APA Description, Novelty, and Marketability Overview
Description:
The APA (All-Purpose Applicator) device is similar to those currently used in households to dust and clean floors. Like some applicators it “flips” sides allowing double the coverage area. However, the APA is distinctly more versatile in multiple aspects. 1) An ergonomic handle enhances the ease of operating the swivel. (Figure 2.) 2) The pole between the applicator and handle adjusts from two feet to unlimited lengths to reduce or eliminate the need for scaffolding or ladders when working at heights. (Figure 8.) 3) The standard 12-inch wide pad via a quick-link feature, can be quickly replaced by larger 18” and 24” pads or optional applicators and devices to significantly increase utility inside and outside the home. (Figure 9.) 4) The locking feature on the swivel allows the APA to be used at a fixed angle when desired. (Figures 4 & 10.) (Note in Figure 4 and 10 that the “sleeve” when recessed, opens the yoke to quickly replace a current accessory with another without tools. In the middle position, the sleeve closes the yoke to “grip” the swivel while still allowing full range of motion. And in the “locked” position, the sleeve further tightens the yoke on the swivel so it can be fixed at any desired angle. In this embodiment, unlike similar art where quick-links are snapped on and when torqued or forced, are prone to unwantedly snap off, particularly with wear and age fatigue, the APA’s “sleeve” solidly secures the connection.) Moreover, while the APA compares to similar though inferior “cleaning” devices currently in use, the APA is completely alone and novel in its application to several other uses as described herein.
Specific uses of the APA:
1) Floors: For cleaning household hard floors, the APA offers standard 1/8th inch thick throw-away pads or more absorbent ¼ inch pads, which are purchased dry so the consumer can apply desired cleaning products or waxes. (Figure 2.) Unsaturated dry pads can be first used to sweep prior to wetting. The reversable feature allows for both; dry on one side, wet on the other. APA applicator pads are self-adhesive and can be applied to the two reversable sides in a variety of wet/dry/thin/thick combinations. Or for dusting, a washable microfiber mitten can be pulled over the applicator head. (Figure 7.) A dry side can also be used to wipe excess cleaner away for more even coverage and faster drying, or for more even waxing. The larger 18” and 24” applicator heads and pads will cover larger areas to reduce time and labor further. (Figure 9.)
2) Interior painting: Unlike existing painting tools for walls, the APA’s double-sided feature also allows for double the coverage and more even spreading when one side is kept wet for application of paint and the other side is kept only damp for evening-out the paint to avoid sags and runs. Unlike existing rollers and paint pads, the APA greatly reduces the need for trim brushing because the square pads and swivel feature allow it to reach masking tape edges and into corners. (Figure 6.) The locking mechanism (Figures 4 & 10) adds additional utility when desired, and moreover, the APA eliminates or reduces the need for stools or ladders due to the unlimited adjustable length of the handle and the swivel feature. (Figure 8.)
3) Exterior painting/staining: Exterior siding (Figure 8) can be prepped with the APA by using both dry pads for dusting, and by scoring with the available APA sand paper pads (fine-to coarse) This offers superior adherence compared to mere washing. And, as with interior painting, alternating from a wet side to a reverse damp side, allows for a more even finish which is particularly crucial with stains. The locking mechanism (Figures 4 & 10) allows the pads periphery edges to tip into groves that would otherwise need additional brushing. Again, the usual need for ladders outdoors is eliminated or significantly reduced by using the APA’s unlimited extension lengths of 2 and 4 ft sections, so trim brushing is nearly eliminated, further reducing the need for ladders. (Figure 8.) In all, compared to spraying which requires: time consuming masking, tarping, back-rolling, ladder work and equipment cleaning and maintenance, the APA offers considerable simplicity and savings to the homeowner vs. hiring a contractor. Or for the contractor, a competitive edge.
4) Decks: The APA’s progression of sandpaper pads from coarse to fine, and the standard 5’ pole length, relieves the consumer from bending over or kneeling to sand or stain. As well, the locking mechanism allows tilting the APA’s periphery edge into the board gaps to avoid additional brushing.
5) Windows: The APA is also designed to reach higher or second story windows with pole extensions as needed. (Figure 8.) Additional accessories (Figure 9) available to attach to the APA head would include: a razor blade apparatus and a combination sponge and squeegee- or window cleaner could simply be applied to a dry pad for lighter cleaning. Again, the need for ladders is reduced if not eliminated.
6) Dusting: In addition to floor dusting, the APA’s locking mechanism and washable microfiber mitten will access elevated horizontal interior cathedral areas such as tall bookshelves, chandeliers, and ceiling fans without the need for ladders. (Figure 7.)
7) Safety: The role that the APA can play in consumer safety is substantial.
National safety regulations imposed on the commercial industry do not apply to homeowners. Statistically, 500,000 Americans annually injure themselves and 300 die from use of ladders resulting in an estimated 24B dollar cost. Safety aside, the frequent need to change ladder position in order to hand trim and apply applicators at awkward angles is tedious and far exceeds ground level labor.
Summary:
The APA’s two-sided feature and 360-degree swivel are currently available on the market in cleaning tools only. There is nothing similarly available as a painting, staining, sanding, or window washing tool. Nor do current generation applicators, even as they are restricted to cleaning, offer both a quick-link and locking mechanism in one extremely simple embodiment making the APA’s mechanics less intricate, manufacturing less expensive, and consumer use friendlier. The APA’s featured versatility, labor savings, and safety implications are all unique. It promises to make life easier, cheaper, and safer.
Marketability:
Because of the prevalence world wide of current generation applicators, both household and commercial, a distinctly superior new option such as the APA is bound to gain attention. The APA, though initially costlier with accessories, promises significantly more utility, time and labor savings, greater safety, and the perpetual cost savings of using a single tool that replaces many. As well, with its inherent consumables and the potential for future new accessories, the APA could be the industry standard bearer for perpetuity. The possible dollars involved are countless. Industry leaders who are concerned about maintaining and/or expanding their market share are sure to take notice.
Business calls it efficiency. But my grandfather was more succinct when he said, “You give the hardest job to the laziest person and they’ll find the easiest way to do it.”