Patent Description:
Typically such fasteners need to be removed, cleaned, and replaced. However, in some applications, the fasteners cannot readily be removed from the hardware, so other hardware parts must be removed to expose the threads of the fasteners for cleaning. The presence of the residual structural bonding adhesive (e.g., thread lock), and/or the presence of other debris, can present significant problems in terms re-using the fasteners or re-attaching a piece of hardware to the structure supporting the fasteners.

Prior attempts include using straight wire cleaning brushes and cleaning by hand to remove residual adhesives and debris from the threads of fasteners. However, this approach is very time-consuming and labor-intensive, and therefore is quite ineffective for removing debris from the fasteners and surrounding surfaces in an efficient, cost-effective manner.

<CIT> discloses a method and equipment for cleaning bolts of different types and diameters, or external threads on such bolts. At least one brush in the cleaning equipment is flexibly mounted so that it can be moved radially with respect to the centreline of a cavity in the equipment. The position of the brush(es) relative to the centreline is adjusted to the appropriate bolt diameter by an adjustment device so that an opening is made at the mouth of the cavity, enabling the bolt to be inserted. When introduced into this opening, the bolt comes in contact with the brush(es) and is cleaned by virtue of the relative motion between the bolt and brush(es). Acting on the brush(es) is a spring element which can be adjusted by an adjustment device acting on said spring element. The brush(es) used in the cleaning equipement consist of a series of flat brush wheels disposed in a stack in which each pair of adjacent wheels is kept apart by a spacer. The brush(es) may also consist of a bar with a bristle holder in which bundles of bristles are mounted, the ends of the bundles of bristles being chamfered round the edge.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning tool for cleaning an object, comprising: a housing comprising an intake end and a back end, the housing operable to be rotated by hand or by a hand tool; a cleaning chamber formed in the housing from the intake end; a retaining cavity formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber; a cleaning element supported by the retaining cavity, such that a portion of the cleaning element extends into the cleaning chamber for cleaning an object upon rotation of the housing relative to the object; and a magnet supported by the housing and positioned adjacent the cleaning chamber to magnetically attract debris during a cleaning process of the object.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a fastener cleaning system for cleaning a portion of a fastener, comprising: a structure; a fastener captured by the structure and having a threaded shaft extending from the structure; and a cleaning tool for cleaning the fastner, comprising: a housing comprising an intake end and a back end, the housing operable to be rotated by hand or by a hand tool; a cleaning chamber formed in the housing from the intake end, wherein the cleaning chamber is for receiving the threaded shaft of the fastener; a retaining cavity formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber; a cleaning element supported by the retaining cavity, such that a portion of the cleaning element extends into the cleaning chamber for cleaning the fastner upon rotation of the housing relative to the fastner; and a magnet supported by the housing and positioned adjacent the cleaning chamber to magnetically attract debris during a cleaning process of the object, wherein, the threaded shaft contacts the cleaning element upon the threaded shaft being inserted into the cleaning chamber, wherein rotation of the cleaning tool causes the cleaning element to rotatably move relative to the fastener to remove debris from the threaded shaft of the fastener.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of cleaning a portion of an object with a cleaning tool according to the first aspect, the method comprising: inserting a portion of an object into a cleaning chamber of the cleaning tool having at least one cleaning element at least partially extending into the cleaning chamber; rotating the cleaning tool relative to the object by hand or with a hand tool to clean a surface of the object with the at least one cleaning element.

Features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the detailed
description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the disclosure; and, wherein:.

It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended.

Before the present technology is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this technology is not limited to the particular structures, process actions, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating actions and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence.

The present disclosure sets forth a rotary cleaning tool designed for the purpose of removing adhesives, such as structural bonding adhesives (e.g., thread locking-type structural bonders or structural bonding adhesives), as well as debris, such as rust, corrosion and other foreign matters, from objects. For instance, fasteners and other similar objects used in home improvement, aerospace, automotive, locomotive and various other industries can collect debris over time due to their exposure to various industrial and environmental elements. In addition, many fasteners are used with the assistance of thread locking bonding adhesives or other materials that may need to be removed during maintenance of the hardware supporting the fasteners. If left uncleaned, the accumulated debris and any residual bonding adhesive can cause damage to the various fasteners and parts during maintenance and repair operations, and can also prevent proper loading of fasteners, which can be quite problematic.

Although not to be considered limiting in any way, in one example, an asset, such as an aerospace defense system, namely a sidewinder missile or other missile, can comprise captive bolts (i.e., bolts that are not readily removable from the fastened components of the asset (e.g., those used to provide the clamping force needed to secure shims of a center hanger of the missile)). Such "captive bolts" are typically known as the fasteners that cannot be removed from the asset (e.g., missile) without causing severe damage to the asset that can compromise the asset. In other words, captive bolts, once in place, can be considered part of the asset or structure, and cannot or should not be removed. In the example of a missile, the center hanger may be in need of repair. However, replacing the captive bolts is not always possible or feasible without damaging the missile. Therefore, it is desirable or necessary to clean and reuse the existing captive bolts that have threaded ends extending outwardly from a lower hanger bracket/shim that is attached to the missile body, for instance. Once an upper hanger bracket/shim is unbolted from the lower hanger bracket/shim (thereby exposing threads of the fasteners), any residual bonding adhesive and any accumulated debris on the fastener (and nearby surfaces) must be cleaned before the upper bracket/shim can be re-attached. As noted above, prior techniques involved using a hand-held wire brush to clean as much of the adhesive and debris from the surfaces as possible. While this is effective at cleaning some of the adhesive and debris, it is considerably time consuming, and does not result in complete and thorough cleaning. Oftentimes the residual bonding adhesive must be heated and then the bonding adhesive needs picked from each of the individual threads of the fasteners, which is an extremely laborious and time intensive process, particularly when considering this may need to be done for numerous fasteners.

