Abstract:
A rechargeable industrial broom is provided having a base unit having an overall width of approximately 24 inches. At the base are formed an intake orifice, and stationary bristles. The stationary bristles are attached to the broom by means of a 12 inch suction pipe and a swivel nozzle. The nozzle allows the broom to move at any angle. A bag, similar in design to the conventional vacuum bag, is connected to the back of the unit. The cloth bag snaps onto a discharge orifice, and debris captured by the broom eventually makes its way to this bag. At the bottom of the bag is a zipper for waste removal. The broom is powered by a 12-volt in-line motor. A rechargeable adapter can be incorporated directly into the interior of the broom.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present invention is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/082,943, filed on May 21, 1998 and herein abandoned. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to brooms, vacuums, sweeping apparatus, and the like, and, more particularly, to a rechargeable, industrial broom.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Generally, brooms, vacuums, sweeping apparatus and the like have been known and disclosed in a variety of configurations and in many manners. For instance, a search conducted of the related art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:  
                                                       U.S. Pat. No.   Inventor   Issue Date                           5,096,472   Perry   Mar. 17, 1992           5,089,037   Marsolais   Feb. 18, 1992           5,015,274   Perry   May 14, 1991           4,723,971   Caldas   Feb. 9, 1988           4,370,776   Kullik   Feb. 1, 1983           4,294,597   Archer et al.   Oct. 13, 1981           4,284,422   Ferland   Aug. 18, 1981           3,678,524   Nise et al.   Jul. 25, 1972           3,490,208   Meyer et al.   Jan. 20, 1966           D 255,357   Brooks et al.   Jun. 10, 1980                      
 
           [0006]    As described in these references, the features disclosed within the related art are shown to allow for the high volume collection of industrial debris utilizing two basic technics. The first involves a centralized vacuum source wherein a distribution system is made in communication with a centralized collection system. Although such systems allow for the use of higher capacity blowers and vacuums, because of their size and space restrictions they are not as adaptable to the needs of the industrial user. The second system involves essentially a smaller scale system located on a transportation means, such as a movable, wheeled cart. Such a system, although effective in theory, still greatly limit the practical use, control, reach, storage, and portability. Consequently, a need has therefore been felt for such a rechargeable, industrial broom as described below.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved industrial broom for effectively collecting debris.  
           [0008]    It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved industrial broom including an adjustable swivel nozzle that allows the user to adjust the angle of collection.  
           [0009]    Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a rechargeable industrial broom is provided having a base unit having an overall width of approximately 24 inches. At the base is formed an intake orifice, and stationary bristles. The stationary bristles are attached to the broom by means of a 12-inch suction pipe and a swivel nozzle. The nozzle allows the broom to move at any angle. A bag, similar in design to the conventional vacuum bag, is connected to the back of the unit. The cloth bag snaps onto a discharge orifice, and debris captured by the broom eventually makes its way to this bag. At the bottom of the bag is a zipper for waste removal. The broom is powered by a 12-volt in-line motor. A rechargeable adapter can be incorporated directly into the interior of the broom.  
           [0010]    Advantages of the present invention are many. The stationary bristles collect the scattered debris, and the suction mouth, capable of extending up to 24 inches with the pull of a lever, pulls debris from the floor. The bristles and suction mouth are able to move in any direction due to the swivel nozzle, thereby assuring complete coverage of even hard to reach areas. Once debris is captured, it is deposited into the cloth bag, which can be easily emptied and replaced. The rechargeable battery eliminates the needs for cords, and improves access and portability. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a rechargeable industrial broom according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a detailed partial view of the nozzle portion for use with the current invention shown in its retracted state;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a detailed partial view of the nozzle portion shown in its extended state; and  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is a detailed partial view of the handle portion shown. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0018]    In order to describe the complete relationship of the invention, it is essential that some description be given to the manner and practice of functional utility and description of a rechargeable industrial broom.  
         [0019]    The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.  
