BACKGROUND
The disclosure relates generally to cleaning processes, and more particularly, to tools, systems, and methods for cleaning windows.
Tools and systems continue to be created and innovated to help users with cleaning objects. For example, new cleaning products continue to be created to improve cleaning windows. In these examples, new cleaning products allege that windows can be left streak free without wiping away the solution. Additionally, battery-powered cleaning tools have been developed to ensure that windows are optimally cleaned to provide a smudge-free surface and/or optimal transparency through the window. Furthermore, the availability and accessibility of these products to consumers has increased, making it easier for users to choose how they would like to clean their windows.
However, while the cleanliness of the windows may be improved by these conventional tools and systems, the time in which users are spending to clean their windows has not. That is, users are still spending as much time, or more time, to clean their windows using these conventional tools and systems. Because of this, users are forced to clean their windows with inferior tools/cleaning products, spending more time to get an improved clean, and/or paying a third party to clean their windows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
A first aspect of the disclosure provides a squeegee tool including: a handle including a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end; a coupling component positioned on the second end of the handle; and a removable blade assembly releasably coupled to the coupling component, the removable blade assembly including: a channel received by and releasably coupled to the coupling component, the channel having a first length; and a blade affixed within the channel, the blade having a second length, greater than the first length of the channel.
A second aspect of the disclosure provides a cleaning system including: a squeegee tool including: a handle including a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end; a coupling component positioned on the second end of the handle; and a removable blade assembly releasably coupled to the coupling component, the removable blade assembly including: a channel received by and releasably coupled to the coupling component, the channel having a first length; and a blade affixed within the channel, the blade having a second length, greater than the first length of the channel.
A third aspect of the disclosure provides a method for cleaning a window. The method includes: measuring at least one dimension of the window; selecting a removable blade assembly for a squeegee tool, the removable blade assembly including a blade having a length that is equal to the at least one measured dimension of the window; covering the window with a cleaning solution using a brush; positioning the blade of the selected removable blade assembly for the squeegee tool directly on the window, adjacent an edge of the window; and in a single motion and a single direction, removing the cleaning solution from the window using the blade of the selected removable blade assembly for the squeegee tool.
The illustrative aspects of the present disclosure are designed to solve the problems herein described and/or other problems not discussed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of this disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various embodiments of the disclosure, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a front exploded view a squeegee tool including a handle and a first removable blade assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 2 shows a front assembled view of the squeegee tool of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 3 shows a front assembled view of the squeegee tool of FIGS. 1 and 2 including the handle and a second removable blade assembly, according embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 4 shows a front assembled view of the squeegee tool of FIGS. 1 and 2 including the handle and a third removable blade assembly, according embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 5 shows a system for cleaning windows including a squeegee tool, a plurality of removable blade assemblies, and a brush, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 6 shows a front view of a window assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show front views of the window assembly of FIG. 6 undergoing a cleaning process using a brush, a cleaning solution, and a squeegee tool, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of a portion the window assembly and a portion of the squeegee tool of FIG. 8, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of a portion the window assembly and a portion of the squeegee tool of FIG. 8, according to additional embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 11 shows a front view of the window assembly of FIG. 6 undergoing a cleaning process, according to additional embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 12 shows a front view of an oval window, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
FIGS. 13-17 show front views of the oval window of FIG. 12 undergoing a cleaning process using a brush, a cleaning solution, and a squeegee tool, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
FIGS. 18-21 show front views of the oval window of FIG. 12 undergoing a cleaning process using a squeegee tool including an offset handle, according to additional embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of an example process for cleaning windows, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As an initial matter, in order to clearly describe the current disclosure it will become necessary to select certain terminology when referring to and describing relevant components within the disclosure. When doing this, if possible, common industry terminology will be used and employed in a manner consistent with its accepted meaning. Unless otherwise stated, such terminology should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of the present application and the scope of the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that often a particular component may be referred to using several different or overlapping terms. What may be described herein as being a single part may include and be referenced in another context as consisting of multiple components. Alternatively, what may be described herein as including multiple components may be referred to elsewhere as a single part.
