US20040146333A1

US20040146333A1 - Fluid pump assembly for use with a cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20040146333A1
Application number: US10/452,651
Authority: US
Inventors: Chen Fu
Original assignee: Top Innovations Inc
Current assignee: Top Innovations Inc
Priority date: 2003-01-27
Filing date: 2003-06-02
Publication date: 2004-07-29
Also published as: US20040146332A1; WO2004069022A1; AU2003279090A1

Abstract

A fluid pump assembly (268) for use in a cleaning apparatus (10) broadly comprises a fluid pump (22); a suction outlet tube (270) in direct fluid communication with a fluid reservoir (14); a fluid outlet tube (272) configured to be in direct fluid communication with the suction outlet tube (270) and connected to the fluid pump (22); a valve (274) cooperating with both the suction and fluid outlet tubes (270,272); and a control switch (58), wherein actuation of the control switch (58) simultaneously opens the valve (274) and activates the pump (22) to suction fluid from the fluid reservoir (14), through the suction outlet tube (270), and because the valve (274) is open, through the fluid outlet tube (272), and deactuation of the control switch (58) simultaneously closes the valve (274) and deactivates the pump (22), such that fluid is prevented from exiting the fluid outlet tube (272).

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of an earlier-filed U.S. patent application titled “TELESCOPING CLEANING APPARATUS WITH REFILLABLE FLUID RESERVOIR AND INTERCHANGEABLE HEADS,” Ser. No. 10/352,595, filed Jan. 27, 2003. The identified earlier-filed application is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cleaning apparatuses for cleaning floors, windows, and other surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a telescoping cleaning apparatus having a refillable fluid reservoir and at least one interchangeable head.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many types of cleaning apparatuses exist for cleaning floors and other surfaces. Recently, cleaning mops including a fluid reservoir and a nozzle for spraying a cleaning fluid on a cleaning surface have become popular. Unfortunately, these mops suffer from several limitations. First, the prior art mops are designed primarily for cleaning floors, and thus, include only one type of cleaning head. Multiple interchangeable heads are advantageous since other types of cleaning surfaces can be cleaned, such as windows.

Second, the fluid reservoirs of the prior art mops are normally positioned at a distal end of the mops, near their cleaning heads. While such placement is desired if the mops are only to be used for cleaning floors, this arrangement is less desirable for mops intended to be used in cleaning multiple types of surfaces, such as windows, because the mops often must be rotated upwardly such that the cleaning head is above the fluid reservoir. The user must then hold the weight of the fluid reservoir and the cleaning fluid contained within the reservoir at arm's length, since the fluid reservoir is positioned at the distal end of the mop. Such use of the mop is both cumbersome and heavy and needlessly increases the difficulty in using the mop.

Third, prior art mops are normally designed such that the user must manually pump the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle. Manual pumps are sufficient for mops intended to be used only for cleaning floors, because a user of a manual pump mop can balance the mop on the floor with one hand while pumping with the other hand, or the user can balance the mop against his or her body while manually pumping the cleaning fluid. However, if the mop is used such that the cleaning head is upward with respect to a handle of the mop, as is common while cleaning windows, the ease and maneuverability of manually pumping the mop while holding the mop up decreases significantly. The user either has to hold the mop with one hand while trying to reach and pump with the other hand, or the user is forced to lower the mop to the floor. This is not only difficult and cumbersome, but it also increases the amount of time spent cleaning.

A fourth limitation of prior art mop designs is that their nozzles spray cleaning fluid at non-acute angles, which tends to widen an area sprayed, but also increases the possibility of unintentionally spraying items not intended to be cleaned. Also, spraying at more than an acute angle widens the distance between the mop head and the sprayed cleaning fluid, which increases the distance necessary for the mop to travel before coming in contact with the cleaning fluid.

