Cleaning/drying system

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a cleaning/drying system. An apparatus includes an elongate member that includes a first portion extending linearly along a first axis from a proximal end to a distal end, a second portion extending linearly along a second axis from a proximal end to a distal end, and a joint member configured to couple the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion to one another. The joint member is configured to angle the second portion relative to the first portion such that the first and second axes intersect. The apparatus includes a towel that is selectively coupled to the second portion. The towel is configured for absorbing liquids from a surface in response to the towel being moved across the surface using the elongate member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an elongate member comprising:
 a first portion extending linearly along a first axis from a proximal end to a distal end; 
 a second portion extending linearly along a second axis from a proximal end to a distal end; and 
 a joint member configured to couple the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion to one another, the joint member configured to angle the second portion relative to the first portion such that the first and second axes intersect; and 
   a towel selectively coupled to the second portion, the towel configured for absorbing liquids from a surface in response to the towel being moved across the surface using the elongate member.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the joint member is adjustable such that the second portion is pivotably moveable about a radial axis relative to the first portion. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the joint member comprises a locking plate hinge that the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion are coupled to and that allows the second portion to pivot about the radial axis relative to the first portion. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the joint member comprises a locking ball joint that the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion are coupled to and that allows the second portion to pivot about the radial axis relative to the first portion. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the joint member comprises a fixed angle joint that the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion are selectively coupled to. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion are connected to one another by an elastic cord that runs through the fixed angle joint such that the proximal end of the second portion is removable from the fixed angle joint while remaining connected to the proximal end of the first portion via the elastic cord running through the fixed angle joint. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion are telescopically extendable. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one handle on the first portion for gripping the first portion, the at least one handle comprising one of a rubber grip, a strap, a foam handle, and a protruding handle that is oriented along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a clip attached to the first portion and configured to receive the second portion when the second portion is removed from the joint member. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the towel comprises a sleeve along an edge of the towel that is configured to receive the distal end of the second portion, the sleeve comprising an elastic fit on at least one opening of the sleeve for securing the towel onto the second portion. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the towel comprises a plurality of fasteners along an edge of the towel that selectively fit one or more corresponding fastener receiving members along a length of the second portion for securing the towel onto the second portion. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of fasteners and corresponding fastener receiving members comprises at least one of buttons, snaps, and hook-and-loop fasteners. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion comprises a slit that an edge of the towel is configured to slide into to secure the towel to the second portion, the towel comprising a rigid member along an edge of the towel that prevents the towel from falling out of the slit, the distal end comprising a cap for preventing the towel from sliding out of the slit. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion comprises a protruding hook near the proximal end of the second portion and the towel comprises a sleeve along an edge of the towel that includes a loop member at an opening of the sleeve that is fixed to the towel, the sleeve configured to receive the distal end of the second portion until the loop member is attachable to the protruding hook for securing the towel onto the second portion. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion comprises one or more clips that are actuated to receive the towel and secure the towel to the second portion. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion is rotatable along a radial axis for rolling the towel around the second portion. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a plunger member that is slidable along a length of the second portion, the plunger member engaging the rolled towel and wringing liquid from the tower as the plunger slides along the length of the second portion. 
     
     
         18 . A system, comprising:
 an elongate member comprising:
 a first portion extending linearly along a first axis from a proximal end to a distal end; 
 a second portion extending linearly along a second axis from a proximal end to a distal end; and 
 a joint member configured to couple the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion to one another, the joint member configured to angle the second portion relative to the first portion such that the first and second axes intersect; and 
   a cleaning attachment selectively coupled to the distal end of the second portion.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the cleaning attachment is selected from the group consisting of a brush head, a squeegee, an absorbent pad, a mop head, a duster, and a sponge. 
     
     
         20 . A method, comprising:
 adjusting a position of a first portion of an elongate member relative to a second portion of an elongate member the first and second portions coupled to one another at a joint member;   attaching a towel to the second portion of the elongate member; and   placing towel on a wet surface and moving the towel across the wet surface using the elongate member to absorb liquid from the wet surface.