US2216185A - Dustpan mechanism - Google Patents

Description

UCL l, 1940. z NA W. CUMMlNS 2,216,185

DUSTPAN MECHANI SM Filed June v50, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l l5 S40,

@im x j w l N V E N TO R Harman W Cummins BY M26-W ATTDRNEY Patented Oct. I, 1940 PATENT OFFICE DUs'rPAN MECHANISM Norman W. Cummins, Louisville, Ky.

Application June 30, 1938, serial No. 216,688

10 Claims.

My invent-ion relates to improvements in carpet sweeper constructions, and particularly to improvements in the construction and arrangement of dustpan operating mechanisms.

The features of my invention as disclosed in this applicatiomhave particular reference to carpet sweepers of the classthat do not employ a conventional exterior bail for pivotally attaching the operating handle to the casing. In sweepers of this class; the operating handle may be pivotally mounted on the top of the sweeper casing, or projected through an opening in the top ofthe sweeper cas-ing and secured to a transverse shaft within the casing, which shaft is scope of the appended claims.y

" pivotally mounted on the end partitions of the casing. `Other equivalent methods of pivotally attaching the operating "handle to the sweeper` casing will be apparent as the present disclosure is studied by those familiar with carpet Sweeper constructions'. that, although thepresent disclosure is made in specific terms of an interiorly pivoted handle without an external baiLthe scope of my invention is in no wise to be limited otherthan by the It is to be further understood thatithe `scopeV of this disclosure,

and its appended clx'alirra` is not to be lessened or restricted by reason ofthe filing of my copendingapplicationr Serial'Number 216,687, iiled June 30, 1938,"and entitled Carpet sweeper, which application embraces certain specific problems encountered in applying the broad principles of this invention tosweepers of the class that emv ploy an external bail for pivotally attaching the A operated, `and positive in its action.

`Astill further object vof my invention is to provide a relatively simple, `practical and efficient construction thatwill facilitate assembly and reduce manufacturing costs. i i

The advantages of these and-other objects of my invention will be more apparent as the following description is read in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating one preferred embodiment of the broad principles of my invention and its constructional details, in which:

However, it is to be understood Figure l is a plan view of a sweeper embodying my invention, showing the general relation between the operating handle 4 and the top of the sweeper casing, when the operating handle is substantially in a vertical position; 5

Figure 2 is an end View of the sweeper illustrated in Figure 1, showing the relation between wheels l5, brush |4,`dustpans i8, I8, retaining spring I E and operating handle 4, when the operating handle is substantially in a `vertical posi- 10 tion;

` Figure 3 is' an enlarged partial sectional View taken along lines 3 3 of Figure 2, illustrating the construction and arrangement of the dustpan actuating lever 3 interms of the operating 15 handle'4;

`Figure 4 is an enlarged partial sectional View taken along lines 4 4 of Figure 2, illustrating the manner in which spring lever Il is pivotally mounted on the end partition` l2; 20

Figure 5 is an `enlarged partial sectional View taken along lines 5 5 of Figure 3, illustrating the construction and arrangement of the pivot 2a, for the dustpan actuating lever 3;

Figure 6 is a partial sectional View taken along 25 the `transverse center line of Figure 1, illustrating the manner in which chain 8, or its equivalent, interconnects the actuating plunger 1 and spring lever II;

Figure l7 is an enlarged partial sectional view 30 taken along lines 1 1 of Figure 6, illustrating the method of attaching the ared spring guide 2l to the hollow transverse shaft I0;

Figure 8 is an enlarged partial sectional View taken along lines 8 8 of Figure 6, showing the construction of the hollow shaft I U;

Figure 9 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along lines 9 9 of Figure 2, illustrating the manner in which each dustpan l`8 is pivotally mounted `on each end partition l2 and 12a;

Figure 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken adjacent the exterior face of end partition l2, showing the construction of bearing portion Illa of hollow pintle Ill, and the manner in which the bearing portion Illa, is retained in re- 45 cess 25 by a retaining strap 20;

Figure 11 is an enlarged partial plan view showing the manner in which Vspring 8 is secured to actuating plunger 'l and spring lever Il.

The broad principles of the present invention, as illustrated in the above designated drawings, are applied to a sweeper employing a conventional dustpan` spring arrangement, wherein the ends of an inverted loopv spring are secured to opposite dustpans. Ordinarily two such springs 55 are employed one adjacent the inner face of each end partition I2 and I2a. However, in the accompanying drawings, only one such spring is shown. Normally, these springs act to bias the dustpans to .their closed positions. Thus, to dump the dustpans, it is customary to raise the loop of one of the dustpan springs, and to thereby pull the dustpans to an open or dumping position.

