AU2011201845B2

AU2011201845B2 - A cleaning implement

Info

Publication number: AU2011201845B2
Application number: AU2011201845A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Luca Abate
Original assignee: ED Oates Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ED Oates Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-04-23
Filing date: 2011-04-21
Publication date: 2016-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-21
Also published as: AU2011201845A1

Abstract

There is provided a cleaning implement 2 including a first cleaning device, such as a broom 4, having a head portion 6, and an assembly of further cleaning devices 9 5 arranged so as to be releasably engaged therewith. The assembly of further cleaning devices 9 may comprise first and second cleaning devices such as a dustpan 12 and a brush 18 respectively. The cleaning implement 2 accordingly provides a set of cleaning devices housed or nested together in a single location and which can be readily accessed and conveniently stored together after use. '4

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention title: A cleaning implement The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: A cleaning implement Field of the invention The present invention relates to improvements to cleaning implements. In one aspect the present invention relates to a cleaning implement arranged to be releasably 5 engageable with an assembly of further cleaning devices. Background of the invention In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date: 10 (i) part of common general knowledge; or (ii) known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. Brooms, brushes and other like cleaning implements are generally widely known and many having specific uses. It is often desirable to have a suite of cleaning devices 15 available in order to ensure a specific cleaning job is completed satisfactorily. However, this can be problematic as it is preferable that such cleaning devices are stored when they are not in use. As such, various cleaning devices can be easily misplaced when available storage is minimal. Various cleaning devices have been proposed but many remain cumbersome and 20 bulky for most commonly available storage solutions. Summary of the invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning implement including: a first cleaning device having a head portion; 25 a second cleaning device including a securing means; and a third cleaning device including a cooperating securing means for releasably engaging with the securing means, wherein the second cleaning device is releasably engageable with the first cleaning device and the head portion is formed such that the third cleaning device is substantially accommodated within the head portion when engaged with 30 the second cleaning device.

