GB2452105A

GB2452105A - Water powered rotating cleaning tool

Info

Publication number: GB2452105A
Application number: GB0800590A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alastair Mcharrie
Original assignee: SIMPLY CLEAN Ltd
Current assignee: SIMPLY CLEAN Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-21
Filing date: 2008-01-14
Publication date: 2009-02-25
Also published as: GB0903222D0; GB0716310D0; GB2462891A; GB0800590D0; WO2009024792A2; WO2009024792A3

Abstract

A water powered rotating cleaning tool 10 for coupling to a fluid source comprises a body portion 12, a head portion 14 mounted for motion relative to the body portion, 12 and a converter 30 for converting energy of water flowing through the tool 10 into mechanical energy for driving the motion of the head portion 14. The body portion 12 comprises a coupler 20 for connecting the tool 10 to the source, and a flow path 24 to convey water from the source to the converter 30 for driving the motion of the head portion 12. The head portion 12 has an axis of rotation A in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of the flow path 24.

Description

Rotary tool The present invention relates to a fluid powered rotary tool and in particular but not exclusively to a water powered rotary tool suitable for fitting to a source of pressurised water, such as a power washer.

Vehicle cleaning tools comprising attachments for power washers, garden hoses and the like are well known. However, such attachments tend to be large and unwieldy making use for small intricate areas of a vehicle's body, or accessories such as alloy wheels or the like difficult.

Existing tools specifically designed for cleaning alloy wheels are particularly unsatisfactory as they tend to require a great deal of hard manual work and often leaving unsightly marks and residues.

When using a power washer to clean alloy wheels they struggle to remove stubborn dirt and stains from the crevices in the wheel. You also have to turn the wheel through 180 degrees to access the other side (under-side) of the wheel to clean it completely. Quite often when you go to a professional car wash the wheel is not turned and hence half of the wheel is left very poorly cleaned.

It is an aim of the present invention therefore to provide an improved water powered rotary tool and in particular to provide an improved tool for cleaning alloy wheels.

Accordingly one aspect of the present invention provides a rotary tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion mounted for movement relative to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of fluid flowing through the tool into mechanical (for example rotational) energy for moving (e.g. rotating and/or vibrating/oscillating) said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey fluid from said source to said head portion for driving said head movement.

The head portion may have an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path. The tool may be configured for reciprocal / vibratory / oscillatory movement of the head possibly in the same direction as the flow path.

The head portion may have a vibratory n axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a water source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving rotation; and wherein said head portion has an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a water source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving rotation; and wherein said tool comprises at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into said water flowing through said tool.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a water source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving rotation; and wherein the or at least one said aperture is arranged such that water exiting said aperture under pressure enhances said rotation.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a water powered rotary tool for coupling to a water source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving rotation; and wherein said tool is provided with means for diverting at least part of said flow from said primary flow path into at least one secondary flow path.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a capsule containing a substance for release into water flowing in a water powered rotary tool according to any of the previous aspects and having a chamber for release of a substance into water flowing through the tool, the capsule comprising a casing for holding a substance wherein said casing is configured for release of said substance into water flowing through said toot when said capsule is located in said chamber.

The capsule preferably comprises a reusable cartridge for receiving said substance, said cartridge being configured for engagement with said chamber.

The capsule may comprise a (rigid or semi-rigid) cartridge, and said casing may have apertures for release of said substance. The capsule may be configured to hold a tablet of said substance. The casing may comprise a soluble membrane for releasing said substance when said membrane comes into contact with said water.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a head portion for a water powered rotary tool, the head portion comprising: means for rotatably attaching said head portion to a tool body having a flow path to convey water to drive rotation of said head portion, and wherein said head portion has an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path when the head portion is attached to said body portion.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tool body for a water powered rotary tool, the tool body comprising: a coupler for connecting said tool to a source of water means for rotatably attaching a head portion to the tool body; and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving said rotation of said head portion when attached; wherein said flow path has a flow axis arranged to run substantially in the same direction as a rotational axis of said head portion when said head portion is rotatably attached to said body portion.

Preferably the tool is an alloy wheel cleaner for coupling to a source of pressurised water.

Preferably the head portion comprises a rotatable brush.

