IES59513B2 - Improved versatile surface engaging implements - Google Patents

Abstract

In a mounting arrangement for a surface-engaging element such as a paint roller (2), a mounting member (3) carries the roller (2) and is pivotally mounted by means of a pin (6) on an elongate shank or handle (1). A spring (8) is provided for urging the mounting member (3), and hence also the paint roller (2), into an orientation in which the roller axis defined by support pins (4) extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shank or handle (1). The spring (8) is arranged to be axially operative in the longitudinal direction of the handle (1) between a fixed securing spigot or pin (9) on the handle (1), to which one end of the spring is connected, and a drive portion (7) of the mounting member (3), to which the other end of the spring (8) is connected.

Description

IMPROVED VERSATILE SURFACE ENGAGING IMPLEMENTS This invention relates to surface engaging implements and to mounting arrangements for such implements. In particular, the invention relates to implements of this kind having a surface engaging portion and a shank, especially implements where the surface engaging portion is generally elongate and is mounted on the shank to occupy a position substantially transverse to the axis of the shank. The invention is especially directed to mounting arangements for surface engaging implements of the foregoing kind.

A typical example of an implement of this kind is a long-handled paint roller. The roller is mounted at one end of a shank for rotation about its own axis, but is fixed relative to the shank in respect of its orientation relative to the shank. This manner of mounting limits the ability of the paint roller to be used in certain awkward locations, such as corners or wall portions inconveniently placed for the generally vertical reciprocal movement of the roller permitted by its fixed mounting. - 2 It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting arrangement for a surface engaging implement enabling this disadvantage to be overcome. It is a further object of the invention to provide a surface engaging implement in which again this disadvantage is overcome. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a paint roller capable of ready use even in the most awkward situations. It is also an object of the invention to provide similar versatility in other surface engaging implements such as squeegees, brushes, brooms, mops, moisturisers and the like.

According to the invention, there is provided a mounting arrangement for a surface engaging implement, the mounting arrangement comprising a mounting member and a generally elongate shank portion, the mounting member being pivotably mountable on the shank and being configured to receive or define a portion of a generally elongate surface engaging element, and the mounting arrangement further comprising resilient means for urging the mounting member into an orientation in which the elongate direction of said surface engaging element received or defined by said mounting member is substantially transverse to the axis of said shank portion, said resilient means being axially operative in the longitudinal direction of said shank portion between a location on the shank portion and a drive portion of said mounting member.

In a favoured embodiment, said resilient means comprises a tension spring, one end of which is affixed to said shank portion and the other end of which is operatingly associated with said mounting member at a location disposed on the opposite side of the axis of pivoting of the mounting member relative to the shank portion from a region of said mounting member receiving or defining said portion of said generally elongate surface engaging element, said tension spring being substantially axially aligned with the shank portion in said orientation of the mounting member in which the elongate direction of said surface engaging element received or defined by said mounting member is substantially transverse to the axis of said shank portion. - 3 In a preferred arrangement, the mounting member is mounted on the shank portion by means of a pivot pin and said other end of the spring is engaged with a bracket portion of the mounting member extending to the opposite side of the axis of pivoting of the mounting member relative to the shank portion from said region of said mounting member receiving or defining said portion of said generally elongate surface engaging element, said bracket portion defining said drive portion of the mounting member. Thus, said drive portion of the mounting member is then suitably a bracket portion or arm to which the tension spring is connected, preferably adjustably, for selective variation of the spring force.

Alternatively, said resilient means may be a compressive spring, one end of which is fixedly attached to the shank and the other end of which is cammingly engaged against said drive portion of the mounting member. Said drive portion is then suitably shaped to apply a restoring force to the mounting member to move it back towards said orientation corresponding to said substantially transverse disposition of said surface engaging element, on displacement of the element out of said disposition. In this orientation, said elongate direction, said axis of the shank portion, and the axis of pivoting of the mounting member and surface engaging element relative to the shank are suitably mutually orthogonal.

The mounting member may carry the surface engaging element as a separate unit, the element being affixed or otherwise secured to the mounting member, or the mounting member may alternatively comprise a portion of the element, so that a part or region of the element itself then defines the mounting member in a single integral construction. Thus, the mounting arrangement according to the invention may comprise a mounting member for reception of a surface engaging element, but the invention also encompasses a surface engaging implement comprising a mounting arrangement according to the foregoing aspect of the invention, wherein said mounting member comprises a portion of a surface engaging element. - 4 In any of the foregoing embodiments, the restoring force exerted by the resilient means may be varied by alteration or adjustment of the point of attachment of the resilient means or spring to the shank and/or the drive portion of the mounting member, or the location of engagement or association of the spring means with the shank or drive portion, depending on the form of embodiment.

The drive portion may also be defined by or include a crank member, to which the restoring force is applied either by a tension or a compressive spring. In yet another adaptation, the drive portion may comprise a pulley or like arrangement, rotatingly displaceable by an engaging member such as a belt or cable, under the action of one or more springs, suitably operating in tension.