A fifth limitation is that prior art mop designs require complicated, expensive, and heavy pump and reservoir combinations. For example, a check valve is often required upstream of the nozzle to minimize fluid exiting the nozzle once the pump is turned off. The check valve normally has a threshold pressure that must be overcome before fluid is allowed to flow to the nozzle. Further, if the fluid reservoir is located below the fluid pump, the pump must suction fluid from the reservoir. The combination of the power required to suction fluid from the reservoir and the power required to overcome the check valve is often more than a small, lightweight, and inexpensive fluid pump can handle.

Even if the fluid reservoir is positioned above the fluid pump so that no suction is required for lifting the fluid from the reservoir, prior art mop designs still require a check valve positioned upstream of the nozzle. Further, to overcome the check valve, the pump must include a motor large enough to produce ample pressure to open the check valve and force fluid through to the nozzle, as found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,750 (the '750 patent) to The Proctor and Gamble Company. Although the design of the '750 patent produces sufficient fluid pressure, the design requires the fluid reservoir to be positioned at a distal end of the mop and requires a complicated and powerful fluid pump assembly.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved cleaning apparatus that overcomes the limitations of the prior art. More particularly, there is a need for a cleaning apparatus that is adapted to receive interchangeable heads so that multiple types of surfaces may be cleaned. Additionally, there is a need for a cleaning apparatus having a fluid reservoir positioned at a proximal end of a body of the cleaning apparatus for facilitating holding and balancing the mop while cleaning. Furthermore, there is a need for a hand-held cleaning apparatus with an electrically powered pump. There is yet a further need for a cleaning apparatus that sprays cleaning fluid at an acute angle so as to reduce the unintentional spraying of items not intended to be cleaned. There is even yet a further need for a cleaning apparatus employing a small, lightweight, and inexpensive fluid pump assembly for producing sufficient fluid flow without fluid leakage from the nozzle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of cleaning apparatuses. More particularly, the present invention provides a cleaning apparatus that is adapted for cleaning multiple types of surfaces using interchangeable heads, that eases the cleaning of the surfaces by positioning a fluid reservoir at a proximal end of a body of the cleaning apparatus, that includes an electrically powered pump, and that sprays cleaning fluid at an acute angle so as to reduce unintentional spraying of items not intended to be cleaned.

The cleaning apparatus of the present invention broadly includes a telescoping body; a fluid reservoir; a handle; a receiving portion; a tube; a fluid pump; and at least one interchangeable head. The body has a proximal end and a distal end and includes first and second rods. The fluid reservoir is positioned near the proximal end, and the handle is positioned generally adjacent to the fluid reservoir and at an extreme proximal end of the body. The receiving portion is positioned at an extreme distal end of the body and receives the interchangeable head via a pair of L-shaped channels formed on the receiving portion and a pair of bosses formed on the interchangeable head. The pair of bosses slide within the pair of L-shaped channels to secure the interchangeable head to the cleaning apparatus. The tube is partially positioned within the handle, proceeds through the fluid reservoir and the first and the second rods, and ends at a nozzle provided on the receiving portion. The fluid pump is preferably electrically powered and is stored within the handle. The cleaning apparatus also includes at least one interchangeable head, but preferably two heads. In a first preferred embodiment, the interchangeable head includes a plurality of flexibly biased members for securing a cleaning cloth to the head. In a second preferred embodiment, the interchangeable head is preferably equipped with a squeegee for cleaning windows.

Further, the cleaning apparatus includes a valve located in the handle and proximate to the fluid pump. The valve is open and closed by actuation of the control switch, which also activates the fluid pump. The valve blocks fluid flow from a suction outlet tube to a fluid outlet tube. Upon actuation of the control switch, the electric fluid pump is activated and the valve is released, allowing fluid to flow to the nozzle. Upon deactuation of the control switch, the fluid pump is deactivated and simultaneously, fluid flow to the nozzle is stopped. Due to the size of the fluid outlet tube, the surface tension of the fluid is sufficient to prevent air from entering the fluid outlet tube, which consequently prevents fluid from exiting the nozzle once the valve is closed.

