COMBINATION SWEEPING AND DUSTING TOOL

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a combination sweeping and dusting tool with a broom and a duster attachment. The duster attachment has a skirt-like configuration with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions of the duster attachment are defined by a fabric having an inner surface and outer surface. Dust-attractant elements are attached to and extend outwardly from the outer surface of the lower portion of the fabric. The upper portion of the fabric does not have dust-attractant elements. The fabric extends around the broom head with the inner surface adjacent the broom head and the outer surface facing outwardly. The duster attachment is positioned the broom head with the fabric covering at least a lower portion of the first and second faces of the broom head and the bottom edge of the duster attachment being adjacent a sweeping plane.

Claims

1) A combination sweeping and dusting tool, comprising: a broom having; an elongated handle with an upper end and an opposite lower end; and a broom head connected to the lower end of the elongated handle, the broom head having a first face and an opposite second face, the broom head having a rigid upper support portion and a plurality of pliable bristles extending downwardly from the upper support portion, each of the plurality of bristles terminating in a bristle tip, the bristle tips being generally disposed in a sweeping plane; a first attaching element disposed on or defined in the support portion on the first face of the broom head and a second attaching element disposed on or defined in the support portion on the second face of the broom handle, the attaching elements each comprising a resilient material having an outer perimeter and a plurality of fingers extending inwardly to define a receiving and gripping opening; a duster attachment having a skirt-like configuration with an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having an open top edge, the lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion to an open bottom edge, the open top edge being smaller than the open bottom edge such that the duster attachment is outwardly tapered from the top edge to the bottom edge; the upper and lower portions of the duster attachment being defined by a fabric having an inner surface and outer surface; the duster attachment further comprising dust-attractant elements attached to and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the lower portion of the fabric, the upper portion of the fabric not having dust-attractant elements attached thereto; and the duster attachment selectively receivable on the broom head in a use position, wherein; the fabric extends around the broom head with the inner surface adjacent the broom head and the outer surface facing outwardly; and a part of the top edge being received into and gripped by the first attaching element and a further part of the top edge being received and gripped by the second attaching element thereby retaining the duster attachment on the broom head with the fabric covering at least a lower portion of the first and second faces of the broom head and the bottom edge of the duster attachment being adjacent the sweeping plane.

2) The combination of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of the fabric defining the duster attachment is above the sweeping plane by a distance of to inch (3.175 mm to 1.27 cm).

3) The combination of claim 2, wherein no portion of the fabric of the duster attachment extends more beyond the lower edge of the fabric or of the bristle tips.

4) The combination of claim 2, wherein the dust-attractant elements are disposed above the sweeping plane when the dust-attractant elements are new or clean and undeformed.

5) The combination of claim 1, wherein the sweeping plane is at a non-perpendicular angle to an axis of the elongated handle.

6) The combination of claim 1, wherein right and left sides of the duster attachment are outwardly tapered by at least 10 degrees.

7) The combination of claim 6, wherein one of the sides is tapered outwardly by at least 10 degrees more than the other of the sides.

8) The combination of claim 1, wherein the open top edge of the duster attachment is sized to receive the broom handle and has an opening size less than twice a cross-sectional size of the broom handle.

9) The combination of claim 1, wherein duster attachment is generally continuous both from top to bottom and around the broom head such that the broom head is covered from the top edge to the bottom edge of the duster attachment.

10) A combination sweeping and dusting tool, comprising: a broom having; an elongated handle having an upper end and an opposite lower end; and a broom head connected to the lower end of the elongated handle having a first face and an opposite second face, the broom head having an upper portion and a plurality of pliable bristles extending downwardly, each of the plurality of bristles terminating in a bristle tip, the bristle tips being generally disposed in a sweeping plane; a duster attachment having a skirt-like configuration with an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having an open top edge, the lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion to an open bottom edge, the open top edge being smaller than the open bottom edge such that the duster attachment is outwardly tapered from the top edge to the bottom edge; the upper and lower portions of the duster attachment being defined by a fabric having an inner surface and outer surface; the duster attachment further comprising dust-attractant elements attached to and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the lower portion of the fabric, the upper portion of the fabric not having dust-attractant elements attached thereto; and the duster attachment selectively receivable on the broom head in a use position, wherein; the fabric extends around the broom head with the inner surface adjacent the broom head and the outer surface facing outwardly; and the duster attachment being positioned on the broom head with the fabric covering at least a lower portion of the first and second faces of the broom head and the bottom edge of the duster attachment being adjacent the sweeping plane.