More particularly, in one example the present disclosure sets forth a cleaning tool for cleaning an object comprising: a housing comprising an intake end and a back end; a cleaning chamber formed through the housing from the intake end; and a retaining cavity formed through the housing and in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber; and a cleaning element supported by the retaining cavity, such that a portion of the cleaning element extends into the cleaning chamber for cleaning an object upon rotation of the housing relative to the object (i.e., rotating the housing or rotation of the cleaning element).

The present disclosure sets forth a method of cleaning a portion of an object with a cleaning tool comprising: inserting a portion of an object into a cleaning chamber of the cleaning tool having at least one cleaning element at least partially extending into the cleaning chamber; and rotating the cleaning tool relative to the object by hand or with a hand tool to clean a surface of the object with the at least one cleaning element.

<FIG> illustrate a cleaning tool <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. As an overview, the cleaning tool <NUM> can be utilized to clean an object, such as a fastener (e.g., a bolt, a screw or any other type of fastener), or other types of objects, such as nails, pipes, etc. The cleaning tool <NUM> can be a socket-type rotary cleaning tool configured to receive the object, and then can be rotated about the object (by a manual tool, manually by hand, or by a power tool) for cleaning the object/fastener, such as illustrated and described below in the example of <FIG>. Alternatively, the cleaning tool <NUM> can remain stationary and held in place by hand or a tool, and then the object/fastener can be rotated for cleaning (or the cleaning tool and object can both be rotated at the same time in opposite directions for a faster cleaning operation.

More specifically, the cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a housing <NUM> configured to receive and support a plurality of cleaning members 104a-c that clean an object (e.g., threads of a fastener). The housing <NUM> can comprise an intake end <NUM> operable to receive the object to be cleaned (see e.g., <FIG>). The housing <NUM> can further comprise or define a cleaning chamber <NUM> extending from the intake end <NUM> through a portion of the housing <NUM>, and the cleaning chamber <NUM> can be centrically located through the housing <NUM> and can define a central longitudinal axis X1. The housing <NUM> can further comprise or define a plurality of retaining cavities 110a-c formed through the housing <NUM> generally in the same direction as, or parallel to, the central longitudinal axis X1. The retaining cavities 110a-c can each comprise a respective support opening 112a-c (two labeled in <FIG>) and a respective cleaning member opening 114a-c (two labeled in <FIG>) in fluid communication with (i.e., open to) each other. The support openings 112a-c can have a smaller diameter than that of the cleaning member openings 114a-c for supporting respective cleaning elements 104a-c, as detailed below. Each of the cleaning member openings 114a-c can be in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber <NUM>, and therefore the cleaning member openings 114a-c are in fluid communication with each other via the cleaning chamber <NUM>.

In one example, the cleaning elements 104a-c can comprise respective shafts 116a-c that support respective cleaning members 118a-c (e.g., bristles of stainless steel wire, carbide steel, nylon, brass, etc. arranged in any configuration or pattern) coupled at upper ends of the shafts 116a-c. The lower ends of the shafts 116a-c can be received through and supported by respective support openings 112a-c, while the cleaning members 118a-c extend through and are situated in respective cleaning member openings 114a-c. As best illustrated in <FIG>, at least a portion of each of the cleaning members 118a-c are positioned and configured to extend at least partially into the cleaning chamber <NUM>. The cleaning member openings 114a-c can generally surround the cleaning chamber <NUM>, and can be situated equidistance from each other (and generally define an equilateral triangular zone as defined by and between their shafts 116a-c). Note that reference to "upper" and "lower" throughout the present disclosure is not meant to be limiting to a particular orientation, and are only used with reference to orientation shown in the drawings.

In the example shown, the cleaning members 118a-c comprise a spiral bristle arrangement, much like a flute-type wire brush device, so that when the cleaning tool <NUM> receives a fastener for cleaning, inner portions of the bristles of the spiral bristle arrangement engage with the threads of the fastener in a manner such that the cleaning members 118a-c tend to automatically thread along the threads of the fastener during rotation of the housing <NUM>. In turn, this automatically axially translates or axially draws the cleaning tool <NUM> relative to and along the fastener, as further detailed below regarding <FIG>. In another example, the cleaning members can comprise circular or cylindrical brush-like cleaning members (not shown) extending around the shaft, or any other arrangement or pattern.

