Patent Publication Number: US-2020275766-A1

Title: Broom with modular head

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/811,803 filed Feb. 28, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a tool for cleaning surfaces such as a floor, and in particular to a cleaning tool such as a broom that has a modular element allowing the broom to be configured during manufacturing or by the end user. 
     Cleaning tools such as brooms, typically include bristles that are used to sweep or gather up debris from the floor. These brooms are fixed in size and configuration, resulting in dedicated manufacturing lines and increased inventory. Further, it has been found that different types of bristles are suited for cleaning different types of debris. Existing brooms are limited to two different types of bristles. Thus, a user may have to have several different types of brooms depending on the type of environment being cleaned. 
     Accordingly, while existing brooms are suitable for their intended purposes the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a broom having the features described herein. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure a tool for cleaning a surface is provided. The tool includes a pole and a head member coupled to an end of the pole. A first plurality of bristles extend from a side of the head member opposite the pole. An extension member is separately coupled to an end of the head member. A second plurality of bristles extends from a side of the first extension member and positioned adjacent the first plurality of bristles, the second plurality of bristles including a first portion of bristles that extend on a first angle relative to an end surface of the extension member in a direction away from the pole. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first angle is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 90 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first angle is less than 90 and greater than zero. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first portion of bristles each have a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the extension member and the distal end being positioned farther from the pole than the end surface of the extension surface. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the second plurality of bristles include a second portion of bristles extend on a second angle relative to a front side surface of the extension member and a third portion of bristles that extend on a third angle relative to a rear surface of the extension member. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first plurality of bristles includes a plurality of periphery bristles and a plurality of center bristles, the center bristles being different than the periphery bristles. Further, the second plurality of bristles further includes a second portion of bristles, the second portion of bristles being different than the first portion of bristles, the periphery bristles and the center bristles. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the second portion of bristles have a different material, diameter, bristle shape, straight or crimped, flagged or unflagged, or stiffness than the first portion of bristles, the periphery bristles and the center bristles. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first portion of bristles is different than the second portion of bristles, the periphery bristles and the center bristles. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of cleaning a floor with a tool is provided. The method includes providing a head member coupled to a pole, the head member having a first plurality of bristles extending from a side opposite the pole. An extension member is provided, the extension member having a second plurality of bristles extending from a side of the first extension member and positioned adjacent the first plurality of bristles, the second plurality of bristles including a first portion of bristles that extend on a first angle relative to an end surface of the extension member in a direction away from the pole. An extension member is coupled to an end of a head member, the head member being coupled to an end of a pole. At least a portion of the first plurality of bristles and the second plurality of bristles are placed on the floor. At least a portion of the first plurality of bristles and the second plurality of bristles are moved across the floor. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the extension member is selected from a plurality of extension members. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, at least one of the plurality of extension members is longer than the selected extension member. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, each of the plurality of extension members includes at least one of different bristle types, combinations of bristle types, bristles of different lengths, or bristle angles. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first angle is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 90 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first angle is less than 90 and greater than 0. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first plurality of bristles includes a plurality of periphery bristles and a plurality of center bristles, the center bristles being different than the periphery bristles; and the second plurality of bristles further includes a second portion of bristles, the second portion of bristles being different than the first portion of bristles, the periphery bristles and the center bristles. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure a tool for cleaning a surface is provided. The tool includes a pole and a head member coupled to an end of the pole. A first plurality of bristles extends from a side of the head member opposite the pole. A first extension member is removably coupled to a first end of the head member, the first extension member having a second plurality of bristles extending from a side of the first extension member and positioned adjacent the first plurality of bristles, the second plurality of bristles including a first portion of bristles that extend on a first angle relative to an end surface of the extension member in a direction away from the pole. A second extension member is removably coupled to a second end of the head member, the second end being opposite the first end, the second extension member having a third plurality of bristles extending from a side of the second extension member and positioned adjacent the first plurality of bristles, the third plurality of bristles including a second portion of bristles that extend on a second angle relative to an end surface of the extension member in a direction away from the pole. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, a third extension member is configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first end or second end of the head member, the third extension member having a fourth plurality of bristles extending from a side of the third extension member. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the third extension member is longer than the first extension member and second extension member. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the fourth plurality of bristles has at least one of different bristle types, combinations of bristle types, bristles of different lengths, or bristle angles than the second plurality of bristles and the third plurality of bristles. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the second plurality of bristles has a first characteristic, the third plurality of bristles has a second characteristic, the fourth plurality of bristles has a third characteristic, the third characteristic being different than the first characteristic or second characteristic. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the third characteristic is selected from a group consisting of a bristle diameter, a bristle shape, a flagged/unflagged bristle, a straight/crimped bristle, stiffness, and material. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the third characteristic is the bristle shape, the bristle shape being selected from a group consisting of round, triangular, quadrilobal, and rectangular. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the third characteristic is the bristle material, the material being selected from a group consisting of polymer, natural fiber, metal, composite, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polytetrafluoroethylene, boar hair, horse hair, Tampico fiber, Palmetto fiber, brass, steel, and carbon fiber. 
