US3838474A

US3838474A - Carpet grooming tools

Info

Publication number: US3838474A
Application number: US00335909A
Authority: US
Inventors: B Erickson
Original assignee: GROOM IND Inc
Current assignee: GROOM INDUSTRIES Inc 3007 S ALPINE ROAD ROCKFORD ILLINOIS 61109 A IL CORP
Priority date: 1973-02-26
Filing date: 1973-02-26
Publication date: 1974-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 1991-10-01
Also published as: CA1017508A

Abstract

The present tools are generally similar in appearance to a carpet rake or brush. Each has a multiplicity of closely spaced parallel, fairly stiff nylon bristles in two parallel rows along the front and back of an elongated head. In one form, the nylon bristles are molded on opposite sides of a one-piece flat rectangular nylon carrier strip that is flexed along its center line and set in a channel in the head so that one row of bristles extends from one side of the channel and the other row from the other side. In another form, all of the nylon bristles are separate filaments of the requisite length flexed to a generally U-shape to provide with each bristle a vertical tine in the front row and another vertical tine in the rear row. The bristles are seated in the channel and held therein tightly by a radially compressed cylindrical strip that is oversize in relation to the channel. The channel entrance has rounded edge portions which serve the double purpose of facilitating assembly and also eliminating sharp corners where the bristles are flexed relative to the head in the normal use of the tool, thereby reducing wear.

Description

United States Patent Erickson CARPET GROOMING TOOLS Bernard A. Erickson, Rockford, Ill.

[73] Assignee: Groom Industries, Inc., Rockford,

Ill.

[22] Filed: Feb. 26, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 335,909

[75] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl 15/142, l5/l83, 15/199,

15/205, 56/400.l6, 300/21 [51] Int. Cl A46b 3/02 [58] Field of Search 15/159 R, I60, 142, 195

Primary Examiner-Edward L. Roberts Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Morsbach, Pillote & Muir Oct. 1, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT The present tools are generally similar in appearance to a carpet rake or brush. Each has a multiplicity of closely spaced parallel, fairly stiff nylon bristles in two parallel rows along the front and back of an elongated head. In one form, the nylon bristles are molded on opposite sides of a one-piece flat rectangular nylon carrier strip that is flexed along its center line and set in a channel in the head so that one row of bristles extends from one side of the channel and the other row from the other side. In another form, all of the nylon bristles are separate filaments of the requisite length flexed to a generally U-shape to provide with each bristle a vertical tine in the front row and another vertical tine in the rear row. The bristles are seated in the channel and held therein tightly by a radially compressed cylindrical strip that is oversize in relation to the channel. The channel entrance has rounded edge portions which serve the double purpose of facilitating assembly and also eliminating sharp corners where the bristles are flexed relative to the head in the normal use of the tool, thereby reducing wear.

31 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures gmmmum nan sum 1 or 2 FIG 1 PAIENTEW 3.888.474 snwaogz' 27 26 27 1 I Fla-.6

1 CARPET GROOMING TOOLS This invention relates to carpet grooming tools especially designed and adapted for use on what are commonly known as shags, although I have found that these tools are equally effective on all types of carpet pile, such as low cut pile velvets, loop piles and twists, because of the spacing and flexibility but gentle firmness of the nylon bristles, which are preferably of .050 inch diameter and extend about 1 inch length from the head. With the proper degree of firmness, matted carpet yarns can be lifted and separated so that the heavy soil loosened by the bristles can be easily extracted with a vacuum cleaner. On the other hand, due to the proper degree of flexibility of the bristles, the amount of yarn wear is reduced and there is a minimum of fuzzing developed. I have found that wet carpeting (the wetting being incident to cleaning) responds and is conditioned quite effectively with these tools and, when considerable wear is not a factor, the carpet texture can be restored so it looks like new.

The features of novelty in these tools are:

l. The .050 inch diameter nylon bristles have an extension of about l inch from the head, the bristles in one form being U-shaped to provide one tine in the front row and another tine in the rear row;

2. The bristles are spaced about l/6th inch apart to permit free passage of shag carpet yarns therebetween for thorough grooming and conditioning, this being also essential in grooming low pile carpeting by eliminating deep grooves so as to restore the original textured appearance designed in the carpeting, best results being obtained by having two rows of bristles;

3. The 1 inch length of extension of the bristles from the head insures the desired flexibility, allowing crushed yarns to be lifted, in either wet or dry state, without damaging the yarns or distorting the original appearance of the carpeting, this being possible by reason of what l call firm yet gentle grooming action;

