BROOM COMPRISING BRISTLES OF MULTIPLE LENGTHS
A broom comprising bristles of multiple lengths. The broom can include a head having a bottom major surface and a longitudinal axis. The head can define a sweeping direction in which the broom is configured to be swept. The broom can further include a plurality of tufts of bristles coupled to the bottom major surface of the head and protruding downwardly therefrom. The plurality of tufts of bristles can include a first tuft type having a first length, and a second tuft type having a second length that is longer than the first length. The plurality of tufts of bristles can further include a diagonal row comprising at least two adjacent tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and/or the sweeping direction.
The present disclosure generally relates to a broom, such as a floor broom or a hand broom, and particularly relates to a broom having multiple bristle lengths.
BACKGROUNDBrooms are cleaning devices that have been in use for many years. Brooms often have relatively stiff bristles (compared to, e.g., hand-held dusters), and are typically used dry, for dislodging particulate matter and small debris from a floor, for example, and propelling the particles and debris into a receptacle such as a dustbin. Many existing brooms are made with bristles trimmed to the same length or so that the ends of the bristles lie in a common plane.
SUMMARYThe present inventors discovered that brooms comprising bristles of varying lengths can be advantageous in sweeping uneven surfaces, such tile floors having grout lines. The bristles of varying length can be arranged in a variety of patterns, and particularly, can be arranged in patterns such that at least one bristle length is arranged in a diagonal row comprising at least two adjacent tufts of the same bristle length, with the diagonal row oriented at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the broomhead and/or a sweeping direction.
Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a broom. The broom can include a head having a bottom major surface and a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of tufts of bristles coupled to the bottom major surface of the head and protruding downwardly therefrom. The plurality of tufts of bristles can include a first tuft type having a first length, and a second tuft type having a second length that is longer than the first length. The plurality of tufts of bristles can further include a diagonal row comprising at least two adjacent tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a broom. The broom can include a head having a bottom major surface and defining a sweeping direction in which the broom is configured to be swept. The broom can further include a plurality of tufts of bristles coupled to the bottom major surface of the head and protruding downwardly therefrom. The plurality of tufts of bristles can include a first tuft type having a first length, and a second tuft type having a second length that is longer than the first length. The plurality of tufts of bristles can further include a diagonal row comprising at least two adjacent tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the sweeping direction.
Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the term “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect couplings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” and the like are only used to describe elements as they relate to one another, but are in no way meant to recite specific orientations of the apparatus, to indicate or imply necessary or required orientations of the apparatus, or to specify how the invention described herein will be used, mounted, displayed, or positioned in use.
The present disclosure generally relates to brooms having multiple-length bristles, and particularly, to brooms comprising multiple-length bristles arranged in particular patterns, e.g., having diagonal rows oriented at an angle (e.g., a non-zero and non-right angle) with respect to a longitudinal axis of a broomhead and/or with respect to a sweeping direction.
While the head 102 shown in
As further shown in
The broom 100 can also be used without the handle 150. In such embodiments (often called a “whisk broom” configuration), the broom 100 can be operated by grasping an optional short handle (e.g. less than about 30 cm) attached to the broom head 102, or by grasping the broom head 102 itself. To this end, the broom head 102 may have a handle built into it (e.g. integrally formed (e.g., molded) into the body of the head 102).
As shown in
While two tuft types 108A and 108B are shown by way of example only, it should be understood that the brooms of the present disclosure can further include a third tuft type of a third length that is different than both the first length L1 and the second length L2, and, optionally a fourth tuft type, and so on. As a result, brooms of the present disclosure generally include two or more different bristle lengths.
Such multiple-length bristles can be useful on uneven surfaces, such as tile floors, but preliminary experiments have shown advantages even on smooth floors over brooms having bristles all of the same length. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the present inventors generally theorize that having two or more different length bristles allows the broom 100 to better capture particles or debris of varying sizes and shapes and/or to better accommodate any irregularities in the surface being swept.
