U.S. patent application number 13/168037 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-19 for brush with alternate rows of angled tufts.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY. Invention is credited to Charles T. Buckel, JR., Dennis P. De Renzo, JR., Michael C. Lambertson, JR..
Application Number | 20120090118 13/168037 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44628592 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120090118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lambertson, JR.; Michael C. ;
et al. |
April 19, 2012 |
BRUSH WITH ALTERNATE ROWS OF ANGLED TUFTS
Abstract
A brush may include a first row of tufts and a second row of
tufts. The tufts in the first row may be angled in a first
direction while the tufts in the second row may be angled in a
second direction that is different from the first direction.
Inventors: |
Lambertson, JR.; Michael C.;
(Aurora, OH) ; Buckel, JR.; Charles T.; (Valley
City, OH) ; De Renzo, JR.; Dennis P.; (Concord
Township, OH) |
Assignee: |
THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
COMPANY
Cleveland
OH
|
Family ID: |
44628592 |
Appl. No.: |
13/168037 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61358693 |
Jun 25, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/190 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/3093 20130101;
A46B 9/025 20130101; A46B 9/02 20130101; A46B 9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/190 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/02 20060101
A46B009/02; A46B 3/00 20060101 A46B003/00 |
Claims
1. A brush comprising: a tuft holder; a primary operation axis; a
first row of tufts that: is substantially parallel to the primary
operation axis; and, comprises at least first and second tufts; a
second row of tufts that: is substantially parallel to the primary
operation axis; and, comprises at least first and second tufts;
wherein the first tuft in the first row: extends from the tuft
holder; and, is angled at a first tuft angle within a first plane
that is parallel to the primary operation axis with respect to a
second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane and parallel
to the primary operation axis; wherein the first tuft angle is a
forward acute angle that is between 60 degrees and 87 degrees,
inclusively; wherein the second tuft in the first row: extends from
the tuft holder; and, is angled at a second tuft angle within the
first plane with respect to the second plane; wherein the second
tuft angle is a forward acute angle that is between 60 degrees and
87 degrees, inclusively; wherein the first tuft in the second row:
extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at an third tuft angle
within the first plane with respect to the second plane; wherein
the third tuft angle is a backward acute angle that is between 60
degrees and 87 degrees, inclusively; and, wherein the second tuft
in the second row: extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at
a fourth tuft angle within the first plane with respect to the
second plane; wherein the fourth tuft angle is a backward acute
angle that is between 60 degrees and 87 degrees, inclusively.
2. The brush of claim 1 further comprising: a third row of tufts
that: is substantially parallel to the primary operation axis; and,
comprises at least first and second tufts; and, wherein each tuft
in the third row: extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at a
right tuft angle within a third plane that is parallel to the
primary operation axis with respect to the second plane; wherein
the right tuft angle is substantially 90 degrees.
3. The brush of claim 1 further comprising: a third row of tufts
that: is substantially parallel to the primary operation axis; and,
comprises at least first and second tufts; a fourth row of tufts
that: is substantially parallel to the primary operation axis; and,
comprises at least first and second tufts; wherein the first tuft
in the third row: extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at
an fifth tuft angle within a third plane that is parallel to the
primary operation axis with respect to the second plane; wherein
the fifth tuft angle is a forward acute angle that is between 60
degrees and 87 degrees, inclusively; wherein the second tuft in the
third row: extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at a sixth
tuft angle within the third plane with respect to the second plane;
wherein the sixth tuft angle is a forward acute angle that is
between 60 degrees and 87 degrees, inclusively; wherein the first
tuft in the fourth row: extends from the tuft holder; and, is
angled at an seventh tuft angle within a fourth plane that is
parallel to the primary operation axis with respect to the second
plane; wherein the seventh tuft angle is a backward acute angle
that is between 60 degrees and 87 degrees, inclusively; and,
wherein the second tuft in the fourth row: extends from the tuft
holder; and, is angled at an eighth tuft angle within the fourth
plane with respect to the second plane; wherein the eighth tuft
angle is a backward acute angle that is between 60 degrees and 87
degrees, inclusively.
4. The brush of claim 1 wherein: the first and second tuft angles
are substantially the same; and, the third and fourth tuft angles
are substantially the same.
5. The brush of claim 4 wherein: the first, second, third, and
fourth tuft angles are substantially the same.
6. The brush of claim 1 wherein: the first, second, third, and
fourth tuft angles are between 75 degrees and 87 degrees,
inclusively.
