WO2021201752A1

WO2021201752A1 - Wiping tool and method for keeping a handle portion of a wiping tool dry

Info

Publication number: WO2021201752A1
Application number: PCT/SE2021/050270
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Madsen
Original assignee: Hans Madsen
Priority date: 2020-04-01
Filing date: 2021-03-26
Publication date: 2021-10-07

Abstract

The present inventive concept relates to a wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for wiping liquid at substantially flat surfaces and a method (600) for keeping a handle portion of a wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) dry. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), a handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), and a shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506). The shield being configured for collection of liquid and comprising a top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508), facing the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), configured for receiving liquid into the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) such that liquid on the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is prevented from running to the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the first orientation.

Description

WIPING TOOL AND METHOD FOR KEEPING A HANDLE PORTION OF A

WIPING TOOL DRY

Technical field

The present inventive concept generally relates to a wiping tool for wiping liquid at substantially flat surfaces. A method for keeping a handle portion of a wiping tool dry is also disclosed.

Background

In the course of cleaning houses and other premises various tools, cleaning detergents and cleaning liquids are commonly used to facilitate the cleaning work. A worker will thus during cleaning risk exposing himself or herself to the cleaning agents and cleaning liquids used.

When working with cleaning, some operations involve an increased risk for the worker concerned to get exposed to the cleaning agents and cleaning liquids used. Working with cleaning, such as for instance cleaning windows, often means that the worker exposes his or her skin for cleaning liquids such as water with different chemical cleaning agents during many hours a day. The equipment used today when cleaning for instance windows allows for the cleaning liquid to run down to the hand of the worker, thus exposing the hand for the cleaning liquid. Working with water for more than two hours a day is identified by the

Swedish agency for work safety as a work that need special care. This is due to the knowledge that exposing the skin regularly even to only water is a risk factor for inducing damage to the skin. This damage includes wounds and eczema, which are a problem by themselves, but which also allows for other problems such as allergies and absorption of dangerous chemicals into the body. By the addition of cleaning agents in the water, the worker adds an even higher risk of inducing damage to the skin. Those agents usually include agents which are fat reducing and thereby removes the protecting fat layer on the skin which otherwise is a natural barrier for protection against chemicals. Further, liquid running down from the equipment used towards the ground might be a source of contamination of the ground. The agents used for cleaning might include agents potentially dangerous for the environment. Thus, preventing the liquid from reaching the ground is of great importance.

Today, there are no solution to those problems for people working with for instance window cleaning. However, there are window wiping instruments using vacuum to extract the water or cleaning liquid used, but this kind of equipment is too heavy to use in a professional manner for those working with this all days. To use gloves are impractical and also introduces another source to allergic reactions. Therefore, there is a great demand for a solution to the above-mentioned problems which is light weight and practical for use both for professionals and persons working at home.

Summary

In view of that stated above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wiping tool which counteracts liquid and potentially contaminated liquid from reaching the hands of a worker using the wiping tool.

A further object is to provide such a wiping tool where the handle of the wiping tool is counteracted from being contaminated and hence wetted by the liquid used. In other words, it is an object to provide such a wiping tool where the handle is kept dry or at least kept dryer as compared to known wiping tools.

It is also an object to provide a lightweight wiping tool. The wiping tool being light weight allows for an ergonomically suitable handling.

It is also an object to provide a method for keeping a handle portion of a wiping tool dry, while allowing for efficient and ergonomic handling of the wiping tool.

To achieve at least one of the above objects and other objectives that will be clear from the following description, the present invention discloses a wiping tool for wiping liquid at substantially flat surfaces having the features defined in claim 1. A method for keeping a handle portion of a wiping tool dry having the features of claim 10 is also disclosed. Preferred variants will be evident from the dependent claims.

