FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an improved broom, and more specifically to an integrated broom and scraper.

BACKGROUND ART

[Mere reference to background art herein should not be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in relation to the invention.]

Brooms are commonly used to sweep or clean areas of loose material sitting on a surface such as a floor. However, brooms are not suited to moving objects that are stuck to a surface, such as plaster droppings, or dried paint or glue. To remove such objects, a scraper is usually used. Unfortunately, this results in an operator requiring two tools to clean a surface: a broom and a scraper.

Some attempts to place a scraper on a broom head have been tried, such as affixing the scraper to the top of a broom head. However, these arrangements are disadvantages in that the scraper is not securely supported on both sides, and that the exposed edges of the scraper can easily be unintentionally caught on, or can damage, other items or objections.

Furthermore, when using some scrapers, pressure applied to the scraper is not evenly distributed along its length. For example, more pressure is applied at or near where a handle joins with the broom head and less pressure is applied at the outer edges. In some cases, this may mean that contact between the scraper and the surface it is scraping may be compromised, as the less supported distal edges of the scraper tend to curve back.

It is an aim of this invention to provide an improved broom which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a broom head adapted to receive or be received by a handle, the broom head including a slot opening and a scraper with a portion adapted to be received partially by the slot in the broom head such that a portion of the scraper extends forwardly from the broom head.

Preferably, the scraper has at least two portions namely a portion adapted to be received in the slot opening of the broom head and a scraping portion that extends forwardly of the broom head. One portion of the scraper may be shaped and/or angled relative to the other portion. Preferably, the scraper portion is at least partially angled downwards relative to the portion adapted to be received in the slot opening.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the slot will extend in a substantially longitudinal direction in the broom head and the portion of the scraper that is received in the slot also extends substantially longitudinally. This configuration realises certain advantages as the force applied to the scraper in use can be transmitted in a more linear direction rather than as a bending moment on the scraper.

It is however to be realised that there are other alternative directions or orientations of the slot and the corresponding portion of the scraper to be received including a top mounted scraper in which the slot opening may be in the upper surface of the broom head and the portion of the scraper to be received in the slot can be oriented in a partially or substantially vertical direction.

Preferably, the scraper has apertures in the portion adapted to be received by the broom head that receive fastening members inserted into the broom head to hold the scraper in the broom head. The fastening members are preferably screws or nuts and bolts that screw through at least a portion of the broom head and through the apertures in the scraper. Normally these fastening members will extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the portion of the scraper that is received in the slot opening. Alternatively (or in addition) the scraper may be affixed by other means such as, for example, glue, pressure, friction, or it may even be moulded within a portion of the broom head.

Preferably, the scraper is made from metal, such as stainless steel, or aluminium. The scraper could also be made from other materials, such as plastic, and the material of the scraper is not to be regarded as limiting. In any event, preferably the material is hard enough so that the scraper can remove hardened objects without cracking, breaking, or denting. The scraper is preferably shaped to facilitate scraping. For example, the scraper may be angled generally away from the broom handle at, or near, the region where the scraper extrudes from the broom head. In this arrangement, the scraper can be utilised by simply turning the broom over.

The slot may be located in a variety of positions in the broom head, and there may even be more than one slot. Preferably, there is a single slot substantially extending the J width of the broom head that is located in the front surface of the broom head. This configuration provides substantial support to the scraper as it is held and supported on both the upper and lower surfaces in the slot. The length of the scraper is preferably substantially similar to the length of the broom head, such that the scraper and broom span a similar region of the surface in use. 0 The scraper may have an indented or removed region to allow for the portion of the broom head adapted to receive or be received by a handle. The slot may also be shaped correspondingly. For example, the portion of the broom head adapted to receive or be received by a handle may extend into the broom head below the level of the slot opening, in which case both the slot and the scraper are preferably shaped so as not to interfere with the5 portion adapted to receive or be received by a handle.

The forwardly extending portion of the scraper will preferably be angled relative to the portion of the scraper to be received in the slot opening, normally downwardly although other orientations are possible. The forward edge of the scraper may be bevelled or sharpened.

The broom head may be made or any suitable materials, such as substantially made from plastic, resin, wood, hardened rubber, metal, or the like. Typically, it will be made of plastic or wood.