To raise the spring loop, it has been customary to provide a dumping lever pivotally mounted on one end of the sweeper housing. One end of such lever has been attached to the spring loop, while the other end has been arranged so that it could be depressed by an operator.

As adverted to in my aforesaid copending application, this arrangement has been found to be objectionable in that the operator is required to hold the sweeper handle and steady the sw-eeper housing while actuating the dumping lever.

Limitations, controlled by the practical width of the sweeper casings, have not allowed a satisfactory ratio for the casing carried dumping lever. Accordingly', considerable pressure has been required to raise one spring loop against the biasing action of the other spring.

A more serious objection has been encountered as a result of the clumsy and awkward operation of the casing carried dumping lever. Accordingly, since the success of carpet sweepers depends upon frequent and regular cleaning of the dustpans, the actuating mechanism for opening and closing the dustpans has becom-e a problem of serious concern. l

To overcome these and lesser objections, not specifically enumerated, I have arranged the dustpan actuating lever so that it is carried by the operating handle of the sweeper.

This arrangement enables the operator to, in effect, ignore the relative position of the casing with respect to the operating handle, when actuating the dustpan dump lever carried by the operating handle.

Placing the actuating lever on the operating handle, has made possible a very desirable lever ratio, and a definitely improved finger grip, so that the lever may be actuated either by pulling or pushing, according to the preference of the operator.

Thus, my invention provides for simple and easy operation of the dustpan actuating lever, and in a manner that is more graceful and natural for the operator.

Referring now in detail to the accompanying drawings, it will be observed that the sweeper casing I includes end partitions I2 and IZa.

In Figure 1 it will be observed that the sweeper casing I is provided with a one-piece metal cover that is equipped with a rubber band portion Ib, which hand portion protects the furniture etc. from scratches and excessive abrasions. Within the metal cover, end partitions I2 and I2a are placed as shown in Figure 6, which partitions are connected by side members I9, I9 as illustrated in Figure 2.

In either Figure 1, 2 or 3, it will be observed that the operating handle 4 is secured through a ferrule connection 5 to a hollow arm 6, which arm projects through an aperture in the top of the sweeper casing and is rigidly secured to a hollow shaft I0 extending transversely of the sweeper casing.

In Figure 6 the rigid connection of hollow arm 6 to the hollow shaft I0 is clearly shown. In the herein illustrated embodiment of my invention,

I have preferably fashioned the hollow shaft I0 from sheet stock.

Figures '7, 8 and l0 show the relative sectional shape at the corresponding points transversely along the hollow shaft I6. At the center of shaft II), opposite the rigid connection of arm 6 thereto, the sectional shape of shaft Ill substantially corresponds with that of the bearing portions Illa. shown in Figure 10.

Referring again to Figure 6 it will be observed that fabricated brush combs 22 are rigidly secured to shaft I0, and are constructed so as to close the gap formed along the lower side of the shaft, shown in Figure 8.

In Figures 6 and l0 the pivotal mounting of shaft I0 in the end partitions I2 and I2a is clearly illustrated. It will be noted that each partition is provided with a rounded recess 25 receiving the corresponding bearing portions Illa of shaft III, and that each partition is further provided with a rectangular recess receiving a retaining strap 26, which strap is secured thereto by brads 2li, or their equivalent.

Each remote end of shaft II) is provided with a depending arm Iilb that carries a pin 9. The pins 9, 9 do not form a part of the dustpan operating mechanism, as they are used in connection with a pressure regulating device for the wheels carried by the corresponding partition. In Figure 2 the general shape of the arms Illb is illustrated.

As adverted to at the outset, hollow arm 6 is rigidly secured to shaft I0. In the herein illustrated embodiment, this connection is effected by providing shaft I0 with an aperture through which the arm 6 passes. To provide a very rigid and substantial connection of arm 6 to shaft I6, the arm 6 is bifurcated. The bifurcations are bent at 90 degrees to arm 6 and welded to the inner face of hollow shaft I6. Accordingly, the aforesaid construction provides an uninterrupted communication between the hollow portion 6b of arm 6, and the hollow portion of shaft I0. This construction is utilized in the operation of the dustpan actuating mechanism, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

In Figures 6 and 2 it will be noted that a brush I4, of the conventional type, is pivotally supported transversely between the end partitions I2 and I2a by bearing pins 23, 23. Similarly, a pair of dustpans I6, ID are pivotally mounted transversely between the end partitions, in the manner illustrated in Fig. 9. The relation between the dustpans, brush and shaft pivots Illa is particularly shown in Fig. 2.

Referring more in detail to Figure 2, it will be observed that the dustpans are connected by a wire spring I6 having an upwardly extending loop. As hereinbefore mentioned, two such springs are ordinarily used, one adjacent the inner face of each partition I2 and |20., and each spring is arranged to normally bias the dustpans to their closed positions. To simplify the drawings, only one such spring is shown in the accompanying drawings, and it is to be understood that my invention will perform equally well, insofar as dustpan dumping is concerned, whether one or both springs are used.

A spring lever II is pivotally mounted on the end partition I2 by a bearing pin I3, as illustrated in Figure 4. The free end of spring lever II is provided with an upstanding projection, which projection engages the uppermost portion of the inverted spring loop.

As illustrated in Figures 3, 6 and 11, a chain il, or otherflexible connecting member, permanently interconnects an actuating plunger 'I withinthe hollow arm 6, and the upstandingprojection on spring lever I I.

In the accompanying drawings, a conventional plumbing waste stopper chain 8 is shown, and the chain is secured to spring lever I l by passing the upstanding projection through one of its rectangular openings. In order to assure that the spring I6` remains connected to the spring lever` II, a small loop is fashioned in the uppermost portion of the inverted spring loop through which the upstanding projection likewise passes.

Referring in particular to Figure 6, it will be observed that one of the bifurcations of the hollowarm 6 is formed with a suitable curvature so as to provide a satisfactory guide and bearing for chain 8, where the chain passes from the hollow arm 6 into the hollow shaft I0. Similarly, the

hollow` shaft I3, adjacent partition I2, is pro-` vided with a flared spring guide 2l, which guide is rigidly `secured to the lower face of hollow shaft Ill so as to provide a satisfactory guide and bearing for chain 8 vvhere'it` passes from hollow shaft I to connect spring arm ll.

From the description thus far presented, it will be obvious that an upward movement of the actuating plunger 'I will pull chain 8, which, in turn, will raise the loop of spring I6, and thereby move simultaneously the dustpans I8, I8 to open or dumping position.

To provide the most satisfactory operation of the actuating plungeril, an actuating lever 3 is pivotally secured` to hollow arm 6 by a suitable bearing pin 2a. The construction of the bearing pin is particularly shown in Figure 5.

In Figures 1 and 2 the relative position of the operating lever 3 with respect to the detachable operating handle 4, is shown. At this time attention is directed to the threaded portion of arm E, and the associated adjusting nuts 6c. Inspection of Figures 2 and` 3 will reveal that the `actuating lever 3 is pivotally mounted on a ring member 2, which ring member surrounds the threaded portion of hollow arm 6. In this respect it is to be understood that the ring member 2 is freely slidable` along the threaded portion of arm 6. Thus, the adjusting nuts 6c serve to rigidly secure the ring member 2, to hollow arm 6 in its proper operating location.

Obviously, variation in the length of chains 8 is encountered in production. Accordingly, adjusting nuts 6c are employed to compensate for such variations inchain lengths. Thus, for longer chains, the ring member 2 is moved upwardly along arm 6, while, for shorter chains, the ring member 2 islowered., v

Figure 3 is an enlarged `sectional view showing the actuating lever 3. Therefore, operation of the actuating lever can be clearly understood by referring to Figure 3.

It will be noted that the upper end of actuating lever 3 is fashioned with a suitable finger grip, while the lower end is provided with a suitable cam that projects through a slot 6c in hollow arm 6 into the interior thereof.

As hereinbefore described, an actuating plunger I is arranged within the hollow arm 6. In Figure 11 the construction of the actuating plunger 'I is shown.` Thus, it will be apparent, from an inspection of Figures 3 and 11, that the cam portion of actuating lever 3 operates in the milled slot 'Ib of the actuating plunger 1.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that operation of the dustpans is accomplished by moving the finger grip outwardly from the hollow arm 6, which moving may be effected either by pulling or pushing actuating leverr3,` according to the preference of the operator.

. Therefore, with the actuating lever 3 in the position shown in Figure 3, spring I6 biases the dustpans I8, I8 to their closed or operating positions. Moving the nger grip outwardly, as aforesaid, raises actuating plunger T, which, in

turn, pulls chain 8 and accordingly raises thev associated spring I 8. Raising the latter mentioned spring opens the dustpans against the biasing action of the other spring. At this time reference` is made to the fact that in order to vprovide sufficient opening of dustpans I8, I8,

it is not necessary to raise the free ends of spring I6 above the pivotal center ofdustpan pivots I1, Il. Accordingly, the spring IB is always positioned to bias the dustpans I8, I8 toward their closed positions. Therefore, closing of the dustpans is accomplished by the biasing action of spring I6, when the lever 3 is restored to its normal position.

In Figure 2 the usual wheels of the carpet sweeper are shown. While the wheels are not shown in Figure 6, it is to be understood that such wheels are ordinarily located adjacent the respective outside faces of end partitions I2 and IZa. Accordingly, in the present embodiment of my invention, the wheels are covered by the one-piece cover.

In order to` provide sufficient angular movement for the operating handle 4, a slot is formed in the top of the sweeper casing, Thus, to eliminate dust leakage from the slot, I have provided a trim plate la having a depending well and a suitable smaller slot for straddling the hollow shaft I8. The construction and arrangement -of the trim plate is particularlyshown in` Figures l and 6.

Thus, it will be apparent that my invention has provided a very efficient and conveniently operable dustpan dumping mechanism that can be operated independently of the relative positions of the sweeper casing and operating han- Aolle, which mechanism requires the minimum handling of parts o-f the sweeper by the operator while actuating the dumping mechanism.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: 1. A carpet` sweeper comprising, in combination,a dust compartment having a top and end walls, said top having a centrally disposed opening therein; dustpans within the said compartment pivotally mounted between the said end walls; a spring within the said dust compartment located adjacent the inner surface of one end wall thereof, and extending between the pans fo-r normally biasing the said pans to their closed positions, the said spring having an up,

wardly extending loop, which is raised to dump the said dustpans; a hollow shaft pivotally mounted within the said dust compartment, having one of its ends extending adjacent to and above the said upwardly extending loop; a hollowstub handle i'ixedly secured to the said shaft and projecting 4through the said opening; the bore ofthe hollow stub handle communicating with the bore of the hollow shaft; a dumping lever pivotally mounted on the said stub4 handle; and a flexible cable operating within the bores of the stub handle and shaft, operatively connecting the dumping lever and the said `upwardly extendingV loop, for raising the said loop to dump the pans when the lever is actuated.

2. A carpet sweeper comprising, in combination, a dust compartment having a top member and end walls, the said top having an opening therethrough communicating with the interior of the said compartment; a dustpan within the said compartment pivotally mounted between the said end walls; a hollow stub handle projecting through the said opening and pivotally mounted to the carpet sweeper within the said dust compartment; a dumping lever pivotally mounted on the said handle; a spring within the dust compartment normally biasing the said pan to its closed position, the said spring having an upwardly extending loop, which is raised to dump the said dustpan; and a flexible cable extending from within the dust compartment through the bore of the handle and operatively connecting the said upwardly extending loop and said lever, for raising the said loop to dump the said pan, when the said lever is actuated.

3. A dustpan actuating mechanism for a carpet sweeper, comprising, a sweeper casing, the

-` said casing having an opening in the top member thereof communicating with the interior of the said casing; a hollow stub handle pivotally mounted within the casing projecting outwardly through the said opening and having an operating handle iixedly secured to the outer end thereor", the said stub handle having a longitudinal slot formed therein adjacent its outer end; a plunger slidably mounted within the bore of the said stub handle and longitudinally movable therein; a lever pivotally mounted on the said stub handle adjacent the said longitudinal slot, the said lever having a projection extending through the longitudinal slot and operatively engaging the said plunger, for moving the said plunger longitudinally upwardly when the lever is actuated; a dustpan pivotally mounted within the saidA casing; and means extending from within the casing through the bore of the said stub handle, and operatively connecting the said plunger and said dustpan for moving the dustpan to an open position, when the said plunger is moved longitudinally upwardly by actuation of the said lever.

4. A carpet sweeper comprising, in combination, a dust compartment having a top member and side walls, said top having a centrally disposed opening therein; dust pans pivotally mounted within the said compartment; a spring within the said dust compartment located adjacent the inner face of one side wall thereof, and operatively associated with the pans for normally biasing the said pans to their closed positions, the said spring having an upwardly extending loop which is raised to dump the said pans; a hollow shaft pivotally mounted within the said dust compartment, and having one of its ends extending substantially adjacent to and above the said upwardly extending loop; a hollow handle iixedly secured to the said shaft and projecting through the said opening, the bore of the hollow handle communicating with the bore of the hollow shaft; an actuating member movably mounted on the said handle; and means operating within the bores of the said handle and said shaft, and operatively connecting the said actuating member the said upwardly extending loop, for raising the said loop to dump the pans, when the said member is actuated.

