CN116600692A - Flexible Brush System - Google Patents

Abstract

A brush system usable with a floor cleaning machine includes a brush head, a coupling, and a riser, wherein the coupling is a flexible coupling for adjusting a position of the riser relative to the brush head. The brush head basically includes a bristle pad that is peelable from a floor mat driver.

Description

Flexible Brush System

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority and benefit to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/092,163, filed October 15, 2020, and Provisional Patent Application No. 63/113,391, filed November 13, 2020, the full text of both Provisional Patent Applications Incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

Background technique

The subject matter of the present invention relates to floor care machines, and in particular to a machine adapted to be removably attached to a floor care machine, particularly suitable for use in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial floor care applications such as cleaning, sanding, buffing and polishing. The structure of the new and novel brush head device of the type floor maintenance machine. In such machines, a series of cleaning pads of various abrasive properties are typically utilized, which are rotated upon activation of the machine to perform various maintenance operations including sanding, buffing, gunning, buffing, and the like. These cleaning pads are removably mounted on the pad holder via a series of polymeric (plastic) hook and loop bristles. These pad cleaning systems suffer from a number of significant drawbacks. For example, these cleaning pads lose their abrasive properties and tend to wear out after multiple working applications, thereby rendering them unsuitable for continued use in their intended application. Also, these cleaning pads do not clean uneven floors well with deep recesses such as deep grout or corrugated tile. Furthermore, these cleaning pads are not easy to use because they are often difficult to center and maintain a proper functional position on irregular or uneven surfaces during relatively high speed operation. Furthermore, these cleaning pads are difficult to clean and maintain, and are relatively time-consuming and expensive to replace.

Accordingly, there is a need for a brush head that will not only allow for easy maintenance of work surfaces or floors especially with deep grout or contours, but also a device that is easy to use, reliable in performance and relatively inexpensive to produce and maintain.

Contents of the invention

Embodiments described herein are directed to a brush system for a floor machine. In some embodiments, the brush system includes a brush head having a flexible coupling attached to the central opening, and a riser attached to the flexible coupling, wherein the flexible coupling is expandable to vary the vertical position. The position of the tube relative to the brush head. In other embodiments, the brush head of the brush system includes: a pad having a bristle surface and a floor machine mounting surface opposite the bristle surface; a plurality of tuft sites protruding from the bristle surface and defining between adjacent tuft sites weight-reducing voids therebetween; and bristle tufts disposed in at least one of the tuft sites. In other embodiments, at least one of the bristle tufts is flared. In other embodiments, the coupling is adjustable between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, wherein the brush head is relatively farther from the standpipe when in the fully extended position than in the fully retracted position. In other embodiments, the coupling is adjustable into one or more intermediate positions between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position. In other embodiments, the brush head of the brush system includes a central opening, and the coupling is connected to the brush head around the central opening. In other embodiments, the brush head of the brushing system includes a lip extending around the central opening, the coupling member being attached to an upper surface of the lip. In other embodiments, the riser includes a top surface and a plurality of lugs on the top surface. In other embodiments, the brush head is in the shape of a ring. In other embodiments, at least one cutout is provided in the pad and extends between the bristle surface and the mounting surface. In other embodiments, the cutout is a centrally located cutout that is coaxial with the pad. In other embodiments, the cutout is a middle cutout disposed at an intermediate region of the pad between the radial center and the periphery of the pad. In other embodiments, the central cut comprises a plurality of central cuts disposed symmetrically about the pad. In other embodiments, at least one region of tuft-free sites is provided on the bristle surface. In other embodiments, the plurality of cluster sites are arranged in concentrically extending rows corresponding to the periphery of the pad.

Description of drawings

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the disclosure and should not be considered as exclusive examples. The disclosed subject matter is susceptible to considerable modifications, alterations, combinations and equivalents in form and function without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a scrubbing system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the scrubbing system of FIG. 1 .

3 is an isometric bottom view of an example flexible floor brush that may be utilized with the scrubbing system of FIG. 1 .

4A-4B are bottom views of the brush head of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 illustrates example operation of the coupling system of FIG. 1 .

6A-6C are another example operation of the coupling system of FIG. 1 .

7A-7B are another example operation of the coupling system of FIG. 1 .

Detailed ways

The present disclosure relates to floor cleaning appliances, and more particularly to brush systems having flexible brush heads that can be utilized on a wide variety of pad drives.