The disclosure relates generally to cleaning processes, and more particularly the disclosure relates to tools, systems, and methods for cleaning windows.
These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-22. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.
FIGS. 1 and 2 shows various views a squeegee tool 100 used in performing the cleaning processes as discussed herein. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows an exploded front view of squeegee tool 100, and FIG. 2 shows an assembled front view of squeegee tool 100.
In the non-limiting example, squeegee tool 100 may include a handle 102. Handle 102 of squeegee tool 100 may provide a structure for a user to grasp and/or hold squeegee tool 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, handle 102 may include a plurality of ridges 104 to aid in grasping and/or gripping squeegee tool 100 during the cleaning process discussed herein. Handle 102 may also include a first end 106 and second end 108 positioned opposite first end 106. Ridges 104 may be formed on handle 102 between first end 106 and second end 108. First end 106 may include an opening or adapter (not shown) that may be configured to receive an extension handle (e.g., extender-stick, telescoping polo, and the like) (not shown) to increase the length of squeegee tool 100. Second end 108 of handle 102 may include a coupling structure, mechanism, or component 110 (hereafter, “coupling component 110”) for receiving and/or coupling a removable blade assembly 112 to handle 102. In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, coupling component 110 formed on second end 108 of handle 102 may be a clamp or clamping device that may receive and/or releasably couple a portion of removable blade assembly 112 to handle 102 of squeegee tool 100. As discussed herein, when positioned within and/or releasably coupled to coupling component 110 of handle 102, removable blade assembly 112 may be rigidly fixed to handle 102 of squeegee tool 100.
Although discussed herein as a clamp, coupling component 110 formed on second end 108 of handle 102 may be any suitable coupling structure, mechanism, or component for releasably coupling removable blade assembly 112 of squeegee tool 100 to handle 102. For example, coupling component 110 may be formed as a locking mechanism, snap fit, or a fastener (e.g., screw) that may engage and (selectively) secure removable blade assembly 112 to handle 102 of squeegee tool 100. Additionally, handle 102 of squeegee tool 100 may be formed from any suitable material that may be substantially rigid and/or provide a desired structure when performing the cleaning process discussed herein. For example, handle 102 (and its various components or portions) may be formed from metal, metal alloys, polymers, wood, or any combination thereof.
Squeegee tool 100 may also include removable blade assembly 112. Removable blade assembly 112 may be removable and/or releasably coupled to handle 102, as discussed herein. In the non-limiting example, removable blade assembly 112 may include a channel 118 and a blade 120 fixed within channel 118. As shown in FIG. 2, channel 118 of removable blade assembly 112 may be positioned within, received by, and/or releasably coupled to coupling component 110 formed on second end 108 of handle 102 in order to releasably couple removable blade assembly 112 to handle 102 of squeegee tool 100. Channel 118 may be formed from any suitable rigid material that may allow blade 120 to be fixed therein, and to allow channel 118 to be releasably coupled to coupling component 110 of handle 102 for squeegee tool 100. For example, channel 118 may be formed from metal, metal alloys, polymers, or any other suitable material.
Blade 120 of removable blade assembly 112 may be fixed within channel 118 such that blade 120 does not move and/or shift within channel 118. Additionally, blade 120 may extend beyond channel 118, away from second end 108 of handle 102 of squeegee tool 100 (see, FIG. 2). Blade 120 of removable blade assembly 112 may be formed from any suitable material that may form a seal against a window or window pane when performing the cleaning process, as discussed herein, to remove a cleaning solution from the window or window pane. For example, blade 120 may be formed from rubber, a rubber-based material, polymers, foam, and/or sponge material. Additionally in a non-limiting example, the material used to form blade 120 may include substantially elastic and/or flexible characteristics or properties.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, channel 118 and blade 120 of removable blade assembly 112 may include distinct lengths. More specifically, channel 118 may include a first length (L1), and blade 120 may include a second length (L2). The second length (L2) of blade 120 may be longer or larger than the first length (L1) of channel 118. As such, channel 118 may not extend over the entire length of blade 120. That is, at least one portion 122, 124 of blade 120 may extend beyond channel 118. In the non-limiting example shown, portions 122, 124 of blade 120 extending beyond either side of channel 118 may not be fixed within channel 118 of removable blade assemble 112. As discussed herein, portions 122, 124 of blade 120 may extend beyond channel 118 to ensure blade 120 of squeegee tool 100 cleans a window or window pane during the cleaning process, and/or channel 118 does not undesirably contact and/or damage portions of the window (e.g., window mullions).