By constructing the cleaning apparatus as described herein, numerous advantages are realized. For example, a user of the cleaning apparatus may interchange the heads as necessitated by the type of cleaning surface to be cleaned by simply turning the head and sliding the pair of bosses formed on the head from the L-shaped channels formed on the receiving portion. Additionally, since the fluid reservoir is positioned at the proximal end of the body, which is nearer to the user, the user may more easily balance and hold the cleaning apparatus when the apparatus is rotated to a position where the head is above the handle. Furthermore, the cleaning apparatus is electrically powered so that the user is not required to manually pump a cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle. An even further advantage of the cleaning apparatus is that it sprays the cleaning fluid at an acute angle, which minimizes the unintentional spraying of items not intended to be cleaned.

These and other important aspects of the present invention are described more fully in the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

First and second preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: [0017]
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cleaning apparatus constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a handle, a fluid reservoir, a body, and an interchangeable head of the second preferred embodiment; [0018]
FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of a receiving portion of the cleaning apparatus and an attachment end and the interchangeable head of the second preferred embodiment, with the attachment end being shown in partial section; [0019]
FIG. 3 is a front fragmentary sectional view of an attachment end of the first preferred embodiment showing a generally sphere-shaped roller for rotatably positioning interchangeable head; [0020]
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional side view of the cleaning apparatus showing electrical wiring stored within a handle of the cleaning apparatus, a fluid pump, and a tube in partially broken line and also showing spraying of a cleaning fluid at an acute angle; [0021]
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view of the interchangeable head of the second preferred embodiment secured to the receiving portion; [0022]
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary bottom view taken through line [0023] 6-6 of FIG. 4 and illustrating the spraying of the cleaning fluid;
FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view showing an attachment end and the interchangeable head of the first preferred embodiment adapted to secure a cleaning cloth; [0024]
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary isometric view of the interchangeable head of the first preferred embodiment with the cleaning cloth secured thereto; [0025]
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional side view of the cleaning apparatus showing the fluid pump, a suction outlet tube, a fluid outlet tube, a valve, and a control switch; and [0026]
FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the control switch, the pump, and the valve.[0027]
The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. [0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawing figures, and particularly FIGS. 1 and 4, a [0029] cleaning apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The cleaning apparatus 10 is operable to clean floors, windows, and other cleaning surfaces and broadly includes a telescoping body 12; a fluid reservoir 14; a handle 16; a receiving portion 18; a tube 20; a fluid pump 22; and at least one interchangeable head 24.
The [0030] telescoping body 12 has a proximal or first end 26 including an extreme proximal end 28 and a distal or second end 30 including an extreme distal end 32. The telescoping body 12 preferably includes first and second generally cylindrically-shaped hollowed rods 34,36, a locking sleeve 38, and a connecting sleeve 40, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. A portion 42 of the first rod 34 is preferably positioned within the fluid reservoir 14, the purpose of which is described below. The first rod 34 is preferably slightly smaller in diameter than the second rod 36 so that a user of the cleaning apparatus 10 may insert any portion of the first rod 34 into the second rod 36 to position the cleaning apparatus 10 at a desired height. The rods 34,36 are then locked into position by turning the locking sleeve 38 until tightened. The second rod 36 is connected to the receiving portion 18 using the connecting sleeve 40, as described below. The first rod 34 is preferably approximately 2.5 centimeters in diameter, but the diameter may range between 1 centimeter and 18 centimeters. The second rod 36 is preferably approximately 2 centimeters in diameter, but the diameter may range between 0.5 centimeters and 17.5 centimeters. Each rod 34,36 is preferably approximately 0.5 meters in length, although the length may range between 0.2 meters and 1.5 meters. The cleaning apparatus 10 is thus allowed to be extended to a length of 1 meter, although the extended length may range between 0.4 meters and 3 meters. The rods 34,36 are preferably made of aluminum, but other suitable materials may be used, such as rigid plastic. The rods 34,36 are preferably hollow so that a substantial portion of the tube 20 may be inserted therethrough, as described below.