Embodiments herein are directed to a coupling system for a brush head. The coupling system allows the brush head to be utilized on many different types of floor cleaning machines. Embodiments herein are also directed to a flexible brush head that may be utilized with the coupling system. The flexible brush head can be peeled off from the floor machine and can be lighter than traditional brush heads.

FIG. 1 illustrates a scrubbing system 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the scrubbing system 100 of FIG. 2 . The scrubbing system 100 may be utilized on various types of floor cleaning machines (not shown), such as a rotary machine having a rotating interface whereby the scrubbing system 100 is caused to rotate, or an oscillating floor machine which causes the system 100 to oscillate, or a combination thereof.

In the example shown, scrubbing system 100 includes brush head 102 , coupling 104 and standpipe 106 . The brush head 102 includes an underside or bristle side 110, and an opposite upper side 112 that faces the floor machine when attached to the floor machine. The bristle side 110 contains a plurality of bristles or tufts 114 configured to engage the floor. In some cases, system 100 may also include a plurality of Velcro or adhesive strips 116 disposed on upper side 118 of brush head 102 to facilitate attachment to floor machines.

Here, the coupling 104 is disposed in a central cavity 120 disposed in the brush head 102 , and the coupling 104 extends upwardly from the upper side 112 of the brush head 100 . Also, a standpipe 106 is disposed on the upper end of the coupling piece 104 . Accordingly, coupling 104 is disposed between brush head 102 and standpipe 106 and interconnects the brush head and standpipe. In some examples, the coupling 104 is integrally attached to the brush head 102 and the riser is integrally attached to the coupling 104 such that the brush head 102, coupling 104, and riser 106 are integral with each other to define a unitary assembly.

Also in the example shown, a plurality of lugs or tabs 122 are on an upper surface 124 of the riser 106 . The lugs 122 are vertically extending members that are engageable within the pad driver (eg, spikes) to thereby transmit torque and inhibit rotational slippage between the brush head 102 and a rotatable pad driver (not shown). Thus, riser 106 facilitates torque transmission from the pad drive of the floor machine (not shown) to brush system 100 and inhibits relative rotation therebetween. In this way, the riser 106 and coupling 104 also facilitate the attachment of the brush head 102 to the pad drive of the floor machine (i.e., the riser 106 and coupling 104 enhance the grip strength of the brush head 102 to the machine's pad drive), And thereby enhances the attachment that could otherwise only be provided by Velcro 118 . For example, without standpipe 106 and coupling 104, brush head 102 would simply be attached to the pad driver of the machine, in which case brush head 102 might loosen therefrom and/or experience a stress relative to the machine. Undesirable relative rotation (slippage) of the pad drivers, but riser 106 and coupler 104 help ensure that the Velcro attachment remains secure without any slippage. Additionally, standpipe 106 and coupling 104 provide means for properly positioning and centering brush head 102 on the pad drive of the machine. Additionally, standpipe 106 and coupling 104 may include a central opening suitably sized to receive a portion or shaft (or centering ring) of a machine so that brush system 100 may be clamped to the machine. Although not shown in this example, one or more holes may be provided in the top surface of riser 106, such as between lugs 122, for engaging with spikes on the pad driver and/or locking plate. .

The coupling 104 may be expandable such that it may be disposed in a fully retracted position and then expanded into one or more expanded positions relative to the fully retracted position. FIG. 1 shows coupling 104 in an example extended position. In some examples, coupling 104 may be a flexible coupling, eg, made of a flexible or elastic material. The coupling 104 can be made of a suitable material and can be of sufficient thickness to be collapsible, while also being able to withstand torque without tearing/tearing. For example, the coupling 104 can be compressed into a fully retracted position and then expanded into a fully extended position, wherein the coupling 104 can remain in the fully retracted and extended positions without external force helping to maintain those positions, and wherein the coupled Member 104 can be in any intermediate position therebetween under the action (or support) of external forces exerted by the attachment of system 100 to the floor machine. For example, the coupling 104 may be formed such that it can rest in the retracted position, but then automatically due to the elastic material and wall configuration of the coupling 104 (with ridges in its walls, stepped walls, etc.) It "snaps" outward into one or more extended positions. For example, the coupling 104 may be designed to snap into one or more intermediate positions between the extended position and the retracted position. Various materials may be utilized to form the coupling 104, such as thermoplastic rubber.

