Patent Publication Number: US-8533890-B2

Title: Enhanced sweeping systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and is related to and claims priority from, application Ser. No. 12/851,496, filed Aug. 5, 2010, entitled “ENHANCED SWEEPING SYSTEMS”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to providing a system for enhanced sweeping systems. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a sweeping system incorporating at least one user-deployable scraper feature to assist in removing dried-on materials from at least one floor surface. 
     One method for removing dirt and other loose debris from a floor surface is by sweeping the dirt using a hand-held broom. Brooms are generally not effective in removing “dried-on” debris which has hardened on a floor surface. For example, bristles of conventional brooms are often of insufficient strength to dislodge hardened food debris, such as oatmeal, ice cream, hard candy, etc. A sweeping system capable of effectively assisting removal and sweeping of such hardened materials would be useful. 
     OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system overcoming the above-mentioned problem(s). 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that incorporates a means for scraping hardened floor debris as part of a sweeping system. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that incorporates a means for scraping hardened floor debris as part of a hand-held broom. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is easily deployable from a stowed position and easily stowed. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that utilizes spring-tensioned telescoping shafts to provide manually positioned scraping mode or sweeping mode. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides housing for the scraper when not in use that protects both the scraper and the broom (sweep) bristles. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides housing for the scraper when not in use that protests accidental contact with the scraper blade. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides at least one force-resister to assist resisting such scraper from accidentally leaving such housing when not in use. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides at least one force-assister to assist returning such scraper to such housing after scraper use. 
     A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a sweeper system, relating to sweeping at least one surface, comprising: at least one bristle holder structured and arranged to hold a plurality of bristles to assist sweeping of the at least one surface; wherein such at least one bristle holder comprises a longitudinal span direction (X) and a transverse span direction (Y); and wherein such plurality of bristles extend at least in a direction (Z) perpendicular from such at least one bristle holder longitudinal span direction (X) and such transverse span direction (Y); and at least one bristle holder handle structured and arranged to assist user-sweeping with such at least one bristle holder; wherein such at least one bristle holder handle extends perpendicularly from such at least one bristle holder in an about opposed direction from such plurality of bristles; and at least one scraper blade structured and arranged to scrape the at least one surface; wherein such at least one scraper blade comprises at least one scraper blade handle structured and arranged to assist scraping with such at least one scraper blade; wherein such at least one scraper blade handle is coaxial with such at least one bristle holder handle; wherein such at least one scraper blade comprises at least two positions along such axis, at least one first (working) position wherein such at least one scraper blade is in at least one working position extending downwardly from such at least one bristle holder and such plurality of bristles; and at least one second (stowed) position wherein such at least one scraper blade is in at least one stowed position extending downwardly from such at least one bristle holder; and wherein such at least one second (stowed) position permits use of the bristle bottoms for sweeping; and at least one scraper-blade-protector structure adapted to protest against accidental contact with such at least one scraper blade at least when such at least one scraper blade is in such at least one second (stowed) position; and at least one coupler to couple such at least one bristle holder to such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure; wherein such co-axial at least one bristle holder handle and such at least one scraper blade handle are structured and arranged to assist movement of such at least one scraper blade between such at least one first (working) position and such at least one second (stowed) position. 
     Moreover, it provides such a sweeper system, wherein: such at least one scraper blade, when in such at least one first (working) position, is rotatable to at least one third (perpendicular scraping) position about perpendicular to such at least one bristle holder longitudinal span direction (X); and such at least one scraper blade, when in such at least one first (working) position, may be locked into such at least one third (perpendicular scraping) position (Z). Additionally, it provides such a sweeper system further comprising: at least one first force assister structured and arranged to assist such at least one scraper blade to move between such at least one first (working) position and such at least one second (stowed) position; and at least one second force assister structured and arranged to assist such at least one scraper blade to be restrained from moving from such at least one second (stowed) position to such at least one first (working) position. Also, it provides such a sweeper system, wherein: such coaxial arrangement between such at least one scraper blade handle and such at least one bristle holder handle comprises at least one extendable telescopic cylinder, having at least one inner cylinder and at least one outer cylinder in telescopic arrangement, structured and arranged to provide at least one telescopic extension of such at least one inner cylinder relative to such at least one outer cylinder; such at least one inner cylinder comprises such at least one scraper blade handle; and such at least one outer cylinder comprises such at least one bristle holder handle; wherein such at least one telescopic extension of such at least one inner cylinder relative to such at least one outer cylinder provides at least one longitudinal extension of such least one scraper blade relative to such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure; and wherein essentially complete retraction of such at least one inner cylinder relative to such at least one outer cylinder provides at least one longitudinal retraction of such least one scraper blade into such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure. 
     In addition, it provides such a sweeper system wherein: such at least one first force assister comprises at least one spring tensioner structured and arranged to assist spring-tension positioning of such at least one scraper blade into such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure. And, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one second force assister comprises at least one friction-resistance restrainer structured and arranged to friction-resistance restrain such at least one scraper blade from moving from such at least one second (stowed) position to such at least one first (working) position. Further, it provides such a sweeper system further comprising at least one stowed-scraper lock element structured and arranged to assist locking such at least one scraper blade in such at least one second (stowed) position. 
     Even further, it provides such a sweeper system wherein: such at least one first force assister comprises at least one spring tensioner structured and arranged to spring tension such at least one inner cylinder within such at least one outer cylinder; and such spring tensioning assists positioning such at least one scraper blade into such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure. Moreover, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one second force assister comprises at least one friction-resistance restrainer structured and arranged to friction-resistance restrain such at least one scraper blade from moving from such at least one second (stowed) position to such at least one first (working) position. Additionally, it provides such a sweeper system further comprising at least one scraper-working lock element structured and arranged to assist locking such at least one scraper blade in such at least one first (working) position. 
     Also, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one stowed-scraper lock element comprises at least one bayonet lock structured and arranged to assist bayonet locking such at least one scraper blade in such at least one second (stowed) position. In addition, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure comprises: at least one sleeve structured and arranged to permit such least one scraper blade to be fully sleeved within the perimeter of such at least one sleeve; wherein, when such least one scraper blade is fully sleeved within the perimeter of such at least one sleeve, accidental contact with such at least one scraper blade is substantially reduced. And, it provides such a sweeper system further comprising at least one perpendicular-scraper lock element structured and arranged to assist locking such at least one scraper blade from moving from such at least one third (perpendicular scraper) position (Z). 
     Further, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one perpendicular-scraper lock element comprises at least one bayonet lock structured and arranged to removably bayonet lock such at least one scraper blade from moving from such at least one third (perpendicular scraper) position (Z). Even further, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one friction-assistor comprises at least one pair of mirrored rib portions, situate inside such perimeter of such at least one sleeve, structured and arranged to friction contact such at least one scraper blade when such at least one scraper blade is fully sleeved in such at least one sleeve. Moreover, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one friction-assistor comprises at least one pair of mirrored rib portions, situate inside the perimeter of such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure, structured and arranged to friction contact such at least one scraper blade when such at least one scraper blade is fully within such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure. 
     Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one scraper blade is removably attachable to such at least one scraper blade handle. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one scraper blade is removably attachable to such at least one scraper blade handle. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one scraper blade handle is structured and arranged to couple with and operate at least one additional attachment usable with at least a scraping motion. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one additional attachment comprises at least one squeegee. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a sweeper system, relating to sweeping at least one surface, comprising: at least one bristle holder structured and arranged to hold a plurality of bristles to assist sweeping of the at least one surface; wherein such at least one bristle holder comprises a longitudinal span direction (X) and a transverse span direction (Y); and wherein such plurality of bristles extend at least in a direction (Z) perpendicular from such at least one bristle holder longitudinal span direction (X) and such transverse span direction (Y); and at least one bristle holder handle structured and arranged to assist user-sweeping with such at least one bristle holder; wherein such at least one bristle holder handle extends perpendicularly from such at least one bristle holder in an about opposed direction from such plurality of bristles; and at least one scraper blade structured and arranged to scrape the at least one surface; wherein such at least one scraper blade comprises at least one scraper blade handle structured and arranged to assist scraping with such at least one scraper blade; wherein such at least one scraper blade handle is coaxial with such at least one bristle holder handle; wherein such at least one scraper blade comprises at least two positions along the axis, at least one first (working) position wherein such at least one scraper blade is in at least one working position extending downwardly from such at least one bristle holder and such plurality of bristles; and at least one second (stowed) position wherein such at least one scraper blade is in at least one stowed position extending downwardly from such at least one bristle holder; and wherein such at least one second (stowed) position permits use of the bristle bottoms for sweeping; and wherein such co-axial at least one bristle holder handle and such at least one scraper blade handle are structured and arranged to assist movement of such at least one scraper blade between such at least one first (working) position and such at least one second (stowed) position; and wherein such at least one scraper blade, when in such at least one first (working) position, is rotatable to at least one third (perpendicular scraper) position (Z) about perpendicular to such at least one bristle holder longitudinal span direction (X). Further, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one scraper blade, when in such at least one first (working) position, may be locked into such at least one third (perpendicular scraper) position. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a sweeper system, relating to sweeping at least one surface, comprising: at least one bristle holder structured and arranged to hold a plurality of bristles to assist sweeping of the at least one surface; at least one bristle holder handle structured and arranged to assist user-sweeping with such at least one bristle holder; at least one scraper blade structured and arranged to scrape the at least one surface; wherein such at least one scraper blade comprises at least one scraper blade handle structured and arranged to assist scraping with such at least one scraper blade; wherein such at least one scraper blade comprises at least two positions, at least one first position wherein such at least one scraper blade is in at least one working position extending downwardly from such at least one bristle holder and such plurality of bristles; and at least one second position wherein such at least one scraper blade is in at least one stowed position extending downwardly from such at least one bristle holder; and wherein such at least one second (stowed) position permits use of the bristle bottoms for sweeping; and at least one scraper-blade-protector structure adapted to protest against accidental contact with such at least one scraper blade at least when such at least one scraper blade is in such at least one second (stowed) position. 
     Even further, it provides such a sweeper system wherein such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure comprises: at least one sleeve structured and arranged to permit such least one scraper blade to be fully sleeved within the perimeter of such at least one sleeve; wherein, when such least one scraper blade is fully sleeved within the perimeter of such at least one sleeve, accidental contact with such at least one scraper blade is substantially reduced. Even further, it provides such a sweeper system wherein: such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure comprises at least one friction-resistance restrainer structured and arranged to friction-resistance restrain such at least one scraper blade from moving from such at least one second (stowed) position to such at least one first (working) position; and such at least one friction-resistance restrainer is structured and arranged to friction contact such at least one scraper blade when such at least one scraper blade is fully sleeved in such at least one sleeve. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a sweeper system, relating to sweeping at least one surface, comprising: at least one grippable handle structured and arranged to provide handle-assisted gripping; wherein such at least one grippable handle comprises at least one extendable telescopic cylinder, having at least one inner cylinder and at least one outer cylinder in telescopic arrangement, structured and arranged to provide at least one telescopic extension of such at least one inner cylinder relative to such at least one outer cylinder, at least one rotation blocker structured and arranged to block rotation between such at least one inner cylinder and such at least one outer cylinder when in telescopic arrangement, at least one sweeper structured and arranged to assist sweeping of the at least one surface, and at least one scraper structured and arranged to scrape the at least one surface; wherein such at least one inner cylinder and such at least one outer cylinder each comprise at least one upper portion and at least one lower portion; wherein such at least one sweeper is coupled to the at least one lower portion of such at least one outer cylinder; wherein such at least one scraper is coupled to the at least one lower portion of such at least one inner cylinder; wherein such at least one telescopic extension of such at least one inner cylinder relative to such at least one outer cylinder provides at least one longitudinal extension of such at least one scraper relative to such at least one sweeper; and wherein such at least one rotation blocker blocks rotation of such at least one scraper relative to such at least one sweeper during such longitudinal extension. 
     Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one grippable handle further comprises at least one positioner structured and arranged to assist positioning of such at least one scraper in at least one housed position, and at least one scraping position. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one positioner comprises at least one spring tensioner structured and arranged to spring tension such at least one inner cylinder within such at least one outer cylinder; and such spring tensioning positions such at least one scraper in such at least one housed position. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one spring tensioner is structured and arranged to operate by manually-initiated longitudinal force applied to such at least one inner cylinder to position such at least one scraper in such at least one scraping position. 
     In addition, it provides such a system wherein such inner cylinder comprises at least one shaft. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one rotation blocker is structured and arranged to prevent such at least one shaft from rotating in such outer cylinder during scraping. 
     Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one rotation blocker comprises a hexagonally-shaped shaft. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such rotation blocker is structured and arranged to prevent such at least one inner cylinder from rotating in such outer cylinder during scraping. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such rotation blocker comprises nested telescoping cylinders comprising at least one geometry to prevent rotation of such nested telescoping cylinders in relation to each other. 
     Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one positioner comprises at least one torsion spring. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one positioner comprises at least one compression spring. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such inner cylinder comprises at least one shaft. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one spring tensioner comprises: at least one upper end; at least one lower end; wherein such at least one upper end is attached to such at least one outer cylinder and such at least one lower end is attached to such at least one inner cylinder. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one spring tensioner comprises: at least one upper end; at least one lower end; wherein such at least one upper end is attached to such at least one outer cylinder and such at least one lower end is attached to such at least one shaft. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a sweeper system, relating to sweeping at least one surface, comprising: at least one sweeper structured and arranged to sweep the at least one surface; and at least one scraper structured and arranged to scrape the at least one surface; wherein such at least one sweeper comprises at least one housing structured and arranged to house such at least one scraper; wherein such at least one sweeper comprises at least one handle structured and arranged to assist hand-operation of such at least one sweeper; wherein such at least one handle comprises such at least one scraper, wherein such at least one handle is structured and arranged to assist hand-operation of such at least one scraper; wherein such at least one handle comprises at least one positioner structured and arranged to assist positioning of such at least one scraper in at least one housed position, and at least one scraping position; and wherein when such at least one scraper is in such at least one housed position, such at least one scraper is prevented from scraping; wherein such at least one handle comprises at least one extendable telescopic cylinder, having at least one inner cylinder and at least one outer cylinder in telescopic arrangement, structured and arranged to provide at least one telescopic extension of such at least one inner cylinder relative to such at least one outer cylinder; wherein such at least one inner cylinder and such at least one outer cylinder each comprise at least one upper portion and at least one lower portion; wherein such at least one sweeper is coupled to the at least one lower portion of such at least one outer cylinder; wherein such at least one scraper is coupled to the at least one lower portion of such at least one inner cylinder; wherein such at least one telescopic extension of such at least one inner cylinder relative to such at least one outer cylinder provides at least one longitudinal extension of such at least one scraper relative to such at least one sweeper; wherein such at least one handle comprises at least one rotation blocker structured and arranged to block rotation between such at least one inner cylinder and such at least one outer cylinder when in telescopic arrangement. 
     Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one positioner comprises: at least one spring tensioner structured and arranged to spring tension such at least one inner cylinder within such at least one outer cylinder; wherein such spring tensioning positions such at least one scraper in such at least one housed position; and wherein such at least one spring tensioner is structured and arranged to operate by manually-initiated longitudinal force applied to such at least one inner cylinder to position such at least one scraper in such at least one scraping position. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one positioner comprises at least one torsion spring. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one positioner comprises at least one compression spring. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system, relating to sweeping at least one surface, comprising: grippable handle means for providing handle assisted gripping; wherein such grippable handle means comprises extendable telescopic cylinder means, having at least one inner cylinder and at least one outer cylinder in telescopic arrangement, for providing at least one telescopic extension of at least one inner cylinder relative to at least one outer cylinder, rotation blocker means for blocking rotation between such at least one inner cylinder and such at least one outer cylinder when in telescopic arrangement, sweeper means for assisting sweeping of the at least one surface, and scraper means for scraping the at least one surface; wherein such at least one inner cylinder and such at least one outer cylinder each comprise at least one upper portion and at least one lower portion; wherein such sweeper means is coupled to the at least one lower portion of such at least one outer cylinder; wherein such scraper means is coupled to the at least one lower portion of such at least one inner cylinder; wherein such at least one telescopic extension of such at least one inner cylinder relative to such at least one outer cylinder provides at least one longitudinal extension of such at least one scraper means relative to such sweeper means; and wherein such rotation block means blocks rotation of such scraper means relative to such sweeper means during such longitudinal extension. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating an enhanced broom sweeper of the enhanced sweeping systems, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal sectional view, through section  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a section view of Detail  3  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4A  shows a section view of Detail  4  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4B  shows a side outer view of Detail  4  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a section view of Detail  5  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a section view through the section  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  shows an alternate longitudinal section view to  FIG. 2 , according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a section view of Detail  8  of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a section view of Detail  8  of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  shows another alternate longitudinal section view to  FIG. 2 , according to another alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a section view of Detail  11  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a section view Detail  12  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a front view of the enhanced broom sweeper of the enhanced sweeping systems, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14A  shows the lower longitudinal section view of another enhanced broom sweeper of the enhanced sweeping systems, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 14B  shows the upper longitudinal section view of the enhanced broom sweeper, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  shows a sectional view, through section  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14B . 
         FIG. 16  shows a front view, illustrating the inner-tubular shaft of the enhanced broom sweeper, according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  shows a front view of Detail  17  of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  shows a side view of Detail  18  of  FIG. 14B . 
         FIG. 19  shows a section view through section  19 - 19  of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 20  shows a front view of an alternately preferred inner tubular shaft attachment, illustrating a squeegee scraper, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  shows a front view of the alternately preferred inner tubular shaft attachment, illustrating a removable-blade scraper, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     A broom is often used to sweep and clean floors and is one standard tool for that purpose. Brooms are usually effective for moving loose dirt, dust, or debris; such removal is accomplished through the act of sweeping. It is difficult to sweep debris that is not loose and/or adhered to a surface using a broom. Separate tools or cleaning devices may be required to remove stuck-on-debris. Use of such separate tools or cleaning devices can disrupt the act of sweeping and take additional time to complete over and above such sweeping. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating an enhanced broom sweeper  101  according to a preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows at least one default retracted position  140  and at least one extended position  141 . Enhanced broom sweeper  101  preferably incorporates a means for scraping hardened floor debris, preferably in the form of a deployable blade-type scraper  104 , as shown. Blade-type scraper  104  is preferably structured and arranged to be easily deployable, as needed, and stowed within the interior of broom head  106  when not in use. 
     Enhanced sweeper system  100  preferably combines broom sweeping capability with the preferred ability to scrape, when necessary. Enhanced broom sweeper  101  preferably comprises broom bristles  110 , preferably attached to broom head  106 . Broom bristles  110  (at least embodying herein sweeper means for assisting sweeping of the at least one surface) preferably permit enhanced broom sweeper  101  to sweep loose debris  134 . Enhanced broom sweeper  101  preferably includes at least one built-in blade-type scraper  104 . Blade-type scraper  104  (at least embodying herein scraper means for scraping the at least one surface) is preferably deployable to at least one extended position  141  to remove stuck-on debris  137 . Temporary deployment of blade-type scraper  104  is preferably done whenever stuck-on debris  137  needs to be removed. 
     Blade-type scraper  104  is preferably attached to at least one rod  122 . Alternately preferably, blade-type scraper  104  is removably attachable to at least one rod  122  (at least embodying herein wherein said at least one scraper is removably attachable to said at least one handle). Rod  122  preferably is connected to at least one inner-tubular shaft  114 . Rod  122  and inner-tubular shaft  114  are preferably located at the inside  113  of at least one outer handle sleeve  112 . Inner-tubular shaft  114  is preferably attached to at least one upper graspable handle  108 . In use, a user  138  preferably holds upper graspable handle  108  with upper hand  142  while preferably holding at least one lower graspable handle  111  with lower hand  143 , as shown (this arrangement at least embodies herein grippable handle means for providing handle assisted gripping). 
     Rod  122  and inner-tubular shaft  114  preferably utilize telescopic movement  115  within outer handle sleeve  112 . Telescopic movement  115  (at least embodying herein extendable telescopic cylinder means, having at least one inner cylinder and at least one outer cylinder in telescopic arrangement, for providing at least one telescopic extension of at least one inner cylinder relative to at least one outer cylinder) of rod  122  and inner-tubular shaft  114  preferably occur during user  138  deployment  147  and retraction  148  of blade-type scraper  104 . Blade-type scraper  104  preferably resides inside at least one sleeve  132  when in default-retracted position  140 . Preferably, sleeve  132  comprises a housing that both protects the blade-type scraper  104  and keeps the broom bristles  110  from being damaged by the scraper blade, as shown. 
       FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal sectional view, through section  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  shows a sectional view, through a longitudinal section intersecting approximately the midline of the apparatus  145 , illustrating preferred internal arrangements of enhanced broom sweeper  101  in the default retracted position  140 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of  FIG. 1 . Enhanced broom sweeper  101  preferably comprises upper portion  116 , middle portion  117  and lower portion  120 . Upper portion  116  consists of upper graspable handle  108  that preferably controls movement of at least one inner shaft assembly  129 . Middle portion  117  preferably comprises at least one tension spring system  119  that preferably retracts inner shaft assembly  129  and blade-type scraper  104 . And, enhanced broom sweeper  101  preferably comprises lower portion  120 , preferably consisting of at least one broom head  106 , preferably comprising broom bristles  110 , and preferably comprising at least one blade-type scraper  104 , preferably one blade-type scraper  104 . 