In some embodiments, the head 102 can define a sweeping direction, such as sweeping direction D shown in
The phrase “sweeping direction” generally refers to a direction in which the broom 100 and the plurality of bristles 106 would travel when used to sweep, which can generally be oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the head 102 and generally would be orthogonal to a plane defined by the plurality of bristles 106. Particularly, the sweeping direction can be generally orthogonal to a plane defined by the lengths or heights of the bristles 106, such as the planes P depicted in
By orienting or arranging the one or more diagonal rows 110 at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A and/or the sweeping direction, when the broom 100 is used to sweep, the bristles 106 located at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A and/or the sweeping direction (e.g., the sweeping direction D in
Brooms are generally made with the bristles in the center of the broom being oriented normal to a bottom plane of a broom head. The angle of the tufts then generally decreases from 90 degrees to some smaller angle in both the X and Y directions as you move away from the center of the broom head. As a result, the discussion herein regarding the diagonal rows 110 and their various angles with respect to the longitudinal axis A and/or the sweeping direction D generally refers to the point where the tufts 108 intersect the bottom major surface 104 of the broom head 102, and can refer to a flat plane that resides near the bottom major surface 104 (e.g., if the bottom major surface 104 is not flat) that the tufts 108 intersect.
With continued reference to
However, in some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 106 need not include a line of symmetry and the first angle and the second angle may be of different magnitudes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 106 do not include a line of symmetry S, and the diagonal rows 110 as shown on one half of the head 102 in
In addition, each diagonal row 110 is made up entirely of either the first tuft type 108A or the second tuft type 108B arranged linearly, such that the plurality of diagonal rows 110 include first diagonal rows 110A and second diagonal rows 110B (see
While the embodiment of
The present inventors have found particular utility in locating the longer (i.e., the second tuft type 108B) bristles near an outer periphery 132 of the head 102, and particularly adjacent the lateral ends of the head 102, which can be useful in accessing debris in tight areas, corners, etc. However, it should be noted that the first and second tuft types 108A and 108B are shown as arranged in
Furthermore, in the embodiment of
As further shown in
The first length L1 of the first tuft type 108A can differ from the second length L2 of the second tuft type 108B by a differential length X (see
In some embodiments, the plurality of tufts of bristles 106 can include an average bristle diameter of at least about 0.1 mm, in some embodiments, at least about 0.2 mm, in some embodiments, at least about 0.3 mm, and in some embodiments, at least about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the average bristle diameter can be no greater than about 2 mm, in some embodiments, no greater than about 1 mm, in some embodiments, no greater than about 0.8 mm, and in some embodiments, no greater than about 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the average bristle diameter can range from about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm.
In some embodiments, the plurality of tufts of bristles 106 can include an average tuft diameter (e.g., the hole that is drilled for receiving each tuft) of at least about 2 mm, and in some embodiments, at least about 3 mm. In some embodiments the tuft diameter can be no greater than about 6 mm, and in some embodiments, no greater than about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the average tuft diameter can range from about 3.5 to 4 mm.
The plurality of bristles 106 can be formed of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (e.g., nylon), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the bristles can comprise natural materials, such as straw, animal hair, or a combination. The bristles can also comprise an elastomeric material; for example a natural material such as natural rubber; a synthetic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, including but not limited to, a butyl rubber, a styrene-butadiene rubber, a silicone rubber, etc., or combinations thereof; or a combination of a natural rubber and a synthetic rubber. The bristles can be selected to have a combination of thickness (e.g., diameter, in the case of cylindrical bristles) and moduli such that the bristles are of appropriate strength and stiffness to be able to dislodge and propel debris.
In some embodiments, the first tuft type 108A and the second tuft type 108B (and other tuft types of different lengths, if employed) can have different material properties, e.g., to impart varied strengths and/or flex across the head 102. For example, in some embodiments, the first tuft type 108A has a first flexural modulus (e.g., stiffness) and the second tuft type has a second flexural modulus that is different the first tuft type. In some embodiments, bristles near the sides or edges (e.g., adjacent a long side 130 or near an end 132) of the head 102 can be stiffer (or have a higher flexural modulus) than other bristles on the head 102 to allow the bristles near the sides to be used to access corners, or the like, and sweep out debris.
