BROOM WITH INTEGRATED SUCTION DEVICE

Abstract

A broom assembly including a hollow handle extending from a broom head to a vacuum assembly and defining a vacuum flow path. The broom head has a base bottom and groups of bristles and a flexible intake section are mounted within the base bottom. A vacuum assembly is secured to the hollow handle at the end opposite the broom head and the vacuum assembly includes a suction motor and a removable container. A vacuum flow path from the intake section through the hollow handle is subject to suction forces by the suction motor and particulates swept together by the bristles travel through the vacuum flow path and collect in the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a broom with an integrated suction device, and more specifically to a broom that incorporates an intake section of the suction device into the head of the broom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Brooms are used to sweep up loose materials. Typically, the user must sweep up the loose materials or debris using the broom and then use a separate device, such as a dustpan, to collect and remove the debris. This process must be repeated to adequately clean the surface, resulting in an inefficient process that places a significant physical burden on the user.

Prior art brooms that incorporate vacuums are overly complicated and difficult to use. In one type of prior art broom, the entire vacuum is contained within the head of the broom. This places design constraints on the vacuum itself, undermining its efficacy, and adds significant weight to the head of the broom making it more difficult to use. In another type of prior art broom, the suction aperture of the vacuum is isolated from the bristles of the broom head in an effort to preserve the functional capability of the bristles. This type of broom requires the user to sweep the loose materials or debris into a pile or line and then adjust his or her grip and/or body positioning to use the isolated vacuum to pick up the debris. This additional step is inefficient and physically taxes the user.

There is a need in the art for a broom that efficiently allows the user to sweep and vacuum loose materials or particulates that minimizes the physical burden on the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein a broom assembly having a handle extending from a first end to a second end. The handle has an inner handle surface that defines a vacuum flow path. A broom head is secured to the first end of the handle. The broom head extends from the first end of the handle to a base bottom. The base bottom has a plurality of mounting apertures and defines a central axis A perpendicular to the base bottom. Each mounting aperture accommodates a group of bristles. An intake section is positioned on the base bottom. The intake section has an inner intake surface also defining the vacuum flow path. The inner intake surface extends from an intake aperture adjacent to the base bottom to an intake mouth. A suction device secures to the second end of the handle. The suction device includes a suction motor and a removable container. The vacuum flow path is subject to suction forces by the suction motor, and particulates swept together by the groups of bristles flow through the mouth aperture, enter the vacuum flow path, travel through the vacuum flow path of the inner intake surface and the inner handle surface, and collect in the container.

In some embodiments, the handle has two handle sections fixed to one another by an annular lock. An outer surface of one of the handle sections slidingly engages an inner handle surface of the other handle section.

In some embodiments, the intake mouth forms a continuous periphery with an intake notch interrupting the intake mouth and extending toward the intake aperture.

In some embodiments, the groups of bristles are substantially parallel to one another.

In some embodiments, groups of bristles adjacent to the central axis A are generally parallel to the central axis A.

In some embodiments, each bristle in the groups of bristles terminates at a bristle end within a common sweeping plane S.

In some embodiments, each of the bristles within the groups of bristles are arranged at a sweep angle θ relative to the central axis A.

In some embodiments, the sweep angle θ is between 0° and 45°.

In some embodiments, the sweep angle θ increases at increasing distances from the central axis A.

In some embodiments, a group of bristles adjacent the central axis A is generally parallel to the central axis A, a plurality of bristles adjacent the outermost edge is arranged at a sweep angle θ, and the sweep angle θ is between 0° and 45°.

There is also disclosed herein a broom assembly having a handle extending from a first end to a second end with an inner handle surface. The broom assembly also has a broom head with a first base bottom and a second base bottom. The first base bottom has a first longitudinally extending end and a second longitudinally extending end, each having a wall perpendicular to the first base bottom and extending from a point at a first laterally extending end to a first height adjacent to the second base bottom. The second base bottom has a third longitudinally extending end and a fourth longitudinally extending end each having a wall perpendicular to the second base bottom and extending from a point at a second laterally extending end to a second height adjacent to the first base bottom. The first base bottom and the second base bottom define a plurality of mounting apertures. An intake section has an inner intake surface and is positioned on and penetrating the first base bottom and/or the second base bottom. The intake section has an intake face extending from an intake mouth at one end to an intake aperture at the other end. A plurality of groups of bristles are included in the broom head and each group of bristles is mounted within a mounting aperture of the first base bottom or the second base bottom. Each bristle within the plurality of groups of bristles terminates at a bristle end in a sweeping plane S. The inner handle surface of the handle and the inner intake surface define a vacuum flow path. The intake face is disposed adjacent to the first longitudinally extending end and the third longitudinally extending end. The wall of the first longitudinally extending end and the wall of third longitudinally extending end form a single united member. The wall of the second longitudinally extending end and the wall of the fourth longitudinally extending end form an additional single united member. The intake face is disposed adjacent to the first longitudinally extending end and the third longitudinally extending end.

