WO2005013791A1

WO2005013791A1 - Wiper device, wiper cover and support for a wiper device

Info

Publication number: WO2005013791A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/007010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franz Kresse
Original assignee: Ecolab Inc.
Priority date: 2003-08-11
Filing date: 2004-06-29
Publication date: 2005-02-17
Also published as: WO2005013792A1; DE602004008296T2; DE602004008296D1; ATE370697T1; EP1653840B1; EP1653841A1; DE602004008480T2; EP1653841B1; DE602004008480D1; EP1653840A1; ATE369782T1; DE10337102A1

Abstract

A wiper device and a wiper cover are suggested. The wiper cover is preferably removably attachable to a support of the wiper device, so that two alternately us able wiper surfaces are formed. A simple, cost-effective construction is made possible in that the support is implemented as essentially V-shaped in the end view and the wiper surfaces run at an acute angle to one another. The support is linked in an open region between the wiper surfaces. The wiper cover may have a projecting, rib-like textile ridge, which allows effective cleaning.

Description

WIPER DEVICE, WIPER COVER AND SUPPORT FOR A WIPER DEVICE

The present invention relates to a wiper device including a support and a cover according to the preamble of claim 1, a wiper cover according to the preamble of claim 59, and a support according to the preamble of claim 64.

The prior art wiper device, which forms the starting point of the present invention (US 5,864,914 A), has a handle in a handle socket and a support, attached thereto in an articulated way. A wiper cover is specifically assigned to the support and prepared to be attached to the support for wiping surfaces to be cleaned. In the usage state the support has the shape of a plate with two parallel flat sides, which face away from one another, being covered by the wiper cover and forming alternately usable wiper surfaces. In order to allow rotation of the support, i.e., the alternate use of the wiper surfaces, the support and the wiper cover are provided with a recess at the edge for central linkage of the support. In this way, the handle may be pivoted through the recess from one flat side to the other flat side of the support.

In the known wiper device, the complicated and accordingly sensitive and costly construction of the support is disadvantageous. Furthermore, the interruption of the support and the wiper surfaces leads to disadvantages. A special wiper cover having a corresponding recess around the edge is necessary. The interruption of the wiper surfaces is detrimental to uniform wiping results. Dirt or the like may collect in the recess in an undesired way, particularly in the event of backward movements during the wiping procedure.

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a wiper device and a wiper cover so that with a simple, cost-effective construction, a good wiping and/or cleaning effect is achievable, two wiper surfaces being alternately usable.

The above object is achieved by a wiper device according to claim 1, a wiper cover according to claim 59 and a support for a wiper device according to claim 64. Preferable details and refinements of the main are the subject matter of corre- sponding. An essential idea of the present invention is that the wiper surfaces run at an acute to obtuse angle to one another in the usage state. The support is open on one side between the wiper surfaces so that the attachment of the handle or handle socket to the support is between the wiper surfaces. This allows a simple and therefore cost-effective construction of the support. Direct linkage of the support is made possible by the opening on one side of the support and a corresponding slant of the wiper surfaces, without a recess or interruption of the wiper surfaces or of flat sides of the support being necessary. A more effective uniform pressure may be exerted on the wiper surface if there is an appropriate spacing of the link- age point of the support from the apex of the angle.

A cavity in the support for receiving and/or transporting cleaning liquid is preferably formed by the rear opening of the support. The wiper device is accordingly universally usable.

According to a preferable embodiment of the invention according to claim 34 the flat sides of the support are formed on wings that are hinge-connected to each other along the lengthwise extension of the wiper surfaces. Detachable connecting means are fixedly connecting the wings in the usage state of the wiper device but are detachable for easy dismounting or mounting of the wiper cover. The general idea is similar to that of the prior art forming the starting point of the invention (US 5,864,914 A), but the essential difference lies in the acute to obtuse angle between the wiper surfaces or flat sides of the support.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide the wiper cover with a riblike textile ridge, which protrudes from at least one wiper surface in the usage state. This textile ridge allows especially effective cleaning of corners, edges, or the like.

Finally, the present invention can be realized in a support with a handle or handle socket as such without a wiper cover. This is the subject matter of claim 64 and following the sub-claims represented by claim 65.