Preferably the head portion has a diameter of between 20 mm and 150 mm.

Preferably the diameter is at least 20mm, more preferably at least 40mm. The diameter may be at least 60mm, or may be at least 80 mm.

Preferably the diameter is no more than 150mm, more preferably no more than 130mm. The diameter may be no more than 110mm, or may be no more than 90mm.

Preferably said body portion is adapted for coupling to a pressure washer.

Preferably the pressure washer is capable of dispensing water at a flow rate of anywhere between 15 ltr/hour and 500 ltr/hour. Preferably the rate is at least 15 ltr/hour, more preferably at least 25 ltr/hour, more preferably at least 5Oltr/hour.

Preferably the maximum rate is no more than 600 ltr/hour, more preferably no more than 500 ltr/ hour, more preferably no more than 350 ltr/ hour.

Preferably the pressure washer has an operational pressure of between 1 MPa and 2OMPa. Preferably the operationaj pressure is at least I MPa, more preferably at least 5MP, more preferably at least 1OMPa. Preferably the operational pressure is no more than 2OMPa, more preferably no more than 1 5MP, more preferably no more than 1 OMPa.

Preferably the pressure washer has an operational power of between 250W and 3kW. Preferably the operational power is at least 250W, more preferably at least 500W, more preferably at least 1 kW. Preferably the operational power is no more than 3kW, more preferably no more than 2kW, more preferably no more than 1.5kW.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tool body for a water powerej rotary tool, the tool body comprising: means for rotatably attaching a head portion to the tool body, and a flow path arranged to convey pressurised water from an associated source to drive rotation of said head portion when attached; and at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into said flow path.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for forming a rotary tool according to any associated aspect, the kit comprising: at least one head portion according to any corresponding aspect; and a tool body according to any corresponding aspect.

Where appropriate the kit may comprise a capsule according to any corresponding aspect. The kit may comprise a pressure washer to which the tool body is configured for attachment. The kit may further comprise a hosepipe and/or pressure washer attachment to allow the tool body to be attached to a hosepipe and/or pressure washer.

The kit may comprise a plurality of head portions, each head portion being of a different size and/or configuration for cleaning of different parts of an alloy wheel or different types of alloy wheel.

The tool may comprise at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into water flowing through said tool.

The head portion may be configured to have an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path when the head portion is attached to said body portion.

The or each chamber may be arranged to receive said substance in tablet form, liquid form, and/or powder form. The or each substance may be a (preferably soluble) chemical agent suitable for cleaning and/or polishing.

The or each chamber may be arranged to receive a capsule containing said substance, which may be a capsule comprising a reusable cartridge for receiving the substance. The cartridge may be configured for engagement with said chamber.

The or at least one chamber may be provided in the body portion and/or the or at least one (or at least one further) chamber may be provided in the head portion.

The head portion may be detachable and may be interchangeable with other similar head portions.

The head portion preferably comprises at least one aperture, the or each aperture being preferably arranged for fluid communication with the flow path for allowing said water to exit said tool under pressure. The or at least one aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit substantially: tangentially of a circle centred on said axis of rotation; in the same direction as said axis of rotation; radially of a circle centred on said axis said axis of rotation; and/or perpendicular to an external surface of the head portion relative.

The aperture may be arranged such that water exiting said aperture under pressure enhances said rotation.

The head portion is preferably adapted to conform to the shape of at least part of an alloy wheel.

The tool preferably comprises an alloy wheel cleaner. At least part of the head portion may be shaped in dependence on the specific type of alloy wheel for which the tool is designed (e.g. to allow identification thereof). The tool may comprise a plurality of rotatable head portions.

The head portion may comprise a generally conical or frusto-conical portion, a generally spherical portion, a generally disc shaped portion, and/or any other

Suitable shape.

The head portion preferably comprises means for cleaning or polishing which may comprises a plurality of bristles forming a brush, at least one pad portion and/or at least one sponge portion.

The flow path may have a portion of increasing cross-sectional area in the direction of flow and/or may have a portion of decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction of flow.

Preferably the flow path comprises a primary flow path and preferably the tool is provided with means for diverting at least part of said flow from said flow path into at least one secondary flow path. The diverting means may be adjustable to allow control of the relative flows in the primary flow path and the or at least one secondary flow path.

