GB2416111A

GB2416111A - Cleaning device for decorating rollers

Info

Publication number: GB2416111A
Application number: GB0415612A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jason David Lowe; David Sidney Lowe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-13
Filing date: 2004-07-13
Publication date: 2006-01-18
Also published as: GB0415612D0

Abstract

Consists of a container 1, into which a soiled decorating roller 8 is placed. The soiled roller to be cleaned is firstly fitted over a rotatable spindle 2, which can be part of the combined handle and lid component 5. After placing the roller within the device, it is closed and ready for use. In operation, the device is placed into a sink, and specifically positioned over the sink waste outlet. It is then gently pushed down causing the water drain 6 to fit down into the sink plug outlet. Mains water is supplied via a flexible hose 7 from the sink tap. The roller 8 is cleaned by the flow of water from the tap, which is fed into the top of the device through the capsule connector 4, and then channelled, through a series of jets 3 which are inside the container. The jets 3 are angled sufficiently to cause the roller 8 to spin under the water pressure created by the jets. The resulting centrifugal force generated by the spinning roller, and force of water from the jets, causes the roller to shed its emulsion within the container. The soiled waste water then drains away under gravity down to the bottom of the device, and via the water drain 6, away through the sink plug hole.

Description

1 241611 1

CLEANING DEVICE FOR DECORATING ROLLERS

Background

This invention relates to a device for cleaning decorating rollers.

After being used for applying decorating emulsion, decorating rollers need to be cleaned thoroughly if they are to be successfully re-used at some later date. This task is usually very messy, time consuming, can be awkward, and often difficult to carry out successfully. Because of this, soiled rollers are often just thrown away rather than cleaned for re-use.

Statement of invention

To overcome these problems, the present invention proposes a cleaning device, which encapsulates the soiled decorating roller within a container.

By use of a directed water supply and centrifugal force, the roller is cleaned.

AdvanbQes The cleaning process takes place within a capsule, thus ensuring that the person operating the invention, and his or her environment, stay as clean as is possible.

Once the cleaning process is initiated, the user does not have to maintain a constant presence whilst cleaning takes place, other than to monitor when the roller cleaning process has finished.

The cleaning device can be used within the majority of household sinks No chemical or biological additives are needed or used in the cleaning process The outcome of the cleaning process is likely to be much better than when the process of cleaning is carried out manually by hand.

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWINGS

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1. Shows the 2 main component parts of the invention, the cleaning capsule, and the combined lid/handle in partially closed position. It also shows the water drain.

Figure 2. Shows view looking down into the capsule from above.

Figure 3. Shows view looking down onto the 2 main component parts in a partially closed position. It also shows the capsule connector.

Figure 4. Shows a cross section of the invention, showing position of the enclosed roller, and highlighting the general direction of the water jet action upon the roller. Also shows the device in relation to a typical sink drain plug.

Figure 5. Shows a version of the invention, which opens up longitudinally.

Figure 6. Shows figure 5 version, inside of which has been placed a typical decorating roller.

Figure 7. Shows figure 5 version in a closed up and sealed position, and containing a decorating roller.

Figure 8. Shows a cross section of the figure 5 version, showing details as previously shown in figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION.

A cleaning capsule, the body of which is preferably made of a clear plastic material, into which is placed a soiled decorating roller 8. In this version, the soiled roller 8 is firstly removed from a typical DIY roller handle and stem, and is slid onto a freely rotatable roller spindle 2 and placed inside the capsule.

The roller spindle 2 can be part of a combined lid and handle unit 5, but could also be the decorating rollers original spindle as used in the decorating process. The design of this second version is such that, the complete decorating roller could be placed in the capsule 10 whilst still part of the original handle with which it was originally used.

Once the roller has been placed inside the capsule, and prior to the cleaning process, the lid is closed, or as in the hinged capsule 10, both hinged portions are closed together to encapsulate the roller.

To use, the capsule is stood up with the water drain 6, at the bottom. The device is then seated within a sink and the water drain 6, inserted into the sink plug outlet.

Mains water pressure is supplied from the sink tap by flexible hose 7, which is attached to the capsule connector 4. Inside the device, water is directed through the internal water pipe 9, and then out through a series of water jets 3 onto the soiled roller 8.

The angle and pressure of water directed from the jets 3 is such that they cause the roller 8 to spin freely within the capsule 1, or capsule 10. The resulting centrifugal force, together with water jet pressure, causes dirty water to be removed from the roller, and to be washed to the bottom of the capsule, and discharged under gravity through water drain 6 and the sink plug outlet.

The process continues until the operator is satisfied that the roller is clean, this can be easily achieved visually through the clear body of the capsule

Claims

CLAIM

1. A container into which is placed a decorating roller, which is cleaned by the action of a water stream and centrifugal force

2. A rotatable spindle inside the container on which the roller is cleaned

3. A water stream directed at the roller according to claim 1

4. An outlet from the container allowing waste water to drain away through a sink plug outlet

5. A container according to claim 1, which is made of a clear plastics material but which can contain components made of metal

6. A container according to claim 1, which consists of two or more portions which are hinged together

7. A container according to claim 1 and any preceding claims, which has rubber or similar flexible material that provides a watertight seal as part of its construction

8. A water stream according to claim 1, which is directed through one or more holes within the container

9. A container according to claim 1, in which pipes or conduits designed for transmission of the passage of water, are integrated into or within the container walls