     These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a broom according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the broom of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the broom of  FIG. 1 , the opposite side being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the broom of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the broom of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partially unassembled view of the broom of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the head portion of the broom of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a center head member for the broom of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a front view of the center head member of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIGS. 8C and 8D  are bottom views of the center head member of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8E  is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the center head member of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are partial unassembled perspective views of the head member of the broom of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a partial front view of the head member of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9D  is a partial bottom view of the head member of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9E  is a front view of the head member assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9F  is a side view of the head member assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9G  is a partial front view of a head member assembly in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 9H  is a partial sectional view of the head assembly of  FIG. 9E ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a broom in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the broom of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the broom of  FIG. 10 , the opposite side being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the broom of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the broom of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an partially unassembled view of the broom of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged view of the head portion of the broom of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a first partial unassembled perspective view of the head portion of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a second partial unassembled perspective view of the head portion of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial unassembled front view of the head portion of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial unassembled bottom view of the head portion of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 21A  is an illustration of a bristle bundle with straight bristles; and 
         FIG. 21B  is an illustration of a bristle bundle with crimped bristles. 
     
    
    
     The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a broom for cleaning a floor where the broom head includes a modular head member. The modular head member provides a number of advantages in allowing the broom head member to be configured for different cleaning environments by having cleaning elements or bristles with different properties to be combined. The modular head member further provides manufacturing improvements allowing the fabrication of brooms for different cleaning environments in a cost effective and efficient manner. Still further embodiments include a broom that provides the user with an interchangeable end modules for different cleaning environments. Still further embodiments include bristles that extend beyond an end of the broom head to facility cleaning along walls or other vertical surfaces. Still further embodiments include a plurality of bristle types, such as three or more bristle types that facilitate different cleaning environments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 - FIG. 7 , an embodiment is shown of a cleaning tool or broom  100 . The broom  100  includes a pole or handle  102  having a grip member  104  on one end. The handle  102  may be made from any suitable material, such as aluminum, fiberglass, or wood for example. Coupled to the handle  102  on an opposite end from the grip  104  is a head member assembly  106 . The head member assembly  106  includes a center head member  108 , and a pair of separately couplable end modules  110 ,  112 . The center head member  108  and the end modules  110 ,  112  each have cleaning elements or bristles  114 . As will be described in more detail herein, in some embodiments the bristles  114  may be formed from a plurality of bristle types, such a 2, 3, 4 or more bristle types that are of different stiffness, diameter, bristle shape, flagged or unflagged, straight or crimped, material or a combination of the foregoing. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the bristles on the center head member  108  and the end modules  110 ,  112  may be the same. 
