Broom apparatus with insert

Abstract

A broom apparatus is described that includes a handle, an insert and a cleaning head. The proximal end portion is a tube defines an aperture that is approximately aligned with axis of the handle. The aperture extends a predetermined distance within the handle. The insert is stored in the proximal end portion of the handle. The insert includes a proximal handle and a distal cleaning head that has a cleaning pouch. The insert is removed for dusting from the proximal end portion of the handle and can be returned and stored in the proximal end portion of the handle thereafter.

1 . A broom apparatus that comprises: 
 an elongate handle that includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion that define a central longitudinal axis, the proximal end portion defines an aperture aligned with the longitudinal axis;    an insert that includes a proximal handle and a distal cleaning head, the cleaning head has a cleaning pouch positioned on a frame;    a broom head that includes a neck and a base plate, the neck connects to the distal end portion of the handle, a plurality of bristles extends distally from the base plate;    a first position in which the insert is positioned in the aperture; and    a second position in which the insert is removed from the aperture for use as a separate dusting device.    
   
   
       2 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pouch is removable from the frame.  
   
   
       3 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle has a terminal end portion that has an annular rim that locks the insert in the first position.  
   
   
       4 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pouch is connected to the frame by a locking mechanism.  
   
   
       5 . The broom apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a slider and a key.  
   
   
       6 . The broom apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the slider locks the key in a proximal position on the frame to secure the pouch on the frame and unlocks the key in distal position to allow for the removal of the pouch from the frame.  
   
   
       7 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end portion of the handle includes a flange that is connected to a terminal end of the handle, the flange being rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the handle.  
   
   
       8 . The broom apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the flange defines a second aperture transverse to the longitudinal axis.  
   
   
       9 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is returned to the first position.  
   
   
       10 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame of the insert is a wire.  
   
   
       11 . The broom apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the wire forms two loops and the distal most loop provides structural support for the pouch.  
   
   
       12 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is flexible.  
   
   
       13 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is resilient.  
   
   
       14 . The broom apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein an insert locking mechanism retains the insert in the first position independent of the angular position of the broom.