U.S. patent application number 10/606470 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for rotary brush with soap dispenser.
Invention is credited to Palme, Duane.
Application Number | 20040265043 10/606470 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33540067 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040265043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palme, Duane |
December 30, 2004 |
Rotary brush with soap dispenser
Abstract
A rotary brush having a soap-dispensing feature for cleaning
surfaces is disclosed. A rotary brush in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a brush head
assembly operatively coupled to a telescopic handle. The telescopic
handle may include an inner chamber configured to receive a
cleaning agent that can be periodically delivered to the brush head
assembly by pumping action. In certain embodiments, the telescoping
handle may include a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the
brush head assembly and an external fluid source. In other
embodiments, the telescopic handle may be configured to store and
deliver a cleaning agent without the use of an external source of
fluid. A motor and gearing mechanism may be utilized to drive an
inner, rotary brush head surrounded by an outer, stationary brush
head.
Inventors: |
Palme, Duane; (North Branch,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Glenn M. Seager
CROMPTON, SEAGER & TUFTE, LLC
Suite 800
1221 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis
MN
55403-2420
US
|
Family ID: |
33540067 |
Appl. No.: |
10/606470 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/289 ;
401/282 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 11/063 20130101;
A46B 13/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/289 ;
401/282 |
International
Class: |
A46B 011/04; A46B
011/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A rotary brush, comprising: a brush head assembly including a
rotary brush; a motor configured to rotatably engage a motor drive
shaft; a gearing mechanism configured to translate motion from the
motor drive shaft to the rotary brush; and a telescopic handle
operatively coupled to the brush head assembly, the telescopic
handle including an actuatable dispenser configured to deliver a
cleaning agent to the brush head assembly.
2. The rotary brush of claim 1, further comprising a stationary
brush secured to the brush head assembly.
3. The rotary brush of claim 2, wherein the stationary brush is
concentrically disposed about the rotary brush;
4. The rotary brush of claim 2, wherein the stationary and rotary
brushes each include a plurality of cleaning bristles.
5. The rotary brush of claim 1, wherein said motor is electrically
powered.
6. The rotary brush of claim 5, wherein said electrically powered
motor is rechargeable.
7. The rotary brush of claim 1, wherein said motor is pneumatically
powered.
8. The rotary brush of claim 1, wherein the motor drive shaft
includes a first drive member in telescopic relationship with a
second drive member.
9. The rotary brush of claim 1, wherein the gearing mechanism
includes a gear and pinion.
10. The rotary brush of claim 1, wherein the gearing mechanism
includes means for reducing the speed of the rotary brush.
11. The motor driven brush of claim 1, wherein the brush head
assembly includes a housing.
12. The rotary brush of claim 1, wherein the telescopic handle
comprises a first elongated member in telescopic relationship with
a second elongated member.
13. The rotary brush of claim 12, wherein the first and second
elongated members each include a fluid conduit.
14. The rotary brush of claim 13, further comprising a hose
removably connected to the telescopic handle for supplying
pressurized fluid to the fluid conduit.
15. The rotary brush of claim 12, wherein the actuatable dispenser
includes an internal chamber disposed within the second elongated
member configured to deliver said cleaning agent through a fluid
lumen.
16. The rotary brush of claim 12, wherein the cleaning agent is
dispensed by a pumping force applied to the first and second
elongated members.
17. A rotary brush, comprising: a brush head assembly including a
stationary brush and a rotary brush; a motor configured to
rotatably engage a motor drive shaft; a gearing mechanism
configured to translate motion from the motor drive shaft to the
rotary brush; and a telescopic handle operatively coupled to the
brush head assembly, the telescopic handle comprising a first
elongated member in telescopic relationship with a second elongated
member, the telescopic handle including an actuatable dispenser
configured to deliver a cleaning agent to the brush head
assembly.
18. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein the stationary brush is
concentrically disposed about the rotary brush;
19. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein the stationary and rotary
brushes each include a plurality of cleaning bristles.
20. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein said motor is
electrically powered.
21. The rotary brush of claim 20, wherein said electrically powered
motor is rechargeable.
22. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein said motor is
pneumatically powered.
23. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein the motor drive shaft
includes a first drive member in telescopic relationship with a
second drive member.
24. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein the gearing mechanism
includes a gear and pinion.
25. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein the gearing mechanism
includes means for reducing the speed of the rotary brush.
26. The motor driven brush of claim 17, wherein the brush head
assembly includes a housing.
27. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein the first and second
elongated members each include a fluid conduit.