In a further variant, the resilient means may be defined by an axially-oriented leaf spring, interactive between the shank and the drive portion to apply restoring force to the mounting member by lateral displacement of the leaf spring. The leaf spring may be fixedly attached either to the shank or to the drive portion, as appropriate. Suitably, the leaf spring cooperates with preferably floatingly mounted lug members secured to the other of the shank and drive portion, again as appropriate.

The surface engaging element may be a paint roller, a squeegee, a mop, a brush, a broom, a floor sponge, a moisturiser, a plastering implement or blade, or any other similar item. In the case of a paint roller, this representing a favoured application of the invention, the roller itself is rotatably mounted for rotation about its own axis. The surface engaging element then comprises the roller and the mounting member comprises means for rotatably supporting the roller. The roller supporting means may include a shaft. Said shaft may be bearingly mounted at each end or it may be comprised in a cantilevered arrangement. In either variant, the shaft is pivotable relative to the shank of the implement, in the manner already identified as characteristic of the invention, by the supporting means being mounted - 5 pivotably at an end of the shank. Advantageously, the supporting means then also comprises a frame portion, pivoted on the shank, in which the shaft is journalled, said frame portion defining the mounting member of the invention in an integral construction.

Said frame portion may include a bracket through which said pivot pin is engaged, a portion of the bracket defining said drive or bracket portion to which the tension spring is attached. Alternatively, in the cantilever construction of the device of the invention, an end section of the frame portion may itself define the pivot pin, and said bracket portion then suitably extends fixedly from said end section. Both variants thus provide for rotation of said bracket portion with said supporting means and said surface engaging element during pivoting of the latter relative to the shank.

The paint roller embodiment of the invention in a favoured construction may also comprise an end shield for preventing transfer of paint from the roller onto a surface which is not to be painted during application of paint to a surface which is to be painted. The shield is most suitably associated with the cantilever construction of the roller and is rotatably mounted at the free end of the cantilevered roller shaft. The shield suitably has at least one straight edge, the shield being rotated to engage the straight edge against a surface engaged by the implement in use of the implement. Preferably, the shield is substantially semicircular in shape. It may also be mounted for limited movement transverse to the axis of the roller shaft. Resilient means are then suitably provided for urging the shield into a rest position relative to the roller shaft, from which it may be displaced transversely as required to accommodate variations in the application force which is exerted on the roller during a painting operation to maintain it engaged against the surface to be painted. Said end shield is also usable with paint rollers of conventional construction, not necessarily incorporating the resilient mounting feature of the invention. In this variant, the end shield thus represents a further aspect of the invention. - 6 In any of the variants of the invention, the surface engaging element may be interchangeably and removably associated with the remainder of the implement. Thus in the case of brush or squeegee type window-cleaning embodiments of the invention, or in embodiments applicable to the clearing of slurry, snow-clearing, or any other of a diversity of similar activities, the brush head or squeegee unit may be secured by means of bolts to a bracket structure pivoted at the end of the shank, such structure defining the mounting member of the invention. In this manner, when the surface engaging element wears or becomes unsuitable for further use, it may readily be replaced by a new brush head or squeegee device. The bracket structure by which the surface engaging element is linked to the shank may also incorporate an orientation feature, so that, for example in the case of a brush head, the disposition of the brush head in normal basic use occupies an angular relationship with respect to the shank comparable to that of a normal fixed head brush.

In all of the variants of the invention in which a tension spring is used to achieve the restoring force, a limit or restraint may be placed on the extent of lateral angular displacement of the head of the implement by means of an inextensible cord or wire extending longitudinally within the spring between the point of attachment of the spring to the shank and its point of attachment to the drive portion of the surface engaging element. In this manner, when lateral pivoting of the head or element reaches a predetermined limit, it becomes impossible to pivot the head or element any further. This aspect of the invention provides an elegant and efficient stop arrangement, in substantially simpler manner than is achievable by means of camming engagement of conventional stops with the surface engaging element.

A significant feature of the invention is that it puts, as it were, the operator's wrist at the head end of the shank handle of the implement. Thus the operator's wrist action is transferred from the operator's or user's end of the handle or shank to the vicinity of the surface engaging element or head end of the implement. In this way the invention greatly facilitates use of the implement by an operator and - 7 ensures that awkward and relatively inaccessible locations can readily be treated by the implement. This flexibility is achieved without loss of any of the other advantageous characteristics of tools of this kind.

The invention also provides however a further feature by means of which the surface engaging implement such as the paint roller arrangement described may be controlled or locked in its pivoting in a predetermined angular disposition relative to the shank or shaft. Thus in this variant of the principle of the invention, the mounting arrangement comprises means for locking said mounting member in a selected pivoted disposition relative to said shank portion, or alternatively, for locking said mounting member for limited pivoting relative to said shank portion within defined circumferential limits.

To this end, said mounting member suitably comprises a sector plate having a plurality of recesses defined along its arcuate periphery and said shank portion comprises a locking member displaceably engageable within a selected one of said recesses. Said locking member preferably comprises a bolt member axially displaceable in the elongate direction of said shank portion, and said bolt member has a head portion for selective engagement with said recesses.

To provide for said limited pivoting within arcuate defined limits or circumferential end stop positions, at least one of said recesses may be of greater circumferential extent than the corresponding dimension of said head portion of said bolt member, so that said mounting member may be pivoted relative to said shank portion within defined circumferential limits established by abutment of said head portion of the bolt member against the circumferential end regions of said circumferentially extended recess during engagement of said bolt head portion in said extended recess.

