Retractable broom

A retractable broom comprises a handle section and a broom head section. The handle section includes a retractable handle with one or more movable locking joints including locking mechanisms that are configured to connect and interlock the sections of the retractable handle together. An arm, including a stationary locking joint, having a locking mechanism, at one end of the arm connects and interlocks the retractable handle to the arm. The other end of the arm is fixedly attached to a brush head. The broom head section also comprises a retractable cover and third locking joint with a locking mechanism that connects and interlocks the retractable cover to the arm at two or more positions, with at least one position causing the retractable cover fully cover the brush head and a second position causing the retractable cover to at least partial uncover the brush head.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to brooms, and more particularly to a portable, compact broom.

BACKGROUND

At sporting events, fans bring a wide variety of novelty items and signs to cheer for teams. In some sports (e.g., baseball), teams will play a series of successive games against another team. These events often draw out the most avid fans and creative displays in hopes that their team will “sweep” the series by winning all the games. One way for a fan to symbolize a “sweep” is to use the household item commonly associated with that of a broom. However, conventional brooms, with long, firm handles, are often impractical to bring to sporting events. The length can cause transportation difficulties in large crowds, and events may have strict size and security restrictions on items brought by fans.

Current broom and similar brush designs that address storage and portability issues include brooms with detachable heads and retractable handles (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,197 B2 to Katz, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,077 to Henry), or a detachable head which may be stored inside the handle (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. WO 1995/022276). While these designs somewhat improve portability, fans must keep track of several pieces, and spend time assembling the brooms. Brooms with retractable heads eliminate the assembly inconvenience issue, but current designs require the retractable heads to be symmetric and able to fold into the handle by means of a spring hinge and pull rod (U.S. Pat. No. CN203153657). The fixed-length handles on these designs limit portability and storage efficiency. The variety of brush head designs is also limited, since the size and shape must conform to the handle size and spring hinge orientation. Therefore, a need exists for a portable, compact broom which fans can efficiently store and transport without disassembly.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a broom. The broom comprises a handle section and a broom head section. The handle section includes a retractable handle with one or more movable locking joints including locking mechanisms that are configured to connect and interlock the sections of the retractable handle together. An arm, including a stationary locking joint, having a locking mechanism, at one end of the arm connects and interlocks the retractable handle to the arm. The other end of the arm is fixedly attached to a brush head. The broom head section also comprises a retractable cover and third locking joint with a locking mechanism that connects and interlocks the retractable cover to the arm at two or more positions, with at least one position causing the retractable cover fully cover the brush head and a second position causing the retractable cover to at least partial uncover the brush head.

According to a second aspect, there is a broom comprising a retractable handle section and a broom head section. The handle section includes a retractable handle with one or more movable locking joints including locking mechanisms that are configured to connect and interlock the sections of the retractable handle together. An arm, including a stationary locking joint, having a locking mechanism, at one end of the arm connects and interlocks the retractable handle to the arm. The other end of the arm is fixedly attached to a brush head. The broom head section also comprises a retractable cover and third locking joint with a locking mechanism that connects and interlocks the retractable cover to the arm at two or more positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A compact broom is disclosed that is convenient to transport, store, and/or use. The broom is configured such that the handle of the broom minimizes in length and keeps an attached brush head covered when not in use. The broom generally comprises a retractable handle, an arm, a broom head (including a retractable cover and a brush head), and at least one locking mechanism. The handle extends or retracts through several joints that become progressively smaller. The arm extends into the retractable cover and attaches to the brush head. The arm and retractable cover also move relative to one another so that the brush head may be surrounded by the retractable cover.

The compact broom disclosed herein is portable and can be efficiently stored and transported without disassembly and reassembly. This makes the broom particular well suited for transportation to sporting events, where it can be extended and used by fans. The broom can also be used as a real broom, thereby enabling fans to clean off their seats or the stadium concrete below their feet. As there is also often a need for a portable, compact broom for use in small spaces including apartments and small homes, boats, RV's, campers, tents, truck beds, trailers, etc. When traveling outside the home, people often have a need for a broom that can be made as compact as possible so as to minimize storage requirements. This requires a broom that is easy to pack and transport while remaining durable during use and travel. The cover for the broom also protects the bristles when not in use, which prevents the bristles from being bent out of shape while stored and allows for easy storage, cleanliness and longevity.

