WO2013149327A1

WO2013149327A1 - Weather strip cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2013149327A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/000320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan CAYER
Original assignee: Built Management Corporation
Priority date: 2012-04-03
Filing date: 2013-04-03
Publication date: 2013-10-10

Abstract

A weather strip cleaning apparatus for removing debris from weather stripping abutting a movable panel exemplified by automotive window glass and sun roofs. The weather strip cleaning apparatus comprises: (i) a weather strip cleaning component comprising a brush component with a shaft having an intermediate portion engaged with a plurality of outward extending brush elements, and (ii) a spacing guide element comprising a proximal end piece, a distal end piece, and two elongate opposing spacing members engaged with the proximal end piece and the distal end piece wherein said elongate spacing members define an open area for housing the outward extending brush elements of the brush component. The distal end of the shaft is housed within a bore in the distal end piece of the spacing guide while the proximal end of the shaft extends through the proximal end piece, and is engaged by a drive unit housed within a hand-grippable component.

Description

TITLE: WEATHER STRIP CLEANING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a weather strip cleaning apparatus for removing dirt or debris from window weather stripping so as not to damage a window as the apparatus travels against the weather stripping.

BACKGROUND

Movable glass panes are commonly mounted into frameworks housed within the structures of mobile equipment to permit opening and closing of the glass panes for ventilation or through-passage of individuals and/or items. Such installations typically include weather stripping mounted on the inner facing edges of the frameworks so that the weather stripping abuts and contacts the glass panes to seal the openings to prevent water and particulate debris from the external environment from entering the interior of the structures, and to keep the ambient air within the structures from escaping to the external environment. Weather stripping also serves to clean the glass panes of particulate debris and water as the glass panes are moved into and out of the frameworks. Such installations are common on mobile and/or transportable machines such as automobiles, trucks, buses, manually- operated construction equipment, industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, rapid-transit passenger carriages such as railroad cars, subway cars, and the like. Window stripping is also commonly used in stationary checkpoint facilities installed along roadways and at roadway entrance/exit points, requiring movable glass panes to facilitate communications between operators of moving vehicles and checkpoint staff.

Weather stripping abutting glass panes in mobile installations or fixed installations in areas of high atmospheric pollution and/or in situations wherein the glass panes are repeatedly moved into and out of their frameworks on a regular basis, quickly become laden with mixtures of particulates, other debris, and organic materials. Repeated movement of glass panes against particulate-laden weather stripping facilitates the transference of the particulates and organic materials to the glass surfaces resulting in streaking and obscuring of the clarity of the glass panes. Repeated movement of glass panes against particulate- laden weather stripping for prolonged periods often results in permanent etching of the glass by the abrasiveness of the particulates. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly remove dirt, debris, organic matter, and/or ice from weather stripping positioned between movable glass panes and frameworks wherein the movable glass panes are mounted and at the same time, not to damage or scratch the glass panes abutting the weather stripping during the cleaning process. Tools and their use for cleaning movable glass weather seals, for example, vehicular window seals, are known in the prior art. Commonly available vehicle window weather seal cleaning tools typically comprise manually operated serrated plastic strips for use in scraping or abrading the weather seals. These types of strips often cause physical damage to weather strips by creating gouges or imperfections in the strip facings abutting the glass panes thereby reducing the weather strips' sealing and cleaning performance. Thus, even after multiple cleanings of weather seals using one of the known devices, debris can still remain thereby facilitating etching and/or scratching abutting windows as they are moved into and out of their frameworks.

Alternatives to the cleaning strips are hand-manipulated rotary brushes that may have spiral bristle configurations or helical bristle configurations. These devices, if used to clean window weather stripping in vehicles, can damage windows and/or weather stripping because they do not include any means to guide the weather stripping into a proper position or distance from the bristles. A user could easily apply too much pressure against the weather stripping thereby damaging the weather stripping or creating gauges or channels, which could facilitate greater accumulations of particulates and debris resulting in increased damage to the windows.

While the above-described weather strip cleaning devices may provide a cleaning functionality, none of the currently available devices allow removing of particulates, debris, and organic matter from window weather stripping so as to not damage windows or the abutting weather strips during the cleaning processes.