In this manner, the coupling 104 may expand or contract to adjust the orientation of the upper surface 124 of the riser 106 relative to the upper surface 118 of the brush head 102 . For example, the coupling 104 can be compressed into a position in which the upper surface 124 of the standpipe is flush with the upper surface 118 of the brush head 102 (or compressed into a position in which The upper surface 124 of the standpipe is offset below the upper surface 118 of the brush head 102). Also, the coupling 104 may expand/extend into a position in which the upper surface 124 of the standpipe is offset above the upper surface 118 of the brush head 102, as illustrated in FIG. 1 .

Figures 1-2 show an example where the bristle tufts 114 are pre-molded bristle tufts having a flared shape. This flared shape can be obtained by using a hole in the bad that holds the bristle tufts and providing a flared shape in the outer diameter of the hole (eg, 10 degrees on the outer wall) such that the bristles flare toward the outer diameter. Thus, instead of the bristle tufts defining a generally cylindrical shape, the splayed bristle tufts may define a triangular shape or some other geometric shape such that their distal ends that engage the floor are larger than their distal ends where they are attached to the housing of the brush head 102. The proximal end has a larger area. As mentioned, the tuft holes may be molded at a specific angle (eg, 10 degrees) on the outer wall (OD) of each hole, which causes the bristles to splay towards the outer wall. This enables brushes to be manufactured more efficiently and on simpler brush making machines. However, one or more of the tufts may be inserted perpendicular to the backing. The tufts are anchored to the backing by standard staple or anchor wires on brushmaking machines common to the brushmaking industry. Clusters can also be fused.

FIGS. 1-2 show an example where the attachment strips 116 are arranged in four quarter-sections and encircle the entire upper surface 118 of the brush head 102 . However, the attachment strip may be provided as a single strip that may or may not encircle the entire upper surface 118 of the brush head 102, or may include more or fewer strips that may or may not encircle the entire upper surface 118 of the brush head 102. bring. In some examples, the attachment strip 116 has an adhesive underside for attaching to the upper surface 118 of the brush head 102, and Velcro for engaging a pad driver of a machine (not shown) upper side.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the cavity 120 is defined by a downwardly extending sidewall 130 of the brush head 102 . Cavity 120 is sized to retain coupling 104 therein when coupling 104 is fully collapsed. Sidewall 130 can extend downwardly from the underside surface of brush head 102 at various orientations, for example, sidewall 130 can extend perpendicularly toward bottom side 110, or sidewall 130 can be angled relative to the surface of brush head 102. Oriented such that cavity 120 is frusto-conical in shape. In the example shown, cavity 120 is frusto-conical in shape with a larger diameter at the top side corresponding to top surface 118 and a smaller lower diameter corresponding to bottom side 110 of brush head 102 .

FIG. 2 also illustrates an exemplary version of coupling 104 according to one or more examples. Here, the coupling 104 includes a base portion 202 connectable to the lower surface within the cavity 120 of the brush head 102 . Also, the coupling 104 includes an upper portion 204 connected to (the upper end of) the base portion 202 . Base portion 202 has a diameter that varies or decreases from its lower end to its upper end where it connects to upper portion 204, such that the upper end of base 202 and upper portion 204 can be recessed in/inside base portion 202, thereby reducing coupling It is this functionality that allows the coupling 104 to extend or retract the riser 106 relative to the brush head 102 . For example, base portion 102 may be provided with ridges/steps allowing its diameter to taper towards upper portion 204 and this would allow the upper end of base portion 202 (and upper portion 204 ) to collapse down within base portion 202 .

FIG. 3 illustrates a brush head 102 that may be utilized with the system 100 of FIGS. 1-2 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows the bristle (or floor engaging) side 110 of the brush head 102 . As shown, the brush head 102 includes a brush pad or block or backing 1104 . In the example shown, the brush pad 1104 is donut-shaped and designed for a rotary floor machine, however, in other examples the pad 1104 may have a different shape (eg, square/rectangular, trapezoidal, etc.). The brush pad 1104 can be made from various materials such as expanded polypropylene. However, other materials may be utilized such as thermoplastic polymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or nylon. It should be appreciated that pad 1104 may be composed of other materials such as ceramics, metals, and/or composites. The brush head 102 is lightweight and will weigh less than 4 lbs (0.5 to 1.5 kg depending on size and bristle material). Using a pad or backing as described herein, the brush head 102 essentially includes a bristle pad that is peelable from the device.

