Abstract:
The present invention relates to a compact cleaning device. The present invention allows for convenient and easy storage of a compact cleaning device.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority from a provisional application filed on Mar. 14, 2005, having application No. 60/661,299. No new matter has been added. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     Prior art cleaning devices often take needed storage space and are inconvenient for regular transport. Cleaning service companies and individuals are often required to travel with bulky items and cleaning devices such as mops and brooms which are usually awkward to carry and difficult to store in tight spaces such as a car or closet. While prior art cleaning devices do allow for disassembly of handles, the methods in which the disassembly and assembly is accomplished is tedious and time consuming because they require that each of the connecting pieces be organized and identified prior to assembly, then assembled, typically being joined together with a screw mechanism.  
         [0003]     The present invention on the other hand, allows for quick and easy assembly and storage of a cleaning device through a unique compressible handle that can rapidly be broken down to a compact size. The present invention is ideal for cleaning services that require transport of equipment and materials but is also convenient for households and businesses that wish to minimize space dedicated to cleaning equipment storage.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0004]     The present invention relates to a cleaning device that can be stored neatly and compactly, requiring minimal space. The present invention is comprised of a handle component and a cleaning component The handle component is compressible and can be quickly assembled and stored. The cleaning component of the present invention can include a variety of cleaning tools, including a broom, duster, and mop end. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0005]      FIG. 1  shows the compact cleaning device partially unassembled.  
         [0006]      FIG. 2  is a planar view of the compact cleaning device assembled.  
         [0007]      FIG. 3  is a close-up view of the female and male segments.  
         [0008]      FIG. 4  shows the mechanism from which the female and male segments are joined.  
         [0009]      FIG. 5  is a close-up view of the female and male segments joined. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  shows the present invention partially disassembled. The present invention comprises of a handle portion  1  and a cleaning device  2 . The handle portion is comprised of multiple segments  3  that may be releasably connected. The segments may be constructed from a variety of rigid materials such as plastic or metal alloys. The cleaning device portion of the present invention may include a variety of cleaning tools such as a mop, duster, or as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a broom end.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  shows the present invention fully assembled. The segments of the handle portion of the compact cleaning device can be securely, yet releasably joined so that the compact cleaning device is fully operational.  
         [0012]     The segments  3  are comprised of two types. As shown in detail in  FIGS. 3-4  the segments are configured to enable the pieces to be releasably joined. One segment, referred to as the female segment  4 , comprises a cylindrical tube that is capable of receiving a second segment, referred to as the male segment  5 . The male segment  5 , is tapered on each end and can be inserted in the female segment. The tapered element  6  of the male segment  5  enables it to be inserted into the female segment  4 . Each of the segments that comprise the handle of the cleaning device may be joined by a string element  7  that is contained within each segment. This allows for quick assembly and disassembly because there is no need to identify the corresponding male and female segments that are to be connected. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the string element is constructed from elastic that is slightly shorter than the length of the handle when filly assembled. The string may be constructed from a variety of materials including elastic, cotton fibers, twine, or any other materials suitable to construct a string element.  
         [0013]     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the female segment of the handle portion of the cleaning device contains a groove  8 . The male segment of the handle portion of the cleaning device possesses a corresponding protrusion  9 . Said protrusion may be constructed from plastic or metal and may be attached to the male segment through various means, including glue means, welding means, or screw means. Said protrusion may be positioned within the groove when the male and female segments are connected. When the protrusion is positioned within the groove as shown in  FIG. 5 , rotational movement between the segments is prevented allowing for a more stable handle.  
         [0014]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show the handle connected to a broom end. This is just one embodiment of the present invention and the broom feature may be threadably detached from the handle through a screw mechanism and replaced with other cleaning tools such as a duster, mop or rag.  
         [0015]     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, manner and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0016]     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.