Apparatus for cleaning a broom head

Abstract

 The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning broom brushes or similar.
According to the invention, said apparatus comprises a supporting member (1), in the form of a plate, or similar, provided with a plurality of projecting elements (2), like points, edges, or threads, in a predetermined arrangement and at a predetermined distance from each other, being meant to interact with brushes, for removing the material caught therein by scraping.
The invention also relates to a container, provided with said apparatus, for holding the material removed from brushes, having the additional function of a dustpan.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning broom brushes or similar.

[0002] The object of the invention is to avoid the inconveniences deriving from the usually uncomfortable operation of cleaning broom brushes or similar; to provide an instrument which is convenient, easy and fast to use, inexpensive, small, light and requiring a simple manufacture.

[0003] Another object of the invention is to ensure as good hygienic conditions as possible when cleaning said brushes, both in the domestic and professional use, such as in firms, hotels, communities, hospitals, etc.

[0004] The invention achieves the above objects by providing an apparatus comprising a supporting member in the form of a plate, or similar, provided with a plurality of projecting elements, like points, edges, or threads, in a predetermined arrangement and at a predetermined distance from each other, being meant to interact with brushes, for removing the material caught therein by scraping.

[0005] In addition, the invention relates to a container, provided with said apparatus, for holding the material removed from brushes.

[0006] A further object of the invention is to cooperate with said apparatus to facilitate cleaning operations on broom brushes or similar, by providing a means for holding the material removed from brushes; to ensure as good hygienic conditions as possible during these operations; to require little space in the rest or transport conditions; to be light and inexpensive; to provide a convenient and fast emptying system; to provide easy disassembly and cleaning operations; to be manufactured by simple and inexpensive industrial processes.

[0007] The invention achieves the above objects, by providing a holding container which comprises a receptacle having inward shoulders for supporting the brush cleaning apparatus or in which the scraping member is integrated, forming one piece therewith, or is subsequently fixed.

[0008] According to an additional improvement, the invention also relates to a container of said type, having the additional function of a dustpan for collecting waste matter.

[0009] In a first embodiment, the cleaning apparatus according to the invention may comprise a supporting member in the form of a plate or similar, whereon apertures of any shape and size may be formed, in a predetermined arrangement and at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0010] Said plate may be provided with projecting elements, like points, edges or threads, in a predetermined arrangement and at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0011] The projecting elements may also consist of blades or ribs, possibly woven together or crossed.

[0012] This apparatus, consisting of the plate and of the projecting elements may be made of any material fit for the purpose, preferably of plastic, which makes the apparatus light and easy to clean.

[0013] This material provides the additional advantage of allowing the apparatus to be fabricated in a single molding step.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the apparatus may be fabricated by cutting and cold deforming a preferably stainless metal sheet.

[0015] In this case, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of blades of any shape, projecting transverse to the plate, and spaced, possibly also crossed.

[0016] The blades may consist of plate parts bent to form angles, in the area where holes are provided.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, said blades may have a triangular shape, and result from a predetermined arrangement of cross-cuts over the surface of the metal sheet, followed by cold outward deformation of the four resulting triangles, producing a final "cheese grater" aspect.

[0018] In another embodiment, the plate and the scraping elements may have the form of a grid, formed by interwoven metal or plastic threads.

[0019] A particularly simple apparatus is obtained thereby, having a small size, due to the reduction of the total thickness thereof.

[0020] Said grid may consist of interwoven blades or ribs, which provide a wide friction area and, thanks to their total thickness, make the apparatus particularly resistant, and fit for hard use.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the ribs may have a triangular section, with the upper vertex turned towards the brush, so as to allow bristles to pass easily through the grid.

[0022] This grid may be made of any material fit for the purpose, preferably of plastic, which makes the apparatus particularly strong and light and enables it to be manufactured in a single molding step.

[0023] The apparatus according to the various embodiments described above, may have support means, like feet, legs, brackets or similar, which may be also made to swing or overturn, or means for removable attachment to a possible holding container.

