Abstract:
A new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields. In particular the invention described herein provides a new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields or the like, with corner portions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims to priority to non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/086,722 filed on Nov. 21, 2013, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The use of windshield cleaning tools is known in the prior art. More specifically, windshield cleaning tools heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. Some examples of known cleaning tools include those found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,535; U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,370; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 327,146; U.S. Pat. No. 3,307,212; U.S. Pat. No. 913,304; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,528. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a combination cleaning tool having a resiliently flexible head that can conform to varying surface geometries or configurations while returning to its resting, linear configuration. 
         [0003]    Therefore, there is a need for a device that includes an elongate resiliently flexible blade and a resiliently compressible sponge member that form a flexible head portion. Ideally, the sponge member includes an abrasive material for scrubbing debris off of a surface. There is further a need for a combination cleaning tool that provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields which typically include corners that cannot be cleaned by the aforementioned cleaning tools. There is also a need for the apparatus to be configurable to clean other surfaces, such as floors and walls that include corner portions. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A combination cleaning tool of the present invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs by addressing the foregoing disadvantages inherent in existing windshield cleaning tools. In an embodiment, the invention disclosed and described herein provides a new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, especially glass surfaces such as windshields. In particular the invention described herein provides a new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields or the like, with corner portions. 
         [0005]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The invention will be better understood in view of the detailed description and referred drawings wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art squeegee and cleaning tool. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cleaning tool. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of a cleaning tool. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of a cleaning tool. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of a cleaning tool. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a top plan cross-sectional view of the head portion of a cleaning tool. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of a cleaning tool. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a head portion and an external fluid delivery means. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of a handle portion and an internally disposed pump. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning tool. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is a depiction of an embodiment of a cleaning tool in operation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , a cleaning tool is shown by reference numeral  10 . Rigid cleaning tools  10  of the prior art generally comprise a handle  11  with an inflexible head portion  12  coupled to the proximal end  30  of handle  11 . An elongate flexible squeegee blade  13  is coupled to the inflexible head portion  12 . Inflexible head portion  12  generally comprises a sponge member  14 . 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-12 , several example embodiments of a resilient cleaning tool  20  are shown. Cleaning tool generally includes a handle  25  having a proximal end  30  and an opposed distal end  35  and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The handle  25  has a length defined between proximal end  30  and distal end  35  of the handle  25  preferably greater than about 6 inches. Referring to  FIG. 2  where handle  25  is at least about 12 inches in length. In this example embodiment, handle is between 12 and 36 inches in length. In a preferred embodiment, handle will be about 24 inches in length. Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5  where handle is between about 6 inches and 12 inches in length. In other embodiments (not shown), handle includes at least one, or a plurality, or articulable joints. In this manner, the position of head portion  22  with respect to proximal end  30  of handle  25  can be customized in accordance with user preference. 
         [0021]    It should also be appreciated that handle  25  may include a telescopic portion to allow cleaning tool  20  to extend the length of handle  25 . In these example embodiments the telescoping function may be initiated by any number of known means. In one exemplary embodiment, fastening ring disposed on the outer circumference of handle  25  may be loosened, thereby extending handle  25 . Once the handle portion is released to a sufficient length, fastening ring may be tightened to secure the extended handle while the cleaning tool is in use. In other related embodiments, a telescoping handle assembly includes an inner and outer telescoping handle sections. The inner section has an outer surface positioned along a substantial portion of the inner surface of outer section. The outer section may optionally include locking teeth that are fixed axially in position along the length of the outer section and that are resiliently movable between a locked condition disposed in one of the grooves on the inner section and an unlocked condition. 
         [0022]    In other related embodiments, handle assembly includes a locking sleeve movable in a first rotational direction to apply inwardly directed force to prevent telescopic movement of the inner section relative to the outer section. The locking sleeve is movable in a second rotational direction, opposite the first direction, to enable the telescopic movement of the inner section relative to the outer section. 
