Patent Publication Number: US-2005115008-A1

Title: Combination floor &amp; ergonomic hand held cleaning tools

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to an ergonomic hand held cleaning device that can also be easily attached to quick release mechanism that adjoins to a handle for easy floor cleaning. When not attached to the handle the cleaning devices can easily be used by hand.  
     DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART  
      All prior standard swivel type floor cleaning scrub brushes, abrasive pad holders, wall washer handles cannot be easily detached from the base that incorporates bristles, abrasive pads or cleaning sheets, thus allowing the base to also be used as a hand held cleaning device. The prior cleaning tools are not designed ergonomically to be held by hand use at the same time can be reconfigured to install a handle via quick disconnect attachment that supports a handle. Therefore, a significant need exists to improve upon the previous patents that allows for an ergonomic hand held cleaning device that can also be easily attached to a handle, via a quick disconnect, for floor cleaning.  
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
      The present invention is an ergonomic hand held support handle that is integrally incorporated into a platform for cleaning applications. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus by which a quick disconnect handle can be attached to a scrub brush or disconnected to be used as an ergonomic hand held cleaning device. One cleaning device can now be easily used for both hand and floor cleaning applications.  
      Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and the appended claim, taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated:  
       FIG. 1  Is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view looking down.  
       FIG. 3  Is an isometric view.  
       FIG. 4  Is a side view.  
       FIG. 5  Is an isometric view of the scrub brush attached to the patent pending quick disconnect attachment.  
       FIG. 6  Is an alternate perspective view of the handle hold.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as further defined in the appended claims.  
      In the preferred embodiment, the scrub brush member  10  in  FIG. 3  is made of plastic or any other hard material that can be molded or shaped.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown at  10  the present invention cleaning device platform in the scrub brush configuration. The apparatus is made from a plastic material. The handhold  30  is ergonomically designed to be held by a hand. Between the symmetrical handholds  30  and  31  is a support bar  20  that supports the patent pending quick disconnect attachment. Gap  25  is needed to allow for the quick disconnect handle attachment. During hand cleaning operations, a singular hand will wrap around both  30  and  31  respectively encapsulating both members by a singular hand thus secure the cleaning device. Area under  30  and  31  is open allowing the fingers to grip around the handle hold. Bristles  37  are shown to indicate scrub brush version.  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 . Illustrates support bar  20  and symmetrical handle access openings cavities  33  and  32  are to allow the quick disconnect handle lever mechanism  FIG. 5  item  7  clearance thus allow for full 180 degree movement around the lateral axis. This movement allows for the handle to Be placed low and reach under shelves. Gap  25  in  FIG. 1  allows for the attachment to not interfere with handhold  31  and  30 . The large diameter support shaft  20  allows for a one piece molded part and does not need an insert for the support bar  
      Referring to  FIG. 3 . Illustrates the abrasive pad or dust mop platform  10 . Support bar  20  and handle holds  31  and  30  are illustrated.  
      Referring to  FIG. 4 . Illustrates platform  10  in the brush configuration with bristles  37  the ergonomic handhold  30  and support bar retaining hole  20 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 5 . Illustrates the quick disconnect handle attachment  40  connected to platform  10  and attached to an abrasive pad in lieu of the scrub brush bristles. Note release lever  7  is observed.  
      Referring to  FIG. 6 . Illustrates an alternate handhold that has support ribs  40  and  41  under hand hold  31  and  30 .  
      Defined broadly, the present invention is a cleaning device that can be either ergonomically hand held or attached to a quick disconnect swivel attachment handle to clean floors.  
      Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment disclosed herein, or any specific use, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention herein above shown and described of which the apparatus shown is intended only for illustration and for disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modification in which the invention might be embodied or operated.  
      The invention has been described in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent laws by providing full public disclosure of at least one of its forms. However, such detailed description is not intended in any way to limit the broad features or principles of the invention, or the scope of patent monopoly to be granted.