In addition, in some embodiments, the first tuft type 108A and the second tuft type 108B can have different tuft diameters, different bristle diameters (e.g., a first bristle diameter making up the first tuft type 108A and a second bristle diameter making up the second tuft type 108B), different tuft cross-sectional shapes, different bristle cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a first bristle cross-sectional shape making up the first tuft type 108A and a second bristle cross-sectional shape making up the second tuft type 108B), or a combination thereof.
Each tuft or bundle 108 can comprise a multiplicity (e.g., 5-25) of bristles. In some embodiments, at least some of the individual bristle tufts 108 can include a flared configuration (as shown) in which the bristles in the tuft 108 are compacted together at a point of attachment of the bristles to the head 102, with the distal ends of the bristles allowed to remain loose. This allows the bristles in each tuft 108 to spread such that near the distal end of the tufts 108, at least some bristles in adjacent bundles can be in contact with each other (e.g., especially if two of the same tuft type 108A or 108B are adjacent one another). However, near the proximal ends of the tufts 108, the bristles in adjacent tufts 108 are generally not in contact with those of another tuft 108. Such a bristle configuration can minimize gaps between the bristles at their distal ends, e.g., so as to provide the most complete and uniform coverage in sweeping.
In some embodiments, the tufts 108 can be arranged in a spaced apart configuration across the bottom major surface 104 of the head 102. In some embodiments, the bristle contact area can be increased or maximized (e.g., gaps between adjacent tufts 108 at the distal ends of the bristles can be minimized) by arranging the plurality of tufts of bristles 106 in a close-packed (e.g., hexagonal close-packed) or staggered configuration, as shown.
In some embodiments, the different length bristles can have different optical properties so as to be easily distinguishable. For example, in some embodiments, the first tuft type 108A can have a first optical property and the second tuft type 108B can have a second optical property that is different from the first optical property, such that the first tuft type 108A and the second tuft type 108B are visually distinguishable.
An optical property can include, but is not limited to, color or shade, transparency/translucency/opacity, reflectance, gloss or shine, refractive index, other suitable optical properties, or combinations thereof. Such optical properties can typically be visually distinguishable by the naked human eye.
Additional exemplary embodiments of brooms of the present disclosure will now be described with respect to
As a result of the line of symmetry S′, a first half of the head 202 includes diagonal rows 210 (e.g., a first plurality of diagonal rows 210) oriented at a first angle a with respect to the longitudinal axis A′ and the sweeping direction D′, and a second half of the head 202 includes diagonal rows 210 (e.g., a second plurality of diagonal rows 210) oriented at a second angle −α with respect to the longitudinal axis A′ and the sweeping direction D′. By way of example only, the angles α and −α are illustrated as being the same as that of the broom 100, but it should be understood that this need not bee the case, and all of the variations and alternatives regarding lines of symmetry and angles described above with respect to the broom 100 of
The broom 200 include many similarities with the broom 100 of
As mentioned above, each diagonal row 210 of the broom 200 is not entirely made up of the first tuft type 208A or the second tuft type 208B. Rather, each diagonal row 210 includes at least two adjacent tufts of the first tuft type 208A, the second tuft type 208B, or both. In some embodiments, this may not hold true toward the outer periphery 232 but is generally true for the majority of the broom head 202. In some embodiments, as shown in
-
- (i) a first pattern comprising a first pair of the first tuft type 208A, a second pair of the second tuft type 208B, and a third pair of the first tuft type 208A (see, e.g., diagonal row 210A in
FIGS. 7 and 10 ); or - (ii) a second pattern comprising a first pair of the second tuft type 208B, a second pair of the first tuft type 208A, and a third pair of the second tuft type 208B (see, e.g., diagonal row 210B in
FIGS. 7 and 10 ).
- (i) a first pattern comprising a first pair of the first tuft type 208A, a second pair of the second tuft type 208B, and a third pair of the first tuft type 208A (see, e.g., diagonal row 210A in
In addition, as further shown, in some embodiments, the plurality of diagonal rows 210 arranged in either the first pattern or the second pattern can be arranged in an alternating configuration, such that a diagonal row 210 comprising the first pattern is positioned adjacent a diagonal row comprising the second pattern (e.g., but not adjacent a diagonal row 210 comprising the same first pattern).
