WINDOW CLEANING DEVICES AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to window cleaning devices, systems and methods for using same to clean a window.

BACKGROUND

While cleaning an interior window surface is a routine procedure, cleaning an exterior window surface can pose additional challenges. Leaning out of a window to reach the exterior surface is one common method, but can be difficult or ineffective, particularly if the window is large and/or high off the ground. Such a method is also awkward or may be virtually impossible for small windows. The use of ladders to access exterior windows can also be a strenuous and time intensive process.

Improved devices, systems and methods for cleaning window surfaces, such as exterior window surfaces, are needed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides devices and systems configured to conveniently and safely clean window surfaces, such as an exterior window surface. Methods of using such devices and systems are also provided. The devices comprise an exterior utensil configured to be held against a surface of a window (e.g., an exterior surface of a window) by a user located on the opposing side of the window (e.g., the interior surface of the window). The exterior utensil is configured to hold replaceable cloths for cleaning one or more surfaces of a plate of magnetically permeable material, such as a window of a house or commercial building. Systems of the present disclosure comprise an interior utensil configured to be held against an interior surface of a window by a user and an external utensil device configured to be held against an exterior surface of a window by the interior utensil. In some embodiments, the system includes a pair of magnetically attracted utensils designed to be placed on opposite sides of window glass and magnetically coupled together through the window. While the utensils are magnetically held together with the glass therebetween, a user engages and moves one of the pair of utensils along a surface of the window (e.g., an interior surface), the other of the pair of utensils responds to the corresponding moving magnetic field by sliding along the opposing surface of the window (e.g., the exterior surface). In some embodiments, both utensils are designed to accommodate replaceable cloths that slide along the window surfaces so that both sides of the window glass can be cleaned simultaneously. After use, the replaceable cloths can be removed and discarded or washed and reused.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a window cleaning system comprising an interior utensil configured to be held against an interior surface of a window for engagement by a user, and an external utensil configured to be held against an exterior surface of the window directly opposite the interior utensil and by the interior utensil, for example by use of paired magnets. In some embodiments, the exterior utensil is configured to hold a cloth against the window surface.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system for cleaning the surface of a window, the system comprising a proximal housing portion including a textured surface and a magnet, a distal housing portion including an attachment structure and connected to the proximal housing portion, and a cleaning cloth removably retained by the attachment structure and disposed over at least a portion of the textured surface, wherein the device is configured to be slidably movable against an exterior of a window by subjecting the device to a moving magnetic field generated from an interior of the window.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of cleaning a window comprising providing a cleaning cloth; providing a window cleaning system, the window cleaning system comprising a proximal housing portion including a textured surface and a magnet, and a distal housing portion including an attachment structure and configured to mate with the proximal housing portion; removably securing the cleaning cloth to the distal housing portion via the attachment structure, wherein the cleaning cloth covers at least a portion of the textured surface; and slidably moving the distal housing portion and cleaning cloth across a window surface by applying and moving a magnetic field from the proximal housing portion through the window.

These and other embodiments will be made clear to one of ordinary skill in the art by way of the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window cleaning system according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 2A-2D are perspective views of an exterior utensil according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is an expanded perspective view of components and configurations of an exterior utensil according to the present technology.

FIG. 4 is another expanded perspective view of components and configurations of an exterior utensil according to the present technology.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an exterior utensil according to the present technology.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exterior utensil according to the present technology.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an exterior utensil according to the present technology.

FIGS. 8A-8D are perspective views of an interior utensil according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exterior utensil with a cleaning cloth according to the present technology.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a window cleaning device including an interior utensil and an external utensil according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a window cleaning device including an interior utensil and an external utensil according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate one embodiment for cleaning a window using a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary scenario in which an exemplary magnetic cleaning tool with fluid pump may be employed.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional elevation view of the exemplary tool depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional elevation view of another exemplary magnetic cleaning tool with fluid pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes window cleaning devices, such as a window cleaning system configured to clean one or more surfaces of a window, such as an exterior surface and/or an interior surface, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Several specific details of the technology are set forth in the following description and the Figures to provide a thorough understanding of certain embodiments of the disclosure. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, relative sizes of components, and/or other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, sizes, and/or features without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, certain features described with reference to specific embodiments may be combined with other embodiments of the disclosure. Other details describing well-known structures and components often associated with window cleaning assemblies and methods of forming and using such assemblies, however, are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the present technology may have additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the technology may be practiced without several of the specific features described below.

