U.S. patent application number 12/471912 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for dual cleaning apparatus.
Invention is credited to Audrey Muhr-Sweeney.
Application Number | 20100017985 12/471912 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46302650 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100017985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Muhr-Sweeney; Audrey |
January 28, 2010 |
DUAL CLEANING APPARATUS
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus providing
a user with the ability to perform two cleaning functions with the
same apparatus. According to one aspect of the present disclosure
the cleaning apparatus includes an elongated body portion having
first and second ends, a first tip integral with the first
operative end, the first tip including a first solution for
performing a first cleaning function on the electronic equipment,
and a second tip integral with the second operative end, the second
tip including a second solution to the second operative end for
performing a second cleaning function on the electronic
equipment.
Inventors: |
Muhr-Sweeney; Audrey;
(Huntington, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARTER, DELUCA, FARRELL & SCHMIDT, LLP
445 BROAD HOLLOW ROAD, SUITE 420
MELVILLE
NY
11747
US
|
Family ID: |
46302650 |
Appl. No.: |
12/471912 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10924698 |
Aug 24, 2004 |
7553100 |
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12471912 |
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10383375 |
Mar 7, 2003 |
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10924698 |
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60438871 |
Jan 9, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/145 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B08B 1/006 20130101;
B08B 3/04 20130101; B08B 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/145 |
International
Class: |
A47L 25/00 20060101
A47L025/00 |
Claims
1. A dual cleaning apparatus for electronic equipment, comprising:
an elongated body portion having first and second ends and first
and second body sections; a first tip in mechanical engagement with
the first operative end, the first tip including a first solution
for performing a first cleaning function on the electronic
equipment; and a second tip in mechanical engagement with the
second operative end, the second tip including a second solution
for performing a second cleaning function on the electronic
equipment; wherein said second body section is telescopically
extendable relative to said first body section such that said body
portion is selectively extendable from a first fully retracted
position having a first length to at least one extended position
having a second length.
2. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
elongated body portion is hollow and defines a pair of first and
second reservoirs, said first reservoir in fluid connection with
said first tip and said second reservoir in fluid communication
with said second tip.
3. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said
elongated body portion includes at least one port formed therein,
which ports are in fluid communication with a respective one of
each of said first and second reservoirs.
4. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
first reservoir contains said first solution and the second
reservoir contains said second solution.
5. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at
least one of said first and second solutions is communicated to a
respective first and second tip in a wick-like fashion.
6. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
first solution is an alcohol-based solution.
7. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
second solution is a non-alcohol-based solution.
8. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
first solution is isopropyl alcohol.
9. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
second solution is a citric-based solution.
10. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at
least one of the first and second tips is an abrasive
structure.
11. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
geometrical configuration of said first tip is different than the
geometrical configuration of said second tip.
12. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at
least one of said first and second tips includes a series of
bristles which form a brush-like tip.
13. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at
least one of said first and second tips is selectively detachable
from its respective first and second end.
14. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said
at least one of said selectively detachable tips is selectively
interchangeable with an additional tip having at least one of a
different geometrical configuration, different porosity, different
abrasiveness and amount of bristles.
15. The dual cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, further
including an absorbent batting disposed within at least one of said
first and second reservoirs.
16. A cleaning kit for electronic components, comprising: a
container; and an elongated body portion having first and second
ends and first and second body sections, each of said ends
configured to mechanically engage one of a plurality of
interchangeable cleaning tips, at least one of said interchangeable
cleaning tips including a reservoir for holding a cleaning solution
and a working end for applying said cleaning solution to the
electronic component; and wherein said second body section is
telescopically extendable relative to said first body section such
that said body portion is selectively extendable from a first fully
retracted position having a first length to at least one extended
position having a second length.
17. A dual cleaning apparatus for electronic equipment, comprising:
an elongated body portion having first and second ends and first
and second body sections; a first tip connected to the first
operative end; and a second tip connected to the second operative
end; and wherein each of said first and second tips is selectively
attachable to the elongated body portion and includes its own
cleaning solution therewith and wherein said second body section is
telescopically extendable relative to said first body section such
that said body portion is selectively extendable from a first fully
retracted position having a first length to at least one extended
position having a second length.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/924,698 filed on Aug. 24, 2004, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/383,375 filed
on Mar. 7, 2003, which claims the benefits of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/438,871 filed on Jan. 9,
2003, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus
designed to clean a wide array of electronic devices, and more
particularly, to a cleaning apparatus having two cleaning functions
designed to clean the internal and external components of
electronic equipment, such as, for example, sensors, rollers, print
heads, platens, etc.
[0004] 2. Background of Related Art
[0005] Heretofore, an alcohol-based solution (e.g., isopropyl
alcohol) has been used with some success to clean the rollers and
reading, writing or scan heads (hereinafter "r/w/s heads) of
printers, facsimile machines, copiers, photo and optic sensors,
chips, internal optics, smart card readers, smart chips, bar code
encoders and decoders, magnetic readers, scanners and/or the like.
However, it is known that while alcohol-based solutions have some
success in cleaning the above-mentioned devices, alcohol-based
solutions can detrimentally affect the life of the more sensitive,
internal working components of these devices. For example, repeated
cleaning with alcohol-based solutions can affect the elasticity of
the feed or follower rollers/bars and/or r/w/s heads.
