Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/301,267, filed Feb. 4, 2010, the entire 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, the window and glass cleaning 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. A fluid container is housed by the handle, and a spray nozzle is carried by said handle at a position approximate the first end of the handle. A pump is carried by the handle and connects the fluid container to the spray nozzle. The pump includes a pump actuator. An electric motor is carried by the handle and is operatively connected to pump actuator to drive the pump actuator in the pumping of fluid from the container through the spray nozzle. A power source and an electric switch are carried by the handle. The electrical switch is operatively connected to the power source and to the electric motor and is operable by the user to connect the power source to the electric motor to facilitate the pumping of said fluid through said spray nozzle. 
     In general, in another aspect, the cleaning head includes a cleaning implement and a squeegee blade positioned on opposite sides of said cleaning head. 
     In general, in another aspect, the cleaning head is pivotally connected to said first end of said handle. 
     In general, in another aspect, the container is removable received by said handle. 
     In general, in another aspect, the container is integral with said handle. 
     In general, in another aspect, an extension handle is connected to the handle at the second end thereof. A secondary electric switch is carried by the extension handle and is operatively connected to the power source and the electric motor and is operable by the user to connect the power source to the electric motor to facilitate the pumping of the fluid through the spray nozzle. 
     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 partial side cross sectional view of a glass and window cleaning apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating an accessory in the form of an extension handle; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the container removed from the handle through a front reception through the handle; 
         FIG. 3   b  illustrates side view of a first replaceable covering for attachment to the base of the cleaning implement of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3   c  illustrates side view of a second replaceable covering for attachment to the base of the cleaning implement of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3   d  illustrates side view of a third replaceable covering for attachment to the base of the cleaning implement of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the container removed from the handle through a rear reception through the handle; 
         FIG. 5   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the container as a pump container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle; 
         FIG. 5   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the container as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 6   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6   a  illustrating the container as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle; 
         FIG. 7   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a third embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 7   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 8   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7   a  illustrating the container as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle; 
         FIG. 8   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7   b  illustrating the container as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle; 
         FIG. 9   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 9   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an additional accessory attachment in the form of a charger for recharging onboard batteries including an electrical cord exploded from the end portion; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the cleaning head positioned in the in-use position where the cleaning head forms a general T-shape with the handle; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the cleaning head positioned in the storage position where the cleaning head is positioned generally parallel to the handle; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 15  is diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  illustrating the cleaning head in the storage position; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a ninth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a tenth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an eleventh embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an twelfth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an thirteenth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an additional accessory attachment in the form of a scraper blade exploded from end portion; and 
         FIG. 22  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fourteenth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fifteenth embodiment of the apparatus; and 
         FIG. 24  is an exemplary electric diagram of the apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the window and glass cleaning apparatus  10  of the invention. The apparatus  10  includes an elongated handle  12  and an elongated cleaning head  14 . The cleaning head  14  is pivotally connected to one end of the handle  12  by pivot coupling  13  for rotation about an axis generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the handle  12 . The cleaning head  14  rotates with respective to the handle  12  between an in use position where the cleaning head and handle form a T-shape, as best seen in  FIG. 12 , and where the cleaning head is positioned along side and generally parallel to the handle, as best seen in  FIG. 13 . 
     The handle  12  houses a container  16  for holding a cleaning fluid to be dispensed during operation of the apparatus. The container  16  can be integrally formed with the handle  12  or alternatively, the container can be removably positioned within the handle, as shown. The handle  12  further comprises a pump chamber  18  in which is positioned a pump  20  for dispensing or pumping out the cleaning fluid held within container  16 . The pump  20  connects the container  16  to a spray nozzle  21  through which the cleaning fluid held within the container is dispensed from during operation of the pump. The spray nozzle  21  is positioned below the cleaning head  14 . As will be discussed further below, the container  16  may hold the cleaning fluid under pressure, such as an aerosol. Alternatively, the container  16  may hold the cleaning fluid under atmospheric pressure. In either instances, the container  16  and the pump  20  are configured for cooperation and the pump is operated to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container  16  from the container and through the spray nozzle  21  for application to a surface to be cleaned. 
     While it is possible for the pump  20  to be a manually operated pump, it is preferred that the pump be electrically operated for user convenience. In which case, the pump  20  includes a pump actuator  22  that mechanically drives the pump. An electric motor  24  operatively engages the pump actuator  22  for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container  16 . The motor  24  is electrically connected to a power source, such as batteries  26  held within the handle  12 . A switch  28  electrically connects the motor  24  and the power source  26  for selectively supplying power to the motor. A trigger assembly  30  may be included and mounted to the handle  12 . The trigger assembly  30  operatively engages the switch  28  for selective operation thereof. 