Furthermore, described herein are techniques related to a magnetic cleaning tool with a fluid pump. One or more implementations of such a tool may include a pair of magnetic utensils having window-cleaning pad. One of the utensils is called a first, interior, and/or leader utensil herein. The other utensil is called a second, exterior, and/or follower utensil herein. In the context of a window, a user places the exterior utensil against the exterior surface of the window and the interior utensil against the interior surface of the window. Since the utensils have magnetic properties, the utensils are magnetically coupled through the window with the window-cleaning pad of each utensil facing the window surface.

While gripping the interior utensil, the user slides the utensil along the interior surface of the window. Since they are magnetically coupled, the exterior utensil moves along the exterior surface of the window in a manner that mirrors the movements of the interior utensil. In doing so, the exterior and/or the interior surface of the window are cleaned while the window-cleaning pads of the utensils wipe the surface.

A fluid pump is attached to the exterior utensil via a flexible fluid-conducting tube or hose. This hose acts as a tether to prevent the exterior utensil from plummeting out of reach if the utensils become uncoupled. Also, the hose delivers cleaning fluid to the exterior utensil to aid in cleaning the exterior surface of the window.

This fluid delivery approach has the flushing power needed to remove thick debris and dirt on the window. Conventional approach of using a spray bottle does not have sufficient flushing power to adequately remove thick accumulations and cannot reach the entire exterior surface of the window. The use of the magnetic utensils with fluid delivery to the exterior surface solves both the problem of reach and of cleaning/rinsing of the exterior surfaces of windows and the like.

1. Window Cleaning Devices and Systems

As shown in FIG. 1, a window cleaning system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an external utensil device 100 and an internal utensil 300 configured to control movement of the external utensil device 100. In the embodiment shown, the external utensil device 100 is drawn toward one surface of a window W (e.g., an exterior surface of the window W) by a magnetic force generated by the internal utensil 300, which is located on the opposite surface of the window W (e.g., the interior surface). A cleaning cloth 180 is held in contact with the surface of the window W by the external utensil device 100. The cleaning cloth 180 may generally be comprised of material that is suitable for cleaning a surface of the window W. For example, the material of the cleaning cloth 180 may comprise sponge or other cellulose material. In another example, the material of the cleaning cloth 180 may comprise polyester or a polyester blend that includes natural and/or synthetic material. In an alternative embodiment, a squeegee or wiper may be used in place of the cleaning cloth 180 or in addition to the cleaning cloth 180. The cleaning cloth 180 may be provided with a cleaning solvent disposed thereon. Alternatively, the cleaning cloth 180 may be provided without cleaning solvent disposed thereon.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, the exterior utensil device 100 includes at least one attachment structure 120 (e.g., two attachment structures 120 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B). Additional attachment structures 120 (i.e., greater than two attachment structures 120) may be implemented on the exterior utensil device 100. In one embodiment, the exterior utensil device 100 includes four attachment structures 120, wherein an attachment structure 120 is positioned at each of the corners associated with the exterior utensil device 100. The attachment structure 120 is configured to removably retain a cleaning cloth 180. In the embodiment shown, the attachment structures 120 are configured to hold two opposing ends of a cleaning cloth 180, which may be disposed about (e.g., wrapped around) at least a portion of the body 106 of the exterior utensil 100. For example, the attachment structure 120 may include a pattern of slits 121 configured to apply pressure to a cleaning cloth 180 upon insertion of the cleaning cloth 180 through the slits 121. In other embodiments, the cleaning cloth 180 is removably retained by the exterior utensil 100 by other means, such as by adhesive or hook-and-loop fastener. The exterior utensil device 100 may optionally include a textured surface 110, which is configured to attenuate or prevent the cleaning cloth 180 from slipping relative to the exterior utensil 100 during operation. As an alternative, the exterior utensil device 100 may not include the textured surface 110. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2B, the exterior utensil 100 includes a tether 200 to enable the exterior utensil to be secured to prevent loss due to gravity. In some embodiments, the tether 200 includes a proximal portion 205 configured to attach to the exterior utensil 100, for example by looping around a retention feature 170 incorporated into the exterior utensil 100, and a distal portion 210 configured to be secured to a portion of the window or building or to the user's hand or wrist.