Brush head 102 includes a plurality of tuft sites 1106 disposed on lower surface 1108 of pad 1104 and configured to receive bristles or tufts of bristles 114 (ie, bristle tufts 114 ). The lower surface 1108 is disposed opposite the upper surface 118 (see FIGS. 1-2 ). Cluster sites 1106 are structures (or protrusions) that protrude (or extend) from surface 1108 and thereby define recessed areas (i.e., weight-reducing voids or indentations) between cluster sites 1106 to thereby This reduces the weight of the brush head 102 and provides it with a degree of flexibility compared to a solid block with recessed tuft sites formed therein. In the example shown, the recessed regions between the cluster sites 1106 are interconnected with each other such that the plurality of weight reducing notches between the cluster sites 1106 define a continuous recessed region (or a continuous void). In some examples, ribs or walls can be disposed on surface 1108 to interconnect at least one pair of adjacent cluster sites 1106 (or at least some adjacent cluster sites 1106). In this way, the brush head 102 is lightweight and flexible, and can be peeled off from the floor machine.

One or more weight reducing cutouts may be provided in pad 1104 to further reduce weight, enhance flexibility, and/or accommodate mounting components that may be used to attach scrub head 102 to a floor machine. In the example shown, central cavity 120 defines a central cutout 1114 extending through pad 1104 , and central cutout 1114 is disposed at an interior and central portion of pad 1104 . A lip 1116 may be provided at the outer edge of the cutout 1114 and provide support for the coupling 104 and riser 106 described above. Here, the central cutout 1114 is aligned with the periphery 1112 of the pad 1104 and the center point of the pad 1104 such that the cutout 1114 defines a geometry that is coaxial with the geometry of the pad 1104 . Lip 1116 includes a bottom wall 1118 , and an intermediate sidewall portion 1120 interconnecting bottom wall 1118 of lip 1116 to pad 1104 . The plane defined by the upper surface 118 of the brush head 102 and the space bounded between the middle portion 1120 of the lip 1116 and the bottom surface 1118 define a central cavity 120 as viewed from the top side 112 of the brush head 102, as shown in FIG. , and the coupling 104 and riser 106 can be positioned within this space. Specifically, base 202 of coupling 104 may be attached to bottom wall 1118 of lip 1116 .

Also, intermediate wall 1120 of lip 1116 extends (protrudes) from surface 1108 in a direction generally corresponding to the direction that site 1106 extends from surface 1108 such that bottom wall 1118 of lip 1116 is offset downwardly from surface 1108 . In this way, the intermediate wall portion 1120 constrains the continuous recessed area (or continuous void) defined between the recessed areas between the cluster sites 1106 in a lateral direction that can be measured along the planar surface 1108 of the pad 1104, such that all The continuous recessed region extends outwardly from the central cutout 1114 and lip 1116 toward the periphery 1112 of the pad 1106 to surround the tuft site 1106 . In some examples, the outer lip may be disposed at the periphery 1112 such that a continuous recessed region is bounded at the periphery 1112 and extends inwardly therefrom toward the cutout 1114 (i.e., such that the continuous recessed region is laterally bounded by this peripheral lip and the middle wall portion 1120 of the lip 1116).

Bottom surface 1130 of bottom wall 1118 may be offset from surface 1108 by the distance tuft site 1106 extends from surface 1108 such that the bottom surface of tuft site 1106 is coplanar with bottom surface 1118 of lip 1116; however, lip 1116 The bottom surface 1118 of lip 1116 may extend a distance less or greater than the distance that cluster sites 1106 extend such that the bottom surface of lip 1116 is in a different plane than one or more of the bottom surfaces of cluster sites 1106 . Intermediate wall 1120 may be oriented at various angles relative to bottom surface 1108, and in the example shown, intermediate portion 1120 is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to surface 1108 of pad 1104; however, wall 1120 may be at other angles, such as right angles, acute angles, etc. Oriented, and/or it may be waved such that it forms various angles with surface 1108 around its circumference. Thus, the continuous recessed regions (or continuous voids) defined between the recessed regions between the cluster sites 1106 are also bounded by the surface 1108 of the pad 1104 (in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface 1108 of the pad 1104), such that the continuous The recessed region extends from the surface 1108 of the pad 1104 downwardly toward the bottom surface 1118 of the lip 1116 and the bottom surface of the tuft site 1106 .