4. The head has a channel in the bottom thereof into which the U-bends of the bristles in one form are crowded by a single length of half-inch diameter dense rubber cord extending the full length of the channel; and in assembling this form of tool, the individual bristles are first applied to a strip of adhesive tape in parallel spaced relation, and then the rubber cord overlying the bristles, lengthwise of the tape, is pressed home in the channel of the head and is preferably fastened in place with staples or tacks at regularly spaced intervals; and

5. The outwardly flared entrance to the channel in the head facilitates the compression in the entrance of the rubber cord into the channel and protects the bristles against damage in the constant flexing of the bristles relative to the head, thus greatly prolonging the life of the tool.

In another form, the nylon bristles are provided in two rows on opposite sides of a one-piece molded plastic rectangular carrier strip of elongated form that is adapted to be flexed into a U-form along its longitudinal center line so that it can be set in the channel in the head with one row of the bristles extending from one side of the channel and. The other row from the other side, the molded part has parallel longitudinal ribs projecting therefrom in inwardly spaced relation to the two rows of bristles and adapted to snap into longitudinal grooves provided in opposite sides of the channel when the molded part is pressed into the channel with the compressible resilient retaining strip, so that no staples or tacks are needed to fasten the parts iii place. More important, the bristles can also be replaced as a group by replacement of the molded plastic carrier strip on which the bristles are provided. t

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of my improved carpet grooming tool;

FIG. 2 is a partial rear view of the head as seen from line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and showing the heavy wire frame by means of which the handle is secured to the head;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section on line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing all of the parts full size;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 3, but showing another form of my invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of a one-piece molded nylon carrier strip, shown about full size; and

FIG. 6 is an end view of the molded carrier strip of FIG. 5, to better illustrate the two sets of longitudinal ribs provided on opposite sides of the molded carrier stri Similar reference numerals are applied to corresponding parts throughout these views.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 designates the elongated head of one form of the tool which, has a channel 11 extending the full length thereof on the underside defining a front wall 12 and a rear wall l3. The lower edges of the walls are rounded inwardly, as shown at 14, partly to facilitate the crowding inwardly and compression of a dense rubber cord 15 that extends the entire length of the channel 11. Staples or tacks 16 fasten the cord in place at regularly spaced intervals. The rounding of the edges at 14 is also important from the standpoint that there is less danger of bristles l7 breaking off in the repeated deflection of the bristles in the normal use of the tool in grooming carpets. There are two rows of bristles I7 in parallel relationship along the front wall 12 and rear wall 13 of the channel lll. Each bristle extends downwardly about one inch from the head and includes a U- bend extending around the cord 15, so that one tine in the front row is integral with another tine directly behind it in the back row of bristles. Preferably the bristles are all of nylon which is .050 inch in diameter and having an extension of about one inch length from the head. This gives the desired flexibility and still the desired gentle firmness in working all types of carpet pile, especially shag rugs, for which the present tool was especially designed. However the tool is about equally effective on all types of carpet pile, such as low cut velvet pile, loop piles, and twists, because of the approximately one-sixth inch spacing of the bristles and their flexibility and gentle firmness of action already mentioned. The .050 inch diameter of the bristles coupled with the approximately one-sixth inch spacing, taken along with extension of the bristles in both rows of about one inch from the head assures free passage of shag yarns between the bristles for thorough grooming and conditioning. These dimensions I have found are also essential in grooming low pile carpeting by eliminating deep grooves, and assuring restoration of the original textured appearance designed in the carpeting. The latter result is greatly facilitated by having the two spaced rows of bristles or tines 17. The length of one inch of the exposed bristles governs the degree of flexibility thereof, allowing the crushed yarns to be lifted in either a wet or dry state without damage to the yarns or change from the original appearance of the carpeting.

In the manufacture of this form of the tool it is preferred to have the head of wooden construction. The straight strand or filaments of nylon for the tines 17 are placed in closely spaced parallel relationship crosswise of an adhesive tape 18, which extends the full length of the channel 11. The rubber cord is placed over the nylon strands and pressed down against the tape so as to adhere to it in the spaces between the strands to a preliminary degree before the cord 15 with the tape and strands in front of it are rammed home into the channel 11 and the cord 15 is finally stapled or tacked in place, as at 16.