More specifically according to a first aspect, there is provided according to the present invention a wiping tool for wiping liquid at substantially flat surfaces, the wiping tool comprising a wiping portion, a handle portion, and a shield arranged between the wiping portion and the handle portion, the shield defining a volume configured for collection of liquid, the shield comprising a top opening facing the wiping portion, wherein the top opening is configured for receiving liquid into the volume when the wiping tool has a first orientation such that liquid on the wiping portion is prevented from running to the handle portion when the wiping tool has the first orientation, wherein shield is further configured to release liquid collected in the volume when the wiping tool has a second orientation, such that the liquid is released from the volume while running in a direction away from the handle portion when the wiping tool has the second orientation, wherein the first orientation and the second orientation form part of a motion of the wiping tool when used for wiping a substantially flat surface.

The substantially flat surface may, but is not limited to, be a window, a wall, or a mirror. Within the framework of this application, wiping liquid at substantially flat surfaces is defined as wiping liquid from substantially flat surfaces, or adding liquid to substantially flat surfaces by wiping.

The wiping portion may, but is not limited to, include a scraper, squeegee, brush, or washer. The wiping portion may also include a combination of two or more thereof.

The handle portion is generally the portion of the wiping tool where the user holds the wiping tool. It may also be the portion where a shaft such as an extendable arm is attached.

The volume defined by the shield is typically an open volume. By the wording “open volume” is intended any volume at least partially defined by outer walls and capable of holding liquid in at least one orientation or capable of counteracting liquid from running in a certain direction. The volume may be open in the sense that the walls defining the volume exhibits one or more openings. Similarly, portions of the walls or complete walls may be omitted as long as an open volume is defined. The shield may surround and consequently define the open volume in different ways. The shield may for example be a cone without any bottom part, or a cylinder without a lid where the opening is typically a top opening. The shield may for example be a longitudinal protrusion. The opening may then typically be a top opening or a top opening in combination with one or more side openings. The shield is typically configured such that it is tightly sealed at the end of the shield facing the handle portion, while it has a top opening facing the wiping portion.

The top opening is configured such that it can receive liquid running from the wiping portion towards the handle portion, in such a way that the liquid is prevented from reaching the handle portion. Hence, liquid running from the wiping portion towards the handle portion will typically enter the top opening and get collected in the volume defined by the shield.

Further, the top opening is configured such that it can release liquid collected in the volume, in such a way that the liquid is released from the volume while running in a direction away from the handle portion. Hence, liquid collected in the volume will typically be released from the volume through the top opening.

The top opening is configured such that receiving and releasing of liquid in the volume is done when the wiping tool has a first and second orientation, respectively. The first and the second orientation form part of a motion of the wiping tool, when used for wiping a substantially flat surface. The top opening may be used in combination with one or more side openings. The side openings may typically be configured to release liquid from the volume.

It is an advantage of the present inventive concept compared to the prior art that the shield is configured such that it can collect water running from the wiping portion towards the handle portion during professional use without increasing the work load on the user.

To not increase the workload provides the professional user with an opportunity to use the wiping tool in the everyday work life.

The first orientation of the wiping tool is defined as any orientation where the shield collects water running from the wiping portion. It will be appreciated from the description of the present inventive concept that there are several positions and orientations which include collecting water and all of those are defined as the first orientation. The first orientation is typically all orientations where liquid is running from the wiping portions to the shield. It may run via a shaft extending from the wiping portion to the shield, or it may run directly from the wiping portion to the shield.

The second orientation of the wiping tool is defined as any orientation when the liquid is released from the volume of the shield. It will be appreciated from the description of the present inventive concept that there are several positions and orientations which include releasing liquid and all of those are defined as the second orientation.

It is an advantage of the present inventive concept that liquid released from the volume is counteracted from reaching the handle portion of the wiping tool.

It is an advantage of the present inventive concept over the prior art to easily release the liquid from the shield. Meaning the weight of the wiping tool related to the present inventive concept will never be too heavy for the user, even during long use.

