Method, apparatus and kit for cleaning paint brushes

Abstract

 An apparatus for use in cleaning a brush (54) comprising a clamping frame (12) having means (26) for retaining the brush (54) and being adapted to rotate with respect to an anchoring steady (14) which serves to stabilise the rotation of the clamping frame (12).
Paint brushes (54) clamped edgewise at the ferrule cause out of balance forces when rotated, the effects of which are overcome by holding a centre cone (44) in the end of the clamping frame (12) in engagement with a ball bearing pivot (46) fixed within anchoring steady (14). The anchoring steady (14) is placed centrally within cylindrical waste collector (60) such that downward pressure of the frame (12) on the steady (14) via the hand portable electric drill (42) prevents movement of the centre of rotation within the waste collector (60) when spinning the assembly.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and kit for cleaning brushes. In particular, this invention relates to a method, apparatus and kit for spin cleaning and drying of paint brushes, say of the house painting type by spinning of the brush. More particularly, it relates to horizontal spinning about an axis perpendicular to the handle and through, for example, the narrow side of the paint brush ferrule or stock, but without limitation in these respects.

[0002] Standard house paint brushes are usually cleaned manually by working the brush in paint solvent with vigorous shaking or wiping in order to remove the diluted paint residues. The process is often repeated with final washing in detergent/water solution before further shaking or wiping to dry the brush.

[0003] This process is messy, difficult to do well and is generally inefficient, particularly in eliminating paint residues from the bristle roots. Residues so trapped at the roots where the bristles join the handle stock eventually harden leading to loss of brush flexibility. This reduces the efficiency of the brush as a paint applicator.

[0004] Many users treat paint brushes as disposable items after one usage, opting to discard them after one use rather than undertaking the messy and often time consuming task of cleaning them. This is uneconomic and wasteful.

[0005] A further problem associated with the above method is that because it is not particularly effective, excessive amounts of solvent are often used. Used solvents are often disposed of carelessly, for example down a drain or onto the ground, with potentially damaging environmental consequences.

[0006] An alternative to manually cleaning a brush involves utilising centrifugal forces to help pull paint residues from the bristles. For example, a brush can be soaked in a solvent to soften the paint before being rotated quickly using a motor. The rotation causes the softened paint residues to be flung outwards, thereby stripping the bristles of residue. The motor is often an electric hand operated drill for convenience. However, this method can also be messy. Furthermore, this technique may be difficult or even damage the motor if the brush is not rotated about its centre of gravity due to vibration and eccentric loading.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution to one or more of the above problems.

[0008] Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for use in cleaning a brush comprising a clamping frame having means for retaining the brush and being adapted to rotate with respect to an anchoring steady, which serves to stabilise the rotation of the clamping frame.

[0009] The anchoring steady provides an end abutment with which the clamping frame engages. Cvonveniently, the anchoring steady has engagement means for engaging the clamping frame. Preferably, the engagement means is adapted to allow pivotal and rotational movement of the clamping frame relative to the anchoring steady. More particularly, the engagement means may inhibit lateral movement of the clamping frame relative to the anchoring steady.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the invention sees the clamping frame comprising an aperture for retaining the brush. The clamping frame may have a number of sides, one of which may be fixed thereby forming an abutment for the brush. Preferably, the clamping frame has a pair of opposing jaws that are arranged to retain the brush. One of the opposing jaws is preferably the fixed abutment whilst the other is preferably adjustable to enable a variety of different sizes of brush to be retained. The adjustable jaw may be arranged to slide within the clamping frame. Where the second jaw is slidable within the clamping frame, it may be screw-threadedly adjustable. Additionally or alternatively, biasing means may be provided to bias the second jaw to a position whereby it grips the brush.

[0011] The biasing means, where provided, may comprise a spring or an elastomeric or resiliently deformable component.

[0012] The clamping frame is adapted for mechanical rotation, which may be accomplished by the provision of a shaft for attachment of the clamping frame to a motor, drill or the like. Additionally or alternatively, a motor may be incorporated into the clamping frame for mechanically/electrically-propelled rotation of the clamping frame relative to a handle.

