WO2014099473A1

WO2014099473A1 - Broom comprising bristles of multiple lengths

Info

Publication number: WO2014099473A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/074040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lloyd S. Vasilakes; Monica Jerez
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Current assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date: 2012-12-21
Filing date: 2013-12-10
Publication date: 2014-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2015-06-21
Also published as: US20150289637A1; BR112015014750A2; CN104869865A; MX2015008023A

Abstract

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.

Description

BROOM COMPRISING BRISTLES OF MULTIPLE LENGTHS FIELD

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.

BACKGROUND

Brooms 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.

SUMMARY

The 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 t 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a broom according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the broom of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a close-up side elevational view of the broom of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a close-up end elevational view of the broom of FIGS. 1 -3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the broom of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a broom according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of the broom of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a close-up side elevational view of the broom of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a close-up end elevational view of the broom of FIGS. 6-8.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the broom of FIGS. 6-9.

FIG. 1 1 is a bottom plan view of a broom according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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. esent 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.

FIGS 1-5 illustrate a broom 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The broom 100 includes a head 102 comprising a bottom major surface 104 and a longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the broom head 102 can be elongated, such that the head 102 is longer in a dimension along the longitudinal axis A. The broom 100 (or the head 102) further includes a plurality of bristles, which are collectively identified by numeral 106, coupled to the bottom surface 104 of the head 102 and protruding (e.g., downwardly) therefrom. The plurality of bristles 106 can be arranged in tufts or bundles 108, such that the plurality of bristles 106 can also be referred to as a plurality of tufts of bristles 106. By way of example, a portion of FIG. 2 includes (i.e., some of the tufts 108 in FIG. 2 include) an exemplary pattern representative of the bristle detail; however, for simplicity and clarity, this pattern is not shown in the rest of FIG. 2 or the other figures. Rather, the outline of each tuft 108 is shown to represent a tuft of bristles, and it should be understood that the rest of FIG. 2 and the other figures can be assumed to have the same bristle detail as that shown in a portion of FIG. 2.

While the head 102 shown in FIGS. 1-5 is substantially linear and straight, it should be understood that the longitudinal axis A is substantially linear and straight, even though portions of the head 102 may deviate from the direction of the longitudinal axis A, e.g., if the head 102 is arcuate, sinusoidal, irregularly shaped, or otherwise. The head 102 can be made of any suitable material, including metal, plastic, wood, and the like, and combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the broom 100 can include an optional handle 150, and in some embodiments, the handle 150 can be long (e.g. one meter or more) and can be coupled to the head 102, e.g., to allow the broom 100 to be used by a user in a standing position. Such a handle 150 can be permanently coupled to head 102 (e.g. to a top major surface of the head 102 at attachment location 120); or, it can be releasably coupled to the head 102. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the handle 150 and the bristles 106 can be positioned such that the bristles 106 are substantially aligned with a long axis of the attached handle 150. In other embodiments, (commonly referred to as a "push broom"), the handle 150 and bristles 106 can be positioned such that the bristles 106 are oriented at a relatively large angle (e.g., 30 degrees or greater) with respect to the long axis of the handle 150.

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). vn in FIGS. 1-5, in some embodiments, the plurality of tufts of bristles 106 can include a first tuft type 108A, shown in dashed lines and having a first length L_t (see FIG. 3), and a second tuft type 108B having a second length L₂ (see FIG. 3) that is longer than the first length Li. The two different tuft types 108A and 108B can be arranged, such that the plurality of tufts of bristles 106 includes one or more diagonal (or angled) rows 1 10 (see FIGS. 1 , 2 and 5) that each include at least two adjacent tufts 108 of either the first tuft type 108A or the second tuft type 108B arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

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 Li and the second length L_¾ 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 FIG. 5, for example, based on the overall shape and configuration of the head 102. In such embodiments, the one or more diagonal rows 1 10 can be oriented at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A and/or the sweeping direction. Another possible sweeping direction for the head 102 can be a sweeping direction that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the sweeping direction D shown in FIG. 5 and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A (e.g., when the broom 100 is used to access tight corners, or the like).

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 FIG. 4. Alternatively or additionally, the sweeping direction can be generally orthogonal to a side or end of the head 102 (e.g., a long side 130 of the head 102, as shown in FIG. 5). As a result, even if a broom head is round and the plurality of bristles are arranged in a circular shape or configuration, a sweeping direction of the broom could be oriented orthogonally with respect to a plane that is tangent to an outer circle defined by the head 102 or an outer circle collectively defined by the plurality of bristles 106.

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 ¾5ing direction (e.g., the sweeping direction D in FIG. 5) will help capture and pull particles and debris and will help inhibit such particles from passing through the broom 100 as the broom 100 is moved in the sweeping direction (or generally perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis A). This may be particularly true, for example, if the diagonal row 110 includes the second tuft type 108B.

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 FIGS. 1 -5, the broom 100 includes a plurality of diagonal rows 1 10 oriented at the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A and the sweeping direction D. By way of example, the broom 100 includes a line of symmetry S that passes through a longitudinal center C and is located (longitudinally) centrally with respect to the bottom major surface 104 of the head 102 (see FIG. 5) and includes an overall chevron configuration or arrangement in the plurality of bristles 106. Particularly, a first half of the head 102 includes diagonal rows 1 10 (e.g., a first plurality of diagonal rows 110) 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 102 includes diagonal rows 1 10 (e.g., a second plurality of diagonal rows 110) oriented at a second angle -a with respect to the longitudinal axis A and the sweeping direction D. The first and second angles a and -a are illustrated and described as being of the same magnitude or absolute value by way of example only. In some embodiments, the absolute value of a can be at least about 20 degrees (or no greater than 160 degrees), in some embodiments, at least about 30 degrees (or no greater than about 150 degrees), and in some embodiments, at least about 45 degrees (or no greater than about 135 degrees).

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 1 10 as shown on one half of the head 102 in FIGS. 1-5 can simply be extended along the entire length of the head 102. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 106 can include more than one line of symmetry. The line of symmetry S is illustrated as being oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis A, but in some embodiments, the line(s) of symmetry can be oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis A. ion, 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 11 OA and second diagonal rows 11 OB (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 5), and where the first and second diagonal rows 110A and HOB alternate. As a result, each first diagonal row 11 OA is separated from an adjacent first diagonal row 11 OA by a second diagonal row 110B; and each second diagonal row HOB is separated from an adjacent second diagonal row HOB by a first diagonal row 11 OA. This is especially true on either halves of the head 102. Adjacent the line of symmetry S, the plurality of bristles 106 includes an extra first tuft type 108A, such that the center of the head 102 includes six tufts of bristles of the first tuft type 108A arranged in a triangle and positioned adjacent the long side 130 of the head 102.

While the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 includes alternating first and second diagonal rows 110A and 110B, it should be understood that in some embodiments, each first diagonal row 110A can be separated from an adjacent first diagonal row 110A by more than one second diagonal row 110B, or by a plurality of second tuft types 108B that are not necessarily arranged in diagonal rows HOB. Similarly, each second diagonal row HOB can be separated from an adjacent second diagonal row HOB by more than one first diagonal row 110A, or by a plurality of first tuft types 108 A that are not necessarily arranged in diagonal rows 11 OA.

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 FIGS. 1-5 by way of example only, and that, in some embodiments, the first and second tuft types 108A and 108B can be swapped in this arrangement or pattern. It should be noted that, because the outer periphery 132 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 generally includes the longer bristles, the overall arrangement and configuration of the tufts 108 on the head 102 can be designed to still allow the first tuft type 108A and the second tuft type 108B to alternate in each horizontal row 112.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the first and second tuft types 108A and 108B are both arranged in diagonal rows oriented at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A and the sweeping direction; however, this need not be the case. Rather, in some embodiments, the plurality of tufts of bristles 106 can include only one type of diagonal row, made up of either the first tuft type 108A or the second tuft type 108B, and the surrounding bristles 106 need not also be arranged in diagonal rows.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-5, in some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 106 can be arranged in a plurality of horizontal rows 112 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 5) that are oriented substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis A. Each horizontal row 112 includes the first tuft type 108A and the second tuft type 108B arranged in an alternating manner or configuration, such that tufts of either e 108A or the second tuft type 108B are not adjacent another tuft of the same type in a given horizontal row 1 12.

The first length L_t 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 FIGS. 3 and 4) that can be greater than 0.2 cm and less than 1.5 cm. In addition, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, the plurality of tufts of bristles 106 can include a third tuft type which can have a third length that differs from both the first length Li and the second length L₂ by a differential length. In some embodiments, the third length can differ from one or both of the first length Li and the second length L₂ by the same values described above for differential length X.

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 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 FIGS. 6-11. FIGS. 6-11 illustrate various brooms of the present disclosure, wherein like numerals represent like elements. The brooms of FIGS. 6-11 share many of the same elements, features, s the broom 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. Reference is made to the description above accompanying FIGS. 1-5 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and alternatives to such features and elements) of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-1 1. Any of the features described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5 can be applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 6-1 1, and vice versa.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a broom 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the broom 100 of FIGS. 1-5, the broom 200 includes a head 202 comprising a bottom major surface 204 and a longitudinal axis A'; and a plurality of bristles 206 coupled to the bottom surface 204 of the head 202 and arranged in tufts or bundles 208. In addition, the broom 200 is shown as including an optional handle 250 coupled to head 202 (e.g., permanently or releasably) at attachment location 220. The plurality of tufts of bristles 206 include a first tuft type 208A, shown in dashed lines and having a first length Li' (see FIG. 8), and a second tuft type 208B having a second length L₂' (see FIG. 8) that is longer than the first length Li'. The two different tuft types 208A and 208B are arranged, such that the plurality of tufts of bristles 206 includes one or more diagonal (or angled) rows 210 (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 10) that each include at least two adjacent tufts 208 of either the first tuft type 208A or the second tuft type 208B arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A' and/or a sweeping direction (e.g., sweeping direction D' shown in FIG. 10). By way of example, the broom 200 also includes a line of symmetry S' that passes through a longitudinal center C and is located (longitudinally) centrally with respect to the bottom major surface 204 of the head 202 (see FIG. 10).

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 -a with respect to the longitudinal axis A' and the sweeping direction D'. By way of example only, the angles a and - a 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 FIGS. 1-5 equally apply to the broom 200 of FIGS. 6-10. For example, the broom 200 need not include any lines of symmetry (or in some cases, can include more than one line of symmetry), and the diagonal rows 210 as shown on one half of the head 202 in FIGS. 6-10 can be extended along the entire length of the head 202.

The broom 200 include many similarities with the broom 100 of FIGS. 1-5, except that the diagonal rows 210 are not each made up entirely of the first tuft type 208 A or the second tuft type 208B, which is described in greater detail below. As such, the specific details (and alternatives) for each of the structures of the broom 200 that are not described below can be assumed to be the same as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, and can have the same varieties or alternatives mentioned above. tioned 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 FIGS. 6- 10, each diagonal row 210 can include at least two adjacent tufts (e.g., a pair) of the second tuft type 208B, i.e., the tufts of longer bristles. In addition, as shown, in some embodiments, each diagonal row 210 can additionally include at least two adjacent tufts (e.g., a pair) of the first tuft type 208A and at least two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type 208B. Furthermore, in some embodiments, as further shown in FIGS. 6-10, each diagonal row 210 can include at least one pair of the first tuft type 208A and at least one pair of the second tuft type 208B. In some embodiments, as further shown in FIGS. 6- 10, at least some of the diagonal rows 210 can include three pairs of tufts 208 (i.e., a total of six tufts) arranged in either:

(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).

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 FIGS. 1-5, the longer (i.e., the second tuft type 208B) bristles are generally located toward an outer periphery 232 of the head 202, and particularly adjacent the lateral ends of the head 202. Because the outer periphery 232 generally includes the longer bristles, the first tuft type 208A and the second tuft type 208B may not necessarily follow the above pattern in every diagonal row 210, particularly near the outer periphery 232 (e.g., the lateral ends) and the diagonal rows 210 adjacent the longitudinal center C and the line of symmetry S'. It should be noted that the first and second tuft types 208A and 208B are shown as arranged in FIGS. 6- 10 by way of example only, and that, in some embodiments, the first and second tuft types 208A and 208B can be swapped in this arrangement or pattern.

FIG. 1 1 illustrates a broom head 302 of a broom 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The head 302 includes a bottom major surface 304 and a longitudinal axis A"; and a plurality of bristles 306 coupled to the bottom surface 304 of the head 302 and arranged in tufts or bundles 308. The plurality of tufts of bristles 306 include a first tuft type 308A, shown in dashed lines and having a first length (see, e.g., the first length Lj of FIG. 3 and the first length Li' of FIG. 8), and a 308B having a second length see (see, e.g., the second length L₂ of FIG. 3 and the second length L₂' of FIG. 8) that is longer than the first length. The two different tuft types 308A and 308B are arranged, such that the plurality of tufts of bristles 306 includes one or more diagonal (or angled) rows 310 that each include at least two adjacent tufts 308 of either the first tuft type 308A or the second tuft type 308B arranged at a non-zero and non-right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A" and/or a sweeping direction (e.g., sweeping direction D"). By way of example, the broom 300 also includes a line of symmetry S" that passes through a longitudinal center C" and is located (longitudinally) centrally with respect to the bottom major surface 304 of the head 302.

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 -a with respect to the longitudinal axis A" and the sweeping direction D". By way of example only, the angles a and - a are illustrated as being different from that of the broom 100 of FIGS. 1-5 and the broom 200 of FIGS. 6-10, 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 FIGS. 1-5 can apply to the broom 300 of FIG. 11. For example, the broom 300 need not include any lines of symmetry (or in some cases, can include more than one line of symmetry), and the diagonal rows 310 as shown on one half of the head 302 in FIG. 11 can be extended along the entire length of the head 302.

The broom 300 includes many similarities with the broom 200 of FIGS. 6-10, except that the diagonal rows 310 each include more than two tufts of the first tuft type 308A or the second tuft type 308B, and by way of example only, each diagonal row 310 of the broom 300 of FIG. 1 1 includes three adjacent tufts of the first tuft type 308A, and two adjacent tufts of the second tuft type 308B. FIG. 11 therefore represents an example of a broom 300 where at least some of the plurality of diagonal rows 310 include more than two adjacent tufts of the first tuft type 308A or the second tuft type 308B.

The specific details (and alternatives) for each of the structures of the broom 300 that are not described below can be assumed to be the same as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 or FIGS. 6-10, and can have the same varieties or alternatives mentioned above.

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 FIG. 11 by way of example only, at least some of the diagonal rows 310 can include a total of six tufts 308 arranged in either: 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 31 OA 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 31 OB in FIG. 1 1); 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 3 IOC in FIG. 11).

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 FIG. 11 is shown by way of example only, and other configurations are possible in which the patterns are repeated.

Similar to the broom 100 of FIGS. 1-5 and the broom 200 of FIGS. 6-10, the longer (i.e., the second tuft type 308B) bristles are generally located toward an outer periphery 332 of the head 302, and particularly adjacent the lateral ends of the head 302. Because the outer periphery 332 generally includes the longer bristles, the first tuft type 308A and the second tuft type 308B may not necessarily follow the above pattern in every diagonal row 310, particularly near the outer periphery 332. It should be noted that the first and second tuft types 308A and 308B are shown as arranged in FIG. 11 by way of example only, and that, in some embodiments, the first and second tuft types 308A and 308B can be swapped in this arrangement or pattern.

The following embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the present disclosure and not limiting.

EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 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 -a 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. merit 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. merit 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 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. ment 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 a with respect to the sweeping direction, and wherein each diagonal row in the second plurality of diagonal rows is oriented at a second angle -a with respect to the sweeping direction.

Embodiment 37 is the broom of embodiment 36, wherein the absolute value of a 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:

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. ment 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,

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. merit 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

_is:

1. A broom comprising:

a head having a bottom major surface and a longitudinal axis; and

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.

2. The broom of claim 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.

3. The broom of claim 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.

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 any of claims 1-4, wherein the diagonal row includes only tufts of either the first tuft type or the second tuft type arranged linearly.

6. The broom of any of claims 1-5, wherein the plurality of tufts of bristles includes a chevron configuration.

7. The broom of any of claims 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.

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 -a with respect to the longitudinal axis.

9. The broom of claim 8, wherein the absolute value of a is at least 20 degrees.

10. The broom of any of claims 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.

11. The broom of claim 10, wherein the line of symmetry is oriented substantially erpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis.

12. The broom of claim 10 or 11, wherein the line of symmetry is located centrally with respect to the bottom major surface of the head.

13. The broom of any of claims 1-12, 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 any of claims 1-14, wherein some of the plurality of diagonal rows include three pairs of tufts arranged in either:

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 any of claims 1-16, wherein at least some of the diagonal rows include 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

18. The broom of any of claims 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.

19. The broom of any of claims 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.

20. The broom of any of claims 1-19, 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.