     It should be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiment shows a single cleaning element, this is for clarity purposes and the claims should not be so limited. The illustrated cleaning elements or bristles may be comprised of a plurality of cleaning element or bristles that are bundled or grouped together into individual bristle elements. The bristles could be straight ( FIG. 21A ) or crimped ( FIG. 21B ). In an embodiment, the bristles may have a diameter between less than 0.05 mm to more than 1.2 mm, and in an embodiment between 0.2 to 1 mm. Further, while embodiments herein refer to the bristle as having a diameter, it is contemplated that the bristle may have other shapes, such as but not limited to round, triangular, quadrilobal, or rectangular for example. Further, the bristles may be flagged (e.g. having ends split) or unflagged. 
     Bristles may be made from a suitable material, such as but not limited to plastic/polymer materials, natural fibers, metals, or composites for example. In an embodiment, the bristles may be made from one or more of polyester, polypropylene, nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polytetrafluoroethylene, boar hairs, horse hair, Tampico fiber, Palmetto fiber, brass, steel, or carbon fibers for example. The bristles may further include additives to increase abrasiveness or to dissipate static electricity, such as but not limited to aluminum oxide. 
     In an embodiment, the handle  102  is coupled to the center head member  108  by a bracket  116 . The bracket  116  may be shaped to fit over a raised portion  118  ( FIG. 7 ) on the center head member  108 . The bracket  116  may be coupled to the raised portion  118  by a fastener  138 . In an embodiment, the raised portion  118  includes a pair of angled holes  122 ,  124  that are disposed on a fixed predetermined angle, such as 40 degrees to 45 degrees from the surface being cleaned. In another embodiment, the holes  122 ,  124  are on an angle of 30 degrees to 50 degrees. In an embodiment, the bracket  120  includes a cylindrical projection  126  having a hole  128  that extends therethrough. The hole  128  is sized and positioned to be coaxial with the holes  122 ,  124 . The holes  122 ,  124 ,  128  are sized to receive the end of the handle  102 . It should be appreciated that the bracket  120  is removably coupled to the raised portion  118  to allow the user to switch from using hole  124  to hole  122 . This provides advantages in extending the life of the broom as the bristles may get deformed due to use in a single direction. To accommodate this, the end user can change the hole position and use the broom in an opposite direction. 
     In an embodiment, the handle  102  may be further coupled to the center head portion  108  via a bracket  130  having a pair of arms  132 ,  134 . The bracket  130  includes a hole  136  that is sized to receive the handle  102 . When the bracket  130  is coupled to the center head member  108 , the hole  136  is aligned coaxial with the hole  128  and one of the holes  122 ,  124 . Ends of the arms  132 ,  134  may be coupled to the center head member  108  and/or the end modules  110 ,  112  by a fastener, such as screws  138  that extend through the arms  132 ,  134 , center head member  108  and end modules  110 ,  112 . In an embodiment, the screws  138  may engage a corresponding threaded insert in the end modules  110 ,  112 . In an embodiment, the handle  102  may be coupled to the bracket  120  by fasteners such as screws, by threading directly into the center head member, with nuts, or molding in inserts for example. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8C , an embodiment is shown of the center head member  108 . The center head member  108  includes a body  140  having a top side  142 . The top side  142  may include recesses and ribs and other structural and/or aesthetic elements for example. In an embodiment, the front side  144  and rear side  146  are curved. Extending from each end  148 ,  150  is a tongue member  152 ,  154 . Each tongue  152 ,  154  includes a projection  156 ,  158 . In an embodiment, the projection  156 ,  158  define an optional slot  160 ,  162  that is sized to receive the ends of the arms  132 ,  134 . In an embodiment, the projection  156 ,  158  defines a flange  164 ,  166  that extends about the periphery of the tongue  152 ,  154 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flange  164 ,  166  is sized to fit within a slot  168  ( FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9H ) in the end modules  110 ,  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue  152 ,  154  also includes a pair of parallel ribs  170 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  that extend from a bottom side  178 ,  180 . The ribs  170 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  are sized to fit in slots  182 ,  184 . In an embodiment, the tongue  152 ,  154  includes a second projection  152 ,  154  that is sized to be received in a recess  186  ( FIG. 9A ) in the