U.S. patent application number 12/590317 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for push-flex attachment.
Invention is credited to Simon Ralph Cassar.
Application Number | 20110107551 12/590317 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43973044 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110107551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cassar; Simon Ralph |
May 12, 2011 |
Push-flex attachment
Abstract
A flexible attachment mechanism used in conjunction with a push
broom or floor squeegee having a handle and a broom head or
squeegee blade to provide a flexible attachment mechanism at the
junction where the broom head or squeegee blade handle is connected
to the broom head or squeegee blade support frame. The flexible
attachment mechanism allows the broom head or squeegee blade to
flex up and down causing the flexible attachment mechanism to be
pre-loaded when pushing with the handle and upon releasing the
downward movement during a normal sweeping action, the pre-loaded
flexible attachment mechanism springs up, which in turn causes the
broom head or squeegee blade to spring upwardly to kick the debris
further away from the broom head or squeegee blade holder.
Furthermore, the new innovation allows heavy equipment to run over
the handle and/or cleaning head and flex thus reduce handle and/or
cleaning head damage.
Inventors: |
Cassar; Simon Ralph;
(Watsonville, CA) |
Family ID: |
43973044 |
Appl. No.: |
12/590317 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/363 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/11 20130101;
A46B 5/0066 20130101; B25G 3/34 20130101; A46B 5/0062 20130101;
A46B 2200/302 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/363 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/06 20060101
A47L009/06 |
Claims
1. An attachment member to be used in conjunction with a cleaning
apparatus having a cleaning head and a handle, the attachment
member comprising: a. A flexible body having a mounting section for
mounting to said cleaning head, a longitudinal section for
receiving and securing one end of said handle thereto, and a
connecting section interconnecting the mounting section and the
longitudinal section together. b. Said connecting section having a
thickness which is thinner than the thickness of said mounting
section for allowing a predetermined angle of lateral flexing of
said connecting section with said longitudinal section; c. Means
for attaching said mounting section to said cleaning head of said
cleaning apparatus; d. Means for limiting the downward flexing of
said connecting section and said longitudinal section, where the
limiting means controls the amount of downward flexing; and e. Said
means for attaching said mounting section to said cleaning head of
said cleaning apparatus having at least two bolts inserted through
said cleaning head and through said mounting section of said body
and secured thereto by at least two corresponding wing nuts or
nuts; f. Whereby said body of said attachment member is pre-loaded
when a user pushes down on said handle causing said connecting and
longitudinal sections to flex downward and upon releasing the
downward pressure during a normal sweeping action, the pre-loaded
body of said attachment member springs up said cleaning head
causing the debris in front of said cleaning causing the debris in
front of said cleaning head to be lifted up and pushed further away
from said cleaning head; g. whereby means for limiting the upward
flexing of said connecting section and said longitudinal section,
where the limiting means controls the amount of upward flexing; and
h. said limiting means includes said back side of apparatus and aft
end of broom head when in contact with said ground to form an
upward stop limit when heavy weight is applied to said cleaning
head and/or handle; i. whereby said mounting base aft of bolts that
attach said mounting section to said cleaning head has a segment
that has a material density that is less dense and more flexible
than combined said longitudinal section and said push broom
handle;
2. The attachment member in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
body is made out of elastomer material.
3. The attachment member in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
angle is approximately between the range of 10 degrees to 90
degrees.
4. The attachment member in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
connecting section further comprises a pair of symmetrical arcuate
recesses located on opposite sides and extending the width of said
connecting section, each arcuate recess forming an upper engagement
pad and a respective lower stop limit pad such that when said
cleaning head comes in contact with an object, either one of the
upper engagement pads comes in contact with its respective lower
stop limit pad and thereby prevents said handle from lateral
movement such that said attachment member prevents said handle from
breaking from said cleaning head.
5. The attachment member in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
connecting section is generally rectangular shape.
6. The attachment member in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
limiting means includes a downward stop limit integrally formed
with said body from said connecting section for engaging with said
rear aft end of cleaning head.
7. The attachment member in accordance with claim 1, whereby said
height of mounting base aft of bolts that attach to said mounting
section to said cleaning head has a segment that is thinner than
said longitudinal section.