As already noted, the invention in any of its variants also embraces a surface engaging implement comprising a mounting arrangement as previously defined hereinabove, whether for reception of a surface engaging element or comprising a portion of a surface engaging - 8 element. The surface engaging element of an implement according to the invention may be a paint roller, a squeegee, a mop, a brush, a broom, a floor sponge, a moisturiser, or a like unit.

The invention also extends to a mounting arrangement substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in any one or more of the accompanying drawings, as well as to a surface engaging implement substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a pictorial view of a first embodiment of paint roller incorporating the principles of the invention, Figure 2 is a kinematic pictorial representation of the relationship between the various members of the unit of Figure 1, 2Q Figure 3 is a pictorial diagram illustrating use of the paint roller of Figure 1 in a first orientation, Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3, showing use of the paint roller of Figure 1 in an alternative orientation, Figure 5 is a front view of a cantilever construction of paint roller incorporating the features of the invention, Figure 6 is a pictorial representation of a shield included in the 3Q paint roller construction of Figure 5, Figure 7 is a partial pictorial view of the free end of the roller shaft of the embodiment of Figure 5, on which the shield of Figure 6 is mounted, - 9 Figure 8 is a pictorial view showing further internal detail of the manner of mounting the paint roller and shield of the embodiment of Figure 5, Figure 9 is a pictorial view of a window cleaning blade incorporating the features of the invention, Figure 10 is a highly diagrammatic pictorial representation of another method of rotatably mounting a surface-engaging element and providing for spring biassing of it for restoring it to an initial predetermined orientation, Figure 11 is a pictorial view of yet another such arrangement, Figure 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a first arrangement of crank-type mechanism in which a compressive spring is employed, Figure 13 is a diagrammatic pictorial representation of a second embodiment of crank mechanism making use of a tension spring, Figure 14 is a diagrammatic representation of a compressive arrangement in which a cam-type structure and a compressive spring are used, Figure 15 is a schematic partial side view of a big-brush embodiment of the invention, Figure 16 is a partial pictorial representation of the brush head region of a scrubbing brush embodiment of the invention, Figure 17 is a pictorial representation of the head region of a squeegee or window cleaning attachment variant of the invention, Figure 18 is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 17, Figure 19 is a pictorial representation of the head region of a - 10 plastering implement in accordance with the invention, Figures 20 to 24 inclusive are respectively top, side, bottom, lefhand end and righthand end views of a mounting arrangement for a surface engaging implement according to the invention in yet another embodiment, Figure 25 is an exploded pictorial representation of a constructional variant of the mounting arrangement of Figures 20 to 24, Figure 26 is a plan view of a further variant of surface engaging implement in accordance with the invention, in which an arrangement is provided for selectively locking the surface engaging element in any of a plurality of pivoted dispositions relative to the shank of the mounting arrangement, Figure 27 shows the construction of Figure 26 in a pivoted disposition, Figure 28 is an exploded pictorial representation of an alternative construction of the invention having a cantilever mounting arrangement for a paint roller, in which the pivoted disposition is again selectable and lockable, and Figure 29 shows a still further variant of the invention in which a paint roller is supported by two brackets but also cantilevered to a limited extent for facilitating corner access.

As shown in Figure 1, a paint roller incorporating the features of the present invention has a elongate shank 1, only a portion of which is shown in the drawing, at one end of which is mounted a paint roller 2. The roller is located and supported at the end of the shank 1 by means of a generally U-shaped frame or support member 3, the upright parts of the U being relatively short while the base is relatively long or wide. In each upright arm of the U-shaped roller support 3, bearings 4 are provided to support the roller ends. Midway along the length of the transverse base bar of the U-shaped roller support 3, a pair of lugs 5 - 11 extend rigidly outwardly from the base bar to define a mounting member in the form of a bracket structure and embrace and enclose the end of shank 1. Roller support 3 is pivotably mounted on the end of shank 1 by means of a pivot pin 6 defining an axis extending through the lugs 5 and the end of shank 1. At least one of the lugs 5 has an extension portion 7 extending on the opposite side of axis 6 from the transverse bar of the roller support. This lug extension 7 has a free end from which a tension spring 8 extends to a spring securing retention point 9 spaced along the length of shank 1 from pivot axis 6.

Spring 8 is lightly stressed so as to bias the roller support 3 into a rest or normal orientation or disposition in which the base or transverse bar of the generally U-shaped structure is substantially at right angles to the axis of the shank 1. Any displacement of the U-shaped support away from this disposition is resisted by extension and increased stressing of the spring 8, and a force is exerted on the support 3 tending to restore it to the right-angled position. However, the roller may be maintained at an angular orientation relative to the axial direction of the shank 1 by a relatively modest force exerted on the shank, as will be described in relation to a subsequent figure of the drawings, against the resistance of the partially further extended tension spring 8.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the relationship of the components of the roller according to the invention. Reference 11 designates the axis of the shank, which may be regarded as an x axis. Reference 12 designates the elongate direction of the roller or other surface engaging element of the implement in a rest disposition. This axis nominally represents a y axis within the frame of reference chosen. Reference 13 designates the axis of pivoting of the roller relative to the end of the shank, this representing a z axis which is orthogonal to the other two axes in the rest configuration and passes through their point of intersection. The pivot axis 13 is defined in the structure of Figure 1 by the pin 6. Thus, in the kinematic representation of Figure 2, the nominal y axis may be pivoted about the - 12 z axis relative to the x axis in the directions indicated by the arrow above the z axis. Accordingly, the y axis or roller may be brought at an angle other than the 90° rest position relative to the longitudinal or x axis of the shank of the implement, by pivoting action exerted on the roller.

