US20180070717A1

US20180070717A1 - Slim broom

Info

Publication number: US20180070717A1
Application number: US15/263,595
Authority: US
Inventors: Bhavna Menda; Igor Chak
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Menda Bhavna
Priority date: 2016-09-13
Filing date: 2016-09-13
Publication date: 2018-03-15

Abstract

A slim broom includes a planar body having a planar handle extending from an elongated linear shape into an elongated brush attachment with a brush planar profile; and brush thistles fitting into the planar profile attached to one end of the brush attachment.

Description

BACKGROUND AND RELEVANT ART

The present system relates to a slim broom.
A broom is a cleaning tool consisting of usually stiff fibers (often made of materials such as plastic, hair, or corn husks) attached to, and roughly parallel to, a cylindrical handle, the broomstick. It is thus a variety of brush with a long handle. It is commonly used in combination with a dustpan.
In many Asian countries, however, brooms are not always made of stiff fibers, as there is often a distinction between a “hard broom” and a “soft broom”. Soft brooms are made for sweeping the walls of cob webs and spiders, and are very important for that reason. Hard brooms are made for the harder job of actually sweeping dirt off sidewalks.
Cleaning services are required in almost every building. The ability to keep a building (or any given area) clean contributes not only to cleanliness, but also to safety. Removing trash, dirt and other debris is therefore scheduled with regularity. However, there are many situations where the ability to clean is hampered by the environment. Many buildings (e.g., a warehouse) include a significant amount of storage space. Many types of shelving or storage area designs, unfortunately, make cleaning difficult. In particular, the structure of the shelving or storage may hinder the ability to properly clean the area underneath the shelving or storage.
Racks are an example of shelving that are difficult to clean under. These racks are often large and deep. Cleaning underneath the racks manually is difficult because a person often cannot see beneath the racks and often cannot reach far enough underneath the racks to clean properly. In fact, the trash, dirt, or other debris (“trash”) may simply be pushed further underneath the racks. Over time, the trash accumulates and becomes a source of concern. For example, the accumulated trash may present a fire hazard. Similarly, in narrow crevices where shelves are stacked together it may be difficult if not impossible for conventional brooms to sweep debris out of. Objects that inadvertently fall into these narrow spaces are lost and cannot be retrieved.
Moving the racks or other shelving or storage is often impractical because the shelves are usually loaded or are simply too big or are mounted in manner that prevents movement. Regardless of the reason, it is simply inconvenient or too costly to rearrange the racks as well as the items stored on the racks in order to clean underneath them.
Further, the racks often have a relatively low clearance from the floor. The low clearance further complicates efforts to clean underneath the racks or similar types of shelving. As a result, there is a need for systems and methods that have the ability to clean in areas that are difficult to access.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the at least some of the advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a slim broom.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the slim broom with a region to be shown in more detail in FIG. 8.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the slim broom.

FIG. 4 shows a left side view of the slim broom.

FIG. 5 shows a right side view of the slim broom.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the slim broom.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the slim broom.

FIG. 8 shows in more details an enlarged front view of the thistles of the broom.

FIG. 9 shows in more details an enlarged bottom view of thistles in the broom of FIG. 7.