8. The attachment member in accordance with claim 1, whereby said
means for attaching said mounting section to said cleaning head of
said cleaning apparatus having at least two threaded bolts inserted
through the top of said mounting section and threadedly engaged
with said cleaning head of said cleaning apparatus;
9. An attachment member to be used in conjunction with a cleaning
apparatus having a cleaning head and a handle, the attachment
member comprising: a. a flexible body having a mounting section for
mounting to said cleaning head, a longitudinal section for
receiving and securing one end of said handle thereto, and a
connecting section interconnecting the mounting section and the
longitudinal section together; b. said connecting section having a
thickness which is thinner than the thickness of said mounting
section for allowing a predetermined angle of lateral flexing of
said connecting section with said longitudinal section; c. means
for attaching said mounting section to said cleaning head of said
cleaning apparatus; d. wherein said means for attaching said
mounting section to said cleaning head of said cleaning apparatus
includes at least two bolts inserted through said cleaning head and
through said mounting section of said body and secured thereto by
at least two corresponding wing nuts or nuts and/or; e. at least
two threaded bolts respectively inserted through the top of said
mounting section and threadedly engaged with said cleaning head of
said cleaning apparatus; f. means for limiting the upward flexing
of said connecting section and said longitudinal section, where the
limiting means controls the amount of upward flexing; and g. said
limiting means includes said back side of apparatus and aft end of
broom head when in contact with said ground to form an upward stop
limit when heavy weight is applied to said cleaning head and/or
handle; h. whereby said mounting base aft of bolts that attach said
mounting section to said cleaning head has a segment that has a
material density that is less dense and more flexible than combined
said longitudinal section and said push broom handle; i. attachment
member in accordance with claim 9, wherein said predetermined angle
of lateral flexing is approximately between the range of 3 degrees
to 75 degrees; j. attachment member in accordance with claim 9,
wherein said connecting section is generally a rectangular
shape.
10. The attachment member in accordance with claim 9, wherein said
flexible body is made out of elastomer material.
11. The attachment member in accordance with claim 9, wherein said
angle is approximately between the range of 10 degrees to 90
degrees.
12. The attachment member in accordance with claim 9 wherein said
connecting section further comprises a pair of symmetrical arcuate
recesses located on opposite sides and extending the width of said
connecting section, each arcuate recess forming an upper engagement
pad and a respective lower stop limit pad such that when said
cleaning head comes in contact with an object, either one of the
upper engagement pads comes in contact with its respective lower
stop limit pad and thereby prevents said handle from lateral
movement such that said attachment member prevents said handle from
breaking from said cleaning head.
13. The attachment member in accordance with claim 9, whereby said
height of mounting base aft of bolts that attach to said mounting
section to said cleaning head has a segment that is thinner than
said longitudinal section;
14. An attachment member to be used in conjunction with a cleaning
apparatus having a cleaning head and a handle, the attachment
member comprising: a. a flexible body having a mounting section for
mounting to said cleaning head, a longitudinal section for
receiving and securing one end of said handle thereto, and a
connecting section interconnecting the mounting section and the
longitudinal section together; b. said connecting section having a
thickness which is thinner than the thickness of said mounting
section for allowing a predetermined angle of lateral flexing of
said connecting section with said longitudinal section; c. means
for attaching said mounting section to said cleaning head of said
cleaning apparatus; d. whereby said mounting base aft of bolts that
attach said mounting section to said cleaning head has a segment
that has a density with less mass and more flexible than combined
said longitudinal section and push broom handle; e. said connecting
section further comprises a pair of symmetrical arcuate recesses
located on opposite sides and extending the width of said
connecting section, each arcuate recess forming an upper engagement
pad and a respective lower stop limit pad such that when said
cleaning head comes in contact with an object, either one of the
upper engagement pads comes in contact with its respective lower
stop limit pad and thereby prevents said handle from lateral
movement such that said attachment member prevents said handle from
breaking from said cleaning head; f. means for limiting the upward
flexing of said connecting section and said longitudinal section,
where the limiting means controls the amount of upward flexing; and
g. said limiting means includes said back side of apparatus and aft
end of broom head when in contact with said ground to form an
upward stop limit when heavy weight is applied to said cleaning
head and/or handle; h. whereby said mounting base aft of bolts that
attach said mounting section to said cleaning head has a segment
that has a material density that is less dense and more flexible
than combined said longitudinal section and said push broom handle;
i. wherein said means for attaching said mounting section to said
cleaning head of said cleaning apparatus includes at least two
bolts inserted through said cleaning head and through said mounting
section of said body and secured thereto by at least two
corresponding wing nuts; j. Wherein the material is made from any
material that has a flexible memory.
