The present invention relates generally to the field of cleaning apparatuses, and more particularly to apparatuses for cleaning and/or washing paint applicators.
Paint applicators such as for example paint brushes and paint rollers allow users to paint large areas more efficiently and effectively. However, the effectiveness of these paint applicators can degrade quickly if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. Particularly, improper care of paint brushes and paint rollers can lead to build-up of dried paint, dirt, and other residue which can lead to imperfect application of paint. Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for quickly and properly cleaning and maintaining used paint brushes and paint rollers. It is to the provision of apparatuses used to wash and clean paint brushes and paint rollers meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.
In example embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus for washing paint applicators, such as for example paint brushes and paint rollers. The apparatus is generally configured to be fluidly connected to a hose supplying washing fluid, such as for example water. The washing apparatus generally includes a spray tube with a hose connector or adapter for releasably securing the washing apparatus to the hose. The spray tube includes one or more nozzles configured to direct and/or modify the flow characteristics, such as for example the rate of flow, speed, direction, shape, and/or the pressure of the washing fluid stream or jet dispersed or ejected from the spray tube.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a paint applicator washer used to wash used paint applicators with a washing fluid supplied from a hose. The paint applicator washer includes a first spray tube extending between a first proximal end and a second distal end, one or more first nozzles provided along the first spray tube, a hose coupler for detachably connecting the first spray tube to the hose, and an end cap secured to a distal end of the spray tube, opposite the proximal end.
Optionally, the paint applicator washer further includes one or more bristle spreaders. The one or more bristle spreaders may comprise angled or pointed tips to help penetrate and spread apart the bristles. Moreover, the one or more bristle spreaders may be axially aligned to the one or more nozzles.
Optionally, the paint applicator washer may include a fluid flow control switch for controlling the flow of washing fluid from the hose.
Optionally, the paint applicator washer may include a second spray tube extending from the first, proximal end of the first spray tube in a direction substantially transverse to the first spray tube, the second spray tube extending between a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, wherein the first, proximal ends of the first and second spray tubes are adjacent one another. Additionally, the second spray tube may comprise one or more second nozzles. Additionally, the one or more first nozzles may be positioned adjacent the first, proximal end of the first spray tube and the one or more second nozzles may be positioned adjacent the second, distal end of the second spray tube.
Optionally, the paint applicator washer may further include a splash guard to minimize splatter/splashing of washed-out paint and/or washing fluid during use.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a washing attachment for a hose. The washing attachment includes a tubular main spray body with a hose coupler for fluidly connecting the main spray body to the hose, a plurality of nozzles aligned along a length of the tubular main spray body; and a plurality of bristle spreaders provided over the plurality of nozzles.
Preferably, the washing attachment includes four nozzles and four bristle spreaders. The bristles spreaders may have angled tips—preferably tips angled approximately 45 degrees.
In still another aspect, the invention relates to a paint applicator cleaner for use with a hose. The paint applicator cleaner includes a main tube extending between a first end and a second end, a hose coupler attached to the first end of the main tube, a first spray tube extending between a first end and a second end, and one or more first nozzles secured along the first spray tube. Preferably, the first end of the first spray tube is fluidly connected to the second end of the main tube. Preferably, each of the one or more first nozzles are surrounded by a tubular structure with a slanted tip.
Optionally, the paint applicator cleaner further includes a second spray tube extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second spray tube is fluidly connected to the second end of the main tube. Additionally, the paint applicator cleaner may include one or more second nozzles secured along the second spray tube. Preferably, the one or more first nozzles are positioned adjacent the first end of the first spray tube and the one or more second nozzles are positioned adjacent the second end of the second spray tube.
Optionally, the paint applicator cleaner further includes a flow control switch or valve to control the flow of washing fluid from the hose.
Optionally, the paint applicator cleaner further includes a splash guard providing cover around the paint applicator during wash to minimize splashing and splatter of excess paint and washing fluid to the surrounding.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
Painting apparatuses, such as for example paint brushes and paint rollers, are used to apply paint and other coating substances on surfaces efficiently and effectively. However, failure to properly clean the paint brushes and paint rollers after use can damage or deteriorate the quality of the apparatuses themselves and/or their functionality. Indeed, paint left on the brush bristles can harden and damage the fibers, discolor subsequent paint jobs, and/or lead to uneven application and finishes. For example,
Similarly, paint rollers are also susceptible to issues if not properly washed and maintained after each use. For example, paint rollers typically include a roller cover attached to a paint roller frame. The roller cover typically includes a cylindrical core with an applicator material, such as for example pile fabric or foam rubber material, secured to the cylindrical core and is configured to absorb paint and transfer it to a surface to be painted. However, if the paint roller covers are not properly washed or maintained, paint hardens on the applicator material leading to uneven or blotchy application of paint on the painted surface. Therefore, it is helpful to properly wash paint applicators such as paint brushes and paint rollers after each use to help protect and keep the paint applicators functioning as intended. It is to the provision of paint applicator washers used to wash and clean paint applicators meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
As shown in
The second, distal end (generally opposite the first, proximal end) of the main spray tube 110 is closed or plugged. In example embodiments, for example, the paint brush washer 100 is provided with an end cap or plug 114 secured to the second, distal end of the main spray tube 110. According to example embodiments, the end cap 114 is friction-fitted or push-fitted in the open distal end of the spray tube 110 forming a closed end. In other example embodiments, the second, distal end of the spray tube 110 may otherwise be closed or blocked off by other suitable means. Optionally, the paint brush washer 100 may further include a locking ring 120 to help secure the end cap 114 to the spray tube 110.
