U.S. patent application number 14/197852 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for waste receptacle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Quirky, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Quirky, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gareth Brown, Jordan Diatlo, Nikki Kaufman, Kate Vallon, Bill Ward.
Application Number | 20140310909 14/197852 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47005272 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140310909 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ward; Bill ; et al. |
October 23, 2014 |
WASTE RECEPTACLE
Abstract
An apparatus and methods for collecting swept waste material are
described herein. The apparatus includes a dustpan having a base
and a wall, a handle, and a plurality of protrusions. The base is
configured to be placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned and
includes a front lip over which debris can be swept. The wall
extends upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than the
front lip and is configured to contain debris in the dustpan. The
handle is coupled to a top edge of the wall opposite the front lip
and extends away from the wall and downwardly from the top edge so
that an end of the handle is disposed approximately even with the
base. The plurality of protrusions extend inwardly from the wall
and are configured to remove debris from bristles of a broom when
the broom is swept across the plurality of protrusions.
Inventors: |
Ward; Bill; (Ravanel,
SC) ; Diatlo; Jordan; (New York, NY) ; Vallon;
Kate; (New York, NY) ; Brown; Gareth; (Jersey
City, NJ) ; Kaufman; Nikki; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Quirky, Inc. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Quirky, Inc.
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
47005272 |
Appl. No.: |
14/197852 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13226745 |
Sep 7, 2011 |
8701243 |
|
|
14197852 |
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61476663 |
Apr 18, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/257.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/302 20130101;
A46B 17/06 20130101; A47L 13/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/257.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/52 20060101
A47L013/52 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a dustpan configured to receive and
contain debris, the dustpan including: a base configured to be
placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned, the base having a
front lip over which debris can be swept into the dustpan; a wall
extending upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than
the front lip and having a top edge, the wall configured to contain
debris in the dustpan; a handle having a first end and a second
end, the first end coupled to the top edge of the wall of the
dustpan opposite the front lip, the handle extending away from the
wall and downwardly from the top edge so that the second end is
disposed approximately even with the base on that when the dustpan
is placed on a surface to be cleaned the second end of the handle
can contact the surface; and a plurality of protrusions extending
inwardly from the wall and configured to remove debris from
bristles of a broom when the broom is swept across the plurality of
protrusions.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle has an arcuate
shape between the first end and the second end.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle further includes a
foot pedal extending from the second end, the foot pedal configured
to be engagable by the foot of a user to anchor the second end of
the handle to a surface to be cleaned.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle has a substantially
arcuate cross-section.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
protrusions are approximately equally spaced from each other.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality
of protrusions has a substantially triangular cross-section.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions
are flexible.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions
are rubber.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one protrusion of the
plurality of protrusions is a different size than a second
protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.
10. An apparatus comprising: a dustpan configured to receive and
contain debris, the dustpan including: a base configured to be
placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned, the base having a
front lip over which debris can be swept into the dustpan; a wall
extending upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than
the front lip, the wall configured to contain debris in the
dustpan; a handle having a first end and a second end, the first
end coupled to the dustpan, the handle extending away from the
dustpan so that the second end is disposed approximately even with
the base so that when the dustpan is placed on a surface to be
cleaned the second end of the handle can contact the surface; and a
plurality of protrusions, each protrusion having a substantially
triangular cross-section extending inwardly from the wall and
configured to remove debris from bristles of a broom when the broom
is swept across the plurality of protrusions.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of protrusions
are flexible.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of protrusions
are rigid.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of protrusions
are rubber.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of
protrusions are approximately equally spaced from each other.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one protrusion of
the plurality of protrusions is a different size than a second
protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.
16. An apparatus comprising: a dustpan configured to receive and
contain debris, the dustpan including: a base configured to be
placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned, the base having a
front lip over which debris can be swept into the dustpan; a wall
extending upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than
the front lip and having an aperture, the wall configured to
contain debris in the dustpan; a handle extending away from the
dustpan so that at least a portion of the handle is disposed
approximately even with the base so that when the dustpan is placed
on a surface to be cleaned the handle can contact the surface; and
a tooth assembly having a plurality of flexible protrusions on a
first surface and a mushroom-shaped projection on a second surface,
the second surface opposite the first surface, the mushroom-shaped
projection configured to pass through the aperture in the wall of
the dustpan and secure the tooth assembly to the wall so that the
plurality of flexible protrusions extend inwardly from the wall,
the plurality of protrusions configured to remove debris from
bristles of a broom when the broom is swept across the plurality of
protrusions.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the tooth assembly is
unitarily formed.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of the
plurality of protrusions has a substantially triangular
cross-section.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of protrusions
are flexible.