15. The flexible insert member in accordance with claim 14, wherein
said means for attaching said mounting section to said cleaning top
surface of said cleaning head includes at least two threaded bolts
respectively inserted through the top of said mounting section and
threadedly engaged with said cleaning head of said cleaning
apparatus.
16. The attachment member in accordance with claim 14, wherein said
flexible body is made out of, elastomer material.
17. The attachment member in accordance with claim 14, wherein said
angle is approximately between the range of 10 degrees to 90
degrees.
18. The attachment member in accordance with claim 14, wherein said
connecting section is generally a rectangular shape.
19. The attachment member in accordance with claim 14, wherein the
hole diameter in said apparatus housing is a minimum of 0.050''
less in diameter than the diameter of said handle.
20. The attachment member in accordance with claim 14, whereby said
height of mounting base aft of bolts that attach to said mounting
section to said cleaning head has a segment that is thinner than
said longitudinal section;
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Background of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaning or a sweeping
apparatus and in particular for brooms and floor squeegees or
applications where material is being removed by an apparatus. The
present invention further relates to a flexible insert apparatus
which can enhance the ease of use and cleaning capability of
brooms. In particular, the present invention relates to a cleaning
apparatus or the like having the capability of up and down flexing
for providing improved sweeping action and reduce damage when being
run over by heavy objects along with flexing laterally when hitting
objects reducing handle breakage.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] The standard brush broom has two primary components. The
first component is the head that comprises a rectangular piece of
material usually made of wood that supports therein a multiplicity
of bristles of fibers that extend transversely to the head. The
second primary component of the brush broom is the handle which is
usually a cylindrical pole that is rigidly although sometimes
removable affixed to the top of the head in the manner which
permits the brush broom to be pushed and pulled by the exertion of
a force on the handle.
[0005] One significant problem with brush brooms is longer length
bristles are needed to create sufficient flick action to push the
debris when sweeping, also they are usually laid down on the floor
thus making the broom venerable to being run over by vehicles or
walked over causing either or the handle and brush block to break.
Also the broom handle can break when used in confined spaces is the
rigid nature of the connection between the handle and head causes
difficulty in sweeping adjacent, corners, tables, chairs and other
areas where obstacles are placed on the floor. The edge of the
broom head it's the obstacle straight on and then it is necessary
to stop the sweeping action and reorient the push broom to avoid or
go around the obstacle. In addition, if the force of the sweeping
action is sufficiently strong, the head--on impact of the brush
broom could cause damage to the object being hit, inflict injury to
the operator or break the push broom handle and/or brush block. The
reason for the damage is due to the moment between the handle and
broom head length which causes a fulcrum effect. To overcome this
problem prior art has been developed to allow the brush broom to be
flexible at the joint between the brush broom and the pole handle.
However, to effectively have a workable flexible brush broom, the
flex mechanism needs to be somewhat rectangular in shape along the
longitudinal axis to retain sufficient rigidity yet have enough
flexibility to allow an up and down movement in the longitudinal
axis while being flexible in the lateral axis.
[0006] Patent on mechanisms or attachments that allow for a
flexible joint between the brush broom handle are simply
cylindrical in shape thus allowing the connector to be threaded
into a broom block. Such is the case of polymeric or polyurethane
adapter U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,722,634 and 5,333,345. Since all known
prior flexible adaptors are made to flex laterally to absorb
impacts when hitting stationary objects. The present innovation
optimizes the design of the flexible connector to flex up and down
thus rendering it almost unbreakable when being run over by large
vehicles that causes most of the broom handle block damage. Also,
the flexible attachment mechanism allows the broom head to flex up
and down causing the flexible attachment mechanism to be pre-loaded
when pushing with the broom handle and upon releasing the downward
movement during a normal seeping action, the pre-loaded flexible
attachment mechanism springs up, which in turn causes the broom
head to spring upwardly to kick the debris further away from the
broom head.
