This invention relates to dry cleaning tools, such as brooms, dust mops, hand held dusters, and web dusters.
In one example, the present invention relates to a cleaning tool comprising a main body and a cleaning implement connected to the main body. The main body is configured to receive and retain an air freshener.
In another example, the present invention relates to a cleaning tool kit comprising a main body, a cleaning implement, and an air freshener.
In another example, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a cleaning tool. The method comprises the steps of: securing a cleaning implement to a main body; and securing an air freshener to the main body.
Referring to
Referring to
Neck 30 is generally cylindrical and extends from side surface 36 in a direction generally perpendicular to bottom surface 28. In this example, the height H2 of main body 20 from the top of neck 30 to bottom surface 28 is approximately 4.736 inches. Threaded opening 32 is formed in neck 30 and is adapted to receive threaded end 54 of plug 50 (see
Opening 22 is formed within the interior of main body 22 and allows air to pass through main body 22 with cleaning tool 10 is in motion. Frame 24 is formed within opening 22 and generally extends between bottom surface 28 and side surfaces 36, 38. Referring specifically to
Tabs 42 are formed at the periphery of cavity 34, extend into cavity 34, and are used to retain air freshener 44 within cavity 34 of main body 20 through an interference fit. Alternatively, many other well known methods could be used to retain air freshener 44 within cavity 34 as well. Hole 26 is formed in frame 24 of body 20 and is positioned to provide air flow through hole 26 and over air freshener 44 when main body 20 is in motion. Therefore, when cleaning tool 10 is in use and main body 20 is in motion, air flows through hole 26 and over air freshener 44 to disburse the air freshener scent into the air while simultaneously while cleaning. The number, size, and position of the hole(s) used will depend on the type and size of the main body 20, the size of the air freshener, and the intended use.
Referring again to
In this example, handle 40 is tubular and has an outer diameter of approximately 0.827 inches and a wall thickness of approximately 0.012 inches. It is made of full hard, cold rolled, low carbon, powder coated steel having a hardness of approximately 85-95 on the Rockwell B scale. Alternatively, handle 40 could be made of any desired material and in any geometry that suits the indented purpose.
Handle 40 is secured to main body 20 through plug 50, which is generally cylindrical and could be made from copolymer polypropylene (CPPP). End 52 of plug 50 is connected to one end handle 40 by press fitting end 52 into the end of handle 40 and crimping handle 40 to secure plug 50 in place. End 54 of plug 50 has a threaded surface that can engage threaded opening 32 in main body 20, thereby connecting handle 40 to main body 20. Alternatively, rather than being removably connected to main body 20, handle 40 could be permanently connected to main body 20 through any well known means or could be made integral with main body 20. In addition, depending on the type of tool, cleaning tool 10 may not have a handle at all.
In this example, grip 48 is also secured on one end of handle 40, opposite plug 50, to provide a comfortable handling surface for a user. Grip 48 has a generally cylindrical shape, is approximately 5.75 inches long, 0.95 inches in diameter, and has a swivel cap 49 that allows cleaning tool 10 to be hung up and stored. Grip 48 can be press fit onto handle 40, secured with an adhesive or screws, or connected to handle 40 in any other well known manner and can be made of any geometry and any material suitable for the intended purpose. Alternatively, depending on the type of tool and the intended uses, grip 48 may not be required. In this example, the length of the handle assembly from the tip of swivel cap 49 to the end of plug 50 is approximately 44 inches.
In addition, the various components of cleaning tool 10 could be sold together in various combinations. For example, a main body, cleaning implement, and air freshener could be sold together. The cleaning implement could be integral to the main body as described above in the case of a broom or the cleaning implement could be removably connected to the main body as in the case of a web duster. Similarly, the air freshener could be integral to the main body or could be replaceable and removably connected to the main body. Furthermore, a handle could also be sold together with the other components. Again, the handle could be integral to the main body or could be removably connected to the main body as described above.
Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to one example embodiment thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions, and additions in the form and detail thereof may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.