The or at least one secondary flow path may be arranged for reducing the pressure of water flowing in the primary flow path and/or may be arranged to convey water under pressure for driving rotation of a further portion of said tool.

The or at least one secondary flow path may be provided with at least one chamber (or further chamber) for receiving a (or a further) substance for release into said secondary flow path. The or at least one secondary flow path is preferably arranged to return said diverted flow to said primary flow path.

The tool may comprise a trigger portion for allowing a user to start and stop fluid flow which may be configured to allow the rate of said fluid flow to be controlled.

The converter may comprise a turbine and more particularly may comprise an impeller. The converter may form part of the head portion, part of the body portion or may have components forming part of both the body and the head portions.

The converter may comprise at least one aperture in said head portion, the or each aperture being arranged for fluid communication with the flow path for allowing said water to exit said tool under pressure to induce or contribute to said rotation The head and body portions preferably comprise means for transferring torque from said converter to drive said rotation of said head portion.

The coupler may be configured for connecting the tool to a pressure washer and/or to a hose pipe.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an alloy wheel cleaner comprising a rotary tool according to (or including features of) any aspect.

The rotary tool may be powered by a fluid other than water.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the attached figures in which: Figure 1 shows a simplified cross-section of a water powered rotary tool according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 illustrates a possible method for providing vibratory movement for the head of the tool.

In Figure 1 a water powered rotary tool is shown generally at 10. The tool 10 comprises a generally elongate and cylindrical body portion 12 and a head portion 14 provided at one end of the body portion 12.

The body 12 comprises an inlet portion 20 and a main body portion 22. The inlet portion 20 is configured for connection to a source (not shown) of pressurised fluid (e.g. water). The inlet and main portions 20, 22 of the body 12 together define an internal flow path 24 having respective inlet and main sections 26, 28 for conveying the pressurised fluid in directions as indicated by the flow arrows F', from the inlet 20 towards the head 14. The inlet and main sections of the flow path 24 are axially aligned along a flow axis A' which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

A flow converter 30 is provided in the main section 26 of the flow path 24, for converting the fluid flow into rotational energy as indicated by circumferential arrow B'. Any suitable flow converter may be used, for example a turbine, impeller or the like. The flow converter 30 has an axis of rotation aligned with the main flow axis.

The main section 28 of the flow path 24 is provided with a flow diverter 32 upstream from said converter for directing fluid flowing through the tool to the periphery of the converter 30, and for expanding the area over which the fluid flows thereby reducing its pressure. The converter 30 and spreader section 32 are configured for producing a desired rotational velocity of the flow converter when fluid of a particular pressure is applied at the inlet 12.

The down stream side of the converter 30 is provided with a generally conical / frusto-conical portion 34, forming a flow-path section of decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction of flow (thereby increasing the pressure of fluid flowing to the head in operation). The conical portion 34 is mounted to the flow converter 30 for flow induced rotation with the flow converter during operation.

The head portion 14 comprises a generally conical / frusto-conical shaped configuration with at least one (but preferably a plurality) of bristled brush section(s) 36 upstanding from its external inclined surface. The brush section(s) 36 may be arranged in any suitable manner, for example: linearly (e.g. angled relative to axis A' as illustrated); helically; circumferentially (e.g. in a circle centred on axis A'), or the like and may cover all or a major part of the cone's inclined surface.

Helical brushes, for example, have the advantage that they can be designed to remove dirt (in the manner of an Archimedes screw) away from the area being cleaned.

Advantageously, the brushes may have bristles which change colour along their length such that the extent of any wear on the bristles is evident from the outermost colour of the bristles. Such colour coding helps to mitigate the risk of a user using a worn brush head that may cause damage to a surface being cleaned.

It will be appreciated that the head portion need not be conical / frusto-conical but may be of any suitable shape depending on the application for which the tool is intended, for example, substantially spherical, disc shaped, or cylindrical. The head portion may have a shape specifically configured to conform to the contours of part of an alloy wheel.

As another possibility or in addition to the brush sections the head portion may be provided with at least one pad section (e.g. a polishing pad), or sponge section (e.g. for gentle cleaning).

The head portion 14 is configured for detachable mounting to the body portion 12 for rotation about the flow axis A' (as shown by circumferential arrow C'). It will be appreciated that whilst the head portion is preferably detachable to allow maintenance and exchange with other head portions (e.g. configured for different applications), the head and body portions may be integrally formed for example to improve durability and/or robustness.

The head and body portions 14, 12 are provided with mutually engagable mounting portions 40, 42 configured for transferring torque from the flow converter to rotate the head portion 14. The mounting portion 40 of the body 12 comprises a tubular protrusion which extends axially along axis A' from the conical portion 34 extending the flow path. Thus, in operation the protrusion rotates with the flow induced rotation of the turbine. The mounting portion 42 of the head 14 comprises a recess configured to receive the protrusion 40.

The protrusion 40 and recess 42 have complementary cross-sectional shapes arranged for transferring torque. The protrusion and head may, for example include at least a section having, a star, cross, triangle, square shaped cross-section or the like, may comprise complementary screw threaded sections, and/or may comprise any other configuration suitable for allowing transfer of torque such as an appropriately arranged bayonet, or click I snap type fitting.

The protrusion 40 is provided with a plurality of perforations (as illustrated by the dashed line) through which the pressurised fluid may exit the flow path during operation. The head portion 14 is provided with a plurality of conduits 44, terminating in apertures on it external surface. The conduits 44 are arranged for fluid communication with the flow path to convey pressurised fluid exiting through the perforations to the surface apertures, where in operation the fluid exits the device under pressure for enhanced cleaning.

The conduits and surface apertures may be arranged in any suitable manner. For example, at least one of the conduits and associated surface aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit tangentially (e.g. relative to a circle centred on axis A') to potentially enhance (or possibly inhibit) rotation of the head. At least one of the conduits and associated surface aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit substantially in the same direction as the axis of rotation (e.g. conduit I aperture arrangement 46). At least one of the conduits and associated surface aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit radially relative to the axis of rotation. At least one of the conduits and associated surface aperture may be arranged to allow fluid to exit perpendicular to an external surface of the head portion (e.g. the inclined surface of the cone).

Typical Operation In typical operation a user selects an appropriate detachable head portion depending on requirements. The user then assembles the tool and connects it to an appropriate source of pressurised water such as a pressure washer, hosepipe, or the like. The user then starts the flow of water and uses the tool to begin cleaning an alloy wheel or the like. During the cleaning operation the user may exchange the heads of the tool for optimum cleaning of different parts of the alloy wheel.

The cone shaped head, for example, is particularly advantageous for cleaning small clefts and crevices in the alloy wheel. A flat or disc shaped head, on the other hand, is particularly useful for cleaning larger areas, for polishing after cleaning, and for finishing type operations. Heads having brushes are particularly useful for initial cleaning to remove ingrained dirt or the like whilst heads having pads or sponges are beneficial for gentler cleaning of lightly soiled alloys and/or for polishing and finishing.

Other embodiments The embodiment described represents just one example of how the invention may be implemented. Other exemplary embodiments will now be described illustrating additional and/or alternative advantageous features. It will be appreciated that the features disclosed for any embodiment are not restricted to the examples described but may form alternative / additional features in any other embodiment.

Chambers in a further embodiment, for example, the body portion is provided with a chamber, accessible to a user, for receiving a substance (such as a chemical cleaning or polishing agent in powder/liquid/tablet form which is preferably soluble) for release into fluid flowing through the tool. The chamber may be located at any appropriate location in the flow path, for example upstream or downstream from the flow converter as appropriate.

A plurality of such chambers may be provided, for example to allow introduction of different substances into the fluid flow for different applications. The tool may also be provided with a release mechanism for each chamber for allowing a user to manually select the corresponding chamber, in operation, to release the substance contained therein. Thus, in operation, the tool may initially be use for cleaning by selection of a chamber containing a chemical cleaning agent and then for polishing by selecting a chemical polishing agent, and/or to apply a protective coating by selecting a chemical finishing agent.

In one embodiment each chamber is adapted to receive a substance in tablet form. Alternatively or additionally the chamber may be adapted to receive a substance in a liquid form and/or in the form of a capsule.

Where the substance is provided in a capsule the capsule may comprise a membrane which is soluble in water so that when it comes into contact with water flowing through the tool it dissolves to release the substance. The capsule may comprise a cartridge configured for insertion into a chamber. The cartridge may be refillable to allow reuse.

It will be appreciated that the chamber(s) may alternatively or additionally be located in the head portion.

Secondary flow path In a further embodiment the tool is provided with a secondary flow path and a flow splitter for diverting a portion of the fluid flowing through the tool into the secondary flow path. The flow splitter is preferably manually adjustable to allow the relative flows in the main and secondary paths to be adjusted and hence the speed of rotation and/or pressure of fluid exiting the tool to be adjusted.

The secondary flow path may be provided purely for the control the rate/pressure of fluid flowing in the main flow path through the flow converter. Advantageously, however, the secondary flow path is arranged such that the diverted fluid can be put to a beneficial use. For example, the tool may include at least one further rotatable cleaning/polishing head (for example, having a different shape and/or arranged at a different angle). The secondary flow path (or a plurality of such paths) may be arranged to convey water under pressure for driving rotation of each head.

Furthermore, the secondary flow path may be provided with a chamber for receiving a substance for release into fluid flowing through the tool as an alternative, or in addition, to a similar chamber in the main flow path. A plurality of secondary flow paths may each be provided with such a chamber, for example to allow release of different substances (having different properties) into the fluid flowing through the tool. The tool may be provided with a selector for allowing a user to select which of the additional flow paths (and hence which substance) to use in dependence on requirement (e.g. cleaning, polishing, buffing, applying a protective finish or the like).

The secondary flow path may be arranged either to allow fluid to return to the main flow path (e.g. to allow rotational speed to be controlled whilst maintaining the pressure of fluid exiting the head portion) or to allow fluid to exit the tool by another route (e.g. through a further cleaning / polishing head).

The tool Advantageously, the liquid acts as a lubricant to rotation of the flow converter (and potentially the head also) thereby reducing friction during operation. The configuration of the tool shown in Figure 1 and in particular its axial arrangement enhances the lubricant contribution of the fluid. The axial arrangement also enhances the efficiency of the converter.

In another embodiment the tool is provided with gearing for transferring torque between the converter and the head portion such that the head portion rotates at a different speed, in a different direction to, and/or with a different power relative to the converter. The axis of rotation may be off-set from but in the same direction as the flow axis A'.

Body portion It will be appreciated that the body portion need not be cylindrical. It may, for example, be configured to fit into a palm of a hand for improved grip.

Flow converter variations In another embodiment of the invention the flow converter (e.g. turbine/impeller) is provided as part of the head portion. This arrangement has the advantage that the connection between the head and the body is only required to allow rotation and does not need to transfer torque from the body portion to the head portion.

Vibratory Movement In yet another embodiment of the invention the tool is configured to provide vibratory/oscillatory movement of the head, for example for the removal of stubborn marks especially where pure rotary movement may not be as effective.

As seen in figure 2 vibratory/oscillatory movement may be provided by a flow converter 30 which converts the flow A' into rotary movement B' of a cam surface 50 (or the like) against which a corresponding surface of the mounting portion 40 is biased for vibratory movement. It will be appreciated that the shape of the two surfaces may be configured in any of several different ways to provide different types of vibratory movement, for example reciprocal movement C' in the same direction as the flow path A', movement perpendicular to the flow path (not shown), or tangential movement at another angle to the flow path. Of course the co-operating surfaces may additionally/alternatively be provided between the head and mounting portion.

It will be appreciated that vibratory/oscillatory movement may also be provided in other ways, for example by appropriate eccentric weighting and/or by appropriate eccentric shaping of the flow converter, the mounting portion 40, and/or the head.

It will be appreciated that vibratory/oscillatory movement of the head may be provided either instead of or in addition to rotary movement of the mounting portion / head portion.

In a particularly advantageous example using vibratory movement, the user is provided with a choice of a variety of different heads for the tool, each head being configured for a different type of vibratory movement, purely vibratory, or purely rotary movement.

Splash Guard A guard configured to protect against splash back from the pressuriseci cleaning fluid exiting the tool against a surface being cleaned may also be provided for the tool. The guard may, for example, be in the form of a removable (for easy cleaning) or integral (for robustness) shield on the tool body. A guard of this type is particularly important where chemical cleaners are used, for example those which may irritate or harm if splashed onto a user's skin or into their eyes.

Gun Shaped Whilst axial alignment of the flow axis A', and the rotational axis' of the flow converter and the head portion is advantageous for providing a particularly compact hand held tool, the flow path may have portions which are not aligned with the main flow axis.

The inlet section 26 of the flow path 24, for example, need not be axially aligned with the main section 28 of the flow path. In another advantageous embodiment the rotary tool is configured in the form of a handgun in which the inlet portion 20 comprises a grip of the gun' and the main portion 22 comprises its barrel'. The head portion is located at the end of the barrel' and is configured as generally described previously. However, in this embodiment the inlet section of the flow path is angled relative the main section of the flow path (down the barrel' of the gun') to convey pressurised fluid from the base of the grip to the main section thereby to drive rotation of the head portion. Similarly, a trigger may be provided (in a similar manner to that of a gun) to allow a user to start and stop fluid flow by respectively engaging and releasing the trigger. Advantageously the trigger portion may be configured to control the pressure of the flow according to the pressure applied by the user to the trigger.

This embodiment has the advantage that the tool can be better gripped, and the fluid flow controlled more easily, using a single hand. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that a similar gun shaped' tool could also be provided in which the inlet and main sections of the flow path are still axially aligned with the barrel' of the gun'.

Kit embodiment In another embodiment of the invention a kit is provided comprising a tool body as generally described previously and a plurality of interchangeable head portions. The kit may also include one or more adaptors to allow connection to different fluid sources such as a pressure washer, hosepipe, and/or the like.

Alternatively the kit may provide a single general use' head portion with other interchangeable head portions being available separately.

Each head portion is configured for optimal performance in different applications.

For example, the configuration of one head may be optimised for polishing and another for cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of heads may each be optimised for use with a different type of alloy wheel and/or a different part of an alloy wheel.

Where the heads are configured for use with a particular type of alloy wheel they may be provided with an identification section shaped to allow easy identification the associated type of alloy wheel. For example, the head may have at least a section having a shape matching the appearance of the corresponding alloy wheel or makers badge and/or a section of bristles (or pad/sponge) arranged for such identification.

Where the body (and/or head) is of a type including a chamber for receiving a substance, the kit may further comprise capsules, tablets, sachets or the like containing the substance.

Claims

Ctaims 1. A water powered rotary tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said converter for driving rotation of said head portion; and wherein said head portion has an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path.
2. An alloy wheel cleaner for coupling to a source of pressurised water the cleaner comprising a tool as claimed in claim 1, 50, or 51.
3. A tool as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the head portion comprises a

