Patent Grant
11771294
The invention relates generally to the field of floor care and cleaning. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to floor care tools for use in cleaning floors.
Floor care tools, such as mops, brooms, and other tools used to clean floors are used in a variety of home and commercial situations. The tools can range from brooms used to sweep up debris, to mops and other tools that are used with cleaners, such as liquid chemical solutions, in order to sanitize, disinfect, or otherwise provide a deeper clean for the floors.
Because of the variety of ways to clean floors, it may be required to have many different floor care tools. These can become costly. Furthermore, the tools, including the cleaning heads used with the tools, may need to be replaced often, as they are used frequently. The amount of tools necessary can create additional problems with storage and needing a large inventory to ensure that there are enough tools to fully clean floors, such as to meet industry cleanliness requirements. Still additional problems arise when using the tools with liquid products. For example, some tools require a liquid cleaner to be added to the floor and then spread with a tool. The application of the liquid prior to use with the tool can create hazards. When the application of the product is complete, a completely different floor care tool may be required. This can include a time consuming process of locating the next tool, storing the first, and then cleaning.
These same issues arise with other handheld tools, including but not limited to, painting or other application tools, yard tools, pool tools, and generally any other type of tool that is used in a handheld manner. The tools are specific such that it is expensive to have the right tools for each task, while also taking up space and not being as durable as desired.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved tool that is more durable, includes fewer components, reduces mess involved with liquid products, and that can include modular or universal components to reduce the number of pieces that need to be stored and kept in stock.
Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to overcome deficiencies in the art.
It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide a universal tool handle that can be attached to different tool members.
It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide a tool head, such as a floor tool head, that can be used with a variety of inserts to perform a plurality of operations, such as floor care operations.
It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide more durable tools.
These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.
According to an aspect of the invention, a universal handle for use with interchangeable tool heads is provided. Examples of suitable tool heads include but are not limited to floor care tools, painting tools, cleaning tools, material moving tools, yard tools, landscaping tools, scraping tools, and the like which can be operatively connected to the universal handle. In an embodiment, the universal handle can be attached to one or a variety of floor care tools for cleaning and taking care of a floor, such as by attaching a mop or broom thereto.
The universal handle includes an elongated, overmolded handle having first and second ends, a mounting member at the first end of the handle, and a locking system positioned at or near the second end of the handle. The locking system includes a keyed locking collar for engaging at least a first portion of the tool head, and a locking cap rotatably positioned on the handle for engaging a second portion of the tool head. The handle can also be used with a hanging system, which can include puck members mounted on a rail, to aid in storing the handle and tools such that tools are organized to reduce the amount of room for storage.
According to another aspect of the invention, a tool for use with a handle is provided. The tool includes a head member comprising a body and including first and second connection points for connecting the head member to the handle. In some embodiments, the head member further comprises an inner section capable of receiving a tool head insert or attachment, and an engaging member attachment operatively connected to the head member for selectively attaching one of a plurality of engaging members to the head member. The tool can also include additional members to provide additional features, such as a member added to allow the release of a cleaning solution to aid in the cleaning of a surface with the tool.
According to yet additional aspects of the invention, a tool assembly is provided. In an embodiment, the tool assembly is a floor care tool assembly for use with cleaning floors. The assembly includes a universal handle comprising an elongated, overmolded handle having first and second ends, and a locking system positioned at or near the second end of the handle, the locking system comprising a keyed locking collar for engaging at least a first portion of the tools and a locking cap rotatably positioned on the handle for engaging a second portion of the tool, and a tool operatively attached to the universal handle. In embodiments, the tool comprises a head member comprising a body and including first and second connection points for connecting the head member to the universal handle. The tool can further include an engaging member attachment operatively connected to the head member for selectively attaching one of a plurality of engaging members to the head member.
Additional aspects of the assembly can include a mounting member positioned at or near the first end of the universal handle and configured to be mounted into a mounting puck for storage.
Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figures represented herein are not limitations to the various embodiments according to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustration of the invention.