Referring now toFIG. 1A, a perspective view of broom10is depicted. The broom10, in one example embodiment, includes a handle section12, which includes a movable locking joint14. In alternate embodiments, handle section12includes more than one moveable locking joint14, each moveable locking joint14being between different sections of handle section12. As depicted, moveable locking joint14is configured to interlock, couple, or connect a first section12aof handle section12and a second section12bof handle section12. An arm30includes a stationary locking joint15, as shown inFIG. 1, located between the second section12bof the handle section12and the arm30. A third locking joint17joins the broom head section27, to the arm30. The broom head section27includes a retractable cover or cover section26and a brush head24.

As described in further detail below, broom10inFIG. 1Ais configured such that the handle section12is retractable, i.e., a retractable handle12. InFIG. 1A, the moveable locking joint14is located in the middle portion of the retractable handle12. The moveable locking joint14and stationary locking joint15is configured so that when pressure is applied to each of the moveable locking joint14and stationary locking joint15respectively, the retractable handle12retracts, collapses, or closes from an extended/open position to a closed/retracted position.

For example, when pressure is applied at moveable locking joint14, a locking mechanism (not shown) within the moveable locking joint14releases and the first section12a(e.g., the top half) of retractable handle12retracts into the second section12b(e.g., the bottom half) of retractable handle12. The process to retract the retractable handle12is similar to the operation of a telescoping telescopic. Once the first section12aof the retractable handle12is retracted into a second section12bof the retractable handle12, pressure is applied to stationary locking joint15. By applying pressure to stationary locking joint15, the locking mechanism (not shown) within stationary locking joint15is released and the retractable handle12further retracts (also in a telescoping manner) into arm30via stationary locking joint15. As a result, the moveable locking joint14slides or moves down towards the stationary joint15. This complete retraction of retractable handle12into the arm30is further depicted and described inFIG. 1C.

Although pressure is described as being applied to the moveable locking joint14prior to applying pressure to the stationary locking joint15, it is possible to apply pressure to the stationary locking joint15first before applying pressure to moveable locking joint14. In other words, in alternate embodiments, pressure is applied to either of the locking joints, regardless of the order, to retract retractable handle12.

The pressure applied to moveable locking joint14and/or stationary locking joint15to cause the retractable handle12to retract is accomplished by a user applying force to the respective locking joints. For example, a user applies a squeeze, pinch, or twisting pressure at the respective locking joints. However, as is known to those skilled in the art, the above mentioned types of pressure are merely non-limiting examples. Other types of forces or pressure may be applied at the locking joints to close or retract the retractable handle12.

Further referring toFIG. 1A, as noted, the moveable locking joint14and the stationary locking joint15each includes a locking mechanism of a known type. For example, each of the locking mechanisms includes a fastener that interlocks or connects the respective handle sections of the retractable handle12, and which allows one handle section to move relative to the other handle section when the locking joint's is turned in one direction so as to deactivate the locking joint's locking mechanism, and prevents movement of the handle sections relative to one another when the locking joint is turned in an opposite direction to activate the locking mechanism, such as by tightening a band inside the locking mechanism joint around the perimeter of the handle section. Other locking known mechanisms, including a snap-lock fastener, a pin fastener, or another type of twist-lock fastener may likewise be utilized. The locking mechanism of moveable locking joint14may be configured to interlock or connect separate handle sections12ato12bof the retractable handle12, while the locking mechanism of stationary locking joint15may be configured to interlock or connect handle section12bto one end of the arm30.

The other end of arm30is fixedly attached to the brush head24, for example, as shown with respect to how brush head34is attached to arm40ofFIG. 2A, further described below. A third locking mechanism within locking joint17is connected to cover section26and is configured to interlock or connect the cover section26to two or more positions along a length of arm30. When the locking mechanisms of all three locking joints are released, the broom10may be retracted from its open/extended position to a closed/retracted position, and vice versa. Once the broom10has been put into the closed/retracted position, the locking mechanisms of the locking joints may be tightened to prevent the broom from unintendedly moving to the open/extended position.

FIG. 1Aalso illustrates a knob19located on or attached to the top of the retractable handle12. Knob19will be described in more detail with respect toFIG. 1Bbelow.

