U.S. patent application number 11/266035 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for washing brush with a detergent doser.
Invention is credited to Giorgio Gaiti.
Application Number | 20060130250 11/266035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35638742 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060130250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gaiti; Giorgio |
June 22, 2006 |
Washing brush with a detergent doser
Abstract
The washing brush (1) comprises a main body (2) having an inlet
(3) connectable to a water supply source and an outlet (4) from
which a mixture of water and liquid detergent exits externally of
the brush (1). The body (2) is provided with a reservoir (5) for
containing a liquid detergent, having a bottom (5a) affording at
least a hole (6). Externally of the main body (2) there is a
plurality of bristles (7) for removing the dirt, moved by means for
transmitting motion (8). The brush (1) is provided with integral
means (9) for mechanically removing the liquid detergent remaining
at the base of the at least a hole (6).
Inventors: |
Gaiti; Giorgio; (Correggio,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARNE & GORDON LLP
1801 EAST 9TH STREET
SUITE 1200
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-3108
US
|
Family ID: |
35638742 |
Appl. No.: |
11/266035 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 11/066 20130101;
A46B 2200/3046 20130101; A46B 13/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/029 |
International
Class: |
A46B 13/06 20060101
A46B013/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 9, 2004 |
IT |
RE2004A000135 |
Claims
1. A washing brush (1) with a detergent doser, comprising: a main
body (2) having an inlet (3) connectable to a water supply source
and an outlet (4) from which a mixture of water and liquid
detergent exits externally of the brush (1); a reservoir (5) for
containing a liquid detergent, having a bottom (5a) affording at
least a hole (6) for expelling the liquid detergent; a plurality of
bristles (7) for washing a dirty surface; means for transmitting
motion (8), for inducing a rotation on the plurality of bristles
(7), located internally of the main body (2); characterised in that
it comprises means (9) for mechanically removing liquid detergent
remaining on a base of the at least a hole (6), which means (9) are
mobile with respect to the reservoir (5).
2. The washing brush (1) with a detergent doser of claim 1,
characterised in that the means (9) for mechanically removing are
of a type which operates by effecting a scraping movement.
3. The washing brush (1) with a detergent doser of claim 1,
characterised in that the means (9) for mechanically removing are
moved by the means for transmitting motion (8).
4. The washing brush (1) with a detergent doser of claim 1,
characterised in that the means (9) for mechanically removing
comprise: a disc element (10) located in an underlying position
with respect to the bottom (5a) of the reservoir (5) and able to
move in a rotary motion by action of the means for transmitting
motion (8); at least a projection (11), inferiorly connected to the
disc element (10) and superiorly in contact with the bottom (5a) of
the reservoir (5).
5. The washing brush (1) with a detergent doser of claim 4,
characterised in that the at least a projection (11) is preferably
defined by a rectangular tooth (12).
6. The washing brush (1) with a detergent doser of claim 5,
characterised in that the tooth (12) drags externally on the bottom
(5a) of the reservoir (5), describing a circular crown
trajectory.
7. The washing brush (1) with a detergent doser of claim 4,
characterised in that the at least a projection (11) is made of a
synthetic material.
8. The washing brush (1) with a detergent doser of claim 4,
characterised in that the disc element (10) exhibits at least an
opening (30) for channelling the mixture of water and liquid
detergent towards the outlet (4).
9. The washing brush with a detergent doser of claim 4,
characterised in that the disc element (10) is inferiorly connected
to the plurality of bristles (7).
10. The washing brush with a detergent doser of claim 1,
characterised in that the means for transmitting motion (8)
comprise: an impeller (13), keyed on a first shaft (14), which
impeller (13) peripherally exhibits a plurality of blades (18)
which are struck by the flow of water; a sprocket (19) keyed on the
first shaft (17) of the impeller (16), and underlying the impeller
(18).
11. The washing brush with a detergent doser of claim 4,
characterised in that the disc element (10) externally exhibits a
toothing (20) for receiving the rotary motion of the sprocket
(19).
12. The washing brush with a detergent doser of claim 1,
characterised in that the reservoir (5) comprises: a recess (21)
afforded in the main body (2) and constituting the bottom (5a) of
the reservoir (5), and having a preferably cylindrical shape; a lid
(23), sealedly closing the recess (21), inferiorly exhibiting a
prolongation (24), rotatable with play internally of the recess
(21) and terminating with a regular toothing (31) which can open
and close the at least a hole (6).
13. The washing brush with a detergent doser of claim 12,
characterised in that the recess (21) can laterally exhibit an
opening (22).
14. The washing brush with a detergent doser of claim 1,
characterised in that the main body (2) comprises: a handle (25)
for enabling a connection of the inlet (3) of the main body (2) to
a water supply source; a box-type body (26) for enabling connection
of the handle (25) to the box-type body (26), the box-type body
(26) exhibiting at a first end thereof (27a) a filter (28) for
capturing solid substances contained in the water and at a second
end thereof (27b) a nozzle (29) for conveying the flow of water to
the means for transmitting (8).