[0013] Furthermore, the clamping frame may have a pivot point with which the anchoring steady engages and about which the clamping frame is arranged to rotate.

[0014] The clamping frame may be manufactured of any suitable material, including metals and plastics. Preferably also, the clamping frame is designed so that its centre of gravity lies on the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may be defined by an imaginary line passing between the shaft and pivot point, where provided.

[0015] One function of the anchoring steady is to control out of balance rotational forces. This function is accomplished by the provision of engagement and traction means on the anchoring steady.

[0016] The engagement means is adapted to engage with the clamping frame. The engagement means may comprise a "cup and cone" arrangement whereby a cup is provided on the clamping frame and a cone is provided on the anchoring steady, or vice versa. Preferably, the cup and cone are rounded to facilitate pivotal as well as rotational movement of the clamping frame relative to the anchoring steady. Most preferably, there is provided a "cup and ball" assembly whereby the cone is replaced by a freely rotating ball bearing.

[0017] The traction means may be provided by way of a resiliently deformable pad on the base of the anchoring steady. The resiliently deformable pad may be manufactured of an elastomeric material and it may have grip formations thereon.

[0018] The anchoring steady is preferably conical or tapered with the cone or ball bearing assembly located proximate or at the apex to increase its stability of the anchoring steady during use.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a brush comprising the steps of soaking the brush in solvent, retaining the brush in a clamping frame, the clamping frame having first and second ends, anchoring the first end of the clamping frame and applying a torque to the clamping frame at a location spaced from the first end to rotate brush retained thereby, wherein the first end of the clamping frame is anchored such that it can rotate and pivot substantially freely, whilst being prevented from moving laterally.

[0020] Preferably the brush is soaked in solvent for a short period before using the apparatus. A soaking period of up to 5 minutes may be required where the paint has partially dried on the brush. Additionally, the brush may be "stippled" in the solvent to work the solvent into the bristle roots.

[0021] The brush is preferably spun for up to 5 minutes to remove paint residues and solvent from the bristles, although it is envisaged that a spin period of approximately 1 minute would be sufficient in most instances.

[0022] Where the brush is particularly dirty, the method steps may be repeated a number of times if required. The method may be repeated using a detergent solution, instead of the solvent, to condition the bristles after having been cleaned.

[0023] The apparatus may also be used to spin dry the bristles of a wet brush.

[0024] A third aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts for cleaning and drying a brush comprising a clamping frame for retaining the brush whilst being rotated and an anchoring steady, wherein the clamping frame is adapted to engage the anchoring steady and comprises means for allowing substantially free pivotal and rotational movement of the clamping frame relative thereto whilst inhibiting lateral movement of the clamping frame relative thereto.

[0025] The kit of parts may additionally comprise a paint collection means and covering means to collect paint residues and solvent that is spun from the brush during use. The paint collection means may be a shallow tray and is preferably circular. The paint collection means may be manufactured of a plastics material, although any solvent resistant material may be used.

[0026] The covering means, where provided, may be a cover for the paint collection means. The covering means is preferably transparent so that the condition of the brush can be observed during use. Preferably also, the covering means has an aperture therein to allow the apparatus to be operated from outside, whilst containing paint residues and solvent.

[0027] In certain circumstances, it may be advantageous to incorporate the anchoring steady into the paint collection means. This may be accomplished by using an adhesive or by the provision of features in the paint collection means that engage with corresponding features of the anchoring steady. Accordingly, the anchoring steady may be removably engageable with the paint collection means. Alternatively, the anchoring steady may be co-moulded with the paint collection means.

[0028] A fourth aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for spin cleaning and drying of standard house paint brushes, comprises a rotating clamping frame and an anchoring steady. The clamping frame, in the form of a symmetrical enclosure, open on two sides, encompassing a parallel slot, within which a paint brush may be clamped horizontally for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the handle and also providing means of being maintained in engagement with the anchoring steady, whilst so rotating, such as to control out of balance rotational forces.