Note that the cleaning member openings 114a-c can have sidewalls, and can generally define a cylindrically shaped envelope or area that can be sized in diameter the same as, or slightly larger than, a general diameter defined by the bristles of the cleaning elements. Moreover, the cleaning chamber <NUM> can generally define a cylindrically shaped envelope or area that overlaps with a portion of each of the "cylindrically shaped envelopes" of the retaining cavities 104a-c. This is best shown in <FIG> with the envelope boundaries being imaginary cylinders being placed about, and having the same diameter as the cleaning member openings 114a-c and the cleaning chamber <NUM>, respectively.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can further comprise a bore <NUM> formed through the housing <NUM>, which can extend from the intake end <NUM> and partially through the housing <NUM>. The bore <NUM> can be located adjacent the cleaning chamber <NUM>. A magnet <NUM> can be received in and inserted into the bore <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> can be removably retained within the bore <NUM>, meaning that the magnet <NUM> can be removed as needed or desired, as discussed below. Alternatively, the magnet <NUM> can be permanently installed into the bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. A sidewall <NUM> can be situated between the magnet <NUM> and the cleaning chamber <NUM>, thereby separating the magnet <NUM> from the cleaning chamber <NUM>. However, the magnet <NUM> can be selected so as to have sufficient magnetic strength to generate a magnetic field through the sidewall <NUM> for attracting ferromagnetic debris removed from the object and collected about the cleaning chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, the magnet <NUM> operates to attract any ferromagnetic foreign object debris (FOD) that is scrubbed or cleaned from the object. Thus, the magnet <NUM> causes ferromagnetic material to be attracted to walls that define the cleaning chamber <NUM>, particularly near sidewall <NUM> where the magnetic force may be the greatest.

After a cleaning operation, the attracted ferromagnetic FOD can be removed and discarded from the cleaning tool <NUM>. This can be achieved by manually removing/picking the ferromagnetic FOD, or removing the magnet <NUM> from the housing <NUM> such that the ferromagnetic FOD can merely fall out or be shaken out of the cleaning tool <NUM> for discarding the debris. In the example where the magnet <NUM> is removable, a channel <NUM> can be formed through the housing <NUM> opposite the bore <NUM>, which is in fluid communication with the bore <NUM>. A small tool can be inserted through the channel <NUM> to push the magnet <NUM> out of the bore <NUM>.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a plurality of biasing mechanisms, such as a plurality of set screws 126a-c, coupled to the housing <NUM> and operable to apply a radial compression force to the respective cleaning elements 104a-c. The set screws 126a-c can be threadably advanced inwardly to contact and compress the respective lower ends of the shafts 116a-c to apply a clamping force that holds the cleaning elements 104a-c in place, thereby being secured to the housing <NUM>. The cleaning elements 104a-c can be similarly removed by releasing this clamping force, and then the cleaning elements 104a-c can be cleaned and replaced or interchanged with new ones, such as when the bristles have been worn down to an unusable condition.

A back end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can comprise a rotation interface for facilitating rotation of the housing <NUM> while cleaning an object. In one example, the rotation interface can comprise a knurled or friction surface <NUM> (<FIG>) formed about an outer surface of the housing <NUM> for gripping with a hand of a user to better effectuate rotation of the housing <NUM>. Another example of a rotation interface can include a tool bit aperture <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) formed centrally through the housing <NUM> at the back end <NUM> for receiving a tool bit of a rotary tool (e.g., hand tool or power tool) for rotating the housing <NUM> during cleaning of an object, such as illustrated and further described below regarding <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a cleaning tool <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated from the following discussion that the cleaning <NUM> can operate similarly as described above regarding cleaning tool <NUM> in various aspects. More specifically, the cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a housing <NUM> configured to receive and support a plurality of cleaning members 204a-c. The housing <NUM> can comprise an intake end <NUM> operable to receive the object to be cleaned (see e.g., <FIG>). The housing <NUM> can further comprise or define a cleaning chamber <NUM> extending from the intake end <NUM> through a portion of the housing <NUM>, and the cleaning chamber <NUM> can be centrically located through the housing <NUM> and can define a central longitudinal axis X2. The housing <NUM> can further comprise or define a plurality of retaining cavities 210a-c formed through the housing <NUM> generally in the same direction as, or parallel to, the central longitudinal axis X2. The retaining cavities 210a-c can each comprise a respective support opening 212a-c and a respective cleaning member opening 214a-c in fluid communication with each other. The support openings 212a-c can have the same or a smaller diameter than that of the cleaning member openings 214a-c for supporting respective cleaning elements 204a-c. As illustrated in <FIG>, each of the retaining cavities 210a-c and the cleaning member openings 214a-c is in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber <NUM>, and therefore the cleaning member openings 214a-c are in fluid communication with each other via the cleaning chamber <NUM>. As such, the cleaning elements 204a-c can extend into the cleaning chamber <NUM>.

In one example, the cleaning elements 204a-c can comprise respective shafts 216a-c that support respective cleaning members 218a-c (e.g., wire bristles, or any other types or combination of types) coupled at upper ends of the shafts 216a-c. The lower ends of the shafts 216a-c can be received through and supported by respective support openings 212a-c, while the cleaning members 218a-c extend inwardly into the cleaning chamber <NUM> Thus, as best illustrated in <FIG>, at least a portion of each of the cleaning members 218a-c extend at least partially into the cleaning chamber <NUM>. The retaining cavities 210a-c and cleaning member openings 214a-c can generally surround the cleaning chamber <NUM>, and can be situated equidistance from each other (and generally define an equilateral triangular zone as defined by and between their shafts 216a-c). In this example, the cleaning member openings 214a-c are relatively small in diameter to support the respective upper ends of the shafts 216a-c, because of the type of bristles, for example, supported by the shafts 216a-c.