[0006] Accordingly, it should be apparent that different components
within the same electronic device require different cleaning
solutions or different cleaning solution applicators for effective
cleaning. For example, while the thermal printer head on a label
printer generally requires an alcohol-based solution as a cleaning
solution and an angled or slanted applicator in order to effect
proper cleaning thereof, the roller and platens of the label
printer generally require a non-alcohol-based rubber rejuvenator
solution and a flat applicator for effective cleaning.
[0007] The use of a cleaning instrument having a single-shaped
applicator on one end thereof and including a single cleaning
solution is well known. A drawback to such a cleaning instrument is
that the instrument is limited to the cleaning of a specific
component of the electronic device and is limited to providing a
single cleaning solution. Accordingly, such a cleaning instrument
is ineffective in cleaning other components of the electronic
devices in which clean components are crucial to the efficient
operation of the electronic device. As such, at least one
additional and separate cleaning instrument including a second
applicator and a second cleaning solution is required.
[0008] Certain components of electronic devices require more than
one cleaning function or step. For example, in order to properly
clean a label printer having adhesive residue stuck on the printer
head a user must first remove the adhesive residue from the printer
head by using a first instrument (e.g., a wiper) to apply a first
solution (e.g., an adhesive-removing solution) to the printer head
and then by using a second instrument (e.g., a scraper) to remove
the emulsified adhesive from the printer head. Following this step,
the user needs to clean the first solution off of the printer head
by using a third instrument (e.g., a wiper or swab) containing an
amount of a second solution (e.g., isopropyl alcohol) to wipe the
second solution onto the printer head. As is evident, multiple
instruments are thus required to accomplish one overall cleaning
function.
[0009] Accordingly, there exists a need for a new, simple, yet
effective cleaning apparatus which can accomplish multiple cleaning
functions (e.g., cleaning and removing contaminants from different
types of components of electronic devices) in a single
apparatus.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus
providing a user with the ability to perform two cleaning functions
with the same apparatus. According to one aspect of the present
disclosure the cleaning apparatus includes an elongated body
portion having first and second ends, a first tip integral with the
first operative end, the first tip including a first solution for
performing a first cleaning function on the electronic equipment,
and a second tip integral with the second operative end, the second
tip including a second solution to the second operative end for
performing a second cleaning function on the electronic
equipment.
[0011] It is envisioned that the elongated body portion is hollow
and defines a pair of first and second reservoirs, the first
reservoir is disposed in fluid connection with the first tip and
the second reservoir is disposed in fluid communication with the
second tip. It is contemplated that the elongated body portion
includes at least one port formed therein, which port(s) is
accessible to a respective one of the first and second
reservoirs.
[0012] It is contemplated that the first reservoir contains the
first solution and the second reservoir contains the second
solution. Preferably, at least one of the first and second
solutions is communicated to a respective first and second tip in a
wick-like fashion.
[0013] It is envisioned that the first solution is an alcohol-based
solution while the second solution is a non-alcohol-based solution.
Preferably, the first solution is isopropyl alcohol and the second
solution is a citric-based solution.
[0014] It is envisioned that at least one of the first and second
tips is an abrasive structure. Preferably, at least one of the
first and second tips is a coarse felt, course cellulose, coarse
paper, coarse polyester, coarse plastic, coarse foam, Tacky paper,
Tacky foam and/or adhesive coated paper.
[0015] It is contemplated that the geometrical configuration of the
first tip is different than the geometrical configuration of the
second tip. Preferably, the first and the second tips include a
geometrical configuration which is at least one of diamond,
circular, polygonal, triangular, slanted, square, arrow-like,
rectangular and notched. More preferably, the first tip may include
a different geometrical cross-section than the second tip.
[0016] It is further envisioned that at least one of the first and
second tips includes a series of bristles which form a brush-like
tip. Preferably, the bristles of the brush-like tip include nylon,
polyester, polypropylene, fluorocarbon polymers (Teflon.RTM.),
stainless steel wire, carbon steel wire, brass wire, nickel silver
wire bronze wire, union fiber mix, tampico, boars hair and/or horse
hair.
[0017] It is envisioned that at least one of the first and second
tips is selectively detachable from its respective first and second
end. The detachable tip(s) may be selectively interchangeable with
an additional tip having at least one of a different geometrical
configuration, different porosity, different abrasiveness and
amount of bristles.
[0018] It is contemplated that the dual cleaning may include an
absorbent batting disposed within at least one of the first and
second reservoirs.
[0019] It is further contemplated that the dual cleaning apparatus
may also include a body portion having first and second body
sections. Preferably, the second body section is telescopically
extendable relative to the first body section such that the body
portion is selectively configurable from a first fully retracted
configuration having a first length to at least one extended
configuration having a second length.
[0020] A further aspect of the present disclosure includes a
cleaning kit for cleaning electronic components having a container
and an elongated body portion having first and second ends. Each of
the ends is preferably configured to mechanically engage one of a
plurality of interchangeable cleaning tips, at least one of which
includes a reservoir for holding a cleaning solution and a working
end for applying the cleaning solution to the electronic
component.
[0021] It is envisioned that at least one of the plurality of
interchangeable tips includes an abrasive working end made from
coarse felt, course cellulose, coarse paper, coarse polyester,
coarse plastic, coarse foam, Tacky paper, Tacky foam and/or
adhesive coated paper.