Further advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention may be obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which refers to the drawings. In the drawings Fig. 1 shows a schematic, perspective illustration of a first wiper device having a support and a wiper cover, the support being constructed as a rigid item,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the wiper device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged detail from Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 shows another enlarged detail from Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 shows a top view of the wiper device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a wiper cover for a wiper device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 7 shows a schematic, perspective illustration of a second embodiment of a wiper device, the support being constructed with h-ngedby connected wings, the wiper device in its usage state,

Fig. 8 just the support with handle of the wiper device of Fig. 7 otherwise in the same position, with two additional, enlarged views of further embodiments of the hinge connection of the wings,

Fig. 9 the item of Fig. 8, now with the wings in the release position.

In Hie figures, the same reference numbers are used for identical or similar parts, corresponding or comparable properties and advantages being achieved even if repeated description is left out.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a wiper device 1 having a handle 2 and a support 3, attached thereto in an articulated way, to which a wiper cover 4 is assigned. The support 3, together with the wiper cover 4, forms two oblong wiper surfaces 5, which are active in the cleaning process and are usable alternately. The support 3 is open on one side between the wiper surfaces 5 for attachment of the handle 2. The wiper surfaces 5 - at least in the usage state - run at an acute to obtuse angle α to one another, so that direct linkage of the handle 2 to the support 3 is possible (Fig. 2).

The wiper surfaces 5 are preferably essentially rectangular and have longitudinal edges 6 which are parallel to one another. In the embodiment both wiper surfaces 5 have one common front longitudinal edge 6. The wiper surfaces 5 preferably run essentially U-shaped, V-shaped, or Y-shaped to one another as seen in a cross-sectional or end-view. The embodiment of Fig. 2 shows a V-shaped device.

In the example shown, the angle between the wiper surfaces 5 is essentially 60° to 70°. Preferably it is at least 40°, further preferably at least 50° and at most 90°, preferably at most 80°.

Alternatively or additionally, the wiper surfaces 5 may be spaced in such a way that a corresponding linkage of the handle 2 to the support 3 is made possible.

The support 3 is open on one side between the wiper surfaces 5. It is possible to use each of the two wiper surfaces 5 alternately by appropriate reversal and/or rotation of the support 3, the handle 2 correspondingly being pivotable. No recess or opening of the preferably essentially rectangular wiper surfaces 5 and the flat sides 7 of the support 3 underneath them, indicated in Fig. 3 and 4, is necessary for the handle 2.

In the first embodiment of Fig. 1 to 5 the support 3 is essentially rigid. Movable parts are here not necessary. However, the wiper cover 4 needs specific details to be attached to the support 3.

The wiper surfaces 5 and the flat sides 7 are preferably implemented as at least essentially even.

The flat sides 7 of the support 3 are used for supporting the wiper cover 4 and have longitudinal edges 8 which are parallel to one another, and preferably a common front longitudinal edge 8, which here and preferably is rounded. The flat sides 7 may be made impermeable to a cleaning liquid 9, as indicated in Fig. 2. Alternatively, however, at least one flat side 7 may be permeable to cleaning liquid 9, in order to allow continuous supply of the neighboring wiper surface 5 with cleaning liquid 9.

In the end view shown in Fig. 2, the support 3 is implemented as essentially V- shaped. It may also be triangular, U-shaped or Y-shaped, and may well be in the shape of an angled profile.

If necessary, the support 3 may have at least partially closed ends 10, as indicated in Fig. 4 and 5. This allows cleaning liquid 9 to be received and/or transported in an open region 11 of the support 3 formed between the wiper surfaces 5 and/or the flat sides 7. In particular, the open region 11 or another section of the support 3 is made as a cavity for receiving and/or transporting cleaning liquid 9, prefera- bly an amount of approximately 100 to 300 ml.

If necessary, the cavity may have a constricted filling opening 12, as indicated in the top view shown in Fig. 5. Lateral delimitations and/or ribs 13 preferably form a filling slot and may prevent or minimize undesired sloshing out of cleaning liq- uid 9 during transport with the filling opening 12 pointing upwardly and/or may form a discharge limiter when working with the opening 12 pointing sideways.

Discharge openings 14 are preferably provided according to a variation, preferably in the delimitations 13 and/or possibly in another wall of the support 3, in or- der to allow a continuous defined discharge of cleaning liquid 9, particularly only during the wiping procedure.

The support 3 is linked to the handle 2 in its open region 11, i.e., between its flat sides 7, preferably using a first joint 15. In the example shown, the distance of the linkage point and/or a pivot axis 16 of the first joint 15 from the front longitudinal edge 8 of the support 3 is 20 % to 80 %, preferably approximately 30 % to 60 %, further preferably essentially 40 % of the width of the wiper surfaces 5 and/or the flat sides 7 of the support 3. In particular, the distance is approximately 1 cm to 4 cm, preferably approximately 1.5 cm to 3 cm, and very prefera- bly essentially 2 cm. The length of the wiper device 1 is normally between approximately 20 cm or 30 cm and approximately 100 cm and preferably between approximately 40 cm and approximately 60 cm. If the width provided is essentially 4 cm to 10 cm, preferably essentially 5 cm to 6 cm, with above-mentioned measures the support 3 may be handled very well using the handle 2. A largely uniform pressure can be exerted on the flat side 7 pointing downwardly, and thus on the wiper surface 5 in use.

The linkage point and/or a pivot axis 16 of the first joint 15 is preferably posi- tioned essentially in the median line between the wiper surfaces 5 and/or the flat sides 7. The first joint 15 preferably has a fixed pivot axis 16, preferably one, which runs parallel to the lengthwise extension of the wiper surfaces 5 and/or to the longitudinal edges 8 of the support 3.

For a stable implementation of the joint 15, it preferably has two bearing points spaced in the direction of the pivot axis 16 on corresponding counter bearings and or bearing brackets of the support 3. Fig. 2 shows such a bracket 15' positioned between and joined to the two wings of the support 3.

The wiper device 1 preferably has a second joint 17 with a pivot axis 18, which runs transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the lengthwise extension of the wiper surfaces 5 and/or the longitudinal edges 8 of the support 3. The second joint 17 is preferably positioned outside the open region 11 of the support 3, as indicated in Fig. 1 and 2. However, the second joint 17 may also be positioned inside. Both joints 15, 17 together provide the function of a universal or cardan joint.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second joint 17 may be locked, particularly using a locking tube 19, which is movably guided on handle 2 as shown by arrow P in Fig. 2. The locking of the second joint 17 may prevent the handle 2 from falling over unintentionally when it is leaned on the wall and/or simplify the scooping and or transporting of cleaning liquid 9 using the support 3. Lateral tipping of the support 3 after scooping cleaning liquid 9 may be prevented by this locking. The joints 15 and 17 are preferably rigidly connected to one another, using a connecting part 20 in the example shown.

It may be inferred from the description above that the handle 2 is connected in an articulated way to the support 3 via the second joint 17 and the first joint 15. In particular, the handle 2 and the support 3 are connected to one another using a cardan joint. This is achieved in the example shown in that the two pivot axes 16 and 18 run transversely to one another, preferably perpendicularly. However, if necessary, only one single joint may also be provided for connecting the handle 2 to the support 3.

In the example shown, the handle 2 and/or the support 3 are replaceable. For this purpose, a handle socket (not shown) or another coupling may adjoin the second joint 17 in order to detachably connect the handle 2 to the support 3.

Fig. 7 to 9 now show a further and preferred embodiment of the invention. Here the support 3 is not a rigid construction but is of the foldaway type (see US 5,864,914 A and WO 03/020100 Al). Here the flat sides 7 of the support 3 are formed on wings 3', 3" that are hinge-connected to each other along the length- wise extension of the wiper surfaces 5, preferably along the common front longitudinal edge 8 of the flat sides 7, a detachable connecting means 30 is provided between the wings 3', 3" fixedly connecting the wings 3', 3" in an operative position thereof, i.e. in the usage state of the wiper device 1. Here the wings 3', 3" with the detachable connecting means 30 in fact detached may freely swivel to an extended or straight position or even further to an again angled release position (to be seen in Fig. 9). In the release position the wiper cover 4 will freely fall from or may be easily removed from the wings 3', 3" of the support 3 as it is similarly provided in the prior art.

The wiper cover 4 may easily be attached to the support 3 in this position of the wings 3', 3" by just positioning the wings 3', 3" on top of the wiper cover 4 and pushing the support 3 downwards towards the wiper cover 4 so that the longitudinal edges 8 of the wings 3', 3" attach to the corresponding parts of the wiper cover 4 (insertion pockets, holding strips, Velcro strips etc.). The embodiment in Fig. 7 to 9 shows that the hinged connection 29 is provided, preferably directly between the wings 3', 3", by means of a swivel pin or swivel- ing pins in corresponding bearings.

However, the enlarged view of the hinged connection between the wings 3', 3" in Fig. 8b shows a modification where the hinged connection 29 is provided directly between the wings 3', 3" by means of a living hinge of plastics. This construction is particularly convenient if all or at least most of the parts of the support 3 are made from plastics, in particular both wings 3', 3". Both wings may be formed together with the living hinge, a plastic strip of reduced thickness and thus flexibility, as a one-piece plastics molding.

The embodiment of Fig. 7 to 9 is insofar particularly advantageous, as the linkage between the support 3 and the handle 2 is provided by a bracket 31 fixedly connected to one of the wings 3', 3". Here, the detachable connecting means 30 is provided between the bracket 31 and the other one of the wings 3', 3". It can be seen that the bracket 31 is fixedly attached to the upper wing 3' in Fig. 9 and this bracket 31 carries a magnet 30' of the magnetic device which forms here the detachable connecting means 30. On the other, lower wing 3" metallic counter plate 30" can be seen that is cooperating with the magnet part 30' of the magnetic device to connect both wings 3', 3" in the usage state of the wiper device 1 shown in Fig. 8 as far as the support 3 is concerned.

However, the detachable connecting means 30 are not necessarily magnetic means. They can be the usual connecting means like mechanical snap-in means, Velcro means or the like (see again US 5,864,914 A for appropriate disclosure).

In Fig. 8a there are indicated wall segments 32 connected to one wing 3" and sealingly abutting the other wing 3' in the usage state of the wiper device 1 (indi- cated in dash-dotted lines). The wings 3', 3" and the wall segments 32 together form the cavity explained before in relation to the first embodiment, this cavity containing a cleaning liquid 9. So this specific feature can be provided even with the foldaway construction of the second embodiment.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 7 to 9 is also a specific embodiment with regard to the mounting of the wiper cover 4 to the support 3, namely the longitudinal edges 8 of the wings 3', 3" of the support. As can be seen here it is provided that the support 3 has position fixing means 33 at the longitudinal edges of the wings 3', 3" or at corners thereof that are facing away from the hinged connection 29 of the wings 3', 3", and the wiper cover 4 comprises narrow fixing strips 34 cooper- ating with the position fixing means 33 on the wings 3', 3" when the wiper cover 4 is attached to the support 3.

So here, the wiper cover 4 is removable/replaceable with a system well known from the prior art of WO 03/020100 Al. Supplementary reference is made to this document WO 03/020100 Al for the specifics of the connection of the wiper cover 4 to the support 3. The entire contents of WO 03/020100 Al are hereby included as a supplemental disclosure.

However, instead of narrow fixing strip 34 or holding strips on the upper side of the wiper cover 4 the traditional insertion pockets may be used as well, however here extending lengthwise with regard to the wiper surfaces 5.

But also for the first embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 1 to 6 it may be advantageous that the wiper cover 4 is replaceable, namely removably at- tached to the support 3.

In the first embodiment, the wiper cover 4 preferably has a sponge material 21, as shown in Fig. 6, which is particularly implemented as porous and/or hydrophilic. The sponge material 21 is preferably made of plastics.

DE 198 14 821 CI discloses embodiment variations of the sponge material 21 and its contents are hereby included in their entirety as a supplemental disclosure.

The sponge material 21 is preferably covered by a cleaning textile 22 or inte- grated therein. According to one embodiment, the cleaning textile 22 is permanently bonded to the sponge material 21. According to another embodiment, the cleaning textile 22 is replaceable; for example, the cleaning textile 22 loosely covers the sponge material 21 in the form of a washcloth or the like and is looped around the support 3. Supplementary reference is made to WO 01/39653 Al and WO 02/076277 Al for the implementation and construction of the wiper cover 4 and/or the sponge material 21 and/or the cleaning textile 22, the entire contents of which are hereby included as a supplemental disclosure.

The suggested wiper cover 4 preferably has at least one fastening means 23 for detachable fastening on the support 3, such as a pocket 24 or a retaining strip for engaging the support 3, particularly a free longitudinal edge of the support 3, as illustrated in the detail enlargement shown in Fig. 3.

The pocket 24 or the retaining strip preferably extends over the entire length, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal edges 6, of the wiper cover 4. However, other connection or engagement possibilities with the support 3 may also be implemented.

In the example shown, the fastening means 23 also include a projecting retaining edge 25, which is preferably sewn on or pushed on, and which may engage behind edge 8 or another shoulder of the support 3 in order to secure the wiper cover 4, which is also already held on the support 3 in the other region using its pocket 24, preferably in a form-fitting way, against displacement and/or slipping on the flat sides 7, as illustrated in the detail enlargement shown in Fig. 4.

Additionally or alternatively, the wiper cover 4 is secured and/or removably attached to the support 3 using a hook-and-loop fastener 26, snap fasteners (not shown), buttons, or other engagement elements and/or connection means.

In the first example shown, the hook-and-loop fastener 26 is used to secure the wiper cover 4, so that the retaining edge 25 may be kept engaged behind the longitudinal edge 8 of the support 3. The hook-and-loop fastener 26 thus particularly prevents the wiper cover 4 from coming loose or lifting off perpendicularly to the flat side 7.

The suggested wiper cover 4 is distinguished in that it has a rib-like textile ridge

27 which is implemented in such a way that it protrudes from at least one wiper surface 5 in the usage state of the wiper cover 4, and here projects from the front and or common longitudinal edge 6 of the wiper surfaces 5 and/or the front Ion- gitudinal edge 8 of the support 3. The textile ridge 27 allows significantly more effective cleaning, particularly of edges and corners.

The textile ridge 27 is preferably stiffer than the wiper cover 4 and/or its textile material. According to one embodiment, the wiper sides 5 of the wiper cover 4 are made of two, preferably different, textile pieces 28 and 29, which are connected to one another, preferably sewn or glued, to form the textile ridge 27, as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the wiper sides 5 may also be formed by only one textile piece which is folded and preferably sewn or glued in a strip to form the textile ridge 27.

If necessary, the textile ridge 27 may be stiffened using a stiffening strip (not shown) or an element, which is simultaneously used as a connection and/or adhesive element. Furthermore, the textile ridge 27 may also be provided with clean- ing bristles if necessary.

Overall, the object of the present invention is a wiper device having a handle, support, and an attached or integrated wiper cover, as well as a wiper device of this type but without the wiper cover, and finally a wiper cover per se, which may be used in connection with a wiper device of this type.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Wiper device (1) for wiping surfaces to be cleaned, comprising a handle (2), a support (3) attached to the handle (2) in an articulated way, and a wiper cover (4) assigned to the support (3), wherein the support (3) when the wiper cover (4) is attached to it forms two alternately usable, preferably oblong wiper surfaces (5) which are active in the cleaning process, and wherein the support (3) is open on one side between the wiper surfaces (5) for attachment of the handle (2) characterized in that at least in the usage state of the wiper device (1) the wiper surfaces (5) run at an acute to obtuse angle ( ) to one another.

2. Wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wiper surfaces (5) have longitudinal edges (6) which are parallel to one another, and, preferably, one common longitudinal edge (6).

3. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper surfaces (5) are essentially rectangular.

4. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper surfaces (5) run essentially U-shaped, V-shaped, or Y-shaped to one another.

5. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper surfaces (5) have a length of approximately 20 cm or 30 cm to approximately 100 cm, preferably of approximately 40 cm to approximately 60 cm.

6. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle (α) between the wiper surfaces (5) is at least 40°, preferably at least 50°, further preferably essentially 60° to 70°.

7. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle ( ) between the wiper surfaces (5) is at most 90°, preferably at most 80°.

8. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper surfaces (5) are each implemented without recesses and/or have continuous longimdinal edges (6).

9. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper surfaces (5) are implemented as at least essentially even.

10. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (3) has two flat sides (7) which run at an acute to obtuse angle ( ) to one another, for supporting the wiper cover (4).

11. Wiper device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the flat sides (7) have longitudinal edges (8) which are parallel to one another, and preferably a common front longitudinal edge (8) which, further preferably, is rounded.

12. Wiper device according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the flat sides (7) are implemented without interruptions.

13. Wiper device according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that at least one flat side (7) is permeable to cleaning liquid (9).

14. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the usage state of the wiper device (1) the support (3) is essentially triangular, U-shaped, V-shaped, or Y-shaped and/or in the shape of an angled profile.

15. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (3) is essentially rigid.

16. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (3) in the usage state of the wiper device (1) has at least partially closed ends (10).

17. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (3) has an open region (11) between the wiper surfaces (5) and/or the flat sides (7).

18. Wiper device according to claim 17, characterized in that the open region (11) or another section of the support (3) is implemented as a cavity for receiving and/or transporting cleaning liquid (9), preferably with a volume of approximately 100 to 300 ml.

