A BRUSH CAP FITTED WITH A LIQUID CONTAINER FOR CLEANING AND/OR LUBRICATION OF A CHAIN AND SPECIFICALLY A DRIVE CHAIN

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to cleaning and maintaining chains in general, and specifically the cleaning and maintenance of the drive chain of a bicycle or other vehicles using a drive chain.

More particularly, the invention relates to a brush cap element for cleaning at least two sides of a drive chain simultaneously and optionally for cleaning parts that are generally difficult to access on bicycles or similar means of transport.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The drive chain and related components used to transmit power from a vehicle such as a bicycle to the drive wheel are often exposed to the outside environment and varying weather conditions. As a result, dirt and grit build up between the links of the chain and the lubricating oil with which the chain is coated. Such grit and grime thus promote accelerated wear of the chain, reducing its performance and durability.

It is therefore essential to maintain the drive chain sufficiently and regularly.

According to the current state of the art, three different methods are very often used to clean the drive chain: a) With a regular toothbrush or wire brush in combination with a potent degreasing/cleaning liquid. First, the degreasing liquid is applied by either spraying it on the chain with an aerosol or using it to the chain with a separate brush.

Then vigorously rub back and forth on all sides of the chain with the toothbrush or wire brush, respectively. b) Either the chain is passed several times through a particular container filled with degreasing/cleaning fluid. Rotating brushes in the container would loosen the dirt from the chain. c) The chain can also be removed entirely from the bicycle and wholly immersed in a degreaser to be brushed and then mounted back on the bike. Finally, in all three cases, the chain should always be rinsed afterward with a water jet (for example, a garden hose) to remove all loosened dirt.

After drying, the chain can then be provided with a fresh lubricant such as oil or wax.

However, all these procedures are time-consuming, cumbersome, often inconvenient, and not always efficient.

In addition, large quantities of solvents/cleaning agents are used, which places an unnecessary burden on the environment and significantly increases the economic cost.

Various inventions for cleaning bicycle chains have been described in the prior art.

Some examples of cleaning devices are described in the following patents:

The first example of a cleaning device is the "Bicycle chain cleaner fitted on a spray can of cleaning and lubricating solution", Patent Application Publication February 10, 2005 - US 2005/0031399 Al, describing a 2-part housing a spraying member and some brushes. By moving this housing over the chain, the chain is cleaned by the rotating brushes and cleaned simultaneously. However, this solution is inconvenient in practice, and the chain sometimes gets stuck.

A second example of a cleaning device is the "Adjustable drive train and component cleaner brush", Patent Application Publication April 24, 2003 US2003/0075202, here a brush is provided in a U-shape where the brushes are removable, in itself a handy tool but only to use as a brush; the cleaning and/or lubricating fluids must be applied separately.

Other documents, such as US 1,189,505 A and US 4,783,186 A disclose cleaning brushes with removable cleaning liquid/aerosol containers. However, the former relates to a tooth brush, and provides for no way to ensure that the cleaning liquid is applied at the right location, aside from the obvious stark difference in technical field. The latter provides for a chain cleaning device, where however the cleaning liquid is provided at an improper position to ensure full and reliable cleaning.

It would amongst others be advantageous to provide a handy brush that in one and the same movement can supply the chain with the correctly dosed amount of cleaning fluid or lubricant and, moreover, in one and the same movement can effectively and quickly remove all dirt and grit from between the links. It would further be an advantage if the brush can be operated in a simple manner and where the liquid container can be easily fitted and replaced. Finally, it would be another benefit if the cleaning brushes could be easily replaced when worn out. All this would be enormously time-saving and at the same time economically and environmentally responsible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a brush cap element for cleaning chains, specifically for cleaning drive chains and components on vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, or similar vehicles.

A C-shaped brush cap element with two or three brush elements forms a cap in which a liquid container can be arranged, the combination of brush cap element and container herein forming a chain brush.

As a result of this, the liquid container can be arranged in the brush cap element via a rotating movement, resulting in a watertight connection. The liquid container is made of flexible plastic and acts as a handle at the same time. By exerting light pressure on the container, cleaning liquid or lubricant from the container can be applied to at least 1 of the brush elements. In addition, the flexible properties, shape, and dimensions of the container in the form of the handle contribute to gripping comfort and keep the user's hands safely away from the chain.

A brush element can be arranged in each brush holder. In the C-shaped arrangement, at least 2 brush elements are set with the bristles facing each other, wherein the tips of the bristles of the respective brush elements are preferably a maximum of 1 mm apart.