end module  110 ,  112 . In an embodiment, the bottom side  178 ,  180  further includes a tab  181 ,  183  sized and positioned to receive a recess  185  on the end modules  110 ,  112 . In an embodiment, the tab  181 ,  183  and recess  185  cooperate as a snap fit to hold the end modules  110 ,  112  on the center head member  108 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the center head portion includes a plurality of rows of bristles  188 . As will be discussed in more detail herein, the bristles  188  may be arranged on an angle relative to an axis or first centerline  190  ( FIG. 4 ) and/or a second centerline  192 . The first centerline  190  defining a plane that extends through the handle  102  and the head member assembly  106  (e.g. substantially perpendicular to the surface being cleaned). The second center line defining a plane that extends through the middle of the center head member  108  (e.g. substantially perpendicular to the surface being cleaned and the first plane passing through the axis  190 , the first plane extending into/out-of the page in the view of  FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, one or more of the rows of bristles  188  may have separate groups of bristles that are coupled on one end to the body  140 . Each of the separate groups of bristles may be disposed on a different angle relative to one or both of planes passing through centerlines  190 ,  192 . The plane passing through centerline  192  extends into/out-of the page in the view of  FIG. 4  In an embodiment, the angle of the bristles relative to the plane  190  increases as the bristles are positioned farther from the plane  190 . In an embodiment the bristles  188  is comprised of seven rows of bristles, with bristle rows  189 A,  189 B,  189 C being on one side of the plane  192  and bristle rows  189 D,  189 E,  189 F being on an opposite side of the plane  192 . In an embodiment, the bristle rows  189 A,  189 B,  189 C are symmetrical about the plane  192  with the bristle rows  189 D,  189 E,  189 F. In an embodiment, the center bristle row  189 G is disposed on the plane  192 . 
     In an embodiment, each of the bristle rows  189 A- 189 F is disposed on a different angle relative to the adjacent rows of bristles. In an embodiment, the bristle angles of adjacent rows are inverted relative to the plane  190  to provide a crisscrossing pattern when viewed from the front ( FIG. 8B ). In an embodiment, a distal end  194 ,  196  of the bristles in the bristle rows  189 A,  189 D extends beyond the front side  144  and rear side  146  respectively. It should be appreciated that this allows the user to clean areas with the bristle rows  189 A,  189 D without interference from the central head member  108 . Including cleaning in corners using the long side of the brush and dragging in along the edge. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8D , an embodiment of the center head member  108  is shown. In this embodiment, the bristle rows  189 A,  189 D for a first portion of bristles  196  having a first bristle characteristic, and the bristle rows  189 B,  189 C,  189 E,  189 F,  189 G form a second portion of bristles having a second bristle characteristic. The bristle characteristic may be one or more of the bristle diameter, bristle shape, flagged/unflagged, straight/crimped, stiffness, material, flagged/unflagged, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the first bristle characteristic is different than the second bristle characteristic. It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to the center head member  108  as having one or two different bristle characteristics, this is for example purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the center head member  108  may include 3, 4, 5 or more different types of bristles with different bristle characteristics. Further, it is contemplated that each bristle bundle may include different bristle types having different bristle characteristics. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8E , an embodiment is shown of the center head member  108 . In this embodiment, the proximate end (the end at the bottom side of the body  140 ) of each of the rows of bristles  189 A- 189 C are offset relative to the adjacent bristle in the rows  189 A- 189 C. Similarly the proximate end of the each of the rows of bristles  189 D′- 189 F′ are offset relative the adjacent bristles in rows  189 D′- 189 F′. For example, the bristle  189 D′ is offset from the plane  190  by a distance D 1 , the bristle  189 F′ is offset from the plane  190  a distance D 2 , and the bristle  189 E′ is offset from the plane  190  a distance D 3 . Where D 3 &gt;D 2 &gt;D 1 . In an embodiment, the bristles within a given row  189 A- 189 G are equally spaced apart along the length of the row. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B , an embodiment is shown of the end module  112 . It should be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiments only shown the end module  112 , the end module  110  is constructed in the same manner. The end module  112  includes a body  200  having a top surface  202 , a bottom surface  204 , an end surface  206 , a front surface  208 , and a rear surface  210 . The recesses  163 ,  186  are formed in the top surface  202 . As discussed herein, when the end module  112  is assembled onto the tongue  154 , the flange  166  is received within the slot  168  and the ribs  174 ,  176  are received within the slots  182 ,  184 . The end module  112  is slid on the tongue  154  until the tab  183  is slid into the recess  185 . In an embodiment, the engagement of the tab  183  into the recess  185  provides a first coupling of the end module  112  to the center head member  108  and also aligns an opening  212  in the recess  186  with an opening  214  in the optional slot  162 . This allows the fastener  138  to be inserted to secure the end module  112  to the center head member  108 . In an embodiment, a threaded insert is disposed within the end module opening  212  that is sized to receive and couple with the fastener  138 . In other embodiments, the fastener  138  is omitted and the end module  112  is coupled to the center head member  108  by the snap fit of the tab  183  with the recess  185 . In some embodiments, the end module  112  is configured to be easily removed from the center head member  108  to allow the interchanging of different end modules  112 . In other embodiments, the end modules  110 ,  112  may be fastened to the center head module  108  using other fastening means, such as but not limited to a press fit, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding, or a combination of the foregoing. Different end modules  112  may have different bristles, different combinations of bristles, bristles having different lengths or disposed on different angles, a different length module (e.g. to make the broom  100  wider), or a combination of the foregoing. Thus, the user may select an end module  112  from a plurality of end modules, each of which is suitable for a different cleaning task or environment. 
     In an embodiment, the body  200  may further include an angled surface  216  ( FIG. 9C ) disposed between the sides  206 ,  208 ,  210  and the bottom surface  204 . The angled surface  216  provides a surface for the bristles, such as a row of bristles  218 A for example, to extend out at an angle relative to the sides  206 ,  208 ,  210 . Further, in some embodiments, the thickness “TB” of the body  140  is less than the thickness “TE” of the end module  112 . This allows for the forming of holes on an angle in the body  200  to allow the bristles of the end module  112  to extend past the side  206 ,  208 ,  210 . While giving enough depth for the bristles to be held/supported in the center head member/end module and held with a staple. It should be appreciated that the bristles may also be coupled to the center head member or end modules using other fastening means, such as but not limited to adhesive bonding or ultrasonic welding for example. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9D , an embodiment is shown of the plurality bristles extending from the bottom surface  204  of the end module  112 . In an embodiment, the bristles are comprised of a plurality of rows  218 A- 218 K, Bristle rows  218 A- 218 D are disposed on one side of the plane  192 , while bristle rows  218 H- 218 K are disposed symmetrically on an opposite side of the plane  192 . The center of bristle row  218 E is disposed substantially co-planar with the plane  192 . The bristle rows  218 E,  21 F extend on angles away from the plane  190  adjacent the end surface  206 . It should be appreciated that other bristle row patterns are contemplated. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the bristle rows  218 A- 218 D,  218 H- 218 K are arranged on an angle relative to the plane  192 , with the distal end of each bristle being further away from the plane  192  than the proximate end (e.g. the end adjacent the surface  204 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the distal ends of the bristle rows  218 A,  218 B,  218 H,  218 I extend beyond the sides  208 ,  210  respectively. It should be appreciated that at least some of the bristles  218 A- 218 D,  218 H- 218 K may further be on an angle relative to the plane  190 . In an embodiment, the distal ends of bristle rows  218 A,  218 B, and bristle rows  218 H,  218 I are disposed on an angle A 1  ( FIG. 9F ) such that the distal ends of bristles  218 A,  218 B,  218 H,  218 I extend beyond the front surface  208  and the rear surface  210 . In other words, the horizontal or perpendicular distance D 4 , D 4 ′ to the distal end is greater than the horizontal or perpendicular distance D 5  to the surfaces  208 ,  210 . In an embodiment, the distance D 4  is different than the distance D 4 ′. In an embodiment, the distance D 4  is between 0.7 to 4 inches, the distance D 5  is between 0.75 to 2 inches, while the angle A 1  is between 130-160 degrees. In another embodiment the angle A 1  is 90 to 180 degrees, 