         [0023]    Referring again to  FIGS. 2-5 , handle  25  is shown with a cylindrical outer configuration and a circular or oval transverse cross section. As best shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , handle  25  is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle  25 . Although handle  25  could be configured with an angle as shown in  FIG. 5 . The relative angle, style and design are within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Turning again to  FIGS. 2-5  where handle  25  has a gripping portion  40  adjacent the distal end  35  of the handle  25 . The gripping portion  40  is designed for grasping by a hand of a user. In preferred embodiments, the gripping portion  40  may include an ergonomic design to improve the relative ease at which a user can grasp gripping portion  40  to reduce unnecessary strain for the user. 
         [0024]    Resilient cleaning tool  20  may also include a spray pump  45  which generally includes a reservoir  50  and a nozzle  55  in fluid communication with a conduit tubing  60 .  FIG. 2  shows when example embodiment of spray pump  45  where reservoir  50  is mechanically coupled to handle  25  via a bracket  65 . It should be appreciated that the type of securement means are well know to those skilled in the art. Still referring to  FIG. 2 , reservoir  50  can be refilled by removing lid  70  and placing a cleaning solution therein. Nozzle  55  is moveably attached to handle  25  to allow a user to position nozzle  55  adjacent sponge member  14 . 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , reservoir  50 , nozzle  55  and conduit tubing (located in the internal cavity of reservoir  50 ) are similar to that of a hairspray pump. Reservoir  50  is attached to handle  25  via a generally medial clasp  85  to allow a user to removeably attach reservoir  50 . This removable feature allows for a user to conveniently refill or replace reservoir  50  when needed. Turning specifically to  FIG. 3  which shows spray pump  45  in a generally parallel configuration relative to handle  25 . Alternatively,  FIGS. 4 and 5 , describe a spray pump  45  in a generally perpendicular configuration relative to handle  25 . 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 8  which discloses nozzle  55  transverse through a surface of handle  25  in a manner that provides the terminal end of nozzle  55  to be adjacent to sponge member  14 . In at least this example embodiment, nozzle  55  is positioned in a manner to spray sponge member  14  to provide sufficient wetting to allow a user to clean the interior surface of a window or other surface in need thereof. It should be appreciated that this close proximity is also advantageous as the spray pump does not need to use excess cleaning solution to achieve a clean surface. Although  FIG. 8  is shown with nozzle  55  adjacent to sponge member  14 , the precise location and orientation may vary. In one alternative embodiment, nozzle  55  is positioned in a manner that will allow nozzle to be directed toward an area above (or below) head portion  22  which will allow the cleaning solution to be directly sprayed on a surface needing to be cleaned. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-8  where various views and embodiments of a flexible head portion  22  are shown. Flexible head portion  22  is coupled to the distal end  35  of handle  25 . Preferably, the head portion  22  is generally configured in a manner that will include a pair of opposite ends  30 ,  35 , and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. Flexible head portion  22  is illustrated showing a substantially perpendicular relationship with proximal end  30  of handle  25 . Referring now to  FIG. 6  which illustrates a cross-section view of head portion  22  surrounded by sponge member  14 . The cross-section of the head portion  22  is a structure that provides the flexibility to operate resilient cleaning tool  20  in corners and the like. As shown in  FIG. 6 , head portion  22  is a spring. The head portion  22  structure should be sturdy enough to hold a generally horizontal position when not in use (i.e.  FIGS. 2-5 and 8 ), but flexible to allow for use in corners and the like when sufficient force is applied (i.e.  FIG. 7 ). Any material that will provide the resilient features of head portion  22  as described herein are within the scope of the invention. 
         [0028]    The length of the sponge member  14  is substantially similar to the length of head portion  22 . In other related embodiments, sponge member  14  is at most about equal in length to elongate member in use. In other embodiments, the length of sponge member  14  is about one-half the length of the handle  25 . In another exemplary embodiment, the length of the head portion  22  is greater than about 4 inches to permit cleaning of an adequate amount of a windshield corner to be cleaned without the need for multiple passes. 
