U.S. patent application number 14/086677 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for brush.
This patent application is currently assigned to VILAIN MARCEL ET FILS. The applicant listed for this patent is VILAIN MARCEL ET FILS. Invention is credited to Jean-Francois QUESTIAUX, Jean Vilain.
Application Number | 20140076744 14/086677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40937353 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140076744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
QUESTIAUX; Jean-Francois ;
et al. |
March 20, 2014 |
BRUSH
Abstract
A brush, particularly a vibrating paint brush, has a tapered
connection with a detachable brush head. A damper sufficiently
flexible to reduce the amplitude of vibration of the grip portion
and sufficiently rigid to enable use as an ordinary paint brush may
be provided between a grip and an active portion of the handle. The
vibration measured at the root of the bristles may have an
amplitude in the range 1.5 to 3.5 mm and a frequency in the range
60 to 100 Hz.
Inventors: |
QUESTIAUX; Jean-Francois;
(Dinant, BE) ; Vilain; Jean; (Trazehnies,
BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VILAIN MARCEL ET FILS |
Trazegnies |
|
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
VILAIN MARCEL ET FILS
Trazegnies
BE
|
Family ID: |
40937353 |
Appl. No.: |
14/086677 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12936536 |
Dec 1, 2010 |
|
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PCT/EP2009/054361 |
Apr 10, 2009 |
|
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14086677 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/15.2 ;
15/22.1; 206/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 13/02 20130101;
A46B 13/023 20130101; A46B 15/0002 20130101; A46B 17/04 20130101;
A46B 5/0095 20130101; A46B 2200/202 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/15.2 ;
15/22.1; 206/361 |
International
Class: |
A46B 13/02 20060101
A46B013/02; A46B 17/04 20060101 A46B017/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 10, 2008 |
GB |
0806518.7 |
May 14, 2008 |
GB |
0808712.4 |
Claims
1. A vibrating paint brush adapted for use in an active, vibrating
mode and in a passive, non-vibrating mode, comprising: a handle
comprising a handle connector having a tapered handle connection
surface provided on an active portion of the handle; a detachable
brush head comprising a plurality of bristles and a head connector
having a tapered head connection surface corresponding in taper
angle to the taper angle of the handle connection surface, the head
connector and the handle connector being arranged to permit
assembly, retention and disassembly of the handle and the head by
means of a fit between the tapered handle connection surface and
the tapered head connection surface; a vibrator adapted to cause
vibration of bristles of a brush head connected to the handle, the
vibrator being integral with the active portion of the handle and
positioned adjacent to the a brush head or a connector adapted to
allow connection of a brush head to the handle; and an actuator
adapted to switch the paint brush between its active and passive
modes; wherein the handle comprises a grip portion spaced from and
connected to the active portion of the handle by an intervening
damper, the damper being arranged to be sufficiently flexible such
that in the active mode it reduces the amplitude of vibration of
the grip portion of the handle compared with the active portion of
the handle and sufficiently rigid such that in the passive mode it
enables easy application of paint to a surface by a user holding
the grip portion of the handle; and wherein, in its active mode,
the vibration of the brush is arranged to produce a vibration
substantially orthogonal to the length of the bristles of the brush
having an amplitude measured at the root of the bristles in the
range 1.5 to 3.5 mm, preferably in the range 2 to 3 mm and a
frequency in the range 60 to 100 Hz, preferably 75 to 85 Hz.
2. A paint brush comprising: a handle comprising a handle connector
having a tapered handle connection surface; and a detachable brush
head comprising a plurality of bristles and a head connector having
a tapered head connection surface corresponding in taper angle to a
taper angle of the handle connection surface; wherein the tapered
handle connection surface and the tapered head connection surface
are configured as tapered conical surfaces; and wherein the head
connector and the handle connector are arranged to permit assembly,
retention and disassembly of the handle and the head by means of a
fit between the tapered handle connection surface and the tapered
head connection surface.
3. A paint brush in accordance with claim 2, wherein the head
connector and the handle connector comprise Morse cones.
4. A paint brush in accordance with claim 2, wherein the taper
length is within the range 10 to 30 mm and the taper angle is
within the range 1.degree. to 25.degree., preferably 2.degree. to
4.degree..
5. A paint brush in accordance with claim 2, wherein the tapered
handle connection surface is provided on a trunnion and the tapered
head connection surface is provided on a bore.
6. A paint brush in accordance with claim 2, wherein at least one
of the tapered connection surfaces is provided by a lining.
7. A paint brush in accordance with claim 2, wherein the handle
further comprises: a vibrator positioned adjacent to the handle
connector and adapted to cause vibration of a brush head attached
thereto; an actuator adapted to actuate and deactivate the
vibrator; a grip portion adapted to be held by a user of the brush;
and a damper positioned between and adapted to dampen transmission
of vibrations between the vibrator and the grip portion.