A professional use of a wiping tool demands of the tool to remain light weight during use, since an increase in weight might affect the workload on the user. A professional use further demands a wiping tool which may be used in the movement as is developed by professional users. In a professional use, the wiping motion for wiping substantially flat surfaces is developed to effectively clean flat surfaces of different sizes without for instance leaving marks om the surface. The first orientation may for instance be a substantially vertical motion along a flat surface, while the second orientation may be a substantially horizontal motion. During the substantially vertical motion, liquid may be collected in the volume of the shield, which is positioned between the wiping portion and the handle portion. During the substantially horizontal motion, the liquid may be released from the volume of the shield. When released, the liquid may not run towards the handle portion of the wiping tool. Thus, the hands of the user may be protected from the liquid during the entire motion. Moreover, the movement developed by professional users typically include long sweeping motions during which liquid may be collected in the volume of the shield during parts of a sweep and during which liquid may be released from the volume of the shield during parts of a sweep. Hence, a single sweep of the movement developed by professional users may include the first orientation and the second orientation.

The wiping tool may be a window wiping tool.

The liquid may be released through the top opening of the shield.

Thus, the collection and the release of the water is performed through the same opening, which is advantageous in that a simple and reliable construction may be achieved.

The shield may comprise one or more side openings, wherein the liquid may be released through the one or more side openings. In this configuration, water may be released when the wiping tool is in either the first orientation or in the second orientation. The side openings may be configured such that the liquid can be released without running towards the handle portion.

The wiping tool may comprise a shaft extending from the wiping portion to the handle portion, wherein the shield is circumferentially arranged at least partly around the shaft, and wherein a portion of the shield facing the wiping portion has a larger dimension than a portion of the shield facing the handle portion.

The shaft may extend the distance from the wiping portion to the handle portion, such that the shield may be spaced between the wiping portion and the handle portion. The shield may have the shape of a cone, a pyramid, or any other rotationally symmetric trapezium surrounding the shaft. The orientation typically being that the part with the larger dimension is facing the wiping portion and constituting the top opening of the volume of the shield, while the portion of the shield facing the handle portion typically has a smaller dimension to tightly enclose the shaft.

The wiping tool may comprise a shaft extending from the wiping portion to the handle portion, wherein the shield is circumferentially arranged around the shaft, the shield being arranged at a distance from the shaft in a radial direction such that a gap is formed between the shaft and the shield.

The shield may constitute the inside of the handle portion, provided that a distance between the handle portion and the shaft is exists, such that the shaft may extend down at least partly but perhaps even all the way down to the bottom into the handle. There may be a tightly sealed bottom part of the handle, such that the liquid may run down into the volume created by the shield and the shaft through the top opening into the volume without continue running through the shield to the hand of the user holding the wiping tool.

The shield may comprise a rim extending inwardly along an edge of the top opening. Inwardly is here defined as the rim is extending inwardly in relation to the volume. This will narrow the top opening of the shield and allow the rim to act as an extra protection against drops of liquid unintentionally leaving the volume before the wiping tool is in the second orientation.

The shield may be protruding from the wiping portion and extending along the wiping portion, which is advantageous in that the wiping tool is compact.

The shield may comprise a rim extending inwardly along an edge of the top opening. Thus, the rim may further prevent liquid from running over the shield and down towards the handle portion of the wiping tool.

A liquid absorbing material may be arranged in the volume. The liquid absorbing material may further reduce the risk of liquid drops leaving the volume of the shield unintentionally before the wiping portion being in the second position. Also splashing of liquid may be counteracted. This further increases the advantages compared to prior art, regarding preventing liquids from reaching the handle part or the ground.