20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the handle has a first end
and a second end, the first end coupled to the dustpan, the handle
extending away from the dustpan so that the second end is disposed
approximately even with the base.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the wall has a top edge and
the first end of the handle is coupled to the top edge of the wall
of the dustpan opposite the front lip.
22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the handle is substantially
U-shaped and includes a connector and two ends, the two ends
coupled to the dustpan opposite the front lip.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/476,663, filed Apr. 18,
2011, entitled "Waste Receptacle," the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and
methods for collecting swept waste material, and particularly to a
waste receptacle with a foot pedal and a set of protrusions for
removing debris from the bristles of a broom.
[0003] Waste receptacles or "dustpans" can be used to collect
debris swept into the body of the pan by a broom and are typically
comprised of a pan and/or base, a set of walls, and a handle that
typically extends laterally from a rear wall of the pan. A user
normally holds the dustpan in one hand by the handle while using a
broom in the other hand to sweep debris into the pan. This process
can become cumbersome and inefficient as a user may try to
stabilize the broom using a shoulder or other body part. In some
instances, two people may perform the operation, with one person
holding the handle of the dustpan and the other person using the
broom to sweep debris into the dustpan. In other instances, a user
can choose to use a small handheld broom, requiring the user to
bend down and/or kneel to sweep debris into the dustpan.
Furthermore, swept debris can become entrained in the bristles of
the broom during this process and fall out of the bristles outside
of the dustpan or otherwise spread to undesired locations.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for a waste receptacle or dustpan that
can be easily held in place, with for example a foot, and that
effectively removes debris from the bristles of a broom without
spreading debris to areas outside of the dustpan.
SUMMARY
[0005] An apparatus and methods for collecting swept waste material
are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a
dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and a plurality of
protrusions. The base is configured to be placed in contact with a
surface to be cleaned and includes a front lip over which debris
can be swept. The wall extends upwardly from at least a portion of
the base other than the front lip and is configured to contain
debris in the dustpan. The handle is coupled to a top edge of the
wall opposite the front lip and extends away from the wall and
downwardly from the top edge so that an end of the handle is
disposed approximately even with the base. The plurality of
protrusions extend inwardly from the wall and are configured to
remove debris from bristles of a broom when the broom is swept
across the plurality of protrusions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dustpan according to an
embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of the dustpan of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the dustpan of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front view of the dustpan of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the dustpan of
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 6A is a rear perspective view of a tooth assembly
according to an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of the tooth assembly of
FIG. 6A.
[0013] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the tooth assembly of
FIG. 6A taken along the line 6C-6C in FIG. 6A.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a dustpan in use
according to an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dustpan according to an
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side view of the dustpan of FIG. 8.
[0017] FIG. 10A is a rear perspective view of a tooth assembly
according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 10B is a front perspective view of the tooth assembly
of FIG. 10A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] An apparatus and methods for collecting swept waste material
are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a
dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and a plurality of
protrusions. The base is configured to be placed in contact with a
surface to be cleaned and includes a front lip over which debris
can be swept. The wall extends upwardly from at least a portion of
the base other than the front lip and is configured to contain
debris in the dustpan. The handle is coupled to a top edge of the
wall opposite the front lip and extends away from the wall and
downwardly from the top edge so that an end of the handle is
disposed approximately even with the base. The handle can have an
arcuate shape between a first end coupled to the top edge of the
wall and a second end approximately even with the base. The handle
can, for example, further include a foot pedal extending rearwardly
from the second end configured to be engagable by the foot of a
user to anchor the second end of the handle to a surface to be
cleaned. The plurality of protrusions extend inwardly from the wall
and are configured to remove debris from bristles of a broom when
the broom is swept across the plurality of protrusions.