11) The combination of claim 10, wherein a bottom edge of the fabric defining the duster attachment is above the sweeping plane by a distance of to inch (3.175 mm to 1.27 cm).

12) The combination of claim 11, wherein no portion of the fabric of the duster attachment extends more beyond the lower edge of the fabric or of the bristle tips.

13) The combination of claim 11, wherein the dust-attractant elements are disposed above the sweeping plane when the dust-attractant elements are new or clean and undeformed.

14) The combination of claim 10, wherein the sweeping plane is at a non-perpendicular angle to an axis of the elongated handle.

15) The combination of claim 10, wherein right and left sides of the duster attachment are outwardly tapered by at least 10 degrees.

16) The combination of claim 15, wherein one of the sides is tapered outwardly by at least 10 degrees more than the other of the sides.

17) The combination of claim 10, wherein the open top edge of the duster attachment is sized to receive the broom handle and has an opening size less than twice a cross-sectional size of the broom handle.

18) The combination of claim 10, wherein duster attachment is generally continuous both from top to bottom and around the broom head such that the broom head is covered from the top edge to the bottom edge of the duster attachment.

19) A duster attachment for use with a broom of the type having an elongated handle with an upper end and an opposite lower end and a broom head connected to the lower end of the elongated handle, the broom head having a first face and an opposite second face, the broom head having a rigid upper support portion and a plurality of pliable bristles extending downwardly from the upper support portion, each of the plurality of bristles terminating in a bristle tip, the bristle tips being generally disposed in a sweeping plane, the duster attachment comprising: a skirt-like fabric element with an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having an open top edge, the lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion to an open bottom edge, the open top edge being smaller than the open bottom edge such that the duster attachment is outwardly tapered from the top edge to the bottom edge; the fabric having an inner surface and outer surface; and the duster attachment further comprising dust-attractant elements attached to and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the lower portion of the fabric, the upper portion of the fabric not having dust-attractant elements attached thereto; wherein the duster attachment is selectively receivable on the broom head in a use position, wherein the fabric extends around the broom head with the inner surface adjacent the broom head and the outer surface facing outwardly, and the fabric covering at least a lower portion of the first and second faces of the broom head and the bottom edge of the duster attachment being adjacent the sweeping plane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a combination sweeping and dusting tool with a duster attachment in a use position;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective of the tool of FIG. 1 with the duster attachment removed;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary duster attachment by itself, from above;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a front view of the exemplary duster attachment;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exemplary duster attachment, from below;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the head portion of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but for a reversible version of the duster attachment;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another exemplary tool with a washable duster attachment;

[0017] FIG. 10A is a front view of a broom head with alternative attaching elements;

[0018] FIG. 10B is a front view of a broom head with a further alternative attaching element;

[0019] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tool;

[0020] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a tool;

[0021] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a tool;

[0022] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a tool; and

[0023] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a tool for a non-angled broom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present disclosure relates to a duster attachment removably attachable to various types of cleaning tools, in particular sweeping tools for removing particles from multiple surfaces, such as floors. Sweeping tools include, but are not limited to, brooms, cordless vacuums, squeegees, magnetic floor sweepers, and manual vacuums. The duster attachment is capable of capturing particles that a standard broom or dusting tool tosses up in the air or leaves behind on the cleaning surface using one tool in one sweeping and dusting action. The particles may include but are not limited to: dirt, debris, sand, food particles, pollen, dust, cobwebs, human hair, and animal hair. The duster attachment can be used on multiple surfaces, including but not limited to: floors, baseboards, trim, windowsills, kitchen or bathroom countertops, tabletops, blades on a ceiling fan, furniture such as a couch or chair, or any surface that attracts or collects particles. The duster attachment is removably attachable to multiple types of brooms, for example, but not limited to, household brooms having an angled or square broom head, commercial or garage brooms with short or long bristles, a hand held broom, a bristle broom or a whiskbroom. The duster attachment can be used in various industries, including but not limited to, household cleaning (indoor and outdoor), hospitals, schools, airports, construction sites, offices or daycare facilities. For instance, construction workers dealing with drywall encounter fine drywall dust which is difficult to sweep and clogs vacuums; a duster attachment on a broom as disclosed herein can help them capture these particles.

