Brush for use in washing an object

Abstract

A brush includes a body having a compartment for containing a washing fluid, the body having a first surface to which bristles are attached. A plurality of first fluid passages are provided between the compartment and the first surface for dispensing fluid from the compartment. A second passage between the compartment and the first surface allows for the filling of the compartment when the brush is submerged into a reservoir of fluid. The second passage is provided with a non-return valve, preferably in the form of a flexible plate having an edge attached to the inner surface of the compartment. The non-return valve opens the second passage when the brush is submerged, and closes the second passage when the brush is removed from the reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the body includes an air vent passage that advantageously includes a throttling mechanism, such as a second non-return valve, for limiting the flow of air into the compartment as fluid is dispensed therefrom, thereby reducing the flow rate of fluid from the compartment through the first passages

1 . A brush for use in washing an object, particularly for washing automobiles, and comprising a body having a compartment for containing a washing liquid and brush bristles or hairs attached to a first surface portion of said body, said body being provided with: 
 at least one first aperture or passage for fluid communication between said compartment and said first surface portion for dispensing washing fluid from said compartment, and    at least one second aperture or passage for fluid communication from the surface of said body to said compartment for introducing washing fluid into said compartment.    
     
     
         2 . A brush according to  claim 1 , wherein said body further is provided with washing liquid flow throttling means arranged at said second aperture for throttling or preventing return flow of washing liquid from said compartment through said second aperture.  
     
     
         3 . A brush according to  claim 2 , wherein said throttling means comprise a non-return valve means.  
     
     
         4 . A brush according to  claim 2 , wherein said throttling means comprise a plate of elastic material such as rubber having a size larger than the interior mouth of said second aperture and having one edge thereof attached to the inner wall surface of said compartment adjacent said mouth such that said plate in relaxed condition thereof substantially covers said mouth.  
     
     
         5 . A brush according to  claim 2 , wherein said throttling means comprise a plate having a size larger then the interior mouth of said second aperture and arranged for pivoting around axis between a first position wherein said plate allows flow of liquid through said second aperture into said compartment and a second position wherein said plate inhibits or prevents flow of liquid through said second aperture out of said compartment.  
     
     
         6 . A brush according to  claim 2 , wherein said throttling means comprise a ball-and-valve-seat type non-return valve arranged in said second aperture.  
     
     
         7 . A brush according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body is provided with at least one third aperture or passage for allowing air to exit said compartment when washing fluid flows into said compartment through said first, said third aperture preferably being provided with throttling means for preventing or inhibiting flow of air into said compartment such that when washing liquid is dispensed through said second apertures under pressure is built up in said compartment.  
     
     
         8 . A brush according to  claim 7 , wherein a plurality of said first apertures or passages are dimensioned and distributed such that the area of the outer mouths thereof per unit of area of said first surface portion increases in the direction inwards from the boundary of said first surface portion.  
     
     
         9 . A brush according to  claim 1 , wherein said bristles or hairs are arranged in tufts and outer mouths of said first apertures or passages are located within or adjacent said tufts.  
     
     
         10 . A brush according to  claim 9 , wherein said tufts are fastened at one end thereof in an annular space of a nipple or bushing surrounding a central channel therein, said nipples or bushings being arranged in said outer mouths of said first apertures or passages such that washing fluid may be dispensed from said compartment through said central channel.