US20130112846A1

US20130112846A1 - Broom rest and/or broom holder

Info

Publication number: US20130112846A1
Application number: US13/663,400
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephanie JAMES
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-28
Filing date: 2012-10-29
Publication date: 2013-05-09

Abstract

A broom holder, which includes a base portion and a receiving portion having a groove therein, which receives a handle of a broom and/or the like within the groove. The base portion includes a base plate having a generally flat and/or planar surface, which provides a surface upon which the broom holder rests against a vertical surface and/or wall, and wherein the base plate has a curvature thereto.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This claims priority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 61/552,588, filed Oct. 28, 2011, and U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 61/552,577, filed Oct. 28, 2011, the entire content of each is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a broom holder, and more particularly, to a broom holder and/or broom rest, which provides support and prevents a broom handle from sliding and/or slipping off a wall or vertical surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Broom and other like devices, typically include a cylindrical handle, which assists the user with maneuvering the head of the device. The head of the broom generally includes a plurality of stiff fibers, which are used to push and sweep dirt, dust and the like.
Most users of brooms will often rest their brooms against a wall and/or vertical surface when not in use. For example, during cleaning of rooms, garages, patios, etc., upon moving furniture and/or other items, putting trash in a receptacle, and other activities, the user of the broom will often rest the broom against the wall. However, often, the brooms will slide and/or slip off the wall falling to the ground. The user must then bend over and pick up the broom.
Furthermore, users of brooms often store their brooms in a closet and in a broom rack or broom holder, which applies pressure and/or claps around the cylindrical handle of the broom. If one does not have a broom closet and/or a broom rack, brooms are often stored against a wall and/or vertical surface. However, with the cylindrical handle, brooms often slide and/or slip off the wall and/or vertical surface. In addition to brooms, other devices having handles including mops, Swiffer®, shovels, and/or rakes have handles, often slide or slip off walls and/or vertical surfaces.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a device or broom holder, which fits around and/or is received around an upper portion of the broom handle, which not only assists with storage of the broom but also allows the user to rest the broom against a wall and/or vertical surface without the worry that the handle, for a cylindrical handle will slip off the wall and go crashing to the floor.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a holder comprises: a base portion, the base portion includes a base plate having a generally planar surface, which provides a surface upon which the base portion rests against a vertical surface; and a receiving portion configured to be attachable to a handle.
In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment, a method of preventing a cylindrical handle from sliding and/or slipping off a wall and/or a vertical surface comprises: placing a broom rest on an upper portion of the cylindrical handle, the broom rest comprising: a base portion; and a cylindrical receiving portion having a groove therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like within the groove; and resting the base portion against the wall and/or the vertical surface.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a broom holder comprises: a base portion; and a cylindrical loop portion having a groove therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like within the groove.
In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment, a method of preventing a cylindrical handle from sliding and/or slipping off a wall and/or a vertical surface comprises: placing a broom rest on an upper portion of the cylindrical handle, the broom rest comprising: a base portion; and a cylindrical loop portion having a groove therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like within the groove; and resting the base portion against the wall and/or the vertical surface.
The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a broom holder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a broom holder in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a broom holder in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show side views of the broom holder in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 6-8 show perspective views of the broom holder in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 9-12 show perspective views of a broom holder in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a broom holder in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of broom holder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows another perspective view of the broom holder of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a further perspective view of the broom holder of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a broom holder and/or broom rest 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the broom holder or holder 100 includes a base portion 110, and a receiving portion 120 having a groove (or slot) 122 therein, which for example, receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like (not shown) within the groove or slot 122. The base portion 110 includes a base plate 112 having a generally flat and/or planar surface, which is on an opposite surface of the receiving portion 120, and which provides a surface upon which the broom holder rests against a vertical surface and/or wall. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion 120 has a generally cylindrical curvature thereto. For example, the groove or slot 122 is configured to receive a cylindrical handle or a broom handle 10.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion 120 is a cylindrical receiving portion having a length of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical receiving portion 120 has a generally cylindrical curvature thereto, and is configured to receive a broom handle and/or other cylindrical handle 10. It can be appreciated that the broom holder and/or broom rest is for example, is configured to receive a cylindrical handle 10. In addition, the cylindrical receiving portion 120 provides the broom holder and/or broom rest 100 the ability to accommodate handles 10 of various sizes and shapes. However in accordance with an alternative embodiment, different sized and/or shaped handles, for example, ovals and rectangular configurations can also fit within the receiving portion 120 by altering and/or changing the shape of the receiving portion 120.
The broom holder 100 can also include an angular section 130, which extends from a lower portion 124 of the cylindrical receiving portion 124 to an upper portion 114 of the base portion 110. The angular section 130 has a greater height on one end 132 than on an opposite end 134.
The broom holder 100 is preferably a strip of rubber like material, which extends around and over the cylindrical handle of the broom of the like. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical receiving portion has a generally smooth inner surface, which fits around the cylindrical handle of a broom. The inner surface of the cylindrical receiving portion forms a cylindrical inner area, which is configured to receive a cylindrical handle. The broom handle also includes an angular member, which fits between the cylindrical receiving portion and the base portion and includes a front end and a back end, wherein the front end of the angular member is lower than the back end of the angular member, such that the broom holder 100 has a wedge shape thereto.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the broom holder 100 is preferably manufactured from a rubber-like material, including silicone rubber, polyurethane and other similar materials. However, it can be appreciated that any type of rubber like material can be used. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the broom holder and/or broom rest 100 is manufactured from a material, which adheres and/or sticks to the wall and/or vertical surface. For example, the broom holder or broom rest is preferably made of a slip resistant material having a low durometer, for example, a material having a durometer of approximately 10 to 30, and for example, a material having a durometer of approximately 20.
As shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the base plate of the broom holder 100 is approximately 0.5 to 2.0 inches by 0.5 to 2.0 inches. The cylindrical receiving portion provides the broom holder with the ability and means of receiving broom handles and/or other members having a diameter of 0.25 to 3 inches for a standard broom holder 100, and can be designed to accommodate broom handles and/or other members of any diameter. The measurements and sizes as shown in FIG. 1 is only exemplary embodiments, and depending on the size including diameter of the cylindrical handle that for certain broom-like devices and/or cylindrical handles that the exemplary sizes and diameters can be varied to accommodate different size handles. It also can be appreciated that the broom holder is not limited to use with brooms and the like, but can be applied to any handle, for example, cylindrical handles, which is stored and/or during use rests against a wall and/or vertical surface. For example, the cylindrical handle 10 can be attached to a mop or a dust mop, a Swiffer®, a rake, a shovel, a pole, and/or an axe.
FIGS. 2 and 3 show a side view of a broom holder 200 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the broom holder 200 includes a base portion 210, and a cylindrical receiving portion 220 having a groove 222 therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like 10 within the groove 222. The base portion 210 includes a base plate 212 having a curvature thereto with a generally flat and/or planar surface 214, which provides a surface upon which the broom holder 100 rests against a vertical surface and/or wall. The base plate 212 preferably extends outward from a lower portion of the cylindrical receiving portion 220 of the broom holder 200. An extender or plate-like member 216 extends perpendicular to the base plate 212 and the cylindrical receiving portion 220 to provide support for the broom holder 200 during use. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical receiving portion 220 has a generally cylindrical curvature thereto. The groove 222 is configured to receive a broom handle and/or other cylindrical handle 10.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show side views of the broom holder 200 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base plate 212 having a curvature thereto allows the broom holder 200 to be positioned anywhere along the handle 10 of the broom and/or other device without affecting the ability of the broom holder 200 to accommodate or support the broom or broom-like device along a wall or other surface.
FIGS. 6-8 show perspective views of the broom holder 200 as shown in FIGS. 2-5. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the broom holder 200 includes a base portion 210, and a cylindrical receiving portion 220 having a groove 222 therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like (not shown) within the groove. The base portion 210 includes a base plate 212 having a curvature thereto with a generally flat and/or planar surface 214, which provides a surface upon which the broom holder rests against a vertical surface and/or wall. The base plate 212 preferably extends outward from a lower portion of the cylindrical receiving portion 220 of the broom holder 200.
FIGS. 9-12 show perspective views of a broom holder 300 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 9-12, the broom holder 300 includes a base portion 310, and a cylindrical receiving portion 320 having a fastening device 322 therein, which attaches the broom holder 300 to a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like 10. The base portion 310 includes a base plate 312 having a curvature thereto with a generally flat and/or planar surface 314, which provides a surface upon which the broom holder rests against a vertical surface and/or wall. The base plate 312 preferably extends outward from a lower portion of the cylindrical receiving portion 320 of the broom holder 300.
As shown in FIGS. 9-12, the broom holder 300 includes a fastening device 322, for example, a male portion that securely fits with a female portion of the broom or handle like device 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the broom holder 400 can be configured to receive a fastening device or male portion 12 that extends outward from the handle of the broom or cylindrical 10, and which securely fits within a female portion 422 of the broom holder 400. As shown, the base portion 410 includes a base plate 412 having a curvature thereto with a generally flat and/or planar surface 414, which provides a surface upon which the broom holder rests against a vertical surface and/or wall. The base plate 412 preferably extends outward from a lower portion of the cylindrical receiving portion 420 of the broom holder 400.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the broom holder 300, 400, as shown in FIGS. 9-13, the cylindrical receiving portion 320, 420 can be configured to have a relatively planar or flat surface, which attaches to or is fixed to a handle having a non-cylindrical configuration. For example, if the handle 10 has a relatively rectangular or square shape, the receiving portion 320, 420 has a corresponding configuration to attach or be fixed to the handle 10.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the broom holder 100, 200, 300, 400 can be attached to the handle of a broom or the like 10, with the use of Velcro® attachments and/or a loop and hook type attachment. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, glue, epoxy, and/or screws can also be used to secure the broom holder 100, 200, 300, 400 to the handle of the broom 10. In another exemplary embodiment, a variation of the male portion/female portion can be used where the male portion is a wing shaped device that slidably receives a corresponding female portion that slides over the wing shaped male portion so that broom attachment is slidably secured to the broom by simply sliding the female portion over the male portion.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the broom holder 100, 200, 300, 400 can be configured to fit over an end of the handle 10 of a broom. For example, rather than having a cylindrical receiving portion having a groove therein, the broom holder 100, 200, 300, 400 can have a cylindrical portion, which fits over the end of the broom handle.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a method of preventing a cylindrical handle from sliding and/or slipping off a wall and/or a vertical surface is described herein. The method includes placing a broom rest on an upper portion of the cylindrical handle, the broom rest comprising a base portion, and a cylindrical receiving portion having a groove therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like within the groove. The broom holder or broom rest is configured to slide over and around an upper portion of the handle of the broom and can be easily maneuvered to a location along the broom handle by the user as result of the flexible nature of the rubber like material. It can be appreciated that since the broom holder or broom rest is made of rubber-like material, which adheres or sticks to a wall and/or vertical surface, the broom holder and/or broom rest 100, 200, 300, 400 also is configured such that it will not slide or slip off the handle or stick portion of the broom once it is placed at a desired location.
FIGS. 14-16 show a series of perspective views of broom holder and/or broom rest 500 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the broom holder 500 includes a base portion 510, and a cylindrical loop portion 520 having a groove 522 therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like (not shown) within the groove. The base portion 510 includes a base plate 512 having a generally flat and/or planar surface, which is on an opposite surface of the cylindrical loop portion 520, and which provides a surface upon which the broom holder rests against a vertical surface and/or wall. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical loop portion 520 has a generally cylindrical curvature thereto. The groove is configured to receive a broom handle and/or other cylindrical handle.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical loop portion 520 comprises approximately 0.75 to 1.5 loops. For example, the cylindrical loop portion 520 of the broom holder has a length of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches.
The broom holder 500 can also include an angular section 530, which extends from a lower portion 524 of the cylindrical loop portion 520 to an upper portion 514 of the base portion 510. As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the cylindrical loop portion 520 has a pair of ends (or overlapping arms) 526, 527. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical loop portion 520 has a greater thickness on a lower portion 528 thereof as compared to each end of the pair of ends (or overlapping arms) 526, 527 of the cylindrical loop portion 520. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the pair of ends (or overlapping arms) 526, 527 overlap one another. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the angular section 530 has a greater height on one end 532 than on an opposite end 534.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical loop portion 520 has a generally cylindrical curvature thereto, and is configured to receive a broom handle and/or other cylindrical handle. It can be appreciated that the broom holder and/or broom rest is preferably configured to receive a cylindrical handle, however, other shapes such as ovals, etc. can also fit within the cylindrical loop portion by merely altering and/or changing the shape of the cylindrical loop portion. In addition, the cylindrical loop portion provides the broom holder and/or broom rest 500 to accommodate handles of various sizes and shapes.
The broom holder 500 is preferably a strip of rubber like material, which extends around and over the cylindrical handle of the broom of the like. The cylindrical loop portion has a generally smooth inner surface, which fits around the cylindrical handle of a broom. The inner surface of the cylindrical loop portion forms a cylindrical inner area, which is configured to receive a cylindrical handle. The broom handle also includes an angular member which fits between the cylindrical loop portion and the base portion and includes a front end and a back end, wherein the front end of the angular member is lower than the back end of the angular member, such that the broom holder 500 has a wedge shape thereto.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the broom holder 500 is preferably manufactured from a rubber-like material, including silicone rubber, polyurethane and other similar materials. However, it can be appreciated that any type of rubber like material can be used. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the broom holder and/or broom rest 500 is manufactured from a material, which adheres and/or sticks to the wall and/or vertical surface. For example, the broom holder or broom rest 500 is preferably made of a slip resistant material having a low durometer, for example, a material having a durometer of approximately 10 to 30, and more preferably having a durometer of approximately 20.
As shown in FIGS. 14-16, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the base plate of the broom holder 500 is approximately 0.5 to 2.0 inches by 0.5 to 2.0 inches. The cylindrical loop portion provides the broom holder 500 with the ability and means of receiving broom handles and/or other members having a diameter of 0.25 to 3 inches for a standard broom holder 500, and can be designed to accommodate broom handles and/or other members of any diameter. The measurements and sizes as shown in FIGS. 14-16 are only exemplary embodiments, and depending on the size including diameter of the cylindrical handle that for certain broom-like devices and/or cylindrical handles that the exemplary sizes and diameters can be varied to accommodate different size handles.
It also can be appreciated that the broom holder 500 is not limited to use with brooms and the like, but can be applied to any cylindrical handle, which is stored and/or during use rests against a wall and/or vertical surface. Examples of other types of handles include not only brooms, but also, mops and/or canes. In addition, the broom holder 500 can be permanently affixed or attached to the handle of a broom or the like. For example, the broom holder 500 can include a means to permanently affix or attach the broom holder 500 to the handle via any suitable fasteners and/or devices which permanently affixes or attaches the device together. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the means to permanently affix the broom holder 500 to the handle of the broom or mop is a plug or portion, which extends outward into a corresponding hole or space within the handle of the broom or mop.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method of preventing a cylindrical handle from sliding and/or slipping off a wall and/or a vertical surface is described herein. The method includes placing a broom rest on an upper portion of the cylindrical handle, the broom rest comprising a base portion, and a cylindrical loop portion having a groove therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like within the groove. The broom holder or broom rest is configured to slide over and around an upper portion of the handle of the broom and can be easily maneuvered to a location along the broom handle by the user as result of the flexible nature of the rubber like material. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the larger portion of the wedge is placed lower on the handle with the small portion of the wedge positioned towards the end (i.e., handle end) of the broom stick. It can be appreciated that since the broom holder or broom rest is made of rubber-like material, which adheres or sticks to a wall and/or vertical surface, the broom holder and/or broom rest 500 also is configured such that it will not slide or slip off the handle or stick portion of the broom once it is placed at a desired location.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the holder 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, can be configured with a receiving portion 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, which receives handles 10 having different configurations including ovals and rectangular configurations by altering and/or changing the shape of the receiving portion 120. In addition, the use of the holder 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is not limited to brooms and can be applied to any device having a cylindrical handle, a rectangular handle, and/or an oval shaped handle.
It will be understood that the foregoing description is of the preferred embodiments, and is, therefore, merely representative of the article and methods of manufacturing the same. It can be appreciated that many variations and modifications of the different embodiments in light of the above teachings will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the articles and methods as set forth in the attached claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A holder comprising:

a base portion, the base portion includes a base plate having a generally planar surface, which provides a surface upon which the base portion rests against a vertical surface; and

a receiving portion configured to be attachable to a handle.

2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the receiving portion has a cylindrical groove therein.

3. The holder of claim 1, wherein the base plate has a curvature thereto.

4. The holder of claim 3, comprising:

a support plate, which extends from the receiving portion to the base portion.

5. The holder of claim 1, wherein the receiving portion has a generally cylindrical curvature thereto.

6. The holder of claim 2, wherein the cylindrical groove is configured to receive a cylindrical handle.

7. The holder of claim 1, further comprising an angular section, which extends from a lower portion of the receiving portion and the base portion.

8. The holder of claim 1, wherein the angular section has a greater height on one end than on an opposite end.

9. The holder of claim 1, wherein the broom holder is fixed and/or attached to the handle of the broom and/or the like.

10. A broom holder comprising:

a base portion; and

a cylindrical loop portion having a groove therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like within the groove.

11. The broom holder of claim 10, wherein the base portion includes a base plate having a generally flat and/or planar surface, which is on an opposite surface of the loop portion, and which provides a surface upon which the broom holder rests against a vertical surface and/or wall.

12. The broom holder of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical loop portion has a generally cylindrical curvature thereto.

13. The broom holder of claim 10, comprising:

an angular section, which extends from a lower portion of the cylindrical loop portion and the base portion; and

14. The broom holder of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical loop portion has a pair of ends.

15. The broom holder of claim 14, wherein the cylindrical loop portion has a greater thickness on a lower portion thereof as compared to each end of the pair of ends of the cylindrical loop portion.

16. The broom holder of claim 14, wherein the pair of ends overlap one another.

17. The broom holder of claim 10, wherein the angular section has a greater height on one end than on an opposite end.

18. A method of preventing a cylindrical handle from sliding and/or slipping off a wall and/or a vertical surface comprising:

placing a broom rest on an upper portion of the cylindrical handle, the broom rest comprising:

a base portion; and

a cylindrical receiving portion having a groove therein, which receives a cylindrical handle of a broom and/or the like within the groove; and

resting the base portion against the wall and/or the vertical surface.