SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL BROOM

Abstract

A broom for clearing a surface is provided, and includes an elongate body having a first end and an opposite second end; a plurality of bristles extending downwardly from an attachment mechanism removably attached to the first end of the elongate body; and a reinforcer configured to be removably attached to a rear side of the attachment mechanism such that the reinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of the attachment mechanism.

Claims

1. A broom for clearing a surface, comprising: an elongate body having a first end and an opposite second end; a plurality of bristles extending downwardly from an attachment mechanism removably attached to the first end of the elongate body; and a reinforcer configured to be removably attached to a rear side of the attachment mechanism such that the reinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of the attachment mechanism.

2. The broom of claim 1, wherein the reinforcer is configured to reinforce the plurality of bristles attached to the attachment mechanism during user, and to break or scrap at least one of: ice, snow, and debris from the surface.

3. The broom of claim 1, wherein the reinforcer has a bottom side and a top side, and a lower periphery of the bottom side of the reinforcer substantially follows a profile of a distal edge of the plurality of bristles.

4. The broom of claim 3, wherein an upper periphery of the top side of the reinforcer substantially follows a profile of an upper portion of the attachment mechanism.

5. The broom of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes an upper securing member configured to be attached to the first end of the elongate body.

6. The broom of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a lower securing member configured to securely attach the plurality of bristles to the attachment mechanism.

7. The broom of claim 1, further comprising a handle configured to be removably attached to the second end of the elongate body of the broom.

8. The broom of claim 1, wherein the reinforcer includes a scraper blade at a distal edge of the reinforcer, the scraper blade configured to clear the surface.

9. The broom of claim 8, wherein the reinforcer includes a shape-holding rib proximal to the scraper blade.

10. The broom of claim 9, wherein the shape-holding rib extends substantially the width of the distal edge of the reinforcer.

11. The broom of claim 9, wherein the shape-holding rib includes a creased rib.

12. The broom of claim 9, wherein the shape-holding rib is rippled.

13. The broom of claim 1, wherein the reinforcer is configured to be adhered to the attachment mechanism.

14. The broom of claim 1, wherein the reinforcer comprises at least one selected from a metal, a ceramic, a plastic, a fiber substance, a stone, and an alloy.

15. The broom of claim 1, wherein the elongate body has a circular cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, or quadrilateral cross-section.

16. The broom of claim 1, wherein the elongate body is tapered toward the second end such that the first end has a first outer diameter greater than a second outer diameter of the second end.

17. The broom of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles has a tapered distal edge.

18. The broom of claim 1, further including a shovel configured to be removably attached to the second end of the elongate body.

19. A method for assembling a broom for clearing a surface, the method comprising: coupling an attachment mechanism to a first end of an elongate body such that the plurality of bristles extends downwardly; and coupling a reinforcer to a rear side of the attachment mechanism such that the reinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of the attachment mechanism; wherein the coupling a reinforcer to a rear side of the attachment mechanism includes arranging a lower periphery of a bottom side of the reinforcer to substantially follow a profile of a distal edge of the plurality of bristles.

20. A reinforcer for a broom for clearing a surface, comprising: a body having a top edge and a distal edge; and a scraper blade at the distal edge configured to clear a surface; wherein the reinforcer is configured to be removably attached to a rear side of a broom having a plurality of bristles such that when coupled: the reinforcer covers substantially all of the plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of the broom; and a lower periphery of the bottom edge of the reinforcer substantially follows a profile of a distal edge of the plurality of bristles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The embodiments will be more readily understood in view of the following description when accompanied by the below figures and wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a broom having a plurality of bristles and a reinforcer;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the broom of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the broom of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of the broom having a detachable shovel;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a third embodiment of the broom featuring a detachable panel member;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the broom of FIG. 5;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a front view of the broom of FIG. 5 before assembly;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a front view of the broom of FIG. 5 after assembly;

[0034] FIG. 9 is a front view of a broom with a reinforcer;

[0035] FIG. 10 is a front view of a broom with a reinforcer;

[0036] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a broom with a reinforcer;

[0037] FIG. 12 is a rear view of a broom with a reinforcer;

[0038] FIG. 13 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer from a front view;

[0039] FIG. 14 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer from a rear view;

[0040] FIG. 15 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer from a front view;

[0041] FIG. 16 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer from a rear view; and

[0042] FIG. 17 shows a broom with a detached reinforcer.

[0043] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present broom is generally designated 10, and is designed to provide an efficient way to clear a surface without having to repeatedly change tools for removing snow, ice, and other debris from the surface. More specifically, broom 10 includes an elongate body 12 having a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. In one embodiment, elongate body 12 has a cylindrical shape, but in other embodiments, elongate body 12 can have other suitable geometric shapes when viewed in cross-section, such as in hexagonal columns or elliptical-shaped poles.