An alternative exemplary implementation of the exterior utensil device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2A1. The illustrated implementation includes an indent or depression 201 that is disposed on at least a portion of the body 106 of the exterior utensil 100. In one implementation, the depression 201 is disposed on surfaces 202, 203, 204, and 205 of the body 106 of the exterior utensil 100. In another implementation, the depression 201 is disposed on surfaces 201 and 204, or surfaces 203 and 205. The depression 201 may be used retain in place a rubber band or another suitable flexible retaining element. In one implementation, the cleaning cloth 180, as is illustrated in FIG. 9, may be secured to the exterior utensil 100 using the rubber band or another suitable flexible retaining element that is releasably secured in place along the depression 201.

The opposite side of the exterior utensil 100 is shown in FIGS. 2C-2D. In FIG. 2C, surface 112 may be texturized. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2D, surface 112 includes a magnetic portion 140.

The exterior utensil 100 may be made of any suitable material but should be lightweight, durable and preferably water insoluble and/or water resistant. For example and without limitation, the exterior utensil 100 may be formed of a plastic material such as plastic, rubber, and/or aluminum.

As shown in FIG. 3, the exterior utensil 100 comprises two portions. A first portion 102 includes a structure 150 for retaining a magnet 140. In some embodiments, the structure 150 is configured to removably retain the magnet 140. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, the first portion 102 includes two structures 150 each retaining a magnet 140, for example within a cavity 145 defined by the structure 150. In embodiments wherein more than one magnet 140 is used, the structures 140 are arranged within the first portion 102 to provide a cavity 160 separating the structures 150. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The exterior utensil 100 also includes a second portion 104 configured to mate with the first portion 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, for example, the first portion 102 is sized to fit inside the second portion 104. The two portions are held together (e.g., releasably held together) by any suitable means including, but not limited to, for example by including a ridge around the outer edge of the first portion 102 that aligns with and mates with a detent provided around the inside edge of the second portion 104. As an alternative, the two portions may be held together using an adhesive, such as a releasable adhesive, or one or more screws, or any other suitable attaching means.

The second portion 104 includes a structure 130 for retaining the attachment structure 120. The structure 130 may, for example, define a channel 125 into which the attachment structure 120 may be inserted during manufacture.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exterior utensil 100 may include one or more attachment structures 120, each attachment structure including a slit pattern 122 by which a cleaning cloth can be inserted and which imparts a retention force to restrict removal or accidental release of the cleaning cloth.

As shown in FIG. 6, the structures 150 defining cavities 145 for housing the magnets 140 in the first portion 102 may be positioned to be offset from the structures 130 defining channels 125 for housing the attachment structures in the second portion 104. Such a configuration enables the exterior utensil 100 to have a reduced thickness T compared to a configuration in which the structures 150 overlap with the structures 130.

Referring now to FIG. 7, at least a portion of the surface 110 on the first portion 102 of the exterior utensil 100 includes a texture. The texture can be applied after the first portion 102 is formed, or the texture can be formed when the first portion 102 is shaped. For example, if the first portion 102 is molded (e.g., injection molded), the mold may include a texture complementary to the desired texture of the surface 110. Alternatively or in addition, the texture may be formed by abrasive or etching the surface 110 after the first portion 102 is initially formed.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, the interior utensil 300 includes at least one attachment structure 320 (e.g., two attachment structures 320 as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B). The attachment structure 320 is configured to removably retain a cleaning cloth. In the embodiment shown, the attachment structures 320 are configured to hold two opposing ends of a cleaning cloth 380, which may be disposed about (e.g., wrapped around) at least a portion of the body 306 of the interior utensil 300. For example, the attachment structure 320 may include a pattern of slits 321 configured to apply pressure to a cleaning cloth upon insertion of the cleaning cloth through the slits 321. In other embodiments, the cleaning cloth is removably retained by the interior utensil 300 by other means, such as by adhesive or hook-and-loop fastener. The window cleaning system 10 may optionally include a textured surface 310, which is configured to attenuate or prevent the cleaning cloth 380 from slipping off the interior utensil 300 during operation. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 8B, the interior utensil 300 includes a handle 322 configured to be gripped by a hand of a user.

The opposite side of the interior utensil 300 is shown in FIGS. 8C-8D. In FIG. 8C, surface 312 may be texturized. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 8D, surface 312 includes a magnetic portion 340.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a cleaning cloth 180 can be secured to the exterior utensil 100 by inserting opposing ends 185a, 185b of the cleaning cloth 180 into the attachment structures 120 of the second portion 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the exterior utensil 100 includes a tether 200. The tether 200 may include a proximal portion 205 configured to attach to the exterior utensil 100, for example by looping around a retention feature 170 incorporated into the exterior utensil 100, and a distal portion 210 configured to be secured to a portion of the window or building or to another suitable securing point.

