US2936469A

US2936469A - Device for cleaning windows

Info

Publication number: US2936469A
Application number: US595263A
Authority: US
Inventors: Howard A Eklind
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-07-02
Filing date: 1956-07-02
Publication date: 1960-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 1977-05-17

Description

May 17, 1960 H. A. EKLIND DEVICE FOR cLEANxNG wINDows Filed July 2, 1956 IN1/wrox:- HOWARD A. EKLIND ATTORNEYS DEVICE FOR CLEANING WINDOWS Howard A. Eklind, Chicago, Ill.

Application July 2, 1956, Serial No. 595,263

Claims. (Cl. 15-121) Phe present invention relates in general to cleaning devices, and has more particular reference to a `window washing instrument of a sort especially well adapted for washing and drying the outer surfaces of double-hung sash windows from the interior of the structure containing the same.

In cleaning double-hung sash windows, it is extremely di'icult, if not impossible, by conventional procedures, to washthe outer surfaces of the windows except by starting or sitting on the window sill outwardly of the Window. Heretofore, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Letters Patents Nos. 2,537,482, 2,572,112 and 2,649,600, which issued respectively to Charles Reilly, on January 9, `1951; to Jerome T. Coppe, on October 23, 1951, and to Pratt R. Loveland, on August 25, 1953, devices have been proposed for aiding in the cleaning of double-hung sash windows, but such devices have been cumbersome and relatively hard to manipulate.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a simple, handy device for cleaning all window surfaces While standing, 4or otherwise disposed, at the inner side of the window structure; a further object being to provide a device of the character mentioned adapted for manipulation entirely from the inner side of the window structure being cleaned, to wash and dry all of the window surfaces of the structure.

Another important object is to provide an instrument formed with a washing sponge at one end and a wiping squeegee device at the other; said instrument being of ,exceedingly thin configuration, whereby the sponge and squeegee may alternately be inserted between double- ;hung window sashes to permit `application thereof to .sash window surfaces for the Washing and drying of `the same; a further object -being to mount the `sponge andsqueegee components at the opposite ends ofa sup- -p ort frame, comprising resilient metal wires, so that the frame may be readily applied and manipulated `between the components of a `double-ring sash window structure.

Another important object is to provide a relatively thin frame structure carrying `a flat window washing `sponge component `at one .end and a` window drying `squeegee component at the other, wherein the frame is separable medially `of said i sponge `and squeegee components to proyide ,a squeegee `carrying frame portion and a -sponge .Carrying frame portion, said portions being provided with cooperating latch means to hold the same firmly, yet detachably in fend to ,end `abutting relationship; a `further ,object `being 4to provide an improved `latch structure lying entirely within the confines of the thin frame structure, whereby ,the latch means may slide freely -between the sash components of a `doubledhung window structure.

,Briefly stated, vthe invention, ,in accordance with a preferred aspect, contemplates .the provision of a .win- ,dow `eleaning implement comprising separable :frame .portonsadapted to `be detachably latchedfin end -to end abutting -relationship to form a relatively thin, elongated frame structure embodying spaced apart wire-like rods of rel- Unite States Patent v ice atively stil, springy material, the frame, including the means for latching the portions thereof together, being sized for facile insertion between the sash of a doublehung window structure, and having a preferably rectangular window washing sponge mounted at one end of said frame, the frame, at its sponge remote end, carrying a window wiping squeegee, said sponge and squeegee being secured upon preferably metal mounting plates integrally united and secured, as by welding, to the frame forming rods, at the opposite ends yof the frame, to thereby secure said rods in spaced apart frame forming position.

The `foregoing and numerous other important objects, and advantages and inherent functions of the invention will become apparent as the same is more fully understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to lthe drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a Window washing device embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing, in perspective, the components of a portion of the window washing device;

Figs. 3 and 4 are sectional views taken substantially along the lines 3-3 and 4--4 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a plane view showing a modified construction of a portion of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 6 and 7 are sectional views taken substantially along the lines 6-6 and 7--7 in Fig. 5; and

Fig 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the device.