The invention is directed towards a variety of cleaning and/or care tools that provide greater durability and wider use than those previously in the market. According to some aspects of the disclosure, the tools provide increased durability including a replaceable insert design. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that various types of tools, including floor care tools, can be used and are intended to be included as part of the invention. For example, the general concepts and aspects of the invention can be used with floor care tools including push brooms, squeegees, angle brooms, deck brushes, mops, combinations, and the like. It should be appreciated, while specific bristles and types of brushes may not be included in all of the figures of the invention, the inventions provide a modular and/or generally universal type of floor care handle and tool head such that the different types of floor care tools could be swapped out with one another to account for varying intended uses of the tools. Therefore, as will be appreciated, the invention provides, according to at least some aspects, a generally universal type of floor care tool in which an insert can be swapped out of a floor care tool head, such as to provide increased use of a product, while decreasing the amount of space needed to store the different tools.
Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the disclosure contemplates that the various handles of the disclosure be interchangeable with tools and/or tool heads in general. As will be understood, the tools attached to the handle of the disclosure need not be used only for floor care. Many applications and tools can be considered to be part of the disclosure. Such other applications include, but are not limited to, cleaning, painting, scraping, application processes, removal processes, material moving (e.g., shoveling), yard tools, landscaping tools, and the like, which can be operatively connected to the various handles of the disclosure in order to aid in the selected application associated with the tool head attached to the handle. As will be understood, the handle of the disclosure will provide a near universal and improved connecting system to allow for the tools to be used in confidence with said handle.
Therefore,
The handle 12 is shown in various stages in
The overmolding process also includes an overmolded section of a mounting member 20, which is positioned generally at the first end 16 of the handle 12. The mounting member 20, shown in greater detail in
Positioned generally at or near the second end 18 of the handle 12 is a locking system 22 for at least temporarily affixing the handle 12 to one of the tools included and/or referenced in the invention. The locking system 22 includes a keyed locking collar 24 and locking cap 30. The keyed locking collar 24 is positioned at least partially surrounding the elongate portion of the handle 12. As shown in
Furthermore, while only one detent is shown in
Additional aspects of the keyed locking collar 24 include grooves 28 positioned around. The grooves are configured to correspond with an overlapping locking cap 30, as will be understood, in order to allow for the locking cap 30 to rotate relative to the locking collar 24 without the locking collar being required to move itself. As shown in
The locking cap 30 is then positioned at least partially surrounding both the elongate shaft of the handle 12 and at least a portion of the locking collar 24. The locking cap 30 can include first and second portions 31, 32, which are joined together to surround portions of both the shaft of the handle 12 and a portion of the locking collar 24. The interior of a second portion 32 of the locking cap 30 is shown in
Therefore, it is to be appreciated that the handle 12 of the tool assembly 10 is a more durable handle than those previously known, and will provide numerous benefits and/or advantages thereto. The over-molded sections of the elongate shaft of the handle 12 will provide for greater rigidity including greater strength and durability of the handle 12. The mounting member 20 positioned generally at the end of the handle 12 will provide a gripping portion that can also be used to mount and/or store the handle and/or assembly when not in use, while taking up less room than those previously used. Furthermore, a locking system 22 positioned on a portion of the handle 12 shaft will provide for multiple connection points between the handle and a tool such that the resulting assembly will be of greater durability than those previously known. Furthermore, the locking system 22 will provide two points of contact and attachment between the handle 12 and a tool for superior durability. The lock and keyed aspects of the locking cap 30 and collar 24 will prevent or otherwise mitigate rotation between the tool and the handle 12. The keyed aspects also increase the directional alignment, such as in the case where a bent handle shape is desired. Furthermore, this could be used to match specific handles and tool heads to provide lockout between them such that a wrong or unwanted handle is not utilized with certain tool heads. Additional advantages obvious to those skilled will be apparent and are intended to be included as part of the invention.
Attached to the handle 12 in
Furthermore, the tool 40 includes a second connection point 48. The second connection point 48 is positioned generally at an upper end of the tool 40. The second connection point 48 includes an external connection member 49, which may be threads or other engaging members. The second connection point 48 is engageable with the locking cap 30 of the handle 12. Thus, once the handle has been inserted through the second connection point and connected at the first connection point 46. The locking cap 30 can be rotated relative to the handle to engage the internal threads of the locking cap 30 to the external threads or locking members 49 of the second connection point 48. Providing the two distinct connection points between the handle 12 and the floor care tool 40 provides for greater stability and durability of the tool assembly 10. It will also aid in preventing unwanted rotation of the handle relative to the floor care tool 40, which may occur when only a single connection is formed, such as by rotating an end of the handle into the first connection point 46, as is the case with traditional floor care tools. Furthermore, while threads have been disclosed as being the connection between the handle and the floor care tool 40 at the connection points 46, 48, it should be appreciated that other forms of connection can be included and the invention is not to be limited to that specifically disclosed. For example, the handle can be inserted through and into the connection points and a pin be inserted via an aperture in both the floor care tool and portions of the handle. The pin can lock the handle in place relative to the floor care tool 40 at both the first and second connection points, or at one of the first or second connection points to prevent rotation of the handle relative to the floor care tool. Furthermore, combinations of a pin and threaded portions can be utilized at one or both of the connection points between the handle 12 and the floor care tool 40.