7. The brush of claim 1 further comprising: a handle that extends
from the tuft holder substantially along the primary operation
axis.
8. The brush of claim 1 wherein: the first and second tufts in the
first row and the first and second tufts in the second row are
formed of stainless steel.
9. A brush comprising: a tuft holder; a primary operation axis; a
first row of tufts that comprises at least first and second tufts
that extend from the tuft holder; a second row of tufts that
comprises at least first and second tufts that extend from the tuft
holder; wherein the first and second row of tufts are substantially
parallel to the primary operation axis; wherein the first tuft of
the first row and the first tuft of the second row form an X-shape
when viewed from a position that is perpendicular to the primary
operation axis; and, wherein the second tuft of the first row and
the second tuft of the second row form an X-shape when viewed from
a position that is perpendicular to the primary operation axis.
10. The brush of claim 9 further comprising: a third row of tufts
that: is substantially parallel to the primary operation axis; and,
comprises at least first and second tufts; and, wherein each tuft
in the third row: extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at a
right tuft angle within a first plane that is parallel to the
primary operation axis with respect to a second plane that is
perpendicular to the first plane and parallel to the primary
operation axis; wherein the right tuft angle is substantially 90
degrees.
11. The brush of claim 10 further comprising: a fourth row of tufts
that comprises at least first and second tufts that extend from the
tuft holder; a fifth row of tufts that comprises at least first and
second tufts that extend from the tuft holder; wherein the fourth
and fifth row of tufts are substantially parallel to the primary
operation axis; wherein the first tuft of the fourth row and the
first tuft of the fifth row form an X-shape when viewed from a
position that is perpendicular to the primary operation axis; and,
wherein the second tuft of the fourth row and the second tuft of
the fifth row form an X-shape when viewed from a position that is
perpendicular to the primary operation axis.
12. The brush of claim 11 wherein: the first, second, third, fourth
and fifth rows of tufts are positioned from a first side of the
tuft holder to a second side of the tuft holder in the following
order: the first row; the second row; the third row; the fourth
row; and, the fifth row.
13. The brush of claim 12 wherein: the first and second tufts of
the first row and the first and second tufts of the fifth row have
a forward acute tuft angle; and, the first and second tufts of the
second row and the first and second tufts of the fourth row have a
backward acute tuft angle.
14. The brush of claim 13 wherein: the forward acute tuft angle for
each of the first and second tufts of the first row and the first
and second tufts of the fifth row is between 75 degrees and 87
degrees, inclusively; and, the backward acute tuft angle for each
of the first and second tufts of the second row and the first and
second tufts of the fourth row is between 75 degrees and 87
degrees, inclusively.
15. The brush of claim 14 wherein: a handle extends from the tuft
holder substantially along the primary operation axis; and, all the
tufts are formed of stainless steel.
16. A brush comprising: a tuft holder; a primary operation axis; a
handle extends from the tuft holder substantially along the primary
operation axis; a first linear row of tufts that comprises at least
first, second, and third tufts that are formed of a metal and that
extend from the tuft holder; a second linear row of tufts that
comprises at least first, second, and third tufts that are formed
of a metal and that extend from the tuft holder; wherein the first
and second row of tufts are substantially parallel to the primary
operation axis; wherein the first tuft of the first row and the
first tuft of the second row form an X-shape when viewed from a
position that is perpendicular to the primary operation axis;
wherein the second tuft of the first row and the second tuft of the
second row form an X-shape when viewed from a position that is
perpendicular to the primary operation axis; and, wherein the third
tuft of the first row and the third tuft of the second row form an
X-shape when viewed from a position that is perpendicular to the
primary operation axis.
17. The brush of claim 16 further comprising: a third linear row of
tufts that: is substantially parallel to the primary operation
axis; and, comprises at least first, second, and third tufts that
are formed of a metal; and, wherein each tuft in the third row:
extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at a right tuft angle
within a first plane that is parallel to the primary operation axis
with respect to a second plane that is perpendicular to the first
plane and parallel to the primary operation axis; wherein the right
tuft angle is substantially 90 degrees.