[0025] The duster attachment accomplishes dusting, sweeping, and collecting the fine particles thrown up in the air (in certain embodiments, by the use of lanolin-infused fluff which attracts those particles), and because the cleaning area (e.g., dust-collecting material) of the attachment does not need to contact the cleaning surface (e.g., hardwood floor), the attachment is more flexible to both sweep and dust. So, for example, while broom bristles contact and sweep the cleaning surface, the duster attachment captures airborne particles produced during the sweeping action. This dual-use cleaning tool eliminates the need for separate cleaning tools to sweep and dust a surface. A user can simultaneously, or near simultaneously, dust and sweep rather than taking time to swap out tools or accessories.

[0026] Brooms generally comprise a handle and a broom head. The handle comprises a distal end, a length, and a proximal end. The distal end may comprise a grip, an end cap, a swivel end cap, or the like. The proximal end attaches to the broom head at a neck. The handle length may be long as with a push broom, or it may be short as with a hand-held broom (also known as a brush). The handle length may comprise one or more non-slip and/or comfort grips in one or more locations along or around the length. The broom head comprises bristles. The bristles may attach to a broom block located between the handle and bristles or, in the absence of a broom block, the bristles may attach to the handle. The neck may be located on the broom block or it may be formed by the bristles. The neck may comprise a metal coil, a plastic collar, or the like. The neck may be in the form of an extended neck for lateral support. The broom block may comprise one or more clips, such as two removeable clips, one on either side of the handle. The broom head may comprise one or more metal rings, strings, or the like to control the bristles. The bristles have a length, an attached end, and a surface-contacting end.

[0027] Duster attachments may be designed to work in combination with existing brooms. New brooms may be designed to work in combination with duster attachments. Duster attachments may be designed to work in combination with new brooms.

[0028] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a disposable duster attachment removably attachable to a broom. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a washable duster attachment removably attachable to a broom.

[0029] The duster attachment comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface comprises at least one cleaning area. The duster attachment may be reversible such that the inner surface is easily exposed. The inner surface may comprise at least one cleaning area, or it may not comprise a cleaning area. The inner surface and the outer surface may comprise cleaning areas with the same cleaning material, or they may comprise cleaning areas with different cleaning material. In one embodiment, the outer surface comprises a first cleaning area comprising a first cleaning material, and the inner surface comprises a second cleaning area also comprising the first cleaning material. In another embodiment, the outer surface comprises a first cleaning area comprising a first cleaning material, while the inner surface comprises a second cleaning area comprising a second cleaning material. The first cleaning material may be customized for a first surface to be cleaned and/or first job to be done. The second cleaning material may be customized for a second surface to be cleaned and/or second job to be done.

[0030] In various embodiments, the duster attachment comprises one or more of: a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion. One or more of the portions may comprise at least one cleaning area. Some embodiments may comprise a cleaning tool that allows a bottom portion to be attached without the need for a top portion.

[0031] The duster attachment comprises a top edge and a bottom edge. In various embodiments, the duster attachment is in the form of a skirt, meaning that it comprises a first hole, or neck opening, at the top edge of the attachment, and a second hole, or bristle opening, at the bottom edge of the attachment. The neck opening may be sized appropriately for the cleaning tool.

[0032] Cleaning material may comprise fluff material, non-fluff material, or other material. The fluff material may be generally fluffy and flexible. The non-fluff material may be generally flat; it may be flexible or rigid. The other material may be generally abrasive and rigid (e.g., a sponge). Cleaning material may comprise feathers, cotton, nonwovens (e.g., spunlace), microfiber, or the like. The fluff material may comprise a plurality of projections. The projections may be uniform in shape or comprise a mixture or pattern of two or more shapes of projections. The projection shapes may be flat, round, noodle, or the like. The cleaning material may comprise lanolin-infused particles, lanolin coating, or other feature to enable effective dust collection. Microfiber cleaning materials may comprise acrylic, nylon (polyamide), polyester, rayon, or the like, and combinations thereof. It can be split or non-split, absorbent or non-absorbent depending on the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning material may be dry, wettable, or sold pre-moistened.