[0046] Other cross-sectional shapes, such as square and other quadrilateral shapes, are contemplated to suit different applications. In another embodiment, elongate body 12 can be at least partially curved or bent along its longitudinal axis for providing an enhanced ergonomic design. For example, elongate body 12 is made of a bendable material, such as rubber or soft metal, for selectively altering a configuration of elongate body 12 as desired during use.

[0047] In one embodiment, elongate body 12 is tapered toward first end 14 such that a first outer diameter of first end 14 is less than a second outer diameter of second end 16. In another embodiment, elongate body 12 is tapered toward second end 16 such that the first outer diameter of first end 14 is greater than the second outer diameter of second end 16. However, in some embodiments, elongate body 12 has a consistent diameter between first end 14 and second end 16 in an axial direction of elongate body 12.

[0048] Further, elongate body 12 can be either solid or hollow depending on the application. In one embodiment, elongate body 12 is made of a bendable or flexible metal or resilient material, such as aluminum, plastic, or polyurethane substance. An exemplary longitudinal dimension of elongate body 12 is approximately 4 feet or 48 inches, and an exemplary diameter of elongate body 12 is approximately 1 inch. Other suitable dimensions are also contemplated to suit the application.

[0049] In FIG. 1, first end 14 of broom 10 is removably connected to a plurality of bristles 18 extending downwardly from an attachment mechanism 20 removably attached to first end 14 of elongate body 12. In another embodiment, bristles 18 can be directly attached to first end 14 of elongate body 12 with attachment mechanism 20. In one embodiment, a first longitudinal length L1 of bristles 18 disposed near a first side 24 of attachment mechanism 20 is greater than a second longitudinal length L2 of bristles 18 disposed near an opposite second side 26 of attachment mechanism 20 such that a longitudinal length of each bristle 18 is gradually increased toward first side 24. In another embodiment, first longitudinal length L1 can be less than second longitudinal length L2. An exemplary length L1 of bristles 18 is approximately 8 inches and an exemplary thickness of bristles 18, as a whole, is approximately 2 inches.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, first longitudinal length L1 can be substantially the same (e.g., identical) as second longitudinal length L2. In still another embodiment, the longitudinal length of each bristle 18 can be variable such that the longitudinal lengths of bristles 18 are irregular (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). In embodiments, bristles 18 are made of resilient plastic or flexible fiber substances configured to clear snow, ice, or other debris from the surface, and to resist normal wear and tear. Other suitable materials, such as rubber, clothes, or threads, are also contemplated to suit different applications.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, attachment mechanism 20 includes an upper securing member 28 configured to be attached to first end 14 of elongate body 12. For example, upper securing member 28 can be disposed at an upper portion of attachment mechanism 20. Further, attachment mechanism 20 includes a lower securing member 30 configured to attach bristles 18 to a lower portion of attachment mechanism 20. In one embodiment, upper securing member 28 includes a threaded female section 32 configured to securely receive first end 14 (e.g., having a male end 48 shown in FIG. 3) of elongate body 12.

[0052] An exemplary first end 14 can be a one-inch screw-in section that is disposed at a substantially central region (e.g., at the center) of upper portion of attachment mechanism 20. In this configuration, first end 14 of elongate body 12 is rotatably fastened to upper securing member 28 of attachment mechanism 20 for secure attachment. In other embodiments, first end 14 of elongate body 12 is fixedly attached to attachment mechanism 20 in unitary form as a single piece without using upper securing member 28. For example, a fastener, such as a screw, can be used to permanently attach first end 14 of elongate body 12 to attachment mechanism 20. Other suitable attachment methods, such as adhesives or welding techniques, are also contemplated to suit different applications.

