U.S. patent application number 12/410808 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-23 for cleaning device including a pivot joint.
This patent application is currently assigned to Helen of Troy Limited. Invention is credited to Brook Kennedy, Boris Kontorvich, Davin Stowell, Richard Whitehall.
Application Number | 20090183329 12/410808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39740150 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090183329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kennedy; Brook ; et
al. |
July 23, 2009 |
CLEANING DEVICE INCLUDING A PIVOT JOINT
Abstract
A cleaning device including a cleaning member and a handle
connected to the cleaning member. The handle includes a first
member and a second member. The first member includes a ball member
and the second member includes a socket. The ball member being
disposed in the socket to couple the first member and the second
member and enable the second member to pivot with respect to the
first member.
Inventors: |
Kennedy; Brook; (Jackson
Heights, NY) ; Whitehall; Richard; (New York, NY)
; Stowell; Davin; (New York, NY) ; Kontorvich;
Boris; (New York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEYFARTH SHAW LLP
131 S. DEARBORN ST., SUITE 2400
CHICAGO
IL
60603-5803
US
|
Assignee: |
Helen of Troy Limited
|
Family ID: |
39740150 |
Appl. No.: |
12/410808 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11716098 |
Mar 9, 2007 |
|
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12410808 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/144.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 403/32631 20150115;
A47L 13/20 20130101; B25G 1/02 20130101; Y10T 403/32311 20150115;
A47L 13/42 20130101; B25G 1/06 20130101; Y10T 403/32196
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/144.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/00 20060101
A47L013/00 |
Claims
1. A household cleaning device comprising: a cleaning member; and a
handle connected to the cleaning member, the handle including a
first member and a second member, the first member including a ball
member and the second member including a socket, the ball member
being disposed in the socket to couple the first member and the
second member and enable the second member to pivot with respect to
the first member; wherein the socket comprises a slot having a
ball-shaped upper portion and an elongated lower portion.
2. The household cleaning device of claim 1, which includes a first
connector including the socket and a second connector including the
ball member, wherein the first connector is removably connected to
the first member and the second connector is removably connected to
the second member.
3. The household cleaning device of claim 2, wherein at least one
of the first and second members includes a cavity, at least one of
the first connector and the second connector including ridges which
frictionally engage an inside surface of the cavity.
4. The household cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the first
member includes a grip.
5. The household cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning
member is at least one of: a brush, a dust mop and a mop.
6. A household cleaning device comprising: a cleaning member; and a
handle connected to the cleaning member, the handle including a
first member and a second member, the first member including a ball
member and the second member including a socket, the ball member
being disposed in the socket to couple the member and the second
member and enable the second member to pivot with respect to the
first member; and a sleeve slidably connected to the handle and
movable between a first position, which allows the second member to
pivot, and a second position, which does not allow the second
member to pivot.
7. The household cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the second
member includes a prong-shaped collar and the sleeve defines a
prong-shaped end, and wherein the prong-shaped end of the sleeve
engages the prong-shaped collar when the sleeve is in the second
position.
8. The household cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the sleeve
includes an actuator, which when activated, releases the sleeve
from one of the first and second positions.
9. The household cleaning device of claim 6, which includes a first
connector including the socket and a second connector including the
ball member, wherein the first connector is removably connected to
the first member and the second connector is removably connected to
the second member.
10. The household cleaning device of claim 6, wherein at least one
of the first and second members includes a cavity, at least one of
the first connector and the second connector including ridges which
frictionally engage an inside surface of the cavity.
11. The household cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the cleaning
member is at least one of: a brush, a dust mop and a mop.
12. A household cleaning device comprising: a cleaning member; and
a handle connected to the cleaning member, the handle including a
first member and a second member, the first member defining a
socket and the second member defining an opening, the socket
comprising a slot having a ball-shaped upper portion and an
elongated lower portion; and a pivot member including a first end
having a ball member and an opposing second end, the second end
being disposed in the opening and secured to the second member, and
the ball member being disposed in the socket to couple the first
member and the second member and enable the second member to pivot
with respect to the first member.
