GB2525602A

GB2525602A - A handheld brush

Info

Publication number: GB2525602A
Application number: GB1407422.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rashpal Kaur Dhillon
Original assignee: Arminder Singh Dhillon; Gurminder Singh Dhillon
Current assignee: Arminder Singh Dhillon; Gurminder Singh Dhillon
Priority date: 2014-04-28
Filing date: 2014-04-28
Publication date: 2015-11-04
Also published as: GB201407422D0

Abstract

A brush 10 comprises a body 11 having a first end 12 and a second end 13; the interior of the body 11 includes a cavity or reservoir in which fluid may be stored; the first end 12 of the brush 10 comprises a brush head 15; the brush 10 includes a fluid flow path (19, fig 4) from the cavity in the body to an aperture in a brush base portion 16; the brush 10 also includes a valve (26) to control flow of fluid in the flow fluid flow path (19); the second end of the brush includes a scraping tool 20 and the brush is suitable for use with a single hand; preferably the scraping tool 20 includes a pair of lugs for attachment to the second end of the brush; the brush body may be made from deformable material and squeezing the brush may expel fluid from the cavity to the aperture. The brush is preferably used or cleaning shoes.

Description

fltiQn.

The invention relates generally to single hand held brushes (Le. brushes which are held in a single hand) and in particular to hand held brushes far the cleaning of footwear. on

The closest prior art known to the applicant are brushes for cleaning shoes which have a standard brush configuration with a gripping portion, a bristle holding portion and a cluster of bristles. When cleaning fluid is required with the use of these brushes the fluid must be applied to an item of footwear, or to the brush bristles, prior to use of the brush. Often, the flifid must also be reapplied to the shoe or brush during use for effective cleaning which increases the time it takes to clean the shoe. This can also Lead to an inadequate or excessive amount of fluid being applied which affects the economy of the operation.

A further disadvantage of the prior art is that several pieces of equipment must be carried where a brush and fluid are required. The number of required components is further increased where a scraper is required for removing excess dirt from a shoe prior to cleaning with a brush, This is partJcularly disadvantageous where a brush, fluid and scraper are required whilst on an outing such as a parent taking their Child to a park. There are often a large number of items a parent must carry when on an outing with their child, and the requirement for several more in order to clean shoes is not a welcome one. Moreover, a device which offers an intuitive means of cleaning footwear would be especially advantageous, particularly where a child can use the brush without the risk of spilling cleaning fluid, In sporting environments, where the performance of the sports boot for example a football boot s contmgent on ts cicanness and as beng free from mud m order, for iv example, that the studs be exposed along their full Length, rather than caked in mud -there is a problem in that the provision of a compact and comprehensive personal cleaning system is not readily available, There is a need for a tool to be provided which is to hand for cx tempore cleaning.

is It s amongct the objects & the nventwn to attempt a soluton to least the above problems.

fhtion in its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides a single handhe(d brush, the brush comprising a body, the body being elongate and comprising first and second ends and an interior, the interior comprising a cavity: wherein, in use, fluid may be stored; the first end comprising a brush head, and wherein the brush head is mounted on a brush base portion, the brush base portion having a first face and a second face and a passage, the passage running through the brush base portion and being open at both ends; the second end comprising a scraping tool; the brush further comprising a flow path running from the cavity, to an aperture in the brush base porton, such that fluid in the cavily may flow along the flow path and be expelled from the aperture, and a valve closure located adjac.ent the first end, wherein the valve may be moved from an open position wherein the flow path is open, to a closed position wherein the flow path is shut and vice versa, such that the flow of fluid through the aperture may be regulated.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a handheld brush, suitable for cleaning an item of footwear, which is able to disperse cleaning fluid from the brush to more effectively clean an item. The flow path between the cavity and the aperture of the brush base portion of the brush allows fluid to be expelled from the aperture and coat an item, The scraper located at the second end of the brush facilitates the removal of excess dirt from the item, and the valve closure located adjacent the first end further controls the flow of fluid through the aperture in use. Each of the components are Located on a single apparatus to minimise the number of items required to effectively clean an item of footwear in this way.

Is Preferably, the body comprises at least a portion of resiliently deforrnable material and wherein, in use, squeezing the portion of resiliently deformable material causes the cavity to deform, thereby forcing fluid contained within the cavity along the flow path, such that it may be expelled from the aperture. This configuration is particularly advantageous because It allows controlled expulsion of the contained fluid from the body of the brush. A suitable amount of fluid can therefore be released in order for the brush to be used effectively.

