US3599264A

US3599264A - Laminated rotary brush apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3599264A
Application number: US847087A
Authority: US
Inventors: Courtland N Smith Jr; Edward L Verhagen
Original assignee: SHERMAN CAR WASH EQUIP CO
Current assignee: Sherman Car Wash Equipment Co; SHERMAN CAR WASH EQUIP CO
Priority date: 1969-08-04
Filing date: 1969-08-04
Publication date: 1971-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-17
Also published as: DE2038531A1; GB1313001A

Abstract

A laminated rotary brush is disclosed wherein bristle tufts are coupled to individual identically formed disk members, the disk members being stacked on a common shaft to define a cylindrical brush. Axially extending detent portions interconnect adjacent disk members to preclude relative rotation therebetween, but permit positioning of adjacent disk members in a plurality of selectable relative angular positions, such positions providing, selectively, a brush with axially aligned or angularly offset bristles. The disk members, in one form of the invention, include a hub portion provided with angularly spaced keyways, whereby the keyways of the individual disk members may be aligned for securement to a common shaft-engaging key, regardless of the selected alignment of the bristles.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventors Courtland N. Smith,.lr.

Glen Ridge; Edward L. Verhagen, Rahway, both of, NJ. [21 Appl. No. 847,087 [22] Filed Aug. 4, X969 [45] Patented Aug. 17,1971 [73 Assignee Sherman Car Wash Equipment Co.

Palmyra, J-

[54] LAMINATED ROTARY BRUSH APPARATUS 5 Claims, [2 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl l5/l8l, 15/194, 15/195 [51] lnt.Cl A46b 3/16, A46b 9/02 [50] FleldoiSearch l5/18l. 182, 223. 194, 195, 198; 29/125; 51/207; 241/295 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 553.402 H1896 Goulding& Kemble l5/l 8| 776,796 12/1904 Perkins 29/125 X 2,465,376 3/1949 Hooper 29/125 X 3,274,634 9/1966 Godfrey 15/181 X FOREIGN PATENTS 959,657 10/1949 France 15/181 948, 8 55 9/1956 Germany 15/181 Primary Examiner-Walter A. Scheel Assistant Examiner-Alan l. Cantor Attorney-Seidel, Gonda & Goldhammer ABSTRACT: A laminated rotary brush is disclosed wherein bristle tufts are coupled to individual identically formed disk members, the disk members being stacked on a common shaft to define a cylindrical brush. Axially extending detent portions interconnect adjacent disk members to preclude relative rotation therebetwee n, but permit positioning of adjacent disk members in a plurality of selectable relative angular positions, such positions providing, selectively, a brush with axially aligned or angularly offset bristles. The disk members, in one form of the invention, include a hub portion provided with angularly spaced keyways, whereby the keyways of the individual disk members may be aligned for securement to a common shaft-engaging key, regardless of the selected alignment of the bristles.

PATENTEU Am; 7 lHYl 599.264

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PATENTEUAUGIYIHYI 3,599,264

SHEET 2 BF 3 I Has F/6Z5 56 INVENTOR COURTLAND N. SMITH, JR. EDWARD L. l/E'RHAGEN BY WM ,6

A T TOR/VETS.

PATENTED nus: nan 3,599 254 sum 3 [IF 3 IN VE N TORS COURTLAND N. SMITH, JR. EDWARD L. VERHAGEN ATTORIVEKS.

LAMINATED ROTARY BRUSH APPARATUS This invention relates to rotary brush apparatus, and more particularly, to laminated rotary brush apparatus capable of providing a brush having selectively, axially aligned or angularly offset bristles.

Elongated rotary brushes have wide commercial utility. For example, elongated rotary brushes are widely used in carwashing apparatus.

Elongated rotary brushes have heretofore been made, in some instances, with laminated" construction. In such a construction, the elongated brush is built up of individual coaxial brush elements, stacked on a common shaft. Each brush element, in the usual construction, includes a disk adapted for reception on a shaft, and individual bristle tufts Coupled to the disk at spaced points about its periphery.

In apparatus in accordance with the present invention, the location and distribution of bristle tufts on the outer periphery of the brush can be made as desired, and selectively altered. Numerous selectable bristle configurations may be obtained. For example, the present apparatus may be constructed with 'bristle tufts on adjacent brush elements in axial alignment. On

the other hand, if desired, the bristle tufts of adjacent brush elements may be angularly offset from each other by a predetermined selectable increment of arc. A brush may be constructed wherein corresponding bristles on each adjacent brush element are offset in opposite directions to form a zigzag bristle pattern. Other bristle patterns are also obtainable. By properly selecting the number and location of bristles and angular offset between adjacent brush elements, spiral bristle configurations may be obtained.