13. The household cleaning device of claim 12, which includes a
sleeve that is slidably connected to the handle and movable between
a first position, which allows the second member to pivot, and a
second position which at least partially covers the pivot assembly
and which does not allow the second member to pivot.
14. The household cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the second
member includes a prong-shaped collar and the sleeve defines a
prong-shaped end, and wherein the prong-shaped end of the sleeve
engages the prong-shaped collar when the sleeve is in the second
position.
15. The household cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the sleeve
includes an actuator, which when activated, releases the sleeve
from one of the first and second positions.
16. The household cleaning device of claim 13, which includes a
first connector including the socket and a second connector
connected to the pivot member, wherein the first connector is
removably connected to the first member and the second connector is
removably connected to the second member.
17. The household cleaning device of claim 16, wherein at least one
of the first and second members includes a cavity, at least one of
the first connector and the second connector including ridges which
frictionally engage an inside surface of the cavity.
18. The household cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the cleaning
member is at least one of: a brush, a dust mop and a mop.
Description
REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION
[0001] This is a divisional application of application Ser. No.
11/716,098, filed Mar. 9, 2007, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are many different types of cleaning devices and tools
which are used to clean counters, walls, floors and other surfaces.
Some cleaning devices are handheld devices, such as scrub brushes
and the like which are held in a user's hand and moved across a
surface to remove and clean the surface. Other cleaning devices
include handles which enable the user to extend the cleaning device
to places spaced from the user. Such handles also enable a user to
be able to stand while cleaning, such as the handles on most
brooms, dust sweepers and mops.
[0003] In particular, brooms, dust sweepers and mops have elongated
handles. These handles are typically made out of wood, steel or
some other durable material which enables the user to hold the
cleaning device and maneuver it along the floor, wall or other
similar surface to clean those surfaces. Such handles, however,
make cleaning under items such as couches and coffee tables,
difficult, because the user has to bend down or significantly lower
the handle of the cleaning device to be able to extend the cleaning
end of the device under the item. This makes cleaning floors and
other surfaces that underlie these items difficult. Additionally, a
user typically has to bend his or her body, crouch down closer to
the floor, or both, to be able to maneuver the end of the cleaning
device under such items. This adds stress to the user's body as
well as making such work burdensome, difficult and tiring.
[0004] It is known to provide handles with sections which can pivot
relative to each other, but typically such handles can pivot about
one axis or use as a pivot joint, a coil spring which lacks
rigidity and impairs control.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved handle for a
cleaning device that overcomes the above problems.
SUMMARY
[0006] One embodiment provides a cleaning device including a
cleaning member and a handle connected to the cleaning member. The
handle includes a first member and a second member. The first
member includes a ball member and the second member includes a
socket. The ball member is disposed in the socket to couple the
first member and the second member and enable the second member to
pivot with respect to the first member.
[0007] In an embodiment, the socket includes a plurality of
fingers.
[0008] In an embodiment, the fingers are made of at least one of: a
flexible material and a rigid material.
[0009] In an embodiment, the socket includes a slot having a
ball-shaped upper portion and a elongated lower portion.
[0010] In an embodiment, the cleaning device includes a first
connector including the socket and a second connector including the
ball member. The first connector is removably connected to the
first member and the second connector is removably connected to the
second member.
[0011] In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second
members includes a cavity, where at least one of the first
connector and the second connector includes ridges which
frictionally engage an inside surface of the cavity.
[0012] In an embodiment, the first member includes a grip.
[0013] In an embodiment, the cleaning member is at least one of: a
brush, a dust mop and a mop.
[0014] Another embodiment provides a cleaning device including a
cleaning member and a handle connected to the cleaning member. The
handle includes a first member and a second member. The first
member includes a ball member and the second member includes a
socket. The ball member is disposed in the socket to couple the
first member and the second member and enable the second member to
pivot with respect to the first member. The cleaning device also
includes a sleeve slidably connected to the handle and movable
between a first position, which allows the second member to pivot,
and a second position, which does not allow the second member to
pivot.
[0015] In an embodiment, the second member includes a prong-shaped
collar and the sleeve defines a prong-shaped end, where the
prong-shaped end of the sleeve engages the prong-shaped collar when
the sleeve is in the second position.
