DUSTPAN

Abstract

A dustpan includes a handle assembly and a pan coupled to the handle assembly. The pan has a receptacle and a yoke. The receptacle is rotatable from a first position to a second position with respect to the yoke. The yoke has a plurality of teeth formed thereon configured for engaging an inner surface of the receptacle to militate against over-rotation of the receptacle.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to a debris pan or dustpan, particularly to a wet, dry, or combination thereof dustpan.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As known, debris or dustpans are commonly used to pick up or clean up dry particles such as trash and other objects lying on a substrate such as a floor. The dustpans typically cooperate with a broom to collect the debris. Undesirably, typical dustpans may not contain certain debris and allow certain particles and liquids to spill back onto the substrate before disposal thereof. Additionally, known dustpans may swing erratically once a receptacle of the dustpan is lifted from the ground. Because the receptacle is capable of free movement without restriction, whenever a user moves the bin or decides to empty the bin, the receptacle may rotate without any control by the user. As such, inefficiency of cleaning or picking up liquid or dry particles may result.

There is continually a need to improve the efficiency and the quantity and amount of debris (whether liquid, solid, semi-liquid, or combination thereof) that can be picked up, acquired, and disposed of. However, most known dustpans still block debris from entering into a rear portion of the dustpan, do not adequately comb the debris from the broom when the broom interfaces with the dustpan, and still allow undesirably rotation of the receptacle with respect to a handle of the dustpan.

Therefore, there remains a need for an improved dustpan that is efficient and adequately combs the debris from the broom while allowing for desired rotation of the receptacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance and attuned with the present invention, an improved dustpan that is efficient and adequately combs the debris from the broom while allowing for desired rotation of the receptacle, has surprisingly been discovered.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dustpan includes a handle assembly. A pan is coupled to the handle assembly. The pan has a receptacle and a yoke. The receptacle is rotatable from a first position to a second position with respect to the yoke. The yoke has a plurality of teeth formed thereon configured for engaging an inner surface of the receptacle to militate against over-rotation of the receptacle

According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a dustpan includes a handle assembly. A pan is coupled to the handle assembly. The pan has a receptacle and a yoke. The receptacle is rotatable from a first position to a second position with respect to the yoke. The receptacle has an open end, a closed end, an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of sidewalls cooperating together to form an interior. The upper wall includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein an inner height of the receptacle at the first portion of the upper wall is less an inner height of the receptacle at the second portion of the upper wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention in the light of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a dustpan in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a bottom rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a left side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 10 is a top rear perspective view thereof showing the dustpan in a second position;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevational view thereof taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of a dustpan in a first position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a bottom rear perspective view thereof,

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view thereof,

FIG. 16 is a is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 19 is a right side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 20 is a left side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 21 is a top rear perspective view thereof showing the dustpan in a second position;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional elevational view thereof taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view thereof taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional elevational view thereof taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical.

A″ and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Spatially relative terms, such as “front,” “back,” “inner,” “outer,” “bottom,” “top,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “above,” “below,” “beneath,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

As used herein, substantially is defined as “to a considerable degree” or “proximate” or as otherwise understood by one ordinarily skilled in the art or as otherwise noted. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls. Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section.

The present disclosure relates to debris pans or dustpans. An example of a dustpan can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,343,589 and 6,282,745, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 1-11 show a dustpan 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dustpan 100 includes a handle assembly 1, a broom clip 2, and a pan 3. The handle assembly 1 is coupled to the pan 3, and the broom clip 2 is configured for coupling to the handle assembly 1.

The handle assembly 1 includes an elongate shaft 11 and grip assembly 4. The shaft 11 is formed from a metal, preferably aluminum. However, it is understood the shaft 11 can be formed from alternate materials, if desired. The shaft 11, as shown, is formed from a single continuous shaft. However, it is understood the shaft 11 can be formed from more than one portions of the shaft 11, wherein the more than one portions of the shaft 11 are telescoping or coupled together by a coupling means such as a detent system, friction fit, threads, pins, or the like. A first end 11a of the shaft 11 and a second end 11b of the shaft 11 each include a pair of tabs 14 for interfacing with the grip assembly 4 and the pan 3. (See FIG. 11). An undercut or groove 15 is formed adjacent each end 11a, 11b of the shaft 11 respectively for securement and coupling to the grip assembly 4 and the pan 3, which will be described in further detail herein below.

