CN112469310A

CN112469310A - Broom with partially crossing fibers

Info

Publication number: CN112469310A
Application number: CN201980049176.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马泰奥·尼古拉
Original assignee: Fasi Co ltd
Current assignee: Fasi Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-24
Filing date: 2019-07-08
Publication date: 2021-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-08
Also published as: EP3826506A1; IT201800003077U1; WO2020021579A1; CN112469310B

Abstract

Broom comprising a horizontal shoulder from whose intrados a plurality of strands of fibres emerge, said strands being arranged according to rows extending according to a longitudinal axis of the shoulder, and in which the axes of the strands of the central portion located in at least two adjacent rows form angles of opposite sign with a vertical plane orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said shoulder.

Description

Broom with partially crossing fibers

Technical Field

The present invention is in the field of cleaning implements, and more particularly, the present invention is in the field of household brooms.

In particular, the field is that of the heads of brooms, the brushes of which comprise a plurality of strands of fibres, each formed by a fibre having different characteristics and exiting from the shoulders of the broom according to its own direction.

Background

Known household brooms comprise a head fixed to a handle formed by a bar of sufficient length to enable the user to easily move the head of the broom over the floor without having to bend his/her body; tubular handles are known for weight reduction and telescopic tubular handles have also been developed to reduce overall size.

Typically, the head of the broom comprises a horizontal shoulder which is fixed laterally to the lower end of the handle. A plurality of strands of fibers, usually synthetic fibers, project from the intrados of the shoulders.

In the field of household brooms, brooms made of fibers with different stiffness have been known for a long time. It is worth noting that each thigh is generally uniform, i.e. made of the same type of fibres, and is particularly suitable for a specific type of cleaning. The strands exit from the shoulders and the fibers of the strands widen gradually downwards, so that each of the strands adopts a cone-like shape. The portion of the thigh adjacent the shoulder defines an apex of the cone, the apex being located inside the shoulder. The base of the cone is defined by the intersection of the thigh itself with the lower cutting plane, corresponding to the distal part of the thigh; the lower cutting plane is substantially horizontal so as to be parallel to the floor to be cleaned.

The portion of the cone near the shoulder is therefore narrower than the distal portion; the fibers are spaced apart from one another so that the strands gradually widen as they move toward the distal portion.

Typically, the strands formed by the hardest fibres are arranged at one or both ends of the shoulders and are inclined in the lateral direction so that the ends of the strands project outwards to reach the corners, edges and voids more easily.

The strands formed by the finest and least stiff fibres are usually less inclined and protrude from the shoulders so that the ends of the strands form a barrier that removes the finest particles without causing them to rise into the air and without leaving residues on the floor after passage of the broom.

When the broom is used to clean a floor, it is highly desirable not to leave a gap between the strands so that the distal portions of the strands engage and clean all of the floor under the shoulder. This is why the strands of the respective rows are offset from each other in the direction of forward movement of the broom so that each strand of the following row is located in the middle of a pair of strands in the preceding row.

Generally, the strands formed of fibers having a medium thickness and a medium stiffness are slightly inclined outward to convey the dirt toward the central portion of the broom to collect the most consistent dirt, such as debris, hair, and animal hair.

An important advantage resulting from the thigh inclination is that, in case the thigh has a non-vertical axis, the cross section obtained from the intersection of the conical thigh with the horizontal cutting plane is wider than the following: this section is taken from the intersection of the same cutting plane with the same vertical axis of the strands, and therefore each strand sweeps a wider strip.

The strands are arranged in a plurality of rows, and the strands of each row may have different orientations and are generally outwardly inclined, in particular the outward inclination of the strands in the outermost strands is greater than the outward inclination of the strands in the innermost strands.

Usually, for the sake of symmetry, the pairs of strands formed by two strands equidistant from the central portion of the broom have a specular inclination in each row, whereas in the known types of broom the axis of the strands of the central portion of the broom is vertical in each row, otherwise the inclined strands will leave a space in the central portion of the broom, in which there are no fibers corresponding to the cutting plane.

It is known, among other things, that in the event of slight impacts that may occur when the broom is sweeping the floor, one or both ends of the shoulder are coated with a soft and resilient material to protect the pieces of furniture as well as the walls.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a broom having the following advantages: the thigh is inclined along the full extension of the transverse shoulder and at the same time does not leave an empty space corresponding to the centre line of the broom itself.

A second object is also to achieve a broom comprising different parts, each of the parts comprising strands made of fibres with different characteristics, such as for example fibres with different diameters, different hardnesses, different materials. Each strand is uniform and made of fibers having the same properties.

Another object is to prevent that dirt displaced adjacent to a strand of fibres in the forward movement direction of the broom affects the strand arranged behind, especially when the fibres of the strand are first in contact with dirt made of a harder material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a broom that protects walls and pieces of furniture in the event of a light impact.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following.

The above object is achieved by a head of a broom, comprising a horizontal shoulder, the outer arch (extrados) of which is provided with a central zone having engagement means for engaging a vertical handle, and from the inner arch (intrados) of which a plurality of strands of fibre protrude downwards, each strand having the shape of a cone, the apex of which is located inside the shoulder. The part of the thigh close to the shoulder is arranged along the horizontal shoulder according to a row extending along the longitudinal axis of the shoulder; the proximal portions of the thighs may also be arranged according to a slightly curved row.

The axis of the thigh exiting from the shoulder edge is generally inclined outwardly and forms an angle with both: a vertical plane ZY that is substantially parallel to the forward direction of movement of the broom and a vertical plane ZX that is substantially orthogonal to the forward direction of movement of the broom.

The angle formed by the axes of the thighs in the same row with the plane ZX is quite small and always has the same sign. Typically, the axes of the thighs in the lateral row form angles with opposite signs with the plane ZX.

In contrast, the angle formed by each thigh in a row with the plane ZY gradually changes when moving from one end of the row to the other.

The axis of the outermost thigh in each row forms an angle with the plane ZY of opposite sign and which gradually changes as one progresses from one end of the shoulder to the other end; the strands of the fibre will always be disposed between one end and the other in the same row, the axis of the strands lying substantially in a plane parallel to the plane ZY or the angle formed by the axis of the strands with this plane being smaller than the angle formed by the axes of the remaining strands in the same row.

In the head of the broom according to the present patent application, said angle varies differently from one or more rows and from other rows, at least for a portion of the head of the broom. For example, in one row, the angle varies correspondingly less at the first end of the shoulder and correspondingly more at the second end, while in an adjacent row, the angle varies correspondingly more at the first end and less at the second end.

That is, in a different row, the thigh of one row, the axis of which forms the smallest angle with the plane ZY or even parallel to the plane ZY, is closer to one end of the shoulder than the same thigh of another row.

In one embodiment, the thigh portion whose axis forms the smallest angle with the plane ZY or even parallel to the plane ZY may be closer to the first end of the shoulder portion or closer to the second end of the shoulder portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the strands of different rows alternate with each other, for example such that the vertical strands are close to the ends of the shoulders in a first row and close to the opposite ends of the shoulders in an adjacent row.

Advantageously, thanks to this innovative configuration, in the central zone of the shoulder, the axes of the strands of the fibers cross each other in adjacent rows, so that the proximal portions of the strands do not leave any gaps when travelling on the floor, thus forming a barrier to dirt.

In a preferred embodiment, the strand is subdivided into three sections, each section being characterized by fibers having different thicknesses and stiffness.

The first part comprises fibers having a greater thickness and is arranged only in a manner corresponding to either end of the shoulder; in this part, the strands of the fibers have a greater inclination than the strands of the other fibers, which is useful for the purpose of reaching the most troublesome corners. A greater thickness also means a greater stiffness of the fibres, which gives the filiform portion (filamentt) resistance against any bending caused when reaching the corner located furthest away.

The second portion includes fibers of intermediate thickness and always includes intersecting strands. The second part performs two main functions: the former function consists in realising a barrier that is able to block the passage to the dirt and that is greatly facilitated by the intersecting strands; the second function performed by this part of the broom is provided by the medium-stiffness fibres, so that the broom is able to remove the most stubborn stains.

The third part comprises a thigh made of fibres having a lower stiffness and is softer than the other parts; for this reason, brooms are able to remove the finest dirt and finest particles, also thanks to the particular arrangement in this part that is coarser and less inclined than the strands of the fibres in the rest.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a broom according to the present patent application, wherein the handle is not shown. Handle engagement means 15 are visible on the outer arch of the horizontally extending shoulder 1 for engaging a handle which, after being connected to the shoulder, extends along the vertical axis Z. According to a common embodiment, the handle comprises a threaded portion engaging with the inside of the threaded hole of said engagement means 15, however, other solutions are possible, such as for example a quick release system.

The strands of the fibres 2, which exit downwards from the intrados of the shoulder 1, have an apex located inside the shoulder 1 and are arranged according to a row extending along the longitudinal axis X of the shoulder 1.

At one first end 11 and one second end 12 of the shoulder, a first crash element 13 and a second crash element 14 are respectively provided.

The left side of the figure shows that the strands of the fibres in the first row 21 cross the strands of the fibres in the second row 22 and also shows that the strands of the fibres in the first row 21, which form the smallest angle with the plane ZY, are closer to said second end 12 than the strands of the fibres in the second row 22, which form the smallest angle with the plane ZY. This particular cross arrangement can block the path to the dirt and make it easier to collect.

According to a preferred embodiment, the crossing strands in the first two

rows

21, 22 have stiffer fibers, thereby making removal of the most stubborn stains and making cleaning after use easier.

The right side of the figure shows that some strands of the fibres 2 are formed by fibres having different colours, which may be used to indicate that these strands are more inclined than the strands at the other end, and to emphasize that the fibres have different properties in certain variants of the broom.

Fig. 2 shows a rear view of the embodiment shown in the previous figures. The strands of the right side fibers are provided with different colors to highlight the softer fibers, making it easier to remove the smallest stains and soils.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the same embodiment as shown in the previous figures.

Fig. 4 is a top view showing a longitudinal axis X along which the shoulder 1 extends and a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the vertical axis Z. The transverse axis Y is substantially coincident with the direction of forward movement of the broom during its use, wherein the direction of forward movement is preferably on one side of the crossing strands of fibers.

Fig. 5 shows a side view of the head of the broom.

Fig. 6 shows a partial top view of the head of a broom which is not equipped with an impact protector. The circles visible in the figure correspond to the following zones of the shoulder 1: the strands of the fibers located inside the zone emerge from the zone. The figure also shows: the strands of the fibres 2 are arranged to form

rows

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and the

rows

21, 22, 23, 24, 25 extend substantially parallel to each other. This can be used to improve the cleanliness of the corner, given that the transverse dimension of the shoulder is generally smaller at its ends, and given that the shoulder is less modified in profile near the ends. Typically, the strands of each row are not laterally aligned with the strands of an adjacent row.

Fig. 7 schematically shows the subdivision of the thigh part into three different parts of the shoulder part, seen from below upwards. The first portion a is a corner portion, a thigh portion of the corner portion has the hardest fiber, the second portion B is a portion where a thigh portion is made of a fiber having a medium hardness and the thigh portions always intersect, and the third portion C is a portion where the thigh portion includes the softest fiber.

Detailed Description

In a particularly complete embodiment, the head of the broom according to the present patent application comprises a horizontal shoulder 1, on the outer arch of which there are provided engagement means 15 for engaging a handle which, when connected to the shoulder, extends according to a vertical axis Z. A plurality of strands of fibers 2 project downwards from the intrados of the shoulder, each of which is shaped in a cone-like manner and is provided with an upper proximal portion terminating in the apex of the cone inside the shoulder 1. The thighs are arranged according to

rows

21, 22, 23, 24, 25 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the shoulder 1.

The axis of at least a portion of the thigh is inclined both with respect to a vertical plane ZX passing through said longitudinal axis X and with respect to a vertical plane ZY orthogonal to the plane ZX.

The axes of the thighs in the same row form a gradually changing angle with the plane ZY, and the sign of the angle changes when moving from one end 11 to the other end 12 of the shoulder 1, so as to be different from the other row.

In the preferred embodiment described here, two adjacent rows of strands on the outside are provided with respective strands whose axes form a minimum angle with the plane ZY, at different distances from the first end 11 of the shoulder 1.

In a different embodiment, in two adjacent rows of strands, the strands whose axes form the smallest angle with the plane ZY are alternatively closer to the first end 11 or to the second end 12, so that in the central portion of the broom, the axes of the strands in the central portion of two adjacent rows form an angle with opposite sign with the vertical plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X.

In a particularly convenient and practical variant, the rows formed by the thighs are substantially parallel to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the distal portion of the thigh is cut according to a horizontal cutting plane such that the distal portion is parallel to the floor to be cleaned.

Typically, each strand is formed of uniform fibers, i.e., fibers having the same characteristics in diameter, stiffness, or other aspects.

In a particularly complete embodiment, separate portions are provided in the broom, each formed by a different type of strand; in particular a strand made of stiffer fibers or a strand made of softer fibers, or even a strand made of fibers of an intermediate type.

According to a preferred embodiment, the strands formed by the stiffer fibres are arranged at one or both ends of the shoulder and are inclined more outwards.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the thigh is subdivided into three sections as follows.

The first portion a comprises fibres of greater thickness and stiffness and is arranged at one end of the shoulder, the strand having a particularly pronounced outward inclination to reach the most troublesome corner. The fibers are thicker and stiffer than the rest in order to increase the resistance of the filaments.

The second part B comprises fibers of medium thickness and stiffness and always comprises intersecting strands to better lock the access to and remove the most stubborn stains.

The third section C comprises strands made of fibres with a smaller thickness and stiffness, which are denser and less inclined than the other sections, and which are softer and therefore particularly suitable for removing the thinnest dirt and fine dust for this reason.

For illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, in the embodiment described herein, the end of the shoulder 1 is provided with a

crash element

13, 14.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. Head of a broom for floors, of the type comprising a horizontal shoulder (1) on whose outer arch there are provided means (15) for connection to a hanging handle extending according to a vertical axis (Z), and from whose inner arch there project downwards a plurality of strands of fibres (2), each shaped in the manner of a cone and having an upper proximal portion terminating at the apex of the cone inside said shoulder (1); the plurality of thighs being arranged according to a row (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), the row (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) of the shoulder (1); the axis of at least one portion of said thigh being inclined both with respect to a vertical plane ZX passing through said longitudinal axis (X) and with respect to a vertical plane ZY orthogonal to said plane ZX, the axes of the thighs lying in the same row forming with said plane ZY a gradually changing angle, the sign of said angle gradually changing when going from a first end (11) to a second end (12) of said shoulder (1), said head being characterized in that, in at least one portion of said broom, said angle formed with said plane ZY changes in a different way in at least one row than the other rows, and in the different rows, the thigh whose thigh axis forms the smallest angle with said plane ZY is located at a different distance from said first end (11) of said shoulder (1).

2. Broom head according to claim 1, characterized in that in adjacent rows the thigh located in the first row with the thigh axis forming the smallest angle with the plane ZY is closer to the first end (11) of the shoulder (1) than the same thigh located in any of the adjacent rows.

3. Broom head according to claim 2, characterized in that at least two of said adjacent rows, the strands of which change according to the manner of claim 2, are outer sides and at least two of said adjacent rows, the strands of which change according to the manner of claim 2, are one of the pairs of said rows closest to one of the side edges of the shoulder (1).

4. Broom head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axes of the strands of the central portions in two adjacent rows form angles with opposite sign with the plane ZX.

5. Broom head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rows formed by the strands are parallel to each other.

6. Broom head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strands in two adjacent rows are staggered from each other along the forward movement direction of the broom, so that each strand in the following row is located in the middle of a pair of strands in the preceding row.

7. Broom head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal part of the strands is cut according to a horizontal cutting plane.

8. Broom head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said head comprises strands formed of uniform and mutually equal fibres.

9. Broom head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head comprises portions formed by strands made of fibres having different properties.

10. Broom head according to claim 9 when depending on claim 4, characterized in that for at least a part of said broom the strands of the central part are made of fibres with different properties.

11. Broom head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an impact element (13, 14) close to at least one of said first end (11) and said second end (12).

12. Broom head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said strands of fibres are subdivided into a first portion (A), a second portion (B) and a third portion (C), the strands of said first portion (A), the strands of said second portion (B) and the strands of said third portion (C) being made of fibres having respectively reduced stiffness values.

13. Broom head according to claim 12, characterized in that said first portion (A) comprises fibres with greater stiffness and is located at one end of said shoulder (1).

14. Broom head according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said second portion (B) comprises fibres with a medium stiffness, the strands of which are crossed and which are arranged at one of the longitudinal sides of the shoulder (1) opposite to the space occupied by the third portion (C), the fibres of which have a lower stiffness.

15. Broom head according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said portion (C) comprises fibres of lower stiffness and is arranged at one of the longitudinal sides of the horizontal shoulder (1) opposite to the side occupied by the second portion (B).