U.S. patent application number 16/492096 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for dust pan with removable adhesive sheet.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael Hochberg. Invention is credited to Michael Hochberg.
Application Number | 20210137344 16/492096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005356408 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
![](/patent/app/20210137344/US20210137344A1-20210513\US20210137344A1-2021051)
United States Patent
Application |
20210137344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hochberg; Michael |
May 13, 2021 |
DUST PAN WITH REMOVABLE ADHESIVE SHEET
Abstract
An adhesive dustpan sheet and dustpan assembly for collecting
dust and debris is disclosed. The dustpan sheet has a layer of
adhesion on at least a side of the dustpan sheet and a tab on at
least a side of the dustpan sheet configured to be received in a
tab receptacle on a dustpan. The dustpan sheet may further have a
plurality of stackable dustpan sheets that can be removed for
disposal as dust and debris is collected in the dustpan.
Inventors: |
Hochberg; Michael; (Toronto,
Ontario, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hochberg; Michael |
Toronto, Ontario |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005356408 |
Appl. No.: |
16/492096 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
March 6, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2018/050264 |
371 Date: |
September 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62467356 |
Mar 6, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/52 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/52 20060101
A47L013/52 |
Claims
1. A dustpan sheet comprising: an adhesive layer on at least a
portion of an upper surface of the dustpan sheet, wherein the
dustpan sheet is configured to be received in a dustpan.
2. The dustpan sheet of claim 1, wherein a tab on a side edge of
the dustpan sheet is configured to be received in a tab receptacle
of the dustpan.
3. The dustpan sheet of claim 1, including a plurality of tabs
extending from one or more side edges thereof, the tabs each
configured to be received in a respective tab receptacle of the
dustpan.
4. The dustpan sheet of claim 3, wherein the plurality of tabs
comprises at least two tabs positioned on opposite side edges of
the dustpan sheet and at least one tab positioned on a back side
edge of the dustpan sheet that extends between the opposite side
edges.
5. The dustpan sheet of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer has an
adhesion of at least 20 oz/in.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. A method of manufacturing a dustpan pad for use in a dustpan
comprising: providing an adhesive layer on at a least a portion of
an upper surface of a plurality of sheets; arranging the plurality
of sheets in an aligned stack with the adhesive layer of each sheet
other than a top sheet releasably securing an adjacent one of the
sheets in the aligned stack; and cutting the aligned stack to
comprise a stack of dustpan sheets configured to be received in a
dustpan.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the cutting comprises cutting a
protruding tab on a side edge of each of the plurality of dustpan
sheets that is configured to be received in a tab receptacle of the
dustpan.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the cutting comprises cutting a
plurality of protruding tabs extending from one or more side edges
of each of the plurality of dustpan sheets, the tabs each
configured to be received in a respective tab receptacle of the
dustpan.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of tabs comprises
at least two tabs positioned on opposite side edges of each of the
plurality of dustpan sheets and at least one tab positioned on a
back side edge of each of the plurality of dustpan sheets that
extends between the opposite side edges.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. A dustpan assembly comprising: a dustpan comprising a base, the
base having an open face for collecting dust and debris; and a
dustpan pad comprising at least one dustpan sheet comprising an
adhesive layer on at least a portion of an upper surface of the
dustpan sheet, configured to be received in the dustpan.
23. The dustpan assembly of claim 22, wherein a tab on a side edge
of the dustpan sheet is configured to be received in a tab
receptacle of the dustpan.
24. The dustpan assembly of claim 22, including a plurality of tabs
extending from one or more side edges of the dustpan sheet, the
tabs each configured to be received in a respective tab receptacle
of the dustpan.
25. The dustpan assembly of claim 24, wherein the plurality of tabs
comprises at least two tabs positioned on opposite side edges of
the dustpan sheet and at least one tab positioned on a back side
edge of the dustpan sheet that extends between the opposite side
edges.
26. The dustpan assembly of claim 22, wherein the adhesive layer
has an adhesion of at least 20 oz/in.
27. The dustpan assembly of claim 22, wherein the dustpan sheet
comprises a plurality of the dustpan sheets, the dustpan sheets
being arranged in an aligned stack with each of the dustpan sheets
being removably secured to the adhesive layer of a next one of the
dustpan sheets in the aligned stack.
