U.S. patent application number 10/452651 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-29 for fluid pump assembly for use with a cleaning apparatus.
Invention is credited to Fu, Chen Hsi.
Application Number | 20040146333 10/452651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32736013 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040146333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fu, Chen Hsi |
July 29, 2004 |
Fluid pump assembly for use with a cleaning apparatus
Abstract
A fluid pump assembly (268) for use in a cleaning apparatus (10)
broadly comprises a fluid pump (22); a suction outlet tube (270) in
direct fluid communication with a fluid reservoir (14); a fluid
outlet tube (272) configured to be in direct fluid communication
with the suction outlet tube (270) and connected to the fluid pump
(22); a valve (274) cooperating with both the suction and fluid
outlet tubes (270,272); and a control switch (58), wherein
actuation of the control switch (58) simultaneously opens the valve
(274) and activates the pump (22) to suction fluid from the fluid
reservoir (14), through the suction outlet tube (270), and because
the valve (274) is open, through the fluid outlet tube (272), and
deactuation of the control switch (58) simultaneously closes the
valve (274) and deactivates the pump (22), such that fluid is
prevented from exiting the fluid outlet tube (272).
Inventors: |
Fu, Chen Hsi; (US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hovey Williams LLP
Suite 400
2405 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City
MO
64108
US
|
Family ID: |
32736013 |
Appl. No.: |
10/452651 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10452651 |
Jun 2, 2003 |
|
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10352595 |
Jan 27, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/25 ; 401/138;
401/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/12 20130101;
A47L 13/22 20130101; A47L 1/08 20130101; A47L 13/225 20130101; B08B
1/00 20130101; A46B 17/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/025 ;
401/138; 401/139 |
International
Class: |
A47L 013/12; A47L
001/08 |
Claims
Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention,
what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent includes the following:
1. A cleaning apparatus comprising: a fluid reservoir adapted to
contain a cleaning fluid; a nozzle operable to spray the cleaning
fluid onto a cleaning surface; an electrically driven fluid pump
operable to pump the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the
nozzle; a control switch; a suction outlet tube; a fluid outlet
tube; and a valve cooperating with the suction outlet tube and the
fluid outlet tube, such that actuation of the control switch
simultaneously opens the valve and activates the pump to suction
fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the suction outlet tube,
through the fluid outlet tube, and to the nozzle, and deactuation
of the control switch simultaneously closes the valve and
deactivates the pump, such that fluid is prevented from exiting the
nozzle.
2. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuation
of the control switch mechanically opens the valve, and deactuation
of the control switch mechanically closes the valve.
3. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further
including--at least one interchangeable head adapted to contact the
cleaning fluid sprayed onto the cleaning surface, a receiving
portion for removably securing the interchangeable head, a
telescoping body having a proximal end and a distal end and
including a first and a second generally cylindrically-shaped
hollowed rod, wherein the first rod is of a slightly smaller
diameter than the second rod so that the first rod may nest within
the second rod, and a substantially hollowed handle positioned
generally adjacent to the fluid reservoir.
4. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
telescoping body further includes a locking sleeve for locking the
position of the first rod in the second rod.
5. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first
rod is partially positioned within the handle and the fluid
reservoir.
6. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 5, the cleaning
apparatus further including a receiving portion having a first end
and a second end, the first end being positioned near an extreme
distal end of the body and connected to the body using a connecting
sleeve, the second end being generally cylindrically-shaped and
including a first and a second generally L-shaped channel, the
receiving portion including--an oblong section generally formed of
a plurality of rigid concentric circular portions of varying
diameter, and an oblong generally V-shaped insert provided on the
oblong section, wherein the nozzle is secured to the insert.
7. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
interchangeable head further includes--an attachment end adapted to
be secured with the receiving portion, and a generally
rectangularly-shaped cleaning plate.
8. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
attachment end further includes--a first end having a partially
hollowed portion, the hollowed portion having a first and a second
boss formed therein, wherein the first boss rides within the first
L-shaped channel, and the second boss rides within the second
L-shaped channel, and a second end provided with a generally
sphere-shaped roller for rotatably positioning the head to a
desired position.
