BACKGROUND
A paintbrush is a tool used to apply paint, coatings and/or sealers to paintable surfaces. A paintbrush is configured to pick up the paint, coating and/or sealer with a plurality of filaments (also called bristles) that are held firmly against a handle typically with one or more spacer plugs and a ferrule. The plurality of filaments can be formed from materials including animal hair or synthetic materials, such as for example, acrylic, polyester, nylon or amalon.
The ferrule is a metal band that wraps around the plurality of filaments, the one or more spacer plugs and the handle and gives the brush strength. Typically, the one or more spacer plugs within the ferrule help the plurality of filaments sits tightly against the handle and create a plurality of reservoirs for paint. An adhesive substance, such as the non-limiting example of epoxy is used to lock the plurality of filaments against the one or more spacer plugs and the handle.
After using a paint brush, the paint brush is typically cleaned to remove the remaining paint, coatings and/or sealers. If the remaining paint, coatings and/or sealers is allowed to dry while still on the plurality of bristles, the plurality of bristles may stiffen, thereby rendering the paint brush unusable.
Proper cleaning of a paint brush involves removal of the remaining paint, coatings and/or sealers from the plurality of bristles and typically from the plurality of reservoirs formed within the ferrule by the one or more spacers. Unfortunately, it can be difficult, time consuming, expensive and a wasteful use of excessive water to properly clean used paint brushes. It would be advantageous if used paint brushes could be cleaned in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor it is intended to limit the scope of the brush cleaning system.
The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a brush cleaning system. The brush cleaning system includes a motive force and a cam configured for rotation as urged by the motive force. An arm has a first end engaged with the cam and an opposing second end. The opposing second end is configured for vertical and horizontal movement as initiated by rotation of the cam. A clamping structure is connected to the second end of the arm and is configured to secure a brush. The brush has a plurality of bristles. Rotation of the cam results in the plurality of bristles of the brush moving in an orbital motion.
The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are also achieved by a method of using a brush cleaning system. The brush cleaning system includes the steps of rotating a cam with a motive force, engaging a first end of an arm with the cam in a manner such that the first end of the arm rotates as the cam rotates and a second end of the arm moves in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction as the cam rotates, the second end of the arm includes a clamping structure, securing a brush to the clamping structure, the brush having a plurality of bristles and a plurality of paint reservoirs between the plurality of bristles and moving the plurality of bristles and the plurality of paint reservoirs in an orbital motion.
The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are also achieved by a brush cleaning system. The brush cleaning system includes a motive force and an arm connected to the motive force. The arm is configured for vertical and horizontal movement as initiated by a device connected to the motive force. A clamping structure is connected to the arm and is configured to secure a brush, the brush having a plurality of bristles. Vertical and horizontal movement of the arm results in the plurality of bristles of the brush moving in an orbital motion.
Various objects and advantages of the brush cleaning system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following Detailed Description, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective side view, partially in cross-section, of a clean paint brush.
FIG. 2 is a perspective side view, partially in cross-section of a used paint brush.
FIG. 3 is a right-side perspective view of a brush cleaning system in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 4 is a left side perspective view of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a left side, exploded perspective view of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a left side, cross-sectional view of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a left side, partially in cross-section, perspective view of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a right-side perspective view of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3 shown engaged with a paint brush.
FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3 shown in a first orientation.
FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3 shown in a second orientation.
FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3 shown in a third orientation.
FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3 shown in a fourth orientation.
FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3 shown returned to the first orientation of FIG. 9.
FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of an elliptical orbit formed by the paint brush of FIG. 2 as the brush cleaning system of FIG. 3 forms the orientations of FIGS. 9-13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The brush cleaning system will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments. The brush cleaning system may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the brush cleaning system to those skilled in the art.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the brush cleaning system belongs. The terminology used in the description of the brush cleaning system is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the brush cleaning system. As used in the description of the brush cleaning system and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the brush cleaning system. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the brush cleaning system are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.
