Can auger

Abstract

The invention provides a specially designed auger tool configured expressly for use in retrieving the entire contents of a can or jar, quickly and with ease. Manufactured primarily of heavy duty malleable rubber material and featuring a tapered outer edge designed to swiftly scrape the sides of virtually any can or jar. The handheld device is produced in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. To facilitate comfort, the handle of the Can Auger is gently contoured to accommodate the natural curves of the hand and comprises a nonskid rubber or plastic grip. The actual auger tool is similar in design to traditional auger blades and comprises a winding, tapered blade which wraps around an elongated stem, forming a distinct, spiral shape.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/458,946 filed Dec. 3, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Can Auger.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of kitchen appliances and more specifically to the device for removing foodstuffs from containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for devices for removing foodstuffs from containers. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,448 to Davide Drocco describes a spiral-type kneading machine with a non-rotating bowl for the preparation of flour-based mixtures.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,483 to Rudolf Muller et al describes an apparatus for removing substances from the inner walls of vessels comprising adjustable angularly or displaceable scrapers supported on a rotating shaft.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,515 to Gene Dallas describes a can scraper having flexible characteristics in the form of a spatula comprising flexible material strengthened by a rigid spine.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved auger type device for removing foodstuffs from food containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the auger of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the auger device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A simple, yet often times daunting task experienced daily by millions of consumers across the country is removing the contents of canned or jarred food from packaging. Whether one is awkwardly attempting to collect tuna which has stuck to the sides of a can, scraping the walls of a container of frosting, or straining to reach the last bits of refried beans from the bottom of a jar, attempting to retrieve foods packed in these receptacles often results in sticky fingers and hands covered in juice or food residue. Consumers will employ any number of devices to make this task easier, using kitchen knives, forks or spatulas in fruitless attempts to quickly empty a can or jar of its entire contents. As can be imagined, the struggles consumers experience attempting to retrieve jarred and bottled foods can detract from the joy associated with eating them.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Can Auger, offers consumers a practical solution to the aforementioned challenges. As the name implies, the Can Auger is just that; a specially designed auger tool configured expressly for use in retrieving the entire contents of a can or jar, quickly and with ease. Manufactured primarily of heavy duty plastic material and featuring rubber components, the Can Auger is a handheld device produced in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. For instance, a Can Auger for household use is sized appropriately to accommodate standard soup and vegetable cans or jars, while larger versions are available for use in institutional kitchens to accommodate gallon size or larger food packaging. The Can Auger is a one piece unit comprised of an ergonomically designed handle, on the distal end of which the actual auger blade and stem are integrally attached. To facilitate comfort, the handle of the Can Auger is gently contoured to accommodate the natural curves of the hand and comprises a nonskid rubber or plastic grip. The actual auger tool is similar in design to traditional auger blades and comprises a winding, tapered blade which wraps around an elongated stem, forming a distinct, spiral shape. This blade is manufactured of heavy duty, yet malleable rubber material and features a tapered outer edge designed to swiftly scrape the sides of virtually any can or jar.

Use of the Can Auger is very simple and straightforward. Opening a can or jar, the user utilizes the Can Auger to quickly empty the container of all its contents. Positioning the unit's spiral blade over the center of the open can, the user then rotates the handle to drive the blade deep within. The user then reverses the direction of spinning the handle, driving the auger back up and out of the can while simultaneously scraping clean the bottom and walls of the can of its contents, by means of the tapered rubber blade. Transferred to a mixing bowl or cooking pot, this food can be prepared as usual, with any residue left on the Can Auger dispensed directly into the cooking or serving receptacle. After use, the Can Auger is simply hand washed or washed in a household dishwasher and then stored away until again needed.

The Can Auger is a unique product invention, which offers consumers many significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, this cleverly designed kitchen accessory allows consumers to easily and efficiently access foods which are tightly packed in cans or jars. A handheld auger featuring a spatula-like winding blade which extends to the bottom of any cylindrical food container, the Can Auger is easily rotated, instantly and effortlessly scraping the sides and bottom of the can of its entire contents. Enabling the user to effortlessly retrieve concentrated soups, tightly packed beans, sticky tuna or sweet frosting with a quick twist of the hand, the Can Auger eliminates the awkward task of scraping these cans manually. Protecting the integrity of foods stored within cans and jars, use of the Can Auger prevents foods from being crushed or smashed which is so often happens when one attempts to retrieve canned treats with a knife or fork. Lightweight and simple to use, consumers will appreciate the ease of which the Can Auger can be employed.

The Can Auger is an innovative product invention which offers consumers a sensible solution to the problems associated with retrieving tightly packed foods from cans and jars.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for removing foodstuffs from containers in the form of an auger, comprising: a one piece unit comprised of an ergonomically designed handle, having an elongated stem attached to the handle which terminates in an auger.

2. The device of claim 1 manufactured of heavy duty plastic material and featuring rubber components.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is a handheld device produced in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the handle is contoured to accommodate the natural curves of the hand and comprises a nonskid rubber or plastic grip.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the auger tool comprises a winding, tapered blade which wraps around the elongated stem, forming a spiral shape.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the auger is manufactured of heavy duty, malleable rubber material and features a tapered outer edge designed to swiftly scrape the sides of virtually any can or jar.