Patent Application
20220064978
The invention relates generally to swimming pool brushes and more particularly to brushes that can be attached to multiple types of handles and avoid the undesirable odor and appearance of conventional brushes.
Swimming pool brushes are well known in the art. Traditional brushes have a handle connector attached to a brush head. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. D 351,948, 3,296,643, 4,637,087, 4,703,535, 4,733,427, 4,783,868, 5,487,397, and 8,943,640. The contents of these patents are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
Conventional brushes are designed to mount onto the conventional long telescoping poles commonly used for swimming pool maintenance such as skimming and vacuuming (hereinafter “maintenance poles”). These brushes have opposing spring loaded buttons that project outwards from their handle connector. These buttons are received into openings or recesses at the distal ends of these poles to releasably lock the brush to the pole (the “conventional locking construction”). However, these poles can be inconvenient for certain jobs, where an unduly long handle is inconvenient. Also, pool brushes tend to become discolored, unsightly and develop odors over time.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved swimming pool brush system that overcomes disadvantages of existing brush system.
Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an improved swimming pool brush construction is provided, which resists buildup of bacteria and other microbes that lead to discoloration and odors and which is convenient to switch between different types of handles.
Brushes in accordance with the invention comprise a handle connection portion and a brush head attached to the handle connection portion. The brush head has a body and a plurality of bristles or bristle-like projections (hereinafter “bristles”) extending from the body. Preferred brush head bodies are generally cylindrical and can have rounded or flattened top and/or bottom surfaces. The ends of the cylindrical body can be flat, curved or hemispherical and can also have bristles extending therefrom. It is preferred that the bristles extend radially 360° around the cylindrical body and preferably from end to end, including sideways from the ends.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the bristles include a plurality of bundles of relatively short bristles and a plurality of bundles of relatively long bristles. At least some of the bundles of relatively long bristles can be arranged in arrays and in an alternating arrangement with arrays of bundles of shorter bristles. The head can also include a mix of both stiff bristles and relatively softer bristles.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bristles and/or brush head are formed from polymer material with antibacterial and/or antimicrobial material such as silver or zinc ions and/or nanoparticles incorporated into the polymer, to resist bacterial and microbial buildup thereon. This can reduce discoloration and odor build-up. The silver and zinc can also be incorporated into the handle connection portion or into a coating thereof.
By way of example, all or some of the brush head and/or bristles can be formed with 0.1-5%, preferably 0.2-3%, most preferably 0.7-1.5% of an anti-microbial additive formulation. This formulation can include some or all of the following ingredients: a zeolite component, nano silver particles, a silver ion source such as a silver salt, nano zinc oxide, zinc oxide, a differentiation agent, and an antioxidant. Preferred additives include silver nanoparticles (nano silver), silver iodide, silver chloride, zinc oxide, nano zinc oxide, all in an effective amount of the formulation to significantly inhibit microbial growth. The antimicrobial additive can be incorporated into the polymer for the bristles, the head, the handle connection portion and/or a coating of the connection portion.
The handle connection portion can include a plate for attaching to the brush head and an adaptor extension. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adaptor extension has two portions: a distal first portion and a proximal second portion. The distal end of the first extension portion is connected to the brush head. The proximal end of the first extension portion has a threaded female receptacle for receiving a standard brush/rake handle. Preferred threaded portions can be about ¾ inch diameter, 5 threads per inch, Acme form threading. They should be more than about 0.5 inches deep. The threaded portion should be over about 0.5 inches long, preferably about 0.5 to 1.25 inches long.
