Patent Application
20230094037
The present invention relates generally to a device for cleaning windows, specifically to Juliette windows, more specifically to both inner and outer facing surfaces of the Juliette windows at the same time.
KR Pat. No. 101973363 (Kim Kyoung In) discloses a window cleaning device capable of expanding the thickness of the head part. The device is configured such that a head part in an initial state is configured to have a thickness inserted into a gap between a window frame and a glass window, and the head part in an inserted state is configured to press the glass window with a predetermined pressure as the thickness of the head part is expanded by manipulation of a user. Accordingly, it is possible to clean surfaces of two glass windows, of a sliding window, by a simple reciprocating motion. This device requires that sliding glass doors or windows are opened to allow the device to be inserted between the panes. The device is designed to wipe the inner glass surfaces as opposed to functioning in cooperation with a means of washing the glass surfaces.
GB Pat. No. 2,452,907 (Ives) discloses a cleaning device. The device comprising a handle and a pliable cleaning head connected to the handle. The cleaning head comprises a support region sandwiched between a pair of cleaning regions. The device may be used to clean between spaced opposing surfaces for example sliding shower screen doors. The cleaning regions may be made form a non-scratch plastics material, and the support region made from a softer material such as sponge. The cleaning head may be connected to one end of the handle and may be generally D-shaped where the axis of symmetry of the D-shaped head is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the handle. At the opposite end region of the handle may be provided a polishing member comprising a non-abrasive pad supported by a layer of sponge material. It is an aim of the invention to provide a cleaning device for cleaning between spaced facing is surfaces, comprising a handle and a pliable cleaning head connected to the handle, which cleaning head comprises a support region sandwiched between a pair of cleaning regions. The disclosed device has a pair of cleaning regions that are positioned at a fixed distance apart, and are therefore not expandable to provide additional pressure for adequate cleaning or to be able to clean surfaces that are various distances apart.
CA Pat Appl 2,936,062 (Hevlin) discloses a device with expandable cleaning head. The cleaning device is adapted to having a controllable and expandable cleaning surface head. The expandable cleaning surface head is associated with a handle where movement in the vertical direction of the handle is adapted to horizontal movement that controls the size of cleaning surface head. The invention relates to a cleaning device such as a squeegee, mop or broom that are adapted to having a controllable and expandable cleaning head. The invention is generally of a variable-width cleaning device, such as a mop, squeegee, sweeper or broom, comprising a vertical handle portion and a horizontal head portion, the head portion having variable width. The head portion comprises a cleaning surface that may be controllably expanded or retracted to assume variable widths form a narrow cleaning head to a wide cleaning head, or widths therebetween. The disclosed device has only one cleaning surface and it is the planar dimensions of the cleaning surface or head that are expandable, not the width of the surface or head to enable the cleaning of surfaces that are various distances apart.
KR Pat. No. 101725398 (Seo Sang II) discloses a cleaning member for cleaning windows. A supporting structure for balancing between windows formed of a pair of frames so that the outer glass of a window such as a high-rise house or an apartment and a building can be easily cleaned. It is possible to form a contact portion contacting one side of the frame and a cleaning portion contacting the outside of the window on both sides of the support portion so that the outside of the window can be cleaned through the opening and closing of the window. The invention is another example of a way in which to clean the inner surface of sliding windows or doors, this particular device clipped onto an inner surface and actuated by opening and closing the sliding panel.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,279 (Sager) discloses a window cleaning device adapted to clean facing surfaces of closely spaced parallel windows. It is made of an elongated head member having scrubber material associated therewith, and a rigid elongated straight handle which joins the head member in T-configuration. The head member has a central portion terminating in flexing regions, and rigid outer portions emergent from the flexing regions. When the head member is inserted between the windows, and the handle is twisted about its axis, the rigid outer portions are deflected in opposite directions away from the handle and thereby contact both facing window surfaces. This device is of fixed proportions, rotation of the device by the user is required to cause opposing heads to make contact with the opposing panes of glass.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,430,781 (Collins) discloses a window blind cleaning system. The system is for cleaning the slats of vertical or horizontal blinds of varying heights, with a user selected cleaning material placed over the cleaning heads, which the user remotely actuates to close the cleaning surfaces onto the slats to be cleaned. The system includes a handle, an extension handle, handle mounted trigger, actuating link, backing plates with attached cleaning pads forming the cleaning heads. This particular invention is not useful for cleaning windows or doors.
