Abstract:
An apparatus and method for changing a spatula blade is provided. The apparatus has a restraining element for engaging the blade to restrain the blade on a blade support surface. A restraining member is movable from a first position spaced from the blade support surface, and a second position for limiting movement of the blade while restrained by the restraining element at the blade support surface. To remove a blade from a spatula body, the restraining member is moved to the second position. In the second position, movement of the blade is limited to prevent disengagement from the restraining element. A force is applied to the spatula body to separate the body from the blade. To install a blade to a spatula body, the blade is restrained by the restraining element and the restraining member and the spatula body is advanced toward the blade to mount the blade to the body.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for installing and removing a spatula blade.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Various types of spatulas have been used in connection with cooking food on a grill. It is advantageous for such a spatula to have a relatively sharp leading edge. Spatulas having replaceable blades are known.  
         [0003]     A need exists for an improved replaceable blade spatula that reliably mounts the spatula blade to the spatula and which can be readily cleaned after periods of use. A need also exists for an improved replaceable spatula blade that can be readily securely mounted to the spatula, yet easily removed and replaced.  
         [0004]     In addition, a need exists for a removable blade spatula that can meet NSF requirements.  
         [0005]     However, a need exists for a convenient and safe apparatus for changing a spatula blade. It would be advantageous for the apparatus to allow efficient removal of a used blade and insertion of a replacement blade.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an improved spatula, replaceable spatula blade, apparatus for replacing a spatula blade and method for replacing a spatula blade are provided.  
         [0007]     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for installation and removal of a blade to a spatula body is provided. The apparatus includes a blade support surface for supporting a blade. A restraining element is positioned adjacent the support surface for engaging the blade to limit movement of the blade during installation and removal of the blade. A restraining member is moveable between a first position spaced from the support surface, and a second position. In the first position, the restraining member does not restrain the blade. In the second position, the restraining member limits movement of a blade supported on the support surface, while at the same time the restraining element engages and restrains the blade.  
         [0008]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the restraining element is a pin that passes through a hole in the blade to restrain the blade along a first plane.  
         [0009]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the restraining member clamps the blade to the blade support surface to restrain the blade at least along another plane.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a locking mechanism for selectively preventing movement of the restraining member from a position restraining the blade, to a first position where the blade is not restrained.  
         [0011]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a collar, and the restraining member is slidable mounted within the collar. The collar has a first slot therein for preventing movement of the restraining member from the second position to the first position. The restraining member comprises a shaft having a pin outwardly extending from the shaft. The shaft is reciprocally mounted within the collar for axial movement therein. The collar includes a second slot connected to the first slot. The shaft is axially moveable through the collar between the first and second position when the pin is aligned with the second slot, and rotatable within the collar when the pin is aligned with the first slot. The first slot is positioned in a spaced relationship from the blade support surface so that the restraining member clamps a blade to the blade support surface when the pin is rotated within the first slot.  
         [0012]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of replacing a used spatula blade attached to a spatula body by a force fit is provided. The method includes providing a spatula having a spatula body and a used blade attached to the body. A blade support surface is provided to support the used blade. The blade support surface has a restraining element for engaging the blade to restrain the used blade during the removal of the used blade from the spatula body. The used blade is positioned on the blade support surface to restrain the movement of the used blade along a first plane by engaging the used blade with the restraining element. A restraining member is positioned adjacent the used blade to limit movement of the used blade at least along a second plane to prevent disengagement of the used blade from the restraining element. A force is applied to the spatula body that is at least partially directed along the first plane to separate the spatula body from the used blade, while the used blade is restrained adjacent the blade support surface. The restraint of the used blade is removed, and then the used blade is removed from the blade support surface.  
         [0013]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the method may further include providing a replacement blade that is similar to the used blade and positioning the replacement blade on the blade support surface. The replacement blade is restrained from movement along the first plane by engagement of the replacement blade by the restraining element. The restraining member is positioned adjacent a surface of the replacement blade to limit movement of the replacement blade at least along the second plane to prevent disengagement of the blade from the restraining element. The spatula body is aligned with the replacement blade, and a force is applied to the spatula body. The force is at least partially directed along the first plane to move the spatula body toward the replacement blade while the replacement blade is restrained adjacent the blade support surface, to thereby mount the replacement blade to the spatula body. Thereafter, the restraint of the replacement blade is removed. The spatula and attached replacement blade can then be removed from the blade support surface.  
