A device for cleaning a vehicle wheel

The wheel cleaning device addresses the challenge of cleaning alloy wheels by using a rotating brush and spray arm, secured to the wheel with adjustable legs, for effective and efficient cleaning of the wheel rim.

GB2701933APending Publication Date: 2026-05-20BRITE WIND CONSULTING LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
GB · GB
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
BRITE WIND CONSULTING LTD
Filing Date
2024-10-14
Publication Date
2026-05-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Cleaning vehicle alloy wheels is laborious due to their dirtiness and complex structure, making it difficult to effectively clean all parts of the wheel.

Method used

A wheel cleaning device with a rotating brush and rotary spray arm, powered by a motor, hand-crank, or electric drill, that secures to the wheel using adjustable and pivotable legs, allowing for effective cleaning of the wheel rim with a liquid sprayer.

Benefits of technology

The device provides easy and efficient cleaning of vehicle alloy wheels by ensuring thorough coverage of the wheel rim with a rotating brush and spray, accommodating various wheel sizes and types.

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Abstract

A device for cleaning a vehicle wheel rim comprises a frame 2, a brush part 7 rotatably attached to the frame and a cleaning liquid sprayer 10, optionally a rotating spray arm. The frame secures the d
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Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for cleaning a vehicle wheel, especially a vehicle alloy wheel. Background to the Invention Vehicles such as cars, vans and trucks have wheels that require constant cleaning. This is particularly the case when the wheels are so-called “alloy wheels” (also known as “rims”). The wheels consist of a central hub, an outer rim, and an intermediate part that in the case of alloy wheels usually consists of spokes. Cleaning of the wheel is a laborious task as the wheels tend to be very dirty (especially during winter) and have many parts that are difficult or time consuming to clean. It is an object of the invention to overcome at least one of the above-referenced problems. Summary of the Invention The invention provides a wheel cleaning device that is easy to use and quite mobile. It has a rotating brush element. It may also comprise a rotary spray arm. The rotary spray arm may be configured to spray water and / or a cleaning fluid on to the brush or wheel. The rotating brush element may be powered by a separate drive (e.g. a hand-crank or electric drill), it may be powered by the forces generated by the rotary spray arm (when it is attached to the rotary brush element), or it may be powered by a motor which is part of the device. The device includes a frame with at one leg, or at least two legs, to secure the device to a wheel to be cleaned. The frame may have three legs in an inverted Y-shape with the upper leg length-adjustable, which allows the device to clamp to a range of wheel sizes. In a first aspect, the invention provides a device for cleaning a vehicle wheel, comprising: a frame is configured for securing the device to a wheel with the brush part abutting the wheel rim such that rotation of the brush part cleans the wheel rim; a brush part rotatably attached to the frame; and a liquid sprayer to spray a liquid on to the wheel or the brush part. In any embodiment, the frame comprises a central part and at least one leg extending radially from the central part, the at least one leg having a foot configured to engage an outer periphery of a tyre of the wheel. In any embodiment, the frame comprises at least two legs extending (typically radially) from the central part of the frame. In any embodiment, the liquid sprayer is disposed between the frame and the brush part. In any embodiment, the frame is configured for securing to a wheel with the brush part abutting the wheel rim such that rotation of the brush part cleans the wheel rim. In any embodiment, the securing comprises clamping to a wheel comprising adjustment of a length of one of the legs of the frame. In any embodiment, the frame is configured to be secured to a wheel by the wheel resting on the foot of the at least two legs. In any embodiment, at least one of the legs is length adjustable. In any embodiment, at least two of the legs are length adjustable. In any embodiment, at least one of the legs is pivotally adjustable. In any embodiment, at least two of the legs are pivotally adjustable. In any embodiment, at least one of the legs is configured for rotation about its longitudinal axis. In any embodiment, at least two of the legs are configured for rotation about their respective longitudinal axis. In any embodiment, one or more of the legs are detachable from the central frame. In any embodiment, the frame comprises three legs, typically comprising an upper leg and two lower legs. In any embodiment, the three legs are disposed in an inverted Y-shape. In any embodiment, the upper leg is length adjustable. In any embodiment, one or both of the two lower legs are configured for angular adjustment (an embodiment is indicated in Figure 2). In