FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multipurpose cleaning device and more particularly a cleaning brush that may be used as a vehicle washing device that easily cleans all parts of a vehicle quickly and with only limited extensive physical exertion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
The use of washing brushes is generally known in the prior art. More specifically, washing brushes heretofore have been devised and utilized for cleaning objects such as cars, for example, and are known to consist basically of familiar and conventional structural configurations. Notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of the numerous objectives and requirements, most of the basic structures of the prior art brush configurations that have been disclosed are similar. While these devices may fulfill their respective objective and requirements, there remains a need for an effective washing device that will easily clean large areas and vehicles quickly and without requiring significant physical exertion. In this respect, the washing device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus that has been developed for easily and quickly cleaning the exterior surfaces of a vehicle and other large areas without significant physical exertion.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved washing device which can be used for easily and quickly cleaning the exterior surfaces of a vehicle or structure that can be performed with only limited physical exertion. The present invention substantially fulfills this need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The following is intended to be a brief summary of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The present invention generally relates to a multipurpose cleaning device and more particularly a cleaning brush that is appropriate for use as a vehicle washing device that can be used to clean the exterior of a vehicle quickly and easily without extensive physical exertion. In an embodiment, the X-shape configuration of the brush head allows for cleaning in multiple directions and provides an increased area coverage on each sweep while providing limited bristle resistance. The X-shape design embodiment further minimizes the tendency of the brush head from tipping during a sweep when connected to the main handle. The cleaning system disclosed herein provides for both washing and drying vehicles, and provides various arrangements which accommodate various additional features including embodiments that provide for dispersing liquid such as water and cleaning fluids through a brush head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the brush head and handle of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1
FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a T-shape connector element used with embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 3B is a is a side view in elevation of a T-shape connector element used with embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the brush head as taken from line B-B of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the brush head as taken from line C-C of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is perspective view showing a drying cloth secured to brush head.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment that includes cloth securing elements.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment that engages a water hose.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is perspective view of yet a further embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a brush head according to an embodiment of the invention depicting the channel and fluid flow.
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a brush head according to a further embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a brush extender element next to a brush head projection designed to receive the extender element.
FIG. 14 is a side view in elevation of the brush extender element of FIG. 13 in engagement with a brush head projection.
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the brush extender element of FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 is a front view in elevation of the brush extender element of FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 is a rear view of the view of FIG. 16 in elevation of the brush extender element of FIG. 13.
FIG. 18 is a side view in elevation in elevation of the brush extender element of FIG. 13.
FIG. 19 is a fragmentary side view in elevation of a brush head projection with a handle element extending from the top of a base plate.
FIG. 20 is a fragmentary top view in elevation of a brush head projection with a handle element extending from the top of a base plate.
FIG. 21 is an end view in elevation of a brush head projection with a handle element extending from the top of a base plate.
FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the brush head of FIG. 12.
FIG. 23 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a brush head.
FIG. 24 is a top plan view of further alternative embodiment of a brush head.
FIG. 25 is a side exploded view of a fitting that provides pivotal rotation on multiple axis.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the lower element part of the fitting.
FIG. 27 is a front view in elevation of the lower element of the fitting.
FIG. 28 is a front view in elevation of the top element of the fitting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference is made to FIGS. 1-28 which depict embodiments of an improved wash brush that is designed for washing items such as vehicles, boats, trailers, windows and accessories. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a wash brush 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Wash brush 10 comprises elongate handle section 12 and brush head 14.