Referring toFIG. 1B, a side view of broom10is illustrated. Broom10is shown inFIG. 1Bin its open/extended position. Similar toFIG. 1A, the stationary locking joint15of the retractable handle12continues to be located toward the bottom portion of the retractable handle12. The moveable locking joint14also continues to be configured and located toward the middle portion on retractable handle12. Both the moveable locking joint14and stationary locking joint15are configured with locking mechanisms as described above. Similar to the above description in regards toFIG. 1A, the locking mechanisms are configured to be released or unlocked when a user applies pressure or force. Moreover, a third locking mechanism interlocks or connects the retractable cover26of the broom head section27at one or more positions along the length of arm30and is configured to be released or unlocked such that the retractable cover26may slide along or move with respect to the arm30. The retractable cover26interlocks or connects, through operation of the locking joint17, to one or more additional positions along the arm30. For example, the locking joint17interlocks or connects to a first position on the arm30such that the retractable cover26covers the entire brush head24. In other words, when retractable cover26is released from the connection with the first position on arm30and slides along the arm30to connect to a second position on arm30, for example, the retractable cover26moves from completely covering brush head24to completely uncovering brush head24or only partially covering brush head24, depending on the location of the second position on the arm30.

InFIG. 1B, a knob19on top of the retractable handle12is illustrated. The knob19is configured to include an opening such that broom10can be latched onto a hook (not depicted here inFIG. 1B) for storage purposes or clipped to a carabiner or other type of clamp that is in turn attached to a belt or belt loop of a person or to a pack so the broom10can be carried hands free. The knob19may be attached or affixed to the top portion of the retractable handle12in various ways. As one example, the knob19may be affixed onto the top portion of the retractable handle12during the manufacturing process. As is known to those skilled in the art, knob19ofFIG. 1Bis one non-limiting example. Other types or configurations of knob19may be manufactured or added onto broom10in an effort to conveniently store the broom10.

FIG. 1Bfurther illustrates that retractable cover26only partially covering brush head24. This serves to illustrate that the position of the retractable cover26relative to the broom head24is independent of the position of the handle sections12aand12bto one another or retractable handle12relative to arm30. For example, handle section12acould be retracted and largely positioned within the interior of handle section12b, which is in turn retracted and largely positioned within the interior of arm30, while the retractable cover26is positioned to either fully cover the brush head24, only partially cover the brush head24, or completely uncover the brush head24. Likewise, the retractable handle12could be fully extended or open while the retractable cover26partially covers or fully covers the brush head24.

FIG. 1Cillustrates broom10in the fully retracted or stowed position. In other words,FIG. 1Cillustrates broom10in the fully closed/retracted position. The closed/retracted position is configured so that the retractable handle12is retracted into arm30via stationary locking joint15. Put simply,FIG. 1Cillustrates that broom10is retracted to a length that makes it easy to transport and store. As described above, the retractable handle12is configured to retract in a telescoping manner, with the smaller diameter section, i.e., handle section12a, of the retractable handle12fitting within the length of the larger diameter section, i.e., handle section12b, and with handle section12bthen largely fitting within arm30. When moveable locking joint14is pressured or receives some sort of force, the locking mechanism therein is released and a first handle section12aof the retractable handle12retracts into the second handle section12bof the retractable handle12. Similarly, when stationary locking joint15is pressured or receives some force, the locking mechanism therein is released and the entire retractable handle12retracts into arm30via stationary locking joint15.

Further referring toFIG. 1C, when broom10is in the closed/retracted position, retractable cover26can be configured to substantially all of brush head24. This is achieved by releasing or unlocking the third locking mechanism by applying pressure or force to the locking joint17that connects the retractable cover26to the arm30. When the third locking mechanism is released, the retractable cover26slides along the arm30and connects to another position along the arm30such that the retractable cover26covers substantially all of brush head24.

Referring now toFIG. 2A, an alternate embodiment, broom20, is depicted. Broom20is shown in its closed or retracted position. Broom20ofFIG. 2Aincludes a handle section31that includes both moveable and stationary handles instead of moveable joints as depicted inFIGS. 1A-1C. A stationary handle35is shown inFIG. 2Aby solid lines, while other moveable handles32(as shown in dashed lines) are stored within stationary handle35. The broom20further includes at least one or more locking joints33a-33b, a broom head37attached to an arm40, and a retractable cover or cover section36configured to cover a brush head34.