As shown in FIG. 10, an interior utensil 300 may include a first portion 302 mated with a second portion 304, each of which may be configured similar to first portion 102 and second portion 104, respectively. A cleaning cloth 380 may be removably attached to the interior utensil 300 in the same manner that cleaning cloth 180 is removably attached to the exterior utensil 100. The cleaning cloth 380 is considered optional. The interior utensil 300 may be sized and configured to magnetically attract the exterior utensil 100, for example through a window W. The magnetic attraction 320 draws the exterior utensil 100 to the exterior window surface 500 and the interior utensil 300 to the interior window surface 600. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first portions 102 and 302 are each formed of a magnetic material such that structures 150 and 350 for retaining a magnet 140, 340 (e.g., FIGS. 3-4 and 6-7) are not needed.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an exterior utensil 100 including a first portion 102, a second portion 104, and two magnets 140 is drawn to an exterior window surface 500 by magnetic forces 320 provided by interior utensil 300 held against an interior surface 600 of the window W. The interior utensil 300 includes a first portion 302, a second portion 304, and two magnets 340. A cleaning cloth 180, 380 is removably retained by each of the utensils 100, 300, respectively, as described herein.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a window cleaning system comprising an interior utensil configured to be held against an interior surface of the window and moved along the interior surface by a user; and an external utensil configured to be drawn toward held against an exterior surface of the window by the interior utensil with the window between the external and internal utensils, and moveable along the exterior surface of the window my moving the interior utensil relative to the interior surface. In some embodiments, the interior utensil and the external utensil each comprise a magnet. In some embodiments, the interior utensil and the external utensil each include the same number of magnets. In some embodiments, the exterior utensil includes two magnets separated by a distance D, and wherein the interior component includes two magnets separated by the distance D. In some embodiments, the interior utensil is sized and/or shaped to be grasped and moved relative to the interior surface by a user's hand. In some embodiments, the interior utensil is sized and/or shaped to be grasped by a user's single hand. In some embodiments, the external utensil is configured to releasably retain a cleaning cloth and to force the cleaning cloth against the exterior of the window. In some embodiments, the external utensil comprises at least one attachment structure configured to releasably retain the cleaning cloth. In some embodiments, the external utensil comprises two or more attachment structures. In some embodiments, the attachment structures are disposed on a distal portion of the exterior utensil. In some embodiments, a proximal surface of the exterior utensil comprises a texture. In some embodiments, the exterior utensil comprises a proximal housing portion and a distal housing portion configured to mate with the proximal housing portion. In some embodiments, the exterior utensil includes an inner cavity. In some embodiments, the exterior utensil is formed of a single piece of material, and wherein the material includes one or more recesses and/or channels. In some embodiments, the magnet(s) of the interior component and/or of the exterior utensil are removable. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a proximal surface of the exterior utensil comprises a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the proximal surface of the exterior utensil is formed of a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the exterior utensil further comprises a tether configured to be secured to prevent loss of the exterior utensil to gravity. In some embodiments, the exterior utensil is sized to fit between an inner window pane of a first window sash and an outer window pane of a second window sash. In some embodiments, the exterior utensil includes one or more magnets spatially offset from one or more attachment structures. In some embodiments, the interior component further comprises at least one attachment structure for releasably retaining a cleaning cloth. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a distal surface of the interior component comprises a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the distal surface of the interior component is formed of a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the interior component includes one or more magnets spatially offset from one or more attachment structures. In some embodiments, the interior component comprises a proximal housing portion and a distal housing portion configured to mate with the proximal housing portion. In some embodiments, the interior component comprises a tether.

In another embodiment, a device for cleaning the exterior of a window comprises a proximal housing portion including a textured surface and a magnet, a distal housing portion including an attachment structure and configured to mate with the proximal housing portion, and a cleaning cloth removably retained by the attachment structure and disposed in contact with the textured surface, wherein the device is configured to be slidably movable against an exterior of a window by subjecting the device to a moving magnetic field generated from an interior of the window. In some embodiments, the device is sized to fit between an inner window pane of a first window sash and an outer window pane of a second window sash. In some embodiments, the magnet and the attachment structure are spatially offset. In some embodiments, the magnet is removable. In some embodiments, the device includes two magnets and two attachment structures. In some embodiments, the proximal housing portion and the distal housing portion define an interior cavity when mated. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a tether attached to the proximal housing portion and/or to the distal housing portion.

