Rotary scrub brush

Abstract

A non-abrasive rotary scrub brush for cleaning rough or porous surfaces that are susceptible to damage by the use of abrasive or chemical cleaning, such as the non-skid surfaces of boats. The scrub brush consists of a flexible, circular base and a plurality of bristle tufts that are individually attached, extending from the base. The base is flexible and non-marring. Any number of polymers could be used, including a thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polymer, or thermoset polymer to form the base using injection molding. The base consists generally of a first side(top) and a second side(bottom). The top side having a means to attach a drive unit, the bottom side having the bristle tufts extending from it. The bristle tufts can be made from filaments that are produced from natural or synthetic materials. The bristle tufts are positioned in either a random or ordered pattern on the second side.

1 . A non-abrasive rotary scrub brush to assist with cleaning surfaces, such as, but not limited to, the non-skid finishes of boats, without causing damage to said surface, comprising:
 a generally circular base having a top side and a bottom side, the top side being generally flat, or gently curved, the bottom side being generally flat, providing the mounting surface for the bristle tufts.   
   
   
       2 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the base is molded from, or coated with, a non-marring material such as thermoplastic elastomer, or other material that provides similar properties, to avoid damage to adjacent surfaces during use. 
   
   
       3 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the base has a diameter from 2.0 to 10.0 inches (5.08 to 25.4 cm). 
   
   
       4 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the base has a means to attach said brush to a drive device on the top side. 
   
   
       5 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the base has bristle tufts attached to and extending from the bottom side. 
   
   
       6 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the base has bristle tufts attached to and extending from the bottom side and outside edge. 
   
   
       7 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the bristle tufts are inserted into said base after said base is molded. 
   
   
       8 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the bristle tufts are attached by mechanical means, adhesive, or friction. 
   
   
       9 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the bristle tufts are inserted into the mold of said base and are enjoined during the molding process. 
   
   
       10 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the bristle tuft filaments are straight. 
   
   
       11 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the bristle tuft filaments are crimped. 
   
   
       12 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the bristle tuft filaments have a random or patterned shape formed into them. 
   
   
       13 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the filaments are made from a plastic or polymer material, metal, wood, or a natural fiber, or from a combination thereof. 
   
   
       14 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the bristle filaments have a density of approximately 225 to 3225 filaments per in 2  (35 to 500 filaments per cm 2 ). 
   
   
       15 . The rotary scrub brush of  claim 1  wherein the bristle tufts are arraigned in a random or patterned order.