Preferably, the valve comprises a dispensing closure, such that the valve is caused to open when the resiliently deformable portion is squeezed and fluid is forced through it, and closes when the squeezing force ceases. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it prevents unwanted release of the fluid contained in the body and therefore increases the efficiency of the brush and prevents spiliages. It also removes the requirement of a manually operated valve.

Preferably, the brush comprises a bristle holding surface and wherein the aperture is Located on the bristle holding surface of the brush, This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the fluid to flow towards the bristles of the brush to be coated with the fluid so that the brush distributes the fluid effectively over a surface.

Preferably, the first end and the second end are substantially at opposite ends of the brush.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because ft allows a user to intuitivdy hold the brush between the first end and the second end, It also minimises the possibility of the contained fluid from exiting the second end when the brush is in use.

Preferably, the resiliently deformabte portion comprises a mid-section of the brush, situated between the first and second ends, This configuration is particular advantageous because it allows a user to intuitively hold and saueeze the resilientLy deformabte portion to force the fluid from the aperture. The intuitive handling also allows the user to to effectively control the force applied to the resiliently deformable portion.

Preferably, the brush further comprises a secondary aperture located adjacent the second end, and wherein the second end is removable and comprises a closure, in use., for the secondary aperture. This configuration is particularly advantageous because ft allows the is brush to be filled with fluid for expelling from the aperture. The position of the secondary aperture also minimises the possibility of fluid from Sting the secondary aperture when the resthently deformable porton s squeezed n use, as the second end faces upwards The secondary aperture also provides a means for evacuating fluid from the body in a straightforward manner if emptying of the brush is required.

Preferably, the scraper comprises a pair of tugs, coaxially arranged around and attached to the second end. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a means for a user to scrape excess dirt from an item of footwear, Preferably, each of the ends and the valve is detachable from the other components of the brush. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for different sized components, such as different size or strength bristles, to be removably attached to the body of the brush. ft also provides a means for replacement of components, such as the scraper, when they become worn. This configuration also allows for effective cleaning of the brush components.

Preferably, the mid portion of the brush is tapered towards the second end, This configuration is oarticularly advantageous because it provides a suitably shaped portion for a user to hold the brush. The tapered configuration allows a user with small hands i.e. a child to hold the brush comfortably at the tapered end whilst aftowing an adult to hold the brush just as comfortably at the wider diameter end.

Preferably, the mid portion comprises a cunied tube. This configuration s particularly advantageous because it maximizes the efficiency with which fluid is expelled from the aperture when the resiliently deformabte portion is squeezed.

Preferably, the cunied mid portion comprises a concavity and a grip portion, with said grip portion located within the concavity of the curve of the mid portion, This configuration is w particularly advantageous because it provides an ergonomic arrangement for intuitive handling by a user. ft also reduces the possibility of the user Losing grip on the brush when the brush gets wet.

ioncsfthenvn' Hgure shows a perspectwe vew of a preferred ernbothment of the mventon Figure 2 shows a perspective view from above of the embodiment of Figure i.

Figure 3 shows another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 5 shows an exploded cross sectional view of the first end of a preferred embodiment Figure 6 shows another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows another exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The handhetd brush of the current invention is shown in figure i, referenced generally as 10. The brush 10 is suitable for cleaning footwear and comprises a body 11 which has a first end 12 and a second end 13. The body 11 also comprises an interior which comprises a cavity 14 for storing a fluid such as water or a cleaning fluid. The first end 12 of the brush comprises a brush head 15. The brush head 15 is mounted on a brush base portion 16.

in the preferred embodiment shown in figure 1, the second end 13 of the body 11 to comprises a scraping tool 20. The scraping tooL 20 facilitates the removal of excess dirt from an item to be cleaned. Preerab(y, in use, the scraping tool 20 is used prior to cleaning an tern with the brush of the first end 12.

ri this preferred embodiment, the brush base portion 16 has a first face 17, a second face is 1$ and a passage 19 (see figure 4). The passage 19 runs through the brush base portion 16 and is open at both ends. A flow path therefore exists between the cavity 14 of the body 11 and the passage 19 of the brush base porbon 16 such that, w use fUnd stored m the cavity can flow along the flow path in order to be expelled from the aperture of the brush base portion 16.