The description and figures disclose a brush cleaning system. Generally, the brush cleaning system is configured to impart motion to a brush needing cleaning in a manner such as to clean the brush. The imparted motion includes a reciprocating vertical element simultaneous with a reciprocating side-to-side element, thereby resulting in a continuous elliptical or orbital motion. Advantageously, the imparted motion is highly effective in cleaning the plurality of bristles in the brush as well as cleaning the plurality of reservoirs formed between the bristles. In certain embodiments, the brush can have the form of a paint brush. However, the brush can have other forms including the non-limiting examples of cleaning brushes, make-up brushes and the like.
The term “brush”, as used herein, is defined to mean any structure mechanism, device or implement having a handle and a plurality of flexible bristles used for cleaning, scrubbing and/or applying a liquid or powder to a surface.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a non-limiting example of a brush is illustrated generally at 10. The brush 10 includes a cutaway portion to provide visibility to interior portions of the brush 10. The brush 10 is a conventional paint brush and will only be briefly described herein. The brush 10 is configured to apply paint, coatings and/or sealers to paintable surfaces. The brush 10 includes a plurality of flexible bristles 12 arranged in a pattern having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the plurality of flexible bristles 12 can be arranged in patterns having other cross-sectional shapes, such as the non-limiting example of a circular cross-sectional shape. The plurality of bristles 12 can be formed from materials including animal hair or synthetic materials, such as for example, acrylic, polyester, nylon or amalon.
Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of bristles 12 are held in place with one or more spacer plugs 14, an adhesive substance 16 and a ferrule 18. The one or more spacer plugs 14 are configured to help maintain the plurality of bristles in a tightly seated arrangement and are further configured to form one or more internal reservoirs 20 for the temporary storage of liquids to be applied, such as the non-limiting examples of paint, coatings and/or sealers. The adhesive substance 16 is configured to lock the plurality of bristles 12 and the one or more spacer plugs together. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive substance 16 has the form of epoxy. However, other suitable adhesive substances can be used. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the use of the one or more spacer plugs 14, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the plurality of bristles 12 can be maintained in a tightly seated arrangement and can form one or more internal reservoirs 20 with other structures and/or with other methods. It should be appreciated that the novel brush cleaning system described herein is applicable regardless of whether the brush 10 incorporates spacer plugs 14 or not.
The ferrule 18 is a band that wraps around the plurality of bristles 12, the one or more spacer plugs 14 and a portion of a handle 22. The ferrule 18 is configured to give the brush 10 strength. In the illustrated embodiment, the ferrule 18 is formed from a metallic material, such as for example aluminum. In alternate embodiments, the ferrule 18 can be formed from other suitable materials.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the handle 22 extends from the ferrule 18 and is configured to provide a comfortable gripping surface for the brush 10 as well as providing balance during use of the brush 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 22 is formed from wood, however in other embodiments, the handle 22 can be formed from other materials including the non-limiting examples of polymeric materials and bamboo.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the brush 10′ is the same brush 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 shown after use to apply paint. While some effort has been undertaken to clean the brush 10′, elements of paint 24 remain in the reservoirs 20 formed between the plurality of bristles 12. If left uncleaned, the remaining elements of paint 24 can render the brush 10′ unusable.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, a novel brush cleaning system is illustrated generally at 40. Generally, the novel brush cleaning system 40 (hereafter “cleaning system”) is configured to impart a rapid, elliptical cleaning motion to a brush 10′ needing cleaning and positioned in a cleaning medium. The imparted elliptical cleaning motion includes a reciprocating side-to-side element and a simultaneous reciprocating vertical motion. Without being held to the theory, it is believed the combination of the side-to-side motion and the reciprocating vertical motion, while positioned in a cleaning medium, provides a highly effective method of cleaning the plurality of bristles 12 and the plurality of reservoirs 20 formed between the bristles 12. The cleaning system 40 includes an arm 42, a guide element 44, a cam 46, a first shaft 48, a second shaft 50, a first right-angle gear 52, a second right angle gear 54, a pivotable handle support 56, a handle 58 and a housing 60.
Referring again to FIGS. 3-8, the arm 42 includes a first end 62, an opposing second end 64 and an intermediate section 66 extending therebetween. The first end 62 includes a base section 70, opposing riser elements 72a, 72b and a top element 74. The base section 70 forms a flat inner surface 76 configured to receive a portion of a paint brush 10. The opposing riser elements 72a, 72b extend from the base section 70 in the same direction and are connected to the top element 74.
Referring again to FIGS. 3-8, the base section 70, opposing riser elements 72a, 72b and the top element 74 cooperated to form a cavity 78 therebetween. The cavity 78 is configured to receive portions of the paint brush 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 78 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape that approximates a rectangular cross-sectional shape of the paint brush handle 22. However, in other embodiments, the cavity 78 can have other cross-sectional shapes, in a manner such that the sufficient that the cavity 78 can receive portions of the paint brush 10.
Referring again to FIGS. 3-8, the top element 74 includes a threaded aperture 80. The threaded aperture 80 extends through the top element 74 and is configured to receive a rotatable translation screw 82 in a manner such that rotation of the translation screw 82 advances a first end 83 of the translation screw 82 in an axial direction toward the flat inner surface 76 of the base section 70 or away from the flat inner surface 76 of the base section 70. An opposing second end 84 of the translation screw 82 is attached to a knob 86 in a manner such that rotation of the knob 86 results in rotation and axial advancement of the translation screw 82 as described above.
Referring now to FIG. 8, the base section 70, opposing riser elements 72a, 72b, top element 74, translation screw 82 cooperate to form a clamping structure 90. The clamping structure 90 is configured to secure the paint brush 10 to the arm 42. In operation, the knob 86 is rotated until the first end 83 of the translation screw 82 vacates the cavity 78 a sufficient distance to allow a portion of the handle 22 to extend through the cavity 78 and seat against the flat inner surface 76 of the base section 70. In a next step, the knob 86 is rotated to advance the first end 83 of the translation screw 82 in an axial direction toward the handle 22. In a final step, the translation screw 82 is further rotated to form a firm connection with the handle 22. In this manner, the paint brush 10 is secured to the arm 42.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the intermediate section 66 of the arm 42 extends from the first end 62 to the second end 64. A portion of the intermediate section 66 is seated within a slot 90 formed within the guide element 44. The slot 90 has a cross-sectional shape that approximates a cross-sectional shape of the portion of the intermediate section 66 seated within the slot, such that the slot provides a guiding structure as the arm 42 moves in an elliptical orbit. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 90 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the slot 90 can have other cross-sectional shapes sufficient to provide a guiding structure as the arm 42 moves in an elliptical orbit.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, a boss 92 extends in an axial direction from an outer surface 94 of the guide element 44. The boss 92 seats within a portion of the housing 60 in a manner such as to facilitate rotation of the guide element 44 about the boss 92 as the arm 42 moves in an elliptical orbit. While the embodiment of the boss 92 shown in FIGS. 5-7 show the boss 92 as having a circular cross-sectional shape, in other embodiment, the boss 92 can have other cross-sectional shapes sufficient to facilitate rotation of the guide element 44 about the boss 92 as the arm 42 moves in an elliptical orbit. Still further, it is contemplated that the guide element 44 can be supported by other structures, mechanisms and/or devices configured to facilitate rotation of the guide element 44 about the boss 92 as the arm 42 moves in an elliptical orbit. Non-limiting examples of other structures, mechanisms and/or devices include clips, clamps and brackets.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, the second end 64 of the arm 42 includes an aperture 96. The aperture 96 is configured to engage a pin 98 extending from an outboard surface 100 of the cam 46. The cam 46 is mounted for rotation on a first end 102 of the first shaft 48. The first shaft 48 has an opposing second end 104. The first and second ends 102, 104 of the first shaft 48 are supported for rotation by bearings 108, 110 respectively.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, the first right angle gear 52 is positioned between the bearings 108, 110. As will be explained in more detail below, rotation of the first right angle gear 52 results in rotation of the first shaft 48, thereby resulting in rotation of the cam 46. Rotation of the cam 46 results in movement of the arm in an elliptical orbit.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, the second shaft 50 has a first end 112 and an opposing second end 114. The second shaft 50 is supported for rotation by bearing 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing 116 is positioned between the first and second ends 112, 114. In alternate embodiments, the bearing 116 can be positioned in other locations sufficient to support the second shaft for rotation.
Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the bearings 108, 110 and 116 have the form of ball bearings. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the bearings 108, 110 and 116 can have other forms, including the non-limiting examples of sleeve bearings or bushings.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, the first end 112 of the second shaft 50 has the cross-sectional shape of a hex-sided structure. The hex-sided structure is configured to engage a rotational motive force, such as the non-limiting example of an electric drill motor. In other embodiments, the first end 112 of the second shaft 50 can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as the non-limiting example of a square cross-sectional shape, sufficient to engage a rotational motive force.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, the second right angle gear 54 is seated on the second shaft 50 at the second end 114. As will be explained in more detail below, rotation of the first end 112 of the second shaft 50 results in rotation of the second right angle gear 54. The rotation of the second right angle gear 54 results in rotation of the first right angle gear 52 and subsequent rotation of the cam 46 as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second right angle gears 52, 54 have the form of mating miter gears. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, other forms of gears can be used for the efficient transmission of power and motion between intersecting shafts at a right angle. One non-limiting example of a suitable gear set include bevel gears.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the first shaft 48 has a longitudinal axis A-A and the second shaft has a longitudinal axis B-B. The longitudinal axis A-A of the first shaft 48 and the longitudinal axis B-B of the second shaft 50 form an angle α. The angle α is configured to ensure efficient transmission of power and motion between intersecting first and second shafts 48, 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is approximately 90°. However, in other embodiments, the angle α can be less than 90° or more than 90°, sufficient to ensure efficient transmission of power and motion between intersecting first and second shafts 48, 50.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, a rotatable support axle 120 is configured to support the handle 58 and includes a first end 122, an opposing second end 124 and an extension member 128. The support axle 120 has a longitudinal axis C-C. The opposing ends 122, 124 of the support axle 120 are supported by the housing 60 in a manner such as to facilitate rotation of the support axle 120 about the longitudinal axis C-C.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, the extension member 128 extends from the support axle 120 in a generally perpendicular direction to the support axle 120 and has a length that extends through an arcuate slot 129 in the housing 60. The extension member 128 includes a shoulder 130. In an installed arrangement, the shoulder 130 is positioned within the housing 60 and configured to seat against a portion of the housing 60 defining the arcuate slot 129. In operation, the shoulder 130 and the portion of the housing 60 defining the arcuate slot 129 combine to provide structural support to the handle 58.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, a distal end 132 of the extension member 128 includes a threaded portion. The threaded portion of the distal end 132 is configured to engage a corresponding threaded portion 133 of the handle 58. As the threaded portion 133 of the handle 58 engages the distal end 132 of the extension member 128, the handle 58 moves in an axial direction toward the housing 60 as schematically depicted by direction arrow Dl. Rotation of the handle 58 continues until an annular projection 134 from the handle 58 engages a recessed portion 136 of the housing 60. As will be described in more detail below, the handle 58 is configured to engage a strong, structural connection with the housing 60 and is further configured to releasable from the connection with the housing 60 in order to rotate the handle 58 for other desired handle 58 locations.
Referring now to FIGS. 8-14, operation of the cleaning system 40 will now be described. Referring first to FIG. 8 in an initial step, a portion of the handle 22 of the paint brush 10 is positioned within the cavity 78 formed by the combination of the base section 70, the plurality of riser elements 72a, 72b and the top element 74. In a next step, the first end 83 of the translation screw 82 is urged against the handle 22 of the paint brush 10 by rotation of the knob 86. In a next step, rotation of the knob 86 continues until the translation screw 82 firmly secures the handle 22 against the flat inner surface 76 of the base section 70.
Referring again to FIG. 8 in a next step, the handle 58 of the cleaning system 40 is positioned in a desirable location and the handle 58 is tightened against the housing 60 as described above. Next, a motive force (not shown for purposes of clarity) is engaged with the second shaft 50 extending from the housing 60.
Referring now to FIG. 9, the arm 42, guide element 44 and the cam 46 are shown in a first orientation (the remaining components of the cleaning system 40 are not shown for purposes of clarity). In the first orientation, the aperture 96 at the second end 64 of the arm 42 is engaged with the pin 98 extending from the outboard surface 100 of the cam 46. Further to the first orientation, the paint brush 10 is seated against the flat inner surface 76 of the base section 70 and the bristles 12 of the paint brush extend from the cleaning system 40 in a direction toward a vessel 140. The vessel 140 includes a cleaning medium 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning medium 142 is water, configured to clean water-based paint. However, in other embodiments, the cleaning medium 142 can be other fluids, including the non-limiting example of mineral spirits, configured to clean oil-based paints. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 illustrates the bristles 12 as being outside of the cleaning medium 142, in other embodiments, the first orientation can be accomplished with the bristles 12 as sitting within the cleaning medium 142.
Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning medium 142 is described above as water. It should be apparent that an advantage of the cleaning system 40 is that the cleaning medium can have any source, whether the source is flowing water from a hose or river or from a static body, such as the non-limiting examples of a lake or pond. That is, in the event the cleaning medium is water, the water can be sourced from any desirable source, whether the source is a static body of water or a flowing source of water, such as for example from a faucet or hose. Accordingly, the cleaning system 40 can be implemented and used at any site, whether or not a source of flowing mater is available.
Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, it should be apparent that another advantage of the cleaning system 40 is that the cleaning medium can be reused for multiple cleanings prior to being refreshed with new cleaning medium.
As discussed above, the cleaning system 40 is configured to impart motion to a paint brush 10 needing cleaning in a manner such as to clean the paint brush 10. The imparted motion includes a reciprocating vertical element simultaneous with a reciprocating side-to-side element, thereby resulting in a continuous elliptical or orbital motion. Referring now to FIG. 14, an elliptical orbit is illustrated generally at 150. The elliptical orbit 150 is generally representative of the motion imparted on the paint brush 10 by the cleaning system 40. Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 14, the first orientation of the arm 42, guide element 44, cam 46 and paint brush 10 is represented by point P1 on the elliptical orbit 150 shown in FIG. 14.
Referring now to FIG. 10 in a next step, the motive force (not shown) has forced further rotation of the second shaft 50. Rotation of the second shaft 50 results in rotation of the second right angle gear 54, which in turn results in rotation of the first right angle gear 52 and rotation of the first shaft 48. Rotation of the first shaft 48 results in rotation of the cam 46 and rotation of the pin 98 extending from the cam 46. Rotation of the pin 98 results in imparted motion to the arm 42. The imparted motion to the arm includes a vertical element, represented by direction arrow M1, simultaneous with a side-to-side or horizontal element, represented by direction arrow M2. The imparted vertical motion M1 of the arm 42 results in the bristles 12 either penetrating the cleaning solution or moving further into the cleaning solution 142. The imparted horizontal motion of the arm 42 results in the bristles 12 moving in a lateral direction near or within the cleaning solution 142. As the arm 42 moves in the imparted vertical element, the guide element 44 is configured to steer the arm 42 in the intended vertical direction.