Similar to the broom 100 of
As a result of the line of symmetry S″, a first half of the head 302 includes diagonal rows 310 (e.g., a first plurality of diagonal rows 310) oriented at a first angle a with respect to the longitudinal axis A″ and the sweeping direction D″, and a second half of the head 302 includes diagonal rows 310 (e.g., a second plurality of diagonal rows 310) oriented at a second angle −α with respect to the longitudinal axis A″ and the sweeping direction D″. By way of example only, the angles α and −α are illustrated as being different from that of the broom 100 of
The broom 300 includes many similarities with the broom 200 of
As mentioned above, each diagonal row 310 of the broom 300 is not entirely made up of the first tuft type 308A or the second tuft type 308B. Rather, each diagonal row 310 includes at least two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type 308B and at least three adjacent tufts of the first tuft type 308A. In some embodiments, this may not hold true toward the outer periphery 332 or toward the longitudinal center C″ but is generally true for the majority of the broom head 302. Furthermore, in some embodiments, as further shown in
-
- (i) a first pattern (or a “3-2-1 pattern”) comprising three tufts of the first tuft type 308A, followed by two tufts (or a pair) of the second tuft type 308B, followed by a single tuft of the first tuft type 308A (see, e.g., diagonal row 310A in
FIG. 11 ); - (ii) a second pattern (or a “1-3-2 pattern”) comprising a single tuft of the second tuft type 308B, followed by three tufts of the first tuft type 308A, followed by two tufts (or a pair) of the second tuft type 308B (see, e.g., diagonal row 310B in
FIG. 11 ); or - (iii) a third pattern (or a “2-3-1 pattern”) comprising two tufts (or a pair) of the second tuft type 308B, followed by three tufts of the first tuft type 308A, followed by a single tuft of the second tuft type 308B (see, e.g., diagonal row 310C in
FIG. 11 ).
- (i) a first pattern (or a “3-2-1 pattern”) comprising three tufts of the first tuft type 308A, followed by two tufts (or a pair) of the second tuft type 308B, followed by a single tuft of the first tuft type 308A (see, e.g., diagonal row 310A in
In addition, as further shown, in some embodiments, the plurality of diagonal rows 310 that include the first pattern, the second pattern or the third pattern can be arranged such that a diagonal row 310 comprising the first pattern is followed by a diagonal row 310 comprising the second pattern, which is followed by a diagonal row 310 comprising the third pattern 310, such that none of the first pattern, the second pattern or the third pattern repeat throughout the plurality of tufts of bristles 306. However, the overall arrangement of the bristles 306 shown in
Similar to the broom 100 of
The following embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the present disclosure and not limiting.
EMBODIMENTSEmbodiment 1 is a broom comprising:
-
- a head having a bottom major surface and a longitudinal axis; and
- a plurality of tufts of bristles coupled to the bottom major surface of the head and protruding downwardly therefrom, the plurality of tufts of bristles comprising:
- a first tuft type having a first length, and
- a second tuft type having a second length that is longer than the first length,
- wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a diagonal row comprising at least two adjacent tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Embodiment 2 is the broom of embodiment 1, wherein the diagonal row comprises at least two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type, wherein the diagonal row is one of a plurality of diagonal rows oriented at the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each diagonal row is separated from an adjacent diagonal row by at least one tuft of the first tuft type.
Embodiment 3 is the broom of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the head defines a sweeping direction in which the broom is configured to be swept, and wherein the diagonal row includes at least two adjacent tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the sweeping direction.
Embodiment 4 is the broom of embodiment 3, wherein the sweeping direction is oriented orthogonally to a plane defined by a height of the plurality of tufts of bristles.
Embodiment 5 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the diagonal row includes only tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged linearly.
Embodiment 6 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a chevron configuration.
Embodiment 7 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the diagonal row is one of a plurality of diagonal rows, wherein the plurality of diagonal rows includes a first plurality of diagonal rows wherein each diagonal row is oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of diagonal rows further includes a second plurality of diagonal rows wherein each diagonal row is oriented at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Embodiment 8 is the broom of embodiment 7, wherein each diagonal row in the first plurality of diagonal rows is oriented at a first angle a with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each diagonal row in the second plurality of diagonal rows is oriented at a second angle −α with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Embodiment 9 is the broom of embodiment 8, wherein the absolute value of a is at least 20 degrees.