Shown in figure 2, the body ii of the brush 10 comprises a rni&portion 21 which is resiliently deformable in order for a user to squeeze the midportion 21 to controL the expulsion of fluid from the brush 10. The midportion 21 is tapered towards the second end 13 of the brush lOin order to provide a user with an intuitive holding position. The tapered configuration allows a user with small hands, such as a child, to grip the brush at the tapered end with a smaller diameter, whilst a user with larger hands it an adult, can grip the brush at the larger diameter end, The larger surface area of the first end 12 aLso ensures that sufficient fluid exits the cavity 14 and therefore coats the bristles of the brush effectively.

Also shown in figure 2, the scraping tool 20 comprises a pair of tugs 27 and 28 which are coexially arranged around and attached to the second end 13 of the brush 10. Preferably, the tugs 27 and 28 are sired and shaped to be able to fit within the channels located on the bottom of a shoe in order to effectively scrape excess dirt from these channels.

Additionally, the first 12 and second 13 ends of the body ii are at substantially opposite ends of the brush 10, However, in an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the first and second ends are not at opposite ends of the brush, The brush may be substantially L*-a shaped and the first end 12 is therefore substantially perpendicular to the second end 13.

Preferably, the brush further comprises a plurality of bristles 25 which are arranged as a cluster on the brush base portion 16 of the brush 10 Csee figure 3). En this preferred embodiment, the bristLes 25 are arranged such that the bristles on the periphery of the w cluster are greater in length than those closer to the middle of the cluster. This provides a bristle configuration which effectively covers the contour of an item to be cleaned, Pref&ably, the res enty deformable mdportion /1 comprises a curved tube in order to maxumse the eff c ency with which fluid is expelled from the aperture when the mi& lo portion is squeezed. Even more preferably, the curved mid portion comprises a concavity and a grip portion to further provide an intu tive handhng position for a user whereby expulsion of fluid from the brush can be effectively controlled, Preferably the grip portion is located within the concavity of the curve of the midportion 21.

En the preferred embodiment, shown in figure 4, the brush 10 further comprises a valve 26 located adjacent the first end 12. The valve 26 may be moved from a first position, where the flow path is open, to a second posftion where the flow path is closed (and vice versa) in order to regulate and control the flow of fluid stored in the cavity 14 aLong the flow path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the valve 26 comprises a nonreturn valve such that the valve is caused to open when the resiliently deformable midportion 21 of the brush is squeezed and closes when the squeezing force ceases. En this preferred embodiment the nonreturn valve 26 consists of a cross-sUt silicone membrane which is resiliently deformable upon squeezing of the mid portion by a user. This removes the requirement for a manually operated valve which therefore fwther rninimises the risk of spillage when the brush 10 is not in use.

Further shown in figure 4, each ol the components of the brush 10, such as the valve 26 and scraper 20, are detachable from the first and second ends 12 and 13. This allows icr different components, such as dftferent size or strength bristles, or a different sized scraper 20, to be selectively and removably attached to the body 11 of the brush 10. This is s particularly advantageous where a component, such as the scraper 20 of the brush 10, is worn down and requires a replacement to be fitted. This configuration also allows for effective cleaning of the brush components.

Shown in the crosssectionaI view of figure 5, the brush 10 further comprises a bristle w holding surface 22 with an aperture to further allow fluid to flow from the cavity 14 through the bristle holding surface 22. The flow path therefore exists between the cavity 14 of the body ii and the bristles 25 of the brush 10, flowing through each component including the first end 12 of the body 11; the valve 26; the brush base portion 16; the brush heed 15, and the bnstle holdng surface 22 such that fkud can be squeezed from the cavity to coat the bristles, n a further preferred embodiment, the brush holding surface 22 comprises a pLurality of apertures so that fluid contained within the cavity 14 of the body 11 can be spread evenly across the brush bristles 25. The plurality of apertures ensures that each of the bristles of the brush 25 is adequately coated with the fluid prior to cleaning.

