AU2016101947A4 - Car wash brush liner - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A car wash brush liner 10 designed to receive and cover a self-service car wash brush head 100 therein and act as a protective car wash mitt. The liner 10 comprises a flexible body 20 having a generally oval bottom wall 22 and a side wall 24 which extends upwardly from around the perimeter of the bottom wall 22 to an upper edge 26. The bottom wall 22 and the perimeter side wall 24 together define a pocket 28 which receives the brush head 100 therein in use. The body 20 is thus generally an oval shaped pocket, having laterally long front and back side wall portions. The body 20 in the example is made from 2 mm thick neoprene material but can also be made from other suitable non-scratch material such as microfiber.

Description

1 2016101947 06 Nov 2016 CAR WASH BRUSH LINER Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a carwash brush liner, particularly those used in selfserve carwash stations.

Background of the Invention [2] Figure 7 shows a typical self-serve carwash brush head 100 having bristles 102. Regular users of self-serve carwashes would come across such dirty brush heads 100 that would have dirt, stones and other types of residue left on them from the previous user who did not wash the brush after they finished using it.

[3] These residues, stones and dirt particles can damage and scratch the paint work of vehicles. Further, the bristles 102 on the brush head 100 can also leave micro scratches on the paintwork. For these reasons, many people have been deterred from using self-serve car wash outlets.

[4] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[5] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [6] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a car wash brush liner comprising: a flexible body defining a pocket for receiving a self-service car wash brush head therein and covering the brush head.

[7] In one embodiment, the liner comprises a bottom wall and a side wall which extends upwardly from around the perimeter of the bottom wall to an upper edge, the bottom wall and the side wall together defining the pocket.

[8] In another embodiment, the body is generally an oval shaped pocket.

[9] In another embodiment, the body is made from neoprene material.

[10] In another embodiment, the body is made from microfiber.

[11] In another embodiment, the upper edge defines an opening for the pocket, wherein a drawstring extends along the upper edge to tighten the upper edge to the brush head. 2 2016101947 06 Nov 2016 [12] In another embodiment, the bottom wall comprises a mop layer formation at a lower surface thereof for engaging surfaces to be cleaned in use.

[13] In another embodiment, the mop layer formation comprises a plurality of micro fibre noodles arranged side by side.

[14] In another embodiment, the mop layer formation is made from wool.

[15] In another embodiment, the bottom wall comprises at least one elongated bottom opening therealong.

[16] In another embodiment, the bottom opening is openable and closable via an internal zipper.

[17] In another embodiment, the side wall includes at least one laterally extending side wall opening at opposing sections thereof.

[18] In another embodiment, the side wall openings are openable and closable via a respective internal zipper.

[19] In another embodiment, insert strips are disposed around the side wall openings to strengthen these portions.

[20] In another embodiment, the liner can be turned inside out such that the internal surface of the liner becomes the outer surface.

[21] There is also provided a method of cleaning a vehicle comprising the installation of a liner according to any one of the above to a self-service car was brush head.

[22] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings [23] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [24] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carwash brush liner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [25] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the liner of Figure 1; [26] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the liner of Figure 1; [27] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the liner of Figure 1 in a storage configuration thereof; [28] Figure 5 is a top view of Figure 4; 3 2016101947 06 Nov 2016 [29] Figure 6 is a liner according to another embodiment; [30] Figure 7 is a prior art self-serve car wash brush;

Description of Embodiments [31] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[32] Figures 1 to 3 show a carwash brush liner 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a use configuration thereof. The liner 10 is designed to receive and cover a self-service carwash brush head 100 therein and act as a protective carwash mitt.

[33] The liner 10 comprises a flexible body 20 having a generally oval bottom wall 22 and a side wall 24 which extends upwardly from around the perimeter of the bottom wall 22 to an upper edge 26. The bottom wall 22 and the perimeter side wall 24 together define a pocket 28 which receives the brush head 100 therein in use.

[34] The body 20 is thus generally an oval shaped pocket, having laterally long front and back side wall portions. The body 20 in the example is made from 2 mm thick neoprene material but can also be made from other suitable non-scratch material such as microfiber.

[35] The upper edge 26 defines an opening for the pocket 28. A drawstring 30 extends along the upper edge 26 and is used with a drawstring stopper 32 to tighten the upper edge 26 to the brush head 100.

[36] The bottom wall 22 comprises a mop layer formation 40 of a plurality of micro fibre noodles 42 arranged side by side. The mop layer formation 40 formes the contact layer to the vehicle in use. The layer formation 40 can alternatively be made from wool or any other suitable material.

