U.S. patent application number 14/149429 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-26 for whisk broom with squeegee.
The applicant listed for this patent is NELI, LLC. Invention is credited to Ben R. Shippen, David S. Shippen, Scott M. Shippen, Stephen R. Shippen.
Application Number | 20170020357 14/149429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57705877 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170020357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shippen; Ben R. ; et
al. |
January 26, 2017 |
WHISK BROOM WITH SQUEEGEE
Abstract
A device having the ability to alternate between dry spill and
wet spill clean-up by simply rotating the head of the device to
either the bristle side, for dry material clean-up, or the rubber
squeegee side for wet material clean-up. Located on the handle is a
release button coupled to the rotatable coupling by which the head
rotates about the handle. When this button is pulled or otherwise
selectively activated (e.g., pushed, pressed, etc.) the head will
now rotate freely allowing the user to alternate between dry and
wet clean-up. In an embodiment, the head may be locked at a variety
of angles for side sweeping applications such as inside a cabinet,
on top of a work bench, etc.
Inventors: |
Shippen; Ben R.; (Orem,
UT) ; Shippen; Stephen R.; (Orem, UT) ;
Shippen; Scott M.; (Orem, UT) ; Shippen; David
S.; (Orem, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NELI, LLC |
Orem |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57705877 |
Appl. No.: |
14/149429 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61750264 |
Jan 8, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/52 20130101;
A46B 2200/302 20130101; A46B 15/0081 20130101; A47L 13/12 20130101;
A46B 5/0095 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/12 20060101
A47L013/12; A47L 13/52 20060101 A47L013/52 |
Claims
1. A combination whisk broom and squeegee comprising: an elongate
handle; and a rotatable head rotatably attached to the handle, the
head including a whisk broom end with a plurality of whisk broom
bristles at one end of the head, the head further including a
squeegee end at an end opposite the whisk broom end such that the
whisk broom end may be used to sweep up dry spills and the squeegee
end may be used to clean up wet spills; wherein the head is
rotatably coupled to the handle, the head being selectively
rotatable and lockable in a desired orientation relative to the
handle so as to orient the whisk broom end or the squeegee end in a
desired locked orientation for use thereof; and a release button
disposed on or within the handle and coupled to the coupling of the
head to the handle for selectively releasing and selectively
locking the rotatable head in a desired orientation relative to the
handle; wherein the coupling between the head and the handle
comprises a notched rearwardly extending cylinder within the head
that mates within a correspondingly shaped cylindrical recess
disposed within the handle.
2. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
wherein the release button is configured to slide within the
handle, a first position of the release button corresponding to the
head being locked in a given orientation relative to the handle,
while a second position of the release button corresponds to the
head being freely rotatable about the coupling to the handle.
3. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
wherein the squeegee end comprises a rubber or elastomeric squeegee
edge overmolded over the head.
4. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 3,
wherein the plurality of whisk broom bristles are press-fit into
the whisk broom end of the head.
5. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
wherein the coupling between the head and the handle comprises a
configuration in which the notched rearwardly extending cylinder
snap fits within the corresponding shaped cylindrical recess of the
handle. 6, (Currently Amended) The combination whisk broom and
squeegee as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle terminates at
its bottom end in an enlarged cylinder shape, the cylinder
extending forwardly, towards the head, the cylinder shape of the
handle being hollow and including a sidewall defining the
cylindrical recess which mates with the corresponding notched
cylinder of the head.
7. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
further comprising a cap that fits over an open front end of
coupling structure of the head.
8. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 5,
wherein the release button is coupled to the coupling by an
elongate locking pin which extends down the handle, the distal end
of the locking pin including a distal pin end which selectively
engages within a given notch of the notched rearwardly extending
cylinder of the head.
9. (Current y Amended) The combination whisk broom and squeegee as
recited in claim 1, wherein the notches are disposed at least every
90.degree. in the circumference of the rearwardly extending
cylinder of the head.
10. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
wherein the notches are disposed at least every 45.degree. in the
circumference of the rearwardly extending cylinder of the head.
11. e combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
wherein the release button is coupled to the coupling by an
elongate locking pin which extends do he handle wherein the handle
includes front and rear portions fastened together, wherein the
sliding locking pin is spring loaded within the handle so that the
release button is biased to a position corresponding to one where
the head is locked against rotation relative to the handle.
12. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in 11,
wherein a portion of the locking pin is manually accessible through
a window cut-out in the front of the handle.
13. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim
12, the release button and the elongate locking pin comprise an
injection molded single part.
14. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 8,
wherein the elongate locking pin further comprises a spring
retention protrusion at its bottom end, adjacent the distal pin
end.
15. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
wherein the release button comprises a finger recess which allows a
user to easily pull the button upwards.
16. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
wherein a top portion of the handle further includes an overmolded
rubber or other elastomeric material to increase tactile feel and
grip for a user.
17. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim 1,
further comprising a dustpan including a dustpan handle, the
dustpan handle being hollow and correspondingly shaped and sized to
receive the handle of the combination whisk broom and squeegee
therein when the broom handle is pressed into the dustpan
handle.
18. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim
17, wherein the dustpan further comprises an integrated retention
dam in a bottom interior surface thereof to help retain debris
placed inside the dustpan.
19. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim
17, wherein a leading edge of the dustpan further comprises an
overmolded or other elastomeric material edge to help seal the
dustpan to the floor during use.
20. The combination whisk broom and squeegee as recited in claim
17, wherein the dustpan handle and the handle of the combination
whisk broom and squeegee each further comprise aligned eyelet
hanging holes for hanging the combination whisk broom and squeegee
when coupled with the dustpan on a hook.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/750,264, filed Jan. 8, 2013, entitled
"WHISK BROOM WITH SQUEEGEE", the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to whisk brooms, squeegees, and
related systems.
[0004] 2. Background and Relevant Art
[0005] Whisk brooms and dustpans are common items found in most
business and home settings. Whisk brooms and dustpans come in a
variety of shapes and sizes. They are used to clean up a variety of
dry spill debris only. Often, there is a need to clean up a wet
spill, or a spill including both wet and dry components. Existing
whisk brooms have limited usefulness in such circumstances.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention provides a product having the ability
to alternate between dry spill and wet spill clean-up by simply
rotating the head to either the bristle side, for dry material
clean-up, or the rubber squeegee side for wet material clean-up.
Once rotated to the rubber squeegee side the user may now clean-up
wet spills such as paint, oil, milk, a dropped egg, etc. Located on
the handle is a release button. When this button is pulled or
otherwise selectively activated (e.g., pushed, pressed, etc.) the
head containing bristles on one end and a squeegee on the other
will now rotate freely allowing the user to alternate between dry
and wet clean-up. The whisk broom is used in identical fashion as
existing whisk brooms, e.g., by simply sweeping the debris into the
dustpan, then emptying the dustpan into the garbage. To use the
squeegee to clean-up a wet spill the user rotates the head to the
squeegee side, then presses the squeegee to the floor in front of
the wet spill and moves (e.g., pulls) the spill into the dustpan.
The liquid materials can simply be dumped and rinsed from the
dustpan in a sink or basin to empty the dustpan. The squeegee edge
of the broom head may be cleaned in similar fashion. The head may
be locked at a variety of angles for side sweeping applications
such as inside a cabinet or on top of a work bench, etc.
[0007] For example, according to an embodiment, a combination whisk
broom and squeegee device may comprise an elongate handle, a
rotatable head that is rotatably attached to the handle, and a
release button disposed on or within the handle. The head includes
a whisk broom end with a plurality of whisk broom bristles at one
end of the head. The opposite squeegee end of the head includes a
squeegee (e.g., a rubber or elastomeric tapered squeegee blade
overmolded over the opposite end). The whisk broom end may be used
to sweep up dry spills, while the squeegee end may be used to clean
up wet spills. The head is rotatably coupled (e.g., snap-fitted) to
the handle, so that the head is selectively rotatable and
selectively lockable in a desired orientation relative to the
handle so as to orient the whisk broom end or the squeegee end in a
desired locked orientation for use of a respective end. The release
button may be coupled to the snap fit or other rotatable coupling
structure of the head to selectively release and selectively lock
the rotatable head in a desired orientation relative to the
handle.
