TOOL FOR REMOVING BRISTLES

Description

1 / 10 “TOOL FOR REMOVING BRISTLES” Field of Invention

[001] The present invention relates to a tool for removing broom bristles applied to ballast regulators, aiming to ensure greater productivity, ergonomics and safety in this activity. Background of the Invention

[002] Ballast regulators are equipment designed for continuous operation, allowing the movement of large quantities of bulk material in a short period. Such equipment has wide application in the mining area, with an important role in this sector due to the need to perform maintenance on the permanent way.

[003] Generally, regulating machines are composed, in short, of plows and vanes that direct the material in the ballast, channeling excess and imbalances through a belt and finalizing the process with sweeping, performed by the broom component. However, due to the continuous use of this equipment, the brooms show significant wear, especially their bristles, requiring constant maintenance and replacements to ensure their proper functioning.

[004] Such maintenance consists, for the most part, of removing damaged bristles by means of a cutting object such as, for example, a utility knife, and spatulas to force the removal of the bristles in relation to the central axis, resulting in excessive and repetitive effort on the part of the employee.

[005] Thus, the difficulty encountered in maintaining brooms by replacing their bristles has motivated the search for techniques that enable the optimization of the maintenance procedure, in order to make it safe and productive.

[006] In the state of the art, devices are known for removing components in a way that avoids excessive effort by employees, such as the one disclosed in document CN112276867A. This device consists of a Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 18 / 34 2 / 10 sleeper staple remover comprising, in summary, a support tube, a piston, a piston rod, a spring and a claw.

[007] Thus, when in use, the claw is attached to the railway clip and the piston is activated, causing the spring to contract and the piston rod to pull the claw upwards, removing the clip from the sleeper. However, this device is not configured to remove ballast regulator bristles, being specifically applied for the removal of sleeper clips, and does not have any type of support that allows the use or application of the device in a horizontal position.

[008] Also in the state of the art is the device disclosed in CN202162388U which has an extractor comprising a base, an adjustment screw, a claw and a fixing screw. When in use, the claw is adjusted by means of the adjustment screw, allowing the opening / closing of the claw according to the size of the equipment and the extraction is performed.

[009] However, although the device has an extraction tool, it is applied to lathes, not to ballast regulator brooms, and it also lacks a support base that allows the equipment to be used safely in a horizontal position.

[010] Also in the state of the art, there is the device disclosed in CN117481452A which presents a bristle suction device comprising, in summary, an extraction tube, a head, a transport rod fitted with a thrust part, bristle bundles and a positioning hole.

[011] The operation of the suction device is based on a control device that pulls the transport rod out of the extraction tube so that the bristle bundles, located in the positioning hole, are sucked into the extraction tube, removing the bristle bundles.

[012] Although the device features a bristle suction mechanism that allows for the extraction of bristles, it is also used for removing bristles from toothbrushes, Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 19 / 34 3 / 10 not applicable to removing bristles from ballast regulator brooms and not having a sliding support base.

[013] Thus, there is no tool in the state of the art for removing bristles that allows the maintenance of ballast regulator brooms, presenting a simple and low-cost constructive configuration, guaranteeing the productivity and safety of the operation. Objectives of the Invention

[014] The present invention aims to provide a tool for removing bristles in a practical and ergonomic way, revealing a sliding support base that allows the proper movement and positioning of the tool for removing the bristles.

[015] The present invention also aims to provide a bristle removal tool that ensures productivity in broom maintenance by means of a specific claw for removing the broom bristles.

[016] Finally, the present invention also aims to provide a tool for removing bristles that ensures a simple and low-cost construction configuration, presenting ease of manufacture and use. Brief Description of the Drawings

[017] The present invention is described in detail based on the respective figures:

[018] Figure 1 - shows a perspective view of the bristle removal tool of the present invention.

[019] Figure 2 - shows a side view of the bristle removal tool of the present invention.

[020] Figure 3 - shows a top view of the bristle removal tool of the present invention.

