Adjustable Cleaning and Sanitizing Apparatus

A flexible cleaning apparatus comprising a plurality of extendible tubes disposed in fluidic communication with each other and is arranged in a three-dimensional geometry that defines an internal cleaning region. The flexible cleaning apparatus has a cleaning fluid interface configured to provide cleaning solution to the plurality of extendible tubes. The flexible cleaning apparatus has a plurality of nozzles disposed along the plurality of extendible tubes and is configured to transit the cleaning solution from the plurality of extendible tubes to the internal cleaning region. The plurality of extendible tubes are each configured to adjust between a first length and a second length to adjust a volume of the internal cleaning region.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure generally relates to cleaning and sanitizing suspended objects. Specifically, the invention relates to an adjustable cleaning and sanitizing apparatus and related methods of use.

BACKGROUND

Suspended fixtures, such as chandeliers, typically hang from a ceiling for decorative or lighting purposes. Over time, dust, cobwebs and other filth can accumulate on such suspended devices that may diminish their decorative appearance and act as a reservoir for allergens.

In order to combat these problems, it is important to periodically clean or sanitize such suspended fixtures. Typically, cleaning must be done in place using dusting cloths and/or cleaning solutions applied by a spray bottle or aerosol. Alternatively, if greater care is needed, the chandelier may be removed from a ceiling in parts or in whole so that cleaning and/or dusting can be done on a flat surface to reduce the risk of damage to the chandelier.

Unfortunately, there are deficiencies to the above-described conventional approaches to cleaning and sanitizing a suspended fixture. For example, with a cleaning in place approach, the user risks damaging the chandelier by dislodging decorative components that may fall to the floor and break. Alternatively, if removal from the ceiling is utilized, a chandelier is still at risk of breakage during removal and/or reinstallation. Additionally, the removal, cleaning, and reinstallation process can be time consuming and labor intensive.

There exists a need to improve upon the above-identified conventional approaches to cleaning and sanitizing a suspended fixture. The following disclosure includes systems and methods for cleaning a suspended fixture without the need for removing the fixture from its installation location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards an improved cleaning and sanitizing apparatus and related methods of use. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise an adjustable cleaning and sanitizing device capable of extending or reducing to a size sufficient to surround a suspended fixture and applying a cleaning and sanitizing solution to the suspended fixture in an efficient and thorough manner without the need for removal of the fixture from its installed location.

One embodiment is directed to a flexible cleaning apparatus. The flexible cleaning apparatus has a plurality of extendible tubes disposed in fluidic communication with each other and is arranged in a three-dimensional geometry that defines an internal cleaning region. The flexible cleaning apparatus has a cleaning fluid interface configured to provide cleaning solution to the plurality of extendible tubes. The flexible cleaning apparatus has a plurality of nozzles disposed along the plurality of extendible tubes and is configured to transit the cleaning solution from the plurality of extendible tubes to the internal cleaning region. The plurality of extendible tubes are each configured to adjust between a first length and a second length to adjust a volume of the internal cleaning region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the claimed invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

The various embodiments described herein describe systems and methods relating to a cleaning and sanitizing suspended objects. Embodiments of the present invention may provide a geometrically shaped three-dimensional arrangement of hollow tubes that can be extended or retracted in length and have a plurality of nozzles capable of directionally applying a cleaning solution from within the hollow tubes to an object disposed within the three-dimensional arrangement. Accordingly, the object that may be of a variety of different sizes may be cleaned efficiently and thoroughly while minimizing the risk of damage to the object and without the need to remove the object from its installed location.

FIG. 1shows a plurality of extendable tubes110arranged in a cubic shape of which at least one of the tubes includes a nozzle120. While a cubic arrangement is depicted inFIG. 1, other arrangements are possible. For example, the extendible tubes can be arranged as a pyramid, a cylinder, a sphere, or any other three-dimensional shape that will accommodate an interior cleaning region. Since the extendible tubes110are capable of changing length, the volume and dimensions of the interior cleaning region are adjustable. As seen inFIG. 1, where the adjustable tubes110are arranged in a cubic shape, the volume of the interior cleaning region can be changed dramatically with a relatively small change in the length of the extendable tubes. For example, if the length of the extendible tubes110are each increased from a length of one foot to two feet, the volume of the internal cleaning region would increase from one cubic foot to eight cubic feet. While the arrangement depicted inFIG. 1shows all tubes110of the cubic shape being extendible, this need not be the case. If adjustment is only needed in one dimension, only four of the twelve tubes110need be extendible. Alternatively, if adjustment is needed only in two dimensions, only eight of the tubes110need be extendible. Finally, if adjustment is needed in three dimensions, all twelve of the tubes110may be extendible.

