The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application serial number 62/344,798 filed on June 02, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to cleaning apparatus integrated with an audio system. In particular, the present invention employs a broom coupled with a microphone and at least one speaker in wireless communication with each other, to receive and transmit audio signals to and from one or more external media devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, completing chores is not a fun activity many look forward to doing. Some people watch television while doing chores, listen to music while doing chores, and so on. One of the most common and entertaining ways to make the process of completing a chore is singing while listening to music.

For example, when young children are sweeping with a regular sized broom while music is playing in the background, they may start singing into the handle. This is an often-enough occurrence, that there are a lot of people on YouTube and similar video sharing websites, that take videos of themselves or their children singing in the handle of the brooms. However, there aren't any functional brooms that actually allow the users to sing via microphone and speakers while cleaning.

The present invention allows the functionality of both sweeping and amplifying ones singing via a microphone in the handle and a speaker system at the base. This is intended to be used as a child's toy to enhance pretend play by allowing the child to mimic sweeping and/or singing at the same time. The present invention serves to entertain and facilitate cleaning floor surfaces. It is common for many to sing along to a radio playing the background and pretend the broom stick is a microphone. The present invention allows for the functionality of both cleaning a floor surface and amplifying a singer's voice.

The present invention is a functional broom with a microphone built into the end of the handle. The handle has controls for volume and turning the microphone and speakers on or off. The user can functionally use the broom while singing into the microphone which is then amplified by the speakers. The present invention also has wireless network standard for exchanging data over short distances capabilities to allow the sound to be recorded via smartphone wireless network standard for exchanging data over short distances recording apps and to be synced with other wireless network standard for exchanging data over short distances capable speakers. The present invention presents a variety of novel features. For example, it is the only broom that would have an integrated microphone, and speaker system with in the broom itself. Both the

functionality of the broom and the microphone are kept intact, including both a functional microphone and a broom. The microphone may be detached from the broom and can be synched to a home entertainment system via wireless network standard for exchanging data over short distances connectivity. The present invention can also be scaled to be used as a toy for small children with a built in adjusted for ages 3 and up, or as a novelty product for adults without an adjuster. The audio signals may be recorded onto a wireless network standard for exchanging data over short distances enabled smartphone via an application for future listening.

The present invention enhances pretend play for children by allowing the child to sweep alongside his or her parents as well as actually projecting and recording their voice. The present invention is easily recognizable as the features are well known. The present invention would for the first time merge these features to create a dual-purpose item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front planform view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a close-up front perspective view of the microphone.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of the microphone and the internally held components.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the separable interface allowing the neck to separate from the base.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the present invention with a neck comprising a plurality of telescopic portions in the expanded position.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the present invention with a neck comprising a plurality of telescopic portions in the collapsed position.

FIG. 8 is a front planform cross-sectional view of the neck showing the transmission line running through.

