Rapid Deploy, Foot-Activated-Detach /Auto-Attach, Combination Magnetic Contact Dustpan and Broom, Sweeping Method

Abstract

Problem: The difficulty of bending down or squatting (as well as only being able to use one hand to sweep) can lead to back, shoulder and arm/hand injury risk, particularly for the elderly, when sweeping a floor, and can be unhygienic. Moreover, the on/off snap-fitting process (to broom handle) can cause hand or finger injury in present dustpan-broom combination products available.

Solution: Disclosed is a novel, rapidly attachable/detachable, minimalist and lightweight combination dustpan and broom that are mutually, aesthetically form-fitted and magnetically joined. Preferably foot-activated to drop to the floor and the dustpan is automatically re-attachable (with debris inside) by simply placing the broom over the magnetic mating contact areas that may be located nearly anywhere on the dustpan and broom. Various modifications and applications (for push-brooms also) are disclosed, such as having at least one magnetically pivoting hinge (and detachable) contact area whereby a user can simply lever-activate the dustpan handle to release and discard the secured debris contents over a trash receptacle when finished, without ever having to separate the dustpan and broom.

Claims

1. A combination attachable/detachable broom and dustpan (that does not require the user to use their hand in order to re-attach said broom and dustpan) wherein: said broom further having a broom handle affixed to a bristle carriage portion whereat broom bristles are affixed; said dustpan further having both a handle and further having a foot activation portion; said dustpan further comprising at least one magnetic contact point thereon; and wherein said broom further comprises at least one magnetic contact point thereon; said dustpan's said at least one magnetic contact point further being fixed in a magnetically matable position to said broom's said at least one magnetic contact point; and wherein said dustpan further is both kick-drop detachable and magnetically re-attachable in operation without a broom user having to place their hand on the dustpan to effectuate said magnetically matable position.

2. The invention as recited in claim #1 wherein said at least one magnetic contact point of said broom being further located upon said bristle carriage portion and wherein said at least one magnetic contact point of said dustpan further comprises a magnetic receiving portion having a magnet affixed thereto.

3. The invention as recited in claim #2 wherein said magnetic receiving portion of said dustpan further comprises at least one magnet and wherein said at least one magnetic receiving portion further comprises at least one molded slot.

4. The invention as recited in claim #2 wherein said magnetic receiving portion of said dustpan further comprises at least one magnet and wherein said at least one magnetic contact point of said broom further comprises a magnet, whereby both said magnets form a magnetic hinge.

5. The invention as recited in claim #2 wherein said magnetic receiving portion of said dustpan further comprises at least one magnet and wherein said at least one magnetic contact point of said broom further comprises a ferrous material, whereby both said magnet and ferrous material form a magnetic hinge.

6. The invention as recited in claim #1 wherein said broom's at least one magnetic contact point thereon comprises a ferrous sleeve which forms a magnetic hinge magnetically matable with the said at least one magnetic contact point thereon said dustpan.

7. The invention as recited in claim #1 wherein said broom's at least one magnetic contact point thereon further comprises a ferrous cap-screw which forms a magnetic hinge magnetically mating with said at least one magnetic contact point thereon said dustpan.

8. The invention as recited in claim #1 wherein said broom's at least one magnetic contact point further comprises a ferrous cap-pin thereon, which forms a magnetic hinge when combining with said at least one magnetic contact point thereon said dustpan.

9. The invention as recited in claim #5 wherein, in addition to said combination attachable/detachable broom and dustpan having a said magnetic hinge, said magnetic receiving portion of said bristle carriage portion further comprises at least one carriage side further having an additional, at least one magnetic receiving portion.

10. The invention as recited in claim #9 wherein said carriage further comprises two carriage sides, each said carriage side further comprising at least one said magnetic receiving portion each and wherein each said receiving portion on said carriage sides further comprise ferrous material affixed thereto.

11. The invention as recited in claim #5 wherein said dustpan further comprises a handle whereupon is located the said kick-activation portion and wherein said handle further comprises a scallop portion therein.