Referring again to FIGS. 10 and 14, as the cam 46 forces rotation R1 of the pin 98, the pin 98 forces the arm 42 to pivot within the rotatable guide element 44, as schematically depicted by direction arrow R2. Rotation of the guide element 44 and subsequent pivoting of the arm 42 imparts the horizontal movement of the arm 42 and the paint brush 10. The rotation of the arm 42, guide element 44, cam 46 and paint brush 10 is represented by point P2 on the elliptical orbit 150 shown in FIG. 14.
Referring again to FIGS. 10 and 14, the vertical element of the imparted motion forms distance VD1. The distance VD1 represents one-half of the minor axis 152 of the elliptical orbit 150. Similarly, the horizontal element of the imparted motion forms distance HD1. The distance HD1 represents one-half of the major axis 154 of the elliptical orbit 150.
Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 14 in a next step, the motive force (not shown) has forced further rotation of the second shaft 50, resulting in rotation of the cam 46 and the pin 98, as schematically represented by direction arrow R3. Rotation of the pin 98 continues to impart motion to the arm 42. The imparted motion to the arm includes a vertical element, represented by direction arrow M3, simultaneous with a side-to-side or horizontal element, represented by direction arrow M4. The imparted vertical motion M3 of the arm 42 results in the bristles 12 either penetrating the cleaning solution or moving further into the cleaning solution 142. The imparted horizontal motion of the arm 42 results in the bristles 12 moving in a lateral direction within the cleaning solution 142. As the arm 42 moves in the imparted vertical element, the guide element 44 is configured to steer the arm 42 in the intended vertical direction.
Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 14, as the cam 46 forces rotation R3 of the pin 98, the pin 98 forces the arm 42 to pivot within the rotatable guide element 44, as schematically depicted by direction arrow R4. Rotation of the guide element 44 and subsequent pivoting of the arm 42 imparts the horizontal movement of the arm 42 and the paint brush 10. The rotation of the arm 42, guide element 44, cam 46 and paint brush 10 is represented by point P3 on the orbital motion 150 shown in FIG. 14.
Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 14, the vertical element of the imparted motion forms distance VD2. The distance VD2 represents one-half of the minor axis 152 of the elliptical orbit 150. Similarly, the horizontal element of the imparted motion forms distance HD2. The distance HD2 represents one-half of the major axis 154 of the elliptical orbit 150.
Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 14 in a next step, the motive force (not shown) has forced further rotation of the second shaft 50, resulting in rotation of the cam 46 and the pin 98, as schematically represented by direction arrow R5. Rotation of the pin 98 continues to impart motion to the arm 42. The imparted motion to the arm includes a vertical element, represented by direction arrow M5, simultaneous with a side-to-side or horizontal element, represented by direction arrow M6. The imparted vertical motion M5 of the arm 42 results in the bristles 12 either departing the cleaning solution 142 or moving further out of the cleaning solution 142. The imparted horizontal motion of the arm 42 results in the bristles 12 moving in a lateral direction within the cleaning solution 142. As the arm 42 moves in the imparted vertical element, the guide element 44 is configured to steer the arm 42 in the intended vertical direction.
Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 14, as the cam 46 forces rotation R5 of the pin 98, the pin 98 forces the arm 42 to pivot within the rotatable guide element 44, as schematically depicted by direction arrow R6. Rotation of the guide element 44 and subsequent pivoting of the arm 42 imparts the horizontal movement of the arm 42 and the paint brush 10. The rotation of the arm 42, guide element 44, cam 46 and paint brush 10 is represented by point P4 on the elliptical orbit 150 shown in FIG. 14.
Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 14, the vertical element of the imparted motion forms distance VD3. The distance VD3 represents one-half of the minor axis 152 of the elliptical orbit 150. Similarly, the horizontal element of the imparted motion forms distance HD3. The distance HD3 represents one-half of the major axis 154 of the elliptical orbit 150.
Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 in a final step, the motive force (not shown) has forced further rotation of the second shaft 50, resulting in rotation of the cam 46 and the pin 98, as schematically represented by direction arrow R7. Rotation of the pin 98 continues to impart motion to the arm 42. The imparted motion to the arm includes a vertical element, represented by direction arrow M7, simultaneous with a side-to-side or horizontal element, represented by direction arrow M8. The imparted vertical motion M7 of the arm 42 results in the bristles 12 either departing the cleaning solution 142 or moving further out of the cleaning solution 142. The imparted horizontal motion of the arm 42 results in the bristles 12 moving in a lateral direction. As the arm 42 moves in the imparted vertical element, the guide element 44 is configured to steer the arm 42 in the intended vertical direction.
Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, as the cam 46 forces rotation R7 of the pin 98, the pin 98 forces the arm 42 to pivot within the rotatable guide element 44, as schematically depicted by direction arrow R8. Rotation of the guide element 44 and subsequent pivoting of the arm 42 imparts the horizontal movement of the arm 42 and the paint brush 10. The rotation of the arm 42, guide element 44, cam 46 and paint brush 10 returns the cleaning system to point P1 on the elliptical orbit 150 shown in FIG. 14.
Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, the vertical element of the imparted motion forms distance VD4. The distance VD4 represents one-half of the minor axis 152 of the elliptical orbit 150. Similarly, the horizontal element of the imparted motion forms distance HD4. The distance HD4 represents one-half of the major axis 154 of the elliptical orbit 150.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 14, after completing the full elliptical orbit 150, the cleaning system 40 has returned to the origination point P1 and is ready to complete subsequent elliptical orbits. As described above, the elliptical orbits are configured to impart motion to a brush needing cleaning in a manner such as to clean the brush. The imparted motion includes a reciprocating vertical element simultaneous with a reciprocating side-to-side element. Without being held to the theory, it is believed the imparted elliptical cleaning motion is highly effective in cleaning the plurality of bristles in the brush as well as cleaning the plurality of reservoirs formed between the bristles.
Referring again to FIG. 14, the elliptical orbit 150 is described above as having a minor axis 152 and a major axis 154. It should be appreciated that the minor and major axis 152, 154 can have any desired dimensions, thereby resulting in elliptical orbits having a different appearance than that shown in FIG. 14. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments, the minor and major axis 152, 154 can have any desired relative dimensions, including the non-limiting example of equal dimensions, thereby resulting in a circular motion.
While the embodiment of the cleaning system 40 shown in FIGS. 3-13 have been described above in the context of cleaning the bristles of a paint brush, it should be clear that in other embodiments, the cleaning system can be configured to clean the bristles of other types of brushes, including the non-limiting examples of parts cleaning brushes, make-up brushes and the like. It should also be considered that the cleaning system can be configured to clean any objects that may benefit from an imparted elliptical cleaning motion, such as the non-limiting examples of automotive parts, firearm parts, machinery parts and the like.
While the embodiment of the cleaning system 40 shown in FIGS. 3-13 includes shafts 48, 50 and gears 52, 54 configured to impart the elliptical cleaning motion 150, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, other structures, mechanisms and devices can be configured to impart the elliptical cleaning motion 150. Non-limiting examples of other structures, mechanisms and devices can include servo motors, linear motors, springs, clamps and the like.
While the embodiment of the cleaning system 40 shown in FIGS. 3-13 includes shafts 48, 50 and gears 52, 54 configured to impart the orbital motion 150, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the cleaning system 40 can be configured to impart other movements, such as the non-limiting examples of simultaneous rotational movement to the brush in addition to the orbital motion 150 or reciprocating axial movements.
The principle and mode of operation of the brush cleaning system has been described in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that the brush cleaning system may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.
Patent Application
20230346116
