Boat Hull Washing Apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a hand controlled cleaning apparatus used to clean away debris from a boat hull. The apparatus includes a brush at one end that is rotated by either an engine or an electric motor. The user controls the brush with an extended arm portion that may house a flexible shaft or conduits for power. The brush rotates in a direction that makes the apparatus more buoyant during use and gains better traction against the boat hull.

1 . An apparatus for cleaning a boat hull comprising:
 a curved arm portion defining a distal end and a proximal end of the apparatus;   at least one brush positioned at the distal end of said arm portion, said brush connected generally perpendicularly to said curved arm portion;   an engine for driving said brush, said engine positioned at the proximal end of said arm portion;   a flexible shaft positioned within said curved arm portion and connecting said brush to said engine, wherein said engine rotates said brush in a direction that increases the buoyancy of the apparatus when the apparatus is submerged in water.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said engine rotates said brush in a direction that opposes the force of gravity that pulls the apparatus below the surface of the water. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said engine rotates said brush in a direction that increases the traction of said brush against the boat hull and moves debris taken off the boat hull away from the boat. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a floatation device positioned near the distal end of said arm portion. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a right angle dual shaft gear box connecting said brush to said flexible shaft. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said gearbox comprises gears made of a synthetic material selected from the group consisting of Teflon and plastics. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said gear box comprises a buoyant, water-resistant housing. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein said gear box is so dimensioned as to contain a sufficient amount of air to float the apparatus in water. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said arm portion has a curvature that is substantially opposite curvature of the boat hull, thereby allowing said brush to engage the boat hull. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for cleaning a boat hull comprising:
 an elongated arm portion defining a distal end and a proximal end;   at least one brush for cleaning a boat hull, said brush positioned at the distal end of said arm portion in a position that is substantially perpendicular to said arm portion;   a motor for rotating said brush;   wherein said brush rotates in a direction that increases the buoyancy of the apparatus in water and pushes said brush against the boat hull.   
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said motor rotates said brush in a direction that opposes the force of gravity pulling the apparatus below the surface of water when the distal end is submerged for cleaning a boat hull. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said motor rotates said brush in a direction that increases the traction of said brush against the boat hull when the brush and the hull are under water. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , further comprising a floatation device positioned near the distal end of said arm portion. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said electric motor is positioned at the proximal end of said arm portion. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said electric motor is positioned at the distal end of said arm portion. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said arm portion comprises telescoping sections for varying the length of said arm portion. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 16 , further comprising a control handle positioned at the proximal end of said arm portion, said control handle connected to said motor, wherein said control handle is connected to said motor by coiled wiring positioned within said arm portion. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein said telescoping sections are curved. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein said arm portion has a substantially constant curvature. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for cleaning a boat hull comprising:
 an elongated arm portion defining a distal end and a proximal end, said arm portion comprising:   one or more brushes for cleaning a boat hull, said one or more brushes being positioned at the distal end of said arm portion and rotating in a direction that increases the buoyancy of the apparatus and increases traction against the boat hull when the boat hull and the brushes are submerged under water;   an engine for driving said brushes, said engine being positioned at the proximal end of said arm portion;   a control device for controlling the operation of said engine and positioned at the proximal end of said arm portion; and   a floatation device positioned near the distal end of said arm portion.