In some embodiments, the groups of bristles are each received within the mounting apertures at a sweep angle θ, and each of the groups of bristles is mounted at a different sweep angle θ.

In some embodiments, each of the groups of bristles adjacent to the first laterally extending surface or adjacent to the second laterally extending surface have a maximum sweep angle and groups of bristles adjacent to the central axis have a minimum sweep angle.

In some embodiments, the maximum sweep angle is at least 45° and the minimum sweep angle is at least 0°.

In some embodiments, the groups of bristles are each received within the mounting aperture at a sweep angle θ, and each of the groups of bristles is mounted at the same sweep angle θ.

In some embodiments, the intake mouth has a cross section defined by a trapezoid and the smaller base of the trapezoid forms an edge of the intake face.

In some embodiments, the intake mouth is angled relative to the sweeping plane S.

In some embodiments, a rubberized coating encases the intake section and extends from the intake mouth towards the sweeping plane S.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a broom assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is an isometric partial view of the suction device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an isometric partial view of the suction device of FIG. 1 partially removed from the handle;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the broom head of one embodiment of the broom assembly according to the present disclosure with all other elements omitted for clarity;

FIG. 3B is an alternative isometric view of the broom head of FIG. 3A with the intake section also omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is an isometric partial view of another embodiment of a broom assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is an isometric partial view of the broom assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B in a first state of use;

FIG. 5B is an isometric partial view of the broom assembly of FIG. 5A in a second state of use;

FIG. 6A is an isometric partial view of yet another embodiment of a broom assembly according to the present disclosure with a portion of the groups of bristles omitted for clarity; and

FIG. 6B is a bottom planar view of the broom head of FIG. 6A with the groups of bristles omitted for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-3B, 5A, and 5B, a broom assembly is generally designated by the numeral 10. The broom assembly 10 includes a broom head 30 secured to a handle 20 that extends from a first end 22 to a second end 24. The broom head 30 integrates an intake section 32 into a plurality of groups of bristles 34 mounted to the broom head 30. In other words, the intake section 32 takes the place of a plurality of groups of bristles 34 mounted to the broom head 30.

