U.S. patent application number 16/980276 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for floor bristle brush assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to James L. Erickson, Samad Javid, Lijun Zu.
Application Number | 20210000248 16/980276 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210000248 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erickson; James L. ; et
al. |
January 7, 2021 |
FLOOR BRISTLE BRUSH ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A brush assembly comprising a cushion pad and a plurality of
brushes secured to the cushion pad. The cushion pad has a 25%
compressibility within the range of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) to 2413 kPa
(350 psi). At least one of the plurality of brushes comprises: a
brush base, and bristles, the bristles comprising moldable
polymeric material and abrasive particle additives.
Inventors: |
Erickson; James L.; (Saint
Paul, MN) ; Javid; Samad; (Woodbury, MN) ; Zu;
Lijun; (Woodbury, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
16/980276 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
March 8, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2019/051913 |
371 Date: |
September 11, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62642217 |
Mar 13, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 3/00 20060101
A46B003/00; A47L 13/16 20060101 A47L013/16; A46B 13/00 20060101
A46B013/00; A47L 11/40 20060101 A47L011/40; A46B 7/04 20060101
A46B007/04 |
Claims
1. A brush assembly comprising: a cushion pad having a 25%
compressibility within the range of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) to 2413 kPa
(350 psi); a plurality of brushes secured to the cushion pad,
wherein at least one of the plurality of brushes comprises: a brush
base, and bristles, the bristles comprising moldable polymeric
material and abrasive particle additives.
2. The brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the cushion pad has a
hardness of less than 50 shore A.
3. The brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the cushion pad has a
relaxation modulus less than 25% according to the Relaxation
Test.
4-6. (canceled)
7. The brush assembly of claim 1 wherein the cushion pad comprises
at least one of: a non-woven material, a porous material, a fabric
material, an inflatable material, and an elastomer.
8. The brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the
plurality of brushes is secured to the cushion pad with a
detachable attachment mechanism.
9. The brush assembly of claim 1, wherein plurality of brushes are
secured to a first major side of the cushion pad, and wherein the
second major side of the cushion pad comprises an attachment
mechanism.
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. The brush assembly of claim 8, wherein the cushion pad is
further mounted to a floor cleaning driver, and wherein the
bristles on each of the plurality of brushes simultaneously contact
a floor surface when pressure is applied to the driver, even when
the length of the bristles varies.
13. The brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the abrasive particles
comprise at least one of: diamond, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide,
cerium oxide, precision shaped grains, and agglomerates.
14. The brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the abrasive particles
have a median particle size in the range of 1 microns to 10
microns.
15. A brush assembly comprising: a cushion pad having a 25%
compressibility within the range of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) to 2413 kPa
(350 psi); a brush attached to the cushion pad, wherein the brush
comprises: a brush base, and bristles, the bristles comprising
moldable polymeric material and abrasive particle additives.
16-18. (canceled)
19. The brush assembly of claim 15, wherein the cushion pad
comprises at least one of: a non-woven material, a porous material,
a fabric material, an inflatable material, and an elastomer.
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. The brush assembly of claim 15, wherein the perimeter of the at
least one of the plurality of brushes is circular.
23. The brush assembly of claim 15, wherein the perimeter of the at
least one of the plurality of brushes is wedge-shaped.
24. The brush assembly of claim 15, wherein the bristles have a
conical shape, wherein the circumference of the base of the bristle
is larger than the circumference of the tip of the bristle.
25. (canceled)
26. The brush assembly of claim 15, wherein the brush base is
molded such that it is integral with the bristles.
27. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Concrete, terrazzo and other hard surfaces are often used in
both residential and commercial flooring applications because they
provide a robust and economical flooring solution. In some
instances, such a floor may be left unfinished, partially finished,
or completely finished, depending on the desired level of gloss. In
some commercial settings, such as bulk retailers or home
improvement stores where flooring experiences high volumes of heavy
foot and machine traffic, the store prefers not to apply floor
finishes or sealers due to the expense and time required for
continued upkeep of the finishes or sealers.
[0002] Currently, non-woven abrasive floor pads or rigid abrasive
systems (such as the Diamabrush sold by Diamabrush LLC of Madison
Heights, Mich.) are used for floor finishing or cleaning. Nonwoven
floor pads can be an expensive and inefficient solution because
they are not as durable when used on a bare concrete surface. Rigid
abrasive systems may last longer, but have a tendency to yield
inconsistent or uneven results in the floor surface. Rigid abrasive
systems also often miss low spots due to the rigidity of the
construction. Additionally, when a particular component of a rigid
abrasive system wears out, the component is typically not
replaceable, leading to premature disposal of the entire
system.