[0022] In accordance with the present disclosure, it is envisioned
that the solution can be at least one of Acetaldehyde, Acetamide,
Acetic Acid, Acetic Anhydride, Acetone, Acetophenone, Acetyl
Chloride, Acetylene Gas, Acrylonitrile, Air below 200 C, Alkazene,
Aluminium Acetate, Aluminium Chloride, Aluminium Flouride,
Aluminium Nitrate, Aluminium Sulfate, Ammonia, Ammonia Gas,
Ammonium Carbonate, Ammonium Chloride, Ammonium Hydroxide, Ammonium
Nitrate, Ammonium Persulfate, Ammonium Phosphate, Ammonium Sulfate,
Amyl Acetate, Amyl Alcohol, Amyl Borate, Amyl Chloronaphthalene,
Aniline, Aniline Oil, Animal Oil, Arachlor 1248, Argon, Aromatic
Fuel 50%, Askarel Transformer Oil, ASTM Fuel A, ASTM Fuel B, ASTM
Fuel C, ASTM Fuel D, ASTM Oil Four, ASTM Oil One, ASTM Oil Three,
ASTM Oil Two, Automatic Transmission, Automotive Brake Fluid, Beer,
Benzaldehyde, Benzene Sulfonic Acid, Benzene, Benzine (Ligroin),
Benzoic Acid, Benzophenone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl
Chloride, Bleach Liquor, Borax Solutions, Boric Acid, Brake Fluid,
Bromine Gas, Bromobenzene, Bunker Oil, Butadiene Monomer, Butane,
Butter, Butyl Alcohol, Butyl Carbitol, Butyl Celosolve,
Butylaldehyde, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Chloride, Calcium
Hydroxide, Calcium Hypochlorite, Calcium Nitrate, Calcium Sulfide,
Carbitol 2, Carbolic Acid (Phenol), Carbon Disulfide, Carbon
Monoxide, Carbon Tetrachloride, Carbonic Acid, Castor Oil,
Cellosolve, China Wood Oil, Chloracetic Acid, Tung Oil, Chlordane,
Chlorinated Solvents, Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorine Trifluoride,
Chlorine, Chloroform, Chlorosufonic Acid, Chrome Plating Solution,
Chromic Acid, Citric Acid, Cod Liver Oil, Coffee, Coolanol
Monsanto, Corn Oil, Creosote, Coal Tar, Creosylic Acid, Crude Oil,
Cyclohexane, Denaturated Alcohol, Diacetone, Diacetone Alcohol,
Dibenzyl Ether, Dibutyl Phthalate, Dichloro-Butane, Diesel Oil,
Di-ester Lubricant, MIL-L-7808, Diethylamimine, Diethylamine
Glycol, Dimethyl Formamide, Dimethyl Phthalate, Dioxane, Diphenyl,
Dow Corning 550, Dow Guard, Dowtherm A, Elco 28 Lubricant, Epoxy
Resins, Ethane, Ethanol, Ethyl Actoacetate, Ethyl Alcohol, Ethyl
Benzene, Ethyl Benzoate, Ethyl Cellulose, Ethyl Chloride, Ethyl
Chlorocarbonate, Ethyl Diamine, Ethyl Ether, Ethyl Formate, Ethyl
Hexanol, Ethyl Mercaptan, Ethyl Oxalate, Ethyl Pentachlorobenzene,
Ethyl Silicate, Ethylene, Ethylene Dichloride, Ethylene Glycol,
Ethylene Oxide, Ethylene Trichloride, Formaldehyde, Freon 11 (M),
Freon 112, Freon 113, Freon 114, Freon 114B2, Freon 12, Freon 13,
Freon 21, Freon 22, Freon 31, Freon 32, Freon 502 (F22+F316), Freon
C318, Freon R134A, Freon TF, Fuel Oil, Furan, Furfural, Furfuryl
Alcohol, Gallic Acid, Gasoline, Gelatine, Glucose, Glycerin,
Glycol, Grease, Helium, Heptane, Hexane, Hexyl Alcohol, Hydraulic
Oil, Hydrazine, Hydrobromic Acid, Hydrobromic Acid, Hydrochloric
Acid, Hydrocyanic Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, Hydrogen Gas, Hydrogen
Peroxide, Hydroquinone, Iodine, iso Octane, Isobutyl Alcohol,
Isopropanol, Isopropyl Acetate, Isopropyl Chloride, Isopropyl
Ether, JP 3 MIL-J5624, JP 4 MIL-J5624, JP 5 MIL-J5624, JP 6
MIL-J5624, Kerosene, Lacquer Solvents, Lacquers, Lard, Lindol,
Linoleic Acid, Linsed Oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Lubricating
Oils, Lye, Malathion, Maleic Acid, Mercuric Chloride, Mercury,
Methane, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Methyl Acrylate, Methyl Alcohol,
Methyl Bromide, Methyl Butyl Ketone, Methyl Cellosolve, Methyl
Chloride, Methyl Ether, Methyl Ethyl Kertone, Methyl Isobutyl
Ketone, Methyl Mercaptan, Methyl Methacrylate, Methyl Oleate,
Methyl Propyl Salicylate, Methylacrylic Acid, Methylene Chloride,
MIL-F-25558 (RJ-1), MIL-F-25656, MIL-G-25760, MIL-H-5606,
MIL-H-7083, MIL-J 5624 Milk, MIL-L-25681, MIL-R-25576 (RP-1),
MIL-S-3136, MIL-S-81087, Mineral Oils, Type 1 Fuel, Monovinyl
Acetate, Naphtha, Naphthalene, Naphthalenic, Natural Gas, Neatsfoot
Oil, N-Hexaldehyde, Nitric Acid, Nitrobenzene, Nitroethane,
Nitrogen Tetroxide, Nitrogen Gas, Nitromethane, Nitropropane,
N-Octane, N-Pentane, Octyl Alcohol, Oleic Acid, Oleum, Oronite
8200, Oxalic Acid, Oxygen at 200-400 F, Cold Oxygen, Ozone, Peanut
Oil, Petroleum Oil, Phenol, Phenylhydrazine, Phosphoric Acid,
Phosphoric Trichloride, Pine Oil, Potassium Nitrate, Potassium
Sulfate, Producer Gas, Propane, Propanol, Propyl Acetate, Propyl
Alcohol, Propylene, Propylene Oxide, Pydraul, Pyranol, Pyrogard,
Transformer Oil, Radiation, Rapeseed Oil, Red Oil, RJ-1
(MIL-F-25558), RP-1 (MIL-R-25576), Sea Water, Silicone Grease,