[0033] The cleaning area may comprise one or more colors. One or more of the cleaning areas may be the same color. One or more of the cleaning areas may be different colors, such as a first color, a second color, a third color, a fourth color, etc. One or more of the cleaning areas may comprise a mixture of colors such as a pattern, gradation, heather, confetti, etc.

[0034] The cleaning area may comprise one or more scents. One or more of the cleaning areas may comprise the same scent. One or more of the cleaning areas may comprise different scents, such as a first scent, a second scent, a third scent, a fourth scent, no scent, unscented, etc. Sweeping action can help distribute a scent emanating from a duster attachment. The cleaning tool may comprise a scent. In one embodiment, a broom block and/or handle on a cleaning tools comprise scent compartments so a user can add custom scents (such as liquids, oils, beads, patches, pods, sachets, or the like) to obtain a desired scent experience.

[0035] The duster attachment comprises a height, a width, and a circumference. The cleaning tool head comprises a height, a width, and a circumference. The duster attachment is sized to fit over at least a portion of the cleaning tool head. In some embodiments, the duster attachment covers greater than about 50%, greater than about 75%, greater than about 90%, about 100%, or greater than about 100% of the cleaning tool head. In some embodiments, where the cleaning tool is a broom, the bristles have a length, and the duster attachment fully covers the bristle length, the duster attachment covers greater than about 50%, greater than about 75%, greater than about 90%, about 100%, or greater than about 100% of the bristle length. In one embodiment, it is desirable for a duster attachment to completely cover the bristle length and touch the cleaning surface.

[0036] When sweeping, a broom is not always perpendicular to the ground; the broom may be angled towards the ground such that the side of the broom head touches the ground. So a duster attachment which covers the side of a broom head is able to pick up particles. In one embodiment, a duster attachment comprises a fluff portion adjacent to the bottom edge of the duster attachment. In various embodiments, the height of the fluff portion is greater than about one inch, greater than about two inches, greater than about three inches, greater than about four inches, greater than about five inches, greater than about six inches, greater than about eight inches, or greater than about twelve inches. In one embodiment, the height of the fluff portion of a duster attachment is about the same as the bristle length of a broom. In another embodiment, the height of the fluff portion of a duster attachment is less than the bristle length of a broom. In one embodiment, the height of the fluff portion of a duster attachment is greater than the bristle length of a broom.

[0037] The duster attachment may cover all of the bristle circumference or only a portion of the bristle circumference. The duster attachment may cover all of the broom block circumference or only a portion of the broom block circumference. The duster attachment may cover all of the bristle height or only a portion of the bristle height. The duster attachment may cover all of the broom block height or only a portion of the broom block height. The duster attachment may cover one, two, three, or four sides of a broom.

[0038] The duster attachment may comprise a 360-degree full-skirt design covering substantially all of a bristle circumference, a less-than-180-degree half-skirt design covering about half of a bristle circumference, a greater-than-180-degree but less-than-360-degree 75%-skirt design covering most of a bristle circumference, or a less-than-180-degree 25%-skirt design covering some of a bristle circumference.

[0039] In some embodiments, a broom may comprise attachment areas on only a front side of the broom block. In other embodiments, a broom may comprise attachment areas on both the front side and the back side of the broom block. The front side attachment areas may be the same as the back side attachment areas, or they may be different. A duster attachment may be attached and/or adjusted via the attachment areas.

[0040] The neck opening can be sized to accommodate one or more sweeping tools depending on the style and size of the sweeping tool. A standard broom handle may be between 23-28 mm in diameter. So, for example, the opening could be 30 mm in diameter to allow the attachment to easily fit over and slide down a broom handle. A standard broom head may be between 7 to 16 inches wide. Other broom heads can be smaller or larger.

[0041] In one embodiment, at least a portion of material surrounding a duster attachment neck opening could be stretchy to securely attach the attachment to a broom block. This enables a duster attachment to have a universal fit and accommodate more than one shape or size cleaning tool head.