[0008] These and other advantages and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by references to specific
embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended
drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered
limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary combination
whisk broom with squeegee;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows the combination broom with the head rotated in
an orientation to sweep dry, solid waste or debris into the
associated dustpan;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a close up view of an exemplary release button on
the broom handle;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows release and rotation of the combination broom
and squeegee head;
[0014] FIG. 5A shows rotation of the broom bristles to a selected
angle of 90.degree. relative to the "bristles down"
configuration;
[0015] FIG. 5B shows rotation of the broom bristles to a selected
angle of 45.degree. relative to the "bristles down"
configuration;
[0016] FIG. 5C shows rotation of the broom bristles to a selected
angle of 180.degree. relative to the "bristles down" configuration,
so that the squeegee end of the head is oriented down;
[0017] FIG. 6 shows the combination broom with the head rotated to
the orientation of FIG. 5C to move liquid or wet waste or debris
into the dustpan;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the combination whisk broom
and squeegee;
[0019] FIGS. 8A-8B show close up views of an exemplary snap-fit
coupling that allows selective free rotation and selective locking
of the combination broom and squeegee head into a desired
orientation; and
[0020] FIGS. 9-15 show a perspective view, a front view, a rear
view, a side view, an opposing side view, a top view, and a bottom
view, respectively, of an ornamental design of a combination whisk
broom and squeegee according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
I. Introduction
[0021] The present invention provides a product having the ability
to alternate between dry spill and wet spill clean-up by simply
rotating the head to either the bristle side, for dry material
clean-up, or the rubber squeegee side for wet material clean-up.
Once rotated to the rubber squeegee side the user may clean-up wet
spills such as paint, oil, milk, water, a dropped egg, etc. Located
on the handle is a release button coupled to the rotatable coupling
by which the head rotates about the handle. When this button is
pulled or otherwise selectively activated (e.g., pushed, pressed,
etc.) the head containing bristles on one end and a squeegee on the
other will now rotate freely allowing the user to alternate between
dry and wet clean-up. The whisk broom is used in identical fashion
as existing whisk brooms, e.g., by simply sweeping the debris into
the dustpan, then emptying the dustpan into the garbage. To use the
squeegee to clean-up a wet spill the user rotates the head to the
squeegee side, then presses the squeegee to the floor in front of
the wet spill and moves (e.g., pulls) the spill into the dustpan.
The liquid materials can simply be dumped and rinsed from the
dustpan in a sink or basin to empty and clean the dustpan. The
squeegee edge of the broom head may be cleaned in similar fashion.
In an embodiment, the head may be locked at a variety of angles for
side sweeping applications such as inside a cabinet, on top of a
work bench, etc.
[0022] According to an embodiment, a combination whisk broom and
squeegee device may comprise an elongate handle, a rotatable head
that is rotatably attached to the handle, and a release button
disposed on or within the handle. The head includes a whisk broom
end with a plurality of whisk broom bristles at one end of the
head. The opposite squeegee end of the head includes a squeegee
(e.g., a rubber or elastomeric tapered squeegee blade overmolded
over the opposite end). The whisk broom end may be used to sweep up
dry spills, while the squeegee end may be used to clean up wet
spills. The head is rotatably coupled (e.g., snap-fitted) to the
handle, so that the head is selectively rotatable and selectively
lockable in a desired orientation relative to the handle so as to
orient the whisk broom end or the squeegee end in a desired locked
orientation for use of the respective end. The release button may
be coupled to the snap fit or other rotatable coupling structure of
the head to selectively release and selectively lock the rotatable
head in a desired orientation relative to the handle.
III. Exemplary Combination Whisk Broom and Squeegee Devices
[0023] The Figures illustrate an exemplary combination device 100.
FIG. 1 shows device 100, in combination with an associated dustpan
150. Combination whisk broom and squeegee device 100 includes an
elongate broom or squeegee handle 102, a rotatable head 104, and a
release button 106. Head 104 includes a whisk broom end 108, with a
plurality of whisk broom bristles 110. Head 104 also includes an
opposite squeegee end 112, with a squeegee 114 disposed thereon.
Squeegee 114 may comprise a tapered blade of rubber or similar
elastomeric material suitable for spreading, pushing, pulling, or
wiping liquid from a flat surface. Squeegee 114 may be overmolded
over edge 112, or may be secured by any suitable mechanism (e.g.,
mechanical retention mechanism, adhesive, etc.). Whisk broom
bristles 110 may similarly be secured into end 108 by any suitable
mechanism (e.g., press fit, secured with adhesive, etc.).