     Rod  122  is preferably attached by tight friction fit  161  to bottom  146  of inner-tubular shaft  114 , as best shown in  FIG. 4A . Upper graspable handle  108 , inner-tubular shaft  114 , rod  122 , and scraper  104  all preferably make up inner shaft assembly  129  as shown (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     Inner shaft assembly  129  preferably moves telescopically within outer handle sleeve  112 . Telescopic movement  115  of inner shaft assembly  129  preferably occurs during either deployment  147  or retraction  148  of scraper  104 , as shown (see  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). Spacer-guide ring  162  is preferably attached around inner-tubular shaft  114  at bottom  146  to guide movement of inner-tubular shaft  114  within outer handle sleeve  112 . Spacer-guide ring  162  preferably comprises plastic-outer face  164 , preferably formed to outer perimeter  165  of spacer-guide ring  162 . Spacer-guide ring  162  preferably is attached around inner-tubular shaft  114  by tight friction fit  163 . Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other shaft arrangements such as, for example, opposed inner and outer shaft movement, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG. 3  shows a section view of Detail  3  of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  shows a partial sectional view through the upper portion  116  of upper graspable handle  108  of enhanced broom sweeper  101 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of  FIG. 2 . Upper portion  116  of enhanced broom sweeper  101  preferably comprises upper graspable handle  108 . Graspable handle  108  is preferably configured to contain a mechanical operator assembly adapted to deploy and retract blade-type scraper  104 , as shown and further described. Upper graspable handle  108  comprises at least one upper grip  126 , as shown. At least one upper grip  126  is preferably connected to inner-tubular shaft  114  by at least one attachment  158 , as shown. Upper graspable handle  108  is preferably pushed by upper hand  142 , as shown (see  FIG. 1 ), to preferably provide telescopic movement  115  of inner-tubular shaft  114 . Telescopic movement  115  preferably occurs within handle sleeve  112 . Upper graspable handle  108  preferably moves over outer handle sleeve  112  during pushing. The upper portion of inner tubular shaft  114  preferably comprises an elongation hollow tube having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the interior diameter of outer handle sleeve  112 , as shown. Preferably, a substantially rigid non-circular rod  122  (preferably of hexagonal cross-section as shown in  FIG. 6 ) is firmly fixed within the lower bore of inner tubular shaft  114  and preferably extends in a downward direction to engage blade-type scraper  104 , as shown. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a section view of Detail  4  of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4A  shows a partial sectional view through the middle portion  117  of the lower graspable handle  111  of enhanced broom sweeper  101 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of  FIG. 2 . Middle portion  117  of enhanced broom sweeper  101  preferably houses tension spring system  119 . Tension spring system  119  preferably comprises at least one mounting bar  123 , at least one tension spring  118 , at least one pin  125 , at least one inner-tubular shaft  114  and outer handle sleeve  112 , as shown. Mounting bar  123  is preferably attached to each side  149  of outer handle sleeve  112  by at least one attachment  151 , preferably as shown (and further described below). 
     Inner tubular shaft  114  is preferably adapted to contain tension spring  118 , as shown. The lower end of tension spring  118  is preferably fixed to inner tubular shaft  114 , as shown. The upper-opposing end of tension spring  118  is preferably fixed to outer handle sleeve  112 , as shown, preferably using a mounting bar  123  extending across the inner bore of outer handle sleeve  112  (in orientation generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle). To allow inner tubular shaft  114  to translate telescopically within outer handle sleeve  112  without interference from the mounting bar, a pair of slots  124  are preferably formed within opposing sides of inner tubular shaft  114 , at the location of mounting bar  123 , as shown. 
     The upper end of inner tubular shaft  114  preferably engages a user-graspable upper grip  126  preferably adapted to permit the user to manually translate inner tubular shaft  114  up and down within outer handle sleeve  112 . The above-described telescopic movement preferably results in the preferred deployment (and retraction) of blade-type scraper  104  from broom head  106  (this arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such at least one telescopic extension of said at least one inner cylinder relative to said at least one outer cylinder provides at least one longitudinal extension of said at least one scraper means relative to said sweeper means). Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost, user preference, etc., other arrangements such as, for example, providing a positional catch or bayonet-type engagement to temporarily lock the blade in the deployed position, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG. 4B  shows a side outer view of Detail  4  of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4B  shows a partial front view of the middle portion  117  of the inner-tubular shaft  114  of enhanced broom sweeper  101 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of  FIG. 2 . Mounting bar  123  preferably passes through slots  124  of inner-tubular shaft  114 . Slots are preferably sized to allow inner shaft assembly  129  full range of motion  150  for retracting and deploying scraper  104 . Full range of motion  150  for inner shaft assembly  129  as shown, (see  FIG. 4B ) preferably ranges from default retracted position  140  to extended position  141  of blade-type scraper  104 , as best shown in  FIG. 1 . Slots  124  preferably permit inner-tubular shaft  114  to move up and down without interference of mounting bar  123 . 
     Pin  125  is preferably mounted to inner-tubular shaft  114  by at least one attachment  152 . Pin  125  is preferably located above connection of rod  122  to inner-tubular shaft  114 . Function of tension spring system  119  is to preferably retract both inner shaft assembly  129  and blade-type scraper  104  after use. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4A , top  156  of tension spring  118  preferably connects to mounting bar  123 . The bottom  157  of tension spring  118  preferably attaches to pin  125 . Tension spring  118  preferably retracts inner-tubular shaft  114  upward by preferably (tension) pulling pin  125  relative to outer handle sleeve  112 , as shown. 
     When upper graspable handle  108  is released, tension spring system  119  preferably retracts inner shaft assembly  129  (as best shown in  FIG. 2 ). With reference to  FIG. 1 , retraction  148  is preferably accomplished through tension spring  118  preferably pulling inner-tubular shaft  114  up relative to outer handle sleeve  112 . Retraction  148  preferably pulls blade-type scraper  104  up into sleeve  132 . Retracted default position  140  is the preferred natural state of the blade-type scraper  104 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a section view of Detail  5  of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  shows a partial sectional view through the lower portion  120  of the lower graspable handle  111  and broom head  106  of the enhanced broom sweeper  101 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of the present invention. Outer handle sleeve  112  of enhanced broom sweeper  101  is preferably connected to broom head  106  by at least one broom head connection  105 , preferably at the lower portion of the broom sweeper  101 , preferably by tight friction fit (at least embodying herein wherein said sweeper means is coupled to the at least one lower portion of said at least one outer cylinder). Rod  122  extends down past broom head connection  105  and is preferably attached to blade-type scraper  104 , preferably at the lower portion of rod  122 , as shown (this arrangement at least embodying herein wherein said scraper means is coupled to the at least one lower portion of said at least one inner cylinder). Blade-type scraper  104  comprises a rod-attachment sleeve  135  that attaches to bottom  136  of rod  122 , preferably by tight friction fit  160 . Blade-type scraper  104  is preferably attached to bottom of inner shaft assembly  129 . Blade-type scraper  104  preferably comprises at least one scraper edge  107  at bottom. Bottom edge  107  is preferably utilized to scrape stuck-on debris  137  off at least one surface  139 . Stuck-on debris  137  may preferably be swept away once scraped off surface  139 . After use, blade-type scraper  104  preferably self retracts. Blade-type scraper  104  preferably stays in its default retracted position  140  when not needed. 
