A dustpan is a cleaning utensil, commonly used in combination with a broom or brush. The dustpan may appear to be a type of flat scoop. It is often hand held for home use, but industrial and commercial enterprises often use a hinged variety on the end of a stick to allow the user to stand instead of stoop while using it. This improved dustpan design was patented by African American inventor, Lloyd Ray on August 9, 1897, although the first patented dustpan was invented by T.E. McNeill nearly 40 years prior.