[0042] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the duster attachment comprises a substantially non-stretchy so it doesn't restrain bristle movement. An adjustment mechanism may be used to adjust the attachment about the bristles, e.g., to make sure they're fully covered.

[0043] The duster attachment may be disposable, reusable, washable, hybrid, or combinations thereof. It may be disposable and single use or disposable and multiple use. It may be reusable and washable in a home or commercial washing machine. The duster attachment portions (e.g., top portion and bottom portion) may all be disposable, all be washable, or be a combination of both. In one embodiment, the duster attachment comprises a top portion that is washable and a bottom portion that is disposable and replaceable. In another embodiment, the duster attachment comprises a bottom portion that is washable and a top portion that is disposable and replaceable.

[0044] The duster attachment can be attached to a broom by placing the bristle opening of the attachment over the distal end of a broom handle, guiding the distal end of the broom through the duster-attachment neck opening, and sliding the attachment down the broom handle, around the neck of the broom, and securing the attachment to the broom block.

[0045] In some embodiments, a duster attachment comprises one or more attachment areas such as a strip or two or more spots. In some embodiments, a broom block comprises one or more attachment areas such as a strip or two or more spots. The attachment areas may comprise hook-and-loop, clips, snaps, adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like. In some embodiments, no attachment areas are necessarythe attachment is able to securely fit on the cleaning tool without them. A broom block may be designed to accommodate a specific duster attachment or various duster attachments. Or, existing features of a broom head, such as clips, may be further utilized as attachment areas.

[0046] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the duster attachment comprise an adjustment mechanism to secure and/or adjust the duster attachment to a cleaning tool. In one embodiment, the duster attachment comprises an adjustment mechanism in the form of a strap that can be loosened or tightened, such as a drawstring, pair of strings that may be tied, flaps that may be snapped together like a bib, or the like. In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may be one or more slits or overlaps in the attachment material.

[0047] The duster attachment may experience minimal use or extensive use before it is removed, disposed, stored, reused, washed, or the like.

[0048] There are various ways to remove the duster attachment from a cleaning tool. In one exemplary method, the duster attachment may be pulled up over the cleaning tool handle. In another exemplary method, the duster attachment may be pulled down over the cleaning tool head (e.g., bristles). In another exemplary method, the duster attachment may be ripped offthis may be accomplished by using a duster attachment comprising one or more materials that are easily ripped, or comprising a perforated seam, or the like.

[0049] Once removed from the cleaning tool, the duster attachment may have further utility. In one embodiment, the removed duster attachment may be used to clean dirty broom bristles via a wiping, pinching, grabbing, dabbing, or other cleaning action to remove particles such as hair.

[0050] While the embodiments described herein generally relate to a duster attachment for a broom, it should be understood that the duster attachment can be removeably attachable to any type of cleaning tool, including a mop, brush (e.g., kitchen brush, scrub brush, duster brush), dust pan, duster, plunger, sponge, etc. In one embodiment, a cleaning tool comprises a handle and a cleaning head. Duster attachments may be designed to work in combination with existing cleaning tools. New cleaning tools may be designed to work in combination with duster attachments. Duster attachments may be designed to work in combination with new cleaning tools.

[0051] While the embodiments described herein generally relate to a duster attachment for a broom or other cleaning tool, the duster attachment may be used without a cleaning tool. In one embodiment, a duster attachment of the present invention is removeably attachable to a human or robotic hand or foot. The duster attachment may be in the shape of a glove (e.g., with at least three internal finger and/or thumb compartments), a mitten (e.g., with two internal compartments), a slipper (e.g., with one internal compartment), or the like.

Example Duster Attachments and Brooms

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of a combination sweeping and dusting tool is shown is shown at 10. The combination tool 10 may be formed by combining a broom 12 and a duster attachment 14. FIGS. 1 and 3 show the combination of the broom 12 and duster attachment 14 with the duster attachment in a use position. FIG. 2 shows the broom 12 and duster attachment 14 separated, for clarity. FIGS. 4-6 show the duster attachment 14 by itself. The duster attachment by itself forms another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In this example, and as best shown in FIG. 2, the broom 12 has an elongated handle 16 with an upper end 18 and an opposite lower end 20. A broom head 22 is connected to the lower end of the broom handle 16. The broom head 22 may be said to have a first face 24 and an opposite second face 26. In this example, the broom head has a rigid upper support portion 30 with a plurality of pliable bristles 32 extending downwardly from the upper support portion 30. Each of the plurality of bristles 32 terminate in a bristle tip 34. The bristle tips 34 may be said to be generally disposed in a sweeping plane 36. It should be understood that the tips do not all need to be precisely in the same plane to be considered as generally disposed in the plane. Instead, the sweeping plane is a plane that would be contacted by most of the bristle tips if the broom is positioned adjacent thereto. Put another way, the plane may be represented by a floor with the bristles contacting the floor during sweeping.