8. A vibrating paint brush adapted for use in an active, vibrating
mode and in a passive, non-vibrating mode, comprising: a handle; a
brush head or a connector adapted to allow connection of a brush
head to the handle; a vibrator adapted to cause vibration of
bristles of a brush head connected to the handle; and an actuator
adapted to switch the paint brush between its active and passive
modes; wherein the vibrator is integral with an active portion of
the handle and positioned adjacent to the brush head or the
connector adapted to allow connection of a brush head to the
handle; wherein the brush head or the connector adapted to allow
connection of a brush head to the handle is provided on the active
portion of the handle; wherein the handle comprises a grip portion
spaced from and connected to the active portion of the handle by an
intervening damper; and wherein the damper is arranged to be
sufficiently flexible such that in the active mode it reduces the
amplitude of vibration of the grip portion of the handle compared
with the active portion of the handle and sufficiently rigid such
that in the passive mode it enables easy application of paint to a
surface by a user holding the grip portion of the handle.
9. A paint brush in, accordance with claim 8, wherein the damper is
arranged such that when the handle of the paint brush is arranged
horizontally, the displacement of a brush head attached to the
handle to which a mass of 400 g is attached at the root of its
bristles is less than 18.degree., preferably less than
15.degree..
10. A paint brush in accordance with claim 8, wherein the damper is
arranged such that the held vibration sensation is between 15% and
45% of the full vibration.
11. A paint brush in accordance with claim 8, wherein the shore
hardness of the damper is in the range 45 to 75, preferable 50 to
60.
12. A paint brush in accordance with claim 9, wherein the damper
further comprises: a vibration/damper portion at which it is
secured to the active portion of the handle a grip/damper portion
at which it is secured to the grip portion of the handle and a
central portion arranged between the vibration/damper portion and
the grip/damper portion, the central portion comprising at least
one stop interposed between the active and grip portions of the
handle.
13. A paint brush in accordance with claim 12, wherein the central
portion of the damper comprises a pair of stops having the form of
spaced flanges projecting from the body of the damper towards the
peripheral edge of the handle.
14. A vibrating paint brush or cleaning brush adapted for use in an
active, vibrating mode and in a passive, non-vibrating mode,
comprising: a handle; a brush head or a connector adapted to allow
connection of a brush head to the handle; a vibrator adapted to
cause vibration of bristles of a brush head connected to the
handle; and an actuator adapted to switch the paint brush between
its active and passive modes; wherein the vibrator is integral with
an active portion of the handle and positioned adjacent to the
brush head or the connector adapted to allow connection of a brush
head to the handle; wherein the brush head or the connector adapted
to allow connection of a brush head to the handle is provided on
the active portion of the handle; wherein the handle comprises a
grip portion spaced from and connected to the active portion of the
handle by an intervening damper; and wherein, in its active mode,
the vibration of the brush is arranged to produce a vibration
substantially orthogonal to the length of the bristles of the brush
having characteristics selected from: an amplitude measured at the
root of the bristles in the range 1.5 to 3.5 mm, preferably in the
range 2 to 3 mm and a frequency in the range 60 to 100 Hz,
preferably 75 to 85 Hz; and an amplitude measured at the root of
the bristles in the range 2 to 4 mm, preferably in the range 2.5 to
3.5 mm and a frequency in the range 80 to 120 Hz, preferably 90 to
110 Hz.
15. A brush in accordance with claim 14, wherein the vibration of
the bristles is substantially multidirectional and orthogonal to
the length of the bristles.
16. A brush in accordance with claim 14, wherein the vibrator
comprises a motor coupled to an eccentric mass and selected from: a
motor adapted to rotate at a speed within the range 6000 to 8000
rpm when unloaded with a mass in the range 5 to 7 g, preferably 5.2
to 6.3 g arranged with an eccentricity with respect to the axis of
the motor within the range 2 to 4 mm; and a motor adapted to rotate
at a speed within the range 7000 to 10000 rpm when unloaded with a
mass in the range 5 to 7 g, preferably 5.2 to 6.3 g arranged with
an eccentricity with respect to the axis of the motor within the
range 2 to 4 mm.
17. A paint brush head receptacle adapted for the storage and/or
cleaning and/or transport of a detachable paint brush head which
has a head connector adapted to enable attachment of the paint
brush head to a handle of a paint brush, the receptacle comprising:
a container portion which defines a volume which is adapted to
receive the paint brush head and which comprises sidewalls, a base
and an open end; a closure, adapted to be moveable between a dosed
position in which it closes the volume of the container portion and
an open position in which it allows for a paint brush head to be
positioned at or removed from the container portion, the closure
being in the form of a lid adapted to close the open end of the
container portion; and an attachment adapted to removeably retain a
paint brush head within the paint brush head receptacle.
