US20050011029A1

US20050011029A1 - Scraper for barbecue grill

Info

Publication number: US20050011029A1
Application number: US10/619,415
Authority: US
Inventors: Chih-Hsin Yu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-16
Filing date: 2003-07-16
Publication date: 2005-01-20

Abstract

The present invention is to provide a scraper for a barbecue grill comprising a hollow handle and a substantially parallelepiped cleaning head at a forward end of the handle. The cleaning head is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the handle and includes a blade extended horizontally from a forward side of the cleaning head, wherein the blade has a cutting edge at a forward side thereof with a series of curved peaks and valleys conformed to open spaces of the barbecue grill for removing dirt left on side surfaces of metal bars of the barbecue grill.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to scrapers and more particularly to a scraper for a barbecue grill with improved characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional scraper 7 for a barbecue grill is shown in FIG. 1. The scraper 7 comprises a cleaning head 72, a handle 71 extended obliquely from a rear side of the cleaning head 72, a blade 73 extended horizontally from a forward side of the cleaning head 72, the blade 73 having a straight cutting edge 731 at a forward side thereof. Thus, a person can remove dirt left on metal bars of a barbecue grill by scraping by means of the cutting edge 731 of the blade 73 while using the scraper 7 for cleaning the barbecue grill.
However, the straight cutting edge 731 of the blade 73 of the scraper 7 makes the cutting edge 731 of the blade 73 impossible of inserting portions thereof into open spaces of the barbecue grill. As a result, side surfaces of the metal bars of the barbecue grill are not rubbed by the cutting edge 731. As such, a thorough cleaning of the barbecue grill is impossible by using the scraper 7 (i.e., dirt still remained on the barbecue grill).
Thus, it is desirable among many scraper manufacturers to provide a novel scraper for a barbecue grill in order to overcome the above drawback of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a scraper for a barbecue grill. The scraper comprises a hollow handle, and a substantially parallelepiped cleaning head at a forward end of the handle, the cleaning head being disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the handle, the cleaning head including a blade extended horizontally from a forward side of the cleaning head, the blade having a cutting edge at a forward side thereof, the cutting edge consisting of a series of curved peaks and valleys conformed to open spaces of the barbecue grill. In using the scraper to remove dirt left on the barbecue grill, place the blade on the barbecue grill with the peaks of the cutting edge inserted into the open spaces of the barbecue grill to contact side surfaces of metal bars of the barbecue grill and the valleys thereof contacted top surfaces of the metal bars respectively so that dirt remained on the barbecue grill can be removed by the blade. By utilizing the present invention, the above drawback of the prior art can be overcome. The drawbacks is that the straight cutting edge of the prior scraper makes it impossible of inserting portions thereof into the open spaces of the barbecue grill. Hence, side surfaces of the metal bars of the barbecue grill cannot be rubbed and cleaned by the cutting edge.
One object of the present invention is to provide a scraper for a barbecue grill wherein the cleaning head further comprises a substantially parallelepiped cavity on its bottom surface, the cavity having two slots at front and rear sides thereof respectively, and a parallelepiped metal bristle carrier, the metal bristle carrier including two claws at front and rear sides thereof respectively, the claws being adapted to hook into the slots for fastening the metal bristle carrier in the cavity so that in using the scraper, dirt remained on joining points of the metal bars can be removed by using groups of metal bristles on the metal bristle carrier.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a scraper for a barbecue grill wherein the handle comprises a hook at its rear end, the hook including a connecting member, a first transverse member, and a second transverse member. One end of the connecting member is coupled to the rear end of the handle and the other end thereof is extended arcuately, axially away from the handle, the connecting member includes a downward curved section extended from about center thereof to couple to the rear end of the handle, the first transverse member and the parallel second transverse member are across a rear portion of the connecting member, the first transverse member is spaced from the second transverse member, the first transverse member includes two symmetric upward bent sections at both ends thereof, and the second transverse member comprises two symmetric downward bent sections at both ends thereof so that the barbecue grill can be lifted from an open fire by placing the hook on the barbecue grill with the upward bent sections pressed on two parallel ones of the metal bars and the downward bent sections urged upward the parallel metal bars.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional scraper for barbecue grill;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of scraper for barbecue grill according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is the assembled view of the FIG. 2 scraper;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view depicting the cleaning of a barbecue grill by the blade of the scraper according to the invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting the lifting of metal bars of the barbecue grill by the hook of the scraper according to the invention; and
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of scraper for barbecue grill according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a scraper 1 for barbecue grill in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The scraper 1 comprises a substantially parallelepiped cleaning head 12, a hollow, ergonomic handle 11 extended obliquely from a rear side of the cleaning head 12, a blade 13 extended horizontally from a forward side of the cleaning head 12, the blade 13 having a cutting edge 131 at a forward side thereof. The cutting edge 131 consists of a series of curved peaks for inserting into open spaces of a barbecue grill 4 (as detailed later in FIG. 4) and valleys.
Referring to FIG. 4 in conjunction with FIG. 3, a person can place the blade 13 of the scraper 1 on the barbecue grill 4 prior to removing dirt left on the barbecue grill 4 by using the scraper 1. As shown, the peaks of the cutting edge 131 of the blade 13 are inserted into open spaces of the barbecue grill 4 to contact side surfaces of metal bars 41 of the barbecue grill 4 and the valleys thereof contact top surfaces of the metal bars 41 of the barbecue grill 4 respectively. As a result, the blade 13 is able to scrape dirt remained on the surface of the barbecue grill 4 for carrying out a thorough cleaning.
Referring to FIG. 2 again, in the first preferred embodiment of the invention the cleaning head 12 of the scraper 1 comprises a substantially parallelepiped cavity 15 on a bottom surface. Two slots 151 are provided at front and rear sides of the cavity 15 respectively. A parallelepiped metal bristle carrier 21 is fitted in the cavity 15. The metal bristle carrier 21 comprises two claws 22 at front and rear sides respectively, the claws 22 being adapted to hook into the slots 151 for fastening the metal bristle carrier 21 at the cavity 15 of the scraper 1. The metal bristle carrier 21 further comprises groups of metal bristles 23 mounted thereon. In using the scraper 1, dirt remained on joining points of the metal bars 41 of the barbecue grill 4 can be removed by using the metal bristles 23 on the metal bristle carrier 21 (see FIG. 4). Moreover, in replacement of the metal bristle carrier 21 a person can insert a screw driver in one slot 151 to clear one claw 22 from the slot 151 prior to unfastening and removing the metal bristle carrier 21 and replacing it with a new one. It is seen that cost can be reduced since a damaged metal bristle carrier 21 can be replaced with a new one rather than buying a new scraper. Hence, the invention is cost effective.
Referring to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 3, in the invention a hook 5 is formed at a rear end of the handle 11 of the scraper 1. The hook 5 comprises a connecting member 51, a first transverse member 53, and a second transverse member 55. One end of the connecting member 51 is coupled to the rear end of the handle 11 and the other end thereof is extended arcuately, axially away from the handle 11. A downward curved section 511 is extended from about center of the connecting member 51 to couple to the rear end of the handle 11. The first transverse member 53 and the parallel second transverse member 55 are across a rear portion of the connecting member 51. Also, the first transverse member 53 is spaced from the second transverse member 55. The first transverse member 53 comprises two symmetric upward bent sections 531 at both ends thereof. Also, the second transverse member 55 comprises two symmetric downward bent sections 551 at both ends thereof. In lifting the barbecue grill 4 from an open fire, first place the hook 5 on the barbecue grill 4 with the upward bent sections 531 of the hook 5 pressed on two parallel metal bars 41 and the downward bent sections 551 thereof urged upward the parallel metal bars 41 (see FIG. 5). Thus, it is possible of lifting the barbecue grill 4 from the open fire.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5 again, in the invention the hook 5 is secured to the rear end of the handle 11 by a fastener (e.g., screw) 57. As an end, the hook 5 is firmly coupled to the scraper 1.
Referring to FIG. 3 again, in the invention the hook 5 is made of plastic material and is formed integrally with the rear end of the handle 11. As an end, the hook 5 is firmly coupled to the scraper 1.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 again, in the invention a plurality of rows of protuberances 111 for resisting slip are formed on a top surface of rear section of the handle 11. As such, the protuberances 111 are adapted to exert a slip resistant force on the hand of a person who holds the handle 11. Further, an elongated trough 113 is formed on a bottom surface of rear section of the handle 11. A cap 16 having a non-slip surface is fitted on the trough 113 by snapping. As such, the cap 16 not only can preserve the handle's appearance but also can increase traction between the hand of the person and the handle 11 by further exerting a slip resistant force on the hand of the person.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 again, in the invention the blade 13 further comprises one or more through holes (two are shown) 133 each having a diameter slightly larger than that of any prong of a fork for spearing meat. Thus, in cleaning the fork a person can insert the prongs of the fork into the through holes 133 for removing dirt on the prongs of the fork by rubbing the prongs of the fork against edges of the through holes 133. As a result, dirt on the fork is completely removed.
Referring to FIG. 6, a second preferred embodiment of scraper for barbecue grill according to the invention is depicted. A substantially parallelepiped cavity 15 is formed on a bottom surface of the cleaning head 12 of the scraper 1. Two slots 151 are provided at front and rear sides of the cavity 15 respectively. A parallelepiped sponge pad carrier 61 is fitted in the cavity 15. The sponge pad carrier 61 comprises two claws 63 at front and rear sides respectively, the claws 63 being adapted to hook into the slots 151 for fastening the sponge pad carrier 61 at the cavity 15 of the scraper 1. The sponge pad carrier 61 further comprises a sponge pad 65 mounted thereon. In using the scraper 1, dirt remained on joining points of the metal bars 41 of the barbecue grill 4 can be removed by using the sponge pad 65 on the sponge pad carrier 61 (see FIG. 4). Moreover, in replacement of the sponge pad carrier 61 a person can insert a screw driver in one slot 151 to clear one claw 63 from the slot 151 prior to unfastening and removing the sponge pad carrier 61 and replacing it with a new one. It is seen that cost can be reduced since a damaged sponge pad carrier 61 can be replaced with a new one rather than buying a new scraper. Hence, the invention is cost effective.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 again, in the invention the cleaning head 12 of the scraper 1 comprises a substantially parallelepiped cavity 15 on a bottom surface. Two slots 151 are provided at front and rear sides of the cavity 15 respectively. A parallelepiped plastic bristle carrier (not shown) is fitted in the cavity 15. The plastic bristle carrier comprises two claws at front and rear sides respectively, the claws being adapted to hook into the slots 151 for fastening the plastic bristle carrier at the cavity 15 of the scraper 1. The plastic bristle carrier further comprises groups of plastic bristles mounted thereon. In using the scraper 1, dirt remained on joining points of the metal bars 41 of the barbecue grill 4 can be removed by using the plastic bristles 23 on the plastic bristle carrier. Moreover, in replacement of the plastic bristle carrier a person can insert a screw driver in one slot 151 to clear one claw from the slot 151 prior to unfastening and removing the plastic bristle carrier and replacing it with a new one. It is seen that cost can be reduced since a damaged plastic bristle carrier can be replaced with a new one rather than buying a new scraper. Hence, the invention is cost effective.
While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A scraper for a barbecue grill, comprising:

a hollow handle; and

a substantially parallelepiped cleaning head at a forward end of the handle, the cleaning head including a blade extended horizontally from a forward side of the cleaning head, the blade having a cutting edge at a forward side thereof, the cutting edge consisting of a series of curved peaks and valleys conformed to open spaces of the barbecue grill,

wherein, in using the scraper to remove dirt left on the barbecue grill, place the blade on the barbecue grill with the peaks of the cutting edge inserted into the open spaces of the barbecue grill to contact side surfaces of metal bars of the barbecue grill and the valleys thereof contacted top surfaces of the metal bars respectively so that dirt remained on the barbecue grill can be removed by the blade.

2. The scraper of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head further comprises a substantially parallelepiped cavity on its bottom surface, the cavity having two slots at front and rear sides thereof respectively, and a parallelepiped metal bristle carrier, the metal bristle carrier including two claws at front and rear sides thereof respectively, the claws being adapted to hook into the slots for fastening the metal bristle carrier in the cavity so that in using the scraper, dirt remained on joining points of the metal bars can be removed by using groups of metal bristles on the metal bristle carrier.

3. The scraper of claim 2, wherein the handle comprises a hook at its rear end, the hook including a connecting member, a first transverse member, and a second transverse member, wherein one end of the connecting member is coupled to the rear end of the handle and the other end thereof is extended arcuately, axially away from the handle, the connecting member includes a downward curved section extended from about center thereof to couple to the rear end of the handle, the first transverse member and the parallel second transverse member are across a rear portion of the connecting member, the first transverse member is spaced from the second transverse member, the first transverse member includes two symmetric upward bent sections at both ends thereof, and the second transverse member comprises two symmetric downward bent sections at both ends thereof so that the barbecue grill can be lifted from an open fire by placing the hook on the barbecue grill with the upward bent sections pressed on two parallel ones of the metal bars and the downward bent sections urged upward the parallel metal bars.

4. The scraper of claim 3, wherein the handle further comprises a plurality of slip resistant elements on a top surface of a rear section thereof, the slip resistant elements being adapted to exert a slip resistant force on the hand of a person who holds the handle.

5. The scraper of claim 4, wherein the handle further comprises an elongated trough on a bottom surface of the rear section thereof, and a cap having a non-slip surface fitted on the trough so as to preserve the handle's appearance and increase traction between the hand of the person and the handle by further exerting a slip resistant force on the hand of the person.

6. The scraper of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head further comprises a substantially parallelepiped cavity on its bottom surface, the cavity having two slots at front and rear sides thereof respectively, and a parallelepiped sponge pad carrier, the sponge pad carrier including two claws at front and rear sides thereof respectively, the claws being adapted to hook into the slots for fastening the sponge pad carrier in the cavity so that in using the scraper, dirt remained on joining points of the metal bars of the barbecue grill can be removed by using a sponge pad on the sponge pad carrier.

7. The scraper of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head further comprises a substantially parallelepiped cavity on its bottom surface, the cavity having two slots at front and rear sides thereof respectively, and a parallelepiped plastic bristle carrier, the plastic bristle carrier including two claws at front and rear sides thereof respectively, the claws being adapted to hook into the slots for fastening the plastic bristle carrier in the cavity so that in using the scraper, dirt remained on joining points of the metal bars of the barbecue grill can be removed by using groups of plastic bristles on the plastic bristle carrier.