U.S. patent application number 11/256754 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-26 for dust pan broom stand.
Invention is credited to Terry G. Jones.
Application Number | 20070089259 11/256754 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37983961 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070089259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Terry G. |
April 26, 2007 |
Dust pan broom stand
Abstract
A dust pan includes a scoop having at least three planar contact
points, such as edges of the scoop, on which the scoop can stand
and a retainer connected to the scoop, to grip a handle of a broom.
The dust pan is suitable to support the broom as so retained, and
selectively maintains the dust pan with the broom for storage. In
storing the combination of the dust pan and broom, the dust pan can
sit in upright position on the planar contact points of the scoop.
The dust pan supports the broom in upright position with the dust
pan, and the broom bristles are shielded and do not bear the weight
of the combination during such upright storage. Moreover, the
combination can be capable of so supporting the broom without
bristles touching an underlying surface.
Inventors: |
Jones; Terry G.; (Austin,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
H. DALE LANGLEY, JR.;THE LAW FIRM OF H. DALE LANGLEY, JR. PC
610 WEST LYNN
AUSTIN
TX
78703
US
|
Family ID: |
37983961 |
Appl. No.: |
11/256754 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/257.2 ;
15/257.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/00 20130101;
A47L 13/52 20130101; A46B 2200/302 20130101; A46B 5/00 20130101;
A47L 13/51 20130101; A46B 15/0097 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/257.2 ;
015/257.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/52 20060101
A47L013/52 |
Claims
1. A system for use with an implement, for supporting the implement
on an underlying surface, comprising: at least three contacts
formed of angled edges; and grips for selectively retaining the at
least three contacts attached to the implement; wherein the system
can stand directly on the underlying surface on the at least three
contacts with the at least three contacts each touching the
underlying surface to support the system and implement.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system can support the
implement, via the at least three contacts touching the underlying
surface, on the at least three contacts such that the implement
does not touch the underlying surface.
3. A dust pan, for upright storage of a broom removably attached to
the dust pan via a handle of the broom, comprising: a scoop having
at least three planar contact points of the scoop on which the
scoop can stand to support the broom upright attached to the scoop;
wherein the scoop has a generally planar, wedge-shaped bottom
portion, the bottom portion has a substantially straight edge and
opposing side ridges extending peripherally from edges of the
bottom portion not forming the straight edge, the ridges forming
angled comers at extents of opposing ends of the straight edge;
wherein the straight edge of the bottom portion is one of the at
least three contact points and the ridges at the extents of
opposing ends of the straight edge at angled comers are two others
of the at least three contact points.
4. The dust pan of claim 3, further comprising a retainer of the
scoop suitable to grip the broom handle, the retainer being
disposed generally at a comer of the bottom portion between the
opposing side ridges.
5. The dust pan of claim 4, wherein the dust pan is suitable to
support the broom via grip of the broom handle by the retainer, in
upright position via the at least three contact points of the
scoop.
6. A stand for supporting an implement suspended upright above an
underlying surface, comprising: a scoop; a grip connected to the
scoop for retaining the implement with the scoop; and an edge
surface of the scoop for supporting the implement substantially
without contact of the implement with the underlying surface;
wherein the edge surface comprises at least three points of contact
of the scoop with the underlying surface, and wherein the scoop is
a dust pan.
7. (canceled)
8. A shield stand for an implement, the implement having an
operative head, comprising: a surface of at least three points for
accommodating the operative head, the at least three points being
formed of straight edges joined by angled comers; a retainer
connected to the operative head, for selectively connecting the
implement to the surface; a support surface on which the at least
three points of the surface can stand when the retainer is
selectively connected to the implement.
9. The shield of claim 8, wherein the at least three points of the
surface comprise at least three planar panels, the planar panels
joined forming angled comers and edges of each of the panels
extending from the angled comers, the panels as joined together
being generally of a shape of and larger than the operative head to
contain the operative head, at least in part, between the panels,
when the retainer is selectively connected to the implement.
10. A self-supporting dustpan and broom combination, wherein the
dustpan includes at least three edges, comprising: a retainer
connected to the dustpan for selectively gripping the broom at a
handle of the broom; and wherein the at least three edges are
capable of supporting the dustpan, together with the broom so
gripped by the retainer, on an underlying surface; wherein the at
least three edges directly contact the underlying surface in
self-supporting the combination.
11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the dustpan supports the
broom raised and positioned substantially upright above the
underlying surface.