Silicone Oils, Silver Nitrate, Skydrol 500, Sodium Bicarbonate,
Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Soyabean Oil,
Steam to 350 F, Stearic Acid, Stoddard Solvent, Styrene Monomer,
Sucrose Solutions, Sulfur Chloride, Sulfur Dioxide Gas, Sulfur
Hexafluoride, Sulfur Trioxide, Sulfur Acid, Sulfurous Acid, Tannic
Acid, Tataric Acid, Tertiary Butyl Alcohol, Tertiary Butyl
Mercaptan, Tetrabromoethane, Tetrabutyl Titanate,
Tetrachloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Tetraethyl Lead,
Tetrahydrofuran, Tetralin, Toluene, Transmission Fluid,
Triethanolamine, Turbine Oil, Turpentine, Varnish, Vinegar,
VV-H-910, Wagner 21B Brake Fluid, Water, Whisky and White Pine
Tar.
[0023] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is
provided a cleaning pen for cleaning electronic equipment including
an elongated body portion having first and second ends, a first tip
integral with the first operative end, and a second tip integral
with the second operative end. Each tip is selectively attachable
to the body portion and includes its own cleaning solution
therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Other objects and features of the present disclosure will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in connection with the accompanied drawings. It should be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose
of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the
present disclosure.
[0025] An illustrative embodiment of the subject cleaning apparatus
is described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual cleaning apparatus in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure shown
being held in a user's hand (shown in phantom);
[0027] FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the dual cleaning
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 2B is an end view of FIG. 2A;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, side view of the dual cleaning
apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a cleaning tip disposed at each end of
the cleaning apparatus;
[0030] FIGS. 4A-4J are enlarged side elevational views illustrating
various geometrical configurations of the tips;
[0031] FIGS. 5A-5E are enlarged, end elevational views
geometrically-shaped cross sections of the tips;
[0032] FIG. 6 is cross-sectional, side view of another embodiment
of the dual cleaning apparatus according to the present
disclosure;
[0033] FIGS. 7A and 7B are side elevational views of additional
embodiments of the dual cleaning apparatus according to the present
disclosure illustrating telescopic extension of the cleaning
apparatus along a longitudinal axis "X";
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a cleaning kit including the dual
cleaning apparatus as disclosed herein;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of another dual cleaning
apparatus according to the present disclosure showing a pair of
selectively reversible tips at each end of the dual cleaning
apparatus;
[0036] FIG. 10A is a side view of yet another dual cleaning
apparatus according to the present disclosure with the tips shown
in retracted configuration; and
[0037] FIG. 10B is a side view of the dual cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 10A showing the tips in extended configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Referring now in detail to the drawing figures in which like
reference numerals identify similar or identical elements
throughout the various views, one embodiment of the present
disclosure is illustrated generally in FIGS. 1-5 and is designated
therein as cleaning apparatus 10. As is traditional, the term
"proximal" will refer to the end of the apparatus which is closer
to the user, while the term "distal" will refer to the end of the
apparatus which is further from the user.
[0039] As seen in FIGS. 1, 2A and 3, cleaning apparatus (or
cleaning pen) 10 is generally pen-like and includes an elongated
body portion 12 having first and second ends 14, 16, respectively,
having a pair of internal reservoirs 24, 26 defined therebetween.
Preferably, ends 14 and 16 are disposed in axial opposition with
respect to one another along longitudinal axis "X" defined along
elongated body portion 12. It is envisioned that the elongated body
portion may also be offset along axis "X" depending upon a
particular purpose, e.g., to facilitate handling. It is also
contemplated that elongated body portion 12 may be made from a
flexible or semi-resilient material such that body portion 12 can
be bent off axis to facilitate cleaning.