SUMMARY

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a weather stripping cleaning apparatus, a kit comprising the apparatus, and a system comprising the apparatus for removing particulates, debris, and organic matter out of weather stripping abutting a movable panel without causing damage to the weather stripping or to the panel.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a weather strip cleaning apparatus comprising a handle containing a drive unit and a weather strip cleaning component comprising a brush unit and an elongate spacing guide unit wherein the brush unit is rotatably mounted. The brush unit comprises a shaft rotatable by the drive unit within the handle, and at least one brush component extending radially outward from and spirally downward around a portion of the shaft. The spacing guide unit has a top end piece for engaging a portion of the shaft proximal to the handle, at least two elongate opposing spacing members extending alongside the portion of the shaft having the brush component, and a tapered bottom end piece for engaging a distal portion of the shaft. The elongate spacing members define an opened area therebetween for housing the brush component. The opposing elongate spacing members each have a thickness that separates the weather strip and movable glass pane a predetermined distance spiral brush thereby allowing the spiral brush to rotationally remove particulates, debris, and organic matter from the weather stripping without causing physical damage to the weather stripping or to the movable panel.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a weather strip cleaning apparatus comprising a weather strip cleaning component comprising a brush unit and an elongate spacing guide unit wherein the brush unit is rotatably mounted and a handle containing a drive unit for demountably engaging weather strip cleaning component.

According to one aspect, the opposing elongate spacing members are arcuate in shape along their length. Each elongate spacing member includes a longitudinal distal edge that is located laterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the weather strip cleaning device. The longitudinal distal edges may be optionally enlarged or alternatively, bulbous in shape. According to another aspect, the distal end portion of the elongate spacing guide unit is tapered toward the distal end to facilitate insertion of the weather strip cleaning component between the movable glass pane and the weather stripping to be cleaned.

According to another aspect, the brush unit may comprise a plurality of spaced-apart rows of bristles around the circumference of the shaft and extending outwardly from the shaft.

According to another aspect, the diameter of the outer edges of the bristles comprising the brush unit, is tapered inward from the distal end of the brush unit toward its proximal end.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a weather strip cleaning system comprising a weather strip cleaning component comprising a brush unit and an elongate spacing guide unit wherein the brush unit is rotatably mounted, a handle containing a drive unit for demountably engaging weather strip cleaning component, and a power supply for providing a rotating force to the drive unit. Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a weather strip cleaning kit comprising at least one weather strip cleaning component comprising a brush unit and an elongate spacing guide unit wherein the brush unit is rotatably mounted, a handle containing a drive unit for demountably engaging weather strip cleaning component, and an component for supplying a driving force to the drive unit. According to one aspect, the component may be one of batteries, a power cord, or a compressed air hose. According to another aspect, there may be provided a plurality of the weather strip cleaning components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be described in conjunction with reference to the following drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is an in use view of an embodiment of the weather strip cleaning device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, with phantom lines depicting environmental structure and forming no part of the claimed disclosure. Fig. 2 is a front planar view of the weather strip cleaning device of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the spacing guard unit of the weather strip cleaning device of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a front planar view of the brush unit of the weather strip cleaning device of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the hand-held unit of the weather strip cleaning device of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the weather strip cleaning device of the present disclosure taken along line 6-6 Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the weather strip cleaning device of the present disclosure taken along line 7-7 in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the weather strip cleaning device of the present disclosure taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 2.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to a weather strip cleaning apparatus for removing debris, particulates, organic matter, and/or ice particles from weather stripping abutting movable panels, to kits of parts comprising components making up the apparatus, and to selected components of the apparatus. Such movable panels are typically mounted within a framework from which they are controllably extended out of and retracted into, and are provided with abutting weather stripping for cleaning of the flat surfaces of the movable panels as they are extended out of and retracted into their frameworks. Such movable panels are exemplified by automobile window glass, retractable window glass panels or metal panels or fibreglass sunroofs, retractable window glass panels or metal panels or fibreglass panels installed into booths, opaque plastic panels, fibreglass panels, metal panels, and the like installed into frameworks from which they can be controllably extended and retracted. The exemplary weather strip cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for cleaning removing debris, particulates, organic matter, and/or ice particles from weather stripping abutting movable automotive glass windows and/or sunroofs.