12. The invention as recited in claim #11 wherein said dustpan further comprises a foot platform located in the general mid-section of said dustpan.

13. The invention as recited in claim #11 wherein said handle of said dustpan further comprises a foot-depressible portion extending from said broom handle.

14. The invention as recited in claim #11 wherein said dustpan further comprises an outer edge upon which is affixed a rubber lip 28; and wherein underneath said foot platform further comprises an unsprung space gap on its bottom side in a flexing mid-portion.

15. The invention as recited in claim #14 wherein said handle of said dustpan further comprises a scallop portion finge/hand tilting release; and wherein said foot platform further comprises molded support cells underneath.

16. The invention as recited in claim #1 wherein said at least one magnetic contact point is further defined as a multiple magnetic contact point being further located upon said combination attachable/detachable broom and dustpan in any mutually matable locations.

17. The invention as recited in claim #1 wherein said broom is further defined as a push broom and wherein said push broom comprises a support frame which magnetically supports said dustpan.

18. The invention as recited in claim #17 wherein the said support frame of said push broom further being made out of a ferrous material, whereat said dustpan magnetic contact points may mate; and wherein

19. A method of sweeping a surface with a combination attachable/detachable broom and dustpan, comprising the steps of: holding a dustpan and broom combination in sweep formation; depressing a foot-depressible portion located upon said dustpan enabling said dustpan to drop off of said broom onto the floor; sweeping a floor; placing foot onto said dustpan; sweeping debris onto said dustpan; placing said broom over said dustpan until at least one magnetic contact point upon said broom and at least one magnetic contact point thereon makes mating contact; emptying debris from said dustpan into a trash bin.

20. A method of sweeping a surface with a combination attachable/detachable broom and dustpan, comprising the steps of: holding a dustpan and broom combination in sweep formation; sweeping a floor; depressing a foot-depressible portion located upon said dustpan enabling said dustpan to drop off of said broom onto the floor; placing foot onto said dustpan; sweeping debris onto said dustpan; placing said broom over the said dustpan until at least one magnetic contact point upon said broom and at least one magnetic contact point thereon makes mating contact; emptying debris from said dustpan into a trash bin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG. 1 is a front view of the broom of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0053] FIG. 1B is a front magnified view of the magnetically attractive material, preferred flat ferrous disc-pin assembly located upon the broom of the said magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0054] FIG. 1C is a front magnified view of the magnetically attractive material, preferred ferrous sleeve as a magnetic contact element.

[0055] FIG. 1A is a side view of the dustpan of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a detailed feature front view of the dustpan, similarly shown in that of FIG. 3, of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0057] FIG. 2A is a front view of the broom of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention, as in FIG. 1, however, also shown in alignment with magnetic tilt axis of said dustpan.

[0058] FIG. 2B is a front view of the broom of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention as being magnetically joined with a broom user's foot activating (de-coupling) said dustpan.

[0059] FIG. 2C is a front view of the dustpan showing the de-coupling drop stage motion-shadow image of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0060] FIG. 2D is a side view of the dustpan showing the de-coupling drop stage motion-shadow image of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention, also illustrating the magnetic tilt axis point (ie., magnetic hinge).

[0061] FIG. 2E is a front magnified view of the raised bottom (unsprung/undepressed) position of the aid dustpan broom of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0062] FIG. 2F is a front magnified view of the lowered bottom (sprung/depressed) position of the said dustpan broom of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a front view of the dustpan, similarly shown in that of FIG. 2, but shown with minimal numbering for added clarity, of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0064] FIG. 3A is a back view illustrating the optional, preferably molded lattice structure of the dustpan of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a side view of a user hand-activating the magnetic hinge of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention, and emptying a debris-loaded dustpan into a refuse bin.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a front view of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention illustrating the nearly infinite possible placement positions options of the magnetic mating (ie., magnetically matable contact material and mating points) elements upon or within the said the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the broom of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention illustrating a modified, magnetically coupled broom and dustpan invention, the broom thereof being a push broom.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention of FIG. 6 illustrating the nearly infinite possible placement positions options of the magnetic mating elements upon or within the said the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a process chart, aka., as a method steps, aka, a system of using the broom of the magnetically coupled dustpan and broom invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Now, noting all Figures: FIG. 1, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1A, FIG. 2, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, FIG. 2E, 2F, FIG. 3, FIG. 3A, FIG. 4,

[0071] FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, but particularly, now FIG. 1, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1A where is illustrated what may be called a standard upright broom 2 having a handle 14 and a bristle carriage portion, aka., bristle base 8 that includes bristles 4 extending therefrom.

[0072] Said bristle portion 8 may be made of a polymer and have light weighting molded cavities 10, and a broom handle portion 14 connected thereto, but of most relevance is a magnetic material portion included thereon, aka., magnetic contact area 6, 16, respectively, aka., magnetic contacts areas 6, 16, aka, magnetic mating positions (aka, magnetically matable positions 6, 16 and 22, 24, that mate, respectively as shown, 6 with 22 and 16 with 24, for example with said ie., as said magnetically matable contact material and mating points), aka, magnetic contact element 6, 16 (which may comprise any number of various ferrous metal strip portions, aka, magnetically attractive portions, 6, 22 and 24, 16, for example, or all contacts may even be comprised of a hard or soft material magnet, itselfwithout the use of ferrous or other magnetically attractive materialsthat are not in and of themselves magnets but shown, aka as a magnetic contact (ferrous metal) strip 6, that could be located anywhere on the said broom 2, preferably located upon (or within) the said bristle carriage portion 8, for example placed within or upon carriage side 5, aka., carriage edge 5, whereat could be one contact at least, but shown is a said ferrous metal strips 6, one on both sides of said bristle carriage 8.

[0073] Note: Only one single said magnetic or FE contact points 6, 22 (preferably located are one set of contacts on each side of said bristle carriage side 5 and one mating set located preferably inside the magnetic contact point 36 (as a flat area or slotted area, within dustpan 20) and 16, 24, for example, either at said mating magnetic contact points, respectively, (ie., magnetically matable contact material and mating points) in addition-though not necessary to the inventionforming a magnetic hinge 150 is optional to effectuate the subject invention, The present magnetic arrangement, having at least three and possible four said contact (Magnet or FE) mating points, 6, 22 and 16, 24 and are optional additional said magnetic contact points, in that the invention only require one strong magnetic contact mating point to operate, aka, magnetic contact points, but for refining the apparatus to function with maximum use, purpose, speed and reliability, as in the manner outlined in the Background, Summary and Specification Description, the said magnetic contact points, 6, 22 and 16, 24 are arranged and set in favorable positions and said magnetic hinge 150 arrangement to gain maximum function and advantages explained and illustrated herein.

[0074] Note: When describing said magnetic contact points 24, 16 and 6, 16, for eg., it is to be understood that the term refers either to an actual magnet as the contact point or a FE/ferrous [or other material that can be attractive to a magnet] substance that is attracted to a magnetic substance, as also a said magnetic contact point as well. These said magnetic contact points, 24, 16 and 6, 22, respectively, are also known as magnetic receiving portions 24, 16 and 6, 22, respectively, and can be a simple surface area located anywhere on the said broom 2, (as indicated by, in FIG. 5 an example of the near infinite possible mating positions, aka., mating locations 74), on said dustpan 20. Further, at least one magnetic contact point may comprise and be further defined as further a multiple magnetic contact point 74 that are further located upon the said combination attachable/detachable broom and dustpan 1 in any mutually matable locations.

[0075] As well, these said mating locations 74 do not need to be formed into slots to receive the said magnetic material, as magnetic contact points, which should be obvious. The said slots are preferred so as to guard these said magnetic materials/contact points to be nested and protected from being knocked off or bumped off of the broom or dustpan. As well, they are obviously easily seen to be interchangeable and are meant in language of the claims to be read and understood in that manner.