[0020] In some embodiments, an apparatus for collecting swept waste
material includes a dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and
a plurality of protrusions. The base is configured to be placed in
contact with a surface to be cleaned and includes a front lip over
which debris can be swept. The wall extends upwardly from at least
a portion of the base other than the front lip. The handle is
coupled to the dustpan and extends away from the dustpan so that an
end of the handle is disposed approximately even with the base. The
plurality of protrusions extend inwardly from the wall and have a
triangular cross-section. The protrusions can be, for example,
flexible or rigid, and can be made from a rubber or plastic
material. The protrusions can also be, for example, approximately
equally spaced from each other or non-uniformly spaced from each
other. The protrusions are configured to remove debris from a set
of bristles of a broom by separating the bristles a sufficient
amount such that debris is dislodged between adjacent bristles.
[0021] In some embodiments, an apparatus for collecting swept waste
material includes a dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and
a tooth assembly having a set of protrusions. The base is
configured to be placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned and
includes a front lip over which debris can be swept. The wall
includes at least one aperture and extends upwardly from at least a
portion of the base other than the front lip and is configured to
contain debris in the dustpan. The handle is coupled to the dustpan
and extends away from the dustpan so that an end of the handle is
disposed approximately even with the base. The tooth assembly
includes a plurality of flexible protrusions on a first surface and
a mushroom-shaped projection on a second surface opposite the first
surface. The mushroom-shaped projection is configured to pass
through the aperture in the wall of the dustpan and secure the
tooth assembly to the wall so that the plurality of flexible
protrusions extend inwardly from the wall and are configured to
remove debris from a set of bristles of a broom by separating the
bristles a sufficient amount such that debris is dislodged between
adjacent bristles. The tooth assembly can be, for example,
unitarily formed from a flexible or rigid material such as plastic
or rubber.
[0022] It is noted that, as used in this written description and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, the term "a wall" is intended to mean a single
wall or a combination of walls. Furthermore, the words "proximal"
and "distal" refer to a direction closer to and away from,
respectively, an user who would hold the waste receptacle at a
handle (i.e., proximal end) with a front lip (i.e., distal end) of
the dustpan receiving debris,
[0023] As used herein, a "set" can refer to multiple features or a
singular feature with multiple parts. For example, when referring
to set of walls, the set of walls can be considered as one wall
with distinct portions, or the set of walls can be considered as
multiple walls.
[0024] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a waste receptacle 1000 according to an
embodiment. The waste receptacle 1000 (also referred to herein as a
"dustpan") can be used to collect debris that is swept into the
waste receptacle 1000 by a broom or the like. The waste receptacle
1000 includes a base 1100, a set of walls 1200, a handle 1400, and
a plurality of protrusions 1511. The base 1100 includes a first
portion 1110 and a second portion 1120 and is configured to be
placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned. As best shown in
FIG. 2, the base 1100 includes a substantially straight distal
edge, referred to herein as a front lip 1121 and a substantially
straight back edge 1102. A pair of side edges 1101 extend inwardly
from the wider front lip 1121 to form rounded corners 1103 with the
narrower back edge 1102. While described and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
as having a specific shape, the base 1100 can be any suitable
shape. For example, in some embodiments the base 1100 can be semi
circular, square, rectangular, or any suitable asymmetric
shape.
[0025] The first portion 1110 of the base 1100 is configured to
contain debris after it has been swept into the dustpan 1000. The
second portion 1120 extends from the first portion 1110 and forms a
discontinuity 1122 between the first portion 1110 and the second
portion 1120. The discontinuity can be a rise in the base 1100
and/or a rounded step in the base 1100. The discontinuity 1122 is
configured to contain the debris that is swept into the dustpan
1000 in the first portion 1110. For example, if the dustpan 1000 is
placed at an angle such that debris slides from the first portion
1110 toward the front lip 1121, the discontinuity 1122 acts to
confine the debris within the first portion 1110, thus reducing the
risk of spilling the debris. Although described as being a rounded
step, the discontinuity 1122 can be any suitable shape, size, or
configuration that aids in confining the debris to the first
portion 1110. For example, in some embodiments the discontinuity
1122 can be a ridge of any suitable cross-section.