FIG. 9 is shows the connection between the wireless sound system, the broom, and the external media device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a cleaning apparatus integrated with an audio system. In reference to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a broom 1, a microphone 2, at least one speaker 3, a wireless communication module 4, a control unit 5, and at least one portable power supply 6. The broom 1 further comprises a housing 11, a neck 12, a base 13, and a plurality of bristles 14. Alternate cleaning apparatuses having similar shape and size of a broom can also be utilized. In the preferred implementation of the present invention, a user sweeps a dirty surface with the broom 1 and traps dirt and debris within the plurality of bristles 14. The neck 12 is ergonomically designed to provide a gripping surface for the user's hand. The plurality of bristles 14 is terminally mounted to the neck 12 by the base 13. This positions the neck 12 close to the waist of the user, allowing the user to sweep a dirty surface without having to bend and place excess strain on the back. Each of the plurality of bristles 14 is integrated into a circular slot made into the bottom surface of the base 13, positioning them right on top of the surface to be cleaned. Each bristle 14 may be fabricated from absorbent pads, microfiber fabric, twisted yarn or replaceable absorbent pads. In another embodiment, it is also possible for the plurality of bristles 14 to easily detach from the base 13 and be interchanged with another set of bristles.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the microphone 2 is terminally mounted to the neck 12 by the housing 11, opposite the plurality of bristles 14. This places the microphone 2 in close proximity to the user's mouth, allowing the user to speak into the microphone 2 while sweeping or standing upright while grabbing the broom 1. The microphone 2 captures the user's voice and transmits it to the at least one speaker 3 for playback in an amplified manner. The at least one speaker 3 is integrated into the base 13. A plurality of holes is made into at least one lateral surface of the base 13, allowing the at least one speaker 3 to transmit sound out of the base 13. The at least one speaker 3 is placed on its side adjacent and in close proximity to the plurality of holes. This position the at least one speaker 3 directly in front of the user, allowing the user to enjoy the sound being transmitted without any obstruction. If there are audiences present in front of the user, the user may turn the at least one speaker 3 to face the audience. The sound travels to the audiences without encountering any kind of obstructions. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the at least one speaker 3 fixed in front of the at least one lateral base 13 surface. Alternate embodiments of the at least one speaker 3 may comprise a plurality of speakers that is placed perimetrically around the base 13. The wireless communication module 4 and the control unit 5 are positioned within the housing 11, which protects the electrically sensitive components from moisture or other environmental elements that can interfere with electrical circuitry. The wireless communication module 4 may employ short range radio frequency (RF) components to enable communication between the microphone 2 and the at least one speaker 3 that is housed in the base 13. Conventional wireless communication protocols, such as wireless network standard for exchanging data over short distances, may be used to send encrypted signals between the microphone 2 and the at least one speaker 3.

In reference to FIG. 4, the microphone 2 is electronically connected to the control unit 5. The at least one speaker 3 is communicably coupled to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 uses a programmable integrated circuit (IC) to manage communication between the electrically operated components. Audio signals outputted by the

microphone 2 first travels through the control unit 5 before being transmitted to the at least one speaker 3. A set of instructions may be programmed into the control unit 5 causing the wireless communication module 4 to transmit and receive audio signals from an external media device 10 such as a MP3 player, a smartphone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and/or the like. The present invention is powered by at least one portable power supply 6 that is electrically connected to the microphone 2, the at least one speaker 3, the wireless communication module 4, and the control unit 5. The at least one portable power supply 6 may be contained in a selectively accessible slot located in the microphone 2. The at least one portable power supply 6 may also comprise a separate rechargeable battery housed in the base 13. A door or an access panel located on the exterior of the base 13 allows a user to access the battery to recharge. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, an outlet port may be used to provide constant power to the electrically operated devices. In such an embodiment, the outlet port must be constantly connected to a wall mounted power outlet to ensure power is supplied. In yet another embodiment, an integrated lithium ion battery that is recharged by a USB port may be utilized.

The present invention also comprises a user interface 7. The user interface 7 is integrated into the microphone 2, and it is electronically connected to the microphone 2. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the user interface 7 is also communicably coupled to the control unit 5. The user interface 7 provides the user the ability to control a variety of electronic functions of the microphone 2 such as the power, the volume, and options to synchronize and wirelessly connect to the external media device 10. In alternate embodiments, the user interface 7 may comprise knobs, switches, touch sensors, voice control, and/or touch screens. In reference to FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment of the user interface 7 comprises a plurality of tactile buttons 71. The plurality of tactile buttons 71 is bistably mounted into the microphone 2. Each of the plurality of tactile buttons 71 may be electrically connected to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 may be programmed with specific instructions paired to each of the plurality of tactile buttons 71. For example, if the user pressed one or more buttons from the plurality of tactile buttons 71 that control the wireless connection and synchronization of the external media device 10, the control unit 5 may switch from transmitting signals to the external devices to receiving signals. The user interface 7 of the present invention may also comprise at least one indicator light 711. The at least one indicator light 711 may be externally mounted into the microphone 2, clearly visible to an outside observer. The at least one indicator light 711 may be a light emitting diode (LED) integrated on the outer surface of the microphone 2. The at least one indicator light 711 may be mated to one or more of the plurality of tactile buttons 71. When the at least one indicator light 711 actuates, the user is notified that one or more of the plurality of tactile buttons 71 are activated.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, in another embodiment of the present invention, the user interface 7 comprises a dynamic visual display 8. The dynamic visual display 8 is externally mounted into the microphone 2 on an observable area. A plurality of LEDs may be arranged to form a visually pleasing ornamental design that once activated can be used to amuse spectators. The dynamic visual display 8 may be actuated by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 may actuate the dynamic visual display 8 in a synchronized manner with the at least one speaker 3, allowing the plurality of LEDs to synch with the music being played by the at least one speaker 3. In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the user interface 7 controls different dynamic visual display 8 setting, such as frequency, color, and pattern.

