CA2212030A1

CA2212030A1 - Portable windshield washer apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA2212030A1
Application number: CA002212030A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Roger Charest
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-08-01
Filing date: 1997-08-01
Publication date: 1999-02-01

Abstract

Abstract Not Yet Available

Description

TEM File No. 176.1 TITLE: PORTABLE WINDSEIIELD WASHER APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for washing automobile windshields and other windows or surfaces.

BACKGROUNr) OF THE INVENTION
Automobile windshields need to be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, insects and other accllm~ ted debris to avoid obscuring a driver's line of vision. The accllmlll~ted dirt is typically difficult or impossible to clean off the windshield with a vehicle's windshield wiper blade because it gets "caked-on" and bonds to the windshield, particularly when driving the vehicle. Dirty windshields are particularly pronounced away from cities where insect populations are higher and dirt roads more common, and pose a particular problem and inconvenience to those that must spend much time on the road, such as salespersons or truck drivers.
Since one typically relies on using windshield washer brushes at gas stations toremove the accllmlll~ted dirt, the problem of driving with dirty windshields is compounded in rural areas where there are fewer gas stations in a given area, and so longer distances must be traveled before being able to properly clean the windshield, and hence increases the chances of a mishap due to obscured or poor visibility. Gas station brushes are relied upon because a liquid, such as water, is required to effectively clean the dirty windshield.
Merely cleaning the window with a dry brush or rag is usually insufficient.
What is desired therefore is a novel apparatus which overcomes the limitations and problems of these prior art brushes. Preferably it should provide a brush which can be kept moist for proper cleaning of a dirty windshield, has a container for holding liquid to moisten and clean dirt from the brush, and is compact and portable for carrying in a vehicle or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a side view of an apparatus, namely a foldable brush inserted into acontainer, according to a pler~lled embodiment ofthe present invention;
Figure 2 shows a top view of the brush removed from the container of fig. 1 and extended into an operative position; and Figure 3 is a side view of the brush of fig.2.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a preferred embodiment of a portable windshield washing apparatus, indicated generally by reference numeral 10, having a collapsible or foldable brush 30 which is insertable into a fluid holding container 20.
The container 20 is preferably made of a strong plastic or other durable material to avoid breakage and spilling of the fluid where it is being stored, such as in a vehicle's trunk during transport. It is understood that the fluid may be water, windshield washer fluid or any other liquid suitable for washing windshields or windows, and that such fluid should be compatible with the container's and brush's material. The container has a reservoir portion 22 for holding such fluid, and a threaded neck portion 24 for receiving the brush 30 in a fluid sealing manner to avoid leakage of liquid therethrough when engaged with the brush.
The brush 30, types of which are sometimes referred to as a "squeegee", has a kinked handle 32 and a head 34 pivotally connected thereto. The head 34 has a spongy, liquid absorbing portion 36 for wetting and cleaning a dirty windshield, and an opposed wiper portion 38, typically made of a flexible, non-scratching rubber material, for wiping the liquid from the cleaned windshield.
In its expanded, operative form (figs.2&3), the brush is ready for cleaning a dirty windshield in a known manner. Once the windshield is cleaned, the brush may be returned to the container by twisting the head 34 about swivel 40 into a position roughly parallel with the handle, and inserting the head and a part of the handle into the bottle as shown in fig. 1. A cap 42 is then screwed over the handle and neck portion (as shown in fig. 1) to sealingly secure the brush in the container. The cap may be integral with or separate from .~

the handle, as desired. A snap-type connection may also be used in place of the screw top shown.
When the brush sits in the container as show in fig. 1, the spongy portion 36 is in contact with the liquid, and so remains moist. Shaking of the container will also help the liquid to dislodge dirt from the spongy potion. When further cleaning of a windshield is desired, the reverse of the above procedure is followed, namely the brush is unscrewed from the container, the brush is removed and the head is twisted into the operative position. If need be, the swivel may be of a type which can be finger tightened to hold the head in a desired position.
The above description is intended in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense and variations to the specific configurations described may be apparent to skilled persons in adapting the present invention to specific applications. Such variations are intended to form part of the present invention insofar as they are within the spirit and scope of the claims below.

Claims

Claims Not Yet Available