any embodiment, the frame comprises two upper legs arranged in a V-shape. This embodiment allows the device to hang from the top of a wheel. In any embodiment, at least one or both of the two upper legs is configured for angular adjustment (an embodiment is indicated in Figure 36). In any embodiment, the foot of one or more of the legs is length adjustable. In any embodiment, the foot of one or more of the legs is detachable. In any embodiment, the foot of one or more of the legs comprises a fastener (e.g. s strap) for fastening the foot to the wheel. In any embodiment, the feet have a thin flat profile. In any embodiment, an upper surface of the feet (the surface that contacts the tyre of the wheel) is roughened to improve grip of a tyre. The surface may be roughened by providing a pattern of repeating grooves on the surface. In any embodiment, one or more of the feet comprises a lip configured to abut an inside of the wheel (for example, an inside periphery of the wheel rim or wheel tyre). In any embodiment, the lip is L-shaped. In any embodiment, the brush part is circular and optionally has a diameter of 33 cm to 60 cm. In any embodiment, the brush part comprises bristles and a backing part to which the bristles are attached. In any embodiment, the bristles are attached to discrete sections of the backing plate. The discrete sections may be circular, triangular and may optionally cover 10-90% of a surface area of the backing plate. In any embodiment, the backing part comprises apertures that are in register with the fluid outlet nozzles of the spray arm. In any embodiment, the backing part comprises a fluidic conduit comprising a fluid inlet providing fluidic communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet nozzles of the spray arm. In any embodiment, the liquid sprayer comprises spray nozzle attached to the frame in fluid communication with a liquid supply via a conduit. In any embodiment, the liquid sprayer comprises a spray arm rotatably mounted to the central part of the frame and one or more liquid outlet nozzles disposed on the spray arm. In any embodiment, the brush part is mounted to the spray arm for rotation therewith. In any embodiment, the spray arm has a central hub comprising a drive shaft configured for connection to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be a motor which is part of the device or an external drive (for example a drill). In any embodiment, the spray arm comprises two co-axial arms sections extending radially from the central hub. In any embodiment, the spray arm comprises four arm sections extending radially from the central hub, typically in an X-shape. In any embodiment, the spray arm is configured to fluidically connect with a liquid supply (e.g. a water hose or pressure sprayer). In any embodiment, the liquid sprayer comprises a fluidic conduit having a distal end in fluidic communication with the one or more outlet nozzles and a proximal end configured to detachable attachment to the spraying liquid supply. In any embodiment, the fluidic conduit is configured to pass through the central hub of the spray arm. In any embodiment, the one or more or the liquid outlet nozzles are disposed at an angle to the spray arm configured to urge the spray arm to rotate when a liquid is sprayed from the one or more outlet nozzles. In any embodiment, the device is configured to rotate the spray arm while the spray arm is spraying water at the wheel. In any embodiment, the device comprises a fluid chamber mounted to the central part of the frame having a fluid inlet to receive fluid and a fluid outlet, wherein the drive shaft of the spray arm has a distal part rotatably attached to the fluid outlet having a lumen that fluidically connects the fluid chamber and the liquid outlet nozzles of the spray arm, and a proximal part that extends through the fluid chamber with a proximal end exposed on a proximal side of the fluid chamber. An embodiment is illustrated in Figure 27. In this embodiment, rotation of the spray arm (and brush part) can be driven while cleaning fluid is supplied to the spray arm. In any embodiment, the distal part of the spray arm is cylindrical with a hollow lumen. In any embodiment, the spraying device comprises the spray arm and a backing disc attached to the spray arm for rotation therewith. The backing disc presents movement of fluid away from the wheel. In any embodiment, the device includes a housing for the brush part having a rear plate with a central aperture (to receive the central hub or drive shaft of the brush part or spray arm), an annular sidewall extending around a periphery of the rear plate, and an open front. The housing is dimensioned to receive the brush part (and optionally the spray arm) in a nested relationship. In any embodiment, the device is configured for adjustment of the position of the brush part relative to the wheel rim when the device is attached to the wheel. In any embodiment, the device comprises biassing means for biassing the brush part into contact with the wheel rim when the device is attached to the wheel. The biassing means may comprise a spring disposed between the brush part and the frame. In any embodiment, the brush part is detachable and interchangeable. Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention are defined and described in the other claims set out below. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1A is a front elevational view of a device according to the invention. Figure 1B is a rear elevational view of the device of Figure 1. Figure 1C is a side elevational view of the device of Figure 1. Figure 1D is an exploded view of the device of Figure 1. Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of a device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 3A to 3C are side elevational views of three embodiments of legs for the frame. Figure 4 is a perspective view part of a frame of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of an upper arm attaching to a central part of a frame. Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view of an arm and foot in which the foot is length adjustable. Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view of an arm and foot in which the foot including a strap for attaching the arm to a wheel. Figure 8 is a perspective view part of a frame of a device according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the frame is Y-shaped with one upper arm and two lower legs, one of which is configured for angular adjustment. Figure 9 is a rear view of a wheel should the frame of Figure 8 clamped to the wheel. Figure 10A is an elevational view of a spray arm forming part of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 10B is an elevational view of an alternative spray arm forming part of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 10C is an elevational view of a spray arm having a backing plate to which the spray arm is attached. Figure 11 is a top plan view of a brush part and spray arm showing the central hub and drive shaft extending rearwardly. Figure 12 is a top plan view of a brush part and spray arm showing the central hub and drive shaft extending rearwardly. The bristles form a diverging frusto-conical brush. Figure 13 is a front elevational view of a brush part with discrete circular sections of bristles mounted to a circular backing plate. Figure 14 is a perspective view of part of a frame showing two lower legs that have a flat profile and grooves surface for grip enhancement. Figure 15A and 15B are examples of grooves that may be formed in the surface to provide the roughened surface. Figure 16 is a side elevational view of a device according to the invention with two lower legs and no upper leg and showing the brush part disposed in the brush part housing and central hub of the rotary spray arm. Figure 17 is a side elevational view of a rotary spray arm showing the central hub and drive shaft extending rearwardly, and a fitting for the central hub having a fluidic conduit to fluidically connect a fluid supply with the spray arm. The fitting is configured for receiving the drive shaft and coupling with the central hub. Figure 18 is a backing disc that is mounted between the frame and spray arm. Figure 19 shows an embodiment of a spray arm having four arm sections extending radially away from the central hub in an X-shape, in which each arm section comprises a fluid outlet nozzle. Figure 20 is a front elevational view of a circular brush part for use with the spray arm of Figure 19 and having four apertures spaced apart around a periphery of the brush part that in use are positioned in register with the respective nozzles of the spray arm. Figures 21 and 22 are rear and side elevational views, respectively, of a device according to the invention having an inverted Y-shaped frame with one upper leg and two lower legs and a fluid inlet housing disposed on the upper leg with a fluid inlet fitting and a conduit fluidically connecting the housing with the rotary spray arm. Figure 23 shows a pressure spray device fluidically connected to the fluid inlet fitting. Figure 24 is a side elevational view of a device that is similar to the device of Figure 22 but including a second fluid inlet disposed on the rotary brush housing. Figures 25A and 25B show a device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention with an additional supporting leg that extends rearwardly from the central part of the frame. Figures 26A and 26B show devices according to an alternative embodiment of the invention having a supporting base extending rearwardly from a bottom of each leg. Figure 27 illustrates part of a device according to one embodiment of the invention, showing a rotary spray arm, a drive shaft for the rotary spray arm, and a housing for spraying fluid with an inlet fitting attached to as water supply hose and front and rear apertures. The drive shaft passes through the front and rear apertures (which have fluid tight bearings, not shown) of the housing and has a front part that has a lumen for conveying fluid from the housing to the spray arm. This design allows water to be supplied to the rotary spray harm while the drive shaft is being driven by a drive (such as a drill or hand crank). Figure 28 is a perspective view of an arm for the frame having a length-adjustable foot. Figure 29 is a rear view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention having an inverted Y-shaped