Additionally, and as discussed herein, the first length (L1) of channel 118 and second length (L2) of blade 120 may be predetermined. That is, first length (L1) for channel 118 and second length (L2) for blade 120 may be predetermined based on a specific dimension of the window or window panes to be cleaned using squeegee tool 100 and the cleaning process discussed herein. As such, squeegee tool 100 may utilize a plurality of removable blade assemblies that may include channels and blades that have predetermined lengths that may be unique and/or distinct from the lengths (L1, L2) of channel 118 and blade 120 of removable blade assembly 112 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, additional non-limiting examples of squeegee tool 100 used in performing the cleaning processes are shown. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows squeegee tool 100 include a second removable blade assembly 212, and FIG. 4 shows squeegee tool 100 include a third removable blade assembly 312. It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity.
As shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 3, squeegee tool 100 may include second removable blade assembly 212. Second removable blade assembly 212 may include channel 218 and blade 220 fixed to and/or positioned within channel 218. As shown in FIG. 3, and as similarly discussed herein with respect to removable blade assembly 112 of FIGS. 1 and 2, second removable blade assembly 212 may be releasably coupled to handle 102, and more specifically, channel 218 of second removable blade assembly 212 may be releasably coupled to and/or received by coupling component 110 formed on second end 108 of handle 102 for squeegee tool 100. Also similar to removable blade assembly 112, channel 218 and blade 220 of second removable blade assembly 212 may include distinct lengths. More specifically, channel 218 may include a third length (L3), and blade 220 may include a fourth length (L4). The fourth length (L4) of blade 220 may be longer or larger than the third length (L3) of channel 318. As such, portions 222, 224 of blade 220 may extend beyond channel 218. Briefly returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, and with continued reference to FIG. 3, (channel 218 and) blade 220 of second removable blade assembly 212 (see, FIG. 3) may be substantially smaller than (channel 118 and) blade 120 of removable blade assembly 112 (see, FIGS. 1 and 2). As a result, the fourth length (L4) of blade 220 of second removable blade assembly 212 may be smaller or shorter than the second length (L2) of blade 120 for removable blade assembly 112. As discussed herein, blade 220 may be formed to include the predetermined, fourth length (L4) based on a specific/distinct dimension of a window or window panes to be cleaned using squeegee tool 100 that may not necessarily be able to be cleaned by blade 120.
Turning to FIG. 4, squeegee tool 100 may include third removable blade assembly 312. Third removable blade assembly 312 may include channel 318 and blade 320 fixed to and/or positioned within channel 318. As shown in FIG. 4, and as similarly discussed herein, third removable blade assembly 312 may be releasably coupled to handle 102, and more specifically, channel 318 of third removable blade assembly 312 may be releasably coupled to and/or received by coupling component 110 formed on second end 108 of handle 102 for squeegee tool 100. Also similar to removable blade assembly 112, channel 318 and blade 320 of removable blade assembly 312 may include distinct lengths. More specifically, channel 318 may include a fifth length (L5), and blade 320 may include a sixth length (L6). The sixth length (L6) of blade 320 may be longer or larger than the fifth length (L5) of channel 318. As a result, portions 322, 324 of blade 320 may extend beyond either side of channel 318 and/or portions 322, 324 of blade 320 may not be fixed within channel 318 of removable blade assemble 312. Comparing FIGS. 1-3 with FIG. 4, (channel 318 and) blade 320 of third removable blade assembly 312 (see, FIG. 4) may be substantially smaller or shorter than (channel 118 and) blade 120 of removable blade assembly 112 (see, FIGS. 1 and 2), but may be larger or longer than (channel 218 and) blade 220 of second removable blade assembly 212 (see, FIG. 3). As a result, the sixth length (L6) of blade 320 of third removable blade assembly 212 may be smaller or shorter than the second length (L2) of blade 120 for removable blade assembly 112, but larger or longer than the fourth length (L4) of blade 220 for second removable blade assembly 212. Predetermined sixth length (L6) of blade 320 may be based on a specific/distinct dimension of a window or window panes to be cleaned using squeegee tool 100 that may not necessarily be able to be cleaned by blade 120 and/or blade 220, as discussed herein.
