WO2016095039A1

WO2016095039A1 - Detailing tool

Info

Publication number: WO2016095039A1
Application number: PCT/CA2015/051330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vladimir BJEL
Original assignee: Bjel Vladimir
Priority date: 2014-12-19
Filing date: 2015-12-15
Publication date: 2016-06-23

Abstract

A detailing tool comprises an elongate substantially rigid body having a bevelled end with a first mating surface of an attachment means and a resilient detailing pad having bearing a complementary mating surface of the attachment means for releasable attachment of the resilient detailing pad to the body. The resilient detailing pad comprises a foam core which may be used alone as an applicator sponge. In an alternative embodiment the resilient detailing pad further comprises an absorbent, non-abrasive cover and is used as a finishing cushion. More than one resilient detailing pad may be attached to the body. The resilient detailing pads can be detached from the body and interchanged. In addition to automotive detailing, the tool may be used to dust, clean or polish any small, delicate, or hard to reach items including ornaments, jewelry, stained glass windows, die cast cars, and tablet computer screens.

Description

DETAILING TOOL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Disclosure herein relates to tools for cleaning and detailing automobiles and other vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE I NVENTION

[0002] Auto detailing goes far beyond merely washing the exterior of an automobile or other vehicle. Detailing the thorough cleaning, restoration, polishing and finishing of a vehicle both inside and out producing a show- quality level of detail. Exterior detailing involves cleaning and restoring the surface of the vehicle's painted finish, chrome trim, windows, wheels and tires, as well as other visible components on the exterior of the vehicle. A wide variety of products can be applied to accomplish these tasks.

Detergents and acid free degreasers are used to break down and remove dirt and soil. Detail clay can be used to remove embedded contaminants. Waxes and polishes are used to resurface and improve reflectivity of finished surfaces. Polishes are cleaners that can be used to clean clear coated interior moldings and windows.

[0003] Interior detailing involves deep cleaning of the whole interior cabin of the vehicle, including the upholstery, carpet, steering wheel, instrument cluster, gauges, navigation screens and onboard computer touch screen interfaces. Many different materials must be cleaned and finished l including glass, fabric, carpet, vinyl; leather, carbon fibre composites, plastics and other materials, and appropriate products are applied to accomplish these tasks.

[0004] An automobile presents many tight spaces and hard to reach spaces which must be cleaned and/or polished. For example, windows are seldom merely square or rectangular: instead they may have acute angles which can be difficult to clean completely. The corners of windows and sunroofs can be difficult to clean. There are tight spaces between windows and interior moldings which can trap dirt and dust. For example debris can collect in the corner formed between windshield and the dashboard in vehicles having a steeply raked windshield. Similarly, there are small spaces between the vanes of air vents, and between buttons and knobs on instrument panels.

[0005] There is a need for a detailing tool for automotive detailing which can reach into spaces which are difficult to access.

[0006] If a person is using a cloth or a brush to clean in small or hard to reach spaces there is a tendency to apply greater pressure to try to force a portion of the tool into the small. This approach is time consuming and often results in incomplete cleaning. Also, the increased pressure can result in scratches or other damages to delicate surfaces.

[0007] There is a need for a detailing tool which can clean delicate surfaces without physically damaging them.

[0008] Numerous different chemicals are used in the automotive detailing process, including detergents, degreasers, solvents, polishes and waxes. Not all of these chemicals are compatible with one another. Traces of different detailing chemicals carried from one location in a vehicle to another or left over streaks from cleaning windows or corners that could not be reached during initial window cleaning can cause contamination or streaks on freshly cleaned glass windows. The detailer must then spend extra time to clean up contaminated areas or go back to clean corners. There may also be the potential for contamination to cause lasting damage to delicate vehicular surfaces. Interior cleaner or alcohol on a digital screen can fade the screen causing irreversible damage. There is a need for a detailing tool which limits the potential for cross contamination by facilitating the use of different detailing pads for different chemicals.

