COMPACT MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANING DEVICE

DISPOSITIF DE NETTOYAGE COMPACT A USAGES MULTIPLES

English Abstract

A compact hand held multi-purpose cleaning device for removing
unwanted matter from a surface is provided. The cleaning device
comprises, a container body normally filled with a cleaning
fluid, an aperture in the body, a selective fluid control
mounted on and covering the aperture and cleaning elements
mounted on the body. The cleaning elements are generally in the
form of abrasive material, sponge wiping material, a wiper blade
and a scraper blade. The proper application of any or all of
the cleaning elements with or without application of the
cleaning fluid will ensure a most desirably clean surface.

French Abstract

Cette invention concerne un dispositif de nettoyage à main compact et à usages multiples servant à enlever les matières étrangères d'une surface. Il se compose d'un récipient normalement rempli de liquide nettoyant et comportant une ouverture dans laquelle est monté un doseur réglable de liquide nettoyant et d'éléments de nettoyage montés sur le corps du récipient. Ces éléments se présentent généralement sous la forme d'une plaque abrasive, d'une éponge, d'une lame racleuse et d'une lame d'essuyage. L'application appropriée de l'une, de plusieurs ou de l'ensemble des éléments de nettoyage avec ou sans liquide de nettoyage permet de nettoyer à fond la surface traitée.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property
or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A compact hand held multi-purpose cleaning device comprising
in combination, a semi-transparent container body for fluids
being generally elliptical in cross section, said container
body having a somewhat curved front face and a somewhat
curved rear face, curved side edges joining said front face
and said rear face, a top end and a bottom end both joined
to said front face. rear face and curved side edges to
form said container body. a threaded opening in said top end
for filling or emptying said container body,a removeable cap
mounted on said threaded opening, said removeable cap
carrying a pivotal on-off duct for control of said fluid,
a flexible wiper blade mounted on one of said curved side
edges. a rigid scraper blade mounted on a second of said
curved side edges whereby said fluid from said container
body placed on a surface containing extraneous matter may be
cleaned by removing said fluid and matter with the
application of said cleaning device to said surface.
2. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising
an abrasive type wiping material fixed to said somewhat
curved front face and a sponge type wiping material fixed to
said somewhat curved rear face.
3. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said
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container body is made of plastic, wherein said flexible
wiper blade is made of rubber and wherein said rigid scraper
blade is made of plastic.
4. A container applicator used to remove undesirable matter
from a surface comprising in combination. a fluid container
means. an aperture means in said fluid container means to
allow egress of fluid relative to said fluid container means,
a removeable closure means mounted on said aperture means
including a selective fluid control means. said fluid
container means including a slightly curved first face,
abrasive type material fixed adjacent said first face, a
slightly curved second face, and sponge type wiping material
fixed adjacent said second face whereby said fluid from said
fluid container means placed on a surface containing foreign
matter may be cleaned by moving said container applicator
over said surface and in contact therewith.
5. A container applicator as claimed in claim 4 further
including a first curved edge joining said first and second
faces, a flexible wiper blade held adjacent said first
curved edge, a second curved edge joining said first and
second faces, and a rigid scraper blade held adjacent said
second curved edge.
6. A container applicator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said
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fluid container means is elliptical in cross section wherein
said wiper blade is made of rubber and wherein said scraper
blade is made of plastic.
7. A container applicator for use in removing undesirable
matter from a surface comprising in combination. a fluid
container body, said container body including at least three
surfaces, abrasive material covering a first surface of said
at least three surfaces, wiping material covering a second of
said at least three surfaces, a wiper blade mounted on a
third of said at least three surfaces, an aperture in said
fluid container body to permit egress of said fluid and
means mounted on said container body to selectively control
said egress of fluid therefrom.
8. A container applicator as claimed in claim 7 further