A draining tube may be connected to the volume, the draining tube being configured to drain liquid collected in the volume, such that the liquid is prevented from running to the handle while being drained. This allows for continuous draining of the volume defined by the shield, such that the draining may be performed when the wiper tool is in the first orientation and/or the second orientation. Using draining tubes, the draining of the liquid may be directed towards specific areas, such as for instance buckets, without the user having to move towards the bucket or having to move the bucket.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method for keeping a handle portion of a wiping tool dry, the wiping tool comprising a wiping portion, the method comprising steps of: collecting, by a shield arranged on the wiping tool, when the wiping tool having a first orientation, liquid flowing from the wiping portion towards the handle portion, wherein the shield is arranged between the wiping portion and the handle portion, the shield defining a volume configured for collection of liquid, and the shield comprising a top opening facing the wiping portion, wherein the top opening is configured for receiving liquid into the volume when the wiping tool has the first orientation; releasing, from the shield, when the wiping tool having a second orientation, liquid collected in the volume such that the liquid runs in a direction away from the handle portion when the wiping tool has the second orientation; wherein the first orientation and the second orientation form part of a motion of the wiping tool when used for wiping a substantially flat surface.

Features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspect.

Brief description of figures

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present inventive concept, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred variants of the present inventive concept, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein: Figure 1 conceptually illustrates a wiping tool comprising a shield. Figure 2 conceptually illustrates a different wiping tool comprising a shield.

Figure 3 conceptually illustrates yet a different wiping tool comprising a shield.

Figure 4 conceptually illustrates a wiping tool comprising two wiping sections and a shield.

Figure 5 conceptually illustrates a method for wiping a window without liquid flowing to the hands of a user.

Figure 6 is a flow scheme of a method for wiping a window without liquid flowing to the hands of a user.

Detailed description

The present inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred variants of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the variants set forth herein; rather, these variants are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to the skilled person.

The present inventive concept relates to a wiping tool for wiping liquids at substantially flat surfaces, the wiping tool comprising a wiping portion, a handle portion and a shield arranged between the wiping portion and the handle portion, the shield defining a volume configured for collection of liquid, the shield comprising a top opening facing the wiping portion, wherein the top opening is configured for receiving liquid into the volume when the wiping tool has a first orientation such that liquid on the wiping portion is prevented from running to the handle position when the wiping tool has the first orientation, wherein shield is further configured to release liquid collected in the volume when the wiping tool has a second orientation, such that the liquid is released from the volume while running in a direction away from the handle portion when the wiping tool has the second orientation, wherein the first orientation and the second orientation form part of a motion of the wiping tool when used for wiping a substantially flat surface.

From the figures and the description, it will be appreciated that the volume is generally to be understood to be an open volume. Further, the shield defining the volume may be of several different geometrical designs.

Further, it is to be understood that for all variants of the inventive concept the first orientation is defined as any orientation where the shield collects water running from the wiping portion. It will be appreciated from the description of the present inventive concept that there are several positions and orientations which include collecting water and all of those are defined as the first orientation and collectively referred to as the first orientation.

Even further, it is to be understood for all variants of the inventive concept that the second orientation is defined as any orientation where the water is released from the volume of the shield. It will be appreciated from the description of the present inventive concept that there are several positions and orientations which include releasing water and all of those are defined as the second orientation.

With reference to Figure 1A and B, a wiping tool 100. The depicted wiping tool 100 comprises a wiping portion 102, a shaft 110, a shield 106, and a handle portion 104. The shaft 110 extends from the wiping portion 102 to the handle portion 104, wherein the shield 106 is circumferentially arranged around the shaft 110. The shield 106 is arranged at a spaced distance from the shaft 110 in a radial direction such that a gap is formed between the shaft 110 and the shield 106. The shield 106 defines an open volume 118 around the shaft. The shield 106 may have a closed bottom, such that liquid running from the wiping portion 102 down the shaft 110 into the top opening 108 of the shield is collected in the shield when the wiping tool 100 is in the first position. When the wiping tool 100 is in a second position, the liquid may be released from the volume 118 while running in a direction away from the handle portion 104. The handle portion 104 may comprise or be formed of the outer side of the shield 106. The depicted variant of Figure 1 allows for a user to hold on to the handle portion 104 and use the wiping tool 100 without having liquid running from the wiping portion 102 to the handle portion 104. In Figures 1 A and B the wiping portion 102 comprises a squeegee 114. It is however appreciated by the skilled person that the squeegee can be a brush or a washer, or any other kind of scraper. With reference to Figure 1 B the wiping tool 100 may further comprise draining tubes 150 connected to the volume 118. The draining tubes 150 may be configured to drain liquid collected in the volume 118, such that the liquid is prevented from running to the handle portion 104. It is to be understood that draining tubes 150 may be attached to all variants of the invention being disclosed. The draining tubes 150 allows for liquid collected in the volume 118 to drain when the wiping tool 100 is in the first orientation and/or the second orientation.