[0009] There is a need for a detailing tool which can be used when inspecting a vehicle. Often little streaks of leftover cleaning

chemicals/polish remain on a vehicle after detailing. It would be convenient to have a detailing tool to remove little streaks on the spot without or to touch up polish to remove small glue marks or other soil without having to carry cleaning cloths and polish.

[00010] There is a need for a detailing tool which is easy to use and which can be quickly modified to perform detailing work in a variety of different locations and spaces. The detailing tool should be cost effective to manufacture and convenient to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0001 1] A detailing tool comprises an elongate substantially rigid body having a top and a bottom, a first end and a second end, the first end being bevelled and having thereon a first mating surface of an attachment means; and, a resilient detailing pad having a bottom bearing a complementary mating surface of the attachment means for releasable attachment of the resilient detailing pad to the mating surface on the first end of the body. The resilient detailing pad comprises a foam core. The resilient detailing pad further comprises an absorbent, non-abrasive cover.

[00012] In another embodiment the first mating surface of the attachment means is positioned on the top of the body and a second mating surface of an attachment means is positioned on the bottom of the body adjacent the first end thereof.

[00013] A resilient detailing pad for releasable attachment to an elongate substantially rigid body to form a detailing tool comprises a foam core having a bottom bearing a complementary mating surface of an attachment means for releasable attachment of the resilient detailing pad to a first mating surface on the substantially rigid body. The resilient detailing pad further comprises an absorbent non-abrasive cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an automotive detailing tool according to the present invention;

[00015] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the body of an automotive detailing tool of FIG. 1

[00016] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the body of an automobile detailing tool according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the detailing tool having a portion of a soft applicator sponge cut away to show internal structure;

[00018] FIG. 4 is a partial cross section of an embodiment of the detailing tool showing internal structure of a finishing pad;

[00019] FIG. 5 is a partial side view of an alternative embodiment of the detailing tool according to the present invention;

[00020] FIG. 6A is a partial side view of a detailing tool of FIG. 1 ;

[00021] FIG. 6B is a partial side view of the detailing tool of FIG. 6A in an alternative orientation;

[00022] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a soft applicator sponge according to the present invention;

[00023] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a soft applicator sponge according to the present invention;

[00024] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a soft applicator sponge according to the present invention; [00025] FIG. 7D is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a soft applicator sponge according to the present invention; and,

[00026] FIG. 7E is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a soft applicator sponge according to the present invention.

[00027] Fig.8 is a partial cross section of an alternative embodiment of a soft applicator sponge according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[00028] Turning now to FIG. 1 , a detailing tool is shown and identified by general reference numeral 10. The detailing tool 10 comprises an elongate substantially rigid body 12, having a top 14, a bottom 16, a first end 18 and a second end 20. The body 12 can be constructed from a suitable material such as plastic, carbon fibre, wood, metal, etc. It is preferable that the detailing tool be lightweight and has no rough edges which could damage automobile surfaces. The body 12 should not be susceptible to corrosion, chipping or slivering and it should be cost effective to manufacture.

Considering these factors, plastic and carbon fibre are the preferred materials. The detailing tool 10 is a hand tool, and the dimensions of the body 12 should be selected with this purpose in mind. The length of the body 12 could range from about 13 cm to about 45 cm, with a preferred length being about 20-22 cm The width could range between 1 -5 cm, with a preferred width of about 1 .6 -1 .7 cm, and the height could range between 0.5-1 .0 cm. These measurements are provided by way of example only and are not meant to be definitive. [00029] The first end 18 is bevelled, as shown by the bevel indicated by reference numeral 22. The body 12 may have more than one bevel 22. As shown in Figure 2A, the body may be bevelled at the first end 18 and also at the second end 20. It is also contemplated that the body could be bevelled on the top 14 and also on the bottom 16. Thus, it would be possible to have four bevels 22 on the body 12. The presence of each bevel 22 is to provide an orientation angle for the resilient detailing pad 28 and allow a user to apply a small operating pressure upon the item to be detailed. The bevel 22 also makes it easier to maneuver the resilient detailing pad into the space to be detailed.