[0054] In use, the broom may be used to sweep a surface by moving the bristle tips 34 along the surface, generally in a direction perpendicular to the first face 24 or second face 26 of the broom head 22. The bristles 32 will flex during use. The sweeping plane 36 is defined as the plane of bristle tip contact when the bristles 32 are not flexed.

[0055] In this example, the broom head 22 further has attaching elements on or in the upper support portion 30. In the example of FIG. 2, the attaching elements take the form of grippers designed to receive and retain part of the duster attachment 14. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, a first attaching element 40 is disposed on or defined in the support portion 30 on the first face 24 of the broom head 22. A second attaching element 42 is disposed on or defined in the support portion 30 on the second face 26 of the broom head 22. While not visible in FIG. 2, the second attaching element 42 may be the same as the first attaching element 40. Further third 44 and fourth 46 attaching elements may also be provided. In this example, the first 40 and third 44 attaching elements are on the first face 24 of the broom head 22 and spaced apart so as to be adjacent opposite ends of the upper support portion 30. The second 42 and fourth 46 are similarly positioned on the second face 26. Alternatively, more or fewer attaching elements may be provided, and/or they may be provided in different positions, such as a single attaching element on each side in the middle of the support portion.

[0056] In this example, the attaching elements 40-46 each are formed of a resilient material having an outer perimeter and a plurality of fingers extending inwardly to define a receiving and gripping opening. Referring to element 40, the perimeter is indicated at 48, a finger is indicated at 50, and the gripping opening is indicated at 52. It is noted that an attaching element may be considered to be disposed on or defined in the support portion on one of the faces even if the attaching element is inboard of that face or in the middle of the broom head, between the two faces.

[0057] The broom 12 in this example has an angled broom head 22. That means that the sweeping plane 36 is not perpendicular to an axis of the broom handle 16, but is at a non-right angle. As such, one end of the upper support portion 30 is longer than the other. Additionally or alternatively, the bristles 32 may vary in length to provide the angle. Also, the broom head 22 has a tapered shape, with the lower end of the broom head being wider than the upper end or the support portion 20. The left side in FIG. 3 tapers outwardly more than the right side in FIG. 3, providing a non-symmetrical shape. The right side also tapers outwardly, but to a lesser extent than the left side.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, an embodiment of the duster attachment 14 will be described in more detail. As shown, the duster attachment has a skirt-like configuration with an upper portion 60 and a lower portion 62. The upper portion has an open top edge 64. The lower portion 62 extends downwardly from the upper portion 60 to an open bottom edge 66. In this example, the open top edge 64 is smaller than the open bottom edge 66 and the duster attachment is tapered outwardly from the top edge 64 to the bottom edge 66. Further, in this example, the taper is non-symmetric, with the left side 68 in FIG. 5 tapering outwardly to a greater extent than the right side 70. The right side 70, in this example, is also tapered outwardly. Like the broom head 22 of FIG. 3, the duster attachment of FIG. 5 is configured for an angled broom. In one example, the right and left sides of the duster attachment are tapered outwardly by at least 10 degrees. In some examples, one side is tapered outwardly by at least 10 degrees more than the other side.

[0059] The upper portion 60 and lower portion 62 of the duster attachment 14 are defined by a fabric 72. In some examples, this is a non-woven fabric. The fabric has an outer surface 74 and an inner surface 76. In the illustrated example, the duster attachment 14 further includes dust-attractant elements 80 attached to and extending outwardly from the outer surface 74 of the lower portion 62 of the fabric 72. Further, in the illustrated example, the upper portion 60 of the fabric 72 does not have dust-attractant elements attached thereto. The dust-attractant elements 80 are preferably only on the lower portion so as to provide a dusting function during sweeping. Provision of dust-attractant elements is not preferred, in some embodiments, on the upper portion, where they are less useful. In this embodiment, no dust-attractant elements are provided on the inner surface of the fabric.