The [0031] fluid reservoir 14 is preferably positioned at the proximal end 26 of the telescoping body 12, the purpose of which is described below. The reservoir 14 is adapted to contain a cleaning fluid, such as water, soap, ammonia, or any other cleaning agent. The portion 42 of the first rod 34 positioned within the reservoir 14 stabilizes the cleaning apparatus 10 and provides a support on which the fluid reservoir 14 may be mounted. The fluid reservoir 14 includes an opening 44 through which the cleaning fluid may be poured into the reservoir 14, and the opening 44 has a cap 46 adapted to be fitted thereon for sealing the opening 44, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. The reservoir 14 is preferably made of a non-permeable rigid plastic, but other suitable materials may be used, such as a rigid acrylic. The reservoir 14 is also preferably translucent or non-opaque so that the user can see how much cleaning fluid is contained within the reservoir 14.
The [0032] handle 16 is preferably substantially hollow and positioned at the extreme proximal end 28 of the body 12, such that the first rod 34 is partially positioned within the handle 16, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Electrical wiring 48, schematically represented in FIG. 4, and a power source 50 for driving the fluid pump 22 are preferably stored within the handle 16, as described below. The power source 50 is preferably at least one battery 50 housed in a battery compartment 52, which is accessible through a battery compartment cover 54 positioned on an outer face 56 of the handle 16, as illustrated in FIG. 1. A control switch 58 for powering the cleaning apparatus 10 is provided on the handle 16. A plurality of raised generally parallel longitudinal grips 60 is formed on the outer face 56 to facilitate grasping the handle 16. The handle 16 is preferably made of rigid plastic, but other suitable rigid materials may be used.
The receiving [0033] portion 18 has a first end 62 and a second end 64 and is positioned at the extreme distal end 32 of the body 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As noted above, the second rod 36 of the body 12 is connected to the first end 62 of the receiving portion 18 using the connecting sleeve 40.
The receiving portion includes an [0034] oblong section 66 positioned near the first end 62 and generally formed of a plurality of rigid concentric circular portions 68 of varying diameter, a generally oblong V-shaped insert 70 provided on the oblong section 66, and a nozzle 72 provided on the V-shaped insert 70. The circular portions 68 are preferably spaced a distance from each other so as to facilitate grasping of the receiving portion 18 during changing of the interchangeable head 24. The insert 70 is provided on the oblong section 66 as a face on which the nozzle 72 may be secured.
The [0035] nozzle 72 is operable to spray a cleaning fluid onto a cleaning surface, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Importantly, the nozzle 72 sprays the cleaning fluid at an acute angle, which is commonly defined as an angle measuring less than 90°. Spraying the cleaning fluid at an acute angle serves several purposes. First, spraying at an acute angle focuses or concentrates the flow or stream of the cleaning fluid so that the fluid does not unintentionally spray on items other than the intended cleaning surface, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Second, spraying at an acute angle lessens the distance between the cleaning apparatus 10 and the sprayed cleaning fluid, thus lessening the distance the cleaning apparatus 10 must travel before contacting the cleaning fluid. Third, spraying at an acute angle allows for spraying on a small cleaning surface, which might be required if the cleaning surface is a window or a small area of floor.
The [0036] second end 64 of the receiving portion 18 is generally cylindrically-shaped and receives the interchangeable head 24, as described below and as illustrated in FIG. 2. First and second channels 74,76, positioned generally opposite each other, are formed onto the second end 64 for facilitating securement of the interchangeable head 24, as also described below.
