Abstract:
It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved spatula apparatus configured to contact a substantial portion of container sidewalls. Another object of the present invention is to provide improved spatula apparatuses that are configured to hold and remove a larger amount of material from containers that have relatively small openings. An additional object of the present invention is to provide improved spatula apparatuses that are configured to conform to and remove material from a plurality of containers without requiring multiple swipes and other duplicative motions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to the field of spatulas. More specifically, the invention relates to improved spatulas for removing residual material from the interior of containers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Spatula utensils have long been employed in food preparation. Often described as indispensible, they are used in a variety of situations, from mixing ingredients to dispensing foods. Spatula utensils may also be used in a wide variety of non-food preparation applications. These applications may include compounding or medical uses, where the spatula is used to mix drugs, other chemical compounds, liquids, and other ingredients. The spatula is commonly used in situations where a flexible tool is desired to remove as much material sticking to the side of a container as possible. 
         [0003]    Food spatula utensils found in the prior art, typically are comprised of a handle made from rigid or slightly flexible material and a spatula head, positioned at the end of the handle, made from a resilient material that conforms to the sides of containers. The resilient spatula head often has a pointed, right-angled edge and a rounded edge at its farthest extension. 
         [0004]    The feature common to spatulas in the prior art is that the spatula head is generally one fifth to one fourth the length of the entire utensil. This allows the spatula head to be maneuvered in a variety of orientations. However, in larger containers, multiple swipes and duplicative motions may be required to remove the desired amount of material that is adhered to the sides of the container. This feature also hinders the amount of material that the spatulas may hold, further necessitating multiple swipes. While there may be larger spatula devices, their size is limited by the opening of the desired container. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a need exists for improved spatula apparatuses that are configured to contact greater portions of container sidewalls. There is a further need for spatula apparatuses that are configured to hold and remove a larger amount of material from containers that have relatively small openings. Finally, there exists a need for spatula apparatuses that are configured to conform to and remove material from a plurality of containers without requiring multiple swipes and other duplicative motions by a user. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved spatula apparatus configured to contact a substantial portion of container sidewalls. Another object of the present invention is to provide improved spatula apparatuses that are configured to hold and remove a larger amount of material from containers that have relatively small openings. An additional object of the present invention is to provide improved spatula apparatuses that are configured to conform to and remove material from a plurality of containers without requiring multiple swipes and other duplicative motions. 
         [0007]    In preferred embodiments, the spatula apparatus comprises: a spatula head and a handle with the handle coupled to the spatula head. In further embodiments, the front and back of the head are in parallel planes with their perimeters being bound by a major side edge, a bottom edge, a minor side edge, an abutment plateau, a grip ridge, and the top end. In yet further embodiments; the major side edge extends from the top end to a first corner which forms the intersection of the major side edge and the bottom edge. The bottom edge also intersects with the minor side edge at the second corner. The abutment plateau may join the minor side edge to the grip ridge, with the grip ridge intersecting with the top end. The major side edge may be configured to generally extend more than one half the length of the entire spatula apparatus with the minor side edge and the bottom edge configured to generally extend less than one half the length of the major side edge. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]    FIG.  1 — FIG. 1  depicts a rear perspective view of an example of an improved spatula apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0010]    FIG.  2 — FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of the front of an example of an improved spatula apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0011]    FIG.  3 — FIG. 3  shows an elevation view of the side of an example of an improved spatula apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0012]    FIG.  4 — FIG. 4  depicts a plan view of the back of an example of an improved spatula apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0013]    FIG.  5 — FIG. 5  illustrates an top view of the side of an example of a improved spatula apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0014]    FIG.  6 — FIG. 6  shows an elevation view of the top of an example of an improved spatula apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0015]    FIG.  7 — FIG. 7  depicts an elevation view of the bottom of an example of an improved spatula apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0017]    It should also be understood that the terms “right” versus “left” and “front” versus “back” are used solely to denote opposing sides or positions of an element of an improved spatula apparatus, and should not unnecessarily be construed as limiting the position or orientation of said element. 