[0003] Several patents mention the problem of effectively cleaning
flooring. One such patent is U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,067 "Molded
Abrasive Brush" to Johnson et al. This patent describes an abrasive
brush having a plurality of bristles unitary with the backing.
These brushes can be mounted to a backing, which is in turn mounted
to a driver if used for a floor cleaning machine.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 8,206,201 "Working System Using Brush Tool" to
Fioratti_discusses a brush tool that can have bristles of different
sizes and can be mounted to a tool head of a tool machine.
[0005] Opportunity exists for improved systems for cleaning,
resurfacing and finishing floors.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention provides significant advancements or
improvements over existing brush assemblies, and existing solutions
for finishing concrete, terrazzo or other hard floor surfaces. The
present invention provides a durable cleaning device that does not
wear as quickly as a non-woven floor pad and provides increased
durability for finishing rough floor surfaces. The present
invention further allows for reduced waste and increased economy
through providing for the individual replacement of brushes. Some
aspects of the present invention also provide for a way to better
clean or finish rough or uneven floors through the increased
flexibility of individual brushes. Floors can be uneven due to an
unfinished surface, grout lines, or gaps between tiles. The present
disclosure provides a way to better clean these low spots in a
floor. The present disclosure can provide cleaning and finishing
consistency due to conformability of the individual brushes and
bristles. The present disclosure also allows easy removal and
replacement of a single broken or worn brush without requiring
replacement of other brushes. Even further, the cushion pad
compensates for a potential difference in height between the
bristles on the new brush and the bristles on older brushes.
[0007] In one instance, the present disclosure includes a brush
assembly comprising a cushion pad and a plurality of brushes
secured to the cushion pad. The cushion pad has a 25%
compressibility within the range of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) to 2413 kPa
(350 psi). At least one of the plurality of brushes comprises: a
brush base, and bristles, the bristles comprising moldable
polymeric material and abrasive particle additives.
[0008] In another instance the present disclosure includes a brush
assembly comprising a cushion pad and a brush attached to the
cushion pad. The cushion pad has a 25% compressibility within the
range of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) to 2413 kPa (350 psi). The brush
comprises: a brush base, and bristles, the bristles comprising
moldable polymeric material and abrasive particle additives.
[0009] In some instances, wherein the cushion pad has a hardness of
less than 50 Shore A.
[0010] In some instances, the cushion pad has a relaxation modulus
less than 25% according to the Relaxation Test.
[0011] In some instances, the cushion pad has a 25% compressibility
within a range of 6.9 kPa (1 psi) to 69 kPa (10 psi).
[0012] In some instances, the cushion pad is round.
[0013] In some instances, the cushion pad comprises a foam
material.
[0014] In some instances, the cushion pad comprises at least one
of: a non-woven material, a porous material, a fabric material, an
inflatable material, and an elastomer.
[0015] In some instances, at least one of the plurality of brushes
is secured to the cushion pad with a detachable attachment
mechanism.
[0016] In some instances, the plurality of brushes are secured to a
first major side of the cushion pad, and wherein the second major
side of the cushion pad comprises an attachment mechanism.
[0017] In some instances, the plurality of brushes is in the range
of 3 brushes to fifty brushes.
[0018] In some instances, the brush assembly is a floor cleaning
and polishing assembly.
[0019] In some instances, the cushion pad is further mounted to a
floor cleaning driver, and wherein the bristles on each of the
plurality of brushes simultaneously contact a floor surface when
pressure is applied to the driver, even when the length of the
bristles varies.
[0020] In some instances, the abrasive particles comprise at least
one of: diamond, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, cerium oxide
precision shaped grains, and agglomerates.
[0021] In some instances, the abrasive particles have a median
particle size in the range of 1 microns to 10 microns.
[0022] In some instances, the brush assembly further comprises a
backing pad, wherein the brush assembly is secured to the backing
pad.
[0023] In some instances, the brush assembly is secured to the
backing pad using a detachable attachment mechanism.
[0024] In some instances, the perimeter of the at least one of the
plurality of brushes is circular.
[0025] In some instances, the perimeter of the at least one of the
plurality of brushes is wedge-shaped.
[0026] In some instances, the bristles have a conical shape,
wherein the circumference of the base of the bristle is larger than
the circumference of the tip of the bristle.
[0027] In some instances, the bristle height is in the range of 5
mm to 25 mm.
[0028] In some instances, the brush base is molded such that it is
integral with the bristles.