In a preferred form of the invention, each disk can accommodate up. to 12 bristle-fonning members, each member providing two bristle tufts. By choosing a bristle configuration calling for fewer bristle forming members per disk, brushes having various bristle densities may be made. Also, selective positioning of bristle forming members provides a means whereby the brush may be selectively statically and dynamically balanced.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this invention to provide laminated rotary brush apparatus.

It is another object of this invention to provide laminated rotary brush apparatus wherein individual brush elements may be arranged to provide a variety of bristle configurations.

It is still another object of this invention to provide laminated rotary brush apparatus wherein disk members comprising a part of individual side-by-side brush elements may be placed in selectable fixed angular dispositions with respect to each other, and coupled to a shaft for rotation in unison therewith.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide laminated rotary brush apparatus wherein individual brush elements comprise disk members and bristle-forming members coupled to the disk members at selected angularly spaced positions thereon.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The foregoing and other objects are realized in one presently preferred form of the invention by apparatus wherein individual brush elements comprise disk members and bristle-forming members coupled to the disk members at spaced peripheral points thereon. Means are provided on the disk members for coupling adjacent disk members in a plurality of selectable fixed angular dispositions with respect to each other, and second means are provided on such disk members for coupling the brush elements for rotation in unison with the shaft.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away, showing a brush in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view showing a portion of a brush in accordance with the invention.

member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the disk member shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Iine S- Sin FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 2.

' FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 77 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an element of a bristle-form ing member in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate the various selectable relative angular dispositions of adjacent disk members in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a representative brush, in accordance with the invention.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is seen a rotary brush designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The brush 10 includes a plurality of individual brush elements, for example the

brush elements

12', 14 and 16, stacked in side-by-side relation on a central shaft 18. The brush elements, of which the

elements

12, 14 and 16 are typical, each comprise a disk member, designated generally by the reference numeral 20, and bristle-forming members, designated generally by the reference numeral 22, coupled to the disk member 20 at peripherally spaced points thereon. Cover plates 24 are coupled to the shaft 18 at opposite sides of the stack of brush elements 12, l4, 16, etc. The

brush elements

12, 14, 16 rotate in unison with the'shaft 18. For this purpose, shaft 18 includes a keyway 26, within which an elongated key 28 may be received. The key 28 may contact each of the disk members 20 to preclude relative rotation between the disk members 20 and the shaft 18.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, there is seen a form of disk member 20 which is presently preferred. The disk member 20 includes a hub portion 30 having a central bore 32 therein. The disk member 20 also includes a rim portion designated generally by the reference numeral 34 and spoke members 36, extending radially between the hub portion 30 and rim portion 34.

In the illustrated embodiment, angularly spaced

keyways

38 and 40 are provided in the bore 32. The

keyways

38 and 40 are selectively engageable with the key 28, and serve to couple the disk member 20 to the shaft 18 for rotation therewith. The

keyways

38 and 40 are angularly offset from each other by an are a, for a purpose which will be made apparent.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the rim portion 34 includes a series of outwardly directed sockets 42, located at spaced intervals around the periphery of the rim portion 34. In the illustrated embodiment, one socket 42 is disposed between each pair of spoke members 36.

The socket members 42 receive and retain the bristle-forming members 22. As is best seen in FIG. 2, each bristle-forming member 22 comprises a bundle of bristle elements 46, interconnected by a clip 48. Although referred to generically as bristle" elements, the elements 46 can be made from a wide variety of materials. For example, the bristle elements 46 can be flexible strands of extruded plastic polymeric material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

The clips 48, when in an operative configuration, provide a pair of cylindrical portions 50, interconnected by a saddlelike bight portion 52. Individual bristle elements 46 are continuous, and retained by the clip 48 in generally U-shaped configuration. The bristle elements 46 pass through the respective cylindrical portions 50, and have bight portions thereof received in the bight portion 52 of the clip 48. The operative association of the bristle elements 46 and clip 48 results in an exceedingly strong construction for the bristle-forming member 22, and also permits exceedingly rapid construction of the brush 10, as will be explained later.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is seen a clip 48, as provided prior to final assembly of the bristle-forming members 22. The cylindrical portions 50 are in an open configuration, to receive the bristle elements 46. During manufacture, the bristle elements 46 may be placed in the open channels defined by the cylindrical portions 50. Next, the cylindrical portions 50 may be swaged to fonn the finished cylindrical configuration. Next, the clip 48 may be bent to the generally U-shaped operative configuration seen in FIG. 2.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the sockets 42 comprise channel portions 54, spaced from each other, and extending generally parallel to a radius of the disk member 20. Channel portions 54 include restricted outlet portions 56 in communication with the outer periphery of the disk member 20. Channel portions 54 are of sufficient transverse dimension to receive the cylindrical portions 50 in press-fitted relation. The outlet portions 56, however, are of smaller transverse dimension than the channel portions 54. The outlet portions 56 are sufficiently large to provide for passage of the bristle elements 46 therethrough, but are smaller in transverse dimension than the cylindrical portions 50. The outlet portions 56 resist thrust from the cylindrical portions 50 in a direction radially outwardly with respect to the disk member 20. Such forces may be generated by centrifugal force upon rotation of the brush 10, or by snagging of bristle elements 46 with a brushed object.