[0007] Therefore, a significant need exists to improve upon the
previous prior art patents and to provide a flexible attachment
mechanism that can be adapted for controlling the up and down
flexing of the cleaning head to push debris further reducing the
bristle length of the bristles and lateral flexing to provide an
improved sweeping action and to eliminate breakage when heavy
loads, such as vehicles, are applied on top of the broom while
being laid down on the floor.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a mechanism that is affixed at the
location between the brush handle and the head of the brush broom
to provide a flexible member at the junction where the handle is
attached to the head. Through use of the flexible member and the
arc designed shape, the handle maintains sufficient rigidity in the
direction in which it is moved when pushed lightly but when placing
a sufficient load on the handle the attachment mechanism allows the
broom head to flex up and down causing the flexible attachment
mechanism to be pre-loaded when pushing the broom handle and upon
releasing the downward movement during a normal sweeping action,
the pre-loaded flexible attachment mechanism springs up, which in
turn causes the broom head to spring upwardly to kick debris
further way from the broom head thus shorter bristles can be used
reducing cost. Through use of the flexible member the attachment is
adequately flexible in the lateral direction. Therefore, when the
brush broom comes in contact with a stationary object, the broom
will flex and have sufficient enough movement to reduce hand injury
to the operator and/or damage to the broom handle.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
flexible attachment mechanism which can be adapted for connecting a
push broom head to a push broom and or floor squeegee handle and
thereby forms a complete cleaning apparatus. It is an additional
object of the present invention to provide a flexible attachment
mechanism that can be adapted for controlling the up and down
flexing of the cleaning head to provide an improved sweeping action
and eliminate breakage when heavy loads are applied on top of the
broom while being laid down on the floor.
[0010] Further novel features and other objects of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, discussion and the appended claim, taken in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of
illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated:
[0012] FIG. 1. Is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention insert apparatus attached to the top of the
head and attached adjacent to the forward end of the handle of a
brush broom.
[0013] FIG. 2 Is a perspective isometric view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention insert apparatus attached to
the top of the head and attached adjacent the forward end of the
handle of a brush broom.
[0014] FIG. 3. Is a cross-sectional view looking down along line
3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4. Is a front elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention insert apparatus illustrating
the movement of the attachment and the use of the recess relief
cavity allowing the broom to flex upward when the broom and handle
are being run over while in the laid down position.
[0016] FIG. 5. Is a side elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention insert apparatus attached to
the top of the head and attached adjacent to the forward end of the
handle of a brush broom.
[0017] FIG. 6. Is a front elevational view as shown in FIG. 1,
showing a partial cross section of the preferred embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the alternate embodiment
attachment without limit stops.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an illustration showing the sweeping action of the
alternate invention flexing in the downward position.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the present invention
flexible attachment mechanism connected between a push broom head
and a push broom handle to form a complete broom apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a partial rear plan view of the complete broom
apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 13 is an illustration showing the sweeping action of
the present invention flexible attachment mechanism.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a partial illustration showing the flexible
attachment mechanism connected between a pus broom head and a push
broom handle laid down on the ground and being run over by a heavy
vehicle tire.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a frontal view of the alternate embodiment
connected between a push broom head and a push broom handle to form
a complete broom apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be
described with reference the drawings, it should be understood that
such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative
of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments
which can represent applications of the principles of the
invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled
in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within
the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as further
defined in the appended claims.
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, there is shown at
10 the present invention flexible apparatus on the top of a brush
broom. In the preferred embodiment the flexible insert member 10
comprises a longitudinal section 14 and a lateral section 16 that
are interconnected through an arcuate connecting section 18. In
general appearance, the one piece molded insert looks like a
pyramid shaped object with two open ended symmetrical open-ended
recess cavities 19 and 20 to allow for a relief recess to allow the
broom head to flex laterally roughly between 3-75 degrees when
hitting stationary objects. Relief recess cavity 364 allows for the
flexing in the upward position between 3-75 degrees allowing both
the brush head and handle to lay flat on the ground when being run
over by large equipment or heavy objects thus eliminating any
damage to handle and/or broom head when abused and eliminate
breakage.
