Broom
The broom having a bottom rod and an offset top rod is provided. Bristles are attached to the bottom of the bottom rod to contact a floor. Connecting the top and bottom rods is a grip rod. The grip rod desirably slants downward toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. Desirably, the grip rod is attached at its bottom end to the bottom rod at an angle α of from about 100° to about 150° preferably 100° to 140°. The grip rod is attached at its top end to the top rod at an angle β of about 100° to about 150°, preferably 100° to 140°. As a result, the grip rod slants downward toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. The grip rod is located a predetermined distance above the bristles so the grip bar can be grasped when the bristles contact the floor by the user in a standing position.
The field of the invention is brooms. In particular the invention relates to a broom for use with a long handled dustpan.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBrooms are well known in the art. It is common in metropolitan office buildings, apartment buildings and other structures to have the janitorial staff keep the floors of the building and the surrounding sidewalks clear of liter and debris by sweeping such liter and debris into a dustpan which is retractably mounted to a long handle. This task is performed standing by engaging a broom in a back and forth motion to sweep the debris from the floor or ground into the long handled dustpan for disposal. The broom used in such activity is typically a straight handled broom with bristles on the end. The janitor or custodian sweeps the ground or the floor with a back and forth motion often wrapping his hand around the broom in an uncomfortable grip by grasping the vertical handle of the broom from the side in an uncomfortable manner which can result in wrist and hand injuries to the user.
Brooms are known in the prior art having offset handles. Typically, these brooms are designed to facilitate use under furniture or in narrow spaces. See U.S. Pat. No. 1,315,194 and D 358,934.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to the invention a broom for sweeping up dust, litter and debris is provided. The broom includes a bottom rod and an offset top rod. A grip connects the top and bottom rods in an offset relationship. Bristles are attached to the bottom of the bottom rod to contact the floor. When the bristles contact the floor, the grip desirably slants downward toward the floor. Desirably, the grip is attached at its bottom end to the bottom rod at an angle α of from about 100° to about 150° so that the grip slants downward toward the floor. The grip is attached at its top end to the top rod at an angle β of about 100° to about 150°. The grip is located a predetermined distance above the bristles so that the grip can be grasped by the user in a standing position without bending when the bristles contact the floor. In another aspect of the invention, the bottom rod has an adjustable vertical length so that the distance of the grip from the bristles and consequently from the floor can be adjusted. This allows the vertical distance to the grip from the floor to be varied depending on the height of the user.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of sweeping a floor or sidewalk is provided. According to the method, a standing user sweeps with the broom in conjunction with a hinged dustpan having a long vertically extending handle. The user grasps the grip with one hand. Desirably the grip is held between the thumb and forefinger of the user. The hinged long handle dustpan is held with the other hand so the hinged tray of the dustpan contacts the ground or floor. The user then sweeps litter or debris from the floor or sidewalk by moving the bristles back and forth along the floor or sidewalk to move the debris into the dustpan. The user holds the grip from above between the thumb and index finger without undue strain on the wrist during use.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the drawings and examples. However, it should be expressly understood that the present invention should not be limited solely to the illustrative embodiment.
According to the invention a broom for sweeping up dust, litter and debris is provided. Preferably, the broom is used in conjunction with a long handled desirably hinged dustpan to sweep litter and debris from floor of a building such as an apartment or office building preferably building lobbies and surrounding sidewalks. The broom includes a bottom rod and a top rod which are offset, desirably about parallel. Bristles are attached to the bottom of the bottom rod to contact a floor. Connecting the top and bottom rods is a grip preferably a grip rod. The grip rod desirably slants downward toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. Desirably, the grip is attached at its bottom end to the bottom rod at an angle α of from about 100° to about 150° preferably 100° to 140°. The grip rod is attached at its top end to the top rod at an angle β of about 100° to about 150°, preferably 100° to 140°. As a result, the grip rod slants downward toward the floor when the bottom of the broom bristles contact the floor. The grip rod is located a predetermined distance above the bristles so the user can grasp the grip rod in a standing preferably upright position when the bristles contact the floor in use. Desirably, the grip rod is located about mid-thigh of the standing user. The grip rod is desirably grasped from above with one hand by the user so that the top of the grip rod is positioned between the thumb and forefinger of the user. Desirably the top rod has a sufficient height so that it extends above the shoulder of the user. Optionally, the grip rod and the top rod are made from a single piece bent or molded or otherwise shaped to provide the slanting grip and the top rod as a single unitary piece. Such unitary structure can also optionally include the bottom rod.