[00030] As best seen in FIG. 4, the body 12 of the detailing tool has, adjacent its first end 18, a first mating surface 24 of an attachment means 26. A resilient detailing pad 28 having a bottom 30 bearing a

complementary mating surface 32 of the attachment means 26 is provided for releasable attachment of the resilient detailing pad 28 to the first mating surface 24 on the first end 18 of the body 12.

[00031] The attachment means 26 can be one of several types of fasteners. The preferred attachment means 26 for use in the detailing tool 10 is hook and loop friction fastening material adhesively applied to the body 10 and the resilient detailing pad bottom 30 of the resilient detailing pad. As best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first mating surface 24, is the preferably the hook portion. The complementary mating surface 32 is the loop portion. The invention is not limited by which one of the hook or the loop material is applied to either the first 24 or the complementary 32 mating surfaces, but the use of the hook portion the body 12 is preferable for storage purposes. It is preferable that the loop material, which is softer and less abrasive, be positioned on the resilient detailing pad. Other types of fasteners such as snap fasteners, magnets, releasable adhesives, etc could be substituted as the attachment means 26.

[00032] Turning now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the resilient detailing pad 28 has a complementary mating surface 32 applied to the bottom 30 of the resilient detailing pad 28. Typically, the complementary mating surface 32 is fixed to a foam core 34 of the pad by means of flexible adhesive. The shape of the foam core 34 is largely determinative of the shape of the resilient detailing pad 28. As discussed in greater detail below, different shapes may be provided for different purposes.

[00033] In one embodiment, seen in FIG 3, the foam core 34 may be used as a soft applicator sponge without a cover. Reference numeral 36 is used to refer to foam core when it is used without a cover to function as the soft applicator sponge. This embodiment can be used to apply polishes or waxes in a very precise manner to narrow moldings and in small spaces. The soft applicator sponge 36 can be washed and reused several times before being discarded. Once a soft applicator sponge 36 has been used for a particular chemical or polish, it should always be used for the same product as chemical residue may not completely leave the soft applicator sponge 36 even after washing.

[00034] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the resilient detailing pad 28 may further comprise an absorbent, non-abrasive cover 38 thus forming a finishing cushion 50. The cover 38 surrounds the foam core 34 on all sides. The complementary mating surface 32 is applied to the bottom 30 by conventional means such as a flexible adhesive. The cover 38 is constructed from a material selected from group consisting of:

chamois, microfiber, cotton and silk. The cover 38 is typically permanently applied to the foam core 34 during the manufacturing process.

[00035] In an alternative embodiment, the cover 38 can be provided with a resealable adhesive and can be made available to a user along with the resilient detailing pad 28 having only a foam core 34. This allows the user the choice to use the foam core 34 alone as the applicator sponge 36 or to attach the cover 38 to the foam core 34 for use as the finishing cushion 50. The user can switch between embodiments by adding or removing the cover 38.

[00036] The resilient detailing pad 28 may have different shapes and features for different functions. Because the attachment means 26 is releasable, the resilient detailing pads 28 can be easily removed and switched and replaced on the body 12 in different orientations in order to reach vehicle surfaces easily and effectively. User preference dictates the purpose of the soft applicator sponges 36 and resilient detailing pads 28. The following are examples of potential uses.

[00037] The resilient detailing pad shown in FIG. 4 is a finishing cushion 50 having a tapered profile 40 and is constructed with a foam core 34 and a cover 38. A finishing cushion 50 in this embodiment is preferred for removing polish or smudges from interior or exterior clear coated vehicle moldings, instrument cluster covers, exterior paint, or window smudges. It can also be used to dry small areas and to wipe water marks off moldings. [00038] A slightly longer and wider such as that shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, is ideal for cleaning windows or display screens. Comparison of FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrates that reorientation of the resilient detailing pad 28 on the body 12 can produce a different profile which may be adapted to more readily access a particular space or surface. Flipping or positioning resilient detailing pad 28 back and front allows utilization of the angle to reach difficult areas specifically side front and rear windows.