9. A cleaning apparatus comprising: a fluid reservoir adapted to
contain a cleaning fluid; a nozzle operable to spray the cleaning
fluid onto a cleaning surface; an electrically driven fluid pump
operable to pump the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the
nozzle; a control switch; and a valve, such that actuation of the
control switch simultaneously activates the pump and opens the
valve, and deactuation of the control switch simultaneously
deactivates the pump and closes the valve.
10. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further
including--a suction outlet tube, and a fluid outlet tube, such
that actuation of the control switch activates the pump to suction
fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the suction outlet tube,
through the fluid outlet tube, and to the nozzle, and deactuation
of the control switch deactivates the pump and closes the valve,
such that fluid is prevented from exiting the nozzle.
11. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 10, further
including--a telescoping body having a proximal end and a distal
end, a handle positioned at an extreme proximal end of the body,
and a first and a second interchangeable head adapted to be secured
to the body, wherein the first head is adapted to have a cleaning
cloth secured thereto, and the second head is equipped with a
squeegee.
12. A fluid pump assembly comprising: a fluid pump; a first tube
adapted to be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir and
connected to the fluid pump; a second tube portion configured to be
in direct fluid communication with the first tube portion and
connected to the fluid pump; a valve cooperating with both the
first and second tube portions; and a control switch, wherein
actuation of the control switch simultaneously opens the valve and
activates the pump, and deactuation of the control switch
simultaneously closes the valve and deactivates the pump.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims
priority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of an
earlier-filed U.S. patent application titled "TELESCOPING CLEANING
APPARATUS WITH REFILLABLE FLUID RESERVOIR AND INTERCHANGEABLE
HEADS," Ser. No. 10/352,595, filed Jan. 27, 2003. The identified
earlier-filed application is hereby incorporated by reference into
the present application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to cleaning apparatuses for
cleaning floors, windows, and other surfaces. More particularly,
the invention relates to a telescoping cleaning apparatus having a
refillable fluid reservoir and at least one interchangeable
head.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Many types of cleaning apparatuses exist for cleaning floors
and other surfaces. Recently, cleaning mops including a fluid
reservoir and a nozzle for spraying a cleaning fluid on a cleaning
surface have become popular. Unfortunately, these mops suffer from
several limitations. First, the prior art mops are designed
primarily for cleaning floors, and thus, include only one type of
cleaning head. Multiple interchangeable heads are advantageous
since other types of cleaning surfaces can be cleaned, such as
windows.
[0006] Second, the fluid reservoirs of the prior art mops are
normally positioned at a distal end of the mops, near their
cleaning heads. While such placement is desired if the mops are
only to be used for cleaning floors, this arrangement is less
desirable for mops intended to be used in cleaning multiple types
of surfaces, such as windows, because the mops often must be
rotated upwardly such that the cleaning head is above the fluid
reservoir. The user must then hold the weight of the fluid
reservoir and the cleaning fluid contained within the reservoir at
arm's length, since the fluid reservoir is positioned at the distal
end of the mop. Such use of the mop is both cumbersome and heavy
and needlessly increases the difficulty in using the mop.
[0007] Third, prior art mops are normally designed such that the
user must manually pump the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir
to the nozzle. Manual pumps are sufficient for mops intended to be
used only for cleaning floors, because a user of a manual pump mop
can balance the mop on the floor with one hand while pumping with
the other hand, or the user can balance the mop against his or her
body while manually pumping the cleaning fluid. However, if the mop
is used such that the cleaning head is upward with respect to a
handle of the mop, as is common while cleaning windows, the ease
and maneuverability of manually pumping the mop while holding the
mop up decreases significantly. The user either has to hold the mop
with one hand while trying to reach and pump with the other hand,
or the user is forced to lower the mop to the floor. This is not
only difficult and cumbersome, but it also increases the amount of
time spent cleaning.
[0008] A fourth limitation of prior art mop designs is that their
nozzles spray cleaning fluid at non-acute angles, which tends to
widen an area sprayed, but also increases the possibility of
unintentionally spraying items not intended to be cleaned. Also,
spraying at more than an acute angle widens the distance between
the mop head and the sprayed cleaning fluid, which increases the
distance necessary for the mop to travel before coming in contact
with the cleaning fluid.
[0009] A fifth limitation is that prior art mop designs require
complicated, expensive, and heavy pump and reservoir combinations.