The [0037] tube 20 is preferably made of flexible plastic and has a length sized to accommodate a full extension of the rods 34,36. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a first portion 78 of the tube 20 is preferably positioned within the handle 16, a second portion 80 of the tube 20 is preferably positioned within the fluid reservoir 14 and outside the first rod 34, a third portion 82 of the tube 20 is preferably positioned within the portion 42 of the first rod 34 positioned within the fluid reservoir 14, and a fourth portion 84 of the tube 20 is preferably positioned within the first and the second rods 34,36. The tube 20 is thus partially positioned within the handle 16, proceeds through the fluid reservoir and the first and the second rods 34,36, and ends at the nozzle 72. The first portion 78 of the tube 20 preferably connects with the fluid pump 22, and the second portion 80 of the tube 20 preferably connects with the first portion 78 so that the cleaning fluid may be pumped from the fluid reservoir 14, through the first, second, third, and fourth portions 78,80,82,84 of the tube 20, and to the nozzle 72.
The [0038] second portion 80 of the tube 20 preferably has an end 86 with a weighted bulb 88 secured thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The bulb 88 preferably has an opening 90 through which the cleaning fluid may be suctioned from the fluid reservoir 14. The purpose of the weighted bulb 88 is described in more detail below.
As noted above, the [0039] fluid pump 22 is preferably electrically driven by the power source 50 and is operable to pump the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir 14, through the tube 20, and to the nozzle 72, whereby the nozzle 72 sprays the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning surface at an acute angle. Although the preferred power source 50 is at least one battery 50 stored in the handle 16, other power sources may be used, such as a power source stored in a remote housing, a power connection to a standard in-home 120 volt, 60 hertz alternating current outlet, or a combination of manual and electrical power. Electrical power is preferred since this allows the user to continuously power the cleaning apparatus 10 without having to use manual power, as described in more detail below.
The [0040] cleaning apparatus 10 includes at least one interchangeable head 24, but preferably two or more interchangeable heads 24. In a first preferred embodiment, the interchangeable head is designated as 24 a. Similarly, in a second preferred embodiment, the interchangeable head is designated as 24 b. Other possible interchangeable heads 24 may be available as need requires.
In the first preferred embodiment, the [0041] interchangeable head 24 a preferably includes an attachment end 100 adapted to be secured with the receiving portion 18 and a generally rectangularly-shaped cleaning plate 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The attachment end 100 is preferably made of rigid plastic and includes first and second ends 104,106, as illustrated in FIG. 7.
The [0042] first end 104 of the attachment end 100 is preferably formed of a generally cylindrically-shaped portion 108. A plurality of rigid concentric circular portions 110 of varying diameter, similar to the circular portions 68 of the receiving portion 18, are preferably formed on the cylindrically-shaped portion 108. The circular portions 110 facilitate grasping when securing or removing the interchangeable head 24 a.
The cylindrically-shaped [0043] portion 108 of the first end 104 preferably includes a partially hollowed portion 112 having first and second bosses 114,116 formed therein, as best illustrated in FIG. 7. To secure the interchangeable head 24 a to the receiving portion 18 of the cleaning apparatus 10, the user preferably slides the first boss 114 into the first L-shaped channel 74 of the receiving portion 18 and the second boss 116 into the second L-shaped channel 76. The user then turns the head 24 a, which locks and secures the head 24 a with the receiving portion 18.
The [0044] second end 106 of the attachment end 100 is generally U-shaped and includes a pair of legs 118. Each leg 118 preferably includes a generally circularly-shaped opening 120, only one of which can be seen in FIG. 7, such that the openings 120 face generally opposite each other. The second end 106 also preferably includes a sphere-shaped roller 122 secured thereto, as described below. The roller 122 preferably has first and second pairs of substantially flat faces 124,126, with the faces of each pair 124,126 facing generally opposite each other. Only one face of each pair of faces 124,126 can be seen in FIG. 7. The first pair of faces 124 preferably has a first pair of generally circularly-shaped bosses 128 formed thereon, one boss to each face. Similarly, the second pair of faces 126 preferably has a second pair of generally circularly-shaped bosses 130 formed thereon, one boss to each face. The roller 122 is preferably secured to the second end 106 by inserting the first pair of bosses 128 into the openings 120 formed on the pair of legs 118. The roller 122 is preferably rotatably mounted to the cleaning plate 102, as described below, for positioning of the cleaning head 24 a in a desired position.