         [0029]    The resilient cleaning tool  20  may optionally include a squeegee blade which is connected to the head portion  22 . In use, the squeegee blade is designed for drawing across a surface to remove water from the surface. The squeegee blade ideally comprises a resiliently flexible rubber or plastic material. The squeegee blade has a pair of opposite ends and a length defined between the ends of the squeegee blade. The squeegee blade has a generally triangular cross section transverse the length of the squeegee blade. The length of the squeegee blade extends between the ends of the head portion. Preferably, the length of the squeegee blade is extended generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle  25  and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head portion  22 . 
         [0030]    In at least the embodiments described herein, the length of the optional squeegee blade extends across more than one-half of the length of the head portion  22 . It should be appreciated that in order to support the squeegee action of removing water along a surface enough rigidity must be provided. In embodiments where a squeegee is desired, a head bracket  80  may also be used to provide a base structure for squeegee blade to be attached thereto. In at least these example embodiments, head bracket  80  is in mechanical communication with at least the proximal end  30  and/or head portion  22 . In other related embodiments, squeegee blade is attached directly to head portion  22 . The length of the squeegee blade extends across essentially the entire length of the head portion  22  or head bracket  80  depending on the desired configuration. 
         [0031]    Sponge member  14  is coupled to the head portion  22  and is manufactured for absorbing fluid therein. The sponge member  14  has an exterior surface extending around the lateral ends of the head portion  22 . The length of the sponge member  14  extends generally across the entire length of the head portion  22 . The sponge member  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-8  has a generally semi-circular transverse cross section generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head portion  22 . The transverse cross-section of the sponge member  14  preferably extends over a substantial portion of head portion  22 . Preferably, the sponge member  14  has a fabric material, such as a mesh netting, over the exterior surface of the sponge member  14  adapted for aiding scrubbing off of debris from a surface, such as a window surface. Cleaning tool  20  may optionally include scrubbing pads. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , which discloses a substantial portion of spray pump  45  located within the internal cavity of handle  25 . In this embodiment, reservoir  50  is accessible by removing a portion of handle  25  from resilient cleaning tool  20  to access lid  70 . Still referring now to  FIG. 9 , where the transverse cross-section of the gripping portion  40  has a diameter greater than a diameter of the transverse cross-section of the handle. Preferably, the distal end  35  of the handle  25  also has threaded bore (not shown) therein. The threaded bore is designed for threadably receiving a threaded end of a gripping portion  40  when access to the interior cavity of handle  25  is desired. 
         [0033]    In use, the cleaning tool  20  is designed for cleaning surfaces, in particular glass surfaces such as a windshield, and also clean portions of these glass surfaces that may also include corners or bends that an inflexible head portion  12  cannot readily clean. Additional surfaces are also contemplated, such as floors, walls and mirrors. 
         [0034]    In use, the sponge member  14  is soaked in a cleaning fluid such as water mixed with a soap detergent or windshield wiper fluid and then run over the windshield to wet the windshield. Sponge member  14 , which is shown with a scrubbing fabric material covering sponge member  14  outer surface, is then rubbed over debris on the windshield to loosen and remove the debris from the windshield. Finally, the squeegee blade  75  is then run over the windshield to remove the fluid and loosen debris from the windshield. 
         [0035]    In another exemplary use, resilient cleaning tool  20  will include a spray pump  45  that will spray a sufficient amount of cleaning solution onto (or into) sponge member  14  to allow for the cleaning of a surface. When a user desires to spray cleaning solution from nozzle  55 , the user will activate spray pump  45  using a switch  90 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 . Although no single application is preferred, switch  90  may activate spray pump  45  via electronic or manual means. In example embodiments utilizing an electric means resilient cleaning tool  20  may also be equipped with a battery. 