Furthermore, as shown in
Therefore, the first and second connection points 46, 48, including the use of the keyed locking collar 24 and locking cap 30 of the handle 12 will provide for a more durable connection between the handle 12 and the floor care tool 40 attached thereto. The proper alignment of the keyed collar can be advantageous to provide for a predetermined orientation and/or alignment of the handle. The collar can also be used to ensure that the proper sized handle is utilized with a particular floor care tool head. For example, different sized handles may be better used with certain floor care tool heads, such as to provide greater rigidity and/or durability. To make sure that the right handle is used with the head, the keyed locking collar and/or aperture in the floor care tool at the second connection point 48 can be sized differently to make sure that the correct or desired handle is to be used with particular floor care tools. However, in the alternative, it is contemplated that a single handle 12 be universal with the aspects of the invention such that the handle 12 can be used with any and/or all of the floor care tools as will be shown and described.
As shown, the floor care tool 40 in
Other embodiments contemplate that the tool head be dedicated such that bristles are more permanently attached to the tool head, and are not attached via a slotted member. For example many floor care tools include tool heads that have bristles extending from bottom portion that is part of the tool head. The bristles can extend through apertures in the bottom portion, such as the portion referred to as reference 53 in the figures. The bristles can be stapled to an interior portion of the tool head and extend outward therefrom.
When the common tool head body 44 is utilized, the engaging member attachment 52 can be configured to receive generally any type of engaging member and/or bristle. For example, in some embodiments a standard deck brush bristle may be slid in with the engaging member housing 53 to form a floor care tool 40 with deck brush bristles attached thereto. However, in some areas, it may be desired to have a deck brush with a few rows of bristles that are of different material and/or size to provide better cleaning of areas, such as grout lines. For example, it is contemplated that the use of 0.8 mm diameter bristles be used for the grout section, while 0.6 mm bristles be used for the rest of the brush head. The larger grout bristles can be used to clean the grout lines, while the rest of the deck brush be used as normal. When an area not including grout lines is to be cleaned with the floor care tool 40, the bristles can be slid out via the engaging member 53 and a standard set of deck brush bristles be slid therein to clean in a normal or preferred manner. This is but one example of ways in which the floor care tool assembly 10 be modular with a single tool head 42. However, as will be understood, variations to the tool head body and/or tool heads can be included and can be utilized with different types of floor care tools to form different floor care tool assemblies.
As shown in
It should be appreciated that the countersinking/chamfering of the holes through which the bristles extend could be used with any type of bristles, as well as with any tool, and not just the case in which the engaging member is slid through a notch of the tool head. For example, in embodiments, such as those shown in
In addition, a different floor care tool 60 is shown to be attached to the handle 12 to form the tool assembly 10 in
Due to the nature of the A-frame shape, including the bottom portion and arched walls of the tool head 62, the tool head 62 will include a generally hollow internal section 70. This can also be found in the tool head 42, which was previously shown and described. Shown in
As mentioned, the insert 72 shown in
The scoop 72 includes a body portion 73 and a cover 75. The body portion 73 is a generally hollow member forming a reservoir 74 for receiving and storing an amount of cleaning liquid. The cover portion 75 is configured to align with an opening of the body portion 73 to provide a cover for the reservoir 74 and to provide for filling and releasing of the cleaning liquid. For example, as shown in the figures, the cover 75 includes an upper main aperture 76, and a plurality of release apertures 77. The release apertures are formed by creating holes through a bottom portion of one of the body or cover portions of the scoop insert 72. For example, a portion of the cover may be cut away such that, when joined with the body portion 73, holes exist at the seam between the two. Liquid that is stored in the reservoir passes through these holes and onto the floor being cleaned.
The additional circles on the front of the cover 75 may be decorative or functional. For example, the circles may be simply indents of the cover. In some embodiments, the circles may be apertures through the cover through which additional liquid is able to pass onto the floor.