[0076] Further note wherein an optional additional (or used solely with no other said magnetic contact points 6, 16 necessary) contact area 16 on the support neck portion 12 of the said bristle carriage 8 comprises, preferably, at least one aka., magnetic contact area 16 aka., hinge magnet 16, aka., magnetic contact 16 (which, also may be comprised of any number of various ferrous metal strip or other shaped portions, or even comprise a hard or soft material magnet, itself), shown as a magnetic or optionally a ferrous metal disc said contact 16, aka., magnet disc 16, on at least one side of the said support neck 12. Note pivot axis 115, whereby the dustpan 20, as sown spatially, may pivot uponwhile magnetically attached (a highly useful feature), though not an essential feature for the invention to function, described in more detail, following.

[0077] These said magnet (or optionally ferrous metal) said discs 16 may be stamped out of large sheet metal iron or thin steel rolls independently affixed to the said broom 2 or said dustpan 20 by powerful adhesives, glues, chemically bonded, friction or ultrasonically welded, et al, as well comprise a magnetic material assembly, be joined to the said neck 12or affixed anywhere on the said dustpan 20, push broom dustpan 20M, respectively, as well as anywhere on the said broom 2 and push broom 2M, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0078] Note: It is clear that no FE material at all would be needed to make execute the invention in that opposite-pole, ie., North to South pole match contacting points of solely magnetic material could be used in lieu of a magnet to FE material. The FE material however would be lower cost and add less weight to the entire apparatus, easier to form into various sleeves, c-shaped curves, strips, coin-punched shapes, etc., and possibly quicker and easier to assemble/attach, being their greater advantages to use in manufacturing.

[0079] Moreover, as another of many alternate options to provide magnet material contact points, a front (magnified view) cap screw assembly 19 view made of preferably a ferrous material (though it could easily be a magnetic cap screw (or cap-pin 16ie., not threaded, but instead, glued or press fit, for example, into said assembly 19 in FIG. 1.1, is a front magnified view of the magnetically attractive material, preferred flat ferrous disc-head pin 16 (also may be a said magnetic disc or magnetic material piece), aka, disc screw said assembly 19 depicting a flat head cap screw 15 having similar, now integral, said magnetic disc 16 head, joined to said with a female threaded portion 17, aka, cap nut 17 also having similar, now integral, said magnetic disc 16. The said cap screw 15 can be joined through a bore 146 in the said neck portion 12 and have an Allen head (as shown) or Torx, Phillips or straight Screw Driver head 147 for assembly purpose.

[0080] FIG. 1C illustrates another alternative to, among myriad methods and structures to carry out the invention, in that said cap crew assembly 19 can be replaced by a third, simple magnetic material wrapped or formed (as in a forging or extruded, or welded tube formed portion, etc., ferrous sleeve 145 that can be crimped FE strip, as well, attached in assembly as a very low cost, high speed manufacturing alternative, such as in an simple press-fitting automation operation.

[0081] The said magnet disc 16, aka., magnetic contact 16 magnetically mates or hingeably, magnetically attaches to a disc (preferably magnet and not a ferrous metal disc, however which would work equally as well as a ferrous metal disc) magnet disc 24, aka., magnetic hinge element 24, aka., a detachable-hinge magnet 24 that combines with the said magnetic disc ferrous disc 16 to form a rapidly detachable, then rapidly re-attachable magnetic hinge 150, aka., magnetic hinge assembly 150, aka., magnetic hinge 150 (aka, magnetic joint 150) that conveniently tilts on said spatial axis 115, aka., axis 115. magnet and wherein said at least one magnetic contact point 16 of said broom further forming a said magnetic joint 150 with said magnetic receiving portion 38 of said dustpan 20; said magnetic joint 150 further comprising, then, a said magnetic hinge 150. Note: said magnetic receiving portion of said dustpan 20 further comprises at least one magnet 24 and wherein said at least one magnetic contact point of said broom further comprises a magnet 16 (that, as said, can also be a Magnetically attractive material, as ferrous/FE), whereby both said magnets form a said magnetic joint 150.