The shaft 11 is coupled to the grip assembly 4 formed from a grip bottom or first portion 12 and a grip top or second portion 13 coupled to the first portion 12. The grip assembly 4 can be formed from a molding process, wherein the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 are then snap-fit together. Although, the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 can be coupled by alternate means, if desired, or integrally formed. The portions 12, 13 form an interior for receiving the shaft 11. The grip assembly 4 includes an elongate section 16 configured for receiving a hand of a user and a neck portion 17 depending from the elongate section 16 at a first end of the grip assembly 4. A lip 18 is formed at an opposing second end of the grip assembly 4 for militating against a hand of the user from displacement from the grip assembly 4 and for ergonomic means. Detents 19 are formed on an inner surface of the neck portion 17. The detents 19 are configured to be received in the groove 15 of the shaft 11 at the first end 11a of the shaft 11.

To assemble the shaft 11 to the grip assembly 4, the first end 11a of the shaft 11 is inserted into the neck portion 17 by a press fit process, wherein the grip assembly 4 shrink fits to the shaft 11 after a cooling process. The detents 19 engage the groove 15 of the shaft 11 to further maintain the shaft 11 in place with the grip assembly 4.

The second end 11b of the shaft 11 is coupled to the pan 3. The pan 3 is formed by a yoke 20 rotatably coupled to a receptacle 22. The yoke 20 is directly coupled to the shaft 11 and the receptacle 22 is directly coupled to the yoke 20 and indirectly coupled to the shaft 11. The yoke 20 is substantially U-shaped and includes a plurality of teeth 24 extending outwardly from a surface thereof. The yoke 20 includes a center portion 30 having an upper surface 32, a lower surface 34, a first side surface 36, and a second side surface 38 opposite the first side surface 36.

A pair of arms 40 extend from the lower surface 34 of the center portion 30 at opposing ends of the center portion 30. A cylindrical tab 42 extends from an outer surface of each of the pair of arms 40 adjacent a distal end of the respective one of the pair of arms 40.

The teeth 24 extend from the first side surface 36 of the yoke 20 at a distance d from the first side surface 36. Advantageously, the distanced would be about between 1 inch and 1.5 inches. However, any distance could be contemplated, as desired. As shown, there are 14 of the teeth 24. However, there can be any number of the teeth 24, such as greater than 14 or fewer than 14, as desired. As shown, each of the teeth 24 have a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape with a rounded or externally filleted corner. However, it is understood each of the teeth 24 can have any cross-sectional shape as desired such as triangular, rectangular, circular or semicircular, a combination thereof or any other cross sectional shape.

An annular collar 26 extends outwardly from the second side surface 38 of the yoke 20. The collar 26 receives the second end 11b of the shaft 11. An inner surface of the collar 26 includes detents 28 formed thereon. The detents 28 are configured to be received in the groove 15 of the shaft 11 at the second end 11b of the shaft 11.

To assemble the shaft 11 to the yoke 20, the second end 11b of the shaft 11 is inserted into the collar 26 by a press fit process, wherein the receptacle 22 shrink fits to the shaft 11 after a cooling process. The detents 28 engage the groove 15 of the shaft 11 to further maintain the shaft 11 in place with the yoke 20.

The receptacle 22 includes a closed end 50, an open end 52 opposite the closed end 50, a upper wall 54, a lower wall 56, and a pair of closed sides 58 forming an interior 60. The lower wall 56 extends outwardly at a distance with respect to the closed end 50 greater than a distance the upper wall 54 extends outwardly with respect to the closed end 50. The lower wall 56 includes a substantially planar portion 61 and an inclined portion 62. The inclined portion 62 is formed on the lower wall 56 adjacent the open end 52, wherein an inner surface of the inclined portion 62 gradually tapers with respect to an inner surface of the planar portion 61 as a distance of the inclined portion 62 increases from the planar portion 61. An outer surface of the inclined portion 62 gradually angles outwardly with respect to the receptacle 22 at an angle respective to an angle of the tapering of the inner surface of the inclined portion 62.

