Patent Publication Number: US-2007101527-A1

Title: Squeegee apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      The disclosures made herein relate generally to automotive tools and, more particularly, to automobile cleaning tools and accessories.  
     BACKGROUND  
      When driving an automobile, the ability to see clearly through the automobile&#39;s windows is essential. Due to the visual nature of driving, dirty windows are a nuisance and, more importantly, pose a safety hazard.  
      Automobile manufactures recognize these facts, and thus equip their vehicles with on-board window washers that enable the driver to clear a portion of the front window while driving. Some automobile models are also equipped with rear window and headlight washers. However, there are no such washers for the side windows or external mirrors.  
      While such on-board washers are convenient, they are often times not entirely effective. On-board window washers utilize the wiper blades to remove debris and washer fluid from an area of a window. The area of the window acted on by the on-board wiper blades is less than the entire area of the window, thus leaving at least a portion of the widow non-accessible by the wiper blades.  
      The primary purposes of these blades are to wipe water (e.g., in the form of rain or snow) from the window and to enable wash fluid to be wiped from the window. To conform to the shape of the window, the blades are made of soft rubber. The soft rubber is far from an ideal material to remove the relatively hard and abrasive debris that collects on the window. In addition, as the blades wear, their performance decreases.  
      As an added convenience, many service stations have self-service window-washing equipment available near the fuel pumps to facilitate window cleaning by patrons. Such equipment is designed and utilizes materials specifically for the purpose of washing automobile windows. However, the equipment is not portable, so one must locate a service station to use it.  
      Therefore, an apparatus that overcomes drawbacks associated with conventional automotive window washers and equipment would be useful and advantageous.  
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      Embodiments of the present invention enable a person to clean the windows of their automobile more thoroughly and conveniently than with conventional equipment. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for a relatively simple and convenient means of thoroughly cleaning automotive windows with a portable apparatus. In doing so, embodiments of the present invention advantageously overcome one or more shortcomings associated with conventional means of cleaning automobile windows.  
      In one embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning device comprises a cleaning head, a multi-segment handle assembly and a closure structure. The cleaning head includes a scrubbing portion and a squeegee portion. The multi-segment handle assembly is detachably attached to the cleaning head. The multi-segment handle assembly includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is engaged with respect to the second segment for enabling the first segment to be engaged with the second segment thereby providing a use configuration. A reduced-length configuration of the multi-segment handle assembly is provided by disengaging the first segment from the second segment. A storage space is provided within at least one of the segments. The closure structure is engaged with one of the segments to cover an open end portion of the storage space of at least one segment.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning device comprises a cleaning head, a first handle segment, a second handle segment and a closure structure. The cleaning head includes a scrubbing portion, a squeegee portion and a handle attachment structure. The first handle segment includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is engaged with the handle attachment structure of the cleaning head. The second handle segment includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a storage space. The first end portion of the second handle segment is engaged with the second end portion of the first handle segment. The storage space extends between the first and second end portions thereof. An open end portion of the storage space is provided at the second end portion of the second handle segment. The closure structure engaged at the second end portion of the second handle segment covers the open end portion of the storage space.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning device kit comprises a cleaning head, a first handle segment, a second handle segment and a closure structure. The cleaning head includes a scrubbing portion and a squeegee portion. The first handle segment includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the first handle segment is configured for being attached to the cleaning head. The second handle segment includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the second handle segment is configured for being engaged with the second end portion of the first handle segment for providing a use configuration and is configured for being disengaged from the second handle segment for providing a reduced-length configuration. A storage space is provided within at least one of the handle segments. The closure structure is configured for being engaged with one of the segments to cover an open end portion of the storage space of at least one handle segment.  
      Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment is threadedly engaged with the second segment such that the first segment is selectively detachable from the second segment.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment and the second segment are essentially identical.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an overall length of each one of the segments is one of the same as or less than an overall length of the cleaning head.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment is attached directly to the cleaning head.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the closure structure is engaged with the second segment.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the closure structure includes a fluid dispensing device such that a fluid contained within the storage space is dispensable through the closure structure.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment is telescopingly engaged with the second segment such that the segments are selectively movable with respect to each other along a longitudinal reference axis.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an overall length of the multi-segment handle assembly when in the reduced-size configuration is approximately the length as an overall length of the cleaning head.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first handle segment includes a thread structure at the second end portion thereof, the second handle segment includes a thread structure at the first end thereof and the thread structure at the second end portion of the first handle segment is engagable with the thread structure at the first end of the second handle segment such that the first segment is selectively attachable to and detachable from the second handle segment.  
      These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  depicts a cleaning device in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is an exploded cross sectional view taken along the line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view depicting a handle segment in accordance with the present invention, which does not include a storage space.  
       FIG. 4  depicts a fluid dispensing handle assembly in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  depicts a partial cross sectional view of a telescoping handle assembly in accordance with the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       FIGS. 1 and 2  depict an embodiment of a cleaning device in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to herein as the cleaning device  10 . The cleaning device  10  comprises a cleaning head  12 , a first handle segment  14 , a second handle segment  16 , and a closure structure  18 .  
      The cleaning head  12  includes a scrubbing portion  20 , a squeegee portion  22 , and an internally threaded portion  24  (i.e., a handle attachment structure). Preferably, but not necessarily, the scrubbing portion  20  includes a foam nylon mesh  26 , and is located on one side (e.g., the “top”) of the cleaning head. The squeegee portion  22  is located on the opposite side (e.g., the “bottom”) of the cleaning head  12 , and is made from a soft material (i.e., rubber) that easily conforms to non-flat surfaces (e.g., a automobile window or mirror). The internally threaded portion  24  is located mid-way between the scrubbing portion  20  and the squeegee portion  22  (e.g., the “back”) of the cleaning head  12 . As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cleaning device  10  is configured such that when in use, the user can switch between a scrubbing function to a squeegee function easily by rotating the cleaning head  12  about the longitudinal axis of the internally threaded portion  24  to place the scrubbing portion  20  or the squeegee portion  22  in contact with the surface to be cleaned.  
      As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first handle segment  14  includes a first end portion  28  that is externally threaded (i.e., includes an engagement structure) and a second end portion  30  that is internally threaded. The first end portion  28  of the first handle segment  14  is externally threaded to engage the internally threaded portion  24  of the cleaning head  12 . The second handle segment  16  (which is essentially identical to the first handle segment  14 ) includes a first end portion  32  that is externally threaded and a second end portion that is internally threaded  34 . The first end portion  32  of the second handle segment  16  is externally threaded to engage the internal threads of the second end portion  30  of the first handle segment  14  for providing a use configuration, and is configured for being disengaged from the second handle segment  16  for providing a reduced-length configuration.  
      As depicted in  FIG. 2 , a storage space  36  is provided within at least one of the handle segments ( 14 ,  16 ). The storage space  36  extends longitudinally along a length of the handle segments. An end cap  18  (i.e., a closure structure), includes a first end  38  that is externally threaded (i.e., an engagement structure), and a second end  40  that is smooth or other wise configured for terminating the end of the handle assembly. The first end  38  of the end cap  18  engages the internal threads of the second end portion  34  of the second handle segment  16  to cover the open end portion of the storage space  36 . The closure structure  18  is intended to allow a desired item (e.g., a moisture-absorbent cloth or chamois, window cleaning fluid, container of window cleaning fluid) to be stored inside the storage space  36 .  