[37] The bottom wall 22 comprises an elongated opening 44 therealong which is openable and closable via an internal zipper 46, that is, the zipper is disposed along the internal surface 21 of the body 20. The opening 44 is not indicated in Figure 1 but an example is shown the second embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[38] The side wall 24 includes laterally extending openings 50 at opposing long sections thereof. The openings 50 are openable and closable via a respective internal zipper 52. The zippers 46 and 52 for the bottom wall opening 44 and the side wall openings 50 are rubber zippers such as those used in wetsuits. The zippers are attached to the internal surface 21 of the body 20 via a blind stitching method. This avoids any part of the zippers from being exposed to the external surface 23 of the liner body 20 which may scratch the vehicle paintwork. The liner 10 thus provides an external surface which will not have cause any scratches. 4 2016101947 06 Nov 2016 [39] Flexible plastic insert strips 60 are disposed around the side wall openings 50 to strengthen these portions and provide rigidity to avoid collapse of the side walls in use. The inserts 60 also strengthen the horizontal openings 50 on both sides of the body 20.

[40] In use, the zippers 46 and 52 are moved to open bottom wall opening 44 and the side wall openings 50. The carwash brush head 100 is then inserted into the pocket28 and the drawstring 30 is tightened thereon. Soap or foam expelled from the carwash brush head 100 exits the bottom wall opening 44 and into the mop layer formation 40. The user can then use the mop layer formation 40 to clean their vehicle. Any excess soap or foam can exit the liner 100 via the side wall openings 50. The openings 44 and 50 are thus outlets for the soap/foam coming from the carwash brush head 100.

[41] The preferred embodiment thus provides a carwash mitt being a universal micro fibre mitt that is retrofitted to the car wash brush which provides an external surface with no formations that can cause scratches. The preferred embodiment prevents any stones or debris from being in contact with the vehicle paint work and the user can clean their vehicle without scratching the paintwork, and at the same time avoids streak marks on the vehicle.

[42] After use, the zippers 46 and 52 are moved to close the bottom wall opening 44 and the side wall openings 50. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the liner body 20 is turned inside out such that the internal surface 21 becomes the outer surface of the liner 10. The mop layer formation 40 is then received within the body 20 and the body 20 becomes a carry pouch to prevent liquid leakage from the mop layer formation 40.

[43] The liner 10 can then be additionally inserted into a waterproof bag that will enable the user to store the liner 10 without dripping water or other liquid into their vehicle space.

[44] Figure 6 shows a liner 10b according to another embodiment, which is similar to the liner 10 above. The liner 10b however does not include the side wall openings 50 but instead includes more bottom wall openings 44. The liner 10b can also include a zipper opening 62 at an edge of the side wall 22.

[45] The stiches (blind stitched, glued/taped) and zippers (dry-zip) used will be marine grade similar to the one used in wetsuit gear. This provides rigidity and strength to the liner. The density and length of the micro fibre noodles at the base of the liner may vary for effectiveness in covering a wider cleaning area. Neoprene used may be treated including being treated with nanocoating water repellent solution which would improve the usability and make the liner lighter even when it is soaked by water and foam.

[46] The carwash brush liner, which is typically made from Neoprene material, also serves as a cushioning. When using the car wash brush vigorously, a user can accidentally bump 2016101947 06 Nov 2016 5 into the car mirrors or various part of the body of the car and accidentally scratch the body of the vehicle. The liner prevents direct contact of the car wash brush head with the vehicle surfaces.

[47] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described. For example, additional openings can be formed along the lower edge of the side wall.

Claims (16)

1. Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A carwash brush liner comprising: a flexible body defining a pocket for receiving a self-service car wash brush head therein and covering the brush head.
2. 2. The liner of claim 1 wherein the liner comprises a bottom wall and a side wall which extends upwardly from around the perimeter of the bottom wall to an upper edge, the bottom wall and the side wall together defining the pocket.
3. 3. The liner of claim 1 wherein the body is generally an oval shaped pocket.
4. 4. The liner of claim 1 wherein the body is made from neoprene material.
5. 5. The liner of claim 1 wherein the body is made from microfiber.
6. 6. The liner of claim 2 wherein the upper edge defines an opening for the pocket, wherein a drawstring extends along the upper edge to tighten the upper edge to the brush head.
7. 7. The liner of claim 2 wherein the bottom wall comprises a mop layer formation at a lower surface thereof for engaging surfaces to be cleaned in use.
8. 8. The liner of claim 7 wherein the mop layer formation comprises a plurality of micro fibre noodles arranged side by side.
9. 9. The liner of claim 7 wherein the mop layer formation is made from wool.
10. 10. The liner of claim 2 wherein the bottom wall comprises at least one elongated bottom opening therealong.
11. 11. The liner of claim 10 wherein the bottom opening is openable and closable via an internal zipper.
12. 12. The liner of claim 2 wherein the side wall includes at least one laterally extending side wall opening at opposing sections thereof.
13. 13. The liner of claim 1 wherein the side wall openings are openable and closable via a respective internal zipper.
14. 14. The liner of claim 2 wherein insert strips are disposed around the side wall openings to strengthen these portions.
15. 15. The liner of claim 1 wherein the liner can be turned inside out such that the internal surface of the liner becomes the outer surface.
16. 16. A method of cleaning a vehicle comprising the installation of a liner according to any one of claims 1 to 15 to a self-service car was brush head.