28. The dustpan assembly of claim 27 further comprising a final
dustpan sheet layer in the aligned stack, the final sheet layer
having an upper surface with an adhesive layer removably secured to
a final dustpan sheet in the stack, and a lower surface removably
securable to a surface of the dustpan.
29. The dustpan assembly of claim 28 wherein the lower surface of
the final sheet layer includes a further adhesive layer for
removably sticking to the surface of the dustpan.
30. The dustpan assembly of claim 28 wherein the lower surface of
the final sheet layer includes a fastener securing mechanism for
securing to a surface of the dustpan.
31. The dustpan assembly of claim 27 wherein a lower surface of
each of the dustpan sheets includes an adhesion prophylactic
layer.
32. The dustpan assembly of claim 27 wherein the final sheet layer
is more rigid than the dustpan sheets.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/467,356 filed Mar. 6, 2017
and entitled Dust Pan with Removable Adhesive Sheet.
FIELD
[0002] The present specification relates generally to dustpans and
more specifically relates to at least one removable adhesive sheet
securable to a dustpan for retaining dust and debris swept into the
dustpan.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Dustpans are a conventional cleaning tool in households
across the world and used in industrial and commercial settings.
Dustpans are used to collect common household debris, such as dust,
dirt, food debris, and pet dander, hair and down feathers. Dustpans
are typically used in combination with a broom or a brush, whereby
the broom or the brush sweep debris into the dustpan. Debris
collected in a dustpan may then be disposed. Dustpans are available
in a variety of shapes and sizes and either in a handheld
configuration or with a long handle.
[0004] Manually sweeping debris with a broom or a brush into a
traditional dustpan frequently results in a portion of the debris
being scattered in the air and back onto the recently cleaned
surface rather than in the dustpan. Debris in the air causes poor
indoor air quality and a resoiled surface needing to be cleaned
again. Individuals with respiratory health conditions or
sensitivities to allergens may be negatively affected by the
reduced indoor air quality caused by traditional dustpans.
[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the
art.
SUMMARY
[0006] In example embodiments, a dustpan sheet has an adhesive
layer on at least a portion of an upper surface of the dustpan
sheet, and the dustpan sheet is configured to be received in a
dustpan.
[0007] In some examples, a tab on a side edge of the dustpan sheet
is configured to be received in a tab receptacle of the
dustpan.
[0008] In some examples, the tab has a plurality of tabs extending
from one or more side edges thereof, the tabs each configured to be
received in a respective tab receptacle of the dustpan.
[0009] In some examples, the plurality of tabs comprises at least
two tabs positioned on opposite side edges of the dustpan sheet and
at least one tab positioned on a back side edge of the dustpan
sheet that extends between the opposite side edges.
[0010] In some examples, the adhesive layer has an adhesion of at
least 20 oz/in.
[0011] In some examples, the dustpan sheets are arranged in an
aligned stack with each of the dustpan sheets being removably
secured to the adhesive layer of a next one of the dustpan sheets
in the aligned stack.
[0012] In some examples, there is a final dustpan sheet layer in
the aligned stack, and the final sheet layer has an upper surface
with an adhesive layer removably secured to a final dustpan sheet
in the stack, and a lower surface removably securable to a surface
of the dustpan.
[0013] In some examples, the lower surface of the final sheet layer
includes a further adhesive layer for removably sticking to the
surface of the dustpan.
[0014] In some examples, the lower surface of the final sheet layer
includes a fastener securing mechanism for securing to a surface of
the dustpan.
[0015] In some examples, a lower surface of each of the dustpan
sheets includes an adhesion prophylactic layer.
[0016] In some examples, the final sheet layer is more rigid than
the dustpan sheets.
[0017] In example embodiments, a method of manufacturing sheets for
use in a dustpan includes: providing an adhesive layer on at a
least a portion of an upper surface of a plurality of sheets;
arranging the plurality of sheets in an aligned stack with the
adhesive layer of each sheet other than a top sheet releasably
securing an adjacent one of the sheets in the aligned stack; and
cutting the aligned stack to comprise a stack of dustpan sheets
configured to be received in a dustpan.
