U.S. patent application number 17/279239 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-06 for longitudinal activation of integral cover for lint removal tool.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Mark W. Baldwin, Lloyd S. Vasilakes, Kevin R. Wruble.
Application Number | 20220000333 17/279239 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005908906 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220000333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vasilakes; Lloyd S. ; et
al. |
January 6, 2022 |
LONGITUDINAL ACTIVATION OF INTEGRAL COVER FOR LINT REMOVAL TOOL
Abstract
Lint removal tool including a handle, an inner assembly
rotatably attached to the handle, and an outer cover
translationally attached to the handle. The handle has a free end
and a connecting end. The inner assembly rotates around an axis of
the handle when the handle is longitudinally activated between an
extended position and a retracted position relative to the outer
cover.
Inventors: |
Vasilakes; Lloyd S.;
(Stillwater, MN) ; Baldwin; Mark W.; (Woodbury,
MN) ; Wruble; Kevin R.; (Minneapolis, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005908906 |
Appl. No.: |
17/279239 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
September 25, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2019/058139 |
371 Date: |
March 24, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62737607 |
Sep 27, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 25/005
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 25/00 20060101
A47L025/00 |
Claims
1. A lint removal tool comprising: a handle having a free end and a
connecting end; an inner assembly rotatably attached to the handle;
an outer cover translationally attached to the handle, wherein the
inner assembly rotates around an axis of the handle when the handle
is longitudinally activated between an extended position and a
retracted position relative to the outer cover.
2. The lint removal tool of claim 1, wherein in the retracted
position, at least a portion of the free end of the handle is
positioned within the housing.
3. The lint removal tool of claim 1, wherein in the retracted
position, at least a portion of the free end of the handle is
positioned within the inner assembly.
4. The lint removal tool of claim 1, further comprising a roll of
lint removal tape positioned on the inner assembly.
5. The lint removal tool of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of
the lint removal tape is exposed when the handle is in the extended
position.
6. The lint removal tool of claim 1, wherein the inner assembly
comprises: an inner cover; an inner core; and a sleeve.
7. The lint removal tool of claim 6, wherein the sleeve is
positioned within the inner core.
8. The lint removal tool of claim 6, wherein the inner core is
positioned within the inner cover.
9. The lint removal tool of claim 1, wherein the connecting end of
the handle includes a plurality of posts that engage with a
plurality of helical ridges within the inner assembly.
10. A lint removal tool comprising: a handle; an inner core; a
sleeve; and a housing having an inner cover and an outer cover,
wherein the outer cover is fixed relative to the handle, wherein
the inner cover rotates around an axis of the handle when the
handle is longitudinally activated between an extended position and
a retracted position.
11. The lint removal tool of claim 10, wherein in the retracted
position, a majority of the handle is positioned within the
housing.
12. The lint removal tool of claim 10, wherein in the extended
position, the housing is in an open position.
13. The lint removal tool of claim 10, wherein in the retracted
position, the housing is in a closed position.
14. The lint removal tool of claim 10, further comprising a roll of
lint removal tape positioned on the inner core, wherein the roll of
lint removal tape is configured to be housed within the
housing.
15. The lint removal tool of claim 14, wherein at least a portion
of the lint removal tape is exposed when the handle is in the
extended position.
16. The lint removal tool of claim 14, wherein the lint removal
tape is completely housed within the housing when the handle is in
the retracted position.
17. The lint removal tool of claim 10, wherein the outer cover has
a diameter larger than a diameter of the inner cover such that the
inner cover can nest within the outer cover.
18. The lint removal tool of claim 10, wherein the sleeve is
positioned within the inner core.
19. The lint removal tool of claim 10, wherein the inner core is
positioned within the inner cover.
20. The lint removal tool of claim 10, wherein the handle includes
a plurality of posts that engage with a plurality of helical ridges
within the inner core.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to lint removal
tools. In particular, the present invention is a lint removal tool
having a cover. Test
BACKGROUND
[0002] Lint removal tools are commonly used for removing lint, pet
hair, and other small particles from fabric, such as clothing and
upholstery. Lint removal tools are generally used in roll form, in
which lint removal tape is typically wound on a core with the
adhesive side of the tape wound outwardly for use. A roll of lint
removal tape can be placed on an applicator, which is typically
formed of a handle portion and a tape-receiving portion. The roll
is placed on the tape-receiving portion. Various forms of lint
removal tape rolls are known, such as those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,027,465 and 5,388,300. Examples include Scotch-Brite.TM.