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the [0045] cleaning plate 102 of the interchangeable head 24 a includes a rear or first face 132 and a front or second face 134. The rear face 132 is preferably provided with a mounting apparatus 136 for mounting the roller 122 to the cleaning plate 102. The mounting apparatus 136 includes a pair of mounting brackets 138. Each bracket 138 preferably includes a generally circularly-shaped opening 140, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, similar to the openings 120 on the legs 118. The second pair of bosses 130 is secured within the openings 140 on the pair of brackets 138, which secures the roller 122 to the cleaning plate 102. The second pair of bosses 130 and the openings 140 on the brackets 138 are sized to allow the roller 122 to rotate within the mounting apparatus 136.
The [0046] rear face 132 of the cleaning plate 102 of the interchangeable head 24 a also includes at least two, but preferably four, generally elliptically-shaped biased members 142, as best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Each member 142 is preferably formed of flexible plastic, but any other suitable material may be used. Each member 142 is preferably provided with flexible interlocking teeth 144 for securement of a cleaning cloth 146, such as an electrostatically charged cloth or a wet cleaning cloth, to the interchangeable head 24 a.
The [0047] front face 134 of the cleaning plate 102 of the interchangeable head 24 a is preferably provided with a generally rectangularly-shaped recess (not shown) slightly smaller than an area of the head 24 a. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a dense foam 148 is secured within the recess (not shown) using adhesive or any other suitable securement method. The foam 148 serves as a surface on which the cleaning cloth 146 may be placed to facilitate cleaning and securement of the cleaning cloth 146 to the interchangeable head 24 a.
In the second preferred embodiment, the [0048] interchangeable head 24 b also includes an attachment end 200 adapted to be secured with the receiving portion 18 and a generally rectangularly-shaped cleaning plate 202, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. The attachment end 200 includes first and second ends 204,206. The first end 204 is substantially similar to the first end 104 of the first preferred embodiment. The second end 206 is generally U-shaped and includes a pair of legs 218. A generally sphere-shaped roller 222 is formed between the legs 218 for rotatable positioning of the interchangeable head 24 b. Unlike the first preferred embodiment, the roller 222 of the second preferred embodiment is molded to the legs 218.
The [0049] cleaning plate 202 of the second preferred embodiment is preferably formed of a rear or first plate 250 and a front or second plate 252, as illustrated in FIG. 5. A rear face 254 of the rear plate 250 is preferably provided with a mounting apparatus 236, substantially similar to the mounting apparatus 136 of the first preferred embodiment, for rotatably mounting the roller 222 in a manner substantially similar to the first preferred embodiment. Additionally, the rear face 254 of the rear plate 250 includes a pair of generally rectangularly-shaped projections 256 positioned transverse to the mounting apparatus 236 and generally opposite each other. Each projection 256 has an angled face 258. When the attachment end 200 is rotated to an extreme angle, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the leg 218 of the U-shaped second end 206 slides along the angled face 258, catches on the projection 256, and holds the attachment end 200 in place until enough force is applied by the user to overcome the hold provided by the projection 256.
The [0050] rear plate 250 and the front plate 252 are preferably secured together using a plurality of screws (not shown) to form a first edge 260 and a second edge 262. A sponge 264 for scrubbing is preferably provided between the rear plate 250 and the front plate 252 and along the first edge 260. Similarly, a squeegee 266 is preferably provided between the rear plate 250 and the front plate 252 and along the second edge 262. The squeegee 266 is preferably made of flexible rubber and is provided for wiping away cleaning fluid applied to a cleaning surface. The sponge 264 and the squeegee 266 make the interchangeable head 24 b of the second preferred embodiment especially convenient for use in cleaning windows.
Since the [0051] cleaning apparatus 10 is adapted for use in cleaning windows, it may be necessary for the user to rotate or swivel the cleaning apparatus 10 up and counter-clockwise so that the interchangeable head 24 can contact the cleaning surface, such as a window. It is then necessary to have the weighted bulb 88 at the end 86 of the second portion 80 of the tube 20 so that gravity forces the opening 90 in the bulb 88 to contact the cleaning fluid in the fluid reservoir 14. The fluid pump 22 can then pump the fluid out of the reservoir 14 for transferral to the nozzle 72.
