Patent Publication Number: US-9420876-B2

Title: Scraper broom

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT/US2012/046683 filed on Jul. 13, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/508,458 filed no Jul. 15, 2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to cleaning tools, and in particular to integrated sweeping brooms and scrapers. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     There exists numerous designs for brooms and other tools for cleaning indoor and outdoor ground surfaces. Certain devices are described in the following patent documents: USD617158S1; USD468106S1; USD403865S1; USD391714S1; USD355075S1; USD315975S1; U.S. Pat Nos. 950,012A; 7,695,036B2; 7,107,644B1; 6,353,960B1; 6,038,794A; 597,246A; 5,870,794A; 5,839,145A; 5,502,857A; 5,309,654A; 5,123,138A; 4,785,489A; 3,733,636A; 3,084,369A; 2,741,788A; 2,687,542A; 2,290,178A; 2,163,979A; GB2150015A. 
     Recently there has been described a proposed integrated broom and scraper known as the “SweepEasy™” in which a scraper is integrated on a telescoping pole that extends and retracts from a broom handle having a fixed broom head. 
     Nonetheless, there remains a need in the art for improved integrated sweeping brooms and scrapers, in particular when used in with a level of force that can cause conventional scraper assemblies to fail. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, the invention relates to a scraper broom including a handle and fixed scraper, and a displaceable broom head. 
     The scraper broom integrates an elongated handle which included a scraper element attached at a distal end thereof, and a displaceable broom head. The displaceable broom head has bristles extending therefrom and is movable between a first position in which the bristles substantially surround and extend beyond the scraper element, and a second position in which the scraper element is exposed substantially without obstruction from the bristles. 
     Accordingly, the displaceable broom head slides or otherwise articulates relative to the fixed scraper element to reveal the scraper element that is integral with the elongated handle. Advantageously, since the scraper can be subjected to both a greater force magnitude and a greater variety of force vectors, in contrast to the use of a sweeping broom for its ordinary purpose whereby the broom head and bristles are subjected to lesser magnitude force and less variety of force vectors, the herein device is more durable and reliable than conventionally known integrated floor sweeping/scraping devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and apparatus shown. In the drawings the same or similar reference numeral is used to identify to the same or similar elements, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a pair of views of a scraper broom described herein; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  show another embodiment of a scraper broom; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show embodiments of structure features to prevent or minimize the likelihood of the displaceable broom head twisting during use; 
         FIGS. 4A-4F  show a scraper broom including an embodiment of a locking structure and its use; 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  show a scraper broom including another embodiment of a locking structure and its use; 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  show a scraper broom including a further embodiment of a locking structure and its use; 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  show a scraper broom including a further embodiment of a locking structure and its use with plural articulating sections of the broom head; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  show a scraper broom including a spring actuated displacement mechanism; and 
         FIGS. 9A through 9D  are cross-sectional diagrams of various embodiments of bristle-free regions within the bundle of bristles extending from the broom head. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In general, a scraper broom integrates an elongated handle with a fixed scraper element attached thereto and a displaceable broom head. The displaceable broom is movable between a first position and a second position for conversion of the device from a broom to a scraper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a scraper broom  10  is shown that comprises a displaceable broom head  12  having bristles  14  extending therefrom, and a scraper element  16  integral with a handle  18 . In general, the displaceable broom head  12  is movable between a first position in which the bristles  14  substantially surround and extend beyond the scraper element  16  (as shown in view “A”) and a second position in which the scraper element  16  is exposed substantially without obstruction from the bristles  14  (as shown in view “B”). 
     The displaceable broom head  12  slides or otherwise articulates relative to the fixed scraper element  16  to reveal the scraper element  16  that is integral with the elongated handle  18 . In contrast to a structure in which a scraper is displaced, significant structural advantages are attained by the present invention. When used by an individual, the scraper is subjected to both a greater force magnitude and a greater variety of force vectors, in contrast to the use of a sweeping broom for its ordinary purpose whereby the broom head and bristles are subjected to lesser magnitude force and less variety of force vectors. 
     Described herein are various non-limiting examples of locking apparatus and other structures for displacing the broom head relative to the scraper element integral and fixed with respect to the handle. The locking apparatus can be a suitable mechanical assemblage that permits locking and unlocking using only an individuals&#39; hands (or single handed operation), or a foot-operated action. Locking and unlocking is to be based on an action from the user that does not require tools or any special skills. Various locking mechanisms will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Examples of suitable mechanical assemblages suitable to lock the broom head into the necessary positions and/or displace or articulate the broom head include, but are not limited to: 
     a friction fit; 
     a lock-type twist grip (e.g., similar to that used in Total Reach Model 961810 telescoping pole); 
     a threaded grip (e.g., similar to that used in Unger Pro Model-962720 telescoping pole); a clip grip (e.g., having one or more clips accessible to the user on the broom post engaging receiving portions of the broom handle); 
     a push lock (e.g., similar to that used in Shur Line Extension Pole Model 06570L); and 
     a mechanism similar to that used in roller mops (e.g., similar to that used in the Libman model 02016 roller mop), in which any components that extend from the center of the conventional roller mop are either on the outside of the neck portion of the broom head, or between the neck portion of the broom head and the scraper handle. 