KR Pat. Appl. 20110011293 (Jeong) discloses a glass cleaning tool. The tool includes a core material having an elastic force and a cleaning member detachably provided at an outer circumference of the core material to clean the glass. The inner and outer cleaning spheres with magnets are placed on the outer and inner sides of the glass window, and when the user wipes the inner side of the glass window from the inner side to the inner side of the glass window, the outer side of the outer side as the magnet moves thereby cleaning the inside and outside sides of the glass window at the same time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,682 (Realdon) discloses a window cleaning device. The squeegee-type cleaning device for washing windows and other structures has a holder with a brush, a support for the holder, a wiper blade adjacent the brush and a fluid supply connected by a hose to the holder. Apertures provided along the length of the holder allow fluid to be pumped from the supply along the entire length of the brush. A manually operated pump is provided to pump this fluid. The brush is pivotable relative to the support and a telescopic pole can be provided on the support to aid in cleaning of the structure.
JP Pat. No. 2002/097860 (Ihara) discloses a window with sweeper. A sweeper is provided on one side of an opposed stile on the center side in a glass window composed of a double sliding door type sash, and the tip of the sweeper is brought into contact with the other glass surface to clean the glass surface. A wire screen is provided on the outdoor side of the double sliding door type sash, and the center side stile of the wire screen is provided with the sweeper brought into contact with the opposed glass surface to clean the glass surface. The technique for cleaning a glass surface on the outside of a glass window of a sliding door type sash simply by opening and closing the glass window.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,340 (Knopow) discloses an extendible cleaning implement having two support heads. The cleaning tool is designed to be used with at least one cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt or cleaning pad. The cleaning tool includes a telescoping support comprised of a plurality of telescopingly received shafts or sections wherein one of the shafts is an I-beam. The shafts may be freely extended into a locked fully extended position and released via depression of a first engaging projection. A primary support head and secondary support head are pivotally mounted to a forward mount and releasably locked together.
All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.
None of the above cited documents, alone or in combination, satisfy the need for a device that can simultaneously clean opposing parallel surfaces of Juliette balcony windows without having access to the inside of the building.
It is an object of the invention to provide a device for cleaning opposing surfaces of Juliette balcony windows and method of use.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a device for cleaning opposing surfaces of Juliette-style balcony windows, said device comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second end and two opposing longitudinal edges; a handle at said first end of said shaft; a cleaning head at said second end of said shaft, said cleaning head comprising: two opposing similarly sized backing plates, each of said backing plates having an inner surface and an outer surface; and one or more cleaning pads releasable attached to said outer surface of each of said backing plates; and an activating mechanism attached to each of said backing plates, said activating mechanism configured to move each of said backing plates from a first compact inoperative position to a second expanded operative position; wherein said device is inserted into said Juliette-style balcony windows and when said activating mechanism is moved from said first position to said second position, said backing plates are moved until said one or more cleaning pads attached to said outer surface of each of said backing plates touch said opposing surfaces of Juliette-style balcony windows, said activating mechanism being moved from said second position to said first position after said windows have been cleaned to allow removal of said device from said Juliette-style balcony windows.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of cleaning Juliette-style balcony windows, said method comprising: inserting a device into a gap formed between a balcony or patio door and a balcony facade with handrail, said device comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second end and two opposing longitudinal edges; a handle at said first end of said shaft; a cleaning head at said second end of said shaft, said cleaning head comprising: two opposing similarly sized backing plates, each of said backing plates having an inner surface and an outer surface; and one or more cleaning pads releasable attached to said outer surface of each of said backing plates; and an activating mechanism attached to each of said backing plates; and an activating mechanism configured to move each of said backing plates from a first compact inoperative position to a second expanded operative position; activating said activating mechanism to move each of said backing plates from a first compact inoperative position to a second expanded operative position wherein said backing plates are moved until said one or more cleaning pads attached to said outer surface of each of said backing plates touch said opposing surfaces of Juliette-style balcony windows; applying water or a cleaning solution to said Juliette-style balcony windows; moving said cleaning pads over said Juliette-style balcony windows to clean said windows; activating said activating mechanism to move each of said backing plates from said second expanded operative position to said first compact inoperative position; and lifting said device out of said gap using said handle.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols.
To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.
Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.
Embodiments of the invention as described herein relate to a device that is configured and proportioned to be able to clean the opposing surfaces of Juliette balcony windows. The device is capable of simultaneously cleaning both surfaces from the exterior of the building.
