GB2558878A

GB2558878A - An apparatus for assisting in the cleaning of an article

Info

Publication number: GB2558878A
Application number: GB1621505.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gachcar Moghadam Reza
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-16
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2018-07-25
Also published as: GB201621505D0

Abstract

An apparatus 10 for assisting in the cleaning of an article, such as a dog, is disclosed. A body 12 defines a volume which contains a liquid. An outlet 14 is connected to a hose 18 which is in turn connected to a brush 28 with apertures adjacent the bristles 34. A hand pump 42 pumps air into the body thereby increasing the air pressure therein. Once pressurised the water passes out of the brush and the bristles can be used to apply a scrubbing action to the article to be cleaned. A continuous supply of water can be directed onto the dog allowing it to be easily cleaned. The outlet may be positioned near the base of the body 16. The body may further contain an inlet 40 for the liquid, and the pump may be positioned at this inlet too. There may also be a valve 38 for controlling the flow of liquid. Further a pressure release valve may be present in the body to allow pressurised air to be released.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Reza Gachcar Moghadam

Birnham Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 4RB, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Reza Gachcar Moghadam (56) Documents Cited:

CN 203991399 U US 20160045796 A1 US 20010055512 A1

CN 002674932 Y US 20050013652 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A01K, A46B, B05B, B08B Other: WPI, EPODOC, INTERNET (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Archer-IP Ltd

Northern Design Centre, Abbott's Hill,

Baltic Business Quarter, Gateshead, NE8 3DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: An apparatus for assisting in the cleaning of an article Abstract Title: Manually pressurised liquid container with attached brush (57) An apparatus 10 for assisting in the cleaning of an article, such as a dog, is disclosed. A body 12 defines a volume which contains a liquid. An outlet 14 is connected to a hose 18 which is in turn connected to a brush 28 with apertures adjacent the bristles 34. A hand pump 42 pumps air into the body thereby increasing the air pressure therein. Once pressurised the water passes out of the brush and the bristles can be used to apply a scrubbing action to the article to be cleaned. A continuous supply of water can be directed onto the dog allowing it to be easily cleaned. The outlet may be positioned near the base of the body 16. The body may further contain an inlet 40 for the liquid, and the pump may be positioned at this inlet too. There may also be a valve 38 for controlling the flow of liquid. Further a pressure release valve may be present in the body to allow pressurised air to be released.

1/2

2/2

ΙΟ

An Apparatus for Assisting in the Cleaning of an Article

The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in the cleaning of an article and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus for cleaning pets before they get into a vehicle.

It is a common problem for dog owners that their pets can be very dirty after going for a walk but need to be carried home in a vehicle such as a car. A commonplace solution to this problem is to use a towel to wipe the worst of the mud off the dog before putting it in the back of the car. This solution has two significant drawbacks in that the animal is only superficially clean with dirt still trapped in its fur and the towel needs to be cleaned very frequently as it becomes caked in mud. Furthermore, if water is used to attempt to wash the dog, multiple articles are required, such as a bottle to carry the water, a bowl to hold the water and a sponge to apply the water.

An alternative solution is to attempt to protect the dog's fur from the mud by covering its body in some form of coat. However, many dogs do not like wearing such coats and particularly the coats which cover more of the dog's body. For example, coats which extends down the legs of the animal can be cumbersome and difficult to fit to the exact shape of the dog. These coats are also particularly unsuitable for dogs that like water and like to swim.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome or alleviate the above described disadvantages of the prior art.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for assisting in the cleaning of an article, the apparatus comprising:a body defining a volume for containing a liquid and having at least one first body aperture for allowing said liquid to pass out of said volume;

a manually powered pump for pumping air into said body thereby increasing the air pressure therein;

a brush having bristles and at least one brush aperture adjacent said bristles for allowing water to exit the apparatus under pressure; and a flexible hose in use extending from said first body aperture to said brush.

By providing an apparatus as set out above, significant advantages are provided over previous attempts to clean a pet or keep it clean. In particular, the apparatus provides a ready supply of water for cleaning a dog before it is allowed into a vehicle. By supplying the water through a brush the advantage is provided that a simple supply of water, or water and very dilute detergent, can be provided into the hair of the dog whilst brushing the mud and dirt. As a result, mud and dirt are very efficiently removed from the coat of the dog. The apparatus is designed to sit in the back of a vehicle therefore making it easy for the brush attached to the flexible hose to extend out of the back of the vehicle and down towards ground level where it can be used to wash the animal before it is placed into the vehicle .