To illustrative the invention, the drawings show a Window cleaning instrument 11 comprising an elongated frame 12 carrying a sponge 13 and a window drying squeege 14 4at opposite ends of the frame.

The frame 12 is of unusually thin character, and hence adapted for insertion between the relatively slidable sashes of a double-hung window structure, when the sashes are in relatively overlapping position, as when one or both are in partly or fully open position. To this end, the frame 12 preferably comprises metal rods or bars 15 disposed in spaced apart, preferably parallel relationship. The -rods or bars 15 may conveniently comprise resilient steel wire stock having diameter ofthe order of three-sxteenths of an inch. The frame 12 also may comprise a plurality of separable sections detachably secured together in end to end relationship, the device shown embodying a pair of separable frame sections 16 and 1 6 `formed with readily operable latch means 17 V,for detachably securing the

sections

16 and 16 in abutting end to end relationship, to thereby suppoitthe sponge 13 and squeegee 14 at the opposite ends of the ,frame- The sponge and squeegee are also of relatively thin coniiguration, adapted for insertion between the sashes of va `double-hung window structure when in partially overlapped relationship, whereby the sponge and the squeegee `may be successively applied between overlapped sashes for the purpose of washing and drying the outwardly facing window surfaces of the inner sash. By providingA a separable frame 12, the sponge and squeegee may be manipulated and employed as separate elements, if desired.

Where relatively small windows are to be Washed, the sponge carrying frame portion may rst be inserted between the sashes, after which the squeegee carrying frame porti-on may be attached to the sponge remote end of the sponge carrying frame portion, in order to provide an extended ,handle `for manipulating the sponge in position between the overlapped sashes. Conversely, the squeegee carrying` frame .portion may be applied between a pair of sash window components, after which the sponge carrying frame component may be attached to the squeegee remote end of the squeegee carrying frame component, in order to serve as a manipulating handle therefor. n As shown, both the sponge and squeegee carrying frame components orsections 16 andr16 may comprise a length fOf wire stock bent medially, as at 1S, to form the parallel, vspaced apart rod portions 15. The sponge 13 and squeegee 14 may be supported upon preferably

metal mounting plates

19 and 19 respectively welded or otherwise lirmly secured to the

frame sections

16 and 16 at the medial bent portions 18 thereof. It will be obvious, of course, that the frame sections 16 and 16' may each com prise a pair of separate rod elements secured in parallel spaced relation upon the mounting plates 19 and 19', although, as a manufacturing convenience, it is ,expedient to medially bend a single piece of wire, as at 18, to form the parallel frame portions 15 and to weld the frame component, with its associated mounting plate 19 or 19', at and adjacent its medial bent portion 18. l The washing component 13 preferably comprises a pad of sponge rubber or the like, having rectangular configuration, whereby the corners of the pad may extend in corresponding corners of a window to be washed. The sponge may be cemented or otherwise securely fastened upon the mounting plate 19, which has a generally rectangular mounting portion 2@ which preferably is of somewhat smaller area than the sponge 13. The marginal edges of the sponge, as a consequence, may extendv beyond the lmarginal edges of the plate portion 20. The sponge mounting plate 19 may also include a frame engaging extension 21 projecting laterally of the sponge mounting portion 20, the frame section 16 being weldingly secured to the plate portion 21.

The window wiping member 14 preferably comprises a squeegee which may consist ofa strip of resilient rubbery material 22 having a flexible wiping edge 23, along one side thereof, a medial shoulder 24 extending longitudinally of the strip and facing toward the wiping edge, and a mounting edge 25 of rounded configuration along the side of the strip remote from the wiping edge 23. In order to stiffen the squeegee strip 22 along its mounting edge 25, the same may be held in a bent sheet metal channel 26 having a web 27 underlying the bottom side of the 1 strip adjacent the edge 25, and an integrally connected web 2S overlying and enclosing the strip between the edge 25 and the shoulder 24, the marginal edge of the web 28 being formed with an inturned lip 29 for locking engagement with the shoulder 24.

The squeegee mounting plate 19 has a portion 30 to which the section 16 is weldingly secured, an offset ange 31 weldingly or otherwise secured to the medial portions of the squeegee support channel 26, and an intermediate strengthening groove 32 formed transversely of the mounting plate 19' between the mounting portion 30 and the squeegee supporting flange 31.

While the frame forming bars 15 may extend uninterruptedly between the sponge and squeegee mounting plates 19 and 19', the same, in the illustrated embodiment, are intersected, medially of the mounting plates, to form the separate frame sections 16 and 16', the latch means 17 serving to detachably interconnect the frame sections with the rod portions 15 thereof in abutting end to end relationship.

The latching means 17, as shown more particularly in Figs. 4-7 of the drawings, preferably comprises a pair of 4cooperating

sheet metal strips

33 and 34 respectively extending between and having the opposite end portions thereof wrapped around and solderingly or weldingly secured to the plate remote ends of the bars 15 of the frame sections 16 and 16', the strip 23 being thus secured on one frame section, while the strip 34 is secured upon the other.v One of the strips may be formed with a depressible latching member adapted to latchingly engage a detent formed in the other strip when the

frame sections

16 and 16 are brought into alined latching abutment.

To `aid in so bringing the frame sections into latching alinement, one of the latch forming strips may be mounted on its carrying frame section behind or inwardly of the terminal ends 35 of the frame forming rods 15 thereof, whereby said rod ends may extend outwardly of or beyond the latch forming strip. The other of said latch forming strips may be mounted on its carrying frame section in position extending outwardly of or beyond the ends of the frame forming bars 15 thereof, in order that the opposite curled edges of the strip may form tubular pockets outwardly of and in alinement with the frame forming bars 15 of said section, said pockets being disposed in position to slidingly receive the projecting ends 35 of the frame forming bars of the other frame section.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 4-7, the strip 33 is mounted on the rods 15 of the frame section 16 in position inwardly of the terminal ends 35 of said rods, whereby to form said terminal ends as guide prongs extending outwardly of or beyond the strip 33, the opposite end edges 33' of the strip 33 being curlingly wrapped about and solderingly or weldingly secured to the frame forming rods 15 of the frame section 16. The strip 34, however, has its opposite edge portions 34 curved to generally cylindrical pocket forming configuration, the ends of the frame forming rods 15 of the frame section 16 being received and solderingly or weldingly secured in the end portions only of the pockets formed by said cylindrcally curled edge portions 34. The remaining portions of said pockets are adapted to guidingly receive the prongs 35 formed by the projecting ends of the rods 15 of the other frame section, when the said frame sections are brought together in end to end abutting relationship. The curled edge portions 34 of the strip 34 thus serve to interconnect and support the frame sections in end abutting relationship.

In order to latchingly secure the frame sections together in end abutting relationship, the latching means 17, as shown more particularly in Fig. 4, may comprise a latching detent 36 formed on one of the frame sections in position to latchingly engage with a latch shiftably supported -on the other frame section, said detent 36 preferably comprising an offset edge formed at one side of an opening 38 formed in the strip 34 preferably medially of the curved end edge portions thereof.

`The latch 37, as shown in Fig. 4, may comprise an outwardly struck portion formed in a tongue 39, which may comprise an integral extension of the strip 33 which projects therefrom medially between the projecting ends 35 of the frame forming rods. The tongue 39 resiliently supports the latch 37 in position to engage the detent 36 when the frame sections are brought together in end abutting latching relationship, the latch carrying end of the tongue 39 extending in the opening 38 when the parts are in relatively latched position. By pressing upon said latch carrying end of the tongue, in said opening, thc latch 37 may be released from its engagement with the detent 36, thereby permitting the frame sections to be separated.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the latch detent may comprise alined and mutually facing notches 36 formed in the projecting ends 35 of the frame forming rods of the frame section 16. The latch may comprise projecting portions 37 of a tongue 39' formed on the strip 34 preferably medially thereof, as by striking the tongue 39 from the medial portions of the strip 34 while leaving the same resiliently connected with the strip, as at the end of the tongue 40 remote fromthe latching projections 37'. The latching projections 37', accordingly, may be supported in position to latchingly engage in the detent forming notches 36' when the frame sections 16 and 16' are `brought together in end abutting relationship; and the projectingends 35 of the frame forming rods may be formed with cam surfaces 41, in position to guidingly engage the latching projections 37' in order to steer the sameV into the detent forming notches 36' as the frame sections are brought into .abuttingrelationship By pressing upon the A'tongue 39adjacentand between the latching projections 37', the same may be released fromthe notches 36 `in order to permit the frame sections16 and 16' `to be separated.

It` will be seen from the foregoing that the latching structures17 are contained within the zone vdefined by the spaced frame forming rods 15 and donot project outwardly of said zone, but are housed entirely within such zone. The frame latching means of the present invention, acrordingly, will not in any way interfere with the insertion of the frame and the movement thereof between `the window sashes of a double-hung window structure. The latches, however, are designed toautomatically accomplish the latchingfunction in response to arrangement of the

frame sections

16 and 16 in end abutting relationship, thereby facilitating the assembly of `the frame sections inlatched condition. The latches may also `be `released `quickly and easily in response to but vslight pressure applied upon the same.

In order to eliminate shoulders where the strips 33 and 34are attached on the rods 15, the rods may be formed Awith ends of reduced size to provide seats 45 for receiving Aand thereby allow the rods 15 and latches to slide freely `over and between window sashes.

As shown more particularly in Fig. 8, the rods 15 may Vbe .formed with strip receiving seats 45' only on the opposite sides of the rods to provide for the .flush mounting of the strips on the rods at the opposite sides thereof only, since it is necessary to .eliminate sash engaging shoulders on .the frame `12 only at the portions thereof which are likely to engage window sashes when inserted therebetween. Asa `manufacturing expedient, it is, of courseyeasier and less-expensive to provide seats 45 on 'the' opposite sides `only 'of the ends of the rods 15, as shown in Fig. 8, than it is to provide complete circumferential -seats 45 of the sort shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

While -the drawings show Aa window cleaning device 'comprising a pair of sections adapted to be detachably securedtogether forwuse .or to be used independently as fdictated by convenience, itis .within the contemplation ofthe ipresent invention `.1o. `provide one or more additional frame sections formed for detachable latching engagement with and between the frame sections 16 and 16' in order that the length of the frame may be correspondingly increased to permit the device to be employed in cleaning outsize window sashes.

It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendant advantages will be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it is obvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages, the forms herein disclosed being preferred embodiments for the purpose of illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows.

l. A cleaning device comprising cooperating elongated frame sections of relatively wide and thin sectional character adapted for unhampered movement between the sash components of double-hung windows, and latch means for releasably securing said sections in end-to-end abutting relationship to form an elongated frame, said latch means extending within the width and depth of said sections in position guarded against snagging upon window sash components when the device is in use therebetween, so that a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latch remote ends of said cooperating frame sections may be supported respectively at the opposite ends of said elongated frame in position selectively to be applied in window washing position between double-hung window sash components, when said sections are latchingly interconnected.

T6 2. Acleaning device comprising spacedv apart rods of resilient material forminglcooperating frame sections of relatively thin :sectional `character adapted for unhampered movement between the sash components of double- .hung windows, andlatchzrneans for releasably securing said sections in end-to-end abutting relationship to form an elongated frame, said latch means extending entirely within the zone defined between the spaced rods of said sections in` position guarded against snagging upon window sash components when the device is in use therebetween, so that` a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively `mounted at the latch remote ends of said cooperating frame sections may be supported respectively at the `opposite endsrof said elongated frame in position selectively to beappliedin window washing position between doublehung window `sash components, when said sections are latchingly interconnected.

`El. A cleaningdevice comprising spaced apart `rods of resilient material, forming cooperating frame sections'of relatively `thinisectional character adapted for unhampered movement between the sash components of doublehung windows, and latch means for releasably securing said sections inend-to-end abutting relationship to form an elongated frame, the spaced rods of one of said frame sections being formed with inwardly facing notches dening latching detents, the other of said frame sections carrying `a depressible latch member in position to extend between said notched rods and to engage said latching detents, said latch` means extending entirely within the zone Idefined between thespaced rods of said sections in position` guarded against snagging upon window sash components `when the device is in use` therebetween, so that a washing sponge'andwiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latch remote ends' of said cooperating frame sections may be supported respectively at the opposite ends of said elongated frame in position selectively to be applied in window washingposition between doublehung window sash components, when said sections are latchingly interconnected.

4. A cleaning .device comprising elongated frame sections each embodying a 'pair of equally spaced rods, and latch `means for releasably securing said sections with the rods thereof iniend `to end abutting relationship, a washing. sponge andwiping squeegee respectively mounted `at `the.latchfremoteends of `said frame sections, s'aid `latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured to the spaced rods of its corresponding section, whereby to support the same in spaced relationship, one of said frame sections being formed with a latching detent and the other carrying a yieldingly depressible latch in position to engage said detent when the sections are in end to end abutting relationship.

5. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sections each embodying a pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasably securing said sections with the rods thereof in end to end abutting relationship, a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latch remote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured to the spaced rods of its corresponding section, whereby to support the same in spaced relationship, one of said frame sections being formed with a latching detent and the sheet metal strip of the other having a portion forming a yieldingly depressible latch in position to engage said detent when the sections are in end to end abutting relationship.

6. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sections each embodying a pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasably securing said sections with the rods thereof in end to end abutting relationship, a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latch remote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured to the spaced to end abutting relationship.

7. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sec- -tions each embodying a pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasably securing said sections with the rods thereof in end to end abutting relationship, a Washing'sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latch remote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured to the spaced -rods of its corresponding section, whereby to support the -same in spaced relationship, the strip of one of said frame sections having an edge defining a latch detent and the strip of the other section having a tongue forming a de- 'pressible latch member in position to engage said detent ing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latch remote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured to the spaced rods of its corresponding section, whereby to support the same in spaced relationship, the opposite end edges of -said strips being curled about and secured to the rods of the section on which mounted, one of said frame sections being formed with a latching detent and the other carrying a yieldingly depressible latch in position to engage said detent when the sections are in end to end abutting relationship. 4

9. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sections each embodying a pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasably securing said sections with the rods thereof in end to end abutting relationship, a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latch remote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured to the spaced rods of its corresponding section, whereby to support the 8 same in spaced relationship, the opposite end edges of one of said strips being curled about and secured to the rods of the section on which mounted to forrn cylindrical Apockets outwardly of said rods to slidingly receive the projecting ends of the rods of the other of said` sections, one of said frame sections being formed with a latching 'detent and the other carrying a yieldingly depressible latch in position to engage said detent when thesections are in end to end abutting relationship.

10. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sections of thin sectional character each embodying a pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasably securing said sections with the rods thereof in end to end abutting relationship, a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the Vlatch remote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal stripseach extending between and secured to the spaced rods of its corresponding section, whereby to support the same in spaced relationship, one of said strips being secured to the rods of a said 'frame section inwardly of the ends of said rods, to thereby provide projecting rod end portions, the opposite end edges of the `other of said strips being curled about and secured to the rods of the section on which mounted in position forming cylindrical pockets extending outwardly of said rods and sized to snugly yet slidingly receive said projecting rod end portions, one of said frame sections being formed with a latching detent and the other carryling a yieldingly depressible latch in position to engage 'said detent when the sections are in end to end abutting relationship.

References Cited in the tile of this patent Y Y UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 46,810 Neuberger Dec. 29, 1914 581,581 Guthrie Apr. 27, 1897 613,683 Kemp Nov. 8, 1898 I 1,681,082 Bamberger ,Aug. 14, 1928 1,901,139 Barton Mar. 4, 1933 2,218,521 Brntnall Oct. 22, 1940 Y2,474,722 Blume June 28, 1949 2,649,600 Loveland Aug. 25,1953

- 2,697,642 Rudy Dec. 21, 1954 2,745,126 Mora May 1s, '1956