Device for reducing sweeping effort

Abstract

The subject invention is a new and novel cleaning device for removing dust or dirt from the surface of a floor. The cleaning device comprises a base into which a handle is inserted in the upper side of the base. A cleaning surface is attached to the underside of the base. An apparatus is provided for reducing the amount of effort necessary to push the cleaning device across the surface of a floor comprising a block having a rolling device and means for mounting the apparatus to the handle such that during operation said apparatus is supported by the handle and the rolling device rolls along the surface of the floor.

1 . A cleaning device for removing dust or dirt from the surface of a floor, the cleaning device comprising:
 a base having a handle inserted therein;   a cleaning surface attached to said base; and   an apparatus effective for reducing the amount of effort necessary to push the cleaning device across the surface of the floor;   wherein said apparatus comprises a block having a rolling device and means for mounting said apparatus to said handle such that during operation said apparatus is supported by said handle and said rolling device rolls along the surface of the floor.   
     
     
         2 . The cleaning device of  claim 1  wherein said cleaning surface is formed from a plurality of bristles. 
     
     
         3 . The cleaning device of  claim 1  wherein said cleaning surface comprises a collection of strands of yarn fastened to a fabric backing. 
     
     
         4 . The cleaning device of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus is removably attached to said handle. 
     
     
         5 . The cleaning device of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus further comprises an aperture there through for receiving said handle. 
     
     
         6 . The cleaning device of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus includes means for accommodating larger or smaller diameter handles. 
     
     
         7 . The cleaning device of  claim 1  wherein said block is formed from wood. 
     
     
         8 . The cleaning device of  claim 1  wherein said block is formed from a plastic. 
     
     
         9 . A cleaning device for removing dust or dirt from the surface of a floor, the cleaning device comprising:
 an elongated base having a handle inserted therein;   a cleaning surface attached to said base; and   an apparatus effective for reducing the amount of effort necessary to push the cleaning device across the surface of the floor;   wherein said apparatus comprises an elongated block having a top face and a bottom face, first and second side faces, and an upper end and a lower end, said lower end is provided with at least one rolling device extending longitudinally therefrom; and at least one aperture extending through said top and lower faces and is adapted to receive therethrough said handle such that in operation, said elongated block extends downwardly from said handle such that said rolling device contacts and rolls along the surface of the floor thereby reducing the friction between said cleaning surface and the surface of the floor.   
     
     
         10 . The cleaning device of  claim 9  wherein said cleaning surface is formed from a plurality of bristles. 
     
     
         11 . The cleaning device of  claim 9  wherein said cleaning surface comprises a collection of strands of yarn fastened to a fabric backing. 
     
     
         12 . The cleaning device of  claim 9  wherein said apparatus is removably attached to said handle. 
     
     
         13 . The cleaning device of  claim 9  wherein said block is formed from wood. 
     
     
         14 . The cleaning device of  claim 9  wherein said block is formed from a plastic. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for attaching to the handle of a conventional push broom or mop having a cleaning surface for removing dust and dirt from the surface of the floor, the apparatus comprising:
 an elongated block having a top face and a bottom face, first and second side faces, and an upper end and a lower end, said lower end is provided with at least one rolling device extending longitudinally therefrom, and at least one aperture extending through said top and lower faces adapted to receive therethrough the handle such that in operation, said elongated block extends downwardly from the handle such that said rolling device contacts and rolls along the surface of the floor thereby reducing the friction between said cleaning surface and the surface of the floor.