     Enhanced broom sweeper  101  also preferably comprises sleeve  132  for blade-type scraper  104  to preferably retract into. Sleeve  132  is preferably attached to broom head  106 . Sleeve  132  preferably shields broom bristles  110  from blade-type scraper  104 . This shielding preferably prevents misshaping or damaging of broom bristles  110 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a section view through the section  6 - 6  of FIG.  FIG. 6  shows a sectional view  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 , illustrating shaft guide assembly  130 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of the present invention. 
     Inner portion  109  of broom head  106  preferably comprises at least one shaft guide assembly  130 . Shaft guide assembly  130  preferably provides at least one clearance fit  153  around rod  122  inside broom head  106 . Function of shaft guide assembly  130  is to preferably keep both rod  122  and blade-type scraper  104  rigid during scraping. 
     Shaft guide assembly  130  preferably functions to prevent the rotation of circular rod  122  relative to broom head  106 . Shaft guide assembly  130  preferably comprises a non-circular bore, as shown, through which non-circular rod  122  passes. The preferred complementary non-circular shapes of the rod and guide assembly prevent the rotation of blade-type scraper  104  during use of the device. The above-described arrangement embodies herein rotation blocker means for blocking rotation between said at least one inner cylinder and said at least one outer cylinder when in telescopic arrangement. 
     Preferred embodiments of the broom head comprise a hollow rectangular sleeve  132  in which the blade resides. Sleeve  132  preferably functions to maintain an open pocket between broom bristles  110  to allow unencumbered movement of blade-type scraper  104 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an alternate longitudinal section view to  FIG. 2 , according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  shows a sectional view, through a longitudinal section intersecting approximately the midline of an alternate enhanced broom sweeper  102 , illustrating preferred internal arrangements of the apparatus, according to another preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of the present invention. Alternate enhanced broom sweeper  102  preferably comprises an upper portion  116 , middle portion  117  and lower portion  120 . Upper portion  116  preferably consists of upper graspable handle  108  that preferably controls movement of rod  122 . Middle portion  117  preferably comprises tension spring  118  that preferably retracts blade-type scraper  104 . And finally, enhanced broom sweeper  102  preferably comprises a lower portion  120 ; preferably consisting of broom head  106 , broom bristles  110 , and blade-type scraper  104 . Lower portion  120  preferably remains the same as enhanced broom sweeper  102  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Rod  122  preferably runs down inside of the entire outer handle sleeve  112  and is preferably attached to blade-type scraper  104  at bottom. Upper graspable handle  108 , rod  122 , and scraper  104 , preferably make up inner shaft assembly  129  as shown (see  FIG. 7 ) Inner shaft assembly  129  preferably moves telescopically within outer handle sleeve  112  during manual hand pushing by a user. 
       FIG. 8  shows a section view of Detail  8  of  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 8  shows a partial sectional view through the upper portion  116  of upper graspable handle  108  of the alternate enhanced broom sweeper  102 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of the present invention. Upper portion  116  of enhanced broom sweeper  102  preferably comprises upper graspable handle  108  (as did enhanced broom sweeper  101 ). Upper grip  126  is preferably connected to inner rod  122  by at least one attachment  159 . Upper graspable handle  108  is also preferably pushed by upper hand  142 , as previously shown (see  FIG. 1 ), to preferably provide telescopic movement  115  of inner-tubular shaft  114 . Telescopic movement  115  also preferably occurs within handle sleeve  112 . Upper graspable handle  108  also preferably moves inside outer handle sleeve  112  during pushing. 
       FIG. 9  shows a section view of Detail  8  of  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 9  shows a partial sectional view through the middle portion  117  of the gripping handle of the alternate enhanced broom sweeper  102 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 7 . Middle portion  117  of enhanced broom sweeper  102  preferably comprises tension spring system  119 . Tension spring system  119  preferably comprises tension spring  118 , rod  122 , and outer handle sleeve  112 . Function of tension spring system  119  is to preferably retract inner shaft assembly  129  and blade-type scraper  104  after use. 
     At least one upper spring mount  127  is preferably attached to inside of outer handle sleeve  112  by at least one attachment  154 . Lower spring mount  128  is preferably attached to rod  122  by at least one attachment  155 . Function of tension spring system  119  is to preferably retract both inner shaft assembly  129  and blade-type scraper  104  after use. 
     Top  156  of tension spring  118  preferably connects to upper spring mount  127 . Bottom  157  of tension spring  118  preferably connects to lower spring mount  128 . Tension spring  118  preferably retracts rod  122  upward by preferably pulling rod  122  relative to outer handle sleeve  112 . 
     When upper graspable handle  108  is released, tension spring system  119  preferably retracts inner shaft assembly  129 . Retraction is preferably accomplished through tension spring  118  preferably pulling rod  122  up relative to outer handle sleeve  112 . Retraction pulls blade-type scraper  104  up into sleeve  132 . Retracted default position  140  is the preferred, natural state of blade-type scraper  104 . 
       FIG. 10  shows another alternate longitudinal section view to  FIG. 2 , according to another alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  shows a sectional view, through a longitudinal section intersecting approximately the midline of an alternate enhanced broom sweeper  103 , illustrating preferred internal arrangements. Alternate enhanced broom sweeper  103  preferably comprises an upper portion  116 , middle portion  117  and lower portion  120 . Upper portion  116  preferably consists of upper graspable handle  108  that controls movement of rod  122 . Middle portion  117  preferably comprises at least one compression spring  121  that preferably retracts blade-type scraper  104 , preferably through compression instead of tension. And finally, alternate enhanced broom sweeper  103  preferably comprises a lower portion  120  preferably consisting of broom head  106 , broom bristles  110 , and blade-type scraper  104 . 
     Rod  122  preferably runs down the inside of entire outer handle sleeve  112  and preferably attaches to blade-type scraper  104  at bottom as shown (see  FIG. 10 ). Upper graspable handle  108 , rod  122 , spring pusher  131 , and scraper  104  preferably make up inner shaft assembly  129 . Inner shaft assembly  129  preferably moves telescopically within outer handle sleeve  112  during pushing of upper grip  126  (preferably connected to inner rod  122  by attachment  159 ). 
       FIG. 11  shows a section view of Detail  11  of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 11  shows a sectional view through the upper portion  116  of upper graspable handle  108  of the alternate enhanced broom sweeper  103 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of the present invention. Upper portion  116  of enhanced broom sweeper  103  preferably comprises upper graspable handle  108  (as did enhanced broom sweeper  101 ). Upper grip  126  is preferably connected to inner rod  122  by attachment  159 . Upper graspable handle  108  is also pushed by upper hand  142 , as previously shown (see  FIG. 1 ), to preferably provide telescopic movement  115  of inner-tubular shaft  114 . Telescopic movement  115  also preferably occurs within handle sleeve  112 . Upper graspable handle  108  also preferably moves inside outer handle sleeve  112  during pushing which then preferably deploys scraper  104  (this arrangement at least embodies herein wherein said at least one grippable handle further comprises at least one positioner structured and arranged to assist positioning of said at least one scraper in at least one house to position, and at least one scraping position). 
       FIG. 12  shows a section view Detail  12  of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 12  shows a sectional view through the middle portion  117  of the gripping handle of the alternate enhanced broom sweeper  103 , according to the preferred embodiment of enhanced sweeper system  100  of the present invention. Middle portion  117  of enhanced broom sweeper  103  preferably comprises at least one compression spring system  133 . Compression spring system  133  preferably comprises at least one compression spring  121 , rod  122 , at least one spring pusher  131 , broom head  106  and outer handle sleeve  112 . The function of compression spring system  133  is to preferably retract inner shaft assembly  129  and blade-type scraper  104  after use. 
     Spring pusher  131  is preferably attached to rod  122 . Compression spring  121  is preferably located between spring pusher  131  and top portion of shaft guide assembly  130 . Top of compression spring  121  is preferably attached to spring pusher  131 . Bottom of compression spring  121  is preferably attached to top portion of shaft guide assembly  130 . 
     When upper graspable handle  108  is released, compression spring system  133  preferably retracts inner shaft assembly  129 . Retraction is preferably accomplished by compression spring  121 , which preferably compresses spring pusher  131  up and away from broom head  106 . This preferably retracts rod  122  and blade-type scraper  104  up into sleeve  132 . As stated earlier, retracted default position  140  is the preferred natural state of the blade-type scraper  104 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a front view of the enhanced broom sweeper  201  of the enhanced sweeping systems  100 , according to another preferred embodiment  200  of the present invention.  FIG. 14A  shows the lower longitudinal section view of enhanced broom sweeper  201  of the enhanced sweeping systems  100 , according to the preferred embodiment  200  of  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 14B  shows the upper longitudinal section view of the enhanced broom sweeper  201 , according to the preferred embodiment  200  of  FIG. 13 . 
     Enhanced broom sweeper  201  preferably operates similarly to the above described embodiment of  FIG. 1 , with the major exceptions being an arrangement utilizing a round, rotation-blocker inner-tubular shaft  214  arrangement in combination with a bayonet lock mechanism to lock rotation of the inner-tubular shaft  214  (as opposed to a hexagonal, non-round, rotation-blocker rod arrangement), with respect to an outer handle sleeve  212 , and, further comprising at least one removably coupled scraper  204  to such inner-tubular shaft  214 , and angular geometry of the broom head  206 , as shown. 
     Enhanced broom sweeper  201  preferably comprises outer handle sleeve  212  (at least embodying herein at least one bristle holder handle structured and arranged to assist user-sweeping with such at least one bristle holder), preferably comprising a hollow cylinder structured and arranged to allow insertion and movement of inner-tubular shaft  214  within such outer handle sleeve  212 , as shown. Outer handle sleeve  212  preferably extends perpendicularly from broom head  206  in an about opposed direction from bristles  210 , and assists sweeping by at least providing a broom bristle handle, as shown. This arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such at least one bristle holder handle extends perpendicularly from such at least one bristle holder in an about opposed direction from such plurality of bristles. Outer handle sleeve  212  preferably comprises aluminum, preferably aluminum 6063. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other bristle/handle arrangements such as, for example, other angular arrangements, hand-held arrangements, multiple bristle portions, etc., may suffice. 
     Broom head  206  preferably comprises at least one angled support geometry, preferably at least one angled lower support  205 , as shown. Broom head  206  preferably comprises a longitudinal span direction (X); a transverse span direction (Y); and a plurality of bristles extending at least in a direction (Z) perpendicular from longitudinal span direction (X) and such transverse span direction (Y), as shown. The above arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such at least one bristle holder comprises a longitudinal span direction (X) and a transverse span direction (Y); and wherein such plurality of bristles extend at least in a direction (Z) perpendicular from such at least one bristle holder longitudinal span direction (X) and such transverse span direction (Y). 
     Enhanced broom sweeper  201  preferably includes at least one coupled blade-type scraper  204  (at least embodying herein at least one scraper blade structured and arranged to scrape the at least one surface). Blade-type scraper  204  is preferably attached to inner-tubular shaft  214 , preferably co-axially with outer handle sleeve  212 , preferably deployable to at least one extended position  241  in at least one temporary deployment or, alternately preferably, in at least one locked deployment (further described below and shown). The above arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such at least one scraper blade handle is coaxial with such at least one bristle holder handle. Blade-type scraper  204  preferably is structured and arranged to assist scraping of at least one hard-surface. Blade-type scraper  204  preferably comprises at least one metal blade edge, preferably a sharp metal edge, preferably sharpened steel. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other blade-type scraper  204  arrangements such as, for example, plastic, carbon-fiber, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., may suffice. 
     Blade-type scraper  204  is preferably attached to at least one inner-tubular shaft  214 , that preferably acts as a handle extension to assist scraping by at least one user of such enhanced broom sweeper  201  (this arrangement at least embodying herein wherein such at least one scraper blade comprises at least one scraper blade handle structured and arranged to assist scraping with such at least one scraper blade). Alternately preferably, blade-type scraper  204  is removably attachable to inner-tubular shaft  214  preferably using a coupler  276 , preferably a depressible pin or alternately preferably another fastener, preferably mounted flush with the exterior perimeter of inner-tubular shaft  214  so as to permit deploying and stowing within such sleeve  232 , as shown. Alternately preferably, other devices for scraping, cleaning, squeegee, etc. may be coupled to inner-tubular shaft  214  (see  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21 , for example). 
     Enhanced broom sweeper  201  preferably comprises broom bristles  210 , as shown. Broom bristles  210  preferably comprise PET (polyethylene terephthalate), are preferably black in color, and are preferably attached to broom head  206  (at least embodying herein at least one bristle holder structured and arranged to hold a plurality of bristles to assist sweeping of the at least one surface), as shown. Preferably, bristles  210  comprise about one-hundred-six ten-bristle-each inserts, preferably each being about 0.9 mm in width each (insert) preferably attached as sloped bristle portions ranging in longitudinal length from about 114 mm (about 4½ inches) on the short side of the preferably angled broom head  206  to about 146 mm (about 5¾ inches) on the longer side of broom head  206 , as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other bristle arrangements such as, for example, longer or shorter, straight across bristle lengths, etc., may suffice. 
     Inner-tubular shaft  214  is preferably located at the inside portion of at least one outer handle sleeve  212 . Inner-tubular shaft  214  preferably comprises aluminum, preferably aluminum 6063. Inner-tubular shaft  214  preferably comprises at least one upper graspable handle  208 , as shown. In use, inner-tubular shaft  214  is preferably movable within outer handle sleeve  212  by a user that preferably holds upper graspable handle  208  with upper hand  142  while preferably holding at least one lower graspable handle  211  with lower hand  143  (as shown previously in  FIG. 1 ) and moves the inner-tubular shaft  214 , as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other user arrangements such as, for example, single-handed use, grasping other portions of the broom, etc., may suffice. 
     Inner-tubular shaft  214  preferably utilizes telescopic movement within a co-axial outer handle sleeve  212 . Telescopic movement of inner-tubular shaft  214  preferably occurs during at least two positions of such scraper blade, user scraper blade deployment and user scraper blade retraction of blade-type scraper  204 , as shown (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one scraper blade comprises at least two positions along such axis). Inner-tubular shaft  214  is preferably round. Blade-type scraper  204  preferably resides inside at least one sleeve  232  when in default-retracted position  240 , as shown in  FIG. 14A . Preferably, sleeve  232  (at least embodying herein at least one scraper-blade-protector structure adapted to protest against accidental contact with such at least one scraper blade at least when such at least one scraper blade is in such at least one second stowed position) comprises a housing that both protects the blade-type scraper  204  and keeps the broom bristles  210  from being damaged by the scraper blade, as shown. 