28. The rotary brush of claim 27, further comprising a hose
removably connected to the telescopic handle for supplying
pressurized fluid to the fluid conduit.
29. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein the actuatable dispenser
includes an internal chamber disposed within the second elongated
member configured to deliver said cleaning agent through a fluid
lumen.
30. The rotary brush of claim 17, wherein the cleaning agent is
dispensed by a pumping force applied to the first and second
elongated members.
31. A rotary brush, comprising: a brush head assembly including a
stationary brush and a rotary brush; a motor configured to
rotatably engage a motor drive shaft; a gear and pinion configured
to translate motion from the motor drive shaft to the rotary brush;
a telescopic handle fluidly coupled to the brush head assembly, the
telescopic handle comprising a first elongated member in telescopic
relationship with a second elongated member, the first and second
elongated members defining an actuatable dispenser configured to
deliver a cleaning agent to the stationary and rotary brushes; and
a hose removably connected to the telescopic handle configured to
supply pressurized fluid to the stationary and rotary brushes.
32. A rotary brush, comprising: a brush head assembly including a
rotary brush; a motor configured to rotatably engage a telescopic
drive shaft, the telescopic drive shaft comprising a first drive
member in telescopic relationship with a second drive member; a
gearing mechanism configured to translate motion from the
telescopic drive shaft to the rotary brush; and a telescopic handle
operatively coupled to the brush head assembly, the telescopic
handle including an actuatable dispenser configured to deliver a
cleaning agent to the brush head assembly.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
cleaning devices. More specifically, the present invention relates
to rotary brushes having simplified soap-dispensing features for
cleaning motor vehicles or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Rotary brushes are used in certain industries to clean
trucks, automobiles, bulldozers, or other motor vehicles of soil or
other contaminants. In the construction field, for example, rotary
brushes are often utilized to clean vehicles at various transfer
locations as they enter or exit a construction site. Such cleaning
devices typically include a brush head with an attached brush, pad,
sponge or other cleaning implement that can be rotated on the
surface to be cleaned. The brush head may be either fluid driven,
using a pressurized source of fluid and an impeller blade, or motor
driven, using an attached motor. In some devices, the brush head
may be coupled to an elongated shaft having an internal fluid line
that supplies pressurized fluid to the brush head. A cleaning agent
such as liquid detergent or polish may be applied to the cleaning
surface while the brush head is rotated to further clean the
surface, as necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to rotary brushes having a
simplified soap-dispensing feature for cleaning surfaces on motor
vehicles or other structures. A rotary brush in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a brush head
assembly operatively coupled to a telescopic handle that can be
controlled by the user to deliver a cleaning agent to the brush
head assembly. The telescopic handle may include a fluid conduit
configured to deliver fluid to an orifice in the brush head
assembly. In certain embodiments, a coupling member attached to the
fluid conduit at one end of the telescopic handle may be fluidly
coupled to an external fluid source. An internal chamber disposed
within the telescopic handle may be filled with a cleaning agent
that can be delivered through a lumen in the telescopic handle. In
use, a pumping force can be periodically applied to the telescopic
handle to compress the cleaning agent within the internal chamber,
forcing the material into the brush head assembly.
[0004] The brush head assembly may include a rotary brush head
driven by a motor and gearing mechanism. In certain embodiments,
the rotary brush may include an outer, stationary brush
concentrically disposed about an inner, rotary brush head. The
motor used to drive the rotary brush may be either electrically or
pneumatically powered, and may include a telescoping drive shaft
that permits the motor to be mounted away from the brush head
assembly. In some embodiments, the motor may include a DC powered
motor having a battery that can be recharged when the brush is not
in use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary brush in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rotary brush of FIG. 1,
showing, in section, the brush head assembly and a portion of the
telescopic handle;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the rotary brush of FIG. 1,
showing an exemplary arrangement of the rotary and stationary brush
heads;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a side, partial cross-sectional view of the rotary
brush of FIG. 1, showing the telescopic handle in a fully expanded
position;
[0010] FIG. 6 is another side, partial cross-sectional view showing
the telescoping shaft of the rotary brush in a retracted
position;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rotary brush in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein
the rotary brush includes a telescopic motor assembly;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rotary brush in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a side, partial cross-sectional view showing the
telescoping shaft of the rotary brush of FIG. 8 in a fully expanded
position; and
[0014] FIG. 10 is another side, partial cross-sectional view
showing the telescoping shaft of the rotary brush of FIG. 8 in a
retracted position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are
numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily
to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope of the invention. Although examples of construction,
dimensions, and materials are illustrated for the various elements,
those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples
provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary brush 10 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Rotary brush 10 includes a brush head assembly 12, a telescopic
handle 14, and a motor 16 configured to drive a rotary brush on the
brush head assembly 12. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1,
rotary brush 10 is especially suited for use in cleaning motor
vehicles, having a telescopic handle 14 that extends a length of
about 5-8 feet to facilitate cleaning of windows, beds, roofs,
hoods or other hard to reach surface areas. Rotary brush 10 may,
however, be used in other cleaning applications, as desired.