[0040] Each of the first and second operative ends 14 and 16,
respectively, includes a nib or working tip 18, 20, respectively,
extending at least partially therefrom. It is envisioned that one
or both of the tips 18 and 20 may be integrally associated with its
respective ends 14 and 16 such that cleaning pen 10 is disposable
after a given number of cleanings. It is also envisioned that
cleaning pen 10 may be partially disposable or reusable, i.e., the
working tips 18 and 20 are disposable or interchangeable. For
example, and as best seen in FIG. 2A, tips 18 and/or 20 can be
selectively removed from body portion 12 and replaced with new
and/or fresh tips as needed. It is envisioned that tips 18, 20 are
releasably secured to first and second operative ends 14, 16,
respectively, by one of at least a snap-fit type engagement, a
friction-fit type engagement or the like. One or more caps 40 may
be included which each mechanically interfaces with a respective
end 14, 16 to cover the working tip 18, 20 and protect the tip from
damage and/or drying out.
[0041] As mentioned above, body portion 12 can be either rigid or
pliable/flexible (in order to permit bending and/or squeezing).
Preferably, body portion 12 is fabricated from plastic (e.g.,
polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene Fluoride
(PVDF) and/or other plastics including ABS, acetal, acrylic, Cab,
Delrin, kel-F, noyl, novus, nylon, peek, phenolic, polycarbonate,
pvc, pvc-cpvc, rexolite, rulon, vinyl, biodegradable plastic-wheat
and polymer mix), coated paper, coated cardboard or the like. It is
envisioned that body portion 12 may be made from a rigid material
to facilitate handling and to reduce wear such as with a reusable
cleaning pen 10. As such, a dispenser mechanism (not shown) may be
included to supply the cleaning solution to the tip. Such
dispensers are commonly known in the art.
[0042] Body portion 12 is preferably designed for manual gripping
such that the user can easily manipulate the cleaning pen 10 as
needed in order to make use of either the first operative end 14 or
the second operative end 16. It is envisioned that the elongated
body portion 12 may include a series of elongated features to
promote handling, e.g., grip-enhancing rubber inserts, scalloping,
finger-rests, thumb-rests, ridges, etc.
[0043] As seen best in FIG. 3 and as mentioned above, body portion
12 defines a pair of internal reservoirs 24, 26 which are separated
by an internal transverse wall 22. Preferably, the first reservoir
24 is in fluid communication with the first working tip 18 and the
second reservoir 26 is in fluid communication with the second
working tip 20. First reservoir 24 preferably retains a first
solution "A" therein, while second reservoir 26 preferably retains
a second solution "B" therein. As seen in FIG. 3, the first tip 18
includes a distal end 18a which extends from the first end 14 and a
proximal end 18b which extends into the first reservoir 24 and into
contact with the first solution "A". Likewise, the second tip 20
includes a distal end 20a which extends from the second end 16 and
a proximal end 20b which extends into the second reservoir 26 and
into contact with the second solution "B". Preferably, tips 18 and
20 are fabricated from a material which permits the tip and
solution combination to act in a wick-like fashion.
[0044] It is also envisioned that the working tip 18 (and/or 20)
may include a self contained reservoir 27 to enable a new (or
other) working tip 18 and reservoir 27 to be interchanged to
resupply the cleaning pen 10 and/or to interchange a different
solution or different tip type for cleaning purposes. As can be
appreciated, this would enable the cleaning pen 10 to be used to
clean a wide variety of electronic equipment.
[0045] Preferably, the first solution "A" is a solvent and the
second solution "B" is a cleaner. Alternatively, both solutions "A"
and "B" may be the same solution depending upon a particular
purpose. In this manner, cleaning pen 10 retains two solutions
which can be selected by the user as needed when cleaning and
removing contaminants from electronic components.
[0046] A suitable cleaner for either solution "A" or solution "B"
can include an alcohol-based solution, e.g., isopropyl alcohol, or
a non-alcohol-based solution, e.g., a citric cleaner. Suitable
solutions for solution "A" and solution "B" may be selected from
the table shown below:
TABLE-US-00001 Acetaldehyde Acetamide Acetic Acid, Glacial Acetic
Anhydride Acetone Acetophenone Acetyl Chloride Acetylene Gas
Acrylonitrile Air below 200 C. Alkazene Aluminium Acetate Aluminium
Chloride Aluminium Flouride Aluminium Nitrate Aluminium Sulfate
Ammonia, Anhydrous Ammonia Gas, Cold Ammonia, Gas, Hot Ammonium
Carbonate Ammonium Chloride Ammonium Hydroxide, Concentrated
Ammonium Nitrate Ammonium Persulfate Solution Ammonium Phosphate
Ammonium Sulfate Amyl Acetate Amyl Alcohol Amyl Borate Amyl
Chloronaphthalene Aniline Aniline Oil Animal Oil Arachlor 1248
Argon Aromatic Fuel 50% Askarel Transformer Oil ASTM Fuel A ASTM
Fuel B ASTM Fuel C ASTM Fuel D ASTM Oil Four ASTM Oil One ASTM Oil
Three ASTM Oil Two Automatic Transmission Fluid Automotive Brake
Fluid Beer Benzaldehyde Benzene Sulfonic Acid Benzene Benzine
(Ligroin) Benzoic Acid Benzophenone Benzyl Alcohol Benzyl Benzoate