As shown, the cleaning members 218a-c can each comprise a linear bristle arrangement attached along an inner side of the upper ends of the respective shafts 216a-c. Although not spiraled (like those in <FIG>), inner portions of the cleaning members 218a-c (e.g., bristles) of the linear bristle arrangement can still engage with the threads of the fastener in a manner that the cleaning members 218a-c somewhat flex or bend, so that they can tend to automatically thread along the threads of the fastener during rotation of the housing <NUM>. In turn, this automatically axially translates or axially draws the cleaning tool <NUM> relative to and along the fastener, similarly as described regarding <FIG>.

In an alternative example, the linear bristle arrangement of the cleaning elements 204a-c can each comprise a plurality of bristle segments <NUM> separated by gaps <NUM> along a length of the respective shafts 216a-c. One purpose of the gaps <NUM> is to facilitate collecting debris about the gaps <NUM> during cleaning, so that the debris/FOD can be captured about the cleaning tool <NUM> (instead of falling out into a work area). After cleaning an object, the captured debris/FOD can be shaken out or otherwise removed, such as by removing the cleaning elements 204a-c from the housing <NUM>.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can further comprise a bore <NUM> formed through the housing <NUM>, which can extend from the intake end <NUM>. The bore <NUM> can be located adjacent the cleaning chamber <NUM>. A magnet <NUM> can be received in and inserted into the bore <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> can be removably retained within the bore <NUM>, meaning that the magnet <NUM> can be removed as needed or desired. Alternatively, the magnet <NUM> can be permanently installed in the housing <NUM>. A sidewall <NUM> can be situated between the magnet <NUM> and the cleaning chamber <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> can operate similarly as described above regarding <FIG> for removing ferromagnetic FOD.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a plurality of biasing mechanisms, such as a plurality of set screws 226a-c, coupled to the housing <NUM> and operable to apply a radial compression force to the respective cleaning elements 204a-c as received within the support openings 212a-c. The set screws 226a-c can be threadably advanced inwardly to contact and compress the respective lower ends of the shafts 216a-c to apply a clamping force that holds the cleaning elements 204a-c in place, thereby being secured to the housing <NUM>. The cleaning elements 204a-c can be similarly removed by releasing this clamping force, as discussed above.

A back end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can comprise a rotation interface for facilitating rotation of the housing <NUM> while cleaning an object. In one example, the rotation interface can comprise a knurled or friction surface (e.g., similar to the knurled surface <NUM> of <FIG>) formed about an outer surface of the housing <NUM> for gripping with a hand and rotating the housing <NUM>. Another example of a rotation interface can include a tool bit aperture (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) formed centrally through the housing <NUM> at the back end <NUM> for receiving a tool bit of a rotary tool (e.g., hand tool or power tool) for rotating the housing <NUM> during cleaning of an object, such as illustrated and further described below regarding <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a cleaning tool <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated from the following discussion that the cleaning <NUM> can operate similarly as described above regarding the above disclosed cleaning tools. More specifically, the cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a housing <NUM> configured to receive and support a plurality of cleaning elements 304a-c. The housing <NUM> can comprise an inner housing 303a and an outer housing 303b that can be fit together, where the inner housing 303a is generally cylindrically shaped and is received through a cylindrical cavity of the outer housing 303b in a nested manner. In one example, the inner housing 303a and the outer housing 303b can be joined together via a threaded interface. In another aspect, these can be joined together using a press or interference fit. Those skilled in the art will recognize the many different ways and interfaces that can be used to join the inner and outer housings together. The housing <NUM> can comprise an intake end <NUM> operable to receive the object to be cleaned (see e.g., <FIG>).

The inner housing 303a can comprise or define a cleaning chamber <NUM> extending from the intake end <NUM>, which can be centrically located through the housing <NUM> and can define a central longitudinal axis X3. The inner housing 303a can further comprise or define a plurality of retaining cavities 310a-c formed through the inner housing 303a generally in the same direction, or parallel to, the central longitudinal axis X3. The retaining cavities 310a-c can each comprise a respective support opening 312a-c and a respective cleaning member opening 314a-c in fluid communication with each other. The cleaning member openings 314a-c can be formed as generally rectangular slots formed through the inner housing 303a for supporting the cleaning elements 304a-c, while an inner surface of the outer housing 303b assists to retain the cleaning elements 304a-c within the respective cleaning member openings 314a-c. Thus, as illustrated in <FIG>, each of the cleaning member openings 314a-c is in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber <NUM>, and therefore the cleaning member openings 314a-c are in fluid communication with each other via the cleaning chamber <NUM>.

