tool thus providing more strength.

In a preferred implementation the cleaning head is constrained to travel within defined and relocatable stops within a given range. Good pivot control is preferred for applications such as long narrow windows or the sweeping of leaves from the gutter where a smaller range of pivot control is needed and providing relocatable stops assists in control of the cleaning head.

In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a squeegee, brush, mop, vacuum head or similar article to be used on a substantially planar surface, said device having a handle pivotally connected to a head for holding a cleaning, rubbing or scaping component about a pivot, said pivot being located and orientated so as to allow ready control of the orientation of the head of the article during use. This pivot is preferably mounted forward or in front of the squeegee channel or the like and more preferably has defined ranges of operation due to the locking pins.

A cylindrical collet, collar or disc may be attached to the handle or may be incorporated into the handle. This collar is attached to the cleaning head in order to give a controlled pivoting movement when cleaning, brushing painting or the like. Means of limiting or expanding the pivot range is desirable for various applications or to suit the skill level of the operator.

In another embodiment, the handle is adapted to receive a handle extension attachable to the handle in a torque transmitting arrangement. (In the specification and claims, the term 'handle' means a handle or handle attachment which can receive a handle extension. )

Brief description of the drawings

By way of example only, an embodiment of the invention in the form of a squeegee device will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is the front view with squeegee embodiment;

Figure 3 is a front view of the device of Figure 1 including a collet;

Figure 4 is a cross section of the conventional handle for use with the collet of figures 3, 6 and 7; Figure 5 is an underside view of the conventional handle of figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the collet of figure 3;

Figure 7 is a side view of the collet of figure 3;

Figure 8 is a view of a handle head assembly with limiting pins

Figure 9 is a view of a handle with collet and limiting pivot pins fixed onto a broom head.

Figure 10 is a view of a handle with collet and an adaptor for a cleaning head having its own handle.

Detailed Description of Preferred and other Embodiments

Referring to figures 1 to 4 there is shown a squeegee assembly 10 comprising a handle 12 and a squeegee head 14. The handle has an elongate axis 16 and a mounting portion 18. The squeegee head 14 is mounted on the mounting portion 18 about axis 20. The squeegee head 14 is mounted "underneath" the mounting portion 18. This is in contrast to prior art device in which the squeegee head 14 is mounted "above" the mounting portion 18. The second axis 20 intersects the first axis 16 at an angle and in this embodiment the intersection point 22 is at an extension of the first axis. The squeegee head 14 engages the mounting portion 18 at contact surfaces 24 and 26 respectively.

The contact surface 26 of mounting portion 18 is nearer the intersection 22 than contact surface 24 of squeegee head 14 when viewed along axis 20.

In use, when the squeegee head 14 is drawn across surface 30 in direction of arrow 32, the effect of this arrangement is that the squeegee head 14 is pushed by the mounting portion 18. In contrast, in prior art devices with the contact surface 24 of squeegee head 14 between the intersection point 22 and the contact surface 26 of mounting portion 18 such movement results in the squeegee head 14 being pulled by the mounting portion 18, via the pivot bolt.

Figures 2 and 8 show the device of figure 1 and it can be seen that the squeegee head 14 is provided with a series of apertures 40 in which one may mount stop pins 42. These stop pins 42 extend into the path of the mounting portion 18 and so limit the range pivoting of the squeegee head 14 relative to the mounting portion 18. It will be appreciated that the apertures 40 may be located on the mounting 18 with stop pin(s) extending into the path of a protrusion on the cleaning head 14.

Figure 3 shows a spacer or collet 50 for use with an existing handle, such as that shown in figures 4 and 5. This spacer 50 is located between the handle 12 and the squeegee head 14 to provide clearance underneath the handle. It will be appreciated that the spacer 50 may be formed integrally with the handle so as to allow a handle to be used with both top mounting and bottom mounting of cleaning heads.

As seen in figures 4 to 7 a handle for mounting a cleaning head on top of the mounting portion 18 has a planar upper engagement surface 100. The underneath 102 usually is non-planar and may have strengthening ribs 104.

The collet 50 (figures 6 & 7) has recess(es) 106 to receive the ribs 104 and has a planar lower engagement surface 108 to allow mounting of a cleaning head below the mounting portion, with the planar engagement surface of the a cleaning head against the lower engagement surface 108 of the collet 50. Whilst the collet is designed to fit on the lower side of the mounting portion 18 and utilise the mounting hole in the mounting portion 18, if desired the collet may be provided with a mounting hole for the cleaning head separate from that of the mounting portion 18. Figure 8 shows an alternate device in which there is a broom head 60 rather than a squeegee head. The broom head 60 has two arms 62 each with a series of apertures 64. These apertures correspond to the apertures 40 of the first embodiment and are adapted to receive pins 66 to limit rotation.

Figure 9 shows an adaptor 120 to allow a cleaning implement (not shown) with a rod like handle to be attached to a handle or handle 12 and collet 50 combination according to the invention. The adaptor is formed so that two halves 122 may be joined together so as to define an opening 124 to receive the rod like handle. Bolt 126 allows the two halves 122 to be tightened on the rod like handle. The adaptor 120 has an upper engagement surface 128 that rotatable engages lower engagement surface 108 of collet 50. A bolt 130 retains adaptor 120 on collet 50 and handle 12 whilst allowing rotation about its axis. It will be appreciated that the design of the adaptor 120 may be modified to accept handles that are not circular in cross section or even elongate. Similar to rear and front wheel drive cars there is a significant difference in handling qualities of the cleaning device by positioning the handle above or on top of the controlling disk.