19. Wiper device according to claim 18, characterized in that the cavity has a constricted filling opening (12) and or discharge openings (14).

20. Wiper device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the support (3) is linked to the handle (2) in its open region (11), preferably using a first joint (15).

21. Wiper device according to claim 20, characterized in that the distance of the linkage point and/or a pivot axis (16) of the first joint (15) from the front longitudinal edge (8) of the support (3) is approximately 20 % to 80 %, preferably approximately 30 % to 60 %, further preferably essentially 40 %, of the width of the wiper surfaces (5) or of the flat sides (7) of the support (3).

22. Wiper device according to claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that the distance of the linkage point and or a pivot axis (16) of the first joint (15) from the front longitudinal edge (8) of the support (3) is approximately 1 cm to 4 cm, preferably approximately 1.5 cm to 3 cm, further preferably approximately 2 cm.

23. Wiper device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the linkage point and/or a pivot axis (16) of the first joint (15) is positioned at least essentially in the median line between the wiper surfaces (5) and or between the flat sides (7).

24. Wiper device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the first joint (15) has a fixed pivot axis (16) running parallel to the lengthwise extension of the wiper surfaces (5) and/or the flat sides (7).

25. Wiper device according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the wiper device (1) has a second joint (17), having a pivot axis (18) run- ning transversely to the lengthwise extension of the wiper surfaces (5), and/or the flat sides (7), wherein the second joint (17) is preferably positioned outside an open region (11) of the support (3).

26. Wiper device according to claims 24 and 25, characterized in that the pivot axes (16, 18) of the first joint (15) and the second joint (17) run transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to one another.

27. Wiper device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the second joint (17) may be locked, preferably using a locking tube (19) guided on the handle (2).

28. Wiper device according to any one of claims 20 to 24 and according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the joints (15, 17) are rigidly connected by means of a connecting part (20).

29. Wiper device according to any one of claims 20 to 24 and according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the handle (2) is connected in an articulated way to the support (3) via the second joint (17) and the first joint (15).

30. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (2) and the support (3) are connected to one another using a cardan joint.

31. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (2) is replaceable.

32. Wiper device according to claim 31 , characterized in that the support (3) is attached to a handle socket (2') in an articulated way and the handle (2) is detachably connected to the handle socket (2').

33. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all or most parts of the support (3) are made from plastics.

34. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims with the exception of claim 15, characterized in that the flat sides (7) of the support (3) are formed on wings (3', 3") that are hingedly connected to each other along the lengthwise extension of the wiper surfaces (5), preferably along the common front longitudinal edge (8) of the flat sides (7), a detachable connecting means (30) is provided between the wings (3', 3") fixedly connecting the wings (3', 3") in an operative position thereof, i. e. in the usage state of the wiper device (1), wherein the wings (3', 3") with the detachable connecting means (30) detached may freely swivel to an extended or straight position or even further to an again angled release position in which the wiper cover (4) will freely fall from or may be easily removed from the wings (3', 3") of the support (3).

35. Wiper device according to claim 34, characterized in that the hinged connection (29) is provided, preferably directly between the wings (3', 3"), by means of a swivel pin or swiveling pins in corresponding bearings.

36. Wiper device according to claim 34 and, preferably, claim 33, characterized in that the hinged connection (29) is provided, preferably directly between the wings (3', 3"), by means of a living hinge of plastics.

37. Wiper device according to claim 34 and, optionally, claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the linkage between the support (3) and the handle (2) is provided by a separate hinge part positioned between the wings (3', 3"), and itself hingedly connected to both wings (3', 3").

38. Wiper device according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that the linkage between the support (3) and the handle (2) is provided by a bracket (31) fixedly connected to one of the wings (3', 3").

39. Wiper device according to claim 38, characterized in that the detachable connecting means (30) is provided between the bracket (31) and the other one of the wings (3', 3").

40. Wiper device according to any one of the claims 34 to 39, characterized in that the detachable connecting means (30) defines the angle between the flat sides (7) of the support (3) in the usage state of the wiper device (1).

41. Wiper device according to any one of the claims 34 to 40, characterized in that the detachable connecting means (30) comprises at least one mechanical snap-in device or, preferably, a magnetic device with a magnet part (30') and a metallic counterpart (30").