In one example, the cleaning elements 304a-c can comprise respective shafts 316a-c and respective cleaning members 318a-c (e.g., wire bristles or any others as discussed herein) coupled at upper ends of the shafts 316a-c. The lower ends of the shafts 316a-c can be received through and supported by respective support openings 312a-c. The cleaning members 318a-c can comprise a linear bristle arrangement having a first set of bristles 319a attached along an inner side of the upper ends of the respective shafts 316a-c, and a second set of bristles 319b attached along an opposing outer side of the respective shafts 316a-c, these being oriented and extending in directions <NUM> degrees from one another. Although not spiraled (like <FIG>), inner portions of the first set of bristles 319a can engage with the threads of the fastener in a manner that the cleaning members 318a-c somewhat flex or bend, so that they can tend to automatically thread along the threads of the fastener during rotation of the housing <NUM>. In turn, this automatically axially translates or axially draws the cleaning tool <NUM> relative to and along the fastener, similarly as described regarding <FIG>. In an alternative example, a first set of bristles of the cleaning members (i.e., 310a-c) can have a plurality of separated bristle segments separated by gaps, such as shown and described above regarding <FIG>.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can further comprise a bore <NUM> formed through the inner housing 303a, which can extend from the intake end <NUM>. The bore <NUM> can support a magnet <NUM>, and having the same configuration and purpose as described above regarding the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a plurality of biasing mechanisms, such as a plurality of upper and lower elastic elements <NUM> in the form of springs (only four shown), coupled to the housing <NUM> and operable to apply a radial compression force to the respective cleaning elements 304a-c to accommodate different sizes/diameters of fasteners or objects. More specifically, each elastic element <NUM> can be disposed laterally through bores of the outer housing 303b, and seated against the inner surface of the outer housing 303b. The free ends of the elastic elements <NUM> can extend inwardly into respective cleaning member openings 314a-c and biased to respective cleaning elements 304a-c. A plate or other support surface (not shown) can be attached to the free ends of the elastic elements <NUM> for interfacing with respective second set of bristles 319b and lower ends of respective shafts 316a-c. Therefore, each cleaning element 304a-c will have a pair of elastic elements <NUM> (an upper one and a lower one) biasing inwardly the respective cleaning element 304a-c toward the cleaning chamber <NUM>. Thus, when a larger diameter fastener is received through the cleaning chamber <NUM>, it can automatically push outwardly/radially the cleaning elements 304a-c due to the compliant nature of the elastic elements <NUM> that cooperatively and collectively compress upon the force applied by the larger diameter fastener, for instance, which automatically increases the lateral cleaning area defined by the cleaning elements 304a-c. Stated differently, the biased cleaning elements <NUM> can be variably positioned to accommodate different sized objects to be cleaned.

The elastic elements <NUM> can be any suitable coil spring or other spring, or even an elastomeric component. The elastic elements <NUM> further provide an advantage of applying an inward radial force to the respective cleaning elements 304a-c toward the central longitudinal axis X3, and consequently an inward radial force to the threads of the fasteners, so that the bristles are continually engaged with a sufficient amount of force to dig into the threads of for effectively cleaning debris.

A back end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can comprise a rotation interface for facilitating rotation of the housing <NUM> while cleaning an object. In one example, the rotation interface can comprise a knurled or friction surface (e.g., similar to the knurled surface <NUM> of <FIG>) formed about an outer surface of the outer housing 303b for gripping with a hand and rotating the housing <NUM>. Another example of a rotation interface comprises a tool bit aperture (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) formed centrally through the outer housing 303b at the back end <NUM> for receiving a tool bit of a rotary tool (e.g., hand tool or power tool) for rotating the housing <NUM> during cleaning of an object, such as illustrated and further described below regarding <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a cleaning tool <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated from the following discussion that the cleaning <NUM> can operate similarly as those described above, such as cleaning tool <NUM>, for instance. More specifically, the cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a housing <NUM> configured to receive and support a plurality of cleaning elements 404a-c. The housing <NUM> can comprise an intake end <NUM> operable to receive the object to be cleaned (see e.g., <FIG>). The housing <NUM> can comprise or define a cleaning chamber <NUM> extending from the intake end <NUM> through a portion of the housing <NUM>, and the cleaning chamber <NUM> can be centrically located through the housing <NUM> and can define a central longitudinal axis X4. The housing <NUM> can further comprise or define a plurality of retaining cavities 410a-c formed through the housing <NUM> generally in the same direction as, or parallel to, the central longitudinal axis X4. The retaining cavities 410a-c can each comprise a respective support opening 412a-c and a respective cleaning member opening 414a-c in fluid communication with each other. The cleaning member openings 414a-c can be formed at generally rectangular slots formed through the housing <NUM> for supporting the cleaning elements 404a-c. Thus, as illustrated in <FIG>, each of the cleaning member openings 414a-c is in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber <NUM>, and therefore the cleaning member openings 414a-c are in fluid communication with each other via the cleaning chamber <NUM>.

In one example, the cleaning elements 404a-c can comprise respective shafts 416a-c and respective cleaning members 419a-c (e.g., wire bristles) supported at upper ends of the shafts 416a-c. The lower ends of the shafts 416a-c can be received through and supported by respective support openings 412a-c. The cleaning members 419a-c can comprise a linear bristle arrangement having a first set of bristles 419a attached along an inner side of the upper ends of the respective shafts 416a-c, and a second set of bristles 419b attached along an opposing outer side of the shafts 416a-c. Although not spiraled (like <FIG>), inner portions of the first set of bristles 419a can engage with the threads of the fastener in a manner that the cleaning members 419a-c somewhat flex or bend, so that they can tend to automatically thread along the threads of the fastener during rotation of the housing <NUM>. In turn, this automatically axially translates or axially draws the cleaning tool <NUM> relative to and along the fastener, similarly as described regarding <FIG>. In an alternative example, a first set of bristles of the cleaning members (i.e., 410a-c) can have a plurality of bristle segments separated by gaps, such as shown and described above regarding <FIG>.

