Combination cleaning utensil and dustpan

Abstract

The present application relates to a cleaning utensil in combination with a dustpan. The cleaning utensil includes a cleaning head supporting a plurality of cleaning fibers, a hanging hole located in the cleaning head, and a pole connected to the cleaning head by a release mechanism. The dustpan includes a bottom wall, a sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall, and a snap connector located on the dustpan. The hanging hole mates with the snap connector to releasably secure the cleaning head and the dustpan together.

1 . A cleaning utensil in combination with a dustpan, comprising:
 a cleaning utensil comprising:
 a cleaning head supporting a plurality of cleaning fibers; 
 a hanging hole located in the cleaning head; and 
 a pole connected to the cleaning head by a release mechanism; and 
   a dustpan comprising:
 a bottom wall; 
 a sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall; and 
 a snap connector located on the dustpan; 
   wherein the hanging hole mates with the snap connector to releasably secure the cleaning head and the dustpan together.   
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein the snap connector extends from the bottom wall of the dustpan. 
   
   
       3 . The combination of  claim 2 , wherein the snap connector comprises a substantially cylindrical protrusion. 
   
   
       4 . The combination of  claim 2 , wherein the snap connector includes a lower portion joined to the bottom wall of the dustpan, and an upper portion opposed to the lower portion, further wherein a circumferential rim protrudes around at least a portion of the upper portion. 
   
   
       5 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein the snap connector is hollow. 
   
   
       6 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning head includes an integral handle portion. 
   
   
       7 . The combination of  claim 6 , wherein the hanging hole is located adjacent to the handle portion. 
   
   
       8 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism comprises an aperture in the cleaning head, and a mating button located on the pole. 
   
   
       9 . The combination of  claim 8 , wherein the button releasably engages the aperture. 
   
   
       10 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein the pole is curved. 
   
   
       11 . The combination of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a handle located atop the pole, wherein the handle defines a second hanging hole.   
   
   
       12 . The combination of  claim 11 , wherein the second hanging hole mates with the snap connector. 
   
   
       13 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein the dustpan defines a leading edge where debris enters the dustpan, and a resilient guard is located on the leading edge. 
   
   
       14 . The combination of  claim 13 , wherein the resilient guard is rubber. 
   
   
       15 . The combination of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 toothed notches located in the sidewall.   
   
   
       16 . The combination of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a resilient guard located between the cleaning fibers and the cleaning head.   
   
   
       17 . The combination of  claim 16 , wherein the resilient guard is rubber. 
   
   
       18 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cleaning fibers comprises bristles.