frame with a detachable and length adjustable upper leg and two lower legs one of which is configured for angular adjustment. Figure 30 is a front view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention having a V-shaped frame with two upper legs one of which is configured for angular adjustment. This embodiment is suited for hanging from a wheel. Figure 31 is a side elevational view of the device of Figure 30. Figure 32 is a rear view of the device of Figure 30 with the legs disposed side-by-side. Figure 33 is an elevational view of an X-shaped rotary spray arm. Figure 34 is a front elevational view of a brush part having a grated arrangement of bristles. Figure 35 is a perspective view of an arm for the frame having a length-adjustable foot. Figure 36 and 37 are rear and side elevational views, respectively, of the device of Figure 30 shown suspended from a wheel tyre. Figures 38 to 42 illustrate a further embodiment of the device of the invention in which the device (shown as side elevation and rear view, C and E) includes a motor operably connected to the drive shaft of the rotary spray arm. The motor may be connected to the drive shaft directly (B), or via an arrangement of cogs (A and D). A driving cog may be attached to a cog on the brush part housing, and the driving cog may be positioned to engage a cog on the periphery of the brush part housing. Figure 43 is an exploded view of a brush part, rotary arm, brush part housing, cleaning fluid connector fitting and motor. Figure 44 shows a device of the invention with no legs. Figure 45 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 44 showing the brush part, rotary spray arm, brush part housing, and hose fitting to fluidically connect a hose with the rotary spray arm. Figure 46 is a brush part housing in which the peripheral sidewall has extension sections configured to rest upon a tyre surface.. Figure 47 is a front elevational view of the brush part with the bristles arranged in circular patterns. Figure 48 is a rear view of the device of Figure 44. Figure 49 is a front elevational view of a brush part with opposed apertures showing the spray nozzles of the spray arm behind and in register with the apertures, and in which the brush part has two segment shaped areas of bristles. Detailed Description of the Invention All publications, patents, patent applications and other references mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes as if each individual publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and the content thereof recited in full. Definitions and general preferences Where used herein and unless specifically indicated otherwise, the following terms are intended to have the following meanings in addition to any broader (or narrower) meanings the terms might enjoy in the art: Brush part Unless otherwise required by context, the use herein of the singular is to be read to include the plural and vice versa. The term "a" or "an" used in relation to an entity is to be read to refer to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. As used herein, the term "comprise," or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising," are to be read to indicate the inclusion of any recited integer (e.g. a feature, element, characteristic, property, method / process step or limitation) or group of integers (e.g. features, element, characteristics, properties, method / process steps or limitations) but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Thus, as used herein the term "comprising" is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited integers or method / process steps. As used here, the term “front” as applied to the device means the aspect of the device that faces the wheel being cleaned and the term “rear” refers to the aspect of the device facing away from the wheel being cleaned. As used herein, the term “vehicle” refers to motorised and non-motorised vehicles having at least four wheels such as cars, cans, trucks, caravans, mobile homes, and camper vans. As used herein, the term “mobile” as applied to the device of the invention means that the device can be moved by a human, for example from inside a garage to outside the garage. The device typically weights less than 200Kg, 150Kg, 100Kg, 75Kg or 50 Kg. Exemplification The invention will now be described with reference to specific Examples. These are merely exemplary and for illustrative purposes only: they are not intended to be limiting in any way to the scope of the monopoly claimed or to the invention described. These examples constitute the best mode currently contemplated for practicing the invention. Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figures 1A to 1E, there is illustrated a device according to the invention for cleaning vehicle wheels, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The device comprises a frame having a central part 2 . two lower legs 3 fixed at an angle of about 115°apart, a detachable upper leg 4, and a coupling arrangement for coupling the upper leg to the central part (not shown). Referring to Figure 1D, each leg 3, 4 includes a foot 5 dimensioned to extend along a surface of a tyre and a lip 6 dimensioned to abut an inner periphery of a tyre. The device comprises a circular brush part 7 having bristles 8 and a base 9, a rotary spray arm 10 and a housing 11 into which the brush part and rotary arm are nested. The rotary spray arm 10 has a central hub 12 and a drive shaft 13 that extends rearwardly through an aperture in the central part 2 of the frame. The central part includes a fitting 15 for connection to a water supply (not shown) and a fluidic conduit (not shown) for supplying water from the water supply to the rotary spray arm 10. In use, the device with the upper leg 4 detached is pushed against a wheel and the feet 5 of the lower legs 3 positioned under each side of the wheel. The upper leg 3 is than attached to the central part and adjusted until the frame is clamping the wheel with a centre of the circular brush part abutting and in register with a central hub of the wheel. A water hose is then attached to the fitting 15 and the hose turned on to direct water to the brush part and wheel via the rotary spray arm. In embodiments without a spray arm, the housing 11 may include a water nozzle to direct water on to the brush from the fitting 15. The hose is then detached and a drive mechanism (e.g. an electric drill) is then coupled to the drive shaft 13 to rotate the brush part and rotary spray arm to clear the wheel. Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of a device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention in which parts described with reference to the previous embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the device has lower legs 3 that are pivotally attached to the central part 2 of the frame and can be fixed at different positions to vary the angle between the legs 3. This allows the device to be securely mounted to a range of different sized wheels. Figure 3A to 3C are side elevational views of three embodiments of legs for the frame. The first leg (Fig. 3A) has a foot 5 that is orthogonal to the leg and a lip 6 that is orthogonal to the foot 5. The second leg (Fig. 3B) has an L-shaped lip 6. The third leg (Fig. 3C) has a lip 6 that is hingedly attached to the foot 5 and adjustable. Figure 4 illustrates the frame without the upper leg 4. The lower legs 3 and feet 5 have a flat profile, and are made from steel or aluminium. Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of how the upper leg 4 is attached to the central part 2. In this case, the upper leg 4 is bifurcated with parallel forks 22 and the central part 2 has sockets 24 dimensioned to receive the forks 22. The forks 22 include holes 25 to lock the upper leg in a desired position using a spring latch (not shown) on the central part. Figure 6 illustrates one embodiment of a length adjustable foot 5 and Figure 7 illustrates a leg 3 and foot 5 in which the foot including a strap 27 for attaching the leg to a wheel. Figure 8 illustrates a frame of a device according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the frame is Y-shaped with one upper leg 3 and two lower legs 4, one of which is configured for angular adjustment as described above. Figure 9 is a rear view of a wheel with the frame of Figure 8 clamped to the wheel. Figure 10A illustrates a rotary spray arm 10 having fluid outlet nozzles 29 disposed at each end of the arm facing forwardly. Figure 10B illustrates another embodiment of the rotary spray arm in which the fluid outlet nozzles are positioned to spray water orthogonally to the spray arm which causes the spray arm (and brush part) to rotate. Figure 10C illustrates a spray arm 10 having a backing plate 30 to which the spray arm is attached. Figure 11 is a top plan view of the brush part 7 and spray arm 10 showing the central hub 12 and drive shaft 13 extending rearwardly and the bristles 8 extending forwardly. Figure 12 is similar to Figure 11 except that the bristles 8 form a diverging frusto-conical brush 31. Figure 13 illustrates an embodiment of a brush part 7 with discrete circular sections 32 of bristles 8 mounted to the circular backing plate 30. Figure 14 illustrates two lower legs 3 that have a flat profile and a grooved surface for grip enhancement. Figure 15A and 15B illustrate grooves 33 that may be formed in the surface to provide the roughened surface. Figure 16 is a side elevational view of a device according to the invention with two lower legs 3 and no upper leg and showing the brush part 7 disposed in the brush part housing 11 and central hub 12. Figure 17 illustrates a rotary spray arm 10 showing the central hub 12 and drive shaft 13 extending rearwardly, and a fitting 35 for the central hub 12 having a fluidic conduit 36 to fluidically connect a fluid supply (not shown) with the spray arm 10. The fitting 35 has a central through-lumen configured for receiving the drive shaft 13 and coupling with the central hub 12. Figure 18 is a backing disc 37 with a central aperture 38 that is mounted between the frame and spray arm 10. The backing disc prevents water back-splashing onto the frame of the device. Figure 19 shows an embodiment of a spray arm 10 having four arm sections 39 extending radially away from the central hub 12 in an X-shape, in which each arm section comprises a fluid outlet nozzle 29. Figure 20 illustrates a circular brush