Scraper sponge

Abstract

A scraper sponge for cleaning and scraping away unwanted substances from an object or surface comprising a sponge body defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a scraper secured to one of the first and second surfaces. As an alternative, the sponge body defines an aperture for securing the scraper therein. The scraper has a tip portion defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper. The edge is narrow and adapted for entering corners, grooves and crevices and for scraping surfaces. The scraper is at least semi rigid and the depressible surface is contoured to facilitate effective scraping. The sponge body has at least one surface adapted for cleaning and scouring and is usable with or without the scraper.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sponges and, more particularly, to scraper sponges made of natural and/or man made materials adapted for cleaning and scraping a desired area.

Sponges have been used for many years as a tool for cleaning cookware, utensils, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, automobile surfaces, windows, floors, furniture and a myriad of other objects and surfaces. Sponges are used in these applications in part because they are absorbent, reusable, light weight, and easy to grasp and manipulate. However, a primary disadvantage of sponges is that by themselves, sponges are too soft and pliable to scrape away unwanted substances such as dirt, hardened oils or grease, mildew, waxes or foods that stick and adhere to surfaces and reside in corners, grooves and crevices. To remedy this problem, abrasive layers have been added to sponges to enable users to scrape away substances. However, abrasive layers do not effectively allow users to remove substances residing in tight corners, grooves and crevices because neither the sponge nor the abrasive layer provide a rigid enough edge, particularly when saturated with liquid, to enable users to impart the requisite forces necessary for scraping and removing unwanted substances from these tight locations and, in some cases, from flat surfaces as well.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a scraper sponge that enables users to effectively scrape away and remove unwanted substances adhering to flat surfaces and/or found in difficult to reach locations, is easy to grasp and manipulate, is lightweight, and is economical to manufacture for consumer use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a scraper sponge comprising a sponge body defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a scraper secured to one of the first and second surfaces, the scraper having a tip portion extending outwardly and defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper and apply enough pressure to effectively scrape unwanted substances from an object or surface. The depressible surface is contoured for receiving at least a portion of (i) a human finger, (ii) multiple human fingers, (iii) a human hand, or (iv) two human hands. Further, the at least one edge is at least one of (i) semi rigid and (ii) substantially rigid to facilitate effective scraping.

In another aspect of the invention the sponge body comprises multiple layers including a first layer defining the first surface of the sponge body and a second layer defining the second surface of the sponge body.

In another aspect of the invention, the scraper sponge comprises a sponge body defining an outer surface and an aperture and a scraper fixedly secured within the aperture, the scraper having a tip portion defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper. The at least one edge and depressible surface extend outwardly from the outer surface of the sponge body. The depressible surface optionally is contoured for receiving at least a portion of (i) a human finger, (ii) multiple human fingers, (iii) a human hand, or (iv) two human hands. Further, the at least one edge is at least one of (i) semi rigid and (ii) substantially rigid to facilitate effective scraping.

In another aspect of the invention, the scraper sponge comprises a sponge body defining an outer surface and including a first layer and a second layer and a scraper fixedly secured between the first and second layers, the scraper defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper, the at least one edge and depressible surface extending outwardly from the outer surface of the sponge body. The depressible surface optionally is contoured for receiving at least a portion of (i) a human finger, (ii) multiple human fingers, (iii) a human hand, or (iv) two human hands. Further, the at least one edge is at least one of (i) semi rigid and (ii) substantially rigid to facilitate effective scraping.

Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, various embodiments for practicing the invention. The embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description of preferred embodiments is therefore, to be taken in an illustrative, rather than in a limiting, sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the scraper sponge according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the scraper sponge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the scraper sponge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the scraper sponge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the scraper sponge of FIG. 1 including an additional layer on the sponge body.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the scraper sponge of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the scraper sponge of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the scraper sponge of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the scraper sponge of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a scraper sponge according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a scraper sponge according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a scraper sponge or pad adapted for scraping and removing unwanted substances such as dirt, hardened oils or grease, mildew, waxes, stuck on foods, or other substances that adhere to surfaces and reside in corners, grooves, holes and crevices.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of the scraper sponge is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The scraper sponge 10 comprises a sponge body 20 defining a first surface 24, a second surface 26 opposite the first surface and a continuous side surface 25 around the perimeter. The sponge body 20 can be made from numerous materials such as polyester foam, natural sponges, polyurethane foams, cellulose, absorbent arrays of synthetic fibers or any combination thereof. The invention is not limited in this regard, and any appropriate sponge material that is currently known or later becomes known to those skilled in the art may be used. In one embodiment, the sponge body 20 is a tapered planer body having a broad end 22 and a tapered end 23. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the sponge body 20 could be any shape appropriate for cleaning such as circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid, etc.