Between the first, proximal and second, distal ends of the spray tube 110, the paint brush washer 100 includes one or more nozzles 112. The nozzles 112 are configured to direct and/or modify the flow characteristics, such as for example the rate of flow, speed, direction, shape, and/or the pressure of the washing fluid stream or jet dispersed or ejected from the spray tube 110. Preferably, the nozzles 112 are configured to produce a stream or jet of washing fluid with sufficient velocity and pressure to remove both dried and fresh paint, or other coating substances, from the paint brush bristles and ferrule without the need of additional scrubbing, scraping, brushing, and/or other cleaning methods. In example embodiments, the nozzles 112 are provided along a length of the spray tube 110 and spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the spray tube 110 includes four nozzles 112 spaced about 0.2-1.0 inches apart from one another, preferably about 0.3-0.75 inches apart from one another, or more preferably about 0.4 inches apart from one another. Optionally, the nozzles may be adjustable to modify certain characteristics such as for example the rate of flow, speed, direction, shape, and/or the pressure of the jet or stream of washing fluid ejected from the nozzles.
As shown in
In example modes of use, the paint brush washer 100 is fluidly connected to the hose H, such as for example a garden hose, via hose connector 118. The hose supplies pressurized washing fluid, such as for example pressurized water, to the spray tube 110 whereby the pressurized fluid is discharged from the spray nozzles 112. Generally, the spray nozzles 112 are configured to produce pressurized jets of washing fluid with sufficient velocity and pressure to wash off fresh, and if applicable dried, paint from the bristles and ferrule. As shown in
In example embodiments, the paint roller washer 200 includes a plurality spray tubes fluidly connected to the main tube by a tee fitting or splitter 212. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the paint roller washer 200 includes a first spray tube 220 extending from the splitter 212 in a direction substantially longitudinal or parallel to the main tube 210 and a second spray tube 230 extending from the splitter 212 and substantially transverse to main tube 210. As shown in
As shown in
The first and second nozzles 222, 232 are preferably arranged in a manner or arrangement such that the nozzles are offset from the center of the first and second spray tubes 220, 230 respectively. For example, as shown in
In example modes of use, the paint roller washer 200 is fluidly connected to a hose, such as for example a garden hose, via hose connector 218. The hose supplies pressurized washing fluid, such as for example pressurized water, to the main tube 210, first spray tube 220, and second spray tube 230 whereby the pressurized fluid is discharged from the first and second spray nozzles 222, 223. Generally, the spray nozzles 222, 232 are configured to produce pressurized jets of washing fluid with sufficient velocity and pressure to wash off fresh, and if applicable dried, paint from the roller cover material. As shown in
Optionally, the flow control switch 216 can be used to control the flow and supply of pressurized washing fluid from the hose H to the spray tubes 220 and 230 and the flow characteristics of the washing fluid discharged through the spray nozzles 222 and 232. For example, the flow control switch 116 may be used to completely shut off the supply of washing fluid to the paint brush washer 200 or to reduce/increase for example the velocity or pressure of the washing fluid exerted from the nozzles 222, 232.
In preferred modes of use, the pressurize jets of washing fluids exert sufficient velocity and pressure to (1) loosen and remove paint applied or embedded in the applicator material of the roller cover and (2) cause the roller cover to rotate at high speeds to remove excess paint and/or excess washing fluid by centrifugal force. Preferably, the paint roller washer 200 is moved back and forth longitudinally along the length of the roller cover to ensure the paint roller is fully washed. Optionally, the paint roller washer 200 may further include a splash guard 250 secured to the main tube 210 to help contain and shields against excess splatter from the spinning roller cover during use.
While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/298,344 filed Jan. 11, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/298,349, filed Jan. 11, 2022, the entireties of both are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
63298344 | Jan 2022 | US | |
63298349 | Jan 2022 | US |