The downward pressure exerted by the handle from above the controlling disk through the central pivot point creates a superior gliding movement when the cleaning head turns and changes direction.

Window applicators with this technology are able to pivot and this gives the operator better control of direction and more strength is gained in the joint of the tool. In addition, placing the handle "above" the cleaning head spaces the handle away from the surface being cleaned. Windows are commonly recessed somewhat relative to the window frame and so the window frame can impact on use of the cleaning head. This is particularly so when cleaning high windows from the ground, as the handle is at a shallow angle to the window surface. Accordingly the handle can catch on the window frame near the edges. By placing the mounting above the cleaning head the handle is spaced further away from the window compared to conventional handles which are mounted below the cleaning head. The invention is applicable to cleaning heads other than squeegees. In addition to ordinary brushes, as shown in figure 9, the invention may be used with swimming pool brushes and the like.

A device is attachable to non pivoting brushes and the like in order to give the cleaning head a controlled pivoting action. Controlling pins are pressed to engage a narrower or wider pivot action.

The weight bias of the handle rotates around the pivot point more readily than if the handle is positioned underneath the controlling disk.

Wider and narrower pivoting ranges are provided by relocatable stop pins. These limiting pins are moved into different holes to control the amount of pivot the squeegee blade turns

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and any claims the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

The features of the invention described or mentioned in this document may be combined in any combination of features where features are not mutually exclusive.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A cleaning implement comprising: a handle having a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; a cleaning head mounted on one side of the mounting portion for rotation about a second axis; said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis; the mounting portion being located along the second axis between the intersection of the first and second axes and the part of the cleaning head engaging the mounting portion.

2. The cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the mounting portion has a first contact surface that engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head with the first contact surface nearer the intersection than the second surface along the second axis.

3. A cleaning implement comprising: a handle having a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; a cleaning head mounted on one side of the mounting portion for rotation about a second axis; said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis, wherein the mounting portion has a first contact surface that engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head and with the first contact surface nearer the intersection than the second contact surface along the second axis.

4. A cleaning implement comprising: a handle having a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; a cleaning head mounted on one side of the mounting portion for rotation about a second axis, said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis, wherein the mounting portion has a first contact surface that engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head and a force directed along the second axis from the intersection point toward the first contact surface causes application of a compressive force from the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

5. The cleaning implement of any one of the previous claims wherein the second axis intersects the first axis beyond the one end.

6. The cleaning implement of any one of the previous claims wherein the second axis intersects the axis the first axis between ends of the handle.

7. The cleaning implement of any one of the previous claims wherein the angle defined by the first and second axes facing both the handle and the cleaning head is an acute angle.

8. The cleaning implement of any one of the previous claims wherein one of the mounting portion and the cleaning head includes means to limit rotation of the cleaning head about the second axis.

9. The cleaning implement of any one of the previous claims wherein one of the mounting portion and the cleaning head includes at least one stop pin mounting adapted to receive a stop pin that extends into the path of the other of the mounting portion and the cleaning head so as to limit rotation of the cleaning head about the second axis.

10. The cleaning implement of any one of the previous claims wherein the second axis intersects the first axis at an angle of about 37 degrees.

1 1 . A handle for a cleaning implement having: a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; the mounting portion adapted to receive a cleaning head or a cleaning head mounting for a cleaning head for rotation relative to the mounting portion about a second axis; said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis; wherein at least one of the following applies:

(d) the mounting portion being located along the second axis between the intersection of the first and second axes and the cleaning head or a cleaning head mounting;

(e) the mounting portion having a first contact surface that, in use, engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head or cleaning head mounting, the first contact surface is nearer the intersection than the second surface along the second axis; or

(f) the mounting portion having a first contact surface that, in use, engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head or cleaning head mounting, and a force directed along the second axis from the intersection toward the first contact surface causes application of a compressive force from the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

12. The handle of claim 1 1 wherein the second axis intersects the first axis beyond the one end.

13. The handle of any one of claims 1 1 to 12 wherein the second axis intersects the axis the first axis between ends of the handle.

14. The handle of any one of claims 1 1 to 13 wherein the angle defined by the first and second axes facing both the handle and the cleaning head is an acute angle.

15. The handle of any one of claims 1 1 to 14 wherein the mounting portion includes means to limit rotation of the cleaning head about the second axis.

16. The handle of any one of claims 1 1 to 15 wherein the mounting portion includes at least one stop pin mounting adapted to receive a stop pin that extends into the path of the cleaning head so as to limit rotation of the cleaning head about the second axis.

17. The handle of any one of claims 1 1 to 16 wherein the second axis intersects the first axis at an angle of about 37 degrees.

18. An adaptor for a handle for a cleaning implement, the handle having: a first axis and a mounting portion at one end; the mounting portion adapted to receive a cleaning head or a cleaning head mounting for a cleaning head for rotation relative to the mounting portion about a second axis; said second axis extending at an angle relative the first axis; the mounting portion having an upper portion having a first contact surface that engages a second contact surface on the cleaning head or cleaning head mounting with the second contact surface nearer the intersection than the first surface along the second axis, wherein, the adaptor is configured to be mounted on the mounting portion and present a third contact surface against which a fourth engagement surface connected to or part of the cleaning head may bear and rotate about a third axis extending at an angle relative the first axis, with the third contact surface nearer the intersection than the fourth surface along the third axis.

19 The adaptor of claim 18 wherein the second and third axes are coincident.

20. The adaptor of any one of claims 18 to 19 wherein the third axis intersects the first axis at an angle of about 37 degrees.

21 . A handle with raised controlling collar positioned on top of the pivoting disk of a cleaning head, such as a squeegee, broom, liquid applying or the like.