With reference to Figures 2A and B, a wiping tool 200 is disclosed. The depicted wiping tool 200 comprises a wiping portion 202, a handle portion 204, a shield 206 with a top opening 208 and a shaft 210. The shaft 210 extends from the wiping portion 202 to the handle portion 204. The shield 206 is circumferentially arranged around the shaft 210. A portion of the shield 206 facing the wiping portion 202 has a larger dimension than a portion of the shield 206 facing the handle portion 204. The shield 206 may be circumferentially arranged at least partly around the shaft 210. A portion of the shield 206 facing the wiping portion 202 may have a larger dimension than a portion of the shield 206 facing the handle portion 204. In Figures 2A and B the wiping portion 202 comprises a squeegee 214. It is however appreciated by the skilled person that the squeegee 214 may be a brush or a washer, or any other kind of scraper. With reference to Figure 2B, it is here depicted that the shield 206 may further comprise a rim 252 and a liquid absorbing material 254. It is to be understood that the rim 252 and the liquid absorbing material 254 may be included in any disclosed variants of the inventive concept. The rim 252 and the absorbing material 254 may be used in combination, as depicted in Figure 2B, or may be used in isolation. The rim 252 may extend inwardly along an edge of the top opening 208 of the shield 206. Thus, the rim 252 typically extends inwardly in relation to the volume 218 defined by the shield 206 in a way that the rim 252 limits the size of the top opening 208 and acts as drop prevention. This will further prevent the liquid from running from the volume 218 to the handle 204 when the wiping tool 200 is in the second position. The liquid absorbing material 254 may be placed inside the volume 218 of the shield 206 such that it fills at least part of the volume 218. The liquid absorbing material 254 may prevent liquid collected in the volume 218 from splashing out of the volume 218.

With reference to Figures 3A and B, a wiping tool 300 is depicted. The wiping tool 300 comprises a wiping portion 302, a handle portion 304 and a shield 306. The shield 306 is in the depicted wiping tool 300 arranged on the wiping portion 302. The shield 306 protrudes from the wiping portion 302 and extends along the wiping portion 302. The volume 318 defined by the shield 306 has a top opening 308 extending along the wiping portion 308. The volume 318 may have at least one side opening 312 situated at or in proximity to any or both of the ends of the wiping portion 302. The side openings 312 allows for liquid to be released from the volume 318 of the shield. The wiping portion may comprise a squeegee or a scraper 314. With reference to Figure 3B, the shield 306 may comprise a rim 352 extending inwardly along an edge of the top opening 308.

The squeegee or scraper 314 and the shield 306 may be made in one piece. In other words, the squeegee or scraper 314 and the shield 306 may be integrally formed. The squeegee or scraper 314 and the shield 306 may each be made of separate parts.

With reference to Figure 4, a wiping tool 400 is disclosed. The depicted wiping tool 400 comprises a wiping portion 402, a handle portion 404, a shaft 410 and a shield 406. The shaft 410 extends from the wiping portion 402 to the handle portion 404. The wiping portion 402 of the wiping tool 400 depicted in Figure 4 comprises a combination of a squeegee 414 and a washer 416. A shield 406 is circumferentially arranged around the shaft 410, such that liquid running from the wiping portion 402 is received through the top opening 408 of the shield 406 into the open volume 418 defined by the shield 406.

