The History of Carpet Sweepers

The carpet sweeper is viewed as a necessity for any household. Our modern-day vacuum cleaners protect us from pollen, mold and dust mites. Sanitation, at home, begins with the vacuum. The carpet sweeper, however, hasn't been around forever. Early versions of the appliance are nothing like what we have in our homes today. Here you will learn about the origin of the carpet sweeper, and discover the evolution it has gone through.

Invention

Melville Bissell is credited with the invention of the first carpet sweeper. Recognize that last name? Mr. Bissell obtained a patent for the first "automatic carpet sweeper" in September of 1876. This early design included a set of rotating brushes that lifted surface dirt and debris to deposit it into an attached box.

The idea for this invention came from Bissell's wife, Anna. Anna was responsible for cleaning the floors of her husband's Crockery shop. Not thrilled with the chore, Anna set out to come up with an easier way, and she told her husband about it. Melville then began working on it, and in September of 1876 he recieved a patent on the idea.

The Vacuum

A similar invention, the vacuum, was actually patented 16 years earlier than Bissell's invention. Daniel Hess received a patent on his version of the carpet sweeper in 1860. His invention was most like the modern-day vacuum. The sweeper invented by Hess featured water chambers and a system of bellows (for suction). The carpet sweeper built by Hess was also intended to clean the air that passed through the water chambers. It is unclear if his invention was actually produced for purchase. It did, however, lead to many inventors tweaking the idea to improve the vacuum cleaner.

Improving the Vacuum

The early examples of vacuum cleaners were just the opposite of what vacuum means literally. These models actually forced air out of the bellows, to blow debris off of the carpet, rather than sucking it in. The invention by Daniel Hess was one of the first to actually suck the dirt into a chamber. His invention was followed by many others with the same general idea.

The process of improving the vacuum has been a long one. Early models did clean more effectively than an ordinary broom. Most vacuums, though more effective, still had one problem, they were large and awkward to use. Most of them took two people to operate them due to this reason. Today, we are still making changes to the invention. There are several companies producing vacuum cleaners and sweepers, all improving with each model they release.

Improving the Carpet Sweeper

When Bissell started to market his sweeper, it was much more convenient than its bulky counterparts. The carpet sweeper only picked up surface debris, but it was easy for one person to operate. After the success of Bissell's carpet sweeper, many other manufacturers started focusing on making vacuums and sweepers smaller, and easier to use.

The carpet sweeper, as in Bissell's design, really hasn't changed that much. The style of the sweeper he invented is still in use today. We see them used in restaurants and households for quick carpet cleaning. Of course, some changes and refinements have taken place however. There are carpet sweepers now that have electric motors for spinning brushes, and for suction.

The Role of Sanitation

Vacuum cleaners are an important part of home sanitation. We don't live in a time where we need to worry about plagues, something that is, in part, due to the invention of the vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners help us with pest control as well. If you ever need to hire an exterminator, she/he will tell you that you need to be sure to vacuum regularly. For people with allergies, vacuum cleaners are a must. Vacuum filters trap allergens such as dust, pollen and mildew.

Here's a tip: Due to the fact that your vacuum cleaner collects dirt and bacteria, you should change your bag (or empty the canister) very frequently. Bacteria is a living organism, and the sealed vacuum bag or canister is a perfect breeding ground.

Vacuum Cleaners and Carpet Sweepers Today

You can still go to your local department or appliance store and buy a nonelectrical carpet sweeper. The design still includes the rotating brushes that act like little brooms and sweep the debris into the "dust chamber." The Bissell company itself still makes them. Some of the sweepers now, however, include an electric motor to spin the brushes, or suck debris off of the brushes and into the "dust chamber."

Vacuum cleaners have changed immensely. Today, we have many features and models to choose from. Today, there are vacuum cleaners in most homes. The evolution that took place to bring us all of the options we have today is mainly a product of competition between manufacturers. This competition works to our advantage as consumers, and allows us the luxury of simple carpet cleaning.

You probably enjoy the use of a carpet sweeper and/or vacuum in your home. Now you know the history that made it possible.

References

• Charles Richard Lester
• Phil Ament

Resources

• Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things book by, Charles Panati 1989