[0029] In some instances, the diameter of the bristles is in the
range of about 0.75 mm to 3.0 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] The invention may be more completely understood when
considered with the following detailed description in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section view of a drawing of brush
assembly with a plurality of brushes.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a drawing of a brush assembly
with a plurality of brushes attached to the cushion pad.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of a drawing of a brush
assembly.
[0034] The embodiments shown and described herein may be utilized
and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope
of the invention. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like
numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, the
use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not
intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the
same number.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section view of a drawing of brush
assembly 100. Brush assembly 100 includes cushion pad 120 and a
plurality of brushes 110. Brush assembly 100 may be used for a
variety of cleaning, polishing or burnishing applications,
including floor applications.
[0036] When brush assembly 100 is used in a floor application,
attachment mechanism 124 can be used to secure brush assembly 100
to a driver of a floor cleaning machine. In such a configuration,
brushes 110 face downward and come into contact with the floor.
When a floor cleaning machine puts force on the driver (and thereby
on the brush assembly 100), cushion pad 120 can provide flexibility
to allow bristles 111 of brushes 110 to contact the surface of the
floor even when the surface is uneven. Additionally, in some
instances, the bristles 111 on each of the plurality of brushes
simultaneously contact a floor surface when pressure is applied to
the driver, even when the length of the bristles 111 varies. This
configuration also allows for individual replacement of
[0037] Cushion pad 120 may be composed of a material selected
according to softness. Softness of a material may be correlated
with contact pressure and conformability of the material;
generally, a softer material may have a lower contact pressure and
a higher conformability. This softness may be represented by and
selected for a variety of properties of the material of the cushion
pad 120. For example, a softer material may be a material with a
lower hardness (as indicated using any appropriate hardness scale,
such as Shore A or Shore OO), a material with a lower elastic
modulus, a material with a higher compressibility (typically
quantified via a material's Poisson's ratio), or a material with a
modified structure, such as containing a plurality of gas
inclusions such as a foam, containing an engraved structure,
etc.
[0038] In some instances, cushion pad 120 may be composed of a
material selected according to hardness. Hardness may represent a
measure of the relative change of a material in response to a
force. In some instances, cushion pad 120 includes a material
having a hardness of less than about 50 Shore A durometer (e.g., as
measured using ASTM D2240), or less than about 20 Shore A, or less
than about 10 Shore A.
[0039] In some instances, the cushion pad 120 may be composed of a
material selected according to compressibility. Compressibility may
represent a measure of the relative change of a material in
response to a pressure, while the terms "compressible" or
"incompressible" may refer to a material property of
compressibility. For example, the term "substantially
incompressible" refers to a material having a Poisson's ratio
greater than about 0.45. Compressibility of a material may be
expressed as a particular pressure required to compress the
material to a reference deflection (e.g., 25% deflection). In some
instances, the compressibility of the cushion layer may be measured
via Compression Force Deflection Testing per ASTM D3574 when the
inner layer is foam; and via Compression-Deflection Testing per
ASTM D1056 when the cushion layer is a flexible cellular material
such as, for example, sponge or expandable rubber.
[0040] In some instances, cushion pad 120 may have a
compressibility at 25% deflection of less than 1.1 MPa (160 psi),
less than about 45 psi, less than about 20 psi, or preferably less
than about 10 psi. Cushion pad 120 may also have a compressibility
at 25% deflection of more than about 1 psi. In some instances,
cushion pad 120 may have a Poisson's ratio of less than about 0.5,
less than about 0.4, less than about 0.3, or preferably less than
about 0.2, or a negative Poisson's ratio.
[0041] In some instances, cushion pad 120 may be substantially
incompressible, but sufficiently soft to provide the desired
deformability. In some instances, the cushion pad 120 may be a
layer made of substantially incompressible material which has been
patterned, 3D printed, embossed, or engraved to provide the desired
deformability.
[0042] In some instances, the cushion pad 120 may be composed of a
material selected according to elastic deformation. Elastic
deformation may represent an ability of a material to recover to
its original state after being deformed. The material of cushion
pad 120 may be elastically deformable, e.g., being capable of
substantially 100% (e.g., 99% or more, 99.5% or more, or 99.9% or
more) recovering to its original state after being deformed. In
some instances, the cushion pad 120 may be compressible to provide
the desired deformability. In some instances, the cushion pad 120
may be composed of a material selected according to relaxation
modulus. Relaxation modulus may represent a measure of a
time-dependent viscoelastic property. In this disclosure,
relaxation modulus is measured according to the Relaxation Test
described herein.