Embodiment 10 is the broom of any of embodiments 7-9, wherein the broom includes a line of symmetry, and wherein the plurality of first diagonal rows is separated from the plurality of second diagonal rows by the line of symmetry.
Embodiment 11 is the broom of embodiment 10, wherein the line of symmetry is oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Embodiment 12 is the broom of embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the line of symmetry is located centrally with respect to the bottom major surface of the head.
Embodiment 13 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein each diagonal row includes at least two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type.
Embodiment 14 is the broom of embodiment 13, wherein some of the plurality of diagonal rows further include at least two adjacent tufts of the first tuft type. Embodiment 15 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein some of the plurality of diagonal rows include three pairs of tufts arranged in either:
-
- a first pattern comprising a first pair of the first tuft type, a second pair of the second tuft type and a third pair of the first tuft type, or
- a second pattern comprising a first pair of the second tuft type, a second pair of the first tuft type and a third pair of the second tuft type.
Embodiment 16 is the broom of embodiment 15, wherein the plurality of diagonal rows including three pairs of tufts are arranged in an alternating configuration such that a diagonal row comprising the first pattern is positioned adjacent a diagonal row comprising the second pattern.
Embodiment 17 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-16, wherein at least some of the diagonal rows include a total of six tufts arranged in either:
-
- a first pattern comprising three tufts of the first tuft type, two tufts of the second tuft type, and a single tuft of the first tuft type
- a second pattern comprising a single tuft of the second tuft type, three tufts of the first tuft type, and two tufts of the second tuft type, or
- a third pattern comprising two tufts of the second tuft type, three tufts of the first tuft type, and a single tuft of the second tuft type.
Embodiment 18 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-17, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a plurality of horizontal rows oriented substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first tuft type and the second tuft type are arranged in the plurality of horizontal rows in an alternating configuration.
Embodiment 19 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-18, wherein the second length is longer than the first length by a differential length, and wherein the differential length is greater than 0.2 cm and less than 1.3 cm.
Embodiment 20 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-19, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles further comprises a third tuft type having a third length that is different from the first length and the second length.
Embodiment 21 is the broom of embodiment 20, wherein the first length and the third length differ by a differential length of about 4 mm.
Embodiment 22 is the broom of embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the second length and the third length differ by a differential length of about 4 mm.
Embodiment 23 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-22, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes an average bristle diameter of at least about 0.5 mm.
Embodiment 24 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-23, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles comprises bristles formed of at least one of polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, and a combination thereof.
Embodiment 25 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-24, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles is arranged in a close-packed configuration.
Embodiment 26 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-25, wherein the broom includes a line of symmetry oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Embodiment 27 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-26, wherein the first tuft type has a first optical property, and wherein the second tuft type has a second optical property that is different from the first optical property.
Embodiment 28 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-27, wherein the first tuft type has a first flexural modulus and the second tuft type has a second flexural modulus that is different than the first flexural modulus.
Embodiment 29 is the broom of any of embodiments 1-28, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes tufts that form an outer periphery of bristles adjacent at least one lateral end of the head of the broom, and wherein a majority of the outer periphery is formed of the second tuft type.
Embodiment 30 is a broom comprising:
-
- a head having a bottom major surface and defining a sweeping direction in which the broom is configured to be swept; and
- a plurality of tufts of bristles coupled to the bottom major surface of the head and protruding downwardly therefrom, the plurality of tufts of bristles comprising:
- a first tuft type having a first length, and
- a second tuft type having a second length that is longer than the first length,
- wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a diagonal row comprising at least two adjacent tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the sweeping direction.
Embodiment 31 is the broom of embodiment 30, wherein the diagonal row comprises at least two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type, wherein the diagonal row is one of a plurality of diagonal rows oriented at the same angle with respect to the sweeping direction, and wherein each diagonal row is separated from an adjacent diagonal row by at least one tuft of the first tuft type.
Embodiment 32 is the broom of embodiment 30 or 31, wherein the sweeping direction is oriented orthogonally to a plane defined by a height of the plurality of tufts of bristles.