The breast elements are replaceable but are held in place during operation via a click system. However, this can also be another system with a more permanent character.

The brush cap element is also equipped with a channel that can transfer the liquid from the liquid container to the brushes themselves. At least one channel/brush base opening is provided for this in the brush cap element and brush element.

Brush elements can be provided with different brush sizes and configurations, depending on the user's specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the brush cap element's brush elements are a plurality of short, not too hard, nylon or polypropylene, or other bristles.

In a preferred embodiment, the brushes have the following properties:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the brush cap element in combination with a liquid container.

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the brush cap element in combination with a liquid container.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective sectional view of the brush cap element without liquid container.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the brush elements.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the brush elements.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the brush cap element in combination with a liquid container and lining part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an adjustable brush for cleaning a drive chain of, for instance, a bicycle. The invention makes it possible to clean or lubricate such a chain without removing it from the vehicle. The invention further provides a convenient means for cleaning components that are difficult to access with an ordinary brush as part of bicycles and similar vehicles.

Parts overview:

1. Brush cap element: this is the whole of the invention in which brush elements 3 are provided and the liquid container 5 is arranged.

2. Brush holders: these are the parts in which the brush elements 3 can be secured

3. Brush elements: these are the parts in which the brushes 4 are fitted.

4. Brushes: this is the set of bristles that are used to rub the chain.

5. Liquid container: this contains the liquid to treat the chain. This can also be called a squeeze bottle and is also the handle. It is provided with an external thread with which it can be screwed into the brush cap element 1.

6. Liquid container holder: This holder supports the liquid container 5 on the outside so that the threaded part is not overloaded.

7. Thickened section: This serves to guide the chain better and prevent it from snagging on the connecting bridge. 8. Click element: this has the function of holding the brush elements 3 in the brush holders 2

9. Hook: this has the function of hanging the brush cap element 1 on the edge of, for example, a cleaning bucket.

10. Brush base channel in the brush holders 2: This is where the liquid is forced from the liquid container 5 via the channel 11 and the channel opening 13 onto the brushes.

11. Channel: this is the tube between the outlet in the liquid container 5 and the channel opening 13

12. Female thread: this is the thread in the brush cap element 1 to screw the fluid container 5 into

13. Channel opening: this is the end of the channel 11, and it allows the liquid to flow out under a defined pressure

14. Connecting bridge: this connects the brush holders 2

15. Connecting piece: this is the piece between the liquid container holder 6 and the brush holders 2

16. Deformable component or lining, preferably a silicon part: the brush cap element 1 has a deformable lining that connect the container 5 and the brush base channel 10. The purpose is to block the liquid of the container 5 from flowing when the device isn't used so the liquid does not leak.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a brush cap element for cleaning a chain, preferably a drive chain, and specifically that of a bicycle or similar transportation devices such as a scooter, motorcycle, etc. The brush cap element comprises at least one C-shaped element provided with at least two oppositely positioned brush holders connected by a connecting bridge. The brush holders are provided with one or more removable brush elements for each brush holder. The brush cap element further comprises a container holder for mounting a liquid or aerosol container therein. Preferably, the brush cap element is provided with such a container, which can be removably mounted in the container holder.

The brush elements are provided with brushes comprising bundled fibers. At least one channel is provided between the container holder and a channel opening on at least one of the brush holders, with the channel opening being on the side of the brush holder facing the oppositely positioned brush holder. The channel allows passage of a liquid from a container mounted in the container holder to the channel opening of the brush holder. The brush elements comprise a brush base, said brush base being configured to be removably mountable in the brush holders. Preferably this is accomplished through a snap-fit connection or another retention system, ensuring a fixed position of the brush element in the brush holder, as exemplified in the figures. The brushes are positioned on one side of the brush base, generally extending in a single direction. The brush base comprises a brush base channel extending from a first opening on the side with the brushes, to a second opening on another side, preferably the opposite side. The second opening is positioned to align with the channel opening on the brush holder when the brush element is mounted in the brush holder.

The container holder is further adapted or configured for dispensing liquid from the liquid container upon exertion of pressure on the liquid container relative to the container holder. This can be accomplished depending on the type of container, for instance in the case of a aerosol type container, by providing a relatively movable position to the container holder in view of a stationary part that can open a valve of the container when pressed against the container (or vice versa, providing for a movable part on brush cap element that can be moved with respect to the container holder, opening a valve when pressed against the container). Other options of course exist, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed herein.

In a preferred embodiment, a channel from the container holder is only provided to one of the brush holders (or to one side of the set of oppositely positioned brush holders), and not to the brush holder(s) on the opposite side of the C-shaped element. This allows a simpler design of the system, increases the pressure with which the cleaning liquid/gas is dispersed through the channel, and thus onto the chain, and a more robust apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the first opening is substantially centrally positioned with respect to the brushes on the brush base. By doing so, it is ensured that the dispensed liquid or gas is distributed optimally among the brushes, and is most efficiently applied to the chain that is cleaned. More importantly even, by positioning the first opening, from which the cleaning liquid or gas is dispensed, centrally, it also creates a 'passage' between the brushes (which are positioned around the first opening), ensuring that the liquid/gas is sprayed onto either the brushes on the other side or onto the chain that is cleaned. In prior art models, the spray is often provided laterally, but can be obstructed by the brushes, thus keeping the spray mainly at the perimeter of the 'bush' of brushes, while the chain will generally be cleaned with a more central part of the brushes.

In a preferred embodiment, the channel opening on the brush holder has a smaller cross-section than at least part of the channel, prefereably than all of the channel. It should be noted that this adaptation may alternatively (or additionally) be applied to the first opening and the brush base channel. By doing so, it is possible to ensure a good dispersal of the cleaning liquid/gas upon exiting the brush base/brush holder, and creating a diverging 'cone' of cleaning liquid/gas, instead of a straightforward jet. The diverging cone allows the surround brushes to be coated with a more diffuse liquid/gas cover, so as to improve coverage thereof and thus a more efficient cleaning of the chains (instead of using a limited set of brushes which are drenched with the liquid/gas).

In a preferred embodiment, the brush base channel has a larger cross-section than the channel opening of the brush holder. This ensures that the spray dispensed from the channel openings does not (or in small amounts) touch the walls of the brush base channel, to achieve maximal volume and dispersal speed. The ratio of the cross-sections is preferably at least 1.5, more preferably at least 1.75. The present feature combines efficiently with the feature of the reduced cross-section at the channel opening in view of the preceding channel, as this creates a dispersed spray and thus needs a broader path in front of it.

In certain embodiments, multiple channel openings can be provided at one or both brush holders, spatially separated from each other, each channel opening leading back to the container holder (preferably with the channel splitting from the container holder to the channel openings, although multiple entirely separate channels are equally possible though less preferred). This allows for a more spread provision of the cleaning liquid on the brush holder, and consequentially to the brush elements and brushes.

In such a case, multiple brush elements can be provided with one or more brush base channels, or a single brush element with multiple brush base channels.

In another variation, the brush holder can comprise one (or more) channels, and be provided with one or more brush elements where the brush base channels split from the second opening into multiple subchannels ending in multiple first openings on the side with the brushes.

In a preferred embodiment, the channel is provided with a deformable component, preferably in the form of a lining in the channel, such as a silicon part. The deformable component preferably comprises an internal channel leading up to a deformable opening, said deformable opening positioned at the location of the channel opening, and said internal channel lining up with the dispensing opening of the container. Said deformable opening is configured to remain substantially closed under normal conditions (when at rest, or below a certain threshold pressure). When the container is actuated to dispense fluid/gas into the channel, and thus into the internal channel of the lining, the pressure on the lining causes the deformable opening to open, thereby allowing passage of the liquid/gas, to the channel opening.

In a variation, the channel is provided with a deformable component, for instance in the form of a silicon part, which silicon part is shaped to block the channel opening with a blocking means in a resting state (below a certain treshold pressure). When the container is actuated to dispense fluid/gas into the channel, the fluid/gas exerts a pressure on the deformable component (preferably directly on the blocking means), which deformable component is configured to displace the blocking means away from the channel opening when the pressure thereon exceeds the treshold pressure, thereby effectively opening the passage for the liquid/gas to the brush holder/brush element/brush base channel. The deformable component can be further shaped to allow passage of the liquid/gas up to the blocking means, and can be shaped (partly) as a liner for the channel (for instance U-shape, conforming to part of the channel wall).

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting bridge comprises an opening, preferably centrally on the connecting bridge and extending therethrough from the space between the brush holds. The opening is preferably perpendicular to the connecting bridge. The opening allows massed fluids/gas to drain away after use, simplifies cleaning the apparatus and provides for a view for the user to see if the chain is not positioned to deeply when cleaning (so that the chain is not positioned past the brushes).

In a preferred embodiment, the brushes are positioned substantially perpendicular to the brush base and substantially parallel to the brush base channel. This ensures that a free pathway is created straight from the first opening of the brush base, allowing a jet or spray of cleaning liquid/gas to reach the brushes of the brush holder on the opposite side, and not limit the dispersal to the bases of the brushes on the brush holder from which the liquid is dispensed.

In a preferred embodiment, the brushes of the brush holder are positioned around the first opening of said brush holder, defining a substantially free path between the brushes extending from the opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting bridge centrally comprises a protruding thickened section, protruding partly into the space between the brush holders and extending over at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, of the distance between the brush holders. The distance from said thickened section to an axis parallel to the connecting bridge and extending through the channel opening lies between about 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm, preferably between about 1.2 mm and 2.4 mm. The thickened section may stretch all the way between the brush holders, but is preferably limited, leaving a gap at both ends, with which the brush elements can be more efficiently held in the brush holders. This is for instance shown in Fig. 3, where the brush bases extend into said gaps.

The distance between the thickened section to the mentioned axis is chosen as to provide for an optimal positioning of the chain. Standard bicycle drive chains have a thickness between 2.4 mm and 4.8 mm. Under the proposed dimensions, even when the chain is positioned up to the thickened section, it is ensured that the chains are generally in the range of the 'prime' jet or spray of the cleaning liquid/gas. The thickened section is preferably rounded to prevent the chain from snagging on it, or on the connecting bridge.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid container fulfills the function of a handle and can be arranged in the brush cap element, preferably by means of a screw movement and/or a clamp system and/or click system.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with additional pressure elements to be able to exert pressure on the container. More specifically, these additional pressure elements can be in the form of a spring-biased valve with a stem or other manipulation means which can interact with the rest of the brush cap element, in order to depress the stem or manipulation means and open the valve. Alternatively, the container may simply be deformable, allowing a user to squeeze it, thereby dispensing liquid/gas from it.

In a preferred embodiment, the free ends of the brushes on opposite brush holders are spaced a maximum of 2.0 mm apart, and preferably are positioned so that the free ends touch exactly.

In a preferred embodiment, the bristles comprise, and preferably consist of, nylon.

In a preferred embodiment, the brush cap element is formed from a material resistant to oils, solvents, lubricants, and cleaning agents.

In a variation, the invention relates to a brush cap element for cleaning a drive chain, preferably a bicycle chain, comprising of a C-shaped element provided with at least two oppositely positioned brush holders connected by a connecting bridge, a container holder for mounting a liquid container, the liquid container preferably being removable, wherein the brush holders are provided with brushes composed of bundled fibers, wherein at least one channel is provided between the container holder and a channel opening on at least one of the oppositely positioned brush holders where the brushes are provided, optionally to both of the oppositely positioned brush holders, said channel allowing liquid passage between a mounted liquid container and the at least one of the oppositely positioned brush holders, wherein the brushes are positioned on one side of the brush holder, wherein the container holder is configured for dispensing liquid from the liquid container upon exertion of pressure on the liquid container relative to the container holder.

It is clear that in this variation, the brush cap element described previously does not comprise removable brush elements, but the brush holders themselves serve as (or comprise) fixed brush elements with brushes. This simplifies the design and ensures that there are no alignment problems between channels. Of course, previous further embodiments are applicable to the variation as well, for instance, a narrowed channel opening in view of the preceding channel section; the free pathway created by the positioning of the brushes around the channel opening (perpendicular); etc.

EXAMPLES:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the brush cap element 1 combined with a liquid container 5. The brush cap element 1 is provided with a liquid container 5 arranged in a liquid container holder 6 so that the connection is watertight. The brush cap element 1 is also equipped with two brush holders 2, which each contain two brush elements 3. In this embodiment, these brush elements 3 are snapped into the brush holders 2 and held by the snap elements 8. Finally, the brush cap element 1 is provided with a hook 9 with which the brush cap element 1 can be hung from, for instance, a cleaning bucket.

The brush elements 3 each contain a brush 4 arranged directly opposite each other at a predetermined distance. Preferably, the space between the bristles of the opposite brushes 4 is between 0.0 and 1.0 mm, although in some embodiments, the bristles may overlap.

The hairs are placed upright in the brush element 3, preferably in a straight pattern. The hardness of the bristles is mainly determined by the diameter and length of the bristles. The diameter of the bristles will preferably be min. 0.14 mm (SOFT) or max. 0.18 mm (MEDIUM), with the length of the bristles, preferably being 12 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the brush elements 3 have the following properties; dimensions of blocks: L 44.1 mm x W 18.3 mm x H 3 mm, with 8 bundles with a diameter of 1.6 mm in the width direction, with a spacing of 0.5 mm each and a distance of 1 mm to the edge. In the longitudinal direction 16 bundles with a diameter of 1.6 mm, each with 1.1 mm spacing and 1 mm distance to the edge, making a total number of bundles of 128 (8X16).