[0017] The telescopic handle 14 may be fluidly coupled to a hose 20
or other fluid source to provide pressurized fluid to the brush
head assembly 12. The hose 20 may be configured to deliver fluid at
street water pressure (i.e. about 30-40 psi), or can be connected
to a pump or pressure tank and configured to deliver pressurized
fluid at higher pressures, generally in the range of 100-2,000
psi.
[0018] The telescopic handle 14 may include a first elongated
member 22 in telescopic relationship with a second elongated member
24. The first elongated member 22 may be formed from a tubular
member having a circular, rectangular or other cross-sectional
shape with one end 26 secured to the brush head assembly 12, and an
opposite end 28 slidably disposed within the second elongated
member 24. The second elongated member 24 may include one end 30
configured to slidably receive end 28 of the first elongated member
22, and an opposite end 32 threadably connected to a coupling
member 34 that secures the hose 20 to the rotary brush 10. The
second elongated member 24 may be configured similar to the first
elongated member 22, but is of generally greater size to permit the
first elongated member 22 to retract telescopically into the second
elongated member 24, as discussed below.
[0019] In a fully expanded position illustrated in FIG. 1, the
first and second elongated members 22,24 form an elongated handle
that can be controlled by the user to clean various surfaces in a
variety of positions. An elastomeric sleeve 36 of rubber, foam
plastic or other suitable material disposed about the second
elongated member 24 forms a grip that can be used to manipulate the
rotary brush 10. In certain embodiments, the elongated members
22,24 may be formed from a lightweight metal or metal alloy (e.g.
aluminum) to reduce the total weight of the device. Polymeric
materials such as polycarbonates or thermoplastics having certain
desirable characteristics such as high strength and
corrosion-resistance may also be used to form the elongated members
22,24.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rotary brush of FIG. 1,
showing, in section, the various components of the brush head
assembly 12 and telescopic handle 14. As shown in FIG. 2, brush
head assembly 12 includes a housing 38 that supports a stationary
brush head 40 and rotary brush head 42, and which contains a sealed
gearing mechanism 44 operatively coupled to the motor 16. The
housing 38 includes an internal wall 46 that seals and divides an
upper portion 48 containing the gearing mechanism 44 from a lower
portion 50 having a structure that supports the brush heads 40,42
in concentric alignment. The upper portion 48 of housing 38 may be
hermetically sealed to prevent water, dirt, soap or other
contaminants from interfering with the operation of the gearing
mechanism 44.
[0021] Gearing mechanism 44 comprises a gear 52 and pinion 54
operatively coupled to a motor drive shaft 56 attached to and
extending from the motor 16. The pinion 54 may be secured to the
motor drive shaft 56, and may include a set of teeth that engage a
corresponding set of teeth on the gear 52. In the exemplary
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, pinion 54 is configured to drive
a spiraled bevel gear, which is particularly useful for higher
motor speeds. Other types of gears such as straight, mitered,
hypoid, spiroid or worm may be employed, however, depending on the
relative orientation of the motor drive shaft 56 to the gear 52 as
well as other design factors. In certain embodiments, the gear 52
and/or pinion 54 may have a geometry factor configured to reduce
rotational speed and increase torque output from the motor 16.
[0022] Gearing mechanism 44 may also be operatively coupled to a
shaft 58 secured at one end 60 to the gear 52, and at an opposite
end 62 to the rotary brush head 42. A bearing 64 secured within a
flanged opening 66 on the internal wall 46 of the housing 38
encases the shaft 56, allowing it to freely translate rotary motion
from the gear 52 to the rotary brush head 42. The bearing 64 may be
sealed to prevent water, soap or other contaminants from entering
the upper portion 48 of the housing 38.
[0023] The motor 16 used to drive the gearing mechanism 44 may be
electrically powered with a DC or AC power source, or may be
pneumatically powered with an external source of pressurized air. A
switch 68 mounted on the motor 16 may be toggled between an on and
off position to energize the motor 16 and rotate the brush head 42,
as desired. In certain embodiments, the motor 16 may include a
rechargeable battery permitting the device to be recharged
periodically after extended use with the use of an optionally
supplied electrical cord. The ability to operate the motor 16 with
power supplied internally from a rechargeable battery or other DC
power source may be a particularly useful feature in those
applications where AC power or air is not readily available, or
where environmental factors prohibit such use.