Benzyl Chloride Bleach Liquor Borax Solutions Boric Acid Brake
Fluid Bromine Gas Bromobenzene Bunker Oil Butadiene Monomer Butane
Butter Butyl Alcohol Butyl Carbitol Butyl Celosolve Butylaldehyde
Calcium Carbonate Calcium Chloride Calcium Hydroxide Calcium
Hypochlorite Calcium Nitrate Calcium Sulfide Carbitol 2 Carbolic
Acid (Phenol) Carbon Disulfide Carbon Monoxide Carbon Tetrachloride
Carbonic Acid Castor Oil Cellosolve China Wood Oil, Tung Oil
Chloracetic Acid Chlordane Chlorinated Solvents Chlorine Dioxide
Chlorine Trifluoride Chlorine, Dry Chlorine, Wet Chloroform
Chlorosufonic Acid Chrome Plating Solution Chromic Acid Citric Acid
Cod Liver Oil Coffee Coolanol Monsanto Corn Oil Creosote, Coal Tar
Creosylic Acid Crude Oil (Asphalt Base) Cyclohexane Denaturated
Alcohol Diacetone Diacetone Alcohol Dibenzyl Ether Dibutyl
Phthalate Dichloro-Butane Diesel Oil Di-ester Lubricant MIL-L-7808
Diethylamimine Diethylamine Glycol Dimethyl Formamide Dimethyl
Phthalate Dioxane Diphenyl Dow Corning 550 Dow Guard Dowtherm A
Elco 28 Lubricant Epoxy Resins Ethane Ethanol Ethyl Actoacetate
Ethyl Alcohol Ethyl Benzene Ethyl Benzoate Ethyl Cellulose Ethyl
Chloride Ethyl Chlorocarbonate Ethyl Diamine Ethyl Ether Ethyl
Formate Ethyl Hexanol Ethyl Mercaptan Ethyl Oxalate Ethyl
Pentachlorobenzene Ethyl Silicate Ethylene Ethylene Dichloride
Ethylene Glycol Ethylene Oxide Ethylene Trichloride Formaldehyde
Freon 11 (M) Freon 112 Freon 113 Freon 114 Freon 114B2 Freon 12
Freon 13 Freon 21 Freon 22 Freon 31 Freon 32 Freon 502 (F22 + F316)
Freon C318 Freon R134A Freon TF Fuel Oil Furan Furfural Furfuryl
Alcohol Gallic Acid Gasoline, Automotive Gelatine Glucose Glycerin
Glycol, General Grease, Petroleum Base Helium Heptane Hexane Hexyl
Alcohol Hydraulic Oil, Pertoleum Hydrazine Hydrobromic Acid
Hydrobromic Acid, Gas Hydrochloric Acid Hydrocyanic Acid
Hydrofluoric Acid Hydrogen Gas Hydrogen Peroxide Hydroquinone
Iodine Iso Octane Isobutyl Alcohol Isopropanol Isopropyl Acetate
Isopropyl Chloride Isopropyl Ether JP 3 MIL-J5624 JP 4 MIL-J5624 JP
5 MIL-J5624 JP 6 MIL-J5624 Kerosene Lacquer Solvents Lacquers Lard,
Animal Fat Lindol, Hydraulic Fluid (Phosphate Ester Type) Linoleic
Acid Linsed Oil Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Lubricating Oils,
Petroleum Base Lye Malathion Maleic Acid Mercuric Chloride Mercury
Methane Methanol Methyl Acetate Methyl Acrylate Methyl Alcohol
Methyl Bromide Methyl Butyl Ketone Methyl Cellosolve Methyl
Chloride Methyl Ether Methyl Ethyl Kertone (MEK) Methyl Isobutyl
Ketone (MIBK) Methyl Mercaptan Methyl Methacrylate Methyl Oleate
Methyl Propyl Salicylate Methylacrylic Acid Methylene Chloride
MIL-F-25558 (RJ-1) MIL-F-25656 MIL-G-25760 MIL-H-5606 MIL-H-7083
MIL-J 5624, JP-3, JP-4, JP-5 Milk MIL-L-25681 MIL-R-25576 (RP-1)
MIL-S-3136, Type 1, Fuel MIL-S-81087 Mineral Oils Monovinyl Acetate
Naphtha Naphthalene Naphthalenic Natural Gas Neatsfoot Oil
N-Hexaldehyde Nitric Acid Nitrobenzene Nitroethane Nitrogen
Tetroxide Nitrogen, Gas Nitromethane Nitropropane N-Octane
N-Pentane Octyl Alcohol Oleic Acid Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid)
Oronite 8200 Oxalic Acid Oxygen, 200-400 F. Oxygen, Cold Ozone
Peanut Oil Petroleum Oil Phenol Phenylhydrazine Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric Trichloride Pine Oil Potassium Nitrate Potassium Sulfate
Producer Gas Propane Propanol Propyl Acetate Propyl Alcohol
Propylene Propylene Oxide Pydraul, 10E Pydraul, 230C, 312F, 540C
Pydraul, 30E, 50E, 65E, 90E Pyranol, Transformer Oil Pyrogard
(Phosphate Ester) Radiation Rapeseed Oil Red Oil RJ-1 (MIL-F-25558)
RP-1 (MIL-R-25576) Sea Water Silicone Grease Silicone Oils Silver
Nitrate Skydrol 500 Sodium Bicarbonate Sodium Carbonate Sodium
Chloride Sodium Hydroxide Soyabean Oil Steam to 350 F. Stearic Acid
Stoddard Solvent Styrene Monomer Sucrose Solutions Sulfur Chloride
Sulfur Dioxide Gas, Dry Sulfur Dioxide Gas, Wet Sulfur Dioxide,
Liquefied Sulfur Hexafluoride Sulfur Trioxide Sulfur Acid
(Concentrated) Sulfurous Acid Tannic Acid Tataric Acid Tertiary
Butyl Alcohol Tertiary Butyl Mercaptan Tetrabromoethane Tetrabutyl
Titanate Tetrachloroethane Tetrachloroethylene Tetraethyl Lead
Tetrahydrofuran Tetralin Toluene Transmission Fluid, Type A
Triethanolamine Turbine Oil Turpentine Varnish Vinegar VV-H-910
Wagner 21B Brake Fluid Water, Fresh Whisky White Pine Tar
[0047] It is envisioned that the working tips 18 and 20 can include
a series of bristles 218e' to form a brush-like structure 218e or
the working tip may be an abrasive working tip 218g depending on
the particular cleaning need (see FIG. 8). For example, a
brush-like tip 218e may be desirable for simply applying the
solution to the target work site, while an abrasive tip 218g may be
desirable to enhance cleaning via rubbing or friction. The bristles
218e' of the brush-like tip(s) 218e may be fabricated from nylon,
polyester, polypropylene, Teflon, stainless steel wire, carbon
steel wire, brass wire, nickel silver wire bronze wire, union fiber
mix, tampico, boars hair, horse hair or the like. The abrasive
tip(s) 218g may be fabricated from course or smooth felt,
cellulose, paper, polyester, plastic, foam, Tacky paper, Tacky
foam, adhesive coated paper, wool, stitchbond, Spun-tip, urethane
or the like.