The present invention also comprises an audio receiver 21 and a synthesizer 22. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the synthesizer 22 is operatively coupled to the audio receiver 21, wherein the synthesizer 22 is used to alter audio being captured by the audio receiver 21. The audio receiver 21 receives audio signals from the microphone 2 and passes it through the synthesizer 22. The synthesizer 22 processes the audio signals and alters various audio characteristics such as pitch, tone, note, etc. In reference to FIG. 5, the present invention also comprises a separable interface 9. The base 13 is terminally connected to the neck 12 via the separable interface 9. This allows the user to detach the neck 12 from the base 13 and disassemble the broom 1. A user may thus disassemble the broom 1 in to a space efficient shape for ease of storage and portability. The preferred separable interface 9 may comprise male and female threads that are positioned about a slot in the base 13 and an end of the neck 12. An interlocking mechanical connection is formed when the neck 12 is rotated into the slot. Rotating the neck 12 in the opposite direction disengaged the interlocking connection, and separates the neck 12 from the base 13. Various alternate methods of interlocking connections, such as snaps, magnetic fasteners, and the like can be used for the same purpose.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the neck 12 comprises a plurality of telescopic portions 121. As can be seen in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the plurality of telescopic portions 121 is slidably engaged amongst each other. Each telescopic portion is insertably mounted on top of another. This allows the plurality to telescopic portions

121 to collapse into each other and shortens the overall height of the neck 12. A separable interface 9 may allow the neck 12 to be detached from the base 13. This along with the plurality of telescopic portions 121 allows the neck 12 to be easily stored in a confined storage space.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one speaker 3 is communicably coupled to the control unit 5 by the wireless communication module 4. In reference to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment, the present invention comprises a transmission line 122. The transmission line 122 is positioned along the neck 12. The at least one speaker 3 is electronically connected to the control unit 5 by the transmission line 122. The transmission line 122 uses a physical wired connection to transmit signals and power between the electrically operated components. In this embodiment, the least one portable power supply, a single power source, connected to the transmission line 122 provides all of the required electricity demands.

The present invention comprises an external media device 10. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the external media device 10 is communicably coupled to the control unit 5 through the wireless communication module 4. In the preferred embodiment, the external media device 10 may comprise an internet capable smartphone using wireless network standard for exchanging data over short distances to communicate with the wireless communication module 4. Alternate external media devices 10 include but are not limited to laptops, desktops, smartwatches, or any electronic device capable of transmitting signals wirelessly. A set of buttons may be provided on the user interface 7 to control how the wireless communication module 4 interacts with the external media device 10. The control unit 5 is programmed with a set of instructions that is triggered whenever the user presses on one of the set of buttons. These may allow the wireless communication module 4 to receive data signals from the external media device 10. The data signals may include songs stored in the external media device 10 playlist. The external media device 10 may also stream songs and music directly from the internet and transmit them to the wireless communication module 4 to be played through the at least one speaker 3.

Optional wireless communication device may intercept the audio signals coming from the microphone 2 and send them to the external storage device for storage in an onboard memory device. This allows the user to record his or her performance in the external media device 10 and play it back in the future for further amusement.

Finally, the present invention also comprises a wireless sound system 101. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the wireless sound system 101 is communicably coupled to the control unit 5 through the wireless communication module 4. This allows the user to transmit audio signals captured by the microphone 2 directly to the wireless sound system 101. A plurality of wireless sound system 101 may be distributed throughout the performance area to amplify the sound waves and create a more immersive experience for the audience members. The preferred wireless sound system 101 includes any wireless network standard for exchanging data over short distances capable speakers that are available through the commercial outlets. In alternate embodiments, wired sound systems physically connected to the present invention may be utilized.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred

embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.