The upper wall 54 includes a first portion 66 and a second portion 68. An outer surface of the first portion 66 is substantially planar with a minimal incline in a direction from the closed end 50 to open end 52. The second portion 68 extends outwardly from the outer surface of the upper wall 54. An inner height h₁ between the inner surface of the lower wall 56 and an inner surface of the upper wall 54 at the first portion 66 of the upper wall 54 is less than an inner height h₂ between the inner surface of the lower wall 56 and an inner surface of the upper wall 54 at the second portion 68 of the upper wall 54. Additionally, an outer height h₃ between the outer surface of the lower wall 56 and the outer surface of the upper wall 54 at the first portion 66 of the upper wall 54 is less than an outer height ha between the outer surface of the lower wall 56 and the outer surface of the upper wall 54 at the second portion 68 of the upper wall 54.

The second portion 68 of the upper wall 54 includes a U-shaped slot 74 formed therein. The U-shaped slot 74 extends from the open end 52 inwardly towards the closed end 50. The U-shaped slot 74 has a width substantially equal to a diameter of the shaft 11. It is understood, the slot 74 can have any shape as desired.

The closed end 50 includes a torque assisting portion 80 formed therein. The outer surface of the torque assisting portion 80 is recessed within the outer surface of the closed end 50. The inner surface of the torque assisting portion 80 protrudes from the inner surface of the closed end 50. The torque assisting portion 80 has s substantially rectangular cross-section taken in both a height direction and a length direction of the pan 3. The outer surface of the closed end 50 adjacent the torque assisting portion 80 includes a plurality of indentations 82 formed adjacent the torque assisting portion 80 to assist militating against rotation of the pan 3 with respect to the handle assembly 1.

Each of the pair of closed sides 58 include an aperture 84 formed therein. The apertures 84 are configured to receive a respective one of the tabs 42 of the arms 40 of the yoke 20, thus forming a detent system. The receiving of the tabs 42 within the apertures 84 facilitates securement of the yoke 20 within the receptacle 22 while permitting rotation of the arms 40 with respect to the receptacle 22, and thus rotation of the yoke 20 and the handle assembly 1 with respect to the receptacle 22.

A lip 64 frames the open end 52 and the slot 74. The lip 64 curves outwardly from the open end 52 at the ends of each of the walls 54, 56, 58 in a direction towards the closed end 52.

The dustpan 100 includes a push-and-release system 88. The push-and-release system 88 includes a protuberance 94, a biasing member 96, and an opening 92. The opening 92 is formed in the upper wall 54. As shown, the opening 92 is formed intermediate the first portion 66 of the upper wall 54 and the second portion 68 of the upper wall 54. The opening 92 is partially formed in an intermediate surface 98 connecting the first portion 66 if the upper wall 54 to the second portion 68 of the upper wall 54 and partially in the first portion 66 of the upper wall 54. The intermediate surface 98 is disposed at angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the first portion 66 of the upper wall 54. As a result, the opening 92 has a substantially V-shaped cross-section taken along a length-wise direction of the dustpan 100. However, it is understood the opening 92 can include other cross-sectional shapes or be positioned in alternate portions of the upper wall 54.

The protuberance 94 is formed on the second side surface 38 of the yoke 20 and is centrally positioned with respect to the center portion 30 of the yoke 20. The biasing member 96 is mechanically disposed within the protuberance 94 and is configured as a button that biases outwardly from an outer surface of the protuberance 94. Any biasing system such as any type of spring system, or other biasing system as contemplated, now known or later developed can be employed. The protuberance 94 is in circumferential alignment with the opening 92. When a pressure is applied to the biasing member 96, the biasing member becomes substantially planar with the outer surface of the protuberance 96. However, it is understood the biasing member 96 can be integrally formed with the protuberance 94.

The broom clip 2 has a pair of arcuate clips 2a each disposed on opposing ends of a connector 2b. A first one of the clips 2a has an inner diameter substantially equal to or less than the diameter of the shaft 11, so the first one of the clips 2a can be friction coupled to the shaft. The second one of the arcuate clips 2a is configured for a debris gathering device or for any other device, as desired.