Standard Lint Roller and Scotch-Brite.TM. 50% Stickier Lint Roller,
available from 3M Company located in Saint Paul, Minn.
[0003] In use, the lint removal tool is rolled along the surface to
be cleaned such that lint and other loose debris becomes attached
to the exposed adhesive of the lint removal tape. Once the exposed
adhesive of the lint removal tape is covered with sufficient lint
and debris such that the lint removal tool is no longer removing a
desired amount of lint or debris, the exposed adhesive is removed
from the roll and discarded. Removal of the used lint removal tape
results in newly exposed adhesive.
[0004] Because the adhesive side of the lint removal tape is wound
outwardly on the roll, the lint removal tape can become
unintentionally contaminated with lint and other debris when not in
use. One solution to protect the lint removal tape of the lint
removal tool when not in use has been to use a detachable cover or
caddy.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention is a lint removal
tool including a handle, an inner assembly rotatably attached to
the handle, and an outer cover translationally attached to the
handle. The handle has a free end and a connecting end. The inner
assembly rotates around an axis of the handle when the handle is
longitudinally activated between an extended position and a
retracted position relative to the outer cover.
[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention is a lint
removal tool including a handle, an inner core, a sleeve, and a
housing having an inner cover and an outer cover. The outer cover
is fixed relative to the handle. The inner cover rotates around an
axis of the handle when the handle is longitudinally activated
between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0007] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lint
roller tool of the present invention in an extended position.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lint roller tool of FIG.
1 in a retracted position.
[0010] FIG. 3A is a perspective side view of an embodiment of a
handle of the lint roller tool of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3B is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a
handle of the lint roller tool of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an outer
cover of the lint roller tool of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5A is a perspective exterior view of an embodiment of
an inner cover of the lint roller tool of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 5B is a perspective interior view of an embodiment of
an inner cover of the lint roller tool of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inner
core of the lint roller tool of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a receiving end of the
inner core of the lint roller tool of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the inner core of the
lint roller tool of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a receiving end of an
embodiment of a sleeve of the lint roller tool of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a connecting end of an
embodiment of a sleeve of the lint roller tool of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the lint removal tool of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the handle of the lint
removal tool of the present invention in an extended position and a
housing of the lint removal tool of the present invention in an
open position.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the handle of the lint
removal tool of the present invention in a retracted position and
the housing of the lint removal tool of the present invention in a
closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present invention is a lint roller tool having an
attached housing. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment
of the lint roller tool in an extended position. As can be seen in
FIG. 1, the lint roller tool generally includes a handle, an inner
assembly rotatably attached to the handle, and the housing. The
handle is positionable between an extended position relative to the
housing, as shown in FIG. 1, and a retracted position, as shown in
FIG. 2. In practice, the lint roller tool includes a roll of lint
removal tape positioned on the inner assembly that is used to
remove lint and other debris from a surface using exposed adhesive
on the lint removal tape. The housing functions as a cover and
protects the exposed adhesive when the lint roller tool is not in
use. When the lint roller tool is to be used, the handle is in the
extended position (FIG. 1) with the housing in an open position to
expose the lint removal tape. When the lint removal tool is being
stored, the handle is retracted, causing the housing to rotate 180
degrees to the retracted position (FIG. 2) and so that the lint
removal tape is covered and protected from debris.
[0024] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a perspective side view and a
perspective front view, respectively, of the handle of the lint
removal tool of the present invention. The handle of the lint
removal tool has a free end and a connecting end. The free end
allows a user to comfortably grasp the lint removal tool. The
handle can have any shape and can be contoured to ergo-dynamically
fit a hand but is generally non-cylindrical in shape. As will be
described further below, the non-cylindrical handle shape is
mirrored by a non-cylindrical hole in the outer cover that the
handle passes through. The free end of the handle includes a slot
(shown in FIG. 3B) that runs along a portion of the length of the
free end of the handle. The slot includes a first notch proximate
the free end of the handle and a second notch proximate the
connecting end of the handle. The notches are designed to engage
with a protrusion in the outer cover to maintain the handle in the
extended and retracted positions. In one embodiment, the free end
of the handle includes an opening to permit, for example, hanging
the lint removal tool on a hook for storage.
[0025] The connecting end of the handle is rotatably attached to
the inner assembly, allowing the handle to function as an actuator
to move the housing between an open position and a closed position.