FigureS shows a perspecflve vew of the brush 10 from the second end 13 Fgure 6 agan shows how, in the preferred embodiment, the body comprises a portion of resiliently deformable material 21 so that, in use, squeezing of this portion by a user causes the cavity 14 to deform, thereby forcing fluid along the flow path such that it may be expelled from the aperture of the brush base portion 16. It is preferable therefore that the body consist of plastics material such as polypropylene so that ft may be repeatedly deformed with minimal damage or change in configuration of the brush, ft s also prefer?hly that the body conssts of a smgle piece of pLastcs matenal whcb vanes in thickness along its length. Preferably, the body is thicker at the first and second ends in order to facilitate a snap fft wfth the components to be attached to the ends (see figure 7).

The thickness of the body is reduced in the midportion in order to facilitate the deformation of the body to squeeze the fluid contents towards the first end and out of the first aperture.

In the preferred embodiment, the brush 10 further comprises a secondary aperture 23 which is located at the second end 13 of the brush 10. In this embodiment a portion 29 of the second end 13 is removable and a closure 24 is present for the secondary aperture 23.

The secondary aperture 23 allows fluid to be straightforwardly decanted into the cavity 14 to refill the brush 10. The aperture 23 also allows fluid to be efficiently evacuated from the brush 10 if required, rather than having to force all of the fluid out of the first end 12. The io closure 24 ensures that fluid does not escape from the cavity via the secondary aperture, particularly during use and further ensures that the pressure applied by the user effectiv&y transfers the contained fluid towards the first end 1? of the brush 10, hi use, a portor 29 of the second end 13 of the brubh 10 is removed and fluid is dcc antS is into the cavity 14 of the brush via the secondary aperture 23, once its closure 24 has been removed, Once the closure 24 and second end portion 29 have been replaced, the fluid is stored in the cavity 14 until use of the brush 10 is required. During this time the valve 26 is in its closed position to prevent any unwanted spillage of the contained fluid, Where a nonreturn valve is employed, the valve remains in its closed position automatically until pressure is applied to the midportion 21 of the brush 10.

When an item, such as an item of footwear, requires cleaning the valve (where a manual valve is employed) is moved to its opened position so that fluid may pass from the cavity 14 through the flow path and out the plurality of apertures of the bristle holding surface 22 Where a non-'eturn valve s present, the valve opens when pressure us appued by the user to the resiliently deformable portion 21 of the body 11, Prior to this, the scraper 20 of the second end 13 may be employed to remove excess dirt from the footwear. In an alternative embodiment the scraper 20 is removable from the rest of the brush 10 in order for a user to reach tricky areas of the footwear. Following this the user can intuitively slot the scrape 20 back into the closure 24.

As the midportion 21 of the body 11 is squeezed, fluid is forced from the cavity 14 towards the bristle holding surface 22. The fluid subsequently exits the apertures of the i0 bristLe holding surface and coats the bdsties 25, The pluraii of apertures ensures that each of the bristles is adequately covered with fluid prior to deaffing.

During use, a user can alter the amount of pressure appLied to the midportion 21 in order to regulate the amount of fluid which exits the first end 12 of the brush. The resiliently deformable configuration of the midportion allows this regulation to occur whibt the brush is being used without any interruption.

When use of the brush is finished, the user can reLease all pressure on the midportion 21 to in order to cease the flow of fluid from the cavfty. The closure 24 and portion 29 can be subsequently removed from the second end 13 in order to evacuate remaining fluid from the cavity 14. ALternatively, the fluid can be stored in the cavity 14 until the brush is next required is h an alternative embodiment, a sponge (not shown) is attached to the brush head 15 rather than a cluster of bristles. Operation of the brush is carried out in the normal way in this embodiment, with the fluid flowing towards the first end and saturating the sponge prior to and during use. In further alternative embodiments, different ends can be selectively attached to the first end 12 of the brush 10 in order to provide different cleaning effects, In another alternative embodiment, the brush on& comprises a single aperture at the first end, In this embodiment, filling of the cavity with fluid can occur once the base portion 16 and brush head 15 have been removed. In this embodiment, the scraper 20 is removably attached to the second end 13 of the brush 10. *I 1