Furthermore, the sponge body 20 is not limited by size in any dimension. In one embodiment, the length L (FIG. 3) of the sponge body 20 ranges from about 1 inch to about 20 inches, while the width W (FIG. 3) ranges from about 1 inch to about 15 inches; for circular sponges (not shown), the diameter ranges from about 1 inch to about 20 inches. In another embodiment, the length L of the sponge body 20 ranges from about 3 inches to about 14 inches, while the width W ranges from about 2 inches to about 7 inches; for circular sponges, the diameter ranges from about 3 inches to about 12 inches. In yet another embodiment, the length L of the sponge body 20 ranges from about 4 inches to about 12 inches, while the width W ranges from about 2½ inches to about 4 inches; for circular sponges, the diameter ranges from about 4 inches to about 8 inches. With respect to the thickness T (FIG. 4) of the sponge body 12, in one embodiment, the thickness T ranges from about ¼ inch to about 4 inches. In another embodiment, the thickness T of the sponge body 20 ranges from about ½ inch to about 3 inches. In yet another embodiment, the thickness T of the sponge body 20 ranges from about ¾ inch to about 2 inches.

A scraper 30 is fixedly secured to one of the first and second surfaces 24, 26 of the sponge body 20 by way of heat fusion and/or the application of an adhesive (not shown), or by any other method that is currently known or later becomes known to one skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the scraper 30 is movably attached to one of the first and second surfaces 24, 26 allowing the user to adjust the position of the scraper 30 relative to the sponge body 20. The scraper 30 includes a tip portion 34 extending outwardly from the sponge body 20, and tapers into at least one defined edge 38 along the perimeter of the tip 34. In one embodiment, the tip portion 34 extends outwardly from the broad end 22 of the sponge body 20 and, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tip portion 34 extends outwardly from the tapered end 23 of the sponge body 20. The edge 38 ranges from being semi rigid to substantially rigid for scraping unwanted substances and is narrow at its apex for entering tight corners, groves and crevices and for effectively scraping surfaces. Further, the scraper 30 defines a depressible surface 36 to which normal and angular forces are applied by the user to manipulate the scraper 30 and apply pressure as required to scrape away and remove substances where desired. The scraper 30 can be made from numerous materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastics, polymers, wood, metal or any combination thereof. The invention is not limited in this regard, and any appropriate scraper material that is currently known or later becomes known to those skilled in the art may be used. For improved manipulation and scraping, the depressible surface 36 is contoured in a concave-like manner and, depending on the size, is adapted for receiving at least a portion of: (i) a human finger, (ii) multiple human fingers, (iii) a human hand, or (iv) two human hands, for applying pressure and manipulating the scraper 30 as noted above.

In one embodiment, shown if FIGS. 5-9, the sponge body 20 comprises multiple layers including a first layer 40 defining the first surface 24 and a second layer 42 defining the second surface 26. The layers 40, 42 are heat fused and/or bonded together using an adhesive (not shown) such as glue, or by any method that is currently know or later becomes known to those skilled in the art. The first and second layers 40, 42 can be made from numerous materials such as polyester foam, natural sponges, polyurethane foams, cellulose, absorbent arrays of synthetic fibers, non-woven materials or any combination thereof; in one embodiment, the second layer 42 is made from open cell foam material made from melamine resin such as, for example, material manufactured by BASF corporation in Ludwigshaffen, German and sold under the name BASOTECT®. In this embodiment, the scraper 30 is secured to the first surface 24 and the thickness of the second layer 42 may comprise between about 10% to about 80% of the total thickness of the scraper sponge 10. Preferably, the second layer comprises between about 20% to about 60%, and more preferably between about 25% to about 50%, of the total thickness of the scraper sponge 10. In one embodiment, the second layer 42 comprises about 30% of the total thickness of the cleaning pad. In an alternative embodiment, the second layer 42 can be made surface scrubbing materials known in the art for their scouring abilities such as, for example, non-woven material.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment is shown where like numerals represent like elements and are preceded with the number “1”. In this embodiment, the scraper sponge 110 defines a sponge body 120 defining an outer surface including a first surface 124, a second surface 126, a continuous side surface 125, and an aperture 128 extending through the side surface 125 for receiving the scraper 130. The scraper 130 is fixedly secured within the aperture 128 by way of heat fusion or by an adhesive (not shown) such as glue and, like the scraper described above, has a tip portion 134 defining an edge 138 and a depressible surface 136 to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper. For improved manipulation and scraping, the depressible surface 136 is contoured in a concave-like manner and, depending on the size, is adapted for receiving at least a portion of: (i) a human finger, (ii) multiple human fingers, (iii) a human hand, or (iv) two human hands, for applying pressure and manipulating the scraper 130 as noted above. The tip 134 and depressible surface extend outwardly from the outer surface 124 of the sponge body 120. In this embodiment the materials used for the sponge body 120 and scraper 130 are consistent with the materials used in connection with the sponge body 20 and scraper 30 described above. As noted above, the sponge body 120 can comprise a first layer 140 and a second layer 142, and at least one of the first and second layers 140, 142 defines the aperture 128 for securing the scraper 130. The materials used for the first and second layers 140, 142 are consistent with the materials used in connection with the sponge body 20 and scraper 30 described above. One advantage of this embodiment is that the scraper is not secured to either the first 124 or second surface 126, making both surfaces available for cleaning, scrubbing and/our scouring; furthermore, it allows for multiple surface textures such as, for example, a soft surface 124 for polishing and a course surface 126 for scrubbing.

As an alternative embodiment (not shown), the scraper 130 is removably secured within the aperture 124, thereby proving the options of using the scraper sponge 110 without the scraper 130 and scraper 130 without the scraper sponge 110, and makes is possible to replace damaged or worn out scrapers and sponges.

Referring to FIG. 11, an alternative is shown where like numerals represent like elements and are preceded with the number “2”. In this embodiment, the scraper sponge 210 comprises a sponge body 220 defining an outer surface 224 and includes a first layer 240 and a second layer 242. A scraper 230 is fixedly secured between the first and second layers 240, 242 by way of heat fusion or by an adhesive (not shown) such as glue and, like the scrapers described above, has a tip portion 234 defining an edge 238 and a depressible surface 236 to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper. For improved manipulation and scraping, the depressible surface 236 is contoured in a concave-like manner and, depending on the size, is adapted for receiving at least a portion of: (i) a human finger, (ii) multiple human fingers, (iii) a human hand, or (iv) two human hands, for applying pressure and manipulating the scraper 230 as noted above. The tip 234 and depressible surface extend outwardly from the outer surface 224 of the sponge body 220. In this embodiment the materials used for the sponge body 220 and scraper 230 are consistent with the materials used in connection with the sponge body 20 and scraper 30 described above. As with the previous embodiment, this embodiment offers the advantage of making both the first and second surfaces 224, 226 available for cleaning, scrubbing and/our scouring; furthermore, it allows for multiple surface textures such as, for example, a soft surface 224 for polishing and a course surface 226 for scrubbing.

Having thus described the scraper sponge 10, 110, 210, attention will now be drawn to an example of its use. With the scraper sponge 10, 110, 210 and/or the desired object or surface for cleaning (not shown) prepared with water, soap, cleaning liquids, cleaning powders, or the like, the user places the sponge body 20, 120, 220 in contact with said object or surface. The user then presses on the contoured depressible surface 36, 136, 236, thereby imparting downward pressure on the scraper 30, 130, 230 and sponge body 20, 120, 220. With pressure applied, the scraper 30, 130, 230 and, in particular, the edge 38, 138, 238 of the scraper, is moved into position for contacting and scraping unwanted substances in a desired location. While maintaining the applied pressure, the user simultaneously moves the sponge body 20, 120, 220 and scraper 30, 130, 230 in, for example, a forward or reciprocating motion to effectively scrape away and remove the unwanted substances. When finished, both the sponge body and scraper can be cleaned for future applications. It should be noted that the sponge body 20, 120, 220 can be used for cleaning and scouring purposes without engaging the scraper 30, 130, 230. Further, the scraper sponge 10, 110, 210 can be used in a dry state without the addition of water, soap, cleaning liquids, cleaning powders, or the like.