With reference to Figure 6, here is shown a flow scheme of a method 600 for keeping a handle portion 104, 204, 304, 404, 504 of a wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 dry, the wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 comprising at least a wiping portion 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, the method 600 comprising the steps of: S601 collecting, by a shield 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 arranged on the wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, when the wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 having a first orientation, liquid running from the wiping portion 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 towards the handle portion 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, wherein the shield 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 is arranged between the wiping portion 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 and the handle portion 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, the shield 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 defining a volume 118, 218, 318, 418, 518 configured for collection of liquid, and the shield 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 comprising a top opening 108, 208, 308, 408, 508 facing the wiping portion 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, wherein the top opening 108, 208, 308, 408, 508 is configured for receiving liquid into the volume 118, 218, 318, 418, 518 when the wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 has the first orientation; S602 releasing, from the shield 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, when the wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 having a second orientation, liquid collected in the volume 118, 218, 318, 418, 518 such that the liquid runs in a direction away from the handle portion 104, 204, 304, 404, 504 when the wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 has the second orientation; wherein the first orientation and the second orientation form part of a motion of the wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 when used for wiping a substantially flat surface.

With reference to Figure 5A and B, a wiping tool 500 is disclosed. The wiping tool 500 comprises a wiping portion 502, a handle portion 504, a shield 506 and a shaft 510. The shaft 510 extends from the wiping portion 502 to the handle portion 504. The shield 506 is circumferentially arranged around the shaft 510. The shield 506 having a top opening 508 facing the wiping portion 502. The top opening 508 is configured for receiving liquid into the volume 518 when the wiping tool has a first orientation, which is disclosed in Figure 5A. Flence, liquid on the wiping portion 502 is prevented from running to the handle portion 504 when the wiping tool 500 has the first orientation of Figure 5A. As discussed above the first orientation is all orientations where liquid typically is collected in the volume 518 of the shield 508. Further, the shield 506 is configured to release liquid collected in the volume 518 when the wiping tool 500 has a second orientation, which is disclosed in Figure 5B. Flence the liquid is released from the volume 518 while running in a direction away from the handle portion 504 when the wiping tool 500 has the second orientation. Disclosed in Figure 5B is the wiping tool 500 having a second orientation. The second orientation is, as discussed above, typically all orientations where liquid may be released form the volume 518 without running towards the handle portion 504.

As is understood, the respective features and elements described in conjunction with the respective figs. 1-5 may be combined or interchanged to suit specific needs, when designing a wiping tool 100, 200, 300, 400, 500.

It will be appreciated that the present inventive concept is not limited to the variants shown. Several modifications and variations are thus conceivable within the scope of the invention which thus is exclusively defined by the appended claims.

ITEMIZED LIST OF EXEMPLIFYING EMBODIMENTS IEE1. A wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for wiping liquid at substantially flat surfaces, the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising: a wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502); a handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504); and a shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) arranged between the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) defining a volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) configured for collection of liquid, the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprising a top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) facing the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) is configured for receiving liquid into the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has a first orientation such that liquid on the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is prevented from running to the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the first orientation.

IEE2. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to IEE1 , wherein the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is a window wiping tool.

IEE3. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to IEE1 or 2, wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is further configured to release liquid collected in the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has a second orientation, such that the liquid is released from the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) while running in a direction away from the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the second orientation.

IEE4. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to IEE 3, wherein liquid is released through the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) of the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506).

IEE5. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to IEE 3 or 4 claim, wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) further comprises one or more side openings (312), and wherein liquid is released through the one or more side openings (312).

IEE6. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any of the preceding IEE, further comprising a shaft (110, 210, 510) extending from the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) to the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is circumferentially arranged at least partly around the shaft (110, 210, 510), and wherein a portion of the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) facing the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) has a larger dimension than a portion of the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) facing the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504).