[0018] In some examples, the cutting includes cutting a protruding
tab on a side edge of each of the plurality of dustpan sheets that
is configured to be received in a tab receptacle of the
dustpan.
[0019] In some examples, the cutting includes cutting a plurality
of protruding tabs extending from one or more side edges of each of
the plurality of dustpan sheets, the tabs each configured to be
received in a respective tab receptacle of the dustpan.
[0020] In some examples, the plurality of tabs has at least two
tabs positioned on opposite side edges of each of the plurality of
dustpan sheets and at least one tab positioned on a back side edge
of each of the plurality of dustpan sheets that extends between the
opposite side edges.
[0021] In some examples, the method further includes an adhesive
layer that has an adhesion of at least 20 oz/in.
[0022] In example embodiments, the method includes assembling a
final dustpan sheet layer in the aligned stack, the final sheet
layer having an upper surface with an adhesive layer removably
secured to a final dustpan sheet in the stack, and a lower surface
removably securable to a surface of the dustpan.
[0023] In some examples, the method further includes attaching a
fastener securing mechanism to the lower surface for securing to a
surface of the dustpan.
[0024] In some examples, the method further includes attaching an
adhesion prophylactic layer to a lower surface of each of the
dustpan sheets.
[0025] In some examples, the final sheet layer is more rigid than
the dustpan sheets.
[0026] In examples embodiments, a dustpan assembly has a dustpan
comprising a base, the base having an open face for collecting dust
and debris; and a dustpan pad comprising at least one dustpan sheet
comprising an adhesive layer on at least a portion of an upper
surface of the dustpan sheet, configured to be received in the
dustpan.
[0027] In some examples, a tab on a side edge of the dustpan sheet
is configured to be received in a tab receptacle of the
dustpan.
[0028] In some examples, a plurality of tabs extend from one or
more side edges of the dustpan sheet, the tabs each configured to
be received in a respective tab receptacle of the dustpan.
[0029] In some examples, the plurality of tabs comprises at least
two tabs positioned on opposite side edges of the dustpan sheet and
at least one tab positioned on a back side edge of the dustpan
sheet that extends between the opposite side edges.
[0030] In some examples, the adhesive layer has an adhesion of at
least 20 oz/in.
[0031] In some examples, the dustpan sheet has a plurality of the
dustpan sheets, the dustpan sheets being arranged in an aligned
stack with each of the dustpan sheets being removably secured to
the adhesive layer of a next one of the dustpan sheets in the
aligned stack.
[0032] In some examples, there is a final dustpan sheet layer in
the aligned stack, the final sheet layer having an upper surface
with an adhesive layer removably secured to a final dustpan sheet
in the stack, and a lower surface removably securable to a surface
of the dustpan.
[0033] In some examples, the lower surface of the final sheet layer
includes a further adhesive layer for removably sticking to the
surface of the dustpan.
[0034] In some examples, the lower surface of the final sheet layer
includes a fastener securing mechanism for securing to a surface of
the dustpan.
[0035] In some examples, a lower surface of each of the dustpan
sheets includes an adhesion prophylactic layer.
[0036] In some examples, the final sheet layer is more rigid than
the dustpan sheets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present
application, and in which:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top of an example
dustpan;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bottom on the example
dustpan of FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of example dustpan of FIGS. 1-2;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a top view of example dustpan of FIGS. 1-3 with an
inserted example dustpan pad;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a back view of example dustpan of FIGS. 1-4;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a side view of example dustpan of FIGS. 1-5;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a front view of example dustpan of FIGS. 1-6;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example dustpan pad;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a top view of example dustpan pad of FIG. 8;
[0047] FIG. 10 is a top view of example dustpan pad of FIGS. 8-9
with a dustpan sheet partially removed; and
[0048] FIG. 11 is a top view of example dustpan pad of FIGS. 8-10
with a dustpan sheet further partially removed.
