SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with a surface cleaning apparatus. The apparatus has substantially elongate and laterally extending head portion and a handle portion defining a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the head portion. The head portion includes opposite lateral ends, a first housing defining a first chamber and a rim forming an opening via which water from a surface to be cleaned enters the first chamber, a squeegee connected to the rim for directing the water via the opening to the first chamber, and guide means for guiding the water from the squeegee to the first chamber for initial containment, thus minimizing the water from dripping away from the apparatus in use, and the handle portion includes a second housing forming the handle portion and defining a second chamber for receiving and containing the water from the first chamber for subsequent containment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with an improved surface cleaning apparatus, including but not limited to window scrapers and squeegee apparatus. The target surface concerned includes but not limited to glass, exterior or relatively smooth surface of a building or other larger objects such as a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of surface cleaning devices. One aspect of maintaining cleanliness of a surface is whether, during maintenance of a premises, surrounding zo areas or users would be affected. In a cleaning operation, water with detergent is often used. In such scenario, soiled water from the cleaning would often drip to surrounding areas, causing unwanted soap marks and damages. Some of these marks may be temporary but some would cause permanent marks. There are also the issues of nearby pedestrians. Very often, during a cleaning exercise, the soiled water would drip to bypassing pedestrians. This is undesirable from both a maintenance point of view and non-disturbance to pedestrians.

One particular type of surface cleaning apparatus is the use of a squeegee for cleaning water away from the surface, e.g. glass surface. Ideally, the surface after having been cleaned would be shiny and left with no residues or streak marks. This is particularly of importance in the context of high end commercial buildings or meticulous users. In such context, the surface, be it glass surface, wall, metallic or granite surface, is expected to be spotless. Since nowadays many buildings are made with essentially entirely smooth surface (e.g. glass surface) on the exterior, it can be envisaged that the exterior area of the surface of such buildings is massive and maintaining a spotless surface is an ongoing challenge.

The present invention seeks to address these issues, or at least to provide an alternative to the public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a substantially elongate and laterally extending head portion and a handle portion defining a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the head portion; wherein:

• • the head portion includes:
    • i. opposite lateral ends,
    • ii. a first housing defining a first chamber and a rim forming an opening via which water from a surface to be cleaned enters the first chamber,
    • iii. a squeegee connected to the rim for directing the water via the opening to the first chamber, and
    • iv. guide means for guiding the water from the squeegee to the first chamber for initial containment, thus minimizing the water from dripping away from the apparatus in use; and
  • the handle portion includes:
    • i. a second housing forming the handle portion and defining a second chamber for receiving and containing the water from the first chamber for subsequent containment.With this configuration, most if not all water cleaned from the surface is trapped in the apparatus and thus nuisance of water dripping away to the surroundings during cleaning is minimize.

Preferably, the squeegee may be in the form of a lip with a wider proximal end connected to the rim and a narrower distal end extending from the rim for engagement with a surface to be cleaned. The length of the head portion may be longer than the wider end of the squeegee.

Advantageously, the first chamber may be divided into at least a first zone, a second zone and a third zone, the zones, depending on the orientation of the apparatus in use, acting as initial containment of water to different extent. The apparatus may comprise a first divider and a second divider in the first housing, the first housing and the first divider defining the first zone, and the first housing and the second divider defining the second zone. The guide means may include a first guide and a second guide arranged on opposite ends of the squeegee for directing water to the first zone and the third zone of the first chamber, respectively.

In an embodiment, the guide means may include one said first guide and one said second guide, the one said first guide and the one said second guide are in the form of edges raised from farthest opposite ends of the squeegee.

In one embodiment, the guide means may include one said first guide and one said second guide, the one said first guide and the one said second guide are in the form of ridges raised from distal opposite ends of the squeegee and adjacent farthest opposite ends of the squeegee. The ridges may be arranged to point towards distal ends of the first divider and the second divider, respectively.

On another embodiment, the guide means may include a third guide arranged in mid-way of the squeegee, the third guide may be in the form of a ridge raised from a center region of the squeegee and pointed towards the handle portion.

Suitably, the apparatus may comprise a squeegee head from which the squeegee extends, wherein the squeegee head may be fixedly fitted to the housing.

The laterally extending head portion may include enlarged opposite ends bulged therefrom and defining the first and second zones of the first chamber.