2. Methods of Cleaning Windows

The present disclosure provides methods for cleaning a window surface (e.g., an exterior window surface) using a device and/or system disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, a method of cleaning a window includes placing the interior utensil 300 against an interior surface 600 of a window W, followed by placing the exterior utensil 100 against an exterior surface 500 of the window W such that a magnetic field created by the interior utensil 300 retains the exterior utensil 100 against the exterior surface 500 of the window W.

More specifically, as depicted in FIGS. 12A-12C, the interior utensil 300, with optional cleaning cloth 380 removably mounted thereto (hereinafter referred to as “interior utensil 300/380”), is first placed against the interior surface 600 of the window W. Because there is no magnetic field available to hold the interior utensil 300/380 against the window W, the interior utensil 300/380 can be rested on top of the window frame 550, as shown in FIG. 12A. The lower window pane W′ is then raised (FIG. 12B) off the window sill S to allow access to the exterior surface 500 of the window W. as shown in FIG. 12C, a thickness T of the interior utensil 300/380 must be small enough to not interfere with the lower window pane W′ and its associated frame 650 as they pass the interior utensil 300/380 while being raised. The exterior utensil 100, with a cleaning cloth 180 removably mounted thereto (hereinafter referred to as “exterior utensil 100/180”), is then placed against the exterior surface 500 of the window W in an area substantially opposite the interior utensil 300/380. This allows the magnetic field generated by the interior utensil 100/180 and the magnetic field generated by the exterior utensil 100 to interact, causing the interior utensil 300/380 and the exterior utensil 100/180 to be magnetically retained against the interior surface 600 and the exterior window surface 500, respectively. To maneuver the interior utensil 300/380, the lower window W′ and its frame 650 are lowered to rest on the window sill S. The user can move the interior utensil 300/380 by sliding it along the interior window surface 600, which causes the exterior utensil 100/180 to slide along the exterior window surface 500. The cleaning cloths 180, 380 collect dirt from the window surfaces 500 and 600, respectively, as the user slides the interior utensil 300/380 across the interior window surface 600. Upon completion, the lower window W′ is raised off the window sill S in order to allow the user to grasp the exterior utensil 300 (and/or its optional tether 200). After the exterior utensil 100/180 is safely retrieved, the interior utensil 100/180 can then be removed from the interior window surface (e.g., by lowering the lower window W′ and grasping the interior utensil 300/380). the cleaning cloths 180,380 can be removed from the exterior utensil 100 and the interior utensil 300, respectively, and discarded if necessary.

Accordingly, a method of cleaning an exterior surface of a window having opposing first and second surfaces comprises providing a cleaning cloth; providing a window cleaning device comprising: a proximal housing portion including a textured surface and a magnet, and a distal housing portion including an attachment structure and configured to mate with the proximal housing portion; removably securing the cleaning cloth to the window cleaning device via the attachment structure, wherein the cleaning cloth is disposed in contact with the textured surface; and slidably moving the window cleaning device across the first window surface by applying and moving a magnetic field to the window cleaning device. In some embodiments, the magnetic field is applied from the second window surface. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a magnetic field inducer. In some embodiments, the magnetic field is applied by placing the magnetic field inducer adjacent to the second window surface, and wherein the magnetic field is moved by moving the magnetic field inducer along the second window surface. In some embodiments, the method further comprises removing the cleaning cloth from the window cleaning device after the step of slidably removing the window cleaning device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises discarding the cleaning cloth after the step of removing the cleaning cloth from the window cleaning device.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary “magnetic cleaning tool with fluid pump” 1100 in an exemplary scenario 1000 in which it might be used. The exemplary scenario 1000 involves cleaning of the interior surface 1220 and the exterior surface 1240 of a window 1200 with tool 1100. The items depicted in FIG. 13 are not necessarily to scale. Rather, the items are depicted in a manner to aid in the explanation of the tool 1100 and how it works.