The broom20inFIG. 2Aincludes a handle section or retractable handle section31where separate moveable handles32of the retractable handle31retract into or inside of a stationary handle35. A locking joint33b, having an internal locking mechanism the same as or similar to those described above, connects the retractable handle31with the arm40. Locking joint33bas illustrated inFIG. 2Amay be configured such that when a user applies force or pressure to joint33bthe moveable handles32collapse and retracts into stationary handle35. The collapse or retraction of moveable handles32may be performed in a telescopic manner similar to that described above. In other words, the moveable handles32may slide within each other and be positioned inside of stationary handle35for ease of storage and transportation. In an alternate embodiment, a user may push or press down on the stationary handle35to collapse or retract the moveable handles32without applying pressure to locking joint33b. Thus, in the alternate embodiment, pressure may be applied to the stationary handle35to collapse the broom without having to apply any pressure to joint33bto release locking mechanism. Alternatively, the moveable handles32may be configured to lock and unlock relative to one another by turning one moveable handle relative to another movable handle, which would cause a locking mechanism positioned between the handle sections to engage and disengage.

Locking joint33a, located between the arm40and broom head section37, is configured to interlock or connect the arm40and the broom head section37. InFIG. 2A, the retractable cover36covers substantially all of brush head34while the broom20is in its closed or retracted position. However, in alternate embodiments, the retractable cover36may open and only partially cover the brush head34. A user may apply force or pressure (e.g., squeeze, pinch, or twist) to locking joint33aso that the retractable cover36slides away from its closed position and opens the retractable cover36to reveal part of the brush head34. Once opened, the locking joint33amay be configured to interlock or connect with a position along the arm40that is near or adjacent to locking joint33b.

FIG. 2Billustrates an alternate embodiment of broom20where the entire handle section31(shown inFIG. 2A) is retracted into arm40. In other words, the moveable handles32(shown inFIG. 2A) have been retracted into stationary handle35(shown inFIG. 2A) and the stationary handle35is further retracted into or inside of the arm40. The handle section31, similar to the previously described manner of retracting, is entirely retracted into arm40via a telescoping manner. In this manner, broom20is configured to be even shorter in length for users to transport and store. In yet another embodiment, the arm40may also be retractable and configured to retract entirely inside of broom cover36. This may provide for more convenient storage possibilities. InFIG. 2B, broom20continues to include a retractable cover36that is configured to cover partially or substantially all of the brush head34.

FIG. 3illustrates the broom20ofFIG. 2Ain its open or extended position. The stationary handle35of the retractable handle section31has released a number of additional movable handles32from their stored position within stationary handle35. In particular, moveable handles32aand32bas shown inFIG. 3are in the extended or open position. Moreover,FIG. 3illustrates that the retractable cover36has released the brush head34from the cover36so that less than substantially all of the brush head34is surrounded by the cover36. As described above in reference toFIG. 2A, the retractable cover36may be released from one position on the arm40to another position on the arm40so that the retractable cover36either uncovers and reveals part of the brush head34or entirely covers all of the brush head34.

FIG. 4illustrates a side view of broom20inFIG. 3without the retractable cover36or brush head34. Broom20ofFIG. 4depicts the stationary handle35, with one or more movable handles32a-32bextended away from the stationary handle35. The locking joint33bmay be positioned between the arm40and the movable handle32a.

Moreover,FIG. 4further illustrates locking mechanism33athat is located on arm40and configured to interlock or connect the arm40with the broom head37(shown inFIG. 2A). Locking mechanism33ais internally connected to locking joint33bsuch that when locking joint33bis turned in one direction to a certain extent, locking mechanism33aretracts into arm40and when locking joint33bis turned in an opposite direction to a certain extent, locking mechanism33aextends from arm40.

FIG. 5illustrates a top view of broom head27ofFIGS. 1A-1C. As described above inFIGS. 1A-1C, the broom head27is configured to interlock or connect to the arm via a locking mechanism (not depicted here inFIG. 5). In an example embodiment, the arm is circular and may be configured to fit into a circular opening of the broom head27. As is known to others skilled in the art, the shape of a circle is a non-limiting example. The shape of the arm and the broom head27may be of any shape or form. The arm and the broom head27may be interlocked or connected via a fastener or some type of fastening process. The fastener may be a locking mechanism similar to that of a snap-lock. However, other types or forms of locking mechanisms may be used to connect the arm and the broom head27.

