ERGONOMIC SCOOP

Abstract

An apparatus for picking up material is disclosed that has a scoop section with a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge. The scoop has a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom. The scoop has a handle connected to and extending rearward and downward from the back of the scoop section. The handle and back are fixedly or adjustably attached to one another. The scoop cavity has an extended cavity section disposed under the handle that is a contiguous part of the cavity. The scoop is ergonomically designed for reducing stress related fatigue, strain or injury to the upper or lower extremities, or shoulder or neck.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to ergonomic devices for moving materials and more particularly to scoops for picking up and transferring ice or the like. Generally, this disclosure relates to an ergonomic scoop that is useful for the removal and transport of particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid materials from one container to another. Particularly, this disclosure relates to an ice scoop to maintain a user's wrist in an ergonomically desirable position during removal of ice from an ice storage container and transport of the ice in the ice scoop.

2. Discussion of the Background Art

Scoops are widely used to transfer materials from one container to another. Typically, a scoop is used to transfer food, ice or other free flowing materials from a larger vessel to a smaller vessel, e.g., from a main storage bin, bag or receptacle to a bucket, bag or dispenser. However, most scoops used in this process are not ergonomically designed, permit contamination from or to the hand of the user, inefficiently transfer the scooped material resulting in spillage, and don't maximize the volume of material conveyed per scoop.

Known scoops often have a handle that is fixedly connected to a back of a scoop and that extends at an angle that can be awkward for shoveling materials from a first container to a second container, such as scooping ice out of ice machines or ice bins to bags or other containers smaller than the ice bin, which can be awkward, especially when the level of ice in the machine is low. One problem with such scoops is that the scoops are relatively shallow. These scoops do not readily contain large amounts of scooped material and can allow some material to spill. This can result in wasted ice or other product as well as ice or product particles falling on the floor creating a safety hazard.

Users of ice scoops have also been observed breaking up larger chunks of ice using the front edge of the scoop. Some scoops are not sturdy enough to withstand such usage and can dent, chip, or break when used to break up ice chunks. Potentially, this damage to the scoop can result in plastic chips and fragments being left behind in the ice.

As can be seen, the current scoops suffer from certain drawbacks and limitations. Accordingly, a need exists for scoops that are ergonomically designed, prevent contamination from or to the hand of the user, efficiently transfer the scooped material to minimize spillage and maximize the volume of material conveyed per scoop, and solve other problems associated with the existing designs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates in part to an apparatus for picking up material comprising: a scooping device comprising:

• a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge;
• a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; and
• a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly and downwardly from the back of the scoop section, wherein the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another.

This disclosure also relates in part to an apparatus comprising:

a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge;

a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; and

a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly and downwardly from the back, wherein the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly attached to one another.

This disclosure further relates in part to an apparatus comprising:

a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge;

a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; and

a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly and downwardly from the back, wherein the handle and back are integrally or separately formed and adjustably attached to one another.

This disclosure yet further relates in part to a scoop comprising:

• a scoop body having a bottom with a leading edge, a pair of opposed side walls extending up from opposed edges of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls and opposite the leading edge;
• a cavity defined above the bottom between the two side walls and forward of the back; a handle connected to and extending rearwardly and downwardly from the back, wherein the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another; and
• an extended cavity section disposed under the handle, the extended cavity section having a top panel extending beneath the handle and over the extended cavity section,
• wherein the back has an upper section connected to a base of the handle and a lower section closing a rear end of the extended cavity section, the lower section positioned generally below and spaced from a free end of the handle.

In an embodiment, the handle has an elongated body defined by a first section that projects rearwardly from the back and a second section that projects rearwardly and downwardly from the first section, wherein the first section and the second section are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another.

The above-described and other features and advantages of this disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an example of a scoop of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a front elevational view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a rear elevational view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of the scoop of FIG. 1 with slits or perforations.

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of the scoop of FIG. 1 with slits or perforations.

FIG. 10 shows a side elevational view of another example of a scoop of this disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view of an example of a scoop of this disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows a side elevational view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 shows a top plan view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom plan view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 shows a front elevational view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 shows a rear elevational view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 shows a side elevational view of the scoop of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 shows a front perspective view of the scoop of FIG. 1 with slits or perforations.

FIG. 19 shows a front perspective view of the scoop of FIG. 1 with slits or perforations.

