MODULAR CLEANING TOOL AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A modular cleaning tool multiple cleaning tool sections to be interchangeably attached to the same handle section via a releasable fastener having the same tool portion on each of the tool sections that is complementary with a handle portion on the handle section. Different, interchangeable handle sections can also be provided. A caddy system is used to simultaneously hold a plurality of different tool sections and handle sections for storage and transport.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cleaning tools, and more particularly to modular cleaning tools.

BACKGROUND

To do a thorough job of even relatively routine cleaning, several different cleaning tools are typically required. For example, a given cleaning job might regularly require at least a broom and dustpan, a mop, and a duster. It can be quite burdensome to store all of these different tools and then transport them to and from each location to be cleaned. While various caddies have been used with limited success, further improvements are possible.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular cleaning tool and related systems and methods. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular cleaning tool comprises a handle section, a tool section and a fastener. The handle section extends between first and second handle section ends. The tool section extends between first and second tool section ends, with a cleaning tool being located at the second tool section end. The fastener releasably connects the first handle and tool section ends along a connection axis, the fastener including a handle portion and a tool portion meeting at respective abutment surfaces.

A protrusion extends axially away from one of the respective abutment surfaces, a recess complementary to the protrusion extending axially into another one of the respective abutment surfaces, the protrusion being seated in the recess. One of the handle and tool portions has first locking collar segments extending circumferentially along sides of its respective abutment surface separated by first circumferential gaps.

Another one of the handle and tool portions has a knob mounted rotatably about its first handle or tool section end, the knob having first and second knob ends, the second knob end being oriented toward the second handle or tool section end corresponding to the other one of the handle and tool portions. The first knob end extends axially past the first locking collar segments toward the second handle or tool section end corresponding to the one of the handle and tool portions. Second locking collar segments extend circumferentially around the first knob end separated by second circumferential gaps and engaging the first locking collar segments in a locked state of the fastener.

Rotation of the knob places the fastener in an unlocked state by disengaging the first and second locking collar segments such that the handle section and the tool section are disconnectable along the connection axis.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a caddy system comprises a bucket assembly, a handle section and a plurality of tool sections. The bucket assembly includes a bucket and an accessory holder covering the bucket. The accessory holder defines a plurality of receptacles, and a fastener tool portion is formed on the accessory holder. The handle section extends between first and second handle section ends, a fastener handle portion being formed on the first handle section end, the fastener handle portion being releasably connected to the fastener tool portion on the accessory holder.

A plurality of tool sections are respectively stored in the plurality of receptacles, each of the plurality of tool sections extending between first and second tool section ends, a different cleaning tool being located at each second tool section end and a fastener tool portion identical to the fastener tool portion of the accessory holder located at each first tool section end, such that each tool section is interchangeably connectable to the handle section in place of the accessory holder.

These and other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better appreciated in view of the drawings and following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular cleaning tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a handle section and tool section thereof disconnected;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the modular cleaning tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool portion of a fastener of the modular cleaning tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a knob of a handle portion of the fastener of the modular cleaning tool of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of the fastener of the modular cleaning tool of FIG. 1, with handle and tool portions of the fastener abutting;

FIG. 7A is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5, with the fastener unlocked;

FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5, with the fastener locked;

FIG. 8A is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6, with the fastener unlocked;

FIG. 8B is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6, with the fastener locked;

FIGS. 9-14 are perspective views of other tool sections usable with the handle section of FIG. 1 in a modular cleaning tool;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a caddy system including a wheeled bucked and an accessory holder, incorporating the modular cleaning tool of FIG. 1 and the tool sections of FIGS. 9-14, and additional handle section and other accessories;

FIG. 16 is a detail perspective view of part of the caddy system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the caddy system of FIG. 15 with the handle and tool sections and other accessories removed;

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the caddy system of FIG. 15 with the handle and tool sections and other accessories removed;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the caddy system of FIG. 15 with the accessory holder removed and a wringer basket installed in the wheeled bucket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular cleaning tool 10 includes a handle section 12 and a tool section 14. A fastener 16, including complementary handle and tool portions 20, 22, releasably connects the handle section 12 to the tool section 14, allowing for stable and secure connection of the sections 12, 14, as well quick detachment of the sections 12, 14 and reattachment of a different, interchangeable tool section to the handle section 12 and/or reattachment of the a different handle section to the tool section 14.

The handle section 12 preferably includes a shaft 24 holding the handle portion 20 of the fastener 16 at a first end 26 thereof and having a grip 30 at a second end 32 thereof. The shaft 24 is advantageously circular in cross section. The modular cleaning tool 10 could readily incorporate shafts of varying lengths and grip designs, while maintaining interconnectability with the tool section 14.