      It is contemplated herein that any combination of position and/or orientation of internal and external mating threads could be used (e.g., external threads are employed on the cleaning head  12 , and internal threads are used on the first end portion  28  of the first handle segment  14 ). Additionally, though the first handle segment  14  is threadedly engaged with the second handle segment  16  such that the first handle segment  14  is selectively detachable from the second handle segment  16 , it is contemplated herein that the engagement structures ( 28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  34 ) of the cleaning head  12 , handle segments ( 14  and  16 ), and closure structure  18  maybe of a non-threaded type (i.e., a bayonet mount, tapered-friction fit, or a spring-loaded interlock assembly).  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first handle segment  14  and second handle segment  16  are essentially identical, and thus, interchangeable (e.g., the second handle segment  16  may be used in place of the first handle segment  14 , and vice versa). Such a characteristic may reduce manufacturing costs and ease assembly.  
      Alternatively, it is contemplated herein that unique handle segments may be used. For example, the first handle segment  14  includes external threads on its first end portion  28  and second end portion  30 , and the second handle segment  16  includes internal threads on its first end portion  32  and second end portion  34 . It is further contemplated herein that the end cap  18  could be incorporated into the second handle segment  16  to reduce component count, and possibly overall cost.  
      As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first handle segment  14  and second handle segment  16  jointly define what is referred to herein as an embodiment of a multi-segmented handle assembly  42 . It is contemplated herein that the multi-segmented handle assembly  42  may consist of any number of handle segments, and that each segment may be identical or unique.  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , the multi-segment handle assembly  36  is made up of a plurality of discrete segments ( 14  and  16 ) that are configured for engaging a first handle segment  14  to a second handle segment  16 . An overall length of each one of the handle segments ( 14  and  16 ) is the same as or less than an overall length of the cleaning head  12 , with the first handle segment  14  attaching directly to the cleaning head  12 . It is contemplated herein that any handle segment ( 14  or  16 ) maybe sized to nest inside one another to reduce the overall storage space required for the cleaning device  10 . It is contemplated herein that such a characteristic may allow the multi-segment handle assembly  36  to store inside the cleaning head  12  to reduce the overall storage size (i.e., for storage in an automobile glove compartment). Additionally, such a configuration enables the cleaning device  10  to be sold without additional packaging, which reduces cost and lends itself to be sold through automatic means (i.e., an automatic vending machine).  
       FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a handle segment  50  in accordance with the present invention, which does not have a storage space. Accordingly, the handle segment  50  is solely intended to provide extension functionality. The handle segment  50  includes a first end portion  52  that is externally threaded (i.e., includes an engagement structure) and a second end portion  54  that is internally threaded. It is contemplated herein that any combination of position and/or orientation of internal and external mating threads could be used (e.g., internal threads are used on the first end portion  52  and external threads are used on the second end portion  54 ). Additionally, it is contemplated herein that the engagement structures of the first end portion  52  and second end portion  54  may be of a non-threaded type (i.e., a bayonet mount, tapered-friction fit, or a spring-loaded interlock assembly). With respect to  FIG. 1 , a handle segment such as the handle segment  50  may be used in place of the first handle segment  14 , in place of the second handle segment  16  and/or attached between the cleaning head  12  and the first handle segment  14 .  
       FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a fluid dispensing handle assembly  60  in accordance with the present invention. The fluid dispensing handle assembly  60  includes a first end portion  62 , an elongated handle portion  64 , and a fluid dispensing closure structure  66 . The first end portion  62  is externally threaded (i.e., includes an engagement structure). The elongated handle portion  64  includes a fluid reservoir portion  68 . In the depicted embodiment, the fluid dispensing closure structure  66  includes a pump-action fluid spray mechanism  70  used to distribute fluid onto the cleaning surface.  
      It is contemplated herein that the external threads of the first end portion  62  may be replaced with internal threads. Additionally, it is contemplated herein that the engagement structure of the first end portion  62  may be of a non-threaded type (i.e., a bayonet mount, tapered-friction fit, or a spring-loaded interlock assembly). The fluid dispensing handle assembly  60  is configured for being used in place of the second handle segment  16  and closure structure  18  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
      It is contemplated herein that the fluid reservoir portion  68  and pump-action fluid spray mechanism  70  may be discrete from the elongated handle portion  64  (e.g., removable from the elongated handle portion  64 ), or the fluid reservoir portion  68  maybe incorporated into the elongated handle portion  64  and the pump-action fluid spray mechanism  70  fixedly attached thereto.  