[0082] The said magnet disc 24 (or aka, discs, aka, magnet 24)affixed opposite one another inside receiving slots 38, aka, magnetic receiving portion 38, can also be simply flat surfaces that any of the magnets or magnetic materials discussed herein can be adhered to, as said throughout) preferably molded, though the said disc or discs 24 can easily be simply be glued to the substantially flat surface of the said dustpan 20 or said bristle base 8, (that is, glued upon a flat surface of the said dustpan 20 and thus not needing slots at all to fulfill the objectives of the invention) and thus be also termed a magnetic receiving portion 38 (again, that may not need to be constituted a slot to perform the desired hinge function).

[0083] Moreover, these said magnetic, FE materials are interchangeable with one being the magnet material and the other being magnetically attractive, for eg., FE material) and can be formed as wrapped around (see FIG. 1C sleeve 145 shape, for example) in any shape or form, as attached, affixed or connected to anyanyportion of the said handle 14, bristle base 8 said dustpan surfaces into said dustpan 20) can be a solid, for eg., neodymium or other rare earth, or alnico, etc. coin magnet shaped (or any other shape), but is preferably comprised of a flexible magnetic material, typically low cost, of relatively high gauss magnetism, soft magnetic material discs that may be punched/stamped out of magnetic flexible sheet material in manufacturing and assembled and snap-fitted or adhesive attached into said slots 38.

[0084] FIG. 2D and FIG. 4 clearly illustrates both the said hinge magnet 24 and said ferrous disc 16, aka., magnetic contact disc 16 working together as now comprising a said magnetic hinge 150 to effect aka, a tilting/hinging relationship 150 to enable debris management disposal (discarding the secured debris contents over a trash receptacle when finished, without ever having to separate the dustpan and broom). Note said relationship 150, as illustrated and described above, while being able to separate and detach, functioning as a said foot maneuverable dustpan 20 with said broom 2 into a single invention as is the said Magnetic Contact Dustpan and Broom 1. It is to be noted that placing one's foot onto or upon said dustpan 20 is preferred to be placing one's foot in the general mid-section 172, but as to a method, or step (as well as structure) to using said broom and dustpan invention 1 placing foot onto dustpan is equivalent to placing one's foot onto any part of the dustpan portion, as would be equivalent to anywhere the foot was placed upon or onto the former dustpans described in other prior art, foot-activated dustpans, particularly those discussed above and many other related in the art to these, which said dustpan's foot maneuvering dustpan areas, as handle, loops or rings, sleeves, protuberances, et al, or portions, are now incorporated into and usable and easily adapted within the present invention's dustpan.

[0085] Note: It is not necessary for the invention to have the said magnet disc 24 be disc shaped, of course, or to have the magnet disc 24 be hinge-capable or hingeableas that Disc could, less preferred, have a flatly affixed magnetic contact, yielding simply a flat (as opposed the present rolling and sliding contact preferred), contact and thus require a hard-pull that a user would need ot exert to pluck off the dustpan, requiring much larger force than that of the said magnetic hinge 150, of course. The flat contact would require a user pulling and prying the dustpan off with their hands rather than the convenient slide off and rolling motion as structurally provided with the said disc magnet 24 and said magnetic hinge 150. Moreover, many, many versions and modifications can be easily conceived and made by a person of ordinary skill in the art (now that the applicant has thoroughly taught through a series of novel inventive steps and invented technology), such as using barrel-type magnets, or even spherical, semi-spherical, oval, et al., that could function to provide a hinge effect, beyond what could be an easily-provided flat magnetic contact as discussed (requiring pull-force and thus undesirable) contact point, instead.

[0086] It should be obvious now that the applicant has taught a magnetic broom and dustpan apparatus for a person skilled in the art to make obvious changes and modifications in the hinge area (even without using the advantages of a detachable said magnetic hinge at all) and other position and form structural changes such as offsetting the magnets or magnetic ferrous materials and shapes, as well as making the slots and connecting magnetic material of myriad modifiable relationships, sizes and shapes and attachment placement and arrangement for carrying out the subject invention.

