GB2417415A

GB2417415A - Tool for cleaning weeds or moss

Info

Publication number: GB2417415A
Application number: GB0419221A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Antony Matchell Turner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-28
Filing date: 2004-08-28
Publication date: 2006-03-01
Also published as: GB0419221D0

Abstract

The tool includes a head 40 that may be attached to a handle 100. Various types of cleaning member may be used including a tapered, V-shaped member. Alternatively a brush with tapered bristles is used for the cleaning member and the bristles may be arranged in a conical, frustoconical, or hemispherical formation. Attachment means 48 for the head is at an acute angle of for example 45 degrees to enable the tool to be used in a standing position. The handle may be used with a number of interchangeable cleaning heads in a kit that may include a tool with a scraping head or a hook-like head.

Description

IMPROVED CLEANING TOOL

This invention relates to a cleaning tool. The invention is particularly suitable, but by no means limited, for cleaning gaps, cracks and crevices between paving slabs or blocks (e.g. in a block paved driveway), or for cleaning along the base of a wall where it meets a path or similar masonry surface.

In the UK, approximately 80% of the housing stock comprises terraced, semi-detached or detached houses. Today, many such houses have block paved drives or pathways. In addition, municipal pavements and footpaths are often constructed using paving slabs or block paving. A number of other sites in the local authority, commercial, industrial, public and private sectors use block paving or paving slabs.

A high proportion of block paved driveways and pathways, and other paved surfaces, suffer from infestation from weeds or moss in the crevices between the paving slabs or blocks.

Weeds or moss may also form along the base of a wall where it meets a path or such surface. This is unattractive and may detract from the appearance of an otherwise well- maintained site. To maintain an attractive appearance the surface ideally requires regular cleaning to remove the weeds and moss.

Currently, a maintenance worker typically cleans crevices between paving slabs or blocks (or the junction between a wall and a path) by going down on his hands and knees and using a knife blade or a hand-held scraper to remove the weeds or moss. This cleaning process is highly time-consuming, and consequently may be costly. In addition, the work may be uncomfortable for the worker, and spending extended periods of time in such a posture may be detrimental to his health and well-being.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs, comprising: a tapered cleaning member for cleaning between said paving blocks or slabs; and attachment means by which a handle may be attached to said cleaning member.

Advantageously, by virtue of being tapered, the tool may be used to clean the gaps, cracks and crevices between paving slabs or blocks in a quick and efficient manner. Furthermore, by providing attachment means by which a handle may be attached, the tool may be used by a worker in a standing position, which further expedites the cleaning process and saves the worker from the discomfort and awkwardness of working on his hands and knees.

In a first embodiment, said tapered cleaning member may extend in a longitudinal direction and be substantially V-shaped in cross-section, the substantially V-shaped cross-section being transverse to said longitudinal direction. Such a tool may advantageously be drawn in said longitudinal direction, with the V-shaped tapered cleaning member removing moss or weeds from the gaps between paving slabs or blocks.

In a second embodiment, said tapered cleaning member may comprise bristles (preferably wire bristles) arranged such that their tips are in a tapered formation (e.g. in a substantially conical, frustoconical or hemispherical formation). Such brush formations are advantageously shaped to clean the moss or weeds from the gaps between paving slabs or blocks.

The tool may further comprising a handle, preferably of a length such that the tool may be used by a user in a standing position.

Preferably said attachment means is angled such that the handle extends from said cleaning member at an acute angle. This advantageously makes the tool easier to push or pull by a user in a standing position.

In the example of the V-shaped cleaning member, preferably said handle is coplanar with said longitudinal direction and the direction in which said substantially V-shaped cleaning member points. This facilitates the drawing of the cleaning member in said longitudinal direction, along the gaps between paving slabs or blocks.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a tool for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs, comprising: a tapered cleaning member for cleaning between said paving blocks or slabs; and a handle extending from said cleaning member, said handle being of a length such that the tool may be used by a user in a standing position.

In one embodiment said tapered cleaning member may extend in a longitudinal direction and be substantially V-shaped in cross-section, the substantially V-shaped cross-section being transverse to said longitudinal direction.

In an alternative embodiment said tapered cleaning member may comprise bristles arranged such that their tips are in a tapered formation (e.g. in a substantially conical, frustoconical or hemispherical formation).

