GB2367485A

GB2367485A - Cleaning paint brushes and rollers

Info

Publication number: GB2367485A
Application number: GB0024216A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald Twigg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-10-04
Filing date: 2000-10-04
Publication date: 2002-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-04
Also published as: WO2002028666A8; WO2002028666A2; GB0024216D0; WO2002028666A3; AU2001293965A1; GB2367485B

Abstract

Paint brushes and rollers are cleaned by a process involving direct drive of the brush or roller in a rotary movement. A paint brush 104 is modified by the provision of a drive bit 202 received in a cavity in its handle. The bit may be removable or permanently secured in place. A paint roller 801 is supported for rotation by apparatus comprising conical members 802, 809 threaded on a drive shaft 804. Rollers of different internal diameters can thereby be accommodated.

Description

PAINTBRUSH CLEANING MEANS

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to apparatus configured to facilitate the cleaning of brushes and rollersand particularly, although not exclusively, to the cleaning of paint brushes and paint rollers by spinning or rotating the brushes or rollers to remove paint held thereon.

Background to the Invention It is known in the prior art that paint brushes and paint rollers can be cleaned by a method of rotating the brush or roller at high speed so as to centrifugally spin paint out of the bristles of a paintbrush and from the fibers of a paint roller. In order to achieve the spinning of either paint brushes or paint rollers the prior art discloses a number of manually operated and electrically powered devices to facilitate the high speed rotation of paint brushes and rollers to effect cleaning.

The following patents are cited as prior art examples of manually operated tools for effecting cleaning of paint brushes by rapid rotation: . US2, 912,769

. US2, 902, 773 . US2, 794, 265 . US2, 884, 709

All of the prior art patents cited above relate to complex manually operated tools having complex and often cumbersome means of gripping a paintbrush to

the tool and engaging the brush with the tool such that the brush can be rotated to centrifugally spin out the paint held on the brush.

The prior art also includes a number of similar, yet different, attachments for grasping the handle of a paint brush within a housing formed within the attachment. The attachment then having a drive shaft or other means of engaging with the chuck of an electric motor or other electric drive means. The paint brush thus being held within the housing of the attachment and being rotatable through operation of the attached electric drill in a rotatory movement.

This type of attachment is disclosed in: . CA1, 218,253 . US3,925, 908 . US5,185, 938 WO 94/16909 All of these prior art attachment devices provide for an indirect rotary driving of the paint brush held in the attachment. The driving being indirect because rotary movement is firstly transferred to the attachment and subsequently to the paint brush held therein.

The problem with such prior art attachments is that a third component is introduced to the system, that is the attachment is a third component where the paint brush and driving means e. g. electric drill are considered primary components. Not only are the attachment devices cumbersome and awkward to handle they also are of limited diameter and can only house a small range in size of paint brush handles. It is also possible for the user wishing to clean their paint brushes to mislay the attachment, and thereby lose the means of driving paint

brush rotation via an electric drill, resulting in the fact that adequate cleaning of the brush cannot be effected. Thus there is a problem with this type of cumbersome attachment in that they are liable to being mislaid, they can be expensive and may not be able to accommodate a particular brush that is required to be cleaned.

The prior art also recognizes that paint rollers used for applying paint to large surfaces, typically walls and similar surfaces, can also be cleaned by rotating rapidly and centrifugally spinning out paint held on the roller. Examples of prior art patents relating to cleaning paint rollers :

. US2, 895, 154 . US3, 436, 264 . CA905614

US2, 895, 154 relates to a complex container mechanism for mixing a cleaning solution with the roller before applying a"squeegee"action.

US3,436, 264 discloses an insertable spindle which can accommodate a small variation in diameter and can be directly connectable to an electric drill to rotate the roller to which the spindle is inserted. US3,436, 264 provides for the accommodation of a small variation in roller diameter through one of two mechanisms. Primarily, a spindle body may be expanded by tightening a pack nut. Alternatively, a compressible soft rubber body having a variation in diameter is disclosed. This compressible body can be inserted into the interior cavity of the roller and grip the roller accordingly.

CA905614 discloses an alternative apparatus for transmitting rotary movement from a drill to a paint roller in order to clean the roller. Here, two roller engaging means are provided. The first such means is located fixedly on a drive

shaft distal to the drive shaft attachment to an electric drill, whilst a second roller engaging means is located on the same drive shaft closer to the point of attachment of the drive shaft to an electric drill. The second engaging means isfreely rotatable around the drive shaft and is purely an idling engaging means. In contrast, the first roller engaging means is a drive engaging means. Both engaging means have a form of resilient lug providing that when the apparatus is inserted into the central cavity of a roller the resilient lugs expand into the internal cylindrical wall of the roller to grip it and provide a means to transfer rotational movement. Although these lugs are resilient they only provide for the use of a single apparatus on a small set of rollers having substantially similar diameters.