18. A paint brush head receptacle in accordance with claim 17,
having one or more of the following features: wherein the
attachment is adapted to cooperate with the head connector of the
paint brush head to removeably retain a paint brush head within the
paint brush head receptacle; wherein the container portion defines
a volume, open at one end, and adapted to receive the body of the
paint brush head; the closure comprises a lid which comprises an
attachment adapted to cooperate with a paint brush head to
removeably secure the paint brush head and the lid together; and
the lid is configured to allow it (i) to close the open end of the
container portion such that its attachment suspends the paint brush
head within the volume of the container portion and (ii) to be
removed from the container portion to facilitate attachment and/or
removal of the paint brush head from the attachment; wherein the
container portion has a base opposite its open end and the
receptacle is configured such that a paint brush head retained by
the attachment within the volume of the container portion is
retained such that its bristles do not touch the base; wherein the
attachment comprises a tapered connection surface adapted to
cooperate with a corresponding tapered connection surface of the
paint brush head to permit assembly, retention and disassembly of
the attachment and the paint brush head; wherein the attachment
comprises a tapered connection surface adapted to cooperate with a
corresponding tapered connection surface of the paint brush head to
permit assembly, retention and disassembly of the attachment and
the paint brush head and in which the tapered connection surfaces
are configured as tapered conical surfaces; wherein the attachment
comprises a tapered connection surface adapted to cooperate with a
corresponding tapered connection surface of the paint brush head to
permit assembly, retention and disassembly of the attachment and
the paint brush head and in which the tapered connection surfaces
are configured as tapered conical surfaces and in which the taper
length is within the range 10 to 30 mm and the taper angle is
within the range 1.degree. to 25.degree., preferably 2.degree. to
4.degree.; wherein the container portion and the closure, when in
its dosed position, form a watertight receptacle; wherein the
container portion is provided with one or more graduations adapted
to indicate an appropriate level to which it may be filled with
liquid prior to insertion of a paint brush head; wherein the
closure and the container portion are sealingly connectable by a
connection selected from a snap fit connection and a screw fit
connection.
19. A paint brush head receptacle in accordance with claim 17
provided with a paint brush head adapted to be retained by the
attachment within the container portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of patent application
Ser. No. 12/936,536, filed Dec. 1, 2010, which is a 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.371 National Phase Entry Application from PCT/EP2009/054361,
filed Apr. 10, 2009, which claims the benefit of Great Britain
Patent Application No. 0806518.7, filed Apr. 10, 2008 and Great
Britain Patent Application No. 0808712.4, filed May 14, 2008, and
designating the United States, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
[0002] This invention relates to brushes, particularly to paint
brushes and cleaning brushes and more particularly to vibrating
brushes.
[0003] One form of known vibratory paint brush is disclosed in US
2004/0205914. One aim of the present invention is to provide an
improved vibrating brush.
[0004] According to one of its aspects, the present invention
provides a paint brush in accordance with claim 1. Other aspects of
the invention are defined in other independent claims. The
dependent claims define preferred or alternative embodiments.
[0005] One embodiment of the present invention comprises an active
brush is a brush fitted with an integral vibration mechanism; in
this case, the brush is preferably provided with an actuator to
turn the vibration mechanism on or off. This may facilitate
alternating between using the brush in an active, vibrating mode
and using it in a passive, none vibrating mode. An alternative
embodiment of the present invention comprises a passive brush is
not having a vibration mechanism.
[0006] Where a tapered connection is provided between a detachable
brush head and a handle it is preferably self holding or self
locking; it is preferably the only means provided for retaining the
detachable brush head and the handle together. A self holding or
self locking taper connection may be particularly advantageous for
a vibrating brush as it may alleviate the tendency of other forms
of connection (for example cylindrical screws or clips) to vibrate
and/or work themselves loose. Furthermore, such a connection may
ensure that the available vibrational energy is transmitted through
the connection without loss of vibrational energy in or due to the
mechanical fixing.
[0007] The connection between a detachable brush head and the
handle is preferably provided by an interaction between surfaces as
opposed to a point contact or series of point contacts. This may
provide stability and or rigidity to the connection.
[0008] A cone form of connection may facilitate mounting and
dismounting of the detachable brush head, for example using a
slight rotation. It may also permit the user to select the
orientation of the detachable brush head with respect to the
handle. This may be particularly useful when using a flat form of
brush head; when a user grips the handle in any particular way, the
cone form of connection allows the rotational position of the brush
head to be orientated at will relative to the handle. This may
provide a more comfortable painting position.
[0009] The connection between the handle and the brush head is
preferably a cone-in-cone connection. A morse cone may provide a
particularly convenient form.
[0010] A connector having the form of a bore may be at greater risk
of damage than a connector having the form of a trunion, especially
in respect of the lip of the bore when made of a plastics material.
Arranging for the tapered handle connection surface to be provided
on a trunion may reduce the risk of damage to the handle; a damaged
brush head may be more easily replaced than a damaged handle,
especially when the handle incorporates a vibrating mechanism.
[0011] The taper length may be within the range 10 to 30 mm and/or
the taper angle may be within the ranges 0.5.degree. to
12.5.degree., 1.degree. to 25.degree., 1.degree. to 2.degree. or 2
to 4.degree.. Such configuration may facilitate assembly and/or
disassembly and/or self locking of the connectors.
[0012] Particularly in the case of a passive paint brush, the
handle may comprise wood or plastics. It may comprise an injection
moulded plastics and/or a combination of plastics, for example a
resilient plastics core and a softer plastics contact surface
adapted to provide an agreeable feel or touch for the user.
[0013] Providing at least one of the tapered connection surfaces on
a lining, for example a plastics or metal lining may: [0014]
facilitate selection of a desired friction characteristic, hardness
and/or resilience; [0015] allow the tapered connection surface to
be removable and/or replaceable; [0016] facilitate incorporation of
the tapered connection surface by allowing this to be provided on a
separate piece rather than as an integral part of the handle or
brush head.
[0017] Where a damper is provided this may provide sufficient
damping to allow a paint brush to be used comfortably in its
vibrating mode and sufficient rigidity to allow such a paint brush
to be used as an ordinary, non-vibrating paint brush. This may
allow: [0018] the vibrating mode of the brush to be used for
delicate painting portions, for example painting of a straight
line, painting up to a border (for example the edge of a wall
mounted light switch or cornice); and [0019] the non-vibrating mode
to be used for applying paint more quickly away from such delicate
portions.
[0020] This may increase the overall efficiency of applying paint
to walls, panels, doors and other surfaces. Furthermore, the
facility and accuracy afforded for precision painting may [0021]
allow non-professional decorators to easily carry out such
painting; and/or [0022] allow professional decorators to complete
such precision painting in a manner that is less tiring and/or
quicker.
[0023] The nature of any vibration provided is preferably such
that: [0024] The paint has a tendency to move towards the free end
of the bristles to facilitate accurate application to a surface;
[0025] Use of masking paper or tape can be reduced or eliminated;
[0026] The paint is retained within the brush head and will not
spatter.
[0027] The weighted displacement of the brush head relative to the
handle, particularly the grip portion of the handle, when subjected
to an external force may provide one indication of the brush's
suitability for use in a non-vibrating mode. This may be assessed
by maintaining the grip portion of the handle horizontal,
suspending a mass of 400 g on a wire from the brush head at a
position corresponding to the root of the bristles and measuring
the angle of displacement of the brush head relative to the grip
portion of the handle. The suspended mass of 400 g is
representative of the force that will be exerted on the brush head
when the brush is used for painting in a passive, non-vibrating
mode. A displacement of less than 18.degree., preferably less than
15.degree. provides desirable passive painting characteristics. The
displacement may be greater than 5.degree. or greater than
8.degree.. These characteristics may be provided essentially by the
damper and/or by the damper in combination with the way it is
secured to the handle.
[0028] The held vibration sensation may be: [0029] Less than 35%,
preferably less than 30%; and/or [0030] Greater than 10%,
particularly greater than 15%; of the full vibration.
[0031] This ensures that: [0032] the vibration felt by a user
holding the grip portion of the handle is not uncomfortable or
unduly tiring; [0033] there is suitable separation between the grip
portion of the handle and the active portion of the handle to allow
adequate vibration of the brush head; and [0034] the vibration of
the active portion of the handle is transferred primarily to the
brush head and not "lost" in vibrating the grip portion of the
handle.
[0035] An explanation of measurement of the held and full vibration
is given in relation to the accompanying figures.
[0036] Particularly in the case of a paint brush, the bristles of
the brush head may comprise a mixture of synthetic bristles and
natural bristle, for example of pig hair. The bristles may
comprise: [0037] between 15% and 45% synthetic bristles (preferably
between 20% and 40%); and [0038] between 55% and 85% natural
bristles (preferably between 60% and 80%);
[0039] The synthetic bristles may facilitate precision for
application of paint to a surface and the natural bristles may
provide advantageous paint retention and/or capillary action. This
combination may be particularly advantageous in respect of a
vibrating paint brush to ensure that the paint has a tendency to
move towards the free end of the bristles to facilitate accurate
application to a surface and yet is retained within the brush head
and will not spatter.
[0040] Alternatively, the bristles may consist of synthetic
bristles.
[0041] The bristles may be: [0042] greater than 35 mm, preferably
greater than 40 mm in length; and/or [0043] less than 100 mm,
preferably less than 80 mm, more preferably less than 65 mm in
length.
[0044] This may provide a suitable amount of resilience and/or
movement and/or resonance in the bristles to enhance any vibration
movement.
[0045] In the case of a rectangular form brush head the bristles
are preferably between 35 mm and 55 mm in length.
[0046] In the case of a cylindrical form brush head, the bristles
are preferably between 50 mm and 70 mm in length.
[0047] The bristles of a rectangular form brush head may form a
brush head having [0048] a bristle width of: [0049] Greater than 20
mm, preferably greater than 25, more preferably greater than 30 mm;
and/or [0050] Less than 100 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, more
preferably less than 70 mm; and/or [0051] a bristle thickness
[0052] Greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 8 mm, and/or
[0053] Less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably
less than 15 mm.
