''Mini-Sweep'' and its components

Abstract

“The Mini-Sweep” was inspired by the limitations of comparable, larger “sweepers” or “dusters”, and may be used with only one hand. It incorporates a “removable/disposable cleaning pad or cloth” which cleans dust and dirt for flat surfaces. By design, “The Mini-Sweep” can reach into areas with only ¼ inch clearance (with use of ‘The Mini-Lifter’) or from ½ inch and larger clearances by itself. It is lightweight, and maneuverable, and all components can be easily stored on “The Mini-Sweep Storage/Mounting Bracket”.

Description

I am requesting copyright protection (®) for all items, names/titles, procedures, suggested materials, specifications/dimensions, etc., and all information related to this invention, and will designate such protection as “® 2003 Kevin K Irish”.

“The Mini-Sweep” and its components are comparable to the non-motorized floor “sweepers” available.

“The Mini-Sweep”(FIG. 1-Page 8) is composed of 2 assemblies (“The Mini-Sweep” and “The Mini-Lifter”) and a single additional part (“The Mini-Sweep Storage/Mounting Bracket”). All of the components and assemblies, which make up “The Mini-Sweep”, may be made/manufactured from any known, durable, high impact resistant plastic or resin manufactured through injection or blow-molding, or other plastic forming/molding manufacturing procedure. A small gauge, low tension metallic spring is used for “The Mini-Lifter” only. The basic dimensions to all components are:

• • a) “The Mini-Sweep” (FIG. 1-Page 8) has 3 main components. The “cleaning head” where a “replaceable cleaning pad” is attached, is 6 inches in length, 2 inches in width and 1/8 inch thick. It has 2-1 inch by 3/8 inch, by 1/4 inch blocks for attaching to handle. There is a 3⅛ inch by ⅛ diameter rod or dowel, also for attaching to handle. The handle is 18 inches in length, 1 inch wide and 3/8 inch thick. “The Mini-Sweep” is designed to clean small or low-clearance areas. Detailed dimensions on drawings.
  • b) “The Mini-Lifter”(FIG. 6-Page 9) has 3 components. The base is 3 inches long, 1 inch (at highest point), 1/4 inch (at lowest point) and 3/4 inch wide, with a material thickness of 1/8 inch. The “lever” mechanism is 3 inches in length (total), 7/8 inch in height (total), 7/16 inch in width, with a variable thickness from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch.

The base and lever attach pivotally on a ¾ inch in length by ⅛ diameter rod or dowel. A small gauge, low tension, metallic spring is added to lever to allow lever to return to ‘ready’ condition. This assembly stores in the handle of “The Mini-Sweep”. This device is designed to “lift” specific items for cleaning under, with a minimum clearance of 1/4 inch to ½ inch, manually. Detailed dimensions on drawing.

• • c) “The Mini-Sweep Mounting Bracket”(FIG. 7-Page 10) is a single piece, for storage of “The Mini-Sweep”, “The Mini-Lifter” and “replaceable cleaning pads” container/package, of a specific size. The basic dimensions are 6½ inches in height, 3¼ inches in width and 1¼ inch in depth. It has a “hook-type” feature that allows “The Mini-Sweep” to stored. The Mounting Bracket can be installed behind doors, cabinet doors or any small space. Detailed dimensions on drawing.

All components listed above are to be considered when packaged together, as a single entity/unit/item. Only containers/packages of “replaceable cleaning pads” will be considered separate from “The Mini-Sweep” or its components.

Complete manufacturing reports, marketing reports, sales forecasts (projections) and patent attorney recommendation are available to QUALIFIED and AUTHORIZED inquiries ONLY AFTER OFFICIAL UNITED STATES PATENT NUMBER IS APPLIED AND ISSUED.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

“The Mini-Sweep” and its components are “new” and “original” in design and concept to the best of my knowledge. This invention was created for specific cleaning applications, based upon the limitations and exclusions of other similar or comparable devices. These limitations are associated with and not excluding non-motorized floor “sweepers” of various names and designs, i.e., too bulky, ineffective, limited usage. “The Mini-Sweep” is a much smaller version, but may be classified the same, i.e., “cleaning tool” or “device” or any variation thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

