Patent Abstract:
A powered, spray cleaning device that can be operated in an inverted orientation is provided. The cleaning device includes a cleaning head and an elongated handle configured to be grasped by a user. A container of cleaning solution is removably received by the handle, and when received by the handle, fluid from the container fills a fluid accumulator. Fluid in the fluid accumulator is prevented from flowing back into the container when the device is inverted, thus allowing the device to spray fluid when inverted.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/301,267, filed Feb. 4, 2010, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to cleaning implements, and more particularly, relating to a window and glass cleaning apparatus including the automated dispensing of a cleaning fluid and including several embodiments of cleaning heads having multiple cleaning implement arrangements, and including several accessory attachments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cleaning windows and glass can be a time consuming and laborious choir. There exists numerous cleaning devices and squeegee blades of a myriad of constructions directed towards reducing the effort and time required to clean windows and glass. However, there remains a need for a window and glass cleaning apparatus of an improved construct which overcomes the drawbacks of the existing cleaning devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention addresses this need by providing a window and glass cleaning apparatus of an improved construction and including the automated dispensing of a cleaning fluid, several cleaning head configurations, and accessory attachments. 
     In general, in one aspect, hand held surface cleaning and powered spray device is provided. The device includes a cleaning head and an elongated handle configured to be grasped by a user. The handle has a first end connected to the cleaning head and a second end configured to be connected to an extension handle. The handle is further configured to removably receive and retain a container in fixed relation to the handle. A spray nozzle is carried by the handle at a position approximate the first end thereof. A fluid accumulator is housed by the handle and is adapted to be fluidically connected to a container received and retained by the handle to receive a quantity of fluid contained by the container in a single flow direction from the container to the fluid accumulator. An electric pump carried by the handle is connected to the fluid accumulator and the spray nozzle and operates to pump fluid from the fluid accumulator and through the spray nozzle. A power source and an electric switch are carried by the handle. The electric switch is operatively connected to the power source and the electric pump and is operable to connect the power source and the electric motor. 
     In general, in another aspect, the device includes extension handle is provided and is connectable to the second end of the handle. A secondary electric switch is carried by the extension handle and is operatively connected to the power source and the electric motor when the extension handle is connected to the second end of the handle. The secondary electric switch operable to connect the power source and the electric pump. 
     In general, in another aspect, the device includes a cleaning head and an extension tube connected to the cleaning head and an elongated handle configured to be grasped by a user. The handle has a first end through which extends a tubular cavity and into which the extension tube is telescopically received for positioning between retracted and extended positions. The handle further has a second end configured to be connected to an extension handle and is further configured to removably receive and retain a container in fixed relation to the handle. A spray nozzle is carried by the handle at a position approximate the first end thereof. A fluid accumulator is housed by the handle and is adapted to be fluidically connected to a container received and retained by the handle to receive a quantity of fluid contained by the container in a single flow direction from the container to the fluid accumulator. An electric pump carried by the handle is connected to the fluid accumulator and the spray nozzle and operates to pump fluid from the fluid accumulator and through the spray nozzle. A power source and an electric switch are carried by the handle. The electric switch is operatively connected to the power source and the electric pump and is operable to connect the power source and the electric motor. 
     Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic illustration of a combined surface cleaning and powered spray device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  showing a container removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  in use in a generally upright vertical orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  in use in a generally inverted vertical orientation; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  partially exploded; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  an embodiment of an extension handle; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  an other embodiment of an extension handle; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  an other embodiment of an extension handle; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having an alternative construction; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having an alternative construction; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction including an extension tube shown in a refracted position; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 11  with the extension tube shown in an extended position; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 11  having yet another an alternative construction; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction including a dual removable container arrangement; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction including a dual container arrangement, one of the container being integral and the other being removable; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 16  taken along line  17 - 17 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning member; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning member; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning head; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning head; 
         FIG. 22  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning head; 
         FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning head; 
         FIG. 24  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning member; 
         FIG. 25  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning member; 
         FIG. 26  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction having an alternative cleaning head; 
         FIG. 27  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 26  having a spray nozzle in a first position; 
         FIG. 28  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 26  having a spray nozzle in a second position; 
         FIG. 29  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another an alternative construction; 
         FIG. 30  is a diagrammatic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1  having yet another alternative construction; 
         FIG. 31  is an electrical diagram in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 32  is an electrical diagram in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Diagrammatically illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is a specially designed hand held surface cleaning and powered spray device  10  particularly useful in cleaning hard surfaces of homes and automobiles, such as, but not limited to window surfaces and the like. The device  10  includes a cleaning head  12  attached to a handle  14 . The cleaning head  12  may include a cleaning member  16 , such as, but not limited to an absorbent material, an abrasive material, or the like that is adapted to contact and clean a hard surface. The cleaning member  16  may include a replaceable pad as best seen in  FIG. 2 . The cleaning head  12  may further include a squeegee blade  18 . The cleaning head  12  may be pivotally connected to the handle  14  by pivot coupling  20  such that the cleaning head  12  may pivot between first and second positions relative to the handle  14 . In the first position, the cleaning head  12  is generally normal to the handle  14  in a T-configuration, and in the second position, the cleaning head  12  is generally parallel to the handle  14 . A lock  22  may operate to secure the cleaning head  12  in either of the first and second positions. 