[0049] FIG. 12 is an example alternative embodiment of a top view
of a dustpan with an edge protector lever;
[0050] FIG. 13 is an example embodiment of a top view of the
dustpan of FIG. 12 with the edge protector lever depressed;
[0051] FIG. 14 is an example alternative embodiment of a top view
of a dustpan with compression elements affixed to a removable
base;
[0052] FIG. 15 is an example embodiment of a top view of the
dustpan of FIG. 14 with an example dustpan sheet partially
removed;
[0053] FIG. 16 is an example embodiment of a bottom side of the
dustpan of FIGS. 14-15 with the dustpan base partially removed;
[0054] FIG. 17 is an example of at least one dustpan sheet on the
removable dustpan base of FIGS. 14-16;
[0055] FIG. 18 is an example of an alternative embodiment of a top
view of a dustpan with attached pad;
[0056] FIG. 19 are top views of example varying shapes of example
dustpans with at least one adhesive sheet removably attached;
[0057] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a dustpan having a
removable adhesive sheet for collecting dust and debris according
to an alternative embodiment; and
[0058] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a dustpan having at least
one removable adhesive sheet for collecting dust and debris
according to an alternative embodiment.
[0059] Similar reference numerals may have been used in different
figures to denote similar components.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0060] An example dustpan 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-7. Dustpan 100
may be used with a broom or a brush to collect dust and debris from
a surface such as a floor or countertop. Dustpan 100 may comprise a
base 102 with an open front face 107 for collecting dust and
debris. Dustpan 100 may comprise at least one sidewall for
retaining dust and debris swept into the dustpan 100. The at least
one sidewall may include a rear-side wall 106, a right-side wall
104 and a left-side wall 108 that collectively extend around three
sides of the base 102.
[0061] Dustpan 100 may comprise handle 116 for ease of gripping or
handling dustpan 100 by a user of dustpan 100. Handle 116 may
further define a hole 122 for hanging dustpan 100 on, for example,
a hanging rack in a store or a rack in a home.
[0062] Dustpan 100 may comprise incline 118 and element 120 that
extend along a bottom edge of the open front face 107 of the base
102, which may be inclined with respect to base 102. Element 120,
which functions as an interface between the incline 118 and the
surface that is being cleaned, may be made of a rubber or another
suitable material. Incline 118 and/or element 120 may allow for
dustpan 100 to be substantially flush with a surface for ease of
collecting dust and debris. Element 120 may be removable. Incline
118 and element 120 may facilitate sweeping of dust and debris with
a broom or brush from the surface into the dustpan 100.
[0063] In an example embodiment, the bottom portions of rear-side
wall 106, right-side wall 104 and left-side wall 108 collectively
form a peripheral lip or flange 105 around the rear, right and left
sides of an upper surface 103 of the base 102 of dustpan 100.
Dustpan 100 may comprise tab receptacles 110, 112, and 114 formed
in the flange 105 at the edges of the base 102. Tab receptacles may
be configured for receiving tabs 802, 804, and 806 of a dustpan pad
800 as shown in FIG. 8. For example, tab receptacle 110 may receive
tab 802, tab receptacle 112 may receive tab 804, and tab receptacle
114 may receive tab 806. Tab receptacles 110 and 114 may be
positioned on opposed sides of dustpan 100, and tab receptacle 112
may be positioned on a rear portion of dustpan 100. Dustpan 100 may
comprise fewer than three tab receptacles or more than three tab
receptacles.
[0064] FIGS. 2 and 3 are bottom views of example dustpan 100. Tab
receptacles 114, 112, and 110 may protrude from a bottom side base
102.
[0065] FIG. 4 is an example of a top view of dustpan 100, with an
example of a dustpan pad 800 positioned on an upper surface 103 of
the base 102. The dustpan pad 800 may include one or more dustpan
sheets. Example tab receptacles 110 and 114 may be positioned on
opposed sides of dustpan 100, and tab receptacle 112 may be
positioned on a rear or back portion of dustpan 100.
[0066] FIGS. 8-9 disclose an example of a dustpan pad 800 for
insertion into dustpan 100. In an example embodiment, dustpan pad
800 may comprise three tabs 802, 804 and 806 for insertion into
three tab receptacles 110, 112 and 114 respectively. Dustpan pad
800 may comprise more than three tabs or fewer than three tabs.