Embodiment 33 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-32, wherein the diagonal row includes only tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged linearly.
Embodiment 34 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-33, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a chevron configuration.
Embodiment 35 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-34, wherein the diagonal row is one of a plurality of diagonal rows, wherein the plurality of diagonal rows includes a first plurality of diagonal rows wherein each diagonal row is oriented at a first angle with respect to the sweeping direction, and wherein the plurality of diagonal rows further includes a second plurality of diagonal rows wherein each diagonal row is oriented at a second angle with respect to the sweeping direction.
Embodiment 36 is the broom of embodiment 35, wherein each diagonal row in the first plurality of diagonal rows is oriented at a first angle α with respect to the sweeping direction, and wherein each diagonal row in the second plurality of diagonal rows is oriented at a second angle −α with respect to the sweeping direction.
Embodiment 37 is the broom of embodiment 36, wherein the absolute value of α is at least 20 degrees.
Embodiment 38 is the broom of any of embodiments 35-37, wherein the broom includes a line of symmetry, and wherein the plurality of first diagonal rows is separated from the plurality of second diagonal rows by the line of symmetry.
Embodiment 39 is the broom of embodiment 38, wherein the line of symmetry is oriented substantially parallel with respect to the sweeping direction.
Embodiment 40 is the broom of embodiment 38 or 39, wherein the line of symmetry is located centrally with respect to the bottom major surface of the head.
Embodiment 41 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-40, wherein each diagonal row includes at least two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type.
Embodiment 42 is the broom of embodiment 41, wherein some of the plurality of diagonal rows further include at least two adjacent tufts of the first tuft type.
Embodiment 43 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-42, wherein some of the plurality of diagonal rows include three pairs of tufts arranged in either:
-
- a first pattern comprising a first pair of the first tuft type, a second pair of the second tuft type and a third pair of the first tuft type, or
- a second pattern comprising a first pair of the second tuft type, a second pair of the first tuft type and a third pair of the second tuft type.
Embodiment 44 is the broom of embodiment 43, wherein the plurality of diagonal rows including three pairs of tufts are arranged in an alternating configuration such that a diagonal row comprising the first pattern is positioned adjacent a diagonal row comprising the second pattern.
Embodiment 45 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-44, wherein at least some of the diagonal rows include a total of six tufts arranged in either:
-
- a first pattern comprising three tufts of the first tuft type, two tufts of the second tuft type, and a single tuft of the first tuft type,
- a second pattern comprising a single tuft of the second tuft type, three tufts of the first tuft type, and two tufts of the second tuft type, or
- a third pattern comprising two tufts of the second tuft type, three tufts of the first tuft type, and a single tuft of the second tuft type.
Embodiment 46 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-45, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a plurality of horizontal rows oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the sweeping direction, and wherein the first tuft type and the second tuft type are arranged in the plurality of horizontal rows in an alternating configuration.
Embodiment 47 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-46, wherein the second length is longer than the first length by a differential length, and wherein the differential length is greater than 0.2 cm and less than 1.3 cm.
Embodiment 48 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-47, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles further comprises a third tuft type having a third length that is different from the first length and the second length.
Embodiment 49 is the broom of embodiment 48, wherein the first length and the third length differ by a differential length of about 4 mm.
Embodiment 50 is the broom of embodiment 48 or 49, wherein the second length and the third length differ by a differential length of about 4 mm.
Embodiment 51 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-50, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes an average bristle diameter of at least about 0.5 mm.
Embodiment 52 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-51, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles comprises bristles formed of at least one of polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, and a combination thereof.
Embodiment 53 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-52, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles is arranged in a close-packed configuration.
Embodiment 54 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-53, wherein the broom includes a line of symmetry oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Embodiment 55 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-54, wherein the first tuft type has a first optical property, and wherein the second tuft type has a second optical property that is different from the first optical property.
Embodiment 56 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-55, wherein the first tuft type has a first flexural modulus and the second tuft type has a second flexural modulus that is different than the first flexural modulus.