Preferably, the apparatus may comprise a conduit defining a channel for diverting the water from the first chamber to the second chamber. The conduit may extend from a neck of the apparatus to a distal end of the handle portion away from the head portion, connecting the head portion and the handle portion,

In one configuration, the apparatus when assuming a vertical position and during a downwardly scraping operation may be adapted to divert the water primarily to the third zone. Alternatively, the apparatus when assuming a horizontal position and during a sideway scraping operation may be adapted to divert the water primarily to the first or second zone.

Advantageously, the handle portion may be removably attachable to the head portion, and wherein a front end of the handle portion when detached from the handle portion may be provided with an opening for allowing drainage the water contained in the handle portion. For example, the handle portion may be provided with an opening at a distal end away from the head portion and may include a removable closure member for closing the opening, opening of which allowing drainage the water contained in the handle portion. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a valve system for preventing backflow of the water from the second chamber to the first chamber.

The second housing of the handle portion of the apparatus generally assumes the shape of an oval body defining an opening therein.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a substantially elongate and laterally extending head portion and a handle portion defining a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the head portion; wherein:

• • the head portion includes:
    • i. opposite lateral ends,
    • ii. a first housing defining a first chamber and a rim forming an opening via which water from a surface to be cleaned enters the first chamber,
    • iii. a squeegee connected to the rim for directing the water via the opening to the first chamber, and
    • iv. a plurality of guide members in the form of raised edges or ridges on the squeegee, and
    • v. a plurality of dividers formed in the head portion and extending from a lower part to an upper part across the head portion;
  • the guide members are in a form to guide the water from the squeegee to the first chamber for initial containment, thus minimizing the water from dripping away from the apparatus in use;
  • the guide members and the dividers together define paths for channeling flow of water engaged with the squeegee in an cleaning operation, and in use specific water flow paths depending on the orientation of the apparatus; and
  • the handle portion includes a second housing forming the handle portion and defining a second chamber for receiving and containing the water from the first chamber for subsequent containment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be explained, with reference to the accompanied drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of a conventional surface cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a head portion of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating mechanism and working of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2 in one scenario;

FIG. 11 is another schematic diagram illustrating the mechanism and working of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanism and working of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2 in another scenario;

FIGS. 13a and 13b are schematic diagrams showing the mechanism and working of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 14a and 14b are schematic diagrams illustrating the mechanism and working of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2 in yet another scenario; and

FIGS. 15a and 15b are schematic diagrams illustrating the mechanism and working of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2 in yet another scenario.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with a surface cleaning apparatus, including such as those in the form of or having a squeegee. The invention is illustrated and explained below by way of examples.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional window cleaning device during use. It illustrates that during cleaning, water is dripping to surrounding areas of the window and the water has caused a mess and untidiness. If the window is situated next to a carpeted floor, damage to the carpet would occur. If the window is situated next to a location where there is pedestrian traffic, much nuisance to the pedestrians would arise.

FIGS. 2-5 & 7 show different views of an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus, generally designated 2, according to the present invention. As demonstrated in FIG. 2, when the apparatus is held in an upright position, the apparatus 2 generally comprises a head (upper) portion 4 and a (lower) handle portion 6. Specifically, the head portion 4 is substantially elongate in profile and laterally extending, and thus defining an axis or a longitudinal extending axis (1^st) A-A′. The handle portion 6 is also elongate in profile but vertically extending with respect to axis A-A′, and thus defining another axis or a vertical axis (2^nd) B-B′ generally perpendicular to the head portion 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the apparatus 2 taken at A-A′ of FIG. 7 showing some of its interior structure and configuration. The head portion 4 includes a first housing 8 which defines a first chamber 10 and a rim 12 forming an opening. The head portion 4 further includes a squeegee 16 connected to the rim 12. The squeegee 16 is rubbery in texture. In this embodiment, the head portion 4 also includes a squeegee head 18 made of a relatively stiff plastic(s) material. The squeegee head 18 runs across the lateral length of the head portion 4, and acts as a reinforcement strip. The squeegee head 18 is elongate and supports the squeegee 16 and improve its rigidity in use. The combined use of the squeegee head 18 and the squeegee 16 acts to ensure that while the squeegee 16 is flexible and deformable in adjusting to a surface to be cleaned, and yet it can engage and conform to the surface. The combination together would not be overly soft and thus can control movement of water on the more effectively.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the apparatus 2. The first housing 8 is primarily made of two members, namely an upper part 20 and a lower part 22 which together primarily define the first chamber 10. The squeegee 16 supported by the squeegee head 18 is secured to the first housing 8 at the rim located at a front end ‘F’ thereof. By “front end” ‘F’, it means when the apparatus 2 is held in an in-use position with a hand holding the handle portion 6 and with the head portion 4 forwardly extending from the handle portion.