[0030] The flexible apparatus 10 is made of a flexible elastomeric
rubber like material like polyurethane. The handle 120 is either
press fit, screwed or riveted or any other means attached into the
apparatus housing 140. When press fit, the flexible elastomer
material expands and thus requires the hole diameter in the
apparatus housing 140 to be a minimum 0.050'' less in diameter than
the diameter of handle 120.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the insert member 10 is made of
any flexible substance with memory such as rubber, plastic,
titanium, polyurethane and polyvinyl. It is also within the spirit
and scope of the present invention for the attachment to be made of
flexible but strong plastic such as Mylar, polyethylene or any
other flexible material exhibiting the required memory
characteristics.
[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the lower base
mount positions 26 and 16 protrude upward and merge into a
cylindrical sleeve portion. The upper cylindrical portion extends
upwardly and outwardly preferably at an angle of inclination of
approximately 45 degrees in relation to the base mount as shown in
FIG. 5, item "A". Accordingly, the upper sleeve portion of the
cylindrical sleeve section 130 includes an axial bore 140 having a
uniform dimension so as to receive the transverse dimension of the
handle 120. The thickness of the material encapsulating handle 120
is sufficient to not crack when impact to the head of the broom
occurs. The upper sleeve section 130 has a diameter to tightly
receive in a generally slip-fit relationship the transverse
dimension of the handle to frictionally retain the handle therein
and is also retained by means of a screw or rivet as shown in FIG.
1. 131.
[0033] In the preferred embodiment, the insert member 10 is made of
any flexible substance with memory such as rubber, plastic,
titanium, polyurethane, polyvinyl. It is also within the spirit and
scope of the present invention for the attachment to be made of
flexible but strong plastic such as mylar, polypropylene or any
other flexible material exhibiting the required
characteristics.
[0034] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown
in use on FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8. The conventional brush
broom 100 comprises a head member 102 and a handle 120. The head
102 in turn comprises a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106.
For floor squeegees the bristles would be the same as the blade.
The bottom surface 106 supports a multiplicity of bristles or
fibers 108 that are cut so as to be aligned in the same plane flush
against the floor during sweeping operations. The handle 120 is an
elongated member that in the preferred embodiment for ease of
gripping is a pole. When fitted with the preferred embodiment of
the insert apparatus 10, the handle 120 is encapsulated into recess
140 which is sufficient length to accommodate a sufficient length
of the longitudinal handle 120. The molded apparatus is comprised
of left and right open-ended recess cavities 27 and 28 respectively
that are open on both sides of the embodiment that form the upper
and lower left side stops 21 and 24 and right side stops 22 and 23.
The two open-ended recess cavities share the same back portion of
the cavity that forms the generally rectangular flexible member 18.
The recessed cavities 19 and 20 are elongated along Y axis to allow
for the member to flex in the lateral movement as shown in FIG. 8.
Relief recess cavity 364 are elongated along the X-axis to allow
the member to flex in the pitch upward movement as shown in FIG. 4.
The base of the attachment is supported onto the broom head by
screws 150 and 151 that are either screws, T-Nuts with bolts,
hangar bolts, bolts with wing nuts.
[0035] In order to facilitate the ease of motion for the sweeper,
the longitudinal section 14 (and flexible member 18) is offset at
an angle relative to its respective lateral sections 26 and 16. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, the preferred relative angle "A" is
approximately 45 degrees, although any angle from approximately 10
to approximately 90 degrees is allowed. With recess cavity 364 or
alternate open cavity 264 allows for a variation of degrees as
shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 10 when excessive force is applied thus
moving the head in the upward movement or a downward movement when
pushing the broom.
[0036] An alternate embodiment for the base of the attachment is
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 16. This embodiment is identical to the
preferred embodiment with the flexible member having a rectangular
shaped flexible member as indicated in FIG. 3, item 18 and being a
one-piece unitary molded attachment and recess cavity 364. The
width of connecting section 19 in alternate embodiment said
connecting section having a thickness which is thinner than the
thickness of said mounting section for allowing a predetermined
angle of lateral flexing of said connecting section with said
longitudinal section. The difference between the preferred
attachment and the alternate attachment is that the lateral recess
cavities 19 and 20 have been removed as indicated in FIG. 7.