      In addition, though the fluid dispensing closure structure  66  is depicted in  FIG. 4  as including the pump-action spray mechanism  70 , it is contemplated herein that any number of different types of fluid dispensing device may be used (e.g., a flexible squeeze bottle or a pressurized spray device). It is further contemplated herein that a cleaning device in accordance with the present invention maybe configured such that the fluid dispensing device may transfer fluid directly to the scrubbing portion of a cleaning head through a multi-segmented handle assembly, such as through a suitable configured tube or internal channel.  
       FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a telescoping handle assembly  80  in accordance with the present invention. The telescoping handle assembly  80  contains a first handle segment  82 , a second handle segment  84 , and a fluid dispensing closure structure  86 . The fluid dispensing closure structure  86  is engaged over a fluid reservoir portion  88  (i.e., a storage space) inside the second handle segment  84 . Each segment ( 82 ,  84 ) of the telescoping handle assembly  80  is engaged in a telescoping fashion such that the segments are selectively movable with respect to each other along a longitudinal reference axis. The telescoping handle assembly  80  is configured for use in combination with a cleaning head such as that depicted in  FIG. 1 . The telescoping handle assembly  80  extends to provide a use configuration U (i.e., an extended configuration), and retracts to provide a storage configuration S (i.e., a retracted configuration). The telescoping handle assembly  80  is configured to be used in place of the first handle segment  14 , second handle segment  16 , and closure structure  18  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
      As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the first handle segment  82  includes a first end portion  92  and a second end portion  94 . The first end portion  92  is externally threaded (i.e., includes an engagement structure  92 ). The second handle segment  84  includes an engagement member  95  at a first end portion  96  that is configured for engaging a mating engagement member  97  at the second end portion  94  of the first handle segment  82 . However, it is contemplated herein that any means of engagement may be employed (i.e., a threaded or spring-loaded interlock feature). Additionally, though  FIG. 5  depicts a first handle segment  82  and a second handle segment  84 , any number of telescoping handle segments may be used.  
      It is contemplated herein that the external threads of the first end portion  92  of the first handle segment  82  may be replaced with internal threads. Additionally, it is contemplated herein that the engagement structure of the first end portion  82  may be of a non-threaded type (i.e., a bayonet mount, tapered-friction fit, or a spring-loaded interlock assembly).  
      The fluid reservoir portion  88  and fluid dispensing closure structure  86  may be discrete from the second handle segment  84  (e.g., removable from the second handle segment  84 ), or the fluid reservoir portion  88  may be incorporated into the second handle segment  84  and the fluid dispensing closure structure  86  fixedly attached thereto. In addition, though a fluid dispensing closure structure  86  is depicted in  FIG. 5  as having a pump action spray mechanism, it is contemplated herein that any type of fluid dispensing device may be used (e.g., a flexible squeeze bottle or a pressurized aerosol spray device).  
      The overall length of the telescoping handle assembly  80  in its storage configuration is the same as or less than an overall length of the cleaning head ( FIGS. 1 and 2 , item  12 ). It is contemplated herein that such a characteristic may allow the telescoping handle assembly  80  to store inside the cleaning head ( FIGS. 1 and 2 , item  12 ) to reduce the overall storage size (e.g., for storage in an automobile glove compartment). Additionally, such a configuration enables the cleaning device to be sold without additional packaging, which reduces cost and lends itself to be sold through automatic means (e.g., an automatic vending machine).  
      An embodiment of a cleaning kit configured in accordance with the present invention includes (as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) cleaning head  12 , a first handle segment  14 , a second handle segment  16 , and a closure structure  18 . It is contemplated herein that alternate components as depicted in  FIGS. 3, 4 , and  5  may be incorporated into the cleaning kit.  
      In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes maybe made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.