The invention relates to a washing device, comprising a washing block that consists of three interconnected facets. The invention relates also to a method of cleaning a flat surface, such as glass, with a washing device as set forth in claim 1 .

It is an objective in the invention to provide a washing device, which is suitable for cleaning and wet washing flat surfaces, particularly glass surfaces but also other planar surfaces, such that one and the same washing device is provided with several faces with a possibility of being used for cleaning and washing when the discussed faces are covered with an appropriate cleaning textile, particularly with a cleaning textile intended for the wet washing of surfaces.

Another objective in the invention is to provide a washing device, which enables in the washing device a quick and simple replacement of faces used for cleaning.

The invention relates to a washing device according to claim 1 .

More specifically, the invention relates to a washing device, comprising a washing block which consists of three (washing) facets connected to each other by their longitudinal edges. The washing device has two washing blocks connected in a manner non-rotatable relative to each other, which are separated by a certain interval, each washing block having three interconnected plate-like facets, whereof each facet joins with two neighboring facets by its side edges and said interconnected facets have their outer end edges provided with an end cap, whereby inside each washing block is left a hollow interior which is defined by an internal surface of three facets and an internal surface of one end cap and in which extends a center axle connecting both washing blocks and having said washing blocks connected thereto in a manner to be rotatable relative to a handle mounted in an interval between the washing blocks on the center axle common thereto, whereby the handle points in a di- rection substantially transverse to the center axle away from the interval between the washing blocks, thereby extending beyond a plane defined by a face of the washing blocks' facets. The interval between washing blocks refers in this context to a distance left between the more approximate end edges of washing blocks.

Preferably, all plate-like facets of both washing blocks are substantially equal in length at least in terms of longitudinal and lateral dimensions thereof, and the facets of each washing block are always connected to two other facets of the same washing block along the entire length of their side edge.

The invention relates also to a method according to claim 10 for cleaning a flat surface, such as glass, with a washing device according to claim 1 . The method comprises - fixing a cleaning textile, which comprises two portions of cleaning textile joined by a web narrower than said portions, on the external faces of juxtaposed facets of each washing block which establish coplanar pairs of facets, the facets of which are separated by a certain interval in such a way that the web comes in between the facets in a pair and the portions of cleaning textile cover at least partially the external faces of the facets of both washing blocks,

- fixing a cleaning textile, which comprises two portions of cleaning textile joined by a web narrower than said portions, on pairs of facets which always include two juxtaposed facets, one from each washing block, the external faces of said juxtaposed facets lying on a common plane T in such a way that the web is located between the washing blocks and a handle mounted on a center axle extends beyond a plane defined by the pairs of facets as well as by the cleaning textile positioned on the external faces of said pairs of facets,

- pressing one pair of facets against a flat surface to be cleaned and wiping and/or washing the flat surface with cleaning textile covering said pair of fac- ets,

- rotating a handle relative to a center axle,

- pressing a fresh pair of facets against a flat surface to be cleaned and wiping and/or washing the flat surface with cleaning textile covering the fresh pair of facets. The concept the portions of cleaning textile cover at least partially the external faces of the facets of both washing blocks refers in this context to all facets being at least partially covered with a cleaning textile. With a washing device and method according to the invention, the foregoing objectives of the invention will be attained.

The invention is based on having the washing device provided with two washing blocks connected to each other by way of a center axle in a non-rotatable, preferably fixed manner and separated by a certain interval (distance). Either both, the washing blocks and said center axle, can be rotated relative to each other, or a handle mounted transversely on the center axle between the washing blocks can be turned around the center axle.

Thus, the washing blocks are preferably identical and each consists of three interconnected (washing) facets similar to each other, the cross-section of each block taking the shape of an equilateral triangle. The washing blocks have the external faces of their juxtaposed facets or pairs of facets lying always on a common plane, whereby the device has three cleaning surfaces on a common plane, each of which comprises an external face of a pair of facets, i.e. an external face of one (washing) facet from each washing block, the facets included in a single pair of facets being separated by a certain distance.

