IL285123B2 - Floor wiper - Google Patents

Description

FLOOR WIPER TECHNICAL FIELD id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"

[001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a floor wiper, in particular to a floor wiper with protruding portions for assisting in cleaning.

BACKGROUND id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"

[002] A floor wiper, also sometimes referred to as a floor squeegee, is used cleaning floors and has a rubber blade that is attached to an end of a long handle.

The floor wiper can be used for removing and wiping away water from a floor and can be used for supporting a cloth that is laid against the rubber blade for scrubbing a floor.

SUMMARY id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"

[003] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"

[004] In an embodiment there is provided a floor wiper comprising a longitudinally extending handle and a lateral extending blade member that is located at a lower side of the handle, wherein the blade member comprises at least one upwardly projecting bulge member that forms a localized area along the blade member that bulges upwards above immediately neighboring portions of the blade member, wherein at least one of the bulge members has a longitudinal extension Y that projects upwards above immediately neighboring portions of the blade member and a lateral extension X. id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"

[005] Preferably, Y is substantially greater than X in order to form a bulge formation that substantially bulges upwardly in order better holds onto a cleaning cloth that is laid thereupon. Such shaped bulge formation better holds onto the cleaning cloth, e.g. while mopping a floor and moving the floor wiper in lateral directions back and forth. id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"

[006] Such one or more bulge members may be suited for providing upward extending cleaning edges, in particular when located at a lateral side of the blade member, for engaging upward surfaces in a dwelling, such as a side panel of a floor; and/or may be suited to secure a cleaning cloth that is placed on the wiper for cleaning surfaces, such as a floor of a dwelling. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"

[007] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"

[008] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which: id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"

[009] Figs. 1A to 1C schematically show floor wipers in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention; id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"

[010] Figs. 2A to 2C schematically show floor wiper in accordance with yet further embodiments of the present invention possibly combinable and/or generally identical to the former embodiments; id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"

[011] Figs. 3A to 3C schematically show possible protruding portions that may be implemented in the various floor wiper embodiments disclosed herein; and id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"

[012] Figs. 4 and 5 schematically show, respectively, a floor wiper in accordance with any one of the embodiments disclosed herein and same floor wiper when supporting a cleaning cloth that is laid thereupon. id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"

[013] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated within the figures to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"

[014] Attention is first drawn to Fig. 1A schematically illustrating an embodiment of a floor wiper 10 of the present invention that includes a blade member 12 that extends in a lateral direction (LAT) at a lower end of a handle 14 that extends in a generally longitudinal direction (LON). id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"

[015] The lateral direction (LAT) being generally orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (LON) as also indicated by the ‘dashed’ arrows in the left hand side of Fig. 1A. It is noted that these directional terms also apply to the other floor wiper embodiments disclosed herein. id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"

[016] Blade member 12 can include a lateral extending base portion 121 that is attached to the lower end of handle 14 and in this example can be arranged to support a rubber like material 122 along its lower side that is arranged to contact the floor during use of the floor wiper. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"

[017] Blade member 12 can be seen in this example including upwardly projecting bulge members 123 at its opposing lateral sides. The bulge members 123 are here located at opposing lateral sides of handle 14. In this example, each bulge member is formed from an upward projecting base portion segment and a rubber like segment (possibly continuous with rubber like material 122) that extends along an outer lateral side of the base portion segment. id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"

[018] Floor wiper 10 in the embodiment of Fig. 1B can be seen including a blade member 12 with bulge members 123 that project upwards from a more central location of the blade member, with each bulge member 123 being located at an opposing lateral side of the handle. In this example, the bulge members 123 are formed exclusively from an upward projecting base portion segment. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"

[019] Floor wiper 10 in the embodiment of Fig. 1C can be seen including a blade member 12 with a first bulge member 123 that project upwards from a more central location of the blade member and a second bulge member 123 that projects upwards from one of the lateral sides of the blade member. Each bulge member 123 is again seen in this example as being located at an opposing lateral side of the handle. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"