         [0014]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the method includes clamping the used blade to the blade support surface to restrain the used blade along at least the second plane while applying the force to separate the used blade and the spatula body. The replacement blade is also clamped to the blade support surface to restrain the replacement blade along at least the second plane while applying the force to mount the replacement blade to the spatula body.  
         [0015]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the restraining element is a pin that is inserted into a hole in the blade to restrain the blade.  
         [0016]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for mounting a blade by a force fit to a spatula body is provided. The method includes providing a spatula having a body and providing a blade support surface for supporting a blade. The blade support surface has positioned adjacent thereto a restraining element for engaging the blade to restrain the blade during the attachment of the blade to the spatula body. The blade is positioned on the blade support surface, and the movement of the blade is restrained along a first plane by engagement of the blade by the restraining element. A restraining member is positioned adjacent the blade to restrain movement of the blade at least along a second plane to prevent disengagement of the blade from the restraining element. The spatula body is aligned with the blade. A force is applied to the spatula body that is at least partially directed along the first plane to mount the blade to the spatula body. Thereafter the restraint of the blade by the restraining member and by the restraining element is removed, and the spatula body with the attached blade can be removed from the blade support surface.  
         [0017]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a spatula is provided. The spatula has a body with a top working surface and a bottom surface. The spatula body also includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. A handle is mounted to the first end of the spatula body. The spatula body has a first mounting member depending from the spatula body proximate the second end of the spatula body. The mounting member has an interior for receiving a mounting portion of a spatula blade. The mounting member has an open first end proximate to and facing the second end of the spatula body and a second open end opposed to the first open end.  
         [0018]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mounting member is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the body. The top working surface of the body has an opening adjacent the mounting member for providing access for cleaning the mounting member.  
         [0019]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the spatula has a second mounting member laterally spaced from the first mounting member.  
         [0020]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mounting members each have a respective mounting passageway extending from the front to the rear of the mounting member. Each passageway extends generally perpendicular to the front edge of the spatula body. The mounting members may be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the spatula body and the top working surface of the body has an opening adjacent each mounting member for providing cleaning access to the mounting members.  
         [0021]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mounting members are tab receiving members, and each mounting member includes a bottom and first and second sidewalls. The bottom of each mounting member has a flat top surface with an opening in the top surface of the bottom of the mounting member. The sidewalls of the mounting member extend along a line that is generally perpendicular to the second end of the body.  
         [0022]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the spatula includes a blade mounted at the second end of the body. The blade includes a front end and a rear end with the rear end of the blade being mounted in the mounting member to secure the blade to the body. The spatula may still further include a blade that has a replacement leading end for insertion through the mounting member. The blade may include a front section and an intermediate section, and a step joining the front section to the intermediate section. The blade includes at least one tab extending from the intermediate section of the blade. The tab has a rear end that provides the replacement leading end. The replacement leading end is slidably mounted into the mounting member. The blade may be further characterized by the tab extending rearward of the open rear end of the mounting member with the tab contacting the bottom surface of the spatula body rearward of the rear opening.  
         [0023]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the tab has an upwardly concave upper surface, the concave upper surface of the tab contacting the bottom of the surface of the body rearward of the mounting member. The tab acts as a spring to bias the tab against the mounting member. The tab may have a lug that nests within a recess in the mounting member.  
         [0024]     In one embodiment the one mounting member has an open second end that is larger than the open second end of the other mounting member so that the blade can only be mounted on the spatula body with the top surface of the blade upward relative to the body.  
         [0025]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a blade for a spatula is provided. The blade has a front section with a top surface and a bottom surface. The front section includes a sharp front edge for directing an item onto the top surface of the front section. At least a first spring tab extends rearwardly of the front section. The spring tab has a top surface, a bottom surface and a leading replacement end. The tab has a concave surface for one of the bottom and top surfaces of the spring tab with the concave surface forming a spring tab.  