5. A carpet sweeper comprising, in combination, a dust compartment having a top member and side wallspthe said top having an opening therethroughA communicating with the interior of the said compartment; a dustpan pivotally mounted within the said compartment; a hollow handle projecting through the said opening, and pivotally secured to the carpet sweeper within the said dust compartment; an actuating member movably mounted on the said handle; a spring within the said dust compartment operatively associated with the said pan and normally biasing the said panto its closed position, the said spring having an upwardly extending loop which is raised to dump the said dustpan; and means extending from within the said dust com-v partment through the bore vof .the said handle, and operatively connecting the said upwardly extending loop and the said actuating member, for raising the said loop to dump the said pan, when the said member is actuated.

6. A carpet sweeperl comprising, in combination, a dust compartment having a top member and side walls, thefsaid top having an opening therethrough communicating` with the interior of the dust compartment; Ia dustpan pivotally mounted within the said compartment; a spring within the said dust compartment located adjacent the inner face' of one side wall thereof, and operatively associated with the pan for normally biasing the same to a closed position, the said spring having an upwardly extending loop which is raised to dump `the said dustpan; a lever pivotally mounted adjacent the inner face of the said one side wall, and having its free end operatively engaging the upwardly extending loop of the said spring; a hollow shaft pivotally mounted within the said dust compartment, and having one of its ends extending substantially adjacent to 'and above the said lever; a hollow handle rixedly secured to the said shaft and projecting through the said opening, the bore of the hollow handle communicating with the bore of the` hollow shaft; an actuating member mounted on the said handle; and means operating within the bores of the said handle and said shaft, and operatively connecting the said actuating member and the said lever, for actuating the said lever to raise the loop of the said spring and thus move the said pan to a dumping position, when the said member is actuated.

'7. A carpet sweeper comprising, in combination, a dust compartment having a top member and side walls, tthe said top having an opening therethrough communicating with the interior of the said compartment; a dustpan pivotally mounted within the said dust compartment; means operatively associated with the said pan', for biasing the same to'a closed position; a hollow handle projecting through the said opening, and pivotally secured to the said sweeper within the said dust compartment; an actuating member movably mounted on the said handle; and means extending from within the said dust compartment through the bore of the said handle, and operatively connecting the said pan and the said actuating member, for moving the said pan to a dumping position, when the said member is actuated. v

8.A carpet sweeper comprising, in combination, a dust compartment having a top member and sidewalls, the said top having an opening therethrough communicating with the interior of the said compartment; dustpans pivotally mounted within the said dust compartment; dumping means operatively associated with the said pans, for moving the pans to a dumping position, when the said dumping means is actuated; a hollow handle projecting through the said opening, and pivotally secured to the said sweeper within the said dust compartment; an actuating member movably mounted on the said handle; and means extending from within the said compartment through the bore of the said handie, and operatively connecting the said dumping means and the said actuating member, for actuatingthe said dumping means, and thus moving the said pans to a dumping position, when the said member is actuated.

9. A carpet sweeper comprising, in combination, a dust compartment having a top member and side walls, the said top having an opening therethrough communicating with the interior of the said compartment; a dustpan disposed within the said compartment and pivotally secured to the said sweeper; a hollow handle projecting through the said `opening and pivotally secured to the said sweeper within the said compartment; an actuating plunger slidably mounted within the bore of the said handle and longitudinally movable therein; a spring within the said compartment operatively associated with the said pan and normally biasing the same to a closed position, the said spring having an upwardly extending loop that is raised to dump the said pan; means extending from within the said compartment through the bore of the said handle, and operatively connecting the said' loop, and said plunger, for raising the loop to dump kthe said pan, when the said plunger is moved longitudinally upwardly; and an actuating member movably mounted on the said handle, and operatively engaging the said plunger, for moving the said plunger longitudinally upwardly, when the said member is actuated.

10. A carpet sweeper comprising, in combination, a dust compartment having a top member and side walls, the said top having an opening therethrough communicating with the interior of the said compartment; a dustpan disposed within the said compartment, and pivotally secured to the said sweeper; a hollow handle projecting `through the said opening and pivotally secured to the said sweeper within the said compartment; a spring within the said compartment operatively associated with the said pan, and normally biasing the same to a closed position, the said spring having an upwardly extending loop that is raised to dump the said pan; actuating means slidably mounted within the bore of the said handle for longitudinal movement therein, and extending longitudinally through the bore of the said handle into the interior of the NORMAN W. CUMIMINS.

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