When the handle is in the extended position, the housing is in the
open position with the lint removal tape positioned on the inner
assembly exposed and ready for use. When the handle is in the
retracted position, the housing is in the closed position with the
lint removal tape covered and protected from the elements. While
the free end of the handle generally has an ergo-dynamic shape, the
connecting end is generally cylindrical. The connecting end also
includes a plurality of pins extending perpendicularly from a
connecting edge. The plurality of pins are generally spaced
equ-distant from adjacent pins along the connecting edge. In one
embodiment, the connecting edge includes four pins.
[0026] The housing includes an outer cover and an inner cover. FIG.
4 shows a perspective view of the outer cover. The outer cover has
a diameter larger than a diameter of the inner cover such that the
inner cover can nest within the outer cover when the housing is in
the open position. When assembled, there is a gap between the inner
cover and the outer cover to allow for smooth movement between open
and closed positions. In one embodiment, the gap between the inner
and outer covers is about 0.4 mm. The outer cover includes a
receiving end, a wall, and a stem. The receiving end is
non-circular in shape, forming an outer, semi-circular edge and an
inner, curved edge. The wall extends perpendicularly from the
outer, semi-circular edge of the receiving end of the outer wall.
In one embodiment, the wall extends along about 40% to about 60% of
the outer edge of the receiving end of the outer cover, and
particularly along about 45% to about 55% of the outer edge of the
receiving end of the outer cover. In one embodiment, the wall
extends about 40 mm from the receiving end, particularly about 60
mm, and more particularly about 80 mm from the receiving end. In
one embodiment, the outer cover has a diameter of between about 25
mm and about 1000, and particularly about 75 mm.
[0027] The stem of the outer cover is generally cylindrically
shaped and is hollow, extending from substantially a center of the
receiving end of the outer cover. The stem thus creates an inner
diameter for the outer cover. In one embodiment, the stem creates
an inner diameter of between about 25 mm and about 50 mm, and
particularly about 35 mm. The stem includes an aperture at an inner
wall, also creating a latching surface on the stem. While the stem
is generally cylindrically shaped, the hole created by the stem at
the receiving end of the outer cover is not generally cylindrically
shaped. The hole at the receiving end of the outer cover is shaped
to match and receive the free end of the handle. This allows the
handle and outer cover to be fixed in rotation but free in
translation. The outer cover is thus translationally attached to
the handle as the handle moves between the extended and retracted
positions. The hole at the receiving end of the outer cover also
includes a protrusion that engages the slot of the handle to help
maintain the handle in the extended and retracted positions. The
outer cover is formed of a material that has sufficient strength to
function as a thin housing. The outer cover can be formed of, for
example, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),
polypropylene, or a polycarbonate/ABS blend.
[0028] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a perspective exterior view and a
perspective interior view, respectively, of the inner cover. The
inner cover includes a receiving end and a wall. Similar to the
outer cover, the receiving end is non-circular in shape, forming an
outer, semi-circular edge and an inner, curved edge. In one
embodiment, the wall extends along about 40% to about 60% of the
outer edge of the receiving end of the outer cover, and
particularly along about 45% to about 55% of the outer edge of the
receiving end of the outer cover. The wall extends perpendicularly
from the outer, semi-circular edge of the receiving end of the
outer wall to a height substantially similar to the height of the
outer cover. In one embodiment, the wall extends between about 40
mm and about 80 mm from the receiving end, and particularly about
60 mm from the receiving end. The receiving end of the inner cover
also includes a hole having a notch. The hole creates an inner
diameter and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the stem of
the outer cover. In one embodiment, the hole creates an inner
diameter of between about 35 mm and about 55 mm, and particularly
about 45 mm. The inner cover also includes a plurality of ridges
extending along a width of the inner cover. The plurality of ridges
are designed to prevent the exposed adhesive of the roll of lint
removal tape from adhering to the inner cover, facilitating smooth
movement of the housing between the open and closed positions. The
inner cover is formed of a material that is capable of being
ultrasonically welded. In one embodiment, the inner cover can be
formed of, for example, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS), polypropylene, or a polycarbonate/ABS blend.
[0029] The inner assembly of the lint removal tool includes the
inner cover, an inner core, and a sleeve. A perspective view of the
inner core is shown in FIG. 6A and a perspective view of a
receiving end of the inner core is shown in FIG. 6B. A
cross-sectional view of the inner core is shown in FIG. 6C. The
inner core is cylindrical, having a top portion and a receiving
portion. The top portion includes a top end and the receiving
portion includes a receiving end. The inner core is hollow with the
receiving end being open. The top end may be covered or open
without departing from the intended scope of the present invention.