That is, the apparatus is not configured for use on a plurality of rollers taken from a range of rollers having substantially different internal diameters.

Fig. 1 illustrates a paiint brush of the type known in the prior art having a brush portion 101 communicating with a holding portion 102. Holding portion 102 is also connected to a handle portion 103, said handle portion having a first end connecting to holding portion 102 and a second end 104.

Summary of the Invention The inventor has realized that there is a problem with existing apparatus intended to facilitate cleaning of paint brushes by high speed rotation of the brush. This problem is inherent in prior art apparatus in that such apparatus is cumbersome and awkward to use, easy to mislay and introduces an unnecessary additional element of apparatus to the cleaning system. The inventor has realized that by directly driving rotation of a paint brush by an electric drill or other suitable powered motor, or hand powered mechanism, then these problems can be overcome. Direct driving means that the handle portion of the brush can be directly attached to the chuck of a suitable drill or other drive means and the brush can be rotated to clean it accordingly. The number of parts involved in the cleaning operation are thereby significantly reduced, the operation is made substantially simpler and the high level of efficiency of cleaning of the bristles of the brush is maintained.

The inventor has also realized that the problem of cleaning paint rollers of varying diameters can be solved by the use of a single piece of apparatus. By incorporating roller engaging means which are suitable to engage rollers of internal diameters that vary over a wide range a single piece of apparatus can be used, with appropriate adjustment for the size of internal diameter encountered, to efficiently effect cleaning by direct driving through an electric drill or other powered drive means or hand driven rotation means. The inventor has thus provided a means of adapting a single apparatus for the cleaning of many rollers varying greatly in their internal diameters where the prior art teaches only the use of a single piece of apparatus for use with rollers of only a very narrow range of substantially similar internal diameters. The inventors further realization that a substantially non-compressible roller engaging means can be used to engage the internal diameter of a roller, means that roller engaging means of a particular external shape can be used for a wide range of roller internal diameters.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a brush apparatus comprising a brush portion and a second portion, said apparatus having a major axis extending longitudinally through said brush portion and said second portion, said apparatus configured to facilitate cleaning of said brush portion in that said second portion further comprises: means to transfer rotary movement of an attachable drive means directly to said apparatus to effect a rotary movement of said apparatus about said major axis wherein said means to transfer rotary movement is configured to engage said drive means.

Preferably, said means to transfer rotary movement is integrally formed as part of said second portion.

Preferably, said means to transfer rotary movement comprises a drive bit, a portion of said drive bit extending into the body of said second portion in the

direction of said major axis and fixed to said second portion by at least one fastening means.

Preferably, said drive bit includes an aperture, said fastening means comprising a shaft portion, wherein said shaft portion is located through said second portion and said aperture in a direction offset to said major axis, said shaft portion substantially preventing vertical movement of said drive bit along said major axis.

Preferably, said drive bit comprises a threaded portion and said fastening means comprises a mating thread forming a wall of a cavity in said second portion, said mating thread configured to engage said threaded portion and thereby receive said drive bit in said cavity.

Preferably, said second portion comprises a plastic material and said means to transfer rotary movement comprises a drive bit, a portion of said drive bit extending into the body of said second portion in the direction of said major axis, wherein said drive bit is embedded in the plastic second portion.

Preferably, said means to transfer rotary movement comprises a drive bit, and said brush portion is formed at a first end of said second portion, said second portion extending substantially along said major axis to a second end distal to said brush portion, wherein said second end comprises an opening forming the entrance to an elongate cavity in said second portion, said elongate cavity configured to resiliently engage said drive bit.

Preferably, said elongate cavity comprises at least one wall formed by said body wherein said wall comprises at least one projection to effect resilient engagement of said drive bit.

Preferably, said second portion is manufactured from a plastic material.

Preferably, a portion of said drive bit comprises a substantially cylindrical metal shaft extending outwardly from said second portion and configured for engagement with said drive means.

Preferably, said second portion forms a handle portion of said brush apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a brush apparatus comprising a brush portion and a second portion, said apparatus having a major axis extending longitudinally through said brush portion and said second portion, said second portion communicating with said brush portion at a first end and extending substantially along said major axis to a second end, said apparatus configured to facilitate cleaning of said brush portion wherein said apparatus is characterised by: said second portion comprising an opening at said second end, said opening forming the entrance to a cavity formed substantially within the body of said second portion wherein said cavity is configured to securely receive means configured to transfer rotary movement of said apparatus directly from an attachable drive means.