         [0020]    1. Detailed Description of the Figures  
         [0021]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a front elevational view of a rechargeable industrial broom  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The rechargeable industrial broom  10  comprises a operating handle  15 , which is attached to a main body  20 . The main body  20  contains most of the major operating components of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  and will be described in greater detail herein below. The main body  20  possesses a waste collection bag  25 , shown attached to the rear of the main body  20  on its left hand side as viewed from the front as shown. The waste collection bag  25  is secured via a attachment chain  30 . Exiting the bottom of the main body  20  is a main suction tube  35 , through which all vacuumed waste is routed. The main suction tube  35  is connected to a swivel joint  40 . The swivel joint  40  allows for the connection and subsequent movement along a linear axis of a nozzle  45 . The nozzle  45  is positioned along a surface to be cleaned such as a floor  50 . It is envisioned that the angular displacement of the operating handle  15  from the nozzle  45  would be approximately 20 degrees in either direction from its vertical position as shown. Along the lower edge of the nozzle  45  is positioned a multitude of brush bristles  55 . The brush bristles  55  aid in picking up small pieces of waste from the floor  50 . It is envisioned that the brush bristles  55  are of the replaceable nature by the final user, since the brush bristles  55  will be in constant contact with the floor  50  and subject to wear on a regular, continuous basis. The total overall height of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  is approximately 60 inches. However, the dimensions as well as the depicted configuration of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  is not intended to be a limiting factor.  
         [0022]    Referring next to FIG. 2, a rear elevational view of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  is depicted. The main body  20  is once again shown with the waste collection bag  25  exiting now on the right. The waste collection bag  25  is connected to a waste discharge tube  60  via a connecting clamp  65 . The  20  attachment chain  30  once again prevents excessive movement of the waste collection bag  25 . A zipper  70  is provided to empty the contents of the waste collection bag  25 . The zipper  70  is simply unzipped and the contents of the waste collection bag  25  emptied into a receptacle such as a trash can. The zipper  70  is then zipped to a closed position and the vacuuming process continues. Located on the operating handle  15  is an on/off switch  75 , which operates in the usual and customary manner, and a nozzle width adjustment lever  80 , which is used to adjust the width of the nozzle  45 . The mechanism and system by which the nozzle  45  is adjusted in width will be described in greater detail herein below. Located on the rear of the main body  20  is a rear access cover  85 , which is held in place by a plurality of fastening means  90  such as screws. The removal of the rear access cover  85  allows access to a primary battery  95  and a secondary battery  100 , which are used to provide electrical power to the rechargeable industrial broom  10 . Located below the primary battery  95  and the secondary battery  100  is a direct current motor  105  which is coupled to an vacuum impeller  110  by a drive belt  115 . The system of the direct current motor  105 , the vacuum impeller  110  and the drive belt  115  are the components which produce the vacuum effect to allow the removal of waste from the floor  50  as shown in FIG. 1. All of the components located under the rear access cover  85  are shown in phantom lines to indicate their usual hidden position, and are shown here for purposes of clarity only. Located on the upper portion of the main body  20  is a battery recharge adapter  120 , a low battery indicator light  125 , and a battery selector switch  130 . The battery recharge adapter  120  is used to allow recharging of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  at any location where a convenience outlet is present. Thus it is not necessary to utilize a separate recharger when using the rechargeable industrial broom  10 . The low battery indicator light  125  is used to indicate the electrical charge condition of either the primary battery  95  or the secondary battery  100  as selected by the battery selector switch  130 . The battery selector switch  130  allows the user of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  to select either the primary battery  95  or the secondary battery  100  for the purposes of operating the rechargeable industrial broom  10 . It is envisioned that the user would first begin operation of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  on the primary battery  95  and use it until the primary battery  95  is depleted. The user would then switch the battery selector switch  130  over to the secondary battery  100  and continue his or her cleaning duties, with the knowledge that the rechargeable industrial broom  10  must be recharged at the earliest possible time. In this manner the user does not have to stop cleaning duties or have the cleaning operation interrupted by discharged batteries as is the normal case with only one battery. The circuitry associated with the charging and operation of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  is readily known and may take many final configurations not depicted here. Shown exiting the lower portion of the main body  20  is a rear wheel support brace  135 , which is used to position a rear wheel  140 , which is used in the unattended vertical support of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  as shown. The arrangement of the rear wheel support brace  135  and its associated rear wheel  140  will become clearer during additional descriptions below.  