[0016] In an embodiment, the sleeve includes an actuator, which
when activated, releases the sleeve from one of the first and
second positions.
[0017] In an embodiment, the cleaning device includes a first
connector that includes the socket and a second connector that
includes the ball member. The first connector is removably
connected to the first member and the second connector is removably
connected to the second member.
[0018] In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second
members includes a cavity, where at least one of the first
connector and the second connector includes ridges which
frictionally engage an inside surface of the cavity.
[0019] In an embodiment, the cleaning member is at least one of: a
brush, a dust mop and a mop.
[0020] A further embodiment provides a cleaning device including a
cleaning member and a handle connected to the cleaning member. The
handle includes a first member and a second member. The first
member defines a socket and the second member defines an opening.
The cleaning device also includes a pivot member including a first
end having a ball member and an opposing second end. The second end
is disposed in the opening and secured to the second member. The
ball member is disposed in the socket to couple the first member
and the second member and enable the second member to pivot with
respect to the first member.
[0021] In an embodiment, the cleaning device includes a sleeve that
is slidably connected to the handle and movable between a first
position, which allows the second member to pivot, and a second
position which at least partially covers the pivot assembly and
which does not allow the second member to pivot.
[0022] In an embodiment, the second member includes a prong-shaped
collar and the sleeve defines a prong-shaped end, where the
prong-shaped end of the sleeve engages the prong-shaped collar when
the sleeve is in the second position.
[0023] In an embodiment, the sleeve includes an actuator, which
when activated, releases the sleeve from one of the first and
second positions.
[0024] In an embodiment, the cleaning device includes a first
connector including the socket and a second connector connected to
the pivot member, where the first connector is removably connected
to the first member and the second connector is removably connected
to the second member.
[0025] In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second
members includes a cavity, where at least one of the first
connector and the second connector includes ridges which
frictionally engage an inside surface of the cavity.
[0026] In an embodiment, the cleaning member is at least one of: a
brush, a dust mop and a mop.
[0027] It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to
provide a cleaning device which enables a user to easily clean hard
to reach places.
[0028] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
cleaning device including a handle having a pivot joint which
enables a user to easily clean floors and other surfaces.
[0029] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a
cleaning device including a handle having a pivot joint which
minimizes the stress on a user's body during cleaning.
[0030] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like
numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and
processes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device of the
present invention where the cleaning device includes a handle with
a pivot joint.
[0032] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a
portion of FIG. 1 illustrating the pivot joint.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG.
1 wherein the handle of the cleaning device is pivoted about the
pivot joint to clean under a table.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of an
embodiment of the pivot joint of FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-section view of the pivot
joint taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2, wherein the
sleeve of the pivot joint is shown in the open position.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, wherein the sleeve is
shown in the closed position.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the pivot joint.
[0038] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the pivot joint of
FIG. 7.
[0039] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of the pivot joint.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The present invention is directed to a cleaner, such as a
floor cleaner, for a home, office, or other area. Referring to FIG.
1, the cleaning device or cleaner 100 includes an elongated handle
102 and a cleaning member 116 connected to the handle. A user
grasps the handle 102 and moves the cleaning member across a
surface such as a floor to clean that surface. The handle 102 may
be any suitable size or length. Additionally, the cleaning member
116 can be any suitable cleaning member such as a broom or brush,
sweeper, dust mop, mop and the like. In an embodiment, the cleaning
member 116 is removably connected to the handle 102 so that the
cleaning member can be replaced as needed or interchangeable with
other cleaning members, such as those described above.