The advantages resulting from this roller mounting arrangement in the manner of use of the paint roller incorporating the features of the invention are now shown in Figures 3 and 4. In both figures, a fragmentary representation of a wall 15 and a floor 16 is shown, with a roller unit 17 in use to apply paint to the wall 15. In Figure 3, the roller is being used in conventional manner with and up and down reciprocal movement to apply paint to the wall. In Figure 4, the roller portion of the implement has been realigned against the force of spring 8 to be oriented at an angle other than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the shank. In this way a lateral reciprocating action may be applied to the roller, so as to apply paint to portions of the wall not readily amenable to access using the roller in the conventional up and down manner. This pivotal displacement of the head of the roller relative to the longitudinal axis of the shank may readily be effected by applying a light twisting action to the shank, the result being that the restoring force of the spring 8 is overcome and the shank and roller head take up the orientation shown in Figure 4. If this twisting action is terminated or the roller lifted slightly off the wall, the spring 8 exercises a gentle restoring force to bring the roller back smoothly into the right-angled rest disposition with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank 1.

The controlled and gentle gradated restoring force provided by the axially aligned tension spring 8 represents an important feature of the invention. The arrangement is such that the spring force can be overcome without great effort on the part of the user, while by the same token, on the termination of deflecting action by the user, the roller is restored to its normal disposition in an even and regulated manner without violent or abrupt movement or over-shooting. Such action - 13 is particularly desirable for a paint roller especially and is a direct result of the specific feature of the invention by virtue of which the spring force is exerted in the axial direction of the shank. It will be appreciated that while in the embodiments shown, this axially established force is provided by extension of a tension spring, extending between a bracket arm associated with the mounting member or portion of the head of the surface engaging implement and a fixed point spaced from the bracket arm along the shank, the particular arrangement described may be replaced by any other suitable axially operative spring means, including but not necessarily limited to, a compressive spring structure cooperating with a drive portion of camming capability.

Figure 5 shows an alternative construction of paint roller in accordance with the invention, in which the roller 22 is mounted in a cantilever manner at the end of a shank 21. In this instance, roller 22 is mounted on a cantilevered roller support 23, of generally J configuration, the J being twisted on to its side, so that the longer limb of the J defines roller shaft 24. The shorter arm of the J terminates in a cranked portion, the free end of which is engaged in shank 21 and defines the axis 6 about which the roller head is pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis of the shank 21. A lug extension 27 extends sideways from the cranked end of J support 23 in the longitudinal direction of the shank 21 in the same manner as the lug extension 7 of the embodiment of Figure 1, and is fixedly attached to the support end. The lower end of this extension 27 is connected by means of a lightly biased axially extending tension spring 28 to a spring retention point 29 on the shank 21. The spring 28 may be adjustable in tension by means of a plurality of connecting holes being provided in the lug extension or bracket portion 27, so that the extent of pre-stressing of the spring may be varied. The mechanical functioning of this embodiment of the invention is precisely similar to that already described for the embodiment of Figure 1, despite the cantilever roller mounting construction.

This embodiment includes however a further feature in the form of a shield 31, also illustrated in more detail in Figures 6 and 7, which is located at the free or cantilevered end of the paint roller, so as to enable the roller to be used right up to a corner or article or region which is not to be painted, without paint being transferred to that other article or region. As shown in these drawings, the shield 31 is defined by a generally semicircular plate portion, the straight edge of which runs along and engages a surface to be painted during application of paint. The shield 31 is rotatably mounted on the end of roller shaft 24 by means of a mounting structure 32 having a front plate 33 with a bore 34 passing therethrough which may be engaged over the free end of shaft 24. This free end shaft portion then extends through hole 34 to a slot 36 in a rear plate 35 of the mounting structure 32. Plates 33 and 35 are held spaced apart by means of springs 37, which exercise a torsional restoring force to bring plates 33 and 35 into alignment, when any sidewise or lateral relative displacement of these plates take place.

The advantage of this arrangement is first of all that shield 31 is rotatable about the roller shaft 24, so that the straight edge of the shield may be brought into appropriate alignment for protective action during application of paint by tipping the periphery of the plate against the wall. To further facilitate this, the periphery of the shield plate may be provided with frictional protuberances or like arrangements. The provision of the slot 36 in the rear mounting plate 35 also enables however, limited lateral displacement of the shield against the restoring force of the springs 37 to enable urging of the roller against the surface of a wall to bring about correct application of paint during use of the roller of the invention. The mounting arrangement defined by plates 33 and 35 also preferably incorporates a snap-action retention feature to hold the shield 31 axially on the roller shaft 24.