In some examples, peripheral edge 1112 of pad 1104 defines an outer lip that an end user can grab, hold, and utilize to peel (or pull) brush head 102 away from the floor cleaning machine. For example, the pad 1104 can be sized to be larger than the mounting surface of the floor machine such that the periphery 1112 of the pad 1104 extends beyond or cantilever from the periphery/end of the floor machine to thereby define The lip-like structure utilized. In some examples, a tab may be integrally provided on the peripheral edge 1112 of the pad 1104 for gripping and utilization by an end user to peel the brush head 102 from the floor machine.

The bristle tufts 114 may be secured within their respective tuft sites 1106 via a variety of components (or combinations of components). For example, one or more of the bristle tufts 114 can be mechanically fastened within their respective locations 1106 (e.g., via nails, anchors, screws, washers, and/or combinations thereof), and/or the bristle tufts One or more of 114 may be bonded within their respective sites 1106 (eg, via an adhesive such as epoxy, etc.). In some examples, one or more of the bristle tufts 114 are fused within their respective sites 1106, and/or directly to the surface 1108 in the absence of tuft sites. In some examples, bristle tufts 114 are secured to pad 1104 via a combination of attachment members, such as via mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and/or welding. Although not shown, in some examples, the bristle tufts are disposed on a removable plate (or locating tray), which can be removed, for example, via hook and loop fasteners, magnets, locking joints, or slots (e.g. , dovetail joints, tongue and groove joints, etc.), snaps, etc. are attached to and detached from surface 1108 . In this manner, an end user can easily remove and replace worn and used bristles and/or customize (optimize) the brush head 102 to have the particular type of bristles required for a particular floor type or end-use application.

The individual bristles in each bristle tuft 114 may be made from any number of materials including, but not limited to, synthetic materials, abrasive materials, and natural fibers, or any other similar material. For example, bristles may comprise polypropylene, nylon, polyester or abrasive filaments such as fiber. However, it should be appreciated that any number of other filaments and/or materials may be utilized for the bristles so long as the material provides rigid and strong bristles capable of supporting the system (as discussed below). Also, the bristles are abrasive and thus may have abrasive grains applied to them so that they may abrade floor surfaces. In addition, the bristles can have any type of surface coating or be coated with a certain material, for example, the bristles can be coated with an abrasive coating (e.g., coated fibers) or other coatings with certain properties. Also, the bristles can have various similar or dissimilar shapes/geometry or surface coatings, such as crimps, perforations, etc., which can allow the bristles to collect and retain moisture and/or perform other functions that may be desirable in a given application. Function. In some examples, some bristle tufts 114 have different properties than other sets of bristle tufts 114 (eg, a first set of tufts has different abrasive properties than a second set of tufts).

In the example shown, each tuft of bristles 114 includes a plurality of individual bristles. The number of bristles per individual tuft 114 will depend on the requirements of any particular application and the method by which it is installed within the tuft site 1106 . For example, bristle tufts having a particular density, geometry, shape, etc. may be desired in a particular application. In other examples, relatively thick bristles are utilized such that an individual one of the relatively thick bristles is disposed in each tuft site 1106 . Regardless of how many bristles are secured within each site 1106, the bristles or tufts 114 may have a certain shape, such as the flared shape shown in FIGS. 1-2.

The brush head 102 may include one or more additional features to reduce weight and/or provide flexibility. In the example shown, one or more central cutouts 1122 are provided in pad 1104 . While FIG. 3 shows an example incorporating four (4) of the middle cutouts 1122 disposed in a symmetrical orientation (e.g., one middle cutout 1122 is located in each of the four (4) quadrants of the pad 1104 ) , but more or fewer intermediate cutouts may be provided, and regardless of the number of intermediate cutouts, it may be provided in various symmetrical and/or asymmetrical arrangements. Here, a central cutout 1122 is provided at a central region of the pad 1104 radially outward from the central cutout 1114 and radially inward from the outer periphery 1112 . And here, the middle cutout 1122 extends completely through the thickness of the pad 1104, but in other examples one or more of the cutouts 1122 and/or a portion of one or more of the cutouts 1122 may be only the thickness of the pad 1104 thinning rather than extending across the entire pad thickness.