The tool 1100 includes an interior utensil 1300 and an exterior utensil 1400. In FIG. 13, the interior utensil 1300 is shown on the inside of a house or building and facing the interior surface 1220 of the window 1200. Conversely, the exterior utensil 1400 is shown on the outside of a house or building and facing the exterior surface 1240 of the window 1200. For context, things 1500 which are typically outside are depicted on the same side of the glass as the exterior utensil 1400. Alternatively, the interior utensil 1300 may be called herein the first or leader utensil. Likewise, the exterior utensil 1400 may be called herein the second or follower utensil.

The utensils (1300 and 1400) have magnetic properties configured in such a manner that the utensils magnetically couple to each other through the window 1200. Each utensil has one or more permanent magnets incorporated therein with non-magnetic material (such as wood, plastic, metal, sponge, and the like) and arranged in a manner to attract the one or more permanent magnets of the other utensil through the window. In some implementations, the entire utensil may be composed of a permanent magnet. In other implementations, the interior utensil 1300 may have an electromagnet configured to attract ferrous-based material in the exterior utensil 1400.

Each utensil has a cleaning pad attached to the side of the utensil that faces the window. A pad 1420 is shown attached to the exterior utensil 1400. A pad 1320 of the interior utensil 1300 is shown in later drawings, but it is not shown in FIG. 13 because the pad 1320 is facing away from the viewer in this figure. While called cleaning pads here, the pads may be used for other purposes such as polishing and buffing. The pads may be constructed from fabric, cloth, paper-based material, sponge, or other such material for cleaning, polishing, or buffing surfaces.

To aid in the replacement of and/or cleaning of the pads, the pads are configured to attach to their respective utensils via removal fastener, such as Velcro™ or adhesive. Of course, other suitable fasteners may be used to attach the pads. In alternative embodiments, covers may be used to perform the function of the cleaning pads described here. The covers would, of course, cover its respective utensil and be removable. Also, other alternative embodiments may not have a cover, pad, or the like. Instead, the utensils themselves may provide the cleaning surfaces. For example, the utensil may be constructed from a sponge-like material. In one or more embodiments, a magnetic coupling as illustrated in FIG. 14 is used, but the use of two pads which clip on through a hole in the center are implemented. One pad may be a sponge or similar material; the other may be a piece of foam covered by a removable buffing cloth that slides on and off enabling it to be washed when dirty, or otherwise replaced. The hole in the center of the pad is slightly smaller than the protrusion on the follower utensil and thus stays on.

The interior utensil 1300 has a handle 1340 for a user to hold or grip while sliding the utensil along the interior surface 1220 of the window 1200. Of course, any handle or gripping device may be used instead of the handle 1340 shown in FIG. 13. Furthermore, the interior utensil 1300 may be shaped and configured in a manner to aid gripping by a human hand. In that instance, no handle is needed.

A fluid-delivery system 1600 is attached to the exterior utensil 1400. The fluid-delivery system 1600 includes a flexible fluid-conductive hose 1620 (i.e., tube), a fluid ? 1640, and a fluid reservoir 1660. The exterior utensil 1400 is attached to one end of the hose 1620, and the fluid pump 1640 and the reservoir 1660 are attached to the other end.

Typically, the pump 1640 and its reservoir 1660 are located inside and the hose 1620 is snaked out the window to the attached external utensil 1400. While the tool 1100 is in use, the pump 1640 pumps some of the fluid in the reservoir 1660 through the hose 1620 and to the external utensil 1400. The fluid may be cleaning fluid designed for the action of cleaning, buffing, and/or polishing windows (or another surfaces). The fluid may be, for example, a soap solution to clean or a water solution to rinse.

The hose 1620 may be operatively connected to the external utensil 1400 in such a manner to enable the fluid to reach the external surface 1240 in an effective manner. The mechanism for doing that is called the fluid-delivery mechanism herein. For example, the fluid-delivery mechanism may be a spray nozzle attached to the external utensil 1400 for spaying the fluid on the pad 1420 and/or on the external surface 1240 of the window 1200. Another example of the fluid-delivery mechanism may be a nozzle dispenser incorporated into the external utensil 1400 and designed to soak the pad 1420 with the fluid pumped by the pump 1640. The fluid-delivery mechanism may be considered to be part of the fluid-delivery system 1600.

The hose or tube 1620 serves a dual purpose: fluid transport and safety tether. The hose 1620 facilitates in the transportation of fluid from the reservoir 166 inside to the exterior utensil 1400 outside. The hose 1620 acts as safety restraint should the utensils decouple and the external utensil 1400 falls away. If this happens, the user may easily retrieve the escaped exterior utensil 1400 via its tethering hose.