Preferably, the means for transferring rotary movement comprises a substantially cylindrical drive bit configured to engage said cavity.

Preferably, said cavity comprises a substantially cylindrical threaded wall configured to receive a mating thread formed on a portion of said drive bit.

Preferably, said cavity comprises at least one wall formed by said body, said wall further comprising at least one projection configured to resiliently engage an inserted drive bit.

Preferably, there is also provided a kit of parts comprising:

at least one brush apparatus according to the second aspect of the present inventory ; and one or more of said means configured to transfer rotary movement further configured for use with said at least one brush apparatus.

According to third aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in cleaning a paint roller comprising a drive shaft extending between first and second ends, said second end configurable for engagement with an attachable drive means wherein said shaft is configured to support a first roller engaging means mounted on said shaft in the region of said first end, and a second roller engaging means configured for mounting on said shaft at a position closer to said second end relative to said first roller engaging means, at least one of said roller engaging means being configured for axial movement along said shaft to engage said roller and at least one of said roller engaging means comprising an external shape configured for engagement with said roller said apparatus being characterised in that: said external shape of said roller engaging means permits said apparatus to be used in cleaning paint rollers having a range of different internal diameters.

Preferably, said external shape of said roller engaging means is a conical or frusto-conical shape.

Preferably, said first roller engaging means is fixed to said drive shaft and said second roller engaging means is threadedly engaged to said shaft, thereby being rotatably displaceable along the axis of said shaft to facilitate roller engagement.

Preferably, said roller engaging means is tapered for insertion into the interior substantially cylindrical space of a paint roller to effect gripping

engagement of a region of said roller engaging means having substantially the same diameter as the internal diameter of said roller.

Brief Description of the Drawings is For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a hand held paint brush of the type known in the prior art.

Fig. 2 illustrates the first embodiment of the present invention showing a hand held paint brush adaptable for direct drive to a rotary motor.

Fig. 3 illustrates a close up view of the drive bit and handle portion from a first side.

Fig. 4 illustrates a closer view of the drive bit and handle portion from an opposing side.

Fig. 5 illustrates components for assembling the brush apparatus of the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention showing a section through the middle of one end of the handle having a cavity 602 to resiliently engage a drive bit 202.

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of the mode of use of the brush apparatus of the first or second embodiment to facilitate cleaning of the brush.

Fig. 8 illustrates the third embodiment of the present invention and shows the components making up the roller cleaning apparatus.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the mode of operation of the roller cleaning apparatus to facilitate paint roller cleaning.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates the first embodiment of the present invention comprising a brush apparatus having a brush portion 101 comprised of a set of bristles or other brushing surface e. g. an individual, flexible surface which can be engaged at another surface to apply a material or be used to dislodge particles of dirt or dust.

Specifically, the first embodiment of the present invention considers paint brushes, however the invention is not to be construed as being limited as such.

The bristles forming brush portion 101 are held together by a holding region 102 which is connected to a handle portion 103. Handle portion 103 and holding portion 102 together form a second portion such that the brush essentially comprises a brush portion 101 and a second portion as described. Handle portion 103 comprises a first and second end. At a first end of handle portion 103 there is a connection to holding portion 102 and thereby brush portion 101.

At a second end 104 of handle portion 103 there is illustrated schematically a drive bit 202 which is configurable for engaging in the chuck of an electric drill.

Drive bit 202 enters the body of handle portion 103 at second end 104, preferably entering a cavity formed within the handle body. A fastening means 201 comprising a screw, bolt, split pin, rivet or allen key fastener is illustrated securing the drive bit 202 in place.

Fig. 3 illustrates a close up view of the second end 104 of handle portion 103. Drive bit 202 and fastening means 201 are illustrated. Here, fastening means 201 is preferably a bolt or screw having a head configured for engagement with a screwdriver. Fig. 3 illustrates a slotted head but a crossed head for engagement with a Phillips TM screwdriver may alternatively be used.

Fig. 4 illustrates a close up view of the second end 104 of handle portion 103 from an opposing surface to that illustrated in Fig. 3. Again drive bit 202 is illustrated entering the body of handle portion 103 at second end 104. A recess 402 in the handle portion is provided. A hole or aperture is formed through the handle portion to allow the shaft of an appropriate fastening means e. g. a bolt to pass through both the handle portion and an appropriately aligned eye, aperture or opening in drive bit 202. A nut can then be threadedly engaged onto the shaft of fastening means 201 and tightened until drive bit 202 is held firmly in position preventing substantial vertical and horizontal movement of the drive bit 202.