     In particular, the scraper broom described herein functions like a normal broom when locked in the broom position (view “A”), and can be quickly converted and locked into the scraper position (view “B”) for scraping dried debris, such as food or dirt, from hard surface floors. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a scraper broom  110  is shown that includes a scraper element  116  integral with a handle  118 , and including a displaceable broom head  112  having bristles  114  extending therefrom. A neck portion  120  is positioned and configured over a portion of the handle  118 . The figures show the displaceable broom head  112  in a first position in which the bristles  114  substantially surround and extend beyond the scraper element  116  (as shown in  FIG. 2A ) and a second position in which the scraper element  116  is exposed substantially without obstruction from the bristles  114  (as shown in  FIG. 2B ). The handle includes a locking structure  126  that cooperates with corresponding apertures or structures  122 ,  124  on the neck portion  120 . In certain embodiments, the locking structure  126  includes a spring-loaded button (e.g., as commonly used in telescoping tubes) and elements  122 ,  124  are suitably dimensioned and configured apertures. Further, these elements can be reversed, e.g., the locking structure on the handle includes one or more apertures and the corresponding structure is a spring-loaded button. In further embodiments, the locking structure is region of magnetic material, and elements  122 ,  124  are ferrous material (or vice versa, i.e., the locking structure is region of ferrous material, and elements  122 ,  124  are magnetic material). 
     In certain embodiments of the scraper broom described herein, to prevent or minimize the likelihood of the displaceable broom head twisting during use as a broom in the first position or as a scraper in the second position, various structural features can be incorporated. For instance,  FIG. 3A  shows a pair of groove/ridge anti-twisting structures  119 , in which a groove is formed along a portion of the length of handle  118   a , with corresponding ridges on the inside of the neck portion  120   a , in which the cross-sectional configuration and dimension of the ridge forms a snug yet slidable fit relative to the corresponding groove.  FIG. 3B  shows an anti-twisting structure  121  including beveled section along a portion of the length of handle  118   b  with a corresponding feature on the inside of the neck portion  120   b . Note that the features shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are not limited to any embodiment of the displaceable or articulating broom head. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4F , a scraper broom  210  is shown that includes a scraper element  216  integral with a handle  218 , and including a displaceable broom head  212  having bristles  214  extending therefrom. A neck portion  220  is positioned and configured over a portion of the handle  218 . The figures show the displaceable broom head  212  in a first position in which the bristles  214  substantially surround and extend beyond the scraper element  216  (as shown in  FIG. 4A ) and a second position in which the scraper element  216  is exposed substantially without obstruction from the bristles  214  (as shown in  FIG. 4B ). 
     The locking structure described with respect to scraper broom  210  includes a fixed bulge  230  integral with the handle  218  and apertures  232  on the neck portion  220 . As shown in  FIG. 4D , the bulge  230  includes a groove portion  231  to accommodate the portion  233  of the neck between apertures  232 . 
     In addition, a strip  234  of the neck portion  220  is formed of a suitable elastic material. When the bulge  230  is at the top of neck portion  220 , the scraper broom  210  is in its first position. To use the scraper broom  210  as a scraper, the neck portion  220 ′ is expanded by expansion of the strip  234 ′ ( FIG. 4E ), and the assembly of the neck portion  220  and the displaceable broom head  212  is slid over the bulge  230  until it is received in the apertures  232  ( FIG. 4F ), thereby fixing the broom head  212  in place above the scraper and exposing the scraper. To return the scraper broom to the first position, the strip  234  is again expanded to slide the bulge  230  back into the position above the neck portion  220 . 
     Note that while a strip  234  is shown along the length of the neck portion  220  (except for the location of the apertures  232 ), plural expandable elements can be used. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a scraper broom  310  is shown that includes a scraper element  316  integral with a handle  318 , and including a displaceable broom head  312  having bristles  314  extending therefrom. A neck portion  320  that is positioned and configured over a portion of the handle  318 . The figures show the displaceable broom head  312  in a first position in which the bristles  314  substantially surround and extend beyond the scraper element  316  (as shown in  FIG. 5A ) and a second position in which the scraper element  316  is exposed substantially without obstruction from the bristles  314  (as shown in  FIG. 5B ). 
