Vehicle windshield washing system

• US 5,810,247 A
• Filed: 01/23/1997
• Issued: 09/22/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Anthony N. Petroff
• Original Assignee: Anthony N. Petroff
• Inventors: Petroff, Anthony N.
• Primary Examiner(s): WELDON, KEVIN P
• Application Number:
  US08/786,991
• Time in Patent Office: 607 Days
• Field of Search: 239/284.1, 239/65, 239/71, 239/74, 239/333, 239/329, 239/375, 222/23, 248/127, 248/146
• US Class Current: 239/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/481 the operation of at least part of the liquid supply being controlled by electric means electrical washing liquid warming-up means B60S1/488
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/50 Arrangement of reservoir

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a vehicle windshield washing installation comprising a vehicle having a storage location. A retail jug has an opening, carries windshield washing fluid and is positioned in the storage location. A pump unit pumps the fluid from the jug and includes an inlet channel which is dimensioned to extend into the opening to be in fluid communication with the fluid. A cover is removably attached to the opening. The pump unit further includes an outlet fluid channel for delivering the fluid to at least one predetermined windshield location on the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle windshield washing installation comprising:

a vehicle having a storage location;

a retail jug carrying windshield washing fluid positioned in said storage location;

said jug having an upper region, an opening and a hand grip formation formed on said upper region;

a pump unit for pumping said fluid from said jug;

said pump unit including an inlet channel which is dimensioned to extend into said opening to be in fluid communication with said fluid, a cover removably attached to said opening and arranged to seal said opening with said inlet channel therein, said pump unit further including an outlet fluid channel for delivering said fluid to at least one predetermined location on said vehicle, wherein said pump unit includes a housing, said housing having engaging means for engaging with said hand grip formation, in order to removably secure said housing to said upper region.

2. An installation as defined in claim 1 wherein inlet channel extends through said cover, said cover being arranged to alternatively fit the opening on a number of said jugs.

3. An installation as defined in claim 2 further comprising a jug holder for engaging said jug in said storage location.

4. An installation as defined in claim 1 wherein said jug holder includes level indication means for indicating the level of fluids in said jug.

5. An installation as defined in claim 4 further comprising register means to receive a signal from said level indication means and operable to register when the level of said fluid drops below a predetermined level in said jug.

6. An installation as defined in claim 5 wherein said level indication means includes a spring biased plate member to engage said jug, and contact means operable between a contacted state and a uncontacted state to register when said plate member exceeds a predetermined height.

7. An installation as defined in claim 4 wherein said level indication means is located adjacent said inlet channel.

8. An installation as defined in claim 1 further comprising a first retail jug carrying windshield washing fluid and a first pump unit for pumping fluid therefrom, a second retail jug carrying windshield washing fluid and a second pump unit for pumping fluid therefrom, said first and second pump units being arranged to deliver said fluid to first and second predetermined locations on said vehicle.

9. An installation as defined in claim 1 wherein said engaging means includes a tape fastener to wrap around said housing and said hand grip formation.

10. An installation as defined in claim 1 wherein said engaging means includes an engaging portion extending outwardly from said housing.

11. An installation as defined in claim 10 wherein said hand grip formation has a generally circular cross section, said engaging portion having an inner surface which is complementary with said hand grip formation.

12. An installation as defined in claim 11 wherein said engaging portion extends longitudinally along said hand grip formation.

13. An installation as defined in claim 12 wherein said engaging portion has a u-shaped cross section.

14. An installation as defined in claim 1 wherein said engaging means includes a pair of resilient engaging flanges which are arranged to engage said hand grip formation.

16. A method as defined in claim 12 further comprising the step of providing a jug holder for engaging said jug in said storage location.

15. A method of dispensing windshield washing fluid in a vehicle, comprising the steps of;

positioning a retail jug carrying windshield washing fluid positioned in a storage location in a vehicle;

said jug having an upper region including an opening and a hand grip formation;

providing a pump unit for pumping said fluid from said jug;

said pump unit including an inlet channel and an outlet channel;

extending said inlet channel into said opening to be in fluid communication with said fluid;

providing a cover for sealing said opening with said inlet channel therein,

orienting said outlet fluid channel so that said fluid is delivered to at least one predetermined location on said vehicle, and

removably securing said pump to said hand grip formation.

17. A vehicle windshield washing kit, comprising:

a pump unit for pumping the fluid from a retail jug carrying windshield washing fluid to be positioned in a storage location of a vehicle;

said pump unit including an inlet channel which is dimensioned to extend into an opening in said jug so as to be in fluid communication with said fluid, a cover for removable attachment to said opening to seal said opening with said inlet channel therein, said pump unit further including an outlet fluid channel for delivering said fluid to at least one predetermined location on the vehicle, wherein said pump unit includes a housing, said housing having engaging means for engaging said hand grip formation, in order to removably secure said housing to said jug; and

a sheet of instructions to install the kit into said vehicle.

18. A kit as defined in claim 17 wherein said cover is arranged to alternatively fit the opening on a number of said jugs.

19. A kit as defined in claim 18 further comprising a jug holder for engaging said jug in said storage location.

20. A kit as defined in claim 19 wherein said jug holder includes level indication means for indicating the level of fluid in said jug, and register means to receive a signal from said level indication means and operable to register when the level of said fluid drops below a predetermined level in said jug.

21. A kit as defined in claim 20 wherein said level indication means includes a spring biased plate member to engage said jug, and contact means operable between a contacted state and a uncontacted state to register when said plate member exceeds a predetermined height.