The head portion 4 is connected to and extended from the handle portion 6. The apparatus 2 comprises a connector 24 which connects the head portion 4 and the handle portion 6. Specifically, the connector 24 provides a channel which allows fluid communication between the first chamber 10 of the housing and a second chamber 28 defined by a second housing 20 of the handle portion 6. Still referring to FIG. 8, the apparatus 2 is provided with an actuating button 32. The actuating button 32 controls movement of a shutter (not shown) and acts as an actuator. At default, the shutter is configured to close the channel such that water contained in the handle portion 6 would not back flow to the head portion 4. On depression of the actuating button 32, water can freely travel from within the head portion 4 to within the handle portion 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing an interior structure of the head portion 4. The housing 8 of the head portion is provided with first and second dividers 34, 36 which separate the first chamber 10 of the first housing 8 into different zones. Specifically, the first divider 34 and the first housing 8 together define a first zone 38, and the second divider 36 and the first housing 8 together define a second zone 40. The first and second zones 38, 40 are located at opposite laterally ends of the head portion 4. The dividers are in the form of walls which extend from the lower part 22 to the upper part 20 across the first chamber 10. The walls are continuous but not straight walls that run cross their entire length thereof. Rather, they have different sections angled with respect to each other and are generally configured in an adjoining zig-zag manner, and are further discussed below.

The first and second dividers 34, 36 together with the first housing 8 also define a third zone 42 arranged between the first and second zones 38, 40.

In this embodiment, the first housing 8 is also provided with a third divider 44 which separate the third zone 42 to two sub-zones 42a, 42b. Like the first and second dividers 34, 36, the third divider 44 is also in the form of a wall which extend from the lower part 22 to the upper part 20 across the first chamber 10. However, unlike the first and second dividers 34, 36, the third divider 44 is generally straight and runs from the front end ‘F’ of the first chamber 10 of the head portion 4 towards the rear end ‘R’, or perpendicular to the laterally extending axis A-A′ of the head portion 4.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams which further show the structure of the apparatus 2 (and its mechanism) by way of its operation. FIG. 11 illustrate the first, second and third dividers 34, 36, 44, the first, second and third zones 38, 40, 42, and the two subzones 42a, 42b of the third zone 42. The first divider 34 is primarily made of three sections of the wall, namely a front section 34a, a middle section 34b and a rear section 34c. The middle section 34b is relatively narrow compared to the first and third sections 34a, 34c. The middle section 34b is situated closest, and generally runs in parallel to a lateral side 46 of the head portion 4. The front section 34a is longer and is inclined or angled from the middle section 34b and extends from the middle section 34b away from the lateral side 46 to roughly about ⅛ of the length of the head portion 4. One end of the front section 34a continues from the middle section 34b, and the other end, or the distal end, is situated adjacent and closer to the squeegee 16. The rear section 34c is also inclined from the middle section 34b, but extends from the lateral side 46 all the way towards the connector 24. From FIG. 11, it can be seen that the first divider 34 although made of three walls is continuously formed. It can be envisaged that formation of the first divider generally resembles the shape of a valley, or an asymmetric “U” but with one side of the slope substantially longer than the other. It can also be envisaged that the first divider 34 together with the first housing 8 forms a first pocket 48 and a second pocket 50 (illustrated in the dashed circles in FIG. 11), with the first pocket 48 arranged externally of the asymmetric U-shaped wall (and formed by the lateral of the first housing), and the second pocket 50 arranged from internally of the asymmetric U-shaped wall.

The second divider 36 is generally identical to the first divider 34 except it is situated at the opposite lateral end of the head portion 4 and of mirror image thereof. For reason of brevity, description of the second divider is not repeated.

FIG. 11 illustrates the squeegee 16 in greater detail. The squeegee 16 is provided with guide means configured to guide water in contact with the squeegee 16 to the first chamber 10. The guide means includes a number of guide members in the form of ribs situated along the squeegee 16. Specifically, the guide means includes first and second guide members 52, 54 in the form of raised edges extended from farthest opposite ends of the squeegee 16.