[0087] In FIG. 2 further note dustpan 20 handle portion 44 (with scallop area 46, aka, scallop portion 46which portion acts as and aka., as a finger/hand tilting-trigger debris release) wherein is preferably molded a broom handle cavity 32 (aka., pivot cradle 32) and a push portion 48 (having optional gripping surfaces 50 molded thereon, as also shown as molded semi-annular grooves in top view portion 18), which may also be defined as a protruding element/portion 48, aka., a foot-depressible portion 48, aka, a kick-activation portion 48, extending to a degree that protrudes far away enough from the said broom handle 14 such that a user may easily deploy the said dustpan 20ie., drop it, foot-depress it, ie., kick-drop said dustpan 20 to the floor, 62, aka., sweeping surface 62, by depressing the said protruding portion 48 of the handle with their foot 67 (or even hand if desired), as further illustrated in FIG. 2B, wherein the actual combined elements are now shown to be the complete, assembled invention of Rapid Deploy, Foot-Activated-Detach/Auto-Attach combination Magnetic Contact Dustpan and Broom 1, aka., Magnetic Contact Dustpan and Broom 1, aka., MCDB 1, is shown in simple functional use, as the combination of said dustpan 20 and said broom 2. Note also Figure C where said dustpan shadow shows movement and rotational arrows illustrating directional force down and the drop arc arrows showing dustpan-detaching arc-drop motion movement of said dustpan 20, activated by said foot 67.

[0088] It is to be observed optional, additional magnet material strips 22 that fit into slots 36, ie., aka, magnetic receiving portion 36 (Note: these said slots 36 can also be simply flat surfaces and function just as well), preferably on the side of the said dustpan 20 mate with the said ferrous (FE/iron contentor other magnetically attractive materials) metal strips 6 (though these are not necessary for the invention to function well) and that these magnets 22 also disengage as the user when in foot detach (press down) mode drops said dustpan 20. It is to be noted that these said magnets 22 (which, of course may be FE material, instead, mating with magnets) themselves may not be needed, but only the said hinge magnet 150 only or even a non-hinge, single (flat contact) magnet could be sufficient to execute the invention, placed nearly anywhere on the said broom 2 and said dustpan 20 in mutually matable contact arrangement.

[0089] However, when a larger amount or weightier amount of debris is swept onto the said pan 20 and lift by the user the said magnetic hinge 150, aka., magnetic hinge assembly 150 may not provide enough gauss or magnetic strength for sustained holding of the pan (Note: whether hinged or solid-fixed holding magnetically), and thus the additional said magnetic contact point 22 or points would be useful for stability as the said broom 2 and said dustpan 20 are magnetically joined or re-coupled as the user suspends the said pan and lowers said broom over separated said dustpan 20, while matching all (or at least some of) the magnetic mating contact points, the user then sensesfeelsthe magnetic contact points 6, 16, click together. Immediately afterward then lifts the said Magnetic Contact Dustpan and Broom 1 as a single unit, tilting said handle 44 with preferably one finger and emptying it in trash bin 73, as in FIG. 4. It is to be noted that it is preferred that the said broom and said dustpan 20 be substantially symmetrical such that either side of the said broom could magnetically attach and fully mate with the said magnetic contact points, 6, 22, 16, 24, respectively, though this structural feature is not necessary, it adds convenience of use.

[0090] It is easily seen that only one said magnetic hinge 150 need be formed with the said magnetic contact points, 6, 22, 16, 24, respectively, being clearly shown in FIGS. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 2B, preferably comprising the convenient said magnetic contact points (which again may either be magnets or magnetically attractive materials as FE, as said) of said magnetic contact point (magnet) 24 and said FE material 16 however.

[0091] Note further that said dustpan 20 has a typical inner pan inside area 66 the outer edge of which has an optional soft polymer rim 28, aka., rubber lip 28, which itself has reinforced rounded rubber corners 30 that protect the said pan 20 from breaking a corner, as, necessarily, it would be dropped to the floor at least once during each sweeping task, in use.

