Abstract
A detailing tool includes a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end configured to receive a battery pack. The detailing tool further includes a motor supported in the housing, the motor providing a rotational output. The detailing tool further includes an attachment plate supported at the second end of the housing. The detailing tool further includes a detailing attachment including a detailing implement configured to engage a surface, the detailing attachment being removably couplable to the attachment plate and receiving the rotational output from the motor.
Claims
1. A detailing tool comprising: a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end configured to receive a battery pack; a motor supported in the housing, the motor providing a rotational output; an attachment plate supported at the second end of the housing; and a detailing attachment including a detailing implement configured to engage a surface, the detailing attachment being removably couplable to the attachment plate and receiving the rotational output from the motor.
2. The detailing tool of claim 1, wherein the motor is a pancake motor.
3. The detailing tool of claim 1, wherein the housing has a grip portion defining a grip axis, the housing receives the battery pack in an insertion direction, the insertion direction being substantially coaxial with the grip axis.
4. The detailing tool of claim 1, wherein the detailing implement is removably couplable to the detailing attachment.
5. The detailing tool of claim 1, wherein the detailing implement is positionable relative to the housing.
6. The detailing tool of claim 1, wherein the attachment plate includes a receiver that is driven by the motor and coupled to the detailing attachment.
7. The detailing tool of claim 6, wherein the motor is directly coupled to the receiver.
8. A detailing attachment that is configured to be coupled to a detailing tool having a motor that provides a rotational output, the detailing attachment comprising: an attachment portion configured to engage the detailing tool; and a detailing implement that is movable relative to the attachment portion and configured to engage a surface, the detailing implement receiving the rotational output from the motor.
9. The detailing attachment of claim 8, further comprising an extender having a first end defining the attachment portion and a second end to which the detailing implement is couplable.
10. The detailing attachment of claim 9, wherein the extender is flexible.
11. The detailing attachment of claim 9, wherein the extender extends along an axis and is fixed.
12. The detailing attachment of claim 9, wherein the extender includes a first portion including the attachment portion and defining a first axis, and a second portion to which the detailing implement is coupled, the second portion defining a second axis that is positioned at an angle relative to the first axis.
13. The detailing attachment of claim 8, wherein the detailing implement includes a brush.
14. The detailing attachment of claim 8, wherein the detailing implement includes a substrate that supports a microfiber sheet.
15. The detailing attachment of claim 8, wherein the detailing implement includes a massage gun head.
16. The detailing attachment of claim 8, wherein the detailing implement is operable to rotate relative to the attachment portion.
17. The detailing attachment of claim 8, wherein the detailing implement is operable to oscillate relative to the attachment portion.
18. The detailing attachment of claim 8, further comprising a housing configured to be coupled to a vacuum hose.
19. The detailing attachment of claim 18, wherein the housing at least partially surrounds the detailing implement.
20. A detailing tool comprising: a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end configured to receive a battery pack; a motor supported in the housing, the motor providing a rotational output; an attachment plate supported at the second end of the housing; and a detailing attachment including a detailing implement that engages a surface, the detailing attachment removably couplable to the attachment plate and receiving the rotational output from the motor, wherein the detailing implement is movable relative to the housing, wherein the detailing implement includes a brush, a microfiber brush, or a massaging attachment.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a powered detailing tool embodying the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of a first brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the first brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a first perspective view of a second brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a second perspective view of the second brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a first perspective view of a third brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a second perspective view of the third brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 5A is a first perspective view of a fourth brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0019] FIG. 5B is a second perspective view of the fourth brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 6A is a first perspective view of a fifth brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 6B is a second perspective view of the fifth brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 7A is a first perspective view of a sixth brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0023] FIG. 7B is a second perspective view of the sixth brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a seventh brush attachment coupled with the powered detailing tool of FIG. 1A.
[0025] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate detailing tool 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the detailing tool 100 is a power tool configured to be used, for example, for vehicle detailing and clean-up. As such, the detailing tool 100 may also be referred to as a powered detailing tool or as a detail brush or powered detail brush. In other embodiments, the detailing tool 100 may be used for other applications. The detailing tool 100 includes a housing 104 having a first or distal end 105 and an opposite second or proximal end 107. The illustrated housing 104 is a generally linear element that extends from the distal end 105 to the proximal end 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 104 is formed with two clamshell halves that are coupled to form the housing 104. The housing 104 defines a handle 109, or grip portion, that has a grip axis 111.