FIG. 20 shows a side elevational view of another example of a scoop of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This disclosure relates in general to an ergonomic hand held and operated apparatus for picking up material and, more particularly, to an ergonomic scoop, e.g., ice scoop, for reducing stress related fatigue, strain and injury to the upper or lower extremities, or shoulder or neck, particularly the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow. The ergonomic scoop is generally useful for the removal and transport of particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid materials (e.g., ice, pet foods, hardware items such as screws, nails, washers, and the like, agricultural materials such as seeds, grains, coffee beans, and the like, and casino chips) from one container to another.

With prior art scoops, a scoop user typically experiences involuntary ulnar deviation (axial or vertical pivoting of the hand and wrist) and must impose a certain degree of wrist flexion (curling of the hand and must impose a certain degree of wrist inwardly toward the body) in order to thrust the scoop into and raise the scoop from a mass of particulate or granular material, e.g., ice. Repetitive ulnar deviation and wrist flexion have been identified as direct causes of finger, wrist, hand or forearm muscle fatigue or injury, as well as inflammation of their associated nerves, tendons and ligaments.

The scoops of this disclosure enable a user to effectively yet comfortably perform the essential forward and/or sideward thrusting and vertical lifting motions required associated with scoop use. More particularly, thrustability is enhanced by virtue of the minor ulnar deviation which is imposed on the user's wrist and hand. Ulnar deviation of this degree is comfortable to the typical user and increases the user's mechanical advantage in forward thrusting motions. Moreover, thrust delivery and reaction forces are transferred to the fleshly portion of the heel of the hand, which is significantly better adapted to deliver thrusting force and absorb thrust reaction force than the thumb and forefinger and their connecting tissue as is the case with existing scoop designs. Further, the hand and wrist are positioned in a comfortable orientation during vertical lifting, unlike prior scoop designs where wrist flexion and ulnar deviation are unrestrained. This coupled with most of the vertical lifting force being transferred from the hand and wrist to the user's forearm allows a user to lift a loaded scoop with minimal or no discomfort.

The ergonomic scoop of this disclosure is especially well suited to accommodate the thrusting and lifting motions associated with scooping particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid material when using a hand operated scoop. The ergonomic scoop of this disclosure can redistribute lifting forces to a user's forearm. The handgrip on the ergonomic scoop of this disclosure is disposed at a downward angle which optimizes scoop performance yet is comfortable to the majority of the population expected to use the scoop. So constructed, the ergonomic scoop may be used for short or prolonged periods with considerably reduced potential for fatigue and/or cumulative trauma injury.

The ergonomic scoop of this disclosure allows the wrist to be kept in an ergonomically advantaged or correct position to hold the scoop mouth level for holding material, e.g., ice, in the scoop. Also, for scooping a material, e.g., ice, the wrist can stay close to the ergonomically advantaged or correct position. Further, for transporting a material, e.g., ice, the wrist can stay close to the ergonomically advantaged or correct position. The ergonomically advantaged or correct position allows the wrist to be kept in a position so as to avoid or not aggravate injuries such as repetitive stress injuries, repetitive motion injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, occupational overuse, or musculoskeletal disorders.

In an embodiment, the scoop incorporates a user-adjustable ergonomic handle to further improve usability and protection of the user by its customizability. The handle is adjustable to various angles and can be locked into a fixed position.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in one embodiment, this disclosure is for an improved scoop 10. The disclosed scoop 10 has a scoop section 11 and an attached handle 12 joined to a back 15 of the scoop section 11. The handle 12 and the scoop section 11 are integrally formed with one another, e.g., from any suitable material such as wood, metal, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene), composite or antimicrobial material, or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another. The scoop section 11 can incorporate a thicker walled front leading edge, i.e., thicker than bottom 22 and sides 20 and 21. This more durable front leading edge is less likely to chip and break upon blunt contact with the ice or other product to be scooped. The scoop section has a bottom 22, sides 20 and 21, and a back 15 that are arranged to form a cavity 13. The handle 12 is attached to the scoop section 11 at the back 15. The scoop section 11 further has an extended cavity section 14 underneath the handle 12. The handle 12 is spaced above the extended cavity section 14 and has an elongated body that projects rearwardly and downwardly from the back 15.