Generally, the inner core is formed of the same or similar material
as the inner cover so that they can be welded together.
[0030] The receiving portion of the inner core includes an outer
edge, an aperture, a plurality of cut outs, and a flange. The
aperture is located proximate the outer edge of the receiving end
and aligns with a latch on the sleeve when the inner assembly is
assembled. The plurality of cut outs are positioned along the
entire outer edge of the receiving end. Although the figures depict
the cut outs being generally equally spaced around the outer edge
of the receiving end, any pattern or random cut outs can be used
without departing from the intended scope of the present invention.
The receiving end also includes a flange extending perpendicularly
along the outer edge of the receiving end and is positioned between
the cut outs and the aperture. In one embodiment, the flange is
located between about 2 mm and about 4 mm from the outer edge of
the receiving end, and particularly between about 3 mm. The
receiving portion of the inner core has an inner diameter slightly
larger than an inner diameter of the top portion of the inner core
and has a thickness similar to a thickness of a wall of the sleeve,
discussed below.
[0031] The top portion of the inner core includes a plurality of
ridges forming a plurality of helixes running along the length of
the inner diameter of the top portion, as can be seen in FIG. 6C.
In one embodiment, the top portion includes four helixes running
along the inner diameter. The helixes are designed to engage with
the pins of the handle and function as a guide to rotate the inner
assembly as the handle moves between the extended and retracted
positions.
[0032] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show a perspective view of a receiving
end and a perspective view of a connecting end, respectively, of
the sleeve. The sleeve is cylindrical in shape and includes a top
end, a receiving end, and a latch. The sleeve is hollow with the
top end and the receiving end being open. The receiving end of the
sleeve includes a plurality of tabs extending perpendicularly from
the wall of the sleeve along the outer diameter adjacent to an
outer edge of the receiving end. The plurality of tabs are designed
and spaced to align with the cut outs of the receiving end of the
inner core. While the majority of the tabs are positioned adjacent
to the outer edge of the receiving end, that is, slightly set back
from the outer edge, at least one tab is a positioning tab and
extends all the way to the outer edge of the receiving end. The
positioning tab is used to properly align the inner core and the
sleeve with the inner cover. In one embodiment, the tabs are
located between about 1 mm and about 2 mm from the outer edge of
the receiving end, particularly between about 0.5 mm and about 3
mm.
[0033] The sleeve is positioned within the receiving portion of the
inner core and has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner
diameter of the receiving portion of the inner core and generally
equal to the inner diameter of the top portion of the inner core.
Because the thickness of the wall of the sleeve is substantially
equal to the difference in the inner diameters of the top portion
and the receiving portion of the inner core, when the sleeve is
positioned within the inner core, the inner diameter of the inner
assembly is substantially the same throughout. The sleeve is
positioned within the receiving portion of the inner core such that
the top end of the sleeve is closest the top end of the inner core
and the latch is aligned with the aperture of the inner core. In
addition, when properly positioned, the tabs at the receiving end
of the sleeve fit within the cut outs of the receiving end of the
inner core such that the sleeve is mechanically attached to the
inner core. The sleeve is formed of a material having low friction.
In one embodiment, the sleeve is formed of, for example, acetal,
polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),
polypropylene, or a polycarbonate/ABS blend.
[0034] Once the sleeve is positioned within the inner core, the
receiving end of the inner core is positioned within the opening at
the receiving end of the inner cover such that the positioning tab
at the receiving end of the sleeve fits within the notch of the
hole of the receiving end of the inner cover. When the inner core
and sleeve are properly positioned within the hole of the inner
cover, the aperture and latch of the inner core and the sleeve,
respectively, are aligned with each other and opposite the wall of
the inner cover. The inner cover is designed to have a diameter
between about 44 mm and about 0.4 mm larger, particularly between
about 35 mm and about 0.2 mm, and more particularly between about
25 mm and about 0.1 mm larger than the diameter of the inner core
so that when they are assembled, there is a gap between the inner
core and the inner cover. The gap is designed to allow a roll of
lint removal tape to be positioned on the inner core. Once the
inner core and sleeve are mounted on the inner cover, the inner
cover and the inner core are welded together to form a single unit.