In another aspect of the invention, the bottom rod has an adjustable vertical length so that the distance of the grip rod from the bristles and consequently from the floor in use can be adjusted. Desirably, the bottom rod is formed from two telescoping cylinders desirably a hollow outside cylinder and an inside cylinder mounted concentrically within the hollow outside cylinder. Movement of the inside cylinder within the hollow cylinder varies the vertical length of the bottom rod. An interlock is provided to lock the relative position of inside and outside cylinders to fix the distance of the grip rod from the bristles to a height desired by the use. Desirably, the grip rod is located slightly below the waist and substantially above the knees of the user. Desirably, the grip rod is located 2 to 6 inches below the waist of the user preferably about mid-thigh. The relative position of the two cylinders can be fixed by inserting a removable pin through holes in each cylinder. Adjustment to the location of the grip rod is made by releasing the pin and moving the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder and reinserting the pin. Optionally, other lock mechanisms can be used such as an indent system or a thread releasable sleeve system.
In a further aspect of the invention, an underarm support is provided. Preferably, an underarm support rod is attached to the top rod to support the user's shoulder during use of the broom. Desirably the underarm support rod forms an angle γ of 90° or less with the top rod. Desirably, the underarm support rod slants downward from the top rod toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. Desirably the angle γ is from about 30° to 90° preferably 60° to 80°. Preferably the underarm support extends from the same side of the top rod as the grip rod. Desirably, the location of the underarm support is adjustable depending on the height and comfort of the user.
In another aspect of the invention a method of sweeping a floor or sidewalk is provided. According to the method, the broom according to the invention is used in conjunction with a hinged dustpan having a long vertically extending handle which is operable by a standing user. Desirably the grip rod is located between the knee and waist preferably about mid-thigh of a standing user. Preferably the user grasps the grip rod with one hand from above so that the top of the grip rod is located inbetween the thumb and forefinger of the user. The upper end of the top rod slides under the arm of the user to provide shoulder support. Preferably, an underarm support is located under the arm of the user to engage the armpit of the user to provide support. A hinged long handle dustpan is held with the other hand so the hinged tray of the dustpan contacts the ground or floor. The user then sweeps litter or debris from the floor or sidewalk by moving the broom bristles back and forth along the floor or sidewalk and moving the debris into said dustpan. The user holds the top of the grip rod between the thumb and index finger without any undue strain on the wrist during use. The upper rod and the underarm support reduce stress on the users arm and shoulder.
Referring now to the drawings as best seen in
The grip rod 30 is desirably padded. Grip rod 30 forms an angle β with top rod 12 of about 100° to 150° degrees, preferably 100° to 140° degrees. Grip rod 30 forms an angle α with bottom rod 20 of about 100° to 150°, preferably 100° to 140°. As a result, the rods 12 and 20 are offset from one another and grip rod 30 slants downwardly toward the ground when the bristles 46 contacts the floor. As best seen in
Desirably, when the bristles 46 contact the ground or floor during sweeping, the grip rod 30 is located slightly below the waist and substantially above the knees of the user. Desirably, the grip rod is located 2 to 6 inches below the waist of the user preferably about mid-thigh of the user when the bristles contact the ground 46.
Referring to
A screw 56 and nut 58 are provided to secure the clamp 52 to the top rod 12. The location of the underarm support 50 can be varied by loosening the screw and moving the underarm support up or down the bottom rod as desired by the user.
As best seen in
As best seen in relation to
As best seen in
In use, the height of the rod is adjusted by moving the inner cylinder 116 relative to the outer cylinder 114. The locking cap is then screwed down over the outer cylinder to engage the threads 112. Locking cap 120 has internal threads to interlock with threads 112. When the locking cap is screwed down, the compressible fingers 118 are compressed to grip the inner cylinder and hold it in the desired position and therefore determine the length of the bottom rod 110.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only to the principals of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modification will occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described above, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A broom comprising;
- a) a bottom rod having a top and bottom;
- b) a top rod having a top and a bottom, said top rod offset from said bottom rod;
- c) a grip having a top end and a bottom end connecting said top and said bottom rods;
- d) said grip attached at its bottom end to said bottom rod top;
- e) said grip attached at its top end to said top rod bottom end;
- f) bristles attached to the bottom of said bottom rod having a distal end to contact a floor;
- g) said grip slanting downward toward said floor when said bristles distal end contact said floor; said grip rod located a predetermined distance above said bristles distal end for grasping by a user in a standing position, whereby the user can sweep in a standing position while grasping said grip rod.