Referring to FIG. 1, the handle 20 extends from the first end 22, connected to the broom head 30 at a handle receiving aperture 48, to the second end 24. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-2B, the handle 20 has an inner surface 21 that defines a vacuum flow path. In the depicted embodiment, the handle 20 comprises a first handle section 26 and a second handle section 28 slidingly mounted to one another and joined at annular lock 29. The annular lock 29, the first handle section 26, and the second handle section 28 allow the handle 20 to expand and contract to fixed lengths without hindering the vacuum flow path and without taxing the user. In one embodiment, the first handle section 26 mates with the second handle section 28 at a hinged joint (not depicted), allowing the second handle section 28 to rotate upwards, substantially parallel to the first handle section 26. In one embodiment, the broom head 30 contains an interior set of threads that engage complementary threads on the first end 22 of the handle 20, but other attachment means do not depart from the invention disclosed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second end 24 of the handle 20 supports a suction device 50. The suction device 50 includes a suction motor (not depicted) that generates a vacuum force that pulls loose materials and debris along the vacuum flow path. In the depicted embodiment, the suction device 50 also includes container 52 (depicted in FIG. 1) that retains debris after it passes through the vacuum flow path. In another embodiment, the container 52 is omitted and the vacuum flow path is connected to a hose (not depicted). The hose terminates in a container separate from the broom assembly. Additional vacuum elements, such as filters, may be incorporated into the suction device 50 and/or handle 20 without departing from the present invention. The suction device 50 may be battery powered or have an electric power cord to accommodate external sources of electricity.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, the broom head 30 extends from a base sleeve 38 to a base bottom 40. The base bottom 40 is defined by a first longitudinally extending end 41 and a second longitudinally extending end 42 arranged parallel to one another and equidistant from the central axis A and a first laterally extending end 43 and a second laterally extending end 44 arranged parallel to one another and equidistant from the central axis A. In the depicted embodiment, the first longitudinally extending end 41 and the second longitudinally extending end 42 are perpendicular to the first laterally extending end 43 and the second laterally extending end 44. The base bottom 40 defines a number of mounting apertures 45. Each group of the plurality of groups of bristles 34 is mounted in a mounting aperture 45. In the depicted embodiment, each group of bristles 34 extend at a sweep angle θ, relative to the central axis A of the broom assembly 10. Each group of bristles 34 terminates at a common sweeping plane S along a surface 60 (as depicted in FIG. 5A). The individual bristles 34 in each group of bristles 34 are made from any material able to be used as a sweeping mechanism, such as natural or synthetic hair, plastic, nylon, polyester, or combinations thereof. Alternate arrangements of the groups of bristles 34, including embodiments in which the bristles 34 are mounted to the broom head 30 individually, rather than in groups, or in which the bristles 34 are mounted directly to the base bottom 40 using attachment means such as glue or other adhesives, do not depart from the invention disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the bristles 34 extend through the base bottom 40 and the base sleeve 38 partially covers one end of the bristles 34 and converges into a handle receiving aperture 48. The handle receiving aperture 48 further defining the vacuum flow path, penetrating the broom head 30 to the base bottom 40.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the groups of bristles 34 project from the base bottom 40 at varying sweep angles θ relative to the central axis A. Near the center of the base bottom 40 (adjacent central axis A) the groups of bristles 34 project from the base bottom 40 generally parallel to the central axis A, having a sweep angle θ of approximately 0°. The sweep angle θ increases for the groups of bristles 34 mounted at further distances from the central axis A. This results in a sweep angle θ of the groups of bristles 34 adjacent to laterally extending ends 43, 44 of approximately 35°. In some embodiments the sweep angle θ is up to 45°. This creates a fan-like arrangement of the groups of bristles 34, where the groups of bristles 34 adjacent the first laterally extending end 43 reach beyond the first laterally extending end 43 and the groups of bristles 34 adjacent the second laterally extending end 44 reach beyond the second laterally extending end 44. This arrangement of the groups of bristles 34 allows efficient sweeping and suction below cabinets or in other hard to reach places. In one embodiment the sweep angle θ varies between 0° and 45°.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the broom assembly 10 during two states of use. FIG. 5A depicts the broom assembly 10 being used to sweep up particulates or debris from the surface 60. During normal sweeping operation, as depicted in FIG. 5A, the intake section 32 is spaced from the surface 60, giving the plurality of groups bristles 34 a wider range of motion. Once the particulates are in a pile, the user then presses down on the handle 20 to position the intake section 32 against the surface 60. The suction device 50 (depicted in FIG. 1) then manually or automatically turns on and the particulates are sucked into the intake section 32, and into and through the handle 20. The particulates are ultimately collected in the container 52 (depicted in FIG. 1). The intake section 32 is flexible to prevent damage to the surface 60 due to impact with or rubbing against the intake section 32. The arrangement of the intake section 32 within the broom head 30 and spaced from the tips of the groups of bristles (defined by sweeping plane S) allows a user to selectively engage the intake section 32 to vacuum debris from the surface 60 as needed by pushing down on the handle 20. In the depicted embodiments, the ends of each bristle 34 in the plurality of groups of bristles 34 terminates at the sweeping plane S. During use, the surface 60 is within the sweeping plane S, allowing the plurality of groups of bristles 34 to act on debris on the surface 60. The sweeping motion the user makes during normal movement of the brush assembly (as depicted in FIG. 5A) is the same motion the user makes when the intake section 32 is engaged and loose materials are vacuumed from the surface 60.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of a broom assembly 110, where like numbers correspond to like parts, but are preceded by a “1”. In this embodiment the groups of bristles 134 are all substantially parallel to the central axis A and the sweep angle θ remains relatively constant for all of the plurality of groups of bristles 134. In another embodiment, there is a first group of bristles adjacent the central axis A with a sweep angle θ of 0° and a second group of bristles adjacent the laterally extending ends with a sweep angle θ of 30°.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the intake section 32 is mounted to the base bottom 40, interrupting the longitudinally extending end 41. The intake section 32 is integrated into the plurality of groups of bristles 34. In other words, the intake section 32 takes the place of a portion of the plurality of groups of bristles 34 within the cross-section of the base bottom 40. In the depicted embodiment, the intake section 32 defines a hollow enclosure between an intake mouth 33 and an intake aperture 37. The vacuum flow path is further defined by an inner surface 36 of the intake section 32 from the intake mouth 33, through the intake aperture 37, to the handle receiving aperture 48. In the depicted embodiment, the intake aperture 37 and handle receiving aperture 48 are in direct fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, tubing or other flow extenders are included between the intake aperture 37 and the handle receiving aperture 48. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 6A, and 6B, the intake section 32, 232 is mounted entirely within the cross-section of the base bottom 40, 240.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-5B, the intake section 32 is made from a flexible material such as silicone, rubber, plastic, or other flexible elastomeric materials. This allows the intake section 32 to flex and bend to prevent damage to surrounding surfaces or objects, such as surface 60, furniture, or a wall. There is also an intake notch 35 along one edge of the intake section 32 to accommodate larger loose materials. While not illustrated in the figures, it is contemplated that a second intake notch could be included in another edge of the intake section 32. In the depicted embodiments, the intake section 32 is opaque, but transparent or semi-transparent materials are used in alternative embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4, the intake section 132 protrudes from an exterior surface 139 of the broom head 130. In this embodiment, the vacuum flow path still passes through the inner surface 136 (not depicted) of broom head 130, but directly connecting the intake section 132 to the hollow handle 120 is also possible.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an alternate embodiment of a broom assembly 210 with a V-shaped symmetrical broom head 230. In the depicted embodiment, the base bottom has a first base bottom 240A, extending between a first laterally extending end 243 and the central axis A, and a second base bottom 240B, extending between a second laterally extending end 245 and the central axis A, mounted at a head angle α, relative to one another. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B the head angle α is approximately 130°. In some embodiments, the head angle α is between 110° and 150°.

