Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements – Combined
Patent
1997-10-10
1999-10-19
Spisich, Mark
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
Combined
15187, 15188, 300 21, 264243, A46B 304
Patent
active
059667710
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sweeping device and in a particular non-limiting aspect relates to a sweeping device which can be produced by a two stage process of moulding plastics material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are numerous types of broom head constructions. A typical broom head construction of the same general nature as that provided by applicant's invention includes a head portion which may often be formed of wood or similar material having a plurality of holes drilled therethrough. The holes are used to locate and attach a number of bristles which protrude below the broom head. In addition, a socket may be provided as a separate element attached to the head or alternatively it may simply comprise a hole drilled in the upper part of the head. Whilst such broom head constructions are effective, there is an unacceptably high number of operations involved in the shaping of the head, the formation of the holes, the cutting of the bristles to size, attachment of socket and broom handle and finally the attachment of the bristles in the plurality of holes.
More recently it has been proposed to produce broom heads by a plastics moulding operation. Thus it is possible to mould the broom head, the socket for a broom stick and the bristles in one operation. However, construction of a broom head in this manner leads to unacceptable compromises as it is generally necessary to use a relatively soft material for the material forming the bristles whereas it is preferred that the material of the head portion and socket be relatively hard. This is because the head portion and socket must be used to transfer the force of a broom user to the bristles without the head and socket bending or becoming distorted. Where the broom is made in a single moulding operation, because the bristles, head and socket are all made of the same material, generally speaking, the bristles may be too hard because the plastics material has been chosen to provide sufficient hardness for the head and socket, or alternatively the head and socket are too soft because the plastics material has been chosen to provide good bristle properties.
Thus there is a need for an alternative broom construction which can be formed using a plastics moulding operations yet can provide a broom with relatively soft bristles and a relatively hard head and socket.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect the invention provides a sweeping device including a head portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, a socket for attaching the sweeping device to a broom stick formed on the upper surface, and a moulded bristle portion having a plurality of integrally formed bristles engaged with the head portion, the bristle portion being formed of a material of lesser hardness than the material forming the head portion.
The head portion may be moulded. It may be formed of a polymeric material. The head portion may have a Shore hardness (as measured in the A scale) in excess of 70.
Suitably the polymeric material includes polypropylene or a copolymer of polystyrene and polypropylene. It may include a filler. Preferably the filler may comprise 10% to 40% by weight of the polymeric material, more preferably 15% to 25% by weight. Talc is a suitable filler. The polymeric material may include a fibrous reinforcement. The fibrous reinforcement may include glass fibre. The fibrous reinforcement suitably comprises 10% to 20% by weight of the polymeric material.
The bristle portion may be moulded. It may be formed of a bristle composition incorporating a polymeric material. The bristle composition may include one or more fillers and/or reinforcement materials. Preferably the bristle composition will include a proportion of rubber material. It may also include a proportion of plastics material.
Suitably the socket is formed integrally with the head portion. The socket may be located intermediate the ends of an elongate reinforcement member forming part of the head portion. One or more reinforcing webs may extend between the socket and t
REFERENCES:
patent: 4480351 (1984-11-01), Koffler
patent: 4685423 (1987-08-01), Baker et al.
Noblecrest Marketing Pty., Ltd.
Snider Theresa T.
Spisich Mark
LandOfFree
Polymeric molded sweeping device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Polymeric molded sweeping device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Polymeric molded sweeping device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2041661