The bight portion 52 of the clip 48 serves to cradle the bristle elements 46, and minimize stress on the elements 46 due to snagging. Thus, the above-described construction of the bristle-forming member 22 tends to diminish the risk of tearing or stretching of the bristles due to snagging.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the clip 48 may be provided with protruding claw portions 58 to insure snug engagement of the cylindrical portions 50 with the channel portions 54. As is best seen in FIG. 7, the claw portions 58 may actually dig into the sides of the channel portion 54.

The means whereby the adjacent disk members 20 of the brush 10 may be positioned in a plurality of selectable relative angular positions will now be described in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, detent means designated generally by the reference numerals 60 are provided on opposite faces of the disk members 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent means 60 takes the form of axially extending

pins

62, 64, 66 and 68, located at equally spaced intervals around the rim portion 34 on one face of the disk member 20. The pins 60 to 68 are best seen in FIG. 2. The detent means 60 also includes on the other face of the disk member series of openings designated generally 70, 72, 74 and 76, spaced to receive the pins 62 to 68 of an adjacent disk member 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each series 70 to 76 includes three spaced openings, designated for convenience, A, B, and C. Thus, for example, the series 70 includes

openings

70A, 70B, and 70C. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 62 is located in axial alignment with the opening 70B; the pin 64 in axial alignment with the opening 76B; the pin 66 in axial alignment with the opening 748; and the pin 68 in axial alignment with the opening 728. I

The openings labeled A and C of each series 70 to 76 are offset from the opening B of that series by equal increments of arc, such increment being the are [3. The are a differs from a semicircular are by an amount equal to are [3.

FIGS. 9 to II illustrate the manner in which the detent means 60 permit assembly of adjacent disk members 20 to provide a variety of selectable bristle configurations. Although the sockets 42 and bristle-forming members 22 are omitted for clarity in FIGS. 9 to 11, it should be understood that each of the disk members 20 are of similar construction, each having the same number of sockets 42 arranged in similar spacing around their respective rim portions 34.

In FIG. 9, the disk members 20 and 20' are arranged for assembly to provide axially aligned bristles. The pin 62 bristleforming in alignment with the opening 708. Similarly, the pins 64 to 68, not shown, are aligned with the B openings of the series 72 to 76. The

keyways

38 and 40 of the disk member 20 are also aligned with corresponding keyways 38' and 40' on disk member 20'.

In FIG. 10, the disk members 20 and 20' are shown in an angularly offset position, wherein the sockets 42 and bristleforming members associated with the respective disk members 20, 20' are angularly offset with respect to each other. In this figure, the disk member 20' has been rotated so that the pin 62 on the disk member 20 is aligned with the opening 74A. Similarly, the pins 64 to 68 are aligned with the A openings of the

series

76, 70 and 72, respectively. In FIG. 10, the keyway 38 of the disk member 20 is not in alignment with the keyway 40' of disk member 20'. The keyway 40, however, is in alignment with keyway 38' on the disk member 20'. Thus, the keyways 40, 38' afford a means for coupling the disks 20 and 20' to a key such as the above-described key 28, for rotation in unison with a shaft. Assembly of the disk members 20 and 20' as shown in FIG. 10 results in offset of the sockets 42 on the respective disk members by onehalf the are defined by each socket. Bristles associated with the respective disk members 20 and 20' are angularly offset with respect to each other in the manner best seen in FIG. 12.

FIG. II illustrates an alternative arrangement for achieving an angularly offset bristle pattern. In FIG. 1 I, the pin 62 is in alignment with opening 74C, and the pins 64 to 68 are in alignment with the C openings of the

series

76, 70 and 72 respectively. In the arrangement in FIG. 11, the keyway 38 on the disk member 20 is in alignment with the keyway 40' on disk member 20'. The keyway 40 is not, however, in alignment with the keyway 38'.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that numerous selectable bristle configurations are obtainable. In the illustrated form of the invention, the disk member 20 is provided with 12 sockets 42. If bristle-forming members 22 are associated only with selected sockets, for example in alternate sockets or every third socket on each disk, and the disks are arranged as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, various spiral bristle configurations can be obtained. Also, various balancing effects can be obtained.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, further details of the disk members 20 in accordance with the present invention are shown. The rim portion 34 includes an axially extending annular flange 78 extending from one of its faces. A second flange 80 projects from the other face of the disk member 20. The flange 80 is discontinuous, it being interrupted at spaced intervals by the outlet portions 56. An annular groove 82, also discontinuous, is disposed just radially inwardly from the flange 80. The groove 82 is in axial alignment with the flange 78. Thus, as is apparent from FIG. 5, the disk members 20 may be assembled in side-by-side relation, with the flange 78 of one disk member nested within the groove 82 of the disk member adjacent to it. Referring to FIG. 5, the flange 78 of the disk member 20 in phantom nests within the groove 82 of the disk member 20 shown in full line. The pin 62 mates with one of the openings, not numbered, in the disk member 20 shown in phantom line.