[0026] The set of walls 1200 includes a pair of side walls 1210 and
a back wall 1220. The side walls 1210 extend upwardly from the side
edges 1101 and the back wall 1220 extends upwardly from the back
edge 1102 of the base 1100. Similarly stated, the set of walls 1200
extend upwardly on all the edges of the base 1100 except for the
front lip 1121. More specifically, a bottom portion 1211 of the
side walls 1210 form a rounded contour with the side edges 1101 of
the base 1100 as the side walls 1210 extend upwardly from the base
1100. Similarly, a bottom portion 1221 of the back wall 1220 forms
a rounded contour with the back edge 1102 of the base 1100 as the
back wall 1220 extends upwardly from the base 1100. Although shown
in FIG. 1 as substantially non-uniform, the bottom portion 1211 of
the side walls 1210 and the bottom portion 1221 of the back wall
1220 can form a rounded contour with the base 1100 of constant
radius. Furthermore, the pair of side walls 1210 and the back wall
1220 can be unitarily formed with each other and/or unitarily
formed with the base 1100.
[0027] As best shown in FIG. 3, the side walls 1210 include a
tapered edge 1212 that decreases in height as the side walls 1210
extend from the back wall 1220 towards the front lip 1121. The
arrangement of the tapered edges 1212 provides a taller wall height
at the area of debris storage (i.e., the first portion 1110, shown
in FIG. 1), while saving on material usage by decreasing the wall
height at areas where debris storage is less likely (i.e., the
second portion 1120, shown in FIG. 1).
[0028] The handle 1400 includes a first end 1410 and a second end
1420. The first end 1410 of the handle 1400 extends from a top edge
1222 of the back wall 1220 in a direction opposite the front lip
1121. Similarly stated, the first end 1410 of the handle 1400
extends from the top edge 1222 of the back wall 1220 in the
direction of a user. As shown, the handle 1400 extends from the
first end 1410, at a substantially higher point of the handle 1400,
to the second end 1420, at a substantially lower point of the
handle 1400, in an arcuate path with a radius of curvature R. The
radius of curvature R can be any suitable radius such that an
arcuate path exists between the front end 1410 of the handle 1400
and the second end 1420 of the handle 1400. In some embodiments,
the radius of curvature R can be uniform, i.e., a constant radius
forming a smooth arc between the first end 1410 and the second end
1420.
[0029] The second end 1420 of the handle 1400 can include a foot
pedal 1421. As described above, the second end 1420 is located at a
lower point of the handle 1400. More specifically, the foot pedal
1421 is a substantially flat portion of the handle 1400 with the
bottom surface configured to be placed in contact with the surface
to be cleaned. Furthermore, the foot pedal 1421 is at a
substantially similar vertical position as the front lip 1121. Said
another way, the front lip 1121 and the foot pedal 1421 are both in
contact with the surface to be cleaned when in use. As shown, the
arrangement of the handle 1400, and more specifically the second
end 1420, creates an offset distance between the proximal end of
the base 1100 and the surface to be cleaned. Similarly stated, the
second end 1420 of the handle 1400 extends below the surface of the
proximal end of the base 1100 such that a height H exists between
the proximal end of the base 1100 and the surface to be cleaned. In
alternative embodiments, the front lip 1121, the proximal end of
the base 1100, and the second end of the handle 1420 can all be
substantially in contact with the surface to be cleaned.
[0030] As described above, the foot pedal 1421 is a substantially
flat portion of the second end 1420 of the handle 1400. The top
surface of the foot pedal 1421 is configured to receive the user's
foot, thus anchoring the dustpan 1000 to the surface to be cleaned.
The size of the foot pedal 1421 is such that a portion of the
user's foot can contact a curved portion of the handle 1400. The
handle 1400 is configured such that when the user's foot contacts
the curved portion of the handle 1400 the downward force applied by
the user's foot is transferred through the handle 1400 towards the
body of the dustpan 1000 (i.e., the base 1100 and walls 1200). In
this manner, the handle 1400 acts as a lever such that the downward
force of the user's foot results in the first end 1410 of the
handle 1400 applying a corresponding downward force to the body of
the dustpan 1000. The resulting force at the first end 1410 of the
handle 1400 causes the base 1100 to move downward reducing the
height H that exists between the base 1100 and the surface to be
cleaned until the proximal end of the base 1100 comes in contact
with the surface to be cleaned.