The pump 1640 may be placed directly into a fluid (like the fluid in the reservoir 1660) or placed next to a fluid with a second pump placed into the fluid. Regardless, the effective result is that the pump 1640 pumps the fluid from the reservoir 1660 up the hose 1620 and dispenses (e.g., squirts) the fluid onto the exterior surface 1240 and/or onto the exterior utensil 1400.

Either automatically or manually, the fluid is dispensed on the exterior surface 1240 of the window 1200 and/or on the pad 1420 while the exterior utensil 1400 mirrors the movement of the interior utensil 1300 that it is magnetically coupled thereto. In doing so, the entire expanse of the exterior surface 1240 can be accessed and cleaned. Alternatively or in addition to, the interior utensil 1300 may be cleaning and/or wiping the interior surface 1220 of the window 1200 while guiding the magnetically coupled exterior utensil 1400. The user may trigger bursts of fluid delivery with a manually triggering of the pump 1640. Alternatively, the fluid delivery system may provide a continuous stream of fluid to the exterior utensil 1400.

FIG. 14 illustrates the tool 1100 in at least a partial cross-sectional view while the pair of utensils are magnetically coupled though the window 1200. The same components shown in FIG. 13 are shown again, but in a partial cross-sectional view.

The interior utensil 1300 is shown pressed against the interior surface 1220 of the window 1200. Likewise, the exterior utensil 140 is shown pressed against the exterior surface 1240 of the window 1200. The interior utensil 1300 includes two magnets (2100 and 2120). Likewise, the exterior utensil 1400 includes two magnets (2200 and 2220). The polarity of each magnet (2100, 2120, 2200, and 2220) is depicted in FIG. 14 by different hatching.

A pair of attraction arrows (2300 and 2320) is shown with each magnetically coupled set of magnets (2100 and 2200; 2120 and 2220) between the pair of utensils. These pairs of arrows are intended to indicate a magnetic attraction between the polar opposite facing magnets of the facing utensils.

The cleaning pad 1320 is shown between the interior utensil 1300 and the interior surface 1220 of the window 1200. Similarly, the cleaning pad 1420 is shown between the exterior utensil 1400 and the exterior surface 1240 of the window 1200. The handle 1340 is shown (in cross-section) attached to the interior utensil 1300. The flexible, fluid-conductive hose 1620 is shown attached to the exterior utensil 1400 via hose coupling 240.

FIG. 14 also shows the fluid delivery system 1600, which includes the hose 1620, pump 1640, and reservoir 1660. The pump may be any suitable pump for transferring fluid from the reservoir 1660 to the exterior utensil 1400. Examples of such pumps include (but are not limited to) positive displacement pumps, rotary lobe pump, progressive cavity pump, peristaltic pump, plunger pump, rotary gear pump, piston pump, hydraulic pump, vane pump, regenerative (peripheral) pump, diaphragm pump, impulse pump, screw pump, gear pump, and the like. The pump may be electrically powered, manually powered, pneumatically powered, or the like.

The interior utensil 1300 may be described as a guiding means for a human to hold and glide over one of two opposing surfaces of a plate. That is, the interior utensil 130 glides over the interior surface 1220 of the window 1200. The exterior utensil 1400 may be described as a cleaning means for cleaning the surface opposite of the surface on which the guiding means glides over. That is, the exterior utensil 1400 cleans the exterior surface 1240 of the window 1200. The exterior utensil 1400 may also be described as a mirroring-movement means of mirroring a movement of the guiding means by the cleaning means over the surface opposite of the surface on which the guiding means glides over. That is, the exterior utensil 1400 mirrors the movement of the interior utensil 1300 because it is magnetically coupled through the window 1200 to the interior utensil. The fluid-delivery system 1600 may be described as a fluid-delivery means for delivering fluid to the cleaning means (e.g., exterior utensil 1400).

FIG. 15 shows another exemplary tool 3000. This tool is much like tool 1100 described herein. The tool 3000 includes an interior utensil 3300 and an exterior utensil 3400. In FIG. 15, the interior utensil 3300 is shown on the inside of a house or building and facing the interior surface 1220 of the window 1200. Conversely, the exterior utensil 3400 is shown on the outside of a house or building and facing the exterior surface 1240 of the window 1200. For context, outside things 1500 which are typically found outside are depicted on the same side of the window as the exterior utensil 3400.