In some examples not shown, one or more of the surrounding (or bordering) regions 1123 of the surface 1108 of the pad 1104 in the central cutout 1122 are configured to receive individual bristle plates (or pads or pucks) . For example, FIG. 3 shows that there are no cluster sites at the region on the pad 1104 corresponding to the middle cut 1122 and at the interface region 1123 of the surface 1108 of the pad 1104 bordering/around the middle cut 1122. Example of 1106; however, one or more separate pads (or plates) (i.e., bristle positioning discs) having tuft sites that support bristle tufts can be fixed at those regions so that the entire pad 1104 surface 1104 has tuft sites 1106 and bristle tufts 114. In such examples, the pad/plate may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the bristle-free area on the surface 1108 of the pad 1104 to which the bristle positioning disc will be mounted. And in these instances, the bristle positioning discs may be mounted to the pad via various permanent and/or temporary attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners, snap fit fasteners, screws and/or washers, adhesives, magnets, etc. 1104. For example, the portion of the surface 1108 of the pad 1104 that borders the central cutout 1122 (which is shown as a tuft-free site 1106 in the example embodiment of FIG. The mounting surface may have corresponding hook and loop fastening material attachable thereto.

Cluster sites 1106 may be arranged in rows. For example, the cluster sites 1106 may be arranged in radially extending rows, such as radially extending rows extending from the periphery 1112 of the pad 1104 towards the radial center (or center point) of the pad 1104 . In these examples, the cluster sites 1106 in each of the radially extending rows may be aligned along a radius of the pad 1104 and/or with other cluster sites 1106 in that particular row. In some examples, one or more of the cluster sites 1106 in a particular radially-extending row may be offset or staggered relative to other cluster sites 1106 in that particular row. In some examples, cluster sites 1106 may be arranged in concentrically extending rows, such as rows corresponding to the geometry of perimeter 1112 . For example, pad 1104 may include an outer concentric row of cluster sites, the next inner concentric row of cluster sites, the next inner concentric row of cluster sites, and so on. In these examples, a cluster site 1106 in one of the concentric rows of cluster sites can be separated from another of the concentric rows of cluster sites (i.e., an adjacent concentric row or a concentric row separated by another concentric row) The cluster sites are aligned, or the cluster sites in one concentric ring can be offset relative to the cluster sites in the other concentric rings so that even spacing between the cluster sites can be maintained. 4A-4B illustrate bottom views of exemplary brush head 102 . In the example shown, a pair of rings 404, 404 of cluster sites 1106 are disposed near the periphery 1112, including the outermost concentric ring 402 of the cluster sites 1106 next to the periphery 1112 of the pad 1104, and the cluster sites The next inner ring 404 of 1106 is disposed radially inward from the outermost concentric ring. It will be appreciated that one or more additional inner rings of cluster sites may be arranged from the outermost to the inner. And in the example shown, the cluster sites extend outward from the central cutout 1114 towards the periphery 1112 . Here, for example, eight (8) sets 406 of cluster sites extend radially from the central cutout 1114 . As shown, each set of radially extending cluster sites 406 includes a curvature such that they are not perfectly aligned on the radius of the toroidal pad 1104, but instead curve to extend radially outward from the center as it approaches the periphery 1112 Instead there are clockwise or counterclockwise oriented bends. Also, each set of radially-extending cluster sites 406 has an opposite curvature to an adjacent set of radially-extending cluster sites 406 such that the curvature alternates between clockwise, counter-clockwise, and so on. In this way, the brush head 102 can be configured for both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation; however, all sets of radially extending tuft sites 406 can have the same clockwise or counterclockwise curvature, and/or the Any one or more of the set of radially extending cluster sites 406 may be aligned on the radius of the annular pad 1104 . Specifically, the illustrated example includes a first set of radially extending cluster sites 408a having a clockwise curvature, a second set of radially extending cluster sites 408b having a counterclockwise curvature, a third set of radially extending cluster sites having a clockwise curvature Radially extending cluster sites 408c, fourth set of radially extending cluster sites 408d with counterclockwise curvature, fifth set of radially extending cluster sites 408e with clockwise curvature, sixth set of radially extending cluster sites with counterclockwise curvature Extended cluster sites 408f, a seventh set of radially-extended cluster sites 408g having a clockwise curvature, and an eighth set of radially-extended cluster sites 408h having a counter-clockwise curvature.