When the cover and body 75, 73 are attached to one another, the floor care tool 60 can be inserted into a bucket containing cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is allowed to enter the reservoir 74 of the body 73 via the main aperture 76. The solution will then be stored in the reservoir 74. When removed from the bucket, the solution will begin to leak or otherwise be dispensed from the insert 72 via the release apertures 77 along the bottom of the insert and tool care head. These can be sized and positioned such that a desired amount of solution is dispensed from the insert during the cleaning process with the floor care tool 60. Once the solution in the insert 72 has been fully dispensed, the process can be repeated with the floor care tool and insert being inserted into a bucket to receive an additional amount of liquid.
As mentioned, the insert can be used with a tool head, such as an A-frame shaped tool head as has been shown and described. Similarly, the tool head will include a section, which may be a slidable engaging member attachment, wherein an engaging member 53 can be inserted and connected to the body 64 to add bristles or other cleaning surfaces to the floor care tool 60. The dispensed solution via the apertures 77 will then work with the bristles or cleaning member engaged with the frame body to provide a cleaning tool.
Furthermore, as has been disclosed, the insert 72 can be used with the A-frame shaped tool body 64. Thus, the insert body 73 includes a handle engaging connection 78 that is shaped to surround at least a portion of the handle 12 and the first connection point 66 of the floor care tool 60. The insert can be snap fit, friction fit, or otherwise engaged with the floor care tool head 62 to hold the insert within the inner space 70 of the tool head body 64. In addition, the size and shape of the insert 72 can be varied as the size and shape of the tool head 62 and body 64 are varied.
As has been mentioned, additional inserts other than a scoop member can be included with a tool frame and art to be included as part of the invention. For example, a weighted insert can be installed wherein a solid or other weighted member is positioned in the interior portion of the tool head body. Furthermore, color coding members can be included to distinguish various tool heads and/or bristles for use with the handle of the invention.
In addition, other inserts, such as colored or use-signifying inserts can be utilized with the invention. As the tools can be used in commercial environments, it may be desired to use only certain tools in certain areas of the commercial environment. For example, in a restaurant, a cleaning tool used in a restroom may not be intended to be used in a kitchen at a later time. In addition, different locations of the kitchen may include different bacteria, wherein it is desirable to mitigate the possibility of cross contamination of aspects in the environment. Therefore, colored inserts may be included with the interior portion 70 of the tool head body 64 enabled to indicate the desired use location for particular floor care tools. For example, a certain color can indicate that the floor care tool assembly 10 is only utilized in a kitchen environment, while a different color indicates that a tool is only to be used in an eating portion of the restaurant, such as a dining area. This will aid in mitigating the chance of cross contamination between the two separate environments. Different inserts or types of inserts for indicating use are contemplated. For example, according to some aspects of the invention, a plate inside the A-frame and secured by a portion of the elongated shaft of the handle 12 can be utilized wherein the color of the plate signifies the intended use and/or location of the use for the particular floor care tool assembly. Additional types of inserts may include a frame inside the A-frame and includes apertures for receiving a portion or portions of the handle 12 to indicate use location. Additionally, a picture or icon could be included with the frame to identify the location of use, type of use, or the like. In addition, a shield on the A-frame can be included wherein the shield is supported by a portion of the handle at or near the connection points. The shield can include pictures for intent of use, location of use, or some combination thereof wherein pictures are included on the shield and in addition to a particular color thereof. Still further, a colored sleeve can be positioned on a portion of the handle, such as by sliding, snapping, or otherwise at least partially surrounding the handle to designate an intended use for the tool. For example, a colored sleeve could be sized to be approximate or less than the length of the handle between the two connection points. The sleeve could be a con-connected cylinder that is able to be opened to surround the handle portion. Therefore, the colored sleeve could be quickly attached upon designation of the tool for a particular use, and could be changed, if needed.
The inserts and or attachments could also be non-cleaning or otherwise. This could include a liquid wax for waxing a floor, paint for a roller, etc. In such instances, the insert could include an amount of material that is dispersed on a surface in interaction with the tool to apply said material on or about the surface. For example, paint could be included and dispersed out an insert or attachment and onto a surface. A painting brush, such as a roller brush, could be attached to the handle and be used to apply the dispersed paint onto the surface without having to replenish the brush head constantly with more paint material.