including a fourth surface, a scraper blade mounted on said
fourth surface. and wherein said selective fluid egress
control is a spray pump.
9. A container applicator as claimed in claim 7 further
including a fourth surface, a scraper blade mounted on said
fourth surface and wherein said selective fluid egress
control is a pivotal duct.
10. A container applicator as claimed in claims 7, 8 or 9
wherein said fluid container body is substantially
elliptical in cross section for ease of hand manipulation.
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11. In a compact hand held multi-purpose cleaning device, a
container body for storing cleaning fluid, a front surface
on said container body, a rear surface on said container
body, abrasive material covering said front surface, wiping
material covering said rear surface and means on said
container body to selectively control exit of said cleaning
fluid therefrom.
12. In a compact hand held multi-purpose cleaning device, a
container body for storing cleaning fluid, a first surface
on said container body, abrasive material covering said
first surface, a second surface on said container body, a
scraper blade mounted on said second surface and selective
control means mounted on said container body to control exit
of said cleaning fluid therefrom.
13. In a compact hand held multi-purpose cleaning device, a
container for storing a cleaning material, a first surface
on said containers a sponge wiping material on said first
surface, a second surface on said container body, a scraper
blade mounted on said second surface and selective control
means mounted on said container to control exit of said
cleaning material therefrom.
14. In a compact hand held multi-purpose cleaning device, a
container body for holding a supply of cleaning fluid, a
first surface on said container, a sponge wiping material.
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on said first surface, a second surface on said container
body. a wiper blade mounted on said second surface and
selective control means mounted on said container to control
exit of said cleaning material therefrom.
15. In a compact hand held multi-purpose cleaning device, a
hollow handle container for storing a cleaning material, a
first surface on said hollow handle container, a sponge wiper
material on said first surface, a second surface on said
hollow handle, a rigid scraper blade mounted on said second
surface and selective control means mounted on said hollow
handle container to control exit of said cleaning material
therefrom.
16. A container applicator used to remove matter from a surface
comprising in combination. a vertically elongate body member
generally elliptical in transverse cross section, and
including a first and second vertical side edge. a body-content
control means mounted on one end of said vertically elongate
body member. a first elongate element basically triangular in
cross section affixed to said first vertical side edge of said
vertically elongate body member, a second elongate element
basically triangular in cross section affixed to said second
vertical side edge of said verticaly elongate body member, a
first coating of a coarse texture affixed to a first portion
of said elongate body member and a second coating of a fine
texture affixed to a second portion of said elongate body
member.
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17. A container applicator as claimed in claim 16 wherein said
first elongate element basically triangular in cross section
is of a flexible material and wherein said second elongate
element basically triangular in cross section is of a rigid
material.
18. A container applicator as claimed in claim 17 wherein said
first portion and said second portion are slightly convex
surfaces.
19. A hand held cleaning device comprising, a hollow body for
storing a cleaning material to be dispensed, a rigid scraper
attached to said hollow body, and a selective outlet control
means affixed to said hollow body for selective control in
dispensing said cleaning material.
20. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 19 wherein said
selective control means is a spray pump and said rigid
scraper is integrally attached to said hollow body.
21. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 20 wherein said
cleaning material is a liquid.
22. A hand held cleaning device comprising, a hollow body
having a longitudinal axis for storing a cleaning material
to be dispensed, an elongate flexible wiping blade attached
to said hollow body parallel to said longitudinal axis, and
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a selective outlet control means affixed to said hollow
body for selectively positively and freely dispensing said
cleaning material.
23. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said
selective outlet control means is a spray pump and said
cleaning material is a liquid.
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Description