In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4, third removable blade assembly 312 may be substantially offset from handle 102 of squeegee tool 100. That is, third removable blade assembly 312 may not be centered on handle 102 of squeegee tool 100 when releasably coupled to and/or received by coupling component 110. Rather, third removable blade assembly 312 may be offset such that a larger portion of third removable blade assembly 312 and/or blade 320 extends on one side of handle 102 than an opposite or remaining portion. In a non-limiting example, removable blade assembly 312 may be offset from handle 102 by positioning and/or releasably affixing coupling component 110 to channel 318 of third removable blade assembly 312 at a position that is off-center. As discussed herein, squeegee tool 100 may include substantially offset third removable blade assembly 312 to aid in cleaning windows with obstructions and/or circular shapes (see, FIGS. 18-21). Although shown and discussed herein as third removable blade assembly 312 being offset, it is understood that each of the distinct blade assemblies 112, 212 may also be offset from handle 102 of squeegee tool 100.
FIG. 5 shows a cleaning system 126 including the various components discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 1-4. More specifically, cleaning system 126 is utilized to clean windows or window panes, as discussed herein, and may include squeegee tool 100 including handle 102 and a plurality of removable blade assemblies 112, 212, 312. Additionally, cleaning system 126 may also include a brush 128 including a plurality of bristles 130. As discussed herein, the plurality of bristles 130 of brush 128 may agitate a cleaning solution and/or cover the window or window panes to be cleaned with the cleaning solution. Bristles 130 of brush 128 may be formed from any suitable material that may agitate cleaning solution and/or cover the window or window panes with the cleaning solution, and also prevent damaging the window or window panes. For example, bristles 130 of brush 128 may be formed from flexible polymer, textiles, or any other suitable material that includes similar material properties.
In addition to brush 128, or alternatively in place of brush 128, cleaning system 126 may include brush attachment 132. As shown in FIG. 5, and similar to brush 130, brush attachment 132 may include a plurality of bristles 130 that may agitate a cleaning solution and/or cover the window or window panes to be cleaned with the cleaning solution. Brush attachment 132 may also include a bracket 134. Similar to the channels of the removable blade assemblies for cleaning system 126, bracket 134 of brush attachment 132 may be releasably coupled to, and/or received by coupling component 110 of handle 102. As such, brush attachment 132 may be releasably coupled to handle 102 of squeegee tool 100 and utilized to perform the cleaning process, as discussed herein.
Although three removable blade assemblies 112, 212, 312 are shown as included in cleaning system 126, it is understood that cleaning system 126 may include more or less removable blade assemblies. Additionally, the predetermined sizes or lengths of the removable blade assemblies, and more specifically the predetermined size or length of the blades for each of the removable blade assemblies, may vary. In non-limiting examples the predetermined size or lengths of the blades for the removable blade assemblies may include 6.25″, 7.5″, 8.75″, 9.25″, 10.75″, and 12″.
FIG. 6 shows a front view of a window assembly 136. In the non-limiting example, window assembly 136 may include at least one window or window pane 138 that may be held in place, supported, and/or surrounded by a window frame 140 and/or a plurality of mullions 142. In a non-limiting example, window assembly 136 may include a single window pane 138 that is supported within window frame 140, and at least partially covered by the plurality of mullions 142 for decorative or aesthetic purposes. In another non-limiting example, window assembly 136 may include a plurality of individual window panes 138, where each of the individual window panes 138 is held in place, supported, and/or surrounded by a portion of window frame 140 as well as at least two mullions 142.