[0031] The foot pedal 1421 can include an aperture 1422 (FIG. 2).
The aperture is configured to receive an insert 1423. More
specifically, the aperture 1422 and the insert 1423 are configured
to create a friction fit, such that the insert 1423 is securely
disposed within the aperture 1422. The insert 1423 is formed of a
flexible material, such as for example, rubber. This enables the
insert 1423 to conform to the size and shape of the aperture 1422.
Furthermore, the insert 1423 increases the friction between the
user's foot and the foot pedal 1421, thereby reducing the potential
for the user's foot to slip off the foot pedal 1421 when in use.
The insert 1423 includes a hole that is used to hang the dustpan
1000 from a hook or other suitable device to store the dustpan 1000
when not in use.
[0032] The handle 1400 can also include a grip portion 1411
disposed between the first end 1410 and the second end 1420. As
shown, the grip portion 1411 has an arcuate cross-section 1412. The
arcuate cross-section 1412 of the grip portion 1411 provides an
ergonomic configuration for the user to grip the handle 1400 of the
dustpan 1000. The grip portion 1411 extends below the handle 1400
such that a curved surface of the arcuate cross-section 1412
matches the natural curve of the user's hand while gripping the
handle 1400. While shown as substantially smooth, the grip portion
1411 can be textured to create more friction with the user's hand.
In some embodiments, the arcuate cross-section 1412 of the grip
portion 1411 can include a set of indentations configured to match
the placement of a user's individual fingers, whereas each
indentation would create a channel for an individual finger.
Although described as being arcuate, the cross-section 1412 could
be any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments the
cross-section can be substantially rectangular with or without
rounded corners, elliptical, or round.
[0033] As described above, the dustpan 1000 includes a plurality of
protrusions 1511 that extend from the back wall 1220 toward the
front lip 1121. The plurality of protrusions 1511 are configured to
remove debris from a set of bristles of the broom by separating the
bristles a sufficient amount such that debris is dislodged between
adjacent bristles. The plurality of protrusions 1511 are configured
such that a distance D exists between the individual protrusions
1511. While shown as being substantially similar, the distance D
between the protrusions 1511 can vary. For example, in some
embodiments the spacing between adjacent protrusions in an inner
portion can be less than the spacing between adjacent protrusions
in an outer portion.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, the dustpan 1000 can include a
skirt 1300 configured to be coupleable to the front lip 1121 of the
base 1000. The skirt includes a first portion 1310 and a second
portion 1320. The first portion 1310 includes a mating contour 1311
configured to match the contour of the front lip 1121. The skirt
1300 can be coupled to the front lip 1121 using any suitable
mechanism, for example, using adhesives or mechanical fasteners.
The second portion 1320 of the skirt 1300 extends from the first
portion 1310 creating a transition 1321 configured to reduce the
particles of debris that can fit between the front lip 1121 and the
surface being cleaned.
[0035] The plurality of protrusions 1511 can be incorporated into a
tooth assembly 1500 such that the plurality of protrusions 1511 are
unitarily formed with the tooth assembly 1500. In some embodiments,
the plurality of protrusions 1511 can be mechanically fastened to
the tooth assembly 1500. The tooth assembly 1500 can be coupled to
the back wall 1220 of the dustpan 1000 using adhesives or
mechanical fasteners. For example, as shown, the tooth assembly
1500 can be disposed, at least partially, within a set of apertures
1223 defined by the back wall 1220. While described as a set of
apertures 1223, the set could be a singular aperture 1223.
Furthermore, the aperture or apertures 1223 can define any suitable
shape, for example, circular, square, or rectangular. The set of
apertures 1223 can be configured to receive a portion of the tooth
assembly 1500, as described below.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, the tooth assembly 1500 includes a
first surface 1510, a second surface 1520, and a third surface
1530. The second surface 1520 (FIG. 6A) has a size S.sub.1. A first
protrusion 1531, a second protrusion 1532, and a third protrusion
1533 extend front the second surface 1520, each with a
substantially mushroom-shaped cross-section. Similarly stated, the
shape of the protrusions 1531, 1532, and 1533 are such that the
base of the protrusions define a smaller cross-sectional area than
the end of the protrusions. As shown, the first protrusion 1531 and
the second protrusion 1532 are of a similar size S.sub.2, while the
third protrusion 1533 is of a smaller size S.sub.3. The size and
shape of the first protrusion 1531, the second protrusion 1532, and
the third protrusion 1533 can be any suitable shape such that
protrusions 1531, 1532, and 1533 secure the tooth assembly 1500 to
the back wall 1220. More specifically, the size and shape of each
of the protrusions 1531, 1532, and 1533, respectively, depends on
the size and shape of the set of apertures 1223 in the back wall
1220 of the dustpan 1000.