Furthermore, the location of the apparatus in the back of the vehicle whilst cleaning an animal located below the body containing the reservoir of water means that in addition to the pump a siphoning effect ensures that the water exits the brush with the maximum pressure that can be easily created without any need for an external power supply thereby making the apparatus suitable for use in many locations and with many vehicles.

Because the apparatus is easily operated when it is in location in the back of a vehicle it can be operated by anyone even those with limited strength and dexterity. Even if the apparatus is provided with a large reservoir of water, thereby reguiring less freguent re-filling, a strong person is only reguired to transport the apparatus from filling to the back of the car and then anyone can use the apparatus with the pump of the apparatus located at a height which is very easy for most people to operate when it is in the back of the vehicle. It is also that case that the whole cleaning process is completed using a single apparatus with it integral reservoir/tank and brush applicator.

In a preferred embodiment at least one said first body aperture, connected to said hose, is located adjacent the base of said body.

In a preferred embodiment at least one first body aperture includes an extension pipe extending into said first volume and having an opening located adjacent a base of said body.

By locating the outlet aperture adjacent the base of the body or using an extension pipe extending to adjacent the base of the body the advantage is provided that the volume of water contained within the body can be completely or almost completely utilised. Furthermore, the apparatus can utilise the siphoning effect to ensure the maximum flow of water is provided.

In another preferred embodiment the body further comprises at least one second body aperture in use acting as an inlet for initially receiving said liguid into said body and said apparatus further comprises a closure for said second body aperture .

In a further preferred embodiment the closure comprises said pump.

The apparatus may further comprise a manually operated valve associated with said brush for controlling the flow of said liquid through said brush aperture.

This manually operated valve acts as a tap for controlling the flow of water through the brush. As a result, an operator can pump up the pressure in the body of the apparatus before releasing the valve to allow water to come out of the brush head.

The apparatus may also further comprise a pressure release valve for allowing air under pressure to be released from said body.

By including a pressure release valve the advantage is provided that if pressure remains within the body of the apparatus after the cleaning process is completed the pressure contained therein can be released to ensure no leakage of water occurs when the brush head is returned into the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of washing an article comprising the steps : at least partially filling an apparatus as set out above with at least one liquid;

locating said apparatus in a wheeled vehicle;

manually pumping said pump to increase the air pressure in said body; and applying a scrubbing action to an article to be cleaned whilst water exits the apparatus through said brush aperture.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view from below of the apparatus of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view from above of the apparatus of figure 1; and

Figure 4 is a close-up view of a portion of the apparatus as shown in figure 3.

Referring to the figures, an apparatus 10 is provided for assisting in the cleaning of an article (not shown). The term article in this context must be interpreted very broadly since it is not limiting to the scope of this invention. Examples of articles include, but are not limited to, pets, specifically dogs and horses, bikes, tools and in particular those tools which are used in the mixing of concrete.

The apparatus 10 includes a body 12 which defines a volume and acts as a reservoir containing a liquid, such as water, or a mixture including at least one liquid, such as a mixture of water and detergent. In the embodiment shown in the figures the body is designed to hold a volume of five litres although this can vary depending upon the cleaning requirements. The body 12 includes a first body aperture in the form of outlet 14 which allows the liquid contained within the body to pass out of the volume. As can be seen in figure 2 the outlet 14 is located in the base 16 of the body 12 thereby ensuring the most effective draining of the water from the apparatus. A hose 18 is connected, at a first end 20, to the outlet 14 and this connection between the hose and the outlet is protected by the creation of a channel 22 formed in the base 16 of body 12. The start of the hose 18 extends along this channel which divides one end of the body into a pair of legs 24 and prevents sideways pulling forces being applied to the connection of the hose to the body at the outlet 14 if the hoses pulled sideways.

Connected to a second end 26 of hose 18 is a brush 28. The brush 28 includes a housing 30 which itself includes a brush head 32 from which bristles 34 extend. Formed into the brush head 32, adjacent the bristles 34, are at least one and preferably a series of outlet apertures 36. On the opposite side of the brush head 32 to the bristles 34 is a control switch which allows or prevents the flow of water through the brush. Alternatively, the switch could be a flow control valve which allows the operator to vary the flow rate of water through the brush.

The body 12 includes a second body aperture, in the form of an inlet 40 which is sufficiently large to be easily filled using a hose or directly from a tap. The inlet 40 is formed with a thread to receive a closure which is in the form of a manual pump 42 and the purpose of the pump 42 is to increase the pressure of the air within the body 12 by pumping air into an upper portion of the body 12 above the waterline. The pump 42 has a threaded fixed portion 44 which engages the thread on the outlet 40 and has a handle portion 46 which an operator grasps and pulls away from the body 12 and then pushes towards the body 12 in order to operate the pump. This type of pump, known as a non-return hand pump allows air to be pumped into the volume of the body 12, thereby increasing the air pressure therein, but prevents that air from escaping.