Although similar in many respects to the cleaning tool <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the cleaning tool <NUM> does not comprise a two-piece housing. Rather, in the example shown in <FIG>, the cleaning member openings 414a-c, formed as slots, can extend entirely through the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) from the cleaning chamber <NUM> to the perimeter of the housing, such that the cleaning members 419a-c can extend into the cleaning chamber <NUM> as well as beyond an outside perimeter of the housing <NUM>, thus causing at least a portion of the cleaning members 419a-c to be exposed outside of the housing. With this configuration, the cleaning tool <NUM> can not only be operable to receive an object to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber <NUM>, but the cleaning tool <NUM> can be used to clean along or inside of an object. For example, the cleaning tool <NUM> could be used to clean the inside of a pipe by inserting the cleaning tool <NUM> within the pipe and causing the cleaning members 419a-c extending in different directions beyond the perimeter of the housing <NUM> to contact the inside surface or wall of the pipe. It is noted that any of the example cleaning tools can be configured to cause the cleaning members to extend beyond the housing (as well as into the cleaning chamber) to be exposed outside of the housing for the purposes discussed herein, as well as any others as recognized by those skilled in the art.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can further comprise a bore <NUM> formed through the housing <NUM>, which can extend from the intake end <NUM>. The bore <NUM> can support a magnet <NUM> having the same configuration and purpose as described above regarding the examples discussed herein.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a plurality of biasing mechanisms, such as a plurality of set screws 426a-c, coupled to the housing <NUM> and operable to apply a radial compression force to the respective cleaning elements 404a-c. The set screws 426a-c can be threadably advanced inwardly to contact and compress the respective lower ends of the shafts 416a-c to apply a clamping force that holds the cleaning elements 404a-c in place, thereby being secured to the housing <NUM>. The cleaning elements 404a-c can be similarly removed by releasing this clamping force, as discussed herein.

A back end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can comprise a rotation interface for facilitating rotation of the housing <NUM> while cleaning an object. In one example, the rotation interface can comprise a knurled or friction surface (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) formed about an outer surface of the housing <NUM> for gripping with a hand of the user and rotating the housing <NUM>. Another example of a rotation interface can include a tool bit aperture (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) formed centrally through the housing <NUM> at the back end <NUM> for receiving a tool bit of a rotary tool (e.g., hand tool or power tool) for rotating the housing <NUM> during cleaning of an object, such as illustrated and further described below regarding <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a cleaning tool <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a housing <NUM> configured to receive and support a plurality of cleaning elements 504a and 504b (or three or more cleaning elements). The housing <NUM> can be comprised of a first housing 503a and a second housing 503b threadably coupled to the first housing 503a, these being threadably and axially adjustable relative to each other. Thus, the first housing 503a can be a generally solid body having an outer threaded surface, while the second housing 503b can be a cap or hollow body having an inner threaded surface that interfaces with the outer threaded surface. Therefore, a user can threadably rotate the housings 503a and 503b relative to each other, for reasons detailed below.

The second housing 503b can comprise an intake end <NUM> operable to receive an object or fastener to be cleaned (see e.g., <FIG>). The second housing 503b can comprise or define a cleaning chamber <NUM> extending from the intake end <NUM> and defined, at least in part, by the wall of the second housing 503b, and the cleaning chamber <NUM> can be centrically located relative to the housing <NUM> and can define a central longitudinal axis X5.

The first housing 503a can comprise or define a plurality of retaining cavities 510a and 510b formed through the first housing 503a generally in the same direction, or parallel to, the central longitudinal axis X5. The retaining cavities 510a and 510b can each comprise a respective support opening (see respective support openings 512a and 512b) in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber <NUM> when the cleaning elements 504a and 504b are removed from the cleaning tool. The support openings 512a and 512b can be formed as bores or openings through the first housing 503a for supporting respective cleaning elements 504a and 504b, as detailed below.

As shown, the cleaning elements 504a and 504b can comprise respective shafts 516a and 516b, and respective cleaning members 518a and 518b (e.g., wire bristles) supported at upper ends of the shafts 516a and 516b. The lower ends of the shafts 516a and 516b can be received through and supported by respective support openings 512a and 512b. The shafts 516a and 516b can be somewhat compliant (e.g., thin metal, plastic, etc.), so that upper ends of the shafts 516a and 516b are able to deflect. In one example, as shown, the shafts 516a and 516b are caused to deflect inwardly when acted upon by a tapered wall section <NUM> of the second housing 503b when it is threadably onto the first housing 503a. This is illustrated when comparing <FIG>, where <FIG> shows the housing <NUM> in a first position, such that the second housing 503b is situated further away from the first housing 503a, as compared to <FIG> (due to a user unthreading the first and second housings). Thus, upon rotating the second housing 503b relative to the first housing 503a, the tapered wall section <NUM> moves toward the cleaning elements 504a and 504b and impacts them, thereby applying a force or a greater force to them, and thus pushing inwardly the upper ends of the cleaning elements 504a and 504b and deflecting them and the respective shafts 516a and 516b supporting them. This effectively reduces the cleaning area defined by the cleaning elements 504a and 504b to accommodate different sizes/diameters of fasteners to be cleaned, for instance. The cleaning tool <NUM> is configured such that the cleaning elements are caused to elastically deflect, meaning that no permanent bending is caused and that the cleaning elements are able to return to an initial position. Therefore, the second housing 503b can be moved in the opposite direction, thereby relieving the applied force and resulting strain on the upper ends of the cleaning elements 504a and 504b so that they can automatically return to a nominal/straighter position, thereby increasing the cleaning area to accommodate a larger size/diameter fastener, for instance. Preferably, four cleaning elements can be incorporated to better surround a particular fastener for cleaning. Alternatively, a guide tool (not shown) can be in provided inside of the second housing 503b that forces the cleaning elements 504a and 504b inwardly during rotation of the cleaning tool <NUM>.