     Similarly, the bristle rows  218 E,  21 F are disposed on an angle relative to the plane  190  such that the distal ends of the bristle rows  218 E,  218 F are on an angle A 2  ( FIG. 9E ) in one embodiment A 2  is between 130 to 160 degrees and in another embodiment 90 to 180 degrees to extend beyond the end surface  206 . In other words, the perpendicular or horizontal distance D 6  from the plane  190  to the end surface  206  is less than the perpendicular or horizontal distance D 7  from the plane  190  to the distal end of the bristle rows  218 E,  218 F. In an embodiment, the distal ends of bristle row  218 F are trimmed on an angle to be substantially parallel to the plane  190 . In one embodiment the distance D 6  is between 6 to 18 inches. In one embodiment the distance D 7  is between 5.5 to 22 inches. 
     It should be appreciated that the angling or flaring of the bristles outward relative to the surfaces  206 ,  208 ,  210  provides advantages in facilitating the cleaning of corners, such as at the intersection of a wall and a floor for example. 
     In an embodiment, the bristle rows  218 A,  218 B,  218 F,  218 H,  218 G form a third portion of bristles  220  having a third bristle characteristic, and the bristle rows  218 C,  218 D,  218 E,  218 J,  218 K form a fourth portion of bristles  222  having a fourth bristle characteristic. The bristle characteristic may be one or more of the bristle diameter, stiffness, flagged/unflagged, straight/crimped, material or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the third bristle characteristic is different than the fourth bristle characteristic. In an embodiment, the third bristle characteristic is the same as the first bristle characteristic, and the fourth bristle characteristic is the same as the second bristle characteristic. In still another embodiment, each of the first bristle characteristic, the second bristle characteristic, the third bristle characteristic, and the fourth bristle characteristic are different from each other (e.g. four different bristle types). It should be appreciated that the bristle portions  196 ,  189 ,  220 ,  222  may be further divided into sub-portions with different characteristics. For example, the bristle rows  218 F,  218 G may be a distinct bristle portion for bristle rows  218 A,  21 B. It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to the bristle rows  218 A- 218 L as having one or two different bristle characteristics, this is for example purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the bristles coupled to the end modules may include 3, 4, 5 or more different types of bristles with different bristle characteristics. Further, it is contemplated that each bristle bundle may include different bristle types having different bristle characteristics. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9G , an embodiment is shown wherein the bristles extend on to the end surface  206  of end modules  210 ,  212 . In this embodiment, the end module  212  may include one or more rows  224  that extend in a direction away from the plane  190 . Thus, the head member assembly  106  may include bristles on a plurality of angles A 1 , A 2 , A 3  ( FIG. 9G ) relative to the plane  190  from 90 degrees (e.g. perpendicular to the plane  190 ) and zero degrees (e.g. parallel to the plane  190 ) inclusive. Further, the bristles may be on a plurality of angles relative to the plane  192  from 90 degrees (e.g. perpendicular to the plane  192 ) to zero degrees (e.g. parallel to the plane  192 ) inclusive. In an embodiment, the angles A 1 , A 2 , A 3  may be less than 90 degrees and greater than zero degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-18 , another embodiment of a cleaning tool or broom  300 . The broom  300  includes a pole or handle  302  having a grip  304  on one end. In an embodiment, the handle  302  may be the pole described in concurrently filed U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/811,822 entitled Ergonomic Pole, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, a second grip member  305  is coupled to the handle  302  offset a predetermined distance from the grip  304 . The second grip member  305  may be fixed or movable by the user along the length of the handle  302 . Coupled to the handle  302  on an end opposite the grip  304  is a head member assembly  306 . In an embodiment, the handle  302  includes a threaded end  303  ( FIG. 15 ) that couples with a threaded opening  328  in a cylindrical projection  326  that extends from the top side of a central head member  308 . In an embodiment, the cylindrical projection  326  is integrally molded into the central head member  308 . In another embodiment, the cylindrical projection may formed in a bracket that is coupled to the central head member. Slidably or releasably coupled to the central head member  308  are a pair of opposing end modules  310 ,  312 . Extending from a side of the central head member  308  and end modules  310 ,  312  are a plurality of cleaning elements or bristles  314 . 