Still other types of inserts are contemplated to be included and could include additional or separate types of cleaning solutions, wherein a first cleaning solution is applied and then a second solution released from the insert. Furthermore, a fan could be included with the insert to aid in drying an environment as it has been cleaned by a liquid solution or product.
The frame of the tool head body 84 may be ideal for use with angled brooms, wherein the length of the bristles of the broom decrease from one side to the other. However, the frame can be used with any of the other uses shown and described in the invention, and is not to be limited to a particular type of brush, broom, or the like. Furthermore, the bottom portion of the tool head 82 includes an engaging member attachment 92 for use with an engaging member 94. As mentioned, the engaging member attachment 92 may be a slot or other connecting components in which an engaging member 94 which can include bristles extending therefrom, to attach to the tool frame 82 at the attachment location 92. For example, when the attachment is a slot member, the engaging member can be slid from either side of the tool head body 84 such that the bristles will become attached to the tool head 82. However, other types of attachment means, including but not limited to, snaps, clamps, magnets, screws, adhesives, friction fit, or the like are included as part of the invention to allow for a permanent or removable connection between the bristle engaging member and the tool head body 84 to provide for use of the floor care tool assembly 10.
As shown in
Different squeegee assemblies are contemplated to be used with the floor care tool assemblies of the invention. For example, in
Furthermore, in
In either embodiment of the squeegee assembly as shown in the figures, it should be appreciated that the angle of the squeegee member relative to the handle 12 be varied to provide for advantages, such as those related to pushing/pulling, type of material, height variation, and other intended uses. For example, as shown best in
The squeegee assembly 120 is shown in an exploded manner in
The engaging member attachment portion 112 of the tool body 104 can include a slotted portion in which the squeegee assembly can be insertable from either side of the head. The squeegee housing 124 can be used with the slot of the tool head engaging attachment 112 to slide the squeegee assembly 120 into place relative to the tool head 102. Once positioned, the clamp 118 can be released to clamp the tool head body 104 in place at the squeegee assembly to aid in holding the squeegee assembly in place relative to the tool head 102 of the floor car tool 100. The quick release design offers easy removal and/or changing of the squeegee and mopped items. The squeegee can be insertable from either side of the tool head and can be automatically snapped into a location. To release the squeegee assembly, the clamp must be moved to release the squeegee blades from the tool head 102. Therefore, it is contemplated that the squeegee can be slid in such a manner to be easily replaced and/or otherwise manipulated.
While the figures show the use of a clamping member 118 to aid in connecting the squeegee assembly 120 to the tool head 102, it is to be appreciated that other types of members can be used. For example, the clamping member is hingeably connected to provide the clamping source. Other types of clamping-type members, such as snaps, band clamps, c-clamps, hand screws, magnetic clamps, set screws, pins, such as clevis pins, cotter pins, snapper pins, tab-lock pins, ball lock pins and the like, keyholes, or locking devices may be included instead to aid in holding the squeegee or other attachment assembly in place with the tool heads.
Furthermore, while the figures show a squeegee head being insertable in the quick release manner, it is to be contemplated and appreciated that any type of the tool heads, including different types of bristles, brooms, brushes, mops, and the like, can be used with the quick release and/or insertable member. For example, the squeegee assembly could be replaced with a mop assembly and inserted in a manner such that the clamp will hold the mop in place instead of a squeegee assembly. The mop could then be replaced by releasing the clamp and sliding the mop member relative to the tool head. Other types of brushes can also be inserted and removed in such a manner. However, it should also be appreciated that the sliding member is not the only way to affix, either temporarily or permanently, a cleaning member to a floor care tool. For example, some floor care tools can include bristles, brushes, mops, or the like, which can be more permanently affixed, such as by screwing, adhering, or otherwise attaching the bristles to the floor care tool heads.
Furthermore, the tool body 134 includes an inner section 140 including a clamp 148 and broom assembly 156 attached to the tool head 132. As shown in
Furthermore, a mop assembly 152 is shown to be connected in the quick release manner to the engaging member attachment 142 of the tool head 132. The mop assembly 152 includes an engaging member 144 for sliding in a slot of the member attachment 142 from either side of the tool head 132. The mop assembly 152 can then be held in place relative to the tool head 132 by use of the clamp 148 being exerted by the springs 150. The clamp will hold the mop assembly 152 in place until such time as the mop assembly 152 is to be removed, such as for replacing the mop head. The clamp can be depressed, allowing the mop assembly 152 to be slid from one of the sides of the tool head 132. The rod 154 is used to secure the mop to the member 144. The use of the mop assembly 152 as shown allows for the removal of said assembly from the tool head for cleaning and/or replacement.