Triangular soft applicator sponges 36 can be used to clean the vanes of vent openings.

[00039] FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of the detailing tool 10 wherein the applicator sponge 36 has the foam core 34, but no cover. It has a curved profile 42 which makes it useful for removing polish with interior cleaner from buttons or trim.

[00040] FIG. 7B shows an embodiment of the applicator sponge 36 having a protuberance 44 adjacent one end thereof. When this

embodiment is used, the protuberance 44 can reach down into gaps between control buttons without having to apply excessive pressure in order to force resilient material into the gaps. It is an easy matter to detail instrument panels without pushing buttons and changing the driver established settings.

[00041] FIG. 7C shows an embodiment of a smaller applicator sponge 36 which can be used for interior buttons and other tight places or narrow moldings.

[00042] FIG. 7D shows an embodiment of the applicator sponge 36 which has a gabled end 46 which can be used for cleaning between two different moldings if they form a gap where they meet. It is also useful for corners between adjacent buttons.

[00043] FIG. 7E shows an applicator sponge 36 having a first curved profile 42 in terms of the height or thickness, and a second curved profile along its front edge. This shape is useful for exterior moldings and to reach the top inside near the hinges and long whole top edge when a hatch back door is opened. It can also be used to remove dirt from the junction of the windshield and hood along wiper shafts.

[00044] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, detailing tool 10 may be constructed with more than one first mating surfaces 24 adjacent either or both of the first and second ends of the bone. Similarly, first mating surfaces 24 may be provided on both the upper side and the lower side thereof. This feature provides the flexibility to attach more than one resilient detailing pad 28 to a single body 12. An example of this feature is illustrated in FIG. 5 where resilient detailing pads 38 are attached to both the top 14 and the bottom 16 of the body 12, effectively creating a two sided tool that could be used to simultaneously clean or polish two vehicular surfaces which are spaced apart from each other.

[00045] A detailing tool with two resilient detailing pads is also useful when removing polish from clear coated surfaces, instrument clusters or screens that are not yet fully dry. One pad should be used to remove most of the polish. A mist or haze may form as residual polish dries. The second pad should be used to remove the polish residue or haze. This

configuration of the detailing tool is useful for quick polish removal without the need for swapping pads or not letting polish dry completely to create a light dust. The polish should always be removed with two cloths or pads: one for the initial wipe and the second for removing the final residue. It is helpful to use an identification indicator (discussed in greater detail below) to identify the pads for these specific purposes. Designating the pads with indicators allows pads to be reused several times until they become completely saturated with dirt and/or polish or other chemicals. Once saturated, they may leave polish dust or scratches. Saturated applicators and pads should be discarded and new ones should be used. For polish removal or windows, pads have to be free of any moisture and kept dry.

[00046] Numerous different chemicals are used in the automotive detailing process, including detergents, degreasers, solvents, polishes and waxes. Not all of these chemicals are compatible with one another. Traces of different detailing chemicals carried from location in a vehicle to another they can cause contamination such as waxy streaks on freshly cleaned glass windows. The detailer must then spend extra time to clean up contaminated areas. There may also be the potential for contamination to cause lasting damage to delicate vehicular surfaces. Using a separate resilient detailing pad or applicator for different chemicals rather than reusing the same one can avoid much of the contamination. Pads can be easily removed from the body of the detailing tool and switched out thanks to the removable attachment means.

[00047] Another useful arrangement is to place an applicator sponge 36 on one end of the body 12 and a finishing cushion 50 on the other end of the body. The detailer can then conveniently apply a chemical with one end of the detailing tool and remove the excess chemical with the cover 38 on the other end of the same tool. This eliminates the possibility of

contamination since the detailer does not need to pick up different detailing tools to complete a task.