In operation, a user of the [0052] cleaning apparatus 10 fills the fluid reservoir 14 with a cleaning fluid. If cleaning a floor, the user would most likely prefer using the interchangeable head 24 a of the first preferred embodiment. The user may then spray cleaning fluid onto the cleaning surface by simply pressing the control switch 58. If cleaning a window, the user would most likely prefer using the interchangeable head 24 b of the second preferred embodiment. The user may need to rotate the cleaning apparatus 10 such that the interchangeable head 24 b is above the fluid reservoir 14, as described above. Since the fluid reservoir 14, and the weight of the cleaning fluid contained within the fluid reservoir 14, is advantageously positioned at the proximal end 26 of the body 12, the user is better able to balance the cleaning apparatus 10. Additionally, the user is better able to support the weight of the fluid reservoir 14 and the cleaning fluid since the weight is centered closer to the user's body. Furthermore, since the fluid pump 22 of the cleaning apparatus 10 is electrically driven, the user need not rotate the cleaning apparatus 10 down, manually pump the fluid to the nozzle 72, and rotate the cleaning apparatus 10 back to the cleaning position, nor must the user try to pump the fluid while also holding the cleaning apparatus 10 in an up position. Instead, the user need only depress the control switch 58 with one finger, allowing for much easier use of the cleaning apparatus 10.
In an alternative implementation, the [0053] fluid pump 22 may be part of a fluid pump assembly 268 comprising the fluid pump 22; a suction outlet tube 270 in direct fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 14; a fluid outlet tube 272 configured to be in fluid communication with the suction outlet tube 270 and connected to the fluid pump 22; an open-closed valve 274 cooperating with both the suction and fluid outlet tubes 270,272; and the control switch 58. As previously noted, the fluid pump 22 is preferably an electrically driven pump. The suction outlet tube 270 is preferably in direct fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 14 and the fluid pump 22, such that the fluid pump 22 is operable to suction fluid from the fluid reservoir 14 through the suction outlet tube 270. The fluid outlet tube 272 is in fluid communication with the suction outlet tube 270 through the valve 274, which cooperates with both the suction and fluid outlet tubes 270,272, as noted above. The control switch 58 controls operation of both the electric fluid pump 22 and the valve 274, as discussed below.
Actuation of the [0054] control switch 58 depresses a lever arm 276, and depression of the lever arm 276 simultaneously depresses an electrical fluid pump switch 278 and mechanically opens the valve 274. Depression of the fluid pump switch 278 activates the fluid pump 22. Opening the valve 274 allows fluid communication between the suction outlet tube 270 and the fluid outlet tube 272. Thus, actuation of the control switch 58 simultaneously activates the fluid pump 22 and mechanically opens the valve 274, such that fluid is pumped from the fluid reservoir 14, through the suction outlet tube 270, and because the valve 274 is open, through the fluid outlet tube 272 to the nozzle 72. Similarly, deactuation of the control switch 58 releases the lever arm 276 which simultaneously releases the electric fluid pump switch 278 and mechanically closes the valve 274, such that the fluid pump 22 is deactivated and the valve 274 is closed. Once the valve 274 is closed, no fluid may flow from the suction outlet tube 270 to the fluid outlet tube 272. Advantageously, mechanically opening the valve 274 requires no load on the power source 50, which decreases the overall power consumption of the cleaning apparatus 10.
The [0055] cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention also prevents fluid from leaking out of the nozzle 72 after the pump 22 has been deactivated without requiring a check valve upstream of the nozzle 72. Due to the size of the fluid outlet tube 272, the surface tension of the fluid is sufficient to prevent air from entering the fluid outlet tube 272, which consequently prevents fluid from exiting the nozzle 72 when the valve 274 is closed.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. For example, the [0056] interchangeable heads 24 a,24 b of the first and second embodiments are not intended to be limiting. Other interchangeable heads 24 may be used, such as a head having the cleaning plate 102 covered with a sponge, wherein the sponge is removable. The cleaning plate 102 might also include a scrubbing surface having nylon bristles or steel wool attached thereto. In addition to various types of interchangeable heads 24, the cleaning apparatus 10 might also include a steamer with a boiler element, such that the cleaning fluid in the fluid reservoir 14 is heated to provide for better and more efficient cleaning.