[0054] The bristles of a cylindrical form brush head may form a
brush head having a diameter: [0055] Greater than 10 mm, preferably
greater than 15 mm, and/or [0056] Less than 25 mm, preferably less
than 22 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm.
[0057] The length of bristles defined above is the free length,
particularly the length projecting from a ferrule or attachment
securing the bristles in place. The thickness, width and diameter
are those at the base of the bristles.
[0058] The combination of desired dampening and rigidity of the
damper when assembled in the brush may be achieved by a damper
which comprises or consist essentially of a material having a shore
hardness in the range 45 to 75, preferably 50 to 60. The
dampening/rigidity properties may also be influenced by the
fixation of the damper to the handle. Preferably, the damper is
secured to the handle by a gripping or clamping arrangement, more
preferably between plates or flanges. Contact between the damper
and the handle may be arranged around the entire or substantially
the entire periphery of the damper. This may help to maximise the
contact between the damper and the handle. Arranging the damper to
be of substantially cylindrical cross section may facilitate
mounting and/or contact with the handle. Whilst an adhesive may be
used, assembly is facilitated if no adhesive is used in the damper
mounting.
[0059] Arranging for at least one stop to be provide, preferably as
part of the damper, may reduce the risk of the damper becoming
damaged or dislodged, for example, by excessive movement between
the parts of the handle to which it is attached. The stop or stops
preferably act over 360.degree., i.e. they are effective at each
position around the perimeter of the brush to limit the angle of
displacement between the active and grip portions of the
handle.
[0060] A vibration movement which comprises a translation, possibly
as part of a rotational movement, may provide an effective
vibration action.
[0061] The vibrator may comprise a motor having an eccentric mass
connected to its spindle. The axis about which the eccentric mass
rotates is preferable co-axial with the handle; it is preferably
coaxial with the length of the bristles of the brush. The
vibrational movement of the bristles is preferably substantially
perpendicular to their length.
[0062] A motor adapted to rotate at a speed within the range 6000
to 8000 rpm, having a mass in the range 5 to 7 g, preferably 5.2 to
6.3 g arranged with an eccentricity with respect to the axis of the
motor within the range 2 to 4 mm may provide a particularly
advantageous form of vibration, particularly for painting
applications.
[0063] A motor adapted to rotate at a speed within the range 7000
to 10000 rpm with a mass in the range 5 to 7 g, preferably 5.2 to
6.3 g arranged with an eccentricity with respect to the axis of the
motor within the range 2 to 4 mm may provide a particularly
advantageous form of vibration, particularly for cleaning
applications.
[0064] The direction of rotation of the motor may be selectable by
the user, for example by means of a switch.
[0065] An amplitude measured at the root of the bristles in the
range 1.5 to 3.5 mm, preferably in the range 2 to 3 mm and a
frequency in the range 60 to 100 Hz, preferably 75 to 85 Hz may
provide a particularly advantageous form of vibration, particularly
for a paint brush.
[0066] An amplitude measured at the root of the bristles in the
range 2 to 4 mm, preferably in the range 2.5 to 3.5 mm and a
frequency in the range 80 to 120 Hz, preferably 90 to 110 Hz may
provide a particularly advantageous form of vibration, particularly
for a cleaning brush.
[0067] The vibration of the brush, brush head or bristles may be a
vibration obtainable with any of the configurations described
herein.
[0068] The brush, when configured as a paint brush, may be used
with one or more of: acrylic paint; glycarophtalic paints; water
based paints; resin based paints; solvent based paints; varnishes;
paints in gel form. Paint brushes according to the invention are
particularly useful for decoration eg applying paint to walls,
doors, window frames and building panels.
[0069] The brush may be adapted to be used with a plurality of
interchangeable brush heads; these may be selected from paint brush
heads, cleaning brush heads, polishing brush heads.
[0070] A particularly advantageous configuration in accordance with
the invention is the combination or association of (i) a handle
having a handle connector and/or (ii) a brush head having a head
connector and/or (iii) a brush head receptacle, in which the handle
connector and the head connector are configured to permit assembly,
retention and disassembly of the handle and the brush head, and in
which the brush head receptacle comprises an attachment adapted to
releasably retain the brush head within the receptacle.
[0071] One use of such a configuration is in relation to paint
brushes. A sequence of painting using such a configuration may
comprise one or more of the steps of: [0072] fitting a first paint
brush head to the handle and completing a first painting task (for
example using a rectangular paint brush head to paint a
substantially straight portion of a wall adjacent to a cornice);
[0073] disassembling the first paint brush head from the handle and
storing the first paint brush head in a brush head receptacle;
[0074] fitting a second paint brush head to the handle and
completing a second painting task (for example using a round paint
brush head to paint a corner of a wall adjacent to a cornice);
[0075] disassembling the second paint brush head from the handle
and storing the second paint brush head in a brush head receptacle;
[0076] removing the first paint brush head from its receptacle and
reassembling it with the handle for use in a third paining
task.
