GB2278047A

GB2278047A - Paint brush cleaning

Info

Publication number: GB2278047A
Application number: GB9410184A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Karim Justin Mezeli
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-05-22
Filing date: 1994-05-23
Publication date: 1994-11-23
Also published as: GB9410184D0; GB9310614D0

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus e.g. for paint brushes comprises upper and lower compartments and utilises air blown via nozzles 25 past brushes 33 suspended in a cleaning liquid to agitate the liquid around the brushes. Dirty liquid may be filtered by inverting the apparatus to drain the liquid through a filter 14 mounted in a lid section 10. The liquid may be collected in the lid then returned to the cleaning compartment via pipe 15. <IMAGE>

Description

CLEANING APPARATUS The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus and in particular to an apparatus for aiding removal of surface contaminants from an object, for example paint from a paint brush.

In a wide range of applications, a liquid is used to clean the surface of an object, for example to remove grease, dirt or paint. Most commonly, the liquid, for example a solvent, is applied and removed manually using a rag or a brush. Alternatively, the object to be cleaned may be placed in a bath of liquid and left to soak. However, the contaminants may be resistant to removal by a solvent alone and the object may have many awkwardly accessible areas which prohibit effective cleaning by contact.

It is therefore desired to provide an apparatus for cleaning an object.

According to the present invention there is provided a cleaning apparatus comprising: a housing divided to form first and second compartments, the first compartment for receiving a cleaning liquid and for receiving an object to be cleaned; the second compartment receiving agitation means, including a pump, the agitation means passing a gas into the first compartment such that, in use, the gas bubbles through and agitates the cleaning liquid.

An advantage of the present invention is that the bubbling action agitates the liquid to reach even awkwardly accessible areas of the object to be cleaned.

For example, the agitated liquid will penetrate between the bristles of a brush more effectively than would a still liquid. Further, even though the bubbling action can be vigorous, the objects are not damaged. Locating the agitation means within housing ensures a neat, compact and portable apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing is divided such that the second compartment is below the first compartment, the first compartment having an open upper side. Locating the agitation means within a compartment in the housing ensures that the agitation means is physically protected. Preferably, a section of the housing is removable to allow access to the agitation means, for example for maintenance and repair.

The apparatus may further comprise a lid locatable in sealed engagement with the housing to close the open upper side of the container means and prevent spillage of the cleaning fluid. The lid is preferably readily removable, for example employing an over-centre type catch or any other suitable means.

The cleaning fluid may become "dirty" after use, wherein contaminants from the object are dissolved or suspended in the liquid. However, it has been determined that some cleaning fluids are suitable for re-use after filtering, which is desirable for both reduced costs and reduced pollution. Therefore, the cleaning apparatus preferably further comprises filter means for filtering the cleaning liquid.

In the preferred embodiment, the lid comprises a means for receiving the cleaning liquid, e.g. the lid is shaped to form a container means, receptacle or vessel.

Dirty liquid from the first compartment of the housing is filtered through the filter means and collected in the receiving means of the lid. Preferably, cleaning liquid drains from the first container through the filter and into the container means when the apparatus is inverted.

An important advantage is that the fluid may be filtered with the lid located on the housing, thus ensuring that no fluid is spilt.

The filter means may comprise a filter element and a support means comprising a web attached to or locatable on the lid. When the apparatus is inverted, liquid in the first compartment is directed by the support means through the filter element and collected in the receiving means.

Means may be provided allowing return of liquid from the receiving means into the first compartment when the apparatus is reinverted, i.e. returned to the original position. This return means is preferably a pipe or channel bypassing the filter means.

The apparatus may further comprise means for locating and retaining in a desired position the object(s) to be cleaned. The means may be provided on the container or on the housing. Suitable means will depend upon the object, but include a mechanical or magnetic clip or clamp.

Preferably, the agitation means is an electrically powered air pump coupled to one or more air outlets or nozzles located in the first container means.

The air outlets are preferably located at or adjacent a lower surface of the container means.

In an alternative embodiment, the agitation means comprises a pressurised gas container. Any suitable gas may be used, for example one which is inert in the cleaning liquid or one which causes a desired reaction.