[020] The first bulge member 123 in this example is exclusively formed from an upward projecting base portion segment and the second bulge member in this example is formed from an upward projecting base portion segment and a rubber like segment (possibly continuous with rubber like material 122) that extends along an outer lateral side of the base portion segment. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"

[021] Bulge members in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention may be useful in assisting in cleaning certain regions in an area that is being cleaned and/or may assist in securing in place and supporting a cloth that may be laid against the blade member during use of the floor wiper (see Fig. 5). id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"

[022] Bulge members located at an outer lateral side of the blade member may be useful both in cleaning upwardly projecting surfaces, such as side panels that extend up from a floor, and in securing in place and supporting a cloth during use of the floor wiper (see again Fig. 5). id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"

[023] Bulge members located at more central regions of the blade member may be mainly useful in securing in place and supporting a cloth that may be laid against the blade member during use of the floor wiper. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"

[024] Attention is drawn to Figs. 2A to 2C showing additional floor wiper embodiments generally similar to those in Figs. 1A to 1C. As seen in the enlarged section of Fig. 2B, a bulge member 123 in accordance with at least certain embodiment of the present invention may be sized to have a substantially longer extension Y in the longitudinal direction than an extension X in the lateral direction. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"

[025] In tests performed by the inventor, a bulge member 123 sized in such a manner may be better suited to support in place a cloth that is laid thereupon during a cleaning action. id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"

[026] Possibly, such longitudinal extension of a bulge member may be defined by extensions Y and X satisfying a ratio of: Y ≥ 1.5 × X, and preferably Y ≥ 2 × X. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"

[027] Fig. 2C illustrates an option where a position and/or dimension of a bulge member may be adjustable, in this example, in the lateral (LAT) and/or longitudinal (LON) directions. id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"

[028] For example, one or more of the bulge members may be designed to be manually translated to move and slide in the lateral direction (T ) to position the LAT bulge member in a location e.g. more suitable for supporting a cleaning cloth in place and/or to a position that doesn’t interfere with a cleaning action (e.g. to allow the wiper to access narrow places e.gf. beneath a sofa or the like). id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"

[029] In addition or alternatively, a bulge member may be manually translated (T ) to be adjusted itself to be either higher or lower along the longitudinal LON direction. Such change in height of a bulge member may be facilitated in various ways, e.g. by arranging the bulge member to be threadingly engaged with the wiper so that when rotating the bulge member it either increases or decreases in height. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"

[030] Attention is drawn to Figs. 3A to 3C illustrating several bulge member embodiments. In Fig. 3A, the bulge member can be see being formed from relative elastic material, such as rubber or the like, so that it may substantially elastically bend e.g. when using the wiper in narrow areas, such as when cleaning beneath a sofa (or the like). The bulge member when engaging an obstacle may bend and not stop the wiping action being performed in such areas. 2022 ראוני 11 id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"

[031] In Fig. 3B, an option is shown where the bulge member 123 is formed from a part that is non integral to the base portion 121 and is attached to the base portion via a biasing member 17, such as a spring – so that the bulge member may be able to elastically bend relative to the base portion of the wiper. Bulge member 123 in this option may be formed from relative stiff material, such as plastic. id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"

[032] In Fig. 3C, an option is shown where the bulge member 123 is attached to the base portion 121 of the wiper via elastic material 19, such as rubber – so that it may be suited to substantially elastically bend relative to the wiper’s base portion.