     The locking structure described with respect to scraper broom  310  includes a collar  340  positioned on the handle  318  and configured and dimensioned to provide a friction fit between the handle  318  and the neck portion  320 . For instance, the collar  340  can be a tapered collar that can be tightly fit in a gap between the top of the neck portion  320  (i.e., the end opposite of the end having the displaceable broom head  312  fixed thereto) by linear force, or by rotational motion, e.g., by locking threads on the collar and the inside of the top of the neck portion. To displace the broom head  312 , a user manipulates the tight-fitting collar  340  to loosen it, slides the assemblage of the neck  320  and head  312  (e.g., to the second position as shown in  FIG. 5B ), and reinserts the collar in the top of the neck portion to provide the friction fit. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a scraper broom  410  is shown that includes a scraper element  416  integral with a handle  418 , and including a displaceable broom head  412  having bristles  414  extending therefrom. A locking collar  442  is positioned and configured over a portion of the handle  418 . The figures show the displaceable broom head  412  in a first position in which the bristles  414  substantially surround and extend beyond the scraper element  416  (as shown in  FIG. 6A ) and a second position in which the scraper element  416  is exposed substantially without obstruction from the bristles  414  (as shown in  FIG. 6B ). 
     The locking structure described with respect to scraper broom  410  includes a locking collar  442  including connecting members  444  providing a structural attachment between the collar  442  and the top of displaceable broom head  412 . Collar  442  can be locked into place with respect to the handle by various structures, such as a lever mechanism  446 . When the lever mechanism  446  is manipulated, collar  442  is loosened or tightened, allowing the user to slide the broom head  442  between the first position and the second position. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show another alternative embodiment of a scraper broom. A scraper broom  510  is shown that includes a scraper element  516  integral with a handle  518  and an articulating broom head  512  having bristles  514  extending therefrom and including a locking collar  550  that is positioned and configured over a portion of the handle  518 . The figures show the displaceable broom head  512  in a first position in which the bristles  514  substantially surround and extend beyond the scraper element  516  (as shown in  FIG. 7A ) and a second position in which the scraper element  516  is exposed substantially without obstruction from the bristles  514  (as shown in  FIG. 7B ) by virtue of the articulation of the broom head. For instance, each of the split broom head structures  512   a  and  512   b  pivot away from one another to expose the scraper  516  as shown in  FIG. 7B . 
       FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C  show a scraper broom  610  that includes a scraper element  616  integral with a handle  618 , and including a displaceable broom head  612  having bristles  614  extending therefrom. A neck portion  620  is positioned and configured over a portion of the handle  618 . Scraper broom  610  includes a spring actuated displacement mechanism. As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , scraper broom  610  includes a spring  664  positioned between a connection point  662  on the handle  618  and a connection point  660  on the neck portion  620 . In addition, an elongated J-shaped aperture or groove  668  is provided on the handle  618 , with a structural element  670  (see  FIG. 8C ) extending from the inside of the neck portion  620  into the groove  668 . 
     The figures show the displaceable broom head  612  in a first position in which the bristles  614  substantially surround and extend beyond the scraper element  616  (as shown in  FIG. 8A ) and a second position in which the scraper element  616  is exposed substantially without obstruction from the bristles  614  (as shown in  FIG. 8B ). 
     In the first position, the element  670  is positioned in the uppermost portion of the hook portion of the J-shaped groove  668  and the spring  664  is extended. The spring forces urge the element  670  against inner edge of the uppermost portion of the hook portion of the J-shaped groove  668  and prevent movement of the broom head  612  unless the spring forces are overcome. 
     When the broom head  612  is pushed downward and twisted so that the element  670  is away from the hook portion of the J-shaped groove  668 , the spring forces pull the broom head upward into the position shown in  FIG. 8B , whereby the scraper  616  is exposed. 
     Note that in certain embodiments, the scraper  616  is at a slight angle relative to the broom head in one of the first or second positions. For instance, in the first position, the scraper (which is hidden from view by the bristles) is rotated slightly, to accommodate locking of element  670  in the hook portion of the J-shaped groove. In the second position, the scraper and the broom head can be substantially parallel. 
     In addition, certain embodiments using the spring actuated displacement can incorporate a portion of the spring within the handle, whereby a structural element similar to element  670  serves as a spring connection point. 
       FIGS. 9A through 9D  are cross-sectional diagrams of various embodiments of bristle-free regions within the bundle of bristles extending from the broom head.  FIG. 9A  shows an embodiment suitable for linear motion of the broom head (i.e., sliding up and down a portion of the length of the handle).  FIG. 9B  shows an embodiment in which the bristle-free region is larger, to accommodate some twisting (e.g., about 15 degrees in either direction), and is suitable for embodiments with linear motion of the broom head or rotational movement of the broom head, preferably up the maximum amount of twisting without damaging the bristles.  FIG. 9C  is an embodiment in which the width of the scraper is reduced compared to the width in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in which additional rotational twisting is permitted due to the geometry.  FIG. 9D  is an embodiment in which the scraper is twisted relative to the broom head in its normal position. In any of the embodiments in which twisting is accommodated without damaging the bristles, the locking mechanism can incorporate structures that require twisting of the broom head relative to the handle/scraper assembly. 
     This invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, including the best modes for carrying out each embodiment presently known to the inventor. It shall be understood that these illustrations are by way of example and not by way of limitation.