CA 02204193 1997-0~-01
COMPACT MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the cleaning of a surface with
extraneous material thereon and more particularly to means for
containing and dispensing a supply of cleaning material onto the
surface and means to abrade, wipe or scrape the extraneous
material and/or the cleaning material, from the surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the cleaning of headlights, side windows, outside rear view
mirrors and even windshields, it is a common practice to use a
squeegee and bucket of water or cleaning fluid provided by a
service station when one fills up with gas.
The big problem is that one is not always handy to service
station facilities when the undesirable matter arrives on
surfaces that are necessary to the safety of all concerned.
People have resorted to sponges, rags or even a handful of snow
to improve degenerating visual conditions.
In an effort to remove the unwanted condition of matter on a
surface several attempts have been made as shown in U.S.
patent 3,Z76,067 to Boyle et al, U.S. Patent 3,226,761 to
Adamsky and Canadian Patent 1,054,320 to Hardy.
United States Patent "067" teaches pressure responsive slits in a
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CA 02204193 1997-0~-01
flexible wall of a container to meter the flow of liquid
therefrom. An applicator pad is placed on the container over
the slits to receive the liquid and apply it to a surface as it
is moved thereover.The instant invention does not have a flexible
wall container slit to control fluid flow, nor a wiping pad
covering the slits.
United States Patent "761" again has a pliable container which is
distorted by hand thereby opening a valve to permit fluid in the
container to flow on to a surface to be cleaned. An applicator
sponge is attached to the container body to spread the fluid
applied to the surface. This device is similar to the instant
invention only in that a sponge is used to spread the fluid
after it has been released from the container. This device has
several shortcomings which have been overcome by the invention
herein described. The invention has a semi-rigid body which
will not accidentally disperse fluid therefrom by flexing of the
body nor will it disperse fluid as the body is held tightly in
the hand when wiping the fluid and extraneous matter from a
surface to be cleaned. The fluid is under complete control at
all times, providing a direct location of fluid application and
the desired amount applied. This control makes for easy storage
such as in the glove box or other compartment in an automobile.
Canadian Patent "320" teaches a liquid dispensing bottle adapted
for use in a squeegee operation. The body of the container has a
trigger operated dispensing mechanism and a squeegee mounted
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CA 02204193 1997-0~-01
thereon. The squeegee "per se" in this case is not directly
mounted on the container body, thus it can only carry out a
single function. No further functions have been provided for or
even suggested. The direct attachment to the container body is
what is required for a compact multi-cleaning device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The removal of the above mentioned vehicle hazards or even
cleaning in the home may be accomplished by providing, a
container normally filled with a cleaning fluid, an opening in
the container having flow control dispensing means mounted
thereon, a rough or coarse abrasive material affixed to a first
portion of the container, a sponge or wiping material affixed to
a second portion of the container, a wiper blade affixed to a
third portion of the container and a scraper blade affixed to a
fourth portion of the container.
Various operations can be performed with the above compact
multi-cleaner but the end result is the removal of unwanted
matter from a surface.
It is therefore the principal object of the instant invention to
provide a compact effective device for cleaning a surface.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a
combination dispensing and abrading device for cleaning a surface.
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CA 02204193 1998-09-08
It is a further object of this invention to provide a combination
dispensiny and wiping device for cleaning a surface.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a combination
dispensing and a scraping device for cleaning a surface.
It is yet a further ohject of this invention to provide an
economical, easy to manufacture cleaning device to ensure safe
operation of a vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container with
cleaning and dispensing means mounted thereon.
Fig.2 shows a top plan view of the cleaning and
dispensing combination of figure 1.
Fig. 3 shows a rear elevation of the cleaning device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to figure 1 we have here shown a container means 1,
which is normally of semi-rigid plastic, which can have various
shapes for storing a quantity of a cleansing material that will
assist in the removal of an undesirable matter from a surface to be
cleaned. The cleansing material is normally a fluid such as water
20 and in the case of the automotive art it would be windshield washer
fluid. The container has on an upper surface thereof an opening or
aperture for egress of material therefrom. Mounted on the opening
is a container cap 6 which carries a controlling outlet means 7.
The controlling outlet means 7 is here shown as a pivoted member in
the form of an on-off duct but may be in the form of a spray pump
for a more controlled dispensing. On or adjacent one portion or
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CA 02204193 1998-09-08
face of the container 1 is an abrasive material 3 of coarse texture
usually required to remove matter adhering strongly to a surface.
On or adjacent a second portion or face of the container 1 is a
sponge or other wiping means 2 of finer texture usually required to
remove or wipe off matter easily removable from a surface. A wiping
blade means 5 normally made of rubber is affixed to a third portion
of the container 1 which is normally an edge thereof so that the
cleansing liquid applied to the extraneous or unwanted matter such as
dirt on a surface may be wiped off thereby cleaning the surface. A
10 scraping blade means 4 normally made of a rigid plastic is affixed
to a fourth portion of the container 1 which is normally an edge
thereof so that the cleansing liquid applied to the extraneous or
unwanted matter such as frost on a surface may be easily scraped
off. It may not be necessary to apply liquid to the frost.
Now looking at figure 2 there is shown a top plan view of the
combination dispensing and cleaning device of figure 1 with the
controlling outlet means 7 shown in the pivoted closed position
which prevents any egress of cleaning fluid which would be most
undesirable especially inside a vehicle. The container means 1
20 is normally elliptical or rectangular in cross section so that it
may be easily manipulated by hand and so that the edges where
the rubber wiper means 5 and plastic scraper means 4 are mounted
leaves them readily accessible to perform their function.
Now looking at figure 3 there is here shown the side of the cleaner
opposite to figure 1 in order to show the different texture of the
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CA 02204193 1998-09-08
applied cleaning material on the container 1. It is now clear
that the wiping means 2 is of a finer texture than the coarse
textured material 3. A space on a portion of the container is
normally left for the addition of advertising, instructions etc.
Filling of the container means 1 is achieved by removal of
container cap means 6. The degree of fullness is easily
ascertainable due to the semi-transparency of the container means 1.
Any combination of operations may be resorted to, to bring about
the desired result of a cleansed surface.
10 Various modifications such as size, shape and arrangement of
comoponents may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of this invention., The above disclosure shall be interpreted as
illustrative only and limited only by the scope of the invention as
defined in the following claims.

Representative Drawing