The extended cavity section 14 can function as a shield to prevent a user's hand from coming into contact with the ice or scooped product. The extended cavity section 14 also adds capacity and allows a user to transfer a larger amount of material when scooping. The larger volume is useful, for example, in scooping ice in that it keeps large ice cubes from not filing the extended cavity and small ice cubes from getting stuck in the extended cavity. The bottom 22 of the scoop section 11 can have a curved profile that is gradually convexly curved upward. Preferably, the bottom curvature is greater near the back 15 than near the leading edge 23. The combination of the handle 12 orientation and shape, the added capacity of the extended cavity section 14, the reinforced leading edge 23 and 24, and the curved bottom renders it easier for a user to perform a scooping motion without worrying about contaminating the material to be scooped and while being able to scoop large and/or heavy volumes of the material.

The front scoop section 11 permits easier scooping and more efficient and precise product transfer. The shaped back section 15 of the scoop provides a surface against which scooped material can be held. By extending the back section 15 of the scoop, more material can be held by the scoop. A small step may be provided along a circumferential edge 29 of the open top to improve material retention as well as enhancing the strength of the scoop itself. The handle 12 is preferably attached to the back section at a position that permits a user to hold material during the transfer process at an ergonomically comfortable position without spillage. The point of attachment of the handle to the back section 15 is preferably coincident with the vertical position of the center of gravity of the scoop, above the bottom of the scoop, when the scoop section is filled with material. This placement, together with the structural features of the handle 12, improves material handling generally and specifically improves the ability of a user to comfortably scoop and hold a large amount of material.

The scoop 10 of this disclosure has a scoop section 11 or scoop body and a handle 12 joined to a back of the scoop section 11. The scoop section 11 has on open top and an open mouth opposite the back 15. The scoop section 11 includes a bottom 22 with two opposed side walls 20 and 21 extending upward from edge joints from the bottom 22. The back 15 extends upward from a rear end joint from the bottom and is joined to the side walls 20 and 21. The upstanding side walls 20 and 21 are in slightly diverging relation to one another, becoming farther apart toward a leading edge 23 of the scoop 10. The side walls 20 and 21 also increase in height moving from the open mouth at the leading edge 23 toward the back 15.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the bottom 22 of the scoop section 11 can have an upwardly curving profile from the leading edge 23 to the back 15. Transition joints 40 and 41 between the bottom 22 and the side walls 20 and 21 are curved. This creates a smooth contour to the body of the scoop 10. The back joint 42 between the back and the bottom is also gradually curved. All surface transitions on the scoop section 11 are gradually curved giving the entire scoop section 11 a rounded contour with no sharp or acutely angled edges or corners.

The two side walls 20 and 21 can be slightly diverging toward the leading edge 23. The bottom 22 can be wider near the leading edge 23 than near the back joint 42. The bottom 22 can have grooves or ribs on an inside surface that extend lengthwise from near the leading edge toward the back joint 42. The underside surface of the bottom 22 can optionally have one or more ridges or grooves (not shown) that extend lengthwise. The side walls 20 and 21 and back 15 can also have such surface features.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a perimeter edge is formed on the scoop section 11 by the front or leading edge 23 of the bottom 22, front and top edges 30 and 31 of the side walls 20 and 21, and an upper edge 29 of the back 15. The bottom 22, the side walls 20 and 21, and the back 15 form a cavity 13 therein. The perimeter edge defines the cavity 13 boundaries. The shape and configuration of the scoop section 11 and cavity 13 can vary.

The leading edge 23 of the bottom 22 can include a reinforced region (not shown). The reinforced region is an area along and adjacent the leading edge 23 of the bottom 22, upwards along the front and top edges 30 and 31 of the side walls 20 and 21. The reinforced region has a greater wall thickness than that of the adjacent portions of the bottom 22 and the side walls 20 and 21. The parameters of the reinforced region can vary.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, the handle 12 is joined to the back 15 near the middle of the back 15. The handle 12 has an elongate shaft with a proximal end that is joined to part of the back 15 at a joint 44 and a distal free end at the other end. The diameter or cross-section volume of the handle 12 can be tapered becoming larger from the proximal end toward the distal free end. The handle 12 can have a cross-section that is somewhat oval or ovoid. The handle 12 can be hollow or solid. The handle 12 further can have a cap 27 covering the distal end. The handle 12 can have a slot or hole 28 through the cap 27 covering the distal end. The joint 44 between the proximal end of the handle 12 and the back 15 can be reinforced, such as having a greater material thickness, and the joint 44 contours can be rounded and gradual. The handle 12 preferably has a large grip area to keep the hand grip comfortable without excessive grip pressure.

The scooping device 10 has a vertical axis AA (see FIG. 7) extending perpendicularly from a connection of the handle 12 connected to the back 15 to the bottom 22 of the scoop section 11. The handle 12 projects rearwardly from the back 15 and the vertical axis AA to define a handle angle of between about 75° to less than about 90° with respect to the vertical axis AA. The angle with respect to the vertical axis AA can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure.

The handle 12 elongated body is spaced from the back 15 such that a grasping hand can circumferentially grasp the elongated body without contacting the extended cavity section 14. The handle 12 is supported by the back 15 in a cantilevered fashion. The handle 12 elongated body can have a length that exceeds a length of the extended cavity section 14.

The handle 12 can be adjustable for reducing stress related fatigue, strain and injury to the upper or lower extremities, or shoulder or neck, particularly the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow. In an embodiment, the handle 12 can be adjustable to project rearwardly from the back 15 and the vertical axis AA to define a handle angle with respect to the vertical axis AA that is desired by a user. In another embodiment, the handle 12 can be adjustable to project rearwardly from the back 15 and the vertical axis AA to define a handle angle of between about 75° to less than about 90° with respect to the vertical axis AA. Adjustable positions of the handle 12 are within the teachings of this disclosure. The handle 12 is ergonomically oriented on the back 15 such that a grasping hand can circumferentially grasp the handle 12 without contacting the middle section 36 or panel.

In accordance with this disclosure, the handle 12 can be adjusted by various methods or means. One such method involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 12 joins the back 15 or on a portion of the handle 12 near where the handle 12 joins the back 15 that enables the handle to rotate into or nearly into the scoop 10. Another method involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 12 joins the back 15 or on a portion of the handle 12 near where the handle 12 joins the back 15 that enables the handle 12 to rotate downwardly towards the bottom 22 of the scoop 10. In another method, the handle 12 involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 12 joins the back 15 or on a portion of the handle 12 near the where the handle 12 joins the back 15 that enables the handle to rotate downwardly towards the bottom 22 of the scoop 10 to various degrees, the angle of which can be selected by the user, and such adjustment can be fixed at variously selected angles by the user. In yet another method, the handle 12 can be made in telescoping sections so that by depressing the handle 12, it telescopes within itself to shorten the handle 12 and by pulling on the handle 12, the handle 12 can by pulled to elongate. Other conventional methods may be used for adjustably attaching the handle 12 to the back 15 of the scoop 10.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the bottom 22 has a rear portion near the back joint 42 that curves increasingly upward. The back 15 of the scoop section 11 has a complex shape and configuration. The back 15 generally extends between and is joined to the side walls 20 and 21 along curved transition joints or seams. The back 15 has an upper section 35 and a lower section 37 joined to one another by a middle section 36 or over-panel extending under the handle 12, over the rear curved portion of the bottom 22, and spaced from both. The upper section 35 of the back 15 tilts toward the open mouth of the scoop section 11. Also, an upper edge 29 and a top portion of the upper section 35, which defines the upper edge 29, are curved in a forward direction toward the open mouth of the scoop section 11 so that the upper edge 29 overhangs a portion of the cavity 13. A cavity extension 14 is formed beneath the middle section 36 or panel and is contiguous with the scoop cavity 13. The handle 12 is positioned above and spaced from the middle section 36 or panel. This structure forming the cavity extension 14 creates a hand shield or guard under the handle 12, and yet the hand shield also has storage capacity as well.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the ergonomic scoop of this disclosure can optionally include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof, on the bottom 22. and/or side walls 20 and 21. The slits and/or perforations can be arranged in any suitable configuration for allowing drainage of liquids, gels, sand, bits of paper or plastic, or other matter from the scoop. The slits and/or perforations can allow drainage when scooping solid materials from liquid materials. For example, when scooping ice, the slits and/or perforations allow for selectively scooping ice while any melted ice (i.e., water) drains away through the slits and/or perforations. Also, for example, when scooping pickles or olives or the like, the slits and/or perforations allow for selectively scooping the pickles or olives while solution or other matter, e.g., brine solution, sand or twigs, drains away through the slits and/or perforations.

Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the ergonomic scoop can have a handle 12 which is curvilinear in shape. As shown in FIG. 10, a proximal end of handle 12 can be joined to part of the back 15 at or near the top and a distal end can be joined to part of the back 15 at or near the bottom 22. The handle 12 having a curvilinear shape can be configured such that a grasping hand can circumferentially grasp the handle 12 without contacting the extended cavity section 14. The handle 12 having a curvilinear shape preferably has a large grip area to keep the hand grip comfortable without excessive grip pressure.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, in another embodiment, this disclosure is for an improved scoop 50. The disclosed scoop 50 has a scoop section 51 and an attached handle 52 joined to a back 55 of the scoop section 51. The handle 52 and the scoop section 51 are integrally formed with one another, e.g., from any suitable material such as wood, metal, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate) or composite material, or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another. The scoop section 51 can incorporate a thicker walled front leading edge, i.e., thicker than bottom 62 and sides 60 and 61. This more durable front leading edge is less likely to chip and break upon blunt contact with the ice or other product to be scooped. The scoop section has a bottom 62, sides 60 and 61, and a back 55 that are arranged to form a cavity 53. The handle 52 is attached to the scoop section 51 at the back 55. The scoop section 51 further has an extended cavity section 54 underneath the handle 52. The handle 52 is spaced above the extended cavity section 54 and has an elongated body defined by a first section 65 that projects rearwardly from the back 55 and a second section 66 that projects rearwardly and downwardly from the first section 65. The first section 65 of the handle 52 and the second section 66 of the handle 52 are integrally formed with one another, e.g., from any suitable material such as wood, metal, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene), composite or antimicrobial material, or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another.

The extended cavity section 54 can function as a shield to prevent a user's hand from coming into contact with the ice or scooped product. The extended cavity section 54 also adds capacity and allows a user to transfer a larger amount of material when scooping. The larger volume is useful, for example, in scooping ice in that it keeps large ice cubes from not filing the extended cavity and small ice cubes from getting stuck in the extended cavity. The bottom 62 of the scoop section 51 can have a curved profile that is gradually convexly curved upward. Preferably, the bottom curvature is greater near the back 55 than near the leading edge 63. The combination of the handle 52 orientation and shape, the added capacity of the extended cavity section 54, the reinforced leading edge 63 and 64, and the curved bottom renders it easier for a user to perform a scooping motion without worrying about contaminating the material to be scooped and while being able to scoop large and/or heavy volumes of the material.

The front scoop section 51 permits easier scooping and more efficient and precise product transfer. The shaped back section 55 of the scoop provides a surface against which scooped material can be held. By extending the back section 55 of the scoop, more material can be held by the scoop. A small step may be provided along a circumferential edge 69 of the open top to improve material retention as well as enhancing the strength of the scoop itself The handle 12 is preferably attached to the back section at a position that permits a user to hold material during the transfer process at an ergonomically comfortable position without spillage. The point of attachment of the handle to the back section 55 is preferably coincident with the vertical position of the center of gravity of the scoop, above the bottom of the scoop, when the scoop section is filled with material. This placement, together with the structural features of the handle 52, improves material handling generally and specifically improves the ability of a user to comfortably scoop and hold a large amount of material.

The scoop 50 of this disclosure has a scoop section 51 or scoop body and a handle 52 joined to a back of the scoop section 51. The scoop section 51 has on open top and an open mouth opposite the back 55. The scoop section 51 includes a bottom 62 with two opposed side walls 60 and 61 extending upward from edge joints from the bottom 62. The back 55 extends upward from a rear end joint from the bottom and is joined to the side walls 60 and 61. The upstanding side walls 60 and 61 are in slightly diverging relation to one another, becoming farther apart toward a leading edge 63 of the scoop 50. The side walls 60 and 61 also increase in height moving from the open mouth at the leading edge 63 toward the back 55.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, the bottom 62 of the scoop section 51 can have an upwardly curving profile from the leading edge 63 to the back 55. Transition joints 80 and 81 between the bottom 62 and the side walls 60 and 61 are curved. This creates a smooth contour to the body of the scoop 50. The back joint 82 between the back and the bottom is also gradually curved. All surface transitions on the scoop section 51 are gradually curved giving the entire scoop section 51 a rounded contour with no sharp or acutely angled edges or corners.

The two side walls 60 and 61 can be slightly diverging toward the leading edge 63. The bottom 62 can be wider near the leading edge 63 than near the back joint 82. The bottom 62 can have grooves or ribs on an inside surface that extend lengthwise from near the leading edge toward the back joint 82. The underside surface of the bottom 62 can have one or more ridges or grooves 83 that extend lengthwise. The side walls 60 and 61 and back 55 can also have such surface features.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, a perimeter edge is formed on the scoop section 51 by the front or leading edge 63 of the bottom 62, front and top edges 70 and 71 of the side walls 60 and 61, and an upper edge 69 of the back 55. The bottom 62, the side walls 60 and 61, and the back 55 form a cavity 53 therein. The perimeter edge defines the cavity 53 boundaries. The shape and configuration of the scoop section 51 and cavity 53 can vary.

The leading edge 63 of the bottom 62 can include a reinforced region 64. The reinforced region 64 is an area along and adjacent the leading edge 63 of the bottom 62, upwards along the front and top edges 70 and 71 of the side walls 60 and 61. The reinforced region 64 has a greater wall thickness than that of the adjacent portions of the bottom 62 and the side walls 60 and 61. The parameters of the reinforced region 64 can vary.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16, the handle 52 is joined to the back 55 near the middle of the back 55. The handle 52 has an elongate shaft with a proximal end that is joined to part of the back 55 at a joint 84 and a distal free end at the other end. The diameter or cross-section volume of the handle 52 can be tapered becoming larger from the proximal end toward the distal free end. The handle 52 can have a cross-section that is somewhat oval or ovoid. The handle 52 can be hollow or solid. The handle 52 further can have a cap 67 covering the distal end. The handle 52 can have a slot or hole 68 through the cap 67 covering the distal end. The joint 84 between the proximal end of the handle 52 and the back 55 can be reinforced, such as having a greater material thickness, and the joint 84 contours can be rounded and gradual. The handle 52 preferably has a large grip area to keep the hand grip comfortable without excessive grip pressure.

The first section 65 of the handle 52 is oriented at an angle between about 0° to about 15° relative to the bottom 62 of the scoop section 51 and the second section 66 of the handle 52 angles downward relative to the bottom 62 of the scoop section 51. The first section 65 of the handle 52 has a lengthwise axis that is oriented at an angle between about 0° to about 15° relative to a plane of a substantial portion of the bottom 62. The axis of the first section 65 of the handle 52 is upward or parallel relative to a plane of a substantial portion of the bottom 62. The angle of the axis can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure.

The scooping device 50 has a first vertical axis AA (see FIG. 17) extending perpendicularly from a first connection of the first section 65 of the handle 52 connected to the back 55 to the bottom 62 of the scoop section 51. The first section 65 of the handle 52 projects rearwardly from the back 55 and the first vertical axis AA to define a first section handle 65 angle of between about 75° to about 105° with respect to the first vertical axis AA. The angle with respect to the first vertical axis AA can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure.

The handle 52 elongated body is spaced from the back 55 such that a grasping hand can circumferentially grasp the elongated body without contacting the extended cavity section 54. The handle 52 is supported by the back 55 in a cantilevered fashion. The handle 52 elongated body can have a length that exceeds a length of the extended cavity section 54. The second section 66 of the handle 52 has a length that exceeds a length of the first section 65 of the handle 52.

The scooping device 50 has a second vertical axis BB (see FIG. 17) extending perpendicularly from a second connection of the second section 66 of the handle 52 connected to the first section 65 of the handle 52 to the bottom 62 of the scoop section 51. The second section 66 of the handle 52 projects rearwardly from the first section 65 of the handle 52 and the second vertical axis BB to define a second section handle 66 angle of between about 75° to less than about 90° with respect to the second vertical axis BB. The angle with respect to the second vertical axis BB can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure.

The handle 52 can be adjustable for reducing stress related fatigue, strain and injury to the upper or lower extremities, or shoulder or neck, particularly the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow. In an embodiment, the handle 52 can be adjustable to project rearwardly from the back 55 and the first vertical axis AA to define a handle angle with respect to the first vertical axis AA that is desired by a user. In another embodiment, the first section 65 of the handle 52 can be adjustable to project rearwardly from the back 55 and the first vertical axis AA to define a first section handle 65 angle of between about 15° to about 115° with respect to the first vertical axis AA. In yet another embodiment, the second section 66 of the handle 52 can be adjustable to project rearwardly from the first section 65 of the handle 52 and the second vertical axis BB to define a second section handle 66 angle of between about 25° to less than about 100° with respect to the second vertical axis BB. Adjustable combinations of the first section 65 of handle 52 and the second section 66 of handle 52 are within the teachings of this disclosure. The handle 52 is ergonomically oriented on the back 55 such that a grasping hand can circumferentially grasp the handle 52 without contacting the middle section 76 or panel.

In accordance with this disclosure, the handle 52 can be adjusted by various methods or means. One such method involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 52 joins the back 55 or on a portion of the handle 52 near where the handle 52 joins the back 55 that enables the handle to rotate into or nearly into the scoop 50. Another method involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 52 joins the back 55 or on a portion of the handle 52 near where the handle 52 joins the back 55 that enables the handle 52 to rotate downwardly towards the bottom 62 of the scoop 50. In another method, the handle 52 involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 52 joins the back 55 or on a portion of the handle 52 near the where the handle 52 joins the back 55 that enables the handle to rotate downwardly towards the bottom 62 of the scoop 50 to various degrees, the angle of which can be selected by the user, and such adjustment can be fixed at variously selected angles by the user. In yet another method, the handle 52 can be made in telescoping sections so that by depressing the handle 52, it telescopes within itself to shorten the handle 12 and by pulling on the handle 52, the handle 52 can by pulled to elongate. Other conventional methods may be used for adjustably attaching the handle 52 to the back 55 of the scoop 50.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, the bottom 62 has a rear portion near the back joint 82 that curves increasingly upward. The back 55 of the scoop section 51 has a complex shape and configuration. The back 55 generally extends between and is joined to the side walls 60 and 61 along curved transition joints or seams. The back 55 has an upper section 75 and a lower section 77 joined to one another by a middle section 76 or over-panel extending under the handle 52, over the rear curved portion of the bottom 62, and spaced from both. The upper section 55 of the back 55 tilts toward the open mouth of the scoop section 51. Also, an upper edge 69 and a top portion of the upper section 75, which defines the upper edge 69, are curved in a forward direction toward the open mouth of the scoop section 51 so that the upper edge 69 overhangs a portion of the cavity 53. A cavity extension 54 is formed beneath the middle section 76 or panel and is contiguous with the scoop cavity 53. The handle 52 is positioned above and spaced from the middle section 76 or panel. This structure forming the cavity extension 54 creates a hand shield or guard under the handle 52, and yet the hand shield also has storage capacity as well.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the ergonomic scoop of this disclosure can optionally include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof, on the bottom 62 and/or side walls 60 and 61. The slits and/or perforations can be arranged in any suitable configuration for allowing drainage of liquids, gels, sand, bits of paper or plastic, or other matter from the scoop. The slits and/or perforations can allow drainage when scooping solid materials from liquid materials. For example, when scooping ice, the slits and/or perforations allow for selectively scooping ice while any melted ice (i.e., water) drains away through the slits and/or perforations. Also, for example, when scooping pickles or olives or the like, the slits and/or perforations allow for selectively scooping the pickles or olives while solution or other matter, e.g., brine solution, sand or twigs, drains away through the slits and/or perforations.

Referring to FIG. 20, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the ergonomic scoop can have a handle 12 which is curvilinear in shape. As shown in FIG. 20, a proximal end of handle 12 can be joined to part of the back 15 at or near the top and a distal end can be joined to part of the back 15 at or near the bottom 22. The handle 12 having a curvilinear shape can be configured such that a grasping hand can circumferentially grasp the handle 12 without contacting the extended cavity section 14. The handle 12 having a curvilinear shape preferably has a large grip area to keep the hand grip comfortable without excessive grip pressure.

The ergonomic scoop of this disclosure has several advantages. The extended cavity section of the scoop section gives the cavity of the ice scoop greater capacity without greatly increasing the overall scoop size. Greater capacity results in each scoop load carrying more ice or other product, which can make the transfer process faster. The smooth contours of the scoop section and the curved profile of the bottom, along with the various grooves and ridges noted above, can reduce the friction between the scoop and the ice, or other material being scooped, during the scooping action. The handle angle further enhances the ergonomics of the scooping action and positions the scoop section upward while the handle is held level when carrying a full scoop. This can avoid spilling and permit carrying a fuller scoop. This can render the scooping motion more ergonomically correct, particularly when reaching down into a large container such as an ice bin or the like. The forward curve of the top portion of the upper section of the back allows still greater quantities of ice or other materials to be carried by reducing the likelihood of spillage when carrying a full scoop. The reinforced leading edge of the scoop inhibits damage to the scoop when used to break chunks of ice that have melted together while also inhibiting damage to the exposed scoop edge. This more durable leading edge is less likely to chip and contaminate the ice with plastic fragments. The handle can be in either a fixed position or an adjustable position on the scoop. The scoop body may be solid or have slits or perforations.

The extended section of the cavity not only adds more capacity to the scoop cavity but functions to create a shield or guard that can protect the handle and the user's hand and knuckles from injury during use. The handle shield or guard inhibits the user's hand from contacting the ice or other material being scooped. In this way, the scoop extension helps prevent contamination of the ice or other material in addition to providing added capacity.

As will be evident to one skilled in the art, the disclosed scoop may be formed of injection molded resin, cast metal, multiple injection molded parts, one unitary structure and/or of different or integral materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, or the like. While this disclosure is for an ice scoop, the disclosed scoop could be used for scooping any suitably sized substance or food product, or other particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid materials.

Though the ergonomic scoop disclosed herein is particularly useful for scooping ice from a commercial ice machine, the scoop can be utilized for scooping virtually any product from its container and yet achieve the benefits associated with the disclosed one-handed scoop. For example, the ergonomic scoop is generally useful for the removal and transport of particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid materials (e.g., ice, pet foods, hardware items such as screws, nails, washers, and the like, agricultural materials such as seeds, grains, coffee beans, and the like, and casino chips) from one container to another. The disclosed ergonomic scoop provides a number of benefits and advantages over prior known devices.

Although certain scoops and features have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge;

a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; and

a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly and downwardly from the back, wherein the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 which is a scooping device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cavity has an extended cavity section disposed under the handle.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongated body is spaced from the back such that a grasping hand can circumferentially grasp the elongated body without contacting the extended cavity section, and the elongated body has a length that exceeds a length of the extended cavity section.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle is spaced above the extended cavity section and the extended cavity section extends rearward under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle angles downward relative to the bottom of the scoop section.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle angles downward between greater than about 0° to about 75° relative to the bottom of the scoop section.

8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said scooping device has a vertical axis extending perpendicularly from a connection of the handle connected to the back of said scoop section, wherein the handle projects rearwardly and downwardly from the back and the vertical axis to define a handle angle of between about 15° to less than about 90° with respect to said vertical axis.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle having an elongated body comprises a first section that projects rearwardly from the back and a second section that projects rearwardly and downwardly from the first section, wherein the first section and the second section are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second section has a length that exceeds a length of the first section.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first section of the handle is oriented at an angle between about 0° to about 15° relative to the bottom of the scoop section and the second section of the handle angles downward relative to the bottom of the scoop section.

12. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said scooping device has a first vertical axis extending perpendicularly from a first connection of the first section of the handle connected to the back to the bottom of said scoop section, wherein the first section of the handle projects rearwardly from the back and the first vertical axis to define a first section handle angle of between about 15° to about 115° with respect to said first vertical axis, and wherein said scooping device has a second vertical axis extending perpendicularly from a second connection of the second section of the handle connected to the first section of the handle to the bottom of said scoop section, wherein the second section of the handle projects rearwardly and downwardly from the first section of the handle and the second vertical axis to define a handle angle of between about 25° to less than about 100° with respect to said second vertical axis.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the open front end of the cavity is wider between the side walls than the cavity near the back, and the side walls diverge gradually away from one another from the back to the open front end.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle and the scoop section are integrally formed with one another from at least one material selected from the group consisting of wood, metal, plastic, composite or antimicrobial material.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bottom is gradually convexly curved upward, the bottom curvature is greater near the back than near the leading edge, and the bottom has a groove or ridge extending between the leading edge and the back.

17. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scooping device includes one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof, on the bottom and/or side walls.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 which is an ergonomic scooping device.

19. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising (i) a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism on a portion of the back at or near where the handle attaches to the back or on a portion of the handle near where the handle attaches to the back that enables the handle to rotate into or nearly into the scoop section, or that enables the handle to rotate downwardly towards the bottom of the scooping device; (ii) a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism on a portion of the back at or near where the handle attaches to the back or on a portion of the handle near the where the handle attaches to the back that enables the handle to rotate downwardly towards the bottom of the scooping device to various degrees, the angle of which is selected by a user, and such adjustment is fixed at variously selected angles by the user; and (iii) the handle being made in telescoping sections so that by depressing the handle, it telescopes within itself to shorten the handle and by pulling on the handle, it extends itself to elongate the handle.

20. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the handle is curvilinear in shape having a proximal end that is joined to part of the back at or near the top and a distal end that is joined to part of the back at or near the bottom.