[0024] As further shown in FIG. 2, the first and second elongated
members 22,24 may each be configured to deliver pressurized fluid
and a cleaning agent to the brush head assembly 12. The first
elongated member 22 may include a passageway 70 that contains a
flexible hose 72 extending from the coupling member 34, through an
internal chamber 74 within the second elongated member 24, and into
the brush head assembly 12. The flexible hose 72 may be fluidly
coupled to the hose 20 via the coupling member 34, and may be
configured to bend or flex within the internal chamber 74 when the
first elongated member 22 is retracted into the second elongated
member 24. In use, pressurized fluid from the hose 20 can be
delivered through the flexible hose 72 to supply fluid to the brush
heads 40,42.
[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, rotary brush 10
may be configured to releasably store a cleaning agent such as a
liquid detergent or polish that can be periodically injected into
the brush heads 40,42 by a pumping force resulting from the
retraction of the first elongated member 22 into the second
elongated member 24. Internal chamber 74 may configured to receive
a cleaning agent that, when compressed, is forced through a
detergent lumen 76 disposed within the first elongated member 22. A
set of O-rings 78 provides a seal that prevents cleaning agent from
escaping from within the internal chamber 74.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the rotary brush 10, showing the
rotary and stationary brush heads 40,42 in greater detail. As shown
in FIG. 3, the stationary brush head 40 is arranged concentrically
about the rotary brush head 42, and includes a number of bristles
80 that can be placed into contact with the cleaning surface. The
bristles 80 may be secured to a flat, horizontal surface 82 on the
brush head assembly 12, which remains stationary during use. The
rotary brush head 42 may be configured to rotate relative and
adjacent to the stationary brush head 40, and similarly includes a
number of bristles 84 that can be placed into contact with the
cleaning surface.
[0027] The bristles 80,84 may be of approximately the same length
for washing relatively flat surfaces such as windshields, truck
beds, or the like. Alternatively, the bristles 80,84 may have
differing lengths and/or stiffnesses for other applications such as
tire cleaning or engine degreasing, where more abrasion may be
required. Other cleaning implements such as sponge disks or
scouring pads may also be employed in lieu of, or in addition to,
the bristles. For example, rotary brush 10 may be equipped with
buffing pads that, upon contact with a liquid wax dispensed from
within the internal chamber 74, can be used to apply a wax to the
cleaning surface.
[0028] As can be further seen in FIG. 3, the flexible hose 72
disposed within passageway 70 terminates at a first port 86 within
the lower portion 50 of housing 38 to supply fluid to the brush
heads 40,42. The first port 86 may be bent at a slight angle to
direct the fluid towards the center 88 of the brush head assembly
12 so that fluid is placed into contact with both sets of bristles
80,84. In similar fashion, the detergent lumen 76 may terminate at
a second port 90 within the lower portion 50 of housing 38 to
periodically supply a cleaning agent to both sets of bristles
80,84. In certain embodiments, the first and second ports 86,90 may
taper or narrow slightly, adding impetus to the fluid/detergent
streams as they exit the flexible hose 72 and detergent lumen
76.
[0029] Filling the rotary brush 10 may be accomplished by
temporarily removing the coupling member 34, and then adding a
cleaning agent such as liquid detergent or polish to the internal
chamber 74. As shown in FIG. 4, the coupling member 34 may have a
set internal threads 92 at one end 94 configured to threadably
engage a set of external threads 96 on end 32 of the second
elongated member 24. A second set of internal threads 98 at the
opposite end 100 of the coupling 34 may be configured to threadably
engage a set of external threads on the hose 20. A tapered,
conically-shaped washer 102 secured to the end of the flexible hose
72 includes an opening 104 configured to channel fluid from hose 20
into the flexible hose 72, preventing fluid from entering the
internal chamber 74 and mixing with the cleaning agent.
[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 5-6, an illustrative method of using a
rotary brush in accordance with the present invention will now be
described with respect to rotary brush 10 described above. In a
first position illustrated in FIG. 6, the telescopic handle 14 is
shown in a fully extended position such that the first elongated
member 22 is withdrawn almost entirely from within the second
elongated member 24. A small detent 106 disposed about the outer
periphery of the first elongated member 22 at or near end 28 may be
used to releasably lock the first and second elongated members
22,24 together during use.