     Sleeve  232  preferably comprises a tubular sleeve, preferably having at least one open end  253  structured and arranged to provide an aperture through which blade-type scraper  204  may be extended through, and retracted fully within the perimeter  233 , so as to have at least the blade portion be fully into the interior of sleeve  232 , as shown. Such retraction fully into sleeve  232  preferably provides a barrier to assist avoiding accidental contact of blade-type scraper  204 , as shown. This arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure comprises: at least one sleeve structured and arranged to permit such least one scraper blade to be fully sleeved within the perimeter of such at least one sleeve; wherein, when such least one scraper blade is fully sleeved within the perimeter of such at least one sleeve, accidental contact with such at least one scraper blade is substantially reduced. 
     Sleeve  232  preferably comprises locking tabs  235  (at least embodying herein at least one coupler to couple such at least one bristle holder to such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure) structured and arranged to lock sleeve  232  into slots  237  on broom head  206 , so that sleeve  232  may be attached to the angled lower support  205 , preferably permanently, preferably after shipping of such product, or alternately preferably, as a matter of reducing production costs, as shown. Alternately preferably, sleeve  232  may be exchanged for larger sleeve portions should a larger blade-type scraper tool be desired to be attached to such enhanced broom sweeper  201 , as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other sleeve/housing arrangements for the scraper such as, for example, smaller or larger dimensions, other sleeve geometries, other coupling arrangements, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG. 15  shows a sectional view, through section  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14B .  FIG. 16  shows a front view, of the inner-tubular shaft  214  of the enhanced broom sweeper  201 , according to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
     Enhanced broom sweeper  201  preferably comprises at least an upper portion  216  and lower portion  220 , as shown. Upper portion  216  of enhanced broom sweeper  201  preferably comprises upper graspable handle  208 , as shown. Graspable handle  208  is preferably configured to contain a mechanical operator assembly adapted to deploy and retract blade-type scraper  204 , as shown and described herein (see also  FIG. 1 ). Upper graspable handle  208  preferably comprises at least one upper grip  226 , as shown. At least one upper grip  226  is preferably connected to inner-tubular shaft  214  by at least one attachment (shown in  FIG. 3  as attachment  158 ). Upper graspable handle  208  is preferably pushed by upper hand  142 , as shown (see  FIG. 1 ), to preferably provide telescopic movement of inner-tubular shaft  214  relative to outer handle sleeve  212 . Telescopic movement  215  preferably occurs within handle sleeve  212 . Upper graspable handle  208  preferably moves under outer handle sleeve  212  during pushing. The upper portion of inner tubular shaft  214  preferably comprises an elongated hollow tube having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the interior diameter of outer handle sleeve  212 , as shown. Inner tubular shaft  214  preferably extends in a downward direction in outer handle sleeve  212  to engage blade-type scraper  204 , as shown. 
     Enhanced broom sweeper  201  preferably houses at least one tension spring system  219 . Tension spring system  219  preferably comprises at least one mounting bar  223 , at least one tension spring  218 , at least one pin  225 , at least one inner-tubular shaft  214  and outer handle sleeve  212 , as shown. Mounting bar  223  is preferably attached to each side of outer handle sleeve  212  by at least one attacher, preferably as shown (and previously described above in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ). Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other spring arrangements such as, for example, multiple springs, compressive springs, other tensioned materials, no spring, etc., may suffice. 
     Inner tubular shaft  214  is preferably adapted to contain tension spring  218 , as shown. The lower end of tension spring  218  is preferably fixed to inner tubular shaft  214 , as shown. The upper-opposing end of tension spring  218  is preferably fixed to outer handle sleeve  212 , as shown, preferably using a mounting bar  223  extending across the inner bore of outer handle sleeve  212  (in orientation generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle). To allow inner tubular shaft  214  to translate telescopically within outer handle sleeve  212  without interference from the mounting bar, a pair of slots  224  are preferably formed within opposing sides of inner tubular shaft  214 , at the location of mounting bar  223 , as shown. 
     Pin  225  is preferably mounted to inner-tubular shaft  214  by at least one attachment  252 . Pin  225  is preferably located about dimension ‘O’ 446 mm (17.55 inches) from scraper attacher end  271 , as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other dimension arrangements such as, for example, variables of tension/compression spring(s) utilized, overall length of the sweeper, etc., may suffice. 
     Function of tension spring system  219  (at least embodying herein at least one first force assister structured and arranged to assist such at least one scraper blade to move between such at least one first ‘working’ position and such at least one second ‘stowed’ position; and, at least embodying herein such at least one first force assister comprises at least one spring tensioner structured and arranged to assist spring-tension positioning of such at least one scraper blade into such at least one scraper-blade-protector structure) is to preferably assist retraction of both inner shaft assembly  229  and blade-type scraper  204  after use, and, assist force-resistant locking/unlocking from the preferred bayonet lock, by a user. The top of tension spring  218  preferably connects to mounting bar  223 . The bottom  257  of tension spring  218  preferably attaches to pin  225 . Tension spring  218  preferably retracts inner-tubular shaft  214  upward by preferably (tension) pulling pin  225  relative to outer handle sleeve  212 , as shown. When upper graspable handle  208  is released, tension spring system  219  preferably retracts of inner-tubular shaft  214 . Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other spring arrangements such as, for example, compression spring, multiple springs, pistons, tension bands, etc., may suffice. 
     Mounting bar  223  preferably passes through slots  224  of inner-tubular shaft  214 . Slots  224  are preferably sized to allow inner shaft assembly  229  full range of motion for retracting and deploying blade-type scraper  204 . Full range of motion for inner shaft assembly  229 , as shown, preferably ranges from default retracted position  240  to extended position  241  of blade-type scraper  204 . Slots  224  preferably permit inner-tubular shaft  214  to move up and down without interference of mounting bar  223 . 
     Preferably, the overall length of outer handle sleeve  212  is about 1000 mm (about 39.37 inches) with a diameter of preferably about 25.4 mm (about 1-inch). Preferably, the overall length ‘R’ of inner-tubular shaft  214  is about 1396 mm (about 55 inches) with a preferred diameter of about 15.9 mm (about ⅝ inch). Preferably, the length ‘S’ of slots  224  are about 285 mm (about 11.22 inches) which preferably about equals the length of travel of the inner-tubular shaft  214  within such outer handle sleeve  212  when deploying or stowing scraper  204 . Preferably, slots  224  are situate dimension ‘M’ about 496 mm (about 19.5 inches) from scraper attacher end  271 , as shown. Preferably, coupler  276  is situate about 6 mm from scraper attacher end  271 . Preferably, coupler  276  has a diameter of about 4 mm. 
     Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other enhanced sweeper dimension arrangements such as, for example, a hand-held sweeper, miniature sweeper, dust sweep, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG. 17  shows a front view of Detail  17  of  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 18  shows a side view of Detail  18  of  FIG. 14B . 
     The upper end of inner tubular shaft  214  preferably engages a user-graspable upper grip  226  preferably adapted to permit the user to manually translate inner tubular shaft  214  up and down within outer handle sleeve  212 . The above-described telescopic movement preferably results in the preferred deployment (and retraction) of blade-type scraper  204  from broom head  206 . 
     Preferably, inner tubular shaft  214  comprises at least one positional catch, preferably a bayonet-type lock mechanism  260  (at least embodying herein at least one second force assister structured and arranged to assist such at least one scraper blade to be restrained from moving from such at least one second ‘stowed’ position to such at least one first ‘working’ position) comprising at least one first transverse slot  262 , preferably perpendicular to such at least one longitudinal slots  224  (see  FIG. 17 ) and at least one parallel longitudinal locking-slot  270  (see  FIG. 18 ) preferably perpendicular to such first transverse slot  262  to at least assist temporarily locking of blade-type scraper  204  blade in the deployed position, as shown Inner tubular shaft  214  is preferably lockable into the deployed extended position  241 , preferably by utilizing such bayonet lock mechanism  260 , as shown Inner tubular shaft  214  is preferably lockable into about a perpendicular geometry  247  from the sleeve when in the extended position  241  so as to have blade-type scraper  204  be about 90-degrees from the position of such scraper  204  when in the retracted default position  240  housed in such outer handle sleeve  212  (see  FIG. 13B ). 
     Deployment preferably occurs in at least one extended (working) position  241 , wherein such scraper is extended below broom bristles  210  preferably a distance ‘E’ about 12.7 mm to about 203 mm (one-half inch to about eight inches) below broom bristles  210 ; extended (working) position  241  for scraping, preferably is accomplished by pushing inner-tubular shaft  214  down relative to outer handle sleeve  212  so that scraper  204  is below broom bristles  210  (this arrangement at least embodying herein at least one first ‘working’ position wherein such at least one scraper blade is in at least one working position extending downwardly from such at least one bristle holder and such plurality of bristles) and then preferably (for locking arrangement) by twisting such user-graspable upper grip  226  portion about 90-degrees to rotate (inner-tubular shaft  214 ) mounting bar  223  into bayonet slot lock portion  265 , and then preferably pushing such graspable upper grip  226  downward into parallel longitudinal locking-slot  270 , to complete the rotational locking and place blade-type scraper  204  about perpendicular to bristle head, as shown. The above-arrangement at least embodies herein such at least one scraper blade, when in such at least one first (working) position, is rotatable to at least one third (perpendicular scraping) position (Z) about perpendicular to such at least one bristle holder longitudinal span direction (X); and, at least embodies herein such at least one scraper blade, when in such at least one first (working) position, may be locked into such at least one third (perpendicular scraping) position (Z). 
     Reversing the above-described procedure allows a refracted default position  240  with pull blade-type scraper  204  back up into sleeve  232 . The above-arrangement at least embodies herein at least one second (stowed) position wherein such at least one scraper blade is in at least one stowed position extending downwardly from such at least one bristle holder). Further, the above-described arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such co-axial at least one bristle holder handle and such at least one scraper blade handle are structured and arranged to assist movement of such at least one scraper blade between such at least one first (working) position and such at least one second (stowed) position. 
     Retracted default position  240  is the preferred natural state of the blade-type scraper  204 , and permits use of at least the bottoms of broom bristles  210  to be used for sweeping, as shown. The above-arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such at least one second (stowed) position permits use of the bristle bottoms for sweeping. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other bayonet arrangements such as, for example, locking by pushing such graspable upper grip  226  upward into an upward slot arrangement, utilizing multiple offset slots arrangements, etc., may suffice. 
     Retracted default position  240  is preferably assisted by tension spring  218  preferably pulling inner-tubular shaft  214  up relative to outer handle sleeve  212  after twisting such user-graspable upper grip  226  portion to rotate mounting bar  223  out of bayonet slot lock portion  265 . Preferably, at least one second lock mechanism, preferably a friction lock, preferably a friction-assister  280  (see below) is positioned so as to assist locking scraper  204  in sleeve  232  (at least embodying at least one stowed-scraper lock element structured and arranged to assist locking such at least one scraper blade in such at least one second (stowed) position). 
       FIG. 19  shows a section view through section  19 - 19  of  FIG. 14A . Sleeve  232  preferably comprises at least one friction-assister  280  to friction-assist-hold such blade-type scraper  204  in sleeve  232 , as shown. Friction-assister  280  preferably comprises at least one set of raised-rib portions  285 , preferably two pair of raised-rib portions  285 , preferably mirrored to each other, preferably at least one pair placed on each side of sleeve  232 , as shown. Preferably, each raised-rib portion  285  (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one friction-assistor comprises at least one pair of mirrored rib portions, situate inside such perimeter of such at least one sleeve, structured and arranged to friction contact such at least one scraper blade when such at least one scraper blade is fully sleeved in such at least one sleeve) is preferably structured and arranged to produce enough of a friction surface against blade-type scraper  204  to assist preventing unwanted extension of such blade-type scraper  204  from sleeve  232 , particularly during normal sweeping use of the broom. Preferably, friction-assister  280  (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one second force assister comprises at least one friction-resistance restrainer structured and arranged to friction-resistance restrain such at least one scraper blade from moving from such at least one second (stowed) position to such at least one first (working) position) comprises molded rubber, or alternately preferably plastic to match the sleeve  232  material. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other friction-assist arrangements such as, for example, flexible rubber, friction materials, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG. 20  shows a front view of an alternately preferred inner tubular shaft attachment  300  illustrating a squeegee scraper  290 , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 21  shows a front view of an alternately preferred inner tubular shaft attachment  300 , illustrating a removable-blade scraper  295 , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternately preferred inner tubular shaft attachment  300  preferably provides for a squeegee scraper  290  (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one additional attachment comprises at least one squeegee) comprising a squeegee rubber blade portion  298 , to be either replaceable or interchangeable with blade-type scraper  204 , as shown. Further, preferably, an alternately preferred inner tubular shaft attachment  300  preferably provides for removable-blade scraper  295  (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one scraper blade is removably attachable to such at least one scraper blade handle), attached to inner tubular shaft  214 , to be either replaceable or interchangeable with other attachments, as shown (this arrangement at least embodying herein wherein such at least one scraper blade handle is structured and arranged to couple with and operate at least one additional attachment usable with at least a scraping motion). Removable-blade scraper  295  preferably provides for a scraper having a removable replaceable blade portion  299 , as shown. 
     Preferably, an alternately preferred inner tubular shaft attachment  300  preferably provides for the scraper portion attached to inner tubular shaft  214  to be either replaceable or interchangeable, as shown. 
     In the illustrated preferred embodiment  200 , such preferred inner tubular shaft attachment  300  preferably provides for a removable coupler  276 , preferably a depressible pin, alternately preferably a spring-loaded pin structured and arranged to allow replaceable or interchangeable scraper-shaped tool portions (able to fit into a respective sleeve  232 ) to be placed onto inner tubular shaft  214 , as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other tool portion arrangements such as, for example, grout brush, wire brush, other scraper-shaped tools, etc., may suffice. 
     Additionally, those with ordinary skill in the art, upon reading this specification, will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other enhanced sweeper dimension arrangements such as, for example, a hand-held sweeper, miniature sweeper, dust sweep, etc., may suffice. 
     Although applicant has described applicant&#39;s preferred embodiments of this invention using metric standardized units, such measurements have been provided only for the convenience of the reader and should not be read as controlling or limiting. Instead, the reader should interpret any measurements provided in English standardized units as controlling. Any measurements provided in metric standardized units were merely derived through strict mechanical coding, with all converted values rounded to two decimal places. 
     Further, although applicant has described applicant&#39;s preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.