[0077] Any aspect of this invention may be used alone or in
combination in relation to various brushes, particularly paint
brushes and cleaning brushes.
[0078] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to:
[0079] FIGS. 1 and 2--schematic perspective drawings of an
assembled, active paint brush;
[0080] FIGS. 3 and 4--perspective drawings of detachable heads for
the brush of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0081] FIG. 5--a cross sectional view of a passive, non-vibrating
paint brush handle;
[0082] FIG. 6--a cross sectional view of the handle of FIG. 5
assembled with a detachable brush head;
[0083] FIG. 7--a cross sectional view of an alternative passive
paint brush handle;
[0084] FIG. 8--a perspective view of a brush head adapted for use
with the handle of FIG. 7;
[0085] FIG. 9--a perspective view of the active brush of FIGS. 1
and 2 with the brush head removed;
[0086] FIG. 10--a partially cut away perspective view corresponding
to FIG. 9;
[0087] FIGS. 11 and 12--partially cut away perspective views
showing the attachment between a brush head and a portion of the
handle;
[0088] FIG. 13--a perspective view of a damper;
[0089] FIG. 14--a representation of the movement of the
bristles;
[0090] FIG. 15--a representation of the movement of the brush
head;
[0091] FIG. 16--a schematic perspective view of a brush suspended
for measuring vibration;
[0092] FIG. 17--a perspective view of use of a flat brush head;
[0093] FIG. 18--a perspective view of use of a round brush
head;
[0094] FIG. 19--a schematic cross section of a round brush head in
a storage receptacle; and
[0095] FIG. 20--a schematic cross section of a flat brush head in a
storage receptacle.
[0096] FIG. 1 shows a vibrating paint brush 10 having a handle 11
and a detachable head 42 (shown schematically in dotted lines). The
handle 11 comprises an active portion 13 housing an integral
vibrator and a grip portion 14 separated by a damper 15. The grip
portion 14 of the handle 11 houses one or more batteries,
preferably rechargeable, to power the vibrator via an on/off switch
105. Alternatively or additionally the vibrator may be powered by
an external electrical power source.
[0097] The detachable brush head 42 has its bristles 43 arranged as
a round or conical brush head and is attached and secured to the
active, vibrating portion 13 of the handle 11 by cooperation
between a morse cone trunion provided at the end of the handle 11
and a corresponding morse cone bore provided within the brush head
42.
[0098] In use, a painter will generally hold the grip portion 14 of
the handle 11. The vibrator may be activated particularly to
facilitate application of paint in a border zone along a border or
at in intersection between two surfaces. The vibrator may be turned
off and the brush used as an ordinary paint brush, for example, to
apply paint from the border zone towards a large area to be
painted. The remaining, large surface may then be painted with a
roger.
[0099] FIG. 2 show a similar paint bush, save that it is fitted
with a detachable brush head 32 having its bristles 33 arranged as
a substantially flat or rectangular brush.
[0100] The term flat brush head is intended to denote a generally
rectangular form of brush head, for example as illustrated in FIG.
3. The term round or circular brush head is used to denote a
generally round or cylindrical from of brush head, for example as
illustrated in FIG. 4. Such round brush heads generally have a
tapered portion 44 finishing in a point 45
[0101] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the connection between a wooden
handle 51 and a detachable brush head 62. The handle 51 has a
tapered handle connection surface 54 in the form of a morse cone
provided as a plastics lining secured, for example by adhesive, to
the handle 51. Alternatively, the handle connection surface 54 may
be provided as an integral part of the handle 51.
[0102] The detachable brush head 62 has a head connector 63 having
a tapered head connection surface 64 corresponding in form and
angle to the tapered handle connection surface 54.
[0103] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a similar connection arrangement
between a handle 71 and a flat form detachable brush head 82. One
or both of the connectors 73, 83 may be of a moulded plastics
material.
[0104] FIGS. 9 and 10 again illustrate the active 13 and grip 14
portions of the handle 11 connected by the intervening damper 15. A
tapered handle connection surface 101 in the form of a morse cone
is provided on the active portion 13 of the handle. The active
portion 13 of the handle houses an integral motor 102 having an
eccentric mass 103 attached to its spindle. Advantageously, the
rotating mass rotates within at least a portion of the connection
cone provided by connection surface 101. Consequently, the source
of vibration is arranged towards, substantially adjacent to or
indeed at the position of the roots of the bristles of a brush head
attached to the handle. This provides a particularly advantageous
transmission of vibration to the brush head and/or bristles.
[0105] The motor 102 is powered by batteries housed within the grip
portion 14 of the handle via an on/off switch 105 and wire (not
shown) which passes through a bore 151 of the damper. The batteries
14 may provide a counterweight to the motor 102 to make the handle
more comfortable to hold and manipulate, for example by being
spaced from the damper 15 by an intervening space 106. An
alternative or additional counterweight may be provided.