As shown inFIG. 1a change in length of the extendible tubes110may be accomplished by using telescopic elements. With reference toFIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of an extendable tube110using telescopic elements is shown. AlthoughFIG. 3shows an exemplary extendible tube110that is square in shape, it is contemplated that the tube110may be made in according to any geometric shape. As shown inFIG. 3, such telescopic elements could include at least two tubular elements of differing diameters such that an outer diameter of a thinner tube114can pass through an inner diameter of a wider tube112. The number of telescopic elements per adjustable tube may be chosen based on the desired range of size adjustments for the cleaning and sanitizing device. For example, an extendible tube with two telescopic elements can double in length; an extendible tube with three telescopic elements can triple in length; and so on. WhileFIG. 1depicts the change in length of the extendible tubes via telescoping, other arrangements are possible to achieve similar adjustable lengths. For example, accordion regions (similar to the bendable region of a bendable drinking straw) may be utilized in part or in all of an extendable tube. The use of accordion regions not only allow for a change in length, but also allow for a change in shape of the overall three-dimensional arrangement of the extendible tubes by allowing those tubes to bend. This would advantageously allow greater flexibility in the shaping of the cleaning and sanitizing device to accommodate particular objects to be cleaned/sanitized. In addition to telescoping or using accordion regions, screw connections or any other suitable structure for changing the length of a tube may be used to achieve the size changing purposes of the invention. In some embodiments, the telescoping elements may further include locking wheels to prevent the apparatus from shifting or moving during operation.

As shown inFIG. 1, a plurality of nozzles120are arranged along the extendible tubes110for allowing cleaning and sanitizing solution to be applied to an object located within the internal cleaning region. The nozzles120may be static, such as orifices in the wall of the extendible tube110. Alternatively, the nozzles120may be adjustable with respect to an angular direction. This may be accomplished, for example, by a ball and socket connection similar to a shower head. Additionally, the nozzles120may be adjustable with respect to a location along the extendible tube110. This can be accomplished, for example, by having a nozzles capable of sliding along a track within the extendible tube. Additionally, the nozzles120may be adjustable with respect to nozzle diameter. This can be accomplished, for example, by implementing variable diameter nozzles, wherein the opening of the nozzles may be adjusted with respect to diameter. This may would advantageously allow the user to increase or decrease the pressure of the solution ejected from the nozzles. Additionally, the nozzles120may be adjustable with respect to spray pattern. Accordingly, this may be accomplished by using nozzles configured to adjust spray pattern. The spray pattern can be adjusted for the exact dimensions of the object to be cleaned, ensuring that the object will be precisely cleaned with minimal overspray. The spray pattern may be adjusted anywhere from 0 to 360 degrees, depending on the desirable spray pattern used for an object. For example, a chandelier with larger crystals may be more effectively cleaned with the use of nozzles configured with a wider spray pattern while a chandelier with smaller crystals may be more effectively cleaned with the use of nozzles configured for a narrower spray pattern. Additionally, the nozzles120may be adjustable between an open-position and a closed-position. This may be accomplished by using a valve, for example a ball valve, or any other type of suitable valve. This would advantageously allow the user to adjust how many of the nozzles120are configured to emit cleaning solution to provide even greater precision when cleaning and/or sanitizing an object. The nozzles120can be disposed along some or all of the extendible tubes allowing for up to 360-degree coverage of an object to be cleaned and sanitized.

In some embodiments, the nozzles120may also be configurated to oscillate. This would advantageously allow greater control over washing chandeliers and may be especially advantageous for washing chandeliers with a high number of delicate crystals. This may be accomplished by using a nozzle capable of rotating in a 0° spray pattern. Accordingly, the centrifugal force produces a strong impact and a spray pattern to advantageously increase scrubbing ability of the apparatus during the cleaning process. In one embodiment, the oscillating nozzle120may utilize low and high pressures in a chamber that causes the water stream to oscillate back and forth. In some embodiment, the nozzle120may be rotary nozzle configured to spin a zero-degree spray in a circle. Accordingly, the spinning water spray hits the surface area from multiple angles. Furthermore, the spray pattern may be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the surface being cleaned.