FIG. 5 illustrates example operation of the coupling system described with reference to FIGS. 1-2 on an example centering device 500 of a floor machine according to one or more examples. The present disclosure is operable on the centering device 500 shown. Indeed, aspects of the present disclosure may be operated on differently configured machines and/or centering devices without departing from the present disclosure. In the example shown, the centering device 500 includes a centering ring 501 and six pairs of spikes (ie, 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e, 502f. Here, the riser 106 is configured to engage the centering device 500 . In some examples, as shown in Figures 6A-6B, the riser 106 can include a respective mounting hole 630 for receiving each of the spikes 502. As mentioned below, additionally or alternatively, the riser 106 Lugs/ribs 122 may be included such that during operation each of the lugs engages one of the pair of prongs. For example, a first lug 122a would engage a first set of prongs 502a , and so on, so that the brush system 100 will not slip when installed on the centering device. Specifically, the centering device 500 is installed on the floor machine (not shown), and the floor machine drives the rotation of the centering device, and It is desirable that there be little to no rotational slippage between the brush head 102 and the centering device 500. The engagement of the lug 122 and the pair of spikes 502 eliminates this slippage and ensures that the brush head 102 is properly positioned. Force rotation.

6A-6C illustrate another example operation of the brushing system 100 of FIG. 1 on a floor machine 600 utilizing a different type of pad driver. FIG. 6A shows the floor machine 600 utilizing a first type of mat 602 , while FIGS. 6B-6C illustrate the floor machine 600 utilizing a second type of mat 610 . With respect to FIG. 6A , the first pad 602 is a tufted pad driver having tufts 604 extending downwardly from the machine rotating assembly and forming a surface that abuts the rear surface 118 of the brush head 102, and these tufts are configured to interface with the brush head 102. The attachment pads 116 (eg, corresponding hook and loop fasteners) of the head 102 mate. However, with this type of arrangement, the tufts 604 above abutting the rear surface 118 of the brush head 102 define a mounting surface that is offset (i.e., below) relative to the surface defined by the centering ring 500, and in the absence of the coupling system, additional The pads 116 will be the only means of transmitting torque to the brush head 102 . Thus, in this example, the coupling 104 can be extended into its extended position such that the standpipe 106 can abut the surface of the centering device 500 and thereby allow the lug 122 of the standtube to engage the spike 502 of the centering device 500 . If not for extensibility of the coupling 104, the lugs 122 of the riser would be positioned at a level corresponding to the surface defined by the tufts 604 so that the lugs 122 would not abut the spikes 502 and serve to transmit torque The only means to the brush head 102 will be via the Velcro pad 116 which may loosen or slip. Accordingly, FIG. 6A shows the coupling 104 in an extended position to position the lug 122 of the riser in contact with the corresponding spike 502 of the centering device 500 to facilitate the transfer of torque. Also shown in this figure is the screw on the locking member or locking plate 606 for clamping the brush head 102 to the centering device 500 of the machine 600 . Plate 606 may be screwed onto threaded shaft 608 of centering device 500 . As shown, the threaded plate 606 can be locked in place via a pin 620 .

With respect to FIGS. 6B-6C , the pad 610 utilized on the machine 600 defines a mounting surface that abuts the rear surface 118 of the brush head 102 and is configured to tighten with the attachment pad 116 (e.g., a corresponding hook and loop) of the brush head 102. firmware) pair, but this mounting surface of the pad 610 is not offset under the centering ring 500 as much as the clustered pad 602 detailed above with respect to FIG. 6A . In this example, the coupling 104 of the brush system 100 is in the retracted position and the riser 106 is engaged with the centering device 500 . Due to the small height difference of the pad 610 between the mounting surface of the pad 610 and its corresponding centering ring device, the lugs 122 of the riser 106 are able to reach and interface with the prongs on the centering device 500 when the coupler 104 is retracted. Shape 502.