In order to further illustrate the invention a preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment when assembled; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 when in an open position; and Fig. 3 is a plan view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 2.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in cleaning paint from brushes and like articles. A suitable cleaning fluid is selected depending upon the article and contaminant(s) involved. For example, water may be used for removing water based emulsion paint, or white spirit for removing oil based gloss paint. However, it will be obvious that a wide range of other uses is envisaged for the apparatus.

As shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus comprises a housing or outer casing 20 and lid section 10. Housing 20 is divided into upper and lower compartments by wall 30.

Cleaning fluid (shown shaded diagonally) is retained in the upper compartment. Brushes 31 are held by their metal collar portion 33 against magnetic strip 32, mounted in the upper compartment of portion 20. The brushes are suspended with bristles entering or just above the cleaning liquid.

The lower compartment of housing 20 houses an electric air pump 21 and control electronics (not specifically shown) including an on/off switch and a timer. When activated, pump 21 brings air from air intake 26 into conduit 22 and ring 24. One way valves 23 are provided to prevent fluid from the upper compartment draining into the pump. A plurality of holes 25 are provided in ring 24 which allow air to bubble up through and agitate the cleaning fluid.

Lid 10 is located above housing 20 using hinge 11 and over-centre type catch 12. Alternatively, lid 10 may be completely detachable from housing 20. During the cleaning operation, lid 10 acts to prevent spillage of the cleaning fluid, for example due to the bubbling action or the apparatus being upset.

Solid debris such as pieces of dried paint may be removed from the fluid by inverting the apparatus, whereupon the fluid contained in housing 20 runs through conical web portion 13 of lid 10 and through filter element 14 (shown cross-hatched). A paper filter element has been found to be effective. Once inverted (if desired while fluid is still draining through the filter) the apparatus may be opened to the position shown in Fig. 2.

In this position, clean brushes may be removed and dirty brushes inserted. The filter element may also be removed and replaced. After filtering, fluid is poured from lid 10 into housing 20 via pipe 15. Hand grips 16 are provided to aid manipulation of the apparatus.

The plan view of Fig. 3 serves to further illustrate the parts of the apparatus described above.

The relative dimensions of the apparatus are such that it is readily portable whilst retaining a reasonable internal capacity. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the base 27 of housing 20 is removable to allow access to the lower compartment, for example to enable maintenance and repair of pump 21. Further, in order to minimise the amount of cleaning fluid, a moulding (not shown) is provided. The moulding is preferably a simple hollow cylinder mounted to wall 30 and provided with a lid at its upper end. Such a moulding is a convenient stowage for spare filter papers.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus comprising: a housing divided to form first and second compartments, the first compartment for receiving a cleaning liquid and for receiving an object to be cleaned; and the second compartment receiving agitation means, including a gas pump, the agitation means passing a gas into the first compartment such that, in use, the gas bubbles through and agitates the cleaning liquid.

2. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is divided such that the second compartment is below the first compartment, the first compartment having an open upper side.

3. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a lid locatable in sealed engagement with the housing to close the open upper side of the first compartment.

4. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising retainer means for readily releaseably retaining the lid in engagement with the housing.

5. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising filter means for filtering the cleaning liquid.

6. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lid comprises a means for receiving the cleaning liquid, the receiving means, in use, collecting liquid filtered through the filter means.

7. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cleaning liquid drains from the first compartment through the filter and into the receiving means when the apparatus is inverted.

8. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the filter means comprises a support means and a filter element, the support means comprising a web attached to or locatable on the lid.

9. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein, when the apparatus is inverted, liquid in the first container means is directed by the support means through the filter element and collected in the receiving means.

10. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising means allowing return of fluid from the receiving means into the first compartment when the apparatus is reinverted.

11. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising means for locating and retaining in a desired position the object(s) to be cleaned.

12. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the agitation means is an electrically powered air pump coupled to one or more air outlets located in the first compartment.

13. A container means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a section of the housing is removable to allow access to the agitation means.

14. A cleaning apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.