The inner cover and the inner core can be welded together by any
means known in the art, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic
welding or solvent welding. In one embodiment, the inner cover and
the inner core are ultrasonically welded together. Once assembled,
the inner core, the sleeve, and the inner core form the inner
assembly.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the lint removal tool of
the present invention. To assemble the lint roller tool, the
connecting end of the handle is positioned within the receiving
ends of the inner core and the sleeve, now part of the inner
assembly. The connecting end of the handle is inserted within the
inner core such that the plurality of pins of the handle line up
with the plurality of ridges forming the helixes within the inner
core. Thus, when aligned, the inner assembly rotates around the
axis of the handle as the handle is inserted into the inner core
and the connecting end approaches the top end of the inner
core.
[0036] Once the handle is connected to the inner assembly, the
outer cover is assembled onto the handle. To assemble the outer
cover onto the handle, the hole at the receiving end of the outer
cover is inserted at the free end of the handle and slid along the
handle until the receiving end of the outer cover abuts the
receiving end of the inner cover. Together, the inner cover and the
outer cover form the housing to protect the lint removal tape
positioned on the inner core when the lint removal tool is not in
use. When fully inserted, the latching surface of the stem of the
outer cover engages the latch of the sleeve, which prevents the
inner assembly and outer cover from rotating axially from each
other as the handle moves between the extended and retracted
positions. In addition, because the shape of the free end of the
handle matches the hole of the outer cover, the outer cover is
prevented from rotating as the handle move between the extended and
retracted positions.
[0037] When assembled, the outer cover of the housing is
rotationally fixed relative to the handle while the inner cover,
along with the entire inner assembly, rotates around an axis of the
handle when the handle is longitudinally activated between the
extended position and the retracted position. In use, the user
holds the outer cover with one hand and pulls or pushes the handle
longitudinally with respect to the outer cover to either extend or
retract the handle, respectively. As the handle is moved
longitudinally, the internal helixes within the inner core
interfaces with the pins on the handle to cause rotation as the
handle is pushed or pulled with respect to the outer cover.
[0038] Generally, the thickness of the walls of the outer cover,
the inner cover, the inner core and the sleeve should be thick
enough to ensure a durable lint removal tool while still minimizing
the overall size of the lint removal tool and excess material. In
one embodiment, the wall thickness is generally between about 1 mm
and about 3 mm, and particularly about 2 mm.
[0039] When the handle is in the extended position, as shown in
FIG. 9, the housing is in an open position such that the inner
cover is positioned within the outer cover and a portion of the
lint removal tape positioned on the inner core is exposed. The user
can then use the free end of the handle and roll the exposed lint
removal tape on the surface to be cleaned. When the user is done
using the lint removal tool, the user holds the outer cover and
moves the handle upward into the inner assembly to the retracted
position. When the handle is in the retracted position, as show in
FIG. 10, the housing is in a closed position such that the inner
cover is positioned opposite the outer cover and the lint removal
tape is completely covered within the housing, protecting the lint
removal tape from unintentionally picking up lint and other debris.
In each of the extended and retracted positions, the handle can be
mechanically locked in place when the protrusion at the receiving
end of the outer cover engages with either the first notch or
second notch. When the protrusion is engaged with the first notch
located proximate the free end of the handle, the handle is locked
in the retracted position, allowing the housing to remain closed
and protect the lint removal tape within it. When the protrusion is
engaged with the second notch located proximate the connecting end
of the handle, the handle is locked in the extended position,
allowing the housing to remain open and expose the lint removal
tape for cleaning.
[0040] The present invention is a lint roller tool having an
attached housing that allows for a convenient method of protecting
exposed adhesive when the lint roller tool is not in use and is
being stored. When the lint roller tool is to be used, the handle
is in the extended position with the housing in an open position to
expose the lint removal tape and allow for lint pick-up. When the
lint removal tool is being stored, the handle is longitudinally
actuated to the retracted position to rotate the inner cover 180
degrees so that the lint removal tape is covered and protected from
debris.
[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
specific exemplary elements, structures, features, details,
configurations, etc., that are disclosed herein can be modified
and/or combined in numerous embodiments. The present invention may
suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any of
the disclosed or recited elements. In particular, any of the
elements that are positively recited in this specification as
alternatives, may be explicitly included in the claims or excluded
from the claims, in any combination as desired. All such variations
and combinations are contemplated by the inventor as being within
the bounds of the conceived invention, not merely those
representative designs that were chosen to serve as exemplary
illustrations. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not
be limited to the specific illustrative structures described
herein, but rather extends at least to the structures described by
the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those
structures. To the extent that there is a conflict or discrepancy
between this specification as written and the disclosure in any
document incorporated by reference herein, this specification as
written will control.
* * * * *