18. The brush of claim 17 further comprising: a fourth linear row
of tufts that comprises at least first, second, and third tufts
that extend from the tuft holder and are formed of a metal; a fifth
linear row of tufts that comprises at least first, second, and
third tufts that extend from the tuft holder and are formed of a
metal; wherein the fourth and fifth row of tufts are substantially
parallel to the primary operation axis; wherein the first tuft of
the fourth row and the first tuft of the fifth row form an X-shape
when viewed from a position that is perpendicular to the primary
operation axis; wherein the second tuft of the fourth row and the
second tuft of the fifth row form an X-shape when viewed from a
position that is perpendicular to the primary operation axis; and,
wherein the third tuft of the fourth row and the third tuft of the
fifth row form an X-shape when viewed from a position that is
perpendicular to the primary operation axis
19. The brush of claim 18 wherein: the first, second, third, fourth
and fifth rows of tufts are positioned from a first side of the
tuft holder to a second side of the tuft holder in the following
order: the first row; the second row; the third row; the fourth
row; and, the fifth row; the first and second tufts of the first
row and the first and second tufts of the fifth row have a forward
acute tuft angle; and, the first and second tufts of the second row
and the first and second tufts of the fourth row have a backward
acute tuft angle.
20. The brush of claim 19 wherein: the forward acute tuft angle for
each of the first and second tufts of the first row and the first
and second tufts of the fifth row is between 80 degrees and 85
degrees, inclusively; and, the backward acute tuft angle for each
of the first and second tufts of the second row and the first and
second tufts of the fourth row is between 80 degrees and 85
degrees, inclusively.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No.
61/358,693, entitled BRUSH WITH ALTERNATE ROWS OF ANGLED BRISTLES,
filed Jun. 25, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.
I. BACKGROUND
[0002] A. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to brushes, and more
specifically to brushes having some rows of tufts angled forward
and other rows of tufts angled backward.
[0004] B. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Numerous types and styles of brushes are known. Typically,
brushes include a tuft holder having tufts that extend at right
angles from the tuft holder.
[0006] It is also known, as shown in FIG. 7, to provide a wire
brush 200 having a tuft holder 202 with tufts 204, some of which
that extend at non-right angles. This known arrangement uses two
grouping of tufts 206, 208, where each grouping uses tufts that are
splayed or flared, as shown.
[0007] While known brush tuft arrangements generally work well for
their intended purposes, what is needed is a brush that provides
better performance than known brushes.
II. SUMMARY
[0008] According to one embodiment of this invention, a brush may
comprise: a tuft holder; a primary operation axis; a first row of
tufts that: is substantially parallel to the primary operation
axis; and, comprises at least first and second tufts; and, a second
row of tufts that: is substantially parallel to the primary
operation axis; and, comprises at least first and second tufts. The
first tuft in the first row: extends from the tuft holder; and, is
angled at a first tuft angle within a first plane that is parallel
to the primary operation axis with respect to a second plane that
is perpendicular to the first plane and parallel to the primary
operation axis. The first tuft may be angled at a forward acute
angle that is between, in one embodiment, 60 degrees and 87
degrees, inclusively, and in another embodiment, 75 degrees and 87
degrees, inclusively. The second tuft in the first row: extends
from the tuft holder; and, is angled at a second tuft angle within
the first plane with respect to the second plane. The second tuft
may be angles at a forward acute angle that is between, in one
embodiment, 60 degrees and 87 degrees, inclusively, and in another
embodiment, 75 degrees and 87 degrees, inclusively. The first tuft
in the second row: extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at
a third tuft angle within the first plane with respect to the
second plane. The third tuft may be angled at a backward acute
angle that is, in one embodiment, between 60 degrees and 87
degrees, inclusively, and in another embodiment, between 75 degrees
and 87 degrees, inclusively. The second tuft in the second row:
extends from the tuft holder; and, is angled at a fourth tuft angle
within the first plane with respect to the second plane. The fourth
tuft may be angled at a backward acute angle that is, in one
embodiment, between 60 degrees and 87 degrees, inclusively, and in
another embodiment, between 75 degrees and 87 degrees,
inclusively.
[0009] According to another embodiment of this invention, a brush
may comprise: a tuft holder; a primary operation axis; a first row
of tufts that comprises at least first and second tufts that extend
from the tuft holder; and, a second row of tufts that comprises at
least first and second tufts that extend from the tuft holder. The
first and second row of tufts may be substantially parallel to the
primary operation axis. The first tuft of the first row and the
first tuft of the second row may form an X-shape when viewed from a
position that is perpendicular to the primary operation axis. The
second tuft of the first row and the second tuft of the second row
may form an X-shape when viewed from a position that is
perpendicular to the primary operation axis.