[0092] Above the pan front (aka., top) inside bottom surface 26 and inside said spatial area 66 that backs up to a stop wall 42 is whereinto said carriage 8 may snugly fit in storage and during sweeping, if wished, though typically the said dustpan 20 would be detached by the said foot 67 before beginning sweeping.

[0093] Once the said dustpan 20 is dropped, ie., detached, then user places their said foot 67 upon a upon a larger, generally flat surface area, essentially a foot-maneuvering platform 40, aka., foot pad 40 aka., foot support portion 40, aka., platform 40 located in the more stable, middle body portion 172, aka, flexing mid-portion 172, of the said dustpan 20, thus providing a sturdy said foot platform 40 (located in the general mid-section of said dustpan), that enables rapid positioning on a floor by a user's said foot 67 without the need for use of a user's hands 155 manipulating the said dustpan 20, said handle 44 also while necessarily bent over, doing so.

[0094] In FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A, additionally, notice upper said middle body 172 gripping surface portion 151 on said platform 40 of the dustpan 20, itself, (as opposedin former art discussedto placing their foot inside or upon the handle, or upon various protuberances or within foot sleeves, handles etc., in the former art), where underneath, ie., backside cavity 52 (shown as void that has support wall 52) that may comprise, as shown in magnified view 21, optionally molded-in support ribbing 23, aka, molded support cells underneath 23, aka., honeycombing support 23 that can be added into said void 52 made in shapes of square, hex, round, triangular, oval, and other honeycomb-like shapes devised for added strength and support for supporting a user's said foot 67, even full body weight, if needed.

[0095] In FIGS. 2D and 2E further note a magnification box in which flex space gap 60 is open, illustrating an unsprung position (located underneath and comprising a sightly bowed said foot platform 40 unspring space gap 60 on its bottom side in a flexing mid-portion 172. ie., before the user depresses the said foot pad 40 and dustpan touch point 64 is still suspended and non-gripping to floor point 62. Then in Figure, user depresses said pad 40 and said foot activation point 48 grips the said floor 62, and thus process fixes firmly the said dustpan 20 for sweeping debris thereonto, noting the sprung position in FIG. 2F the magnification box illustrating the said touch point 64 is now touching and gripping the said floor 62 and space gap 60 is closed.

[0096] Noting again, FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A, the said magnetic pivot point 115 said magnetic contacts 16 respectively, work with the said magnet 24 to constitute said magnetic hinge 150, enabling said tilting or oscillation, (for opening up for debris emptying) by a user's hand 155 when emptying the debris contents 70 into said trash bin 73, the arc swing of open motion of the dustpan represented by motion limit arc arrow 58, ie., arc arrow 58 (and at the same time allows for detachable- and re-attachable convenient reset of the hinged relationship of the broom and pan when separated and allowed to magnetically rejoin, as discussed above). Note: The said magnetic receiving portion 38 of said dustpan 20 further comprises at least one said magnet 24, eg., and wherein said at least one said magnetic contact point 6, 22, 24, 16 of said broom further forming a magnetic joint with said magnetic receiving portion of said dustpan; said mechanical joint further comprising a said magnetic hinge 150.

[0097] Noting now FIG. 5 an example of the near infinite possible said mating positions 74, aka., mating locations 74, of said magnet materials, 6, 16, 24, 22, in any order, respectively, can be positioned on or in the said broom 2 and said dustpan 20, as represented by magnification views 72.