[021] Figure 4 - shows a perspective view of the glove of the bristle removal tool of the present invention. Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 20 / 34 4 / 10

[022] Figure 5 - shows a side view of the threaded shaft and sleeve assembly on the bristle removal tool of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[023] The preferred embodiment of the present invention describes a bristle-pulling tool comprising a bristle holder consisting of a hollow tubular structure, having at least one lateral slot and at least one upper opening; a claw associated with the bristle holder by means of a central axis and configured to move within the defined spaces of the lateral slot and the upper opening, the claw consisting of an articulated structure composed of interconnected pivoting bars to allow the bristles to be pulled into the front part of the bristle holder; and a drive tool to be associated with the central axis by means of the rear part of the bristle holder and configured to actuate and move the claw.

[024] The bristle holder is fixed to a support by means of at least one fixing screw, so as to allow pivoting movement in the vertical direction when the bristle removal tool is supported by the support.

[025] The bristle holder has a handle located near its upper rear portion, designed to assist in moving the tool to remove bristles.

[026] The side slot consists of a thin, rectangular opening, located on the side of the bristle holder, responsible for allowing the claw to contract during bristle extraction and the claw to expand during the release of the extracted bristle.

[027] The top opening, located on the top of the bristle holder, consists of a rectangular top opening, wider than the width of the side slot, responsible for receiving the claw, securing the broom bristle and pulling it into the bristle holder during bristle removal. Petition 870250000438, dated 01 / 03 / 2025, p. 21 / 34 5 / 10

[028] The claw consists of an articulated structure, equipped with fastening elements and positioned in the bristle fitting, specifically fitted to the side slot and the top opening, in order to allow movement of the articulated system.

[029] The sliding support consists of an elongated, rectangular structure with a hollow interior, so as to form a track to allow movement and support of the bristle removal tool.

[030] The sliding support is connected to the support, so as to allow the bristle removal tool to be moved horizontally, to the right and to the left.

[031] The drive tool consisting of any tool or similar object that allows electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuation of the tool for removing bristles. Detailed Description of the Invention

[032] Although the present invention can be implemented in different embodiments, the figures and detailed description that follow show the preferred configurations thereof, on the understanding that the present description should be considered for purely illustrative purposes, not limited to what is illustrated or described herein.

[033] The main approach of the present invention discloses a tool for removing bristles from ballast regulator brooms that promotes practicality and safety in activities during the maintenance of regulator brooms, more specifically the activity of removing damaged bristles from the broom.

[034] The bristle removal tool comprises a bristle holder 1, equipped with at least one side slot 1' and at least one top opening 1”, a claw 2, a support 3, a handle 4, a drive tool 5, a sliding support 6, at least one fixing screw 7, a threaded shaft 8 and a sleeve 9, as shown in Figure 1 and described in detail below. Petition 870250000438, dated 01 / 03 / 2025, p. 22 / 34 6 / 10

[035] The bristle fitting 1, in its preferred configuration, consists of a tubular structure, with a hollow interior, configured to receive the worn regulator broom bristle inside, equipped with at least one lateral slot 1' and at least one upper opening 1'' arranged in its tubular structure to allow the fitting and movement of the claw 2, as shown in Figure 2.

[036] The side slot 1' preferably consists of a thin opening, arranged on the side of the lateral and rectangular bristle fitting 1, responsible for allowing the claw 2 to contract during bristle extraction and the claw 2 to expand during the release of the extracted bristle.

[037] The upper opening 1”, located at the top of the bristle fitting 1, preferably consists of a rectangular opening, wider than the width of the side slot 1', and is responsible for receiving the claw 2, securing the broom bristle and pulling it into the bristle fitting 1 during bristle removal, and limiting the movement of the claw 2 according to the length of the upper opening 1”.

[038] Also in its preferred configuration, the bristle holder 1 has a handle 4, which allows the tool to be moved and positioned ergonomically to remove bristles. In addition, also in its preferred configuration, the bristle holder 1 comprises a support 3 fixed by means of at least one fixing screw 7, as shown in Figure 3, allowing pivoting movement of the bristle holder 1 in relation to the support 3.

[039] The claw 2, in its preferred configuration, consists of an articulated structure that allows the bristles to be gripped and pulled according to the movement of the claw 2 in relation to the bristle fitting 1, removing them from their fixation with the central axis of the broom and releasing them at the end of the operation for disposal, as shown in Figure 2.