[0106] FIG. 11 shows the attachment between the morse cone 101
connector of the active portion 13 of the handle and a
corresponding tapered head connection surface 111 of a head
connector 112 of the detachable brush head 32. The taper length tl
is about 20 mm and the taper angle to is about 2.degree.. The term
taper angle signifies the inclination of the tapered surface with
respect to a principle axis 199.
[0107] In FIG. 12, the direction of the length of the bristles is
represented by z. The direction of vibration of the brush head
and/or the bristles is essentially orthogonal to the length z, that
is to say substantially parallel to a plane intersecting axes x and
y. Particularly in the case of round brush heads, the bristles tend
to splay outwardly from their point of attachment. In this case,
the direction of length of the bristles should be understood as
that of the central or un-splayed bristles. The movement is
preferably multidirectional that is to say the movement is
primarily one of vibration or micro-vibration rather than simply a
rotation such that the bristles, and particularly ends of the
bristles, travel in a variety of x and y directions and preferably
have a movement which is circular or oval on form, the angular
velocity of bristles towards the centre of the brush head being
substantially the same as the angular velocity of bristles toward
the exterior of the brush head. This would not be the case with a
simple rotating head.
[0108] In the FIG. 12 embodiment, the length of the brush head 120
is 83 mm and the exposed length of the bristles 121 is 48 mm. The
quotient (exposed length of bristles 121)/(length of brush head
120) may be at least 0.5, preferably at least 0.55 or at least 0.6.
In the FIG. 12 embodiment it is 0.58. One significance of this
quotient is that it expresses the concept of preferably arranging
an interconnection 122 between the head connector 112 and the
handle connector 101 in close proximity to the base of the
bristles. It also expresses the concept that the total length of
the brush head is no greater than twice the exposed length of this
bristles. This is of significance with respect to storage of brush
heads using receptacles described herein; the primary function of
such receptacles may be to retain and/or protect the bristles and
such receptacles may be configured to be relatively compact when
the aforementioned conditions are satisfied.
[0109] The damper 15 shown FIGS. 10 and 13 comprises a moulded,
synthetic rubber material having a shore hardness of about 60. It
has a first connection portion 91, a second connection portion 92
and an intervening portion 93. The first connection portion 91
comprises a cylindrical connection flange 94 adapted to be secured
to the active portion 13 of the handle by means of an interference
or clamp fit between a damper connection surface 95 and a damper
connection flange 96 which projects inwardly from the periphery 97
of the handle. A similar arrangement connects the second connection
portion 92 to the grip portion 14 of the handle.
[0110] The intervening portion 93 of the damper 90 comprises a
first stop 98 and a second stop 99 in the form of spaced flanges
which project from the body of the damper toward the periphery of
the handle 97 and are separated by a recess 141. These stops 98, 99
provide a physical limitation to possible rotational displacement
between the active 13 and grip 14 portions of the handle if the
grip portion 14 of the handle is moved in direction 142 and the
active portion 13 of the handle is moved in direction 143 so as to
pivot about the damper 15. The circular nature of the stops 98, 99
enables them to act irrespective of the orientation of such bending
about the axis 144 of the handle.
[0111] FIG. 14 represents the vibration characteristics measured at
the root of the bristles of a bush head of the paint brush. This
may be measured by cutting the brush head at the position of the
roots of the bristles, arranging for the path of a light beam to be
cut by the vibration movement (indicated at R) and measuring the
amplitude and frequency of vibration. FIG. 14 represents [0112] a
rest position 152 of this portion of the paint brush before the
vibrator is turned on, [0113] that when the vibrator is turned on
the bristle roots initially have a spiral movement 153 orthogonal
to theft length, [0114] that when the vibrator is stable, each
bristle root has a substantially similar movement 154 orthogonal to
its length which, when allowed to move freely, is substantially
circular with an amplitude a of about 2 mm and a frequency of about
80 Hz.
[0115] When the vibrating brush head is placed against a surface to
be painted for example with the bristles at about 45.degree. to the
surface, as represented schematically in FIG. 16, the free circular
movement is deformed and becomes a flattened circular or oval
movement 161. This give the vibration brush head a tendency to
advance by itself along a surface to be painted.
[0116] FIG. 16 shows a paint brush 10 suspended vertically by
opposed point contacts 171, 172 by the damper 15. The full
vibration is measured as the amplitude of vibration of the active
portion 13 of the brush measured at a position 173 corresponding to
the position of the roots of the bristles of a brush head attached
to the brush. The held vibration sensation is measured as the
amplitude of vibration at a position 174 at the grip portion of the
handle at a distance vd of 5 cm from the position at which the
damper 15 is held. This position is representative of the position
at which a user will generally hold the brush when in use.
[0117] The holding structure of the contact points 171, 172 (which
may be metal spikes) is arranged and given a suitable inertia such
that it does not significantly affect the vibration characteristic
being measured.