The guide means further includes two guide members 56, 58 in the form of ridges raised from distal opposite ends of the squeegee 16 and adjacent farthest opposite ends where the edges lie. One end of these two guide members 56, 58 point towards the bottom of the asymmetric U-shaped walls of the first and second dividers, respectively. The other end of the two guide members 56, 58 point away from the head portion 4.

The guide means further includes two guide members 60, 62 also in the form of ridges raised from the squeegee 16. These two ridges 60, 62 are situated on the squeegee 16 but further inwardly away from the edges. One end of these two guide members 60, 62 point towards distal end of the first and second dividers, 34, 36 respectively. The other end of the two guide members 60, 62 point away from the head portion.

The guide means includes a further guide member 64 also in the form of a ridge raised from the squeegee 16. This ridge is situated substantially mid-way of the squeegee 16.

The guide means acts as a deflector for controlling and manipulating movement of the water on a surface engaged by the squeegee 16 to different zones in the first chamber 10. In one scenario, the water that engages the squeegee 16 between the first guide member (first edge) 52 and the guide member 56 and/or 60 would be channeled to the first zone 38; the water that engages the squeegee 16 between the second guide member (second edge) 54 and the guide member 58 and/or 62 would be channeled to the second zone 40; the water that engages the squeegee 16 between the further guide member 64 (and on whichever side of the mid-ridge) would be channeled to the third zone 42. However, the movement of the water also depends on the orientation of the apparatus and its operation in use, as further explained below.

FIGS. 12 and 13 a show that the apparatus 2 is engaged in a surface cleaning exercise with the squeegee 16 pressing against the surface. Specifically, the apparatus 2 has assumed a sideway position or horizontally moving cleaning path. In this position, the laterally extending head portion 4 is vertically arranged, and the handle portion 6 is horizontally arranged. When the apparatus 2 engages a surface with the squeegee scrapping across the surface, water that is in contact with the squeegee 16 tends to slide downwardly along the squeegee 16 due to gravity. However, when the water meets the guide members 52, 56, 60, 64, 62, 58, 54, it is guided to enter the opening of the first chamber 10. Specifically, when the water meets the middle guide member 64, it is channeled to reach the first subzone 42a; when the water meets the guide member 62, it is channeled to reach the second subzone 42b and contained in the second pocket of the second divider 36; and when the water meets the guide member 58 and/or the second edge 54, it is channeled to reach and contained in the first pocket. It is to be noted that in this sideway position, while the water enters the first chamber and specifically to the subzones 42a, 42b and the second zone, it does not enter the first zone. (On the other hand, in an opposite sideway position, while the water enters the first chamber to the subzones and the first zone, it does not enter the second zone.) Regardless of how or where the water enters the first chamber, not only the surface is being cleaned, but also the water is contained, at least temporarily, in the head portion 4. Attention is to be drawn to the arrows in at least FIG. 11 showing water flow paths as the water engages the apparatus.

FIGS. 12 and 13 b show that during a cleaning exercise when the apparatus begins with a generally horizontal moving path and then changes the cleaning path to the downwardly moving path, water to be cleaned from the surface changes the way it reacts with the head portion. Specifically, the water that engages the squeegees is guided pass the opening to all of the first, second and third zones. It is also to be noted that that water that was collected and temporarily contained in the pockets is channeled to the second chamber via the connector. In other words, each change of orientation of the apparatus during a cleaning exercise can trigger the empty of the pockets and channel the liquid to the second chamber of the handle portion. Please see arrows in FIGS. 12, 13a, and 13b which show direction of movement of water during different positions of the apparatus.

FIGS. 14 and 14 b show that the water collected in the second chamber can be stored there until it is emptied. The apparatus is provided with a conduit that extends from the connector to within the cavity of the handle portion. The conduit is of some length that reaches towards at least a mid-region of the handle portion. In an upright position as shown in FIG. 14a, the water trapped within the handle portion. Even in a downward positon, the water would be back flow to the head portion because the sufficiently long length narrowness of the conduit acts as a valve for trapping the water in the handle portion.

FIGS. 15a shows the head portion and the handle portion detached from each other. In this embodiment, the handle portion is screwed threadedly engageable with the head portion. FIG. 15b shows that when the handle portion is unscrewed and disconnected from the head portion, the (soiled) water collected therein can be disposed.