[0067] In example embodiments, dustpan pad 800 may comprise an
adhesive layer 808 so that dust and debris that is, for example,
swept onto the adhesive layer 808 may stick to the adhesive layer
808. Dust and debris may be swept onto the adhesive layer 808. The
adhesive layer 808 may therefore be made of an appropriate
stickiness (adhesion) for collecting dust and debris. For example,
adhesive layer 808 may have an adhesion of a minimum of 20 oz/in or
up to an average of 30 oz/in. Adhesive layer 808 may further be an
alternative level of stickiness. Once contaminated with dust and
debris, the top adhesive sheet 812 of dustpan pad 800 to which dust
or debris or both may be adhered to may be removed and
disposed.
[0068] With reference to FIGS. 10-11, dustpan pad 800 may comprise
a plurality of removable dustpan sheets that are arranged in an
aligned stack, such as example sheets 812 and 814. Top sheet 812
may be removable from lower sheet 814. A user may grip one of tabs
802, 804 or 806a and withdraw top sheet 812 from lower sheet 814.
Top sheet 812 may be withdrawn from lower sheet 814 and disposed of
while dustpan pad 800 is inserted into dustpan 100, for example,
after sufficient dust and debris has been swept onto adhesive layer
808 such that little or no more dust and debris can stick to top
sheet 812. In alternative embodiments, top sheet 812 may be removed
when dustpan pad 800 has not been inserted into dustpan 100. Each
of the sheets 812, 814 etc. may be formed from a respective
flexible substrate sheet layer (such as paper or plastic) and
include a respective adhesive layer 808 on its respective upper
surface.
[0069] In some examples, one or more of the plurality of sheets
812, 814 may be coated with an adhesion prophylactic on an opposite
facing surface (for example a bottom side surface) than adhesive
layer 808 to limit a top dustpan sheet from sticking to the sheet
below it. For example, top sheet 812 may be coated on its bottom
surface with adhesion prophylactic 815 to limit the degree of
adhesion of top sheet 812 to lower sheet 814. This allows for ease
of removal of top sheet 812 from lower sheet 814.
[0070] In some examples, with further reference to FIGS. 10-11, the
layer of adhesion 808 may not extend to any tabs such that the tabs
are non-adhesive. For example, adhesive layer 808 on top sheet 812
may not extend to example tabs 802, 804 and 806a. Further, adhesive
layer 808 on lower sheet 814 may not extend to example tab 806b.
The lack of adhesive layers 808 on tabs 802, 804, 806a and 806b
allow for ease of gripping and removal of top sheet 812 from bottom
sheet 814.
[0071] Upon removal of the top adhesive sheet 812, at least one
unsoiled adhesive sheet 814 may remain and may be removably
attached to the base 102 of the dustpan 100 or to a bottom rigid
sheet layer of the dustpan pad 800.
[0072] In example embodiments, a bottom rigid sheet layer 820 of
dustpan pad 800 may be thicker and/or more rigid than each of the
adhesive sheets 812, 814 and may be made of a material such as
cardboard or another suitable material. A thicker or more rigid
material may provide added support to dustpan pad 800 as it adheres
to base 102 of dustpan 100.
[0073] In some examples, both a bottom side of the bottom rigid
sheet layer 820 of dustpan pad 800 and a top side of the bottom
rigid sheet layer 820 of dustpan pad 800 are coated with adhesive
layers 808. The bottom rigid sheet layer 820 of dustpan pad 800 may
therefore adhere to base 102 of dustpan 100 and also to the
adhesive sheet above it (for example sheet 814).
[0074] The dustpan 100 may comprise handle 116, which may include a
hinge at the connection of the handle to the base. The base 102 may
be attached to one end of the handle 116. According to an
embodiment, the dustpan 100 may be an upright dustpan, wherein the
handle 116 may be greater than one foot in length and may be held
by a user in a standing position. According to an alternative
embodiment, the dustpan 100 may be a handheld dustpan, wherein the
handle 116 is less than one foot in length and shaped to be
received in a human hand. The dustpan 100 and the dustpan pad 800
and/or adhesive sheets 812, 814 may be of varying shapes and sizes
such that the at least one adhesive sheet 812, 814 may be
configured to fit within the base 102 of the dustpan 100.