According to another preferred embodiment, the brush elements 3 have the following properties; dimensions of blocks: L 44.1 mm x W 14.1 mm x H 3 mm, with 6 bundles with a diameter of 1.6 mm in the width direction, with a spacing of 0.5 mm each and a distance of 1 mm to the edge. In the longitudinal direction, 16 bundles with diameter 1.6 mm with 1.1 mm spacing and 1 mm length to the edge, making a total number of bundles of 96 (6X16).

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the brush cap element 1 combined with a liquid container 5, clearly showing that the liquid container 5 is arranged watertight in the connector 15.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view in perspective of the brush cap element 1 without a liquid container 5, it can be clearly seen that the connecting piece 15 has internal thread 12 in which the liquid container 5 can be turned. Via a channel 11, the liquid from the liquid container 5 can be pushed through the channel opening 13 of the brush cap element 1 to this end up on the chain via at least one brush base channel 10 of at least one brush element 3. During use, the brushes 4 are soaked with the liquid from the liquid container 5. In the middle of the connecting bridge 14 between the 2 brush holders 2, a thickened section 7 is provided to better guide the chain between the brushes 4. The hook 9 is provided between the connecting bridge 14 and the bottom of the connecting piece 15.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the brush elements 3. The brush elements 3 are provided with a brush base channel 10 through which the liquid from the liquid container 5 can flow. This liquid is spread between the brushes 4 during use.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the brush elements 3 wherein the brushes 4 according to a preferred embodiment may have the following properties.

The material of the brush cap element 1 is preferably a material such as Polyethylene (PE), but can also be Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), Polyamide (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) without being limitative.

The liquid container 5 which also forms the handle, is preferably cylindrical in shape and can be referred to as a squeeze bottle. The material of this container is preferably composed of LDPE so that it lies comfortably in hand and is compressible so that the liquid can be pushed out of the container via a pressure movement on the bottle. The liquid can be a cleaning agent, a lubricating liquid, a combination of the previous 2, or any other product suitable for cleaning and/or lubricating a drive chain. This liquid container 5 is preferably placed at an angle of 15° concerning the brush holders 2 and brushes 4 themselves to ensure that the liquid always flows sufficiently downwards towards brush element 3. However, when the entire brush block element 1 is rotated 180° with liquid container 5 will retain the action of the brushes 4, but the liquid is less easily driven to the chain.

The function of the brush for cleaning a drive chain like on a bicycle:

The liquid container 5 here fulfills not only the role of a container for the cleaning and/or lubricating liquid, but also the role of a handle.

The container 5, consisting of a flexible plastic (LDPE), which can also be referred to as a handle and squeeze bottle, is first filled with a preferably biodegradable cleaning liquid. Afterwards, the container 5 is screwed into the container holder 6 until it ends in a watertight seal. This is like a screw cap on a bottle.

The brush block element 1 with brushes 4 is slid horizontally over the chain, whereby the chain comes to rest between the brushes 4.

The brush block element 1 is now slid back and forth over the chain by means of the liquid container 5 (also handle). At the same time, by exerting slight pressure on the liquid container 5, the liquid can be forced through the channel 11 and the channel 11 (and its channel opening 13) and the brush base channel 10 and spread over the brushes 4 and thus also be applied to the links of the drive chain.

In this way, the entire drive train can be scrubbed piece by piece, while by carefully and dosed pressure on the liquid container 5 the ideal amount of cleaning liquid can be applied to obtain an optimal cleaning and this of both the top and the bottom of the chain.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the brush cap holder 1 is provided with only one brush 4, making it possible to clean other parts of the drive, such as cassette and gears. The c-shaped brush cap holder 1 can also optionally be provided with three brush elements 8 and brushes 4 to obtain a c-shaped arrangement of three brushes 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the brush cap element in combination with a liquid container and a deformable lining, preferably a silicon part. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the brush cap holder 1 contains a deformable lining 16 (preferably a silicon part) to block the liquid to prevent leaking. When the liquid is pushed out of the container, the opening of the lining 16, that is located at the same position as the opening 10 of the in brush holders 8, will be pushed open so the liquid can pass.

While the invention is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other uses may be substituted for the uses set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, lubricant can be applied to the chain with a separate set of brush elements 3 from the cleaner brush elements 3.