Handle 12 of brush 10 comprises of open first end of soap dispensing chamber 40 which is integrally joined to one end of telescopic handle section 34, securing element 32 which is integrally joined to opposite end of telescopic handle section 34, and telescopic handle section 30. T shaped connector element 24 of brush 10 comprises threaded swivel connector 28, slot element 44, O ring elements 54 and 56 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Brush head 14 of brush 10 comprises of X-shape base 18, handle 16, bristles 26, and chamber elements 20 and 22. Chamber 40 has a threaded swivel connector 42 at one end which acts to connect to a water feed hose. Chamber 40 has a threaded fill hole which acts to receive liquid soap and is capped by element 38. Chamber 40 has element 36 which acts to regulate liquid soap that enters hallow of telescopic handle element 34 through a very small opening. Soap element 36 is slightly rotated and by doing so closes or opens small soap flow through opening of telescopic element 34 depending on the direction and application required. Telescopic handle element section 34 is a hollow, long and narrow body that allows water to flow through it and is integrally connected to soap dispensing chamber 40. Slide securing element 32 is integrally joined to one end of telescopic handle section 34 and element 32 acts to secure and prevent any free travel of telescopic handle section 30 though hollow body of element 34 once element 30 is positioned. Slide securing element 32 is engaged and disengaged by a slight rotation of this element depending on the direction and application required. Telescopic handle element section 30 is a hollow, long and narrow body that may travel inside the body of telescopic handle section element section 34 and handle section 30 allows for fluid flow through the part. Element 30 is threaded at the distal exposed end that along to allow it to be joined to the brush head 14 at hollow fitting 28.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the cylindrical section 30 has a small fix key element 46 that acts to prevent rotation between the lower handle section 30 and brush head 14 when connected. Water flows from element 34 to section 30 to T-shape hollow element 24. Chamber retainer elements 20 and 22 are situated in the approximate center of X-shape base 18 of brush head 14 and act to receive horizontal portion 25 of T shaped element 24. As seen in FIG. 3b, T-shaped element 24 has O rings 54 and 56 around end collars of horizontal portion 25 of T-shape respectfully and act to prevent water leakage once horizontal ends of element 24 are situated in chamber retainer elements 20 and 22. The vertical portion of element 24 has threaded swivel connector 28 and serves as a connector that engages handle section 30 to T-shape connector element 24. The threading of swivel connector 28 is designed to engaged opposite threads of a water hose to be attached directly to it. As seen in FIG. 3A, an elastomeric washer 44 is situated on inside end of swivel connector element 28 and acts to prevent water leakage once elements 24 and section 30 are connected. Brush head base plate 18 is X-shape and bristle elements 26, handle 16, and chamber elements 20 and 22 are integrally joined to plate element 18. Even though brush head element 14 may be of any shape and material, a design having at least three radial projections extending from a center region is preferred. Embodiments of the head may be made of synthetic resin, metal, or wood. A synthetic resin or plastic material for the construction is useful because it is relatively inexpensive, a hollow structure can be easily formed by molding techniques and it is relatively durable. In the embodiment shown the X-shape has advantages because one can move the brush head both horizontally or vertically with minimum bending while cleaning large surfaces in a fast and effortless manor. The X-shape design further minimizes the tendency of brush head 14 from tipping during a sweep when connected to main handle 12. A further advantage is one branch of X-shape brush head 14, opposite of handle element 16, is small and narrow, and therefore able to clean smaller surface recessions. Handle element 16 is integrally joined on top side and at one end of base plate element 18 and handle element 16 may act to help maneuver brush head 14 in situations of cleaning uneven surfaces during which one hand secures handle element 16 to telescopic handle section 30 of main handle 12 for stability, for example, while other hand secures handle element 40 of main handle 12 and the other hand can manipulate the brush head.
While the present disclosure contemplates an X-shape head wherein the projection elements extend radially from a central position in four directions, each 90 degrees from one another, other variations of brush head 14 are contemplated including other X-shapes and other bristle configurations of various lengths, textures and stiffness that surround and extend from the brush head element in different directions. Examples of alternative projection element arrangements are illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24. Also, even though there may be variations of the shape of extension of the brush central section head 14 including round profiles, square profiles and triangular-shaped profiles that extend from the central connection handle position. While a variety of materials may be used for the brush head 10, plastic and light weight metal such as aluminum are preferred because they can be easily formed with a hollow core.
Now referring back to FIG. 2 a perspective view of brush head element 14 of an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, the brush head element 14 is shown disconnected from elongate handle element 12.
FIG. 3 shows a top and side view of T-shape connector element 24. View A-A is showing a side view of T shape element 24 which further shows swivel connector element 28 to be integrally joined to vertical portion of T shape connector element 24. Elements 46 in FIG. 2 and element 44 shown in FIG. 3 act to prevent rotation of brush head 14 relative to main handle 12 when both elements 12 and 14 are connected for a cleaning application. It is contemplated that other variations and designs may be adapted to prevent rotation of brush 14 relative to handle 12 such as a plurality of elements of 44 and 46 respectfully.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the brush head element 14 as taken along line B-B of FIG. 2. Element 52 is showing T-shape element 24 can partially rotate clockwise or counter clockwise from this side view perspective to allow brush head 14 to change angles relative to main handle element 12 during a cleaning application where brush head 14 and main handle 12 are connected. Hole elements 48 and 50 act to allow water to pass from chamber 20 and 22 to bristle elements 26 respectfully.