[0037] The end portions of the mushroom-shaped protrusions 1531,
1532, and 1533, respectively, create the third surface 1530 (FIG.
6C). In this manner, the first protrusion 1531, the second
protrusion 1532, and the third protrusion 1533 are inserted into
the corresponding set of apertures 1223 in the back wall 1220 such
that the protrusions 1531, 1532, 1533 engage and secure the tooth
assembly 1500 to the back wall 1220. The tooth assembly 1500 can be
unitarily formed of a flexible material, for example rubber, such
that the end portions of the protrusions 1531, 1532, and 1533,
respectively, deform to a second configuration as they are inserted
into the corresponding aperture 1223. Once fully inserted the end
portion of the protrusions 1531, 1532, and 1533 are substantially
outside the corresponding set of apertures 1223 and return to the
first configuration or undeformed shape. This arrangement results
in an inner portion 1224 (FIG. 4) of the back wall 1220 being
placed in contact with the second surface 1520 (FIG. 6A) and an
outer portion 1225 (FIG. 3) of the back wall 1220 to be in contact
with the third surface 1530 (FIG. 6A), thereby coupling the tooth
assembly 1500 to the back wall 1220. Similarly stated, when the
protrusions 1531, 1532, and 1533, respectively, are inserted into
the set of apertures 1223, the second surface 1520 and the third
surface 1530 contact the back wall 1220 on opposite sides. Thus,
the tooth assembly 1500 is secured to the back wall 1220 by
frictional engagement between the portion of the protrusions 1531,
1532, and 1533 disposed within the respective aperture 1223.
[0038] The plurality of protrusions 1511 extending inward from the
first surface 1510 can have a similar size and shape. In some
embodiments, the size and shape can vary for example, the
protrusions 1511 can have a first size T.sub.1 and a second size
T.sub.2, as shown in FIG. 6B. More specifically, the center
protrusion 1511 of the tooth assembly 1500 has the size T.sub.2
that is substantially smaller than the rest of the protrusions 1511
with the size T.sub.1. This arrangement occurs due to a portion of
the tooth assembly 1500 having a reduced height corresponding to
the reduced height of the back wall 1220 where the grip portion
1411 couples to the back wall 1220. While the size of the
protrusions 1511 shown vary due to the shape of the back wall 1220
and the grip portion 1411, the size of the protrusions 1511 could
vary for any other suitable reason. For example, in some
embodiments, the use of protrusions 1511 with different sizes can
result in removing more debris from the broom as the bristles are
swept across the protrusions 1511.
[0039] As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 1511
is substantially triangular. The cross-sectional shape of the
protrusions 1511 includes a substantially rounded tip 1512 at the
distal end of the protrusion 1511. In some embodiments, the tip
1512 can be substantially flat or can include a second protrusion.
For example, the tip 1512 of the protrusion 1511 can include a ball
shaped protrusion configured to aid in the removal of debris from
the bristles of the broom.
[0040] The protrusions 1511 of the tooth assembly 1500, while
described as having a triangular cross-section, can have any
suitable cross-section. For example, the protrusions 1511 may
closely resemble the bristles of a broom extending from a first
surface of the tooth assembly 1500. In some embodiments, the
protrusions can be arranged in a staggered pattern. For example,
the tooth assembly can include a bottom row of protrusions and a
top row of protrusions in a staggered pattern, e.g., the top row of
protrusions are directly above the space created between adjacent
protrusions of the bottom row.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7, the protrusions 1511 are configured
to separate the bristles of the broom such that the debris
entrained in the bristles is removed from the broom and deposited
into the dustpan 1000. The configuration of the protrusions 1511
and/or the tooth assembly 1500 is such that as debris is removed
from the broom, and accumulates in the first portion 1110 of the
base 1100 of the dustpan 1000. Furthermore, the user's foot is
placed on the foot pedal 1421 and is used to anchor the proximal
end of the dustpan 1000 to the surface being cleaned.