[0075] According to an embodiment, the sheet pad 800 is an adhesive
sheet 812 that can be removed from dustpan base 102 and replaced
after each use. According to a further embodiment, the sheet pad
800 includes a stack of individually removable adhesive sheets 812,
814. The number of adhesive sheets may be chosen according to the
thickness of the adhesive sheets and the configuration of the base
102 such that the thickness of the plurality of adhesive sheets in
aggregate does not unduly impede the collection of dust or debris
into the dustpan. For example, the stack could include between 2 to
10 adhesive sheets 812, 814 that each include an adhesive layer 808
on a top side thereof, secured to a bottom, rigid sheet layer 820
that has adhesive layers 808 on both its top and bottom sides.
[0076] The dustpan 100 may be constructed from lightweight
materials which provide sufficient strength and rigidity. According
to an embodiment, the dustpan 100 may be made of plastic, metal or
any other suitable lightweight material known to a skilled person
that would provide sufficient strength and rigidity.
[0077] In an example embodiment of use of the dustpan 100, the
dustpan 100 may be used with a removable adhesive sheet pad 800 to
collect dust or debris or both. According to an embodiment, the at
least one adhesive sheet pad 800 may be removably attached to the
base 102 of the dustpan 100. Dust or debris or both may be swept
into the dustpan 100 onto an exposed or top adhesive sheet 812 of
the adhesive sheet pad 800. Next, the exposed adhesive sheet 812,
814 with dust or debris or both now adhered to it may be removed
and discarded, exposing a lower adhesive sheet 814. The tab 802,
804, 806a/b may be pulled by a user to remove the at least one
adhesive sheet 812, 814 from the dustpan 100.
[0078] According to an embodiment, the adhesive sheet pad 800 may
comprise a bottom sheet layer 820. The bottom sheet layer 820 may
include a first side (e.g. bottom) and a second side (e.g. top),
wherein the first side is positioned against the upper surface 103
of the base 102 of the dustpan 100 and the second side is
positioned proximally to the at least one adhesive sheet 812, 814.
The first side of the bottom sheet layer 820 may attach to the base
102 of the dustpan 100 by adhesive as noted above, or by any other
suitable means known in the art including hook and loop fasteners
or clips. According to an embodiment, the first side of the bottom
sheet layer 820 of the adhesive sheet pad 800 may attach to the
upper surface 103 of the base 102 of the dustpan 100 using hook and
loop fasteners such that a hook fastener is secured to the first
side of the bottom sheet layer 820 and a loop fastener is secured
to the upper surface 103 of base 102 of the dustpan 100, or vice
versa.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of an
example dustpan 1200 is disclosed. Sticky sheet edge protector
lever 1204 and edge protector 1202 protect edges of a sticky sheet
on a sticky pad stack 1206 from collecting dust and debris. Edge
protector 1202 may further retain sticky pad stack 1206 on dustpan
1200 and hold sticky pad stack 1206 in place on dustpan 1200.
[0080] FIG. 13 discloses lever 1204, which in some examples is
attached to edge protector 1202. In some examples, lever 1204 is
depressed or pushed to release edge protector 1202. A sticky sheet
on sticky pad stack 1206 may then be removed. Sticky sheet on
sticky pad stack 1206 may comprise a tab 1208 to allow for easy
removal of sticky sheet from sticky pad stack 1206. In some
examples tab 1208 is not sticky to allow for easy removal of the
sticky sheet.
[0081] With reference to FIGS. 14-17, an alternative example
dustpan embodiment is disclosed. FIG. 14 discloses compression
elements 1410 that may be attached to dustpan 1400. Compression
elements 1410 may help force sticky pad stack 1406 and sheets on
stack 1406 upward to seal against an underside of dustpan 1400. The
compression elements 1410 may include spring clips. Lever 1404 may
be depressed to allow for removal of sticky pad stack 1406 and/or
removal of a sticky sheet on sticky pad stack 1406.