The present invention is used in a variety of cleaning applications which may dictate the size, shape and configuration of the sponge body 20, 120, 220 and scraper 30, 130, 230, the materials used for each, the number of layers in the sponge body 20, 120, 220 and the level of rigidity of the scraper. For example, smaller scraper sponges 10, 110, 210 can be used to clean pots, pans and small containers, while larger scraper sponges can be used to clean larger surfaces or objects such as, for example, automobiles. Further, specific shapes and configurations may be implemented for use in specific environments such as, for example, car interiors, car exteriors, sinks, stoves, bath tubs, toilets, windows, furniture, and countless other applications where sponges can be used for cleaning. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention recited herein are intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art will be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A scraper sponge comprising:

a sponge body defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a continuous side surface around the perimeter; and

a scraper secured to one of the first and second surfaces, the scraper having a tip portion extending outwardly from the sponge body and defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper.

2. The scraper sponge of claim 1, wherein the sponge body is made of material selected from the group consisting of polyester foam, natural sponges, polyurethane foams, cellulose, absorbent arrays of synthetic fibers and any combination thereof.

3. The scraper sponge of claim 1, wherein the scraper is made of material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polymers, wood, metal and any combination thereof.

4. The scraper sponge of claim 1, wherein the scraper is secured to the first or second surface of the sponge body by way of an adhesive, by heat fusion or any combination thereof.

5. The scraper sponge of claim 1, wherein the depressible surface is contoured for receiving at least a portion of (i) a human finger, (ii) multiple human fingers, (iii) a human hand, or (iv) two human hands.

6. The scraper sponge of claim 1, wherein the at least one edge is at least one of (i) semi rigid and (ii) substantially rigid.

7. The scraper sponge of claim 1, wherein the sponge body comprises multiple layers including a first layer defining the first surface and a second layer defining the second surface.

8. The scraper sponge of claim 7, wherein the second layer is made from Melamine resin and the scraper is secured to the first surface.

9. The scraper sponge of claim 8, wherein the thickness of the second layer is between about 10% and about 80% of the thickness of the scraper sponge.

10. The disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad of claim 9, wherein the thickness of the second layer is about 30% of the thickness of the scraper sponge.

11. The scraper sponge of claim 1, wherein the scraper is at least one of (i) fixedly secured to one of the first and second surfaces and (ii) movably attached to one of the first and second surfaces.

12. A scraper sponge comprising:

a sponge body defining an outer surface including a first surface, a second surface, and a continuous side surface, and an aperture extending through the side surface for receiving a scraper; and

a scraper fixedly secured within the aperture, the scraper having a tip portion defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper, the at least one edge and depressible surface extending outwardly from the outer surface of the sponge body.

13. The scraper sponge of claim 12, wherein the sponge body is made of material selected from the group consisting of polyester foam, natural sponges, polyurethane foams, cellulose, absorbent arrays of synthetic fibers and any combination thereof.

14. The scraper sponge of claim 12, wherein the scraper is made of material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polymers, wood, metal and any combination thereof.

15. The scraper sponge of claim 12, wherein the scraper is secured to the first or second surface of the sponge body by way of an adhesive, by heat fusion or any combination thereof.

16. The scraper sponge of claim 12, wherein the depressible surface is contoured for receiving at least a portion of (i) a human finger, (ii) multiple human fingers, (iii) a human hand, or (iv) two human hands.

17. The scraper sponge of claim 12, wherein the at least one edge is at least one of (i) semi rigid and (ii) substantially rigid.

18. The scraper sponge of claim 12, wherein the sponge body comprises a first layer and a second layer, and at least one of the first and second layers defines the aperture for securing the scraper.

19. The scraper sponge of claim 18, wherein one of the first and second layers is made from Melamine resin.

20. A scraper sponge comprising:

a sponge body defining an outer surface and including a first layer and a second layer; and

a scraper fixedly secured between the first and second layers, the scraper defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper, the at least one edge and depressible surface extending outwardly from the outer surface of the sponge body.