[0053] In FIG. 1, opposite second end 16 of elongate body 12 is removably connected to a handle 22. For comfortable manipulation of broom 10, handle 22 is ergonomically designed and made of soft or bendable material, such as rubber or plastic, but other suitable substances, such as metals, can also be used to enhance comfortability during use. In one embodiment, second end 16 of elongate body 12 is configured to be removably attached to handle 22. For example, handle 22 includes a cavity 34 configured to facilitate at least partial insertion of second end 16 of elongate body 12. In another embodiment, handle 22 includes a throughbore 34 configured to facilitate slidable insertion of second end 16 of elongate body 12 to selectively adjust a desired location of handle 22 in an axial direction of elongate body 12. An exemplary length of handle 22 is approximately 4-6 inches and an exemplary outer diameter of handle 22 is approximately 2 inches. An exemplary thickness of handle 22 is approximately one half (or 0.5) inch.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, also included in broom 10 is a reinforcer 36 configured to be removably attached to a rear side of attachment mechanism 20 such that reinforcer 36 covers substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of bristles 18 when viewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism 20. Reinforcer 36 is configured to strengthen or reinforce bristles 18 attached to attachment mechanism 20 during use, and designed to break and/or scrape ice, snow, or other debris from the surfaces. In one embodiment, reinforcer 36 is removably attached to the rear side of attachment mechanism 20 using one or more fasteners 42. Other types of fasteners 42, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, are also contemplated. In another embodiment, reinforcer 36 is fixedly attached to the rear side of attachment mechanism 20 in unitary form, e.g., using adhesives or welding techniques.

[0055] In one embodiment, reinforcer 36 has a bottom side 38 and a top side 40. As shown in FIG. 2, an upper periphery 44 of top side 40 of reinforcer 36 substantially (e.g., at least more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the reinforcer 36) follows a profile of the upper portion of attachment mechanism 20, and a lower periphery 46 of bottom side 38 of reinforcer 36 substantially (e.g., at least more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the reinforcer 36) follows a profile of a distal edge of bristles 18 attached to lower securing member 30 of attachment mechanism 20. For example, bottom side 38 of reinforcer 36 is used to break the ice accumulated on the surfaces under the chopping action and conveniently sweep the broken pieces of ice along with other debris from the surfaces using bristles 18 without having to change any tools. As such, it is advantageous that broom 10 can readily accommodate both snow and ice plow and cleaning utilities for the user.

[0056] More specifically, corresponding with longitudinal lengths of bristles 18, a first vertical length L3 of reinforcer 36 near first side 24 of attachment mechanism 20 is greater than a second vertical length L4 of reinforcer 36 near second side 26 of attachment mechanism 20 such that a vertical length of reinforcer 36 is gradually increased toward first side 24. In another embodiment, first vertical length L3 can be less than second vertical length L4.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, first vertical length L3 can be substantially the same (e.g., identical) as second vertical length L4. In still another embodiment, the vertical length of reinforcer 36 near bottom side 38 of reinforcer 36 can be variable such that the vertical lengths of reinforcer 36 are irregular along lower periphery 46 of bottom side 38. For example, lower periphery 46 of bottom side 38 of reinforcer 36 can be zig-zagged, jagged, needle-pointed, or the like.

[0058] Other suitable configurations for lower periphery 46, such as a smooth edge and a continuous knife-edged end, are also contemplated to suit the application. In embodiments, reinforcer 36 can made of durable materials, such as metal, ceramic, plastic or fiber substances, configured to break and/or clear snow, ice, or other debris from the surface, and to resist normal wear and tear. Other suitable materials, such as stones or alloys, are also contemplated to suit different applications. In one embodiment, an exemplary thickness of reinforcer 36 is up to approximately 1 inch, an exemplary width of reinforcer 36 is approximately 8 inches, and an exemplary height of reinforcer 36 is approximately 8 inches. Other suitable dimensions are also contemplated to suit different configurations.

[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, another embodiment of broom 10 is shown in FIG. 4 and generally designated 10. Broom 10 includes a detachable shovel 50 configured to be removably attached to second end 16 of elongate body 12. Like reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 represent like elements shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, shovel 50 is removably attached to second end 16 of elongate body 12 using one or more fasteners, such as fasteners 42 shown in FIG. 2. Other types of fasteners 42, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, are also contemplated. In another embodiment, shovel 50 is fixedly attached to second end 16 of elongate body 12 in unitary form, e.g., using adhesives or welding techniques. In yet another embodiment, second end 16 of elongate body 12 is rotatably and detachably fastened to shovel 50 in a complimentary fashion.

[0060] For example, as with upper securing member 28, shovel 50 includes a threaded female section 52 configured to securely receive second end 16 of elongate body 12. In still another embodiment, second end 16 of elongate body 12 is fixedly attached to shovel 50 in unitary form as a single piece. In another embodiment, in lieu of shovel 50, reinforcer 36 configured to be removably attached to second end 16 of elongate body 12 can be used. Attachment of reinforcer 36 to second end 16 of elongate body 12 can be achieved using any of the attachment methods or techniques described above, such as fasteners or adhesives.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, yet another embodiment of broom 10 is shown and generally designated 10. As similarly with reinforcer 36 of broom 10, broom 10 includes a detachable reinforcer, which may also be referred to as a panel member 54 configured to be removably attached to the rear side of attachment mechanism 20 such that panel member 54 covers substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of bristles 18 when viewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism 20 (FIG. 6). Attachment of panel member 54 to the rear side of attachment mechanism 20 can be achieved using any of the attachment methods or techniques described above, such as fasteners or adhesives.

[0062] In one embodiment, panel member 54 includes a scraper blade 56 disposed at a lower edge of panel member 54. In one example, scraper blade 56 extends substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) a width of the lower edge of panel member 54 and is configured to strengthen or reinforce bristles 18 attached to attachment mechanism 20. In another example, scraper blade 56 is made of one or more materials strong or hard enough to break and/or clear snow, ice, or other debris from the surface, and to resist normal wear and tear.

[0063] Another aspect of panel member 54 is that a shape-holding rib 58 is provided closer to scraper blade 56, and extends substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) the width of the lower edge of panel member 54. Shape-holding rib 58 is configured to be resilient under the action of force applied to scraper blade 56 such that an original shape of panel member 54 is substantially maintained (e.g., at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the scraper blade) during use. For example, shape-holding rib 58 can be a creasing rib or strip. Although shape-holding rib 58 having a straight line is shown for illustration purposes, other suitable configurations of shape-holding rib 58, such as arc or rippled formations, are also contemplated to suit different applications.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, FIG. 7 shows broom 10 having panel member 54 before assembly and FIG. 8 shows broom 10 having panel member 54 after assembly. As shown in FIG. 8, when panel member 54 is attached to the rear side of attachment mechanism 20, substantially (e.g., at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of bristles 18 are covered by panel member 54. As such, when viewed from a front side of attachment mechanism 20, panel member 54 is substantially (e.g., at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) blocked by bristles 18. In other embodiments, features of panel member 54 of broom 10 can be combined with other brooms 10 and 10 or vice versa, as desired. Thus, while a combination of scraper blade 56 and shape-holding rib 58 is shown for illustration purposes, other arrangements including one or more features of brooms 10, 10 and 10 are also contemplated to suit different applications.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a front view of a broom with a reinforcer, according to some examples. As illustrated, the broom (e.g., broom 10) includes an attachment mechanism (e.g., attachment mechanism 20), a plurality of bristles (e.g., plurality of bristles 18) extending downwardly from the attachment mechanism, and a reinforcer (e.g., reinforcer 36) attached (e.g., removably) to a rear side of the attachment mechanism such that the reinforcer covers substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of the plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism. In various examples, the reinforcer has a lower periphery of its bottom side that substantially (e.g., at least more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the reinforcer) follows a profile of a distal edge of the plurality of bristles. In certain examples, the lower edge of the plurality of bristles and/or of the reinforcer is slanted.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a front view of a broom with a reinforcer, according to some examples. As illustrated, the broom 10 includes an attachment mechanism 20, a plurality of bristles 18 extending downwardly from the attachment mechanism, and a reinforcer 36 attached (e.g., removably) to a rear side of the attachment mechanism such that the reinforcer covers substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of the plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism. In various examples, the reinforcer 36 has a lower periphery of its bottom side that substantially (e.g., at least more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the reinforcer) follows a profile of a distal edge of the plurality of bristles 18. In certain examples, the lower edge of the plurality of bristles and/or of the reinforcer is flat.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a broom with a reinforcer, according to some examples. the broom of FIG. 11 may be the broom of FIG. 9. In some examples, the reinforcer, when installed, covers substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism. FIG. 12 is a rear view of a broom with a reinforcer, according to some examples. the broom of FIG. 12 may be the broom of FIG. 10. In some examples, the reinforcer, when installed, covers substantially (e.g., greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) all of plurality of bristles when viewed from the rear side of attachment mechanism.

[0068] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show a broom 20 with a detached reinforcer 54 from a front view and a rear view respectively, according to some examples. In various examples, the reinforcer 54 includes a scraper blade 56 at a distal edge and a shape-holding rib 58 near the scraper blade. In certain examples, the shape-holding rib 58 is recessed into a rear side of the reinforcer 54.

[0069] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show a broom 10 with a detached reinforcer 54 from a front view and a rear view respectively, according to some examples. In various examples, the reinforcer 54 includes a scraper blade 56 at a distal edge of the reinforcer.

[0070] FIG. 17 shows a broom 10 with a detached reinforcer 54, according to some examples. In various examples, the reinforcer 54 comprises one material throughout from a top edge to a distal edge. For example, the material is a plastic, such as a compliant plastic.

[0071] The above detailed description and the examples described therein have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description only and not for limitation. For example, the operations described can be done in any suitable manner. It is therefore contemplated that the present embodiments cover any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed above and claimed herein.