Upon insertion of a fastener to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber <NUM>, the first and second housings 503a and 503b can be strategically positioned relative to one another (i.e., dialed in or tuned) to apply a specific amount of pressure from the cleaning elements 504a and 504b onto the fastener. Thus, the cleaning pressure applied to the fastener can be varied as needed. For example, the cleaning pressure can be increased in cases of particularly stubborn residual bonding adhesive or other debris on the fastener. The cleaning pressure can be varied simply by moving the first and second housings relative to one another to increase or decrease the degree of flex or deflection imparted to the cleaning elements 504a, 504b.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can further comprise a bore and a magnet (not shown) having the same configuration and purpose as described above regarding the examples discussed herein.

A back end <NUM> of the first housing 503b can comprise a rotation interface for facilitating rotation of the housing <NUM> while cleaning an object, such as a tool bit aperture 532a for receiving a tool bit of a rotary tool (e.g., hand tool or power tool) for rotating the housing <NUM> during cleaning of an object, such as illustrated and further described below regarding <FIG>. Alternatively, a chuck clamping feature 532b can extend from the first housing 503a for being received in a chuck of a power drill, for instance. Note that the other cleaning tools exemplified herein can also have a similar chuck clamping feature extending from the housing.

<FIG> illustrate a not claimed cleaning tool <NUM>. It should be appreciated from the following discussion that the cleaning <NUM> can operate in many respects similarly as those described above. More specifically, the cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a housing <NUM> configured to receive and support a plurality of cleaning elements 604a-c. The housing <NUM> can comprise an intake end <NUM> operable to receive the object to be cleaned (see e.g., FIG. The housing <NUM> can comprise or define a cleaning chamber <NUM> extending from the intake end <NUM> through a portion of the housing <NUM>, and the cleaning chamber <NUM> can be centrically located through the housing <NUM> and can define a central longitudinal axis X6. The housing <NUM> can further comprise or define a retaining cavity <NUM> formed through the housing <NUM> generally in the same direction as, or parallel to, the central longitudinal axis X6. The retaining cavity <NUM> can be a generally cylindrical area or cavity that retains the cleaning members (e.g., bristles) of the cleaning elements 604a-c. Thus, the cleaning chamber <NUM> can also be defined by the retaining cavity <NUM>. A plurality of support openings 612a-c, formed as rectangular slots, can be in fluid communication with the retaining cavity <NUM> and consequently with each other.

As shown, the cleaning elements 604a-c can comprise respective shafts 616a-c and respective cleaning members 618a-c (e.g., wire bristles) supported at upper ends of the shafts 616a-c. The lower ends of the shafts 616a-c can be received through and supported by respective support openings 612a-c. The cleaning members 618a-c can comprise a circular or <NUM> degree bristle arrangement, although other bristle arrangements are possible. Although not spiraled (like <FIG>), inner portions of the cleaning members 618a-c can engage with the threads of the fastener in a manner that the cleaning members 618a-c somewhat flex or bend, so that they can be automatically threaded along the threads of the fastener during rotation of the housing <NUM>. In turn, this automatically axially translates or axially draws the cleaning tool <NUM> relative to and along the fastener, similarly as described regarding <FIG>.

The cleaning tool <NUM> can comprise a plurality of biasing mechanisms, such as a plurality of upper biasing mechanisms 626a and a plurality of lower biasing mechanisms 626b, such as elastic elements, springs, etc. (only four shown), coupled to or supported by the housing <NUM> and operable to apply a radial compression force to the respective cleaning elements 604a-c to accommodate different sizes/diameters of fasteners or objects. More specifically, each upper biasing mechanisms 626a can be disposed laterally through openings of the housing <NUM>, such that free ends of the biasing mechanisms 626a (e.g., elastic elements) can extend inwardly to bias respective cleaning members 618a-c (e.g., bristles) inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis X6. The lower biasing mechanisms 626b (e.g., coil springs) can be situated or seated against respective flanges of the housing <NUM>, and the free ends of the lower biasing mechanisms 626b can be biased against lower ends of the shafts 616a-c to outwardly push the shafts 616a-c to place the cleaning elements 604a-c in a nominal position against the housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> Therefore, when a larger diameter fastener is received through the cleaning chamber <NUM>, it can automatically push outwardly and radially the cleaning elements 604a-c due to the compliant nature of the upper elastic elements 626a the cooperatively and collectively compress to increase the lateral cleaning area defined by the cleaning elements 604a-c.