42. Wiper device according to any one of the claims 34 to 41, characterized in that a detaching means is positioned operative between the wings (3', 3") and the detaching means is interacting with the wings (3', 3") in a way that abruptly twisting the handle (2) about its longitudinal axis detaches the detachable connecting means (30) and releases the wings (3', 3") due to the inertia of the wings (3', 3").

43. Wiper device according to claim 42, characterized in that the detaching means comprises at least one detaching element extending between correspondingly operative parts of the wings (3', 3").

44. Wiper device according to claims 18 and 33 and optionally any other pre- ceding claim, characterized in that the cavity is formed only in the usage state of the wiper device (1) by the wings (3', 3") and by wall segments (32) fixedly connected to one of the wings (3', 3") and sealingly abutting the other of the wings (3', 3").

45. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper cover (4) is replaceable.

46. Wiper device according to claims 34 and 45 and optionally any other pre- ceding claim, characterized in that the support (3) has position fixing means (33) at the longitudinal edges of the wings (3', 3") or at corners thereof that are facing away from the hinge connection (29) of the wings (3', 3") and the wiper cover (4) comprises narrow fixing strips (34) cooperating with the position fixing means (33) on the wings (3', 3") when the wiper cover (4) is attached to the support (3).

47. Wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the wiper cover (4) is attached in a non-replaceable way to the support (3) and/or is implemented as a permanent trimming.

48. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper cover (4) comprises a sponge material (21).

49. Wiper device according to claim 48, characterized in that the sponge material (21) is implemented as porous and/or hydrophilic and/or is made of plastics.

50. Wiper device according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that the sponge material (21) is covered by a cleaning textile (22) or is integrated therein.

51. Wiper device according to claim 50, characterized in that the cleaning textile (22) is permanently bonded to the sponge material (21).

52. Wiper device according to claim 50, characterized in that the cleaning textile (22) is replaceable.

53. Wiper device according to claim 50 or 52, characterized in that the cleaning textile (22) loosely covers the sponge material (21) and is looped around the support (3).

54. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper cover (4) has a fastening means (23) for removable attachment to the support (3).

55. Wiper device according to claim 54, characterized in that the fastening means (23), preferably in the region of a longitudinal edge (6), includes a pocket (24) or a fixing strip for engaging the support (3), particularly at a free longitudinal edge of the support (3).

56. Wiper device according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that the fastening means (23) includes a projecting retaining edge (25) which is preferably sewn on or pushed on, and which engages behind a free longitu- dinal edge (8) or other shoulder of the support (3).

57. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper cover (4) is secured and/or removably attached to the support (3) using a Velcro fastener (26), snap fasteners, or buttons.

58. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper cover (4) is implemented according to any one of the following claims.

59. Wiper cover (4) for a support (3) of a manually operable wiper device (1), the wiper cover (4) preferably being implemented so it may be guided to form two alternately usable, particularly oblong active wiper surfaces (5), preferably on two flat sides (7) of the support (3), which, at least in the usage state of the wiper device (1), run at an acute or obtuse angle to one another, and/or around a longitudinal edge (8) of the support (3), characterized in that the wiper cover (4) has a rib-like textile ridge (27), which is implemented in such a way that, in the usage state of the wiper cover (4), it protrudes from the longitudinal edge (8) or at least one wiper surface (5).

60. Wiper cover according to claim 59, characterized in that the wiper surfaces (5) are formed by two textile pieces (28, 29), which are connected to one another to form the textile ridge (27).

61. Wiper cover according to claim 59, characterized in that the wiper surfaces (5) are formed by a single textile piece (28, 29) which is folded to form the textile ridge (27).

62. Wiper cover according to any one of claims 59 to 61, characterized in that the textile ridge (27) is suffer than the wiper surfaces (5) and/or the material which forms them.

63. Wiper cover according to one of claims 46 through 49, characterized in that the wiper cover (4) has fastening means (23) for removable attachment to the support (3).

64. Support for a wiper device for wiping surfaces to be cleaned, wherein the wiper device comprises the support (3) and a handle (2) or handle socket (2') attached to the support (3) in an articulated way, wherein the support (3) has two flat sides (7) and wherein the support (3) is open on one side between the flat sides (7) for attachment of the handle (2), characterized in that the flat sides (7) of the support (3), at least in the usage state of the wiper device (1), run at an acute to obtuse angle (α) to one another.

65. Support according to claim 64, characterized by the features of the characterizing part of one or more of claims 10 to 44 and claim 46.