The yoke 20 rotates between a first position as shown in FIG. 1, for example, and a second position as shown in FIG. 10. In the first position, the handle assembly 1 is position in the “locked” position, wherein the shaft 11 is positioned outwardly from and substantially perpendicular to the upper wall 54. The shaft 11, and particularly the collar 26, is received in the slot 74. The protuberance 94 is received and extends through the opening 92 and the protuberance 94 and the biasing member 96 engage a rim 97 framing the opening. The push-and-release system 88 is essentially locked and militates against rotation of the handle assembly 1 and the yoke 20 with respect to the receptacle 22. In the first position, the upper surface 32 of the yoke 20 faces the upper wall 54 of the receptacle 22 and substantially flush with the inner surface of the upper wall 54, wherein in another example, the upper surface 32 of the yoke 20 engages the upper wall 54. In the first position, the upper surface 32 of yoke is completely received within the second portion 69 of the upper wall 54. The protuberance 94 and/or biasing member 96 can include indicia 99 formed thereon such as a shape, number, letter, or combination thereof.

In the second position, the shaft 40 is aligned with the lower wall 56 and substantially perpendicular to the closed end 50. In the second position, the first side surface 36 faces the lower wall 56.

To rotate the handle assembly 1 and yoke 20 from the first position to the second position, a pressure is applied, such as by a user, to the biasing member 96 and protuberance 94 to overcome friction between the protuberance 94 and the upper wall 54. Simultaneously, pressure can be applied to handle assembly 1, such as the shaft 11 or grip assembly 4, to rotate the handle assemble 1 and the yoke 20 in a first rotational direction away from the upper wall 54 towards the lower wall 56.

To rotate the handle assembly 1 and yoke 20 from the second position to the first position, pressure is applied to the handle assembly 1 in a second rotational direction away from the lower wall 56 to towards the upper wall 54. As the protuberance 94 is being received in the opening 92 the biasing member 96 engages the upper wall 54 thus causing a pressure to be applied to the biasing member 96 to push the biasing member 96 inwardly into the protuberance 94. Wherein the biasing member 96 is integrally formed, a pressure applied to the protuberance 94 and/or biasing member overcomes a friction between the protuberance 94 and the receptacle 22 at the opening 92. Therefore, a clearance between the outer surface of the protuberance and the inner surface of the upper wall 54 is less than a distance the biasing member 96 extends from the outer surface of the protuberance 94. The inward pressing of the biasing member 96 causes the protuberance to slide through the opening 92. Once fully received in the opening 92, the protuberance 92 is locked within the opening 92 and thus the dustpan 100 to the first position.

In application, a user positions the dustpan 100 in the first position and places the pan 3 on a substrate (not shown) such as a floor, platform, ground, or the like. The user will use a broom, mop, or other debris gathering device to force debris into the receptacle 22. The inclined portion 62 facilitates receipt of the debris and containment of the debris within the receptacle. The teeth 24 are employed to engaged the debris gathering device to remove debris from the debris gathering device and place the debris into the receptacle 22.

After the desired amount of debris is received in the receptacle 22, the user then positions the dustpan 100 in the second position. The user carries the dustpan such that the closed end 50 is facing downwardly and the open end 52 is facing upwardly to militate against debris falling out of the receptacle 22. The debris can then be emptied from the receptacle such as into a garbage or bin, for example. To empty, the dustpan 100 can be in the first position, second position, or intermediate the first position or the second position. The torque assisting portion 80 can be employed to assist in rotation of the receptacle 22 with respect to the handle assembly 1 and the shaft 11 so the debris can be emptied. The grip assembly 4 can be used to translate the receptacle 22 along the substrate and carry the dustpan 100 between locations.

According to the present disclosure, certain advantages are realized. The teeth 24 are optimized for efficient and easy storage of the dustpan 100 in the second position. The configuration of the teeth 24 prevent over-rotation of the pan 4. Additionally, the present invention is ergonomically and cost effective. The dustpan 100 is easy to manufacture and mold.

Another embodiment of the disclosure is shown in FIGS. 12-24, wherein the dustpan 100 is substantially similar to the dustpan 100 of FIGS. 1-11 except the dustpan 100 of FIGS. 12-14 includes a retaining feature 210 formed in each of the closed sides 58. The retaining feature 210 is configured as a recess formed on the inner surface of each of the closed sides 58. The retaining feature 210 is configured to further contain debris, specifically wet debris and fluid within the receptacle 22.

Additionally, to militate against fluid or wet debris from exiting the receptacle 22, a retaining mouth 220 is disposed at open end 52 on the lower wall 56. The retaining mouth 220 includes a step portion 222 and a lip portion 224. The step portion 222 is integrally formed with the planar portion 61. The step portion 222 is divided into an outwardly declining incline 226 and retaining wall 228 connecting the incline 226 to the planar portion 61. The retaining surface 228 is configured as a barrier to militate against the fluid or wet debris from exiting the receptacle 22. The lip portion 224 is coupled to the outer edge of the incline 226. The lip portion 224 extends beyond the open end 50 and acts as a seal to prevent fluid from flowing beneath the receptacle 22 when in use. The lip portion 224 includes a fastener 224a and a seal 224b. The fastener 224a is configured as a clip to coupled the lip portion 224 to the step portion 220. Although, other means of coupling the lip portion 224 to the step portion 222 can be contemplated such as adhesive, integral forming, co-molding, pins, screws, or other coupling means as desired.

The dustpan 100 further includes a pair of wheels 230 rotationally coupled to the receptacle 22. The wheels 230 are coupled to the receptacle at a corner interfacing the closed end 52 to the lower wall 56. As such, the wheels 230 facilitate translation of the dustpan 100 in the first position and the second position. Additionally, in the dustpan 100 of FIGS. 12-22 the torque assisting portion 80 is disposed adjacent the upper wall 54 to assist with fluid dispensing from the receptacle 22.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

Claims

1. A dustpan comprising: a handle assembly; anda pan coupled to the handle assembly, the pan having a receptacle and a yoke, the receptacle rotatable from a first position to a second position with respect to the yoke, the yoke having a plurality of teeth formed thereon configured for engaging an inner surface of the receptacle to militate against over-rotation of the receptacle.

2. The dustpan of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a grip assembly and a shaft, the grip assembly formed from a first portion and a second portion coupled together.

3. The dustpan of claim 1, wherein the yoke is disposed entirely within the receptacle.

4. The dustpan of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the yoke is flush with an inner surface of the receptacle in the first position.

5. The dustpan of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth engage an inner surface of the receptacle in the second position.

6. The dustpan of claim 1, wherein the pan includes a push-and-release system to selectively lock the dustpan in the first position or release the dustpan into the second position.

7. The dustpan of claim 6, wherein the push-and-release system includes a protuberance formed on the yoke and an opening formed in the receptacle.

8. The dustpan of claim 7, wherein the protuberance includes a biasing member formed thereon.

9. The dustpan of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a retaining feature formed in the receptacle, the retaining feature configured to prevent fluid from exiting the receptacle.

10. The dustpan of claim 9, wherein the receptacle includes an open end and a retaining mouth formed at the open end of the receptacle, the retaining mouth including a step portion and a lip portion coupled to the step portion.

11. The dustpan of claim 1, wherein the dustpan includes a pair of wheels.

12. The dustpan of claim 1, wherein the dustpan includes a closed end and a torque assisting portion recessed in an outer surface of the closed end.

13. A dustpan comprising: a handle assembly; anda pan coupled to the handle assembly, the pan having a receptacle and a yoke, the receptacle rotatable from a first position to a second position with respect to the yoke, the receptacle having an open end, a closed end, an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of sidewalls cooperating together to form an interior, the upper wall including a first portion and a second portion, wherein an inner height of the receptacle at the first portion of the upper wall is less an inner height of the receptacle at the second portion of the upper wall.

14. The dustpan of claim 13, wherein an outer height of the receptacle at the first portion of the upper wall is less than an outer height of the receptacle at the second portion of the upper wall.

15. The dustpan of claim 13, wherein the yoke is flush with an inner surface of the receptacle in the first position.

16. The dustpan of claim 15, wherein the yoke includes a plurality of teeth formed thereon, the plurality of teeth engaging the inner surface of the receptacle in the second position.

17. The dustpan of claim 13, wherein a retaining feature is formed in at least one of the sidewalls of the receptacle, the retaining feature is a recess formed in an inner surface of the at least one of the sidewalls.

18. The dustpan of claim 13, wherein the receptacle includes a retaining mouth formed at the open end thereof, the retaining mouth including a step portion integrally formed with the lower wall of the receptacle.

19. The dustpan of claim 18, wherein a lip portion is coupled to step portion, the lip portion including a fastener and a seal, the fastener coupling the seal to the step portion.

20. The dustpan of claim 13, wherein a lip frames the open end.