One embodiment of the device comprises a handle attached, via a shaft to an opposing pair of cleaning heads. The opposing pair of cleaning heads are mounted on opposite sides of mounting or backing plates that are positioned either side of an expandable or inflatable member. The expandable or inflatable member can cause the opposing cleaning heads to be moved from a compact inoperative position to an expanded operative position. The expandable or inflatable member can be selected from the group comprising, but not limited to: an inflatable bladder; a mechanical means of expansion and compression such as a screw operated scissor mechanism; or screw or cable operated wedge mechanism. The inflatable bladder can be actuated by pumping air or water into the bladder, the pumping of fluid can be powered either manually or electrically.
The device can be manually inserted into the gap formed between opposing surfaces of the Juliette window, which may be glass, acetate, Perspex™ or combinations thereof. The expandable or inflatable member actuated from the compact to the expanded position. Subsequent manual movement of the opposing pair of cleaning heads, in combination with the application of water and optional cleaning products, resulting in the cleaning of the opposing surfaces of the Juliette balcony window.
The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Juliette window cleaning device 102 is indicated generally. The device comprises a handle 104, connected to a front cleaning head 122 via a shaft 116. An inflation/deflation mechanism 106, comprising influx port or nozzle 108 and efflux port or nozzle 110, is in fluid connection with a bladder 112.
In the embodiment as illustrated, the fluid connection to the bladder 112 is achieved via an inflation/deflation tube 118. The inflation/deflation tube 118 being attached to the shaft 116 by a series of securement members 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflation/deflation tube 118 is divided into two tubes as it enters the front cleaning head 122 by way of a splitter 120.
This illustration of the Juliette window cleaning device 102 shows the device in its compact orientation, proportioned to enable the shaft 116 and front cleaning head 122 and rear cleaning head 202 to fit into the gap formed between the balcony door (not shown) and the balcony facade (not shown). The front cleaning head 122 and rear cleaning head 202 are each attached to backing plates 204. One side of each backing plate 204 abuts the bladder 112 and the other side of each backing plate 204 is attached to the cleaning head.
In operation, the compacted device is lowered into the gap formed between the balcony door and the balcony facade using the handle 104. Typically, water or air is pumped into the inflatable bladder 112 via the influx port or nozzle 108. The bladder 112 is inflated until the front cleaning head 122 touched the balcony window and the rear cleaning head 202 touches the balcony facade.
When the device has been inflated, and the front cleaning head 122 and rear cleaning head 202 positioned against the respective balcony window and balcony facade, the Juliette window cleaning device 102 can be used to clean both Juliette window surfaces.
Water or cleaning fluid is applied to the window surfaces and the Juliette window cleaning device 102 is moved from side to side and up and down within the gap formed between the balcony door and the balcony facade using the handle 104.
In one embodiment of the invention, the wash and rinse wand 422 comprises pipe 402 having a series of holes 404 along its length forming a perforated section 408. The pipe 402 has a ball valve 410 at one end and a capped end 406 at the other end.
A water supply 414 is provided via a hose 424. The water supply 414 can pass through a soap container 418 where a soap solution is dosed into the water supply 414 prior to entry into the wash and rinse wand 422. Alternatively, the water supply 414 can by-pass the soap container 418 via the soap bypass line 416. The flow of water, either directly to the wash and rinse wand 422 or via the soap container 418, is controlled by a ball valve for soap bypass 412. A one-way check valve 420 is typically present in the hose 424 after the water supply 414 exits the soap container 418 to prevent reverse water flow.
In operation, the Juliette window cleaning device 102 is inserted into the gap formed between the balcony door and the balcony facade and inflated, as described in
The Juliette window cleaning device 102 is then moved up and down and side to side, using the handle 104, thereby moving the front cleaning head 122 and rear cleaning head 202 over the balcony door and the balcony facade respectively. The cleaning solution, typically comprising water and soap, helping to remove the dirt and grime that has accumulated on the balcony door and the balcony facade.
When the dirt and grime has been loosened, the ball valve for soap bypass 412 is activated resulting in the water supply 414 being routed via the soap bypass line 416. The clean, or non-soapy, water supply is then used to rinse the balcony door and the balcony facade.
In this embodiment, the cleaning head 708, comprising a front cleaning head 122 and a rear cleaning head 202 is attached to an extension pole 704. The lower end of the extension pole 704 has a lower threaded section 706 that fits into a corresponding threaded socket 702 that is attached to the cleaning head 708.