         [0026]     In another aspect of the invention the spring tab includes a lug. The lug is positioned on the top or bottom surface of the lug opposite the concave surface. The spring tab has a bend in the tab to form the concave surface. The bend is positioned adjacent the lug. The blade may have a second spring tab.  
         [0027]     In another aspect of the invention, the second spring tab has a second leading replacement end that is larger than the replacement leading end of the first tab.  
         [0028]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the blade has an intermediate section and a stepped section. The stepped section connects the intermediate section with the front section. The intermediate section has a top surface and a bottom surface, with the top surface of the intermediate section spaced downward of the top surface of the front section. The top surface of the front section lies along a first plane and the intermediate section lies along a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane. The tab may extend rearwardly from the intermediate section, and further include a generally rectangular shaped tab with a replacement leading end that includes a chamfer on the rear of the blade. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of view of the spatula of the invention prior to mounting a blade thereto;  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a partial top perspective view of the spatula illustrating the mounting of a blade to the spatula body;  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a partial bottom perspective view of the spatula illustrating the mounting of a blade to the spatula body;  
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is a partial bottom perspective view of the spatula illustrating a blade mounted to the spatula body;  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a partial top perspective view of the spatula illustrating a blade mounted on the spatula body;  
         [0034]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective bottom view showing the rear opening of the mounting members on the bottom of the spatula body;  
         [0035]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the blade taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the blade taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the blade exaggerating the upward bow in a tab of the blade;  
         [0038]      FIG. 9   a  is a detail view of the upward bow in the tab of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the blade exaggerating the upward bow in both of the tabs of the blade;  
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is a side plan view of the blade installation and removal apparatus of the invention illustrating the shaft pin aligned in the vertical slot of the collar;  
         [0041]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a blade secured to the blade installation and removal apparatus, and a spatula body being advanced toward the blade for mounting thereto;  
         [0042]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a blade secured to the blade installation and removal apparatus and a spatula body being advanced toward the blade for mounting thereto, showing the shaft pin aligned and locked in the horizontal shaft of the collar to clamp the blade to the apparatus;  
         [0043]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a blade secured to the spatula body and the blade secured to the blade installation and removal apparatus as it appears just after mounting a blade or just prior to initiating removal of a blade;  
         [0044]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a blade secured to the blade installation and removal apparatus and a spatula body having been withdrawn from attachment to the blade; and  
         [0045]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the blade installation and removal apparatus with the shaft in an upward position with the shaft pin nested in a groove in the top surface of the collar to prevent unintended rotation of the shaft. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0046]     Referring to the figures generally, and in particular  FIGS. 1 and 5 , a spatula  10  in accordance with the invention is illustrated. Spatula  10  has a body  12  that includes a generally planar working portion  14  with a top working surface  18  and an opposite bottom surface  20 . Body  12  also has a transition section  22  leading to an offset shank  24 . A handle  28 , formed of a heat insulating material, is attached to shank  24  by any suitable means, such as by rivets  30 . A blade  34 , having a sharp front end  38 , is removably mounted to the front edge  32  of body  12 .  
         [0047]     Spatula  10  is typically used by gripping handle  28  and sliding bottom surface  20  of spatula  10  along a cooking surface to move, flip or transport a food item cooking on the cooking surface. Blade  34  is slid under the cooking food item, such as a hamburger patty, to position the hamburger patty on top working surface  18 . Spatula  10  may then be turned by the user to cause the patty to be flipped over to its opposite side for further cooking. Once the cooking of the patty is complete, the spatula  10  once again is slid under the patty to position the patty onto working surface  18  of spatula  10 . The patty can then be transported to a desired location, such as placement on a hamburger bun or serving plate. Spatula  10  also is typically used to clean a cooking surface, such as a grill, by scraping spatula  10  along the grill surface to remove residual food particles.  