For example, a check valve is often required upstream of the nozzle
to minimize fluid exiting the nozzle once the pump is turned off.
The check valve normally has a threshold pressure that must be
overcome before fluid is allowed to flow to the nozzle. Further, if
the fluid reservoir is located below the fluid pump, the pump must
suction fluid from the reservoir. The combination of the power
required to suction fluid from the reservoir and the power required
to overcome the check valve is often more than a small,
lightweight, and inexpensive fluid pump can handle.
[0010] Even if the fluid reservoir is positioned above the fluid
pump so that no suction is required for lifting the fluid from the
reservoir, prior art mop designs still require a check valve
positioned upstream of the nozzle. Further, to overcome the check
valve, the pump must include a motor large enough to produce ample
pressure to open the check valve and force fluid through to the
nozzle, as found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,750 (the '750 patent) to
The Proctor and Gamble Company. Although the design of the '750
patent produces sufficient fluid pressure, the design requires the
fluid reservoir to be positioned at a distal end of the mop and
requires a complicated and powerful fluid pump assembly.
[0011] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved cleaning
apparatus that overcomes the limitations of the prior art. More
particularly, there is a need for a cleaning apparatus that is
adapted to receive interchangeable heads so that multiple types of
surfaces may be cleaned. Additionally, there is a need for a
cleaning apparatus having a fluid reservoir positioned at a
proximal end of a body of the cleaning apparatus for facilitating
holding and balancing the mop while cleaning. Furthermore, there is
a need for a hand-held cleaning apparatus with an electrically
powered pump. There is yet a further need for a cleaning apparatus
that sprays cleaning fluid at an acute angle so as to reduce the
unintentional spraying of items not intended to be cleaned. There
is even yet a further need for a cleaning apparatus employing a
small, lightweight, and inexpensive fluid pump assembly for
producing sufficient fluid flow without fluid leakage from the
nozzle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention solves the above-described problems
and provides a distinct advance in the art of cleaning apparatuses.
More particularly, the present invention provides a cleaning
apparatus that is adapted for cleaning multiple types of surfaces
using interchangeable heads, that eases the cleaning of the
surfaces by positioning a fluid reservoir at a proximal end of a
body of the cleaning apparatus, that includes an electrically
powered pump, and that sprays cleaning fluid at an acute angle so
as to reduce unintentional spraying of items not intended to be
cleaned.
[0013] The cleaning apparatus of the present invention broadly
includes a telescoping body; a fluid reservoir; a handle; a
receiving portion; a tube; a fluid pump; and at least one
interchangeable head. The body has a proximal end and a distal end
and includes first and second rods. The fluid reservoir is
positioned near the proximal end, and the handle is positioned
generally adjacent to the fluid reservoir and at an extreme
proximal end of the body. The receiving portion is positioned at an
extreme distal end of the body and receives the interchangeable
head via a pair of L-shaped channels formed on the receiving
portion and a pair of bosses formed on the interchangeable head.
The pair of bosses slide within the pair of L-shaped channels to
secure the interchangeable head to the cleaning apparatus. The tube
is partially positioned within the handle, proceeds through the
fluid reservoir and the first and the second rods, and ends at a
nozzle provided on the receiving portion. The fluid pump is
preferably electrically powered and is stored within the handle.
The cleaning apparatus also includes at least one interchangeable
head, but preferably two heads. In a first preferred embodiment,
the interchangeable head includes a plurality of flexibly biased
members for securing a cleaning cloth to the head. In a second
preferred embodiment, the interchangeable head is preferably
equipped with a squeegee for cleaning windows.
[0014] Further, the cleaning apparatus includes a valve located in
the handle and proximate to the fluid pump. The valve is open and
closed by actuation of the control switch, which also activates the
fluid pump. The valve blocks fluid flow from a suction outlet tube
to a fluid outlet tube. Upon actuation of the control switch, the
electric fluid pump is activated and the valve is released,
allowing fluid to flow to the nozzle. Upon deactuation of the
control switch, the fluid pump is deactivated and simultaneously,
fluid flow to the nozzle is stopped. Due to the size of the fluid
outlet tube, the surface tension of the fluid is sufficient to
prevent air from entering the fluid outlet tube, which consequently
prevents fluid from exiting the nozzle once the valve is
closed.