The embodiment of the invention illustrated herein again shows the sleek silhouette of the Juliette window cleaning device 102 which enable this alternative embodiment of the device to fit into the gap between the balcony door and the balcony facade.
As can be seen in
In operation, the alternative embodiment of the invention functions in essentially the same way as the embodiments illustrated in
This additional embodiment of the invention resembles the embodiment illustrated in
In this additional embodiment however, the shaft 116 is attached to the cleaning head 708 via a rotational attachment such as a pivot point 1002. The pivot point 1002 allows the cleaning heads 708 to be set at a specific position. In the embodiment as shown, this is achieved by way of articulating mechanism 1004 comprising a series of notches, cogs, gears or articulations on an upper edge of the cleaning head 708 positioned in an arc around the pivot point 1002. An actuating mechanism 1008, extending from the handle 104 to the articulating mechanism 1004 is held in place on the shaft 116 by one or more attachment members 1010. A stop or locking mechanism 1012 that is sized and proportioned to cooperate with the articulating mechanism 1004 is connected to the end of the actuating mechanism 1008 that abuts the articulating mechanism 1004 by a connection member 1006.
In operation, the user activates or disengages the actuating mechanism 1008 such that the stop or locking mechanism 1012 is withdrawn from a notch, cog, gear or articulation, thereby allowing the cleaning head 708 to rotate about the pivot point 1002. When the cleaning head 708 has been positioned the appropriate position, the actuating mechanism 1008 is reactivates or engages the actuating mechanism 1008 such that the stop or locking mechanism 1012 is extended into a different notch, cog, gear or articulation.
The wash and rinse wand 422 is not shown in this FIG, but it can be attached to an edge of the shaft 116 as described previously.
The embodiment as illustrated shows the resultant positioning of the cleaning head 708 after the actuating mechanism 1008 has be disengaged and re-engaged in a different position as described in
In some embodiments of the invention the guiding device 1208 is attached to an upper portion of the shaft 116 by a releasable or flexible coupling or a rotational attachment. In some embodiments of the invention the flexible body 1204 is telescopic.
The guiding device 1208 is used to assist in removing the Juliette window cleaning device 102 out from within the gap between the balcony door and the balcony facade. Often the balcony facade has a ridge on the top which can cause removal of the Juliette window cleaning device 102 difficult.
In some embodiments of the invention, the guiding device 1208 is releasably attached to the shaft of the Juliette window cleaning device 102, typically by way of a flexible coupling. When cleaning windows on tall buildings, it is important that all pieces of equipment are securely fastened. Hence even if the guiding device 1208 is releasably attached to the Juliette window cleaning device 102, it is never totally releasable, there always being some form of permanent connection.
The releasable or flexible coupling or a rotational attachment can include, but is not limited to: a push-fit connector, a hook and loop, and a swivel fitting. The permanent connection may be at a similar or distinct position from the releasable or flexible coupling or a rotational attachment, and may be by way of a chain, or wire. In some embodiments of the invention the guiding device 1208 has telescopic elements.
In operation, the guiding device 1208 is positioned such that is does not interfere with the cleaning of the Juliette balcony window. When the windows have been cleaned and rinsed and the Juliette window cleaning device 102 needs to be removed from the gap between the balcony door and the balcony facade, the guiding device 1208 is moved into an operative position. The guiding handle 1202 is used to position the guiding device 1208 down into the gap, with the curved end 1206 touching the balcony facade. The flexible body 1204 then is positioned against the rail at the top of the balcony facade. Then, when the handle 104 of the Juliette window cleaning device 102 is lifted, the flexible body 1204 of the guiding device 1208 prevents the cleaning heads 708 from becoming wedged against the rail at the top of the balcony facade.
The Juliette window cleaning device 102 as illustrated resembles the device shown and described in
In this particular embodiment of the invention, the shaft 116 is either sectioned into two pieces or is fabricated using a two-piece shaft 116. Opposing edges of the shaft 116 are then connected by way of one or more hinges 1402. The hinge 1402 or hinges 1402 can be attached to either the front or rear surface of the shaft 116. In the illustrated embodiment, a single piano hinge 1402 is connected to the front surfaces of the shaft 116.
The Juliette window cleaning device 102 as illustrated resembles the device shown and described in
The inclusion of a hinge 1402 allows the upper section of shaft 1502 to be rotated about the hinge 1402 to multiple positions, for example, to a first position 1508 or a second position 1510.