[0041] The handle 102 includes first and second members 104 and 106
joined by a pivot joint or pivot assembly 108. The pivot assembly
108 enables the first and second members 104 and 106 to pivot
relative to each other about a point intermediate the ends of the
handle so that the cleaner 100 can be maneuvered to clean under
items such as couches and tables as shown in FIG. 3. The pivot
assembly 108 of the handle 102 allows the handle to be bent, angled
or pivoted to clean in hard to reach places of a floor or other
surface without causing the user to have to bend down, squat down,
or perform some other function which stresses their body.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the pivot assembly 108 includes
a first connector 110 and a second connector 112, which are coupled
together by a pivot member or pivot post 130. The first connector
110 includes a connecting portion 132 and a pivot portion 136. The
connecting portion 132 includes friction ridges 134 which are
elongated, protruding portions of the connecting portion 132 that
frictionally engage an inside surface or inside wall of a cavity or
opening 115 in the first member 104 as the connecting portion 132
of the first connector 110 is inserted into the opening 115 defined
by the first member 104. The friction fit between the connecting
portion 132 of first connector 110 and the inside surface of the
first member 104 securely holds the first connector 110 and the
first member 104 together. The pivot portion 136 of the first
connector includes a plurality of fingers 138. The fingers 138 are
generally triangularly shaped as shown in FIG. 4. It should be
appreciated that the fingers 138 may be any suitable size or shape.
The fingers may be made of a durable, flexible material. In another
embodiment, the fingers may be made of a rigid material. It should
be appreciated that the fingers may be made of any suitable
material or combination of materials. In the illustrated
embodiment, the pivot portion 136, and more specifically, the
fingers 138 define a receptacle or socket 139 for receiving pivot
post 130 as described below.
[0043] The second connector 112 has a rounded portion 146 and a
connecting portion 150 which are integrally formed. It should be
appreciated that the rounded portion 146 and the connecting portion
150 may be separate components that are connected together. The
connecting portion 150 includes a plurality of friction ridges 152
similar to the ridges of the first connector 110. The friction
ridges 152 engage an inside surface of an opening or cavity 117 in
the second member 106 to frictionally secure the second connector
112 to the second member 106. The rounded portion 146 includes a
plurality of protruding guides 148 which are generally oval-shaped.
It should be appreciated that the guides 148 may be any suitable
size or shape. Specifically, the guides 148 are designed to fit in
between the fingers 138 of the first connector.
[0044] The first member 104 and the second member 106 are coupled
together by the pivot assembly 108. The pivot post 130 includes a
shaft 140, a ball-shaped head or ball 142 and a threaded end 144.
The threaded end 144 is disposed in or inserted in an opening 145
defined by the rounded portion 146 and is threadingly engaged in
that opening to securely hold the pivot post in engagement with the
second connector 112.
[0045] To connect the pivot post to the first member, the ball 142
is pushed against the ends of the fingers 138 until the fingers
flex outwardly to allow the ball 142 to move into the receptacle or
socket 139 defined by the fingers 138. The receptacle or socket 139
is formed in such a way that the ball 142 and, more specifically,
the second member 106 of the handle 102 can pivot in many different
directions. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the second
member can have the fingers 138 forming socket 139 and the pivot
member or pivot post 130 can be integrally formed with or secured
to the first member.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 9, in an alternative embodiment, the first
member 104 includes a "keyhole" like opening 141 instead of the
fingers 138. The opening 141 includes a generally circular top
opening 143 and an elongated slot opening 145 that extends from the
top opening 143. The rounded top opening 143 has a size and shape
that corresponds to the size and shape of the ball member 142. The
width of slot opening 145 corresponds to the size or width of shaft
140. To couple the top and bottom members together, the ball member
142 is disposed in the rounded top opening 143. The second member
106 is moved downwardly so that the shaft 140 moves downward
through the slot opening 145 until the ball member 143 is in socket
139.
[0047] In another alternative embodiment, the pivot member or pivot
post 130 is moved downwardly through an opening extending the
length of the first member until the ball member 142 is in the
socket 139 and the shaft 140 extends from the socket. The threaded
end of the pivot post 130 is then secured in an opening 145 defined
by the top of second member as described above.
[0048] A sleeve 114 is slidably connected to at least one of the
first and second members of 104 and 106. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3,
5, and 6, the sleeve 114 is slidably connected to the first member
and slides or moves between a first, open or pivoting position, and
a second, closed or non-pivoting position. In the first or open
position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, sleeve 114 is moved along the
first member 104 and away from the pivot joint or pivot assembly
108, so that the first connector can pivot with respect to the
second connector. In the first or open position, the first and
second members 104 and 106 are able to pivot with respect to each
other and enable the user to clean hard to reach places on a floor
and other surfaces. During pivoting the post 140 moves into a slot
between adjacent fingers 138. There are plural slots providing
plural pivot axes, the number of which is determined by the number
of fingers.