The interengaged flange 80 and annular groove 82 provide a reinforced, interlocked structure, effective to distribute stresses between adjacent disks.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.

lclaim:

1. In rotary brush apparatus comprising a shaft and a plurality of individual brush elements coaxial with said shaft, each of said brush elements comprising a disk member having spaced sockets about its periphery and bristle-forming members receivable in said sockets, first index means on said disk members for coupling adjacent disk members in a plurality of selectable fixed angular dispositions with respect to each other, and second index means on said disk members for coupling said brush elements to said shaft for rotation in unison therewith, the second index means of each disk member being so disposed with respect to the first index means of such disk member as to permit axial alignment of the second index means of such disk member with the second index means of disk members adjacent thereto in each of the selectable relative angular dispositions between such disk member and the disk members adjacent thereto, whereby said brush elements define selectively a brush having axially aligned or angularly offset bristles.

2. ln rotary brush apparatus in accordance with claim 1, said first index means comprising a plurality of axially extending detent members angularly offset from each other by an arc of a given magnitude, said disk members having central bores therein for receiving the shaft, said second index means comprising a pair of shaft-engaging elements disposed in said central bore, said shaft-engaging elements being offset from each other by an arc having a magnitude differing from a semicircular are by an arc of said given magnitude.

3. ln rotary brush apparatus in accordance with claim 2, said first index means comprising a central detent member and a pair of supplemental detent members disposed on opposite sides of said central detent member and spaced therefrom by arcs of said given magnitude, so that adjacent disk members can be coupled to each other in three selectable angular dispositions with respect to each other, the shaft-engaging elements on said adjacent disk members being axially alignable in each of said selectable angular dispositions.

4. ln rotary brush apparatus in accordance with claim 3, said central and supplemental detent members comprising a central opening and radially spaced supplemental openings in first corresponding faces of said disk members, said central opening and said supplemental openings being equally distant from a central axis of said disk members, and pin elements extending from second corresponding faces of said disk members in axial alignment with said central openings, said pin elements being selectively engageable with the central and supplemental openings of an adjacent disk member.

5. ln rotary brush apparatus in accordance with claim 4, said shaft-engaging elements comprising axially extending keyway portions, first corresponding keyway portions on adjacent disk members being in axial alignment when the pin element of one of said disk members is in engagement with the central opening and one of the supplemental openings of an adjacent disk member, second corresponding keyway portions being in axial alignment when the pin element of said one disk member is in engagement with the other supplemental opening of said adjacent disk member.

Claims

2. In rotary brush apparatus in accordance with claim 1, said first index means comprising a plurality of axially extending detent members angularly offset from each other by an arc of a given magnitude, said disk members having central bores therein for receiving the shaft, said second index means comprising a pair of shaft-engaging elements disposed in said central bore, said shaft-engaging elements being offset from each other by an arc having a magnitude differing from a semicircular arc by an arc of said given magnitude.

3. In rotary brush apparatus in accordance with claim 2, said first index means comprising a central detent member and a pair of supplemental detent members disposed on opposite sides of said central detent member and spaced therefrom by arcs of said given magnitude, so that adjacent disk members can be coupled to each other in three selectable angular dispositions with respect to each other, the shaft-engaging elements on said adjacent disk members being axially alignable in each of said selectable angular dispositions.

4. In rotary brush apparatus in accordance with claim 3, said central and supplemental detent members comprising a central opening and radially spaced supplemental openings in first corresponding faces of said disk members, said central opening and said supplemental openings being equally distant from a central axis of said disk members, and pin elements extending from second corresponding faces of said disk members in axial alignment with said central openings, said pin elements being selectively engageable with the central and supplemental openings of an adjacent diSk member.

5. In rotary brush apparatus in accordance with claim 4, said shaft-engaging elements comprising axially extending keyway portions, first corresponding keyway portions on adjacent disk members being in axial alignment when the pin element of one of said disk members is in engagement with the central opening and one of the supplemental openings of an adjacent disk member, second corresponding keyway portions being in axial alignment when the pin element of said one disk member is in engagement with the other supplemental opening of said adjacent disk member.