Fig. 5 further illustrates the components used to secure drive bit 202 in place within the handle portion of the brush apparatus. Drive bit 202 is illustrated as a bar, preferably being a cylindrical bar having an aperture 501. Drive bit 202 is inserted into a cavity within the handle portion. This cavity extends in an elongate manner in the direction of a major axis of the brush apparatus. This major axis extending from second end 104 longitudinally towards brush portion 101. This elongate cavity has an entrance or opening 502 into which drive bit 202 is insertable. Following insertion of drive bit 202, fastening means 201 is inserted into an aperture formed in the handle portion second end 104 such that the shaft 503 of fastening means 201 can be passed through both the aperture formed in second end 104 and aperture 501 in drive bit 202. Shaft 503 can be pushed through to emerge at the opposing side of handle portion second end 104 to its point of entry wherein a washer 504 e. g. a spring or lock in washer can be combined with a nut 505 which is threadedly engaged on the thread of shaft 503 to secure drive bit 202 firmly in place in the cavity formed within the body of the handle portion.

The first embodiment of the present invention thereby comprises a brush apparatus having a drive bit 202 which forms a means to transfer rotary movement of an attachable drive means directly to the brush apparatus. Drive bit 202 is preferably a cylindrical metal bar wherein the portion of drive bit 202 extending outward form handle portion second end 104 is of the type known to be used in drill bits of the prior art. Thus this outwardly extending portion of drive bit 202 is designed to engage the chuck of an electric drill to be securely held therein and to transfer rotary movement to the brush apparatus. Different types of chuck engagement surface are known in the prior art. These can include flattened regions of the chuck engaging portion, for example as used in SDS drills. Drive bit 202 is not limited by such variations and these various types of chuck engaging means are included in the present invention.

The first embodiment of the present invention therefore comprises a brush apparatus having a drive bit securely fastened into the handle portion of the brush apparatus such that when drive bit 202 is engaged with a suitable rotary motor, drive bit 202 transfers rotary movement of the drill to the brush apparatus and results in the brush rotating about its major longitudinal axis extending longitudinally from drive bit 202 towards brush portion 101.

Figs. 2 to 5 illustrate one particular mode of fastening drive bit 202 into the handle portion 103 of the brush apparatus. This particular fastening means 201 includes nut, bolt and washer arrangements, screw arrangements, split pin arrangements, rivet and alien key arrangements and other fastening means essentially comprising a shaft portion which is configured to pass through an opening or aperture 501 on drive bit 202 and can thereby be passed through a corresponding hole or aperture in handle portion second end 104 to securely fix in position drive bit 202. The use of glue or appropriate adhesive to further securely fix drive bit 202 to the internal body region of the handle portion may accompany the fastening means 201 to enhance the secure fastening of drive bit 202 into the handle portion.

Alternative arrangements for achieving the first embodiment are now discussed. The first alternative arrangement considers having handle portion 103 being manufactured substantially entirely from a plastics material, typically a moulded plastic material, for example polypropylene. During the moulding process drive bit 202 is inserted into the mould in such a manner that a portion of drive bit 202 extends outwardly from the second portion of handle portion 104 such that drive bit 202 lies along the major axis of the brush apparatus as illustrated in Fig. 2. As the moulded plastic material sets the drive bit 202 is embedded into the handle portion and securely fixed. There is no limitation on the combination of embedding drive bit 202 in such a moulded plastic handle portion with the additional securement of drive bit 202 by means of a fastening means as described above. In order to securely embed drive bit 202, the embedded portion may have projections formed thereon to enhance the grip between handle portion 103 and drive bit 202.

A second alternative arrangement of the first embodiment comprises a drive bit 202 having a threaded portion extending for a region of drive bit 202 which is to be inserted within the body portion of said handle portion. The cavity formed within the body portion comprises a mating thread configured to receive the threaded portion on drive bit 202. To assemble the brush apparatus drive bit 202 is threadedly engaged with the mating thread. To non-returnably engage drive bit 202 the thread may have a locking adhesive applied prior to inserting drive bit 202. Preferably, the direction of rotation of the drive bit 202 during insertion of drive bit 202 into the cavity within the body portion of the handle portion is in an opposite direction to the rotation of the brush apparatus during the cleaning operation. This prevents the brush apparatus becoming separated from the drive bit 202 during rotary movement required to facilitate cleaning.