Therefore, the figures show yet another floor care tool 130 in which multiple types of brushes, bristles, mops, squeegees or the like are included with a single tool head 132. In addition to attaching the tools at the engaging member attachment 142, additional members can be attached, such as by insertion of a portion of the handle 12 through a portion of an assembly, such as a broom assembly 156. It should be further appreciated that this need not be the only manner in which an additional tool can be attached to a tool head. However, the additional broom assembly 156 can provide for a multi-tasking floor care tool, in which components can be easily and quickly removed as needed.
The floor care tool 160 includes the first and second attachment points 166, 168 as previously shown. The first attachment point 166 is a receiving portion for a member of the handle 12 and can at least temporarily affix the portion of the handle to the tool head body 164 thereat. This can be done with the use of internal threads in the tool head 162 and external threaded portions of the handle 12. The second connection point 168 can include external threads 169 and a keyed aperture therethrough. The keyed aperture is used with the keyed locking member of the handle for providing proper alignment and orientation thereof. The external threads 169 can engage the locking cap 30 of the handle 12 to provide for a second connection point such that the handle will have a lesser chance of rotating relative to the floor care tool head 162. Further components of the tool head 162 include an internal portion 170. The inner portion 170 is shown to be generally hollow in the figures; however it is to be appreciated that components, such as weighted components or inserts can be attached thereat to provide for additional weight at the tool head 162.
Furthermore, as has been mentioned, the engaging attachment member 172 includes a larger surface area than those previous disclosed. This can provide for bristles to be attached directly to the underside of the attachment portion 172, in which a larger number of bristles will be included. However, a separate engaging member 174 can also be attached to the underside or a portion of the tool head body 164 as with other components. For example, it is contemplated that bristles be attached to a member, which can be slid into a slot at the bottom attachment portion 172 of the tool head 164. However, other ways of attaching bristles to the underside are included, including but not limited to screwing or otherwise affixing a member with bristles, adhering bristles, or otherwise attaching the bristles to the underside of the tool head 162. The invention is not to be limited to the particular ways and/or methods of attaching the bristles of the broom to the tool head 162.
It is also envisioned that the tool head 162 be of the collapsible type. For example, collapsible mop heads are known and used. Therefore, providing a collapsible styled tool head would provide the added advantage of reducing the amount of space that the tool takes up when not in use.
The foregoing examples of floor care tools provide numerous advantages. For example, it is an object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide tools that will lead to clean and safe floors that can be verified through increased coefficient of friction (COF) readings.
Furthermore, the puck body 191 includes a receiving portion or pocket 192. The receiving portion includes potential first, second and third portions 194, 195, 196. The receiving portions interact with the mounting member 20 of the handle, such as shown in
The tool 250, as shown best in
The tool 250, therefore, includes the tool head 252, bristles attached to or at apertures 265, as well as a scraper attachment 267. As is seen best in
The scraper 267 includes a body and a blade 268. The blade 268 can comprise rubber, metal, bristles, or generally any other rigid or semi-rigid member that can be used to agitate hard to remove items from a surface. Still further, it is contemplated that the scraper need not be the only member that can be attached to the cleat 262 of the tool head 252. For example, it is contemplated that any member that can be secured to the tool head in order to aid in performing a task can be attached thereto. Such members/applications can include, but are not limited to, pizza brush, pizza cutter, chisel, grill scrapers, grout brush, pool cleaning equipment, painting equipment, window cleaning equipment, shovels, outdoor tools (rakes, snippers, etc.), reaching tools, or the like. The disclosure is not intended to be limited by the list of attachments, and it is to be appreciated that generally any and all attachments that can be used by a user to aid in a process or application are envisioned to be part of the disclosure.
Further aspects of the tool 250 as shown in
Yet additional aspects of the disclosure are shown in
Additional aspects of the disclosure contemplate that the tool head 252 comprise generally any configuration of cleat 262 and/or cartridge 267. For example, it should be appreciated that the tool head 252 includes two cleats, with one being at the location of the cartridge 267 in
It is noted that the tool heads 252 as shown in
Therefore, the invention has been shown and described with relation to tools, such as tools for use in cleaning an environment or accomplishing another task. The various aspects of the inventions should be apparent to those skilled in the art, as well as should any variations thereto. For example, while the tools have been shown without any sort of bristles or other attachments, it should be appreciated that any type of bristle, attachment, or cleaning head could be used with any of the various tool head configurations shown and described. Furthermore, combination of bristles, such as the combination of hardness level, length, or other composition of the bristles could be utilized on a single tool head to achieve multiple functions with a similar tool. As mentioned, a tool having longer bristles in a certain location could be used to grout lines or other recessed areas in the ground.
Other materials for aspects of the disclosure can include homopolymer and co-polymer polypropylene (usually polypropylene with some polyethylene added) for the plastic parts. They may have additives to improve stiffness e.g. talc, glass reinforced. And the big bristled blocks are made with a foaming agent to result in very small air bubbles which provides lighter weight. The bristles are most commonly polypropylene or polyester however they could be made from nylon and/or have carbide additives (not common in food service). The textiles (string mops) are essentially all cotton or cotton/rayon blends. The metal handles are powder coated extruded aluminum but could also be powder coated or painted steel.
The various tools have also been shown to be in a generally A-frame shaped manner, with arched side portions extending from a bottom portion. It should be appreciated that this is but one of the potential shapes that the tool heads can take, as the arches, heights, widths, and the like all be changeable. For example, instead of arched side walls, the tool heads could have generally planar walls such that the tool heads form a triangular shape. The arches could also be more pronounced such that the tool head is more circular shaped with the inner section being generally round with a bottom portion. Additional shapes, including the angles, arcs, and the like, could be adjusted to give the tools generally any shape.
The way to attach the various types of floor engaging members (i.e., brushes, mops, squeegees, bristles, combinations, etc.) is also not to be limited. For example, it is contemplated in at least some aspects of the invention to include that the floor engaging members be attached to the tool heads in a “slide in/slide out” manner, where the members are slid into a slotted portion of the tool head. However, the members can also be attached in other ways, such as by adhesives, mechanical fasteners, hook and loops, snaps, frictions fittings, or the like.
Furthermore, additional variations are to be appreciated, such as the ability to adjust the orientation and/or angle of the handle relative to a tool head by selectively aligning one of a plurality of detents with a keyed aperture in the tool head to selectively change the angle between the two. Having the dual connection of the handle and tool head will provide that the handles will not rotate once connected by the dual connections. Furthermore, additional types of inserts and methods of attaching the inserts to the various tool heads can be included as part of the invention to achieve varying results therefrom. While weights, scoops, clamps, and other attachment means have been included, it could be appreciated that additional mechanisms including additional cleaning components including, but not limited to fans, cleaning agents, lights, or other members could be included and activated separately than the bristle members to achieve a greater cleaning for use with the floor care tool. Still further, it should be appreciated while the mounting member of the handle and the mounting assembly have been shown to be a generally ball and socket configuration, it should be appreciated that they can be generally any shape and not just round. The shape of the mounting member can be determined by the type of tool, and/or by ergonomic features to make it easier for use by the user.
Further variations include the addition of an on-board chemistry dispenser. While some aspects of the invention disclose a system for applying chemistry to an area, an additional or other dispenser utilizing a pump and active dispenser (e.g., electric pump) could be included to dispense the chemistry to an area.
Still other benefits, advantages, and the like are to be appreciated by the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the invention provides a manner for having a generally universal and/or modular type over molded, one piece handle, which can be used with a variety and/or plurality of different tool types to provide for different tool assemblies. The structure of the handle and tool heads provide for a more durable type tool assembly that will last longer than those currently in use, which will reduce the overall cost of the user thereof. Being able to switch out an attachment to the tool head may also provide for the reduction in the amount of different tools needed for a particular company, individual, or the like. Still further, the use of inserts indicating the type of use or location of use for the tools can reduce the amount of cross contamination and therefore provide for a cleaner environment for use in the industries of use.
The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternative processes, systems, and assemblies obvious to those skilled in the art are to be considered part of the invention. It is to be understood that the present invention includes numerous advantages, as has been shown and described.
This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No. 15/339,432, filed on Oct. 31, 2016, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No. 14/996,993, filed on Jan. 15, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,980,553, issued on May 29, 2018, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/104,173, filed Jan. 16, 2015, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 62104173 | Jan 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15339432 | Oct 2016 | US |
| Child | 16453057 | US | |
| Parent | 14996993 | Jan 2016 | US |
| Child | 15339432 | US |