An exemplary apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a weather stripping cleaning component that is insertable between the weather stripping and the movable panel, and hand-grippable component housing a drive unit for operating the weather stripping cleaning component. The weather strip cleaning component generally comprises (i) a brush component comprising a shaft having a proximal end, an intermediate portion, and a distal end, wherein the intermediate portion has a plurality of outward extending brush elements, and (ii) a spacing guide element comprising a proximal end piece, a distal end piece, and at least two elongate opposing spacing members engaged with the proximal end piece and the distal end piece. The distal end piece may be optionally provided with a tapered portion toward a distal end to facilitate insertion of the weather stripping cleaning component between the weather stripping and the pane of glass. The two elongate spacing members define an open area wherein the intermediate portion of the brush component is housed. The proximal end of the shaft of the brush component extends through a bore provided in the proximal end piece of the spacing guide element, while the distal end of the shaft of the brush component extends into a bore provided therefore in the distal end piece of the spacing guide element. The two elongate spacing members may be cylindrical or alternatively, they may be rectangular in shape with optionally rounded corners. Alternatively, the two elongate spacing members may be square shaped and optionally may have rounded corners. Alternatively, the two elongate spacing members may be triangular, each having an outward-facing corner and an inward-facing side wherein the three corners are optionally rounded. It is also suitable for the two elongate spacing members to be arcuate and/or finger-shaped with optionally bulbous leading distal edges. Regardless of the shape chosen for the two elongate spacing members, the width of each spacing member is sufficient to separate the weather stripping from the movable panel so that the intermediate portion of brush component can rotate freely within the open space defined by the two elongate spacing members of the spacing guide element. It is preferable, regardless of the shape chosen for the two elongate spacing members, for their at least their out-facing corners to be rounded to facilitate movement of the weather strip cleaning apparatus between the movable panle and the weather stripping along the length of the weather stripping during a weather stripping cleaning operation. It is optional, if so desired, for the spacing guide element to comprise three spaced-apart elongate spacing members or four spaced-apart elongate spacing members, wherein the three spaced-apart or the four spaced-apart elongate spacing members define an open interior area therebetween for housing the intermediate portion of brush component. However, it is essential that if three or four spaced-apart elongate spacing members comprise the spacing guide element, the outer diameter of at least a portion of the outward extending brush elements protrude beyond the spaced-apart elongate spacing members so that they are able to sufficiently engage weather stripping to removing dirt and/or debris and/or organic matter and/or ice particles from the weather stripping. It is optional for the proximal ends of the two elongate spacing members to be demountably engagable with the proximal end piece of the spacing guide element. Alternatively, it is optional for the distal ends of the two elongate spacing members to be demountably engagable with the distal end piece of the spacing guide element. Making the two elongate spacing members demountably engagable with either of the end pieces of the spacing guide element enables and facilitates periodic removal and replacement of the brush component.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal end of the shaft of the brush components is engagable with the drive unit housed within the hand- grippable component. The proximal end of the shaft may be integrally engaged with the drive unit.

Alternatively, the proximal end of the shaft may be demountably engagable with the drive unit. For example, the shaft may be demountably engaged with the drive unit with a quick-release receiving mechanism provided on the distal end of a drive shaft extending from the drive unit. Alternatively, the shaft may be demountably engaged with the drive unit by a threaded collar or lock nut cooperating with threads provided therefor on the distal end of a drive shaft extending from the drive unit. Those skilled in these arts are familiar with other mechanisms by which the proximal end of the shaft may be demountably engaged with the drive unit.

The drive unit housed within the hand-grippable component according to another embodiment, can be powered by a variety of different types of power supply. For example, the drive unit can be powered by electricity supply by one or more replaceable batteries that are inserted into a battery compartment provided therefor in the hand-grippable component. Alternatively, the drive unit can be powered by a household electrical supply or an industrial electrical supply accessed by a power cord engaged with the drive unit at one end, and having an plug at its other end for insertion into an electrical outlet. Alternatively, the drive unit can be powered by compressed air. An compressed air-driven drive unit according to this embodiment has a compressed air fitting for demountably engaging a compressed air supply hose that is connectable to a source of compressed air. Alternatively, the hand- grippable component may house a gear drive assembly engaged with the shaft of the drive unit at one end, wherein the gear drive assembly has an externally extending hand-operated crank component to enable an operator to provide a rotational force to the shaft of the drive unit by rotating hand-operated crank component with one hand while guiding with their other hand the weather strip cleaning apparatus along the juncture of a weather stripping abutting a movable panel. Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention pertains to a weather stripping component that generally comprises (i) a brush component housed within and rotatably cooperating with (ii) a spacing guide element. The brush component comprises a shaft having a proximal end, an intermediate portion, and a distal end, wherein the intermediate portion has a plurality of outward extending brush elements, and (ii) a spacing element comprising a proximal end piece, a distal end piece, and at least two elongate opposing spacing members engaged with the proximal end piece and the distal end piece. The distal end piece may be optionally provided with a tapered portion toward a distal end to facilitate insertion of the weather stripping cleaning component between the weather stripping and the pane of glass. The two elongate spacing members define an open area wherein the intermediate portion of the brush component is housed. The proximal end of the shaft of the brush component extends through a bore provided in the proximal end piece of the spacing guide element, while the distal end of the shaft of the brush component extends into a bore provided therefore in the distal end piece of the spacing guide element. The two elongate spacing members may be cylindrical or alternatively, they may be rectangular in shape with optionally rounded corners. Alternatively, the two elongate spacing members may be square shaped and optionally may have rounded corners. Alternatively, the two elongate spacing members may be triangular, each having an outward-facing corner and an inward-facing side wherein the three corners are optionally rounded. It is also suitable for the two elongate spacing members to be arcuate and/or finger-shaped with optionally bulbous leading distal edges. Regardless of the shape chosen for the two elongate spacing members, the width of each spacing member is sufficient to separate the weather stripping from the movable panel so that the intermediate portion of brush component can rotate freely within the open space defined by the two elongate spacing members of the spacing guide element. It is preferable, regardless of the shape chosen for the two elongate spacing members, for their at least their out-facing corners to be rounded to facilitate movement of the weather strip cleaning apparatus between the glass pane and the weather stripping along the length of the weather stripping during a weather stripping cleaning operation. It is optional, if so desired, for the spacing guide element to comprise three spaced-apart elongate spacing members or four spaced-apart elongate spacing members, wherein the three spaced-apart or the four spaced-apart elongate spacing members define an open interior area therebetween for housing the intermediate portion of brush component. However, it is essential that if three or four spaced-apart elongate spacing members comprise the spacing guide element, the outer diameter of at least a portion of the outward extending brush elements protrude beyond the spaced-apart elongate spacing members so that they are able to sufficiently engage weather stripping to removing dirt and/or debris and/or organic matter and/or ice particles from the weather stripping. It is optional for the proximal ends of the two elongate spacing members to be demountably engagable with the proximal end piece of the spacing guide element. Alternatively, it is optional for the distal ends of the two elongate spacing members to be demountably engagable with the distal end piece of the spacing guide element. Making the two elongate spacing members demountably engagable with either of the end pieces of the spacing guide element enables and facilitates periodic removal and replacement of the brush component.