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of brush head element 14 as taken along line C-C of FIG. 2. Water enters through connector element 40, then through chamber 40, through telescopic handle section element 34, then through telescopic handle section element 30, and into T shape connector element 24. Element 58 is showing the direction of water flowing from telescopic handle section 30 of main handle element 12 and entering T shape connector element 24. Element 24 acts to help connect main handle 12 to brush head 14 and acts to distribute water to chamber elements 20 and 22. FIG. 5 further shows O ring elements 54 and 56 which are situated around end collars of horizontal portion of T-shape element 24 and both elements act to prevent water leakage. Water then flows from chamber elements 20 and 20, and through hole elements 48 and 50 respectfully. Water then flows onto bristle elements 26 of brush head 14. Even though there may be a variation design of connecting main handle 12 to brush head 14, the design shown in an exemplary. It is contemplated that there are other advantageous manners to direct water from a receiving inlet of a brush head to other parts of brush head 14, including arrangements such as providing tubular elements provided on the exterior surface of the brush head (not shown) as well as water channels provided within the interior of a brush head.
FIG. 6 is showing a perspective view of the present invention with drying cloth element 660 attached to brush head 601. Drying cloth element 660 may be made of any material that is soft and absorbs water such as cotton or microfiber. In an embodiment, a cord 610 is provided along inside of hemmed edge of cloth 660 and a cord securing device 615 which helps secure cloth element 660 to brush head 601. Another embodiment comprises an elastic cord that is provided along inside of hemmed edge of a cloth element sued to cover the brush head. A handle 616 is provided on projection 619. Referring now to FIG. 7, in order to secure a cloth on the exterior surface of the brush head, fastening plates 666, 667, 668 and 669 are provided on the ends of the respective projections 618, 619, 620 and 621. After the main brush has been used for cleaning, the brush head may then be disconnected from main handle and placed into a plastic bag with handle element 16 situated near bag opening. The purpose for the bag is to prevent moisture from recently used brush to absorb into drying cloth. Plastic bag covered brush head is then wrapped with a drying cloth, such as cloth 60 as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows cloth 660, having a cord provided along the peripheral edge and attached to brush head 601 and does not show a plastic bag liner for the sake of drawing clarity. Once cloth 660 is secured, brush head 601 may then be used as a drying brush and to dry the vehicle or object in order to prevent water spots. An advantage of using brush head 601 as a drying brush is the large X-shape brush head design creates a large drying area and therefore allows for a fast-drying application and can be attached to a convenient long handle.
FIG. 7 is showing a design of the present invention having cloth securing elements. With this proposed design, a wide water absorbing cloth such as a drying towel for example may be used as a drying cloth once secured to brush head 601. For securing a drying towel, four stretch cords 680,681, 682 and 683 are unhooked from their respective edge elements, such as 666, causing the cords to retract towards the center of brush head 601. Brush head 101 may then be placed into a plastic bag, such as a common grocery bag, to act as a liner with the bag opening facing upwards. Brush head 601 which is now lined with a plastic covering may then be lowered onto the center of a flat open towel. A portion of towel is skirted over the edge elements 666, 667, 668 and 669 and its respective stretch cord elements 680-682 are then hooked over top of towel portion to secure it on the respective edge elements. An advantage of this design is any sizable towel of any quantity may be used.
As shown in FIG. 8, another use of handle element 616 is to maneuver bush head 601 for cleaning surfaces whereas a water hose 672 is connected to brush head 601 without a main handle. In embodiments, a plurality of handles may be situated at various locations on brush head 601. With brush element 601 disconnected from a main handle element, another function of handle element 616 is to maneuver brush head 601 during a drying type application where brush head 601 is covered with a pre-fit water absorbing cloth 660 as shown in FIG. 6. Even though handle 616 may be of any shape or at any location on brush, one advantageous arrangement is a closed in loop shape as shown. In each of the embodiments, bristles elements include a plurality of bristles which are joined along the underside of X-shaped base plate element and act to scrub the surface of the object to be cleaned. In embodiments, the bristle tips are shredded to create a very soft texture for cleaning surfaces.