15. The washing brush with a detergent doser of claim 10,
characterised in that the impeller (13) channels the flow of water
across the lateral opening (22) internally of the reservoir (5) in
order to actuate the mixing of the water with the liquid
detergent.
16. The washing brush with a detergent doser of claim 4,
characterised in the disc element (10) is eccentrically arranged
with respect to the reservoir (5).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention is applicable to the field of accessories for
machines for cleaning dirty surfaces; in particular it is
preponderantly applicable for domestic use, such as for example
cleaning car bodywork, or blinds and the like.
[0002] The devices are generally constituted by a handle for
manoeuvring the brush and a box body which externally terminates
with a plurality of soft bristles for cleaning a dirty surface.
[0003] The prior art includes an Italian patent, filed by the same
application, no. IT 1214945, in which a washing brush is
illustrated, activated by the cleaning water.
[0004] The device exhibits a tubular body, having a double
function, as a handle for manoeuvring the brush and a port for
connection to a water-supply source, defining a channel for water
that terminates in a box-type body.
[0005] The body externally exhibits a plurality of bristles which,
when the brush is moved about, eliminate the traces of dirt on a
surface.
[0006] The use of the device includes a succession of operative
stages before a clean surface is obtained.
[0007] In a first stage the operator proceeds with a pre-washing
stage in which he or she wets the dirty surface and, by brushing
the surface with the bristles, effects a first cleaning operation
on the surface.
[0008] Then, either manually or using another device, the operator
proceeds to cover the already-wet surface with a liquid
detergent.
[0009] In a final stage, and once more using the brush, the surface
is rinsed, removing both the layer of detergent and the finer
dirt.
[0010] Obviously this is a considerably laborious task for the
operator, especially bearing in mind the dimensions of some dirty
surfaces.
[0011] In order to reduce the operative washing times by
simplifying the structure, brushes having an integrated reservoir
for containing liquid detergent have been developed.
[0012] The reservoir is provided at a bottom thereof with detergent
passage holes, which can also be termed mixing holes, which mix the
detergent directly with water.
[0013] In these devices the pre-washing stage and
detergent-distribution stage can be combined, simplifying the
washing process by reducing working times.
[0014] When these devices are put away, after work has finished, if
there are traces of detergent still in the incorporated reservoir,
they can run into the mixing holes and solidify.
[0015] When the brush is taken out to be used again, the
functioning thereof is compromised as the mixing holes for the
detergent are blocked and will not collaborate in the mixing of the
water and detergent.
[0016] What is more, these brushes, for ergonomic and design
reasons, having the reservoir internally arranged, have the further
disadvantage of its being difficult to gain access to the reservoir
to free up the mixing holes.
[0017] The main aim of the present invention is to provide a brush
integrated with a reservoir for liquid detergent which is not
hampered by the above-described blocking problem of the mixing
holes.
[0018] The precise technical objective described and the specified
aims are all attained by a washing brush which is characterised in
that it comprises one or more of the technical solutions claimed in
the accompanying claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The washing brush (1) comprises a main body (2) having an
inlet (3) connectable to a water supply source and an outlet (4)
from which a mixture of water and liquid detergent exits externally
of the brush (1). The body (2) is provided with a reservoir (5) for
containing a liquid detergent, having a bottom (5a) affording at
least a hole (6). Externally of the main body (2) there is a
plurality of bristles (7) for removing the dirt, moved by means for
transmitting motion (8). The brush (1) is provided with integral
means (9) for mechanically removing the liquid detergent remaining
at the base of the at least a hole (6).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Further characteristics and advantages of the present
invention will better emerge from the detailed description that
follows, of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments thereof,
illustrated purely by way of example in the accompanying figures of
the drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a section made along a horizontal plane of the
device of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a section made along line I-I of FIG. 1 of the
device;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a detailed view from above of a first detail of
the device;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a detailed view from below of a second detail of
the device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] With reference to the figures of the drawings, 1 denotes in
its entirety a washing brush according to the present
invention.
[0026] The brush 1 is defined by a main body 2 exhibiting an inlet
3 which is connectable to a water supply source and an outlet 4
through which a mixture of water and liquid detergent terminates
externally of the device.
[0027] The main body 2 is composed of a handle 25 connected to a
box-type body 26, which body 26 is preferably defined by an upper
shell 26a and a lower shell 26b, joined one to the other.
[0028] The handle 25, which is preferably hollow and tubular,
exhibits a first end 25a which enables a connection of the inlet 3
to a water supply source and a second end 25b which enables a
connection to the box-type body 26.
[0029] An attachment 27 is interpositioned between the body 26 and
the handle 25, in proximity of the second end 25b of the handle 25,
which attachment 27 exhibits at a first end thereof 27a, facing the
inlet 3, a filter 28 which can hold back solid substances suspended
in the water, and at a second end thereof 27b, opposite the first
end 27a, a nozzle 29 conveying the water flow.
[0030] The body 26 is inferiorly provided, at the lower shell 26b,
with a disc element 10 inferiorly provided with a plurality of
bristles 7 for permitting a washing of a dirty surface.
[0031] Means for transmission of motion 8 are present internally of
the body 26, which means for transmission can induce a rotation on
the disc element 10.
[0032] The means for transmission of motion 8 exhibit a bladed
impeller 13 and a sprocket 19.
[0033] The impeller 13 and the sprocket are both keyed on a first
shaft 14 by means of known type.
[0034] The impeller 13 exhibits a plurality of blades 18 on a
periphery thereof, which are struck by the flow of water crossing
the brush 1.
[0035] In particular, the nozzle 29 of the attachment 27 causes the
flow of water to converge on the plurality of blades 18, inducing
the impeller 13 to rotate.
[0036] The sprocket 19 is preferably located below the impeller
13.
[0037] A reservoir 5 for containing a liquid detergent is located
below the body 26.
[0038] The reservoir 5 is defined by a recess 21, preferably
cylindrical and preferably afforded on the upper shell 26a, which
recess 21 functions as a bottom 5a of the reservoir in which at
least a hole 6 is afforded for expulsion of the liquid
detergent.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures of
the drawings at least five holes 6 are present, specially
distributed on the circumferential periphery of the recess 21.
[0040] In an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, an
opening 22 is afforded on the lateral wall of the recess 21.
[0041] The opening 22 is a port through which flows the water sent
by the plurality of blades 18 of the impeller 13 internally of the
reservoir 5, so that the reservoir 5 also functions as a
water-liquid detergent mixing chamber.
[0042] The reservoir is superiorly closed and sealed by a lid
23.
[0043] The lid 23 inferiorly exhibits a prolongation 24, preferably
tubular and hollow and couplable with play internally of the recess
21, which terminates with a regular toothing 31 defining a
plurality of chambers.
[0044] When the lid 23 rotates, the toothing 31 enables a gradual
opening or closing of the opening 22.
[0045] In a second preferred embodiment, not illustrated in the
accompanying figures on the lateral wall 21 of the recess 21, no
opening is afforded 22.
[0046] In this embodiment the liquid detergent percolates, through
the hole 6, into the underlying zone to mix with the water
turbulently internally of the body 26. With the moving of the
regular toothing 31 more or fewer holes 6 on the bottom 5a of the
reservoir 5 can be opened or closed, to vary the quantity of
water-detergent mixture exiting from the brush 1, or only liquid
detergent should the second embodiment be used.
[0047] Below the bottom 5a of the reservoir 5 there are means 5 for
mechanically removing any traces of liquid detergent left on the
base of the at least a hole 6, which means 9 are mobile with
respect to the reservoir by means of a transmission 8.
[0048] The means 9 for mechanically removing comprise a disc
element 10 and at least a projection 11 located on a back of the
disc element 10.
[0049] The disc element 10, which faces the reservoir and is below
it, is inferiorly connected to the plurality of bristles 7.
[0050] The disc element 10 is crossed by at least an opening 30
afforded thereon, which enables a mixture of water and liquid
detergent to exit.
[0051] A toothing 20 is present on the periphery of the disc
element 10.
[0052] The toothing 20 is mechanically connected to the sprocket
19, in such a way that the sprocket 19 transmits rotary motion to
the disc element 10, which in turn moves the plurality of bristles
7.
[0053] The disc element 10 is superiorly connected to the at least
a projection 11.
[0054] The projection 11, preferably defined by a rectangular tooth
12, extends from disc element 10 up until it contacts with the
bottom 5a of the reservoir 5.
[0055] The tooth 12, when it rotates, being solidly constrained to
the disc element 10, drags on the bottom 5a of the reservoir and
describes a circular crown trajectory, interesting at least a hole
6.
[0056] Thus, by a scraping/dragging action the means 9 for
mechanically removing proceed to remove any traces of detergent
remaining in the hole 6 which may have solidified.
[0057] The removal occurs through contact, but is also aided by an
aspiration effect generated and amplified by the high speed of
rotation of the disc element 10.
[0058] The tooth 12 is preferably made of a synthetic material so
that when dragging on the bottom of the reservoir 5 it does not
cause any lacerations.
[0059] In the preferred embodiment the means for scraping/dragging
are composed of at least three teeth 12.
[0060] Each tooth 12 of the at least three teeth has a different
radial distance from the centre of the disc element 10 as the disc
element 10 is arranged eccentrically with respect to the reservoir
5.
[0061] This is the preferred solution because in this way not one
tooth 12 alone scrapes away the solidified detergent on the various
holes 6.
[0062] Thus, should a tooth 12 break and therefore become incapable
of removing the solidified detergent from a hole 6, there are still
other teeth remaining which work on other holes 6; in other words
the water-liquid detergent mixture is not prevented from exiting
from the brush.
[0063] A further advantage of the invention is given by an
acceleration in the liquid detergent or water-detergent mixture
exit, caused by the rapid passage of the teeth at the bottom
orifice of the holes 6.
[0064] This advantage also means that high-viscosity detergents can
be used.
* * * * *