[0024] Head 104 is rotatably coupled to handle 102, e.g., at snap
fit rotatable coupling 116. Head 104 is selectively rotatable about
coupling 116, allowing head 104 to be locked into one of any number
of given positions. This allows a user to orient head 104 relative
to handle 102 in a desired configuration to employ either the whisk
broom end (i.e., bristles 110) or the squeegee end (i.e., squeegee
114) of head 104, as desired.
[0025] Release button 106 works with the rotatable coupling 116 to
allow selective release of coupling 116, allowing head 104 to
rotate freely, followed by relocking head 104 into a desired
orientation upon release of button 106, following rotation. FIGS. 1
and 2 show head 104 in an orientation where device 100 is prepared
for use as a whisk broom. As shown in FIG. 2, with device 100
separated from dustpan 150, dry debris and other dry waste may be
swept into dustpan 150. Dustpan 150 may include an elongate dustpan
handle 152 which is hollow and concave along its longitudinal axis
(e.g., with a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section), so as
to be configured to matingly receive the front or rear surface of
handle 102. In other words, hollow handle 152 is correspondingly
shaped and sized so as to receive and retain handle 102 of device
100 when handle 102 is pressed into dustpan handle 152, as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0026] As seen in FIG. 2, dustpan 152 may include an integrated
retention dam 154 in bottom surface 156 of dustpan 150, to help
retain debris therein. Leading edge 158 of dustpan 150 may further
include an overmolded or other elastomeric material edge or blade
to help seal dustpan 150 to the floor as materials are guided from
the floor over edge 158, over retention dam 154, and down into
bottom surface 156 of dustpan 150. Dustpan handle 152 and handle
102 may further each include corresponding and aligned eyelet
handing holes 160 and 160', respectively for facilitating hanging
of the dustpan 150 and combination device 100 in their coupled
configuration (FIG. 1) on a hook.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a close up view of the release button 106.
Button 106 may be configured to slide within handle 102. Button 106
may be slidable between a first position (e.g., as seen in FIGS.
1-3) corresponding to a locked configuration, where head 104 is
locked against rotation. When release button 106 is slid to a
second position (e.g., slid up), as seen in FIG. 4, head 104 is
unlocked, and becomes freely rotatable about coupling 116. As seen
in FIG. 3, release button 106 may include a finger recess (e.g., a
smooth concave curved recess) 118, allowing a user to easily insert
a finger and pull button 106 upwards.
[0028] FIGS. 4-6 show release of head 104 and its rotation to
various orientations other than the "bristles down" orientation of
FIGS. 1-2. For example, in FIG. 4, button 106 is in a released
position, allowing free rotation (e.g., 360.degree.) of head 104
about handle 102, through coupling 116. Coupling 116 is shown
disposed within a central portion of head 104, rather than disposed
near either extreme end 112 or 108. Coupling 116 is also shown
generally centered side-to-side within head 104. Although
illustrated as such, other configurations may also be possible.
[0029] FIG. 5A shows head 104 having been rotated counterclockwise
90.degree., and then locked in that position (e.g., button 106 is
shown in the down, or locked position). Such an orientation may be
useful in sweeping a vertical surface (e.g., dusting, removing
cobwebs or other debris from a wall, cabinet, or other vertical
surface).
[0030] FIG. 5B shows head 104 having been rotated counterclockwise
only 45.degree., and locked in that position relative to the
position shown in FIG. 1. Such a configuration may be useful in
sweeping cobwebs, dust, or other debris from crown molding that
forms an angle between a vertical wall and a horizontal ceiling, or
similarly oriented surfaces. While only these specific angled
locked positions are shown, it will be appreciated that the
coupling 116 may be configured to allow rotation of head 104 about
handle 102 for a full 360.degree., and that locking may be provided
at any desired positions along such full rotation (e.g., every
90.degree., every 45.degree., etc.). Other locking positions will
be apparent to those of skill in the art.
[0031] FIG. 5C shows rotation of 180.degree. from that shown in
FIGS. 1-2, positioning squeegee blade 114 for use in cleaning a
liquid spill or other debris from a floor or similar flat surface.