         [0048]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4  and  8 - 10 , it can be seen that blade  34  has a front section  40 , and a stepped section  42  that joins an intermediate section  44  of blade  34  to front section  40 . Extending from the rear edge  48  of intermediate section  44  are mounting portions, or tabs  50   a,    50   b,  for use in mounting blade  34  to spatula body  12 . Tabs  50   a,    50   b  each have an upper surface  52   a,    52   b  and a lower surface  54   a,    54   b.  Lugs  56   a,    56   b  project from each lower surface  54   a,    54   b,  respectively. Each of tabs  50   a,    50   b  terminates in a rear, or replacement leading end  60   a,    60   b.  Tabs  50   a,    50   b  further include side edges  68   a,    68   b,  respectively.  
         [0049]     As best seen in  FIGS. 9 and 9   a,  tabs  50   a,    50   b  have slightly concave top surfaces  62   a,    62   b,  forming bows  64   a,    64   b,  respectively, as best seen in  FIGS. 9-10  where slight bows  64   a,    64   b  are exaggerated for illustrative purposes. As described later in greater detail, bows  64   a,    64   b  are provided to more positively secure blade  34  to spatula body  12 . Each bow  64   a,    64   b  lies along a line  58   a,    58   b  that may extend from replacement leading end  60   a,    60   b,  along tab  50   a,    50   b,  and into intermediate section  44 . Concave surfaces  62   a,    62   b  may be formed from a bend  66   a,    66   b,  respectively. Preferably, bends  66   a,    66   b  are formed proximate or adjacent to lugs  56   a,    56   b,  respectively. Tab  50   a  and tab  50   b  may optionally be formed with differing widths W 1 , W 2 , respectively, or other differing dimensions. This prevents blade  34  from being mounted in an upside down position relative to spatula body  12 , as described more fully below.  
         [0050]     Bottom surface  20  of body  12  has a pair of mounting members  70   a,    70   b  for cooperation with tabs  50   a,    50   b,  respectively, to removably secure blade  34  to spatula body  12 . Mounting members  70   a,    70   b  may be of any suitable shape allowing cooperation with the shape of tabs  50   a,    50   b  of blade  34 . In the preferred embodiment, mounting members  70   a,    70   b  have a “U” shaped profile to cooperate with the rectangular shaped profile of replacement leading ends  60   a,    60   b  of tabs  50   a,    50   b,  respectively. Of course, other cooperating shapes may be chosen for mounting members  70   a,    70   b  and tabs  50   a,    50   b,  respectively. Preferably, mounting members  70   a,    70   b  are positioned to extend generally perpendicularly to front edge  32  of spatula body  12 . Likewise, tabs  50   a,    50   b  are positioned to extend generally perpendicularly to rear edge  48  of blade  34 .  
         [0051]     Each mounting member  70   a,    70   b  may be formed by a stamping process. Prior to stamping, front slots  72   a,    72   b  and rear slots  74   a,    74   b  are formed to extend through body  12 . The material of the sections  78   a,    78   b  located between front slots  72   a,    72   b  and rear slots  74   a,    74   b,  respectively, is then tamped to depress sections  78   a,    78   b.  The stamping action causes the material of sections  78   a,    78   b  to be projected downward relative to bottom surface  20 , and to thereby form mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively. Lugs  56   a,    56   b  may also be formed by stamping, and if formed by stamping, will incidentally produce depressions  57   a,    57   b,  respectively.  
         [0052]     As best seen in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  6 , each mounting member  70   a,    70   b  has a front opening  80   a,    80   b  and a rear opening  82   a,    82   b  providing a tab receiving passageway  84   a,    84   b  through each mounting member  70   a,    70   b,  respectively. Each of mounting members  70   a,    70   b  also has a bottom  88   a,    88   b  and sidewalls  90   a,    90   b  for engaging tabs  50   a,    50   b,  respectively. The top surface  92   a,    92   b  of each mounting member bottom  88   a,    88   b  has a recess, or hole  94   a,    94   b  for cooperating with lugs  56   a,    56   b  when tabs  50   a,    50   b  are mounted within mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively.  
         [0053]     Thus, blade  34  can be mounted to spatula  10  by inserting the replacement leading ends  60   a,    60   b  into front openings  80   a,    80   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b  and out rear openings  82   a,    82   b,  respectively. During insertion, the lower surfaces  54   a,    54   b  of tabs  50   a,    50   b  slide over top surfaces  92   a,    92   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively. As blade  34  is advanced, lugs  56   a,    56   b  snap into place within recesses  94   a,    94   b  to secure tabs  50   a,    50   b  within the interiors  98   a,    98   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b.    FIG. 7  best illustrates lugs  56   a,    56   b  positioned within openings  94   a,    94   b,  respectively.  
         [0054]     The insertion of blade  34  terminates as stepped section  42  of blade  34  abuts front edge  32  of spatula body  12 , while at the same time rear edge  48  of intermediate section  44 , contacts the front edges  100   a,    100   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively. Thus, once fully inserted, tabs  50   a,    50   b  extend from the front edge  100   a,    100   b  to past the rear edge  102   a,    102   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively.  
         [0055]     Due to the offset of stepped section  42 , the top surface  104  of front section  40  of blade  34  is generally coplanar with the top working surface  18 . Thus, the top surface  104  of blade  34  and top working surface  18  of body  12  provide a generally continuous flat surface for use in picking up a food item from a cooking surface. The flat surface is useful in keeping a fragile food item, such as a partially cooked hamburger, intact. In this regard, it is also noted that tabs  50   a,    50   b  at least partially fill the stamped down depressions  108   a,    108   b  that interrupt the otherwise continuous top working surface  18 .  
         [0056]     Spatula  10  is particularly suitable for high volume commercial use, where blades  34  need to be replaced relatively often due to wear. Also of particular importance, especially for commercial applications, is that spatula  10  is capable of meeting NSF certification requirements. Specifically, it is noted that once blade  34  has been removed from spatula body  12 , all surfaces of working portion  14  are exposed and accessible for cleaning. In particular, it is pointed out that top surfaces  92   a,    92   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b  are respectively easily accessed for cleaning through openings  76   a,    76   b  in top working surface  18  of spatula body  12 . Thus, top working surface  18 , bottom surface  20 , and all surfaces of mounting members  70   a,    70   b  may be readily cleaned. Spatula body  12  has no pockets or crevices that are difficult to reach for cleaning, or where food particles might otherwise be missed during cleaning. Such food particles are highly undesirable, not only due to potential bacterial growth on spatula  10 , but because the retained food particles may also affect the taste of a food item when spatula  10  is later used for cooking other food items.  
         [0057]     As previously briefly noted, spatula  10  may optionally be provided with means to ensure that blade  34  is attached with top surface  104  facing upwards and properly orientated with spatula body  12 . Such means may include forming tab  50   a  with a width W 1  that is larger than the width W 2  of tab  50   b.  Likewise, the width W 3  of front opening  80   a  of mounting member  70   a  is formed to be larger than the width W 4  of front opening  80   b  of mounting member  70   b.  Thus, when blade  34  is positioned upside down, mounting blade  34  to spatula body  12  is not permitted, since larger tab  50   a  is too large for insertion into the smaller front opening  80   b.  Only when blade  34  is oriented facing upwards relative to an upwardly oriented spatula body  12 , are tabs  50   a,    50   b  able to be inserted into mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively.  
         [0058]     Due to the force fit between tabs  50   a,    50   b  and mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  considerable force may be required to mount blade  34  to body  12 . When attempting to apply the required force by pushing or pulling on blade  34  with an unprotected hand, injuries from relatively sharp front edge  38  are possible. Potential injury is also likely in removing blade  34  from body  12 . To avoid potential injury, a blade installation apparatus  110  is provided for safely and conveniently installing or removing blade  34  to body  12 .  
         [0059]     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-16 , apparatus  110  has a base  112  that may include an optional blade storage box  114 . Pivotably mounted on storage box  114  is a spatula support platform  118  that is connected to box  114  by a hinge  120 . A latch  116  may be provided to secure platform  118  in a downward, closed position. When platform  118  is pivoted to an open position (not shown), access is provided to the interior of blade storage box  114 . Secured to base  112  is an upwardly extending frame  122 . Frame  122  includes side supports  124 , a top  128  and a blade support  130 . Blade support  130  has a pair of pins  132 , for cooperation with a pair of holes  134  in front section  40  of blade  34 . When pins  132  engage holes  134 , blade  34  is restrained from shifting back and forth. Thus, blade  34  is held in place to allow the insertion and removal of blade  34  from spatula body  12 .  
         [0060]     Blade installation apparatus  110  also includes a shaft, or clamping member  136 , for preventing up and down movement of blade  34  during installation and removal. Positioned on frame top  128  is a locking collar  138  having a bore  140  axially extending therethrough. Collar  138  also has a vertical slot  148  that leads to a horizontal slot  150 . Shaft  136  is slidably mounted within bore  140  in collar  138 , and is moveable up and down only when pin  144  is aligned with vertical slot  148 .  FIG. 11  shows shaft  136  in the upward position with pin  144  aligned with vertical slot  148 . When so aligned, shaft  136  is permitted to fall downwardly to the position of  FIG. 13 , with the head  152  of shaft  136  abutting blade  34  as it is positioned on blade support  130 .  
         [0061]     Once shaft  136  has been moved to the downward position, shaft  136  may be rotated by means of a handle  154  to cause pin  144  to enter horizontal slot  150  in collar  138 . In this position, as shown in  FIG. 13 , shaft head  152  limits upward movement of blade  34  to prevent disengagement of blade  34  from pins  132 . Shaft head  152  prevents disengagement of blade  34  from pins  132  as long as shaft head  152  limits upward movement of blade  34  so that blade  34  does not rise above the top  156  of pins  132 . Preferably however, shaft head  152  contacts top surface  104  of blade  34  and clamps blade  34  to blade support  130 . Cooperation of pin  144  and horizontal slot  150  prevents upward and downward movement of shaft  136 , and maintains shaft head  152  in the clamping position relative to blade support  130 . Thus, vertical movement of blade  34  is restrained by shaft head  152 . Also, since shaft head  152  clamps blade  34  to support  130 , horizontal movement of blade  34  is restrained by shaft head  152 , in addition to the horizontal restraint provided by pins  132 .  
         [0062]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 12-13 , when blade  34  is clamped against the top surface  158  of blade support  130 , tabs  50   a,    50   b  are relatively parallel to generally horizontal platform  118 . Thus, by resting spatula bottom surface  20  on platform  118 , mounting members  70   a,    70   b  can be more easily aligned with tabs  50   a,    50   b  prior to insertion. In this regard, it is noted that the top surface  158  of blade support  130  is spaced upward from platform  118 . Thus, when blade  34  is locked in place by head  152 , tabs  50   a,    50   b  are spaced from platform  118  to facilitate the passing of bottoms  88   a,    88   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b  under tabs  50   a,    50   b  respectively, during the insertion of blade  34  onto spatula body  12 .  
         [0063]     With a new blade  34  clamped in position on blade support  130 , mounting to spatula body  12  may take place. To do so, handle  28  is gripped and spatula body  12  is positioned to rest upon platform  118 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , replacement leading edges  60   a,    60   b  of tabs  50   a,    50   b  are aligned for insertion through front openings  80   a,    80   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively. Spatula body  12  is advanced forward to insert tabs  50   a,    50   b  into interiors  98   a,    98   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b  respectively. While advancing spatula body  12 , adjustments in the vertical alignment of mounting members  70   a,    70   b  relative to tabs  50   a,    50   b  may be made by pivoting body  12  upwardly or downwardly on platform  118 .  
         [0064]     Typically, spatula body  12  is relatively easily advanced until replacement leading edges  60   a,    60   b  contact the edges  160   a,    160   b  of rear slots  82   a,    82   b,  respectively. As shown in  FIG. 8 , an optional chamfer  162   a,    162   b  may be provided on each of the top surfaces  52   a,    52   b  of tabs  50   a,    50   b  adjacent replacement leading ends  60   a,    60   b,  respectively. Chamfers  162   a,    162   b  aid in directing replacement leading ends  60   a,    60   b  underneath and past edges  102   a,    102   b  of slots  82   a,    82   b,  respectively. As spatula body  12  continues to advance, upwardly bowed tabs  50   a,    50   b  are compressed to create a biasing force that pushes lower surfaces  54   a,    54   b  of tabs  50   a,    50   b  against top surface  92   a,    92   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b.  When front edge  32  of body  12  is fully advanced to abut stepped section  42  of blade  34 , lugs  56   a,    56   b  are snapped in place within recess openings  94   a,    94   b  in mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  as previously described.  