By placing a washing textile on a face of the washing blocks, there is provided a capability of cleaning a flat surface with a single cleaning face. By turning the handle relative to the washing blocks, a fresh cleaning face is always quickly obtained for service.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the center axle is shorter than the distance between the end faces of washing blocks mounted on the center axle.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the ac- companying figures:

Fig. 1A shows a washing device of the invention obliquely from behind in a perspective view, without a cleaning textile;

Fig. 1 B shows an engagement point for a handle and a center axle in the washing device of fig. 1 A, in a view directly from the front; Figs. 2A and 2B show a part of the washing device of fig. 1A with both the washing blocks and a handle bush mounted on a center axle of the washing blocks in a partially cutaway view as seen from a direction II in fig. 1A; Fig. 2C shows, in a view from a direction IIC in fig. 2B, a part of the washing device's second washing block;

Fig. 3 shows in an exploded view the washing device's handle as well as both washing blocks; Fig. 4 shows, in a view obliquely from behind, a washing device of the invention with a cleaning textile wrapped around the cleaning facets of its second washing block; and

Fig. 5 shows, in a view obliquely from behind, a washing device of the invention with a cleaning textile wrapped around both of its washing blocks, and the washing device at work for cleaning a flat surface

Figs 1A and 1 B illustrate an entire washing device 1 without a cleaning textile. The washing device 1 includes two washing blocks 3; 31 , 32, which are separated by a certain interval V wherein extends a center axle 2 to which can be connected a handle 8. Hence, each washing block comprises three intercon- nected plate-like identical (washing) facets 4, each of said facets joining with two neighboring facets along the length of its side edges. Thus, the facets' end edges are

The first washing block 31 consists of three plate-like washing facets 4; 41 1 , 412, 413 similar in terms of their longitudinal and lateral dimensions. Each washing facet 4; 41 1 , 412, 413 engages with the other two washing facets by its side edges (edges lengthwise of the washing device). For example, the first washing block 3; 31 has its facet 41 1 joining with the neighboring facet 412 of the same washing block by one of its side edges 41 1 b, 412b and, in addition, the same facet 41 1 joins with the other neighboring facet 413 of said washing block by its other side edge 41 1 b, 413b. Likewise, the facets 412 and 413 of the washing block 3; 31 join each with the other two facets of the same washing block by their side edges. The second washing block 3; 32 has its facets 421 , 422, 423 joining with each other in a similar fashion.

The interconnected facets 4; 41 1 , 412, 413 of the first washing block 31 have their outer end edges 41 1 a; 41 1 a', 412a; 412a', 413a; 413a' provided with a first triangular end cap 5; 51. The interconnected facets 4; 421 , 422, 423 of the second washing block 32 have their outer end edges 421 a; 421 a', 422a; 422a", 423a; 423a" provided in turn with a second triangular end cap 5; 52.

The outer end edge of a facet 4 refers in this context to that end edge of a fac- et in the washing block 31 , 32 which lies further away from the interval V between the washing blocks 31 and 32.

The plane orientation of the end caps 51 and 52 extends in a direction transverse to the direction of facets.

The mutually closest or most approximate end edges 41 1 a", 412a'"...421 a", 422a" of the facets 4; 41 1 , 412, 413 as well as 4; 421 , 422, 423 of the washing blocks 3; 31 , 32 are free, and between the closest end edges 41 1 a", 421 a"; 412a", 422a" as well as 413a"; 423a" of the juxtaposed facets or pairs of facets 41 1 , 421 as well as 412, 422 as well as 413, 423 of various washing blocks exists an equal distance L (cf. fig. 2). The faces of each pair of facets 41 1 , 421 as well as 412, 422 as well as 413, 423 are present on a certain common plane, i.e. on a cleaning plane T; T1 , T2, T3. The most approximate end edges 41 1 a", 421 a"; 412a", 422a" as well as 413a"; 423a" of the pairs of facets 41 1 , 421 as well as 412, 422 as well as 413, 423 are also present on a common plane which lies transversely to the plane orientation of the facets 4. Accordingly, the cleaning plane T1 , T2 or T3 is always established by faces of the neighboring facets 41 1 , 421 (T1 ) or 412, 422 (T2) or 413, 423 (T3) of two separate washing blocks 31 , 32, between which is left a gap whose length in a lengthwise direction of the facets is equal to the length L of the interval V separating the washing blocks. Seen from figs. 2A, 2B and 2C is how inside of each washing block 3; 31 , 32 is left an interior, which has a cross-section in the shape of an equilateral triangle and which is defined respectively from four directions by internal faces of the respective (washing) facets 4; 41 1 , 412, 413 as well as 4; 421 , 422, 423 of the washing blocks 3; 31 as well as 3; 32 and by the respective end caps 5; 51 , 52 in attachment with said facets 41 1 , 412, 413 as well as 421 , 422, 423, and in which extends a center axle 2 connecting the washing blocks 31 , 32.

