An exemplary apparatus embodiment comprises a broom apparatus having at least two sides, at least one side having an attached cloth for sweeping, dusting, etc.
A broom is generally used to sweep dust, dirt, debris, etc. For example, debris may be swept into a dustpan, and then disposed of. Regardless of how the broom is used, it is generally intended to move debris from one location to another, not pick up the debris. In contrast, a cloth (e.g., micro-fiber) may be used to pick up dust and other small particles (for example, what a broom may miss) and also may have some static properties to help with dust collection. Both broom and micro-fiber may be used on a variety of surfaces.
However, at present, in order to have the advantages of each, a user needs to have both a standard broom and a duster (e.g., micro-fiber dustmop). For apartment dwellers in particular, who place a premium on space, this is problematic.
An exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: (a) a handle; and (b) a body connected to the handle via a rotatable joint; the body comprising a bristle component on a first side and a cloth component on a second side, the bristle component comprising a plurality of broom bristles and the cloth component configured to accept one or more cloths, the body rotatable with respect to the handle, via a rotatable joint, between a first position and a second position, the first position placing the plurality of broom bristles in contact with a floor surface, and the second position placing the one or more cloths in contact with the floor surface.
In one or more exemplary embodiments: (1) the body comprises a pressure fitting for retaining the body in the first position; (2) the joint is a universal joint; (3) the cloth component comprises a hook-and-loop fastener surface for holding a cloth; (4) the cloth component is configured to retain a micro-fiber cloth; (5) the handle comprises a broom stopper slidable along a length of the handle and operable to support the apparatus adjacent to a flat surface; (6) the handle has an oval cross section; (7) the cloth component comprises a pad; (8) the plurality of bristles are flagged bristles; and (9) the plurality of bristles are unflagged bristles.
One or more method embodiments comprise: (a) using an apparatus aspect or embodiment as a broom; (b) using an apparatus aspect or embodiment as a mop; and (c) using an apparatus aspect or embodiment as a broom, with the body in the first position; rotating the body from the first position to the second position; and using the apparatus as a mop, with the body in the second position.
Further aspects, details, and embodiments will be apparent from the drawings and the description below.
An exemplary embodiment is depicted in
In various exemplary embodiments: (a) cleaning cloth 150 is a microfiber cloth; and (b) when the apparatus is used as a standard bristle broom, body 130 is held in a vertical position by a pressure fit connection to handle 110 (see esp.
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The table below lists exemplary composition of certain exemplary components.
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While certain exemplary aspects and embodiments have been described herein, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, exemplary aspects and embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
For example, in order to reduce costs and/or ease manufacturing burdens, one may, without departing from the scope of the invention:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/769,873, filed Feb. 27, 2013, entitled “Multifunctional Broom Apparatus and Related Methods.” The entire contents of the above-referenced application are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61769873 | Feb 2013 | US |