One gallon car washing device
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains to the field of portable washing implements. More particularly, this invention pertains to the field of portable, car washing implements which conserve water and which are reusable and self-cleaning. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Various portable washing implements have been proposed in the prior art. Examples of these implements are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,919,455, 3,713,744, and 4,886,388. These prior art implements generally comprise a cleaning element (e.g. in the form of a sponge), a handle element supporting the cleaning element, and a reservoir secured e.g. to or within the handle element for holding detergent. However, while these implements perform adequately as general household cleaning devices, they are not particularly suited for cleaning large, dirty surfaces such as the outer body panels of an automobile. Specifically, owing to their relatively small detergent reservoirs (which are generally intended to hold concentrated detergent) and also to the configuration and properties of the sponge material, these implements are not particularly adapted to shed the large amounts of dirt and debris which are encountered during automobile cleaning. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable car-washing implement which simultaneously facilitates car-washing and conserves water. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a portable car-washing implement which is relatively simple in structure and, therefore, readily manufactured. 
     Specifically, the present invention comprises a device for washing automobiles which includes: a container cap; a first length of tubing extending from one side of the container cap; a second length of tubing extending from a second side of the container cap; passage means extending through the container cap for connecting an internal passage of the first length of tubing with an internal passage of the second length of tubing; means for at least substantially closing an end of the second length of tubing remote from the container cap; a plurality of small openings formed in a portion of the second length of tubing in a vicinity near the end of the second length of tubing; an element of porous, absorbent material secured to the second length of tubing and covering the plurality of small openings; and a protective jacket disposed around and substantially covering the element of porous, absorbent material; wherein the container cap is adapted to be secured to an opening of a detergent-holding container after the first length of tubing has been inserted into the detergent-holding container, wherein the internal passage of the second length of tubing is adapted to carry a flow of detergent from the detergent-holding container to the small openings, and wherein the small openings are adapted to carry the detergent to the element of porous, absorbent material; and wherein the device further comprises: valve means, disposed at a position on the second length of tubing between the container cap and the element of porous, absorbent material, for selectively closing the internal passage, the valve means being adapted to selectively prevent the flow of detergent in the internal passage. 
     The invention will, however, be best understood by a review of the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device for washing automobiles according to the invention with the protective jacket removed from the sponge; 
     FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the container cap and tube segments of the device shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the pinch clamp shown in the device of FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 4 is an end view of the sponge shown in FIG. 1 with the protective jacket secured thereto. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown generally at 1 the car-washing device according to the present invention. The device 1 includes flexible tubing 2 through which a detergent or other cleaning fluid is adapted to be fed from a reservoir 3 (which may, according to the present invention, comprise a one-gallon container) to a sponge 4. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the tubing comprises a first length of tubing 2a extending downwardly from a cap 3a of the reservoir 3 and a second length of tubing (comprising tube segments 2b, 2c) extending from the cap 3a of the reservoir 3 to the sponge 4. (It is noted that the term &#34;cap&#34; as used herein denotes any element which is disposed in, on, or around an opening of the reservoir 3 for the purpose of at least partially restricting, controlling, or capping a flow of fluid from the reservoir; as such, a rubber stop or cork would constitute a cap in this context.) Each of the tube segments 2a, 2b, 2c are made from e.g. 1/4 inch O.D. synthetic siphon tubing and are joined together in a fluid tight manner by fluid tight connecting means. The fluid tight connecting means which join together the tube segments 2a, 2b are provided on the container cap 3a and will be more particularly described with reference to FIG. 2. The fluid tight connecting means which joins together the tube segments 2b, 2c is shown at 5 in FIG. 1 and comprises a short segment of 3/8 inch O.D. vinyl tubing within which opposing ends of the tube segments 2b, 2c are received in abutting relationship. In the preferred embodiment, the second length of tubing (comprising the tube segments 2b, 2c) is at least 4 feet long. Of course, the flexible tubing 2 could be manufactured as a single tube segment without departing from the essence of the invention. 
     At the free end 2d of the second length of tubing, a small cap 6 is secured to the tubing so as to at least substantially close the free end 2d, thereby preventing (or at least inhibiting) a free flow of detergent out of the free end 2d of the tubing. Moreover, a plurality of small openings 7 are provided at a portion of the second length of tubing near to the free end 2d. These openings 7 may, for example, be in the form of holes drilled into the tubing. 
     According to the invention, the sponge 4 is provided with a central passage 8 into which the portion of the second length of tubing having the small openings 7 is inserted. In order to secure the sponge 4 to the second length of tubing, a gluing agent or other chemical bonding agent may be applied to the tube segment 2c and/or the sponge 4. A protective jacket 9 is configured so as to be secured around and cover the sponge 4. Preferably, the protective jacket 9 is made in the form of a nylon sleeve and comprises separable hook and loop type fasteners 9a at an open end thereof. These fasteners 9a (which may comprise VELCRO brand fasteners) are adapted to be closed once the sleeve 9 has been slipped over the sponge 4 in order to retain the sleeve 9 in position. 
     Carried by the second length of tubing (e.g. on the tube segment 2c), there is provided a valve means 10. This valve means 10 (which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3) may comprise a valve in the form of a pinch clamp. The valve means 10 is adapted to selectively cut-off fluid flow inside the second length of tubing. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the container cap 3a comprises fluid tight connecting means 11 and 12 which extend from opposite sides of the container cap to interconnect the tube segments 2a, 2b. The fluid tight connecting means 11 and 12 are similar and each comprise a ridged annular projection extending from the cap 3a which is adapted to be frictionally (i.e. fluid tightly) received within an end opening of the respective tube segment 2a, 2b. The frictional fit between the each of the projections and the respective tube segment end opening is effective to retain the respective tube segment in engagement with the cap 3a. Moreover, a passageway which extends through the cap 3a is formed between the annular projections. Thus, the tube segments 2a, 2b and the cap 3a together provide an unobstructed internal passage which extends into and out of the reservoir 3 and which is able to accommodate a flow of detergent. 
     Moreover, as seen in FIG. 2, the container cap 3a is provided with screw threads 13 for engaging corresponding screw threads on the reservoir 3, whereby the container cap 3a is removably retained on the reservoir 3. Additionally, the container cap 3a is provided with a projecting spout 14 comprising a vent hole 15 for allowing air into and/or detergent out of the reservoir 3. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, the pinch clamp 10 is shown mounted around the tube segment 2c so as to constitute a valve. The pinch clamp 10 comprises a flange portion 16 having a projection 17 adapted to abut against and deform a sidewall of the tubing so as to close off the internal passage therein. A locking portion 18 of the pinch clamp 10 comprises a series of locking ridges 19 which normally engage and constrain a tip of the flange portion against lateral movement. 
     The operation of the pinch clamp is as follows: 
     The pinch clamp normally allows a flow of fluid within the tube segment 2c. If it is desired to cut off fluid flow, the flange portion may be pressed towards the tube segment 2c (e.g. while the locking portion 18 is being pulled away from the flange portion 16), causing the tip of the flange portion to ride over the ridges 19 and the projection 17 to deform a sidewall of the tube segment 2c, thereby closing an internal passage thereof. When a pressure on the flange portion is released, the ridges 19 on the locking member 18 prevent the tip of the flange portion from moving away from the tube segment 2c. Consequently, the flow of fluid within the tube segment remains cut off by the pinch clamp even after pressure on the flange portion is released. If it is desired to reestablish fluid flow in the tube segment 2c, it is necessary only to pull the locking member out of engagement with the flange portion (e.g. by deforming the locking member 18 in the direction of the tube segment 2c away from the flange portion 16). 
     Referring lastly to FIG. 4, the nylon sleeve 9 is shown covering the sponge 4 and having its separable fasteners 9a closed so as to retain the sleeve in position around the sponge. 
     The operation of the device for washing automobiles is as follows: 
     Initially, the reservoir is filled with a detergent formula comprising a mixture of a concentrated biodegradable, non-phosphorous washing agent and a (e.g. dishwashing) spot clarifier diluted in water. Thereafter, the first length of tubing is inserted into the reservoir and the reservoir is capped with the container cap. Next, while holding the vent hole closed, the reservoir is squeezed so as to cause a flow of detergent formula from the reservoir, through the tube segments 2a, 2b, 2c, and to the sponge 4. At this time, the vent hole may be released and the reservoir may be placed on top of a car to be washed and the nylon sleeve covered sponge may be manipulated to wash the car. After the body panels and/or windows of the car are washed, the pinch clamp may be closed to stop the flow of detergent formula in the tubing. Next, the reservoir may be inverted, and any detergent formula that remains in the reservoir may be directed onto the tires and/or wheels of the vehicle by use of the projecting spout on the container cap. In this manner, the washing of the entire car is performed effectively, efficiently, and with a minimum of water. 
     After several car washes, it may become necessary to replace the nylon sleeve. To accomplish this, it is merely necessary to undo the hook and loop type fasteners, slip the old sleeve off the sponge, slip a new sleeve on the sponge, and close the separable fasteners provided on the new sleeve to secure it to the sponge. 
     According to the invention, since the sponge is surrounded by the nylon sleeve and since detergent is constantly flowing out from the center of the sponge, the sponge is, for the most part, protected and self-cleaning. Consequently, it is not envisioned that the sponge will often need to be replaced. However, should such a replacement become desirable or necessary, the tube segments 2b, 2c may be separated from each other and a new sponge (e.g. with a new tube segment 2c) or other cleaning implement may be provided. 
     While the present invention has been described with certain particularity, many modifications are envisioned. For example, the second length of tubing could comprise three tube segments, wherein the third tube segment would be a short tube segment secured within the passage of the sponge and connected to the second tube segment (e g. 2c) adjacent to an edge of the sponge. Furthermore, the tube segment 2c may be positively coupled to the sponge 4 e.g. by means of an oversized end stop which is secured to the end of the tube segment and which axially retains the sponge 4 on the tube segment. Moreover, it will be possible to provide one or more plastic suction cups on strategic portions of the length of tubing 2 (as shown in FIG. 1) and/or the container 3. The suction cups will serve to provide stability to the container if and when the tubing is pulled by the user. Therefore, the present invention includes the disclosed embodiment and any modifications thereof which will fall within the scope of the appended claims.