Rim-detailing devices, kits, and methods for cleaning tire rims

Abstract

A rim-detailing device includes an elongated member such as a telescopic member, a quick-disconnect cleaning member releasably attachable to first end portion of the telescopic member, a self-pressurizable canister disposed at a second end of the telescopic member. A tube conveys rim cleaning liquid from the self-pressurizable canister to the cleaning member. The rim-detailing device is operable for cleaning a tire rim including adjacent to a brake caliper without removing the wheel from a vehicle. The cleaning member may include a plurality of different sized quick-disconnect cleaning members or a quick-disconnect scraper.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to cleaning of vehicle tire rims, and in particular, to rim-detailing devices, kits, and methods for cleaning vehicle tire rims.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A problem with cleaning tire rims is the need to remove brake dust and road grime adjacent to the brake calipers and along the inside of the tire rim. Automobile detail shops, in cleaning a vehicle, typically remove all the tires from the vehicle in order to thoroughly clean the tire rims. This is a timely process, and can cause damage to the rims. For example, the lug nuts may become stripped. In addition, not properly tightening the lug nuts can cause a driving hazard.[0003]Where the tires are not removed, one typically manually cleans the rims with a sponge or brush. Due to the limited spaces between the rim and the brake calipers, it is difficult to clean the tire rims adjacent the brake calipers. In addition, it is easy to damage one's hands or fingers when trying to re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a rim-detailing device for containing a rim cleaning liquid and operable for cleaning a tire rim including adjacent to a brake caliper without removing the wheel from a vehicle. The rim-detailing device includes an elongated member, a quick-disconnect cleaning member releasably attachable to a first end portion of the elongated member, and a self-pressurizable canister for holding the cleaning liquid and having a release for allowing the user to controllably discharge cleaning liquid from the self-pressurizable canister to the cleaning member. The self-pressurizable canister is disposed at a second end portion of the elongated member, and the cleaning member has a support and a cleaning material. The cleaning member is configured to receive cleaning liquid from the self-pressurizable canister and to deliver the cleaning liquid directly to the cleaning material, and the cleaning member having at least one of a thickness and being compactable to a thickness to be positionable between the tire rim and the brake caliper.

[0006]The present invention provides, in a second aspect, a rim-detailing device for containing a tire rim cleaning liquid and operable for cleaning a tire rim adjacent to a brake caliper without removing the wheel from a vehicle. The rim-detailing device includes an adjustably telescopic member, a quick-disconnect cleaning member comprising a support and a cleaning material, a mount attachable to a first end portion of the telescopic member and releasab

Problems solved by technology

A problem with cleaning tire rims is the need to remove brake dust and road grime adjacent to the brake calipers and along the inside of the tire rim.

This is a timely process, and can cause damage to the rims.

In addition, not properly tightening the lug nuts can cause a driving hazard.

Due to the limited spaces between the rim and the brake calipers, it is difficult to clean the tire rims adjacent the brake calipers.

In addition, it is easy to damage one's hands or fingers when trying to reach between the rim and the brake calipers.

Further, the cleaning liquid is typically sprayed on the tire rims and the cleaning liquid often irritates one's skin.

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