[0010] According to yet another embodiment of this invention, a
brush may comprise: a tuft holder; a primary operation axis; a
handle that extends from the tuft holder substantially along the
primary operation axis; a first linear row of tufts that comprises
at least first, second, and third tufts that are formed of a metal
and that extend from the tuft holder; and, a second linear row of
tufts that comprises at least first, second, and third tufts that
are formed of a metal and that extend from the tuft holder. The
first and second rows of tufts are substantially parallel to the
primary operation axis. The first tuft of the first row and the
first tuft of the second row form an X-shape when viewed from a
position that is perpendicular to the primary operation axis. The
second tuft of the first row and the second tuft of the second row
form an X-shape when viewed from a position that is perpendicular
to the primary operation axis. The third tuft of the first row and
the third tuft of the second row form an X-shape when viewed from a
position that is perpendicular to the primary operation axis.
[0011] One advantage of this brush is that the angled brushes
perform better scrubbing action.
[0012] Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains
upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed
specification.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in
detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a brush, according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the brush shown in FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the brush shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of another brush,
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the brush shown in
FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the brush shown in FIG.
4.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view off a prior art wire
brush.
IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not
for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference
numerals are understood to refer to like components, FIGS. 1-3 show
a brush 10 having rows of tufts 30, a tuft holder 40, and a handle
50. A tuft 30 can include one or more filaments or bristles 20. The
specific number of filaments or bristles used to make up one tuft
30 can be any number chosen by a person of ordinary skill in the
art. The filaments or bristles may be made from a variety of
natural materials or fibers or from synthetic materials including,
for non-limiting examples, nylon or polyester. For the embodiment
shown, the filaments are formed of a relatively stiff metal and
thus the brush 10 may be considered to be a wire brush. Wire
brushes, as is well known to those of skill in the art, are
generally intended for use in scraping undesired materials, such as
paint or rust, off of a surface. After the undesired materials are
removed, if desired, the now clean surface may be painted, stained
or otherwise treated. In one specific embodiment, the bristles 20,
and thus the tufts 30, are formed of stainless steel. Each tuft 30
can be secured to the tuft holder 40 with a staple, a wire, a
screw, adhesive, epoxy or any other fastening means chosen by a
person of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, a handle 50
may extend from the tuft holder 40. In another embodiment, the tuft
holder 40 is itself used as a handle. It may have one or more
textured regions 52 for this purpose.
[0022] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, the brush 10 may
have a primary operation axis 54. The primary operation axis is the
axis along which the brush performs best as it is moved over the
surface it is being used on. For the embodiment shown, the handle
50 extends from the tuft holder 40 along the primary operation axis
54. The tufts 30 may be arranged in rows 60. The number, type, and
shape of rows can be any chosen with the sound judgment of a person
of skill in the art. For the embodiment shown, the brush 10 may
include five predominately linear rows 60 of tufts 30 with two
outside rows 62, two intermediate rows 64, and one middle row 66.
The rows 60 may be parallel to the primary operation axis 54, as
shown. The distal end of the two outside rows 62 may have a section
that is curvilinear, as shown.
[0023] With reference now to FIG. 2, to better discuss the
orientation of the tufts 30 within the rows 60, note that the
nearest outside row 62 is (except the distal portion) within a
plane 22 that is parallel to the primary operation axis 54. Note
also plane 24 which is perpendicular to the plane 22 and parallel
to the primary operation axis 54. Each row similarly is within a
plane that is parallel to the primary operation axis 54 and
perpendicular to the plane 24.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the tufts 30 in the visible outside row
62 are angled at a tuft angle TA1. Tuft angle TA1 is considered a
forward angle because the distal end of the tuft 30 is more forward
(toward the distal end of the brush 10) than the base of the tuft
30 (where it extends from the tuft holder 40). The tufts 30 in the
visible intermediate row 64 are angled at a tuft angle TA2. Tuft
angle TA2 is considered a backward angle because the distal end of
the tuft 30 is more backward (toward the proximal, handle end of
the brush 10) than the base of the tuft 30 (where it extends from
the tuft holder 40). It was discovered that this alternate angled
arrangement of the tufts 30 in neighboring rows 60 provides
improved performance when the brush 10 is used along its primary
operation axis 54. The intermediate and outside rows 64, 62 may, in
one embodiment, be similarly angled. Thus in this embodiment the
positioning and angling of the tufts 30 are minor imaged around a
longitudinal axis parallel to the primary operation axis 54.
[0025] With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, tuft angles TA1, TA2 can be
any chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art.