[0098] Next, noting FIG. 6, another category modified push broom dustpan 20M and push broom 2M combination 1M, though being typically larger than said dustpan and broom combination 1, has its said dustpan 20M quite similarly attached, however, preferably, magnetically attached-detachably affixed to a bristle support 8M (having front face 79 and back face 80) and said bristles 4, and further having handle support frame area 75, aka, brush frame 75, aka, support frame 75, having said push broom dustpan magnetically attached to a modified, said bristle support 8M in this alternative said combination broom and dustpan 1 structure. It is to be noted that the said frame 75 could simply be magnetically attractive and serve fully as its own said contact point 24, 16, and 22, 6, being made out of a said ferrous material, whereby said magnets 24, 22 can simply attach to as described and illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0099] Similarly to FIG. 5, noting now FIG. 7, note likewise an example of the near infinite possible mating positions 74M, aka., mating locations 74M of said magnet materials, 6, 16, 24, 22, in any order, respectively, can be positioned on or in the said push broom 2M and said dustpan 20M, as represented by magnification views 74M.

[0100] Lastly, in FIG. 8, as well as through the clearly delineated steps, methods, process, system of operating the said invention as thoroughly discussed above, a flow chart of method of use or process of operation is disclosed. Note box 90, which is added only by way of assumed reference only to obviously hold said broom 2 and dustpan combination 1 in sweep formation box 90, whereby then box 91 describes the first actual step of kicking (removing by foot or hand) said dustpan 20 off onto the floor, then user sweeps floor, box 93.

[0101] User next places foot onto said dustpan 20, described in box 94 and then sweeps debris onto said dustpan 20, shown in box 95. The next step, or process sequence in box 96 requires the user to place said broom 2 over the said dustpan 20 until said magnetic contact points 6, 22 and 16, 24, respectively attach or make contact. And finally, the said debris 70 is dropped into said trash bin 73.

[0102] The apparatus and process may be termed more technically, then as the combination attachable/detachable broom and dustpan 1 wherein said broom 2 further having a said broom handle 14 affixed to a said bristle support 8 whereat said broom bristles 4 are affixed to said bristle support 8 and wherein said dustpan 20 further having said handle 44 and further having a said foot activation portion 48, which it is to be noted may alternately be comprised of any number of various protuberances or areas that even do not project from the said dustpan 20 but that are that are activatable by the said foot 67 of a user. Said dustpan 20 further comprising at least one magnetic contact point, for example, said 6, 22, and said 16, 24 or any single or multiple combination of possible contacts points thereon discussed; said broom 20 further comprises at least one magnetic contact point, eg., 6 thereon.

[0103] Said dustpan's 20 said at least one magnetic contact point, eg., 6, further being in a magnetically matable position, eg., 6, 22 and/or 16, 24, as discussed to said broom's 2 said at least one magnetic contact point, as thoroughly discussed.

[0104] As well, the said dustpan 20 is both kick-drop detachable, by a kick-activation portion 48 (or hand detachable, if preferred)see discussion of FIG. 2B and FIG. 2D) and magnetically re-attachable in operation without a broom user having to use their hand on the dustpan to effectuate said magnetically matable positions, re: said 6, 22 and/or 16, 24) (suggested positions but by no means exhaustively depicted sample magnetic contact points magnetic, as thoroughly discussed.

[0105] Alternate modifications to the structure, system, method or process, once the applicant has thoroughly taught the system and structure in the above application, should be obvious to one skilled in the art as a logical alternative and useful in many cases or sweeping tasks to leave said dustpan 20 on the said broom 2 during the process of sweeping, described in step box 92, kicking or removing said dustpan 20 off of said broom 2 after the said step box 93 of sweeping floor.

[0106] Other variations and modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and it is the intent of the appended claims that such variations and modifications be covered. The particular components, configurations and assemblies discussed above can be varied, and are cited to illustrate representative embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other equivalent elements, methods and steps can be substituted for those described and illustrated herein; parts, steps and elements may be reversed, expanded, modified and certain features of the invention maybe used independently of the use of other features, all without departing for the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the subjoining claims.

[0107] The intent of the following Claims are to be interpreted and construed such that the Independent Claims would be broad enough to cover any broom and dustpan combination that can be magnetically joined or coupled, besides those described and illustrated throughout the embodiments disclosed herein and any logical derivatives thereof, such that the independent claims would cover a wide scope beyond any of the basic embodiments or versions, as clearly and exhaustively proven to be of one single, unified, invention species, respectfully.