[0015] By constructing the cleaning apparatus as described herein,
numerous advantages are realized. For example, a user of the
cleaning apparatus may interchange the heads as necessitated by the
type of cleaning surface to be cleaned by simply turning the head
and sliding the pair of bosses formed on the head from the L-shaped
channels formed on the receiving portion. Additionally, since the
fluid reservoir is positioned at the proximal end of the body,
which is nearer to the user, the user may more easily balance and
hold the cleaning apparatus when the apparatus is rotated to a
position where the head is above the handle. Furthermore, the
cleaning apparatus is electrically powered so that the user is not
required to manually pump a cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir
to the nozzle. An even further advantage of the cleaning apparatus
is that it sprays the cleaning fluid at an acute angle, which
minimizes the unintentional spraying of items not intended to be
cleaned.
[0016] These and other important aspects of the present invention
are described more fully in the detailed description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0017] First and second preferred embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cleaning apparatus
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention showing a handle, a fluid reservoir, a body, and
an interchangeable head of the second preferred embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of a receiving portion
of the cleaning apparatus and an attachment end and the
interchangeable head of the second preferred embodiment, with the
attachment end being shown in partial section;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front fragmentary sectional view of an
attachment end of the first preferred embodiment showing a
generally sphere-shaped roller for rotatably positioning
interchangeable head;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a partial sectional side view of the cleaning
apparatus showing electrical wiring stored within a handle of the
cleaning apparatus, a fluid pump, and a tube in partially broken
line and also showing spraying of a cleaning fluid at an acute
angle;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view of the interchangeable
head of the second preferred embodiment secured to the receiving
portion;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary bottom view taken through line 6-6
of FIG. 4 and illustrating the spraying of the cleaning fluid;
[0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view showing an attachment
end and the interchangeable head of the first preferred embodiment
adapted to secure a cleaning cloth;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary isometric view of the
interchangeable head of the first preferred embodiment with the
cleaning cloth secured thereto;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a partial sectional side view of the cleaning
apparatus showing the fluid pump, a suction outlet tube, a fluid
outlet tube, a valve, and a control switch; and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the control switch,
the pump, and the valve.
[0028] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to
the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Turning now to the drawing figures, and particularly FIGS. 1
and 4, a cleaning apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The cleaning
apparatus 10 is operable to clean floors, windows, and other
cleaning surfaces and broadly includes a telescoping body 12; a
fluid reservoir 14; a handle 16; a receiving portion 18; a tube 20;
a fluid pump 22; and at least one interchangeable head 24.
[0030] The telescoping body 12 has a proximal or first end 26
including an extreme proximal end 28 and a distal or second end 30
including an extreme distal end 32. The telescoping body 12
preferably includes first and second generally cylindrically-shaped
hollowed rods 34,36, a locking sleeve 38, and a connecting sleeve
40, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. A portion 42 of the first
rod 34 is preferably positioned within the fluid reservoir 14, the
purpose of which is described below. The first rod 34 is preferably
slightly smaller in diameter than the second rod 36 so that a user
of the cleaning apparatus 10 may insert any portion of the first
rod 34 into the second rod 36 to position the cleaning apparatus 10
at a desired height. The rods 34,36 are then locked into position
by turning the locking sleeve 38 until tightened. The second rod 36
is connected to the receiving portion 18 using the connecting
sleeve 40, as described below. The first rod 34 is preferably
approximately 2.5 centimeters in diameter, but the diameter may
range between 1 centimeter and 18 centimeters. The second rod 36 is
preferably approximately 2 centimeters in diameter, but the
diameter may range between 0.5 centimeters and 17.5 centimeters.
Each rod 34,36 is preferably approximately 0.5 meters in length,
although the length may range between 0.2 meters and 1.5 meters.
The cleaning apparatus 10 is thus allowed to be extended to a
length of 1 meter, although the extended length may range between
0.4 meters and 3 meters. The rods 34,36 are preferably made of
aluminum, but other suitable materials may be used, such as rigid
plastic. The rods 34,36 are preferably hollow so that a substantial
portion of the tube 20 may be inserted therethrough, as described
below.
[0031] The fluid reservoir 14 is preferably positioned at the
proximal end 26 of the telescoping body 12, the purpose of which is
described below. The reservoir 14 is adapted to contain a cleaning
fluid, such as water, soap, ammonia, or any other cleaning agent.
The portion 42 of the first rod 34 positioned within the reservoir
14 stabilizes the cleaning apparatus 10 and provides a support on
which the fluid reservoir 14 may be mounted. The fluid reservoir 14
includes an opening 44 through which the cleaning fluid may be
poured into the reservoir 14, and the opening 44 has a cap 46
adapted to be fitted thereon for sealing the opening 44, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. The reservoir 14 is preferably made
of a non-permeable rigid plastic, but other suitable materials may
be used, such as a rigid acrylic. The reservoir 14 is also
preferably translucent or non-opaque so that the user can see how
much cleaning fluid is contained within the reservoir 14.
[0032] The handle 16 is preferably substantially hollow and
positioned at the extreme proximal end 28 of the body 12, such that
the first rod 34 is partially positioned within the handle 16, as
best illustrated in FIG. 4. Electrical wiring 48, schematically
represented in FIG. 4, and a power source 50 for driving the fluid
pump 22 are preferably stored within the handle 16, as described
below. The power source 50 is preferably at least one battery 50
housed in a battery compartment 52, which is accessible through a
battery compartment cover 54 positioned on an outer face 56 of the
handle 16, as illustrated in FIG. 1. A control switch 58 for
powering the cleaning apparatus 10 is provided on the handle 16. A
plurality of raised generally parallel longitudinal grips 60 is
formed on the outer face 56 to facilitate grasping the handle 16.
The handle 16 is preferably made of rigid plastic, but other
suitable rigid materials may be used.
[0033] The receiving portion 18 has a first end 62 and a second end
64 and is positioned at the extreme distal end 32 of the body 12,
as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As noted above, the second rod 36
of the body 12 is connected to the first end 62 of the receiving
portion 18 using the connecting sleeve 40.
[0034] The receiving portion includes an oblong section 66
positioned near the first end 62 and generally formed of a
plurality of rigid concentric circular portions 68 of varying
diameter, a generally oblong V-shaped insert 70 provided on the
oblong section 66, and a nozzle 72 provided on the V-shaped insert
70. The circular portions 68 are preferably spaced a distance from
each other so as to facilitate grasping of the receiving portion 18
during changing of the interchangeable head 24. The insert 70 is
provided on the oblong section 66 as a face on which the nozzle 72
may be secured.
[0035] The nozzle 72 is operable to spray a cleaning fluid onto a
cleaning surface, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Importantly, the nozzle
72 sprays the cleaning fluid at an acute angle, which is commonly
defined as an angle measuring less than 90.degree.. Spraying the
cleaning fluid at an acute angle serves several purposes. First,
spraying at an acute angle focuses or concentrates the flow or
stream of the cleaning fluid so that the fluid does not
unintentionally spray on items other than the intended cleaning
surface, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Second, spraying at an acute
angle lessens the distance between the cleaning apparatus 10 and
the sprayed cleaning fluid, thus lessening the distance the
cleaning apparatus 10 must travel before contacting the cleaning
fluid. Third, spraying at an acute angle allows for spraying on a
small cleaning surface, which might be required if the cleaning
surface is a window or a small area of floor.
[0036] The second end 64 of the receiving portion 18 is generally
cylindrically-shaped and receives the interchangeable head 24, as
described below and as illustrated in FIG. 2. First and second
channels 74,76, positioned generally opposite each other, are
formed onto the second end 64 for facilitating securement of the
interchangeable head 24, as also described below.
[0037] The tube 20 is preferably made of flexible plastic and has a
length sized to accommodate a full extension of the rods 34,36. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, a first portion 78 of the tube 20 is
preferably positioned within the handle 16, a second portion 80 of
the tube 20 is preferably positioned within the fluid reservoir 14
and outside the first rod 34, a third portion 82 of the tube 20 is
preferably positioned within the portion 42 of the first rod 34
positioned within the fluid reservoir 14, and a fourth portion 84
of the tube 20 is preferably positioned within the first and the
second rods 34,36. The tube 20 is thus partially positioned within
the handle 16, proceeds through the fluid reservoir and the first
and the second rods 34,36, and ends at the nozzle 72. The first
portion 78 of the tube 20 preferably connects with the fluid pump
22, and the second portion 80 of the tube 20 preferably connects
with the first portion 78 so that the cleaning fluid may be pumped
from the fluid reservoir 14, through the first, second, third, and
fourth portions 78,80,82,84 of the tube 20, and to the nozzle
72.
[0038] The second portion 80 of the tube 20 preferably has an end
86 with a weighted bulb 88 secured thereto, as illustrated in FIG.
4. The bulb 88 preferably has an opening 90 through which the
cleaning fluid may be suctioned from the fluid reservoir 14. The
purpose of the weighted bulb 88 is described in more detail
below.
[0039] As noted above, the fluid pump 22 is preferably electrically
driven by the power source 50 and is operable to pump the cleaning
fluid from the fluid reservoir 14, through the tube 20, and to the
nozzle 72, whereby the nozzle 72 sprays the cleaning fluid onto the
cleaning surface at an acute angle. Although the preferred power
source 50 is at least one battery 50 stored in the handle 16, other
power sources may be used, such as a power source stored in a
remote housing, a power connection to a standard in-home 120 volt,
60 hertz alternating current outlet, or a combination of manual and
electrical power. Electrical power is preferred since this allows
the user to continuously power the cleaning apparatus 10 without
having to use manual power, as described in more detail below.
[0040] The cleaning apparatus 10 includes at least one
interchangeable head 24, but preferably two or more interchangeable
heads 24. In a first preferred embodiment, the interchangeable head
is designated as 24a. Similarly, in a second preferred embodiment,
the interchangeable head is designated as 24b. Other possible
interchangeable heads 24 may be available as need requires.
[0041] In the first preferred embodiment, the interchangeable head
24a preferably includes an attachment end 100 adapted to be secured
with the receiving portion 18 and a generally rectangularly-shaped
cleaning plate 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The attachment
end 100 is preferably made of rigid plastic and includes first and
second ends 104,106, as illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0042] The first end 104 of the attachment end 100 is preferably
formed of a generally cylindrically-shaped portion 108. A plurality
of rigid concentric circular portions 110 of varying diameter,
similar to the circular portions 68 of the receiving portion 18,
are preferably formed on the cylindrically-shaped portion 108. The
circular portions 110 facilitate grasping when securing or removing
the interchangeable head 24a.
[0043] The cylindrically-shaped portion 108 of the first end 104
preferably includes a partially hollowed portion 112 having first
and second bosses 114,116 formed therein, as best illustrated in
FIG. 7. To secure the interchangeable head 24a to the receiving
portion 18 of the cleaning apparatus 10, the user preferably slides
the first boss 114 into the first L-shaped channel 74 of the
receiving portion 18 and the second boss 116 into the second
L-shaped channel 76. The user then turns the head 24a, which locks
and secures the head 24a with the receiving portion 18.
[0044] The second end 106 of the attachment end 100 is generally
U-shaped and includes a pair of legs 118. Each leg 118 preferably
includes a generally circularly-shaped opening 120, only one of
which can be seen in FIG. 7, such that the openings 120 face
generally opposite each other. The second end 106 also preferably
includes a sphere-shaped roller 122 secured thereto, as described
below. The roller 122 preferably has first and second pairs of
substantially flat faces 124,126, with the faces of each pair
124,126 facing generally opposite each other. Only one face of each
pair of faces 124,126 can be seen in FIG. 7. The first pair of
faces 124 preferably has a first pair of generally
circularly-shaped bosses 128 formed thereon, one boss to each face.
Similarly, the second pair of faces 126 preferably has a second
pair of generally circularly-shaped bosses 130 formed thereon, one
boss to each face. The roller 122 is preferably secured to the
second end 106 by inserting the first pair of bosses 128 into the
openings 120 formed on the pair of legs 118. The roller 122 is
preferably rotatably mounted to the cleaning plate 102, as
described below, for positioning of the cleaning head 24a in a
desired position.
[0045] As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cleaning plate 102
of the interchangeable head 24a includes a rear or first face 132
and a front or second face 134. The rear face 132 is preferably
provided with a mounting apparatus 136 for mounting the roller 122
to the cleaning plate 102. The mounting apparatus 136 includes a
pair of mounting brackets 138. Each bracket 138 preferably includes
a generally circularly-shaped opening 140, as illustrated in FIGS.
3 and 7, similar to the openings 120 on the legs 118. The second
pair of bosses 130 is secured within the openings 140 on the pair
of brackets 138, which secures the roller 122 to the cleaning plate
102. The second pair of bosses 130 and the openings 140 on the
brackets 138 are sized to allow the roller 122 to rotate within the
mounting apparatus 136.
[0046] The rear face 132 of the cleaning plate 102 of the
interchangeable head 24a also includes at least two, but preferably
four, generally elliptically-shaped biased members 142, as best
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Each member 142 is preferably formed
of flexible plastic, but any other suitable material may be used.
Each member 142 is preferably provided with flexible interlocking
teeth 144 for securement of a cleaning cloth 146, such as an
electrostatically charged cloth or a wet cleaning cloth, to the
interchangeable head 24a.
[0047] The front face 134 of the cleaning plate 102 of the
interchangeable head 24a is preferably provided with a generally
rectangularly-shaped recess (not shown) slightly smaller than an
area of the head 24a. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a dense foam 148 is
secured within the recess (not shown) using adhesive or any other
suitable securement method. The foam 148 serves as a surface on
which the cleaning cloth 146 may be placed to facilitate cleaning
and securement of the cleaning cloth 146 to the interchangeable
head 24a.
[0048] In the second preferred embodiment, the interchangeable head
24b also includes an attachment end 200 adapted to be secured with
the receiving portion 18 and a generally rectangularly-shaped
cleaning plate 202, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. The attachment
end 200 includes first and second ends 204,206. The first end 204
is substantially similar to the first end 104 of the first
preferred embodiment. The second end 206 is generally U-shaped and
includes a pair of legs 218. A generally sphere-shaped roller 222
is formed between the legs 218 for rotatable positioning of the
interchangeable head 24b. Unlike the first preferred embodiment,
the roller 222 of the second preferred embodiment is molded to the
legs 218.
[0049] The cleaning plate 202 of the second preferred embodiment is
preferably formed of a rear or first plate 250 and a front or
second plate 252, as illustrated in FIG. 5. A rear face 254 of the
rear plate 250 is preferably provided with a mounting apparatus
236, substantially similar to the mounting apparatus 136 of the
first preferred embodiment, for rotatably mounting the roller 222
in a manner substantially similar to the first preferred
embodiment. Additionally, the rear face 254 of the rear plate 250
includes a pair of generally rectangularly-shaped projections 256
positioned transverse to the mounting apparatus 236 and generally
opposite each other. Each projection 256 has an angled face 258.
When the attachment end 200 is rotated to an extreme angle, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, the leg 218 of the U-shaped second end 206
slides along the angled face 258, catches on the projection 256,
and holds the attachment end 200 in place until enough force is
applied by the user to overcome the hold provided by the projection
256.
[0050] The rear plate 250 and the front plate 252 are preferably
secured together using a plurality of screws (not shown) to form a
first edge 260 and a second edge 262. A sponge 264 for scrubbing is
preferably provided between the rear plate 250 and the front plate
252 and along the first edge 260. Similarly, a squeegee 266 is
preferably provided between the rear plate 250 and the front plate
252 and along the second edge 262. The squeegee 266 is preferably
made of flexible rubber and is provided for wiping away cleaning
fluid applied to a cleaning surface. The sponge 264 and the
squeegee 266 make the interchangeable head 24b of the second
preferred embodiment especially convenient for use in cleaning
windows.
[0051] Since the cleaning apparatus 10 is adapted for use in
cleaning windows, it may be necessary for the user to rotate or
swivel the cleaning apparatus 10 up and counter-clockwise so that
the interchangeable head 24 can contact the cleaning surface, such
as a window. It is then necessary to have the weighted bulb 88 at
the end 86 of the second portion 80 of the tube 20 so that gravity
forces the opening 90 in the bulb 88 to contact the cleaning fluid
in the fluid reservoir 14. The fluid pump 22 can then pump the
fluid out of the reservoir 14 for transferral to the nozzle 72.
[0052] In operation, a user of the cleaning apparatus 10 fills the
fluid reservoir 14 with a cleaning fluid. If cleaning a floor, the
user would most likely prefer using the interchangeable head 24a of
the first preferred embodiment. The user may then spray cleaning
fluid onto the cleaning surface by simply pressing the control
switch 58. If cleaning a window, the user would most likely prefer
using the interchangeable head 24b of the second preferred
embodiment. The user may need to rotate the cleaning apparatus 10
such that the interchangeable head 24b is above the fluid reservoir
14, as described above. Since the fluid reservoir 14, and the
weight of the cleaning fluid contained within the fluid reservoir
14, is advantageously positioned at the proximal end 26 of the body
12, the user is better able to balance the cleaning apparatus 10.
Additionally, the user is better able to support the weight of the
fluid reservoir 14 and the cleaning fluid since the weight is
centered closer to the user's body. Furthermore, since the fluid
pump 22 of the cleaning apparatus 10 is electrically driven, the
user need not rotate the cleaning apparatus 10 down, manually pump
the fluid to the nozzle 72, and rotate the cleaning apparatus 10
back to the cleaning position, nor must the user try to pump the
fluid while also holding the cleaning apparatus 10 in an up
position. Instead, the user need only depress the control switch 58
with one finger, allowing for much easier use of the cleaning
apparatus 10.
[0053] In an alternative implementation, the fluid pump 22 may be
part of a fluid pump assembly 268 comprising the fluid pump 22; a
suction outlet tube 270 in direct fluid communication with the
fluid reservoir 14; a fluid outlet tube 272 configured to be in
fluid communication with the suction outlet tube 270 and connected
to the fluid pump 22; an open-closed valve 274 cooperating with
both the suction and fluid outlet tubes 270,272; and the control
switch 58. As previously noted, the fluid pump 22 is preferably an
electrically driven pump. The suction outlet tube 270 is preferably
in direct fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 14 and the
fluid pump 22, such that the fluid pump 22 is operable to suction
fluid from the fluid reservoir 14 through the suction outlet tube
270. The fluid outlet tube 272 is in fluid communication with the
suction outlet tube 270 through the valve 274, which cooperates
with both the suction and fluid outlet tubes 270,272, as noted
above. The control switch 58 controls operation of both the
electric fluid pump 22 and the valve 274, as discussed below.
[0054] Actuation of the control switch 58 depresses a lever arm
276, and depression of the lever arm 276 simultaneously depresses
an electrical fluid pump switch 278 and mechanically opens the
valve 274. Depression of the fluid pump switch 278 activates the
fluid pump 22. Opening the valve 274 allows fluid communication
between the suction outlet tube 270 and the fluid outlet tube 272.
Thus, actuation of the control switch 58 simultaneously activates
the fluid pump 22 and mechanically opens the valve 274, such that
fluid is pumped from the fluid reservoir 14, through the suction
outlet tube 270, and because the valve 274 is open, through the
fluid outlet tube 272 to the nozzle 72. Similarly, deactuation of
the control switch 58 releases the lever arm 276 which
simultaneously releases the electric fluid pump switch 278 and
mechanically closes the valve 274, such that the fluid pump 22 is
deactivated and the valve 274 is closed. Once the valve 274 is
closed, no fluid may flow from the suction outlet tube 270 to the
fluid outlet tube 272. Advantageously, mechanically opening the
valve 274 requires no load on the power source 50, which decreases
the overall power consumption of the cleaning apparatus 10.
[0055] The cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention also
prevents fluid from leaking out of the nozzle 72 after the pump 22
has been deactivated without requiring a check valve upstream of
the nozzle 72. Due to the size of the fluid outlet tube 272, the
surface tension of the fluid is sufficient to prevent air from
entering the fluid outlet tube 272, which consequently prevents
fluid from exiting the nozzle 72 when the valve 274 is closed.
[0056] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing
figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and
substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the
invention as recited in the claims. For example, the
interchangeable heads 24a,24b of the first and second embodiments
are not intended to be limiting. Other interchangeable heads 24 may
be used, such as a head having the cleaning plate 102 covered with
a sponge, wherein the sponge is removable. The cleaning plate 102
might also include a scrubbing surface having nylon bristles or
steel wool attached thereto. In addition to various types of
interchangeable heads 24, the cleaning apparatus 10 might also
include a steamer with a boiler element, such that the cleaning
fluid in the fluid reservoir 14 is heated to provide for better and
more efficient cleaning.
* * * * *