[040] Still in its preferred configuration, the gripper 2 comprises an articulated structure composed of bars associated in a pivotable manner, the same Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 23 / 34 7 / 10 fixed together by means of at least one fastening element 7', enabling linear movement in relation to the bristle fitting 1 to perform a pressure or relief movement at the end of the claw 2 for association with the bristle to be removed.

[041] Support 3, in its preferred configuration, consists of an inverted “T” shaped structure, connected by means of at least one fixing screw 7 to the lower part of the bristle holder 1, in order to allow pivoting movement of the bristle removal tool in a vertical direction, as needed for fitting the bristles, see Figure 2.

[042] Still in its preferred configuration, the support 3 is equipped with at least one bearing (not shown in the Figures), fitted to its lower portion, so as to allow the bristle removal tool to slide along a sliding support 6, as shown in Figure 2.

[043] Handle 4, in its preferred configuration, consists of a hollow, rectangular structure that provides safety and a support point for the operator during tool handling, allowing easy movement of the tool horizontally along the sliding support 6 or freely, as well as vertical movement limited by the support 3.

[044] The bristle removal tool, in its preferred configuration, is operated by means of an external tool, an actuation tool 5, fitted to the rear of the bristle fitting 1 for actuating the claw 2, as shown in Figure 3. In this way, the broom bristle to be removed is associated with the front of the bristle fitting 1 and the actuation tool 5 is associated with the rear of the bristle fitting 1.

[045] In its most preferred configuration, drive tool 5 consists of a drill or any similar tool or object that allows electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuation of the tool for removing bristles, without the need for the employee to exert excessive physical effort for the activity, being Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 24 / 34 8 / 10 Essentially, only torque is needed to move and activate claw 2 for extracting the damaged bristle.

[046] The sliding support 6, in its preferred configuration, consists of an elongated, rectangular structure with a hollow interior forming a kind of rail and arranged in a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 1. The said sliding support 6 consists of an optional structure configured to support the bristle removal tool.

[047] Still in its preferred configuration, the sliding support 6 is connected to the support 3, allowing horizontal, left and right movement of the bristle removal tool, without the need for the employee to use excessive physical force, i.e., keeping the bristle removal tool supported on the sliding support 6 and moving it only along this structure with the aid of the support 3.

[048] In alternative configurations, the sliding support 6 may have a limiter 6', consisting of a screw-like component inserted at the end of its length, preventing the bristle removal tool from exceeding the limit of the sliding support 6, ensuring safety during operation, as shown in Figure 1.

[049] In its preferred configuration, the threaded shaft 8 consists of an elongated, threaded circular structure, disposed inside the bristle fitting 1, more preferably inside the side slot 1', and fixed to the sleeve 9.

[050] In its preferred configuration, the sleeve 9 consists of a circular structure, with a threaded interior to allow the fitting of the threaded shaft 8 and having at least one through hole 9' in its lateral portion, as shown in Figure 4.

[051] Still in its preferred configuration, the sleeve 9 is arranged inside the bristle fitting 1, more preferably inside the side slot 1', being fixed to the claw 2 by means of inserting the fastening element 7' into the through hole 9'.

[052] When in operation, in its preferred configuration, the position of the bristle removal tool is adjusted by moving it along the sliding support 6 and the support 3, so that the broom bristles can be Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 25 / 34 9 / 10 inserted inside the bristle holder 1 through its front part, with the bristles arranged in contact with the claw 2 in an initial open position.

[053] Thus, the drive tool 5 is activated, rotating a threaded shaft 8 that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, so that the sleeve 9, which is fixed to the moving parts of the gripper 2 by means of the fastening element 7', receives this movement, remaining fixed, performing a linear movement and allowing the opening and closing of the gripper 2 of the bristle removal tool.

[054] In this way, the claw 2 presses the bristle located in the front part of the bristle fitting 1 and, simultaneously, performs a longitudinal movement along the side slot 1' and the upper opening 1”, pulling the bristle into the bristle fitting 1. This movement causes the bristle to be pulled out of the central axis of the broom, allowing its removal for later replacement.

[055] After the bristle is extracted, the drive tool 5 is driven again, now in the opposite direction, so that the threaded shaft 8 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, actuating the sleeve 9 and consequently the claw 2, causing the claw 2 to expand and simultaneously perform a longitudinal movement along the side slot 1' and the top opening 1”, causing the bristle to be pushed out of the bristle fitting 1 from the front to be discarded.

[056] In this way, the bristle removal tool of the present invention presents solutions that directly impact the productivity, safety and maintenance of brooms applied in ballast regulators, presenting a bristle removal tool with a simple and low-cost constructive configuration.

[057] Increased safety and practicality are achieved primarily through the bristle attachment 1 and the claw 2, which allows for the removal of bristles in an ergonomic position with the employee standing and without the need to use sharp objects. Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 26 / 34 10 / 10

[058] The increase in ergonomics is achieved mainly through the sliding support 6 and the support 3, which allow the tool to be moved horizontally and vertically without the need for effort on the part of the employee responsible for the activity.

[059] Having described the tool for removing broom bristles, it is evident that it fulfills the proposed objectives by bringing gains in terms of practicality, safety, ergonomics, low cost and efficiency during the maintenance of brooms applied in regulators.

[060] Therefore, it must be understood that the applications and constructive configuration of the described bristle removal tool are only some of the modalities and examples of situations that could occur; the real scope of protection of the object of the invention is defined in the claims. Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 27 / 34

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. BRISTLE REMOVAL TOOL, characterized in that it comprises: - a bristle holder (1) consisting of a tubular structure, with a hollow interior, having at least one lateral slot (1') and at least one upper opening (1''); - a claw (2) associated with the bristle holder (1) by means of a central axis and configured to move within the defined spaces of the lateral slot (1') and the upper opening (1''), the claw (2) consisting of an articulated structure composed of pivotable bars associated with each other to allow the bristles to be pulled into the front part of the bristle holder (1) and pushed out of the front part of the bristle holder (1); and - an actuating tool (5) to be associated with the central axis by means of the rear part of the bristle holder (1) and configured to actuate and move the claw (2).

2. TOOL, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bristle holder (1) is fixed to a support (3) by means of at least one fixing screw (7), so as to allow pivoting movement in the vertical direction when the bristle removal tool is supported by the support (3).

3. TOOL, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bristle holder (1) has a handle (4) located near its upper rear part, configured to assist in moving and positioning the tool for removing bristles.

4. TOOL, according to claim 1 characterized in that the side slot (1') consists of a thin, rectangular opening, disposed on the side of the bristle fitting (1), responsible for allowing the contraction movement of the claw Petition 870250000438, dated 03 / 01 / 2025, page 28 / 34 2 / 3 (2) during the extraction of the bristle and expansion of the claw (2) during the release of the extracted bristle.

5. TOOL, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper opening (1”), located on the upper part of the bristle fitting (1), consists of an upper rectangular opening, wider than the width shown in the side slot (1'), being responsible for receiving the claw (2), a threaded shaft (8) and a sleeve (9), securing the broom bristle and pulling it into the bristle fitting (1) during bristle removal.

6. TOOL, according to claim 1, characterized in that the claw (2) consists of an articulated structure, equipped with fastening elements (7') and being disposed in the bristle fitting (1), specifically fitted to the side slot (1') and the top opening (1”), so as to allow movement of the articulated system.

7. TOOL, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding support (6) consists of an elongated, rectangular structure with a hollow interior, so as to form a rail to allow movement and support of the bristle removal tool, being connected to the support (3) so as to allow movement of the bristle removal tool in the horizontal direction, to the right and to the left.

8. TOOL, according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive tool (5) consists of any tool or similar object that allows an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drive of the tool for removing bristles.

9. TOOL, according to claim 5, characterized in that the threaded shaft (8) consists of an elongated, threaded circular structure, disposed inside the side slot (1'), of the bristle fitting (1), and fixed to the sleeve (9).

10. TOOL, according to claim 8, characterized in that the sleeve (9) consists of a circular structure, with a threaded interior to allow the insertion of the threaded shaft (8), having at least one through hole (9') in its lateral portion, and being disposed inside the lateral slot (1') of the bristle fitting (1), being fixed to the claw (2) by means of the insertion of the fastening element (7') into the through hole (9').

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