[0037] Defined broadly, the present invention is a flexible insert
member with and recess cavities to allow flexing around the y and x
axis that is made from a one piece unitary molded flexible material
that is attached to the end of a brush broom handle and attached to
the head of the brush broom without stop limits that is attached to
thereby provide a controlled flexible connection between the handle
and head of the brush broom, the flexible insert being rigid in the
longitudinal direction to permit the handle to cause the broom head
to move back and forth yet flex along longitudinal x-axis in order
for the broom head and handle to be flat with no arc when heavy
equipment or vehicles weight is applied onto the handle and or
brush broom. To allow for sufficient flexing motion the distance
between the bottom side of the recess cavity 364 and lower base
mount positions 26 and 16 as shown in FIG. 11 item 77 is
approximately between 0.25''-7''.
[0038] Therefore, through use of the present inversion, a flexible
sweeper can be manufactured that is economical and durable and thus
allow a person doing the sweeping to sweep liberally and freely
without worry of nicking or denting other objects along with
reducing hand injury due to sudden broom impact. At the same time,
the brush broom has the rigidity to push and pull large loads
without flexing beyond the predetermined degree via the stop limits
and allow heavy equipment to run over the broom without damage. The
life of the broom handle and broom brush is also increased.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 there is shown
at 210 alternate invention flexible attachment mechanisms used in
conjunction with a conventional push broom apparatus which includes
a push broom 202 and a push broom handle 204, where the flexible
attachment mechanism act as a stop limit mechanism in the down
movement of the push broom head when pushing debris yet also flex
upward B-B if run over with heavy load when in a flat laid down
position. Shown in FIG. 11 is the lowest point of the mounting
section height 77 directly aft of mounting bolts 250 and mounting
section height 76. The flexible material between the recess cavity
364 and bottom of mounting section 211, as shown in 77, is thinner
and/or its mass less dense than the thickness and density of the
longitudinal section 14 as shown in 78 that encompasses a dense
hardened pole 204, thus the connecting section 218 flexing ability
is enhanced around the x-axis when heavy loads such as shown in
FIG. 14 whereby a vehicle tire 505 runs over the broom in a laid
down position allowing the back side of apparatus 507 flexible
attachment 210 and aft end of broom head 262 to flex in order to
lay flat on ground 506 thus means for limiting the upward flexing
of said connecting section and said longitudinal section, where the
limiting means controls the amount of upward flexing; and reducing
if not eliminating handle and/or broom breakage. The push broom
head 202 includes a top surface and a bottom cleaning surface which
has a plurity of bristles or fibers 206 that are flush against the
floor during a sweeping action.
[0040] The flexible attachment mechanism 210 is molded from a
unitary elastomer material and includes an inclined longitudinal
section 214, a lateral mounting section 216 and an arcuate
connecting section 218 (see FIG. 12) which interconnects the
longitudinal and lateral sections together. Specifically, the
flexible attachment mechanism 210 is generally a pyramid-shaped
object with two elongated symmetrical through openings 219 and 220
located on both sides of the connecting section 218. The
longitudinal section 214 has a circular axial bore 240 with an open
end 244. The axial bore is a uniform bore for receiving the broom
handle 204, where the broom handle 204 is press-fitted thereto. The
lateral section 216 is attached to the top surface of the push
broom head 202 by conventional bolts and nuts, hanger bolts and
wing nuts or screws with wing nuts. The bolts 250 are inserted
through the bottom surface of the broom head 202 and through bores
in the mounting section 216 of the flexible attachment mechanism
210 and secured thereto by two corresponding wing nuts. The
mounting section 216 may be secured by at least two threaded bolts
respectively inserted through the top of the mounting section 216
and threadedly engaged with the broom head 202 for securing the
broom head 202 to the flexible attachment mechanism 210.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, each of the through openings
219 and 220 is arcuate in shaper and forms top stop pads and bottom
stop pads that lie around the lateral axis. The gap between the
stop pads can vary to allow the broom head to flex approximately
between 3 degrees to up to 75 degrees depending on the application
type of the push broom. Typically, the gap distance between the
upper and lower stops pads is set to allow no more than 30 degrees
broom head to broom handle deflection. When the broom head comes in
contact with an object, the lower stop pad will come in contact
with the upper stop pad, thereby causing the broom head not to
continue the flex movement and reducing debris loss during
sweeping.