     The cleaning head  14  includes a cleaning implement  32  and a squeegee blade  34 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the cleaning implement  32  and the squeegee blade  34  are positioned on opposite longitudinal sides of the cleaning head  14 , and extend the longitudinal length of the cleaning head. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , end portion  36  is removably attached to the handle  12 , for example through a cooperative threaded engagement, to permit access to power supply or batteries  26  for replacement. End portion  36  permits the attachment of accessories to the handle  12  and includes a female receiving space  38  that is cooperatively engagable to an accessory permitting the connection to handle. Access to the female receiving space  38  is made through opening  40  formed through an end of the end portion  36 . Opening  40  is selectively closed by a cap  42  that is threadable into the opening  40 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  illustrating an accessory in the form of an extension handle  42 . The extension handle  42  is shown exploded from handle  12 . As shown, cap  42  is removed thereby permitting access to the female receiving space  38  of end portion  36 . An end of the extension handle  42  and the female receiving space  38  are configured for cooperative engagement to permit fixedly connecting the extension handle to handle  12 . In an aspect, the extension handle  42  can include spring biased tabs  44  that are cooperatively engagable with shoulder  46  of the female receiving space  38 . In this instance, the end of the extension handle  42  is inserted through opening  40  and into the female receiving space  38  which causes tabs  44  to be pressed inwardly towards the extension handle. Once the extension handle  42  is fully inserted into the female receiving space  38  of the end portion  36 , the tabs  44  engage shoulder  46  and lock the end of the extension handle within the female receiving space, and thereby connect the extension handle to the handle  12 . Other structures capable of fixedly connecting the extension handle  42  or accessories to handle  12  could also be employed. 
     The extension handle  42  includes a secondary electrical switch  48  that is electrically connected to the power source  26  and the motor  24  by a cooperative electrical connection that is made when the extension handle  42  is connected to handle  12 . The cooperative electrical connection includes a pair of electrical contacts each including an electrical contact pad  52  positioned within the female receiving space  38  and an electrical contact pad  54  positioned on the extension handle  42 . Contact pads  52  and  54  of each electrical connection are arranged such that they are engaged and communicate electrical power when the extension handle  42  is connected to handle  12 . The secondary electrical switch  48  is connected to contact pads  54  of each of the electrical connection by associated wiring  56  and  58 . Likewise, contact pads  52  of each of the electrical connection are connected to the power supply  26  and the motor  24  by associated wiring (not shown). 
       FIG. 3   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the container  16  removed from the handle  12  through a front reception through the handle. Here, the container  16  is shown as an aerosol type container holding the cleaning fluid under pressure. The pump  20  and the pump actuator  22  are configured for cooperative engagement with the nozzle  17  of the container  16  to connect the container to the spray nozzle  21  and to operate nozzle  17  to dispense the cleaning fluid from the container and through the spray nozzle. There exist numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator  22  in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation herein. Further shown is the cleaning implement  32  having a base  60  of a flexible sponge or absorbent of a conventional type and with a replaceable covering removed therefrom. 
       FIG. 3   b  illustrates side view of a first replaceable covering  62  for attachment to the base  60 . The covering  62  is a general C-shaped configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base  60  by inserting the base within the opening  64  of the covering such that the covering at least partially wraps around the base. The covering  62  includes an absorbent central layer  66 , a water proof backing layer  68  and a scrubbing layer  70  consisting of brush bristles  72  extending continuously around the central layer. The water proof backing layer  68  prevents soiling of the base  60 . 
       FIG. 3   c  illustrates side view of a second replaceable covering  74  for attachment to the base  60 . The covering  74  is a general C-shaped configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base  60  by inserting the base within the opening  76  of the covering such that the covering at least partially wraps around the base. The covering  76  includes an absorbent central layer  78 , a water proof backing layer  80  and a scrubbing layer  82  consisting of brush bristles  84  that partially extend around the central layer. The water proof backing layer  80  prevents soiling of the base  60 . 
       FIG. 3   d  illustrates side view of a third replaceable covering  86  for attachment to the base  60 . The covering  86  is a general C-shaped configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base  60  by inserting the base within the opening  88  of the covering such that the covering at least partially wraps around the base. The covering  88  includes an absorbent central layer  90  and a water proof backing layer  92 . The water proof backing layer  92  prevents soiling of the base  60 . 
       FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the container  16  removed from the handle  12  through a rear reception through the handle. Here, the container  16  is shown as pump container holding the cleaning fluid under atmospheric pressure. The pump and the pump actuator  22  are configured for cooperative engagement with the conventional pump mechanism  19  of the container  16  to connect the container to the spray nozzle  21  and to operate the pump mechanism  19  to dispense the cleaning fluid from the container and through the spray nozzle. There exists numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator  22  in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation herein. 
       FIG. 5   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the container  16  as a pump container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle  21 . 
       FIG. 5   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the container  16  as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle  21 . 
     Alternative embodiments of the apparatus  10  are possible.  FIG. 6   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the apparatus  200 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the first embodiment, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. In the apparatus  200  the electrical motor  24  of pump  20  of the apparatus  10  is replaced with an alternative pump  220 . The pump  220  includes a pump actuator  222  that mechanically drives the pump. There exists numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator  222  in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation herein. An electric solenoid actuator  224  operatively engages the pump actuator  222  for operation thereof and to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container  16 . The switch  28  electrically connects the solenoid actuator  224  and the power source  26  for selectively supplying power to the solenoid actuator. Further as shown here, the container  16  is depicted as a pump container and with the apparatus  200  in use dispensing the cleaning fluid from the container through spray nozzle  21 . 
       FIG. 6   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus  200  of  FIG. 6   a  illustrating the container  16  as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle  21 . 
       FIG. 7   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a third embodiment of the apparatus  300 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. In the apparatus  300  the container  16  and the spray nozzle  20  of the prior embodiments is replaced with a container  316  that includes a spray nozzle  319  integral with a container pump  317 . Handle  12  is replaced with handle  312 . Handle  312  includes a passage or opening  313  that is positioned for cooperative alignment with the spray nozzle  319  of the container  316  when the container is positioned within the handle  312 . Apparatus  300  includes an alternative pump  320  having a pump actuator  322  configured for cooperative engagement with container pump  317  and for mechanically driving the container pump  317 . There exists numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator  322  in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation herein. An electric solenoid actuator  324  operatively engages the pump actuator  322  for operation thereof and to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container  316 . The switch  28  electrically connects the solenoid actuator  324  and the power source  26  for selectively supplying power to the solenoid actuator. 
       FIG. 7   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus  400 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. In the apparatus  400  the solenoid actuator  324  is replaced with an electric motor  424 . The switch  28  electrically connects the electric motor  424  and the power source  26  for selectively supplying power to the electric motor. 
       FIG. 8   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus  300  of  FIG. 7   a  illustrating the container  316  as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle  319 . 
       FIG. 8   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the apparatus  400  of  FIG. 7   b  illustrating the container  316  as an aerosol container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle  319 . 
       FIG. 9   a  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the apparatus  500 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. In the apparatus  500  container  16  is replaced with a container  516  formed integrally with handle  512 . Container  516  is not removable from handle  512 . Container  516  includes a mouth opening  517  extending through handle  512  and closed by a removable cap  519 . Mouth  517  permits filling of container  516  with a cleaning fluid for dispensing. Further depicted is a similar pump and nozzle arrangement of the pump  320  and the nozzle  319  of the third embodiment  300 . However, any pump and nozzle arrangement of any of the prior embodiments discussed herein could be implemented in the apparatus  500 . 
       FIG. 9   b  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the apparatus  600 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus  600  is the apparatus  500  of  FIG. 9   a  but with a similar pump and nozzle arrangement of the pump  420  and the nozzle  419  of the fourth embodiment  400 . However, any pump and nozzle arrangement of any of the prior embodiments discussed herein could be implemented in the apparatus  600 . 
       FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the apparatus  700 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. 
       FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an additional accessory attachment  100  exploded from end portion  36 . Accessory attachment  100  includes an electrical outlet cord  102  suitable for plugging into an electrical outlet to provide electrical power to the apparatus  10  as the power source  26  or to charge the batteries. Accessory attachment  100  is attachable to the handle  12  in the same manner as the extension handle  42 , as discussed above. To this end, Accessory attachment  100  includes the same cooperative electrical connection including the pair of electrical contacts each including an electrical contact pad  52  positioned within the female receiving space  38  and an electrical contact pad  54  positioned on the extension handle  42 . Contact pads  52  and  54  of each electrical contact  50  are arranged such that they are engaged and communicate electrical power when the accessory attachment  100  is connected to the handle  12 . 
       FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the cleaning head  14  positioned in the in-use position where the cleaning head forms a general T-shape with the handle  12 . 
       FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the cleaning head  14  positioned in the storage position where the cleaning head is positioned generally parallel to the handle  12 . 
       FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the apparatus  800 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. The apparatus  800  replaces spray nozzle  20  with spray nozzle  820  which is positioned on the cleaning head  814  for movement therewith. Pivot coupling  13  is replaced with pivot coupling  813  including a fluid passage way  815  extending therethrough and connecting the spray nozzle  820  with the pump  20  and container  16 . The cleaning head  814  is shown in the in-use position. 
       FIG. 15  is diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the apparatus  800  of  FIG. 14  illustrating the cleaning head  814  in the storage position. 
       FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a ninth embodiment of the apparatus  900 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus  900  includes a cleaning head  914  of an alternative arrangement having an integral cleaning implement  32  and squeegee blade  34  as depicted. 
       FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a tenth embodiment of the apparatus  1000 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus  1000  includes a cleaning head  1014  of yet and additional alternative arrangement having a cleaning implement  1032  and being devoid of a squeegee blade. Cleaning implement  1032  includes a base  1060  of a flexible sponge and a replaceable covering  1062 . 
       FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an eleventh embodiment of the apparatus  1100 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus  1100  includes a cleaning head  1114  of yet and additional alternative arrangement having a first cleaning implement  1132  and a second cleaning implement  1133 . Cleaning implements  1132  and  1133  are positioned on opposite sides of the cleaning head  1114 . Each of the cleaning implements  1132  and  1133  are similar to the cleaning implement  32  as discussed and shown above which includes base  60  and replaceable covering  62 . 
       FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an twelfth embodiment of the apparatus  1200 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus  1200  includes a cleaning head  1214  of yet and additional alternative arrangement having including a cleaning implement  1232  in the form of a bristle brush. 
       FIG. 20  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an thirteenth embodiment of the apparatus  1300 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus  1300  includes a cleaning head  1314  of yet and additional alternative arrangement having including a cleaning implement  1332  in the form of a bristle brush and being devoid of a squeegee blade. Here, the cleaning head  1314  is fixed with the handle  1312  and does not pivot or fold. 
       FIG. 21  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an additional accessory attachment  120  exploded from end portion  36 . Accessory attachment  120  is in the form of a scraper blade and includes a body  122  having attached thereto a blade  124  suitable for scraping surfaces. Accessory attachment  120  is attached to handle  12  in the same manner as the prior accessory attachments as discussed and shown above. 
       FIG. 22  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an fourteenth embodiment of the apparatus  1400 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. The apparatus  1400  is similar to apparatus  500  as discussed above and includes an integral container  1416  formed into handle  1412 . A dip tube  1402  extends the length of the handle  1412  exteriorly of the container  1416  and is fluidically connected at end  1406  to container  1416  at the bottom thereof. Opposite end  1408  of the dip tube  1402  includes a pump  1420 . The pump  1420  connects the container dip tube  1402  to a spray nozzle  21  through which the cleaning fluid held within the container  1416  is dispensed from during operation of the pump. 
     The pump  1420  includes a pump actuator  1422  that mechanically drives the pump. A solenoid  1424  operatively engages the pump actuator  1422  for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container  1416 . The solenoid  1424  is electrically connected to a power source, such as batteries  26  held within the handle  1412 . A switch  28  electrically connects the solenoid  1424  and the power source  26  for selectively supplying power to the solenoid. A trigger assembly  30  may be included and mounted to the handle  1412 . The trigger assembly  30  operatively engages the switch  28  for selective operation thereof. 
       FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a fifteenth embodiment of the apparatus  1500 . The same reference numbers, as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. The apparatus  1500  is similar to apparatus  1400  as discussed above and includes an integral container  1516  formed into handle  1512 . A dip tube  1502  extends the length of the handle  1512  exteriorly of the container  1516  and is fluidically connected at end  1506  to container  1516  at the bottom thereof. Opposite end  1508  of the dip tube  1502  includes a pump  1520 . The pump  1520  connects the container dip tube  1502  to a spray nozzle  21  through which the cleaning fluid held within the container  1516  is dispensed from during operation of the pump. 
     The pump  1520  includes a pump actuator  1522  that mechanically drives the pump. A motor  1524  operatively engages the pump actuator  1522  for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container  1516 . The motor  1524  is electrically connected to a power source, such as batteries  26  held within the handle  1512 . A switch  28  electrically connects the motor  1524  and the power source  26  for selectively supplying power to the motor  1524 . A trigger assembly  30  may be included and mounted to the handle  1512 . The trigger assembly  30  operatively engages the switch  28  for selective operation thereof. 
     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 Category: 4