Bulge member 123 in this option may be formed from relative stiff material, such as plastic. id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"

[033] Attention is drawn to Figs. 4 and 5 schematically illustrating a floor wiper with (Fig. 5) and without (Fig. 4) a cleaning cloth 15. As seen, the cloth is supported by the bulge members 123 that assist in keeping it in place. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"

[034] As seen in Fig. 4, each bulge member 123 bulges upwards above immediately neighboring portions of the blade member to a generally planar (and possibly slightly convex) generally smooth upper face 1231 that extends generally alongside the floor wiper. Preferably provision of such generally smooth upper face 1231 that is substantially devoid of any upwardly pointed portions that may penetrate into a cloth that is laid there upon, may assist in reducing damage to the cloth during use of the floor wiper. id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"

[035] In an aspect of the present invention, maintaining a cloth on the floor wiper during use of the floor wiper has been found to be assisted, inter alia, by interaction of the cloth with the upwardly projecting side faces 1232 of the bulge members that project straight up towards upper face 1231 preferably generally along extensions that are generally parallel to each other and to the handle 14 of the floor wiper. id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"

[036] As also seen in Fig. 4, the floor wiper has a generally equal distance D that it extends away from the handle in the lateral right and left hand side directions.

In addition, the bulges 123 to the right and left hand sides of the handle can be seen 2022 ראוני 11 2022 טסוגוא 9 being located at respective K and K distances from their respective centers to the R L handle (see bulge ‘centers’ being marked by the vertical ‘dotted’ lines). id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"

[037] In tests performed by the inventor it has been found that an improved grip of a cloth by the bulge members of the floor wiper has been obtained when the distances K , K and D preferably satisfy a ratio of: K or K ≥ 0.5 x D. Such R L R L distance of a bulge member from the handle has been found to apply a suitable moment force upon a cloth that assists in maintaining the cloth substantially in its place during use. id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"

[038] It is noted that the term "about" when used in the claims with respect to ratio expressions, should be construed to include also deviations from the expressed ratios of ± 10%. As a result, the ratio Y ≥ about 1.5 × X should be construed to also include Y ≥ 1.35 × X; the ratio Y ≥ about 2 × X should be construed to also include Y ≥ 1.8 × X; and the ratio K ≥ about 0.5 D should be construed to also include K ≥ 0.45 D. id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39"

[039] In certain embodiments touch fastener measures, such as Velcro material (or the like), may be included in the bulge members – to assist in securing the cloth attached to the bulge members during use. id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"

[040] The cloth may be made to mate with the touch fastener measures, e.g. by manually pressing it against the touch fastener measures, so that it is substantially maintained in place on the wiper during use and at the end of use may be pulled away from attachment to the touch fastener measures. id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41"

[041] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, "comprise" "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb. id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42"

[042] Further more, while the present application or technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and non- restrictive; the technology is thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed technology, from a study of the drawings, the technology, and the appended claims. id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43"

[043] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage. id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"

[044] The present technology is also understood to encompass the exact terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc., if in here such terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc. are referred to in connection with terms such as "about, ca., substantially, generally, at least" etc. In other words, "about 3" shall also comprise "3" or "substantially perpendicular" shall also comprise "perpendicular". Any reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting the scope. id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45"

[045] Although the present embodiments have been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims (18)

- 8 - CLAIMS:

1. A floor wiper suitable for supporting a cleaning cloth and comprising a longitudinally extending handle and a lateral extending blade member that is located at a lower side of the handle, 2022 ראוני 11 5 the blade member having a generally equal lateral distance D that it extends away from the handle in the lateral right and left hand side directions and the blade 2022 ראוני 11 member comprises at least one upwardly projecting bulge member that is located a lateral distance K from its center to the handle and forms a localized area along the blade member that bulges upwards above immediately neighboring portions of the 2022 ראוני 11 10 blade member to a generally planar or slight convex smooth upper face, wherein the at least one bulge member has a longitudinal extension Y that projects upwards above immediately neighboring portions of the blade member and a lateral 2022 ראוני 11 extension X along the smooth upper face, תירוקמ 9.ת 2022 'גוא 9 wherein Y is substantially greater than X and satisfies a ratio of: Y ≥ about 1.5 2022 'גוא 9 2022 ראוני 11 15 × X, and preferably Y ≥ about 2 × X, and wherein the distances K and D satisfy a 2022 'גוא 9 ratio of K ≥ about 0.5 D, and 2022 ינוי 8 wherein the at least one bulge member is configured to contact a cleaning cloth in a non-clamped manner. 20