The pivot pin 2 is in fixed attachment with the internal faces of the facets 4; 41 1 , 412, 413 as well as 4; 421 , 422, 423 and possibly also with the end caps 5; 51 , 52. The mounting of a handle on the center axle 2, as well as a more detailed design of the center axle, can be best seen from figs 2A-2C and 3.

As can be best seen from figs. 1 B, 2A as well as 2B, the washing blocks 3; 31 , 32 are connected to be rotatable and transverse relative to the handle 8 mounted on the center axle 2 between the washing blocks in the interval V. Figs. 2A and 2B show in a section view how the handle 8 attaches around the center axle 2 common to the washing blocks 3 by means of a bush 8a present at an end of the handle 8. The enter axle 2 extends inside the washing blocks 3; 31 , 32, as well as in a gap, which has a length L and which is left in the in- terval V between the washing blocks 31 and 32. The length L represents a distance L between the most approximate end edges 41 1 a and 421 a of juxtaposed facets, such as the facets 41 1 and 421 of a pair of facets.

The center axle 2 engages with internal surfaces of the washing facets 4 and possibly also with the end caps 5; 51 , 52 of the washing device, i.e. with end caps 31 b, 32b of the washing blocks 31 , 32.

In the washing device shown in figs. 1 -5, the center axle 2 is made up by two center axle sections 2; 21 , 22 lengthwise of the blocks, to which sections the handle 8 transverse relative to the center axle 2 attaches by way of a hollow cylindrical bush 8a. The center axle sections 21 and 22 attach respectively to various washing blocks 3; 31 , 32.

Said sections 21 , 22 of the center axle 2 are identical and are each made up by a cylindrical hollow bushing 21 c, 22c, which has a given diameter and attaches by its base 21 b to internal faces of the facets 4. Each bushing 21 c, 22c has its end closer to the handle 8 formed with two protrusions 2a; 2a', 2a", which extend around an outer periphery of the bushing 21 c, 22c (cf. figs. 2B and 2C) and which are located opposite to each other and between which is left a certain interval in a peripheral direction of the cross-section of the bushing 21 c or 22c. Said sections 21 and 22 of the center axle 2 are capable of being form-locked to each other by fitting the protrusions 2a', 2a" of their bush- ings 21 c and 22c in an interlaced relationship (cf. fig. 2B), whereby the protrusion 2a, 2a', 2a" of each bushing 21 c or 22c has its free tip extending to the opposite bushing 22c or 21 c.

The handle 8 is oriented in a direction substantially transverse to the center axle away from the interval V between the washing blocks 3; 31 , 32, thereby ex- tending beyond respective cleaning planes T1 , T2, T3 defined by adjacent faces of the washing blocks 3; 31 and 3; 32, i.e. by the pairs of facets 41 1 , 421 ; 412, 422; 413, 423 (cf. e.g. figs. 1A, 2A, 2B).

In one embodiment of the invention, on at least one of the cleaning planes T1 , T2 or T3, the face of a facet included in the juxtaposed pairs of facets 41 1 , 421 ; 412, 422 or 413, 423 established thereby is provided with a cleaning textile fastener 7; 71 , 72 crosswise of the facet.

The washing device 1 is used as follows for the cleaning of a flat surface 9, such as glass (figs. 4 and 5). A cleaning textile 6, particularly a soft, absorbent cleaning cloth, comprises two portions 61 , 62 of textile with an edge of their inner surface provided with an adhesive tape 6a, and a thinner web 63 interconnecting said portions 61 , 62. Each of the textile portions 61 , 62 has a length which is approximately equal to the length of a washing block 31 or 32. The web 63 has a length in a longitudinal direction of the washing blocks which is preferably equal to the interval V separating the washing blocks.

In terms of its width, each of the cleaning textile portions 61 , 62 is such that both can be wrapped around a respective washing block 31 , 32 and at least one of the cleaning textile portions 61 , 62 has the opposite edges of its inner surface, which are lengthwise of the washing block 31 or 32, capable of being engaged to each other with an adhesive tape 6a.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 4, a second one of the cleaning textile portions 6; 62 is provided in a tubular form, whereby its cross- sectional profile is annular. The tubular second portion 62 of cleaning textile engages by way of a short web 63 with a planar first portion 61 of cleaning tex- tile 6, next to one of whose edges 61 a, 61 b to be set in a parallel relationship with the washing block 3; 31 or 3; 32 extends an elongated adhesive tape 6a. The first portion 61 of cleaning textile 6 is planar and in the shape of a quadrilateral, such as square or rectangle, and is substantially equal in length to the washing block 31 or 32 on top of which said textile portion 6; 61 is aligned. The area delimited by the cross-sectional profile of said tubular textile portion 62 should be equally large as or slightly larger than, and additionally have a shape similar to the cross-sectional area of the washing block 31 or 32 in order to render said textile portion capable of being threaded to cover the washing block 31 or 32. The tubular portion 6; 62, and the washing block 31 or 32 to be overlaid with said tubular portion of textile 6; 62, are substantially equal in length.