A second embodiment of the present invention is now described. Fig. 6 illustrates a close up sectional view of handle portion 103 at a second end 104. Fig. 6 illustrates a cutaway view through the center region of the body of the

handle portion. This illustrates a cavity 602 being a substantially cylindrical cavity extending substantially from the second end 104 of the handle portion having an opening configured to receive a drive bit into said cavity. Cavity 602 preferably extends in an elongate manner along the major axis of the brush apparatus in a direction towards brush portion 101. Drive bit 202, being a substantially cylindrical metal bar, is insertable into cavity 602. Cavity 602 comprises at least one wall 604, preferably being a substantially cylindrical wall configured to engage the surface of drive bit 202. The wall of the cavity 602 further comprises at least one projection 603 extending into the cavity space 602. Projection 603 is configured to resiliently engage inserted drive bit 202 and deform to an extent to allow drive bit 202 to enter cavity 602 whilst resiliently urging the projection against drive bit 202 to grip drive bit 202 and securely receive the drive bit within the body of the handle portion. Preferably, the removal of drive bit 202 is achieved by twisting drive bit 202 and deforming resilient projection 603 to allow the release of drive bit 202.

Fig. 6 further illustrates an arrangement of drive bit 202 for further securing drive bit 202 into cavity 602. This arrangement comprises one or more lugs on drive bit 202 in the region of drive bit 202 which is to be inserted into cavity 602.

On insertion of drive bit 202 lugs 601 urge into the walls 604 and are shaped such that pulling upwards on the inserted drive bit 202 engages the lugs 601 with wall 604 thereby gripping the body of the handle portion and resisting withdrawal.

The lugs may be designed such that a specific twisting direction can facilitate release of drive bit 202.

Preferably, in this second embodiment the handle portion, cavity walls and projection 603 are manufactured from a substantially resilient material, for example a moulded plastic material e. g. polypropylene. Other handle materials, e. g. wood, provide workable alternatives.

The second embodiment of the present invention is concerned with a brush apparatus having an opening at second end 104 providing the entrance to an

elongate cavity into which drive bit 202 can be inserted. This insertion is preferably a returnable insertion. That is, for example a set of paintbrushes of varying sizes can be supplied in a kit of parts. Each brush having a cavity as described. A single drive bit 202 configured to engage the cavity 602 can be supplied with each kit of parts. Having used the required brush for the painting job in question, the user inserts drive bit 202 into cavity 602, drive bit 202 being securely engaged within said cavity. Drive bit 202 can then be attached to a suitable motor e. g. the chuck of an electric drill to provide a drive means. Operation of the electric drill results in rotation of the brush acting to centrifugally spin out paint and facilitate brush cleaning. Once cleaned, the drive bit 202 can be removed, this removal operation may involve a twisting in one direction and subsequently the same drive bit can be inserted into the cavity portion of the handle of another brush of the kit of parts and can be reused.

Whilst a second embodiment specifically considers a snap-fit arrangement provided by resilient projections 603 of a cavity wall 604 alternative arrangements are available. One such arrangement is provided by cavity wall 604 having a threaded portion configured to engage a mating thread on drive bit 202. A fastening means comprising a shaft of the type previously described may be inserted through apertures in the handle portion and corresponding aperture or eye in the drive shaft to further secure drive bit 202 in place. Alternatively a locking nut could be threadedly engaged down the drive bit to engage with the top region of handle portion second end 104 and secure drive bit 202 in place to effect the cleaning operation.

Whereas the first embodiment of the present invention considers an integrally formed handle portion and drive bit wherein the drive bit 202 is not intended to be released by the user of the brush the second embodiment considers removable\releasable drive bits which can be engaged securely to facilitate a cleaning operation and can be removed by the user thereafter.

There is now briefly described the mode of operation of the brush apparatus of either the first or second embodiment. Fig. 7 illustrates a mode of use of the brush apparatus described to facilitate cleaning. Specifically, the present invention considers the cleaning of paint brushes to remove paint of any type e. g. gloss or emulsion, from the bristles of a paint brush. However, cleaning is taken to also include the removal of substances from a brush applicator surface including washing the applicator surface, drying that surface as well as removing any other material from the applicator surface. In the embodiments described the applicator surface comprises a set of bristles for applying paint.

Fig. 7 illustrates the brush apparatus of the first and second embodiments wherein drive bit 202 is engaged in the chuck portion of an electric drill 703.

Operation of electric drill 703 results in rotational movement of the brush apparatus indicated by arrow 705. This results in a centrifugal spinning out of paint held on the brush portion of the brush apparatus. The spinning out of paint is represented by arrows 706. The intended mode of operation shown in Fig. 7 is for the spinning out of paint to be conducted within a container 701 e. g. a bucket which is preferably lined with a disposable liner 702 e. g. a plastic or paper bag which can be disposed of following the cleaning operation.

The cleaning operation comprises two basic steps. Firstly the brush apparatus is rotated by operation of drill 703 transferring rotary movement of chuck 704 through to the brush apparatus. This spins out the majority of paint held on the brush. Subsequently dipping the paint in a suitable solvent e. g. white spirit for gloss paint and then re-spinning the brush apparatus should complete the cleaning operation. Where the paint has been allowed to set on the brush the cycle may have to be repeated a number of times.

The result of the cleaning operation is typically that the bristles are clean to the very roots of the bristles which engage the holding portion 102. The brush can also be substantially dried in this way.

A third embodiment of the present invention relating to the cleaning of paint rollers is now described. Fig. 8 illustrates the roller portion 801 of a paint roller used commonly to apply emulsion paints to wall surfaces as well as the application of other paints to varying surfaces. Roller 801 comprises an external paint application surface being substantially cylindrical and having an internal substantially cylindrical space defined by an internal substantially cylindrical wall. Said internal wall has an internal diameter indicated by arrow 807. Different paint rollers can have a variety of internal diameters 807 which can extend over a wide range. Paint rollers designed specifically for painting small spaces e. g. the wall portions behind radiators have a typically small internal diameter 807 in the region of 10 millimeters whereas large rollers designed to cover large wall surfaces rapidly can have very large internal diameters 807 in the region of 5 to 10 centimeters. The third specific embodiment comprises apparatus for use in cleaning paint rollers.

Fig. 8 illustrates paint roller apparatus comprising a drive shaft 804 having a first end 805 and a second end. Preferably, said drive shaft is manufactured from a substantially cylindrical metal bar configured at its second end to engage the chuck portion of an electric drill and thereby provide a means to transfer rotary movement to the paint roller to facilitate cleaning. The apparatus further comprises a first roller engaging means 802 and a second roller engaging means 809. First roller engaging means 802 is configured to mount on drive shaft 804 at the first end 805 of drive shaft 804. To facilitate mounting, first roller engaging means 802 comprises a central aperture and shaft region 803 through which drive shaft 804 can be inserted. Drive shaft 804 has threaded portions 806 extending over required regions of drive shaft 804. Shaft 803 can be threaded to mate with drive shaft threads. Therefore first roller engaging means 802 is mounted onto drive shaft 804 and located at first end 805. Preferably, first roller engaging means 802 is fixed at first end 805 and provides a driving engaging means.

In order to assemble the paint roller cleaning apparatus, drive shaft 804 and mounted first roller engaging means 802 are inserted through the central cylindrical space of paint roller 801 such that first roller engaging means 802 engages the internal cylindrical walls of paint roller 801. A second roller engaging means 809 is then located onto shaft 806. An aperture and central shaft is also provided on the second roller engaging means 809 which is, in practice, substantially identical in shape and configuration to the first roller engaging means 802. In particular, shaft 808 has a mating thread to engage with drive shaft 804. Thus by threadedly engaging second roller engaging means 809 axial movement of the second roller engaging means can be achieved by rotation of said means 809 about thread 806. This means that a variety of lengths of paint roller can also easily be accommodated wherein one shaft 804 of relatively long length can accommodate the cleaning of both short and long breadth paint rollers.

Each of the roller engaging means 802 and 809 are preferably tapered in shape and formed into a conical or frusto-conical shape. This tapered external shape enables the paint roller apparatus to accommodate a wide range of internal diameters of paint roller.

For paint rollers having small internal diameter the roller engaging means engage the internal cylindrical wall of the roller near the narrow end of the roller engaging means. For paint rollers with larger internal diameters engagement is achieved nearer the base (broad end) of the roller engaging means. Thus by having a roller engaging means tapering from a large diameter at the base to a narrow diameter towards the apex of the roller engaging means a very wide range in paint roller tool diameters can be accommodated.

Operation of the paint roller cleaning apparatus firstly requires the drive shaft and first roller engaging means to be inserted up the center of the cylindrical space of the paint roller 801. Second roller engaging means is then rotatably displaced down the axis of drive shaft 804. Both roller engaging means are

placed in gripping engagement with the internal wall of the paint roller. The region of gripping engagement is where the internal wall is of similar diameter to the particular region of the roller engaging means having a similar diameter.

Preferably, the roller engaging means are substantially rigid and non-deformable such that tightening of the roller engaging means does not result in slippage. Rather, the roller engaging means have a suitable plastic or rubber exterior surface which provides a high coefficient of friction to engage the internal walls of the paint roller.

