US20070101527A1

US20070101527A1 - Squeegee apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20070101527A1
Application number: US11/269,067
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew McCusker; Tammy Woodson-McCusker
Original assignee: American Air Liquide Inc
Current assignee: American Air Liquide Inc
Priority date: 2005-11-08
Filing date: 2005-11-08
Publication date: 2007-05-10

Abstract

A cleaning device comprises a cleaning head, a first handle segment, a second handle segment and a closure structure. The cleaning head includes a scrubbing portion, a squeegee portion and a handle attachment structure. The first handle segment includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is engaged with the handle attachment structure of the cleaning head. The second handle segment includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a storage space. The first end portion of the second handle segment is engaged with the second end portion of the first handle segment. The storage space extends between the first and second end portions thereof. An open end portion of the storage space is provided at the second end portion of the second handle segment. The closure structure engaged at the second end portion of the second handle segment covers the open end portion of the storage space.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to automotive tools and, more particularly, to automobile cleaning tools and accessories.

BACKGROUND

When driving an automobile, the ability to see clearly through the automobile's windows is essential. Due to the visual nature of driving, dirty windows are a nuisance and, more importantly, pose a safety hazard.
Automobile manufactures recognize these facts, and thus equip their vehicles with on-board window washers that enable the driver to clear a portion of the front window while driving. Some automobile models are also equipped with rear window and headlight washers. However, there are no such washers for the side windows or external mirrors.
While such on-board washers are convenient, they are often times not entirely effective. On-board window washers utilize the wiper blades to remove debris and washer fluid from an area of a window. The area of the window acted on by the on-board wiper blades is less than the entire area of the window, thus leaving at least a portion of the widow non-accessible by the wiper blades.
The primary purposes of these blades are to wipe water (e.g., in the form of rain or snow) from the window and to enable wash fluid to be wiped from the window. To conform to the shape of the window, the blades are made of soft rubber. The soft rubber is far from an ideal material to remove the relatively hard and abrasive debris that collects on the window. In addition, as the blades wear, their performance decreases.
As an added convenience, many service stations have self-service window-washing equipment available near the fuel pumps to facilitate window cleaning by patrons. Such equipment is designed and utilizes materials specifically for the purpose of washing automobile windows. However, the equipment is not portable, so one must locate a service station to use it.
Therefore, an apparatus that overcomes drawbacks associated with conventional automotive window washers and equipment would be useful and advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention enable a person to clean the windows of their automobile more thoroughly and conveniently than with conventional equipment. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for a relatively simple and convenient means of thoroughly cleaning automotive windows with a portable apparatus. In doing so, embodiments of the present invention advantageously overcome one or more shortcomings associated with conventional means of cleaning automobile windows.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning device comprises a cleaning head, a multi-segment handle assembly and a closure structure. The cleaning head includes a scrubbing portion and a squeegee portion. The multi-segment handle assembly is detachably attached to the cleaning head. The multi-segment handle assembly includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is engaged with respect to the second segment for enabling the first segment to be engaged with the second segment thereby providing a use configuration. A reduced-length configuration of the multi-segment handle assembly is provided by disengaging the first segment from the second segment. A storage space is provided within at least one of the segments. The closure structure is engaged with one of the segments to cover an open end portion of the storage space of at least one segment.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning device comprises a cleaning head, a first handle segment, a second handle segment and a closure structure. The cleaning head includes a scrubbing portion, a squeegee portion and a handle attachment structure. The first handle segment includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is engaged with the handle attachment structure of the cleaning head. The second handle segment includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a storage space. The first end portion of the second handle segment is engaged with the second end portion of the first handle segment. The storage space extends between the first and second end portions thereof. An open end portion of the storage space is provided at the second end portion of the second handle segment. The closure structure engaged at the second end portion of the second handle segment covers the open end portion of the storage space.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning device kit comprises a cleaning head, a first handle segment, a second handle segment and a closure structure. The cleaning head includes a scrubbing portion and a squeegee portion. The first handle segment includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the first handle segment is configured for being attached to the cleaning head. The second handle segment includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the second handle segment is configured for being engaged with the second end portion of the first handle segment for providing a use configuration and is configured for being disengaged from the second handle segment for providing a reduced-length configuration. A storage space is provided within at least one of the handle segments. The closure structure is configured for being engaged with one of the segments to cover an open end portion of the storage space of at least one handle segment.
Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment is threadedly engaged with the second segment such that the first segment is selectively detachable from the second segment.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment and the second segment are essentially identical.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an overall length of each one of the segments is one of the same as or less than an overall length of the cleaning head.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment is attached directly to the cleaning head.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the closure structure is engaged with the second segment.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the closure structure includes a fluid dispensing device such that a fluid contained within the storage space is dispensable through the closure structure.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment is telescopingly engaged with the second segment such that the segments are selectively movable with respect to each other along a longitudinal reference axis.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an overall length of the multi-segment handle assembly when in the reduced-size configuration is approximately the length as an overall length of the cleaning head.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first handle segment includes a thread structure at the second end portion thereof, the second handle segment includes a thread structure at the first end thereof and the thread structure at the second end portion of the first handle segment is engagable with the thread structure at the first end of the second handle segment such that the first segment is selectively attachable to and detachable from the second handle segment.
These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a cleaning device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded cross sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view depicting a handle segment in accordance with the present invention, which does not include a storage space.
FIG. 4 depicts a fluid dispensing handle assembly in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 depicts a partial cross sectional view of a telescoping handle assembly in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of a cleaning device in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to herein as the cleaning device 10. The cleaning device 10 comprises a cleaning head 12, a first handle segment 14, a second handle segment 16, and a closure structure 18.
The cleaning head 12 includes a scrubbing portion 20, a squeegee portion 22, and an internally threaded portion 24 (i.e., a handle attachment structure). Preferably, but not necessarily, the scrubbing portion 20 includes a foam nylon mesh 26, and is located on one side (e.g., the “top”) of the cleaning head. The squeegee portion 22 is located on the opposite side (e.g., the “bottom”) of the cleaning head 12, and is made from a soft material (i.e., rubber) that easily conforms to non-flat surfaces (e.g., a automobile window or mirror). The internally threaded portion 24 is located mid-way between the scrubbing portion 20 and the squeegee portion 22 (e.g., the “back”) of the cleaning head 12. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning device 10 is configured such that when in use, the user can switch between a scrubbing function to a squeegee function easily by rotating the cleaning head 12 about the longitudinal axis of the internally threaded portion 24 to place the scrubbing portion 20 or the squeegee portion 22 in contact with the surface to be cleaned.
As depicted in FIG. 2, the first handle segment 14 includes a first end portion 28 that is externally threaded (i.e., includes an engagement structure) and a second end portion 30 that is internally threaded. The first end portion 28 of the first handle segment 14 is externally threaded to engage the internally threaded portion 24 of the cleaning head 12. The second handle segment 16 (which is essentially identical to the first handle segment 14) includes a first end portion 32 that is externally threaded and a second end portion that is internally threaded 34. The first end portion 32 of the second handle segment 16 is externally threaded to engage the internal threads of the second end portion 30 of the first handle segment 14 for providing a use configuration, and is configured for being disengaged from the second handle segment 16 for providing a reduced-length configuration.
As depicted in FIG. 2, a storage space 36 is provided within at least one of the handle segments (14, 16). The storage space 36 extends longitudinally along a length of the handle segments. An end cap 18 (i.e., a closure structure), includes a first end 38 that is externally threaded (i.e., an engagement structure), and a second end 40 that is smooth or other wise configured for terminating the end of the handle assembly. The first end 38 of the end cap 18 engages the internal threads of the second end portion 34 of the second handle segment 16 to cover the open end portion of the storage space 36. The closure structure 18 is intended to allow a desired item (e.g., a moisture-absorbent cloth or chamois, window cleaning fluid, container of window cleaning fluid) to be stored inside the storage space 36.
It is contemplated herein that any combination of position and/or orientation of internal and external mating threads could be used (e.g., external threads are employed on the cleaning head 12, and internal threads are used on the first end portion 28 of the first handle segment 14). Additionally, though the first handle segment 14 is threadedly engaged with the second handle segment 16 such that the first handle segment 14 is selectively detachable from the second handle segment 16, it is contemplated herein that the engagement structures (28, 30, 32, and 34) of the cleaning head 12, handle segments (14 and 16), and closure structure 18 maybe of a non-threaded type (i.e., a bayonet mount, tapered-friction fit, or a spring-loaded interlock assembly).
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first handle segment 14 and second handle segment 16 are essentially identical, and thus, interchangeable (e.g., the second handle segment 16 may be used in place of the first handle segment 14, and vice versa). Such a characteristic may reduce manufacturing costs and ease assembly.
Alternatively, it is contemplated herein that unique handle segments may be used. For example, the first handle segment 14 includes external threads on its first end portion 28 and second end portion 30, and the second handle segment 16 includes internal threads on its first end portion 32 and second end portion 34. It is further contemplated herein that the end cap 18 could be incorporated into the second handle segment 16 to reduce component count, and possibly overall cost.
As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first handle segment 14 and second handle segment 16 jointly define what is referred to herein as an embodiment of a multi-segmented handle assembly 42. It is contemplated herein that the multi-segmented handle assembly 42 may consist of any number of handle segments, and that each segment may be identical or unique.
As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-segment handle assembly 36 is made up of a plurality of discrete segments (14 and 16) that are configured for engaging a first handle segment 14 to a second handle segment 16. An overall length of each one of the handle segments (14 and 16) is the same as or less than an overall length of the cleaning head 12, with the first handle segment 14 attaching directly to the cleaning head 12. It is contemplated herein that any handle segment (14 or 16) maybe sized to nest inside one another to reduce the overall storage space required for the cleaning device 10. It is contemplated herein that such a characteristic may allow the multi-segment handle assembly 36 to store inside the cleaning head 12 to reduce the overall storage size (i.e., for storage in an automobile glove compartment). Additionally, such a configuration enables the cleaning device 10 to be sold without additional packaging, which reduces cost and lends itself to be sold through automatic means (i.e., an automatic vending machine).
FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a handle segment 50 in accordance with the present invention, which does not have a storage space. Accordingly, the handle segment 50 is solely intended to provide extension functionality. The handle segment 50 includes a first end portion 52 that is externally threaded (i.e., includes an engagement structure) and a second end portion 54 that is internally threaded. It is contemplated herein that any combination of position and/or orientation of internal and external mating threads could be used (e.g., internal threads are used on the first end portion 52 and external threads are used on the second end portion 54). Additionally, it is contemplated herein that the engagement structures of the first end portion 52 and second end portion 54 may be of a non-threaded type (i.e., a bayonet mount, tapered-friction fit, or a spring-loaded interlock assembly). With respect to FIG. 1, a handle segment such as the handle segment 50 may be used in place of the first handle segment 14, in place of the second handle segment 16 and/or attached between the cleaning head 12 and the first handle segment 14.
FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a fluid dispensing handle assembly 60 in accordance with the present invention. The fluid dispensing handle assembly 60 includes a first end portion 62, an elongated handle portion 64, and a fluid dispensing closure structure 66. The first end portion 62 is externally threaded (i.e., includes an engagement structure). The elongated handle portion 64 includes a fluid reservoir portion 68. In the depicted embodiment, the fluid dispensing closure structure 66 includes a pump-action fluid spray mechanism 70 used to distribute fluid onto the cleaning surface.
It is contemplated herein that the external threads of the first end portion 62 may be replaced with internal threads. Additionally, it is contemplated herein that the engagement structure of the first end portion 62 may be of a non-threaded type (i.e., a bayonet mount, tapered-friction fit, or a spring-loaded interlock assembly). The fluid dispensing handle assembly 60 is configured for being used in place of the second handle segment 16 and closure structure 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2.
It is contemplated herein that the fluid reservoir portion 68 and pump-action fluid spray mechanism 70 may be discrete from the elongated handle portion 64 (e.g., removable from the elongated handle portion 64), or the fluid reservoir portion 68 maybe incorporated into the elongated handle portion 64 and the pump-action fluid spray mechanism 70 fixedly attached thereto.
In addition, though the fluid dispensing closure structure 66 is depicted in FIG. 4 as including the pump-action spray mechanism 70, it is contemplated herein that any number of different types of fluid dispensing device may be used (e.g., a flexible squeeze bottle or a pressurized spray device). It is further contemplated herein that a cleaning device in accordance with the present invention maybe configured such that the fluid dispensing device may transfer fluid directly to the scrubbing portion of a cleaning head through a multi-segmented handle assembly, such as through a suitable configured tube or internal channel.
FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a telescoping handle assembly 80 in accordance with the present invention. The telescoping handle assembly 80 contains a first handle segment 82, a second handle segment 84, and a fluid dispensing closure structure 86. The fluid dispensing closure structure 86 is engaged over a fluid reservoir portion 88 (i.e., a storage space) inside the second handle segment 84. Each segment (82, 84) of the telescoping handle assembly 80 is engaged in a telescoping fashion such that the segments are selectively movable with respect to each other along a longitudinal reference axis. The telescoping handle assembly 80 is configured for use in combination with a cleaning head such as that depicted in FIG. 1. The telescoping handle assembly 80 extends to provide a use configuration U (i.e., an extended configuration), and retracts to provide a storage configuration S (i.e., a retracted configuration). The telescoping handle assembly 80 is configured to be used in place of the first handle segment 14, second handle segment 16, and closure structure 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As depicted in FIG. 5, the first handle segment 82 includes a first end portion 92 and a second end portion 94. The first end portion 92 is externally threaded (i.e., includes an engagement structure 92). The second handle segment 84 includes an engagement member 95 at a first end portion 96 that is configured for engaging a mating engagement member 97 at the second end portion 94 of the first handle segment 82. However, it is contemplated herein that any means of engagement may be employed (i.e., a threaded or spring-loaded interlock feature). Additionally, though FIG. 5 depicts a first handle segment 82 and a second handle segment 84, any number of telescoping handle segments may be used.
It is contemplated herein that the external threads of the first end portion 92 of the first handle segment 82 may be replaced with internal threads. Additionally, it is contemplated herein that the engagement structure of the first end portion 82 may be of a non-threaded type (i.e., a bayonet mount, tapered-friction fit, or a spring-loaded interlock assembly).
The fluid reservoir portion 88 and fluid dispensing closure structure 86 may be discrete from the second handle segment 84 (e.g., removable from the second handle segment 84), or the fluid reservoir portion 88 may be incorporated into the second handle segment 84 and the fluid dispensing closure structure 86 fixedly attached thereto. In addition, though a fluid dispensing closure structure 86 is depicted in FIG. 5 as having a pump action spray mechanism, it is contemplated herein that any type of fluid dispensing device may be used (e.g., a flexible squeeze bottle or a pressurized aerosol spray device).
The overall length of the telescoping handle assembly 80 in its storage configuration is the same as or less than an overall length of the cleaning head (FIGS. 1 and 2, item 12). It is contemplated herein that such a characteristic may allow the telescoping handle assembly 80 to store inside the cleaning head (FIGS. 1 and 2, item 12) to reduce the overall storage size (e.g., for storage in an automobile glove compartment). Additionally, such a configuration enables the cleaning device to be sold without additional packaging, which reduces cost and lends itself to be sold through automatic means (e.g., an automatic vending machine).
An embodiment of a cleaning kit configured in accordance with the present invention includes (as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2) cleaning head 12, a first handle segment 14, a second handle segment 16, and a closure structure 18. It is contemplated herein that alternate components as depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 may be incorporated into the cleaning kit.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes maybe made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, comprising:

a cleaning head including a scrubbing portion and a squeegee portion;

a multi-segment handle assembly detachably attached to the cleaning head, wherein the multi-segment handle assembly includes a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is engaged with respect to the second segment for enabling the first segment to be engaged with the second segment thereby providing a use configuration, wherein a reduced-length configuration of the multi-segment handle assembly is provided by disengaging the first segment from the second segment and wherein a storage space is provided within at least one of said segments; and

a closure structure engaged with one of said segments for covering an open end portion of the storage space of said at least one segment.

2. The cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the first segment is threadedly engaged with the second segment such that the first segment is selectively detachable from the second segment.

3. The cleaning device of claim 2 wherein the first segment and the second segment are essentially identical.

4. The cleaning device of claim 3 wherein an overall length of each one of said segments is one of the same as and less than an overall length of the cleaning head.

5. The cleaning device of claim 3 wherein:

the first segment is attached directly to the cleaning head;

the closure structure is engaged with the second segment; and

the closure structure includes a fluid dispensing device such that a fluid contained within the storage space is dispensable through the closure structure.

6. The cleaning device of claim 5 wherein an overall length of each one of said segments is approximately the length as an overall length of the cleaning head.

7. The cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the first segment is telescopingly engaged with the second segment such that said segments are selectively movable with respect to each other along a longitudinal reference axis.

8. The cleaning device of claim 7 wherein:

the first segment is attached directly to the cleaning head;

the closure structure is engaged with the second segment; and

9. The cleaning device of claim 8 wherein an overall length of the multi-segment handle assembly when in the reduced-size configuration is approximately the length as an overall length of the cleaning head.

10. A cleaning device, comprising:

a cleaning head including a scrubbing portion, a squeegee portion and a handle attachment structure;

a first handle segment including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is engaged with the handle attachment structure of the cleaning head;

a second handle segment including first end portion, a second end portion and a storage space, wherein the first end portion of the second handle segment is engaged with the second end portion of the first handle segment, wherein the storage space extends between the first and second end portions thereof and wherein an open end portion of the storage space is provided at the second end portion of the second handle segment; and

a closure structure engaged at the second end portion of the second handle segment covering the open end portion of the storage space.

11. The cleaning device of claim 10 wherein the first segment is threadedly engaged with the second segment such that the first segment is selectively detachable from the second segment.

12. The cleaning device of claim 11 wherein the first segment and the second segment are essentially identical.

13. The cleaning device of claim 12 wherein an overall length of each one of said segments is one of the same as and less than an overall length of the cleaning head.

14. The cleaning device of claim 12 wherein:

the first segment is attached directly to the cleaning head;

the closure structure is engaged with the second segment; and

15. A cleaning device kit, comprising:

a cleaning head including a scrubbing portion and a squeegee portion;

a first handle segment including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of the first handle segment is configured for being attached to the cleaning head;

a second handle segment including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of the second handle segment is configured for being engaged with the second end portion of the first handle segment for providing a use configuration and is configured for being disengaged from the second handle segment for providing a reduced-length configuration and wherein a storage space is provided within at least one of said handle segments; and

a closure structure configured for being engaged with one of said segments for covering an open end portion of the storage space of said at least one handle segment.

16. The cleaning device kit of claim 15 wherein:

the first handle segment includes a thread structure at the second end portion thereof;

the second handle segment includes a thread structure at the first end thereof;

the thread structure at the second end portion of the first handle segment is engagable with the thread structure at the first end of the second handle segment such that the first segment is selectively attachable to and detachable from the second handle segment.

17. The cleaning device kit of claim 16 wherein the first handle segment and the second handle segment are essentially identical.

18. The cleaning device kit of claim 17 wherein the closure structure includes a fluid dispensing device such that a fluid contained within the storage space is dispensable through the closure structure.

19. The cleaning device kit of claim 15 wherein the first segment is telescopingly engaged with the second segment such that said segments are selectively movable with respect to each other along a longitudinal reference axis.

20. The cleaning device kit of claim 19 wherein the closure structure includes a fluid dispensing device such that a fluid contained within the storage space is dispensable through the closure structure.