WO2024243625A1 - A pan and a scraper - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pan and a scraper. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to a scraper and a pan that are each configured to be functionally cooperative with the other. In one aspect, the scraper comprises a blade comprising a pair of working surfaces and a working edge, and the pan comprises a body having a cavity with an opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, wherein at least one of these edges is configured to wipe one of the working surfaces of the blade.

Description

A PAN AND A SCRAPER

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023901701 titled “A PAN AND A SCRAPER” and filed on 31 May 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a pan and a scraper. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to a scraper and a pan that are each configured to be functionally cooperative with the other.

BACKGROUND

[0003] When small children are learning to eat, food spills will often occur multiple times a day. Cleaning up these spills can be quite troublesome. These spills will often be a combination of liquid, wet textured and dry debris of varying sizes and quantities. The options for dealing with these spills vary depending on the type of spill, the surface the spill occurs on and the length of time between the spill occurring and cleanup.

[0004] Currently, there are a number of solutions for clearing debris relating to food, drink, vomit, and pet spills within the home. Dustpan and brush combinations are configured for clearing dry debris, but they are ineffective on wet or hardened substances and the brush can harbour dirt, debris, and germs.

[0005] Cloths and sponges are effective with liquids but can be difficult to clean to an extent that they do not harbor germs.

[0006] Other solutions attempt to clear liquid debris, but these solutions are ineffective with dry, hardened or textured debris and ineffective on soft flooring. Further they act only to move debris across a surface, often increasing the mess. Further still they do not incorporate a means of clearing the cleaning tool when debris does not readily fall away.

[0007] Still, other solutions seek to clear countertops of hardened and other debris, but they are unable to collect debris off a floor and they do not incorporate a means of clearing the cleaning tool when debris does not readily fall away.

[0008] It is against this background that the present disclosure has been developed. SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a scraper and a pan, wherein the scraper comprises a blade comprising a pair of major surfaces and a working edge, and wherein the pan comprises a cavity with an opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, wherein at least one of these edges is configured to wipe one of the major surfaces of the blade.

[0010] In one form, each of the pair of the opposing edges of the opening is configured to wipe one of the major surfaces of the blade.

[0011] According to a further aspect, there is provided a scraper and a pan, wherein the scraper comprises a blade comprising a pair of major surfaces and a working edge, and wherein the pan comprises a cavity with an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the blade of the scraper, the opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, where each of these edges is configured to wipe one of the major surfaces of the blade.

[0012] In one form, the blade is substantially flat.

[0013] In one form, the working edge is straight.

[0014] In one form, the working edge tapers to a thin edge.

[0015] In one form, the scraper comprises a handle.

[0016] In one form, the handle extends from the blade.

[0017] In one form, the handle of the scraper extends orthogonal to the working edge.

[0018] In one form, the blade is dished by increasing in depth as it extends away from the working edge.

[0019] In one form, the blade comprises a pair of upturned sides.

[0020] In one form, a width of the blade decreases as it extends from the working edge to the handle.

[0021] In one form, the opening to the pan is elongate, comprising the pair of opposing edges, and a pair of shorter end edges.

[0022] In one form, the pan comprises a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, and a floor. [0023] In one form, at least one of the pair of opposing edges comprises a lip.

[0024] In one form, at least one of the pair of opposing edges comprises a wiping blade.

[0025] In one form, each of the pair of opposing edges comprises a lip.

[0026] In one form, each of the pair of opposing edges comprises a wiping blade.

[0027] In one form, at least one lip is formed from an elastomeric material.

[0028] In one form, each of the lips is formed from an elastomeric material.

[0029] In one form, the or each of the lips is a part of a ring secured with respect to the opening of the pan.

[0030] In one form, the ring is secured onto the pan.

[0031] In one form, the ring is over-molded onto the pan.

[0032] In one form, in an alternative, the or each of the lips are separate strips.

[0033] In one form, at least one of the pair of opposing edges comprises a wedge that tapers to a thin edge.

[0034] According to a further aspect, there is provided a scraper and a pan, wherein the scraper comprises a blade comprising a pair of working surfaces and a working edge, and wherein the pan comprises a cavity with an opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, wherein at least one of these edges comprises a wiping blade for wiping one of the working surfaces of the blade.

[0035] According to a further aspect, there is provided a scraper and a pan, wherein the scraper comprises a blade comprising a pair of working surfaces and a working edge, and wherein the pan comprises a cavity with an opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, wherein each of these edges comprises a lip for wiping one of the working surfaces of the blade.

[0036] According to a further aspect, there is provided a pan comprising a cavity with an opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, wherein at least one of these edges comprises a lip for wiping one of the working surfaces of the blade. [0037] According to a further aspect, there is provided a scraper comprising a blade comprising a pair of major surfaces, a working edge, and a pair of upturned sides.

[0038] In one form, the upturned sides deepen as they extend away from the working edge.