The extendible tubes may be made of a variety of different materials to accentuate certain advantages of the cleaning/sanitizing device. For example, the extendible tubes may be made of metals such as stainless steel or aluminum for strength and corrosion resistance. The extendible tubes may be made of plastics such as polyethylene or PVC for lightness of weight. The extendible tubes may be made of rubbers or silicone to allow for additional flexibility in shape.

In use, the cleaning and sanitizing device is adjusted to fit about the object, such as a chandelier, to be cleaned. The nozzles are arranged to point toward the object to be cleaned. Cleaning solution is then passed though the extendible tubes and into the nozzles which then cover the object in cleaning solution. Cleaning solution is supplied to the extendible tubes via a supply interface. The cleaning solution may be any fluid capable of cleaning the desired object. Such fluids may include water, detergent, alcohol, or any other chemical composition suitable for cleaning/sanitizing. One or more cleaning cycles may be desirable depending on the situation or object to be cleaned. For example, a single application of alcohol through the device may be sufficient to provide adequate cleaning and will evaporate on its own without additional steps. Alternatively multiple cleaning cycles may be utilized, such as an initial cycle with detergent and a subsequent rinsing cycle with water.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to connect to an external water source. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to connect to a faucet. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to recycle the water uses in a self contained system.

In some embodiments, the supply interface may be configured to pass air in alternative to cleaning solution. For example, hot air may be supplied to an object after the object has undergone a cleaning cycle in order to dry the object. It is contemplated that air may be transported throughout the device using the same passage in the supply interface as the passage used to transport cleaning solution. It is further contemplated that air may be supplied through a different passage than the passage used to supply cleaning solution in the supply interface.

In some embodiments, the present invention may include a water-impermeable curtain around the outside of the apparatus to contain any overspread and/or dirty cleaning solution. Embodiments may further include an impermeable tarp or other catch basin below the apparatus, wherein the impermeable tarp or catch basin may include a drain hole in order to collect and remove the used cleaning solution and overspray. Such an impermeable tarp or catch basin may provide the further advantage of preventing dislodged decorative components of the hanging fixture from fall to the ground and becoming damaged.

As shown inFIG. 2. in some embodiments, the present invention may include a plurality of wheels130disposed on the apparatus. In some embodiments, the plurality of wheels is mounted to extendible tubes which are telescopic in nature. While a four-wheel arrangement is depicted inFIG. 2, other arrangements comprising any number of wheels are possible. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a total of four wheels130mounted on the bottom of the apparatus, wherein one set of two wheels130is mounted on the front side of bottom of the apparatus, and a second set of two wheels130is mounted on the backside of the bottom of the apparatus. Such a plurality of wheels may provide a further advantage of improving the maneuverability of the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the present invention may include miniature cameras mounted at strategic locations around the apparatus, such as at each of the sides of the apparatus, to allow for monitoring of the invention during operation. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such cameras may be operably coupled to a computer and may be configured to communicate with the computer. It is contemplated that the cameras may be connected to the computer with a wire or wirelessly. Furthermore, the computer may be connected to a peripheral screen to allow the user to view the operation of the apparatus as it is ongoing. In one embodiment, the cameras are connected wirelessly to a smart device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or any other suitable viewing device, and a user may be able to monitor the operation of the apparatus from the smartphone or other handheld device.

For example, while the cleaning and sanitizing device can be utilized for cleaning hard to reach objects such as chandeliers, other applications are possible. For example, the device can be used for watering plants, painting objects, applying pesticides, or any other application where the dispersion of a fluid is needed.

In another example, while the nozzles are described above as facing inward toward the cleaning/sanitizing region, the nozzles could alternatively face outward to apply fluids to an outside environment while avoiding contact with an internal region where, for example, a user may be located.

One having skill in the art will understand that certain combinations and/or sub-combinations of elements and features are of utility and may be employed without reference to other combinations and/or sub-combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.