Bristle sub-assemblies and method of making same

Abstract

A bristle sub-assembly includes first and second base strings and a plurality of polymeric monofilaments connected to and extending between the first and second base strings. The polymeric monofilaments form a first arched row when the first and second base strings are brought together. Several types and configurations of brushes are made using either arched bristles or combinations of arched and straight bristles.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A bristle sub-assembly comprising: 
 first and second base strings; and    a plurality of monofilaments connected to and extending between the first and second base strings,    whereby the monofilaments form a first arched row when the first and second base strings are brought together.    
     
     
         2 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments are made of a polymeric material.  
     
     
         3 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the polymeric material is a thermoplastic polymeric material.  
     
     
         4 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments are made of a material selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyamides, aromatic polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, styrenes, polyvinylchloride (PVC), fluoropolymers, polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene and styrene copolymers, and co-extrusions of at least one polymer.  
     
     
         5 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments are made of a nylon material.  
     
     
         6 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 5 , wherein the nylon material is selected from the group consisting of 4 nylon, 6 nylon, 11 nylon, 12 nylon, 6,6 nylon, 6,10 nylon, 6,12 nylon, 6,14 nylon, 10,10 nylon and 12,12 nylon and other nylon copolymers.  
     
     
         7 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments are made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).  
     
     
         8 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the base strings is a monofilament made of thermoplastic material having a diameter of 2-200 mils.  
     
     
         9 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the base string is a bundle of monofilaments, at least one of which is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material.  
     
     
         10 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the monofilaments are heat fused to the base strings.  
     
     
         11 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the monofilaments are adhesively bonded to the base strings.  
     
     
         12 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the monofilaments are solvent bonded to the base strings.  
     
     
         13 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the monofilaments have a diameter between 2 and 200 mils.  
     
     
         14 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the monofilaments have varying diameters between 2 and 200 mils.  
     
     
         15 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments have substantially circular cross-sectional shape.  
     
     
         16 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments have substantially non-circular cross-sectional shape.  
     
     
         17 . A bristle sub-assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising a third base string disposed between the first and second base strings, whereby the monofilaments form the first arched row when the first and third base strings are brought together, and a second arched row when the second and third base strings are brought together.  
     
     
         18 . A brush assembly comprising: 
 a brush body; and    a first bristle sub-assembly connected to the brush body, and including first and second base strings and a plurality of monofilaments connected to the first and second base strings, the monofilaments forming a first arched row that extend upwardly from the brush body.    
     
     
         19 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments are made of polymeric material.  
     
     
         20 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments are made of thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         21 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the first and second base strings are each at least a single monofilament made of a polymeric thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         22 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the base stings and the monofilaments are made of a material selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyamides, aromatic polyamides, polyester, polyolefins, styrenes, polyvinylchloride (PVC), fluoropolymers, polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, and styrene copolymers and co-extrusions of at least one polymer.  
     
     
         23 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments are made of a nylon material.  
     
     
         24 . A brush assembly according to  claim 23 , wherein the nylon material is selected from the group consisting of 4 nylon, 6 nylon, 11 nylon, 12 nylon, 6,6 nylon, 6,10 nylon, 6,12 nylon, 6,14 nylon, 10,10 nylon and 12,12 nylon and other nylon co-polymers.  
     
     
         25 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the base strings and the monofilaments are made of polybutylene teraphthalate (PBT).  
     
     
         26 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the monofilaments are heat fused to the first and second base strings.  
     
     
         27 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the monofilaments are adhesively bonded to the first and second base strings.  
     
     
         28 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the monofilaments are solvent bonded to the first and second base strings.  
     
     
         29 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the monofilaments have a diameter between 2 and 200 mils.  
     
     
         30 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the monofilaments have diameters that vary between 2 and 200 mils.  
     
     
         31 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , further comprising at least a second bristle sub-assembly connected to the brush body, and including at least third and fourth base strings and a plurality of polymeric monofilaments connected to and extending between the third and fourth base strings, the monofilaments forming a second arched row that extend upwardly from the brush body.  
     
     
         32 . A brush assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the first and second arched rows are mounted longitudinally and concentrically on the brush body.  
     
     
         33 . A brush assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the first and second arched rows are mounted transversely on the brush body.  
     
     
         34 . A brush assembly according to  claim 18 , further comprising at least one row of straight monofilament bristles, each including a plurality of monofilament bristles extending upwardly from a base string.