The distal end of the second portion of the adaptor extension can have a threaded male end for screwing into the threaded proximal female end of the first adaptor extension portion. The proximal end of the second extension portion has a tubular shape of about 1¼ inch OD, or slightly less, and is adapted to be inserted into the distal end of standard 1¼ inch pool maintenance pole. The second extension portion can have a pair of resilient buttons extending radially therefrom. These lock into a corresponding pair of openings at the distal end of the standard pole. The buttons should be more than about 2 inches, preferably at least 3 inches and can be about 3 to 6 inches from the proximal end of the second extension portion. The distal end of the second extension portion is adapted to be received into the distal end of the conventional pool pole and can lock into the pole in the conventional manner. Thus, brushes in accordance with the invention can be conveniently mounted on different types of poles, such as both a long pool maintenance pole by the conventional locking construction as well as a shorter standard handle, commonly used for brooms, rakes, brushes and the like by receiving a standard threaded end.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the specification and drawings.
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The figures are intended to be illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Identical reference numerals are assigned to similar structures. The dimensions are not necessarily to scale.
The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.
Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
A pool brush in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a handle connection portion, configured to receive two differently connected handles, such as both a screw on short handle, as well as an elongated pool maintenance pole with a conventional locking construction. As used herein, the term “pool maintenance pole” will refer to a commonly available tubular pole that is typically used to manipulate pool vacuum heads, skimming nets and the like. Such poles typically are formed in two or more telescoping tubular sections of about 1¼ inches in OD, which permits them to be extended to lengths from 8 to 15 feet and longer.
Handle Connection Portion
Pool maintenance poles typically have a diameter of about 1¼ inches and include a pair of small opposing holes, near the distal end thereof. The holes are typically ⅛ to ⅜ inches, preferably about 3/16 to 5/16 inches in diameter. Pool maintenance tools, such as brushes, skimming nets and vacuum heads are commonly made with a tube-shaped proximal insertion section, which is inserted into the distal end of the maintenance pole. The insertion section of the tools typically include a pair of opposing resilient locking buttons, located 2-6 inches from the proximal end of the insertion section. These buttons extend out of the holes in the maintenance pole, to releasably lock the tool to the distal end of the pole. This system comprises the typical conventional locking construction used for pool tools.
Handle connection portions in accordance with the invention can be made in two pieces: (1) a first distal section to be attached to the brush and (2) a second proximal section to be attached to an extension handle. The second section should have a diameter of about 1¼ inches or slightly less and be adapted to fit into the distal end of a conventional pool maintenance pole. The first section should be more than about 2 inches long, preferably about 2 to 4 inches long, most preferably about 3 inches long. The second proximal section should be more than about 2 inches long, preferably at least 3 inches long, more preferably about 3 to 6 inches long. They can be made from stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloys.
The distal end of the first, distal section of the handle connection portion is adapted to be attached to the brush head. The proximal end of the first distal section can be formed with a conventionally (Acme) threaded female receptacle. The distal end of the second, proximal section can be formed with an Acme threaded male portion adapted to be received and screwed into in the proximal end of the first distal section.
Thus, the proximal end of the first distal section can include a threaded female receptacle adapted to receive the threaded male end of a commonly available broom, brush, or rake handle. In the United States, most threaded handles for brooms, brushes, and rakes have threads ¾ inch in diameter, 5 threads per inch, Acme form. As used herein, such a configuration will be referred to as a “Acme form, conventional thread, conventional threading, or conventionally threaded.” The distal end of the second proximal section is conventionally threaded and adapted to be received and screw into the proximal end of the first distal section of the handle connection portion of the brush.
The proximal end of the second proximal section of the handle connection portion of the brush can include a resilient pair of locking buttons. The locking buttons extend radially from the outer surface of the second proximal section. The buttons should be located at least about 2 inches, preferably at least about three inches, more preferably about 3-5 inches distally from the proximal end of the second proximal section. The proximal end portion of the second proximal section is adapted to be received in the distal end of a conventional pool maintenance pole and can be held in place by the conventional locking construction.
By screwing the distal end of the second proximal section into the proximal end of the first connection section of the handle connection portion, the handle connection portion can be joined to a typical pool maintenance pole with a conventional locking construction. By unscrewing the second proximal section, the handle receiving portion can receive a screw-in handle extension. Thus, the handle receiving portion can thereby be adaptable for different types of handles.