It should be noted that the exemplary weather stripping components disclosed herein may also be demountingly engaged by other types of hand-held power tools as exemplified by cordless and corded drills, DREMEL^® tools (DREMEL is a registered trademark of Robert Bosch GmbH, Gerlingen, Germany) and the like.

It is contemplated that the drive units disclosed herein will provide a rotational force to the proximal end of the shaft of the brush components of the present disclosure. However, it is optional for the drive units to additionally or alternatively, provide a reciprocating force to the proximal end of the shaft of the brush components along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention pertains to brush components that are housed within and rotatably cooperate with the spacing guide elements disclosed herein. According to one aspect, the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft is provided with outwardly extending brush elements that are retained about approximately their centre points within and along the core of an elongate twisted wire stem. Those skilled in these arts will understand that such brush elements are generally produced by laying individual brush elements across a portion of a length of a metal wire until a desired length of brush elements has been reached. The remaining length of the metal wire is bent backward until it is in contact with the brush elements, and then the two portions of metal wire are twisted tightly so as to secure the individual brush elements at about their center points between the two portions of metal wire. One twisted end of the paired wire portions is securely engaged to the brush component shaft about the proximal end of its intermediate portion after which, the twisted metal wire with the outwardly projecting brush elements is spirally wound around the intermediate portion of the shaft until other twisted end of the paired wired portions is about the distal end of the intermediate portion of the shaft whereto it is securely engaged. The twisted metal wire may be wound around the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft in a clockwise direction, or alternatively, in a counter-clockwise direction. The twisted wire securing the plurality of brush elements therein may be twisted around the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft in a manner that will provide a constant outer diameter of rotating brush elements along the length of the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft. Alternatively, the twisted wire securing the plurality of brush elements therein may be twisted around the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft in a manner that will provide a outer diameter of rotating brush elements tapering inward from the distal end of the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft to its proximal end. Alternatively, the twisted wire element can be produced by laying down a plurality of brush elements with increasing lengths along a first portion of wire from its end to about its centre after which the remaining portion of wire is bent backward until it is in contact with the brush elements, and then the two portions of metal wire are twisted tightly so as to secure the individual brush elements at about their center points between the two portions of metal wire, thereby forming a twisted wire brush element having a tapered outer diameter along its length. The end of the twisted wire brush element with the smaller outer diameter of brush elements is securely engaged about the proximal end of the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft and then spirally wound around the intermediate portion until the other the end of the twisted wire brush element with the larger outer diameter of brush elements is about the distal end of the intermediate portion of the shaft to which it is then securely engaged. Alternatively, the end of the twisted wire brush element with the smaller outer diameter of brush elements is securely engaged about the distal end of the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft and then spirally wound around the intermediate portion until the other the end of the twisted wire brush element with the larger outer diameter of brush elements is about the proximal end of the intermediate portion of the shaft to which it is then securely engaged.

Alternatively, the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft is provided with a plurality of flanged grooves along the length of the intermediate portion into which are affixed pluralities of outwardly extending brush elements. The brush elements can be retained within the flanged grooves by having bulbous ends that are inserted into the grooves and/or by gluing or other methods of affixing known to those skilled in these arts. The plurality of grooves may be straight and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the brush component shaft. Alternatively plurality of grooves may spiral about the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end of the brush component shaft. The grooves may spiral in a clockwise direction or alternatively, in a counter-clockwise rotation. The pluralities of brush elements affixed into the plurality of grooves may be of equal lengths thereby providing a cylindrical profile when the brush component is rapidly rotating. Alternatively, the pluralities of brush elements affixed into the grooves may have decreasing lengths as they are affixed from the distal end to the proximal end of the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft thereby providing a conical profile tapering toward the proximal end when the brush component is rapidly rotating. Alternatively, the pluralities of brush elements affixed into the grooves may have decreasing lengths as they are affixed from the proximal end to the distal end of the intermediate portion of the brush component shaft thereby providing a conical profile tapering toward the distal end when the brush component is rapidly rotating.