[0060] The duster attachment 14 may be formed as two generally planar sheets that are joined together to form the skirt-like configuration. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a first sheet 82 may be joined to a second sheet 84 at a joint or seam 86, with each seam being adjacent a side of the broom head. Other approaches to forming the skirt-like configuration may also be used.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross section of the combination is illustrated, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3, showing the duster attachment 14 received on the broom head 22 in a use position. As shown, and for some embodiments, when the duster attachment is in the use position, the lower edge of the fabric 72, defining the open bottom edge 66, is positioned a short distance A above the bristle tips 34 and the sweeping plane 36. For purposes of this disclosure, the positioning of the lower edge of the fabric at this short distance is considered to place the bottom edge 66 adjacent the sweeping plane. In some examples, the short distance A is in the range of to inch (3.175 mm to 1.27 cm). It is preferred that the bottom edge 66 to positioned above the bristle tips so that the bristle tips may still perform a sweeping function. As the bristles flex, such as when additional pressure is applied, the dust-attractant elements 80 will start to contact the surface and perform a dusting function. Alternatively, as the broom head 22 is tilted, with one of the faces at an acute angle to a surface, the dust-attractant elements will contact that surface and perform the dusting function. The broom head may also be laid flat against a surface for dusting.

[0062] As also shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the dust-attractant elements 80 extend outwardly from the fabric and, when new or clean and undeformed, do not extend past the open bottom edge 66 of the fabric. In some examples, they may extend a short distance past the bottom edge, such as 1/16 to inch (1.5875 mm to 6.35 mm), or be above the open bottom edge 66 by a small amount. It is preferred that the lowermost part of the dust-attractant elements 80, when new or clean and undeformed, are above the bristle tips. As will be clear to those of skill in the art, the dust-attractant elements 80 are easily deformed and could be pushed downwardly when new or clean. The dust-attractant elements will also deform when soiled. But it is preferred when they are in their undeformed and clean state, they are above the sweeping plane when the broom head is perpendicular to the sweeping plane.

[0063] It is noted that, in at least one preferred embodiment, the fabric defining the upper and lower portions of the duster attachment is generally continuous both from top to bottom and around the broom head. This means that the broom head is covered from the top edge of the duster attachment to the bottom edge, adjacent the sweeping plane. The bottom edge adjacent the sweeping plane in some embodiments is likewise continuous, meaning that there are no gaps in the lower edge, or portions of the fabric that extend beyond the bottom edge or past the sweeping plane.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment is shown wherein the duster attachment is reversible, shown in the reversed position. In this embodiment, further dust-attractant elements 81 are provided on the inner surface 76 of the lower portion of the fabric 72. The duster attachment may be removed when the outer dust-attractant elements 80 are soiled, flipped in and replaced on the broom head with the further dust-attractant elements 81 positioned outward.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternative washable embodiment of the duster attachment is shown. A broom is again shown at 12 and the alternative embodiment of the duster attachment is shown at 114, together forming a combination tool 110. This embodiment differs from the earlier embodiment primarily in two ways. First, the dust-attractant elements 80 of the earlier embodiment are replaced with washable dust-attractant elements 180 on the lower portion 162 of a fabric 172. The dust-attractant elements 180 may take the form of soft fabric fingers. A second difference is that the upper portion 160 of the duster attachment 114 covers the entirety of the broom head 22, with the upper portion narrowing down to an open top edge 164 sized for the lower end 20 of the broom handle 16. The open top edge 164 may comprise an adjustment mechanism in the form of a drawstring or may have a fixed size. The fixed size may be no larger than twice the cross sectional area of the handle.

[0066] As a further alternative embodiment, the duster attachments 14 of FIGS. 1-8 may be formed with the upper portion of FIG. 9, to cover the entire broom head 22, and the attaching elements may not be needed. Or, the attaching elements may grip part of the upper portion for stabilizing it. Yet a further embodiment of the duster attachment may include the lower portion 162 of FIG. 9 with the shorter upper portion 60 of FIGS. 1-8.