As discussed above, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a water hose directly connected to brush head 14. This alternate application shows the versatility of the cleaning system of the invention. There are alternate features, not shown, including a soap dispensing feature built into brush head 14 which can accommodate either a liquid or a solid soap design for some examples.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of the present invention. This arrangement allows for having the benefit of soap dispensing from brush head 601 while not being directly connected to a main rigid central handle. Element connector 974 acts to help connect water hose 972 to retracted handle 912. Hose element 976 acts to connect swivel connector 942 of main handle 912 to a water source such an outside house tap for example. An advantage of this arrangement is for perhaps being able to use brush head 14 only when cleaning smaller items such as small vehicles or lawn furniture.
FIG. 10. depicts a flexible hose 972 that is directly connected with brush head 601 to a water inlet connector 1009 that is provided on a pivotable fitting that includes hollow end retaining member 1019. The hose 972 includes the chamber 940 into which a soap or cleaning compound can be introduced to a cleaning fluid that is dispensed through said brush head.
Now referring to FIG. 11 a sectional view of the brush head 14 is depicted that illustrates fluid-flow from hose 72 through hose inlet connector 72 and into the pivoting tubular section 1012. The pivoting tubular section provides a passage for fluid flow through end retainers1015 and 1019 that direct fluid into a tubular chamber 1050. Tubular chamber 1050 extends inside the brush head projections 102 and 1025 and a plurality of outlet channels such as 1075, 1076, 1077 and 1078 that direct fluid from tubular chamber 50 and in proximity with the brushes 1080.
FIG. 12 is a top view of an alternative brush head embodiment 1201 that includes a circular center section 1205 from which four projections extend 1207, 1209, 1220, and 1211. The embodiment includes a handle element 1215 that can be engaged by a user to assist with the manual manipulation of the brush head across a surface. In further embodiments, a plurality of handle elements are provided on brush head extensions. In yet further embodiments the handles can be removed by the user and can be interchanged and positioned at different locations on the top surface of brush head 1201. The device includes a center inlet 128 for receiving a fluid source which directs fluid into cavities inside the brush head and, then though outlet channels located in proximity with brushes that extend from the lower surface of the device. The inlet 128 is provided on a pivoting tubular fitting1030 that pivots with seats 1225 and 1226.
A further feature of the device is referred to as extender brush which may enhance the cleaning performance of the main brush. As seen in FIG. 13, the accessory brush element 1305 is designed to be connected to an end of a projection 1310 of a main brush that is an integral part of the main brush. The accessor element has a U-shaped base section 1320 from which brushes 1322 extend downwardly. In an embodiment, the accessory brush element 1305 is positioned onto a projection 1309 of a main brush that is opposite the straight brush element on which the brush head has a fixed handle. As seen in FIG. 15, accessory brush element 1305 is connected to the straight brush element 1310 by sliding it over the end of the straight brush element body 1310 and securing it into place by hook shaped securing shoulder elements 1516 and 1561, that are on the inner surface 1540 and 1541 of member 1320 and an integral part of the accessory brush element 1320, to opposite ridge elements 1315 that project from the 1310 are an integral part of the straight brush elements of the main brush. FIG. 16 shows an end front view of the assembly and FIG. 17 shows a rear view. The brushes 1322 extend in a U-shape profile.
Once accessory brush element 1305 is secured onto the main brush via onto the straight brush element 1310, it may be disconnected by simultaneously lifting the hook shoulder elements 1560 and 1561 with two fingers for example, and then sliding accessory brush element 1305 off of the end of the straight brush body element 1320 of the main brush. As best seen in FIG. 15, accessory brush element 1305 is a U-shape base that comprises of long bristles 1322, that extend along the top edge of element 1320.
