Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Processes – Using solid work treating agents
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-13
2001-02-27
Till, Terrence R. (Department: 1744)
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Processes
Using solid work treating agents
C015S104930, C015S104040, C015S114000, C015S222000, C114S111000, C114S22100A
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193809
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in rigging cable cleaning devices generally adapted for use with cleaning sailboat rigging cables and, more particularly, to an improved rigging cable cleaning device which allows for differing types of cleaning pads to be employed and which also enables convenient attachment and removal from a sailboat rigging cable for manual cleaning thereof.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
The cleaning of rigging cables of the type normally used on sailboats is a persistent problem which continuously confronts the yachtsman. During sailing activities, a considerable amount of grime, dead insects and the like tend to accumulate on rigging cables of the type normally used on sailboats. This debris must be frequently cleaned from the rigging cable.
In addition to the foregoing, if the cables contain any metallic components or if they are formed of metal, corrosion is a constant problem and cleaning must be periodically maintained.
Cleaning of the sailboat rigging cable is important, not only for purposes of maintaining the longevity of the cable, but to prevent the falling of any components on which the cable may be wound about or retained. In addition, cleaning is desirable to present a higher aesthetic appearance of the entire sailboat.
There have been various proposals for cleaning of cables of the type used on sailboats and other types of boats. U.S. Pat. No. 1,950,959 to Winsette discloses an anchor chain cleaning device which is effectively designed to wrap about an anchor chain to be moved up and down the length of the anchor chain. U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,359 to Golden also discloses an anchor chain cleaning device similar in construction and operation to that taught in the aforesaid Winsette patent. The Golden patent also provides for a hand grip to enable movement of the anchor chain cleaning device up and down the anchor chain cable. The problems in cleaning anchor chains are totally different than the problems encountered in cleaning cables, such as halyard cables, main sail cables, and the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,330 to Haddad also discloses a cleaning device for wrapping about a cable and moving the device up and down the cable. However, Haddad suffers a number of disadvantages, not the least of which is the fact that it has no means for holding the device onto the cable. Moreover, Haddad proposes the use of sponges as a cleaning material and which is very limited in its cleaning ability.
There has also been a need for a device for lubricating rigging cables on sailboats and like structures. In this case, lubrication is largely provided by manual application of a lubricating oil which is applied directly to the cable. However, this is relatively inefficient inasmuch as there is no means to control the application of any lubricating oil or like lubricant to the application of any lubricating oil or like lubricant to the cable and, in addition, it is time consuming and labor intensive.
There has been a need for an effective cleaning device and a lubricating device which can be easily and quickly releasably locked to a rigging cable of a sailboat and similar devices. There has also been a need for an effective cleaning and/or lubricating device which is capable of effective movement with respect to a rigging cable by movement of the cable through the cleaning device. However, heretofore, there has not been any effective device of this type.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a rigging cable cleaning device capable of being effectively releasably locked to cables of sailboats and like devices.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a rigging cable cleaning device of the type stated in which removable pads can be mounted on the cable cleaning device for substitution of one type of cleaning pad for another.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rigging cable cleaning device of the type stated which is relatively small in size, but which is highly effective in cleaning of rigging cables used on sailboats.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a rigging cable cleaning device of the type stated which can be constructed at a relatively low cost and which is effectively used on a number of different sized cables.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a lubricating device for applying a lubricant to a rigging cable.
It is another salient object of the present invention to provide a method of cleaning rigging cables by causing relative movement of a cleaning device with respect to the rigging cable.
It is also a salient object of the present invention to provide a method of lubricating a rigging cable.
With the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts and components presently described and pointed out in the claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rigging cable cleaning device which can be effectively used on sailboat rigging cables. These sailboat rigging cables usually hold the mast in a fixed position. The cleaning device, which also effectively operates as a lubricating device, functions to clean and lubricate shrouds, stays, topping lifts, or any other form of cable or line which connects to a sailboat mast.
The rigging cable cleaning device of the present invention is comprised of an outer cover, preferably formed of a foldable or flexible fabric-type material, such as canvas or the like. It is, however, preferable to select materials which are at least moderately resistant to salt water corrosion if the boat is to be used in salt water sailing.
The outer cover with the pad therein is capable of being wrapped or folded about a rigging cable. A cleaning pad is also provided for removable mounting to the interior surface of the outer fabric cover. This cleaning pad may adopt numerous forms ranging from relatively light cleaning materials to bristle-type pads and abrasive-type cleaning pads.
Means is provided for releasably mounting the cleaning device to the interior surface of the outer fabric cover. In one embodiment, for example, this means for mounting may adopt the form of fiber fastening strips and in which the fiber fastening strips are secured to the fabric outer cover and cooperating and mating fiber fastening strips are mounted to the interior surface of the pad. However, other forms of attachment means may be provided.
The term “cleaning pad” is used in a broad sense herein to incorporate all forms of cleaning pads, including relatively soft pads and abrasive pads. It should also be understood that in the process of cleaning the cables, there is a inherent lubrication of same. However, it should also be understood that these cleaning pads could also be provided with a thin film of lubricating oil which will transfer to the cable as the pad is moved along the cable.
The edges of the outer cover opposite a fold line or wrap area are also provided with releasable locking means for releasably locking the cover with the cleaning or lubricating pad about a rigging cable. Again, fiber fastening strips may be provided for this purpose. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a shackle is attached to the fabric cover and allowed to move up and down the rigging cable. In this way, there is a relative movement between the rigging cable and the cleaning device as the cable is moved relative to the cleaning device.
For this purpose, the outer fabric cover is further provided with grommet holes for receiving shackles or similar mechanism to literally secure the cleaning device to a rigging cable.
This invention possesses many other advantages and has other purposes which will be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of the forms in which it may be embodied. These forms are shown in the drawings forming a part of and accompanying the present specification. They will
Schaap Robert J.
Till Terrence R.
LandOfFree
Rigging cable cleaning device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Rigging cable cleaning device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rigging cable cleaning device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2567862