FIG. 6 shows this locked orientation, adjacent to dustpan 150,
e.g., so as to pull or otherwise move liquids or other wet debris
into dustpan 150. Providing a rubber or elastomeric leading edge
108, as well as a retention dam 154 as described above may be
particularly beneficial when using squeegee blade 114 to move
liquids into dustpan 150. For example, dam 154 may aid in
preventing such liquids from flowing out of dustpan 150, as they
may otherwise tend to do merely under influence of gravity.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of device 100, illustrating
coupling 116, as well as release button 106 and how they work
together. FIGS. 8A and 8B show close up views of the coupling 116.
For example, coupling 116 between head 104 and handle 102 may
include a notched rearwardly extending cylinder 120 within head
104, which mates with a correspondingly shaped cylindrical recess
122 defined by cylindrical sidewall 124 of handle 102. Rearwardly
extending cylinder 120 may have a length that is greater than the
corresponding length of sidewall 124, so that when coupled with one
another, as shown in FIG. 8B, the distal ends of notched cylinder
120 extend past the corresponding distal ends of sidewall 124. The
extreme distal end of cylinder 120 may include an outwardly flared
flange 126, as shown, allowing cylinder 120 to "snap" into place
within cylindrical recess 122 upon coupling, as shown in FIG.
8B.
[0033] Because cylinder 120 is notched, it can easily flex inwardly
(i.e., compress) as it is introduced into cylindrical recess 122.
As soon as it is fully inserted, the outwardly flared flange ends
126 snap outwardly, so as to overhang the distal end of sidewall
124, coupling cylinder 120 and handle 102 together in a snap-lock
connection. The coupling provides for free rotation of cylinder 120
within recess 122, and thus head 104 about handle 102.
[0034] As shown, handle 102 may terminate at its bottom end in an
enlarged cylinder shape 128, which cylinder 128 may extend
generally forwardly (opposed to the rearward extension of cylinder
120). Cylinder 128 is hollow, and includes sidewall 124 defining
inner cylindrical recess 122 which mates with notched cylinder 120.
As seen in FIG. 7, a covering cap 130 may be provided for fitting
over (e.g., snap fitting) an open front end of the coupling
structure of head 104. As is apparent in FIGS. 7-8B, the notches
132 of cylinder 120 may be spaced evenly (e.g., about every
45.degree., or about every 90.degree., etc.) about the
circumference of cylinder 120. Notches 132 are shown extending
fully to the distal end of cylinder 120, defining a plurality of
tabs, so as to facilitate easy compression thereof as cylinder 120
is inserted into recess 122.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 7, release button 106 may be coupled
to coupling 116 by a sliding elongate locking pin 134 which extends
longitudinally, down into handle 102. The distal end of sliding
locking pin 134 includes a distal pin end 136, which is able to
pass through channel 138 defined through sidewall 124, allowing
distal pin end 136 to selectively engage with a given notch of
notched cylinder 120 of head 104. Engagement of pin end 136 within
any given notch 132 locks cylinder 120 against rotation. Upward
sliding of locking pin 134 (and thus pin end 136) out of notch 132
(but still within guiding channel 138) frees head 104 so as to
allow its rotation about handle 102. Sliding is achieved through
use of release button 106, accessible on the front surface of
handle 102. While locking pin 134 is not shown in FIGS. 8A-8B to
more clearly show coupling 116, it will be understood that distal
pin end 136 rides within channel 138, and into a single designated
notch 132, as will be apparent from FIG. 7.
[0036] The handle 102 may include front and rear portions fastened
together (e.g., snap fit and/or with fasteners such as screws,
adhesive, etc.). Sliding locking pin 134 may be spring loaded
(e.g., spring 140) within handle 102 so that button 106 is biased
to a position corresponding to one where head 104 is locked against
rotation relative to handle 102. Locking pin 134 may further
include a spring retention protrusion 144 at its bottom end,
adjacent the distal pin end 136, for retaining spring 140. Release
button 106 may comprise a portion of sliding locking pin 134, which
is manually accessible through a window 142 cut-out in the front
portion of handle 102. The release button 106 and elongate sliding
locking pin may be an injection molded single piece. Many of the
other structures (e.g., forward and rear handle 102 halves, the
head 104, the dustpan 150, etc.) may similarly be injection molded.
As perhaps best seen in FIG. 1, the top portion of handle 102 may
include an overmolded rubber or other elastomeric material 146 to
increase tactile feel and grip for the user.
[0037] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0038] The present invention can be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. Thus, the described implementations are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *