Patent Publication Number: US-6983508-B2

Title: Bolt cleaning system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not applicable to this application. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable to this application. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to anchor bolt cleaning devices and more specifically it relates to a bolt cleaning system for removing debris from the threaded portions of anchor bolts. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Anchor bolts positioned within concrete during pouring often times become contaminated with concrete, dirt and other debris. Threaded studs welded to a structure also require cleaning of excess weld and debris accumulated upon the threaded portions thereof. Conventional methods of cleaning anchor bolts and other devices involves using a wire brush which is labor intensive and time consuming. In addition, using a wire brush often times does not completely clean the threaded portions. 
   Examples of patented devices which may be related to the present invention include U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,757 to Oliveira; U.S. Pat. No. 3,188,674 to Hobbs; U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,567 to Tucker; U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,660 to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,416 to Karls; U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,534 to Miller; U.S. Pat. No. 3,088,150 to Sweeney; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,525 to Gardner. 
   While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for removing debris from the threaded portions of anchor bolts. Conventional cleaning devices are not suitable for extended usage in cleaning the threaded portions of anchor bolts. 
   In these respects, the bolt cleaning system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of removing debris from the threaded portions of anchor bolts. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of thread cleaning devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new bolt cleaning system construction wherein the same can be utilized for removing debris from the threaded portions of anchor bolts. 
   The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new bolt cleaning system that has many of the advantages of the cleaning devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new bolt cleaning system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art anchor bolt cleaning devices, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
   To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a shaft member, an inner member attached to the shaft member having an annular member, a first cleaning unit removably positionable within the inner member, a connector member connectable to the inner member, an outer member connectable to the connector member, and a second cleaning unit removably positioned between the connector member and the outer member. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide a bolt cleaning system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices. 
   A second object is to provide a bolt cleaning system for removing debris from the threaded portions of anchor bolts. 
   Another object is to provide a bolt cleaning system that allows for the changing of cleaning bristles after being worn. 
   An additional object is to provide a bolt cleaning system that effectively removes concrete, dirt and dust from the threaded portions of anchor bolts retained within concrete. 
   A further object is to provide a bolt cleaning system that is capable of cleaning various sizes and lengths of anchor bolts. 
   Another object is to provide a bolt cleaning system that may be utilized to clean various types of threaded or non-threaded devices. 
   A further object is to provide a bolt cleaning system that provides for efficient cleaning of anchor bolts. 
   Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. 
   To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a cutaway upper perspective view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the present invention attached to a drive unit and positioned about the bolt. 
       FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention using an abrasive member for smoothing concrete around an anchor bolt. 
       FIG. 6  is a side cutaway view of the distal end member of the alternative embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 6  illustrate a bolt cleaning system  10 , which comprises a shaft member  20 , an inner member  22  attached to the shaft member  20  having an annular member  24 , a first cleaning unit  30  removably positionable within the inner member  22 , a connector member  40  connectable to the inner member  22 , an outer member  60  connectable to the connector member  40 , and a second cleaning unit  50  removably positioned between the connector member  40  and the outer member  60 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3  of the drawings, the shaft member  20  is comprised of an elongate rigid structure. The shaft member  20  is preferably positionable and connectable within a coupler of a conventional drive unit  16  such as an air drill, electric drill or hand drill. The shaft member  20  may have various cross sectional shapes commonly utilized within the tool industry to connect to drive units  16 . 
   An inner member  22  having a tubular structure is attached to the shaft member  20  as best illustrated in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. The inner member  22  extends a finite distance and is formed for receiving a distal portion of a bolt  12  being cleaned. The inner member  22  has an open end with an inner lumen as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings. A first inner threading  26  is positioned within the distal portion of the inner lumen of the inner member  22  for threadably receiving the connector member  40  as shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings. 
   An annular member  24  extends inwardly from the inner lumen of the inner member  22  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings. The annular member  24  forms a lip that the first cleaning unit  30  is positionable against but which cannot extend through. The annular member  24  is positioned a finite distance within the inner member  22  to allow for the connector member  40  to tightly retain the first cleaning unit  30  between thereof as shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, the first cleaning unit  30  is comprised of a first outer member  32  and a plurality of first bristles  34  extending inwardly from the first outer member  32 . The first outer member  32  is comprised of a ring structure that is snugly positionable within the inner member  22  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. The plurality of first bristles  34  are comprised of a resilient material capable of cleaning the threaded portion  14  of the bolt  12  such as but not limited to metal wire or plastic. The plurality of first bristles  34  preferably extend inwardly from the first outer member  32  and preferably form a first center opening within for receiving the threaded portion  14  of the bolt  12  during cleaning. The first center opening of the first cleaning unit  30  may have various diameters based upon the size of the bolt  12  to be cleaned. 
   The connector member  40  is a tubular structure having a first outer threading  42  and a second outer threading  44  on opposing sides thereof as best shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings. The first outer threading  42  is threadably connectable to the first inner threading  26  of the inner member  22  as shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. The connector member  40  is tightened within the first inner threading  26  until tightly positioned against the first cleaning unit  30  thereby retaining the first cleaning unit  30  in a non-movable position against the annular member  24 . The second outer threading  44  is threadably connectable to the second inner threading  62  of the outer member  60  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings. 
   The outer member  60  is comprised of a tubular structure having a second inner threading  62  and a flanged portion  64  forming a receiver opening  66 . The receiver opening  66  is sufficient in size for receiving the bolt  12  without engaging the bolt  12  directly during rotation of the bolt  12  cleaning system  10 . The flanged portion  64  retains the second cleaning unit  50  against the end of the connector member  40  when the second outer threading  44  is threadably connected to the second inner threading  62 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, the second cleaning unit  50  is comprised of a second outer member  52  and a plurality of second bristles  54  extending inwardly from the second outer member  52  similar to the first cleaning unit  30 . The second outer member  52  is comprised of a ring structure that is snugly positionable within the flanged portion  64  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. The plurality of second bristles  54  are comprised of a resilient material capable of cleaning the threaded portion  14  of the bolt  12  such as but not limited to metal wire or plastic. The plurality of second bristles  54  preferably extend inwardly from the second outer member  52  and preferably form a second center opening within for receiving the threaded portion  14  of the bolt  12  during cleaning. The second center opening of the second cleaning unit  50  may have various diameters based upon the size of the bolt  12  to be cleaned. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an alternative embodiment using an abrasive member  70  attached to the flanged portion  64  of the outer member  60  for cleaning concrete surrounding the bolt  12 . It should be noted that one or more cleaning units  30  may be used within the present invention. It should also be noted that the present invention may be comprised of a single housing structure with the cleaning units  30 ,  50  non-removably positioned within. 
   In use, the user positions the bolt  12  cleaning system about the threaded portion  14  of the bolt  12  to be cleaned by inserting the same within the center openings of the cleaning units  30 ,  50 . The user then operate the drive unit  16  which rotates the bolt  12  cleaning system  10 . During rotation thereof, the bristles  34 ,  54  engage the threaded portion  14  thereby removing undesirable debris. After finishing cleaning of the bolt  12 , the user then proceeds to the next bolt  12  to be cleaned. When the bristles  34 ,  54  of the cleaning units  30 ,  50  become worn, the user simply replaces the cleaning units  30 ,  50  thereby reducing waste and reducing the cost to operate the bolt  12  cleaning system  10  over extended periods of time. 
   As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
                 