A back end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can comprise a rotation interface for facilitating rotation of the housing <NUM> while cleaning an object. In one example, the rotation interface can comprise a knurled or friction surface (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) formed about an outer surface of the housing <NUM> for gripping with a hand and rotating the housing <NUM>. Another example of a rotation interface comprises a tool bit aperture <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) formed centrally through the housing <NUM> at the back end <NUM> for receiving a tool bit of a rotary tool (e.g., hand tool or power tool) for rotating the housing <NUM> during cleaning of an object, such as illustrated and further described below regarding <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a method and operation of using a cleaning tool <NUM> to clean a fastener <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The cleaning tool <NUM> can be coupled to a hand tool <NUM> (e.g., hand or power drill) via a tool bit <NUM> (hex driver bit) interfaced with the tool bit aperture <NUM> formed into the housing <NUM> for rotating the cleaning tool <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> can be captured within a structure <NUM>, such as a piece of hardware, missile bracket/shim, fuselage, etc., while a threaded shaft <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> extends outwardly from the structure <NUM>. In this configuration, it is not feasible or desirable to remove the fastener <NUM> from the structure <NUM> for cleaning. Thus, the threaded shaft <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> must be cleaned in the captured position shown. Accordingly, the threaded shaft <NUM> can be at least partially inserted into the cleaning chamber <NUM> of the housing <NUM> through the intake end <NUM>, such that one or more of the cleaning members 104a-c (bristle tips) contact the threaded shaft <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>. The cleaning tool <NUM> can then rotated by operating the hand tool <NUM> (or by grabbing a knurled outer surface of the housing <NUM>, and rotating manually), thereby rotating the cleaning elements 104a-c around and about the threaded shaft <NUM>. Thus, the wire bristles, for instance, of the cleaning elements 104a-c will sweep rotationally around the threaded shaft <NUM> in numerous successive passes as the housing <NUM> is rotated.

Note that certain components shown in <FIG> do not have cross sectional lines for purposes of illustration clarity, such as the fastener heads, the hand tool and bit, and the cleaning elements 104a and 104b.

Accordingly, the cleaning chamber <NUM> can provide a translational cleaning path oriented along the central longitudinal axis X1 (<FIG>) of the cleaning tool <NUM>, which path is defined by the relative translational movement between the cleaning tool <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> being cleaned. This translational cleaning path is followed as the fastener <NUM> being cleaned is inserted and removed from the cleaning chamber <NUM> in successive back and forth axial movements of the cleaning tool <NUM> about the fastener <NUM>. The cleaning tool <NUM> also provides a rotational cleaning path oriented along various lateral axes of the cleaning tool <NUM>, defined by the rotational movement of the cleaning elements 104a-c relative to the threaded shaft <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>.

As introduced above regarding <FIG>, rotation of the cleaning tool and engagement of the cleaning members with the threaded shaft of the fastener facilitates advancement of the cleaning tool in an axial direction along the fastener <NUM>. Due to the arrangement of the cleaning members, the threads on the threaded shaft <NUM>, or both of these, the cleaning elements 104a-c somewhat act collectively as a threaded component or device that can engage with the threaded shaft <NUM> when the cleaning tool <NUM> is rotated, so that the cleaning tool <NUM> is automatically drawn downwardly along the threaded shaft <NUM> when the cleaning tool <NUM> is rotated in a clockwise direction (assuming the threaded shaft <NUM> has right-handed threads). Once the cleaning tool <NUM> has "bottomed-out" or reached its limit of axial movement down onto the fastener <NUM> and structure <NUM>, the housing <NUM> can continually be rotated in the same clockwise direction while the user pulls upwardly on the cleaning tool <NUM>, which somewhat moves the bristles in the opposite direction as the threads of the threaded shaft <NUM>, which promotes a more aggressive cleaning operation when drawing the cleaning tool <NUM> away from the fastener.

It should be appreciated that the various examples discussed above could incorporate only one cleaning element (e.g., 104a) with a particular cleaning tool, and still achieve some level of functionality of efficiently cleaning debris from an object as the single cleaning element sweeps the fasteners while the cleaning tool is rotated. Likewise, a plurality, such as two, three, four, or more than four cleaning elements, could be incorporated with some or all of the examples discussed above, which could provide a quicker, more efficient means of cleaning an object.

The variety of examples of cleaning tools or devices that can be used to remove both structural bonding adhesive and any debris from fasteners can drastically reduce the time and labor required to clean fasteners and other objects by hand, which can therefore reduce overall maintenance or repair times of the systems or devices or objects in which the fasteners are employed.

A method of making a cleaning tool (e.g., <NUM>) can comprise forming a housing having a cleaning chamber (e.g., <NUM>) and a plurality of retaining cavities (e.g., 110a-c). The method can further comprise securing one or more cleaning elements (e.g., 104a-c) to the housing to be supported within the retaining cavities. The method can further comprise securing the cleaning elements with biasing mechanisms (e.g., set screws). Alternatively, the method can comprise coupling a plurality of elastic elements to the housing to bias respective cleaning elements inwardly to accommodate cleaning different sized objects or fasteners.

It is to be understood that the examples set forth herein are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the technology being described.

While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts described herein.

Reference throughout this specification to "an example" or "exemplary" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in an example" or the word "exemplary" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

In addition, various embodiments and example of the present technology may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as defacto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present technology.

In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the technology. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the technology can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the technology.

Claim 1:
A cleaning tool (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for cleaning an object, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an intake end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a back end, the housing operable to be rotated by hand or by a hand tool (<NUM>);
a cleaning chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) formed in the housing from the intake end;
a retaining cavity (110a-c, 210a-c, 310a-c, 410a-c, 510a-b) formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber;
a cleaning element (104a-c, 204a-c, 304a-c, 404a-c, 504a-b) supported by the retaining cavity, such that a portion of the cleaning element extends into the cleaning chamber for cleaning an object upon rotation of the housing relative to the object; and characterised by
a magnet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) supported by the housing and positioned adjacent the cleaning chamber to magnetically attract debris during a cleaning process of the object.