Abstract: A sweeping implement is disclosed comprising an elongated head having an upper surface and a lower surface, a socket on the upper surface for attaching the head to a broomstick, and bristles projecting from the lower surface, wherein the head, the socket and the bristles are in the form of an integral moulding of a polymeric material and wherein the socket is provided with resiliently flexible retaining means on its inner surface for counteracting the removal of the broomstick from the socket. Some of the bristles may conveniently be of smaller diameter and others may conveniently be of larger diameter. The polymeric compound may comprise rubber and may be pre-formulated such that, upon vulcanization, the sweeping implement has a Shore hardness, as measured on the A scale, of between 35 and 65 and an elongation at break of between 550% and 650%.

Abstract: A handbrush and method for the manufacture thereof, are disclosed. The handbrush comprises a head having a plurality of bristles thereon and handle extending from the head, the head, the bristles and the handle all being integrally moulded from a polymeric compound such as rubber. A rigid strengthening member may be embedded in the head and the handle and may be bent to impart a desired shape to the brush, e.g. for maintaining the handle at a desired angle to the head. The brush may be provided with a substantially longitudinally extending scraper blade which may also be integrally moulded with the head, the bristles and the handle. In addition, a groove may be provided in the head of the handbrush for receiving and holding an edge of a steel blade for removing ice from the windscreens of motor vehicles or the like.