2 The cleaning implement of the first aspect provides plural cleaning devices housed together in a single location which can be readily accessed and conveniently stored after use. In one embodiment the first cleaning device comprises a handle portion coupled to 5 the head portion. The head portion comprises a plurality of first cleaning members, such as cleaning bristles, attached or attachable to the head portion and arranged to extend outwardly therefrom. The first cleaning members are arranged to extend from an end of the head portion which is opposite to the end of the head portion which couples with the handle portion. 10 In one embodiment the first cleaning device is a broom. The assembly of further cleaning devices may comprise an assembly of two or more cleaning devices in addition to the first cleaning device. In one embodiment, a second and a third cleaning device may be arranged to be assembled together so as to be releasably engageable with the first cleaning device. 15 In one typical embodiment, the second cleaning device has a body which is shaped, at one end or side, with an open scoop portion having a mouth region, and narrowing away therefrom to form a handle portion at an opposite end or side. The open scoop portion in this embodiment typically comprises a base formed integrally therewith. The handle portion may also be formed integrally with the scoop portion. 20 The scoop portion in this embodiment may include securing means arranged to releasably engage a third cleaning device therewith. The third cleaning device may carry securing means to complement the securing means of the scoop portion. In one embodiment, the securing means of the scoop portion includes a raised portion projecting outwardly from the base of the scoop portion. 25 The arrangement of the second cleaning device is preferably such as to enable releasable engagement with the head portion of the first cleaning device. In one embodiment, a peripheral edge of the second cleaning device is shaped so as to releasably engage with a peripheral edge of the head portion of the first cleaning device. In this embodiment, the general peripheral shaping of the scoop portion is typically such as to be 30 substantially complementary to that of part of the head portion of the first cleaning device. In one embodiment, part of the shape of the scoop portion may be arranged to conform substantially with the shape of the part of the head portion of the first cleaning device so 3 that both first and second cleaning devices may releasably nest together without occupying unnecessary space. In one embodiment, the handle portion of the second cleaning device is arranged to releasably engage with the first cleaning device. In one arrangement, a substantial portion 5 of a peripheral edging of the second cleaning device may be shaped so as to releasably engage with the head portion of the first cleaning device. In one typical example of this embodiment, a peripheral edge of the handle portion of the second cleaning device is arranged to releasably engage with a portion of the handle portion of the first cleaning device. 10 The engagement between the second cleaning device and the first cleaning device may be arranged so as to provide a push-fit or a click-fit style of securement so that both devices can be readily detached from each other when required for use. Other engagement arrangements will be known to the skilled person. In one embodiment, the second cleaning device is a dustpan. 15 The third cleaning device may comprise a handle portion having a plurality of second cleaning members, such as bristles, extending outwardly therefrom. The handle portion of the third cleaning device may be shaped so as to be conveniently held by the user during use. The handle portion of the third cleaning device may be arranged to releasably 20 engage with the second cleaning device. In this embodiment, the handle portion of the third cleaning device may be configured with a recess for releasably engaging with the raised portion of the second cleaning device. The engagement between the second and third cleaning devices may be arranged to provide for a push fit or a click-fit style of securement so that both devices can be readily detached from each other when required for 25 use. In one embodiment, the third cleaning device is a brush having a handle and bristles. When the cleaning implement of the first aspect is assembled, the second and third cleaning devices are arranged with the first cleaning device so that all devices are 30 conveniently grouped together. In order to achieve this while avoiding a bulky and clumsy assembly, the head portion of the first cleaning device includes a recess which is shaped so 4 as to substantially accommodate the third cleaning device therein. Therefore, the head portion of the first cleaning device may be formed so as to substantially accommodate a peripheral shaping of the third cleaning device therein when the assembly of further cleaning devices is assembled with the first cleaning device. The raised portion of the base 5 of the second cleaning device and the recess of the handle portion of the third cleaning device are arranged relative one another so that, once the third and second cleaning devices are assembled with one another, the third cleaning device fits substantially within the recess of the head portion of the first cleaning device, when the second cleaning device is assembled with the first cleaning device. 10 In one embodiment, an aperture is formed in the head portion of the first cleaning device and shaped so as to accommodate the third cleaning device. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broom having a body and an assembly of further cleaning devices arranged so as to be releasably engaged therewith. 15 The further cleaning devices in this aspect of the invention will typically comprise a dustpan and a brush arranged so that both may be releasably engageable with each other. The manner in which this is achieved is substantially similar to that described in relation to the second and third cleaning devices of the first aspect of the present invention. The dustpan in this aspect is typically arranged so as to be releasably engageable 20 with the body of the broom. The manner in which this is achieved is substantially similar to that described in relation to the first and second cleaning devices of the first aspect of the present invention. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a set of cleaning implements including: 25 a pull broom having a head portion, and an assembly comprising at least a dustpan with a securing means and a brush with a cooperating securing means for releasably engaging with the securing means, the assembly being such that the brush is accommodated within the head portion when the brush is releasably engaged with the dustpan and the dustpan is releasably engaged with the pull broom. 30 According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a cleaning implement including a plurality of cleaning devices, the arrangement being such 5 that the cleaning implement is capable of releasably nesting together with at least one of the plurality of cleaning devices. Brief description of the drawings An embodiment of the invention will now be further explained and 5 illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A shows an elevation view of the cleaning implement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 1B and 1C show perspective views of the cleaning implement shown in Figure 1A; 10 Figure 1D shows an end view of the cleaning implement shown in Figures 1A to IC; Figure 2A shows a plan view of the head portion of the cleaning implement of Figures 1A to 1C; Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the head portion shown in Figure 2A; 15 Figure 2C shows a further perspective view of the head portion shown in Figures 2A and 2B; Figure 3A shows an plan view of one embodiment of the second cleaning device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3B shows a perspective view of the second cleaning device shown in 20 Figure 3A; Figure 3C shows an end view of the second cleaning device shown in Figures 3A and 3B; Figure 4A shows a plan view of one embodiment of the third cleaning device in accordance with the present invention; 25 Figure 4B shows a perspective view of the third cleaning device of Figure 4A. Detailed description Figures 1A-1D illustrate one embodiment of a cleaning implement 2. The cleaning implement 2 includes a first cleaning device, such as a broom 4, having a 6 head portion 6 (shown also in Figures 2A through 2C) and an assembly of further cleaning devices 9 arranged so as to be releasably engaged therewith. The assembly of further cleaning devices 9 may comprise first and second cleaning devices such as a dustpan 12 and a brush 18 respectively. The cleaning 5 implement 2 accordingly provides a set of cleaning devices housed or nested together in a single location and which can be readily accessed and conveniently stored together after use. The head portion 6 of broom 4 comprises a handle portion 8 and a plurality of first cleaning members 10, such as cleaning bristles, arranged to 10 extend outwardly from an end 11 of the head portion 6. The handle portion 8 couples with the body portion 6 at neck 7. It will be appreciated that any type of cleaning members known in the art may be used in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, the skilled person will appreciated that other arrangements may be devised for coupling the handle portion 8 with the body 15 portion 6. As shown in Figures 1B and 1C, and Figures 2A through 2C, the head portion 6 of broom 4 further comprises an aperture 13 formed in the head portion 6 and shaped so as to be commensurate with the peripheral shape of the head portion. 20 Figures 3A to 3C show one embodiment of dustpan 12. Dustpan 12 is formed having an open scoop portion 16 which includes a mouth region 17, and narrowing away therefrom to form a handle portion 14. The open scoop portion 16 further comprises a base 19 formed integrally therewith. The handle portion 14 of the dustpan 12 is also formed integrally with the open scoop portion 16. As 25 shown in Figures 3A through 3C, the base 19 comprises curved side portions which terminate to form a peripheral edge 21 of the open scoop portion 16. As shown, the handle portion 14 comprises an open section of a substantially semi circular nature. The base 19 of the open scoop portion 16 includes securing means 23 30 arranged to releasably secure a third cleaning device thereto. The securing means 23 includes a raised portion 24a shaped so as to project outward from the interior surface of base 19 of the open scoop portion 16. As shown, the raised portion 24a 7 is of generally circular geometry but it will be readily appreciated that it could comprise any shaped profile. Dustpan 12 is arranged so as to releasably engage with the head portion 6 of broom 4. The peripheral edge 21 of the open scoop portion 16 is shaped in a 5 similar manner as the periphery of the head.portion 6 of broom 4 so that both devices may cooperate together when assembled. Accordingly, when assembled, dustpan 12 is arranged so that the open scoop portion 16 substantially receives the head portion 6 of broom 4 with the sizing of both devices arranged so that dustpan 12 and broom engage together in 10 a push-fit type arrangement. In this manner, both devices can be readily assembled together and detached when either is required for use. The skilled person will appreciate that both devices could be arranged so that other forms of engagement can be realised, such as for example a click fit engagement. It will also be noted that the handle portion 14 is open along one side so as 15 to receive the handle portion 8 of the pull broom 4 therein when dustpan 12 and broom 4 are assembled together. Figures 4A and 4B show one embodiment of the third cleaning device comprising a brush 18. The brush 18 includes a handle portion 20 having a plurality of further cleaning members 22, such as bristles, extending therefrom. It 20 will be appreciated that any type of cleaning members known in the art may be used with brush 18. The handle portion 20 of the brush 18 is configured with a recess 24b arranged on side 25 so as to releasably engage with the raised portion 24a of the dustpan 12 thereby releasably securing both together. It will be appreciated that 25 the raised portion 24a and the recess 24b are both formed in a complimentary manner such that a push fit engagement (or similar) may be effected. When the cleaning implement 2 is assembled, dustpan 12 and brush 18 are arranged with broom 4 so that all are conveniently grouped together such as by nesting. In order to achieve this while avoiding a bulky and clumsy assembly, 30 dustpan 12, once assembled with brush 18 by way of securing means 23, is fitted in place against the head portion 6 of broom 4. With the arrangement shown, 8 brush 18 fits within aperture 13 (of the head portion 6) which is appropriately shaped to accommodate the brush 18. It will be appreciated that aperture 13 merely has to be formed so as to accommodate brush 18 so that dustpan 12 fits snugly against the head portion 6 of 5 pull broom 4. Accordingly, the head portion 6 could be formed having a recess of appropriate dimension to accommodate the peripheral shape and thickness of the brush 18. It will be appreciated that other cleaning devices and the like may also be arranged so as to be assembled with the dustpan and appropriately 10 accommodated within the head portion 6 of pull broom 4. The head portion 8 of broom 4 and the handle portions of each of dustpan 12 and brush 18 are generally formed from plastic using commonly used manufacturing processes, such as for example injection moulding techniques. The skilled person will appreciate that other materials may also be suitable for use 15 depending on the application of each of the cleaning devices. Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention. For example, the securing means 23 could be configured in a reverse arrangement whereby the base of the scoop portion 16 20 includes a recess for receiving a projection on the brush 18 for providing releasable engagement therebetween. The skilled person would appreciate that other arrangements for the securing means 23 could be devised that would not depart from the spirit of the present invention. The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this 25 description do not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

