A dustpan, the small version of which is also known as a "hearth brush and shovel” (from its use of cleaning the fireplace hearth), is a cleaning utensil. The dustpan is commonly used in combination with a

broom A broom (also known as a broomstick) is a cleaning tool, consisting of usually stiff fibers (often made of materials such as plastic, hair, or corn husks) attached to, and roughly parallel to, a cylindrical handle, the broomstick. It is thus a ...

or long

brush A brush is a common tool with bristles, wire or other filaments. It generally consists of a handle or block to which filaments are affixed in either a parallel or perpendicular orientation, depending on the way the brush is to be gripped during u ...

. The small dustpan may appear to be a type of flat

scoop Scoop, Scoops or The Scoop may refer to: Artefacts * Scoop (machine part), a component of machinery to carry things * Scoop (tool), a shovel-like tool, particularly one deep and curved, used in digging * Scoop (theater), a type of wide area l ...

. Though often hand-held for home use, industrial and commercial enterprises use a

hinge A hinge is a mechanical bearing that connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them. Two objects connected by an ideal hinge rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation, with all ...

d variety on the end of a stick to allow the user to stand instead of stoop while using it. Handheld dustpans may be used with either a full-size broom or with a smaller broom or a

. This second combination may be sold as one unit. A variant on the dustpan is the silent butler, a handheld, lidded dustpan.

Materials and Design

Dustpans typically features a flat, angled surface for ease of debris collection, with raised sides to contain the swept materials. They are manufactured from various materials including plastic, metal, and composite materials. The different materials affect durability, weight, and price. Modern dustpans may incorporate features such as rubber edges to improve debris collection efficiency, ergonomic handles for user comfort, and integrated brushes or brooms for convenience. There is a growing trend towards producing dustpans from recycled or eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact. These sustainable materials include bamboo, wood, aluminum, and recycled plastics. Small Dustpans are typically used for light, everyday cleaning tasks. Dimensions may range from 20 cm to 30 cm in width, with a capacity sufficient for small amounts of debris. Large and industrial dustpans are designed for heavy-duty use, with widths exceeding 30 cm and larger capacities to handle more significant volumes of debris.

History

In 1858, the first patent for a dustpan was given to T.E. McNeill. This design featured a flat scoop with a handle, which could be held in one hand while sweeping with the other. This basic design laid the foundation for modern dustpans. In 1897, Lloyd P. Ray, an African American inventor, patented an improved dustpan with a more ergonomic handle and a raised edge to prevent debris from spilling out. This design was influential in shaping the dustpans we use today.

Gallery

File:Broom and dustpan.jpg, Hard broom and plastic dustpan.

References

Cleaning tools Mechanical hand tools {{tool-stub