The Juliette window cleaning device 102 as illustrated resembles the device shown and described in
The inclusion of a hinge 1402 allows the upper section of shaft 1502 to be rotated about the hinge 1402 to multiple positions, for example, to a first position 1508 or a second position 1510.
This invention provides quality cleaning of Juliette balcony windows. This is achieved with consistent, even pressure coupled with adequate friction and materials that together will allow two parallel panes of glass to be scrubbed at one time. Once the glass surfaces have received an adequate scrub, a rinse with clean water via a hose connected to the rinsing wand completes the cleaning.
This system provides the highest quality cleaning for this specific type of window in the industry. This system allows all work to be completed via the exterior of the windows. This means that no access to residential units will be required. This also means that no doors or windows need to be removed, preventing damage to units that may not be designed to be removed annually. This system has been designed and tested for use on multiple styles and brands of windows. This system is also designed for use at both ground level and on multiple access platforms such as swing stage, rope access and elevated work platforms.
The scrubbing portion of this system functions with the use of multiple bladders or air bags that are attached to a one piece handle, shaft or shank and back plates. Attached to the bladder or air bag is a front plate the same dimensions as the back plate. The profile of the shaft or shank, front and back plate as well as bladder or air bag assembly allows this system to pass through relatively small gaps. Some particularly sleek embodiments of the invention have a profile in the region of 1-2″ in width. Once through the top gap, comprised of the balcony handrail and balcony or patio doors, the bladder or air bags are inflated, using air or water, via hand operated pump until the desired pressure is achieved. Both sides of the glass are then wet using the rinse wand and soap is added. The glass is then scrubbed and rinsed until the desired quality is achieved.
The market for this system would be very demanding. The window cleaning industry is a highly competitive market and any advantages specific to the Juliette balconies would be an asset. The information described in this application underlines the need for a viable solution to this problem. The main issue the window cleaning industry faces with cleaning Juliette balconies is access. Typically, performing cleaning of these types of windows involves directly accessing residential units, disassembling the patio doors and performing the cleaning services in the residents unit. Entering a residence during the best of times proves difficult and this exponentially more so given the current global pandemic. Disassembling patio doors also poses issues, in that these windows and the safety features installed in them are not designed to be removed. This often results in damage. This invention provides a level of quality not available on the market, with an access method that provides paramount customer satisfaction.
Numerous different variations to the embodiments of the invention as described herein are contemplated to be within the scope of protection being sought.
For example, the contact surfaces may be stitched to the front and back plates of the cleaning heads 708. Other variations include having removable window contact pads fastened to the backing plates 204 with hooks and latches, or hook and loop type fastenings such as Velcro™, thereby providing the ability to change the material of the contact surfaces. The cleaning pads can be fabricated in various dimensions and made from a variety of materials suitable for cleaning windows, including but not limited to: cut nap fabric, micro fiber fabric, extra fine steel wool etc.
The bladder 112 can be inflated using water from the water supply 414 that is also connected to the wash and rinse wand 422. The ball valve 410 and ball valve for soap bypass 412 can be set to supply clean water to fill the bladder 112 after the Juliette window cleaning device 102 has been inserted in the gap between the balcony or patio door and the balcony rail and facade. Then the windows have been cleaned and rinsed, the water in the bladder can be expelled from a port on the bladder.
Alternatively, the bladder can be inflated via multiple mechanisms such as an air tank, air compressor or air pump. The air can then be extracted from the bladder via a vacuum pump.
Different embodiments of the invention provide the ability to change the air bags or bladders for different widths. A variety of different releasable fastening mechanisms known to workers in the field could be used.
Additional embodiments of the invention include a mechanical means of expanding the cleaning heads 708 after the Juliette window cleaning device 102 has been inserted into the gap between the balcony door and facade. The expansion can be achieved using, for example, a screw operated scissor mechanism or screw or cable operated wedge mechanism known to those of skill in the field.
The cleaning heads 708 can be of different dimensions to those illustrated in the figures, as can the shape and position of the handle 104. In some embodiments, it is possible to change the angle of the handle in respect to the contact surfaces via a hinge mechanism.
All models used for high level access will have some means of securing all components against falling from height. Typically, a hole that can be attached to a backup rope or cable.
Most elements of the Juliette window cleaning device 102 are constructed from plastic, stainless steel, aluminum or other composite materials, with the exception of the soft contact surfaces.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