[0048] Felt-type materials include, but are not limited to the
following:
TABLE-US-00002 Felt Type F1 F-50 F-2 F-3 F-51 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-55 F-10
Capalarity in 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.5 Inches % by
Vol. >175 >180 >175 >190 >170 >250 >225
>225 >225 >400 % by Wt. 74 75 74 76 75 80 80 80 81 88 Felt
Type F-11 F-12 F-13 F-15 F-26 16S 20S 26S 32S Capalarity in 2.5 2.5
2.5 2.5 -- 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 Inches % by Vol. >375 >350 >350
>350 >400 >175 >100 >75 >50 % by Wt. 88 88 88 88
88 92
[0049] FIGS. 4A-4J and FIGS. 5A-5E show various geometrical shapes
and configurations for the working tips 18 and 20. From a side
elevational view the geometrical configurations include but are not
limited to the following: arrow-like (FIG. 4A), wedge-like (FIG.
4B), bullet-like (FIG. 4C), pointed (FIG. 4D), swab-like (FIG. 4E),
square (FIG. 4F), circular (FIG. 4G), notched (FIG. 4H),
rectilinear (FIG. 4I) and/or triangular (FIG. 4J). The
cross-sectional end view (taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A) of the
cleaning pen 10 may also include different geometrical
configurations to enhance cleaning, e.g., triangular (FIG. 5A),
slanted (FIG. 5B), round (FIG. 5C), square (FIG. 5D), rectangular
(FIG. 5E) and the like.
[0050] As seen in FIG. 6, each reservoir 24 and 26 can include a
saturatable batting material "M" retained therein. Batting material
"M" of each reservoir 24 and 26 can be independently soaked with
either solution "A" or solution "B" for eventual wicking to tips
18, 20, respectively. Batting material "M" can be fabricated from
cellulose, crimped cellulose, cotton, polyester, spun-bonded
polyester, foam, urethane, wool felt, synthetic felt, fiber,
muslin, plastic, PE, PVDF, acetate and the like.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 7A, an alternate embodiment of a
cleaning pen, in accordance with the present disclosure, is shown
generally as 100. Cleaning pen 100 includes a first body portion
102 having an operative distal end 104 and a proximal end 106, and
a second body portion 108 having an operative distal end 110 and a
proximal end configured and dimensioned for telescopic reception
within proximal end 106 of first body portion 102. Much like the
various embodiments described above, cleaning pen 100 includes a
first tip 118 operatively coupled to distal end 104 and a second
tip 120 operatively coupled to distal end 110. Preferably, each tip
118 and 120 is saturatable with separate distinct solutions which
"wick" from the respective batting material "M" or which emanate
from internal reservoirs as described with respect to the
embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1-5E above.
[0052] In operation, first body portion 102 and second body portion
108 are axially displaceable relative to one another in the
directions of double-headed arrow "X". In this manner the cleaning
pen 100 is telescopic so as to have a shorter overall axial length
for storage and/or transportation and a longer overall axial length
for cleaning purposes. It is envisioned that cleaning pen 100 can
be provided with a locking mechanism (not shown), such as, for
example, a bayonet-type fitting, which would maintain cleaning
apparatus 100 in an extended length during use. Alternatively, an
eccentric cam may be employed such that when first body portion 102
is rotated relative to second body portion 108 the cam rotates and
wedges against the internal periphery of first body portion 102 to
lock the two body portions relative to one another.
[0053] As mentioned above, cleaning pen 10 of FIGS. 1-3 and
cleaning pen 100 of FIG. 7A further include caps 40 which are
removably attachable to either end thereof. Preferably, caps 40
provide a substantially air tight closure about tips 18, 20 of
cleaning pen 10 and tips 118, 120 of cleaning pen 100, thus
protecting the tips 18, 20 from external environmental conditions
(e.g., drying, dirt, damage, etc.) when not in use. Caps 40 are
removed from the ends of cleaning pen 10, 100 when the respective
end of cleaning pen 10, 100 is to be used.