     A container  24  containing a cleaning solution  28  is removably received and held within handle  14  through a cooperating structure between the handle and the container. Spring element  26  is biased against one end of the container  24  to secure the container within handle  14 . Container  24  is shown received and held by the handle  14  in  FIG. 1 , and removed from the handle in  FIG. 2 . A quantity of cleaning solution  28  is held within container  24  for dispensing through a powered spray assembly onto a surface to be cleaned by device  10 . The container  24  is fluidically connected to an accumulator  30  for receiving cleaning solution  28  when the container is received and held by handle  14 . Container  24  may include a thin membrane seal that is punctured by a needle like device disposed on handle  14  for fluidically connecting in a fluid tight connection the interior of the container with the accumulator  30  to receive the clean solution  28 . Alternative structures to the membrane seal may be utilized in fluidically connecting the container  24  to the accumulator  30 . Further a check valve  32  may be positioned across the connection between the container  24  and the accumulator to prevent cleaning solution  28  that has flown into the accumulator  30  to reverse flow into the container, as will be described in more detail below. 
     A fluid pumping device  34  is fluidically connected to the accumulator  30  and a spray nozzle  36 , and is operated to pump cleaning solution  28  from the accumulator through spray nozzle  36 . Fluid pumping device or electric pump  34  is electrically operated and is electrically connected to an electric power source  38 , such as batteries. An electric switch  40  in the form of a finger operated push button controls the flow of power from the batteries  38  to the fluid pumping device  34 . A safety switch  42  may be provided and operated to override electric switch  40  to prevent inadvertent spraying of the cleaning solution  28 . Spray nozzle  36  may be adjustable control the stream pattern flowing therefrom, e.g. from a wide spray pattern to a narrow stream pattern. 
     In  FIG. 3 , there is diagrammatically shown, the device  10  in use in an upright generally vertical configuration wherein the accumulator  30  is positioned below the container  24  such that cleaning solution is free to flow under the force of gravity into the accumulator. 
     In  FIG. 4 , there is diagrammatically shown, the device  10  in use in an inverted generally vertical configuration wherein the accumulator  30  is positioned above the container  24 . In this configuration, the check valve  32  prevents cleaning solution  28  within the accumulator from flowing into the container, and provides a momentary supply of cleaning solution to the pump  34  to be dispensed through nozzle  36 . As generally shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the device is capable of dispensing a cleaning solution, for at least a limited period of time, when position in any orientation. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an end portion  44  is removably attached to the bottom of handle  14 , for example through a cooperative threaded engagement, to permit access to power supply or batteries  38  for replacement. End portion  44  permits the attachment of accessories to the handle  14  and includes a socket  46  that is cooperatively engagable to an accessory permitting the connection to handle. Access to the socket  46  is made through opening  48  formed through an end of the end portion  36 . Opening  48  is selectively closed by a cap  50  that is threadable into the opening  48 . 
     In  FIG. 5 , there is diagrammatically shown, the device  10  having the cap  50  removed from the end portion  44 , and thereby providing access to the socket  46  for the attachment of an extension handle  52  ( FIG. 6 ) to extend the reach of handle  14 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , there is diagrammatically shown, the device  10  and an embodiment of an extension handle  52  for connection to socket  46  of handle  14 . Extension handle  52  is shown exploded from handle  14 . An end of the extension handle  52  and the socket  46  are configured for cooperative engagement to permit fixedly connecting the extension handle to handle  14 . In an aspect, the extension handle  52  can include spring biased tabs  54  that are cooperatively engagable with shoulder  56  of the socket  46 . In this instance, the end of the extension handle  52  is inserted through opening  48  and into the socket  46  which causes tabs  54  to be pressed inwardly towards the extension handle. Once the extension handle  52  is fully inserted into the socket  46  of the end portion  44 , the tabs  54  engage shoulder  56  and lock the end of the extension handle within the socket, and thereby connect the extension handle to the handle  14 . Other structures capable of fixedly connecting the extension handle  52  or accessories to handle  14  could also be employed. 