“The Mini-Sweep” and its components are to be made of any high-impact, lightweight plastic or resin material, which will provide adequate strength and durability. The three main components are listed in detail:

• • d) “The Mini-Sweep” has 3 main parts. The “cleaning head” where a “replaceable cleaning pad” is attached, is 6 inches in length, 2 inches in width and 1/8 inch thick. It has 2-1 inch by 3/8 inch, by 1/4 inch blocks for attaching to handle. There is a 3⅛ inch by ⅛ diameter rod or dowel, also for attaching to handle. The handle is 18 inches in length, 1 inch wide and 3/8 inch thick. “The Mini-Sweep” is designed to clean small or low-clearance areas. Detailed dimensions on drawings. (Page 8)
  • e) “The Mini-Lifter” has 3 components. The base is 3 inches long, 1 inch (at highest point), 1/4 inch (at lowest point) and 3/4 inch wide, with a material thickness of 1/8 inch. The “lever” mechanism is 3 inches in length (total), 7/8 inch in height (total), 7/16 inch in width, with a variable thickness from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. The base and lever attach pivotally on a ¾ inch in length by ⅛ diameter rod or dowel. A small gauge, low tension, metallic spring is added to lever to allow lever to return to ‘ready’ condition. This assembly stores in the handle of “The Mini-Sweep”. This device is designed to “lift” specific items for cleaning under, with a minimum clearance of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch, manually. Detailed dimensions on drawing. (Page 9)

f) “The Mini-Sweep Mounting Bracket” is a single piece, for storage of “The Mini-Sweep”, “The Mini-Lifter” and “replaceable cleaning pads” container/package, of a specific size. The basic dimensions are 6½ inches in height, 3¼ inches in width and 1¼ inch in depth. It has a “hook-type” feature that allows “The Mini-Sweep” to stored. The Mounting Bracket can be installed behind doors, cabinet doors or any small space. Detailed dimensions on drawing. (Page 10)

Listing and summary of Photographs:
PAGE TITLE           DESCRIPTION
Minilifter.minisweep B/W photo of Mini-Sweep components
                     1) Mini-Sweep
                     2) Storage/Mounting Bracket
                     3) Mini-Lifter
MINI-SWEEPa027       B/W photograph shown with ‘cleaning pad box’
cleaningPADstorage1  Storage information
cleaningPADstorage2  Storage information
cleaningPADstorage3  Storage information
minisweepFLAT        Shown in ‘storage’ position
minisweepOPENtilted  Shown in ‘open’ position
storage BRACKET1     Side view of storage/mounting bracket
storage BRACKET2     Side view of storage/mounting bracket
minisweep.minilifter Side view of complete assembly for storage
tv1                  Showing cleaning on side of refrigerator
refrigerator1        Showing cleaning on side of refrigerator
stereo1              Showing cleaning under stereo component
minilifter1          Showing mini-lifter in ‘open’ position
minilifter2          showing mini-lifter in ‘closed’ position

Claims

1. “The Mini-Sweep” is an original cleaning device designed to clean specific areas with a “low clearance” i.e., under audio/visual components, between televisions and entertainment centers, along sides and tops of refrigerators, under microwave ovens, computers, etc. “The Mini-Sweep” was inspired by the limitations of comparable, larger “sweepers” or “dusters”, and may be used with only one hand. It incorporates a “removable/disposable cleaning pad or cloth” which cleans dust and dirt for flat surfaces. By design, “The Mini-Sweep” can reach into areas with only 1/4 inch clearance (with use of ‘The Mini-Lifter’) or from ½ inch and larger clearances by itself It is lightweight, and maneuverable, and all components can be easily stored on “The Mounting Bracket”. It was also designed for ease of manufacture, packaging and sales. I further claim: that the “Mini-Sweep” and its components, suggested material(s), dimensional specifications, usage, design, and name/title, are an original and unique invention of my own concept and creation. My intentions are for the patent to be applied, and to be all-inclusive of “The Mini-Sweep” and it's components including “The Mini-Lifter” and “The Mini-Sweep Storage/Mounting Bracket”, and packaged and sold to consumer as a “whole” or “complete” product.