The U-shape base has long bristles attached to it at one end and these bristles may possibly be up to three times longer in length compare with the length of the bristles of the main brush. The purpose of this accessory brush element and the length of its bristles is to be able to reach and clean deep recessions that may be found on vehicles for example such as wheel rims, corners of bumpers, deep recessed on front grills or parking lights for some examples, recessions that are not reachable for proper cleaning with typical brush lengths. It also saves the main brush from being soiled from dirt containing oil or brake dust for some examples. Another advantage of this accessory brush element is it may be kept together with the main brush in a storage type position and may be easily changed back into the cleaning position during the cleaning process. The purpose of the top and bottom shoulder edges that run the length of its U-shaped opening is to prevent free movement up and down from a side view perspective. The purpose of the hooking shoulder securing elements is to help secure the accessory brush element into place on the respective straight brush element of the main brush. The hooking shoulder elements are hooked onto their respective ridge elements that are on the side of straights brush elements of the main brush.
FIG. 19 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a projection from a brush head that includes a control handle 1915 to assist a user with the manipulation of the brush. The handle extend from the top surface of projection body 190.Burshes 1910 extend from the lower surface of the projection body 1090. As seen in FIG. 20, handles 1915 has a plurality of frictional elements 1925 to assist the grip of the user. In embodiments the handles parts, such as element 1925 are made from rubber or a flexible soft polymer to allow the user to obtain a firm grip on the handle without injuring the user's hand. FIG. 21show an end view of the handle 1915 on projection 19.
Now referring to FIG. 22, the bottom surface 14 of a brush head element 1201 having an annular core 1205 is depicted. The bottom surface 14 of the annular ring section 1205 and projections 1209,1210, 1207are covered with bristles.
As discussed above, in a further embodiment, the projections form an x-shape where the projection 2307, 2304, 2306 and 2305 are not positioned at 90 degree angles from one another. In yet a further embodiment, in addition to four projections extending from core region, it is contemplated that the devices having three projections such as the brush head 2400 depicted in FIG. 24 which includes projection 2404, 2405 and 2406 which extend from an annular core section. Like other embodiments the may be provide with a T-Shaped pivotal section 2419 that include an inlet 2415 that is adapted to receive a tubular handle.
FIG. 25-28 depict an alternative fitting that allows a handle to be attached that provide for 360 degrees rotation with respect to the plane defined by the bush head around screw attachment element 2510 and 180 degrees pivot around an axis through channel 2520defined by element 2509. The fitting includes a lower element that consist of the tubular part 2509 that is adapted to pivot in retainer members of the brush head (not shown) yet be fluid tight. An upper round element 2504 that is adapted to cooperate with opposite upper element part 2605. The upper part 2501 has round opening 2609 that is attached to part 2504 in fluid tight connection but the two parts allow for 360 degree rotation. Upper element 2501 has a tubular channel 2614 that extends to reservoir regions 2605. Fluid channel 2580 provide for fluid flow from the rounded section 2605 to the top inlet opening 2614. Inlet opening 2614 is adapted to receive a tubular elongate handle. Fluid may flow into part 2504 and then to tubular section 2509. The tubular section 2509 has opposite fluid outlets that are attached to a brush head. Each of the connections are sealed with O rings.
In embodiments, the brush bristles of the extender element are approximately 6 inches in length. A high concentration of stiff bristles may be used to make the device thick and bushy for effective cleaning. A thick or high density of bush bristles allow for cleaning with less effort required for directing and guiding the head with precision. Further, the cleaning of recesses with longer bristles brushes is more effective. In further embodiments, the bristles may include double or triple layers with respect to the location where the bristles connect to the main horse shoe base.
An advantage of the present invention is perhaps easy and fast cleaning on very large and/or high surfaces such as large panel trucks, RVs, and trailers. A further advantage of this cleaning system is since the brush head is over twice the width of a conventional wash brush, each sweep of the brush covers over twice the surface area than a regular brush on each pass and therefore allows for much faster cleaning.
Yet another advantage of this cleaning system relates to method of use of the device wherein sweeping the brush side to side for cleaning is a much more natural, comfortable, and efficient way of cleaning in contrast to those commercially available bushes that lack a universal pivot and therefore often require awkward body bending postures. This technique of side to side brushing is especially useful for the cleaning of large panel trucks. The pivoting feature of the cleaning system minimizes the need of awkward bending when it comes to cleaning surfaces that are located below waist as well as high surfaces.
Patent Application
20180014632