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of apparatus for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs, said kit comprising: a handle; and one or more tools in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, said one or more tools being attachable to and detachable from said handle, forming an assembled tool when attached.

Such a kit with interchangeable cleaning heads advantageously enables the user to select an appropriate head for the cleaning job to be performed. The use of a single handle with interchangeable heads reduces the quantity and weight of equipment the user needs to carry to the site.

Preferably said handle is of a length such that an assembled tool may be used by a user in a standing position.

Preferably said one or more tools comprise handle attachment means configured such that, once the handle is attached, the handle extends from the tool at an acute angle.

The kit may further comprise one or more further tools which may be interchangeably attached to and detached from said handle. These further tools may comprise bristles arranged such that their tips are in a substantially flat formation. Other further tools may include a scraping head for the removal of dirt, moss or weeds from the paved site, and a hook-like head for the removal of dirt, moss or weeds from relatively deep crevices between paving.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs, said method being performed by an operative whilst standing, said method comprising: pushing or pulling a tapered cleaning member between said paving blocks or slabs, said tapered cleaning member being coupled to a handle of a length such that the tool may be used by the operative in a standing position.

The method may further comprise the operative attaching to or detaching from said handle one of a plurality of alternative cleaning members.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a cleaning head having a chiselled or substantially V shaped cross-section; Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the cleaning head shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a cleaning head having bristles arranged such that their tips are in a substantially frustoconical formation; Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a cleaning head having bristles arranged such that their tips are in a substantially conical formation; Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a cleaning head having bristles arranged such that their tips are in a substantially hemispherical formation; Figure 6 illustrates a front view of a cleaning head having bristles arranged such that their tips are in a substantially flat formation; Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the cleaning head shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 illustrates a side view of another cleaning head; Figure 9 illustrates a front view of yet another cleaning head; Figure 10 illustrates a side view of a handle for use with the various cleaning heads described herein; and Figures 11 and 12 illustrate examples of assembled cleaning tools.

The present embodiments represent the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. However they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved.

In summary, the embodiments that will be described below provide a cleaning worker with means to clean weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs whilst standing up.

This is achieved by providing tools having a relatively long handle (as shown in Figure 10) with a cleaning tool or head (as shown in Figures 1 to 9) at one end. Examples of complete assembled tools are shown in Figures 11 and 12. Preferably the cleaning heads are interchangeable, enabling a variety of heads to be used with a common handle, for performing a wide range of cleaning tasks associated with paving.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a tapered cleaning head 10. The head 10 comprises a cleaning member 12 and attachment means 16 (not shown in detail) by which a handle may be attached. Possible attachment means will be well known to those skilled in the art, and would include, for example, a threaded screw arrangement, a bayonet fitting, or an arrangement of one or more clips. Such fittings enable the cleaning head 10 to be interchangeably attached to or detached from a handle (e.g. as shown in Figure 10).

Alternatively the head 10 may be integral with, or permanently joined to, a handle.

The cleaning member 12 is relatively elongate, extending longitudinally in the direction 13 shown in Figure 2. In cross-section, as shown in Figure 1, the cleaning member 12 is substantially V-shaped or chisel- shaped. The tip 14 may be pointed, or almost pointed, so as to fit in between paving slabs or blocks.

A handle (as shown in Figure 10) may be attached to the head 10 to form an assembled tool ready for use. In use, the cleaning or maintenance worker (in a standing posture) positions the tip of the cleaning member 14 in a gap, crack or crevice between paving slabs or blocks, aligning the elongate direction 13 of the tool with the direction of the gap. Using the handle, the worker then draws the head 10 in the elongate direction 13, substantially parallel to the ground, either forwards or backwards (or, if necessary, alternately forwards and backwards) to clean weeds or moss from the gap. Operation of the tool is broadly similar to that of a broom and is simple to use, without training being necessary.

The attachment means 16 is angled at an acute angle of approximately 45 with respect to the cleaning member 12. This angle is provided to enable the assembled tool to be comfortably drawn by a worker when standing. The angle of 45 is by no means critical, and those skilled in the art of tool design and manufacture will appreciate that alternative angles may be selected.

Once assembled, the handle is coplanar with the longitudinal direction 13 and the downward direction in which the substantially V-shaped cleaning member 12, 14 points.

A second embodiment of a tapered cleaning head is in the form of a brush, preferably having metal or wire bristles. The bristles are arranged such that their tips are in a tapered formation, and examples are shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 (as side views). The formation of the bristles is designed to pass into and be drawn along the gaps between paving slabs or blocks in use.

In the cleaning head 30 of Figure 3, the bristles 34 are arranged in a substantially frustoconical formation, the tip 36 of the arrangement of bristles being flat. The head 30 comprises a support member 32 into which the bristles 34 are located, and attachment means 38 for attachment of a handle, as described above. The head 30 may be interchangeably attached to or detached from a handle; or alternatively may be integral with, or permanently joined to, a handle.

In the cleaning head 40 of Figure 4, the bristles 44 are arranged in a substantially conical formation, the tip 46 of the arrangement of bristles being pointed. The head 40 comprises a support member 42 into which the bristles 44 are located, and attachment means 48 for attachment of a handle. The head 40 may be interchangeably attached to or detached from a handle; or alternatively may be integral with, or permanently joined to, a handle.

In the cleaning head 50 of Figure 5, the bristles 54 are arranged in a substantially hemispherical formation. The head 50 comprises a support member 52 into which the bristles 54 are located, and attachment means 56 for attachment of a handle. The head 50 may be interchangeably attached to or detached from a handle; or alternatively may be integral with, or permanently joined to, a handle.

With the exception of the angle of the handle attachment means 38, 48, 56, the heads shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 would have a similar appearance when viewed from the front.

In use, brush heads 30, 40 and 50 are drawn forwards and backwards as necessary, along the gaps between the paving, in the directions 33, 43 and 53 as indicated in Figures 3, 4 and 5. As with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cleaning operation may be performed by a worker standing up. Using this method and apparatus, moss and weeds may be removed from the gaps between the paving in a quick and efficient manner.

Figures 6 and 7 show front and side views respectively of another brushtype cleaning head 60, in which the bristles 64 (again preferably wire) are arranged such that their tips provide a flat cleaning surface. This brush head is particularly suited to cleaning the tops of joints between paving slabs or blocks. As with the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the head 60 comprises a support member 62 into which the bristles 64 are located, and attachment means 66 for attachment of a handle. The head 60 may be interchangeably attached to or detached from a handle; or alternatively may be integral with, or permanently joined to, a handle.

The footprint of the cleaning head 60 is substantially rectangular, and it should be noted that its length when viewed from the side (as shown in Figure 7) is longer than its width as viewed from the front (as shown in Figure 6). It is intended that the elongate dimension of the brush head be aligned with the direction of travel 63 in use. This is to enable the worker to clean over a narrow (but relatively long) joint in an efficient manner: The brush is drawn forwards or backwards in direction 63, along the surface of the joint, with the joint being aligned with the direction of travel 63.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate additional cleaning heads which may be interchangeably attached to or detached from a handle as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of a metal tool 80, having a hook-like cleaning member 82 and attachment means 84 by which the tool 80 may be attached to a handle. The cleaning member 82 is suitable for cleaning weeds, moss or dirt from deep crevices between paving slabs or blocks.

JO Figure 9 illustrates a front view of a flat metal scraper 90, having a cleaning member 92 and attachment means 94 by which the scraper 90 may be attached to a handle. This tool 90 is suitable for scraping moss, weeds or dirt from the surface of paving slabs or blocks.

Figure 10 illustrates a handle 100 that may be used with the heads shown in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive. The shaft 102 may be formed from tubular metal (e.g. steel), or from a rod or pole of another suitable material (e. g. wood). As shown in Figure 10, a grip region 104 may be formed at the top of the shaft 102, angled relative to the shaft 102, to facilitate use. The grip region 104 may be provided with a rubber grip. Alternatively, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the surface of the grip region 104 may be textured, knurled or ridged in order to enhance grip by a user. The end 106 of the handle 100 may be provided with a thread or some other coupling, to engage with a corresponding coupling on the tool heads previously described.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate examples of assembled cleaning tools, ready for use. In Figure 11, the conical brush cleaning head 40 of Figure 4 has been attached to the handle 100 of Figure 11. In Figure 12 the metal hook-like tool 80 of Figure 8 has been attached to the handle 100. To illustrate possible ways in which cleaning heads may be attached to the handle, in Figure 11 the handle 100 passes inside the attachment means 48 of the tool 40 (e.g. the handle may be screwed into a threaded hole). In Figure 12, on the other hand, part 84 of tool 80 is configured to locate inside the handle 100 (possibly using a threaded connection, or some other type of coupling).

Complete cleaning tools such as those shown in Figures 11 and 12, or incorporating any of the other cleaning heads as described herein, may be produced as complete articles that cannot be dismantled by the user. However, more preferably, users may be supplied with a single handle 100 and a number of interchangeable cleaning heads, such as any or all of those shown in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive. Such a kit, in which a variety of heads may be interchangeably attached to a common handle, reduces the overall weight of tools that the user needs to carry to a site, and provides the user with the means to tackle a wide variety of cleaning and maintenance tasks associated with paving.

Claims

1. A tool for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs, comprising: a tapered cleaning member for cleaning between said paving blocks or slabs; and attachment means by which a handle may be attached to said cleaning member.

2. A tool as claimed in Claim 1, wherein: said tapered cleaning member extends in a longitudinal direction and is substantially V-shaped in cross-section, the substantially V-shaped cross-section being transverse to said longitudinal direction.

3. A tool as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said tapered cleaning member comprises bristles arranged such that their tips are in a tapered formation.

4. A tool as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said bristles are arranged such that their tips are in a substantially conical formation.

5. A tool as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said bristles are arranged such that their tips are in a substantially frustoconical formation.

6. A tool as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said bristles are arranged such that their tips are in a substantially hemispherical formation.

7. A tool as claimed in any of Claims 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein said bristles are wire.

8. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a handle.

9. A tool as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said handle is of a length such that the tool may be used by a user in a standing position.

10. A tool as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein said attachment means is angled such that the handle extends from said cleaning member at an acute angle.

11. A tool as claimed in any of Claims 8, 9 or 10 when dependent on Claim 2, wherein said handle is coplanar with said longitudinal direction and the direction in which said substantially V-shaped cleaning member points.

12. A tool for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs, comprising: a tapered cleaning member for cleaning between said paving blocks or slabs; and a handle extending from said cleaning member, said handle being of a length such that the tool may be used by a user in a standing position.

13. A tool as claimed in Claim 12, wherein: said tapered cleaning member extends in a longitudinal direction and is substantially V-shaped in cross-section, the substantially V-shaped cross-section being transverse to said longitudinal direction.

14. A tool as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said tapered cleaning member comprises bristles arranged such that their tips are in a tapered formation.

15. A tool as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said bristles are arranged such that their tips are in a substantially conical formation.

16. A tool as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said bristles are arranged such that their tips are in a substantially frustoconical formation.

17. A tool as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said bristles are arranged such that their tips are in a substantially hemispherical formation.

18. A tool as claimed in any of Claims 14, 15, 16 or 17, wherein said bristles are made of wire.

19. A kit of apparatus for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs, said kit comprising: a handle; and one or more tools as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, said one or more tools being attachable to and detachable from said handle, forming an assembled tool when attached.

20. A kit as claimed in Claim 19, wherein said handle is of such a length such that an assembled tool may be used by a user in a standing position.

21. A kit as claimed in Claim 19 or Claim 20, wherein said one or more tools comprise handle attachment means configured such that, once the handle is attached, the handle extends from the tool at an acute angle.

22. A kit as claimed in any of Claims 19, 20 or 21, further comprising a further tool, said further tool being attachable to and detachable from said handle, said further tool comprising bristles arranged such that their tips are in a substantially flat formation.

23. A kit as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 22, further comprising a further tool, said further tool being attachable to and detachable from said handle, said further tool having a scraping head.

to

24. A kit as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 23, further comprising a further tool, said further tool being attachable to and detachable from said handle, said further tool having a hook-like head.

25. A method of cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs, said method being performed by an operative whilst standing, said method comprising: pushing or pulling a tapered cleaning member between said paving blocks or slabs, said tapered cleaning member being coupled to a handle of a length such that the tool may be used by the operative in a standing position.

26. A method as claimed in Claim 25, further comprising the operative attaching to or detaching from said handle one of a plurality of alternative cleaning members.

27. A tool for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

28. A kit of apparatus for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

29. A method for cleaning weeds or moss from between paving blocks or slabs substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.