Claims

1. A cleaning implement including: a first cleaning device having a head portion; a second cleaning device including a securing means; and 5 a third cleaning device including a cooperating securing means for releasably engaging with the securing means, wherein the second cleaning device is releasably engageable with the first cleaning device and the head portion is formed such that the third cleaning device is substantially accommodated within the head portion when engaged with the second cleaning device. 10

2. A cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the head portion of the first cleaning device is formed so as to substantially accommodate a peripheral shaping of the third cleaning device therein when the third cleaning device is engaged with the second cleaning device.

3. A cleaning implement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a substantial 15 portion of a peripheral edging of the second cleaning device is shaped so as to releasably engage with the head portion of the first cleaning device.

4. A cleaning implement according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein the third cleaning device comprises a handle portion arranged for releasably engaging with the securing means of the second cleaning device. 20

5. A cleaning implement according to any one of claims I to 4, wherein the first cleaning device is a pull broom; the second cleaning device is a dustpan, and the third cleaning device is a brush.

6. A cleaning implement according to any preceding claim, wherein said second cleaning implement and said third cleaning implement are capable of releasably 25 nesting together with the head portion.

7. A set of cleaning implements including: a pull broom having a head portion, and an assembly comprising at least a dustpan with a securing means and a brush with a cooperating securing means for releasably engaging with the securing means, the assembly being such that the 30 brush is accommodated within the head portion when the brush is releasably 10 engaged with the dustpan and the dustpan is releasably engaged with the pull broom.

8. A cleaning implement, substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one or more of the accompanying Figures.