     In an embodiment, the end modules  310 ,  312  are coupled to the central head member  308  by fasteners  338 . In an embodiment, the fasteners  338  are inserted through the bottom surface of the end module  310 ,  312 . 
     In an embodiment, the center head member  308  includes a pair of tongues  352 ,  354 . The tongues  352 ,  354  are generally planar and include a pair of ribs  374 ,  376  disposed on a bottom side of the tongue  354  (e.g. adjacent the bristles  314 ). The tongue  354  is sized to fit in a slot  363 . The slot  363  further includes a pair of slots  382 ,  384  that are sized and positioned to receive the ribs  374 ,  376 . When the end module  312  is fully inserted, the opening the opening  314  in tongue  354  is aligned with the opening  312  allowing the fastener  338  to be inserted and couple the end module  312  to central head member  308 . In other embodiments, the end module may be coupled to the center head member by other fastening means, such as but not limited to a bolt or screw with a threaded insert, snap-fit, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding or a rivet for example. It should be appreciated that while the end module  312  and tongue  354  are described herein, the end module  310  and tongue  352  are the constructed in the same manner. 
     Similar to the broom  100 , the central head member  308  includes a plurality of bristles  388  that are arranged in a plurality of rows. In an embodiment, the bristles  388  may be arranged in the same manner as the bristles  188 . The bristles  388  may be comprised of a portion  396  of bristles having a first bristle characteristic and a second portion  398  of bristles having a second bristle characteristic. In an embodiment, the first bristle characteristic is different than the second bristle characteristic. In another embodiment, the first bristle characteristic is the same as the second bristle characteristic. It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to the bristle  388  as having one or two different bristle characteristics, this is for example purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the bristles  388  coupled to the center head member may include 3, 4, 5 or more different types of bristles with different bristle characteristics. Further, it is contemplated that each bristle bundle may include different bristle types having different bristle characteristics. 
     The end modules  310 ,  312  each include a plurality of bristles  418 . In an embodiment, the bristles  418  are configured the same as the bristles of end module  112 . The bristles  418  are arranged in a plurality of rows. In an embodiment, the rows may be comprised of a third portion of bristles having a third bristle characteristic and a fourth portion of bristles having a fourth bristle characteristic. In an embodiment, the third bristle characteristic is different than the fourth bristle characteristic. In another embodiment, the third bristle characteristic is the same as the fourth bristle characteristic. In an embodiment, the first bristle characteristic, the second bristle characteristic, the third bristle characteristic, and the fourth bristle characteristic are all different. It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to the bristles  418  as having one or two different bristle characteristics, this is for example purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the bristles  418  coupled to the end modules may include 3, 4, 5 or more different types of bristles with different bristle characteristics. Further, it is contemplated that each bristle bundle may include different bristle types having different bristle characteristics. 
     In an embodiment, the bristles  388  and the bristles  418  may be configured the same as broom  10  with the bristles in the rows on the periphery each extend on an angle such that each distal end extends beyond the front, rear and end surfaces of the central head member  308  and end modules  310 ,  312 . As discussed herein, this provides advantages in facilitating the cleaning of corners, such as the base of a wall for example. 
     It should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” “lower,” “front,” and “rear,” and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to modify the elements unless specifically stated. The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof. 
     While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.