[0082] With reference to FIG. 15, an embodiment is shown with lever
1404 depressed and an example removal of sticky sheet 1403 from
sticky pad stack 1406. Sticky sheet 1403 on sticky pad stack 1406
may comprise a tab 1408 to allow for easy removal of sticky sheet
1403 from sticky pad stack 1406. Edges of sticky sheets on sticky
pad stack 1406 adjacent to dustpan 1400 may be perforated to allow
for easy removal of a top most layer of sticky pad stack 1406, for
example sticky sheet 1403. Further, the underside of sticky sheet
1403 may comprise an adhesion prophylactic 1405 to reduce
stickiness and allow for easy removal of a top sticky sheet
1403.
[0083] FIG. 16 discloses a bottom side of example dustpan 1400.
Refill cartridge holder 1600 contains sticky pad stack 1406. Sticky
pad stack 1406 is insertable into cartridge holder 1600, for
example by sliding sticky pad stack 1406 into cartridge holder
1600.
[0084] Sticky pad cartridge holder 1600 is further disclosed in
FIG. 17. Sticky pad cartridge holder 1600 may comprise a bottom
rigid layer 1602 providing sufficient strength and rigidity, and
one or more sticky sheets 1604 positioned in a stack on top of
bottom rigid layer 1602.
[0085] An alternative example dustpan 1800 is disclosed in FIG. 18.
Dustpan 1800 has a pad 1802, which may be removable or
non-removable. Pad 1802 may be washable and may be a polymeric pad
or other suitable material. During an example of using dustpan
1800, a user may sweep dust and debris onto the pad 1802. Pad 1802
may then be washed, for example, in a sink, to remove dust and
debris.
[0086] Dustpan 1800 may further include an angled surface 1804,
which is angled with respect to pad 1802 to allow for sweeping of
dust and debris onto pad 1802.
[0087] FIG. 19 discloses examples of shape profiles of example
dustpans, which may be shapes of, for example, dustpans 100, 1200
and/or 1800 disclosed herein. Further, other shape profiles may be
used.
[0088] Further example embodiments will be disclosed with reference
to FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0089] According to an example embodiment shown in FIG. 20, a
dustpan such as dustpan 1000 may be used with a broom or a brush to
collect dust and debris from a surface. The dustpan 1000 may
comprise a base 1050, which may have an open face for collecting
dust and debris. The dustpan 1000 may comprise at least one side
wall for retaining dust and debris swept into the dustpan 1000.
According to an embodiment, the base 1050 may have at least one
side wall, and in a further embodiment as shown in FIG. 20 the base
1050 may include a rear-side wall 1100, a right-side wall 1150 and
a left-side wall 1200.
[0090] According to a further embodiment as shown in FIG. 21, a
dustpan 2000 may comprise a base 2050 and a detachable top frame
2400. The dustpan 2000 may comprise at least one side wall for
retaining dust and debris swept into the dustpan 2000. The at least
one side wall may comprise a rear-side wall 2100, a right-side wall
2150 and a left-side wall 2200. The base 2050 may comprise a bottom
portion having an open face. The detachable top frame 2400 may
attach to the bottom portion of the base 2050 at or near the
perimeter of the base 2050 using a securing mechanism. The
detachable top frame 2400 may comprise a rear-side edge 2450, a
front-side edge 2500, a right-side edge 2550 and a left-side edge
2600. The front-side edge 2500 of the detachable top frame 2400 may
provide a ramp 2300 upon attachment of the detachable top frame
2400 to the bottom portion of the base 2050 of the dustpan 2000.
The ramp 2300 may be used to facilitate the sweeping of dust and
debris with the broom or the brush from the surface into the
dustpan 2000.
[0091] The bases 1050, 2050 of the dustpans 1000, 2000 may further
comprise at least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 that may be
removably attached to the open face of the bases 1050, 2050. The at
least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 may be used to collect dust and
debris swept into the dustpans 1000, 2000. Once contaminated with
dust and debris, the top adhesive sheet of the at least one
adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 to which dust or debris or both may be
adhered to may be removed and disposed. The at least one adhesive
sheet 1250, 2250 may also include a non-adhesive tab extending
outwardly away from an edge of the at least one adhesive sheet
1250, 2250. The non-adhesive tab may be used as a grip for
selectively removing the at least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250
that has become contaminated with dust and debris. Upon removal of
the top adhesive sheet 1250, 2250, at least one unsoiled adhesive
sheet 1250, 2250 may remain or a further adhesive sheet may be
removably attached to the bases 1050, 2050 of the dustpans 1000,
2000 before further use of the dustpan.
[0092] The dustpans 1000, 2000 may comprise handles 1300, 2300,
which may include a hinge at the connection of the handle to the
base. The bases 1050, 2050 may be attached to one end of the
handles 1300, 2300. According to an embodiment, the dustpans 1000,
2000 may be upright dustpans, wherein the handles 1300, 2300 may be
greater than one foot in length and may be held by a user in a
standing position. According to a further embodiment, the dustpans
1000, 2000 may be handheld dustpans, wherein the handles are less
than one foot in length and shaped to be received in the human
hand. The dustpans 1000, 2000 and the at least one adhesive sheet
1250, 2250 may be of varying shapes and sizes such that the at
least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 may fit within the bases 1050,
2050 of the dustpans 1000, 2000. According to an embodiment, the at
least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 is a single adhesive sheet that
is replaced after each use. According to a further embodiment, the
at least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 is a plurality of adhesive
sheets where the number of adhesive sheets chosen is influenced by
the thickness of the adhesive sheets and the configuration of the
bases 1050, 2050 such that the thickness of the plurality of
adhesive sheets in aggregate does not unduly impede the collection
of dust or debris into the dustpan.
[0093] The dustpans 1000, 2000 may be constructed from lightweight
materials which provide sufficient strength and rigidity. According
to an embodiment, the dustpans 1000, 2000 may be made of plastic,
metal or any other suitable lightweight material known to a skilled
person that would provide sufficient strength and rigidity.
[0094] In use, the dustpans 1000, 2000 may be used with a removable
adhesive sheet to collect dust or debris or both. According to an
embodiment, at least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 may be removably
attached to the bases 1050, 2050 of the dustpans 1000, 2000. Dust
or debris or both may be swept into the dustpans 1000, 2000 onto
one of the at least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250. Next, the
adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 with dust or debris or both adhered to it
may be removed and discarded. The at least one adhesive sheet 1250,
2250 may include a non-adhesive tab extending outwardly away from
an edge of the at least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250. The
non-adhesive tab may be pulled by a user to remove the at least one
adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 from the dustpans 1000, 2000.
[0095] According to an embodiment, the at least one adhesive sheet
1250, 2250 may comprise a bottom layer. The bottom layer may
include a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is
proximal to the bases 1050, 2050 of the dustpans 1000, 2000. The
bases 1050, 2050 may include a first side and a second side,
wherein the second side is proximal to the at least one adhesive
sheet 1250, 2250. The first side of the bottom layer of the at
least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 may attach to the second side
of the bases 1050, 2050 of the dustpans 1000, 2000 by any suitable
means known in the art including hook and loop fasteners, clips and
adhesives. According to an embodiment, the first side of the bottom
layer of the at least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 may attach to
the second side of the bases 1050, 2050 of the dustpans 1000, 2000
using hook and loop fasteners such that a hook fastener is secured
to the first side of the bottom layer of the at least one adhesive
sheet 1250, 2250 and a loop fastener is secured to the second side
of the bases 1050, 2050 of the dustpans 1000, 2000, or a loop
fastener is secured to the first side of the bottom layer of the at
least one adhesive sheet 1250, 2250 and a hook fastener is secured
to the second side of the bases 1050, 2050 of the dustpans 1000,
2000.
[0096] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above
are intended to be examples only. The present disclosure may be
embodied in other specific forms. Alterations, modifications and
variations to the disclosure may be made without departing from the
intended scope of the present disclosure. While the systems,
devices and processes disclosed and shown herein may comprise a
specific number of elements/components, the systems, devices and
assemblies could be modified to include additional or fewer of such
elements/components. For example, while any of the
elements/components disclosed may be referenced as being singular,
the embodiments disclosed herein could be modified to include a
plurality of such elements/components. Selected features from one
or more of the above-described embodiments may be combined to
create alternative embodiments not explicitly described. All values
and sub-ranges within disclosed ranges are also disclosed. The
subject matter described herein intends to cover and embrace all
suitable changes in technology.
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