Abstract:
The automatic squeegee assembly includes an energy storage charger, a main body configured as a housing, and a squeegee arm assembly coupled to the main body. The main body includes a base configured to rest upon a substantially horizontal surface, an energy storage, an energy storage charger port electrically coupled to the energy storage, and configured to electrically couple to the energy storage charger, a fluid container removably coupled to the main body, the fluid container configured for refillably containing a cleaning fluid, a cleaning fluid pump fluidly coupled to the fluid container and configured to dispense the cleaning fluid, a handle including a user interface configured to operate the cleaning fluid pump, and an access port configured secure and to allow removal of the fluid container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/362,057 filed Jul. 14, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. Field of The Invention 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of window cleaning, and more specifically relates to window squeegees. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0004]    Cleaning windows can be a laborious and tedious task. Individuals often need to use one hand to spray cleaning solution, while their other hand is occupied with paper towels or cloths to wipe down the window. More often than not, users end up with streaked windows because they are not able to get all of the cleaning solution wiped off in time. In addition, it can be extremely difficult for individuals with limited mobility or pain conditions to thoroughly clean windows. Window heights often require the user to stand on a step stool or ladder. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,584,330 to Wallin and Hahn relates to a Portable Power Operated Window Washer. The described Portable Power Operated Window Washer includes a portable self-contained power operated window washer characterized by the absence of auxiliary containers for clean or used cleaning fluid and hose connections therefore. 
         [0006]    Although prior window cleaning solutions exist a more efficient method is needed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known window cleaning art, the present disclosure provides a novel automatic squeegee assembly. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an automatic squeegee assembly. 
         [0008]    An automatic squeegee assembly is disclosed herein. The automatic squeegee assembly includes an energy storage charger, a main body configured as a housing, and a squeegee arm assembly coupled to the main body. The main body includes a base configured to rest upon a substantially horizontal surface, an energy storage, an energy storage charger port electrically coupled to the energy storage, and configured to electrically couple to the energy storage charger, a fluid container removably coupled to the main body, the fluid container configured for refillably containing a cleaning fluid, a cleaning fluid pump fluidly coupled to the fluid container and configured to dispense the cleaning fluid, a handle including a user interface configured to operate the cleaning fluid pump, and an access port configured secure and to allow removal of the fluid container. The squeegee arm assembly includes a plurality of dispensers plumbed and configured to dispense the cleaning liquid from the fluid container, a squeegee blade, a squeegee extender electrically coupled to the energy storage, the squeegee extender configured to extend the squeegee head horizontally from the main body, and a squeegee swiper electrically coupled to the energy storage, the squeegee swiper configured to swipe the squeegee blade across a flat surface. 
         [0009]    According to another embodiment, a method for cleaning windows is also disclosed herein. The method for cleaning windows includes the steps of charging the energy storage, loading the removable container, latching the base, positioning the squeegee head against a window, activating the plurality of dispensers, and squeegeeing the window clean. 
         [0010]    For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, an automatic squeegee assembly, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a view of the automatic squeegee assembly during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a cutaway view of the automatic squeegee assembly of  FIG. 1 , showing internal components of the automatic squeegee assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a partial exploded view of the automatic squeegee assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the automatic squeegee assembly of  FIG. 1 , during an autonomous operation in ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use/for cleaning windows, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a window cleaning and more particularly to an automatic squeegee assembly as used to improve the cleaning windows. 
         [0019]    Generally speaking, the disclosure provides users with an easy and convenient method for cleaning windows. The disclosure offers a window cleaning solution for homeowners, landlords, janitorial services and more. The disclosure enables users to hold the device during operation, or in alternate embodiments it can be used as a standalone unit as it operates automatically. The present disclosure promotes easy window cleaning by offering an automated cleaning fluid spray and squeegee arm. As such it eliminates the need to use one hand for spraying cleaning solution and one hand for wiping down the window. 
         [0020]    Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , various views of an automatic squeegee assembly  100 .  FIG. 1  shows an automatic squeegee assembly during an ‘in-use’ condition  150 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the automatic squeegee assembly  100  may be beneficial for use by a user  140  to clean a window  10 . Broadly, the automatic squeegee assembly  100  may include a squeegee arm assembly  112  coupled to a main body  110 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  shows the automatic squeegee assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The automatic squeegee assembly  100  may include a main body  110  that is connected to the squeegee arm assembly  112 . The squeegee arm assembly  112  may include a flexible elbow  118 , a extender arm  113  including a extender arm motor  111  and a extender arm screw gear assembly  114 , a vertical extender arm  115  including a vertical extender arm motor  116  and a vertical extender arm screw gear assembly  117 . The squeegee arm assembly  112  may be configured for use as an extension means or mechanism for cleaning the window  10  ( FIG. 1 ). The squeegee arm assembly  112  may include a flexible tube  119 , and squeegee head  106  having a plurality of dispensers  108  configured to dispense a cleaning liquid. 
         [0022]    The main body  110  may include an energy storage  134  ( FIG. 3 ), a cleaning fluid pump  109 , a fluid container  120 , and a handle  124 . The handle  124  may include a user interface  126  ( FIG. 3 ) that is configured to activate the extender arm motor  111 , the vertical extender arm motor  116 , and the cleaning fluid pump  109 . The user interface  126  may be embodied as a multi-function control switch. 
         [0023]    The user interface  126  and the cleaning fluid pump  109  may be configured to work together in functional combination for supplying cleaning fluid to the plurality of dispensers  108 . The energy storage  134 , user interface  126 , cleaning fluid pump  109 , extender arm motor  111  and vertical extender arm motor  116  may be electrically coupled. 
         [0024]    The flexible tube  119 , plurality of dispensers  108 , cleaning fluid pump  109 , and fluid container  120  may be configured to work together in functional combination for dispensing cleaning liquid by pumping fluid from the fluid container  120  through the flexible tube  119  to the dispensing head  106 . The flexible tube  119  may run through hollow shafts in the extender arm screw gear assembly  114  and the vertical extender arm screw gear assembly  117 . 
         [0025]    The extender arm motor  111  and the extender arm screw gear assembly  114  may be configured to work together in functional combination to extend the extender arm  113  in a direction perpendicular to the main body for extending the user&#39;s reach when washing a window  10 . Similarly, the vertical extender arm motor  116  and the vertical extender arm screw gear assembly  117  may be configured to work together in functional combination to extend the vertical extender arm  115  in an axial direction with respect to the main body  110  for elevating the squeegee head  106  height to clean higher areas of a window  10 . The flexible elbow  118  may be configured to allow multiple position adjustments between the extender arm  113  and the vertical extender arm  115  as a means or mechanism for maintaining constant contact with the window  10  during a cleaning motion. 
         [0026]    It should be understood that various embodiment are contemplated. For example, according to one embodiment, the squeegee head  106  may be removable and replaceable. According to another embodiment, the automatic squeegee assembly  100  may be configured to operate in an autonomous mode, and the user interface  126  may be configured to engage the autonomous operating mode. According to another embodiment, a second flexible elbow  118  may be implemented between the main body  110  and the vertical extender arm  115 . According to yet another embodiment, the squeegee head  106  may contain a motorized pivoting assembly with respect to the extender arm  113 . In yet another embodiment, intelligent circuitry is employed for controlling the squeegee arm assembly  112 . In alternate embodiments, the disclosure may include a second flexible elbow, motorized pivoting assembly, and position sensors to keep the squeegee head properly positioned with respect to the window  10  as a means for proper cleaning. In this embodiment, the second flexible elbow may be located between the main body  110  and squeegee arm assembly  112 . The automatic squeegee assembly may have wheels  136 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a partial exploded view of the automatic squeegee assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to this embodiment, the automatic squeegee assembly  100  may be arranged as a kit  105 . In particular, the automatic squeegee assembly  100  may further include a set of instructions  155  and an energy storage charger  122 . The instructions  155  may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the automatic squeegee assembly  100  (such that the automatic squeegee assembly  100  can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner). 
         [0028]    The automatic squeegee assembly  100  may include a main body  110  including the energy storage  134 , an energy storage charger port  123  electrically coupled to the energy storage  134 , the handle  124  having a multi-function control switch, a fluid container  120 , a base  130 , one or more hinges  132 , and a latch  128 . The energy storage  134  powers the automatic squeegee assembly  100 . 
         [0029]    In the preferred embodiment, main body  110  is rigidly attached to squeegee arm assembly  112 . According to another embodiment, the fluid container  120  is a prefilled cartridge. According to another embodiment, the fluid container  120  has a snap-fit, sealed connection. According to another embodiment, the fluid container  120  has a screw cap connection. According to another embodiment, the device can operate in an autonomous mode as a means for washing a window  10  while placed on a surface. According to another embodiment, the base  130  acts as a mobile platform with wheels  136  for supporting the automatic squeegee assembly  100  during autonomous operation. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a view of the automatic squeegee assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure during an ‘in-use’  150  condition. Automatic squeegee assembly  100  is shown operating in autonomous mode while cleaning window  10  and supported by base  130 . In this embodiment, base  130  is motorized for moving in directions along the horizontal plane (e.g., the floor). 
         [0031]    According to another embodiment flexible elbow  108  is rigidly fixed in a manner that forms a ninety degree angle between extender arm  113  and vertical extender arm  115 . According to another embodiment extender arm  113  is rigidly fixed to flexible elbow  108 . According to another embodiment the vertical extender arm  115  is rigidly fixed to flexible elbow  108 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method for cleaning a window  500 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for cleaning a window  500  may include one or more components or features of automatic squeegee assembly  100  as described above. As illustrated, the method for cleaning a window  500  may include the steps of: step one  501 , charging the energy storage  134 ; step two  502 , loading the fluid container  120  with cleaning fluid; step three  503 , latching the base  130 ; step four  504 , positioning the squeegee head  106  against a window  10 ; step five  505 , activating the plurality of dispensers  108 ; and step six  506 , squeegeeing window  10  clean. The method of use for cleaning a window  500  may also include step seven  507 , refilling removable container  120 ; step eight  508 , recharging energy storage  134 ; and step nine  509 , autonomous operation. 
         [0033]    It should be noted that steps  507 ,  508 , and  509  are an optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use  500 . It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for cleaning a window  10  (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein. 
         [0034]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.