The body 12 is shaped with various advantageous features. For example, the end of the body 12 which includes the channel 22 and legs 24 also includes the inlet 40 and pump 42 and, as can be seen in figure 1, these are arranged to suggest the rear end of a dog. The body 12 is also provided with a carrying handle 48 which is located on an upper portion of the body and its location relative to the pump handle 48 allows an operator to use one hand to firmly hold the body in position whilst the other hand operates the pump handle. Immediately next to the legs 24 and pump 42 is a groove 50 which extends around the whole of body 12 and is sized to receive the hose 18 wrapped around the body for storage. Formed into a side of the body 12 is a recess 52 for receiving the bristles 34 of the brush 28 and a pair of fingers 54 which can be used to grip the brush housing 30 so as to retain the brush in engagement with the body 12 for compact storage of the apparatus 10 and convenient handling when moving the apparatus.

Operation of the apparatus 10 will now be described. When empty, the apparatus is filled by removing the pump 42 from the inlet 40 by disengaging the cooperating threads of these two components. Water from a tap is run into the inlet 40 so as to partially fill the body 12. Optionally a detergent may be added. The pump 42 is then replaced onto the inlet 40 so as to seal the body 12. The apparatus 10 is then placed into the back of a vehicle, most typically in the boot or trunk. The apparatus is now ready for use.

When an article requires cleaning the first operation is to create pressure within the body 12. This is achieved by pumping the manual pump 42. To do this the body handle 48 is grasped as is the pump handle 46 and the pump handle is moved in an in/out direction thereby pumping air into the body 12 and increasing the pressure. The hose 18 is unwound from around the groove 50 and it is lowered from the back of the vehicle down to the level of the article which is to be cleaned. With the tap 38 in a closed position no water exits the brush and so the tap is moved to an open condition which allows water to flow through the outlet apertures 38 amongst the bristles 34. Typically, when this article is a dog the bristles 34 of the brush 2 8 are used to brush the coat of the dog a downwards direction thereby encouraging mud that is trapped in the coat out of the coat and to flow towards the ground. This operation is continued until the article is suitably clean.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the apparatus can be used to clean other articles including, but

- 8 not limited to, using the apparatus to clean tools which have been used in the mixing of concrete and cement so that the cement is removed before it has a chance to set. Furthermore, the apparatus can be used in other locations than from the back of a car, such as in the house, in the garden or anywhere where applying water whilst brushing is advantageous but where a clean water supply is not readily available.

An optional additional component, not shown in the drawings, is a pressure release valve which is located in an upper portion of the body or as part of the manual pump 42 which allows the pressure within the body 12 to be released when the cleaning operation is completed if pressure remains within the tank. The bristles 34 may be formed from any suitable material but are typically formed from nylon or other plastic materials and may be provided as rubberised fingers for cleaning certain types of article. In a further alternative the outlet may be provided in a different location and an extension pipe reach from the outlet to the inside surface of the base of the body 12. The pipe will then make use of a combination of the pressure within the body and a siphoning effect to allow the water to exit the body. The apparatus described above is also capable of working with the pump not acting as a closure for the inlet 40. Instead the pump could be integrally formed into the body 12 and a single inlet/outlet 14 provided which is used to fill the body by removing the hose before filling and replacing it once filled.

Claims

1. An apparatus for assisting in the cleaning of an article, the apparatus comprising :a body defining a volume for containing a liquid and having at least one first body aperture for allowing said liquid to pass out of said volume;

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one said first body aperture, connected to said hose, is located adjacent the base of said body.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one first body aperture includes an extension pipe extending into said first volume and having an opening located adjacent a base of said body.

4. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said body further comprises at least one second body aperture in use acting as an inlet for initially receiving said liquid into said body and said apparatus further comprises a closure for said second body aperture.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said closure comprises said pump.

6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a manually operated valve associated with said brush for controlling the flow of said liquid through said brush aperture.

7. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pressure release valve for allowing air

5 under pressure to be released from said body.

8. A method of washing an article comprising the steps :at least partially filling an apparatus according to any of the preceding claims with at least one liquid;

locating said apparatus in a wheeled vehicle;

10 manually pumping said pump to increase the air pressure in said body; and applying a scrubbing action to an article to be cleaned whilst water exits the apparatus through said brush aperture.

9. An apparatus for assisting in the cleaning of an article substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the

15 accompanying drawings .

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1621505.5 Examiner: Mr Stephen Watts