     The extension handle  52  includes a secondary electrical switch  58  that is electrically connected to the power source  38  and pump  34  by a cooperative electrical connection that is made when the extension handle  52  is connected to handle  14 . The cooperative electrical connection includes a pair of electrical contacts each including an electrical contact pad  62  positioned within the socket  46  and an electrical contact pad  64  positioned on the extension handle  52 . Contact pads  62  and  64  of each electrical connection are arranged such that they are engaged and communicate electrical power when the extension handle  52  is connected to handle  14 . The secondary electrical switch  58  is connected to contact pads  64  of each of the electrical connection by associated wiring  66  and  68 . Likewise, contact pads  62  of each of the electrical connection are connected to the power supply  38  and the pump  34  by associated wiring as best seen in  FIG. 31 . In this configuration operation of switch  58  operates the pump  34 , thereby dispensing cleaning solution  28  through nozzle  36 . Extension handle  52  may include an optional secondary power supply  51 , as illustrated. 
     In  FIG. 7 , there is diagrammatically shown, the device  10  and an alternative embodiment of an extension handle  70  for connection to socket  46  of handle  14 . Here, extension handle  70  includes a wireless transmitter  72  which is configured to send a control signal  74  to a wireless receiver  76  at handle  14 . The wireless receiver  76  is configured to receive the control signal  74  and to establish the flow of power from the power source  38  to the pump  34 . Secondary switch  58  electrically connects the wireless transmitter  72  to power source  73  to operate the wireless transmitter to send the control signal  74  as best seen in  FIG. 32 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , there is diagrammatically shown the device  10 , an alternative embodiment of an end portion  78 , an alternative embodiment of an extension handle  80 , and an alternative wireless transmitter assembly  82 . Here, end portion  78  includes a threaded socket  84  adapted to threadably receive a conventional extension handle having a threaded end, such as an extension handle typically used to extend the reach of a paint roller. Transmitter assembly  82  comprised a band  86  that is removably attached to extension handle  80  and contains the wireless transmitter  72 , power source  73 , and secondary switch  58  as described above with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
     It is important to note, the end of extension handle  52  and  70  as in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively, could be threaded. This way, the extension handles can then be threadably received by threaded socket  84  that is adapted to threadably receive a conventional extension handle having a threaded end, thereby eliminating the need of multiple socket attachments. Such as the end portion of  44  having a socket  46  in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , respectively. 
     In  FIG. 9 , there is diagrammatically shown an alternative construction of the device  10 . Here, the device  10  includes a fixed or integrated container  24 ′ that is not removable from the handle  14 . Container  24 ′ and the accumulator  30  can be integrated, as shown. Container  24 ′ includes a mouth or opening  94  having a removable cover  96  permitting filing of the container  24 ′ with a cleaning solution  28 . Opening  94  may be funnel-shaped to permit easy filling. 
     In  FIG. 10 , there is diagrammatically shown an alternative construction of the device  10 . Here, the device  10  includes a fixed or integrated container  24 ″ that is not removable from the handle. Container  24 ″ is fluidically connected to the accumulator  30  via check valve  32 ′. Container  24 ″ includes a mouth or opening  98  having a removable cover  100  permitting filling of the container  24 ″ with a cleaning solution. Opening  98  may be funnel-shaped to permit easy filling. 
     In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , there is diagrammatically shown, an alternative construction of the device  10 . Here, device  10 ′ has cleaning head  12  secured to an extension tube  88  that is telescopically received by tubular cavity  91  within handle  14 . Cleaning head  12  is secured to the extension tube  88  as in device  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The extension tube  88  shown in the retracted position in  FIG. 11 , and in the extended position in  FIG. 12 . A tubular locking nut  90  operates to secure the extension tube  88  at any extension length between the fully retracted position of  FIG. 11  and the fully extended position of  FIG. 12 . A coiled tubing  92  extends internally through extension tube  88  and fluidically connects the pump  34  to the spray nozzle  36 . 
     In  FIG. 13 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, device  10 ″ is a combination of the constructions of the device of  FIGS. 10-12 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, device  200  comprises essentially any of the alternative constructions of device  10  described herein, but in a dual construction wherein device  200  includes two containers  24   a  and  24   b  each separately received and retained by handle  14  to be in fluidic communication with accumulators  30   a  and  30   b , respectively. Accumulators  30   a  and  30   b , are selectively fluidically connected to pump  34  by selector valve  202 . As shown, device  200  comprises the extension tube  88  construction of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , but could also include the fixed construction of  FIG. 1 , and also can include the extension handle embodiments of  FIGS. 6-8 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , there is diagrammatically shown an alternative construction of the device  200 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, one of the removable containers, such as  24   a  is substituted for the integral container system of either  FIG. 9  or  10 . 