[0067] Certain embodiments of the present invention may use alternative attaching elements. FIGS. 10A and 10B show two options. FIG. 10A shows the broom head 22 with two attaching elements 58 positioned similarly to the attaching elements of the earlier embodiments. Two additional attaching elements may be disposed on the other side of the broom head. FIG. 10B shows an attaching element as an elongated attachment strip 59. Another strip may be provided on the other side of the broom head. In each case, the attaching elements 58 and 59 may be an adhesive or other material to attach the fabric, such as but not limited to the hook portion of hook-and-loop fastener material.

[0068] The dust-attractant elements 80 and/or 81 may take a variety of forms. For example, the dust-attractant elements may take any of the forms discussed for fluff above. In some examples, the dust attractant elements are formed from multiple thin tufts, hairs or strands extending outwardly from the fabric. It is noted that while the fabric and the dust-elements may be formed of similar materials, they are structured differently. The fabric is generally flat without tufts, hairs or strands extending outwardly.

[0069] The washable dust-attractant elements 180 may take a variety of forms. In one example, the washable dust-attractant elements 180 comprise a microfiber material configured as a plurality of projections in the form of chenille noodles.

[0070] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate various brooms and complementary duster attachments. All of these duster attachments comprise at least an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion comprises dust-attractant elements and the top portion comprises only the fabric. The duster attachments may attach in any of the ways discussed previously, with or without the use of attaching elements. FIG. 13 illustrates a commercial or garage broom and exemplary duster attachment; the duster attachment may have an adjustable bottom portion.

Abbreviations and Defined Terms

[0071] To assist in understanding the scope and content of this written description and the appended claims, a select few terms are defined directly below. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0072] The terms approximately, about, and substantially, as used herein, represent an amount or condition close to the specific stated amount or condition that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms approximately, about, and substantially may refer to an amount or condition that deviates by less than 10%, or by less than 5%, or by less than 1%, or by less than 0.1%, or by less than 0.01% from a specifically stated amount or condition.

[0073] Various aspects of the present disclosure, including devices, systems, and methods may be illustrated with reference to one or more embodiments or implementations, which are exemplary in nature. As used herein, the term exemplary means serving as an example, instance, or illustration, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, reference to an implementation of the present disclosure or embodiments includes a specific reference to one or more embodiments thereof, and vice versa, and is intended to provide illustrative examples without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the present description.

[0074] As used in the specification, a word appearing in the singular encompasses its plural counterpart, and a word appearing in the plural encompasses its singular counterpart, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. Thus, it will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a singular referent (e.g., a widget) includes one, two, or more referents unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. Similarly, reference to a plurality of referents should be interpreted as comprising a single referent and/or a plurality of referents unless the content and/or context clearly dictate otherwise. For example, reference to referents in the plural form (e.g., widgets) does not necessarily require a plurality of such referents. Instead, it will be appreciated that independent of the inferred number of referents, one or more referents are contemplated herein unless stated otherwise.

[0075] References in the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an example embodiment, and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0076] It shall be understood that although the terms first and second etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0077] It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising, has, having, includes and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and/or combinations thereof.

CONCLUSION

[0078] The present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or any generalization thereof. Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, any and all modifications will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0079] It is understood that for any given component or embodiment described herein, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. Additionally, it will be understood that any list of such candidates or alternatives is merely illustrative, not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise.

[0080] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities, constituents, distances, or other measurements used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term about, as that term is defined herein. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the subject matter presented herein. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the subject matter presented herein are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0081] Any headings and subheadings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that although the present disclosure has been specifically disclosed in part by certain embodiments, and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this present description.

[0082] It will also be appreciated that systems, devices, products, kits, methods, and/or processes, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083] Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

[0084] It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures, and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the described embodiments as broadly disclosed herein without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures, and techniques specifically described herein are intended to be encompassed by this present disclosure.

[0085] When a group of materials, compositions, components, or compounds is disclosed herein, it is understood that all individual members of those groups and all subgroups thereof are disclosed separately. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and sub-combinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure.

[0086] The above-described embodiments are examples only. Alterations, modifications, and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the description, which is defined solely by the appended claims.