Scraper apparatus

Abstract

A scraper apparatus (20) includes a fixed length elongated hollow shaft (24) having a first end (26), a second end (28), and a reinforcement region (22) intermediate to the first and second ends (26, 28). A handle (30) is coupled to the first end (26) of the shaft (24) and one of a generally flat scraper blade (32) and a T-shaped scraper blade (56) is coupled to the second end (28) of the shaft (24). The reinforcement region (22) may include a double layer of material that resists bending, bowing, and breaking. Alternatively, a reinforcement region (56) may be a hollow stepped section (76) having a wall thickness (78) that is thicker than wall thicknesses (80) of corresponding adjoining shaft portions (68, 72) of a shaft (58).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of scraper tools for scraping paint, adhesives, drywall materials, and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to long-handles scraper tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A hand scraper is a tool commonly used for removing paint, adhesive, floor covering, and for applying drywall materials, mortar, adhesives, and so forth. For example, in order to repaint a surface, it is necessary to first prepare the surface. Preparation often calls for the removal of existing paint. Scrapers are useful for such a task.

Paint scrapers typically require the application of a significant amount of force against the surface being scraped. The ability to apply sufficient force is particularly challenging when scraping difficult to reach surfaces, such as high vertical walls, ceilings, under eaves, and the like. When using a conventional short handled scraper, such as one that is less than a foot long, the individual may need to stand on a ladder in order to contact these hard to reach places. Unfortunately, as the individual applies force to the surface being scraped, he or she is likewise applying an opposing force to the ladder. This results in a hazardous situation in which the ladder may shift under the individual, thus compromising the individual's stability on the ladder.

It is known to attach a telescopic extension handle to a short-handled paint scraper so that the individual may remain firmly standing on the ground or floor while scraping. Unfortunately, supporting the weight of these extension handles can become quite fatiguing for the individual. Moreover, extension handles can bow in the middle so that the force applied by the individual is not fully transmitted to the surface to be scraped. This leads to inefficient scraping as well as further fatigue to the individual. When the amount of force needed to effectively scrape a surface is applied from a distance through the extension handles, the handles tend to bend and sometimes break. Of course, a bent and/or broken tool is highly undesirable in terms of down time for repair and additional costs associated with tool replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a scraper apparatus is provided.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a long-handled scraper apparatus of fixed length is provided that is resistant to bowing, bending, and breaking.

Another advantage of the present invention is that a scraper apparatus is provided that is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, and efficient in operation.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a scraper apparatus that includes a fixed length elongated shaft having a first end, a second end, and a reinforcement region intermediate to the first and second ends. A handle is coupled to the first end of the shaft and is arranged to facilitate gripping thereof by a human hand, and a working component is coupled to the second end of the shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a scraper apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the scraper apparatus;

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged sectional view of a reinforcement region marked in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a scraper apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged sectional view of a reinforcement region marked in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a scraper blade of the scraper apparatus of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a scraper apparatus 20 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a side view of scraper apparatus 20, and FIG. 3 shows an enlarged sectional view of a reinforcement region 22 marked in FIG. 1. Scraper apparatus 20 is particularly suited for scraping difficult to reach surfaces, such as high vertical walls, ceilings, under eaves, and the like. However, it will become apparent in the ensuing description, that scraper apparatus 20 may be adapted for use in a number of applications on difficult to reach surfaces. Other purposes include the application of drywall materials, sanding, and so forth.

Scraper apparatus 20 includes an elongated shaft 24 having a first end 26, a second end 28, and reinforcement region 22 intermediate to the first and second ends 26 and 28, respectively. A handle 30 is coupled to first end 26 and is arranged to facilitate gripping by a human hand. Handle 30 may be covered with leather, foam, or other padding for both comfort and for a more secure grip. A working component, or active end of scraper apparatus 20, is coupled to second end 28 of shaft 24. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the working component is a scraper blade 32.

Elongated shaft 24 is of a fixed length (i.e., not telescopic), for example four feet long, although shaft 24 may be any suitable fixed length. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 24 is a hollow, tubular member formed from, for example, a metal such as steel, titanium, aluminum, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 24 includes a non-reflective outer surface. Shaft 24 is non-reflective so that when scraper apparatus 20 is utilized outdoors or under spotlights, the light does not reflect from shaft 24 to irritate or possibly injure the user. The metal material of shaft 24 may be made by powder coating, painting, and the like. Powder coating is preferred because the process results in a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that finishing processes other than applying paint or powder coating may alternatively be employed. For example, a metal finishing process may be employed so that the metal of shaft 24 acquires a brushed- or satin-type non-reflective finish.

Scraper apparatuses of the present invention can be manufactured in a number of pre-determined lengths. In addition to making shaft 24 non-reflective, finishing shaft 24, by powder coating, painting, and the like, allows a shaft 24 to be finished in a number of colors. Accordingly, each pre-determined length of scraper apparatus 20 can be finished in a different color. Thus, a number of scraper apparatuses 20 can be color-coded to readily signify the length of each of scraper apparatus 20.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, elongated shaft 24 includes a first hollow shaft portion 34 and a second hollow shaft portion 36. First shaft portion 34 includes first end 26 and a first intermediate end 38. Similarly, second shaft portion 36 includes second end 28 and a second intermediate end 40. Second intermediate end 40 is coupled to first intermediate end 38 to form reinforcement region 22.

More specifically, first intermediate end 38 of first shaft portion 34 exhibits a first diameter 42, and second intermediate end 40 of second shaft portion 36 exhibits a second diameter 44. Second diameter 44 is smaller than first diameter so that second intermediate end 40 can be installed within first intermediate end 38. Once first intermediate end 38 is installed within second intermediate end 40, first and second shaft portions 34 and 36, respectively, are welded together to form a weld joint 46 at reinforcement region 22. Thus, shaft 24 is reinforced at reinforcement region 22 by at least two layers, i.e., thicknesses, of the same material that is used along the entirety of shaft 246.

Positioning reinforcement region 22 at an approximate center of the length of shaft 24 results in greater rigidity of shaft 24, where the rigidity is most needed. Greater rigidity at the center of shaft 24 yields a product that is resistant to bowing, bending, and breaking under the application of force. Concurrently, greater rigidity only where it is needed enables the use of a hollow tubular shaft 24 that is relatively small in diameter yet sturdy and lightweight, thus making scraper apparatus 20 readily maneuverable.

Scraper apparatus 20 is shown having only one reinforcement region 22 for simplicity of illustration. However, only one reinforcement region 22 is not a limitation of the present invention. Rather, scraper apparatus 20 may have more than one reinforcement region 22 to add further rigidity to elongated shaft 24.

The working component, i.e., scraper blade 32 of scraper apparatus 20 coupled to second end 28 is a generally flat member residing along an axis 48 defined by shaft 24. Scraper blade 32 may be fixedly coupled to second end 28 by welding. Alternatively, scraper blade 32 may be attachable and removable from second end 28 of shaft 24.

Scraper blade 32 may be one of a “standard duty” or a “heavy duty” blade. Standard or heavy duty designations generally pertain to the thickness and hardness of scraper blade 32. That is, a scraper blade 32 that is relatively thick and hard may be deemed heavy duty relative to a thinner standard duty scraper blade 32. In an exemplary embodiment, a standard duty scraper blade 32 may be defined as a blade having a thickness of approximately 0.08 inches thick. Whereas, a heavy duty scraper blade 32 may be defined as a blade having a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches thick. The use of a “standard duty” or “heavy duty” blade depends upon the particular application of scraper apparatus 20. For example, a standard duty scraper blade 32 may be sufficient for scraping paint, while a heavy duty scraper blade 32 may be required to scrape adhesive or floor covering from a sub-floor.

Scraper blade 32 includes a scraper end 50 that is utilized to scrape paint, adhesive, floor covering, and so forth. Scraper end 50 tilts away from axis 48 in a range of 2.5 to 7.5 degrees. This tilting away from axis 48 enables effective contact between the edge of scraper end 50 and the surface being scraped. Effective contact between the edge of scraper end 50 and the surfaces yields more efficient scraping.

In use, an individual may stand on the ground or floor where he/she has solid footing. When the individual applies as much force as is needed against the surface being scraped with scraper apparatus 20, reinforcement region 22 prevents excessive bowing along shaft 24 so that the force applied at handle 30 is transmitted from blade end 50 to the surface being scraped.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, FIG. 4 shows a front view of a scraper apparatus 52 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged sectional view of a reinforcement region 54 marked in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a scraper blade 56 of scraper apparatus 52.

Scraper apparatus 52 includes an elongated fixed length shaft 58, with a handle 60 coupled to a first end 62 of shaft 58, and scraper blade 56 coupled to a second end 64 of shaft 58. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 58 is a hollow, tubular member formed from metal. Shaft 58 is further configured to taper from a relatively large diameter at first end 62 to a small diameter at second end 64. The tapering of shaft 58 is accomplished at stepped sections each of which serve as reinforcement region 54.

As most clearly illustrated in FIG. 5, shaft 58 includes a first hollow portion 68 exhibiting a first diameter 70 and a second hollow portion 72 exhibiting a second diameter 74 that is smaller than first diameter 70. A hollow stepped section 76 joins first and second portions 68 and 72, respectively, together. Thus, stepped section 76 is a diameter reducing region along the tapered shaft 58.

Stepped section 76 exhibits a wall thickness 78 that is greater than corresponding wall thicknesses 80 of first and second hollow portions 68 and 72, respectively. This greater wall thickness 78 at stepped section 76 produces greater rigidity at reinforcement region 54. Again, greater rigidity yields a product that is resistant to bowing, bending, and breaking under the application of force. In addition, the hollow, tubular shaft 58 is relatively small in diameter, yet sturdy and light weight.

Scraper blade 56 includes a first planar blade portion 82 aligned with an axis 84 defined by shaft 58. A second planar blade portion 86 is coupled to first planar blade portion 82, and is oriented transverse (i.e. at right angles) relative to axis 84. Thus, scraper blade 56 is a T-shaped blade especially suited for scraping tight areas such as the fascia, soffit, and soffit molding at eave/wall junctures.

In summary, the present invention teaches of a scraper apparatus having an elongated shaft of fixed length to which a working component is coupled on one end and a handle is coupled to the other end. The shaft includes reinforcement regions that are resistant to bowing, bending, and breaking so that forced applied at the handle is effectively transmitted from working component to the surface being scraped. Effective transmission of force translates to an efficient scraping operation. The scraper apparatus is lightweight, simple in design, and is manufactured from readily available components, therefore it is inexpensive to manufacture.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the present invention may be adapted to include a different reinforcement region configuration that provides rigidity to a particular location along the hollow shaft. In addition, the working component can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and widths, or the working component can be manufactured as a base to which sandpaper can be attached.

Claims

1. A scraper apparatus comprising:

a fixed length elongated shaft having a first end, a second end, and a reinforcement region intermediate to said first and second ends;

a handle coupled to said first end of said shaft and arranged to facilitate gripping thereof by a human hand; and

a working component coupled to said second end of said shaft.

2. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elongated shaft is a hollow tubular member.

3. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elongated shaft is a hollow metal member.

4. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elongated shaft comprises:

a first shaft portion having said first end and a first intermediate end; and

a second shaft portion having said second end and a second intermediate end coupled to said first intermediate end to form said reinforcement region.

5. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said first and second intermediate ends are coupled by welding.

6. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein one of said first and second intermediate ends has a smaller diameter than the other of said first and second intermediate ends, and said smaller diameter of said one of said first and second intermediate ends is installed within said other of said first and second intermediate ends.

7. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elongated shaft comprises:

a first hollow portion exhibiting a first diameter;

a second hollow portion exhibiting a second diameter that is smaller than said first diameter; and

a hollow stepped section joining said first and second portions together, said stepped section exhibiting a wall thickness that is greater than corresponding wall thicknesses of said first and second hollow portions to form said reinforcement region.

8. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein an outer surface of said shaft includes a non-reflective surface.

9. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein an outer surface of said shaft is color-coded to signify a length of said shaft.

10. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said working component is a scraper blade.

11. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said scraper blade is one of a standard and a heavy duty blade.

12. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said scraper blade resides along an axis defined by said shaft.

13. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said scraper blade includes a scraper end that tilts away from said axis in a range of 2.5 to 7.5 degrees.

14. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said scraper blade comprises:

a first planar blade portion aligned with an axis defined by said shaft; and

a second planar blade portion coupled to said first planar blade portion and oriented transverse to said axis.

15. A scraper apparatus comprising:

an elongated hollow metal shaft of a fixed length, said shaft including a first shaft portion having a first end and a first intermediate end, and a second shaft portion having a second end and a second intermediate end coupled to said first intermediate end to form a reinforcement region intermediate to said first and second ends;

a handle coupled to said first end of said shaft and arranged to facilitate gripping thereof by a human hand; and

a working component coupled to said second end of said shaft.

16. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein one of said first and second intermediate ends has a smaller diameter than the other of said first and second intermediate ends, and said smaller diameter of said one of said first and second intermediate ends is installed within said other of said first and second intermediate ends, and said first and second intermediate ends are coupled by welding.

17. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein:

said first shaft portion exhibits a first diameter;

said second shaft portion exhibits a second diameter that is smaller than said first diameter; and

said elongated shaft further includes a stepped section joining said first and second shaft portions together, said stepped section exhibiting a wall thickness that is greater than corresponding wall thicknesses of said first and second shaft portions to form said reinforcement region.

18. A scraper apparatus comprising:

an elongated hollow metal shaft of a fixed length, said shaft having a first end, a second end, and a reinforcement region intermediate to said first and second ends;

a handle coupled to said first end of said shaft and arranged to facilitate gripping thereof by a human hand; and

a scraper blade coupled to said second end of said shaft.

19. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein said scraper blade resides along an axis defined by said shaft, and said scraper blade includes a scraper end that tilts away from said axis in a range of 2.5 to 7.5 degrees.

20. A scraper apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein said scraper blade comprises:

a first planar blade portion aligned with an axis defined by said shaft; and

a second planar blade portion coupled to said first planar blade portion and oriented transverse to said axis.