         [0018]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
         [0019]    In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. 
         [0020]    New improved spatula apparatuses are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0021]    The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. 
         [0022]    The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.  FIGS. 1-7  illustrate an example of an improved spatula apparatus (“the apparatus”)  100  according to various embodiments. In this example, the apparatus  100  comprises a handle  11  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) and a spatula head  12  ( FIGS. 1-7 ) sometimes called the “head”. The handle  11  may be made from rigid or substantially rigid materials such as wood, metal alloys, hard plastics, resins, hard rubbers, carbon fiber, or any other substantially rigid material or combinations of materials. The spatula head  12  is preferably made from flexible and resilient materials such as soft rubber, soft plastics, silicone, or any other substantially flexible and resilient material or combinations of materials common in the art. In some embodiments, the spatula head  12  may comprise an inner substantially rigid material that is surrounded and covered by a substantially flexible and resilient material. In preferred embodiments, the handle  11  may be molded into the head  12  or attached through chemical bonding, heat bonding, or any other suitable joining method. 
         [0023]    As perhaps best shown by  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  5 ,  6 , and  7 , the head  12  comprises a substantially planar front  13  and parallel positioned substantially planar back  14 . The top end  15  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) forms the upper terminus of both the front  13  and the back  14  and is where the handle  11  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) may be joined to the head  12 . In some embodiments, the top end  15  of head  15  joins the front  13  and back  14  with angled edges, tapered edges, round edges, pointed edges, or square edges. 
         [0024]    In preferred embodiments and as shown by example in the figures, the apparatus  100  also comprises an elongate major side edge  16  ( FIGS. 1-4 , and  6 ) which may be configured to be the largest terminus along a lateral side of the head  12  where the front  13  and back  14  meet in a tapered manner forming a tapered end zone suitable for allowing the elongate major side edge  16  to act as a squeegee. The elongate major side edge  16  may extend longitudinally along a substantial portion of the apparatus  100 . As used herein the term longitudinally shall generally refer to the direction from the top of the handle  11  to the bottom of the bottom edge  18  (i.e. from top to bottom of the spatula). In preferred embodiments, the major side edge  16  may be configured to extend more than one half (i.e. at least 50%) the longitudinal length of the apparatus  100  as measured from the top end of the handle  11  that is farthest from the head  12  to the bottom edge  18  ( FIGS. 1-5 , and  7 ) of the head  12 . In other embodiments, the major side edge  16  may be configured to be between one half and nine tenths the entire longitudinal length of the apparatus  100  as measured from the top end of the handle  11  that is farthest from the head  12  to the bottom edge  18 . 
         [0025]    A minor side edge  17  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 - 7 ), which is shorter in length relative to the length of the major side edge  16 , may be configured to be a shorter terminus along a side of the head  12  and disposed opposite the major side edge  16  where the front  13  and back  14  of head  12  meet. The minor side edge  17  may extend along a longitudinal portion of the apparatus  100  and is preferably shorter in length than the major side edge  16 . In preferred embodiments, the minor side edge  17  may be configured to extend one half or less (i.e. less than 50%) the entire longitudinal length of the apparatus  100  or even the major side edge  16 . In other embodiments, the minor side edge  17  may be configured to be between one fifth and one half the entire length of the entire length of the major side edge  16 . 
         [0026]    The front  13  and back  14  of head  12  may also meet at the bottom edge  18  which is disposed on the head  12  opposite the handle  11  and top end  15 , with the bottom edge  18  meeting the major side edge  16  at a first corner  19  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 ). In preferred embodiments, the first corner  19  may be configured to be generally pointed in shape with the major side edge  16  and bottom edge  18  meeting at a first angle  119  of approximate right angle or approximately 90 degrees. In still other embodiments, the first corner  19  may be configured to be generally rounded in shape with the major side edge  16  and bottom edge  18  meeting at rounded or blunt tip. 