The first base bottom 240A has a first longitudinally extending end 241A and a second longitudinally extending end 242A arranged parallel to one another and each having a wall perpendicular to the first base bottom 240A extending from a point at the laterally extending end 243 to the central axis A. The second base bottom 240B has a third longitudinally extending end 241B and a fourth longitudinally extending end 242B arranged parallel to one another and each having a wall perpendicular to the second base bottom 240B extending from a point at the laterally extending end 244 to the central axis A. The wall of the first longitudinally extending end 241A of the first base bottom 240A connects to the complementary wall of the third longitudinally extending end 241B of the second base bottom 240B.

The wall of the second longitudinally extending end 242A of the first base bottom 240A connects to the complementary wall of the fourth longitudinally extending end 242B of the second base bottom 240B. In the depicted embodiment, the wall of the first longitudinally extending end 241A mates with the wall of the third longitudinally extending end 241B to form a united element and the wall of the second longitudinally extending end 242A mates with the wall of the fourth longitudinally extending end 242B to form a united element.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the intake mouth 233 is defined by a hollow structure with an intake face 231 that is substantially triangular in shape and centered relative to the central axis A. The intake mouth 233 is defined by a trapezoid with the shorter base of the trapezoid defined by the intake face 231. The depicted intake mouth 233 is also angled relative to the sweeping plane S. This allows the user to engage the vacuum while tilting the broom assembly 210, increasing the efficiency of the intake section 232 and decreasing the physical stress on the user. The depicted intake aperture 237 is centered within the trapezoidal shape of the intake mouth 233. In the depicted embodiment, the intake section 232 is arranged adjacent to the first and third longitudinally extending ends 241A, 241B. In other embodiments, the intake section 232 is arranged adjacent to the second and fourth longitudinally extending ends 242A, 242B or is centered on the central axis A.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first base bottom 240A and the second base bottom 240B provide angled surfaces for the mounting apertures 245. Groups of bristles 234 extend from the first base bottom 240A and the second base bottom 240B, towards the sweeping plane S. In the depicted embodiment, only a portion B of the groups of bristles 234 are shown, however it is understood that groups of bristles 234 continue along the first base bottom 240A and the second base bottom 240B within the area defined by the longitudinally extending ends 241A, 241B, 242A, 242B and the laterally extending ends 243, 244. The groups of bristles 234 are mounted within mounting apertures 245 in a similar fan-like manner as depicted in FIG. 3A and discussed above. All groups of bristles 234 terminate in a common plane at the sweeping plane S.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the intake section 232 is completely rigid. In some embodiments, the intake section is made of multiple materials and a rubber-like flexible material, e.g., a strip of silicone rubber, is attached at the edge of the intake section to maintain a flexible interface between the intake section and the surface. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a soft coating is attached or applied to the surface of the intake section 232 to prevent damage to surrounding surfaces and objects.

In some embodiments, a hook or bracket (not depicted) is attached or united with the broom assembly 10 for use during storage of the broom assembly 10. In embodiments containing a first handle section 26 and a second handle section 28, the annular lock 29 or the hinged joint (not depicted) allows the plurality of groups of bristles 34 to be spaced apart from the surface 60 during storage of the broom assembly 10, which prolongs the life and efficacy of the plurality of groups of bristles 34.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A broom assembly, comprising:

a handle extending from a first end to a second end, the handle having an inner handle surface defining a vacuum flow path;

a broom head secured to the first end of the handle, the broom head extending from the first end of the handle to a base bottom, the base bottom defining a plurality of mounting apertures and defining a central axis A perpendicular to the base bottom, each mounting aperture accommodating one of a plurality of groups of bristles;

an intake section positioned on the base bottom, the intake section having an inner intake surface further defining the vacuum flow path, the inner intake surface extending from an intake aperture adjacent to the base bottom to an intake mouth; and

a suction device secured to the second end of the handle, the suction device including a suction motor and a removable container,

wherein the vacuum flow path is subject to suction forces by the suction motor, and

wherein particulates swept together by the plurality of groups of bristles flow through the mouth aperture, enter the vacuum flow path, travel through the vacuum flow path of the inner intake surface and the inner handle surface, and collect in the container.

2. The broom assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises at least two handle sections fixed to one another by an annular lock, an outer surface of one of the at least two handle sections slidingly engages an inner handle surface of another of the at least two handle sections.

3. The broom assembly of claim 1, wherein the intake mouth forms a continuous periphery with an intake notch interrupting the intake mouth and extending toward the intake aperture.

4. The broom assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of groups of bristles are substantially parallel to one another.

5. The broom assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of the groups of bristles adjacent to the central axis A are generally parallel to the central axis A.

6. The broom assembly of claim 5, wherein each bristle of the plurality of groups of bristles terminates at a bristle end within a common sweeping plane S.

7. The broom assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the bristles within the plurality of groups of bristles are arranged at a sweep angle θ relative to the central axis A.

8. The broom assembly of claim 7, wherein the sweep angle θ is between 0° and 45°.

9. The broom assembly of claim 7, wherein the sweep angle θ increases at increasing distances from the central axis A.

10. The broom assembly of claim 5, further comprising:

a first plurality of groups of bristles adjacent the central axis A are generally parallel to the central axis A; and

a second plurality of bristles adjacent at least one of the outermost edges are arranged at a sweep angle θ,

wherein the sweep angle θ is between 0° and 45°.

11. A broom assembly, comprising:

a handle extending from a first end to a second end, the handle having an inner handle surface;

a broom head having a first base bottom and a second base bottom, the first base bottom having a first longitudinally extending end and a second longitudinally extending end each having a wall perpendicular to the first base bottom and extending from a point at a first laterally extending end to a first height adjacent to the second base bottom, the second base bottom having a third longitudinally extending end and a fourth longitudinally extending end each having a wall perpendicular to the second base bottom and extending from a point at a second laterally extending end to a second height adjacent to the first base bottom, and the first base bottom and the second base bottom define a plurality of mounting apertures;

an intake section having an inner intake surface, the intake section positioned on and penetrating at least one of the first base bottom and the second base bottom, the intake section defined by an intake face extending from an intake mouth at one end to an intake aperture at the other end;

a plurality of groups of bristles with each group of bristles mounted within a mounting aperture of the first base bottom or the second base bottom, each bristle within the plurality of groups of bristles terminating at a bristle end in a sweeping plane S,

wherein the inner handle surface and the inner intake surface define a vacuum flow path,

wherein the intake face is disposed adjacent to the first longitudinally extending end and the third longitudinally extending end, and

wherein the wall of the first longitudinally extending end and the wall of third longitudinally extending end form a single united member and the wall of the second longitudinally extending end and the wall of the fourth longitudinally extending end form an additional single united member, and the intake face is disposed adjacent to the first longitudinally extending end and the third longitudinally extending end.

12. The broom assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of groups of bristles are each received within the mounting aperture at a sweep angle θ, and each of the plurality of groups of bristles is mounted at a different sweep angle θ.

13. The broom assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of groups of bristles adjacent to the first laterally extending surface or adjacent to the second laterally extending surface have a maximum sweep angle and groups of bristles adjacent to the central axis have a minimum sweep angle.

14. The broom assembly of claim 13, wherein the maximum sweep angle is at least 45° and the minimum sweep angle is at least 0°.

15. The broom assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of groups of bristles are each received within the mounting aperture at a sweep angle θ, and each of the plurality of groups of bristles is mounted at the same sweep angle θ.

16. The broom assembly of claim 13, wherein the intake mouth has a cross section defined by a trapezoid and the smaller base of the trapezoid is defined by the intake face.

17. The broom assembly of claim 13, wherein the intake mouth is angled relative to the sweeping plane S.

18. The broom assembly of claim 13, further comprising a rubberized coating encasing the intake section and extending from the intake mouth towards the sweeping plane S.