These utensils (3300 and 3400) of this tool 3000 have magnetic properties like the utensils (1300 and 1400) of tool 1100. However, unlike the previously depicted utensils, each of these utensils (3300 and 3400) is primarily a single contiguous permanent magnet. The polarity of each magnet (3300 and 3400) is depicted in FIG. 15 by different hatching. A pair of attraction arrows 3200 is shown with the magnetically coupled utensils 3300 and 3400. These pairs of arrows are intended to indicate a magnetic attraction between the polar opposite facing magnets of the facing utensils.

Each utensil has a cleaning pad attached to the side of the utensil that faces the window 1200. A pad 3420 is shown attached to the exterior utensil 3400. A pad 3320 is shown attached to the interior utensil 3300.

Unlike the interior utensil 1300 depicted earlier, the interior utensil 3300 has no handle. Instead, the interior utensil 3300 is shaped and configured in a manner to be gripped by a human hand.

A fluid-delivery system 3600 is attached to the exterior utensil 3400. The fluid-delivery system 3600 includes a flexible fluid-conductive hose 3620 (i.e., tube or tubing), a fluid pump 3640, and a fluid reservoir 3660. The exterior utensil 3400 is attached to one end of the hose 3620 and the fluid pump 3640 and the reservoir 3660 are attached to the other end.

The hose 3620 may be operatively connected to a fluid-delivery mechanism of the external utensil 3400 in such a manner to enable the fluid to reach the external surface 1240 in an effective manner. As shown, the fluid-delivery mechanism has a spray nozzle 310 for spraying the fluid on the pad 3420 and/or on the external surface 1240 of the window 1200. In FIG. 15, the fluid is shown in a spray 3120 squirting the exterior surface 1240 of the window 1200. The fluid-delivery mechanism may be considered to be part of the fluid-delivery system 3600.

The interior utensil 3300 may be described as a guiding means for a human to hold and glide over one of two opposing surfaces of a plate. That is, the interior utensil 3300 glides over the interior surface 1220 of the window 1200. The exterior utensil 3400 may be described as a cleaning means for cleaning the surface opposite of the surface on which the guiding means glides over. That is, the exterior utensil 3400 cleans the exterior surface 1240 of the window 1200. The exterior utensil 3400 may also be described as a mirroring-movement means of mirroring a movement of the guiding means by the cleaning means over the surface opposite of the surface on which the guiding means glides over. That is, the exterior utensil 3400 mirrors the movement of the interior utensil 3300 because it is magnetically coupled through the window 1200 to the interior utensil. The fluid-delivery system 3600 may be described as a fluid-delivery means for delivering fluid to the cleaning means (e.g., exterior utensil 3400).

The primary purpose of one or more implementations of the exemplary magnetic cleaning tool described herein is to clean surfaces which, primarily due to their location, are hard to reach. While windows are the most notable example of this surface, the tool may be used for any surface for which the magnetic force would be strong enough for the “interior” magnet to move the “exterior” magnet. In an alternative implementation, a Squeegee may be used on the follower utensil for cleaning the window and which would likely be removable. In another implementation, a screw system associated with the magnets may be used to enable, by way of twisting of the screw system or the like, increasing/decreasing the distance of the magnets from the window and thus change the magnetic force depending on need, surface and thickness of glass (single/double paned)

Cleaning windows is one application of one or more implementations of the exemplary magnetic cleaning tool. In that instance, the surface being cleaned is glass. However, other applications for one or more implementations is for other material that is both thin enough and be non-magnetic enough to not interfere with the magnetic coupling of the utensil therethrough. Examples of such magnetically permeable material may include (by way of illustration and not limitation) glass, plastic, Bakelite, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyurethanes, acrylic, ceramic, crystal, stone, laminates, wood, plant-base material, non-ferrous metals and alloys, porcelain, and aluminum oxynitride. Also, examples of surfaces (other than a glass window's surface) may include (by way of example and not limitation) plastic windows, aluminum siding, walkways or foot bridges, holding vats, glass safety guard railings, car windows, car windshields, aquariums, flower vases, large tubes, etc.

The magnets used herein may be constructed from one or more of the following materials (by way of example and not limitation): ferromagnetic materials, paramagnetic materials, composites (such as ceramic, ferrite, and alnico), rare-earth magnets (such as samarium-cobalt and neodymium-iron-boron).

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	13163685	Jun 2011	US
Child	14337208		US

WINDOW CLEANING DEVICES AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING SAME

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

Claims

Continuation in Parts (1)