12. A self-supporting stand and brush combination, the stand
capable of storing the brush suspended above a storage surface,
comprising: a three edged surface of the stand for directly
contacting the storage surface and supporting the stand and the
brush; a retainer connected to the three edged surface for
selectively connecting the brush with the stand; wherein the three
edged surface of the stand supports the brush above the storage
surface via the retainer and the three edged surface, but not the
brush, directly contacts the storage surface.
13. The combination of claim 12, further comprising: a scoop formed
of the three edged surface of the stand, for serving to collect
dust swept by the brush when the brush is not connected to the
retainer.
14. The combination of claim 12, further comprising: bristles of
the brush; and a panel of the stand, for shielding the bristles
when the brush is connected to the retainer, the panel providing
one edge surface of the three edged surface.
15-16. (canceled)
17. A method of manufacture of a broom and stand combination,
comprising the steps of: forming a stand with at least three planar
edges and a grip; forming a broom with a handle for selectively
connecting to the grip of the stand; wherein the at least three
planar edges of the pan stand are capable of supporting the stand
and the broom in upright position by connecting the handle of the
broom to the grip and disposing the stand on an underlying surface
via the at least three planar edges, with the broom extending
vertically and without substantial contact to the broom other than
via the grip of the stand.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to cleaning devices
and storage and device protective systems for such devices and,
more particularly, relates to combined dust pan-stand assemblies
removably integrable with brooms and the like, for storage and
ready availability therewith and for protective maintenance
thereof.
[0002] Conventional brooms and similar cleaning implements have
bristles which can become deformed, ends split, bent, broken or
otherwise damaged in storage. For example, these implements are
often stored leaning in a comer with the bristles on the ground
supporting the weight of the implement. Addition of features to the
implements, for example, other tools fixed to the broom or storable
thereon and the like, increase the weight, thereby further tending
to damage bristles and cleaning/maintenance heads and surfaces
during storage.
[0003] It would be a new and significant improvement in the art and
technology to provide favorable cleaning implement storage and
protection advantages and solutions. The present invention provides
numerous advantages and improvements, including improvements and
nuances in the foregoing respects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An embodiment of the invention is a system for use with an
implement. The system includes at least three contacts and grips
for retaining the at least three contacts attached to the
implement. The system can stand on the at least three contacts.
[0005] Another embodiment of the invention is a dust pan. The dust
pan includes a scoop having at least three planar contact points on
which the scoop can stand.
[0006] Yet another embodiment of the invention is an implement. The
implement includes a scoop, a grip connected to the scoop for
retaining the implement with the scoop, and a surface of the scoop
for supporting the implement.
[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is a shield for an
implement. The implement has an operative head. The shield includes
a surface of at least three planar points for accommodating the
operative head, a retainer connected to the pan, for selectively
connecting the implement to the pan, and a support surface formed
by the at least three planar points of the surface can stand when
the retainer is selectively connected to the implement.
[0008] Another embodiment of the invention is a self-supporting
dustpan and broom combination. The dustpan includes an at least
three sided edge. The combination includes a retainer connected to
the dustpan for selectively gripping the broom at a handle of the
broom. The at least three sided edge supports the dustpan.
[0009] Yet another embodiment of the invention is a self-supporting
stand and brush combination. The combination includes a surface of
the stand for supporting the stand and the brush and a retainer
connected to the surface for selectively connecting the brush with
the surface. The stand stores the brush via support by the
surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and
not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like
references indicate similar elements, and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system, providing
a combination dust pan and storage and guard stand for a broom,
according to certain embodiments of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the system of
FIG. 1, in an upright position (such as during storage), according
to certain embodiments of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIGS.
1 and 2, being used with a broom to be wedged via its handle into
the system, for example, for instances of storage of the system and
broom together as a unitary assembly, with the system serving as a
stand or support in upright position, according to certain
embodiments of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIGS.
1-3, wherein the broom is retained in the system for storage of the
system and broom assembly with the system standing in upright
position (without any significant weight or force being borne by
the broom bristles, and thus shielding or protecting the bristles),
according to certain embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a system, providing
a combination pan and/or storage and guard stand for a hand or
whisk broom or a brush, according to certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the system of
FIG. 5, in an upright position (such as during storage), according
to certain embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIGS.
5 and 6, being used with a brush to be wedged via its handle/head
into the system, for example, for instances of storage of the
system and brush together as a unitary assembly, with the system
serving as a stand or support in upright position, according to
certain embodiments of the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIGS.
5-7, wherein the brush is retained in the system for storage of the
system and brush assembly with the system standing in upright
position (without any significant weight or force being borne by
the brush bristles, and thus shielding or protecting the bristles),
according to certain embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 includes a scoop 102
connected to a handle 104. The scoop 102 has generally planar,
generally wedge-shaped underside 106 connected at its periphery to
a ridge 110 along all but a generally straight bottom edge 111. The
ridge 110 has dual edges 110a,b that form angled corners A at the
extents of the bottom edge 111. The bottom edge 111 and dual edges
110a,b planarly support the system 100 in an upright position on a
generally flat surface, such as a floor. Moreover, as hereafter
further described, the underside 106 is slightly larger than, but
generally conforms to a shape of a broom head and bristles for use
with the system 100 and the angled corners via the bottom edge 111
and dual edges 110a,b support the system 100 in such upright
position, as mentioned, together with a broom having the head and
bristles retained by the system 100.
[0020] The ridge 110 and underside 106 are connected at the
underside 106 periphery, for example, via a joint 108 that can be
angled, square, curved or otherwise with respect to the edge 110
and the underside 106. The ridge 110 is connected to the handle
104. The handle 104 includes an extension 114 and sides 116. The
extension 114 and sides 116 are formed to accommodate a handle of a
broom. The sides 116 are formed with or connected to tabs 118.
These tabs 118 are ridges or crimps that extend within the handle
104 between the sides 116 sufficient to grasp a broom handle lodged
in the extension 114 between the sides 116.
[0021] The system 100 can include other features, such as a
retention ridge 112 formed with or connected to the underside 106
and running generally parallel to the edge 111 but a distance
therefrom on the underside 106. The retention ridge 112 can serve,
for example, to aid in retaining dirt, dust or the like in the
underside 106 when swept by a broom thereinto and over the
retaining ridge 112. Other system 100 features can include, for
example, serrations 122 or the like along the ridge 110 for aiding
removal of dust and dirt from broom bristles when the bristles are
passed along the ridge 110. The extension 114 is further formed
with an opening 120 for hanging the system 100 on a hook or other
use.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, the system 100 of FIG. 1 is positioned
upright, as when the system 100 rests on a floor or similar surface
via the edge 111 and dual edges 110a,b. This upright position of
the system 100 is favorable, for example, when storing the system
100. Furthermore, this upright position of the system 100 is
capable of supporting a broom retained in the system 100 for such
storage, as herein later described.
[0023] For use of the system 100 in upright position for storage of
the system 100 and/or for storage of the system 100 and a retained
broom (or the like), several parameters for design can be
important. These parameters include that the system 100 should have
at least three points of contact with an underlying surface, when
the system 100 is standing upright. In the system 100, for example,
these three points of contact are the edge 111 and each of the dual
edges 100a,b.
[0024] Additionally, dimensions of the three points of contact with
respect to a retained broom or other implement can be important.
For example, the dimensions can include certain of: the length of
the edge 111, the respective lengths of the dual edges 110a,b, the
angle A formed between the ridge 110 and the underside 106 and the
angle B formed between the underside 106 and the dual edges 110a,b.
Further, the materials, sizes and other aspects of the system 100
and also any broom to be retained in the system 100, must be
suitably sized and constructed and of materials and properties
suitable in order to function to provide both upright positioning
(i.e., of the system 100 and the system 100 while retaining a
broom) and dustpan functional usage.
[0025] Those skilled in the art will appreciate and know that a
wide variety of these parameters, dimensions, three or more contact
points, and other aspects is possible in keeping with the concepts
herein, and in this regard, all such variations are included herein
for purposes of this description.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, an
operation 300 of the system 100 for retaining a broom 302 is
illustrated. In operation 300, the broom 302, having a handle and
head with bristles, is retained with the system 100. The head and
bristles of the broom 302 are placed within the system 100, such
that the head and bristles are contained within the confines of the
ridges 100 against the underside 106 and the handle of the broom
302 is fitted between the sides 116 and rests against the extension
114 such that the tabs 118 crimp, grip, or otherwise attach to the
handle of the broom 302 to retain the broom with the system
100.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, in conjunction with FIG. 3, an upright
storage operation 400 of the system 100 retaining the broom 302 is
illustrated. The bristles and head of the broom 302 are maintained
within the system 100. The system 100 acts as a stand, for upright
positioning of the system 100 and broom 302 assembly. In the
upright storage operation 400 of the system 100, the bristles of
the broom 302 either do not touch or only with limited force touch
the surface on which the system 100 sits. In this manner, the
system 100 protects and helps prevent damage to the broom 302.