With reference to FIGS. 6-8, a method of cleaning windows using a cleaning system may be discussed. Specifically, a method for cleaning window panes 138 of window assembly 136 using cleaning system 126 (see, FIG. 5) may be described herein. It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity.
With reference to FIG. 6, at least one dimension of window panes 138 included in window assembly 136 may be measured and/or known. For example where window panes 138 to be cleaned are rectangular in shape, a first dimension (D1) and/or a second dimension (D2) of each window pane 138 may be measured, identified, known, and/or determined. Once the first dimension (D1) and/or the second dimension (D2) of each window pane 138 is measured, a removable blade assembly 212 for squeegee tool 100 (see, FIG. 8) may be selected (e.g., based on D1 and/or D2). In a non-limiting example, the removable blade assembly 212 for squeegee tool 100 may be selected based on blade 220 of removable blade assembly 212. More specifically, the removable blade assembly 212 for squeegee tool 100 may be selected based on the length (L4) of blade 220 of removable blade assembly 212. In the non-limiting example, removable blade assembly 212 including blade 220 may be selected as a result of blade 220 having a fourth length (L4) that is equal to the second dimension (D2) of each window pane 138. As discussed herein, by selecting a removable blade assembly that includes a blade having a length equal to one of the measured dimensions of each window or window pane, it will ensure that the blade will contact every portion of the window or window pane to remove all of the cleaning solution when performing the cleaning process discussed herein.
Turning to FIG. 7, each window pane 138 may be covered with a cleaning solution 144. That is, each window pane 138 of window assembly 136 undergoing the cleaning process may be covered with cleaning solution 144. In a non-limiting example, window panes 138 may be covered with cleaning solution 144 using brush 128 of cleaning system 126. More specifically, cleaning solution 144 may be applied to each window pane 138 using any suitable method or device including, but not limited to, a spray bottle, squirt bottle, a wipe, or the like. Once applied to each window pane 138, brush 128, and more specifically bristles 130 (see, FIG. 5), may be moved in various directions (DIR1, DIR2) to agitate and/or spread cleaning solution 144 to completely cover each window pane 138. Cleaning solution 144 may be formed from any suitable solution that may clean window panes 138 (and mullions 142) of window assembly 136 by removing oil, dirt, marks, smudges, and so on. For example, cleaning solution 144 may be formed as an alcohol or ammonia-based glass or surface cleaner. Although shown as being covered using brush 128, it is understood that each window pane 138 may be covered using brush attachment 132 (see, FIG. 5) of cleaning system 126 that may be releasably coupled to handle 102 of squeegee tool 100.
Once each window pane 138 is covered with cleaning solution 144, squeegee tool 100 including selected, removable blade assembly 212 may be used to remove cleaning solution 144. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 8, cleaning solution 144 may be removed from each window pane 138 using blade 220 of selected, removable blade assembly 212. Blade 220 may be positioned directly on window pane 138. More specifically, blade 220 of selected, removable blade assembly 212 may be positioned directly on each window pane 138, and may be positioned directly adjacent an edge (e.g., edge 146) of window pane 138. When positioned directly adjacent edge 146 of window pane 138, blade 220 of selected, removable blade assembly 212 may abut, but may not be positioned on, frame 140 and/or mullion 142 of window assembly 136.
