Pushbroom with support brace

Abstract

A pushbroom uses a broom brace, optimally manufactured as an integral one-piece lightweight molded element. The brace consists of a framework of outer and lower rib members substantially circumscribing the outer surface of the brace and a central rib member. Strengthening web sections are located and extend between the rib members. The brace is secured to the handle and the broom head by threaded connectors or similar attachment devices.

1 . A pushbroom having a handle, a broomhead with a base having an upper surface and broom bristles, and a broom brace, said broom brace comprising an integral, unitary brace body having a framework of rib members comprising lower and central rib members and outer rib members, said body further comprising a plurality of solid, substantially planar web sections, each web section being enclosed within and extending between the central and lower rib members and one of the outer rib members, said brace body further comprising means to receive and retain the handle and means to secure the brace to the broomhead.  
   
   
       2 . The pushbroom as in  claim 1  wherein the outer rib members of the framework are curvilinear.  
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . The pushbroom as in  claim 1  wherein the brace body has a substantially flat bottom surface for placement on the upper surface of the base of the broomhead.  
   
   
       5 . The pushbroom as in  claim 1  wherein the means to secure the brace the broomhead permits the brace to be secured in two reversible positions.  
   
   
       6 . The pushbroom as in  claim 1  wherein the brace body is positioned directly on the upper surface of the base of the broomhead.  
   
   
       7 . The pushbroom as in  claim 1  wherein the means to receive and retain the handle comprises an opening in the brace body.  
   
   
       8 . The pushbroom as in  claim 1  wherein the means to secure the body to the broom head comprises opening means for the placement of attachment components between the brace body and the broom head.  
   
   
       9 . The pushbroom as in  claim 1  wherein the brace body is made of molded plastic.