         [0023]    Referring next to FIG. 3, a side elevational view of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  is disclosed. This view more clearly depicts the supporting nature of the rear wheel support brace  135  and the rear wheel  140 . Further aiding in the gliding of the rechargeable industrial broom  10  over the floor  50  (as shown in FIG. 1) is a first front wheel  145 , located immediately behind the brush bristles  55  on the nozzle  45 . A second front wheel  150 , not shown in this view for purposes of clarity, is located on the opposite side of the nozzle  45 . The nozzle width adjustment lever  80  is shown in an easy to grasp area of the operating handle  15  directly above the on/off switch  75 . The nozzle width adjustment lever  80  is envisioned to be of a sleeved cable arrangement, similar to that found on bicycles, to allow the adjustment of the width of the nozzle  45 . A control cable  155 , which is the lower portion of the cable connected to the nozzle width adjustment lever  80  is shown exiting the lower portion of the main body  20  and connecting to a first pivot point  160 .  
         [0024]    Referring now to FIG. 4, a detailed partial view of the nozzle  45  shown in its retracted or collapsed state is shown. This view is as seen along the rear of the rechargeable industrial broom  10 . (Similar to that seen in FIG. 2, but without the rear wheel support brace  135  and the rear wheel  140 ). The first front wheel  145  and the second front wheel  150  are clearly shown as providing a bearing surface for the nozzle  45 . The control cable  155  located in front of the main suction tube  35  attaches to the first pivot point  160  below the swivel joint  40 . In its retracted state as shown, the first pivot point  160  then produces a tension effect in a first retractable arm  165  and a second retractable arm  170 . The first retractable arm  165  and the second retractable arm  170  being pivotally joined via a fastening means in an overlapping manner at ends forming the first pivot point  160 . Upon squeezing the nozzle width adjustment lever  80  the control cable is retracted, thereby causing the first pivot point  160  to be retracted upward. This in turn simultaneously causes the first retractable arm  165  to pivot about the second pivot point in a counter-clockwise direction and the second retractable arm  170  to pivot about the third pivot point  180  in a clockwise direction, thereby resulting in resistant tension in tightly wound springs  190 , 195  (as will be described in greater detail below) around each respective retractable arm  165 , 170 . Because of the overlapping design of the first retractable arm  165  and the second retractable arm  170 , this action in turn causes the second pivot point  175  and the third pivot point  180  to travel in an inward path, as depicted by a pair of inward direction arrows  185 , thereby causing the accordion like nature of the nozzle  45  to collapse and be drawn inward to effect a suction path with approximately 12 inches.  
