US 12,233,824 B2
Car wash mitter and related method of use
Andrew J. Kuper, Holland, MI (US); Andrew S. VanWylen, Holland, MI (US); and Austin N. Jacobs, Allendale, MI (US)
Assigned to VQ, Inc., Holland, MI (US)
Filed by VQ, Inc., Holland, MI (US)
Filed on Apr. 12, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/633,946.
Application 18/633,946 is a continuation of application No. 17/369,456, filed on Jul. 7, 2021, granted, now 11,981,298.
Prior Publication US 2024/0262320 A1, Aug. 8, 2024
Int. Cl. B60S 3/04 (2006.01); A46B 9/00 (2006.01); A46B 9/02 (2006.01); A46B 13/02 (2006.01)
CPC B60S 3/04 (2013.01) [A46B 9/005 (2013.01); A46B 9/028 (2013.01); A46B 13/02 (2013.01); A46B 2200/3046 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A wash mitter configured to be placed over a vehicle pathway and dangle downward as the wash mitter moves, the wash mitter comprising:
a first end configured to join with a mitter frame disposed over a vehicle pathway and a second end disposable distal from the mitter frame and closer to the vehicle pathway than the first end;
an elongated, flexible sheath defining an interior tube and an exterior surface having microfibers configured to engage a vehicle surface, the elongated flexible sheath configured to dangle vertically downward over the vehicle pathway when joined with the mitter frame at the first end; and
an elongated pad disposed in the interior tube and concealed inside the sheath, the elongated pad pressing outward on the sheath so that the sheath attains a first thickness between a first surface and a second surface, the sheath exerting a force on the elongated pad inside the interior tube so that at least a portion of the elongated pad is compressed and the sheath is stretched taut over the elongated pad;
wherein the first thickness is at least one half inch so that the sheath is configured to be operably impaired from entering a space located between a wiper of a vehicle and a vehicle surface adjacent the wiper of the vehicle when the wash mitter sways to and fro across the vehicle pathway,
whereby damage to the wiper of the vehicle is prevented when the wash mitter engages the vehicle surface and the wiper as the vehicle travels along the vehicle pathway.