Claims

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:

1. A cleaning apparatus comprising:

a fluid reservoir adapted to contain a cleaning fluid;

a nozzle operable to spray the cleaning fluid onto a cleaning surface;

an electrically driven fluid pump operable to pump the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle;

a control switch;

a suction outlet tube;

a fluid outlet tube; and

a valve cooperating with the suction outlet tube and the fluid outlet tube, such that actuation of the control switch simultaneously opens the valve and activates the pump to suction fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the suction outlet tube, through the fluid outlet tube, and to the nozzle, and deactuation of the control switch simultaneously closes the valve and deactivates the pump, such that fluid is prevented from exiting the nozzle.

2. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuation of the control switch mechanically opens the valve, and deactuation of the control switch mechanically closes the valve.

3. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further including—

at least one interchangeable head adapted to contact the cleaning fluid sprayed onto the cleaning surface,

a receiving portion for removably securing the interchangeable head,

a telescoping body having a proximal end and a distal end and including a first and a second generally cylindrically-shaped hollowed rod, wherein the first rod is of a slightly smaller diameter than the second rod so that the first rod may nest within the second rod, and

a substantially hollowed handle positioned generally adjacent to the fluid reservoir.

4. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the telescoping body further includes a locking sleeve for locking the position of the first rod in the second rod.

5. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first rod is partially positioned within the handle and the fluid reservoir.

6. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 5, the cleaning apparatus further including a receiving portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned near an extreme distal end of the body and connected to the body using a connecting sleeve, the second end being generally cylindrically-shaped and including a first and a second generally L-shaped channel, the receiving portion including—

an oblong section generally formed of a plurality of rigid concentric circular portions of varying diameter, and

an oblong generally V-shaped insert provided on the oblong section, wherein the nozzle is secured to the insert.

7. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the interchangeable head further includes—

an attachment end adapted to be secured with the receiving portion, and

a generally rectangularly-shaped cleaning plate.

8. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the attachment end further includes—

a first end having a partially hollowed portion, the hollowed portion having a first and a second boss formed therein, wherein the first boss rides within the first L-shaped channel, and the second boss rides within the second L-shaped channel, and

a second end provided with a generally sphere-shaped roller for rotatably positioning the head to a desired position.

9. A cleaning apparatus comprising:

a fluid reservoir adapted to contain a cleaning fluid;

a nozzle operable to spray the cleaning fluid onto a cleaning surface;

a control switch; and

a valve, such that actuation of the control switch simultaneously activates the pump and opens the valve, and deactuation of the control switch simultaneously deactivates the pump and closes the valve.

10. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further including—

a suction outlet tube, and

a fluid outlet tube, such that actuation of the control switch activates the pump to suction fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the suction outlet tube, through the fluid outlet tube, and to the nozzle, and deactuation of the control switch deactivates the pump and closes the valve, such that fluid is prevented from exiting the nozzle.

11. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 10, further including—

a telescoping body having a proximal end and a distal end,

a handle positioned at an extreme proximal end of the body, and

a first and a second interchangeable head adapted to be secured to the body, wherein the first head is adapted to have a cleaning cloth secured thereto, and the second head is equipped with a squeegee.

12. A fluid pump assembly comprising:

a fluid pump;

a first tube adapted to be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir and connected to the fluid pump;

a second tube portion configured to be in direct fluid communication with the first tube portion and connected to the fluid pump;

a valve cooperating with both the first and second tube portions; and

a control switch, wherein actuation of the control switch simultaneously opens the valve and activates the pump, and deactuation of the control switch simultaneously closes the valve and deactivates the pump.