2. The broom according to claim 1 wherein said grip is a rod.
3. The broom according to claim 1 wherein said grip and said top rod are a single unitary piece.
4. The broom according to claim 2 wherein in d) said grip rod is attached at its bottom end to said bottom rod top to form an angle α of from about 100° to about 150°; and in e) said grip rod attached at its top end to said top rod bottom to form an angle β of about 100° to about 150°.
5. The broom according to claim 2 wherein said bottom rod has an adjustable vertical length so that the distance of said grip rod from said bristles distal end can be adjusted.
6. The broom according to claim 5 wherein said bottom rod is a telescoping rod.
7. The broom according to claim 6 wherein said telescoping rod includes a first hollow cylinder, and a second cylinder mounted concentrically within said first hollow cylinder so the movement of said second cylinder within said first cylinder varies the vertical length of said bottom rod; an interlock to fix the relative position of said first and said second cylinders.
8. The broom according to claim 2 wherein said bottom rod and said top rod are substantially parallel.
9. The broom according to claim 2 wherein said grip rod is located in at about mid-thigh of a standing user.
10. The broom according to claim 1 further comprising an underarm support extending from said top rod to provide user support for the user during sweeping.
11. The broom according to claim 10 wherein said underarm support forms a 30° to 90° angle γ with said top rod.
12. The broom according to claim 11 further wherein said underarm support forms an angle γ with said top rod of from 60° to 80°.
13. The broom according to claim 11 wherein said underarm support is located at a preselected location on said top rod.
14. The broom according to claim 13 wherein said preselected location of said underarm support on said top rod is adjustable.
15. The broom according to claim 2 wherein during use said top rod extends under the arm of a user to provide shoulder support while sweeping.
16. The broom according to claim 12 wherein angle β is 100° to 140°.
17. The broom according to claim 16 wherein angle α is 100° to 140°.
18. A broom comprising;
- a) a bottom rod having a top and bottom;
- b) a top rod having a top and a bottom, said top rod offset from said bottom rod;
- c) a grip rod having a top end and a bottom end connecting said top and said bottom rods;
- d) said grip rod attached at its bottom end to said bottom rod top to form an angle α of from about 100° to about 140°;
- e) said grip rod attached at its top end to said top rod bottom end to form an angle β of about 100° to about 140°;
- f) bristles attached to the bottom of said bottom rod to contact a floor;
- g) said grip rod located a predetermined distance above said bristles for grasping by a user in a standing position;
- h) said bottom rod having an adjustable vertical length so that the distance of said grip rod from said bristles can be adjusted;
- i) an underarm support extending from said top rod to provide support for the user during sweeping.
19. The broom according to claim 18 wherein said underarm support forms an angle γ with said top rod of from 30° to 90°.
20. The broom according to claim 19 wherein said angle γ 60° to 80°.
21. A method of sweeping a floor or sidewalk comprising;
- a) providing a broom comprising i) a bottom rod having a top and bottom; and a top rod having a top and a bottom; a grip rod having a top end and a bottom end; ii) said grip rod attached at said bottom end to said bottom rod top to form an angle α of from about 100° to about 150°; said grip rod attached at said top end to said top rod bottom end to form an angle β of about 100° to about 150°; iii) bristles having a proximate end attached to the bottom of said bottom rod and a distal end to contact a floor; said grip rod located about waist-high of the user when said distal end of said bristles contract said floor;
- b) providing a dust pan having a long handle operable in a standing position;
- c) grasping said grip rod from above said grip rod with one hand with the grip rod located in between the thumb and forefinger of the user; and
- d) grasping said long handle of said dust pan with one hand;
- e) sweeping debris from said floor or sidewalk by move said bristles back and forth along said floor or sidewalk and moving said debris into said dustpan.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising wherein placing top rod under the arm of a user said top rod extending above the shoulder of the user to provide shoulder support during use.
23. The method of claim 21 further comprising an underarm support extending from said top rod; locating said underarm support under the arm of the user to provide support during use.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 25, 2009
Publication Date: May 26, 2011
Inventor: Gerard Stokes (New York, NY)
Application Number: 12/592,467
International Classification: A46B 15/00 (20060101); A47L 13/52 (20060101); A46B 3/00 (20060101);