The tool section 14 includes a shaft 34 holding the tool portion 22 of the fastener 16 at a first end 36 thereof and having a tool 40 at a second end 42 thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the tool 40 is a bristle brush, although the present invention could accommodate virtually any tool. The shaft 34 could also be made of varying lengths. Depending on user preferences and the nature of the tool, a shaft could be omitted altogether and the tool portion 22 mounted directly on a body of the tool.

Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fastener 16 includes co-planar abutment surfaces 44, 46 on the handle and tool portions 20, 22, located at respective axially distal points of the first ends 26, 36. With reference to the fastener, “axial” is in a direction of the connection axis of the sections 12, 14, and “radial” is in a direction perpendicular thereto. An element that is “circumferential” extends around the connection axis.

A protrusion 50 extends axially away from the abutment surface 44 and fits closely within a complementary recess 52 extending axially into the abutment surface 46. It is preferred to place the protrusion on the handle portion 20 and the recess 52 on the tool portion; however, their relative positions could be swapped within the scope of the present invention. The protrusion is advantageously non-circular in cross-section, such that the handle section 12 and the tool section 14 cannot rotate relative to one another at the fastener 16.

The tool portion 22 of the fastener 16 further includes locking collar segments 54 extending circumferentially along sides of the abutment surface 46 with circumferential gaps 56 located therebetween. Preferably, there are two radially opposed locking collar segments 54 having approximately equal circumferential lengths. Likewise, the circumferential lengths of the gaps 56 are also preferably equal to each other and slightly longer than the locking collar segments 54. Clearances 60 are formed axially below the collar segments 54. Each clearance 60 has a stop 62 at a circumferential end thereof. A radial protrusion 64 extends outwardly into the clearance 60.

The handle portion 20 of the fastener 16 includes a knob 66 mounted around the shaft 24 so as to be rotatable thereabout and slidable relative thereto. The knob 66 defines a central channel 70 through which the shaft 24 extends. Radial dimensions of the central channel 70 are smaller than those of the grip 32 and a knob engagement surface 72 located at the first end 26 opposite the abutment surface 44, such that the knob 66 is unable to slide off either end 26, 32 of the shaft 24. First and second ends 74, 66 of the knob 66 are oriented toward the first and second ends 24, 26 of the shaft 24, respectively. The first end of the 36 of the tool section 14 is preferably of increased diameter so as to match the external diameter of the knob 66 and offer a smooth transition in the area of the fastener 16 when connected.

Toward the first end 74, the central channel 70 expands into a cavity 80 having axial and radial dimensions sufficient to allow the first end 74 to be advanced past the abutment surfaces 44, 46 when the surfaces 44, 46 are placed in abutment. Extending radially inward from the cavity 80 at the first end are circumferentially extending locking collar segments 82 with circumferentially extending gaps 84 therebetween. Like the locking collar segments 54, the locking collar segments 82 are preferably radially opposed having approximately equal circumferential lengths. Like the gaps 56, the gaps 84 are also preferably equal to each other and slightly longer than the locking collar segments 82. Radial recesses 86 are located in each locking collar portion 82 complementary with the radial protrusions 64 in the clearances 60 under the locking collar segments 54.

The operation of the fastener 16 to releasably connect the handle and tool sections 14, 16 will be described with further reference to FIGS. 5-8B. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the fastener 16 with the abutment surfaces 44 and 46 abutting, the protrusion 50 extending into the recess 52, and the knob 66 fully advanced down the shaft 24 (such that a first end engagement surface 90 within the cavity 80 abuts the knob engagement surface 72). FIGS. 7A and 7B are taken along a sectional line (see line 7-7 in FIG. 5) near a base of the clearances 60 on the tool portion 22, while FIGS. 8A and 8B are taken along a sectional line (see line 8-8 in FIG. 6) extending through the locking collar segments 54 on the tool portion 22 and above the locking collar segments 82 on the knob 66.

In FIGS. 7A and 8A, the fastener 16 is depicted unlocked. The knob 66 is rotated relative to the tool portion 22 such that the respective locking collar segments 82, 54 are offset by 90 degrees, which aligns the respective gaps 56, 84, and allows the locking collar segments 82 on the knob 66 to slide past the locking collar segments 54 on the tool portion. The locking collar segments 82 are now axially aligned with the clearances 60, allowing the knob 66 to be rotated (clockwise in the depicted embodiment) to move the locking collar segments 82 under the locking collar segments 54 until the recesses 86 engage the protrusions 64. Over-rotation of the knob 66 is prevented by the stops 62. With the first end engagement surface 90 bearing on the knob engagement surface 72 and the opposing faces of the collar segments 54, 82 bearing on each other, the fastener 16 now securely locks the handle and tool sections 12, 14 of the modular cleaning tool 10.