[0027] The handle 109 is configured to be grasped by a user. The housing 104 extends between the distal end 105 and the proximal end 107. The handle 109 is configured as a simple handle to improve ergonomics and access into vehicle interior spaces in comparison to a traditional pistol-shaped drill. The distal end 105 includes an attachment plate 108 configured to removably receive a variety of brush attachments 110a-g (or detailing attachments) that each include a detailing implement that engages a surface.
[0028] The detailing tool 100 also includes a motor 112 supported within the housing 104.
[0029] The illustrated motor 112 is a pancake style motor. That is, the motor 112 has a diameter that is greater than its length or width such that the motor 112 resembles a disc. It will be appreciated that the use of a pancake style motor allows for the length of the housing (e.g., the distance between the distal end 105 and the proximal end 107) to be shortened, in comparison to other motor styles. In other embodiments, the motor may be configured as another style motor. Use of a pancake motor is also a lighter-weight motor allowing the detailing tool 100 to be a lighter weight that a detail brush with a different style motor. The motor 112 is configured provide a rotational output about a drive axis 122 to drive a receiver 114 for rotating the variety of brush attachments 110a-g. The drive axis 122 is parallel to or colinear with a central longitudinal axis of the housing 104 that extends through the distal end 105 and the proximal end 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 112 directly drives the receiver 114. That is, the motor 112 is directly coupled to the receiver 114 without any transmissions, gears, or other elements therebetween. In other embodiments, the motor 112 may drive a transmission (e.g., a planetary gear assembly) that is configured to drive the receiver 114.
[0030] The receiver 114 has a recess that receives an extension of any one of the brush attachments 110a-g. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 114 has a hex-shaped recess that receives hex-shaped extensions of the brush attachments 110a-g. As such, the receiver 114 may also be referred to as a hex receiver. In other embodiments, the recess of the receiver 114 may have other non-circular shapes, such as square, oblong, D-shaped, and the like to receive corresponding extensions of the brush attachments 110a-g. The receiver includes a quick-release sleeve to lock or secure the extensions of the brush attachments 110a-g. As such, the brush attachments 110a-g can be quickly swapped by a user without the use of other tools (e.g., a screwdriver, a hex wrench, etc.). In other embodiments, the receiver 114 may have an external hex or non-circular shape that is received within a hex-or non-circular-shaped recess of the brush attachment 100a-g. The non-circular engagement between the receiver 114 and the extension of the brush attachments 110a-g transmit motion (e.g., rotation) from the motor 112 to the brush attachments 110a-g. The hex receiver 114 also includes an attachment feature (e.g., a circumferential recess 114a on the exterior of the hex receiver 114) that cooperates with a feature (e.g., a detent) of the brush attachment 100a-g to retain the brush attachment 100a-g in a coupled state with the hex receiver 114.
[0031] The illustrated housing 104 further includes a battery receptacle 115 configured to receive a battery 117 to power the motor 112. In the illustrated the embodiment, the battery receptacle 115 receives the battery 117 in an insertion direction that is along (i.e., colinear/coaxial with) the drive axis 122 and the grip axis 111. The battery 117 is a power tool battery pack. The battery 117 may be, for instance, a rechargeable battery having a voltage of, for instance, 12V. The battery 117 may also have a Li-ion chemistry. In other embodiments, the battery may instead have another voltage capacity (e.g., 4V, 18V, etc.) or chemistry. In other embodiments, the battery receptacle 115 may be configured to receive one or more disposable batteries. In some embodiments, the battery receptacle 115 may include latching structures to engage the battery 117 and retain the battery 117 at least partially within and coupled to the housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, at least part of the battery 117 may remain outside of the housing 104 and exposed when coupled to the battery receptacle 115. In other embodiments, the battery 117 may include latching structures that engage the housing 104.
[0032] The housing supports a switch 118 configured to activate the motor 112 to operate the detailing tool 100. The switch 118 is engageable from the exterior of the housing 104. The illustrated switch 118 is a slide switch that is slidable between an off position and an on position in which the motor 112 is activated thereby providing a rotational output to the attachment 110a-g. In other embodiments, the switch 118 may be another type of switch, e.g., a depressible or rotatable switch. The switch 118 is supported in a raised portion 104a of the housing 104 closer to the distal end 105 of the housing 104 than to the proximal end 107. In addition, the switch 118 is adjacent the handle 109. The switch 118 may be engaged by a thumb (or other digit) of a user to slide the switch 118 between on and off positions. The switch 118 is configured to be retained in either the on position or the off position in order for the detailing tool 100 to continue operating in the selected state (e.g., so that the detailing tool 100 stays in an on state) until acted on again by a user. As such, no continued intervention by the user is needed in order to maintain the detailing tool 100 in the desired operating state. In other embodiments, the switch 118 may be a momentary switch that requires constant input from a user to remain in the onposition.
[0033] The housing 104 supports a motor controller 119. The motor controller 119 includes a controller configured to control operation of the detailing tool 100. The motor 112, the battery 117, and the switch 118 are coupled to the motor controller 119. The motor controller 119 may be a printed circuit board. The motor controller 119 is located between the battery receptacle 115 and the motor 112. In particular, the motor controller 119 is located within the handle 109 of the housing 104. In addition, the motor controller 119 is oriented such that its major or largest dimension (i.e., length) is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the housing 104. Such an arrangement allows the handle 109 to be sized for user comfort.
[0034] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a first brush attachment 110a, or detailing attachment, of the variety of brush attachments 110a-g. The first brush attachment 110a includes a cable 120 configured to be flexed and manipulated, this is, molded into a position, by flexing the cable to fit a user's needs, e.g., to reach around fastened components (e.g., an automobile seat). The cable 120 is shaped similar to a goose-neck to allow a user to clean hard-to-reach surfaces. Additionally, the cable 120 is configured to maintain rigidity without deformation such that a user may mold the cable 120 into a position, and the cable 120 maintains the position. The cable 120 may be formed of a series of segmented sections that are coupled in an interference fit to allow positioning of the cable 120 while still maintaining the cable 120 in the molded position. In other embodiments, the cable 120 may be formed of a semi-flexible tube that maintains its position. The cable 120 includes a first end 124 having an attachment portion 128 and a second end 132 having a brush portion 136, or detailing implement. The attachment portion 128 is configured to be removably coupled with the attachment plate 108. The brush portion 136 includes a chuck 138 configured to removably receive a swappable brush head 142. The chuck 138 thereby allows a user to change the type of brush head 142 attached to the first brush attachment 110a. When connected to the detailing tool 100, the cable 120 transmits motion (e.g., rotation) from the motor 112 to the brush head 142 to actuate (e.g., rotate, reciprocate, etc.) the brush head 142, for instance, with a flexible shaft extending between the first end 124 and the chuck 138 that engages the attachment plate 108. It will be appreciated that the flexibility of the cable 120 allows the brush head 142 to be movable and positionable relative to the attachment portion 128 and to the detailing tool 100. The cable 120 is one exemplary embodiment of an extender.
[0035] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a second brush attachment 110b, or detailing attachment, of the variety of brush attachments 110a-g. The second brush attachment 110b includes a straight bar 220, or extender, configured to extend the forward reach of the powered detailing tool 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the straight bar 220 has a fixed length, for instance, 6 inches or 12 inches. In other embodiments, the straight bar 220 may be configured to telescopically extend such that a length of the straight bar 220 is variable depending on the user's desired length. The straight bar 220 extends along an axis 222 between a first end 224 having an attachment portion 228 and a second end 232 having a brush portion 236. The axis 222 is substantially parallel to, or coaxial with, the drive axis 122. The straight bar 220 is also fixed or non-movable such that the axis 222 remains substantially parallel to, or coaxial with, the drive axis 122. The attachment portion 228 is configured to be removably coupled with the attachment plate 108. The brush portion 236 includes a chuck 238 configured to removably receive a swappable brush head 242, or detailing implement. The chuck 238 thereby allows a user to change the type of brush head 242 attached to the second brush attachment 110b. The straight bar 220 has an outer dimension (e.g., diameter) that is less than a corresponding outer dimension (e.g., diameter or width) of the housing 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the straight bar 220 has an outer diameter 246 that is substantially similar an outer diameter 250 of the chuck 238. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3B, the outer diameter 246 of the straight bar 220 is smaller than the outer diameter of the chuck 238. When connected to the detailing tool 100, the straight bar 220 transmits motion (e.g., rotation) from the motor 112, for instance, by an attachment shaft that extends through the straight bar 220 to the brush head 242 to actuate (e.g., rotate, reciprocate, etc.) the brush head 242. The attachment shaft is couplable to the attachment plate 108 to receive rotation from the motor 112. The straight bar 220 may be graspable for providing further leverage on the second brush attachment 110b to provide additional force for cleaning.
