Floor Check

Abstract

The Floor Check is a scraping tool with special features that allow it to be quickly attached to the ends of broom handles, so it doubles the effectiveness of brooms as cleaning tools. Brooms are some of the most common cleaning tools in the world. They are highly effective at removing loose debris from surfaces; but when wet food and dirt dry and become stuck to the floor, it's necessary to get down and scrape them loose. When using the Floor Check however, it's not necessary to find another tool and get down on the floor; simply turn the broom around, remain standing, scrape off whatever is stuck, and then sweep it away. The Floor Check can be quickly removed from broom handles for use on raised surfaces also. Because of its usefulness, the Floor Check should become as common as the broom itself.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/959,329, filed Aug. 21, 2013.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Floor Check was created to decrease the time and effort used when completing tasks associated with household clean-up. The need for such a device was discovered as the inventor's child was learning to feed themselves with a spoon, eating apple sauce and crisped rice cereal. Often the child would drop these foods on the floor. Sometimes these accidents would go unnoticed until after the food dried. The inventor would then find himself kneeling on the kitchen floor, scraping off dried applesauce and crisped rice with a butter knife, so he could sweep these things into a dust pan and begin mopping. One winter morning, he tried using a plastic ice scraper and discovered this was much better than using a metal knife because he could also use the plastic blade to scrape off any dried food he found on the kitchen table, stove, and surrounding counter top, without scratching those surfaces. Eventually, the idea came to the inventor to tape the ice scraper to the end of a broom handle, so he would not have to kneel down on the floor; but then it was difficult to use the blade elsewhere. After giving it some thought, the idea formed to trim a piece of PVC pipe to fit the broom handle, and attach the scraper to the pipe with screws. That is how the Floor Check was created.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Floor Check is a cleaning tool that is designed to be attached to the end of broom handles, the end opposite of a broom's brush. This device consists of a scraping blade affixed to a tube shaped body. This Tubular Body is considered to be the handle and main component of the Floor Check itself. The features of this Tubular Body allow the Floor Check to be easily and quickly attached to, and removed from, broom handles by the user; but while it is in use, the pressure applied to the scraping blade causes the Floor Check to remain in place. The Floor Check doubles the effectiveness of the broom as a cleaning tool, because now it is not just a broom, but also a scraper with a very long handle. This gives the person using a Floor Check the advantage of having an extended reach, so they may quickly and comfortably remove dried on dirt, food, and ice from floors and windows. The Floor Check's design allows it to be quickly removed from the broom handle, which provides the advantages of maneuverability and versatility, because it can then be used on countertops and in other areas where the broom handle gets in the way. The features and advantages of the Floor Check create the benefits of faster cleaning, with less exertion, for the person using it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

This nonprovisional patent application contains two pages of drawings. The drawings illustrate two different forms or Models of the Floor Check. One form is known as Model 1 or, the Slide-on Model; the other form is known as Model 2 or, the Snap-on Model. Model 2 has an additional feature called the Arc Cutout Section (5) that is not a feature of Model 1. The drawings show different views, identified as FIG. 1 (FIG. 1 Top View) through FIG. 5 (FIG. 5 Side View) and each view is described in the following list:

FIG. 1—(FIG. 1 Top View) illustrates the appearance of Model 1 when viewed from above, and the bottom of the Ice Scraper (2) is turned down and parallel to the floor.

FIG. 2—(FIG. 2 Side View) illustrates the appearance of Model 1 when viewed with the right side up, and the bottom of the Ice Scraper (2) turned perpendicular to the floor. Displayed to the right of FIG. 2 is a measure of the overall length of Model 1. Also displayed are measurements that clarify the locations of the primary cuts used to create the features of this model.

FIG. 3—(FIG. 3 Front View) illustrates the appearance of both Model 1 and Model 2 with the bottom of the Ice Scraper (2) turned down and parallel to the floor, the Floor Check is held at eye-level, and viewed from the blade end of the Ice Scraper. Note that the Front Securing Screw (7) can be seen protruding through the center of the End Cap (6). This shows how narrow broom handles are kept from sliding through the Floor Check. A measure of the width of the Floor Check is displayed at the bottom of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4—(FIG. 4 Top View) illustrates the appearance of Model 2 when viewed from above, and the bottom of the Ice Scraper (2) is turned down and parallel to the floor.

FIG. 5—(FIG. 5 Side View) illustrates the appearance of Model 2 when viewed with the right side up, and the bottom of the Ice Scraper (2) is turned perpendicular to the floor. Displayed to the right of FIG. 5 is a measure of the overall length of Model 2. Also displayed are measurements that clarify the locations of the primary cuts used to create the features of this model.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There are two different forms or Models of the Floor Check. One form is known as Model 1 or, the Slide-on Model; the other form is known as Model 2 or, the Snap-on Model. In the following section a numbered Parts List and Definitions is given for each model, followed by detailed instructions for producing that particular model. The number of a part in the parts list of a model matches the number of that part in the drawing of that model.

Parts List and Definitions for Model 1

• 1. Tubular Body—Regarded as the handle and central component of the Floor Check. For the proto-type, a 1 inch diameter, 5 inches long piece of PVC pipe was used to make this piece. To create the Tubular Body, specific features are cut out of the pipe. These features allow the device to slide on to almost any size broom handle, and remain in place.
• 2. Ice Scraper—A basic, hand held, plastic ice scraper was used for the proto-type. The Ice Scraper is securely attached to the Tubular Body (1) so that the Floor Check can be used to scrape debris from various types of surfaces.
• 3. Bottom Section—This section of the Tubular Body (1) is 1⅝ inches long and is cut with a spiraling, ½ inch wide slot, to accommodate and securely fit most broom handles.
• 4. Cutout Section—This ¾ inch long section of the Tubular Body (1) allows the user's hand to maintain contact with, and control of, the broom handle while sweeping.
• 5. Part #5—is not a feature of Model 1, so it is not represented on Model 1 (see Drawing 1/2); it is however, a feature found on Model 2. All of the other numbered parts in this list are represented on both Floor Check Models.
• 6. End Cap—The End Cap provides 2 functions: it secures the Floor Check to the ends of broom handles, and prevents them from sliding through the Floor Check, when it is attached to broom handles and used for scraping.
• 7. Front Securing Screw—This screw can be a ½ inch to 1 inch long and it provides two functions: it secures the Ice Scraper (2) to the Tubular Body (1) and the length extends through the center of the End Cap (6) where it prevents narrow broom handles from sliding through the Floor Check.
• 8. Rear Securing Screw—This is a short screw that secures the handle of the Ice Scraper (2) to the Tubular Body (1).

Instructions for Producing Model 1

The shape and length of this Slide-on Model of the Floor Check (Model 1) are meant to create efficiency by saving on material cost, while still providing a tool that can be attached to the ends of most broom handles, and used to scrape debris off of various surfaces. The shorter length does require that the end of the broom handle be firmly set against or within the End Cap (6) at all times, so that Model 1 does not become dislodged during use. Construction of Model 1 of the Floor Check begins with obtaining two items: a piece of 1 inch wide PVC pipe that is 5 inches long and a basic hand-held ice scraper. The following paragraphs provide instructions for carving the unique features of the Floor Check out of the PVC pipe, which will form the Tubular Body (1) of the device, and then attaching the Ice Scraper (2) in order to produce a fully functioning Floor Check.

First, starting in at points that are 1 inch from opposite ends of the PVC pipe and parallel to each other, two 45 degree angles are cut away from each other, so that the top surface of the pipe becomes 3 inches long and the bottom surface remains 5 inches long (see FIG. 2 Side View). This begins the formation of the Tubular Body (1). Second, on the top surface of the Tubular Body at a point that is ⅝ of an inch from one end, and 3⅜ inches from the opposite end, a ¾ of an inch deep perpendicular cut is made into the PVC pipe. From the top center of this cut, move towards the opposite end of the pipe; at a point that is parallel and ¾ of an inch away, cut into the pipe at a 45 degree angle, toward the bottom of the previous ¾ of an inch deep cut, so that a wedge shaped piece of the pipe is removed. This creates the Cutout Section (4) of the Tubular Body and separates the Tubular Body into three sections: the Bottom Section (3) the Cutout Section (4) and the End Cap (6).

Next, the Bottom Section (3) is made complete by cutting out a ½ inch wide, spiraling slot (offset by 3/64 of an inch, front to back) through the top center of the Bottom Section (see FIG. 1 Top View). This spiral cut slot allows the Bottom Section to expand and accommodate wider broom handles.

The End Cap (6) makes up the front end of the Tubular Body (1) (see FIG. 1. and FIG. 2). The 45 degree angle on the front of the End Cap allows the blade of the Ice Scraper (2) to reach up against the bases of walls, when the Floor check is attached to the end of a broom handle, and the user is in a standing position.

The last step is to attach the Ice Scraper (2) to the Tubular Body (1) (see FIG. 1 Top View). Lay the Ice Scraper, bottom side down, on a flat surface to be drilled. Center the Tubular Body, bottom side down, on top of the Ice Scraper; then, offset it ⅛ of an inch to the right, at the front. This offset helps Model 1 remain attached to the ends of broom handles, when the force of scraping is applied to the blade. Next, drill holes straight down through both the Tubular Body and the Ice Scraper, where the Front Securing Screw (7) and the Rear Securing Screw (8) will be inserted. Insert the screws as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3: the short Rear Securing Screw, secures the handle end of the Ice Scraper to the Tubular Body, at the rear of the Bottom Section (3); the longer Front Securing Screw, secures the front end of the Ice Scraper to the Tubular Body, at the center of the End Cap (6). The Front Securing Screw also prevents narrow broom handles from sliding through the Floor Check, when it is attached and used for scraping. Securely attach the Ice Scraper to the Tubular Body by tightening one hex-nut onto each screw.

Parts List and Definitions for Model 2

• 1. Tubular Body—Regarded as the handle and central component of the Floor Check. For the proto-type, a 1 inch diameter, 8½ inches long piece of PVC pipe was used to make this piece. To create the Tubular Body, specific features are cut out of the pipe. These features allow the device to snap on to any standard sized broom handle, and remain in place.
• 2. Ice Scraper—A basic, hand held, plastic ice scraper was used for the proto-type. The Ice Scraper is securely attached to the Tubular Body (1) so that the Floor Check can be used to scrape debris from various types of surfaces.
• 3. Bottom Section—This section of the Tubular Body (1) is 3⅛ inches long and is cut with a spiraling, 9/16 of an inch wide slot, to accommodate and securely fit the width of any standard sized broom handle.
• 4. Cutout Section—This 4 inch long section of the Tubular Body (1) provides a seat for the broom handle and allows the user's hand to maintain contact with, and control of, the broom handle while sweeping.
• 5. Arc Cutout Section—The Arc Cutout Section is a ½ inch long, and this feature grips and supports thicker broom handles. Model 1 of the Floor Check does not have this feature.
• 6. End Cap—The End Cap provides 2 functions: It secures the Floor Check to the ends of broom handles, and prevents them from sliding through the Floor Check, when it is attached to broom handles and used for scraping.
• 7. Front Securing Screw—The Front Securing Screw can be a ½ inch to 1 inch long and it provides 2 functions: it secures the Ice Scraper (2) to the Tubular Body (1) and the length extends through the center of the End Cap (6) where it prevents narrow broom handles from sliding through the Floor Check.
• 8. Rear Securing Screw—The Rear Securing Screw is a short screw which secures the handle of the Ice Scraper (2) to the Tubular Body (1).