FIG. 6illustrates the method or process of opening the broom from a closed/retracted position to an open/extended position and further illustrates retracting the broom from an open/extended position to a closed/retracted position. Block601depicts that the broom when in the closed or retracted position is configured to open by releasing a locking mechanism located at the stationary joint that connects the retractable handle to the arm. The retractable handle may be released when a user presses, twists, squeezes, or pinches on the stationary joint. When the stationary joint receives sufficient force or pressure, the locking mechanism at the stationary joint allows the one or more retractable handles to be released and extended away from the stationary joint.

In block602, upon release of the locking mechanism at the stationary joint, the retractable handle is pulled away from the stationary joint. Once the retractable handle is pulled away, the locking mechanism at the stationary joint may re-interlock and re-connect with the retractable handle to prevent movement between the retractable handle and the arm when the broom is in the open/extended position.

Furthermore, block602depicts that in order to fully expand and open the retractable handle, a pressure or force may also be applied to locking mechanism located at the moveable joint. By releasing the locking mechanism at the moveable joint, the first section of the retractable handle is pulled away from the second section of the retractable handle. Once the first section is pulled away, the locking mechanism at the moveable joint may re-interlock and re-connect to prevent movement between the first section of the retractable handle and the second section of the retractable handle. The broom now may be in the full open/expanded configuration when the entire retractable handle is extended or elongated.

Moreover, in block603, the broom, in its expanded configuration, may be ready to wave in the air during a sporting event (e.g., baseball game). In another embodiment, the broom, in its expanded configuration, may be utilized to sweep dust or dirt on a floor surface. Put another way, the broom may also be configured for cleaning purposes. The broom may be equipped with a broom head that includes a retractable cover and a brush head. When the retractable cover only partially covers the brush head, the broom is in configuration to be waved or used to sweep the ground. In an alternate embodiment, when the broom is in the open or extended position, the retractable cover of the broom head may also be configured to cover the brush head in its entirety. In this configuration, the broom may still be used to wave around in the air, but may not be used to sweep dirt off the floor.

Block604describes first applying pressure to the moveable joint in an effort collapse the first section of the retractable handle into the second section of the retractable handle. The pressure applied to the moveable joint may be that of a user squeezing, pinching, and/or twisting the locking mechanism located at the movable joint. Moreover, a user may then apply pressure to the stationary joint of the broom that connects the arm and the retractable handle. By applying pressure to the stationary joint in either the form of the above mentioned pressures via a user's hands or via some other source of pressure, the locking mechanism at the stationary joint may be released and thereby causing the retractable handle to collapse or retract fully into the arm via the stationary joint.

Block605further depicts that pressure may also be applied to the locking mechanism located at the joint between the retractable cover and the arm. The retractable cover may be interlocked or connected to the arm at a first position of the arm. In its first position, the retractable cover may not completely cover the brush head. However, if pressure is applied to the locking mechanism the retractable cover may be released from its first position on the arm and move along or slide down the arm to a second position on the arm. In this second position, the retractable cover may completely or substantially cover all of the brush head. This closed or collapsed configuration allows a user to store or transport a broom in a more convenient manner. The retractable cover may also be configured to be locked at a third position on the arm (e.g., a position between the first and second positions) such that the retractable cover does not completely cover the brush head.

Block606depicts that the broom is in the closed, fully stowed, or collapsed position. Once in its collapsed configuration, the broom may continue to be transported to sporting events or even waved during a sporting event. A piece of strap, a separate handle, or a knob may be configured to attach or affixed to the broom so that it may be conveniently transported and/or stored for future use. Even further, once the broom is collapsed, the broom may fit into a separate carrying bag for transporting purposes. By returning to block601, the method or process to open or expand the broom may be repeated.

Directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “vertically,” and “laterally,” are used in the following description for the purpose of providing relative reference only, and are not intended to suggest any limitations on how any article is to be positioned during use, or to be mounted in an assembly or relative to an environment. Additionally, the term “substantially” as used in this description is intended to describe a particular characteristic of a claimed element. Further, the term “couple” and variants of it such as “coupled”, “couples”, and “coupling” as used in this description are intended to include indirect and direct connections unless otherwise indicated. For example, if a first handle section is coupled to a second handle section, that coupling may be through a direct connection or an affixation.