[0043] In some examples, the cushion layer has a relaxation modulus
of less than 25% measured according to the Relaxation Test.
[0044] In some instances, the cushion pad 120 may be configured for
various thicknesses. In some instances, the thickness of the
cushion layer may in a range from about 0.125 mm (0.005'') to about
20 mm (0.79''), or preferably from about 0.125 mm (0.005'') to
about 15 mm (0.59'').
[0045] Cushion pad 120 may have various shapes and sizes. In some
instances, cushion pad 120 may be round, quadrilateral, or any
other shape that may be compatible with a cleaning device with
which brush assembly 100 may be used.
[0046] The cushion pad 120 may be formed from a variety of
materials having one or more properties discussed above. In some
instances, the cushion layer includes at least one of a porous
material, an inflatable material, an elastomer, a fabric, or a
nonwoven material, or any combination of these materials. Suitable
elastomers may include thermoset elastomers such as, for example,
nitriles, fluoroelastomers, chloroprenes, epichlorohydrins,
silicones, urethanes, polyacrylates, SBR (styrenebutadiene rubber),
butyl rubbers, nylon, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene,
polyester, polyurethane, etc.
[0047] In some instances, the cushion pad 120 includes one of a
foam, an engraved, structured, 3D printed, or embossed elastomer. A
suitable foam may be open-celled or closed-celled, including, for
example, synthetic or natural foams, thermoformed foams,
polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethers, filled or grafted
polyethers, viscoelastic foams, melamine foam, polyethylenes,
cross-linked polyethylenes, polypropylenes, silicone, ionomeric
foams, etc. The cushion layer may also include foamed elastomers,
vulcanized rubbers, including, for example, isoprene, neoprene,
polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, nitrile rubbers,
polyvinyl chloride and nitrile rubber, ethylene-propylene
copolymers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and
butyl rubber (e.g., isobutylene-isoprene copolymer). In some
instances, the cushion pad 120 may include various compressible
structures. For example, the cushion pad 120 may include any
suitable compressible structures such as, for example, springs,
nonwovens, fabrics, air bladders, etc. In some instances, the
cushion layer may be 3D printed to provide desired Poisson's ratio,
compressibility, and elastic response.
[0048] The plurality of brushes are secured to cushion pad 120
using attachment mechanisms 122 and 112. Attachment mechanism 112
is adhered, secured, or otherwise attached to the back of brush
110. Attachment mechanism 122 is adhered, secured or otherwise
attached to a major surface of cushion pad 120. Attachment
mechanism 112 and 122 can be configured such that they mate with
each other. Attachment mechanisms 112 and 122 can be detachable
attachment mechanisms, such that they can mate with each other, but
can also be detached from each other. This allows removal and
replacement of an individual brush 110 on cushion pad 120. Examples
of specific types of attachment mechanisms include hook and loop,
Dual-Lock.TM. reclosable fasteners sold by 3M Company of St. Paul,
Minn., a slot mechanism, mechanical fasteners and other attachment
mechanisms as will be obvious to those of skill in the art upon
reading the present disclosure. In some instances, brushes 110 are
attached to the surface of cushion pad 120.
[0049] The number of brushes 110 attached to cushion pad 120 may
vary. As shown in FIG. 1, the number of brushes attached to cushion
pad 120 may range from three brushes to fifty brushes.
[0050] Brushes 110 include a brush base and bristles, the bristles
comprising moldable polymeric material and abrasive particle
additives. The type and size of abrasive particles can be chosen
based on the desired level of abrasion or polishing. In some
instances, the abrasive particles include at least one of: diamond
particles, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, cerium oxide, precision
shaped grains, agglomerates.
[0051] The abrasive particles may have a variety of sizes. For
example, they may have a median particle size in the range of 0.1
to 1,000 microns. In another instances, they may have a median
particle size in the range of 1 micron to 10 microns.
[0052] Types of moldable polymeric material that may be used
consistent with the present disclosure include, for example, a
thermoplastic polymer, or a thermoplastic elastomer.
[0053] Examples of thermoplastic polymers include polycarbonate,
polyetherimide, polyester, polyethylene, polysulfone, polystyrene,
polybutylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene block copolymer,
polypropylene, acetal polymers, polyurethanes, polyamides, and
combinations thereof.