Instructions for Producing Model 2

The length of Model 2 allows it to fit well on thicker, wooden broom handles, like those common to push brooms; but it still fits well on narrow broom handles made of plastic or metal, which are common to household kitchen brooms. Construction of Model 2 of the Floor Check begins with obtaining two items: a piece of 1 inch wide PVC pipe that is 8½ inches long and a basic hand-held ice scraper. The following paragraphs provide instructions for carving the unique features of the Floor Check out of the PVC pipe, which forms the Tubular Body (1) of the device, and then attaching the Ice Scraper (2) in order to produce a fully functioning Floor Check.

First, starting in at 3⅛ inches from one end of the PVC pipe (see FIG. 5 Side View) a ⅝ of an inch deep perpendicular cut is made into the pipe. This cut will be the border between the Bottom section (3) and the Cutout Section (4). Then, at a point parallel to the top center of that first cut, and 7⅛ inches from the starting end, another perpendicular cut is made into the pipe; this cut is 5/16 of an inch deep. From the bottom of this cut, an arcing cut is made towards the first ⅝ of an inch deep perpendicular cut, and this arcing section will be approximately a ½ inch long, and end at a point that is ⅝ of an inch deep, and parallel to the bottom of the first ⅝ of an inch deep cut that was made. This creates the Arc Cutout Section (5) of the Floor Check. Continue to cut a parallel line, from the bottom of the Arc Cutout Section towards the bottom point of the first ⅝ of an inch deep perpendicular cut, and stop once that point is reached. This creates the Cutout Section (4). This total Cutout Section then measures 4 inches in length, and includes the Arc Cutout Section (5) at its front end (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5).

Next, the Bottom Section (3) is made complete by cutting out a 9/16 of an inch wide, spiraling slot (offset by 1/16 inch, top to bottom) through the top center of the Bottom Section (see FIG. 4 Top View). This spiral cut slot allows the Bottom Section to expand and accommodate wider broom handles.

The next step is to form the End Cap (6) that sits at the front end of the Tubular Body (1) (see FIG. 4. and FIG. 5). The End cap is formed by cutting a 45 degree angle from a point parallel to the top center of the Cutout Section (4) down to the center of the front end of the PVC pipe. This angle is cut so that the blade of the Ice Scraper (2) can reach up against the bases of walls, when the Floor check is attached to the end of a broom handle, and the user is in a standing position.

The last step is to attach the Ice Scraper (2) to the Tubular Body (1) (see FIG. 4 Top View). Lay the Ice Scraper, bottom side down, on a flat surface to be drilled. Then center the Tubular Body, bottom side down, on top of the Ice Scraper. Next, drill holes straight down through both the Tubular Body and the Ice Scraper, where the Front Securing Screw (7) and the Rear Securing Screw (8) will be inserted. Insert the screws as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5: the short Rear Securing Screw, secures the handle end of the Ice Scraper to the Tubular Body, at the bottom of the Cutout Section (4); the longer Front Securing Screw, secures the front end of the Ice Scraper to the Tubular Body, at the center of the End Cap (6). The Front Securing Screw also prevents smaller sized broom handles from sliding through the Floor Check, when it is attached and used for scraping. Securely attach the Ice Scraper to the Tubular Body by tightening one hex-nut onto each screw.

Claims

1. Whether the Floor Check is put together from separate parts (as described in this patent application) or made from a single piece of material that has been cut or molded, the device's features and their functions remain the same. The features that make up the Tubular Body of the Floor Check, and how they function, are what make The Floor Check unique among cleaning accessories; and in particular, among tools that can be attached to broom handles. Other cleaning tools may exist that can be attached to broom handles, but they cannot remain securely attached while in use without being fastened on; so they cannot be quickly removed from a broom handle, without the use of other tools. The Floor Check is designed in a way that allows it to be quickly, easily, and securely attached to the ends of broom handles of varying sizes; yet it can still be easily and quickly removed by the user, without the use of any tools.