[0042] FIGS. 8-10B illustrate a dustpan 2000 according to another
embodiment. The dustpan 2000 includes a base 2100, a set of walls
2200, a handle 2400, and a tooth assembly 2500 having a plurality
of protrusions 2511. The base 2100 includes a first portion 2110
and a second portion 2120 and is configured to be placed in contact
with a surface to be cleaned, such that debris can be swept over a
front lip 2121 and into the dustpan 2000. While shown in FIG. 8 as
having a particular shape, the base 2100 and walls 2200 can be any
given shape. For example, the form and function of the base 2100
and walls 2200 can be substantially similar to the form and
function of the base 1100 and the walls 1200 of the dustpan 1000.
Therefore, specific aspects of the base 2100 and the walls 2200 are
not described in detail herein, and, as such, should be considered
as being any suitable form, such as, for example, those discussed
with respect to the dustpan 1000.
[0043] The handle 2400 includes a top arm 2413 with a first end
2414 and a bottom arm 2424 with a first end 2425 (FIG. 9). The
first end 2414 of the top arm 2413 extends from a top edge 2222 of
a back wall 2220 in a direction opposite a front lip 2121.
Similarly, the first end 2425 of the bottom arm 2424 extends from a
bottom portion 2221 of the back wall 2220 in a direction opposite
the front lip 2121. The handle 2400 includes an end portion 2420
configured to couple the top arm 2413 and the bottom arm 2424. As
shown, the top arm 2413 and the bottom arm 2424 extend away from
the back wall 2220 in a substantially linear path toward the end
portion 2420. The end portion 2420 can include a radius of
curvature R.sub.2. The radius of curvature R.sub.2 can be any
suitable radius such that an arcuate path exists between the top
arm 2413 and the bottom arm 2424. In some embodiments, the radius
of curvature R.sub.2 can be uniform, i.e., a constant radius
forming a smooth arc between the top arm 2413 and the bottom arm
2424. In some embodiments, the end portion 2420 can be
substantially straight.
[0044] The handle 2400 can also include a grip portion 2411
disposed between the first end 2414 of the top arm 2413 and the end
portion 2420. As shown in FIG. 8, the grip portion 2411 has an
arcuate cross-section 2412. The arcuate cross-section 2412 of the
grip portion 2411 provides an ergonomic configuration for the user
to grip the handle 2400 of the dustpan 2000. The grip portion 2411
extends below the handle 2400 such that a curved surface of the
arcuate cross-section 2412 matches the natural curve of the user's
hand while gripping the handle 2400. The grip portion 2411 can
include an aperture 2422 that can be used to hang the dustpan 200
while not in use. While shown as substantially smooth, the grip
portion 2411 can be textured to create more friction with the
user's hand. In some embodiments, the arcuate cross-section 2412 of
the grip portion 2411 can include a set of indentations configured
to match the placement of a user's individual fingers, whereas each
indentation would create a channel for an individual finger.
Additionally, the end portion 2420 and the bottom arm 2424 can
include the arcuate cross-section 2412. Although described as being
arcuate, the cross-section 2412 could be any suitable shape. For
example, in some embodiments the cross-section can be substantially
rectangular with or without rounded corners, elliptical, or
round.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, the arrangement of the bottom arm 2424,
and more specifically the proximal end of the bottom arm 2424 and
the end portion 2420, creates an offset distance between the
proximal end of the base 2100 and the surface to be cleaned.
Similarly stated, the end portion 2420 of the handle 2400 extends
below the surface of the proximal end of the base 2100 such that a
height H.sub.2 exists between the proximal end of the base 2100 and
the surface to be cleaned. The bottom arm 2424 defines a foot pedal
2421 and can be configured to receive the user's foot, thus
anchoring the dustpan 2000 to the surface to be cleaned. The size
of the foot pedal 2421 is such that a portion of the user's foot
can contact a portion of the first end 2425 of the bottom arm 2424.