rotatable brush.
4. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein the head portion has a diameter of between 20 mm and 150 mm.
5. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said body portion is adapted to be coupled to a pressure washer.
6. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or claim 50 comprIsing at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into water flowing through said tool.
7. A tool as claimed in claim 6, 51 or 52 wherein the or each chamber is arranged to receive said substance in tablet form.
8. A tool as claimed in any of claims 6 to 7 wherein the or each chamber is arranged to receive said substance in liquid or powder form.
9. A tool as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the or each substance is a chemical agent suitable for cleaning and/or polishing.
10. A tool as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9 wherein the or each chamber is arranged to receive a capsule containing said substance.
11. A tool as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10 wherein the or each chamber is arranged to receive a capsule comprising a reusable cartridge for receiving said substance, said cartridge being configured for engagement with said chamber.
12. A tool as claimed in any of claims 6 to 11 wherein the or at least one chamber is provided in the body portion.
13. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein the or at least one (or at least one further) chamber is provided in the head portion.
14. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said head portion is detachable.
15. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said head is interchangeable with other similar head portions.
16. A toot as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said head portion comprises at least one aperture, the or each aperture being arranged for fluid communication with the flow path for allowing said water to exit said tool under pressure.
17. A tool as claimed in claim 16 wherein the or at least one said aperture is arranged to allow fluid to exit substantially tangentially of a circle centred on an (or the rotational) axis of said head portion..
18. A tool as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the or at least one said aperture is arranged such that water exiting said aperture under pressure induces or enhances rotation.
19. A tool as claimed in claim 16, 17 or 18 wherein the or at least one said aperture is arranged to allow fluid to exit substantially in the same direction as an (or the rotational) axis of said head portion..
20. A too! as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19 wherein the or at least one said aperture is arranged to allow fluid to exit substantially radially of a circle centred on an (or the rotational) axis of said head portion..
21. A tool as claimed in any of claims 16 to 20 wherein the or at least one said aperture is arranged to allow fluid to exit substantially perpendicular to an external surface of the head portion relative.
22. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said head portion is adapted to conform to the shape of at feast part of an alloy wheel.
23. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said tool comprises an alloy wheel cleaner and wherein at least part of the head portion is shaped in dependence on the specific type of alloy wheel for which the tool is designed.
24. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein the tool comprises a plurality of head portions.
25. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said head portion comprises a generally conical or frusto-conical portion.
26. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said head portion comprises a generally spherical portion.
27. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said head portion comprises a generally disc shaped portion.
28. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said head portion comprises means for cleaning or polishing.
29. A tool as claimed in claim 28 wherein said cleaning or polishing means comprises a plurality of bristles forming a brush.
30. A tool as claimed in claim 26 or 29 wherein said cleaning or polishing means comprises at least one pad.
31. A tool as claimed in any of claims 28 to 30 wherein said cleaning or polishing means comprises at least one sponge portion.
32. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said flow path has a portion of increasing cross-sectional area in the direction of flow.
33. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said flow path has a portion of decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction of flow.
34. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said flow path comprises a primary flow path and wherein said tool is provided with means for diverting at least part of said flow from said flow path into at least one secondary flow path.
35. A tool as claimed in claim 35 wherein said diverting means is adjustable to allow control of the relative flows in the primary flow path and the or at least one secondary flow path.
36. A tool as claimed in claim 35 or 36 wherein the or at least one secondary flow path is arranged for reducing the pressure of water flowing in the primary flow path.
37. A tool as claimed in claim 35, 36 or 37 wherein the or at least one secondary flow path is arranged to convey water under pressure for driving rotation of a further portion of said tool.
38. A tool as claimed in any of claims 35 to 38 wherein the or at least one secondary flow path is provided with at least one chamber (or further chamber) for receiving a (or a further) substance for release into said secondary flow path.
39. A tool as claimed in any of claims 35 to 39 wherein the or at least one secondary flow path is arranged to return said diverted flow to said primary flow path.
40. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said tool comprises a trigger portion for allowing a user to start and stop fluid flow.
41. A tool as claimed in daim 40 wherein said trigger portion is configured to allow the rate of said fluid flow to be controlled.
42. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said converter comprises a turbine.
43. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said converter comprises an impeller.
44. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said converter forms part of said head portion.
45. A tool as claimed in claim 44 wherein said converter comprises at least one aperture in said head portion, the or each aperture being arranged for fluid communication with the flow path for allowing said water to exit said tool under pressure to induce or contribute to rotation
46. A tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 43 wherein said converter forms part of said body portion.
47. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein, said head and body portions comprises means for transferring torque from said converter to drive rotation, reciprocation and/or vibration of said head portion.
48. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or any of claims 50 to 52 wherein said coupler is configured for connecting said tool to a pressure washer having a flow rate of between 15 Itr/hour and 600 ltr/hour, an operational pressure of between 1 MPa and 2OMPa, and/or operates at a power of between 250W and 3kW.
49. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim or claim 51 or 52 wherein said converter is configured for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into mechanical energy for reciprocating or vibrating the head portion.
50. A water powered tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into mechanical energy for reciprocating or vibrating the head portion.
51. A water powered tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion mounted for movement relative to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into mechanical energy for moving said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving movement; and wherein said tool comprises at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into said water flowing through said tool.
52. A tool as claimed in claim 50 or 51 wherein said head portion is configured for rotation about an axis in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path when the head portion is attached to said body portion.
53. A capsule containing a substance for release into water flowing in a water powered tool according to claim 6 or 51 or a claim dependent therefrom, the capsule comprising a casing for holding a substance wherein said casing is configured for release of said substance into water flowing through said tool when said capsule is located in said chamber.
54. A capsule as claimed in claim 53 comprising a reusable cartridge for receiving said substance, said cartridge being configured for engagement with said chamber.
55. A capsule as claimed in claim 53 or 54 comprising a (rigid or semi-rigid) cartridge, said casing having apertures for release of said substance.
56. A capsule as claimed in claim 53, 54 or 55 configured to hold a tablet of said substance.
57. A capsule as claimed in any of claims 53 to 56 wherein said casing comprises a soluble membrane for releasing said substance when said membrane comes into contact with said water.
58. A head portion for a water powered rotary tool, the head portion comprising: means for rotatably attaching said head portion to a tool body having a flow path to convey water to drive rotation of said head portion, and wherein said head portion has an axis of rotation in substantially the same direction as a flow axis of said flow path when the head portion is attached to said body portion.
59. A head portion as claimed in claim 58 having the features of the head portion of a tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 52.
60. A head portion having the features of the head portion of a tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 52.
61. A tool body for a water powered rotary tool, the tool body comprising: a coupler for connecting said tool to a source of water; means for rotatably attaching a head portion to the tool body; and a flow path to convey water from said source to said head portion for driving said rotation of said head portion when attached; wherein said flow path has a flow axis arranged to run substantially in the same direction as a rotational axis of said head portion when said head portion is rotatably attached to said body portion.
62. A tool body as claimed in claim 61 comprising at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into said flow path.
63. A tool body for a water powered tool, the tool body comprising: means for attaching a head portion for movement relative to the tool body, and a flow path arranged to convey pressurised water from an associated source to drive movement of said head portion when attached; and at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into said flow path.
64. A tool body as claimed in claim 61 to 63 having the features of the body portion of a tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 57.
65. A tool body having the features of the body portion of a tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 57.
66. A kit for forming a tool according to any of claims 1 to 52 comprising: at least one head portion according to any of claims 58 to 60; and a tool body according to any of claims 61 to 65.
67. A kit as claimed in claim 64 wherein said tool body comprises at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into water flowing through said tool, and wherein the kit comprises a capsule according to any of claims 53 to 57 containing said substance.
68. A kit as claimed in claim 64 or 67 wherein said head portion comprises at least one chamber for receiving a substance for release into water flowing through said tool, and wherein the kit comprises a capsule according to any of claims 53 to 57 containing said substance.
69. A kit as claimed in any preceding kit claim, further comprising a pressure washer to which the tool body is configured for attachment.
70. A kit as claimed in any preceding claim to a kit further comprising a hosepipe attachment for coupling the tool body to a hosepipe.
71. A kit as claimed in any preceding claim to a kit further comprising an attachment coupling the tool body to a pressure washer.
72. A kit as claimed in any preceding claim to a kit comprising a plurality of head portions, each head portion being of a different size and/or configuration for cleaning of different parts of an alloy wheel or different types of alloy wheel.
73. A water powered rotary tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion rotatably mounted to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into rotational energy for rotating said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said converter for driving rotation of said head portion; and wherein the or at least one said aperture is arranged such that water exiting said aperture under pressure enhances said rotation.
74. A water powered tool for coupling to a fluid source, the tool comprising: a body portion; a head portion mounted for movement relative to said body portion; and a converter for converting energy of water flowing through the tool into mechanical energy for moving said head portion; wherein the body portion comprises a coupler for connecting said tool to said source, and a flow path to convey water from said source to said converter for driving movement of said head portion; and wherein said tool is provided with means for diverting at least part of said flow from said primary flow path into at least one secondary flow path.
75. A tool as claimed in claim 74 or 75 having any additional feature of a tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 52.
76. An alloy wheel cleaner comprising a tool as claimed in any of claims I to 52.
77. A tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 52 powered by a fluid other than &sir
78. A tool as herein described with reference to figure 1 and/or figure 2.
79. A head for a rotary tool as herein described with reference to figure 1 and/or figure 2.
80. A tool body for a rotary tool as herein described with reference to figure 1 and/or figure 2.
81. A kit for assembly into a rotary tool as herein described with reference to figure 1 and/or figure 2.