         [0025]    It should be noted however that this dimension is not a limiting factor and could be revised to any desired dimension by changing the geometry of the above components respectively. It is envisioned that the nozzle  45  would be constructed of a flexible plastic to allow for the accordion like retraction to take effect. When the nozzle  45  is in its retracted state as shown, the rechargeable industrial broom  10  could be used to get into smaller areas that a wider nozzle  45  could not. The retracted state as shown in FIG. 4 occurs when the user squeezes the nozzle width adjustment lever  80  (not shown in this FIG.) and overcomes the tension in a first spring  190  and a second spring  195  as attached to the second pivot point  175  and the third pivot point  180  respectively. First spring  190  and second spring  195  are generally of a coil spring type having a hollow core and adapted for use in pivoting joints such as a pivot point  175  and third pivot point  180 . One end of first spring  190  and second spring  195  is permanently integrally attached to a point on second pivot point  175  and third pivot point  180 . The other end of first spring  190  and second spring  195  is wound around first retractable arm  165  and second retractable arm  170 , respectively, to prevent first spring  190  and second spring  195  from rotating relative to second pivot point  175  and third pivot point  180 . The first spring  190  and the second spring  195  impart a clockwise and counter-clockwise moment onto the first retractable arm  165  and the second retractable arm  170  respectively thus resulting in a nozzle  45  which is spread out in a direction opposite to that shown by the inward direction arrows  185  and whose resultant outcome will be shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0026]    Referring finally to FIG. 5, a detailed partial view of the nozzle  45  shown in its extended state is disclosed. The first spring  190  and the second spring  195  are now imparting a clockwise and counter-clockwise moment onto the first retractable arm  165  and the second retractable arm  170  respectively and causing the resultant extension about the first pivot point  160 . Upon release of the width adjustment lever  80  by the user, the first pivot point  160  is not held in an upper position near the swivel joint  40  by the control cable  155 , so it travels downwards toward the lower portion of the nozzle  45 , thereby releasing the resistant tension in the tightly wound springs  190 ,  195  around each respective retractable arm  165 , 170 . This in turn causing the second pivot point  175  and the third pivot point  180  to travel in an outward path, thus causing an extension effect on the nozzle  45  as depicted by a pair of outward direction arrows  200 . This extended state of the nozzle  45  is approximately 24 inches or a doubling of the 12 inches as shown in FIG. 4. It should be noted however that these dimensions are not intended to be a limiting factor as aforementioned described. In this intended state, the nozzle  45  can cover double the floor area and is suitable for normal area use where increased coverage is the prime consideration.  
         [0027]    2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment  
         [0028]    In operation, the present invention can be easily utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner. To use the present invention with its preferred embodiment can best be described in conjunction with the elevational views of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and the detailed partial views of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.  
         [0029]    To use the present invention, the user would first remove the rechargeable industrial broom  10  from its charging location and transport the rechargeable industrial broom  10  to its location of use. Next the user would check the waste collection bag  25  to make certain the waste collection bag  25  is emptied of any previous waste. Next, the battery selector switch  130  would be placed in the primary battery position and the capacity of the primary battery  95  verified by lack of illumination of the low battery indicator light  125 . At this point the rechargeable industrial broom  10  is ready to be used.  
         [0030]    The user would next activate the rechargeable industrial broom  10  by operating the on/off switch  75  and begin the vacuuming of the floor  50  in a normal and customary manner. It should be noted that the nozzle  45  is in its extended state of approximately 24 inches at this point without the nozzle width adjustment lever  80  being operated by the user. This wide path allows for the greatest coverage pattern by the rechargeable industrial broom  10 . Should the user come to a location where the nozzle  45  will not fit such as around tables, chairs, benches, machines, or other such objects, the user may simply squeeze the nozzle width adjustment lever  80  and thus cause the nozzle  45  to retract to approximately 12 inches as shown in FIG. 4. Vacuuming may then continue in an uninterrupted manner. When the user is finished vacuuming around obstacles and no longer requires the retracted nature of the nozzle  45 , the user simply releases the nozzle width adjustment lever  80  and resumes vacuuming with the extended nozzle  45  in an uninterrupted manner.  
         [0031]    Should the primary battery  95  reach its discharged state, the user may simply activate the battery selector switch  130  and continue vacuuming. The user must bear in mind that the rechargeable industrial broom  10  should be recharged at the earliest possible time, however, the vacuuming chore at hand may be completed without interruption.  
         [0032]    When the vacuuming duty is completed, the user transports the rechargeable industrial broom  10  to its storage charging location. Next, the user empties the waste collection bag  25  of its collected contents into a trash receptacle. The user then plugs the battery recharge adapter  120  into a standard convenience receptacle to allow both the primary battery  95  and the secondary battery  100  to recharge. After completion of the recharging cycle, the rechargeable industrial broom  10  is ready to be used again and the above cycle repeated.  
         [0033]    The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.