The broom head may be any suitable size, but is preferably within the range of

150mm to 900mm. Even more preferably in the range of 300mm to 600mm. The broom head will also preferably come in various sizes within these ranges. For example, there may be a 'small' sized 300mm broom head, a 'medium' sized 450mm broom head, and a

'large' sized 600mm broom head.

Preferably, the width of the scraper is between 150mm and 900mm wide. Even more preferably, the width of the scraper is in the range of 300mm to 600mm wide. Like the broom head, the scraper may also come in various sizes within these ranges. For example, there may be a 'small' sized 300mm scraper, a 'medium' sized 450mm scraper, and a 'large' sized 600mm scraper. Typically, the scraper size will substantially match the broom head size, but no limitation is meant thereby and the scraper may be a different size to the broom head.

The broom head may further comprise a support structure or bracket that provides support to the broom head along its longitudinal axis. The support structure preferably extends longitudinally from one side of the broom head to another. An 'anchoring' portion of the support structure is preferably adapted to be affixed directed to the handle.

Preferably, the support structure comprises a generally triangular shape and, even more preferably, a generally squat triangle shape with the anchoring portion being at or near the upper apex.

In a preferred form, the support structure is formed from one or more elongate support members which together form a support frame. Typically a primary support member (in its simplest form, a piece of wire or similar) is angled around a mid point with a plurality of secondary support members extending therefrom, preferably in a direction which is substantially parallel to the handle. The support members are preferably made of the same material as the primary support, and may be welded thereto. The midpoint of the primary support member has an aperture therein which receives a fixing means, such as a screw or bolt to attach to a portion of the handle. The free ends (opposite to the welded ends) of the support members also have apertures which receive a fixing means, such as a screw or bolt, therethrough to attach to the head of the broom or scraper. Preferably the support members align with the apertures in the scraper such that the fasteners (preferably screws and/or bolts) can pass through the apertures of the support structure and the apertures of the scraper simultaneously. Each member of the support frame preferably has a 5mm diameter and may be made of any relatively strong metal such as, for example, steel or aluminium.

Where provided, the support structure preferably supports the broom head in position relative to the handle. The support structure has a frame configuration to provide support and increased rigidity or resistance to movement of the broom head relative to the handle, particularly rotary movement but also not to obstruct a user's vision of the area about the broom head when in use.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to scrapers, it will be envisaged that other similar shaped attachments could be interchangeably fitted to the broom head such as, for example, a fitting with a rubber strip/seal for moving or cleaning up liquids or spills.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of three different sized scrapers according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a different embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of three different sized broom heads according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 5.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the invention with affixing means.

Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of various components according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a partially exploded view according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. Figure 13 illustrates a a front perspective view of three different sized broom heads according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 12.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates a broom head 10 having a portion adapted to receive a handle 11 (the handle (not shown) usually takes the form of an elongate cylindrical shaft). The broom head 10 has a slot 12 which can receive a scraper 13, such that a rear fastening portion 14 of the scraper 13 is enclosed by a portion of the broom head 10 and a forwardly extending portion 15 of the scraper 13 extrudes from the broom head 10. The forwardly extending portion 15 of the scraper 13 is angled downwards at or near the periphery of the slot 12.

The fastening portion 14 of the scraper 13 has apertures 16 that substantially align with corresponding apertures 17 in the broom head 10 when the scraper 13 is in a fastened position in the broom head 10 (as illustrated in figures 2 and 3). Perpendicular members, such as screws 18, traverse the apertures 16 and 17 to securely fasten the scraper 13 within the slot 12 of the broom head 10.

As illustrated in figure 2, when assembled the scraper 13 fits in the slot 12 of the broom head 10. The scraper 13 is the full length of the broom head 10, and is suitably supported by the upper and lower surfaces of the fastening portion 14 of the scraper 13 by the slot 12. The scraper 13 also has a recessed portion 19 that shapes the scraper 13 to accommodate the portion of the broom head 10 adapted to receive a handle 11.

As best illustrated in figure 2, the recessed portion 19 of the scraper 13 skirts around the portion of the broom head 10 adapted to receive a handle 11. This is particularly important where the portion of the broom head 10 adapted to receive a handle 11 extends into the broom head 10 near, past, or through, the slot 12. In the case that the portion of the broom head 10 adapted to receive a handle 11 extends into the broom head 10 past or through the slot 12, the slot 12 may also be shaped, or it may be substantially rectangular with the broom handle (not shown) passing through the slot 12.

