RECONFIGURABLE CLEANING BRUSH WITH ROTATABLE BRUSH HEAD

Abstract

A reconfigurable brush includes an elongated brush head extending between brush-head first and second ends and a brush handle extending between handle proximate and distal ends. The brush-head first end is mounted to the handle distal end for rotation about a brush-head rotation axis between opposed first and second angular orientations and axial displacement along the brush-head rotation axis between opposed axial first and second positions. The first and second angular orientations are defined such that the brush-head second end is disposed, respectively, (i) rearwardly of the brush-head first end and the handle distal end and (ii) forwardly of the brush-head first end and the handle distal end. The axial first and second positions correspond to the handle being, respectively, (a) locked in one of the first and second angular orientations and (b) unlocked to allow rotation between the opposed first and second angular orientations.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable brush comprising: an elongated brush head including a brush-head block defining brush-head upper and lower surfaces extending longitudinally along a brush-head axis between brush-head first and second ends; a bristle array defined by a plurality of bristles protruding from the brush-head lower surface, each of the bristles terminating in a bristle tip for engaging a work surface; an elongated brush handle having a lengthwise extent disposed generally along a handle axis between a handle proximate end and a handle distal end disposed forwardly of the handle proximate end, the brush-head first end being mounted to the handle distal end for (a) selective rotation about a brush-head rotation axis between first and second angular orientations and (b) selective axial displacement along the brush-head rotation axis between axial first and second positions, wherein (i) in the first angular orientation, the brush-head second end is disposed rearwardly of the brush-head first end and the handle distal end; (ii) in the second angular orientation, the brush-head second end is disposed forwardly of the brush-head first end and the handle distal end; (iii) in the axial first position, the brush head is engaged in an interference fit with the brush handle in one of the first and second angular orientations; and (iv) in the axial second position, the brush head is disengaged from the interference fit with the brush handle such that the brush head can be rotated about the brush-head rotation axis between the first and second angular orientations.

2. The reconfigurable brush of claim 1 wherein the brush head is normally mechanically biased toward the axial first position such that an external force axially opposed to the normal mechanical bias must be larger in magnitude along the brush-head rotation axis to displace the brush head into the second axial position and allow rotation of the brush head about the brush-head rotation axis.

3. The reconfigurable brush of claim 2 wherein the first and second angular orientations are mutually opposed at an angle of 180 degrees.

4. The reconfigurable brush of claim 3 wherein (a) disposition of the brush head in the first angular orientation corresponds to the reconfigurable brush being in a traditional scrub brush configuration in which a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush head is disposed beneath a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush handle and (b) disposition of the brush head in the second angular orientation corresponds to the reconfigurable brush being in an elongated brush configuration in which a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush head is disposed forwardly of a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush handle.

5. The reconfigurable brush of claim 2 wherein (a) disposition of the brush head in the first angular orientation corresponds to the reconfigurable brush being in a traditional scrub brush configuration in which a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush head is disposed beneath a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush handle and (b) disposition of the brush head in the second angular orientation corresponds to the reconfigurable brush being in an elongated brush configuration in which a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush head is disposed forwardly of a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush handle.

6. The reconfigurable brush of claim 1 wherein (a) disposition of the brush head in the first angular orientation corresponds to the reconfigurable brush being in a traditional scrub brush configuration in which a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush head is disposed beneath a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush handle and (b) disposition of the brush head in the second angular orientation corresponds to the reconfigurable brush being in an elongated brush configuration in which a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush head is disposed forwardly of a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush handle.

7. The reconfigurable brush of claim 6 wherein the first and second angular orientations are mutually opposed at an angle of 180 degrees.

8. A reconfigurable brush comprising: an elongated brush head including a brush-head block defining brush-head upper and lower surfaces extending longitudinally along a brush-head axis between brush-head first and second ends; a bristle array defined by a plurality of bristles protruding from the brush-head lower surface, each of the bristles terminating in a bristle tip for engaging a work surface; an elongated brush handle having a lengthwise extent disposed generally along a handle axis between a handle proximate end and a handle distal end disposed forwardly of the handle proximate end, the brush-head first end being mounted to the handle distal end for (a) selective rotation about a brush-head rotation axis between first and second angular orientations mutually opposed at an angle of 180 degrees and (b) selective axial displacement along the brush-head rotation axis between axial first and second positions, wherein (i) in the first angular orientation, the brush-head second end is disposed rearwardly of the brush-head first end and the handle distal end; (ii) in the second angular orientation, the brush-head second end is disposed forwardly of the brush-head first end and the handle distal end; (iii) in the axial first position, the brush head is engaged in an interference fit with the brush handle in one of the first and second angular orientations; (iv) in the axial second position, the brush head is disengaged from the interference fit with the brush handle such that the brush head can be rotated about the brush-head rotation axis between the first and second angular orientations; and (v) the brush head is normally mechanically biased toward the axial first position by a biasing member in the form of a coiled spring.

9. The reconfigurable brush of claim 8 wherein (a) disposition of the brush head in the first angular orientation corresponds to the reconfigurable brush being in a traditional scrub brush configuration in which a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush head is disposed beneath a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush handle and (b) disposition of the brush head in the second angular orientation corresponds to the reconfigurable brush being in an elongated brush configuration in which a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush head is disposed forwardly of a majority of the lengthwise extent of the brush handle.

10. The reconfigurable brush of claim 9 wherein the brush head and bristle array are wider at the brush-head first end than at the brush-head second end.

11. The reconfigurable brush of claim 9 further comprising a brush-head mount that at least partially defines the handle distal end and includes a barrel structure with an exterior cylindrical mounting surface and a lower-end wall having a lower-wall exterior surface, the cylindrical mounting surface being axially centered about, and partially defining, the brush-head rotation axis; and a handle socket defined within the brush-head upper surface and including an interior cylindrical socket surface and a lower socket wall, the cylindrical socket surface being configured to receive and retain the cylindrical mounting surface of the brush-head mount in a manner that facilitates relative rotation and axial displacement of the barrel structure and the cylindrical socket surface while preventing relative lateral motion between the barrel structure and the handle socket, wherein the barrel structure and handle socket cooperate to functionally define an axle and hub that facilitates rotation of the brush head between the first and second angular orientations and mutual axial displacement of the handle and brush head between the axial first and second positions.

12. The reconfigurable brush of claim 11 wherein the lower-wall exterior surface of the barrel structure and the lower socket wall are cooperatively configured to define, and facilitate locking of the brush head into, each of the first and second angular orientations.

13. The reconfigurable brush of claim 12 wherein the brush head and bristle array are wider at the brush-head first end than at the brush-head second end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a left-front perspective view of a reconfigurable brush including a brush head and a brush handle in a first configuration, wherein the brush head is selectively rotatable relative to the brush handle;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a right-front perspective view of the reconfigurable brush shown in FIG. 1 wherein the brush head has been rotated such that the brush is in a second configuration;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the brush head being rotated relative to the brush handle to bring the reconfigurable brush depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 from the second configurable of FIG. 2 into the first configuration of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 4 depicts the brush head and brush handle of the brush of FIGS. 1-3 separated from one another in order to reveal internal components;

[0025] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the reconfigurable brush of FIGS. 1-4;

[0026] FIG. 6 is an assembled transparent view of the reconfigurable brush of FIGS. 1-5 with the brush head and brush handle between the first and second configurations; and

[0027] FIG. 7 is an assembled transparent view of the reconfigurable brush of FIGS. 1-6 with the brush head and brush handle locked in the first and second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description of a variously configured reconfigurable brush is demonstrative in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or its application of uses. Accordingly, the various implementations, aspects, versions and embodiments described in the summary and detailed description are in the nature of non-limiting examples falling within the scope of the appended claims and do not serve to restrict the maximum scope of the claims.

[0029] Shown in the included drawings are various views of an illustrative reconfigurable brush generally referenced by the reference number 10. Throughout the specification and drawings, like elements across alternative embodiments are referenced by similar or identical numeric and/or alphanumeric reference characters.

[0030] With initial reference to the assembled views of FIG. 1-3, an illustrative first embodiment of a reconfigurable brush 10 includes two main components: an elongated bristle-retaining brush head 20 (alternatively referred to as “brush head 20”) and an elongated brush handle 70. The brush head 20 includes a brush-head block 20B having and defining brush-head upper and lower surfaces 22 and 24 extending longitudinally along a brush-head axis A.sub.BH between brush-head first and second ends 32 and 34. Additionally, extending between the brush-head upper and lower surfaces 22 and 24, and longitudinally along the brush-head axis A.sub.BH between brush-head first and second ends 32 and 34 are laterally opposed brush-head first and second sides 36 and 38. Retained within and protruding downwardly from the brush-head lower surface 24 is at least one bristle array 40 including a plurality of bristles 45, each of which bristles 45 terminates in a bristle tip 45T for engaging a work surface (not shown).

[0031] With continued initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, the brush handle 70 has brush-handle top and bottom surfaces 72 and 74 which, while contoured, have a lengthwise extent disposed generally along a handle axis A.sub.H between handle proximate and distal ends 82 and 84. As indicated in the summary, for purposes of establishing directional orientation throughout the specification and claims, the handle distal end 84 is regarded as being disposed forwardly of the handle proximate end 82. The brush handle 70 further includes a grip portion 86 configured for grasping by a human hand and is extending between the handle proximate and distal ends 82 and 84.

[0032] The brush-head first end 32 is mounted to the handle distal end 84 for selective rotation about a brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR between first and second angular orientations as shown in, respectively, FIGS. 1 and 2. The first angular orientation is defined such that the brush-head second end 34 is disposed rearwardly of both the brush-head first end 32 and the handle distal end 84, as well as the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR. The second angular orientation is defined such that the brush-head second end 34 is disposed forwardly of both the brush-head first end 32 and the handle distal end 84, as well as the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR. The relative terms “rearward of” and “forward of” are defined with respect to a user of the brush 10 but also, in more “self-contained” and universally applicable terms, with reference to the handle proximate end 82, which is always regarded as rearward of the handle distal end 84, irrespective of how a user is holding the brush 10 at any given time.

[0033] The illustrative first and second angular orientations of FIGS. 1 and 2 are mutually opposed at an angle of 180 degrees. That is, in moving from the first angular orientation to the second angular orientation, the brush head 20 subtends an angle of 180 degrees about (i.e., centered on) the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR. FIG. 3 indicates relative rotation between the brush head 20 and the brush handle 70 and, more specifically, angular displacement from the second angular orientation toward the first angular orientation. With reference to FIGS. 4-7, illustrative components for facilitating relative rotation between the brush head 20 and the brush handle 70, and for selectively locking the brush head 20 and brush handle 70 into each of the first and second angular orientations, are described. Integral with or otherwise depending from the grip portion 86 is a brush-head mount 88. The brush-head mount 88 at least partially defines the handle distal end 84 and includes a barrel structure 90 with an interior barrel surface 91, and exterior cylindrical mounting surface 92, and a lower-end wall 93 with lower-wall exterior surface and interior surfaces 94 and 96. The cylindrical mounting surface 92 is axially centered about, and partially defines, the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR.

[0034] Defined within the brush-head upper surface 22 is a handle socket 50 configured for selectively receiving the brush-head mount 88. More specifically, the handle socket 50 is defined by an interior cylindrical socket surface 52 and a lower socket wall 56. The cylindrical socket surface 52 is configured to receive and retain the cylindrical mounting surface 92 of the brush-head mount 88 in a manner that facilitates relative rotation and axial displacement of the barrel structure 90 and the cylindrical socket surface 52, but prevents relative lateral motion between the barrel structure 90 and the handle socket 50. In essence, the barrel structure 90 and handle socket 50 cooperate to functionally define an axle and hub.

[0035] As seen clearly in FIG. 4 in which the brush head 20 and brush handle 70 are separated, the lower-wall exterior surface 94 of the barrel structure 90 and the lower socket wall 56 are cooperatively configured (i.e., “complementarily keyed”) to define—and facilitate locking into—each of the first and second angular orientations. More specifically, the lower-wall exterior surface 94 defines at least one each of a barrel protrusion 94.sub.p and a barrel recess 94.sub.R. Similarly, defined by the lower socket wall 56 is at least one each of a socket protrusion 56.sub.p and a socket recess 56R. As explained in the summary, and stated previously in the detailed description, in addition to being rotatable about the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR, the mounting of the brush head 20 to the brush handle 70 facilitates selective axial displacement along the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR that is constrained between opposed axial first and second positions.

[0036] As shown in the assembled, transparent view of FIG. 7, in the axial first position, some combination of at least one barrel protrusion 94.sub.p and socket recess 56R and/or at least one socket protrusion 56.sub.p and barrel recess 94.sub.R are in mutual mating engagement, thereby forming an interference fit between the brush head 20 and brush handle 70 in the first angular orientation. As shown in FIG. 6, the brush handle 20 has been axially displaced into the second axial position in which the combination of at least one barrel protrusion 94.sub.p and socket recess 56R and/or at least one socket protrusion 56.sub.p and barrel recess 94.sub.R are mutually disengaged such that the brush head 20 can be rotated about the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR between the first and second angular orientations. Although not shown in a transparent view, when the brush head 20 is rotated into the second angular orientation, as shown in FIG. 2, the brush handle 20 and brush head 70 can be axially displaced into the first axial position in order to lock the brush 10 in the second angular orientation.

[0037] In the illustrative embodiment depicted, the first axial position is such that the brush head 20 and brush handle 70 are spatially more proximate one another than they are when they are in the second axial position. Accordingly, the handle 70 is lifted relative to the brush head 70 in order to displace it into the second axial position. It warrants noting that this need not be the case; the first axial position of embodiments within the scope and contemplation of the appended claims—absent express claim limitations to the contrary—may be achieved by lifting the brush handle 70 relative to the brush head 20. However, the latter arrangement would be generally less advantageous given that forces applied in using the brush tend generally to urge the brush handle 70 downward toward the brush head 20. Regardless, for purposes of definitional consistency, the first and second axial positions are always regarded as, respectively, the “engaged position” and the “disengaged position,” and may be alternatively referred to as same in the description and/or claims.

[0038] In at least one version, including that shown in FIGS. 5-7, the brush head 20 is normally mechanically biased toward the axial first position (i.e., the engaged position). By “normally,” here is meant “usually” or by default, and not perpendicularly. Accordingly, when the brush head 20 is in the axial first position, an external force axially opposed to the normal mechanical bias must be larger in magnitude along the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR in order to displace the brush head 20 into the second axial position and allow rotation of the brush 20 head about the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR. The mechanical bias is achieved by a biasing member, such as a spring, an illustrative arrangement of which is subsequently described.

[0039] In connection with the illustrative embodiment depicted, there is included, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, a biasing member 60 in the form of a coiled spring 60.sub.cs helically disposed about the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR. The coiled spring 60.sub.cs has mutually opposed spring lower and spring upper ends 61.sub.L and 61.sub.u. As indicated in the exploded view of FIG. 5, and shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the coiled spring 60.sub.cs is supported by, and helically disposed about an anchoring pin 64 having pin base and pin upper ends 64B and 64u and being axially centered on the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR. The pin base end 64B is anchored into the brush head 20 and extends upwardly through the handle socket 50. Furthermore, when the brush 10 is assembled, the anchoring pin 64 extends through a pin bore BP in the lower-end wall 93 of the brush head mount 88 and upwardly through a pin-and-spring cavity 98 defined within the interior barrel surface 91.

[0040] Disposed above the lower-wall interior surface 96 of the barrel structure 90, there is supported by the anchoring pin 64 a spring retainer 66, which is disposed about, and fixed relative to, the anchoring pin 64. The coiled spring 60.sub.cs is partially compressed between the spring retainer 66 at the spring upper end 61.sub.u and the lower-wall interior surface 96 of the barrel structure 90 at the spring lower end 61.sub.L. According to this arrangement, the coiled spring 60.sub.cs acts under compression to mechanically bias the brush handle 70 toward the brush head 20 (i.e., into the engaged axial position) and, when the brush head 20 and handle 70 are in one of the first and second angular orientations, to so maintain them in that position.

[0041] In order to disengage the brush head 20 from one of the first and second angular orientations to be rotated into the other of the angular orientation, a user lifts the brush handle 70 relative to the brush head 20, thereby further compressing the coiled spring 60.sub.cs. The handle 70 is then rotated at least far enough to cause misalignment between the combination of the at least one barrel protrusion 94.sub.p and/or barrel recess 94.sub.R and the at least one socket recess 56R and/or socket protrusion 56.sub.p that defines whichever of the first and second angular orientations from which the handle 70 has been unlocked. Once sufficient angular misalignment is achieved, the rotation of the brush head 20 relative to the brush handle 70 is then continued—without the need for the user to continue lifting on the handle 70. Once angular alignment of the combination of at least one barrel protrusion 94.sub.p and/or barrel recess 94.sub.R and the at least one socket recess 56R and/or socket protrusion 56.sub.p that defines the other of the first and second angular orientations into which the handle 70 is being rotated has been achieved, the brush head 20 and brush handle 70 are mechanically biased into the engaged position, thereby locking the handle 70 into the other angular orientation.

[0042] It will be readily appreciated that the examples discussed and depicted are merely illustrative, and that similar components arranged differently may be configured to achieve the desired functionality described. Less granularly, what matters is that some combination of protrusions and recesses defines at least first and second angular orientations defined and retained by interference fits, thereby preventing relative angular displacement of the brush head 20 and the brush handle 70 about the brush-head rotation axis A.sub.BHR as generally described. Similarly, the precise nature and arrangement of mechanisms employed to normally bias the brush head 20 toward the brush-head mount 88 is, in various embodiments, less important than the more general functionality described. Given the benefit of the present disclosure, alternative elements and arrangements of same will occur to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art while remaining within the scope of claims drawn to and encompassing such embodiments.

[0043] As mentioned in the summary, the illustrative embodiment depicted in various figures includes a brush head 20 in which the brush-head first and second ends 32 and 34, as well as the bristle array 40 at each of those ends 32 and 34, are disparately configured. Most notably, and with reference to FIG. 4, the brush head 20 and bristle array 40 are wider at the brush-head first end 32 than they are at the brush-head second end 34. More specifically, at the brush-head first end 32, the brush head 20 has a first brush-head width W.sub.BH1 that is larger than the second brush-head width W.sub.BH2 at the brush-head second end 34.

[0044] While the first and second brush-head widths W.sub.BH1 and W.sub.BH2 are labeled only in FIG. 4, it will be readily understood by viewing FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, that, when the brush head 20 is in the first angular orientation so that the brush 10 is configured as a traditional scrub brush—and is held in a user's hand with the handle distal end 84 forward of the handle proximate end 82—the wider portion of the bristle array 40 leads the narrower portion thereof. Among the advantageous of this configuration is that, in a scrubbing configuration, more downward force is typically exerted on the leading bristles 45, and distribution of that force over a larger area and a greater number of bristles 45 is conducive to specific functionality and longevity of the bristles 45. Conversely, when the brush head 20 is in the second angular orientation, the narrower brush-head second end 34, and the bristles 45 thereof, serves as the leading end of the brush 10. This configuration is conducive to accessing corners and crevices while sweeping or washing, for example.

[0045] The foregoing is considered to be illustrative of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since modifications and changes to various aspects and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, it is to be understood that the foregoing does not limit the invention as expressed in the appended claims to the exact constructions, implementations and versions shown and described.