Abstract:
A paint scraper is provided, with the blade being heated by electrical heating elements within the blade, or in other embodiments, by heated air being discharge from the handle onto the blade. A variety of different blade designs are described. The scraper consists of a hand held unit into which the blade is plugged. A dial is provided on the unit to set the temperature of the blade.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to paint scrapers and, more specifically, to a thermo paint scraper that is a hand held tool with a heated scraping blade. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Although the advantage of heating the paint on a surface prior to its removal by scraping is known, there is no current tool that provides both the heating function and the scraping function in a hand held scraping tool with alternate blade types. Such a tool is needed to improve the ability of persons removing paint by scraping. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a thermo paint scraper that is a hand held tool with a heated blade. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermo paint scraper that consists of a combination of a sharp edge blade to scrape the paint and a heating element that heats the blade. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a thermo paint scraper with a temperature sensor that maintains the blade at a constant temperature, up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide high heat to the blade of the thermo paint scraper for transmission to the paint that is to be removed. This helps in softening the paint whereby the edge of the tool can pass through a plurality of paint layers. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide alternate blades to more closely match the surfaces where paint is to be removed. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable scraper assembly that is held in place by a combination of the bay receptacles on the main unit which accept the metal prongs of the assembly, with a heat insulator material isolating the main unit from the scraper assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a paint scraper with a blade heated by heated air discharged from the tool body onto the blade. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a thermo paint scraper that is a hand held device that is connected to a power source to electrically heat the scraper assembly scraper member, i.e. the blade. The tool has a sharp edge blade to scrap the paint and a heating element to heat the blade. The thermo paint scraper has a temperature sensor to maintain the blade at a constant temperature, up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatable scraper assemblies are provided to more closely match the surfaces where paint is to be removed. The blades are shaped to match the most common of paint surfaces and also to match the most common of “nook and crannie” surfaces. Each scraper assembly has prongs for insertion into receptacles on the tool body. 
     In another embodiment, the scraper assembly blade is heated by hot air discharged from the tool body onto the blade. 
     There is provided in one embodiment, a scraping tool adapted to receive electric power from a power source, comprising: a body having a bay, the bay being in electrical communication with the power source, and a scraper assembly having a scraper member, the scraper member being heat conductive and having an electrically insulated interior and a electrically powered heating element within the interior, the scraper assembly further having a docking member, the docking member being securely and removably received by the body bay, the docking member being in electrical communication with the bay, such that electric power is provided to the heating element, the heat from the heating element being conducted to the scraper member. 
     In one embodiment, the docking member insulates the bay from heat. 
     In one embodiment, the scraper member is heated to approximately 600 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises an on-off switch positioned on the body such that electrical power to the docking member is terminated when the switch is in the off position. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises a temperature regulator positioned on the body for regulating the temperature of the scraper member. 
     In one embodiment, the temperature regulator includes an off position such that electrical power to the docking member is terminated when the regulator is in the off position. 
     In one embodiment, the docking member has a first prong and a second prong and the bay has a first receptacle and a second receptacle, the first prong mating with the first receptacle, the second prong mating with the second receptacle. 
     In one embodiment, the scraper member has a straight blade, the blade being substantially perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis when the blade is in a horizontal orientation. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises alternatable scraper assemblies, each having a different scraper member shape. 
     There is provided in one embodiment, a scraping tool adapted to receive electric power from a power source, comprising: a body having a bay and a tube, the bay having a first receptacle and a second receptacle, the tube having an open first end proximate the bay; a heating element positioned within the tube, the heating element being in electric communication with the electric power source; a fan, in electric communication with the power source, the fan being positioned within the tube to blow air such that the air encounters the heating element and is discharged from the tube first end; and a scraper assembly having a heat-conductive scraper member and a docking member, the docking member having a first prong for mating with the bay first receptacle, a second prong for mating with the bay second receptacle, and at least one air passage, the scraper member being positioned with respect to the tube first end such that the discharged air passes through the docking member and strikes the scraper member, heating the scraper member. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises a diffusing member in the docking member at least one air passage for diffusing the discharged air. 
     In one embodiment, the number of docking member air passages is at least two and each is positioned to redirect a portion of the fanned air from the tube first opening onto the scraper member. 
     In one embodiment, the number of docking member air passages is one and is generally centered on the docking member. 
     In one embodiment, the docking member insulates the bay from heat. 
     In one embodiment, the scraper member is heated to approximately 600 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises an on-off switch positioned on the body such that electrical power to the fan and heating element is terminated when the switch is in the off position. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises a temperature regulator positioned on the body for regulating the temperature of the scraper member. 
     In one embodiment, the temperature regulator includes an off position such that electrical power to the fan and the heating element is terminated when the regulator is in the off position. 
     In one embodiment, the docking member has a first prong and a second prong and the bay has a first receptacle and a second receptacle, the first prong mating with the first receptacle, the second prong mating with the second receptacle. 
     In one embodiment, the scraper member has a straight blade, the blade being substantially perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis when the blade is in a horizontal orientation. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises alternatable scraper assemblies, each having a different scraper member shape. 
     There is provided in one embodiment, a scraping tool adapted to receive electric power from a power source, comprising: a body having a bay, the bay being in electrical communication with the power source; a scraper assembly having a scraper member and a docking member, the docking member being securely and removably received by the body bay; and heating means for electrically heating the scraper member. 
     In one embodiment, the scraper member is heated to approximately 600 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises switch means for turning the heating means on and off. 
     In one embodiment, the tool further comprises temperature regulating means for regulating the temperature of the scraper member. 
     There is provided in one embodiment, a scraping tool adapted to receive electric power from a power source, comprising: a body having a bay, the bay being in electrical communication with the power source, the bay having a first and second receptacle; a scraper assembly having a scraper member, the scraper member having a straight blade, the blade being substantially perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis when the blade is in a horizontal orientation. the scraper member being heat conductive and having an electrically insulated interior and a electrically powered heating element within the interior, the scraper assembly further having a docking member, the docking member having a first prong and a second prong, the first prong being securely and removably received by the body bay first receptacle, the second prong being securely and removably received by the body bay second receptacle, the docking member being in electrical communication with the bay, such that electric power is provided to the heating element, the heat from the heating element being conducted to the scraper member, the docking member insulating the bay from the heat; a temperature regulator positioned on the body for regulating the temperature of the scraper member, the temperature regulator having an off position such that electrical power to the docking member is terminated when the regulator is in the off position; and at least one additional scraper assembly, the at least one additional scraper assembly being alternatable with the scraper assembly, each of the at least one additional scraper assemblies having a different scraper member shape. 
     There is provided in one embodiment, a scraping tool adapted to receive electric power from a power source, comprising: a body having a bay and a tube, the bay having a first receptacle and a second receptacle, the tube having an open first end proximate the bay; a heating element positioned within the tube, the heating element being in electric communication with the electric power source; a fan, in electric communication with the power source, the fan being positioned within the tube to blow air such that the air encounters the heating element and is discharged from the tube first end; a scraper assembly having a heat-conductive scraper member and a docking member, the docking member having a first prong for mating with the bay first receptacle, a second prong for mating with the bay second receptacle, and an air passage, the air passage being generally centered on the docking member, the air passage having a diffusing member, the scraper member being positioned with respect to the tube first end such that the discharged air passes through the docking member diffusing member and strikes the scraper member, heating the scraper member, the docking member insulating the bay from heat; a temperature regulator positioned on the body for regulating the temperature of the scraper member, the temperature regulator having an off position such that electrical power to the fan and heating element is terminated when the regulator is in the off position; and at least one additional scraper assembly, the at least one additional scraper assembly being alternatable with the scraper assembly, each of the at least one additional scraper assemblies having a different scraper member shape. 
     There is provided in one embodiment, a scraping tool adapted to receive electric power from a power source, comprising: a body having a bay and a tube, the bay having a first receptacle and a second receptacle, the tube having an open first end proximate the bay; a heating element positioned within the tube, the heating element being in electric communication with the electric power source; a fan, in electric communication with the power source, the fan being positioned within the tube to blow air such that the air encounters the heating element and is discharged from the tube first end; a scraper assembly having a heat-conductive scraper member and a docking member, the docking member having a first prong for mating with the bay first receptacle, a second prong for mating with the bay second receptacle, and a pair of air passages, each air passage positioned to redirect a portion of the fanned air from the tube first opening onto the scraper member, heating the scraper member, the docking member insulating the bay from heat; a temperature regulator positioned on the body for regulating the temperature of the scraper member, the temperature regulator having an off position such that electrical power to the fan and heating element is terminated when the regulator is in the off position; and at least one additional scraper assembly, the at least one additional scraper assembly being alternatable with the scraper assembly, each of the at least one additional scraper assemblies having a different scraper member shape. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention. Shown is an illustrative view of the thermo paint scraper in use on a painted wall. 
     FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. The high heat generated by the blade of the thermo paint scraper is transmitted to the paint that is to be removed. This helps to somewhat soften the paint whereby the edge of the tool can pass through a plurality of paint layers. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial, sectional view of the present invention in use with a painted surface. The close up view shows the contact point of the scraper blade meeting the substrate surface. The high heat generated by the scraper blade is transmitted to the paint. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention. This perspective view of the present invention clearly shows the heat control wheel which allows the operator to set the blade temperature. A heat sensor provides feedback and keeps the temperature constant. 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention with some interior components shown. Shown is the general arrangement of the electrical circuitry. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention with some interior components shown. Shown is the general arrangement of the electrical circuitry. The temperature is controlled by a combination of the user set heat control wheel and heat sensor, which acts as a thermostat. 
     FIG. 7 is a top sectional view of the present invention. Shown is the general arrangement of the electrical circuitry. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing alternatable scraper assemblies. Alternatable blades are provided to more closely match the surfaces where paint is to be removed. The blades are shaped to match the most common of paint surfaces and also to match the most common of “nook and crannie” surfaces. 
     FIG. 9 is a top sectional view with the scraper assembly removed from the bay. The alternatable scraper assembly is held in place by a combination of the bay receptacles on the main unit which accept the metal prongs of the scraper assembly and also by the insulative material surrounding the scraper assembly forming the docking member. This insulative material is made of a sturdy non-conductive metal and is closely sized to match the bay on the main unit. 
     FIG. 10 is a top sectional view with the scraper assembly attached. 
     FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the scraper assembly scraping member, showing the insulated heating element. 
     FIG. 12 is a top sectional view of another scraper assembly scraping member, showing the insulated heating element. 
     FIG. 13 is a top sectional view of the additional embodiment using heated air to heat the scraper assembly scraper member. The air is discharged through a centrally positioned diffusing member in the docking member air passage. 
     FIG. 14 is an isolated view of the insulated tube and docking member showing the diffusion member. 
     FIG. 15 is a top sectional view of another embodiment using heated air to heat scraper assembly scraper member. The air is discharged through a pair of ports redirecting air from the tube onto the scraper member. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Thermo Paint Scraper tool of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. 
       20  Thermo Paint Scraper tool of the present invention 
       21  user 
       22  user&#39;s hand 
       23  paint 
       24  surface 
       30  body 
       32  body grip portion 
       34  power cord 
       36  wiring 
       38  heat control wheel 
       40  heat sensor 
       42  electrical connectors 
       44  scraper assembly 
       46  scraper assembly 
       48  scraper assembly 
       50  scraper assembly 
       52  scraper assembly 
       54  scraper member 
       56  scraper member 
       58  scraper member 
       59  scraper member protruding portion 
       60  scraper member 
       61  scraper member blade 
       62  scraper member 
       63  scraper member points 
       64  docking member 
       66  docking member 
       68  docking member 
       70  docking member 
       72  docking member 
       74  bay 
       76  docking member first prong 
       78  docking member second prong 
       80  bay first receptacle 
       82  bay second receptacle 
       84  heating element 
       86  electrical insulator 
       88  heating element 
       90  electrical insulator 
       100  alternate embodiment 
       102  body 
       104  body grip portion 
       106  bay 
       108  tube 
       110  insulator 
       112  docking member 
       114  diffusing member 
       116  scraper member 
       118  first prong 
       120  second prong 
       122  first receptacle 
       124  second receptacle 
       126  power cord 
       128  fan 
       130  heating element 
       132  wiring 
       134  heat control wheel 
       136  heat sensor 
       138  screen 
       200  alternate embodiment 
       202  scraper member 
       204  docking member 
       206  ports 
       208  first prong 
       210  second prong 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following discussion describes in detail the preferred embodiments of the invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the Thermo Paint Scraper tool  20  is grasped by the user  21  in his hand  22 , and is used for removing paint  23  from surfaces  24  such as the wall shown. 
     As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the tool  20  has a body  30  with a reduction in circumference to form a body grip portion  32 . A power cord  34  extends from the body  30  and conventional wiring  36  is provided for interior electrical communication between the various electrical components. As shown in FIG. 5, these components include a thumb-operated heat control wheel  38  that includes an off position and variable heat setting positions. The heat control wheel  38  responds in thermostatic fashion to signals from the heat sensor  40 . Typical electrical connectors  42  are utilized. The body  30  is constructed from various woods, plastics and metals, with a high strength plastic being the optimum material. 
     As shown in FIG. 8, five alternate scraper assemblies  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52  are provided with each having a scraper member  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62  and a docking member  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72 . The scraping edge on such scraper members  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62  is made from a heat-conductive material such as stainless steel, although other metals are used in other embodiments. 
     Scraper assembly  46  has a scraper member  56  that is rounded. Scraper assembly  48  has a flat and round scraper member portion  59  protruding from the remaining scraper member  58 . Scraper assembly  50  has a flat scraper member  60  with rounded edges. Scraper assembly  52  has a scraper member  62  with sharp points  63 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the docking member  64  is received within a bay  74  with docking member first and second prongs  76 , 78  being insertable in first and second receptacles  80 , 82 , respectively. When docked the scraper assembly  44  is in electrical communication with the power source. 
     The docking members  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72  are made from a material that is heat conductive or non-heat conductive in different embodiments. Various materials are used, including various plastics and woods. 
     One scraper assembly  44  forms a loop from the docking member  64  and has within the scraper member  54  a heating element  84  surrounded by an electrical insulator  86 , as shown in FIG.  9  and FIG.  11 . The heating element  84  is constructed from various conventional materials, such as nichrome, that are highly resistive and do not oxidize. 
     The heating element  84  receives electrical power when the docking member  64  is docked in the bay  74 . The electrical insulator  86  conducts the heat generated by the heating element  84  to the scraper member  54 , while isolating the scraper member  54  from the electrical power. In other embodiments, only the forward edge of the scraper member  54  is heat conductive, the remainder of the scraper member  54  exterior being non-heat conductive. Another scraper assembly  46  is constructed in like fashion as this scraper assembly  44 . 
     In another scraper assembly  48 , the scraper member  58  does not loop. The scraper member  58  has a heating element  88  within an electrical insulator  90  that is heat conductive. The heating element receives power when the docking member  68  is docked. The heat from the heating element  88  is transferred to the scraper member  58 . In other embodiments, only the scraper member  58  forward edge is heat conductive, the remainder of the scraper member  58  being non-heat conductive. Other scraper assemblies  50 , 52  are constructed in like fashion as this scraper assembly  48 . 
     The heat sensor  40  senses the heat by its close proximity to the docking member second prong  78 . Other conventional heat sensing means, for thermostatic purposes are used in other embodiments such as a sensor located on the scraper member or in proximity to the heating element. 
     The user  21  begins the scraping operation by plugging in the power cord  34  and grasping the body  30  with his hand  22  about the body grip portion  32 . The appropriate scraper assembly  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52  is chosen and inserted into the bay  74 , establishing electrical communication between the bay  74  and the scraper assembly  44 . The user  21  then turns the heat control wheel  38  from the off position to the position indicating the desired heat level. The electric power is then available to the heating element  84  and the scraper member  54  is heated by the powered heating element  84 . 
     During operation the heat sensor  40  signals the thermostatic controls in the heat control wheel  38  to adjust the temperature to conform to the selected heat level. If desired, the user  21  adjusts the heat level by rotating the heat control wheel  38 . When finished the user  21  turns the heat control wheel  38  to the off position and the scraper assembly  44  cools. 
     In another embodiment the tool  100  has a body  102  with a body grip portion  104  and a bay  106 , as shown in FIGS. 13-14. The body  102  has a tube  108  running along its length that is surrounded by a heat insulating layer  110 . A docking member  112  has a diffusing element  114  positioned to align with the tube  108  when the docking member  112  is docked in the bay  106 , as shown in FIG.  14 . The scraper member  116  has no interior heating element or wiring, but is otherwise similar to scraper member  54 , having, for example, first and second prongs  118 , 120  for secure and removable docking in first and second bay receptacles  122 , 124 . 
     Instead of a heating element in the scraper member  116 , this tool  100  has an electric power source cord  126  for powering an electric fan  128  and heating element  130  in the tube  108 . Conventional wiring  132  is again used to include the heat control wheel  134  and heat sensor  136 , as well as, the fan  128  and the heating element  130 . 
     When the fan  128  and heating element  130  are powered in this embodiment  100 , the fanned air encounters the heating element  130 , is heated and is discharged from the tube  108  through the diffusing element  114  and onto the scraper member  116 . A screen  138  filters the air entering the tube  108 . The heat sensor  136  senses the heat by virtue of its proximity to the tube  108 . Scraper member  56  can be similarly modified to be used on this embodiment  100 . 
     Another alternate embodiment of the tool  200 , also using heated air to heat the scraper member  202 , accommodates non-looped scraper members  202 , as shown in FIG.  15 . In this embodiment  200 , the docking member  204  omits the diffusing element  114  of the tool  100 , blocking the air and rerouting the same through ports  206  that discharge the heated air onto the scraper member  202 . This jetted hot air heats the scraper member  202 . The docking member  204  has first and second prongs  208 , 210  for securely docking the docking member  204  in first and second receptacles  122 , 124 , respectively. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum material and dimensional relationships for the parts of the Thermo Paint Scraper tool  30 ,  100 ,  200 , will include variations in size, materials, shape, and form, which will occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.