part 7 for use with the spray arm of Figure 19 and having four apertures 40 spaced apart around a periphery of the brush part that in use are positioned in register with the respective nozzles 29 of the spray arm to allow the nozzles direct water onto the when during use. Figures 21 and 22 illustrate a device according to the invention having an inverted Y-shaped frame with one upper leg 4 and two lower legs 3 and a fluid inlet housing 15 disposed on the upper leg with a fluid inlet 41 and a conduit 42 fluidically connecting the housing 15 with the rotary spray arm 10 through the central hub. Figure 23 shows a pressure spray device 43 fluidically connected to the fluid inlet fitting. Figure 24 is a side elevational view of a device that is similar to the device of Figure 22 but including a second fluid inlet 44 disposed on the rotary brush housing 11. Figures 25A and 25B show a device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention with an additional supporting leg 45 that extends rearwardly from the central part of the frame. Figures 26A and 26B show devices according to an alternative embodiment of the invention having a supporting base 46 extending rearwardly from a bottom of each lower leg 4. Figure 27 illustrates part of a device according to one embodiment of the invention, showing a rotary spray arm 10, a drive shaft 13 for the rotary spray arm, and a housing 47 for spraying fluid with an inlet fitting 48 attached to a water supply hose 49 and front and rear apertures in the housing (now shown). The drive shaft 13 passes through the front and rear apertures (which have fluid tight bearings, not shown) of the housing and has a front part 50 that has a lumen for conveying fluid from the housing to the spray arm 10. This design allows water to be supplied to the rotary spray harm while the drive shaft is being driven by a drive (such as a drill or hand crank). Figure 28 is a perspective view of a leg 3, 4 for the frame having a length-adjustable foot 5. Figure 29 is a rear view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention having an inverted Y-shaped frame with a detachable and length adjustable upper leg 4 and two lower legs 3 one of which is configured for angular adjustment. Figures 30 to 32 illustrate a device according to an embodiment of the invention having a V-shaped frame with two upper legs 4 one of which is configured for angular adjustment. This embodiment is suited for hanging from a wheel. This may also be achieved with just one leg. The legs are adjustable from an in-use configuration shown in Figure 30 to a storage configuration shown in Figures 31 and 32 (with the legs disposed side-by-side). Figure 33 is an elevational view of an X-shaped rotary spray arm 10. Figure 34 is a front elevational view of a brush part 7 having a grated arrangement of bristles. Figure 35 is a perspective view of a leg 3, 4 for the frame having a length-adjustable foot 5. Figure 36 and 37 are rear and side elevational views, respectively, of the device of Figure 30 shown suspended from a wheel tyre. Figures 38 to 42 illustrate a further embodiment of the device of the invention in which the device, shown as side elevation (Fig. 40) and rear view (Fig. 42) includes a motor 52 operably connected to the drive shaft 13 of the rotary spray arm 10. The motor may be connected to the drive shaft directly (Fig. 41), or via an arrangement of cogs (Figs 38 and 41). A driving cog 53 may be attached to a cog 54 on the brush part housing 11, or the driving cog 53 may be positioned to engage a cog 54 on the periphery of the brush part housing 11. Figure 43 is an exploded view of a brush part 7, rotary arm 10, brush part housing 11, cleaning fluid connector fitting 58 and motor 52. Figure 44 shows a device of the invention with no legs. Figure 45 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 44 showing the brush part 7, rotary spray arm 10, brush part housing 11, and hose fitting to fluidically connect a hose with the rotary spray arm. Figure 46 illustrates a brush part housing 7 in which the peripheral sidewall 55 has extension sections 56. Figure 47 is a front elevational view of the brush part with the bristles arranged in circular patterns. Figure 48 is a rear view of the device of Figure 44. Figure 49 is a front elevational view of a brush part with opposed apertures showing the spray nozzles of the spray arm behind and in register with the apertures, and in which the brush part has two segment shaped areas of bristles. Equivalents The foregoing description details presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and variations in practice thereof are expected to occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of these descriptions. Those modifications and variations are intended to be encompassed within the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning a wheel rim of a vehicle wheel, comprising:a frame;a brush part rotatably attached to the frame; anda liquid sprayer configured to spray a cleaning liquid on to the wheel or the brush part,wherein the frame is configured for securing the device to a wheel with the brush part abutting the wheel rim such that rotation of the brush part cleans the wheel rim.

