U.S. patent application number 10/915700 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for window washing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Michael Symons.
Application Number | 20060032008 10/915700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35798539 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060032008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Symons; Michael |
February 16, 2006 |
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.
Inventors: |
Symons; Michael; (King of
Prussia, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
National IP Rights Center, LLC;Suite 400
550 Township Line Road
Blue Bell
PA
19422
US
|
Family ID: |
35798539 |
Appl. No.: |
10/915700 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/220.1 ;
15/227; 15/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 1/15 20130101; A47L
13/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/220.1 ;
015/227; 015/232 |
International
Class: |
A47L 1/06 20060101
A47L001/06 |
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.
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.
* * * * *