Method and apparatus for cleaning tire rims

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of a brush, particularly in conjunction with cleaning and/or polishing tire rims. The brush may be adapted so as to work in tandem with a power tool, or in alternate embodiments the brush may include a handle, which enables a user to manually rotate the brush about a tire rim. The brush is provided with oversized dimensions in order to expedite the cleaning process of large tires, specifically tires used on trucks.

1 . A method of cleaning the tire rims on a fleet of trucks, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) connecting a brush having a plurality of bristles extending from the brush to a power tool capable of rotating the brush;    (b) inserting the brush into a first tire rim of a first truck such that the bristles on the brush are in contact with an exterior cylindrical surface of the first tire rim and with an interior cylindrical surface of the first tire rim;    (c) causing the power tool to rotate so that the brush rotates, whereby the first tire rim is cleaned;    (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for the remaining tire rims of the first truck;    (e) repeating steps (b), (c) and (d) for the remaining trucks in the fleet.    
   
   
       2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of applying a cleaning agent to each tire rim before inserting the brush into the tire rim.  
   
   
       3 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the brush has bristles extending from the end of the brush that is inserted into the tire rim.  
   
   
       4 . The method as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the brush simultaneously contacts an inner wall of the truck tire rim.  
   
   
       5 . A brush for cleaning or polishing tire rims with a power tool, comprising: 
 a shaft having a first end being adapted to be engageable with the power tool, said shaft having a length between 14 to 20 inches; and    a plurality of bristles, said bristles connected to and extending outward from said shaft, wherein said plurality of bristles have a length extending from the shaft in a range of 3.5 to 6 inches.    
   
   
       6 . The brush as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said length of said shaft is between 16-18 inches.  
   
   
       7 . The brush as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said length of said plurality of bristles is between 4 to 5 inches.  
   
   
       8 . The brush as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said bristles are nylon.  
   
   
       9 . The brush as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said shaft is comprised of at least two strands of intertwined stainless steel.  
   
   
       10 . The brush as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said shaft has a diameter measured at approximately ⅜ of an inch.  
   
   
       11 . The brush as claimed in  claim 5 , the brush having a second end, said shaft having a loop at said second end, said loop having bristles extending outwardly in a direction away from said first end of said shaft.  
   
   
       12 . The brush as claimed in  claim 5 , further comprising a cloth material disposed on an end of at least some of said bristles.  
   
   
       13 . The brush as claimed in  claim 5 , further comprising a protection element on said second end of said shaft.  
   
   
       14 . The brush according to  claim 5 , further comprising a locking hub disposed at said first end of said shaft.  
   
   
       15 . The brush according to  claim 5 , further comprising a wedge attached to said shaft, said wedge having a contoured face for forcing said plurality of bristles in a direction away from said first end.  
   
   
       16 . The brush according to  claim 5 , further comprising a top element, said top element being fastened to said second end and including a second plurality of bristles, wherein at least some of said second plurality of bristles are angled away from said first end of said brush.  
   
   
       17 . A method of cleaning or polishing a tire rim, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a brush, said brush comprising a shaft and a plurality of bristles, said shaft comprising a first end and a second end and a length of between 16 to 20 inches wherein said first end is engageable with a power tool, wherein said bristles are attached to said shaft, further wherein said bristles extend outward from said shaft and have a second length, said second length being between a range of 6 to 12 inches;    engaging said first end of said brush to a power tool capable of rotating said brush;    placing said brush in contact with a tire rim so as to create a sufficient amount of friction between said brush and said tire rim to remove dirt disposed on said tire rim.    operating said power tool so as to rotate said brush.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of applying a cleansing agent to said tire rim.  
   
   
       19 . A method of  claim 17 , wherein said bristles are nylon.