The facility for lateral displacement of the shield is further illustrated in the view of Figure 8, where the possible movement of the rear plate 34 upwardly and downwardly relative to the free end - 15 termination of the roller shaft 24 is designated by the double-headed arrow. This drawing also shows an intermediate plate 38 provided on the roller shaft 24 and outwardly biassed roller gripping bars 39 which surround the roller shaft 24 in the manner of a cage. The paint roller is pushed onto this cage form retaining structure in assembly of the unit, followed by the end shield plate.

Figure 9 shows an alternative surface engaging implement in accordance with the invention in the form of a window cleaning blade. As shown in Figure 9, this unit has a shank 41 and a blade 42. Blade 42 is provided with fixedly attached lugs 45 which define a bracket or mounting member to embrace and surround the end of the shank 41. The lugs 45 are connected to shank 41 by means of a pivot pin 46. At least one of the lugs 45 is provided with a lug extension 47, again connected by means of a tension spring 48 which extends axially to a spring mounting point 49 on the shank 41. This blade head structure provides for tilting displacement of the blade relative to the axis of the shank 41 against the biasing force of spring 48 in the same manner as described for the foregoing embodiment of the invention directed to paint rollers. Essentially the same advantages as already described for paint rollers are achieved in use of this window cleaning blade incorporating the features of the invention.

In substantially similar manner, the invention may also be applied to other products such as mops, brushes, brooms and in general any other implement having an element or head requiring to be applied to a substantially planar surface for cleaning purposes.

Figures 10 to 14 show a variety of different kinematic mechanisms which may substitute for the pivotal and tension spring biassed arrangements described in respect of Figures 1, 5 and 9. Adverting first to Figure 10, the fixed shank is designated diagrammatically by reference 51, while portions of the support structure which is rotatable relative to the shank are indicated by references 53. Support 53 is rotatable relative to shank 51 about axis or shaft 56. In this arrangement, the - 16 relative rotation of the support 53 is controlled by means of an arrangement comprising a pulley 57 mounted about axis 56. Springs 58 are each fixed at one end to shank 51 and have their other ends interconnected by a cable 59 which is brought around pulley 57. Accordingly rotation of pulley 57 is resisted by differential extension of the springs 58, thereby providing a restoring force tending to bring support 53 back into a disposition in which it is generally at right-angles to the axis of shank 51. Other similar embodiments may be provided with minor variations in the kinematic members of the mechanism shown. In particular, a toothed belt may substitute for the wire or cable 59 and the pulley 57 may in such an instance be replaced by a toothed wheel. Alternatively a chain and cog wheel type mechanism could also be employed.

In the kinematic variant of Figure 11, the shank and support are designated by references 61 and 63 respectively. Support 63 is pivotal relative to shank 61 about axis 66. Leaf spring 68 is fixedly secured at one end to shank 61 and has a free end engaged between lugs 69 mounted on a portion of rotatable support 63. If support 63 is pivoted out of its disposition at right-angles to the axis of the shank 61, a restoring force is thereby established by lateral deflection of the free end of leaf spring 68, where it is engaged between the lugs 69. The geometry of the mechanism may necessitate or be favoured by lugs 69 being floatingly mounted for limited pivotal movement relative to the portion of support 63 on which they are mounted. This particular construction of the mechanism of the invention also facilitates a kinematic inversion, in which the leaf spring is fixed to the support 63 and has its free end engaged between lugs 69 mounted on the shank 61.

Referring now to Figure 12, in this instance, the support member is provided with a crank portion indicated in diagrammatic form by reference 73. This crank 73 is mounted for pivotal displacement about axis 76 against the action of a compression spring 78 extending between the crank portion of the crank member 73 and a fixed position 71 associated with the shank. According as rotation of the support takes - 17 place, there is a pivoting movement of the crank and accordingly compression of spring 78, this thereby engendering an appropriate restoring force.

A variant of the mechanism of Figure 12 which operates in tension is shown in Figure 13. In this instance, the crank arm 73a rotates about axis 76a and rotation in this manner engenders a tension force in a spring 78a extending between the arm of the crank member and a fixed point 71a, representing a point of attachment of the tension spring to the shank axis.

Finally, in Figure 14, there is illustrated a cam-type compression spring arrangement, in which a cam 83 is associated with the support member to control rotation of the support member relative to the shank. The cam 83 rotates about axis 86 against the action of a compressive spring 88 mounted between the cam 83 and a fixed point 81 on the shank of the implement. The force transfer between this compressive spring and the camming surface of cam 83 takes place through a cam roller 87 which engages the surface of the cam 83. Force is transmitted to this cam roller from the spring 86 through a roller plate 89. It will be readily appreciated that rotation of cam 83 leads to increased compression of spring 88 and thereby to a restoring force being applied to the cam to bring it back again into a disposition in which the support member is substantially at right-angles to the axis of the shank.