[0024] Thanks to the above arrangements, all inconveniences normally deriving from cleaning broom brushes or similar are avoided; and a convenient instrument is provided, which is easy and fast to use, inexpensive, small, light and requires a simple manufacture.

[0025] Moreover, the best hygienic conditions are ensured in the brush cleaning operation.

[0026] The apparatus described hereinbefore may be provided in combination with a container for holding the material removed from broom brushes.

[0027] Such container may have the additional function of a dustpan for collecting waste matter from the ground.

[0028] According to a first embodiment, the holding container may comprise a receptacle with inward shoulders for supporting the cleaning apparatus, preferably provided at an intermediate level.

[0029] Said container may have a side wall provided with a discharge opening below the cleaning apparatus, whose opening may be closed by a door.

[0030] This opening may assist in the additional dustpan function, acting as an entry for the waste matter collected from the ground.

[0031] Said container may house a garbage holding box, which may be provided under the cleaning apparatus, and be extracted through the opening of the holding container.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the container having the function of a dustpan may have the form of a garbage holding box, one side of the perimetral casing thereof being opened and closed by a cover, and a part of the upper side being provided with a cleaning apparatus according to the invention, said part being also provided with a closing cover.

[0033] The covers for closing the casing side and the part of the upper side, provided with the cleaning apparatus, may be integrated to each other and be opened and closed together by a single movement.

[0034] The area of the upper side, being provided with the cleaning apparatus may be directly adjacent to the casing open side, and the cover thereof may be jointed to the cover of the casing open side.

[0035] The cover of the casing open side may be supported by a pair of arms or lateral or transverse extensions, swingingly pivoted to the corresponding sides of the container, whereas the cover of the area of the upper side provided with the apparatus, may be hinged to the side of the first cover, corresponding to the upper side of the casing opening.

[0036] The pivot axis of the cover of the casing open side may be moved towards said open side, with respect to the axis passing through the center of gravity and being parallel thereto.

[0037] The means for operating the whole container may consist of a handle or stick attached in the median area of the upper side of the cover for closing the casing open side, in the upstanding container closing condition.

[0038] The casing side opposite to the opening thereof, may form the bearing bottom for the container, in the rest or transport condition.

[0039] Thanks to the above arrangements, a container may be obtained, which interacts with the apparatus described hereinbefore, to facilitate cleaning operations on broom brushes or similar, by providing a means for holding the material removed from brushes; while ensuring as good hygienic conditions as possible during these operations; requiring little space in the rest or transport conditions; being light and inexpensive; providing a convenient and fast emptying system; providing easy disassembly and cleaning operations; being manufactured by simple and inexpensive industrial processes.

[0040] The invention also relates to further characteristics, which will form the subject of the dependent clams.

[0041] The characteristics of the invention and the advantages derived therefrom will appear more clearly from the following description of the annexed figures, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to the invention, made of sheet metal, with square holes and projecting triangles.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, having the form of a grid, composed by interwoven threads.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, formed by interwoven ribs having a triangular section.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment consisting of a plate with holes, provided with perpendicular points.

Fig. 5 shows a scraping element in the form of a grid, in a view like that shown in the previous figures.

Figs. 6 to 9 are different views of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the container according to the invention.

Fig. 11 is a side view of a second embodiment of the container according to the invention, while in the closed, rest, or transport position.

Fig. 12 is a side view of a second embodiment of the container according to the invention, with the covers in a partially open position.

[0042] Referring to fig. 1, a cleaning apparatus according to the invention comprises a supporting element 1 in the form of a plate, made from a preferably stainless metal sheet.

[0043] During a first manufacturing step, cross-cuts are formed on the surface of the plate 1, in a predetermined arrangement and at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0044] By a subsequent cold forming process, the four triangles 2, resulting from the cutting operation, are outwardly bent, thereby providing the scraping surface, formed by all the triangles turned upwards.

[0045] The square holes 3, resulting from the deformation of the metal sheet triangles 2, have the function to discharge downwards the material removed from brushes.

[0046] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for the low-cost material it requires, and for the simplicity of the manufacturing process, allowing to obtain a scraping surface, also having holes, only by the two simple steps described above.

[0047] The apparatus, due to the characteristics of the metal sheet from which it is made, has the additional advantage of being remarkably resistant, despite its reduced thickness and its light weight.

[0048] Advantages are also obtained by providing a stainless metal sheet, since the apparatus is often used and stored in wet environments.

[0049] According to another embodiment, shown in fig. 4, the apparatus is made from a supporting plate with holes, made of plastic or metal. Said plate has a plurality of elements 101, projecting on the side being meant to receive the broom brushes, like points, edges or threads, in a predetermined arrangement and at a predetermined distance from each other, being intended to cooperate with brushes, to remove of the material caught therein, by scraping.

[0050] Referring to fig. 2, an apparatus according to the invention comprises a grid 4, formed by interwoven threads 104, arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0051] Said grid 4 may be made of any material fit for the purpose; the use of stainless metal or of plastic is particularly advantageous.

[0052] Said grid 4 may be formed from sheets of preexisting industrial material, a frame 204 being possibly added thereto, by welding or gluing, for a general strengthening purpose.

[0053] Said grid 4 may also be obtained by making holes on a thin metal sheet, thereby forming a grille-shaped surface (see also fig. 5).

[0054] Said grid 4 may be also made in one single plastic molding step.

[0055] According to the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the plate 1 with holes and the scraping elements 2 are made from one piece, i.e. the grid 4.

[0056] This embodiment has the advantage of being highly cost-effective and of involving a simple manufacture, since it requires extensively known industrial products.

[0057] An additional advantage consists in that, according to this embodiment, the cleaning apparatus is very resistant, despite its reduced thickness.

[0058] According to the additional embodiment shown in fig. 3, a cleaning apparatus according to the invention consists of interwoven (5) ribs 105, arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0059] Said ribs 5 may have several shapes, and sections, advantages being obtained from providing them with straight shapes, and with isosceles triangle sections, with the upper vertex facing the brushes.

[0060] The resulting shape facilitates the penetration of bristles through the apparatus.

[0061] The apparatus according to this embodiment may be made of any material fit for the purpose, particularly of plastic, allowing the whole apparatus to be fabricated in one single molding step.

[0062] The apparatus obtained thereby is remarkably cost-effective, light, stout and easy to clean.

[0063] The apparatus according to the different embodiments may have means, not shown herein, for removable attachment to a possible holding container and/or support legs, feet, brackets (not shown in detail) also possibly swinging or overturning from an open supporting position and a closed position, adhering against the plate. The feet or legs may also be provided on one end only, wherefore the plate is inclined in the operating position.

[0064] Although the apparatus is effectively operated alone, advantages are obtained by associating it to a container, which holds the material removed from brushes.

[0065] Referring to figs. 6 to 9, a container according to the invention comprises a receptacle 6, having inward shoulders (106) at an intermediate level, for bearing the cleaning apparatus 5.

[0066] The receptacle 6 has an open upper side 206 for receiving the broom to be cleaned, and a front side 306, which may be opened and closed by a door 7.

[0067] Said door 7 is swingingly fastened to the upper edge 606 of the open side 306 and is operated by a lever 8, integral with the door 7, and situated sideways.

[0068] The door 7 may be held open by elastic snap fitting to a tooth, formed in the median area of the upper edge of the receptacle.

[0069] The open side 306 is used to allow the receptacle 6 to be emptied, and also to enable the container to act as a dustpan, also due to the wedge shape of the lower edge 706 of the open side 306.

[0070] The part 906 of the receptacle below the cleaning apparatus 5 may hold a box, not shown, for holding the material removed from brushes and/or the material collected from the ground.

[0071] Said box may be extracted through the opening 306 of the holding container, in order to allow the discharge of materials, without overturning the whole container.

[0072] The brush cleaning apparatus 5 is made from interwoven ribs 105 with triangular sections, but any embodiment described hereinbefore may be applied thereto.

[0073] The upper sides 806 of the receptacle 6 are outwardly inclined, like a hopper, to facilitate the insertion of the broom, and to prevent the dispersion of dirt bits during the brush cleaning operation.

[0074] The rear of the receptacle 6 has fastening means 506 enabling the application of a stick 9, used to operate the whole apparatus during the cleaning operations.

[0075] The receptacle 6 is made from one piece, of plastic or of any material fit for the purpose.

[0076] The brush cleaning apparatus 5 may be permanently integrated in the receptacle 6, or be removable, for being cleaned or replaced, when it is broken.

[0077] The door 7 and the box may be also made of plastic, whereas the lever 8 is preferably made of metal, for resistance purposes.

[0078] An apparatus like the one described herein may be serviceable in the domestic use, but its resistance and reliability characteristics make it also fit for hard use, like in communities, hotels, hospitals, etc.

[0079] According to a variant embodiment, a second scraping plate may be inserted vertically in the front or rear wall of the upper part 806 of the receptacle 6, so as to help the broom brushes to be cleaned at their sides.

[0080] An electric aspirator may be possibly added in the lower part of the container, and placed on the bottom or at the side of the container, for aspirating the collected dirt.

[0081] Referring to figs. 10 to 12, a second embodiment of the container comprises a receptacle 10 in the form of a holding box/dustpan whose perimetral casing has one open side 11.

[0082] The lower edge 111 of the opening side 11 has an extension 12, preferably made of a rubber-like material, attached to the lower edge 111 by gluing or similar, in order to facilitate the entry of waste matter.

[0083] Alternatively, said edge 111 may simply have a wedge shape.

[0084] The upper side of the receptacle 10, directly next to the open side 11, is provided with an apparatus 5 for cleaning broom brushes.

[0085] This apparatus 5 is shown in fig. 10 according to the embodiment of a grille-shaped surface, and in figs. 11 and 12, according to the embodiment of a grid composed of crossed ribs 105 having a triangular section.

[0086] Yet, the container may be provided with any embodiment of the cleaning apparatus as described above.

[0087] The receptacle 10 also has two closing covers: the first cover 15 is supported by a pair of lateral extensions 16, which are swingingly pivoted to the corresponding sides of the receptacle 10. These extensions 16 may also have the form of arms or similar.

[0088] The first cover 15 is used to close the open side 11, and has means 17 for attachment to an operating stick, a handle, or similar, in the median area of the upper edge 115, when in the opening condition.

[0089] A second cover 18 is swingingly hinged to the rear edge 215 of the first cover 15, and is used to cover the cleaning apparatus, sliding over the upper side of the receptacle 10, driven by the closing movement of the first cover 15. The hinging axis is provided between the opposite sides; the outer side of the cover 18 of the scraping element 5 and the inner side of the cover 15 of the open side 11, and in such a position that the cover 18 partially extends under the cover 15 in the opening condition. In this way, when the two covers 15, 18 are in the closing position, they perfectly close the two open sides of the containers, whereas, when they are in the opening condition, the cover 18 bears the cover 15 in a stable position of angular motion beyond the perfectly vertical position, resting on the upper side of the container.

[0090] By this arrangement, the two covers are integral with each other and may be opened or closed together by a single movement.

[0091] According to an important characteristic, the cover pivot axis 19 is moved towards the open side 11, with respect to the axis passing through the center of gravity, and being parallel thereto.

[0092] This arrangement allows the whole container to be closed by a single movement, i.e. simply lifting the stick upwardly. By this movement, the receptacle rotates about the axis 19, automatically taking a vertical position with respect to the ground, and the casing side opposite to the opening becomes the bearing bottom 20 for the container, in the rest or transport condition. The container is thus closed, as described, by simply acting on the stick, i.e. moving it substantially vertically upwards.

[0093] This characteristic remarkably reduces the size of the apparatus, allowing the waste matter to be kept inside, for further disposal.

[0094] In the opening condition, the rear edge 215 of the first cover 15 rests on the upper side of the receptacle 10, ensuring a permanent opening condition of the container.

[0095] The whole container may be made of any material being fit for the purpose, preferably of plastic, which provides the best lightness, resistance, cost-effectiveness and easy cleaning features.

[0096] The cleaning apparatus 5 may be integrated to the upper part of the receptacle 10, or may be removable for being cleaned and/or replaced when it is broken.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning broom brushes or similar, characterized by a supporting member (1), in the form of a plate, or similar, provided with a plurality of projecting elements (2), like points, edges, or threads, in a predetermined arrangement and at a predetermined distance from each other, being meant to interact with brushes, for removing the material caught therein by scraping.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the plate (1) is provided with a plurality of holes (3).

3. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the plate (1) and the elements (2) have the form of a grid (4).

4. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises elements like nails, projections, points or similar.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of blades (2), projecting transverse to the plate and spaced, possibly also crossed.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 5, characterized in that the blades (2) consist of plate parts (1) bent to form angles, in the area of the plate (1) where holes (3) are provided.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1, 2, 5 or 6, characterized in that the blades (2) have a triangular shape.

8. An apparatus as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid (4) is formed by interwoven or crossed metal or plastic threads (104).

9. An apparatus as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid (4) consists of interwoven or crossed blades or ribs (5).

10. An apparatus as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ribs (5) have triangular sections, with the upper vertex turned towards the brush.

11. An apparatus as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (1) has means for removable attachment to a holding container or support legs, feet, or brackets.

12. A holding container, characterized in that it comprises a receptacle (6) with inward shoulders (106) for supporting the apparatus (5) as claimed in one ore more of claims 1 to 11.

13. A container as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the shoulders (106) are placed in the container at an intermediate level thereof.

14. A container as claimed in claims 12 or 13, characterized in that it has a side wall provided with a discharge opening (306) below the apparatus as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 11, whose opening may be closed by a door (7).

15. A container as claimed in claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it houses a holding box, which is provided under the apparatus (5), and may be extracted through said opening (306) of the holding container.

16. A container as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it has the function of a dustpan.

17. A container having the function of a dustpan as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that it is made like a holding box, one side (11) of the perimetral casing thereof being opened and closed by a cover (15), and a part of the upper side being provided with an apparatus (5) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 11, said part being also provided with a closing cover (18).

18. A container as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the covers (15, 18) for closing the casing side (11) and the part of the upper side, provided with the apparatus (5) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 11, are integrated to each other and are opened and closed together by a single movement.

19. A container as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the area of the upper side, being provided with the apparatus (5) as claimed in one or more of clams 1 to 11, is directly adjacent to the casing open side (11), and the cover (18) thereof is jointed to the cover (15) of the casing open side (11).

20. A container as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the cover (15) of the casing open side (11) is supported by a pair of arms or lateral or transverse extensions (16), swingingly pivoted to the corresponding sides of the container, whereas the cover (18) of the area of the upper side provided with the apparatus (5) is hinged to the rear edge (215) of the first cover (15).

21. A container as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that the pivot axis (19) of the cover (15) of the casing open side (11) is moved towards said open side (11), with respect to the axis passing through the center of gravity and being parallel thereto.

22. A container as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that the operating means consist of a handle attached in the median area near the upper edge (115) of the cover (15) for the casing open side (11), in the opening condition.

23. A container as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that the operating means consist of a stick.

24. A container as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 23, characterized in that the casing side (20) opposite to the opening (11) thereof, forms the bearing bottom for the container, in the rest or transport condition.

25. An apparatus for cleaning broom brushes, or similar, and a holding container wholly or partially as described, illustrated and for the purposes stated herein.

Drawing