The weather strip cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure is used by inserting the distal end of the weather stripping cleaning component between weather stripping abutting a movable panel until the intermediate portion of the brush component is fully engaged with the weather stripping cleaning component. The power supply to the drive unit in the hand-grippable component is then activated causing the brush component to rotate rapidly. The rapidly rotating outwardly extending brush elements to dislodge particulates, debris, organic matter and other foreign materials that may have accumulated within the weather stripping. The rapid rotation of the brush component not only dislodges particulates, debris, organic matter and other foreign materials but also propels the dislodged materials outward and away from the juncture between the weather stripping and the pane of glass. If so desired, the drive unit may additionally or alternatively, provide a reciprocating force to the proximal end of the shaft of the brush component to dislodge particulates, debris, organic matter and other foreign materials that may have accumulated within the weather stripping.

It is optional for the dislodged and propelled debris to be continuously vacuumed during the cleaning process by a separate vacuuming device. Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present invention for the hand-grippable housing of the weather strip cleaning apparatus to be configured with an attachment for demountably engaging a vacuum hose that is interconnected to a vacuuming apparatus. The attachment may comprise a tensioned pivotable device to enable positioning of the vacuum hose to optimally vacuum dislodged materials as they are being propelled away from the juncture between the weather stripping and the pane of glass. Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the hand-grippable housing to additionally comprise a vacuuming mechanism that is integrally incorporated within the hand-grippable housing, said vacuuming mechanism having an outlet to which a disposable receptacle may be demountable fastened for receiving therein the vacuumed particulate materials and debris disclosed from weather stripping. It is to be noted that the weather strip cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure may be used to clean weather stripping while the movable panel is full retracted within its framework. However, the dislodged particulates, debris, organic matter and other foreign materials may be propelled into the interior of the mobile equipment or fixed installation and therefore, it is advisable for such cleaning activities that vacuuming is incorporated as part of the cleaning process.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a kit of parts comprising at least one weather stripping component as exemplified herein and a hand- grippable component housing a drive unit as disclosed herein for demountably engaging and operating the weather stripping cleaning component. It is optional for the kit to comprise a plurality of weather stripping components. Alternatively, it is optional for the kit to comprise a plurality of brush components.

According to one aspect, the drive unit may be operable by an electrical current provided by one or more batteries. A hand-grippable housing containing therein a battery powered drive unit may be configured with a battery compartment to receive and engage one or more batteries. Accordingly, a kit of parts of the present disclosure may also comprise one or more batteries.

According to another aspect, the drive unit may be operable by an electrical current obtainable from a household electrical supply and/or an industrial electrical supply. A hand- grippable housing containing therein a drive unit powered by an external electrical supply will have an electrical cord engaged at one end with the drive unit and will be interconnected to an electrical plug at its other end for engaging an external electrical supply.

According to another aspect, the drive unit may be operable by supply of compressed air in which case, the drive unit will be sealingly engaged to a fitting configured for sealing interconnecting a pressurized air supply line. Accordingly, a kit of parts of the present disclosure may also comprise a pressurized air supply line.

Referring now to Figures 1-8, an exemplary embodiment of the weather strip cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary weather strip cleaning apparatus 10 of the present disclosure for removing dirt or debris from weather stripping abutting movable windows so not to damage the windows. More particularly, the weather strip cleaning apparatus 10 is used in, but not limited to, clean debris and/or particulates and/or organic matter and/or ice particles out of weather stripping or seals 4 abutting the window or sunroof 6 of a vehicle 2 or a building. The weather stripping 4 can be any type of weather stripping or seal used in combination with the window 6. It can be appreciated that the weather strip cleaning apparatus 10 can be used in other applications that involve the cleaning of a surface by positioning the surface a predetermined distance from the weather strip cleaning apparatus 10. The weather strip cleaning apparatus 10 generally includes a spacing guide unit 12, a brush component 30, and a hand-held unit 40, as shown in Fig. 2.

In reference to Fig. 3, the spacing guide unit 12 includes a top end piece 14, a bottom end piece 16, a first spacing member 22, and a second spacing member 26. The spacing guide unit 12 can be made from materials exemplified by plastics, metals, alloys, composites, rubbers, and the like, and any other materials that are non-damaging to glass.

The top end piece 14 includes a centrally located bore 15 defined therethrough which is in line with a longitudinal axis of the spacing guide unit 12. In an alternate embodiment, the top end piece 14 can include a bearing located in the bore 15, in a recess in communication with the bore 15 or attached to the top end piece 14 aligned with the bore 15. The bottom end piece 16 includes a centrally located recess 21 defined in a top surface 17 thereof which faces the top end piece 14. In an alternate embodiment, a bearing can be located the recess or attached to the top surface 17 aligned with the recess 21. The bottom end piece 16 has a rounded, conical or tapered bumper 18 extending away from and opposite the top surface 17. It can be appreciated that the bottom end piece 16 and/or the bumper 18 can be made of a material different from that of the top end piece and/or the first and second spacing members 22, 26.

The first spacing member 22 is an elongated curved member having a longitudinal proximal edge 23 and a longitudinal distal edge 24. Alternatively, the first spacing member 22 can be a single angled planar member or multiple angled planar members, and the longitudinal distal edge 24 can be a rounded, enlarged or bulbous distal edge. The longitudinal proximal edge 23 is formed by a recess or notch that extends into the first spacing member 22, thereby producing top and bottom extensions 25. The configuration of the first spacing member 22 laterally offsets the longitudinal distal edge 24 from the longitudinal axis of the spacing guide unit 12. Thus, the longitudinal distal edge 24 is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the spacing guide unit 12, and is positioned a distance offset from the longitudinal axis of the spacing guide unit 12.

The second spacing member 26 is an elongated curved member having a longitudinal proximal edge 27 and a longitudinal distal edge 28. Alternatively, the second spacing member 26 can be a single angled planar member or multiple angled planar members, and the longitudinal distal edge 28 can be a rounded, enlarged or bulbous distal edge. The longitudinal proximal edge 27 is formed by a recess or notch that extends into the first spacing member 22, thereby producing top and bottom extensions 29. The configuration of the second spacing member 26 laterally offsets the longitudinal distal edge 28 from the longitudinal axis of the spacing guide unit 12, in an orientation opposite of the first spacing member 22. Thus, the longitudinal distal edge 28 is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the spacing guide unit 12, and is positioned a distance offset from the longitudinal axis of the spacing guide unit 12, on a side opposite of the first spacing member 22 in relation to the longitudinal axis.

The top and bottom end pieces 14, 16 are located interior of the first and second spacing members 22, 26. The top end piece 14 is located adjacent the top extensions 25, 29 of the first and second spacing members 22, 26 respectively. The bottom end piece 16 is located adjacent the bottom extensions 25, 29 of the first and second spacing members 22, 26 respectively. The first and second spacing members 22, 26 are connected to or integral with the top and bottom end pieces 14, 16, so that the first and second spacing members 22, 26 are positioned at opposite sides of the top and bottom end pieces 14, 16 with the longitudinal axis of the spacing guide unit 12 therebetween. The top and bottom end pieces 14, 16 are each sized so as to define an opened area between the top end piece 14, the bottom end piece 16, the longitudinal proximal edge 23 of the first spacing member 22, and the longitudinal proximal edge 27 of the second spacing member 26. The top and bottom end pieces 14, 16 are located adjacent the longitudinal proximal edges 23, 27 of the first and second spacing members 22, 26 respectively.

It can be appreciated that the at least one of or both of the top and bottom end pieces 14, 16 can be removably attachable to the longitudinal proximal edges 23, 27 of the first and second spacing members 22, 26. Removing at least one of the top or bottom end pieces 14, 16 can assist in the assembling or disassembling of the spacing guide unit 12, and can assist in the replacement of any one part of the spacing guide unit 12 if such part is damaged or worn.

As best illustrated in Fig. 4, the brush component 30 includes a brush 32 having helical or spiral bristles, and a shaft 34. The brush 32 can spiral in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, depending on its rotational direction so that the brush 32 acts as an auger which moves debris away. The shaft 34 has a length longer than that of the brush 32 so as to produce an exposed section, and the shaft 34 includes a distal end 35 adjacent the brush 32. A proximal end of the shaft 34, which is located in the exposed section, is fitted, attached or received in the hand-held unit 40. The shaft 34 can be made from, but limited to, plastics, metals, alloys, or composites. The brush 32 includes a continuous core 36 which has the bristles fixed thereto.

The core 36 can be spirally wound around the shaft 34 to thereby produce a spiral bristle configuration exterior of the shaft 34. The bristles can be made from, but not limited to, natural or synthetic materials, and can have any shape and orientation. Alternatively, the bristles of the brush 32 can be tufted of fitted into the shaft 34 in a spiral arrangement, thereby eliminating the need of the core.