Figure 15 is a side view of a big brush embodiment of the invention. In this construction a shank 101 is associated with a brush head 102 of substantial lateral or transverse dimensions, for example 600 mm or more, such as is used in cleaning up large public areas, for example the concourses of airports. Other examples of large cleaning implements of this general kind are large sweeping brushes for use in farmyards, stud farms, stables, factories, warehouses, manual roadsweeping, and other like situations. The brush head 102 is connected to the shank 101 by the pivot structure previously described and to be again explained - 18 below, but this pivot structure is in this instance incorporated in an arrangement having base plate 103 which is interchangeably secured to the brush head 102 by means of bolts 104. In this way, in the event of the fibres of the brush head wearing down or becoming unsuitable for further use, the mechanism of the invention may be readily attached to a new or replacement brush head, by undoing the bolts 104, removing the used head 102, and securing in place a fresh brush head. Thus this variant of the invention provides an independent mounting member for reception of the head or element, rather than the mounting member being defined by a portion of the head or element.

For convenience of use in basic operation, in which the brush head occupies its normal transverse disposition, the arrangement shown in Figure 15 also differs from those previously described in respect of paint rollers in that the upstanding lugs 105 which carry the pivot pin axis 106 are at an angle with respect to the base plate portion 103, rather than extending perpendicular to it. In this way, the brush provides the feel of a normal brush in basic use, while yet having the facility for sidewise operation afforded by the invention. The remaining features of the construction are as previously described, namely a lug extension 107 extending upwardly from one of the angled lugs 105, and a spring 108 interconnecting a spring attachment point on this lug extension 107 to a spring fixing point 109 on the shank 101. Operation of the invention in this embodiment is as previously described.

Figure 16 shows a scrubbing brush embodiment of the invention especially suited for deck use on ships. The arrangement shown is essentially identical with that of Figure 15 so far as technical features are concerned, and the same reference numerals are used with the addition of 20 in each case, to give references in the range 121 to 129. Two points may be emphasised. First of all, the base plate 123 is again interchangeably attachable to the scrubbing brush head 122 by means of screws or bolts 124. Thus again, there is provided in this construction of the mounting arrangement and surface engaging implement - 19 in accordance with the invention, an independent mounting member for receiving the head or surface engaging element, as distinct from previously described embodiments of the invention in which the mounting member is defined by a portion of the head or element. This feature is particularly advantageous so far as scrubbing brushes are concerned, because the rate of wear and consumption of brush heads is considerable. Secondly, the angle between the lugs 125 and the base plate portion 123 is relatively slight, so that these lugs extend upwardly almost at right-angles to the base plate portion 123, but not quite. Typically, the included angle with the base plate may be 80 to 85°. This arrangement provides for comfortable use of the scrubbing brush when in the transverse orientation, while yet facilitating vigorous scrubbing action when the longitudinal axis of the brush head is aligned with the direction of scrubbing motion in the manner provided by the invention.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a practical embodiment of window cleaning adaptation of the invention, incorporating certain further features over and above those illustrated schematically in Figure 9. Shank 131 is interconnected with blade head 132 by means of a blade mounting plate 133 which is connected to a generally V-shaped lug structure 135 by means of bolts 134. As will be seen in particular in the side view of Figure 18, the lugs are once again angled to provide for comfortable use of the blade when this is oriented in the transverse disposition. Apart from this, the remaining features of this embodiment of the invention are similar to those already described, namely a pivot axis 136, a lug extension portion 137 to which spring 138 is connected and a spring point 139 on the shank 131 to which the other end of the spring 138 from that connected to the lug extension 137 is affixed.

Figure 19 shows a plastering implement embodiment of the invention. The arrangement shown closely resembles that of Figure 16 so far as basic technical features are concerned, and certain of the reference numerals of Figure 16 are again used with the addition of the suffix a, while certain new features are identified by reference numerals in the 140 to - 20 149 range. The construction shown differs from the scrubbing brush embodiment of Figure 16 only in respect of the head arrangements. The head 142 consists of a base member 142a holding a blade implement 142b having flexible properties and a serrated edge 142c, indicated at the ends only of the operative edge of the flexible member 142b. The base 142a of the plastering blade is gripped by a member 143 between side edges 143a of member 143. The base member 142a is retained in position within the cheeks 143a by screws or bolts. An upper base region bridging the space between the sides 143a of the generally inverted U-shaped gripping member 143 is then bolted to the baseplate 123a of the pivot portion of the structure by screws or bolts 124a. An angled arrangement of the shank 121a with respect to the operative plane of the plastering blade 142b is again in question in this embodiment. Otherwise, the features of this configuration of the invention are essentially identical with those previously described in connection with others of the Figures of the drawing and in particular in respect of Figure 16.

In any or all of the embodiments previously illustrated, in particular those embodying a tension spring, an advantageous stop feature may be provided by an inextensible cord or string extending within the spring, for example within spring 8, between the point of attachment 9 on the shank 1 and the point of connection of the spring 8 to the lug extension or drive portion 7. In this way, a limit is placed on the degree of lateral pivoting, should this be necessary. This stop arrangement provides an neat and mechanically efficient constraint on lateral movement, without the complexities associated with camming or lug type side engagement for limitation of lateral rotation.