[0036] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a third brush attachment 110c, or detailing attachment, of the variety of brush attachments 110a-g. The third brush attachment 110c includes an angle bar 320, or extender. The angle bar 320 includes a first portion 321 extending along a first axis 322 substantially parallel to, or coaxial with, a drive axis 122 of the motor 112. The angle bar 320 also includes a second portion 323 extending along a second axis 325 that is at an angle to the first portion 321 and the first axis 322. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is approximately 90 degrees such that the second portion 323 extends substantially transverse to the first portion 321. As such, the angle bar 320 may be referred to as a right-angle bar. Accordingly, the angle bar 320 allows for direct, head-on brushing in tight spaces and translates rotational motion from the motor 112 at a 90-degree angle. In other embodiments, the angle may be larger or smaller (e.g., 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.). The angle bar 320 includes a first end 324 disposed on the first portion 321 and having an attachment portion 328 configured to be removably coupled with the attachment plate 108. The right-angle bar 320 further includes a second end 332 disposed on the second portion 323 and having a brush portion 336. The brush portion 336 includes a chuck 338 configured to removably receive a swappable brush head 342, or detailing implement. The chuck 338 thereby allows a user to change the type of brush head 342 attached to the third brush attachment 110c. When connected to the detailing tool 100, the angle bar 320 transmits motion (e.g., rotation) from the motor 112 to the brush head 342 to actuate (e.g., rotate, reciprocate, etc.) the brush head 342. In order to transmit rotation through the angle formed by the first portion 321 and second portion 323, the angle bar 320 may support a flexible shaft that transmits rotation. In another embodiment, the angle bar 320 may support a right-angle drive assembly including, for instance, meshed bevel gears that transmit rotation while altering the angle of rotation about the angle between first portion 321 and second portion 323. Other rotational direction changing assemblies may be used instead. In some embodiments, the angle bar 320 may be positioned in only one position relative to the attachment plate 108 of the detailing tool 100. In another embodiment, the angle bar 320 may be positioned at different predefined positions, or varying positions through 360 degrees of rotation (e.g., infinitely positionable) relative to the attachment plate 108.
[0037] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a fourth brush attachment 110d, or detailing attachment, of the variety of brush attachments 110a-g. The fourth brush attachment 110d includes a first end 424 having an attachment portion 428 configured to be removably coupled with the attachment plate 108. The fourth brush attachment 110d further includes a soft microfiber brush 420, or detailing implement. The soft microfiber brush 420 may be, e.g., a microfiber sheet 442, that is formable to be supported on a substrate 446. The substrate 446 may be composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU) or another elastic material that allows flexibility of the soft microfiber brush 420 to at least partially conform to an article being brushed. Accordingly, the fourth brush attachment 110d is configured to clean and treat delicate materials or parts of the vehicle. The fourth brush attachment 110d is further configured to reduce debris relocation and rework. In some embodiments, the microfiber sheet 442 may be removable from the substrate 446 (e.g., by using an elastic band coupled to the microfiber sheet 442) such that the microfiber sheet 442 can be separately cleaned and reused. The substrate 446 may be formed as a rod (FIG. 5A), a bulb (FIG. 5B), or any other desirable shape.
[0038] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a fifth brush attachment 110e, or detailing attachment, of the variety of brush attachments 110a-g. The fifth brush attachment 110e includes a first end 524 having an attachment portion 528 configured to be removably coupled with the attachment plate 108. The fifth brush attachment 110e further includes a massaging attachment 520, or detailing implement. The fifth brush attachment 110e is configured to translate rotational movement of the motor 112 to linear oscillation of a brush portion 536 that is slidably coupled to an attachment housing 540. More particularly, the massaging attachment 520 is configured to oscillate or reciprocate linearly along an axis 522 substantially parallel to the drive axis 122 of the motor 112. Accordingly, the oscillation of the massaging attachment 520 is configured to massage a surface to release and remove different stuck-on mess types. The massaging attachment 520 may be used wet, with a cleaning solution, or dry, without a cleaning solution. The attachment housing 540 supports a reciprocation assembly that converts a rotational movement (rotation from the motor 112) to a translational movement along the axis 522. The reciprocation assembly may include a cam and follower, a slider crank assembly, a scotch yoke, and two or more gears configured to rotate the axis of rotation to align the rotational axis to be, for instance, perpendicular, or transverse, to the drive axis 122 to effect oscillation. Oscillating the brush portion 536 rather than rotating the brush portion 536 may also reduce the amount of cleaning solutions or other liquids that are flung by the brush portion 536 during operation.
[0039] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a sixth brush attachment 110f, or detailing attachment, of the variety of brush attachments 110a-g. The sixth brush attachment 110f includes a vacuum attachment 620 that includes a housing 627 that supports a rotational brush head 642, or detailing implement. The housing 627, or shroud, has a first end 624 having an attachment portion 628 and a second end 632 that at least partially surrounds the rotational brush head 642. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 627 at least partially covers three sides of the rotational brush head 642. A vacuum hose hookup 633 extends from the housing 627 between the first end 624 and the second end 632. The attachment portion 628 is configured to be removably coupled with the attachment plate 108. The vacuum hose hookup 633 is configured to attach with a vacuum hose 635 of an external vacuum. The vacuum hose hookup 633 may include a latch mechanism to retain the vacuum hose. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum hose hookup 633 includes a ridge or flange that can be engaged by a latch mechanism of the vacuum hose.
[0040] The sixth brush attachment 110f further includes a rotational brush head 642. The rotational brush head 642 is configured to be rotated by the motor 112 about the drive axis 122 of the motor 112. Accordingly, the sixth brush attachment 110f is configured to dislodge debris using the rotational brush head 642 and vacuum up the dislodged debris thereafter. In other words, the vacuum hose may vacuum debris while the rotational brush head 642 dislodges debris. Dislodged debris is vacuumed through an inlet 634 defined in the housing 627 that communicates with the vacuum hose via the vacuum hose hookup 633. In some embodiments, the housing 627 may include a chuck to allow removal and replacement of the rotational brush head 642.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a seventh brush attachment 110g, or detailing attachment, of the variety of brush attachments 110a-g. The seventh brush attachment 110g includes a housing 727 having a first end 724 that defines an attachment portion 728. The attachment portion 728 is configured to be removably coupled with the attachment plate 108. The second end 732 has a vacuum inlet 734. A vacuum hose hookup 733 extends outward and away from the attachment portion 728. The vacuum hose hookup 733 is configured to attach with a vacuum hose 735 of an external vacuum and may include a latch mechanism to retain the vacuum hose 735. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum hose hookup 733 includes a ridge or flange that can be engaged by a latch mechanism of the vacuum hose. The seventh brush attachment 110g further includes vibratory attachment 720, or detailing implement. The vibratory attachment 720 is configured to vibrate to dislodge debris. The vibratory attachment 720 includes massage gun head 743 may be configured to oscillate along an axis 722 that is perpendicular to the drive axis 122 of the motor. In other embodiments, the axis along which the vibratory attachment 720 oscillates may be arranged at a different angle relative to the drive axis 122, for instance, in a direction along the drive axis 122. The vibrating of the vibratory attachment 720 is particularly configured to release debris from flexible surfaces where dry debris (e.g., dried dirt) may be embedded. The massage gun head 743 may be configured to vibrate via an eccentric weighting of the massage gun head 743, eccentric positioning of the massage gun head 743 relative to the drive axis 122, or another way. Accordingly, the seventh brush attachment 110g is configured to dislodge debris using the massage gun head 743 and vacuum up the dislodged debris thereafter. In other words, the vacuum hose may vacuum debris while the massage gun head 743 vibrates/thumps to dislodge debris. The seventh brush attachment 110g may be used on surfaces such as carpets, mats, or seat fabrics. In some embodiments, the seventh brush attachment 110g may not include the housing 727 with the vacuum hose hookup 733.
[0042] It will be appreciated that in the embodiments of the attachments 110a-g described above, the brush heads 142, 242, 342, microfiber brush 420, brush portion 536, rotational brush head 642, and massage gun head 743 are examples of detailing implements that engage a surface.
[0043] It should be understood that a brush head could include a bottle brush (FIG. 2A) having at least a cylindrical portion 137 and a spherical end 139. In another embodiment, the brush may be a flat, circular brush (brush head 242, 342, FIGS. 3A, 4A). Those brushes may be used interchangeably. Other brush styles may be used instead.
[0044] In the above embodiments, any of the chucks 138, 238, 338 described above may be configured as a nut-and-collet assembly to rotatably receive and secure a brush head, a quick-connect attachment, a detented coupling, a bayonet style coupling, or other attachment style. It should be understood that any of the attachments 110a-g that do not explicitly include a chuck may include a chuck for removable attachment of a detailing implement.
[0045] It should be understood that for any of the detailing attachment embodiments described above, a detailing implement used for one attachment 110a-g may be used for a different detailing attachment.
[0046] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.