In particular, FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an alternate example of a brush head 102 having an alternate riser 106 utilized with pads 602 and 610, respectively. In these examples, the riser 106 has a plurality of engagement holes 630 configured to mate or engage with the spikes 502 on the center ring 500 . In these examples, riser 106 optionally includes lugs/ribs 122 such that during operation, each of the lugs engages one of the pair of spikes. For example, the first lug 122a will engage the first set of spikes 502a, and so on, so that the brush system 100 does not slip when installed on the centering device. Specifically, it is desirable that the centering device 500 is mounted on the floor machine 600 and that the floor machine drives the rotation of the centering device, and that there is little to no rotational slippage between the brush head 102 and the centering device 500 . The engagement of the lug 122 and the pair of spikes 502 eliminates this slippage and ensures that the brush head 102 rotates with the proper force. And in this example, the hole 630 can be provided and positioned in the riser 106 for receiving the corresponding spike 632 of the locking member 606; but in the example shown, the spike 632 of the locking member cannot extend upwards Far enough to engage a corresponding hole in the standpipe 106,

Thus, due to the adjustability of the coupling 104 (ie, its ability to expand and retract), the brush system 100 can accommodate floor machines having different height configurations. Instead of having to use different brushes on the first and second pads 602, 610, the presently disclosed brush system 100 is adjustable to enable use on machines with different height configurations.

Accordingly, the disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to achieve the stated objects and advantages as well as those inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims appended hereto. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. Although compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising", "containing" or "comprising" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "comprise of" the various components and steps its composition". All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range having a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any subsumed range falling within that range is specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of values disclosed herein (in the form "about a to about b" or equivalently "approximately a to b" or equivalently "approximately a-b") is to be understood as setting forth in the broader range of values Every number and range covered in the range. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Furthermore, the indefinite article "a/an" used in the claims is defined herein to mean one or more of the elements to which it introduces. In the event of any conflict between the usage of a word or term in this specification and one or more patents or other documents that may be incorporated by reference herein, the definition that is consistent with this specification shall prevail.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein with respect to a floor cleaning machine available to an operator having an interface configured to mechanically couple a brush head. The term "proximal" refers to a location closer to the operator or an element of the interface, and the term "distal" refers to a location further from the operator or element of the interface. In addition, use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, up, down, left, right, etc., are used with respect to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, with an upward or upper direction being towards the corresponding figure top, and the downward or downward direction is toward the bottom of the corresponding drawing.

As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a series of items (the term "and" or "or" separating any of the items) modifies the list as a whole, not each member of the list (i.e., per item). The phrase "at least one of" is permissive to include the meaning of at least one of any of the items and/or at least one of any combination of items and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/ or at least one of each of A, B and C.

Claims (15)

1. A brush tool system for a floor machine, said brush tool system comprising: a brush head having a flexible coupling attached to the central opening, and a riser attached to the flexible coupling, wherein the flexible coupling is expandable to change the position of the riser relative to the brush head . 2. The brushing system of claim 1, wherein the brush head comprises: a pad having a bristle surface and a floor machine mounting surface opposite the bristle surface; a plurality of tuft sites protruding from the bristle surface and defining weight-reducing spaces between adjacent tuft sites; and A bristle tuft disposed in at least one of the tuft sites. 3. The brushing system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the bristle tufts is flared. 4. The brush system of claim 1 , wherein the coupling is adjustable between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, wherein when in the fully extended position compared to the fully retracted position When in the center, the brush head is relatively farther away from the standpipe. 5. The brush system of claim 4, wherein the coupling is adjustable into one or more intermediate positions between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position. 6. The brush system of claim 1, wherein the brush head includes a central opening, and the coupling is connected to the brush head around the central opening. 7. The brush system of claim 6, wherein the brush head includes a lip extending around the central opening, the coupling attached to an upper surface of the lip. 8. The brush system of claim 1, wherein the riser includes a top surface and a plurality of lugs on the top surface. 9. The brushing system of claim 1, wherein the brush head is in the shape of a ring. 10. The brushing system of claim 2, wherein at least one cutout is provided in the pad and extends between the bristle surface and the mounting surface. 11. The brushing system of claim 10, wherein the cutout is a centrally located cutout coaxial with the pad. 12. The brushing system of claim 10, wherein the cutout is a middle cutout disposed at an intermediate region of the pad between a radial center and a periphery of the pad. 13. The brushing system of claim 12, wherein the central cutout comprises a plurality of central cutouts disposed symmetrically around the pad. 14. The brush system of claim 2, wherein at least one region of tuft-free sites is provided on the bristle surface. 15. The brush system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of tuft sites are arranged in concentrically extending rows corresponding to the periphery of the pad.