[0054] Thermoplastic elastomers are generally the reaction product
of a low equivalent weight polyfunctional monomer and a high
equivalent weight polyfunctional monomer, wherein the low
equivalent weight polyfunctional monomer has a functionality of at
most about 2 and the equivalent weight of at most about 300 and is
capable of polymerization of forming a hard segment (and, in
conjunction with other hard segments, crystalline hard regions or
domains) and the high equivalent weight polyfunctional monomer has
a functionality of at least about 2 and an equivalent weight of at
least about 350 and is capable on polymerization of producing soft,
flexible chains connecting the hard regions or domains. Examples of
thermoplastic elastomers include segmented polyester thermoplastic
elastomers, segment polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers,
segmented polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, blends of
thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic polymers, and ionomeric
thermoplastic elastomers. Other examples of suitable moldable
polymeric materials can be found U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,533 to Johnson
et al.
[0055] Brushes 110 can have various shapes and sizes. In some
instances, the perimeter of at least one of the plurality of
brushes 110 is circular. In some instances, the perimeter of at
least one of the plurality of brushes 110 is wedge-shaped. Other
known shapes will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon
reading the present disclosure.
[0056] Brush bristles 111 may have a conical shape, wherein the
circumference of the base of the bristle is larger than the
circumference of the tip of the bristle. The height of brush
bristles may range as well. For example, bristle height may be
about 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm,
50 mm, or in a range between any two of the preceding values. The
diameter of bristles 111 can also range. For example, bristles 111
may have a diameter of about 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm,
2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, or 5 mm, or in a range between
any two of the preceding values.
[0057] In some instances, bristles 111 may be attached or secured
to a brush base. In other instances, bristles 111 may be integrally
molded with a brush base.
[0058] In some instances, brush assembly 100 further comprises an
attachment mechanism 124 on the major surface of cushion pad 120
opposite brushes 110. Attachment mechanism 124 can be used to
attach cushion pad 120 to a driver on a floor cleaning machine or
on another cleaning device. Examples of types of materials or
devices that may be used for attachment mechanism 124 include hook
and loop, Dual-Lock.TM. reclosable fasteners sold by 3M Company of
St. Paul, Minn., slot fasteners and other mechanical fasteners.
Other attachment mechanisms will be apparent to one of skill in the
art upon reading the present disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a drawing of a brush assembly 200
with a plurality of brushes 210 attached to cushion pad 220. As
shown in FIG. 2, brushes 210 have a wedge shape. However, in other
instances, brushes 210 may have a round, quadrilateral,
trapezoidal, triangular, or irregular shape.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of a drawing of a brush
assembly 300. Brush assembly 300 includes a cushion pad 320 and a
single brush 310 attached to cushion pad 320. The brush 310
comprises a brush base and bristles 311, the bristles 311
comprising moldable polymeric material and abrasive particle
additives. In the instance illustrated in FIG. 3, cushion pad 320
is disposed below a single brush 310, and multiple brush assemblies
300 may be attached to a single driver pad of a floor cleaning
machine. Alternatively, a single cushion pad 320 with a larger
single brush 310 could be attached to a driver pad of a floor
cleaning machine.
[0061] The components shown in FIG. 3, including cushion pad 320,
brush 310, bristles 311, attachment mechanisms 312, 322 and 324 can
have the same materials, characteristics and features as other
parallel components discussed herein.
[0062] Relaxation Test
[0063] Stress relaxation characteristics are measured using ASTM
D6048. Sample materials of the cushion pad are loaded and held
under a constant compressive strain (e.g. as change in the sample
thickness divided by its original, non-deformed thickness) in a
standard mechanical testing load frame. The force applied by the
sample to the testing machine platens is measured and recorded
continuously along with the corresponding elapsed time from the
beginning of the test during each test. Stress is then calculated
for each sample as the corresponding applied load divided by the
cross section of the sample placed on the platens of the testing
machine. The modulus was calculated by dividing the stress to
constant strain for each sample.
[0064] This process is summarized by the following steps:
[0065] Step 1: A constant strain is applied to the sample.
[0066] Step 2: Force applied by the sample to the testing frame is
recorded continuously during the test.
[0067] Step 3: Stress (.delta.) is calculated from the recorded
force using the following equation:
.delta.(t)=Force(t)/Sample's cross section area
[0068] Step 4: Modulus (E) is calculated by dividing stress
(.delta.) by the constant strain (.epsilon.), using the following
equation:
E(t)=.delta.(t)/.epsilon..sub.c
[0069] Step 5: Relaxation Modulus (%) is calculated using the
following equation:
Modulus relaxation (%)=[(E.sub.0-E.sub.2)/E.sub.0]* 100
Where E0 is the instaneous modulus and E2 is the modulus after two
minutes of relaxation of the sample material under constant
compressive strain.
* * * * *