The handle 2400 is configured such that when the user's foot
contacts the first end 2425 of the bottom arm 2424 the downward
force applied by the user's foot is transferred through the handle
2400 towards the body of the dustpan 2000 (i.e., the base 2100 and
walls 2200). In this manner, the bottom arm 2424 acts as a lever
such that the downward force of the user's foot results in the
first end 2425 of the bottom arm 242 applying a corresponding
downward force to the body of the dustpan 2000. The resulting force
at the first end 2425 of the bottom arm 2424 causes the base 2100
to move downward reducing the height H.sub.2 that exists between
the base 2100 and the surface to be cleaned until the proximal end
of the base 2100 comes in contact with the surface to be
cleaned.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, the tooth assembly 2500 includes
a first surface 2510, and a second surface 2520. A first protrusion
2531, a second protrusion 2532, and a third protrusion 2533 extend
from the second surface 2520 and are configured to couple the tooth
assembly 2500 to the back wall 2220. While shown in FIG. 10A as
having a particular size and shape, the protrusions 2531, 2532, and
2533 can be any given shape. For example, the form and function of
the protrusions 2531, 2532, and 2533 can be substantially similar
to the form and function of the 1531, 1532, and 1533 of the dustpan
1000. Therefore, specific aspects are not described in detail
herein, and, as such, should be considered as being any suitable
form, such as, for example, those discussed with respect to the
dustpan 1000.
[0047] The plurality of protrusions 2511 can extend inward from the
first surface 2510 of the tooth assembly 2500. In some embodiments,
the size and shape can vary, for example, the protrusions 2511 can
have a first size T.sub.3, a second size T.sub.4, and a third size
T.sub.5, as shown in FIG. 10B. More specifically, the three center
protrusions of the tooth assembly 2500 have the size T.sub.5 and
the two protrusions on either side of the three center protrusions
have a size T.sub.4. The sizes T.sub.4 and T.sub.5 are smaller than
the rest of the protrusions 2511 with the size T.sub.3. This
arrangement occurs due, in part, to a portion of the tooth assembly
2500 having a reduced height corresponding to the reduced height of
the back wall 2220 where the grip portion 2411 couples to the back
wall 2220. While the size of the protrusions 2511 shown vary due to
the shape of the back wall 2220 and the grip portion 2411, the size
of the protrusions 2511 could vary for any other suitable reason.
For example, in some embodiments, the use of protrusions 2511 with
different sizes can result in removing more debris from the broom
as the bristles are swept across the protrusions 2511.
[0048] While shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B as having a given
cross-section, the protrusions 2511 of the tooth assembly 2500 can
have any suitable cross-section described herein. For example, the
protrusions 2511 can have a cross-section substantially similar to
the cross-section of the protrusions 1511 of the tooth assembly
1500, described in reference to FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments,
the protrusions can be arranged in a staggered pattern. For
example, the tooth assembly can include a bottom row of protrusions
and a top row of protrusions in a staggered pattern, e.g., the top
row of protrusions are directly above the space created between
adjacent protrusions of the bottom row.
[0049] The waste receptacle or dustpan described herein can be
formed of any suitable material or using any suitable method.
Furthermore, various components can be of similar or different
materials. Similarly, various components of the dustpan can be
unitarily formed or be comprised of multiple parts. For example,
the body of the dustpan 1000 (i.e., the base 1100 and the set of
walls 1200) can be formed of a hard plastic, while the skirt 1300,
the tooth assembly 1500, and the insert 1423 can be formed of a
flexible rubber.
[0050] In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions can be
unitarily formed of plastic with the body of the dustpan. An
over-mold can be used to apply a layer of rubber material over the
plastic base layer of the protrusions and/or the handle to modify
the characteristics of such components. For example, a rubber
over-mold can be used to increase the friction coefficient of the
protrusions so more debris is removed. Furthermore, the rubber
over-mold can be applied to the handle to increase comfort when a
user grips the handle. In other embodiments, no over-mold is
applied, thus the protrusions are rigid.
[0051] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not limitation. Where schematics and/or
embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in
certain orientations and/or positions, the arrangement of
components may be modified. Similarly, where methods and/or events
described above indicate certain events and/or procedures occurring
in certain order, the ordering of certain events and/or procedures
may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown
and described, it will be understood that various changes in form
and details may be made.
* * * * *