Whilst preferably the first roller engaging means is fixed to drive shaft first end 805 the second roller engaging means can be fixed to the drive shaft 806 by means of a threaded engagement to the shaft portion 808 on the second roller engaging means. Alternatively, the second roller engaging means may provide simply for location of drive shaft 804 through the center of the second roller engaging means 809 as a locating function whilst not acting to drive rotation. That is, the second roller engaging means 809 can perform a drive function or idling function.

Drive shaft 804 is configured for attachable engagement with a drive means. Such a drive means should be able to transfer a rotary motion to the paint roller apparatus to effect cleaning. Suitable drive means would include an electric drill, or a powered drive means or hand operated drive means. The second end of drive shaft 804 is preferably configured for attachment to the chuck portion of an electric drill. Such configuration may include an appropriate chuck engagement region of the shaft 804 e. g. SDS drill type engaging surfaces.

The mode of operation of the paint roller apparatus to facilitate cleaning is now described. Fig. 6 illustrates an electric drill 903 having chuck portion 904.

Drive shaft 804 being inserted through both first and second roller engaging means and through the central substantially cylindrical space of the paint roller and is engaged at chuck 904. Rotation of the drill is preferably in a direction opposite to any threaded engagements formed on the drive shaft 804. Fig. 9

illustrates further a container 902 e. g. a bucket, having a disposable liner 901 e. g. a paper or plastic disposable bag. Operation of the drill results in transfer of rotary movement of the chuck portion 904 to the paint roller cleaning apparatus resulting in rotation of the paint roller cleaning apparatus in the direction indicated by arrow 905. This results in centrifugal spinning out of paint indicated by arrows 906 which is collected at the disposable liner 901.

Initially, excess paint may be flung out by an initial spinning which may be followed by rinsing the roller in a suitable cleaning solution e. g. water where an emulsion paint is used. Repeating the cleaning operation results in substantial cleaning of the paint roller. For dried or hard paint the process may be repeated a number of times.

Cleaning is here taken to include the removal of paint and cleaning of the paint application surface including washing of that surface and drying of the same surface as well as removing other extraneous material.

Claims

Claims : 1. A brush apparatus comprising a brush portion and a second portion, said apparatus having a major axis extending longitudinally through said brush portion and said second portion, said apparatus configured to facilitate cleaning of said brush portion in that said second portion further comprises: means to transfer rotary movement of an attachable drive means directly to said apparatus to effect a rotary movement of said apparatus about said major axis wherein said means to transfer rotary movement is configured to engage said drive means.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to transfer rotary movement is integrally formed as part of said second portion.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to transfer rotary movement comprises a drive bit, a portion of said drive bit extending into the body of said second portion in the direction of said major axis and fixed to said second portion by at least one fastening means.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said drive bit includes an aperture, said fastening means comprising a shaft portion, wherein said shaft portion is located through said second portion and said aperture in a direction offset to said major axis, said shaft portion substantially preventing vertical movement of said drive bit along said major axis.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said drive bit comprises a threaded portion and said fastening means comprises a mating thread forming a wall of a cavity in said second portion, said mating thread configured to engage said threaded portion and thereby receive said drive bit in said cavity.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion comprises a plastic material and said means to transfer rotary movement

comprises a drive bit, a portion of said drive bit extending into the body of said second portion in the direction of said major axis, wherein said drive bit is embedded in the plastic second portion.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to transfer rotary movement comprises a drive bit, and said brush portion is formed at a first end of said second portion, said second portion extending substantially along said major axis to a second end distal to said brush portion, wherein said second end comprises an opening forming the entrance to an elongate cavity in said second portion, said elongate cavity configured to resiliently engage said drive bit.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said elongate cavity comprises at least one wall formed by said body wherein said wall comprises at least one projection to effect resilient engagement of said drive bit.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein said second portion is manufactured from a plastic material.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 9, wherein a portion of said drive bit comprises a substantially cylindrical metal shaft extending outwardly from said second portion and configured for engagement with said drive means.
11. Apparatus as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein said second portion forms a handle portion of said brush apparatus.
12. A brush apparatus comprising a brush portion and a second portion, said apparatus having a major axis extending longitudinally through said brush portion and said second portion, said second portion communicating with said brush portion at a first end and extending substantially along said major axis to a second end, said apparatus configured to facilitate cleaning of said brush portion wherein said apparatus is characterised by:

said second portion comprising an opening at said second end, said opening forming the entrance to a cavity formed substantially within the body of said second portion wherein said cavity is configured to securely receive means configured to transfer rotary movement of said apparatus directly from an attachable drive means.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the means for transferring rotary movement comprises a substantially cylindrical drive bit configured to engage said cavity.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said cavity comprises a substantially cylindrical threaded wall configured to receive a mating thread formed on a portion of said drive bit.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein said cavity comprises at least one wall formed by said body, said wall further comprising at least one projection configured to resiliently engage an inserted drive bit.
16. A kit of parts comprising: at least one brush apparatus as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15; and one or more means configured to transfer rotary movement further configured for use with said at least one brush apparatus.
17. Paintbrush apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings.

17. Apparatus for use in cleaning a paint roller comprising a drive shaft extending between first and second ends, said second end configurable for engagement with an attachable drive means wherein said shaft is configured to support a first roller engaging means mounted on said shaft in the region of said first end, and a second roller engaging means configured for mounting on said shaft at a position closer to said second end relative to said first roller engaging means, at least one of said roller engaging means being configured for axial

movement along said shaft to engage said roller and at least one of said roller engaging means comprising an external shape configured for engagement with said roller, said apparatus being characterised in that: said external shape of said roller engaging means permits said apparatus to be used in cleaning paint rollers having a range of different internal diameters.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein said external shape of said roller engaging means is a conical or frusto-conical shape.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein said first roller engaging means is fixed to said drive shaft and said second roller engaging means is threadedly engaged to said shaft, thereby being rotatably displaceable along the axis of said shaft to facilitate roller engagement.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein said roller engaging means is tapered for insertion into the interior substantially cylindrical space of a paint roller to effect gripping engagement of a region of said roller engaging means having substantially the same diameter as the internal diameter of said roller.

Amended claims have been filed as follows Claims :

1. Paintbrush apparatus comprising a brush portion and a handle portion, said brush apparatus for use in applying paint by hand, said paintbrush apparatus having a major axis extending longitudinally through said brush portion and said handle portion, said paintbrush apparatus configured to facilitate cleaning of said brush portion by rotary movement of said paintbrush about said major axis, wherein said handle portion further comprises: means to transfer rotary movement of said means directly to said paintbrush apparatus to effect said rotary movement of said paintbrush apparatus about said major axis.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to transfer rotary movement is integrally formed as part of said handle portion.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to transfer rotary movement comprises a drive bit, a portion of said drive bit extending into the body of said handle portion in the direction of said major axis and fixed to said handle portion by at least one fastening means.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said drive bit includes an aperture, said fastening means comprising a shaft portion, wherein said shaft portion is located through said handle portion and said aperture in a direction offset to said major axis, said shaft portion substantially preventing axial movement of said drive bit along said major axis.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said drive bit comprises a threaded portion and said fastening means comprises a mating thread forming a wall of a cavity in said handle portion, said mating thread configured to engage said threaded portion and thereby receive said drive bit in said cavity.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle portion comprises a plastics material and said means to transfer rotary movement comprises a drive bit, a portion of said drive bit extending into the body of said second portion in the direction of said major axis, wherein said drive bit is embedded in the plastics handle portion.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to transfer rotary movement comprises a drive bit, and said brush portion is formed at a first end of said handle portion, said handle portion extending substantially along said major axis to a second end distal to said brush portion, wherein said second end comprises an opening forming the entrance to an elongate cavity in said handle portion, said elongate cavity configured to resiliently engage said drive bit.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said elongate cavity comprises at least one wall formed by the body of said handle portion wherein said wall comprises at least one projection to effect resilient engagement of said drive bit.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein said handle portion is manufactured from a plastics material.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 9, wherein a portion of said drive bit comprises a substantially cylindrical metal shaft extending outwardly from said handle portion.

11. Paintbrush apparatus comprising a brush portion and a handle portion, said paintbrush apparatus for use in applying paint by hand, said paintbrush apparatus having a major axis extending longitudinally through said brush portion and said handle portion, said handle portion connected to said brush portion at a first end and extending substantially along said major axis to a second end, said paintbrush apparatus configured to facilitate cleaning of said

brush portion by rotary movement of said paintbrush about said major axis, wherein said paintbrush apparatus is further characterised by : said handle portion comprising an opening at said second end, said opening forming the entrance to a cavity formed substantially within the body of said handle portion wherein said cavity is configured to securely receive means to transfer rotary movement of said means directly to said paintbrush apparatus to effect said rotary movement of said paintbrush apparatus about said major axis.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the means for transferring rotary movement comprises a substantially cylindrical drive bit configured to engage said cavity.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said cavity comprises a substantially cylindrical threaded wall configured to receive a mating thread

formed on a portion of said drive bit.

.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein said cavity comprises at least one wall formed by said body, said wall further comprising at least one projection configured to resiliently engage an inserted drive bit.

15. A kit of parts comprising: at least one brush apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14; and one or more of said means to transfer rotary movement.

16. Paintbrush apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 2 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.