The handle portion in this embodiment generally adopts an oval profile with an oval opening in the center. With this profile, a user can easily grip the apparatus and maneuver it during a cleaning operation.

It should be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the content of separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the content of a single embodiment, may be provided separately or in any appropriate sub-combinations. It is to be noted that certain features of the embodiments are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples. Also, a skilled person in the art will be aware of the prior art which is not explained in the above for brevity purpose.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a substantially elongate and laterally extending head portion and a handle portion defining a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the head portion, wherein: the head portion includes: i. opposite lateral ends,ii. a first housing defining a first chamber and a rim forming an opening via which water from a surface to be cleaned enters the first chamber,iii. a squeegee connected to the rim for directing the water via the opening to the first chamber, andiv. guide means for guiding the water from the squeegee to the first chamber for initial containment, thus minimizing the water from dripping away from the apparatus in use; andthe handle portion includes: a second housing forming the handle portion and defining a second chamber for receiving and containing the water from the first chamber for subsequent containment.

2. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the squeegee is in the form of a lip with a wider proximal end connected to the rim and a narrower distal end extending from the rim for engagement with a surface to be cleaned.

3. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the length of the head portion is longer than the wider end of the squeegee.

4. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first chamber is divided into at least a first zone, a second zone and a third zone, the first, second and third zones, depending on the orientation of the apparatus in use, acting as initial containment of water to different extent.

5. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, comprising a first divider and a second divider in the first housing, the first housing and the first divider defining the first zone, and the first housing and the second divider defining the second zone.

6. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the guide means includes a first guide and a second guide arranged on opposite ends of the squeegee for directing water to the first zone and the third zone of the first chamber, respectively.

7. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the guide means includes one said first guide and one said second guide, the one said first guide and the one said second guide are in the form of edges raised from farthest opposite ends of the squeegee.

8. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the guide means includes one said first guide and one said second guide, the one said first guide and the one said second guide are in the form of ridges raised from distal opposite ends of the squeegee and adjacent farthest opposite ends of the squeegee.

9. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ridges are arranged to point towards distal ends of the first divider and the second divider, respectively.

10. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the guide means includes a third guide arranged in mid-way of the squeegee, the third guide is in the form of a ridge raised from a center region of the squeegee and pointed towards the handle portion.

11. A surface cleaning apparatus as clamed in claim 1, comprising a squeegee head from which the squeegee extends, wherein the squeegee head is fixedly fitted to the housing.

12. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the laterally extending head portion includes enlarged opposite ends bulged therefrom and defining the first and second zones of the first chamber.

13. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a conduit defining a channel for diverting the water from the first chamber to the second chamber.

14. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the conduit extends from a neck of the apparatus to a distal end of the handle portion away from the head portion, connecting the head portion and the handle portion.

15. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the apparatus when assuming a vertical position and during a downwardly scraping operation is adapted to divert the water primarily to the third zone.

16. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the apparatus when assuming a horizontal position and during a sideway scraping operation is adapted to divert the water primarily to the first or second zone.

17. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle portion is removably attachable to the head portion, and wherein a front end of the handle portion when detached from the handle portion provided with an opening for allowing drainage the water contained in the handle portion.

18. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle portion is provided with an opening at a distal end away from the head portion and includes a removable closure member for closing the opening, opening of which allowing drainage the water contained in the handle portion.

19. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a valve system for preventing backflow of the water from the second chamber to the first chamber.

20. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a substantially elongate and laterally extending head portion and a handle portion, wherein: the head portion includes: i. opposite lateral ends,ii. a first housing defining a first chamber and a rim forming an opening via which water from a surface to be cleaned enters the first chamber,iii. a squeegee connected to the rim for directing the water via the opening to the first chamber, andiv. a plurality of guide members in the form of raised edges or ridges on the squeegee, andv. a plurality of dividers formed in the head portion and extending from a lower part to an upper part across the head portion;the guide members are in a form to guide the water from the squeegee to the first chamber for initial containment, thus minimizing the water from dripping away from the apparatus in use;the guide members and the dividers together define paths for channeling flow of water engaged with the squeegee in a cleaning operation, and in use specific water flow paths depending on the orientation of the apparatus; andthe handle portion includes a second housing forming the handle portion and defining a second chamber for receiving and containing the water from the first chamber for subsequent containment.