To unlock the fastener 16 and disconnect the handle and tool sections 12, 14, force is simply applied to the knob 66 to overcome the engagement between the recesses 86 and protrusions 64 and then rotate the locking collar segments 82, 54 out from under each other. With the locking collar segments 82, 54 again aligned with the respective gaps 56, 84, the handle and tool sections 12, 14 can be pulled apart.

It is preferred to locate the knob 66 on the handle portion 20 of the fastener 16 for easier operation and manufacture (particularly where multiple, different tool sections are used). However, it will be appreciated that the present invention could encompass modular cleaning tools where the knob was located on the tool section. Similarly, the locations of other complementary fastener elements (e.g., the locking collar segments 54, 82) could be reversed from what is shown in the depicted embodiment).

As indicated previously, the handle section 12 of the modular tool can used with a large variety of different tool sections, beyond the initially depicted bristle brush. In several non-limiting examples, the handle section 12 (or another compatible handle section) could be mated with an angled broom 14A (FIG. 9), a sweeping broom 14B (FIG. 10), a mop 14C (FIG. 11), a fan blade duster 14D (FIG. 12), a wet dry sweeper 14E (FIG. 13), and a duster 14F (FIG. 14). Each interchangeable tool section 14-14F is equipped with a tool portion 22-22F compatible with the handle portion 20 of the handle section 12.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, a caddy system 100 further leverages advantages of the modular tool 10. In the caddy system 100, a handle section 12A (preferably longer but otherwise identical to the handle section 12) is connected to a bucket assembly 14G. Preferably, the bucket assembly 14G includes a wheeled bucket 102 covered by an accessory holder 104. A plurality of receptacles 106-106F are defined in the accessory holder 104 to hold the tool sections 14-14F, respectively.

To connect the handle section 12A (allowing it to be used to maneuver the caddy system 100), a fastener tool portion 22G is also formed on the accessory holder 104 (and/or at some other point on the bucket assembly 14G). When it is desired to use the longer handle section 12A with another tool section 14-14F, it can simply be detached from the tool portion 22G.

A hanger 110 configured to releasably snap onto the handle 24A of the handle section 12A can be employed to further increase the flexibility of the caddy system 100. The hanger 110 includes a hook 112 from which another accessory, such as a dust mitt 114 can be suspended. Additionally, the shorter handle section 12 can be stored on the bucket assembly 14G connected to the duster 14F while held in its receptacle 106F. The grip 30 of the handle section 12 then also rests on the hook 112. A dustpan 116 with a handle 120 also configured to releasably snap onto the handle 24A can also be carried by the bucket assembly 14G. A groove 122 is defined in the accessory holder 104 to accommodate a lip 124 of the dustpan 116.

To facilitate mop usage with the caddy system 100, the accessory holder 104 includes rails 130 which hold a wringer basket 126 thereon (under the receptacle 106F). When mopping, the accessory holder 104 is snapped off the wheeled bucket 102 (which includes a separate handle 132). The wringer basket 126 is removed from the rails 130 and snapped in place over the bucket 102. After use, the wringer basket 126 can simply be removed and re-inserted on the rails 130 under the accessory holder 104.

In general, the foregoing embodiments are described for illustrative and exemplary purposes; the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, as well as adaptations to particular circumstances, will fall within the scope of the invention as herein shown and described and of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A modular cleaning tool comprising:

a handle section extending between first and second handle section ends;

a tool section extending between first and second tool section ends, a cleaning tool being located at the second tool section end;

a fastener releasably connecting the first handle and tool section ends along a connection axis, the fastener including a handle portion and a tool portion meeting at respective abutment surfaces, a protrusion extending axially away from one of the respective abutment surfaces, a recess complementary to the protrusion extending axially into another one of the respective abutment surfaces, the protrusion being seated in the recess, one of the handle and tool portions having first locking collar segments extending circumferentially along sides of its respective abutment surface separated by first circumferential gaps, another one of the handle and tool portions having a knob mounted rotatably about its first handle or tool section end, the knob having first and second knob ends, the second knob end being oriented toward the second handle or tool section end corresponding to the other one of the handle and tool portions, the first knob end extending axially past the first locking collar segments toward the second handle or tool section end corresponding to the one of the handle and tool portions, second locking collar segments extending circumferentially around the first knob end separated by second circumferential gaps and engaging the first locking collar segments in a locked state of the fastener;

wherein rotation of the knob places the fastener in an unlocked state by disengaging the first and second locking collar segments such that the handle section and the tool section are disconnectable along the connection axis.

2. The modular cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein a grip is located at the second handle section end.

3. The modular cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the protrusion extends axially away from the respective abutment surface of the handle portion and the recess extends axially into the respective abutment surface of the tool portion.

