Mechanical bursh

Dec. 30, 1941.

2,267,916

O. S. HERSHEY

MECHANICAL BRUSH

<img file="US2267916A_D0001.tif" />

Patented Dec. 30, 1941

2,267,916

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,267,916

MECHANICAL BRUSH

Orville S. Hershey, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Hershey Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois

Application February 20, 1939, Serial No. 257,354

Claims. (Cl. 15—22)

This invention has to do with a brush which may with special advantage be used for many purposes. In the embodiment herein shown and described it is designed for application to the scalp. Among the features of improvement are the provision of a reciprocable head mounting plural rows of bristle tufts forming the brush. This head may comprise, if desired, several bars arranged side by side with the bristles projecting therefrom so as to extend over a substantial area, together with means for shifting the bars in a timed relation so that the multiple rows of bristles which constitute the brush are moved back and forth over the surface which is being operated upon whereby to effect a thorough cleansing thereof. The brush mechanism, according to my invention, is light, compact, simple and quiet in operation. It is accommodated within a case of small size so as to be conveniently handled when in use. Power for reciprocating the head may be transmitted from an electric motor in any appropriate way as for example through a flexible shaft which is releasably connected to the case. These various advantages, as well as others as will hereinafter appear, may be realized by the brush of my invention, a preferred embodiment of which is set forth in the accompanying drawing wherein—

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the brush in its entirety;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section therethrough taken on line 2—2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section through the brush taken on line 3—3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken on line 4—4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail in section on line 5—5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary detail in perspective showing one end of the case which is equipped with a pin with which the operating unit engages when fitted in place; and

Fig. 7 is a detail in perspective of one of the thrust fittings with which the crank shaft engages to effect a reciprocation of the associated bar.

The present mechanical brush comprises a case C of suitable metal, plastic or other material, in the form of a box enclosed on all sides except the bottom. Fitted to the top of the case is a handle H. Within the case so as to extend across the open bottom thereof is the operating brush head mounted for reciprocation therewithin. This head may comprise a plurality of bars B each reciprocable within a frame that includes a series of spaced guides g extending lengthwise of the case, the several guides being connected irremovably at their opposite ends to cross bars h (see Fig. 5). The brush head is releasably secured within the case by any suitable means. For this purpose one of the cross bars is shown as formed with curved tongues 10 (see Fig. 3) adapted to hook over and around a pin 11 which is extended transversely across the case near one end, the tongues being disengageable from the pin only when the operating head has been swung outwardly from the case to a wide angle. The cross bar at the opposite end of the frame is upturned to provide a wall (2 which fits within the proximate end wall of the case where it may be releasably held by a spring catch 13. By disengaging the catch, the proximate end of the operating head is released whereby it may be swung out of the case permitting the opposite end thereafter to be disconnected. In this way the entire operating head may, upon occasion, be withdrawn from the case for purposes of cleaning, repair or anything else. The head furnishes a fast mounting for plural tufts 14 of bristles arranged preferably in rows, either straight or staggered, four of the former being shown along with two of the latter.

As shown best in Fig. 4, each reciprocating bar is provided with a groove in each of its opposite sides to receive one of the guides. The length of each bar is somewhat less than that of the case so that it jnay have freedom for reciprocation through a predetermined range of movement. To produce such reciprocations, according to a prearranged order, I utilize a shaft S having one end rotatably supported within a boss 15 which is outwardly extended from one side wall of the case, there being a collar 16 extended outwardly from the opposite case wall to form interiorly thereof a second bearing for the shaft. As shown, between its two ends, for a distance which is substantially the width of the case, the shaft is formed with a plurality of cranks c supporting between them pins p which may be disposed equidistantly about the axis of the shaft, preferably about 60 degrees apart. Each crank pin traverses a slot 20 which is formed near the mid-point of one of the reciprocable bars which is built up in its center region to provide such a slot within which the crank pin may move up and down, as the shaft is rotated. Fitted within each bar slot is a bearing piece which, as best shown in Fig. 7, comprises a fitting of bronze or other suitable material bent in U-fashion to provide opposed limbs 21 connected in spaced relation by a base plate 22, each limb being formed with a pair of flanges 23 extending lengthwise thereof and with an oblique tongue 24 thereover. In addition, below the flanges I have provided a pair of ears 25, and the surfaces 26 of the fitting which are oppositely faced are desirably coated with a vulcanized material for a purpose which will presently appear.

Each bearing fitting is adapted for accommo2

2,267,916 dation in a slot 20 of one reciprocable bar. When disposed in place, the several flanges 23 of the fitting will extend along opposite surfaces of the bar whereby to assure of an accurate assemly. In addition, the ears 25 lie opposite small 5 notches in the bar wherein the ears are adapted to enter when bent inwardly for this purpose. The entire fitting is sufficiently resilient so that its two limbs will bear with pressure against the opposite sides of the slot, the vulcanized surfaces io engaging therewith to cushion any impacts which result from the thrusts imparted by the crank pin in its movements through a circular path. It will be apparent therefore that as the shaft rotates, the crank pins will move up and down 15 between the limbs of the several fittings so as to impart an endwise moving force to each reciprocable bar, proceeding first in one direction and then the other. By utilizing a number of such cranks, located at desired distances apart, 20 each operatively associated with one of the reciprocable bars, the several rows of bristles will be reciprocated in an ordered relation so that the entire working surface of the brush will be activated to enhance its effectiveness in use. 25 Such a brush may be applied advantageously to any surface from which it is desired to remove particles or which may require a cleaning or polishing of its surface. In use, the brush will be moved about over the surface, and its bris- 30 ties which are in a constant state of movement will accelerate and augment the effectiveness of the work which the brush is called upon to do.

The shaft end which is supported within the collar bearing 16 may be appropriately configured 35 for a releasable driving connection with a flexible shaft 27 in accordance with usual practice. The brush head which, as shown, comprises the connected guides and brush bars is readily removable from the case, as already pointed out. 40 This is desirable, if for no other reason than to permit of ready sterilization. When fitted in place the open case side is substantially closed by the brush unit so that passage of foreign matter thereinto, particularly into the region of 45 the shaft, is barred.

The term “brush” as employed herein has a broad meaning since I contemplate applying the present device to many diversified uses. A scalp brush is only one. Others are surfaces of wood, ^ft|1metal, composition, etc., which are to be treated to a scraping, smoothing or polishing operation. For example, a wooden floor may be advantageously scraped or smoothed or polished by the present device, provided that its operating ⁵⁰head be equipped with a suitable working face, such as bristles, pads, etc. Rugs, fabrics, upholstery, furs, hides, etc., are other examples.