IEE7. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of IEE1 to 5, further comprising a shaft (110, 210, 510) extending from the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) to the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is circumferentially arranged around the shaft (110, 210, 510), the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) being arranged at a distance from the shaft (110, 210, 510) in a radial direction such that a gap is formed between the shaft (110, 210, 510) and the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506).

IEE8. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any of the preceding IEE, wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprises a rim (252, 352) extending inwardly along an edge of the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508).

IEE9. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of IEE 1 to 5, wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is protruding from the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and extending along the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502). IEE10. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to IEE 9 , wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprises a rim (252, 352) extending inwardly along an edge of the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508).

IEE11. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any of the preceding IEE, wherein a liquid absorbing material (254) is arranged in the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518).

IEE12. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any of the preceding IEE, further comprising a draining tube (150) connected to the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518), the draining tube (150) being configured to drain liquid collected in the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518), such that the liquid is prevented from running to the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) while being drained.

IEE13. A method (600) for keeping a handle portion of a wiping tool (100,

200, 300, 400, 500) dry, the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), the method comprising the steps of: collecting (S601), by a shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 505) arranged on the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500), when the wiping tool (100, 200,

300, 400, 500) having a first orientation, liquid running from the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) towards the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is arranged between the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) defining a volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) configured for collection of liquid, and the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprising a top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) facing the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) is configured for receiving liquid into the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the first orientation; releasing (S602), from the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506), when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) having a second orientation, liquid collected in the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) such that the liquid runs in a direction away from the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the second orientation; wherein the first orientation and the second orientation form part of a motion of the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) when used for wiping a substantially flat surface.

Claims

1. A wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for wiping liquid at substantially flat surfaces, the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising: a wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502); a handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504); and a shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) arranged between the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) defining a volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) configured for collection of liquid, the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprising a top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) facing the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) is configured for receiving liquid into the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has a first orientation such that liquid on the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is prevented from running to the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the first orientation, wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is further configured to release liquid collected in the volume (118, 218, 318, 428, 518) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has a second orientation, such that the liquid is released from the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) while running in a direction away from the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the second orientation, wherein the first orientation and the second orientation form part of a motion of the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) when used for wiping a substantially flat surface.

2. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 1 , wherein the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is a window wiping tool.

3. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein liquid is released through the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408,

508) of the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506).

4. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any preceding claim, wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) further comprises one or more side openings (312), and wherein liquid is released through the one or more side openings (312).

5. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claims 1 to 3, further comprising a shaft (110, 210, 510) extending from the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) to the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is circumferentially arranged at least partly around the shaft (110, 210, 510), and wherein a portion of the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) facing the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) has a larger dimension than a portion of the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) facing the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504).

6. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprises a rim (252, 352) extending inwardly along an edge of the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508).

7. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is protruding from the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and extending along the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502).

8. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 7 , wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprises a rim (252, 352) extending inwardly along an edge of the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508).

9. The wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a liquid absorbing material (254) is arranged in the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518).

10. A method (600) for keeping a handle portion of a wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) dry, the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), the method comprising the steps of: collecting (S601), by a shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 505) arranged on the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500), when the wiping tool (100, 200,

300, 400, 500) having a first orientation, liquid running from the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) towards the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), wherein the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is arranged between the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) defining a volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) configured for collection of liquid, and the shield (106,

206, 306, 406, 506) comprising a top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) facing the wiping portion (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the top opening (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) is configured for receiving liquid into the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the first orientation; releasing (S602), from the shield (106, 206, 306, 406, 506), when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) having a second orientation, liquid collected in the volume (118, 218, 318, 418, 518) such that the liquid runs in a direction away from the handle portion (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) when the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) has the second orientation; wherein the first orientation and the second orientation form part of a motion of the wiping tool (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) when used for wiping a substantially flat surface.