Embodiment 57 is the broom of any of embodiments 30-56, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes tufts that form an outer periphery of bristles adjacent at least one lateral end of the head of the broom, and wherein a majority of the outer periphery is formed of the second tuft type.
The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present disclosure. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure.
Various features and aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. A broom comprising:
- a head having a bottom major surface and a longitudinal axis; and
- a plurality of tufts of bristles coupled to the bottom major surface of the head and protruding downwardly therefrom, the plurality of tufts of bristles comprising: a first tuft type having a first length, and a second tuft type having a second length that is longer than the first length,
- wherein at least some of the plurality of tufts of bristles are arranged in a plurality of diagonal rows disposed along the bottom major surface of the head, each diagonal row comprising at least two adjacent tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type,
- wherein each diagonal row is oriented at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head, and wherein each diagonal row is separated from an adjacent diagonal row by at least one tuft of the other tuft type.
2. The broom of claim 1, wherein the diagonal row comprises at least two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type, wherein the plurality of diagonal rows is oriented at the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each diagonal row is separated from an adjacent diagonal row by at least one tuft of the first tuft type.
3. The broom of claim 1, wherein the head defines a sweeping direction in which the broom is configured to be swept, and wherein the diagonal row includes at least two adjacent tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the sweeping direction.
4. The broom of claim 3, wherein the sweeping direction is oriented orthogonally to a plane defined by a height of the plurality of tufts of bristles.
5. The broom of claim 1, wherein each diagonal row includes only tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged linearly.
6. The broom of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a chevron configuration.
7. The broom of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diagonal rows includes a first plurality of diagonal rows wherein each diagonal row is oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the plurality of diagonal rows further includes a second plurality of diagonal rows wherein each diagonal row is oriented at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
8. The broom of claim 7, wherein each diagonal row in the first plurality of diagonal rows is oriented at a first angle a with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each diagonal row in the second plurality of diagonal rows is oriented at a second angle −α with respect to the longitudinal axis.
9. The broom of claim 8, wherein the absolute value of α is at least 20 degrees.
10. The broom of claim 7, wherein the broom includes a line of symmetry, and wherein the plurality of first diagonal rows is separated from the plurality of second diagonal rows by the line of symmetry.
11. The broom of claim 10, wherein the line of symmetry is oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis.
12. The broom of claim 10, wherein the line of symmetry is located centrally with respect to the bottom major surface of the head.
13. The broom of claim 1, wherein each diagonal row includes at least two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type.
14. The broom of claim 13, wherein some of the plurality of diagonal rows further include at least two adjacent tufts of the first tuft type.
15. The broom of claim 1, wherein some of the plurality of diagonal rows include three pairs of tufts arranged in either:
- a first pattern comprising a first pair of the first tuft type, a second pair of the second tuft type and a third pair of the first tuft type, or
- a second pattern comprising a first pair of the second tuft type, a second pair of the first tuft type and a third pair of the second tuft type.
16. The broom of claim 15, wherein the plurality of diagonal rows including three pairs of tufts are arranged in an alternating configuration such that a diagonal row comprising the first pattern is positioned adjacent a diagonal row comprising the second pattern.
17. The broom of claim 1, wherein at least some of the diagonal rows include a total of six tufts arranged in either:
- a first pattern comprising three tufts of the first tuft type, two tufts of the second tuft type, and a single tuft of the first tuft type
- a second pattern comprising a single tuft of the second tuft type, three tufts of the first tuft type, and two tufts of the second tuft type, or
- a third pattern comprising two tufts of the second tuft type, three tufts of the first tuft type, and a single tuft of the second tuft type.
18. The broom of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a plurality of horizontal rows oriented substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first tuft type and the second tuft type are arranged in the plurality of horizontal rows in an alternating configuration.
19. The broom of claim 1, wherein the second length is longer than the first length by a differential length, and wherein the differential length is greater than 0.2 cm and less than 1.3 cm.
20. The broom of claim 1, wherein the first tuft type has a first optical property, and wherein the second tuft type has a second optical property that is different from the first optical property.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 10, 2013
Publication Date: Oct 15, 2015
Inventors: Lloyd S. Vasilakes (Stillwater, MN), Monica Jerez (Irvine, CA)
Application Number: 14/438,651