         [0036]    As previously mentioned, nozzle  55  may be positioned in a manner that will allow nozzle to be directed toward an area above (or below) head portion  22  which will allow the cleaning solution to be directly sprayed on a surface needing to be cleaned. Head portion  22  is passed along surface and may also be pressed into corners and difficult to reach areas of a surface where the head portion  22  and sponge member  14  can clean the window, or surface, adjacent a frame structure. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , head portion  22  includes blade  100  and sponge member  14 . Handle  25  is generally attached to head portion  22  with attachment bracket  80 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , attachment bracket  80  may be integral with blade  100 . However, bracket  80  may also be a separate component. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , head portion  22  also includes stabilizing member  106 . Stabilizing member  106  is generally attached to top surface  104  of blade  100 , but may alternatively be attached to bottom surface  102  of blade  100 . Though only one stabilizing member  106  is depicted, additional stabilizing members  106  may be added to achieve a desired amount of flexibility or rigidity of head portion  22 . It is contemplated that these additional stabilizing members may be different lengths or widths, thus providing variable levels of flexibility and/or rigidity to selected sections of head portion  22 . In an embodiment, sponge member  14  is attached at to and substantially about top surface  104  of blade  100 , thereby at least partially surrounding stabilizing member  106 . In an alternative embodiment, stabilizer member  106  is attached opposite sponge member  14  on bottom surface  102  of blade  100 . Stabilizing member  106  may be coextensive with blade, and may have different dimensions. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , sponge member  14  has substantially semi-circular form. Though  FIG. 11  depicts sponge member  14  as a single layer, sponge member  14  may include a plurality of overlapping layers. In general, handle  25  is attached to and extends away from bottom surface  102  of blade  100 . In alternative embodiments, sponge member  14  is wrapped concentrically around biasing member  90  to form multiple layers of sponge member  14 . 
         [0040]    Stabilizing member  106  and blade  100  are generally made from the same or similar materials. In an embodiment, stabilizing member  106  is a modified blade  100 . In other embodiments, blade  100  is a standard rubber squeegee blade, while stabilizing member  106  is made from a polymeric material (such as ABS or polypropylene) that is stiffer than the rubber material of blade  100 . 
         [0041]    As described above and further depicted in  FIG. 11 , head portion  22  may further include biasing member  108 , such as a spring. Biasing member  108  provides additional support to head portion  22  while maintaining resiliency and flexibility. In an embodiment, biasing member  108  is a coil spring, though one skilled in the art will readily recognize that biasing member  108  may be any number of different types of springs, including a leaf spring or a rod made from a resilient polymeric material. As shown in  FIG. 11 , sponge member  14  is wrapped around and thereby at least partially surrounds biasing member  108  such that biasing member  108  is positioned between sponge member  14  and stabilizing member  106  (or between sponge member  14  and blade  100 , as the case may be). In other embodiments, such as when sponge member is concentrically wrapped around biasing member  108 , a portion of sponge member  14  is situated between biasing member  108  and blade  100  and/or stabilizing member  106 . In an embodiment, mesh fabric  110 , such as an abrasive, netting, is affixed to sponge member to enhance the ability of cleaning tool to remove debris from surfaces. 
         [0042]    Biasing member  108  may be coated, wrapped in a plastic member or otherwise substantially sealed off from sponge member  14 . In this manner, the corrosive effects resulting from oxidation of metallic biasing member  108  can be reduced. 
         [0043]    The aforementioned construction provides several advantages. In an embodiment, sponge member  14  can be attached directly to blade  100  without the use of mechanical fastening members, particularly when head bracket  80  is integral with blade  100 . Rather, the surface area presented by blade  100  facilitates the use of an adhesive material for attachment of sponge member  14 . When made from a polymeric material, blade  100  may also be attached to sponge member  14  through plastic welding techniques. 
         [0044]    Cleaning tool  20  can be used to clean surface having non-linear edges. Referring to  FIG. 12 , cleaning tool  20  is particular well-suited for cleaning the corners of glass surfaces, such as the interior surface of a car window. In particular, as head portion  22  encounters a non-linear edge, head portion  22  will assume a generally arcuate shape that substantially conforms to the non-liner edge. In an embodiment, head portion  22  of cleaning tool  20  can conform to an angle of between approximately 180 degrees and 60 degrees, or approximately 110 degrees. As cleaning tool  20  is removed from the surface, the inherent resiliency of biasing member  90  and blade  100  return head portion  22  to the resting, or linear, configuration shown in  FIG. 10 . The inherent resiliency of stabilizing member  106  can also the return of head portion  22  to its resting, or linear, configuration. 
         [0045]    With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0046]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 
         [0047]    Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.