The hand-held unit 40 can be, but not limited to an ergonomic handle, a hand grip, a cylindrical housing or an elliptical housing. The hand-held unit 40 can include a motor 42 in mechanical connection with the shaft 34 of the brush component 30, a power source 44, and a switch 46, as best illustrated in Fig. 5. The motor 42, power source 44, and switch 46 are all in electrical communication so as to operate the motor 42 upon activation of the switch 46. The motor 42 can operate in different rotational directions so as to rotate the spiral brush 32 in a direction which promotes lifting of debris engaged by the spiral configuration of the brush 32. The switch 46 can be, but not limited to, a single switch, a variable switch, a biswitch, touch sensors, capacitance sensors or buttons. The power source 44 can be, but not limited to, a battery or a connector to an external power source. The motor 42 can be, but not limited to, an AC or DC motor.

In reference to Figures 6 and 7, the assembled spacing guide and brush units 12, 30 show the spiral brush 32 positioned in the opened area defined between the top and bottom end pieces 14, 16 and the first and second spacing members 22, 26. The bore 15 of the top end piece 14, or it's respective bearing, is configured to receive therethrough the exposed section of the shaft 34 of the brush component 30. The recess 21 of the bottom end piece 16, or it's respective bearing, is configured to receive therein the distal end 35 of the shaft 34 of the brush component 30. The length of the bristles of the brush 32 are sized so as to extend out past the top and bottom end pieces 14, 16, but to not contact the longitudinal proximal edges 23, 27 of the first and second spacing members 22, 26, as best illustrated in Fig. 8.

In use, it can now be understood that the user would use the weather strip cleaning apparatus 10 to clean out debris, sand, dirt, grit, ice or any abrasive collected on the surface of one or more weather stripping 4, 4'. Removing the debris would eliminate scratches on the vehicle window 6 produced by the debris as the window 6 travels up or down against the weather stripping 4, 4'.

The user would grasp the hand-held unit 40 and manipulate the assembled spacing guide and brush units 12, 30 between the weather stripping 4, 4' of a vehicle door 8, with the window 6 in a lowered position which exposes both weather stripping 4, 4', as best illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. The assembled spacing guide and brush units 12, 30 is inserted between the weather stripping 4, 4' so that: the longitudinal distal edge 24 of the first spacing member 22 contacts a first weather stripping 4 at first point P1 ; a portion of the first spacing member 22 contacts a second weather stripping 4' at a first point P2; a portion of the second spacing member 26 contacts the first weather stripping 4 at a second point P3; and the longitudinal distal edge 28 of the second spacing member 26 contacts the second weather stripping 4' at a second point P4.

As shown in Fig. 7, the bumper 18 protects the window 6 from being damaged upon any impact imposed when the assembled spacing guide and brush units 12, 30 are inserted between the door frame or sub-frames 8. The bumper 18 can also be sized so as to place the brush 32 at a predetermined position above the window 6, when the bumper 18 contacts a top of the window 6, so that the brush 32 is in contact with the weather stripping 4, 4'. The curvature of the first and second spacing members 22, 26 determines the distance of the longitudinal distal edges 24, 28 are laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the assembled spacing guide and brush units 12, 30, thereby positioning the first and second weather stripping 4, 4' a predetermined distance apart. Additionally, the curvature of the first and second spacing members 22, 26 and the size of the longitudinal distal edges 24, 28 assist in guiding the first and second weather stripping 4, 4' into the opened area of the spacing guide unit 12 so as to come in contact with brush 32. Furthermore, the curvature of the first and second spacing members 22, 26 and the size of the longitudinal distal edges 24, 28 also guides the first and second weather stripping 4, 4' so that a proper or predetermined amount of cleaning pressure is applied to the window contacting surface of the first and second weather stripping 4, 4'.

After the assembled spacing guide and brush units 12, 30 is positioned between the first and second weather stripping 4, 4', the user would then activate the motor 42 and move the apparatus 10 backwards and/or forward along the length of the weather stripping. The spiral brush 32 is rotated by the motor 42 in a rotary direction that imparts a lifting force to any debris that comes in contact with the spiral brush 32, thereby removing the debris away from the weather stripping 4, 4'. The bore 15 and recess 21 , or their respective bearings, secure the brush component 30 in position within the spacing guide unit 12 while allowing the brush component 30 to rotate freely with relation to the spacing guide unit 12.

Claims

1. A weather strip cleaning apparatus for removing debris from a weather stripping abutting a movable panel, said weather strip cleaning apparatus comprising:

a weather strip cleaning component insertable between the weather stripping and the movable panel, the weather strip cleaning component comprising (i) a brush component comprising a shaft having a proximal end, an intermediate portion, and a distal end, wherein the intermediate portion has a plurality of outward extending brush elements engaged therewith, and (ii) a spacing guide element comprising a proximal end piece, a distal end piece, and at least two elongate opposing spacing members engaged with the proximal end piece and the distal end piece wherein said elongate spacing members define an open area therebetween, wherein the intermediate portion of the brush component is housed within the open area defined by the elongate spacing members of the spacing guide element, and the proximal end of the shaft extends through a bore provided therefore in the proximal end piece of the spacing guide element and the distal end of the shaft extends into a bore provided therefore in the distal end piece of the spacing guide element; and

a hand-grippable component housing therein a drive component operable by a power supply, said drive component engaged with the proximal end of the shaft of the brush element.

2. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the power supply is one of an electrical power supply, a compressed air supply, and a hand-operated gear-driven supply.

3. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electrical power supply is supplied by one or more batteries.

4. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electrical power supply is supplied by an electrical cord connectable to an electrical outlet.

5. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the weather strip cleaning component is demountably engagable with the hand-grippable component.

6. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the shaft of the brush element is demountably engagable with the drive component.

7. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one of the proximal end piece and the distal end piece of the spacing guide element is demountably engagable with the two elongate opposing spacing members.

8. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal end piece of the spacing guide element is tapered toward a distal end.

9. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a width of the proximal end of the spacing guide element is greater than a width of the distal end of the spacing guide element whereby the two elongate opposing spacing members are spaced farther apart at their proximal end than at their distal end.

10. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of outward extending brush elements have a constant outer diameter along the length of the intermediate portion of the brush component.

11. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of outward extending brush elements have an outer diameter that is tapered from a distal end to a proximal end of the intermediate portion of the brush component.

12. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of outward extending brush elements is secured to a rod that is wound spirally about the intermediate portion of the shaft, wherein opposite ends of the rod are engaged with the intermediate portion of the shaft.

13. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of elongate spaced-apart rows of outward extending brush elements are engaged along the intermediate portion of the shaft.

14. A kit of parts comprising a weather strip cleaning apparatus for removing debris from weather stripping abutting a movable panel, said kit comprising:

at least one weather strip cleaning component comprising

(i) a brush component comprising a shaft having a proximal end, an intermediate portion, and a distal end, wherein the intermediate portion has a plurality of outward extending brush elements engaged therewith, and

(ii) a spacing guide element comprising a proximal end piece, a distal end piece, and at least two elongate opposing spacing members engaged with the proximal end piece and the distal end piece wherein said elongate spacing members define an open area therebetween,

wherein the intermediate portion of the brush component is housed within the open area defined by the elongate spacing members of the spacing guide element, and the proximal end of the shaft extends through a bore provided therefore in the proximal end piece of the spacing guide element and the distal end of the shaft extends into a bore provided therefore in the distal end piece of the spacing guide element; and

a hand-grippable component housing therein a drive component operable by a power supply, said drive component demountably engagable with the proximal end of the shaft of the brush element.

15. The kit of claim 14, additionally comprising a power supply.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the power supply comprises at least one battery.

17. The kit of claim 15, wherein the power supply comprises an electrical cord for demountably engaging an electrical power supply.

18. The kit of claim 15, wherein the power supply comprises a fitting sealingly engaged with the drive component wherein said fitting is configured for demountingly engaging a compressed air supply hose.

19. The kit of claim 18, additionally comprising a compressed air supply hose.

20. A weather strip cleaning component for removing debris from weather stripping abutting a movable panel, said weather strip cleaning component demountably engagable with a drive component housed within a hand-grippable component, said weather strip cleaning component comprising:

a brush component comprising a shaft having a proximal end, an intermediate portion, and a distal end, wherein the intermediate portion has a plurality of outward extending brush elements engaged therewith; and

a spacing guide element comprising a proximal end piece, a distal end piece, and at least two elongate opposing spacing members engaged with the proximal end piece and the distal end piece wherein said elongate spacing members define an open area therebetween;

wherein the intermediate portion of the brush component is housed within the open area defined by the elongate spacing members of the spacing guide element, and the proximal end of the shaft extends through a bore provided therefore in the proximal end piece of the spacing guide element and the distal end of the shaft extends into a bore provided therefore in the distal end piece of the spacing guide element.

21. The weather strip cleaning component of claim 20, wherein one of the proximal end piece and the distal end piece of the spacing guide element is demountably engagable with the two elongate opposing spacing members.

22. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the distal end piece of the spacing guide element is tapered toward a distal end.

23. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein a width of the proximal end of the spacing guide element is greater than a width of the distal end of the spacing guide element whereby the two elongate opposing spacing members are spaced farther apart at their proximal end than at their distal end.

24. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plurality of outward extending brush elements have a constant outer diameter along the length of the intermediate portion of the brush component.

25. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plurality of outward extending brush elements have an outer diameter that is tapered from a distal end to a proximal end of the intermediate portion of the brush component.

26. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plurality of outward extending brush elements are secured to a rod that is wound spirally about the intermediate portion of the shaft, wherein the opposite ends of the rod engaged with the intermediate portion of the shaft.

27. The weather strip cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein a plurality of elongate spaced-apart rows of outward extending brush elements are engaged to the intermediate portion of the shaft.