         [0027]    In preferred embodiments, the bottom edge  18  meets the minor side edge  17  at a second corner  20  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  7 ). In preferred embodiments, the second corner  20  may be configured to be generally rounded or blunt in shape with the minor side edge  17  and bottom edge  18  meeting at a second angle  120  that is generally acute. In some embodiments, the second angle  120  may be between 70-90 degrees. In still other embodiments, the second corner  20  may be configured to be generally pointed in shape with the minor side edge  17  and bottom edge  18  meeting at a second angle  120  of about 90 degrees. 
         [0028]    The front  13  and back  14  of head  12  are configured to meet at the major side edge  16 , minor side edge  17 , and bottom edge  18 . The edges where the front  13  and back  14  meet may comprise a plurality of shapes including angled edges, tapered edges, round edges, or square edges. In preferred embodiments, the major side edge  16  may comprise an angled tapered edge forming a pointed edge, the minor side edge  17  may comprise a rounded or blunt edge, and the bottom edge  18  may comprise a tapered edge forming a point with said bottom edge having a curved portion. 
         [0029]    The major side edge  16 , minor side edge  17 , and bottom edge  18  may also be configured in plurality of shapes. In preferred embodiments, the major side edge  16  and minor side edge  17  may be configured a substantially straight or linear shape in a longitudinal direction, while the bottom edge  18  may be configured in a substantially curved or rounded shape. In other embodiments, the major side edge  16  and minor side edge  17  may comprise portions that are substantially straight or linear shape and portions that are substantially curved in shape, while the bottom edge  18  may comprise portions that are substantially straight or linear shaped and portions that are substantially curved in shape. In further embodiments, portions of the major side edge  16 , minor side edge  17 , and bottom edge  18  that may be curved, may comprise a concave curve or a convex curve, or any combination of concave curves and convex curves. 
         [0030]    In preferred embodiments, the spatula  12  head or even portions of handle  11  may comprise a elongate longitudinal groove or grip valley  22  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 - 6 ) which is a substantially concave portion of the head  12  which joins the front  13  of the head  12  and back  14  of the head  12  and preferably opposite the elongate major side edge  16  and extends from the top end  15  to the abutment plateau  21 . The elongate longitudinal groove or grip valley  22  may be molded or otherwise configured into the spatula head  12  along one side and made from the same material as the spatula head  12  or it may be made form a different material (e.g. head made from silicone and groove made from plastic) In preferred embodiments, an abutment plateau  21  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 - 6 ) may join the grip valley  22  portion of the head  12  to the minor side edge  17  portion of the head  12 , and the abutment plateau  21  may extend slightly out and away from the top more narrow portion of the head  12  to form a wider lower portion of the head  12  as depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 - 6 . In other embodiments, the abutment plateau  21  may comprise a convex shape, concave shape, other types of curved shapes, or a combination of straight and curved shaped portions. In alternative embodiments, the head  12  may be configured without an abutment plateau  21  so that the grip valley  22  meets the minor side edge  17  directly. 
         [0031]    The grip valley  22  may preferably be configured to engage one or more fingers of an individual that is holding the apparatus  100 . In this regard, the grip valley  22  substantially extends the distance between the front  13  and back  14  forming a gripping edge. The concave shape of the grip valley  22  preferably is configured to provide a shape that is complementary to the convex shape of fingers thereby providing a grip enhancing surface. In other alternative embodiments, the grip valley  22  may comprise a substantially convex shape that extends away from the major side edge  16 . In some embodiments, the grip valley  22  may comprise one or more textured portions, such as grooves, ridges, bumps, and the like, thereby providing a grip enhancing surface. In further embodiments, the grip valley  22  may comprise a substantially planar surface. In still further embodiments, the grip valley  22  may comprise one or more portions that are convex, concave, planar, and/or textured. 
         [0032]    Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.