         [0065]     Thus, tabs  50   a,    50   b  are securely held within mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively, by friction, by lugs  56   a,    56   b  and by the biasing force provided by concave surfaces  62   a,    62   b.  The frictional forces arise from contact between the surfaces of body  12  and blade  34 . These surfaces include blade  34  contacting bottom surface  20  of spatula body  12  at locations both forward and rearward of mounting members  70   a,    70   b.  Bottom surfaces  54   a,    54   b  and side edges  68   a,    68   b  of tabs  50   a,    50   b  also contact top surfaces  92   a,    92   b  and sidewalls  90   a,    90   b  of mounting members  70   a,    70   b,  respectively. It also is noted that the spring like action created by bows  64   a,    64   b  in tabs  50   a,    50   b  helps maintain lugs  56   a,    56   b  locked in place within recesses  94   a,    94   b,  respectively.  
         [0066]      FIG. 14  shows body  12  once it has been fully advanced to be securely mounted to blade  34 . Thereafter, shaft  136  is moved from the locked position of  FIG. 13  to the unlocked position of  FIG. 11 . To do so, handle  154  is turned to align pin  144  with vertical slot  148 . Shaft  136  is then raised until pin  144  clears the top surface  168  of collar  138 . To maintain shaft  136  in a raised position, shaft  136  may then be turned to allow pin  144  to rest against collar top surface  168 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , pin  144  may be nested within a groove  170 , optionally provided in the top surface of collar  168 , to prevent inadvertent realignment of pin  144  and vertical slot  148 . Body  12  and attached blade  34  may then be disengaged from pins  132 , and removed from apparatus  110 .  
         [0067]     Apparatus  110  may also be used to remove a used blade  34  from spatula  10 . To do so, blade  34  is positioned with holes  134  of blade  34  placed over pins  132  on blade support  130 . Blade  34  is then clamped to blade support  130  by downward movement of shaft head  152  from the position illustrated in  FIG. 11  to the clamping position illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this position, shaft  136  has been locked in place by rotating pin  144  within horizontal slot  150  to a locked position, as previously described.  
         [0068]      FIG. 14  shows the position of a spatula  10  secured in apparatus  110  prior to removal of blade  34  from spatula body  12 . To separate blade  34  and body  12 , a rearward force is applied to handle  28 . This force pulls spatula body  12  rearward from blade  34  while blade  34  is restrained from movement on blade support  130  of apparatus  110 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , spatula body  12  is moved rearwardly until completely separated from blade  34 . Thereafter, pin  144  is rotated to realign with vertical slot  148 . Shaft  136  can then be lifted upward to the position shown in  FIG. 16 , and used blade  34  can be removed from support  130  and discarded.  
         [0069]     It can therefore be appreciated that blade installation apparatus  110  may be used to both install and remove blade  34  safely. Since the force to join or separate a blade  34  to body  12  is applied by simultaneously gripping spatula handle  28  and handle  154 , both the operator&#39;s left hand LH and right hand RH remain spaced from sharp edge  38  of blade  34  to thereby avoid injury. Moreover, shaft  136  may be locked in the downward position to prevent unintended disengagement of pins  132  from holes  134  during application of the force to mount or remove blade  34 . A sudden and unexpected disengagement of blade  34  from pins  132  could result in hand and other injuries for the operator, and/or injuries to other persons present in the vicinity.  
         [0070]     It is also once again noted, that once blade  34  is removed from spatula body  12 , spatula body  12  may be easily and readily cleaned. All surfaces of working portion  14  are readily exposed for cleaning, including mounting member interiors  98   a,    98   b.  For example, there are no recessed pockets or small grooves that can collect and harbor food debris. Thus, spatula  10  may be easily and readily thoroughly cleaned, and the design of spatula  10  can comply with requirements for NSF certification.  
         [0071]     While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements and such changes, modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.