The window cleaning embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous for cleaning windows of shapes other than rectangular, in that by orienting the device so that the blade stands for example vertical when working from ground level, windows having top curvature can readily be cleaned using a blade, which is not easily the case for conventional constructions of wiping blade. In summary therefore, the - 21 invention provides a concept and system capable of application to a diversity of uses and enables numerous tasks in the coating or painting field and also in respect of cleansing activities to be tackled comfortably and conveniently in a way which has hitherto not been feasible.

Figures 20 to 24 show views of a further practical construction of paint roller mounting arrangement in accordance with the invention in top, side, bottom and two end views. The fundamental concept of the structure is identical with that shown in Figure 1, there being no deviation in operating principle from the arrangement of Figure 1.

As shown in these drawings, a mounting arrangement according to the invention for a surface engaging implement comprises a shank portion 201 on which is pivotably mounted a mounting bracket structure 205. The actual surface engaging element, such as a paint roller, is in turn mounted on bracket member 205 in the assembled construction of the implement according to the invention. In this way flexibility of the structure and the possibility of interchange of surface engaging elements or adaptation of the mounting arrangement to alternative uses is facilitated. The mounting bracket 205 is pivotable relative to the shank about a transverse axis defiend by a pin 206 extending across a diameter of the shank 201. The mounting bracket 205 has upper and lower lug portions which overlap in a fork type manner the end of the shank and through each of which the mounting pin 206 passes. Thus in the side view of Figure 21, the mounting bracket has a generally U-shaped configuration, the limbs of the U embracing and engaging the end of the shank through which the pivot pin 206 passes. The upper lug or limb 207 of the mounting bracket 205 is again extended on the opposite side of pivot axis 206 from that to which the surface engaging implement itself is to be located, and a spring 208 extends from an engaging point at the free end of this extended lug 207 to a spring engaging hook or other like mounting arrangement spaced along the shank 201 from the pivot axis 206. - 22 The lug structure 205 of the arrangement of Figures 20 to 24 is especially suited to being formed from a plastics material, to which for example a generally U-shaped roller support is attachable during an assembly operation by means of bolts or rivets passing through apertures or holes 211 in the end or base portion 212 of the lug member 205, which bridges the space between the upper lug 207 and lower lug 213 of member 205. The lug extension of the upper lug 207 is formed as an integral profiled region of the lug 207 itself. In an assembled implement embodying the invention, a suitable handle is engaged within the tubular socket portion 201 in spigot-like manner.

Figure 25 is an exploded pictorial representation of a further embodiment of mounting or lug member 225, again suitable for manufacture from a plastics material, the difference from the arrangement of Figures 20 to 24 being that the lower lug is dispensed with and mounting of the lug member 225 is by means of a pin 226 passing through the upper lug 207 only. All other features of the structure of the invention are in accordance with the principles already depicted and described in connection with, inter alia, Figure 1 and Figures 20 to 24, the reference numerals being in the same range as those of Figures 20 to 24, with the addition of twenty, and applying to the same features.

Figures 26 and 27 show in rear plan view a variant in the invention, in which means are provided for selectively locking a roller 252 or other surface-engaging element in a pivoted disposition, with the axis of the roller 252 or element edge at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle or shank 251. Alternatively, the surface-engaging element may be locked for limited displacement within a prescribed angular increment.

All of the features of the construction shown in Figures 26 and 27 are identical with those of Figure 1, so far as the pivotal mounting 256 of the paint roller 252 is concerned and the spring arrangements for applying to it a restoring force directed to placing it at right-angles - 23 to the axis of the shank. These latter arrangements are, in these drawings, located on the opposite side of the shank from that shown. In order to achieve the prescribed restraint on rotation, the lower lug 265 corresponding to lug 5 of Figure 1 is however in the present construction enlarged and extended to define a toothed sector plate substantially equating to a semicircle. This plate 265 is provided with a number of gear teeth or notches 266, 267 at intervals along its periphery. A sliding bolt or latch member 268 is provided on the shank 251, extending in the longitudinal direction of the shank 251 for limited axial displacement in the axial direction of the shank 251. Suitably, this longitudinal locking or bolt member 268 is mounted by means of studs or screws 269 passing through elongate slots 271 in a generally planar or arcuately profiled elongate bolt structure. The locking member or bolt 268 is held between the heads of these studs or screws 269 and the outer surface of the shank 251. In order to restrain the bolt 268 from unwanted displacement, a suitable level of frictional engagement between the bolt 268 and the surface of the shank 251 may be achieved by appropriate tightening of the securing studs or screws 269 so as to engender frictional engagement between the lower face of the bolt 268 and the underlying shank surface.

At the operative end of the bolt, a further stud 272 is shaped to extend from the bolt in a manner to engage a selected one of the various notches 266, 267 on the sector plate. At the opposite end of the bolt, a manually engageable upstand 273 is provided for operating the locking bolt 268. As shown in the drawings, the manually engageable end or upstand 273 of the locking bolt member 268 is located in the shank portion region 251. It will be appreciated however that for practical ease of use, the bolt member may be longitudinally extended to continue along the length of an extended shank or along a handle connected to the shank portion 251, to provide for ease of use by the upstand or gripping portion of the bolt member being then located at the operating end of the implement of the invention, where the handle or extended shank is held by the user. The bolt member of the shank portion may alternatively be couplingly associated with a - 24 separate axial shaft or rod extending along the handle from the shank portion to the user end, to provide the same facility of remotely-operable locking in a two-part or multi-part locking arrangement, as distinct from a unitary locking member, whether of short axial dimension at the shank end only, or of elongated axial configuration, extending along the length of the handle.

In Figure 26, the device in this embodiment is shown with the roller 252 locked at right-angles to the shank axis. In Figure 27, the head 252 has been released, rotated through approximately 45°, and again locked in position by means of stud 272 of the bolt 268 engaging in one of the notches, slots or gear teeth 266, 267 in the periphery of the sector plate 265.

As will be seen in both of these drawings, the sector plate 265 is provided with a series of circumferentially narrow slots 266 to one side, i.e. in a first quadrant of the generally semicircular plate, each of these serving to lock the roller 252 in essentially a fixed angular diposition relative to the shank axis. The other quadrant of the sector plate is provided with just two slots or notches 267 of relatively greater arcuate or circumferential extent, such that when the locking pin or stud 272 of the locking bolt 268 is located within one of these wider notches 267, the roller 252 retains limited circumferential or pivotal displaceability within an arc determined by the ends of this circumferentially extensive notch or slot 267. Thus by using this feature of the invention, the head 252 of the implement can be either locked in a fixed angular disposition or placed in a disposition in which it is available for limited angular displacement within a predetermined arcuate distance, by abutment of the stud 272 against the circumferential ends of an extended notch or gap 267.

These further features of the invention are of particular advantage in use of the invention in constrained or awkward locations.

Figure 28 shows a further variant of the embodiment of Figures 26 and 27, in which a cantilever paint roller support of the same general kind - 25 as already shown in earlier Figure 5 is used. Similar reference numerals apply as to Figure 5 and Figures 26 and 27, in the range from 301 to 323 respectively. As shown in this arrangement, the spring-biassing arrangement 307, 308, 309 for urging the roller into its normal or right-angle disposition is located on the underside of the shank 301, while the upper side, as shown in the drawing, is provided with an angular locking arrangement 315-319 and 321-323 similar to that of Figures 26 and 27. In this instance, the sector plate is however provided with a lesser number of notches 316, 317 than in the arrangement of Figures 26 and 27, and in particular only one wide slot 317 is provided, within which the roller is free to pivot between quite widely spaced angular limits. In this variant, the spring lug member 307 and the sector plate 315 are secured together to define an integral structure by pins of a pivot member or pin passing through shank 301 on the axis 306.

Finally, Figure 29 shows yet a further variant of the invention in which the roller 332 may be mounted in a manner so as to provide the advantages of the cantilevered construction, so far as roller entry into corners and the like is concerned, with better support for the roller than is available with a fully cantilevered roller shaft arrangement. As shown in this drawing, the lefthand end of the paint roller support structure 333 is the same as in original Figures 1 et al of earlier drawings of this application. The righthand end of the support structure 333 is however truncated, so that the righthand end of the paint roller 332 extends in cantilever manner for ease of entry to corners and the like. However, a further upright member 341 of structure 333 is provided, extending to the roller axis substantially in line with one end of the lug member 335 to which structure 333 is secured, this mounting arm 341 being the form of a narrow plate form support, substantially resembling a blade as to thickness, which is substantially surrounded or embraced in use by the fibrous material of the paint roller 332. Thus a substantially continuous paint roller surface is available on the peripheral or circumferential operating face of the roller 332, while a cantilevered portion 332a is also - 26 available for access to corners and other awkward locations.

This variant of the invention may be employed with any of the various adaptations of the invention already described in respect of limited pivoting and and/or locking in any prescribed angular disposition.

Claims (5)

1. A mounting arrangement for a surface engaging implement, the mounting arrangement comprising a mounting member and a generally elongate shank portion, the mounting member being pivotably mountable on the shank and being configured to receive or define a portion of a generally elongate surface engaging element, and the mounting arrangement further comprising resilient means for urging the mounting member into an orientation in which the elongate direction of said surface engaging element received or defined by said mounting member is substantially transverse to the axis of said shank portion, said resilient means being axially operative in the longitudinal direction of said shank portion between a location on the shank portion and a drive portion of said mounting member.

2. A mounting arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein said resilient means comprises a tension spring, one end of which is affixed to said shank portion and the other end of which is operatingly associated with said mounting member at a location disposed on the opposite side of the axis of pivoting of the mounting member relative to the shank portion from a region of said mounting member receiving or defining said portion of said generally elongate surface engaging element, said tension spring being substantially axially aligned with the shank portion in said orientation of the mounting member in which the elongate direction of said surface engaging element received or defined by said mounting member is substantially transverse to the axis of said shank portion.

3. A mounting arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising means for locking said mounting member in a selected pivoted disposition relative to said shank portion, or for limited pivoting relative to said shank portion within defined circumferential limits.

4. A surface engaging implement comprising a mounting arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein said mounting member comprises a portion of a surface engaging element.

5. A surface engaging implement according to Claim 4 or comprising a mounting arrangement according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface engaging element is a paint roller, a squeegee, a mop, a brush, a broom, a floor sponge, a moisturiser, or a like unit.