Moreover, the upright storage operation 400 provides ease of
location of the assembly during storage and also aids in
maintaining the system 100 with the broom 302 in order to prevent
misplacement.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 5, a system 500 is similar to the system
100 (of FIGS. 1-4) but is for use with a whisk broom, paint brush
or similar bristle or brush device with a foreshortened handle. The
system 500 includes a pan 502 connected to a grip extension 504.
The pan 502 can accommodate a head and bristles of a hand or whisk
broom, a paint brush, or similar unit, and the grip extension 504
can accommodate a handle or grip of such unit. The pan 502 includes
side walls 510 connected to a bottom 506. The side walls and bottom
506 are connected to the grip extension 504. The grip extension 504
includes raised edges 516 connected to a back 514. The back 514
connects to the bottom 506 of the pan 502, and the raised edges 516
connect to the side walls 510 of the pan 510. The grip extension
504 includes grippers, such as ridges 518 formed in or connected to
the raised edges 516 within the grip extension 504. The grippers of
the grip extension 504 wedge a handle or grip of a brush or broom
when retained in the system 500.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 6, the system 500 also provides aspects
suitable for upright positioning of the system 500, including
either by itself or with a brush or broom unit retained therewith.
As with the system 100, lengths, materials, thicknesses, weights,
angles and the like of both the system 100 and any broom or brush
unit for use therewith, can be varied as those skilled in the art
will know and appreciate; however, these aspects of the system 100
suitably provide for upright storage and positioning of the system
100, including when a broom or brush is placed and retained
therein.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 7, in conjunction with FIG. 5-6, the
system 500 is combined with a brush 702 for upright storage
operation 700. The brush 702 is placed with the bristles contained
within the pan 502, between the side walls 510 and against the back
506, and with the head/handle of the brush 702 extending into the
grip extension 504. The head/handle of the brush 702 is lodged
within the grip extension 504, for example, by wedged gripping of
the ridges 518 against the head/handle (such as via an extension
thereof or otherwise).
[0031] Referring to FIG. 8, in conjunction with FIG. 7, an upright
storage operation 800 of the system 500 stores the system 500 and
brush 702 assembly such that the bristles of the brush 702 do not
contact an underlying surface and/or do not bear any significant
weight if any contact. As previously discussed, this operation 800
helps prevent damage or disfigurement to the brush bristles and
also retains the system 500 with the brush 702 to keep them
together during storage. The bristles and head/handle of the brush
702 are maintained within the system 500. The system 500 acts as a
stand or support, for upright positioning of the system 500 and
brush 702 assembly. In the upright storage operation 800 of the
system 500, the bristles of the brush 702 either do not touch or
only with limited force touch the surface on which the system 500
sits upright. If the brush 702 is a hand or whisk broom, then the
system 500 serves as a dustpan, as well as a storage and stand
device. If the brush 702 is a paint brush or similar implement, the
system 500 serves as a storage and stand device, as well as a guard
to the brush. It is notable that the upright storage operation 800
of the system 500 can be employed with a wet brush of any sort or
the like, and will permit ready draining of moisture in the upright
position.
[0032] The dust pan stand systems can be manufactured of a wide
variety of materials, including, for example, ABS, plastics, metal,
low friction materials and others. Additionally, the configuration
of the systems can accommodate virtually any broom, brush, or other
headed implement, where the implement has bristles or other
functional aspects or working surfaces that can be damaged or can
be protected during storage, either in upright manner as described
or otherwise merely shielded or covered. For example, rather than
broom bristles, the implement can have a mop, rake, tooth, tine,
duster, brush, or any other type of cleaning, maintenance, repair
or working head and purpose. In all such instances, storage and
protection of the working head and surfaces are advantaged through
apparatus like that, or similar to that, disclosed, referenced and
otherwise generally understood or conveyed by the descriptions
herein. Further, the systems are configurable as desired to retain
the implement or multiple implements, including brooms, brushes,
other implements, and the like, for storage together and to avoid
loss or misplacement. Generally, although not necessary, the
implement and system will have some cooperative use and will be
together required; thus, the systems provide for stand, shield, and
retention aspects and operations for a variety of implements and
units.
[0033] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of
ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications
and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly,
the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of the present
invention.
[0034] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However,
the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s)
that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,
required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.
As used herein, the terms "comprises, "comprising," or any other
variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion,
such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements does not include only those elements but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, article, or apparatus.
* * * * *