2. The floor wiper of claim 1, wherein the at least one bulge member is a plurality of bulge members.

3. The floor wiper of claim 1 or 2 wherein the bulge member is integrally formed from a material that is comprised in the blade member. 25

4. The floor wiper of claim 3, wherein the blade member being formed from a base portion that is attached to the lower end of handle and from rubber like material that extends along a lower side of the base portion. - 9 -

5. The floor wiper of claim 4, wherein the bulge member being formed from the same material of the base portion.

6. The floor wiper of claim 5, wherein the bulge member being formed also from 5 the material of the rubber like material.

7. The floor wiper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the bulge members is located at a relative central region of the blade member, preferably at an opposing lateral side of the blade member relative to other bulge members of 10 the wiper.

8. The floor wiper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the bulge members is formed from relative elastic material, e.g. rubber, so that it can substantially elastically bend relative to the remainder of the blade member. 15

9. The floor wiper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the bulge members is attached to the remainder of the blade member via a biasing member, e.g. a spring member, so that it can be bendable relative to the remainder of the blade member. 20

10. The floor wiper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the bulge members is attached to the remainder of the blade member via relative elastic material, e.g. rubber, so that it can be bendable relative to the remainder of the blade member. 25

11. The floor wiper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the bulge members comprises touch fastener measures for assisting in securing cloth 2022 ינוי 8 material attached to the bulge member during use in the non-clamped manner. - 10 -

12. The floor wiper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lateral position of at least one of the bulge members is adjustable along the blade member by sliding the bulge member along the blade member and/or a height of at least one of the bulge members is adjustable relative to the blade member. 5

13. A method of cleaning comprising the steps of: providing a floor wiper having a longitudinally extending handle and a lateral 2022 ראוני 11 extending blade member that is located at a lower side of the handle, the blade member having a generally equal lateral distance D that it extends away from the 10 handle in the lateral right and left hand side directions and the blade member 2022 ראוני 11 comprises at least one upwardly projecting bulge member that is located a lateral distance K from its center to the handle and forms a localized area along the blade member that bulges upwards above immediately neighboring portions of the blade 2022 ראוני 11 member to a generally planar or slight convex smooth upper face, wherein the at 15 least one bulge member has a longitudinal extension Y that projects upwards above immediately neighboring portions of the blade member and a lateral extension X 2022 ראוני 11 along the generally planar and smooth upper face, wherein Y is substantially greater תירוקמ 16 .ת 2022 'גוא 9 than X and satisfies a ratio of: Y ≥ about 1.5 × X, and preferably Y ≥ about 2 × X, 2022 'גוא 9 2022 ראוני 11 and wherein the distances K and D satisfy a ratio of K ≥ about 0.5 D, and 20 placing a cleaning cloth from above upon the floor wiper so that the cleaning cloth also lies upon the at least one bulge member of the floor wiper in order to assist in supporting the cleaning cloth in place on the floor wiper during a cleaning 2022 ינויל 8 action in a non-clamped manner. 25

14. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one of the bulge members is formed from relative elastic material, e.g. rubber, so that it can substantially elastically bend relative to the remainder of the blade member. - 11 -

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the bulge members is attached to the remainder of the blade member via a biasing member, e.g. a spring member, so that it can be bendable relative to the remainder of the blade member. 5

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein at least one of the bulge members is attached to the remainder of the blade member via relative elastic material, e.g. rubber, so that it can be bendable relative to the remainder of the blade member. 10

17. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein at least one of the bulge members comprises touch fastener measures for assisting in securing cloth 2022 ינויל 8 material attached to the bulge member during use in the non-clamped manner.

18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein a lateral position of at least 15 one of the bulge members is adjustable along the blade member by sliding the bulge member along the blade member and/or a height of at least one of the bulge members is adjustable relative to the blade member.