[0031] To periodically deliver cleaning agent to the brush heads
40,42, a pumping force may be applied by retracting the first
elongated member 22 into the second elongated member 24, resulting
in an increase in pressure within the internal chamber 74. As shown
in FIG. 6, retraction of the first elongated member 22 into the
second elongated member 24 causes the cleaning agent to compress
within the internal chamber 74, forcing the cleaning agent through
the detergent lumen 76 and into contact with the brush heads 40,42.
Continued pumping action of the first elongated member 22 within
the second elongated member 24 delivers additional cleaning agent
to the brush heads 40,42, as desired, until the internal chamber 74
is completely exhausted of cleaning agent.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rotary brush 108 in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention having a telescopic motor assembly 110. Rotary brush 108
may be configured similar to rotary brush 10, having a brush head
assembly 112 operatively coupled to a telescopic handle 114 that
can be fluidly coupled to a hose 116 or other source of pressurized
fluid. The telescopic handle 114 may include a first elongated
member 118 slidably disposed within a second elongated member 120,
which can be pumped to dispense a cleaning agent contained
therein.
[0033] In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7, telescopic motor
assembly 110 includes a motor 122 operatively coupled to a
telescopic drive shaft 124 that drives a gear mechanism disposed
within the brush head assembly 112. The motor 122 may be secured to
the second elongated member 120 via several mounting brackets 126,
and may include a switch 128 that can be activated to energize the
motor 122. Since the motor 122 is mounted away from the brush head
assembly 112, contaminants such as water, soap, soil, or grease
typically located in the vicinity of the brush heads 40,42 do not
contact the motor 122.
[0034] The telescopic drive shaft 124 may include a first drive
member 130 in telescopic relationship with a second drive member
132. The first drive member 130 may be fixedly secured to the first
elongated member 118 via a mounting bracket 134, and may include a
keyway or other internal mechanism that transmits rotary motion
from the second drive member 132 to the first drive member 130
while permitting relative axial movement therebetween. During
operation, the telescopic motor assembly 110 can be configured to
drive a rotary brush head in a manner similar to that described
above with respect to rotary brush 10.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rotary brush 136 in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Rotary brush 136 may be configured similar to rotary
brush 10 or 108 described above, having a brush head assembly 138,
a telescoping handle 140, and a motor 142 configured to drive a
rotary brush on the brush head assembly 138.
[0036] The telescoping handle 140 may include a first elongated
member 144 in telescoping relationship with a second elongated
member 146. The first elongated member may have one end 148 secured
to the brush head assembly 138, and an opposite end 150 slidably
disposed within the second elongated member 146. The second
elongated member 146, in turn, includes one end 152 configured to
slidably receive end 150 of the first elongated member 144, and an
opposite end 154 connected to a removable end cap 156. An
elastomeric sleeve 158 of rubber, foam plastic or other suitable
member disposed about the second elongated member 140 forms a grip
that can be used to manipulate the rotary brush 136 by the
operator.
[0037] In the illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, rotary
brush 136 is configured to store and deliver a cleaning agent such
as window cleaner or liquid soap within the telescopic handle 140
without the use of a hose or other external source of fluid. In a
fully expanded position depicted in FIG. 9, the second elongated
member 140 defines an internal chamber 160 configured to receive
the cleaning agent. The end 154 of the second elongated member 146
may be configured to threadably receive the removable end cap 156,
allowing the user to fill and then seal the internal chamber 160
with the cleaning agent.
[0038] Operation of rotary brush 136 is similar to that described
above with respect to rotary brush 10 or 108. To periodically
delivery cleaning agent to the brush head assembly 138, a pumping
force may be applied by retracting the first elongated member 144
into the second elongated member 146, resulting in an increase in
pressure within the internal chamber 160. As shown in FIG. 10,
retraction of the first elongated member 144 into the second
elongated member 146 causes the cleaning agent to compress within
the internal chamber 160, forcing the cleaning agent through a
lumen 162 disposed within the first elongated member 144 and into
the brush head assembly 138. Continued pumping action of the first
elongated member 144 within the second elongated member 146
delivers additional cleaning agent to the brush head assembly 138,
as desired, until the internal chamber 160 is completely exhausted
of cleaning agent.
[0039] Having thus described the several embodiments of the present
invention, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that
other embodiments may be made and used which fall within the scope
of the claims attached hereto. Numerous advantages of the invention
covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing
description. It will be understood that this disclosure is, in many
respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details,
particularly in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts
without exceeding the scope of the invention.
* * * * *