             
             
               Index of Elements for Bolt Cleaning System 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
          
             
                 
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               ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 
             
             
                 
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               10. Bolt Cleaning System 
             
             
                 
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               11. 
             
             
                 
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               12. Bolt 
             
             
                 
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               13. 
             
             
                 
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               14. Threaded Portion 
             
             
                 
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               15. 
             
             
                 
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               16. Drive Unit 
             
             
                 
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               17. 
             
             
                 
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               18. 
             
             
                 
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               19. 
             
             
                 
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               20. Shaft Member 
             
             
                 
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               21. 
             
             
                 
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               22. Inner Member 
             
             
                 
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               23. 
             
             
                 
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               24. Annular Member 
             
             
                 
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               25. 
             
             
                 
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               26. First Inner Threading 
             
             
                 
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               27. 
             
             
                 
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               28. 
             
             
                 
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               29. 
             
             
                 
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               30. First Cleaning Unit 
             
             
                 
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               31. 
             
             
                 
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               32. First Outer Member 
             
             
                 
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               33. 
             
             
                 
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               34. First Bristles 
             
             
                 
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               35. 
             
             
                 
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               36. 
             
             
                 
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               37. 
             
             
                 
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               38. 
             
             
                 
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               39. 
             
             
                 
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               40. Connector Member 
             
             
                 
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               41. 
             
             
                 
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               42. First Outer Threading 
             
             
                 
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               43. 
             
             
                 
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               44. Second Outer Threading 
             
             
                 
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               45. 
             
             
                 
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               46. 
             
             
                 
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               47. 
             
             
                 
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               48. 
             
             
                 
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               49. 
             
             
                 
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               50. Second Cleaning Unit 
             
             
                 
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               51. 
             
             
                 
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               52. Second Outer Member 
             
             
                 
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               53. 
             
             
                 
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               54. Second Bristles 
             
             
                 
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               55. 
             
             
                 
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               56. 
             
             
                 
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               57. 
             
             
                 
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               58. 
             
             
                 
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               59. 
             
             
                 
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               60. Outer Member 
             
             
                 
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               61. 
             
             
                 
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               62. Second Inner Threading 
             
             
                 
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               63. 
             
             
                 
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               64. Flanged Portion 
             
             
                 
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               65. 
             
             
                 
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               66. Receiver Opening 
             
             
                 
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               67. 
             
             
                 
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               68. 
             
             
                 
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               69. 
             
             
                 
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               70. Abrasive Member 
             
             
                 
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               71. 
             
             
                 
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               72. 
             
             
                 
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               73. 
             
             
                 
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               74. 
             
             
                 
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               76. 
             
             
                 
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               77. 
             
             
                 
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               78. 
             
             
                 
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               79.