The broom head 10 and scraper 13 preferably come in a variety of sizes. Illustrated in figure 4 are three different sized scrapers that may be used in different sized broom heads. It is envisaged that at least three sized broom heads would be provided of approximately the following sizes :300mm, 450mm, and 600mm. However, no limitation is meant thereby and it can be appreciated that any sized broom head could be used.

It is an advantage of the invention that the scraper 13 not only sits securely in the slot 12 of the broom head 10, but that the scraper 13 can relatively easily be removed from the broom head 10. This facilitates easy replacement of a scraper 13 if it becomes damaged, such as cracked, or chipped. Alternatively, the removal of the scraper 13 from the broom head 10 may allow for scrapers with different characteristics to be used with the broom head 10. For example, scrapers of different strength, size, quality, or material, could be interchanged in the slot 12 of the broom head 10.

Illustrated in figures 5 and 6 is an arrangement where a scraper 13 is affixed to the top of a broom head 10 instead of in a slot 12. The advantage of this arrangement is that a suitable scraper 13 can easily be affixed to a standard broom head. On the other hand, this arrangement has the disadvantage that the scraper 13 is not as secure as it is in a slot 12, and that the upper surface of the broom head is not as smooth or level which can result in the broom head being caught on, or damaging, other objects. Although the different sizes illustrated in figure 6 do not feature the slot, it can be appreciated that a broom head 10 with a scraper 13 in a slot 12 could similarly be altered in size.

Illustrated in figure 7 is an embodiment of the invention having a bracket, or support structure, 20 (which is illustrated in isolation in figure 8). The support structure 20 extends longitudinally from one side of the broom head 10 to the other side of the broom head 10, and is affixed at various points thereto. The support structure generally comprises a primary piece of wire bent around its mid point (hereinafter 'apex') 21 with support members 22 extending therefrom. The support members 22 are preferably welded to the primary wire (with apex 21). The support members 22 increase in length as they near the apex 21 such that the free ends of the support members (i.e. the end opposite the primary wire) are aligned.

The apex 21 of the support structure 20 is affixed to a broom handle 30 to provide a support/anchor for the broom head 10. The support members 22 are affixed to an upper surface of the broom head 10, and are evenly distributed over the longitudinal length of the broom head 10. In particular, the support structure 20 is affixed to the broom head 10 and the broom handle 30 by affixing means (or fasteners), namely nuts and bolts 25 (some of which are illustrated in figure 9). The apex 21 and free ends of the support members 22 have apertures for receiving the nuts and bolts 25 therethrough. The locations of the apertures are such that the aperture in the apex aligns with the broom handle (and is affixed thereto) and the apertures in the support members 22 align with apertures in the scraper 13 such that a single nut/bolt can be used through each aligned set of apertures to securely affix the support structure 20 to an upper surface of the broom head 10, and the scraper 13 within the slot 12 of the broom head 10.

Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of the broom head 10 including a handle 30. The nuts and bolts 25 for each fastening point for the support structure 20 have also been illustrated (with washers). To assemble the broom head 10 from these components, the scraper 13 is inserted into the slot 12 (as illustrated in figure 11) and the apertures of the support structure 20 are aligned with apertures in the broom head 10 and handle 13 The nuts and bolts 25 are then passed through the aligned apertures and tightened, holding the broom head 10 together, as illustrated in figure 12.

Figure 13 illustrates three various sized broom heads 10. The broom heads 10 in figure 13 are quite similar, but as the broom head 10 increases in longitudinal length, the number of support members 22 of the support structure 20 is increased. For example, the small sized broom head has four support members 22, the medium sized broom head has six support members 22, and the largest size broom head has eight support members 22. It will be appreciated from figure 13 that the number of support members 22 can be altered and, preferably are altered according to the longitudinal length of the broom head 10.

Further support members may also be provided on broom heads 10 to provide additional support and/or structural integrity (e.g. for heavy duty applications).

Although the support structure 20 is illustrated as being made of wire, it will be appreciated that other arrangements could also be utilised. For example, the support structure 20 may be solid or may comprise solid portions. Furthermore, the support members 22 may be shaped differently, angled, crossed, latticed, curved, or the like.

It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The foregoing embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the exact construction and operation described and illustrated, but only by the following claims which are intended, where the applicable law permits, to include all suitable modifications and equivalents within the spirit and concept of the invention.

Throughout this specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprise" and variants thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers.