Ergonomic Sweeping Device

• US 20130269131A1
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Published: 10/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mark Mallett
• Original Assignee: Mark Mallett
• Inventors: Mallett, Mark
• Granted Patent: US 8,973,200 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/144.1
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 2200/302 Broom
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 5/00 Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 5/0033 bending or stretching or collapsing A46B7/023 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 5/0058 Mechanical joint or hinge made up of several components
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 5/0079 Adjustable and stable shaft or handle, e.g. generally in one piece
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 5/0095 Removable or interchangeable brush heads
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 5/02 specially shaped for holding by the hand
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/04 telescopic; extensible; sectional
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/10 characterised by material or shape B25G1/01, B25G1/02 take precedence ; for hand tools comprising coating rollers B05C17/0205
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/102 the shape being specially adapted to facilitate handling or improve grip
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/38 Hinged, pivoted, swivelling, or folding joints

Abstract

An ergonomic sweeping device that can be used with one hand while providing a user with proper biomechanical alignment and support, which can reduce muscular strain, fatigue, and the potential for injury.

Claims

1. An ergonomic sweeping device, comprising:

an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end and wherein an angled offset region delineates a proximal portion and a distal portion;

a bristle assembly removably connected to the distal end of said elongated member;

a handle with a grip portion, removably attached to the proximal portion of an elongated member and oriented such that said grip portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a bristle assembly and such that the transverse midpoint of the grip portion is substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of an elongated member;

a forearm support, removably attached to the proximal portion of an elongated member and located superior to said handle and oriented in substantially linear alignment with said handle along an axis substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of said proximal portion of an elongated member.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said handle further comprises a padded grip member.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said forearm support further comprises a padded member.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said elongated member is adjustable and further comprises an adjustment mechanism in the distal portion of said elongated member.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said elongated member is adjustable and further comprises an adjustment mechanism in the proximal portion of said elongated member, located between said handle and said forearm support.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein said adjustment mechanism is a spring-loaded locking button device.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said bristle assembly is removably connected via a pivoting connector having a range of rotational motion up to 90-degrees in each direction with respect to the distal end of said elongated member.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said forearm support is a substantially closed-loop configuration.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said forearm support is an open-loop configuration.

13. The device of claim 5, wherein said adjustment mechanism is a spring-loaded locking button device.

10. An ergonomic retrofitting kit for a sweeping device, comprising:

an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end and wherein an angled offset region delineates a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least the distal portion is hollow and has an interior cross-sectional geometry capable of selectively engaging with a standard broomstick;

a handle with a grip portion, removably attached to the proximal portion of an elongated member and oriented such that the transverse midpoint of the grip portion is substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of an elongated member;

a forearm support, removably attached to the proximal portion of an elongated member and located superior to said handle and oriented in substantially linear alignment with said handle along an axis substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of said proximal portion of an elongated member.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said elongated member is adjustable and further comprises an adjustment mechanism in the proximal portion of said elongated member, located between said handle and said forearm support.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said adjustment mechanism is a spring-loaded locking button device.