SUMMARY

A slim broom includes a planar body having a planar handle extending from an elongated linear shape into an elongated brush attachment with a brush planar profile; and brush thistles fitting into the planar profile attached to one end of the brush attachment.
Advantages of the broom may include one or more of the following. The cleaning device/broom has a low profile or a low height that enables the broom as a cleaning device to maneuver and clean beneath various structures such as racks or shelving. The flat profile also enables the broom to access narrow openings via which debris may have fallen. The other advantage of the flat profile is it eases storage in tight spaces. The height and width may be configured such that embodiments can be accommodated in the space available underneath storage such as shelving or racks. Both the width and/or the height may be adjustable either manually or automatically. In addition, the dimensions of the device may be adjusted remotely in some embodiments. The low height enables the device to travel underneath, by way of example only, racks or other objects. The width enables the device to clean a swath of floor underneath the racks or objects. The slim or flat profile makes it easy to access narrow gaps for cleaning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a slim broom. The broom has a substantially planar and low profile handle 10. The shape of the handle 10 expands from an elongated linear shape into an elongated brush attachment 100 having brush thistles 110 attached to one end of the brush attachment 100.
In one embodiment, the top of the handle 10 has a suspension slot to store the broom. The suspension slot can be inserted and placed on a screw, nail, or projection from a flat surface such as a wall, among others. In another embodiment, the top of the handle 10 has a plurality of indentations, depressions, or bumps 12 to support a secure grip. Moreover, the top of the handle 10 can have a rubber or plastic sleeve that slides over the top of the handle 10 to provide comfort for the user during use.
In yet another embodiment, the brush attachment 100 has an opening or recess 102 therein. The recess 102 enables the structural support during brushing, yet reduces weight. In this embodiment, the brush attachment 100 has a triangular shape, but other shapes can be used including circular shape, trapezoidal shape, octagonal shape, or star shape, for example. In one embodiment, the thistles can form an angled edge.
In one embodiment, the broom has a stamped metal body with a plastic sleeve or handle insert at the top of the handle. In this embodiment, the brush bristles are heat pressed together. Each bristle sheet is made from a sheet of nylon or thermoplastic material or composite material. The sheet is stamp cut into a desired form with bristles being intact and part of the sheet. A brush thistle assembly can be formed with five sheets pressed together under high pressure and heat to bond with the metal frame. In one embodiment, the three inner bristle layers have a thickness of 0.5 mm and two outer layers at 0.25 mm thickness that are bonded together to form a brush. In one embodiment, the five layers have a recess at the top where the brush attachment is inserted and suitably secured using glue, screw, or any other suitable adhesives. The top of the thistle assembly has an inverted notch or V-shape that helps secure the brush attachment to the brush thistle assembly. This special layered approach to bond the thistles to form the brush enables the broom to provide strong cleaning properties while retaining the slim profile necessary for cleaning.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, one side of the thistle is longer than the other side to create an angled brush. FIG. 2 shows a front view of the slim broom with a region to be shown in more detail in FIG. 8 while FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the slim broom.
FIG. 4 shows a left side view of the slim broom while FIG. 5 shows a right side view of the slim broom. FIGS. 4-5 show that the handle 10 and the brush attachment 100 is one contiguous structure, however, the broom can be made using multiple components. This embodiment can be manufactured by stamping the shape of the brush body in one step, thus reducing manufacturing cost.
FIG. 6 shows a top view of the slim broom brush attachment 100 as connected to the handle 10. The broom is planar and can be fitted into tight spaces for storage and/or brushing. FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the slim broom. FIG. 8 shows in more details an enlarged front view of a central portion of the thistles of the broom. As can be seen, the center rows are angled. FIG. 9 shows in more details an enlarged bottom view of thistles in the broom of FIG. 7. As shown therein, inner rows are bordered by two outer rows. The inner rows have smaller thistles, while the outer rows have larger thistles. In this manner, the outer rows can pick up large debris while the inner rows work on finer dust or debris.
Embodiments of the invention relate to a cleaning device. Embodiments of the invention further relate to a low profile cleaning device that can be configured for self propelled operation and that is capable of navigating an area and for cleaning the area. Some embodiments are configured to adapt to and clean around obstacles that may be present in the area being cleaned.
Embodiments of the invention may have a low profile or a low height that enables the broom as a cleaning device to maneuver and clean beneath various structures such as racks or shelving. Embodiments also have a relatively larger width. The height and width may be configured such that embodiments can be accommodated in the space available underneath storage such as shelving or racks. Both the width and/or the height may be adjustable either manually or automatically. In addition, the dimensions of the device may be adjusted remotely in some embodiments. The low height enables the device to travel underneath, by way of example only, racks or other objects. The width enables the device to clean a swath of floor underneath the racks or objects.
The device can also be used to clean other areas and is not limited to cleaning underneath an object. In addition, the device may include jointed or hinged sections that are capable of deflecting (in one or more directions) in order to accommodate obstacles in the path of the device.
The articles “a” and “an” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to include the plural referents. Claims or descriptions that include “or” between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context.
The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention also includes embodiments in which more than one or the entire group of members is present in, employed in or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim dependent on the same base claim (or, as relevant, any other claim) unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise.
Where elements are presented as lists, (e.g., in Markush group or similar format) it is to be understood that each subgroup of the elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should be understood that, in general, where the invention, or aspects of the invention, is/are referred to as comprising particular elements, features, etc., certain embodiments of the invention or aspects of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, such elements, features, etc. For purposes of simplicity those embodiments have not in every case been specifically set forth in so many words herein. It should also be understood that any embodiment or aspect of the invention can be explicitly excluded from the claims, regardless of whether the specific exclusion is recited in the specification. The entire contents of all of the references (including literature references, issued patents and published patent applications and websites) cited throughout this application are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated, that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without departing from the invention. It is intended that the present invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.

Claims

1. A slim broom, comprising:

a planar body including a planar handle and a planar brush attachment, wherein the planar body has a continuous planar profile, wherein the handle and brush attachment comprise a stamped metal body;

brush bristles coupled with the planar body at one end of the brush attachment; and

a stack of a plurality of adjacent sheets pressed directly together at a first end of the stack that is coupled with the brush attachment, wherein each of the plurality of sheets includes a plurality of elongated cuts from a first edge of the sheet that is distal from the brush attachment towards a second edge of the sheet that is proximate to the brush attachment, wherein the elongated cuts on the plurality of sheets form the brush bristles.

2. The broom of claim 1, comprising a sleeve coupled to one end of the handle.

3. The broom of claim 2, wherein the sleeve comprises plastic or rubber material.

4. The broom of claim 1, comprising a plurality of depressions, indentations, or bumps on top of the handle to secure a grip.

5. The broom of claim 1, comprising a sleeve with grippers thereon coupled to one end of the handle.

6. The broom of claim 1, comprising an opening on one end of the handle to suspend the handle on a surface.

7. The broom of claim 5, wherein the opening fits over a screw, nail, or projection from the surface.

8. The broom of claim 5, wherein the opening comprises an oval shape, a square shape, a circular shape, or an octagon shape.

9. The broom of claim 1, wherein the brush attachment comprises an opening or recess therein, wherein the shape of the opening or recess is similar to the shape of the brush attachment.

10. The broom of claim 1, wherein the brush attachment comprises a hollowed structure providing structural support during brushing with reduced weight.

11. The broom of claim 1, wherein the brush attachment comprises a triangular shape, a circular shape, a trapezoidal shape, an octagonal shape, or a star shape.

12. The broom of claim 1, wherein the handle and the brush attachment comprise one contiguous structure.

13. The broom of claim 1, wherein the handle and brush attachment comprise multiple components secured together.

14. The broom of claim 1, wherein the bristles have different heights to form an angled brush.

15. The broom of claim 1, wherein the bristles are attached to the brush attachment in rows.

16. The broom of claim 15, wherein the rows are angled.

17. The broom of claim 1, comprising a row of large bristles on either sides of rows of thin bristles.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The broom of claim 1, comprising a brush bristle assembly with an inverted notch or V-shape to secure the brush attachment to the brush bristle assembly.

21. The broom of claim 18, wherein the stack of the plurality of sheets substantially fit with the continuous planar profile, and wherein a first portion of the sheets is coupled to a first side of the brush attachment and a second portion of the sheets is coupled to a second side of the brush attachment.