Once positioned directly on window pane 138, squeegee tool 100 may be moved to remove cleaning solution 144 from window pane 138. More specifically, blade 220 of selected, removable blade assembly 212 for squeegee tool 100, contacting window pane 138, may be moved in a single motion and single direction (MD1) across window pane 138 in order to remove cleaning solution 144 previously covering window pane 138. In the non-limiting example, blade 220 may move from edge 146 to opposite edge 148 to remove all of cleaning solution 144 covering window pane 138. Additionally, and because removable blade assembly 212 is selected to include blade 220 having a length (L4) that is equal to the second dimension (D2) of window pane 138, blade 220 will contact every portion or the entirety of window pane 138 in a single pass to remove all of cleaning solution 144 when performing the cleaning process.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show non-limiting examples of an enlarged view of a portion window assembly 136 and squeegee tool 100 of FIG. 8. In the non-limiting examples, FIGS. 8 and 9 show that because blade 220 has a length (L4) that is equal to the second dimension (D2) of window pane 138, blade 220 may contact all portions of window pane 138 during the cleaning process and may abut mullion 142 of window assembly 136. By contacting all portions of window pane 138, and abutting mullion 142 of window assembly 136, blade 220 may remove all of cleaning solution 144 previously on window pane 138 in a single pass. Additionally as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and as previously discussed herein, because the length (L4) of blade 220 is larger or longer than the length (L3) of channel 218 (see, FIG. 3), portion 224 may extend beyond channel 218. When positioned on window pane 138 and performing the cleaning processes discussed herein, channel 218 may not be able to contact mullion 142 of window assembly 136, and in turn may not damage (e.g., scrape, chip-paint, and so on) mullion 142. Rather, only substantially flexible blade 220 may contact mullion 142. As shown in FIG. 9, blade 220 of selected, removable blade assembly 212 for squeegee tool 100 may not flex when moving in the single motion and single direction to perform the cleaning process discussed herein. In another non-limiting example shown in FIG. 10, blade 220, and more specifically portion 224 of blade 220, may flex (slightly) when moving in the single motion and single direction to perform the cleaning process.
Although shown and discussed herein as abutting mullion 142 of window assembly 136, it is understood that blade 220 of selected, removable blade assembly 212 may abut additional and/or distinct portions of window assemble 136 while cleaning window pane 138. For example, portion 224 of blade 220 may alternatively abut a portion of frame 140 of window assembly 136 when performing the cleaning process as discussed herein. The abutted portions of window assembly 136 (e.g., frame 140, mullion 142) may be dependent, at least in part, on the orientation of removable blade assembly 212 when contacting window assembly 136, and/or the shape of window pane 138 being cleaned by blade 220 of removable blade assembly 212.
FIG. 11 shows another non-limiting example where window panes 138 may be cleaned using another removable blade assembly 112. In the non-limiting example, removable blade assembly 112 may be selected based on the measured first dimension (D1) of window pane 138 of window assembly 136. In this non-limiting example, similar processes for cleaning window panes 138, as discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 6-8, may be performed using squeegee tool 100 including removable blade assembly 112. For example, removable blade assembly 112 may be selected based on having blade 120 that has a length (L2) (see, FIG. 2) that is equal to first dimension (D1) of window pane 138. Once removable blade assembly 112 is selected, cleaning solution 144 may be applied to each window pane 138, and bristles 130 of brush 128 may agitate and/or spread cleaning solution 144 to completely cover each window pane 138. Next, Blade 120 may be positioned directly on window pane 138, and more specifically, blade 120 of selected, removable blade assembly 112 may be positioned directly on each window pane 138, and may be positioned directly adjacent an edge 150 of window pane 138. When positioned directly adjacent edge 150 of window pane 138, blade 120 of selected, removable blade assembly 212 may abut, but may not be positioned on, frame 140 and/or mullion 142 of window assembly 136. Finally, blade 120 of selected, removable blade assembly 112 for squeegee tool 100 may be moved in a single motion and single direction (MD2) across window pane 138 in order to remove cleaning solution 144 previously covering window pane 138. In the non-limiting example, blade 120 may move from edge 150 to opposite edge 152 to remove all of cleaning solution 144 covering window pane 138. Additionally, and because removable blade assembly 112 is selected to include blade 120 having a length (L2) that is equal to the first dimension (D1) of window pane 138, blade 120 will contact every portion or the entirety of window pane 138 in a single pass to remove all of cleaning solution 144 when performing the cleaning process
FIGS. 12-17 show another non-limiting example of a window assembly 154 undergoing a cleaning process using cleaning system 126. Specifically, a method for cleaning oval window panes 156 of window assembly 154 using cleaning system 126 (see, FIG. 5) may be described with respect to FIGS. 12-17. It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity.
With reference to FIG. 12, at least one dimension of oval window panes 156 surrounded and/or supported by window frame 158 of window assembly 154 may be measured and/or known. For example a minor radius (R) of oval window pane 156 may be measured, identified, known, and/or determined. Once the minor radius (R) of oval window pane 156 is measured, a removable blade assembly 312 for squeegee tool 100 (see, FIG. 14) may be selected. In a non-limiting example, the removable blade assembly 312 for squeegee tool 100 may be selected based on blade 320 of removable blade assembly 312. More specifically, the removable blade assembly 312 for squeegee tool 100 may be selected based on the length (L6) of blade 320 (see, FIG. 4) of removable blade assembly 312. In the non-limiting example, removable blade assembly 312 including blade 320 may be selected as a result of blade 320 having the sixth length (L6) that is equal to the minor radius (R) of oval window pane 156. As similarly discussed herein with respect to window panes 138, by selecting a removable blade assembly that includes a blade having a length equal to one of the measured dimensions (e.g., minor radius) of oval window pane 156, it will ensure that the blade will contact every portion of the window pane to remove all of the cleaning solution when performing the cleaning process discussed herein.
Turning to FIG. 13, and as similarly discussed herein with respect to FIG. 7, oval window pane 156 may be covered with a cleaning solution 144. That is, oval window pane 156 of window assembly 154 undergoing the cleaning process may be covered with cleaning solution 144. In a non-limiting example, window pane 156 may be covered with cleaning solution 144 using brush 128 of cleaning system 126. More specifically, cleaning solution 144 may be applied to oval window pane 156, and bristles 130 of brush 128 may be moved in various directions (DIR1, DIR2) to agitate and/or spread cleaning solution 144 to completely cover oval window pane 156.
Once oval window pane 156 is covered with cleaning solution 144, squeegee tool 100 including selected, removable blade assembly 312 may remove cleaning solution 144. In a non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 14-17, cleaning solution 144 may be removed from oval window pane 156 using blade 320 of selected, removable blade assembly 312. Blade 320 may be positioned directly on window pane 156. More specifically, blade 320 of selected, removable blade assembly 312 may be positioned directly on window pane 156, and may be positioned such that one end of blade 320 is positioned directly adjacent and/or abuts frame 158 of window assembly 154.
Once positioned directly on window pane 156, squeegee tool 100 may be moved to remove cleaning solution 144 from oval window pane 156. More specifically, blade 320 of selected, removable blade assembly 312 for squeegee tool 100 may be moved in a single motion and single direction (MD) across oval window pane 156 in order to remove cleaning solution 144 previously covering window pane 156. In the non-limiting example, blade 320 may move in a substantially circular or oval path, and may maintain contact (e.g., portion 322) with frame 158 of window assembly 154. Because removable blade assembly 312 is selected to include blade 320 having a length (L6) that is equal to the minor radius (R) of window pane 156, blade 320 will contact every portion or the entirety of window pane 156 in a single pass and/or when blade 320 moves completely/circularly around window pane 156, to remove all of cleaning solution 144 when performing the cleaning process (see, FIGS. 14-17).
FIGS. 18-21 show an additional non-limiting example of window assembly 154 undergoing a cleaning process using cleaning system 126. Specifically, a method for cleaning oval window panes 156 of window assembly 154 using cleaning system 126 (see, FIG. 5) is shown in FIGS. 18-21. The performed cleaning process shown in FIGS. 18-21 may be substantially similar as those discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 14-17. Redundant explanation of this process is omitted for clarity.
However, and distinct from the non-limiting examples shown in FIGS. 14-17, cleaning system 126 used to clean window assembly 154 in FIGS. 18-21 may utilize squeegee tool 100 having removable blade assembly 312 offset on handle 102. More specifically, squeegee tool 100 shown in the non-limiting example of FIGS. 18-21 may include handle 102 that is substantially offset from center and/or the center of removable blade assembly 312—similar to the non-limiting example shown and discussed herein with respect to FIG. 4. Utilizing offset removable blade assembly 312 on handle 102 of squeegee tool 100 may allow a user performing the cleaning process discussed herein to move handle 102 less, and/or may create a smaller travel path for handle 102 when cleaning oval window pane 156. In turn, this may reduce the amount a user has to reach and/or move their hand when cleaning oval window pane 156. As shown in FIGS. 18-21, and with comparison to FIGS. 14-17, offset removable blade assembly 312 on handle 102 of squeegee tool 100 may travel a shorter distance and/or a smaller path when moving in a single motion and single direction (MD) across oval window pane 156 in order to remove cleaning solution 144 previously covering window pane 156.
FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of an example process for cleaning windows. The process for cleaning windows can be performed, for example, using the cleaning system 126 discussed herein with respect to FIG. 5.
In process P1, a dimension(s) of the window or window panes is measured and/or known. More specifically, at least one dimension of the window or window panes to be cleaned is measured and/or known. Measuring the at least one dimension of the window or window panes may include determining the height and/or width of the window or window panes to be cleaned.
In process P2, a removable blade assembly for a squeegee tool may be selected. More specifically, a removable blade assembly for a squeegee tool that will be used to clean the measured window or window panes may be selected in process P2. The removable blade assembly may include a blade that may contact the window or window panes during the cleaning process. As such, the removable blade assembly may be selected based on the measured dimension(s) of the window or window pane and a size or length of the blade of the removable blade assembly. For example, the selected removable blade assembly may include a blade having a length that is equal to the measured dimension(s) of the window or window panes.
In process P3, the window or window panes may be covered in a cleaning solution. The window or window panes may be covered in the cleaning solution using a brush or brush attachment—each including a plurality of bristles. When covering the window in the cleaning solution, the bristles of brush or brush attachment may agitate and/or spread the cleaning solution over the entire window or window panes to initiate cleaning of the window or window panes.
In process P4 the selected, removable blade assembly may be position directly on the window or window pane. More specifically, the blade of the selected, removable blade assembly for the squeegee tool may be positioned directly on the window or window pane. The blade may be positioned on the window or window pane adjacent to an edge of the window or window pane, and/or directly adjacent or abutting a mullion and/or a portion of the frame of the window or window assembly.
In process P5, the cleaning solution may be removed from the window or window pane using the selected, removable blade assembly for the squeegee tool. More specifically, the cleaning solution may be removed from the window or window panes using the blade of the selected, removable blade assembly for the squeegee tool. The cleaning solution may be removed from the window or window pane by moving the blade in a single movement, and in a single direction across the window or window pane. Because the blade of the selected, removable blade assembly includes a length that is equal to the at least one measured dimension of the window or window pane, the blade will contact every portion of the window or window pane to remove all of the cleaning solution when moved across the window or window panes in the single motion and single direction of process P5. Additionally while moving the blade in the single movement and in the single direction across the window or window pane, a portion of the blade may continuously abut the mullion and/or the portion of the frame of the window or window assembly.
Although discussed herein as cleaning standalone windows, it is understood that cleaning system 126 and the cleaning process may be used to clean any type of window or surface including, but not limited to, automobile windows, door windows, mirrors, and the like. Additionally, although discussed herein as being used to clean rectangular or oval shaped windows, cleaning system 126 and the cleaning process may be used to clean windows including various distinct shapes including, but not limited to, squares, circles, triangles, and so on.
The foregoing drawings show some of the processing associated according to several embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each drawing or block within a flow diagram of the drawings represents a process associated with embodiments of the method described. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the acts noted in the drawings or blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figure or, for example, may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or in the reverse order, depending upon the act involved. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional blocks that describe the processing may be added.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. “Approximately” as applied to a particular value of a range applies to both values, and unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument measuring the value, may indicate +/−10% of the stated value(s).
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Patent Application
20200077850
