BROOM AND DUSTPAN COMBINATION

Abstract

A broom and dustpan combination, the broom and dustpan being connected by a flexible cord. A grip associated with a locking member slides up the hollow shaft of the broom and is capable of being secured in a locked position. The cord is at least partially disposed inside the hollow shaft of the broom and is connected at one end to the locking member and at the other end to the dustpan. The dustpan is configured to mate with the handle of the broom when the locking member is secured in the locked position. When the locking member is disengaged from the locked position, the dustpan is capable of being lowered to the ground where it is ready to collect dust or debris swept inside by the broom.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/090,474, filed Dec. 11, 2014, and 62/173404, filed Jun. 10, 2015, both entitled BROOM AND DUSTPAN COMBINATION, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes,

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to brooms, and more particularly to broom and dustpan combinations for efficiently decreasing or eliminating strain upon a user's back when using the dustpan or broom.

BACKGROUND

Long-handled brooms are widely used in both home and work settings for removing dust or debris from a floor or ground surface, often in combination with a dustpan. Typically, when using the broom and dustpan, the user must repeatedly bend over to lift, push, or control the broom and/or dustpan. This can often result in the user extending beyond a comfortable range of motion, causing strain upon the user's back,

Previous attempts to reduce back strain while using a broom or dustpan have resulted in a separate dustpan with a long handle, which may be used in an upright position. However, such separate broom and dustpans generally require the use of both hands. In addition, separate dustpans may become accidently misplaced, increasing the time involved in completion of clean-up.

It would therefore be useful to provide a broom and dustpan combination that reduces or eliminates back strain of the user while in use.

It would also be useful to provide a broom and dustpan combination that will prevent the dustpan from being accidentally misplaced while the broom is in use.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a broom and dustpan combination, where the broom and dustpan are connected by a flexible cord. A grip associated with a locking member slides up the hollow handle of the broom and is capable of being secured in a locked position, The cord is disposed inside the hollow handle of the broom and is connected at one end to the locking member and at the other end to the dustpan. The dustpan is configured to mate with the handle of the broom when the locking member is secured in the locked position. When the locking member is disengaged from the locked position, the dustpan is capable of being lowered to the ground where it is ready to collect dust or debris swept inside by the broom. Advantageously, the entire broom and dustpan combination is light enough that a user can lift the handle of the broom to a horizontal position. Once the handle is in a horizontal position, the user can grasp the dustpan handle and dispose of the debris in a receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following more particular description of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the broom and dustpan combination of the disclosure;

FIG, 2 is a detail illustration of the proximal end of the broom;

FIG. 3 is a detail illustration of the dustpan of the disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-B are illustrations of a method of securing the dustpan to the broom;

FIG. 5 is a schematic detail illustration of a cross-section of the locking member;

FIGS. 6A-B are illustrations of a method of using the broom;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of further methods of using the broom; and

FIGS. 8-13 are illustrations of alternate examples of the broom and dustpan combination of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, like components have been given the same reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown in different examples. To illustrate an example(s) of the present disclosure in a dear and concise manner, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form. Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one example may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other examples and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other examples.

As used in the specification, for the purposes of describing and defining the disclosure, the terms “about” and “substantially” are used represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms “about” and “substantially” are also used herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Referring now to FIG, 1, an example the broom and dustpan combination 10 is shown. The broom and dustpan combination 10 is composed generally of a broom 12 and a dustpan 14. The broom 12 has a hollow, elongated shaft 16 having a proximal end 17 and a distal end 18. The elongated shaft 16 may be formed of a solid, lightweight material, such as steel, aluminum, wood, plastic or fiberglass. A first grip 19 made of rubber or other suitable materials is mounted to the proximal end 17 of the shaft 16 and is sized so that a user can comfortably grasp the shaft 16. The shaft 16 further includes a second grip 40 that is slidably mounted to the surface of the shaft 16 and which may be composed of the same material as the first grip 19. A grip stop 11 disposed on the surface of the shaft 16, which may be a set screw or rivet with a rubber or plastic bumper, prevents the second grip 40 from slipping down the shaft 16 out of the user's reach. The shaft 16 further includes a channel 36 formed by a longitudinal cut 38 made through the surface of the shaft 16. The longitudinal cut 38 may extend substantially from the proximal end 17 to the distal end 18 of the shaft 16 or may stop within a few inches thereof. The width of the cut 38 is selected to allow a cord 22 to pass therethrough. The shaft 16 also includes a dustpan engagement member 13, which may be a transverse pin, comprised of a suitable material such as injection molded plastic. The dustpan engagement member 13 may also be a hook or other suitable member, as described in further examples below. A body 20 of straw-like members extends downward from the distal end 18 of the shaft 16. The body 20 of straw-like members may be comprise natural broom straw, plastic or other suitable materials. It is also contemplated by this disclosure that the body 20 may be configured as a mop, brush, base for attachment to an electrostatic cloth, or any other device for collecting debris.

Also as seen in FIG. 1, the dustpan 14 is attached to the elongated shaft 16 by the cord 22 which is at least partially disposed within the channel 36. The dustpan 14 may be attached directly to the cord 22 or indirectly via an extension element, as described further below. The cord 22 allows the dustpan 14 to be moved between a stowed and a deployed position, and prevents the dustpan 14 from being separated from the broom 12. The cord 22 can be made of a suitable flexible material with ample stiffness, such as braided wire or rubber cable. It is also contemplated by this disclosure that the dustpan may be any receptacle capable of holding debris until final disposal.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the proximal end 17 of the hollow, elongated shaft 16 is shown in more detail. At a location closer to the first grip 19, a portion of the longitudinal cut 38 widens to form a locking slot 39, the purpose of which will be described below. The second grip 40 surrounds a cylindrical locking member 41 (shown in more detail in FIG. 5) through which an end of the cord 22 is passed. The length of the second grip 40 can be substantially equal to that of the locking member 41. As seen within the channel 36, the portion of the cord 22 extending proximally from the locking member 41 terminates in a tip 48 which has a larger diameter than the diameter of the cord 22. The tip 48 may be a braided wire stop that is crimped onto the cord 22, or any kind of end mechanism which would keep the cord 22 from pulling through the locking member 41. Surrounding this portion of the cord 22 is a spring or coil 50, through which the cord 22 can slidably pass therethrough. The coil 50 may be compression spring and is prevented from slipping off of the cord 22 by the tip 48. The coil 50 is configured to keep a flexible amount of tension on the cord 22 when the second grip 40 is locked into the locking slot 39, which also allows the dustpan 14 to rest against the shaft 16 with some tension.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a more detailed view of the dustpan 14 is shown. The dustpan 14 includes a handle 26 and an internal chamber 28 for the collection of dust or debris. The dustpan 14 has a closed end 30, a top portion 32 and a lower portion 33 that extends beyond the top portion 32. Associated with the lower portion 33 is an inclined ramp 34. The lower portion 33 and inclined ramp 34 are configured to be positioned directly adjacent the floor or other surface from which dust or debris is to be removed. The top portion 32 of the dustpan 14 includes a triangular recess 52 extending into the internal chamber 28. The size and shape of the recess 52 is selected so that the recess 52 can accept the shaft 16 of the broom 12 when the broom 12 and dustpan 14 are in a stowed position, as further described below. Two projections 54 extend from opposing faces of the recess 52 and an upper “V” 56 and a lower “V” 57 follow the curve of the recess 52.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate one method of securing the cord 22 to the dustpan 14. It should be noted that other securing means (described further below) are possible, as long as the cord 22 has no obstructions that will interfere with the cord 22 going into the channel 36 of the shaft 16 or keep the dustpan 14 from resting securely against the shaft 16 when in a stowed position. In the example of FIG. 4A, the distal end of the cord 22 is covered by connector 58, Connector 58 includes an opening 60 through which a rivet 62 or other securing device can be passed. The user can insert the connector 58 into the internal chamber 28 via the slot 64 disposed between the two facing walls of the recess 52. By lining up the opening 60 beneath the rivet hole 66 and passing the rivet 62 therethough, the user can secure the connector 58 against the rivet hole 66 as shown in FIG. 4B.

A detailed, cross-sectional view of an example of the locking member 41 is now shown in FIG. 5. The locking member 41 may comprise an outer portion 42 and an inner portion 44. The inner portion 44 defines a longitudinal channel 46 through which the cord (not shown) is passed. A bridge 52 disposed at the outer circumference of the inner portion 44 extends from the inner portion 44 past the longitudinal cut 38 of the shaft 16 to the outer portion 42. The second grip 40 is also shown as surrounding the outer portion 42. Any of the inner portion 44, the bridge 52 and the outer portion 42 may be formed of aluminum, injection molded plastic or other suitable materials, and may be molded together in process or attached together as long as they act as one piece. The length of the locking member 41 is selected so that its associated bridge 52 will fit inside the locking slot 39 of the shaft 16. Other examples of the locking member 41 are possible as long as the inner portion 44 is connected to the outer portion 42 by means of a bridge 52 that will slide through the longitudinal cut 38 and a channel 46 exists in the inner portion 44 to allow for the passage of the cord 22.

Having now understood the basic structure and nature of the broom and dustpan combination 10, examples of the methods of using the broom and dustpan combination 10 may be illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6A, to secure the broom 12 and dustpan 14 in the stowed position, the user moves the second grip 40 and its associated locking member 41 upwards along the shaft 16 in the direction of the locking slot 39. The user then rotates the second grip 40 in a counter-clockwise direction until the bridge 52 of the locking member 41 comes to rest in the locking slot 39. As the bridge 52 is being secured in the locking slot 39, the coil 50 collapses between the locking member 41 and the tip 48 (see FIG. 2). Moving the second grip 40 and its associated locking member 41 in an upward direction also causes the cord 22 to move upwards through the channel 36. The distal end of the cord 22 secured to the dustpan 14 then pulls the dustpan 14 upwards until the recess 52 is parallel to the shaft 16. Securing the locking member 41 into the locking slot 39 also causes the recess 52 of the dustpan 14 to be mated to the shaft 16. The dustpan engagement member 13 engages the projections 54 (FIG. 3), which keeps the dustpan 14 from tilting or spinning. The shaft 16 also rests in the upper “V” 56 and the lower “V” 57 (FIG. 3). These three points keep the dustpan 14 in a secure position, as shown in more detail in FIG. 6B.

Further methods of using the broom and dustpan combination 10 are now described in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the broom and dustpan combination 10 may be moved to an area of floor or ground adjacent to dust or debris 100. The user rotates the second grip 40 in a clockwise direction to release the bridge 52 from the locking slot 39. As the second grip 40 and its associated locking member 41 are moved downward away from the locking slot 39, the resulting slackening of cord 22 allows the dustpan 14 to engage with the ground with the lower portion 33 and inclined ramp 34 positioned directly adjacent the floor. The user may optionally place a foot on the dustpan handle 26 to stabilize the dustpan 14 and to keep it secured to the floor or ground. The user then uses the body 20 of strawlike members to push the dust or debris 100 into the internal chamber 28 of the dustpan 14. Once the debris 100 has been moved inside of the chamber 28, the user lifts the shaft 16, optionally with one hand. The weight of the handle 26 causes the closed end 30 of the dustpan 14 to move downward toward the floor, thus ensuring that the debris 100 does not fall from the dustpan 14. The user then may grab the handle 26 with the free hand to dispose the debris 100 in a receptacle. Alternatively, the user may allow the dustpan to pivot naturally toward the receptacle without the use of hands. To restore the broom and dustpan combination 10 to a stowed position, the user places the dustpan 14 back to the floor and moves the broom 12 so that the body 20 of strawlike members is lined up directly in front and substantially parallel to the inclined ramp 34. The user then moves the second grip 40 upwards along the shaft 16 and rotates the second grip 40 in a counter-clockwise direction until the bridge 52 of the locking member 41 comes to rest in the locking slot 39.

Alternative examples of the broom 12 and dustpan 14 are shown in FIGS. 8-10.

In FIG. 8, the internal chamber 28 of the dustpan 14 is shown as facing upward when the broom 12 and the dustpan 14 are in a stored position. Advantageously, this arrangement allows the dustpan 14 to be emptied less frequently as there is less concern about contents spilling out. Examples of the broom and dustpan combination 10 having an upward-facing dustpan 14 are described in more detail below.

FIG. 9A illustrates the dustpan 14 and cord 22 without the broom portion. A swiveling bail 70 is movably attached to opposing sides 71, 72 of the dustpan 14, the opposing sides 71, 72 extending between the top portion 32 and the lower portion 33 of the dustpan 14. The swiveling bail 70 advantageously allows the dustpan 14 to rotate about an axis of the attachment and thus can be emptied while suspended over a waste receptacle without the use of hands. In this example, the dustpan 14 is connected to the cord 22 by a rectangular extension 74 attached, for example, by fasteners, to a centerpoint of the swiveling bail 70. The cord 22 is mounted to the channel 26 (FIG. 1) in the same manner as described above but is substantially entirely disposed within the channel 26 with only the rectangular extension 74 extending out of the channel 26. A flat surface 76 is slightly raised above the top portion 32 of the dustpan 14.

As shown in FIG. 9B, in order to store the dustpan 14, the handle 26 comprises a slotted tongue 78 and is fixedly attached to a bottom portion 82 of the dustpan 14. The slotted tongue 78 is configured to catch on a hook 80 mounted to the distal end 18 of the shaft 16 (FIG. 9C), the hook 80 being located on a side of the shaft 16 co-planar with the flat surface 76 of the dustpan 14. FIG. 9D shows the tongue 78 fitted to the hook 80 in a stored position. To achieve the fit, the tongue 78 slides over the hook 80 as it is being pulled upwards and is caught on the hook 80 once the hook 80 passes over an opening in the tongue 78 and catches the solid end portion on the tongue 780 The dustpan 14 is held firmly against the broom 12 by the combination of the spring 50 (FIG. 2) and the hook 80 which forces the tongue 78 against the top of the broom block.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another variation of the broom and dustpan combination 10 of FIG. 9A. In this example, rectangular extension 74 and swiveling bail 70 are replaced by a curved extension 82 which attaches directly to the dustpan 14 by a centermount 84 located in the top portion 32 and extending toward the lower portion 34 of the dustpan 14. As shown in FIG. 10, the centermount 84 may be a slotted projection configured to mate with the distal end of the curved extension 82. The distal end of the curved extension 82 may include a transverse opening 86 sized for the passage of a screw, bolt or the like, which also extends through the centermount 84 to fixedly attach the centermount 84 to the dustpan 14. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate alternative examples of the curved extension 84 and dustpan 14 attachment.

The disclosure described herein may also include a kit which may come with the broom 12 and the dustpan 14, and one or more rivets, screws, bolts or other securing means for a user to assemble the broom 12 and the dustpan 14 together via the cord 22.

It will be obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art that modifications to the apparatus and process disclosed here in may occur, including substitution of various component values or nodes of connection, without parting from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A broom and dustpan combination, comprising:

a broom, the broom comprising: a hollow, elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal channel extending from the proximal to the distal end, the channel in communication with an exterior of the broom via a longitudinal cut in a surface of the shaft; and a flexible cord at least partially disposed within the longitudinal channel; and

a dustpan, the dustpan comprising a lower portion, an internal chamber, and a handle, wherein a portion of the dustpan is attached to a distal end of the cord.

2. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 1, wherein the dustpan is fixedly attached to the distal end of the cord.

3. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 1, wherein the dustpan is pivotably attached to the distal end of the cord.

4. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 1, wherein the dustpan is attached to the cord via an extension member.

5. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises a grip slidably mounted to the surface of the shaft.

6. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 5, wherein the grip comprises a locking member.

7. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 6, wherein the locking member comprises a bridge.

8. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal cut in the surface of the shaft comprises an area of increased width configured to engage with the bridge of the locking member.

9. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 1, wherein the cord is one of a braided rope or rubber cable.

10. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 1, wherein the surface of the shaft comprises a projection configured to prevent distal movement of the grip.

11. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 1, wherein the shaft further comprises a dustpan engaging member configured to removably engage a corresponding portion of the dustpan when the broom and dustpan combination is in a stowed position.

12. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 11, wherein the dustpan engaging member is a transverse pin.

13. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 11, wherein the dustpan engaging member is a hook.

14. The broom and dustpan combination of claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the cord comprises a spring configured to apply tension on the cord when the broom and dustpan combination is in a stowed position.

15. A method of removing debris from a surface, the method comprising:

a) positioning a broom and dustpan combination near a surface having debris, the broom and dustpan combination comprising: a broom, the broom comprising a hollow, elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal channel extending from the proximal to the distal end, the channel in communication with an exterior of the broom via a longitudinal cut in a surface of the shaft; a flexible cord at least partially disposed within the longitudinal channel; and a body of strawlike members extending downward from the distal end of the shaft; and a dustpan, the dustpan comprising a lower portion, an internal chamber, and a handle, wherein a portion of the dustpan is attached to a distal end of the cord;

b) rotating a grip slidably mounted to the surface of the shaft clockwise to release the grip from a locking slot formed by the longitudinal cut in the surface of the shaft;

c) sliding the grip distally down the surface of the shaft, creating slack in the flexible cord;

d) positioning the lower portion of the dustpan against the surface having debris;

e) sweeping the debris into the internal chamber of the dustpan;

f) pivoting the shaft of the broom so that it is substantially parallel with the surface having debris; and

g) emptying the debris from the internal chamber of the dustpan.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, after step g):

h) returning the shaft to a substantially vertical position.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising, after step h):

i) sliding the grip proximally up the surface of the shaft, drawing the dustpan into a stowed position against the surface of the shaft.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising, after step

j) rotating the grip counterclockwise to engage the grip with the locking slot.

19. A kit, the kit comprising:

a broom, the broom comprising a hollow, elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal channel extending from the proximal to the distal end, the channel in communication with an exterior of the broom via a longitudinal cut in a surface of the shaft; a flexible cord at least partially disposed within the longitudinal channel; and a body of strawlike members extending downward from the distal end of the shaft; and

a dustpan, the dustpan comprising a lower portion, an internal chamber, and a handle; and

means for attaching the dustpan to a distal end of the cord.

20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the means for attaching the dustpan to the distal end of the cord comprises at least one of a rivet, bolt or screw.