[0029] This invention aims to provide a method of removing paint / solvent residues from the bristles of a paint brush by centrifugal force derived from a rotary power source such as an electric drill. The invention may enable the process to be carried out easily and effectively. The invention may also permit close control and capture of the ejected residues, which may greatly reduce the messiness of the operation.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention aims to permit smaller quantities of solvent to be used and also aims to enable the capture of residues within a waste collection vessel such that they may safely be left to dispose of themselves by natural evaporation.

[0031] The invention may further enable the final washing and drying of the brush before re-use and may also enable removal of water from an in-use brush which has been placed in water during a break in painting.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 shows a front elevation of the apparatus;

Figure 2 shows a partial section of Figure 1 on A-A; and

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the apparatus in use.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, an apparatus 10 according to the invention is shown having a clamping frame 12 and an anchoring steady 14. The clamping frame 12 comprises a frame 16 having sides 18, a lower jaw 20 and an upper fixed face 22 defining an aperture 23. The lower jaw 20 is V-shaped 24 to accept curved or bevelled brush stocks (not shown). The sides 18 are parallel to receive an upper jaw 26, which is adapted by way of flanges 28 to slide within the clamping frame. The upper jaw 26 is also V-shaped 30 to accept curved or bevelled brush stocks (not shown).

[0034] The upper jaw 26 is adjusted relative to the lower jaw 20 by way of rotating the locknut 32. The edges of the locknut 32 engage with recesses 34 let into in the sides 18 of the clamping frame 12. The locknut 32 engages with a stud 36, which passes through an aperture 38 in the upper fixed face 22 of the frame 12. The lower end of the stud 36 engages with the upper jaw 26.

[0035] Thus, turning the locknut 32 causes the upper jaw 26 to slide up or down within the frame 16 formed by the clamping frame.

[0036] The uppermost end 39 of the spindle screw 36 is adapted to engage with a motor (not shown) or with the chuck 40 of an electric drill 42.

[0037] The lower jaw 20 of the clamping frame 12 has a recess 44 that engages with the ball bearing pivot 46 located on the anchoring steady 14. The anchoring steady 14 is conical and is manufactured of metal. The ball bearing pivot 46 is retained in the anchoring steady by the top plate 48. The anchoring steady 14 also has a rubber pad 50 on the bottom thereof, which has formations 52 thereon for gripping a surface (not shown).

[0038] Referring further to Figure 1, a sliding jaw 26 has dimensions, which allow a brush to be introduced into the slot 23 via the recess and then moved downwards, whereupon guides embodied in the sliding jaw 26 constrain it to slide laterally within the slot but prevent it rotating within the slot.

[0039] Referring again to Figure 1, a finger operated locknut 32 is shown fitted in position within the recess referred to above, thus preventing the sliding jaw 26 escaping the slot.

[0040] Figure 2 shows that the locknut 32 periphery projects beyond the width of the clamping frame 18 to permit rotation with the fingers.

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 show that a spindle screw 36 slides through the locknut end of the clamping frame 12 via a smooth entry hole, concentric with the axis of symmetry the frame 12. This entry hole 38 is extended by passing through a guide bush forming part of the clamping frame 12 body.

[0042] After passing through this entry hole, the spindle screw 36 is screwed through the locknut 32 before being mechanically fixed to the upper surface of the sliding jaw 26. The clamping face of the sliding jaw 26 has a v-shaped profile to match the v-shaped profile of the fixed jaw 20 in the frame 12 as seen in Figure 1.

[0043] It can be seen that the paint brush, clamping frame 12, sliding jaw 26 and spindle screw 32 lock together to form a substantially rigid assembly capable of being rotated as an entity with the clamping frame guide bush ensuring axial alignment.

[0044] Referring now to Figure 2, a sectional view on A-A shows a female centre cone 44 in the lower face 20 of the clamping frame 12, concentric with the axis of rotation of the frame. This female centre cone provides means of engagement between the clamping frame 12 and a ball bearing pivot 46 held in the top of the anchoring steady 14.

[0045] Turning now to Figure 3 of the drawings, a brush 54 is shown being clamped in the clamping frame 12 by tightening the stock 56 of the brush 54 between the fixed lower end 20 and the sliding engagement face 26 of the clamping frame 12. The upper end 39 of the stud 36 is clamped in the chuck 40 of a hand drill 42. The clamping frame 12 is engaged with the anchoring steady 14 using the cup and ball 44/46 arrangement previously described. The apparatus 10 is placed in a paint collection means 60, which is in this instance, a shallow tray.

[0046] The brush is rotated about the axis A using the drill 42. The operator applies a downwards pressure B to the drill 42 to prevent the cup and ball 44/46 arrangement from disengaging. The anchoring steady 14 grips the paint collection means 60 using the rubber grip 50 on the underside of the anchoring steady 14. Lateral movement C of the apparatus 10, caused by the centre of gravity not exactly corresponding with that of the axis of rotation is inhibited by the anchoring steady 14.

[0047] During use, the brush 54 is rotated and paint residues, solvent and/or detergent 62 are pulled out from the bristles 58 by the action of centrifugal force. A transparent cover 64 is used to prevent paint, solvents 62 and/or detergent from flying up towards the operator.

[0048] In use, the anchoring steady 14 is located by the user's judgement, at or near the circular centre of the bottom of a suitable circular waste collector 60, such as a large diameter bucket. The paint brush 54 to be cleaned is worked into suitable solvent and left with the handle protruding upwards out of the solvent container.

[0049] The spindle screw 36 is gripped by the shank 39 in the chuck of an electric drill 42 which preferably is battery operated for lower speeds and greater portability.

[0050] The opening between the jaws in the clamping frame 12 are sufficiently widened using locknut 32 until the clamping slot will pass over the paint brush ferrule. Lifting the paint brush upwards will now position the ferrule within the slot, where it can be gripped using the locknut 32.

[0051] The drill with clamped paint brush still in the solvent and the container are now moved to the waste vessel 60, which will usually be on the floor, whence the gripped paint brush is lifted out and lowered horizontally on to the anchoring steady 14 such that the clamping frame 12 centre cone 44 comes into engagement with the ball bearing pivot 46 as shown in Figure 3.

[0052] At this point the user is able to see that the brush is free to rotate without impacting the sides of the waste collection vessel 60. Moderate downward pressure is now applied to hold the non-slip under-surface 50 of the anchoring steady 14 in contact with the waste collection vessel 60.

[0053] Controlled acceleration up to a speed of approximately 1000 rpm, followed subsequently by deceleration to rest after spinning for 30 - 60 seconds will normally be sufficient to eject most paint residues to be collected by the side walls of the waste collector, leaving the brush ready for normal soap and water washing.

[0054] Washing can be effected without removing the brush from the clamping frame, whence manual spin drying will leave the brush dry and ready for re-use.

[0055] It may be found that moderate downward pressure of the rotating clamping frame 12 onto the ball bearing 46 prevents wandering of the centre of rotation due to out of balance centrifugal forces thus ensuring safety in operation.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in cleaning a brush comprising a clamping frame having means for retaining the brush and being adapted to rotate with respect to an anchoring steady which serves to stabilise the rotation of the clamping frame.

2. An apparatus for use in cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anchoring steady provides an end abutment with which the clamping frame engages.

3. An apparatus for use in cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein engagement means between the clamping frame and the anchoring steady is adapted to allow pivotal and rotational movement of the clamping frame relative to the anchoring steady.

4. An apparatus for use in cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 3, wherein the engagement means inhibits lateral movement of the clamping frame relative to the anchoring steady.

5. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clamping frame comprises an aperture for retaining the brush.

6. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the clamping frame has a pair of opposing jaws that are arranged to retain the brush.

7. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 6, wherein one of the opposing jaws is fixed and the other is slidably adjustable to enable a variety of brushes to be retained.

8. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 7, wherein the slidably adjustable jaw is screw-threadedly adjustable.

9. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8, further comprising biasing means to bias the jaws to a position whereby they grips a brush.

10. An apparatus for cleaning and drying a brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the clamping frame further comprises a shaft for attachment of the clamping frame to a motor, drill or the like.

11. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the clamping frame has a pivot point with which the anchoring steady engages and about which the clamping frame is arranged to rotate.

12. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 11, wherein the centre of gravity of the clamping frame lies on the axis of rotation defined by an imaginary line passing between the shaft and pivot point.

13. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the engagement means comprises a cup and cone arrangement.

14. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cup and cone are rounded to facilitate pivotal as well as rotational movement of the clamping frame relative to the anchoring steady.

15. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the engagement means comprises a cup and ball bearing arrangement.

16. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising traction means on the base of the anchoring steady.

17. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 16, wherein the traction means is a resiliently deformable pad.

18. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 17, wherein the resiliently deformable pad may be manufactured of an elastomeric material.

19. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein resiliently deformable pad has grip formations thereon.

20. An apparatus for cleaning a brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the anchoring steady is conical or tapered with the cone or ball bearing assembly located proximate to or at the apex to increase its stability of the anchoring steady during use.

21. A method of cleaning a brush comprising the steps of soaking the brush in solvent, retaining the brush in a clamping frame, the clamping frame having first and second ends, anchoring the first end of the clamping frame and applying a torque to the clamping frame at a location spaced from the first end to rotate brush retained thereby, wherein the first end of the clamping frame is anchored such that it can rotate and pivot substantially freely, whilst being prevented from moving laterally.

22. A method of cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 21, wherein the anchoring steady allows the clamping frame to rotate and pivot.

23. A method of cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 21, wherein the torque is applied at the second end of the clamping frame.

24. A method of cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the clamping frame is rotated at a speed of approximately 1000 revolutions per minute

25. A method of cleaning a brush as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the clamping frame is allowed to decelerate to rest after spinning for between 30 and 60 seconds

26. A method of cleaning a brush as claimed in any of claims 21 to 25, further comprising the step of conditioning the brush in a detergent solution.

27. A method of cleaning a brush as claimed in any of claims 21 to 26, further comprising the step of spinning the clamping frame with a brush retained thereby to dry the brush.

28. A kit of parts for cleaning a brush comprising a clamping frame for retaining the brush whilst being rotated and an anchoring steady, wherein the clamping frame is adapted to engage the anchoring steady and comprises means for allowing substantially free pivotal and rotational movement of the clamping frame relative thereto whilst inhibiting lateral movement of the clamping frame relative thereto.

29. A kit of parts for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 28, further comprising a paint collection means.

30. A kit of parts for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, further comprising a covering means for the paint collection means.

31. A kit of parts for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 30, wherein the covering means is transparent.

32. A kit of parts for cleaning a brush as claimed in claim 30, wherein the covering means is translucent.

33. A kit of parts for cleaning a brush as claimed in any of claims 29 to 32, wherein the anchoring steady is integrally formed with the paint collection means.

34. A kit of parts for cleaning a brush as claimed in any of claims 29 or claim 30, wherein the anchoring steady or paint collection means have formations that enable the anchoring steady to be detachably engaged with the paint collection means.

35. An apparatus for spin cleaning of standard house paint brushes, comprises a rotating clamping frame and an anchoring steady. The clamping frame, in the form of a symmetrical enclosure, open on two sides, encompassing a parallel slot, within which a paint brush may be clamped horizontally for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the handle and also providing means of being maintained in engagement with the anchoring steady, whilst so rotating, such as to control out of balance rotational forces.

36. An apparatus for cleaning a brush substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of cleaning a brush substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

38. A kit of parts for cleaning a brush substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

39. An apparatus for spin cleaning of standard house paintbrushes substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Drawing