Claims

Claims 1. A single handheld brush, the brush comprising a body, the body being elongate and comprising first and second ends and an interior, the interior comprising a cavity, 6 wherein, n use, fluid may he stored; the first end comprising a brush head, and wherein the brush head is mounted on a brush base portion, the brush base portion having a first face and a second face and a passage, the passage running through the brush base portion and being ope.i at both ends; the second end comprising a scraping took the brush further comprising a flow path running from the cavity, to an aperture in is the brush base portion, such that fluid in the cavity may flow along the flow path and be expelled from the aperture, and a valve dosure located adjacent the first end, wherein the valve may he moved from an open position wherein the flow path is open, to a closed position wherein the flow path is shut and vice versa, such that the flow of fluid through the aperture may be regulated.
2. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises at least a portion of resiliently deformable material and wherein, in use, squeezing the portion of 26 resiliently delormable material causes the cavity to deform, thereby forcing fluid contained within the cavity along the flow path, such that it may be expelled from the aperture.
3. A brush according to either claim I or claim 2, wherein the valve comprises a dispensing closure, such that the valve is caused to open when the resiliently deformabie portion is squeezed and fluid is forced through t, and closes when the squeezing force ceases, 4. A brush according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the brush comprises a bristle holding surface and wherein the aperture is located on the bristle holding surface of the brush.5. A brush according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end and the second end are substantially at opposite ends of the brush.6. A brush according to any of claims 25, wherein the resiliently deformable portion comprises a midsection of the brush, situated between the first and second ends.7. A brush according to any of the oreceding claims, further comprising a secondary aperture located adjacent the second end, and wherein the second end is removable and comprises a closure, in use? for the secondary aperture.8. A brush according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the scraper comprises a pair of lugs, coaxidlly arranged around and attached to the second end, 9. A brush according to claim 7, wherein each of the ends and the valve is detachable from the other components of the brush.A brush accordrng to any of clams 64, wieren the rmd porUon of the brush s tapered towards the second end, 11 A brush accordrng to any of ctam'is 6-10, wheren the md porton compises a curved tube.12 A brush accordng to ciffim ii, wheren the curved md porton compnses a concavay and a gnp port on, wah sad gop porton located wthn the concavrty of the curve of the mid portion 3° 13. A brush, substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated by, any appropriate combination of the text and/ or drawings.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSClaims 1. A sing'e handheLd brush, the brush comprising a body, the body being elongate and comprising first and second ends and an interior, the interior comprising a cavity, wherein, in use, fluid may be stored; the first end comprising a brush head, and wherein the brush head is mounted on a brush base portion, the brush base portion having a first face and a second face and a passage, the passage running through the brush base portion and being open at both ends; the second end comprising a scraping tool; wherein the first end and the second end are substantiaLLy at opposite ends of the brush; LI") 15 the brush further comprising a flow path running from the cavity, to an aperture in the brush base portion, such that fLuid in the cavity may fLow along the fLow path and be expeRed from the aperture, o and a valve dosure located adjacent the first end, wherein the valve may be moved from an open position wherein the fLow path is open, to a cLosed position wherein the fLow path is shut and vice versa, such that the flow of fluid through the aperture may be regulated; wherein the body comprises a mid-portion of resiliently deformable materiaL and outer portions of a rigid materiaL and wherein, in use, squeezing the portion of resiliently deformable material causes the cavity to deform) thereby forcing fluid contained within the cavity along the flow path, such that it may be expelled from the aperture; and wherein the portion of resiliently deformabLe materiaL has a thickness which is reduced compared to the outer portions of the body, such that when the portion is deformed, both of the outer portions remain rigid, thereby aLLowing the user to utilise either the brush head or the scraping tool unimpeded by the deformation of said deformabLe portion.2. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a dispensing closure, such that the valve is caused to open when the resiLiently deformabLe portion is squeezed and fLuid is forced through it, and doses when the squeezing force ceases.3. A brush according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the brush comprises a bristLe holding surface and wherein the aperture is Located on the bristLe holding surface of the brush.
4. A brush according to any of the preceding claims) further comprising a secondary aperture located adjacent the second end, and wherein the second end is removabLe and comprises a cLosure, in use) for the secondary aperture.
5. A brush according to any of the preceding claims) wherein the scraping tool comprises a pair of Lugs, coaxiaLLy arranged around and attached to the second end. LU156. A brush according to claim 4, wherein each of the ends and the valve is detachable from the other components of the brush.o 7. A brush according to any of the preceding claims) wherein the mid-section of the brush is tapered towards the second end.8. A brush according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mid-section comprises a curved tube.9. A brush according to claim 8, wherein the curved tube comprises a concavity and a grip portion, with said grip portion located within the concavity of the curve of the mid portion 10. A brush, substantially as described herein) with reference to and as illustrated by, the text and! or drawings.