[00048] In order to further limit the potential for cross contamination, the body of the detailing tool further comprises an identification indicator 48 to signal to the user which detailing tool is which. The identification indicator can be a portion of colour applied to the body such as the stripe shown in FIG. 2B, a coloured end as shown in FIG 2A, or a symbol printed on the body or another means. Additionally, the colour of the identification indicator can be coordinated to match the colours of selected resilient detailing pads in order to provide a clear visual indication that the correct pad and detailing tool are both being used for a particular purpose. For example an orange resilient detailing pad can be used for entertainment screens and mounted on the body of a detailing tool having an orange identification indicator. Red pads could be used mounted to a body with a red identification indicator and used for cleaning plastic moldings with interior cleaners.

[00049] In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the soft applicator sponge 50 could be constructed to contain within its foam core 34 a membrane 54 bound reservoir 52 containing a polish or a cleaning preparation. When a user holds the detailing tool 10 against a surface to be detailed and applies a light pressure, the membrane 54 will break and release the polish or cleaning preparation into the foam core. The soft applicator sponge 50 can then be moved along the surface to be detailed thereby spreading the polish or cleaning preparation. [00050] The use of the tool is not limited to automotive detailing. The detailing tool may also be used to dust, clean or polish any small, delicate, or hard to reach item, such as ornaments, jewellery, stained glass windows, die cast cars, cell phones, tablet computer screens etc.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1 . A detailing tool comprising:

(a) an elongate substantially rigid body having a top and a bottom, a first end and a second end, the first end being bevelled and having thereon a first mating surface of an attachment means; and,

(b) a resilient detailing pad having a bottom bearing a complementary mating surface of the attachment means for releasable attachment of the resilient detailing pad to the mating surface on the first end of the body.

2. The detailing tool of claim 1 , wherein the resilient detailing pad

comprises a foam core.

3. The detailing tool of claim 2, wherein the resilient detailing pad further comprises an absorbent, non-abrasive cover.

4. The detailing tool of claim 4, wherein 3 the cover is constructed from a material selected from group consisting of: chamois, microfiber, cotton and silk.

5. The detailing tool of claim 4, wherein the cloth cover surrounds the foam core.

6. The detailing tool of claim 2, wherein the resilient detailing pad has a tapered profile.

7. The detailing tool of claim 2, wherein the resilient detailing pad is

curved profile.

8. The detailing tool of claim 2, wherein the resilient detailing pad has a protuberance adjacent one end thereof.

9. The detailing tool of claim 2, wherein the resilient detailing pad has a gabled end.

10. The detailing tool of claim 1 , wherein the first mating surface of the attachment means is positioned on the top of the body and a second mating surface of an attachment means is positioned on the bottom of the body.

1 1 . The detailing tool of claim 1 , wherein the first mating surface of the attachment means is positioned adjacent the first end of the body and a second mating surface of an attachment means is adjacent the second end of the body.

12. The detailing tool of claim 1 , further comprising the second end of the body being bevelled and having thereon a second mating surface of an attachment means.

13. The detailing tool of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises an identification indicator.

14. The detailing tool of claim 13, wherein the identification indicator is contrasting colour applied to a selected portion of the body.

15. The detailing tool of claim 14, wherein the contrasting colour applied to the selected portion of the body is coordinated to the selected resilient detailing pad.

16. A resilient detailing pad for releasable attachment to an elongate

substantially rigid body to form a detailing tool, said resilient detailing pad comprising: a foam core having a bottom bearing a complementary mating surface of an attachment means for releasable attachment of the resilient detailing pad to a first mating surface on the substantially rigid body.

17. The resilient detailing pad of claim 16, further comprising an absorbent non-abrasive cover.

18. The resilient detailing pad of claim 16, further comprising a membrane bound reservoir for polish or cleaner.