[0118] The following results were obtained measured for two
different dampers:
TABLE-US-00001 Damper 1 Damper 2 Full vibration 2.35 mm 2.19 mm
Held vibration sensation 0.52 mm 0.55 mm Held vibration
sensation/Full vibration 22% 25% Reduction in vibration 78% 75%
[0119] FIG. 17 illustrates a flat brush head 32 used in the active
mode of a vibrating brush to paint the precision portion of the
edge of a surface 181 at its intersection with a cornice 182. The
brush head is held up against and substantially perpendicular to
the intersecting edge and at an angle of about 45.degree. with
respect to the plane of the surface 181 and the surface 184 of the
cornice. The precision of the vibrating brush is such that is it
not necessary to mask the surface 184 of the cornice and
substantially no paint is deposited on that surface. The flat,
vibrating brush head is particularly adapted for painting line
intersections of planes.
[0120] FIG. 18 illustrates a round brush head 43 used in the active
mode of a vibrating brush to paint an internal corner portion 191
at the intersection of a surface and first 192 and second 193
planes. The brush head 43 is held at about 45.degree. to each of
the planes 192, 193 so as to be able to access the corner portion
191 and apply paint to the surface without applying paint to faces
192 or 193.
[0121] FIG. 19 shows a substantially cylindrical storage and/or
cleaning receptacle for a brush head. The receptacle 200 comprises
a container portion 205 having sidewalls, a base 207 and an open
end 206. The open end 206 is adapted to be dosed by a lid 208 by a
snap fit connection provided by a projection 211 provided around
the peripheral edge of the side wall of the container portion 205
and a cooperating clip 212 provided around the periphery of the lid
208. An additional seal (not shown) between the receptacle 200, and
the lid 208 may be provided. When dosed with the lid 208, the
receptacle 200 is preferably watertight. Alternatively, the
connection between the lid 208 and the container portion 205 may be
provided by a screw fit connection, which may be a bayonet type
connection.
[0122] The lid 208 comprises an attachment 209 adapted to
removeably secure the lid 208 and a paint brush head 201 together.
In this embodiment, the attachment 209 comprises a tapered
connection surface 210 in the form of a cone adapted to cooperate
with a corresponding, conical tapered connection surface 203 of the
paint brush head 201. The lid 208 may be easily removed from the
container portion 205 to allow the lid 208 and the paint brush head
201 to be assembled or disassembled.
[0123] In use, the paint brush head 201 is suspended from the
attachment 209 of the lid 208 such that its bristles 202 do not
touch the base 207 of receptacle 200. Preferably, the receptacle
200 stands on its base. However, in preferred embodiments, even if
the receptacle 200 falls over or sits on its side, the bristles 202
of the paint brush head 201 do not touch the walls of the
receptacle 200.
[0124] FIG. 20 shows a flat brush head suspended from the lid of a
receptacle which contains water or a cleaning or wetting fluid up
to a level 214 to substantially cover the bristles of the brush.
The receptacle may be substantially cylindrical or it may be
substantially rectangular in cross section.
[0125] Graduations 213 are provided at the &de wall of the
receptacle to indicate a suitable level to which a liquid may be
introduced prior to inserting a brush head. The different
graduations may take account of the different displacement of
different sizes of brush heads that may be placed within the
receptacle.
[0126] The receptacle may be used for temporary storage of a paint
brush head prior to reuse, for example to facilitate storage
without drying of a brush head whilst a decorator uses an
alternative brush head or takes a break. This may avoid the
necessity of cleaning the brush head prior to reuse in such
circumstances or wrapping it in a rag or in plastic film. The
receptacle may be used for cleaning or partial cleaning of a brush
head, the paint attached to the bristles having a tendency to fall
to the base of the receptacle when suspended in water or another
suitable cleaning fluid. A receptacle containing a brush head and a
cleaning fluid may be agitated, for example shaken, and/or left to
settle to facilitate this. The receptacle may also be used for more
permanent storage of paint brush heads, either with or without the
presence of a liquid, the absence of contact between the bristles
and the receptacle being advantageous for avoiding deformation of
the bristles.
[0127] The FIG. 20 receptacle is provided with a suspension
attachment 215 which, in this embodiment, is integral with the lid
208. The suspension attachment 215 may allow the receptacle to be
hung for example from a hook or rail, for example for storage or
for display. The suspension attachment 215 may be foldable such
that it may lie against or within the lid 208; this may facilitate
stacking of one receptacle on another.
[0128] The distance 216 between the base 207 of the receptacle and
the bristles of a brush retained at in the receptacle by the
attachment 209 may be greater than 5 mm or 10 mm; it may be less
than 40 mm or 30 mm. Such a configuration may provide a space
separated from the bristles at which sediment may collect; it may
enable a compact configuration of the receptacle.
[0129] Whilst a receptacle has been described in relation to a
particular paint brush, receptacles may be may be used with other
types of bushes and/or brush heads.
* * * * *