[0039] For ease of description, a pan and a scraper embodying the present features are described below in their usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the pan and scraper may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0041] Figure 1 is an isometric forward view of a scraper and a pan;

[0042] Figure 2 is an isometric rear view of the scraper and pan of Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 3 is a front view of the scraper and the pan;

[0044] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through the scraper and the pan taken at A-A;

[0045] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the pan;

[0046] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the pan;

[0047] Figure 7 is a plan view of the pan;

[0048] Figure 8 is a top view of the pan;

[0049] Figure 9 is a side view of the pan;

[0050] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through the pan taken at B-B;

[0051] Figure 11 is an isometric view of the scraper;

[0052] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the scraper; [0053] Figure 13 is a plan view of the scraper;

[0054] Figure 14 is a side view of the scraper;

[0055] Figure 15 is an end view of the scraper;

[0056] Figure 16 is a cross-section through the pan taken at C-C;

[0057] Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view through the pan taken at D-D; and

[0058] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view through the pan taken at E-E.

[0059] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Referring now to Figures 1 through 4, where there is illustrated a set 1 comprising scraper 2 and a pan 20. Each of the scraper 2 and the pan 20 are configured to be functionally cooperative with the other. The scraper 2 and the pan 20 could be sold together as a set 1, or separately.

[0061] Referring now to Figures 11 through 18, the scraper 2 comprises a body 3, the body 3 comprising a blade 4 comprising a pair of major surfaces 4a and 4b and a working edge 6.

[0062] The blade 4 is substantially flat, and the working edge 6 is straight and tapers to a thin edge. The blade 4 can slide under debris and be readily cleared of debris. The body 3 of the scraper 2 comprises a handle 8 that extends from the blade 4 in a direction orthogonal to the working edge 6. A width of the blade 4 decreases as it extends from the working edge 6 to the handle 8. A thickness of the blade 4 increases as it extends from the working edge 6 to the handle 8.

[0063] The blade 4 comprises a pair of upturned sides 10. Each of the upturned sides 10 increases in height as it extends away from the working edge 6 before they converge at the handle 8. In this way, the blade 4 is dished, with a depth that is increasing as it extends away from the working edge 6 and toward the handle 8. This allows the scraper 2 to scoop liquids or soft foods.

[0064] In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the body 3 of the scraper 2 is molded from a plastic. In one form this is an engineering plastic. Desirably, this material is dishwasher safe. The method of manufacture may be, but is not limited to, injection moulding. The scraper may be comprised of material such as but not limited to polyethyelene, polypropylene, other plastics, bamboo, stainless steel, other non- plastic material, or a combination of these. The handle 8 may be made of the same material as the scraper 2, a different material or enclosed in another material, such as rubber, for improved comfort in use.

[0065] In the case of the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the handle 8 comprises an overmolded elastomeric portion 12. This elastomeric portion 12 provides a grip for comfort and ergonomics. A through hole 14 is provided in the handle 8 via which the scraper 2 can be hung for storage.

[0066] Referring now to Figures 5 through 10, the pan 20 comprises a body 21, a cavity 22 in the body 21 with an opening 24 configured to receive at least a portion of the blade 4 of the scraper 2, and more likely the entirety of the blade 4. The pan 20 comprises a pair of side walls 23, a pair of end walls 25, and a floor 26.

[0067] In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the body 21 of the pan 20 is molded from a plastic. In one form this is an engineering plastic. The method of manufacture may be, but is not limited to, injection moulding. The pan 20 may be comprised of material such as but not limited to polyethyelene, polypropylene, other plastics, bamboo or other non-plastic material.

[0068] Moreover, in the case of the illustrated embodiment, the pan 20 comprises a ring 40 of elastomeric material over-molded around its opening 24. The ring 40 forms the opening 24 to the pan 20 and is elongate, comprising a pair of opposing edges 30 and 32, and a pair of shorter end edges 34.

[0069] Both of the pair of opposing edges 30 and 32 of the ring 40 comprises a lip. Each lip 30 and 32 is shaped like a wedge that tapers to a thin edge. Each of these edge lips 30 and 32 is configured to wipe one of the major surfaces 4a and 4b of the blade 4. That is to say, each may act in the fashion of a wiper blade of sorts. The upper and lower lips 30 and 32 may be comprised of materials such as but not limited to silicone, rubber, Neoprene and Polyurethane.

[0070] The pan 20 comprises a magnet 29 for securing the scraper 2 thereto when not in use, and to allow the combination to be stored on any metal surface, such as a fridge or custom placed dock.

[0071] The scraper 2 has numerous modes of use. In one mode of use, the blade 4 of the scraper 2 can be used in the usual fashion that a scraper is employed, to scrape dried and/or hardened materials from a surface.

[0072] In another mode of use, the blade 4 of the scraper 2 can be used in a sweeping manner to sweep debris into the pan 20. [0073] In another mode of use, the scraper 2 can be used in a scooping manner to scoop debris onto the blade 4 between the sides 10 thereof, for subsequent transfer into the pan 20.

[0074] After inserting the blade 4 of the scraper 2 into the pan 20 to deposit debris, the upper lip 30 of the pan 20 can be used to wipe debris off the upper major surface 4a of the blade 4, to ensure that this debris remains in the pan 20. Similarly, the lower lip 32 can be used to wipe debris off the lower major surface 4b of the blade 4, to ensure that this debris remains in the pan 20.

[0075] In use, the lower lip 32 can also seal against the surface being cleaned and guide debris into the pan 20. This is particularly useful for liquids.

[0076] The handle 8 of the scraper 2 comprises a magnet 15 for securing it to the pan 20.

[0077] Advantageously, the pan 20 and scraper 2 provide the ability to scoop under debris, to sweep debris, and to scrape. The pan 20 and scraper 2 can be used on soft floorings, can be used on a wide array of surfaces, and can be used on any of dry, liquid, hardened and/or textured debris, and provide a means of clearing tacky substances from the scraper 2.

[0078] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the lips 30 and 32 are separate strips.

[0079] The present disclosure may also comprise one or more of the following:

(1) attachments, including but not limited to, squeegee, silicone bristles, traditional banister brush bristles;

(2) attachments that may connect and disconnect to the scraper tool, slide into place via a mechanical function, fold in and out of the handle, be permanently affixed to the sides of the scraper or be located on a separate tool;

(3) the upper side of the pan may be removed with the upper lip relocated on the top of the right of left sides of the pan or be absent;

(4) the pan may incorporate a handle;

(5) the attachments may be stored in a variety of locations, such as but not limited to, the side of the pan, the base of the pan, or the handle of the scrapping tool;

(6) the pan may include a textured rubber, or other material, grip; (7) the pan may be shaped in an alternative fashion, such as but not limited to, an indent in the upper side for storage of the scraper and/or attachments;

(8) the base of the pan may be removable to allow access for cleaning; and

(9) the scraper could be made in a variety of configurations, such as with a flat face, with raised edges, with an adjustable size, with a traditional handle, with a compact handle running along the base of the face or with no handle at all.

[0080] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0081] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0082] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and/or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0083] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A scraper and a pan, wherein the scraper comprises a blade comprising a pair of working surfaces and a working edge, and wherein the pan comprises a body having a cavity with an opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, wherein at least one of these edges is configured to wipe one of the working surfaces of the blade.

2. The scraper and the pan of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of edges is configured to wipe one of the major surfaces of the blade.

3. The scraper and the pan of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening to the pan is elongate, comprising the pair of opposing edges, and a pair of shorter end edges.

4. The scraper and the pan as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the pair of opposing edges comprises a lip.

5. The scraper and the pan as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the pair of opposing edges comprises a lip.

6. The scraper and the pan as in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the or each lip comprises a wedge that tapers to a thin edge.

7. The scraper and the pan as in any one of claims 4 through 6, wherein the or each lip is formed from an elastomeric material.

8. The scraper and the pan as in any one of claims 4 through 7, wherein the or each lip is a part of a ring secured with respect to the opening of the pan.

9. The scraper and the pan as in any one of claims 4 through 8, wherein the or each lip is a part of a strip secured with respect to the opening of the pan.

10. The scraper and the pan as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the blade of the scraper.

11. The scraper and the pan as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein cavity is configured to receive the blade of the scraper.

12. A scraper and a pan, wherein the scraper comprises a blade comprising a pair of major surfaces and a working edge, and wherein the pan comprises a cavity with an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the blade of the scraper, the opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, where each of these edges is configured to wipe one of the major surfaces of the blade.

13. A pan for use with a scraper comprising a blade comprising a pair of working surfaces and a working edge, the pan comprising a body having a cavity with an opening comprising a pair of opposing edges, wherein at least one of these edges is configured to wipe one of the working surfaces of the blade.

14. The pan of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of edges is configured to wipe one of the major surfaces of the blade.

15. The pan of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the opening to the pan is elongate, comprising the pair of opposing edges, and a pair of shorter end edges.

16. The pan as in any one of claims 13 through 15, wherein at least one of the pair of opposing edges comprises a lip.

17. The pan as in any one of claims 13 through 16, wherein each of the pair of opposing edges comprises a lip.

18. The pan as in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the or each lip comprises a wedge that tapers to a thin edge.

19. The pan as in any one of claims 16 through 18, wherein the or each lip is formed from an elastomeric material.

20. The pan as in any one of claims 16 through 19, wherein the or each lip is a part of a ring secured with respect to the opening of the pan.

21. The pan as in any one of claims 16 through 20, wherein the or each lip is a part of a strip secured with respect to the opening of the pan.