[0042] In order to facilitate the ease of motion for the user, the
longitudinal section 214 and the flexible connecting section 218 is
offset at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, preferably a range
between 15 degrees to 80 degrees can be used.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13, the flexible
attachment mechanism 210 further comprises a downward limit stop
member 260 which is the bottom surface and integrally molded to the
connecting section 218, where gap 264 is formed between the limit
stop member 260 and the rear aft end of cleaning head 262 and an
open cavity 264 is formed between the top of the broom head 204 and
an open cavity 264 is formed between the top of the broom head 204
and the underside of the flexible attachment mechanism 210. Recess
cavity 364 could be used to enhance the flexing motion.
[0044] The flexible attachment mechanism 210 allows the broom head
202 to move in a downward motion which causes the mechanism to be
pre-loaded when a user pushes down on the broom handle 204 and upon
releasing the downward pressure during a normal sweeping action,
the pre-loaded flexible attachment mechanism 210 will spring up the
broom head 202 causing the debris in front of the broom head to be
lifted up and pushed further away from the broom head. The
rectangular shaped connecting section 218 is wide enough
approximately between 0.5''-12'' to allow for a controlled spring
action and not cause excessive wobble effect of the broom head. The
stop limit member 260 of the flexible attachment mechanism 210
controls the amount of flexing in the downward direction to ensure
that the broom head 202 moves approximately 75 degrees when the
user pushes down on the broom handle 204. If the downward flexing
is not controlled, the broom head will flex too far causing the
bristles to not make sufficient contact with the floor and debris
being pushed. The limit stop member 260 engages with the rear aft
end of the broom head 262, thereby stopping any further movement of
the flexible attachment mechanism 210. Also, the downward
pre-loaded flexing action of the flexible attachment member to push
the debris will allow the length of the bristles to not be as long
since the attachment will enhance the flicking action thus is a
cost savings.
[0045] The present invention conforms to conventional forms of
manufacture or any other conventional way known to one skilled in
the art, and is of simple construction and is easy to use. The
flexible attachment mechanism 210 can be made from several
materials. The manufacturing process which could accommodate the
construction of the flexible attachment mechanism may be injection,
thermoform, etc. or other molding processes. By way of example, the
flexible attachment mechanism 210 can be made of any flexible
substance with memory such as rubber, plastic, titanium,
santoprene, acetal, polyurethane, polypropylene or any other
flexible material exhibiting the required memory
characteristics.
[0046] Define in detail, the present invention is a floor squeegee
or push broom, comprising: (a) an elongated laterally disposed
broom head having a top surface and a bottom cleaning surface, the
bottom cleaning surface having plurity of bristles or squeegee
blade extending downwardly therefore; (b) a unitary flexible
attachment mechanism having amounting section, an inclined
longitudinal section, and a flexible connecting section integrally
connecting the mounting section and the longitudinal section
together, the mounting section centrally affixed to the top surface
of the broom head such that the longitudinal section extends
upwardly and outwardly to form an angle relative to the mounting
section, the longitudinal section having an axial bore with an open
end; (c) an elongated broom handle having one end press-fitting
from the open end and secured with the axial bore of the
longitudinal section of the flexible attachment mechanism; (d) the
flexible connecting section having a pair of recesses located on
opposite sides and extending pad and a lower stop limit pad, where
the upper engagement pad and its respective lower stop limit pad
form a predetermined gap for allowing lateral flexing of the
longitudinal section and the broom handle; and (e) a downward stop
limit member that engageable with a rear aft end of the broom head,
where the downward stop limit member controls the amount of
downward flexing of the connecting and longitudinal sections in the
downward direction: (f) whereby the attachment mechanism is
pre-loaded when a user pushes down on the broom handle causing the
connecting and longitudinal sections to flex downward and upon
releasing the downward pressure during a normal sweeping action,
the pre-loaded flexible attachment mechanism springs up the broom
head causing the debris in front of the broom head to be lifted up
and pushed further away from the broom head.
[0047] Of course the present invention is not intended to be
restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific
embodiment disclosed herein, or any specific use, since the same
may be modified in various particulars or relations without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention herein
above shown and described of which the apparatus shown is intended
only for illustration and for disclosure of an operative embodiment
and not to show all of the various forms or modification in which
the invention might be embodied or operated.
[0048] The invention has been described in considerable detail in
order to comply with the patent laws by providing full public
disclosure of at least one of its forms. However, such detailed
description is not intended in any way to limit the broad features
or principles of the invention, or the scope of patent to be
granted. Therefore, the invention is to be limited only by the
scope of the appended claims.
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