2. A device according to Claim 1, in which the frame comprises a central part and at least one leg extending radially from the central part and having a foot configured to engage an outer periphery of a tyre of the wheel.

3. A device according to Claim 1, in which the frame comprises a central part and at least two legs extending radially from the central part, each leg having a foot configured to engage an outer periphery of a tyre of the wheel4. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the liquid sprayer comprises a spray arm rotatably mounted to the frame comprising one or more liquid outlet nozzles, wherein the spray arm is configured to fluidically connect with a liquid supply to spray a liquid on to the brush part or the wheel.

5. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which at least one of the legs is length adjustable.

6. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which at least one of the legs is pivotally adjustable.

7. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which one or more of the legs are detachable from the central frame.

8. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the frame comprises three legs comprising an upper leg and two lower legs, in which the three legs are disposed in an inverted Y-shape.

9. A device according to Claim 8, in which the upper leg is length adjustable.

10. A device according to Claim 8 or 9, in which one or both of the two lower legs are configured for angular adjustment11. A device according to any of Claims 1 to 7, in which the frame comprises two upper legs arranged in a V-shape.

12. A device according to Claim 11, in which at least one or both of the two upper legs is configured for angular adjustment.

13. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the foot of one or more of the legs is length adjustable.

14. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the foot of one or more of the legs is detachable.

15. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the foot of one or more of the legs comprises a fastener for fastening the foot to the wheel.

16. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which each food has a flat profile.

17. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which an upper surface of one or more of the feet that contacts the tyre of the wheel is roughened to improve grip of a tyre.

18. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which one or more of the feet comprises a lip configured to abut an inside of the wheel.

19. A device according to Claim 18, in which the lip is L-shaped.

20. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the brush part is circular and optionally has a diameter of 33 cm to 60 cm.

21. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the brush part comprises bristles and a backing part to which the bristles are attached.

22. A device according to Claim 21, in which the bristles are attached to discrete sections of the backing plate.

23. A device according to Claim 21 or 22, in which the backing part comprises apertures that are in register with fluid outlet nozzles of the spray arm.

24. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the brush part is mounted to the spray arm for rotation therewith.

25. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the spray arm has a central hub comprising a drive shaft configured for connection to a drive mechanism.

26. A device according to any preceding Claim, including a motor operably connected to the drive shaft, optionally in which the motor is attached to the frame or the brush part.

27. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the spray arm comprises four arm sections extending radially from the central hub, typically in an X-shape.

28. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the one or more or the liquid outlet nozzles are disposed at an angle to the spray arm configured to urge the spray arm to rotate when a liquid is sprayed from the one or more outlet nozzles.

29. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the device comprises a fluid chamber mounted to the central part of the frame having a fluid inlet to receive fluid and a fluid outlet, wherein the drive shaft of the spray arm has a distal part rotatably attached to the fluid outlet having a lumen that fluidically connects the fluid chamber and the liquid outlet nozzles of the spray arm, and a proximal part that extends through the fluid chamber with a proximal end exposed on a proximal side of the fluid chamber.

30. A device according to any preceding Claim, in which the device includes a housing for the brush part having a rear plate with a central aperture to receive the central hub and / or drive shaft of the brush part or spray arm, an annular sidewall extending around a periphery of the rear plate, and an open front, wherein the housing is dimensioned to receive the brush part (and optionally the spray arm) in a nested relationship.s