The tubular portion 62 of cleaning textile 6 is threaded on top of either washing block 3; 31 or 3; 32 of the washing blocks in such a way that all facets 4 of said washing block 3; 31 or 3; 32 will end up under the tubular portion 62 of cleaning textile. Hence, the web 63 interconnecting the portions 61 and 62 of said textile ends up coinciding with the handle 8 present in the interval V between the washing blocks 31 and 32. This is followed by wrapping the first, planar portion 61 of cleaning textile around a vacant section 3; 31 or 3; 32 of the washing block, i.e. on top of that washing block section 31 , 32 which has not yet been overlaid with the tubular portion 62 of cleaning textile 6. Thereafter, this first planar portion 61 of cleaning textile can have its edges 61 a and 61 b, which are lengthwise of the washing blocks 3, engaged with the adhesive tape 6a to the attachment with each other. Once the planar portion 61 of cleaning textile has its edges 61 a, 61 b engaged with each other by means of an adhesive tape or suchlike releasable attachment, the cleaning cloth 6 wrapped on top of all facets 4 of the washing blocks 31 , 32 will thereafter cover all cleaning planes T, leaving nevertheless uncovered the handle 8 projecting from the center axle 2 in the direction of one cleaning plane T; T1 , T2, T3. The web of cleaning cloth 6 has a width considerably narrower than the textile portions 61 , 62 which are wrapped around the washing blocks 31 and 32; once the washing textile 6 has been wrapped around the washing blocks 31 , 32, the web 63 will be located in the interval V between the washing blocks and is therefore not wider than the interval V and the handle 8 disposed therein.

The attachment of a washing textile can also be carried out by using fasteners 7; 71 , 72 extending on the cleaning plane T defined by the pair of facets 41 1 , 421 and particularly in a lateral direction on the external face of said facets 41 1 , 412. The flat surface 9 is cleaned by means of the cleaning planes T overlaid with a damp cleaning cloth, such that a pair of facets established by the cleaning plane T1 , T2 or T3, and at the same time the cleaning textile present on top of the same, is pressed against the flat surface followed by wiping and cleaning the flat surface 9 with the cleaning textile. During a cleaning operation, the handle is co-directional with the flat surface. This is followed by giving the handle 8 a rotation relative to the pivot pin 2 to make the handle 8 extend from the center axle 2 towards a fresh cleaning plane T. Thereafter, the flat surface is wiped as described above by pressing the juxtaposed pairs of facets 412, 422 (T2) and 413, 423 (T3) or 412, 422 (T1 ) or 412, 422 (T2) under the relevant planar faces against a flat surface to be cleaned and by wiping the respective flat surface with the cleaning textile.

In the process of cleaning a flat surface with a planar face, the handle 8 will be substantially parallel to that cleaning plane T; T1 , T2, T3 which is pressed against the flat surface to be treated.

List of reference numerals

Washing device 1

Center axle 2

Center axle sections 21, 22

Bushings for center axle sections 21a, 22c

Protrusions of center axle bushings 2a; 2a', 2a; 2a"

Washing blocks 3; 31, 32

End caps for washing blocks 31b, 32b

Washing facet(s), i.e. facet(s) 4

Facet 411, 412, 4113, 421, 422, 423

Facet's side edge 411b, 412b, 413b ... etc.

Facet's end edge 411a, 412a, 413a ... etc.

Outer end edge 411a', 412a'.413a' ... etc.

More approximate end edge 411a".412a", 413a" ... etc. Pairs of facets 411, 421; 412, 422; 413, 423

End caps for washing device 5; 51, 52 (31b, 32b)

Cleaning textile 6

Adhesive tape 6a

Tubular portion of textile 62

Planar portion of textile 61

Edges of planar portion 61a, 61b

Web of textile 63 Fasteners 7

Fastener 71,72

Handle 8

Handle bush 8a

Flat surface 9

Interval between washing blocks V

Interval length L

Cleaning plane T;T1,T2.