4. The modular cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the protrusion and recess are non-circular about the connection axis.

5. The modular cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the first locking collar segments and first circumferential gaps are located on the tool portion and the knob with the second locking collar segment and second circumferential gaps is located on the handle portion.

6. The modular cleaning tool of claim 5, wherein the handle section includes a shaft extending between the first and second handle section ends and the knob is slidably and rotatably mounted on the shaft.

7. The modular cleaning tool of claim 6, a grip is located at the second handle section end having radial dimensions greater than radial dimensions of a central channel defined in the knob through which the shaft extends.

8. The modular cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein a central channel is defined extending through the knob extending from the second knob end and a central cavity having larger radial dimensions than the channel is defined between the central channel and the first knob end, the respective abutment surfaces being located within the central cavity.

9. The modular cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the second locking collar segments are extend radially inward from the first knob end and the first locking collar segments are extend radially outward.

10. The modular cleaning tool of claim 9, wherein the second locking collar segments engage the first locking collar segments in clearances formed axially therebelow.

11. The modular cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein each of the clearances has a stop at a circumferential end thereof.

12. The modular cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein radial protrusions extend from one of the clearances and the second locking collar segments and radial recesses are located in another one of the clearances and the second locking collar segments, the radial protrusions engaging the radial recesses to inhibit rotation of the knob and maintain the fastener in the locked state.

13. The modular cleaning tool of claim 1, further comprising an additional tool section extending between first and second additional tool section ends, a different cleaning tool being located at the additional second tool section end and an additional tool portion identical to the tool portion located at the additional first tool section end, such that the additional tool section is interchangeably connectable to the handle section in place of the tool section.

14. A caddy system comprising:

the modular cleaning tool of claim 1;

a plurality of additional tool sections each extending between first and second additional tool section ends, a different cleaning tool being located at each second additional tool section end and an additional tool portion identical to the tool portion located at each first additional tool section end, such that each additional tool section is interchangeably connectable to the handle section in place of the tool section; and

an accessory holder holding the modular cleaning tool and the plurality of additional tool sections.

15. The caddy system of claim 14, wherein the accessory holder also has an additional tool portion identical to the tool portion, such that the accessory holder is interchangeable connectable to the handle section in place of the tool section.

16. The caddy system of claim 15, further comprising an additional handle section extending between first and second additional handle section ends, an additional handle portion being located at the additional handle section first end, such that the additional handle section is interchangeable connectable to the tool section and the plurality of additional tool sections in place of the handle section.

17. The caddy system of claim 16, wherein the additional handle portion of the additional handle section is connected to the additional tool portion of the accessory holder.

18. The caddy system of claim 17, wherein the accessory holder is connected to a wheeled bucket.

19. A caddy system comprising:

a bucket assembly including: a bucket; and an accessory holder covering the bucket, the accessory holder defining a plurality of receptacles, a fastener tool portion being formed on the accessory holder;

a handle section extending between first and second handle section ends, a fastener handle portion being formed on the first handle section end, the fastener handle portion being releasably connected to the fastener tool portion on the accessory holder; and

a plurality of tool sections respectively stored in the plurality of receptacles, each of the plurality of tool sections extending between first and second tool section ends, a different cleaning tool being located at each second tool section end and a fastener tool portion identical to the fastener tool portion of the accessory holder located at each first tool section end, such that each tool section is interchangeably connectable to the handle section in place of the accessory holder.

20. The caddy system of claim 19, wherein the bucket is a wheeled bucket.

21. The caddy system of claim 19, further comprising a wringer basket releasably connected to the accessory holder;

wherein the cleaning tool of one of the plurality of tool sections is a mop.

22. The caddy system of claim 21, wherein the accessory holder is removable from the bucket and replaceable with the wringer basket.

23. The caddy system of claim 19, wherein the handle section includes a shaft extending between the first and second handle section ends.

24. The caddy system of claim 23, further comprising a dustpan having a lip seated in a groove defined in the accessory holder and a handle releasably snapped onto the shaft of the handle section.

25. The caddy system of claim 23, further comprising:

a hanger releasably snapped onto the shaft, the hanger including a hook; and

an accessory hanging from the hook.

26. The caddy system of claim 25, wherein the accessory is a dust mitt.

27. The caddy system of claim 25, further comprising an additional handle section extending between first and second additional handle section ends, an additional fastener handle portion being located at the additional handle section first end, such that the additional handle section is interchangeable connectable to the fastener tool portion of each of the plurality of tool sections, the additional handle section second end being supported by the hook along with the accessory.

28. The caddy system of claim 27, wherein a shaft of the additional handle section is shorter than the shaft of the handle section releasably connected to the accessory holder.