[0054] In use, and depending on the particular cleaning application
of electrical component to be cleaned, the user selects a cleaning
tip which is most appropriate for the cleaning task. For example,
the user can select or configure a cleaning tip to have a first
solution which dissolves adhesive from the area to be cleaned and a
second solution which cleans the first solution from the area to be
cleaned. In addition, the user can select the material of the tip
used to apply the solutions to the cleaning area, such as, for
example, an abrasive material which can be used to scrub the area
to be cleaned or a brush which can be used to apply or remove the
cleaning solution from the cleaning area. As can be appreciated,
depending on the configuration and geometry of the area to be
cleaned, the user can select a tip which is best suited for
cleaning purposes.
[0055] The present disclosure also includes a method of cleaning
electronic components. The method includes the following steps:
providing a cleaning apparatus including an elongated body portion
having first and second ends, a first tip integral with the first
operative end, the first tip including a first solution for
performing a first cleaning function on the electronic equipment,
and a second tip integral with the second operative end, the second
tip including a second solution to the second operative end for
performing a second cleaning function on the electronic equipment.
The method further including the steps of filling a first reservoir
24 with a first solution "A"; filling a second reservoir 26 with a
second solution "B"; applying the first solution to clean the
target area; applying the second solution to clean the target area
or to remove the first solution.
[0056] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 6, it is envisioned that cleaning pen
10 can be provided with at least one port 30 formed in body portion
12. Preferably, cleaning pen 10 is provided with a port 30 formed
in body portion 12 which is in fluid communication with a
respective one of each reservoir 24 and 26. Ports 30 can be used to
refill reservoirs 24 and 26 when they are low or are empty of
solution "A" or "B". It is further contemplated that body portion
12 can be provided with a clear or transparent portion (not shown)
formed therewith. In this manner, the level of solution "A" or "B"
can be readily ascertained by looking through the transparent
portion.
[0057] The afore-described cleaning pen 10 is designed to provide
dual or multipurpose cleaning functions within a single cleaning
tool. For example, the first end 14 of the cleaning pen 10 may be
employed to clean thermal or magnetic r/w/s heads of an electronic
component and the second end 16 of the cleaning pen 10 may be
employed to clean the rollers and/or platens of the electronic
equipment. As can be appreciated from the present disclosure, the
user may selectively employ a variety of cleaning solutions and
interchange a variety of tips as needed to clean a myriad of
electrical components.
[0058] Turning now to FIG. 8, the present disclosure includes a
cleaning kit 200 for cleaning a variety of electronic equipment.
Kit 200 includes a container 202 for storing the various cleaning
components contained in kit 200. Container 202 can be fabricated
from any material suitable for storing the cleaning components,
such as, for example, plastic, metal and wood. It is contemplated
that container 202 can be provided with one or more inserts 204
having a plurality of molded retaining receptacles configured and
dimensioned to selectively retain the various elements of the
cleaning components.
[0059] Kit 200 includes: one or more cleaning apparatii 210 of
different lengths (and/or telescopic); a first bottle 214
containing solution "A"; a second bottle 216 containing solution
"B"; and a plurality of interchangeable tips 218a-218h. The tips
may include: foam tips 218a-218d of varying geometries; felt tips
218h and brush-like tips 218e and/or absorbable tips 218g.
[0060] It is further envisioned that one of the first and second
ends of the cleaning apparatus can be provided with a source of
light, such as, for example, an bulb, an LED and/or a light pipe
which can be used for illuminating the work area for cleaning
purposes.
[0061] FIG. 9 shows yet another dual cleaning pen 300 according to
the present disclosure which includes a pair of selectively
reversible tips 318a, 318b and 320a, 320b which allow the user to
utilize and carry four different tip configurations in a single
unit pen. As can be appreciated, any of the aforementioned tip
configurations a may be utilized with pen 300 depending upon a
particular purpose. For example, each tip, e.g., 318a, may be
dimensioned according to one of the particular geometrical
configurations disclosed herein and each tip, e.g., 318a, may
include one of the various solutions disclosed herein or one of the
aforementioned textures disclosed herein essentially enabling the
pen 300 to have four different cleaning tips 318a, 318b and 320a,
320b for four different cleaning purposes. The pen 300 may include
an actuating mechanism 340a, 340b to facilitate reversing the tips
318a, 318b and 320a, 320b. The actuating mechanism 340a, 340b may
simply extend the tips 318a, 318b and 320a, 320b to allow the user
to manually reverse the tips or the actuating mechanism 340a, 340b
may be designed to automatically rotate the tips when actuated.
[0062] FIGS. 10A and 10B show yet another cleaning pen 400
according to the present disclosure which includes at least one
selectively extendible and retractable tip, e.g., tip 418 and/or
tip 420. It is envisioned that each tip 418, 420 may be selectively
extended and retracted depending upon a particular purpose, e.g.,
to reach a certain electrical component for cleaning purposes. The
pen 400 may also include a slide-like actuator 440a, 440b for
deploying and retracting the tip 418, 420 as desire during
cleaning. Other actuators are also envisioned or the tips may be
extended and retracted manually depending upon a particular purpose
or to reduce manufacturing costs.
[0063] While several embodiments of the disclosure have been
described herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited
thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope
as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.
Therefore, the above description should not be construed as
limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments.
Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within
the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *