Window washing apparatus

Abstract

A window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable member having a plurality of indentations on a flat working surface; a rigid backer affixed to a second surface of a pliable member and defining a crevice for tucking the ends of a rag; a plurality of arms with locking teeth to hold the rag stretched tight over the flat working surface; and a pole affixed to the backer to permit the apparatus to be positioned in a difficult to reach position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to a novel window washing system. In particular, the present invention is directed to a novel window washing system which effectively can wash and clean a window.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There have been a large number of systems on the market for cleaning windows and windshields and the like. The patent literature is replete with window cleaning systems and devices.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,911 to Varner discloses, for example, a water-wiping blade for wiping water from surfaces having projecting regions from the surface is based on a flexible panel having an upper and a lower long edge, with a handle interface along the upper long edge, and a lip formed along the lower long edge, the lip ending in a sharp line at the end away from the flexible panel. In a preferred embodiment a handle is attached by the handle interface along the upper long edge. By rotating the flexible panel around the handle length and urging the panel into a surface, the lip can be caused to wrap around regions projecting from the surface with the sharp line of the lip in contact with the surface. Translating the panel then is effective in wiping standing water from the surface even in the presence of such surface deformities, such as rivet heads and the like. In some embodiments handle extensions may be used to allow positioning the flexible panel in hard-to-reach places. Also in some embodiments a lip is provided to both sides of the flexible panel so either side may be used for wiping water, and lips of various shapes are taught.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,771 discloses a liquid dispenser arrangement includes a self-contained pump and a discharge head. The pump has a liquid reservoir, while the discharge head has an applicator construction and an aperture. The aperture will be in liquid flow communication with the liquid reservoir. The discharge head is constructed and arranged to selectively take in liquid from an external liquid source through the aperture and convey the liquid to the liquid reservoir, when a pressure differential is established between the liquid reservoir and the external liquid source by the pump. The discharge head is also constructed and arranged to selectively eject liquid from the liquid reservoir through the aperture for distribution by the applicator construction. The applicator construction preferably includes a molded, flexible member with the aperture being in a portion of the flexible member. Methods of assembly and use are also disclosed.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,255 discloses a combination windshield scraper, squeegee, and sponge includes a curved edge on the scraper or squeegee blade adapted to fit complexly-curved (double-curved or "bubble") windshields and other surfaces of different radii. Preferably the edge is formed between a first or inner surface which is curved perpendicular to the edge so that the inner surface is concave. The other side of the blade, the outer surface, is preferably also curved but to a smaller radius than the inner surface.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,558 discloses a positioning tool for positioning the windshield wiper of a vehicle. The tool includes an engaging member which has at least one bend and extends at least partially around a retaining region. A user engages the windshield wiper with the engaging member and positions the wiper in the retaining region to move the wiper toward or away from the windshield. The tool has a handle which may be gripped by the user and which has a length sufficient to allow the user to stand on the ground beside the vehicle while positioning the windshield wiper relative to the windshield of the vehicle.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,787 discloses a device for cleaning the inside surfaces of vehicle windshield glass. A flat wiping member has an elongate handle secured to pivot simultaneously about a pair of perpendicularly arranged axes. The handle may be rotated into positions parallel to the wiping member, to reach into sharply angled recesses between the glass and dashboard.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,347 discloses a device for cleaning the inner surfaces of the front and rear windows of automobiles, said device having a cleaning part connected to a handle, the angle of inclination of the cleaning part relative to the handle being freely adjustable by way of an exchangeable knuckle joint without altering the angle of rotation of the cleaning part relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The cleaning part is arched, ensuring uniform, flat cleaning of the inner surfaces of the automobile windows.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,312,093 discloses a window cleaning device includes a moistening member, a wiper blade and a handle, all of which are secured to a body member. The moistening member consists of a number of layers of a permeable skin which is wound without a core for holding a cleaning liquid, the skin having hair thereon for breaking a dirt film on a surface to be cleaned. The moistening member fits within a concave surface portion on the body member, the body member having a projecting edge extending longitudinally beneath the moistening member to prevent liquid from being discharged downwardly and wasted while the device is operated. The amount of liquid which can be held by the moistening member is thereby substantially increased.

[0010] While the patent literature contains a large number of window cleaning systems, none disclose a system which can easily clean a window without streaking. Most of the prior art systems use or rely upon wipes and squeegees.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a comprehensive window cleaning system, which can be easily used and which can hold, support and replace a plurality of rags and towelettes.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide the window washing system, which can comprehensively clean a window such as that of a car, truck, RV, etc.

[0013] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a window washing system in which a rag and towel can be easily placed and removed.

[0014] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, a window cleaning system comprising: a substantially flat pad member having a plurality of divots on one side and a rigid backer affixed on the other side, said substantially flat pad member defining a cleaning surface for a rag; said backer having a plurality of arms each having a tooth to secure a rag to the flat member and securing it tightly over the flat member.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the invention is a window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable member having a plurality of indentations on a flat first working surface for providing a cleaning surface for a rag; a rigid backer affixed to a second surface of a pliable member and defining a crevice between the backer and pliable member for tucking and securing rag; and a plurality of arms with locking teeth affixed to the backer to lock the rag in a stretched tight position over the flat working surface.

[0017] In still another embodiment, the invention is a window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable polymer member in the shape of a hand having a plurality of indentations defining a flat cleaning surface; a rigid backer affixed to a second surface of a pliable member and defining a crevice for tucking and securing the ends of a rag tightly; and a plurality of arms with locking teeth to hold the rag stretched tight over the flat working surface.

[0018] In still yet a further embodiment, the invention is a window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable member having a plurality of indentations on a flat working surface; a rigid backer affixed to a second surface of a pliable member and defining a crevice for tucking the ends of a rag; and a plurality of arms with locking teeth to hold the rag stretched tight over the flat working surface; and a pole affixed to the backer to permit the apparatus to be positioned in a difficult to reach position.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the invention is a window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable member in the shape of a mitt having a plurality of indentations on a flat first working surface; a plurality of finger holes affixed to a second surface of the liable member to hold the member; and a plurality of arms with locking teeth to hold the rag stretched tight over the flat working surface.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] FIG. 1 is an overhead view of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the present invention with the attachment of a rag.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the underside of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention showing a rag tucked therein.

[0024] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the present invention in the embodiment of a glove or mitt.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] The present invention is described with reference to the enclosed figures. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the present invention comprises a novel window cleaning system. The system comprises a substantially flat pad member 10. The flat pad member is pliable and bendable and is preferably constructed from a material such as a rubber or polymer. The flat pad member 10 has a plurality of divots 11 which face the surface to be cleaned and which functions as a suction surface to hold and support a cloth or rag. In a preferred embodiment, the top 10a of the flat member 10 has a backer 12 which is affixed thereto to includes a plurality of extending arms 14. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the top of the flat member is beveled 15.

[0026] As shown most specifically in FIGS. 2 and 4, the backer 12 defines a crevice 16 between its outer periphery 12a and the top of the pad 10a. The crevice 16 provides an area for a rag/towel or towelette 19 to be pulled tight on the devoted surface 11. In operation, a rag 19 is stretched over the substantially flat devoted side 11 and then pulled upwardly toward and into the crevice.

[0027] The backer 12 has a plurality of arms 14 extending outward. Each of the arms 14 terminates with a tooth 20 which is biased downward so as to grab and secure the rag or towel. The rag or cloth is then tucked into a crevice defined by the space between the backer and the rag or towel. The rag is thus pulled tight toward the clamping mechanism, defined by the arms and teeth.

[0028] In this way, the window cleaning system holds and supports a rag, wet wipe, chamois cloth or towel which is used to dry the window. It also supports a drying towel. The flat surface can take a number of shapes including that of a hand in glove.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the invention includes a shaft or pole 22 affixed to a universal joint 20 affixed to the back of the backer. This shaft enables 22 the mechanism to be selectively and freely moved over the surface of window such as a car window or houses and building windows. In one embodiment, the shaft of pole may be telescoping.

[0030] While the present invention is been disclosed in the context of a flat member and affixed to a pole 22, it is to be appreciated that the present invention can take any number of forms. For example, as noted it can be affixed to a mitt or hand wash shaped member 30 so that users can clean the window using a hand as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0031] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the invention in the context of a hand held glove or mitt. In this embodiment, the devoted surface takes the shape of a mitt or glove 30. The underside of the mitt is divoted 32. The top of the mitt has finger holes 34 to hold the device. A plurality of arms with teeth 35, in the form described above, are interspersed on the top of the mitt and hold the rag or cloth as described above.

[0032] The operation of the invention is now described. Using the hand, a cloth is placed in the devoted surface 11. The cloth must be squeezed and held around the crevice 16 under the arms so that the cloth is stretched firm. The teeth of the arms secure the rag or cloth and hold it tight. Next, the front, back and sides of a window are then scrubbed, using the invention. The cloth may be replaced with a pre-treated glass cleaning wipe, pre-treated rain vision wipe, microfiber miracle cloth, or rag. A terry drying cloth may then be attached, as described above, to dry the window.

[0033] The invention easily and effectively removes the dirt and grime buildup from vehicle windshields, inside and out, thus improving driver visibility and creating a safer driving atmosphere.

[0034] The present invention has been described with reference to the enclosed figures. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments with all the scope of the present invention and that the true nature and scope of the present invention is to be determined with reference to the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A window cleaning system comprising: a substantially flat pad member having a plurality of divots on one side and a rigid backer affixed on the other side, said substantially flat pad member defining a cleaning surface for a rag; said backer having a plurality of arms each having a tooth to secure a rag to the flat member and securing it tightly over the devoted flat member.

2. A window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable member having a plurality of indentations on a flat first working surface for providing a cleaning surface for a rag; a rigid backer affixed to a second surface of a pliable member and defining a crevice between the backer and pliable member for tucking and securing rag; and a plurality of arms with locking teeth affixed to the backer to lock the rag in a stretched tight position over the flat working surface.

3. A window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable polymer member in the shape of a hand having a plurality of indentations defining a flat cleaning surface; a rigid backer affixed to a second surface of a pliable member and defining a crevice for tucking and securing the ends of a rag tightly; and a plurality of arms with locking teeth to hold the rag stretched tight over the flat working surface.

4. A window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable member having a plurality of indentations on a flat working surface; a rigid backer affixed to a second surface of a pliable member and defining a crevice for tucking the ends of a rag; and a plurality of arms with locking teeth to hold the rag stretched tight over the flat working surface; and a pole affixed to the backer to permit the apparatus to be positioned in a difficult to reach position.

5. A window cleaning apparatus comprising a pliable member in the shape of a mitt having a plurality of indentations on a flat first working surface; a plurality of finger holes affixed to a second surface of the liable member to hold the member; and a plurality of arms with locking teeth to hold the rag stretched tight over the flat working surface.