Note that the tuft angles are expressed as acute angles. In one
embodiment, the tuft angles are between 60 degrees and 87 degrees,
inclusively, and in another embodiment, 75 degrees and 87 degrees,
inclusively. In still another embodiment, the tuft angles are
between 80 degrees and 85 degrees, inclusively. While all the tufts
30 in the outside row 62 are shown to be angled at the same tuft
angle TA1, it is also contemplated to have different tuft angles
for the tufts 30 in the outside row 62. Similarly, while all the
tufts 30 in the intermediate row 64 are shown to be angled at the
same tuft angle TA2, it is also contemplated to have different tuft
angles for the tufts 30 in the intermediate row 64. While the tuft
angle TA1 is shown to be at the same angle as the tuft angle TA2,
it is also contemplated to have TA1 and TA2 at different angles. If
the tufts 30 in neighboring rows 60 are arranged as shown, they
form an X-shape when viewed from a position that is perpendicular
to the primary operation axis 54 (as shown in FIG. 1). Of course
the spacing and arrangement of the tufts 30 can be such that, in
another embodiment, the use of tuft angles TA1 and TA2 do not form
an X-shape. The tufts 30 in the middle row 66, may be at right
angles with respect to the plane 24. Thus, they are shown to have a
tuft angle of 90 degrees. It is also contemplated to arrange the
tufts 30 in the middle row 66 at forward or backward angles.
[0026] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, it is also
contemplated to provide one or more of the tufts for any of the
rows to have an inward angle (the distal end of the tuft 30 is more
toward the inside of the brush 10 than the base of the tuft 30) or
an outward angle (the distal end of the tuft 30 is more toward the
outside of the brush 10 than the base of the tuft 30) if
desired.
[0027] With reference now to FIGS. 4-6, another embodiment brush 10
is shown. This brush 10 includes tufts 30 arranged in rows 60. The
brush 10 may include an outside row 70, which can extend around at
least a portion of the perimeter of the tuft holder 40. The brush
10 may include an inside row 72 positioned adjacent the outside row
70. The outside row 70 may angle out at between 75 degrees and 85
degrees inclusively measured from a horizontal plane on the tuft
holder 40. In a specific embodiment, the outside row 70 may angle
out at approximately 82.5 degrees. The intermediate row 72 may
angle out at between 75 degrees and 89 degrees inclusively measured
from a horizontal plane on the tuft holder 40. In a specific
embodiment, the outside row 70 may angle out at approximately 86.2
degrees.
[0028] With continuing reference to FIGS. 4-6, the brush 10 may
include a center field of rows 74 adjacent the inside row 72. The
center field 74 may include one or more rows 60 of tufts 30. The
rows 60 may extend along the longitudinal axis of the brush 10,
along the transverse axis of the brush 10, or any direction
including, but not limited to, diagonal. The tufts 30 may be
arranged so the rows 60 extend along two axes, for one non-limiting
example, along both the longitudinal and transverse axes. In one
embodiment, the center field includes nine rows 60 of tufts 30. One
row 60 is angled towards a first end 16 of the brush 10 and the
adjacent row 60 is angled towards a second end 18 of the brush. In
one specific embodiment, the center field 74 includes nine rows 60
with the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth rows 60 angled
approximately 81 degrees toward the first end 16, measured from a
horizontal plane on the tuft holder 40; and the second, fourth,
sixth, and eighth rows 60 angled approximately 81 degrees toward
the second end 18, measured from a horizontal plane on the tuft
holder 40.
[0029] With reference now to all the FIGURES, many variations of
the brushes 10, 10 are contemplated with some variations including
a layout of adjacent rows of tufts angled in alternate directions.
Within each row 60, the tufts 30 can be substantially parallel to
each other or the tufts 30 may have various other configurations.
For one non-limiting example, the tufts 30 within a row 60 may all
be angled towards the front 16 of the brush, but at different
angles. For another non-limiting example, the tufts 30 may all be
angled towards the front 16 of the brush and one side of the brush
at substantially the same angle. For another non-limiting example,
the tufts 30 may all be angled towards the rear 18 of the brush at
substantially the same angle, but at different angles to the sides
of the brush. A first row 60 may have many different
configurations, and an adjacent second row 60 may have a mirror
configuration of the first row 60. The second adjacent row may be
substantially parallel to the first row or the adjacent row may be
offset at an angle to the first row.
[0030] Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods
and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without
departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended
to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they
come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents
thereof.
[0031] Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
* * * * *