Brush with a variable edge

Abstract

A brush with a variable edge includes a handle with proximal and distal end portions, a bristle pack extending outwardly from an opening in the distal end portion and including individual sets of bristles of a predetermined width that together form a continuous edge, and a slide mechanism for adjusting the length of each individual set of bristles so as to vary the shape of the edge.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is generally directed to painting accessories, and more particularly to a brush with a variable edge.

[0002] When painting, cleaning, or otherwise using a brush in other applications, a user often encounters surfaces or areas that are not flat or regular. In other words, a user frequently needs to paint or clean surfaces that are irregular, raised, or otherwise have different or challenging shapes. For instance, a surface maybe angled or grooved, or have a convex or concave shape or contour. It is desirable and important that a user be able to properly paint, clean, or otherwise finish these types of surfaces.

[0003] Various prior art brushes are available in the prior art, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 843,222; 2,136,595; 2,329,534; 2,384,029; 2,816,305; 2,917,763; 3,668,850; 5,546,626; 5,592,711; and 6,202,248.

ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to various aspects of the present invention.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention includes a brush with a variable edge.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention includes a brush that allows a user to change the edge of the brush to whatever shape is needed to get a job done.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention includes a brush whose bristles are adjustable to provide multiple shapes for the edge of the brush.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention includes a brush whose bristles can be adjusted to provide a substantially continuous or uninterrupted edge the shape of which is variable.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention includes a brush with a variable edge that includes a handle with proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion being of generally hollow construction forming a base and including an end opening, a bristle pack extending outwardly from the opening and including a plurality of individual set of bristles of a predetermined width that together form a continuous edge, and a slide mechanism for adjusting the length of each individual set of bristles so as to vary the shape of the edge.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention includes a brush with a variable edge that includes a handle with proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion being of generally hollow construction forming a base and including an end opening, a bristle pack extending outwardly from the opening and including a plurality of individual set of bristles of a predetermined width that together form a continuous edge, and a slide mechanism including a plurality of individual sliders for independently adjusting the lengths of the individual sets of bristles.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention includes a brush with a variable edge that includes a handle with proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion being of generally hollow construction forming a base and including an end opening, a bristle pack removably anchored in the base and including bristles extending outwardly from the opening and including a plurality of individual set of bristles of a predetermined width that together form a continuous edge, and a slide mechanism for adjusting the length of each individual set of bristles so to vary the shape of the edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] One of the above and other aspects, novel features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention, showing the bristles retracted within the base thereof;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the brush shown in FIG. 1, showing the bristles extended from the base thereof and the clamp in an open position;

[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the brush shown in FIG. 2, showing the bristles arranged in an apex configuration and forming a conical edge;

[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of an individual unit or set of bristles;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an angled edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a beveled edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a squiggled edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a chamfered edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a furrowed edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a grooved edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a frustoconical edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a convex edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a concave edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates a scalloped edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates a wavy edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates a blunt-tooth edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates a saw-tooth edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates a square edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention; and

[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates a combined convex-concave edge for a preferred embodiment of the brush of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0034] As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, the brush B, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes a proximal end portion in the form of an ergonomic handle 10, and a distal end portion forming a base 12. The handle and base portions 10 and 12 are formed of wood, plastic, or other durable material and can be molded or assembled.

[0035] As best shown in FIG. 3, the base 12 is of a generally hollow construction defining a recess 14 for preferably removably accommodating or anchoring a bristle pack BP. As described below in more detail, the bristle pack BP includes individual sets of bristles BR that are selectively extended out of or retracted within the base 12, through an end opening 16, to form a substantially continuous or uninterrupted edge E of a desirable shape, without a significant or any gap therebetween (see FIGS. 3-4, 6 and 7-21). The edge E is substantially or completely linear forming a generally straight sweep.

[0036] The bristle pack BP is preferably formed of multiple, substantially similar bristle units 18, arranged on one side of a plate 20 (see FIGS. 3-4 and 6). As best shown in FIG. 6, each bristle unit 18 includes a set of bristles BR mounted in a slide mechanism 22. The slide mechanism 22 includes a slider 24, which is manipulated by a user to move the bristle unit 18 on the plate 20 to extend or retract the bristles BR within the base 12 (see FIGS. 3-4). In order to hold or secure the slider 24 at a desired position on the plate 20, the slider 24 includes a locking tab 26, to be received in one of the holes 28 of a corresponding longitudinal array in the plate 20. The slider 24 may be formed or molded as one integral piece with the slide mechanism 22, or as a separate detachable component.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 3, the bristle pack BP is anchored or secured in the recess 14 by screws 30 and a face plate 32, in a conventional manner. One skilled in the art would appreciate that by detaching the face plate 32, any bristle unit 18 can be slid out of the plate 20 through the end opening 16, for cleaning and/or maintenance purposes. In this regard, it is noted that snap-on fasteners may be used as a substitute for the screws 30, for the ease and convenience of the user. Likewise, the face plate 32 can be devised to operate in the same manner as the clamp cover 34 (described below), to function separately or integral therewith. It is further noted herewith that other constructions may also be devised to anchor or nestle the bristle pack BP into the recess 18. For example, the bristle pack BP may be formed as a modular unit that can be snapped into (or out of) the recess 18, thereby dispensing with the need for the screws 30 and the face plate 32.