A handle of suitable length is attached to the head 10 by means of a generally Y-shaped stiff wire frame 21, the leg of the Y fitting tightly in a bore in the lower end of the handle. This frame provides two loops 22 at the outer ends of the arms of the Y, which register with holes 23 extending horizontally through the head 10 from front to rear to receive fastener bolts 24 that extend through the holes 23 and loops 22 and have nuts 25 with accompanying washers fastened on the threaded rear ends thereof.

The operation of this tool requires no further elaboration in view of the foregoing detailed description outlining its many important advantages over what has been available heretofore.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 similar parts to those described above are indicated by the same numerals followed by the postscript prime A onepiece molded plastic rectangular carrier strip 26 of elongated form is approximately equal in length to the head 10' and its channel 11. The molded nylon carrier strip 26 has integral therewith, along its opposite longitudinal edge portions, two rows of bristles 17'. This onepiece molded part 26 is adapted to be flexed along 17 in FIGS. 1 to 3, spaced the same way, and extending about one inch from the head in the same way.

In operation, this form of the carpet grooming tool will function the same as the one shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, but should be available at an appreciably lower cost, because of the reduction in assembling cost. In addition, this construction offers a big advantage over the other one in that refills for the head 10 can be obtained at low cost when the original set of bristles 17' are sufficiently worn out to need replacement. The owner of the tool may remove the worn part and re place it himself or have it done by the supplier at a low cost.

It is believed the foregoing description conveys a good understanding of the objects and advantages of my invention. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, this is only for the purpose of illustration, and it is to be understood that various moditications in structure will occur to a person skilled in this art.

I claim:

1. A carpet grooming tool comprising an elongated head having a lengthwise-extending channel provided in one side thereof; a retaining strip disposed in and extending lengthwise of said channel; flexible bristles disposed in spaced parallel relation side by side in two parallel rows along the opposite sides of said channel and extending from the head, bristle anchoring means in its longitudinal center line a-b to a U-form to permit assembly in the channel II where it is retained partly by the compressed resilient retaining strip 15' of cylindrical form, and also by engagement of ribs and grooves described below. The rounded edges 14 facilitate the crowding inwardly and compression of the dense rubber cord 15' along with the molded strip 26, as shown in FIG. 4. in this form, there is no limitation on the kind of material used for the head 10' inasmuch as there are no staples or tacks needed in fastening the cord 15. Instead there are outwardly projecting longitudinally extending ribs 27 provided on the part 26 in inwardly spaced parallel relationship to the inner ends of the two rows of bristles 17' which are molded integral with the part 26 along its opposite longitudinal edge portions. These ribs 27 engage in longitudinally extending grooves 28 provided in opposite sides of the channel 11', as clearly shown in FIG. 4. Other longitudinally extending ribs 29 may be molded integrally with strip 26 on the opposite side from the ribs 27 as clearly shown in FIG. 6. These ribs serve to retain the compressed retaining cord 15, if there is any danger of its otherwise becoming dislodged due to rough usage of the carpet grooming tool. The bristles 17 it will be understood, will be of the same dimensions as the bristles the channel between the channel and strip and connected to the two rows of bristles; and said anchoring means including a U-shaped portion at the middle where it is confined in the channel by the retaining strip, the latter serving to secure all of the bristles in the channel.

2. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said retaining strip is of compressible resilient material and normally too large in cross-section for reception in the channel but being compressed when forced into place in the channel, whereby to exert holding pressure on the U-shaped portion of the bristle anchoring means.

3. A device as set forth in claim 2, including means for additionally securing the compressed strip in place in the inner end of the channel.

4. A carpet grooming tool comprising an elongated head having a lengthwise-extending channel provided in one side thereof; a bristle retaining strip disposed in the extending lengthwise of said channel; and flexible bristles of stiff plastic filament material extending from the head and secured in the channel by said strip, said bristles being of a length and diameter to give firm but gentle brushing action on a carpet, and said bristles being disposed in parallel relationship in two rows and spaced about one-sixth inch apart to permit free passage of carpet yarns therebetween.

5. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim wherein the bristles are of'nylon.

6. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 4 wherein the bristles are of nylon of about .050 inch diameter and depend about one inch from the head.

7. A device of the class described comprising an elongate head having a channel provided in one side thereof extending lengthwise thereof; a bristle retaining strip disposed in and extending lengthwise of said channel; flexible bristles of stiff nylon filament material of about .050 inch diameter extending about one inch from the head to give firm but gentle brushing action on a carpet; said bristles disposed in parallel relationship in a row and spaced about one-sixth of an inch apart; and said bristles being secured in the channel by said strip.

8. A device as set forth in claim 7 wherein the bristles are disposed in two parallel rows on opposite sides of the strip.

9. In the manufacture of a carpet grooming tool of the kind herein disclosed, wherein an elongated head has an open channel in one side thereof extending lengthwise thereof in which flexible bristles bent to U- shape at the middle are closely confined by their U- bent portions in the channel by a retaining strip that extends lengthwise in the channel, the improvement in the method of manufacture which consists in first mounting the mid-portions of straight bristles side by side in spaced parallel relationship on an adhesive tape, then pressing the retaining strip onto the adhesive strip so it adheres thereto in the spaces between the bristles, and finally thrusting the retaining strip into the channel with the bristles foremost so they are bent to U-shape as they are forced into the channel so as to provide rows of bristles extending from the head on opposite sides of the channel.

10. The method set forth in claim 9 including having the retaining strip of compressible resilient material which permits compressing the retaining strip against the adhesive strip preliminary to entry in the channel for more complete adhesion to the latter.

11. The method set forth in claim 10 including having the compressible resilient retaining strip of large crosssection in relation to the channel to provide a tighter hold in the channel when compressed therein.

12. A device of the class described comprising an elongated head having a channel provided in one side thereof extending lengthwise thereof; an elongated flexible rectangular carrier strip folded along its approximate longitudinal center line to fit in the channel and having two rows of bristles connected to said carrier strip and extending from the opposed longitudinal edges of said carrier strip, and extending from the head on opposite sides of said channel in two parallel rows; and a retaining strip disposed in and extending lengthwise of said channel inside the carrier strip.

13. A device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said retaining strip is of compressible resilient material and normally too large in cross-section for reception in the channel but being compressed when forced into place in the channel.

14. A device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said retaining strip is of compressible resilient material and normally too large in cross-section for reception in the channel but being compressed when forced into place in the channel, the opposite sides of the channel at the entrance thereto being widened for easier entry of the retaining strip.

15. A device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said retaining strip is of compressible resilient material and normally too large in cross-section for reception in the channel but being compressed when forced into place in the channel, the opposite sides of the channel at the entrance thereto being widened for easier entry of the retaining strip, the widening being defined by inwardly rounded edge portions of both walls of the channel at the entrance to the channel, whereby to eliminate sharp corners and protect the bristles from damage in the flexing thereof relative to the head in the use of the device.

16. A device of the class described comprising an elongated head having a channel provided in one side thereof extending lengthwise thereof, an elongated flexible resilient plastic rectangular carrier strip foldable along its approximate longitudinal center line to fit in the channel and having two rows of bristles molded integral with and extending from the opposed longitudinal edges of said carrier strip and extending from the head on opposite sides of said channel in two parallel rows, and a retaining strip disposed in and extending lengthwise of said channel inside the first mentioned carrier strip.

17. A device as set forth in claim 16 including interlocking rib and groove on the carrier strip and channel to secure the carrier strip removably in assembled position in the head.

18. A device as set forth in claim 16 including interlocking ribs and grooves on the carrier strip and in opposite sides of the channel to secure the carrier strip removably in assembled position in the head.

19. A device as set forth in claim 16 including interlocking rib and groove on the carrier strip and channel to secure the carrier strip removably in assembled position in the head, there being also an inwardly projecting rib on the carrier strip which serves by abutment with the outer side of the retaining strip to hold it in place in the channel.

20. A device as set forth in claim 16 including interlocking ribs and grooves on the carrier strip and channel to secure the carrier strip removably in assembled position in the head, there being also inwardly projecting ribs on the carrier strip which serve by abutment with the outer side of the retaining strip to hold it in place in the channel.

21. A carpet grooming tool comprising: an elongate head having a longitudinal channel in the bottom side thereof; a plurality of flexible tines of stiff plastic filament depending from the channel a preselected distance below the head; said tines being disposed in spaced, parallel relationship in two parallel rows along opposite sides of the channel; said tines having a length and diameter to give a firm but gentle brushing action on a carpet, and being spaced a distance which permits free passage of carpet yarns therebetween; and retaining means in the channel and engaged with'the tines for holding the tines in the channel.

22. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 21 wherein the opposite sides of the channel at the mouth diverge outwardly to alleviate damage in flexing of the tines relative to the head.

23. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 21 wherein the opposite sides of the channel have inwardly rounded edge portions at the entrance to the channel, to eliminate sharp corners and protect the tines from damage in the flexing thereof relative to the head in the use of the tool.

24. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 21 wherein the retaining means includes fastening means disposed at intervals spaced lengthwise of the head.

25. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 25 including an elongate U-shaped member extending lengthwise of and engaged with the channel, the U- shaped member interconnecting the tines in said spaced parallel relationship.

26. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 25 wherein the retaining means includes cooperative means between the Ushaped member and channel and extending generally the full length thereof, for holding the U-shaped member and tines in the channel.

27. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 25 wherein the U-shaped member is a flexible member to which the plurality of plastic filaments are adhesively secured.

28. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 21 wherein the tines are of nylon material of about .05 inch diameter depending about one inch below the head and spaced about one-sixth of an inch for free passage of the carpet yarns.

29. In the manufacture of a carpet grooming tool having an elongated head with a lengthwise-extending open channel in one side thereof into which flexible bristles bent into a U-shape at the middle are inserted and retained; the method of manufacture which includes the steps of:

adhesively mounting the mid-portions of straight bristles side-by-side in spaced parallel relationship on an elongate tape; and

forcing the tape and attached bristles into the channel and bending the bristles into a U-shape as they are forced into the channel so as to provide two rows of bristles extending from the head on opposite sides of the channel.

30. The method of manufacture as set forth in claim 29 including inserting a cylindrical, elongate member into the channel in contact with the bristles and filling a portion of the channel.

31. The method of manufacture as set forth in claim 30 including fastening the cylindrical member to the head.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIGN Patent No. ,,g q Dated Octoher 1, l 'M Inventofl Bernard A. Erickson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

{- Column 1, line 65, "and. The should be and the Line 6h, "side, the" should be side. The

Column 3, line l, onepiece" should be one-piece Claim 1+, line "the" should. be and Claim 25, line 1, "25" should be 21 Signed a nd sealed this 4th day of March 1975.

(SEAL) Attest C. MARSHALL DANN RUTH C. MASON Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer and Trademarks

Claims

1. A carpet grooming tool comprising an elongated head having a lengthwise-extending channel provided in one side thereof; a retaining strip disposed in and extending lengthwise of said channel; flexible bristles disposed in spaced parallel relation side by side in two parallel rows along the opposite sides of said channel and extending from the head, bristle anchoring means in the channel between the channel and strip and connected to the two rows of bristles; and said anchoring means including a Ushaped portion at the middle where it is confined in the channel by the retaining strip, the latter serving to secure all of the bristles in the channel.

5. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 4 wherein the bristles are of nylon.

9. In the manufacture of a carpet grooming tool of the kind herein disclosed, wherein an elongated head has an open channel in one side thereof extending lengthwise thereof in which flexible bristles bent to U-shape at the middle are closely confined by their U-bent portions in the channel by a retaining strip that extends lengthwise in the channel, the improvement in the method of manufacture which consists in first mounting the mid-portions of straight bristles side by side in spaced parallel relationship on an adhesive tape, then pressing the retaining strip onto the adhesive strip so it adheres thereto in the spaces between the bristles, and finally thrusting the retaining strip into the channel with the bristles foremost so they are bent to U-shape as they are forced into the channel so as to provide rows of bristles extending from the head on opposite sides of the channel.

21. A carpet grooming tool comprising: an elongate head having a longitudinal channel in the bottom side thereof; a plurality of flexible tines of stiff plastic filament depending from the channel a preselected distance below the head; said tines being disposed in spaced, parallel relationship in two parallel rows along opposite sides of the channel; said tines having a length and diameter to give a firm but gentle brushing action on a carpet, and being spaced a distance which permits free passage of carpet yarns therebetween; and retaining means in the channel and engaged with the tines for holding the tines in the channel.

25. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 25 including an elongate U-shaped member extending lengthwise of and engaged with the channel, the U-shaped member interconnecting the tines in said spaced parallel relationship.

26. A carpet grooming tool as set forth in claim 25 wherein the retaining means includes cooperative means between the U-shaped member and channel and extending generally the full length thereof, for holding the U-shaped member and tines in the channel.

29. In the manufacture of a carpet grooming tool having an elongated head with a lengthwise-extending open channel in one side thereof into which flexible bristles bent into a U-shape at the middle are inserted and retained; the method of manufacture which includes the steps of: adhesively mounting the mid-portions of straight bristles side-by-side in spaced parallel relationship on an elongate tape; and forcing the tape and attached bristles into the channel and bending the bristles into a U-shape as they are forced into the channel so as to provide two rows of bristles extending from the head on opposite sides of the channel.