     In  FIGS. 16 and 17 , there is diagrammatically shown an alternative construction of the device  10  of  FIG. 13 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, the integrated container  24 ″ is cylindrical-shaped with the extension tube  88  and tubular cavity  91  encircled by the container  24 ″. 
     In  FIG. 18 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, the device includes a cleaning member  16 ′ having a nozzle assembly  110  that can comprise a plurality of discharge outlets  112  arranged radially around the cleaning member and/or across the length of the cleaning member. The nozzle assembly  110  is fluidically connected to a selector valve  114  by a flexible coupling  116  which permits the cleaning head  12  to rotate between the first and second positions about coupling  20 . The selector valve  114  operates to selectively and fluidically connect either nozzle  36  or nozzle assembly  110  to the pump  34 . 
     In  FIG. 19 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here the device  10  includes a cleaning member  16 ″ that is pivotally connected to the cleaning head  12  by lockable pivot coupling  116  that enables an operator to adjust and lock the angular position of the planar cleaning surface  118  of the cleaning member  16 ″. In an aspect, the cleaning member  16 ″ may be adjusted such that the planar cleaning surface  118  is positioned horizontally with respect to the handle  14 , thereby permitting the operator to clean a ceiling surface. The cleaning member  16 ″ may include a nozzle assembly  120  that can comprise a plurality of discharge outlets  122  arranged across the length of the cleaning member. The nozzle assembly  120  is fluidically connected to a selector valve  124  by a flexible coupling  126  which permits the cleaning head  12  to rotate between the first and second positions about coupling  20 . The selector valve  124  operates to selectively and fluidically connect either nozzle  36  or nozzle assembly  120  to the pump  34 . Further, the pivot coupling  116  can include a pivotal or flexible fluid joint  128 . 
     In  FIG. 20 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here the device  10  includes cleaning head  12 ′ including a bristle brush  130  and a spray outlet  132  arranged to dispense cleaning solution through the bristle brush. The spray outlet  132  is fluidically connected to a selector valve  134  by flexible coupling  136  which permits the cleaning head  12 ′ to rotate between the first and second positions about coupling  20 . The selector valve  134  operates to selectively and fluidically connect either nozzle  36  or spray outlet  132  to the pump  34 . 
     In  FIG. 21 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, device  10  is the device of  FIG. 20  without the spray outlet  132 , the selector valve  134  and flexible coupling  136 . 
     In  FIG. 22 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, device  10  includes a cleaning head  12 ″ including a only a squeegee blade  138 . 
     In  FIG. 23 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, device  10  includes a cleaning head  12 ″′ including an interchangeable cleaning implement  140  that depicted as a squeegee blade. Cleaning implement is removably secured to the cleaning head  12 ″′ and can be interchange with several different cleaning implement types, such as, but not limited to squeegee blades, scraper blades, scrubbing implements, etc. Further, the device include a second spray nozzle  142  positioned on an opposite side of the handle  14  from spray nozzle  36 . A selector valve  144  operates to selectively and fluidically connect either nozzle  36  or nozzle  142  to the pump  34 . 
     In  FIG. 24 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, device  10  includes an alternative cleaning member  146  in the form of a bristle brush. 
     In  FIG. 25 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, device  10  includes an alternative cleaning member  148  in the form of a sponge or like absorbent material. 
     In  FIGS. 26-28 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, device  10  includes an alternative cleaning head  150  including a removable scrubber or absorbent  152  and a squeegee blade  154  centrally disposed along the length of the scrubber  152 . Further included is a rotatable spray nozzle  156  that is fluidically connected to pump  34  (not shown). Spray nozzle  156  is shown in a forward position in  FIG. 27  and a rearward position in  FIG. 28 . Spray nozzle  156  may be locked in either position. 
     In  FIGS. 29 and 30 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the device  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein like reference numbers refer to the same parts. Here, the devices of  FIGS. 29 and 30  could be removably or permanently affixed to one of any of the cleaning head types described above to form numerous combinations of devices. The purpose of  FIGS. 29 and 30  is to further illustrate the versatility of the device of the invention in that while a reasonable number of combinations of the device are described above, the device could take on various other combinations of the structures disclosed herein and similar alternative structures. 
     A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0