[0049] Alternatively, if a user wants the handle 102 to be straight
and non-pivoting, the user grasps the sleeve 114 and slides it
toward the cleaning member 116 until the sleeve 114 at least
partially covers the first and second connectors 110 and 112. As
shown in FIG. 6, in an embodiment, the sleeve 114 completely
surrounds or covers the pivot assembly 108 and prevents the first
and second members 104 and 106 from pivoting with respect to each
other. The sleeve 114, therefore, is moved between the first or
open position where the first and second members 104 and 106 can
pivot with respect to each other and the closed or non-pivoting
position which prevents the handle 102 from pivoting at the pivot
joint or pivot assembly.
[0050] The cleaner 100, and more specifically, the handle 102, also
includes a grip 126, made of an elastomeric material or other
suitable material, that defines an opening 128. The opening enables
a user to be able to insert a hook or other device though the
opening to hang the cleaner for storage. It should be appreciated
that the grip 126 may include one or more openings.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, and alternative embodiment
of the pivot assembly is shown wherein a handle 200 includes a
first member 202 and a second member 204 which are coupled together
to pivot with respect to each other. The first member 202 includes
a friction post 206 and has an annular flange 208. The friction
post 206 is insertable into an end of a hollow first handle 230.
The first member 202 defines an elongated slot 210, and a movable
sleeve 212 that includes a clip 213 which engages the slot and is
secured to the sleeve to hold the sleeve in place and guide the
sleeve along the slot 210 to prevent relative rotational movement.
The first member 202 includes a first connector 211 which includes
fingers 214 and defines a receptacle as described above. The
connector 211 may be generally tubular and frictionally fit over a
reduced-diameter portion 222 of the first member 202.
[0052] The second member 204 includes a round dome-shaped portion
216 and raised ridges 218. The ridges 218 may be any suitable size
and shape and engage the corresponding shapes of the internal
pattern 215, as shown in FIG. 7. In an embodiment, the sleeve 212
may include an actuator or button 217 which engages or releases the
clip 213 with the slot 210 so that the sleeve 212 may be moved or
stopped with respect to the first connector 202. In another
embodiment, the sleeve 212 does not include actuator 217. In this
embodiment, the sleeve 212 is slidably connected to at least one of
the first and second members as described above.
[0053] A pivot post 220 couples the first member 202 to the second
member 204. The pivot post 220 includes a ball shaped end or ball
224 and a threaded end 226. The threaded end 226 is inserted into
an opening 228 defined by the dome-shaped portion of the second
member 202 that is threadingly engaged inside the opening to hold
it securely to the second member. The pivot post 220 enables the
first and second members 202 and 204 to pivot with respect to each
other to allow a user to pivot or bend the handle about the pivot
point to be able to easily reach difficult-to-clean areas under a
countertop, table, bed or any low standing area, in the manner
described above. It should be appreciated that the pivot post can
be integrally formed with the first or second member or be a
separate component that can be secured to the first or second
member.
[0054] In an embodiment, a first handle tube 230 is sized to slide
over friction post 206 of the first member. A second handle tube
232 is connected to the second member 204 in a suitable manner.
[0055] In the above embodiments, it should be appreciated that the
cleaning member 116 may be any suitable cleaning member such as a
broom head, brush, sweeper, dust mop, mop or other suitable
cleaning member. Also in the above embodiments, the cleaner 100 and
200 are made of a combination of plastics and steel, such as
stainless steel. It should be appreciated that the cleaner 100 and
200 may be made of any suitable material or combination of
materials.
[0056] While the present invention is described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention is not
limited to the disclosed embodiments, and is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
the spirit and scope of the claims. Modifications and variations in
the present invention may be made without departing from the novel
aspects of the invention as defined in the claims, and this
application is limited only by the scope of the claims.
* * * * *