[0038] In order to immobilize the bristle units 18 in place, particularly during use, a clamp cover 34 is attached to a side wall 36, preferably by a hinge 38. The free end 40 of the clamp cover 34 can be snapped under a hook 42 for locking the clamp cover 34 over the sliders 24. In this regard, it is noted herewith that the height of the clamp cover 34 is selected such that at least a portion of each slider 24 is caught under the clamp cover 34, regardless of its position on the plate 20. In other words, whether the sliders 24 are at the top-most position (FIG. 2), or at the bottom-most position (FIG. 1), the clamp cover 34 would cover and, therefore, clamp each slider 24, thereby securing the corresponding bristle unit 18 in the selected place on the plate 20. As noted above, the bristle pack BP includes individual bristle units 18 that are independently mounted and are movable up and down on the plate 20. This construction allows a user to position the individual sets of bristles BR at any desired location, so as to form an edge having practically any shape, non-limiting examples of which are illustrated in FIGS. 7-21.

[0039] It is noted herewith that by varying the width and total number of bristle units 18, infinite size brushes can be constructed.

[0040] It is further noted herewith that the smoothness of the edge E would, at least partly, be dependent on the total number of bristle units 18 and the closeness of the holes 28 in an array in the plate 20. A larger number of bristle units 18, and the closer the holes 28 are to one another in a particular array, the smoother will be the edge E.

[0041] While this invention has been described as having preferred sequences, ranges, steps, materials, structures, features, components, or designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A brush with a variable edge, comprising: a) a handle with proximal and distal end portions; b) said distal end portion being of generally hollow construction forming a base and including an end opening; c) a bristle pack extending outwardly from said opening; d) said bristle pack including a plurality of individual set of bristles of a predetermined width that together form a continuous edge; and e) a slide mechanism for adjusting the length of each said individual set of bristles so as to vary the shape of the edge.

2. The brush of claim 1, wherein: a) said slide mechanism adjusts the length of an individual set of bristles by retracting within said base or extending outwardly therefrom.

3. The brush of claim 2, wherein: a) said slide mechanism comprises a plurality of individual sliders for independently adjusting the lengths of said individual sets of bristles.

4. The brush of claim 3, wherein: a) at least one of said sliders comprises a locking tab and a slide member positioned externally of said base.

5. The brush of claim 4, wherein: a) said base includes a series of holes for selectively receiving said locking tab to thereby secure said one of said sliders in place.

6. The brush of claim 3, further comprising: a) a clamping member for immobilizing said sliders relative to said base.

7. The brush of claim 4, wherein: a) a plurality of said slide members are disposed on said base forming an array in visual alignment with the corresponding sets of bristles.

8. The brush of claim 1, wherein: a) the edge is substantially linear and comprises at least one shape selected from the group consisting of angled, beveled, conical, chamfered, furrowed, grooved, frustoconical, convex, concave, scalloped, wavy, blunt-tooth, saw-tooth, square, squiggled, and a combination thereof.

9. The brush of claim 1, wherein: a) said bristle pack is anchored in said base.

10. The brush of claim 9, wherein: a) said bristle pack is removably anchored.

11. The brush of claim 9, wherein: a) said base includes an openable cover.

12. The brush of claim 11, wherein: a) said bristle pack is removable by opening said cover.

13. A brush with a variable edge, comprising: a) a handle with proximal and distal end portions, b) said distal end portion being of generally hollow construction forming a base and including an end opening; c) a bristle pack extending outwardly from said opening; d) said bristle pack including a plurality of individual set of bristles of a predetermined width that together form a continuous edge; and e) a slide mechanism comprising a plurality of individual sliders for independently adjusting the lengths of said individual sets of bristles.

14. The brush of claim 13, wherein: a) at least one of said sliders comprises a locking tab and a slide member positioned externally of said base.

15. The brush of claim 14, wherein: a) said base includes a series of holes for selectively receiving said locking tab to thereby secure said one of said sliders in place.

16. The brush of claim 13, further comprising: a) a clamping member for immobilizing said sliders relative to said base.

17. The brush of claim 14, wherein: a) a plurality of said slide members are disposed on said base forming an array in visual alignment with the corresponding sets of bristles.

18. The brush of claim 13, wherein: a) the edge is substantially linear and comprises at least one shape selected from the group consisting of angled, beveled, conical, chamfered, furrowed, grooved, frustoconical, convex, concave, scalloped, wavy, blunt-tooth, saw-tooth, square, squiggled, and a combination thereof.

19. A brush with a variable edge, comprising: a) a handle with proximal and distal end portions; b) said distal end portion being of generally hollow construction forming a base and including an end opening; c) a bristle pack removably anchored in said base and including bristles extending outwardly from said opening; d) said bristles including a plurality of individual set of bristles of a predetermined width that together form a continuous edge; and e) a slide mechanism for adjusting the length of each said individual set of bristles so as to vary the shape of the edge.

20. The brush of claim 19, wherein: a) said base includes an openable cover to allow removal of said bristle pack.