Brush Construction
The bristles of brushes in accordance with the invention preferably extend perpendicularly from the front, bottom and rear surfaces and sides of the brush head. Mounting the bristles on all the surfaces of the head allows the pool brush to be able to conveniently clean all interior and exterior pool surface areas as well as where walls intersect, near ladders and stairs, where walls meet floors and so forth. Bristles on the top surface of the brush head advantageously allow the brush to clean the underside of pool ladders and railings, without turning the brush over.
Bristles in accordance with the invention can be formed from natural or synthetic fibers, such as natural bristles, nylon, polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terror phthalate, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the like. Polypropylene and PVC are preferred for durability and proper stiffness. Composite brushes formed with PVC, polypropylene or nylon bristles with multiple lengths and stiffnesses are also advantageous.
Anti-Microbial Activity
It has been determined that elemental silver and silver ions have a useful antimicrobial function when incorporated into a pool brush. Silver ions refer to silver atoms from which one or more electrons have been lost. They exist in an ionic state, e.g., as salts, chelates and so forth. Especially preferred are silver iodide, silver phosphate, silver chloride, and silver nitrate.
It has been determined that positively charged silver ions and negatively charged microbe cells are attracted to each other upon contact. The silver ions can pierce through the external surfaces of the cells and damage their DNA, as well as the protein structure, halting their metabolism and reproduction until they die, providing a sterilization effect from the silver ions. After the cells have become inactive, the silver ions leave, but continue to act against additional microbes, delivering a constant antimicrobial performance with little or no toxicity or side effects.
Silver nanoparticles (“nano silver”) have also been determined to have anti-microbial activity. Silver nanoparticles are nanoparticles of silver of between 1 nm and 100 nm in size. While frequently described as being ‘silver’ some are composed of a large percentage of silver oxide due to their large ratio of surface to bulk silver atoms. Numerous shapes of nanoparticles can be constructed depending on the application at hand. Commonly used silver nanoparticles are spherical, but diamond, octagonal, and thin sheets are also common. Ion implantation has been used to create silver nanoparticles embedded in different polymers.
The introduction of silver into bacterial cells can induce a high degree of structural and morphological changes, which can lead to cell death. As the silver nanoparticles come in contact with the bacteria, they can adhere to the cell wall and cell membrane. Once bound, some of the silver passes through to the inside, and can interact with phosphate-containing compounds like DNA and RNA, while another portion adheres to the sulfur-containing proteins on the membrane. The silver-sulfur interactions at the membrane can cause the cell wall to undergo structural changes, like the formation of pits and pores. Through these pores, cellular components are released into the extracellular fluid, simply due to the osmotic difference. Within the cell, the integration of silver creates a low molecular weight region where the DNA then condenses. Having DNA in a condensed state inhibits the cell's replication proteins contact with the DNA. Thus, the introduction of silver nanoparticles inhibits replication and can be sufficient to cause the death of the cell. Further increasing their effect, when silver comes in contact with fluids, it tends to ionize which increases the nanoparticles' bactericidal activity. This has been correlated to the suppression of enzymes and inhibited expression of proteins that relate to the cell's ability to produce ATP.
Although it varies for every type of cell proposed, as their cell membrane composition varies greatly, it has been seen that in general, silver nanoparticles with an average size of 10 nm or less show electronic effects that greatly increase their bactericidal activity. This could also be partly due to the fact that as particle size decreases, reactivity increases due to the surface area to volume ratio increasing
Thus, the inclusion of silver ions and nanoparticles to the handle connection portion adapter, its coating, the brush head and/or the brush bristles, can effectively kill germs and bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and K. pneumoniae. This can help resist discoloration and undesirable odors.
Zinc ions have also been shown to demonstrate multiple inhibitory effects on bacterial cells activities such as glycolysis, glucosyltransferase production and polysaccharide synthesis, transmembrane proton translocation and acid tolerance. Zinc can enhance proton permeabilities of bacterial cells membranes, reduce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in glycolyzing cells and diminish F-Type Adenosine Triphosphate Synthases (F-ATPase) activity due to its ability to inhibit of the glycolytic enzymes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases and pyruvate kinase as well as the phosphoenolpyruvate. Thus, incorporating zinc, zinc nanoparticles and zinc ions, such as from zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano zinc oxide) can provide an antimicrobial effect.
It has been determined that zinc oxide and particularly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) can be used as an antibacterial additive. ZnO-NPs is a bio-safe material, non-toxic to human cells. Zinc in nanoparticle form can often be more toxic to bacteria than their micron sized equivalents, although both can be effective. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO-NPs may be due to the possible interaction between the nanoparticles and bacteria. ZnO-NPs can disturb the bacterial growth either by interacting with the bacterial surface or entering inside the bacterial cells. This can disrupt bacterial enzyme systems by displacing magnesium ions essential for the enzymatic activity of bacteria. Thus, zinc oxide and nano zinc oxide can help resist discoloration and undesirable odors.
Differentiating agents can also exhibit anti-microbial activity. Numerous chemicals, including vitamin D and its analogues, retinoids (vitamin A derivatives such as tretinoin), rexinoids (multifunctional nuclear retinoid X receptor ligands such as bexarotene), inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methylation—can all induce cell differentiation. This can ultimately lead to apoptosis and otherwise prevent microbe growth.
Adding an anti-microbial additive formulation to the brush head, bristles and coating of the connection portion can reduce the growth of bacteria and other microbes. This can reduce slime buildup, smell and discoloration of the brush head. One effective antimicrobial additive formulation contains a zeolite component, nano silver particles, nano zinc oxide particles, a differentiation agent, and an antioxidant. This combined formulation can be included as 0.1-5%, preferably 0.2-3%, more preferably at least about 0.7% and most preferably at least about 1% based on the weight of the polymer or coating to which it is added. One preferred antimicrobial additive formulation is available in China under the product name Nano Antimicrobial Additive LF-083.
Antimicrobial polymers in accordance with the invention can include the following as additives listed in Table 1, providing anti-microbial activity. All percentages are based on the overall weight of the composition, such as the polymer or coating, to which the additive is added.
The antimicrobial additive as a collection of any or all of the materials listed in Table 1, or otherwise can comprise 0.1-5%, preferably 0.2-3%, most preferably at least 0.7% of the bristles, brush head, and/or the handle connection portion or a coating thereof.
ISO 22196 is an antimicrobial surface test that performs the measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces. The standard ISO 22196 test method is designed to test the ability of plastics and other similar materials to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms over a 24 hour period of contact. Standard antimicrobial testing for ISO 22196 is against both organisms, S. aureus and E. coli. ISO 22196 is one of the most commonly employed antimicrobial surface test methods for evaluating the antimicrobial activity of antibacterial-treated plastic products, including intermediate products.
The ISO 22196 test was performed to assess the anti-microbial effects of incorporating 1% of anti-microbially effective amounts of an antimicrobial additive containing a zeolite component, nano silver particles, nano zinc oxide, a differentiation agent, and an antioxidant into the polypropylene head and PVC bristles of an 18-inch wide, 360° bristle brush, in accordance with the invention. The brush bristles and polymer head holding the bristles all incorporated anti-microbially effective amounts of zinc and silver from the additive. The test was performed to establish that brushes in accordance with the invention can comply with ISO 22196.
The test instrument was a heated incubator and the method was that provided in ISO 22196:2011, incorporated herein by reference. The results are set forth in Table 2. As can be seen, the addition of zinc and silver to the polymer effectively reduced the colony forming ability of bacteria on the brush head and bristles. Accordingly, 24-hour E. coli anti-bacterial reduction rates compared to unprotected materials of over 80%, preferably over 90%, and even over 95% can be achieved in accordance with the invention.
Escherichia
Staphylococcus
coli
aureus
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Referring now to
Body 31 has a middle cylindrical portion 32, having a rounded top surface 34, a rounded bottom surface 35 and a pair of rounded front and rear surfaces 36 and 37, respectively. Cylindrical portion 32 can be shaped as a cylinder. Body 32 also includes a pair of opposite end portions 33a and 33b at the sides thereof.
Recess 38 in top 34 of body 31 should have a depth about equal to the thickness of plate 22, such that a top surface of plate 22 can be substantially flush with an exterior surface of body 31. Body 31 can have any reasonable width and diameter suitable for the purposes described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, body 31 has a width L from about 6 to 30 inches, preferably 10 to 18 inches. Body 31 can have a diameter D from about 1 to 3 inches. Opposite ends 33a and 33b can be hemispherical, conical or otherwise. Body 31 can be formed by injection molding plastic or casting or forming metal, such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and the like.
A plurality of bristles 40 extend radially from the outer surface of cylindrical portion 32 of body 31. Bristles 40 can comprise alternating arrays and patterns of bundles of short bristles 41 and long bristles 42. The arrays should extend circumferentially around cylindrical portion 32. Each array 41 and 42 should include at least one, preferably 2 to 4 circumferential rows of bristles 41a and 42a, respectively. Short bristles 41 can extend for a length L1 of about ½ to 3½ inches.
Long bristles 42 can extend for a length L2 of about three 2:45 and ¾ inches. The ratio of L2/L1 should be about 1.05 to about 1.5, preferably about 1.1 to 1.3. Note that the above dimensions and ratios are for purposes of illustration and should not be construed as limiting. The outer diameter of the arrays of short bristles 41 are depicted as D1 in
Across adjacent rounded surfaces, the bundles of bristles in any array can be in an angular orientation with respect to each other. In particular, the bundles of bristles can be oriented at an angle V with respect to adjacent bundles, wherein angle V can be any angle suitable for the purposes described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, V can range from about 1-30°, preferably 5-20° and more preferably, about 5 to 15°. Bristles 40 also extend radially outward from in portions 33 and 33 and can be long bristles and/or short bristles.
Bristles 40 can have different densities, so as to be alternatively hard and soft. For example, the bundles of wall bristles 42 can comprise relatively soft bristles and the bundles of short bristles 41 can be relatively stiffer bristles, and vice versa. The difference in hardness (stiffness) of the bundles can be achieved by increasing the number of bristles in a bundle, and or the diameter or materials of the bristles. For example, softer bristles can be fabricated from nylon and stiffer bristles can be made from polypropylene.
Handle connection portion 20 is formed with a short handle connection portion 50 and a long handle connection portion 55. The proximal end of short handle portion 50 includes a threaded female receptacle 51. Threaded female receptacle 51 is sized and threaded to receive a threaded male end of a conventionally threaded rake, brush or broom handle. The distal end of long handle portion 55 includes a conventionally threaded male end 56, adapted to screw into female receptacle 51. A proximal end 59 of long handle portion 55 includes a tubular insert adapted to be received in the distal end of a pool maintenance pole (not shown). Long handle section 55 includes a pair of resilient, e.g., spring-loaded locking buttons 58 on opposite sides of long handle section 55 as part of a conventional locking construction. Buttons 58 are adapted to extend into a button receiving hole or detent at the distal end of a pool maintenance pole, to releasably lock handle connection portion 20 to the distal end of a pool maintenance pole. Buttons 58 can be about 2-6 inches from the proximal end of long handle section 55
Handle connection portion 20 is preferably formed of metal or plastic, preferably aluminum or aluminum alloys. It can be coated with conventional powder coatings and paints. It is advantageous to include antimicrobial materials, such as zinc and silver in the coating of connection portion 20.
While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. It is intended that the matter contained in the foregoing description and figures should be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims to follow.
