Abstract:
A scraper attachment for mounting onto sponges used in cleaning applications is described. The inventive attachment comprises a leading scraping edge, a serrated raised edge, a debris catch, finger grips and side flaps formed integrally as a single piece of material. A support rod integral a side flap of the inventive scraper attachment is pierced through the body of a sponge for securely mounting the inventive attachment on a sponge to by fastening to the opposite side flap. The inventive scraper attachment can be easily dismounted from the sponge for reuse and cleaning, and be used independently with any brand of sponge. The serrated raised edge serves to help break up stubborn deposits, while the debris catch collects the loosened material for convenient cleaning. Additionally, a liquid soap or detergent dispensing means is included to infuse liquid soap or detergent into the sponge.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to cleaning attachments, in particular, scraping attachments, for mounting on hand-held sponges used in both household and industrial cleaning applications, as an aid for the removal of unintended surface deposits and films proving difficult or impossible for the sponge alone to remove. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sponges have been used for many years as a tool for cleaning cookware, utensils, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, automobile surfaces, windows, floors, furniture and a myriad of other objects and surfaces. Synthetic sponges, first developed by DuPont in 1940, have since largely replaced authentic sea sponges for household and industrial use. 
     Sponges are used because they are absorbent, reusable, and lightweight. However, a primary disadvantage of sponges is that by themselves, sponges are too soft and pliable to scrape away unwanted substances such as dirt, hardened oils or grease, mildew, waxes or foods that stick and adhere to surfaces and reside in corners, grooves and crevices. Abrasive layers do not effectively allow users to remove substances residing in tight corners, grooves and crevices because neither the sponge nor the abrasive layer provide a rigid enough edge, to enable users to impart the requisite forces necessary for scraping and removing unwanted substances from the tight locations and, in some cases, from flat surfaces as well. 
     Several types of sponge/scraper implements have been proposed. For example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0216260 to Silverman et al., an integrated scraper and sponge device is disclosed. While this invention is an improvement upon the use of a sponge alone for removal of difficult and persistent deposits or films, it has several disadvantages. Namely, the disclosed scraper design does not allow for easy grasp and use of the scraper without the sponge. Moreover, the pliable nature of the sponge make grasping the scraper portion all the more difficult for simple and effective removal of unwanted materials. The scraper portion does not include a serrated edge for breaking up stubborn material before scraping, making the use of the device more difficult and less effective than intended. The attachment of the scraper portion to the sponge portion precludes use of the total sponge surface area, making the use of this device inconvenient. Finally, the integral nature of the device only allows for limited reuse, being not removable as a separate unit by the consumer, necessarily to be discarded when the sponge discarded. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,984,527 to Georgieff discloses a scraper attachment for sponges that employs a large handle, attachable to the top surface of a sponge, for facile control of the sponge and ergonomic application of hand pressure for effective scraper action. While this device in an improvement over a sponge alone, its design is bulky, and makes access to tight areas difficult if not impossible. The scraper portion of the device does not include a serrated edge, and moreover the application of the device precludes complete use of the sponge surface area. As with the previous disclosure, this device only works with one type of sponge. Other examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,568 to Englehardt, describing a scraper formed integrally with a sponge pad. 
     The consumer is faced with few choices of such devices that are currently available on the market, and further rebuffed by the limitations of such devices that have been disclosed above. Proctor and Gamble Company currently has at least two integrated sponge/scraper combination products on the market, distributed by Butler Home Products LLC. These products are largely not reusable, difficult to hold, and one of these products completely covers the top surface of the sponge, reducing the usable area of the sponge. A device offering total flexibility to be used on any brand of standard kitchen sponge, or sponges intended for other uses, for all cleaning applications is currently not available on the market. Furthermore, the consumer cannot find an attachment that is lightweight, easily grasped and allows for reuse of the scraper independent of the life of the sponge, and transferable to any other sponge of similar size. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention addresses the deficiencies enumerated in the foregoing discussion, whereby the invention is a scraper attachment that is mountable on sponges and removable therefrom, that has the qualities of being lightweight, ergonomic, yet small so as not to restrict the sponge&#39;s access to encumbered surfaces. In addition, the invention is reusable with any sponge of similar size. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the invention, which includes a top surface, bottom surface and two side flaps, a serrated scraping edge is disposed in the front portion of the top surface of the scraper attachment to facilitate removal of hardened and/or persistent deposits or films, a debris catch disposed behind the scraping edge for collection of loosened debris, a concave and/or dimpled or otherwise textured surface disposed behind the debris catch as well as on each side flap of the scraper attachment for easy grip and maneuverability. Additionally, the preferred embodiment comprises one or more support bars or rods that are affixed to the interior face of one of either side flap for piercing entirely through the body of the sponge to penetrate through to the opposite side, whereby the protruding tip of the bar is secured by a clasping or clip fastener integral with the interior face of the opposite side flap. In this manner, the inventive scraper attachment can be securely but reversibly affixed on the body of the sponge, allowing facile hand manipulation of the sponge, while at the same time providing a rigid and ergonomic scraping tool for enhanced cleaning of surfaces or objects. In a second embodiment described, a soap reservoir for containing liquid soaps or detergents is included, having a dispensing tube attached to modified support bars that have a hollow center and a plurality of apertures disposed along the shaft through which liquid soaps or detergents can be infused into the interior of the body of the attached sponge by simple squeezing of the soap reservoir. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a . Isometric top view of the invention. 
         FIG. 1   b . Isometric bottom view of the invention. 
         FIG. 2   a . Front view of the invention. 
         FIG. 2   b  Side view of the invention. 
         FIG. 2   c . Top plan view of the invention. 
         FIG. 3 . Second embodiment of the invention, bottom angled view detailing a second support bar. 
         FIG. 4 . Third embodiment of the invention, bottom angled view detailing a soap reservoir, dispensing tube and perforated support bar for dispensing soap within the body of a sponge, integral with the body of the inventive scraper attachment. 
         FIG. 5 . Demonstrational view of the invention mounted on a sponge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed to a scraper attachment adapted for scraping and removing unwanted substances such as dirt, hardened oils and grease, mildew, waxes, stuck-on foods, or like substances that adhere to surfaces and reside in corners, grooves holes and crevices. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1   a , a top view of the inventive scraper attachment is shown. The planar main body  10  of the inventive scraper attachment comprises, smooth tip portion that coincides with the leading edge  12  of the scraper attachment extending outwardly and defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper. A debris catch  14  is disposed behind the leading edge of the scraper attachment, and comprises a concavely contoured surface that serves for the collection of scraped materials to build up within it for easier disposal. In one embodiment, debris catch  14  comprises a concavely sloping surface, sweeping up from leading edge  12  to terminate at a raised edge  16  that rises out of the plane of the main body. In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   a , raised edge  16  forms a arc-shaped crest extending over the plane of the main body  10  from one side to the other. However, it is understood that the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   a  is illustrative, and other geometrical shapes of debris catch  14  and raised edge  16  are conceivable. In the preferred embodiment, raised edge  16  is serrated for more effective scraping action, and is useful for particularly stubborn deposits. 
     The serrated raised edge  16  has less contact area than a smooth edge, therefore any applied force is greater at each tooth of the serration than the average force applied. The sharp angles of the tooth edges provide a cutting action when the scraper is thrust forward; typical scraping action involves a back-and-forth motion or circular motion wherein the forward component of the movement provides the scraping action. The cutting action of the serrated edge involves many small splits in the surface of the material being cut, which cumulatively serve to cut the material along the line of the serrated edge. Once the material is broken up in such a manner there are fewer points of resistance, subsequently less force is needed to fully remove unwanted material by means of the leading edge of the inventive scraper attachment. 
     Front finger grip  18  is disposed behind the raised edge  16  and is provided to receive at least a portion of a human finger tip, or multiple human finger tips. Front finger grip  18  acts as a stable point from which to gain leverage for the forward and reverse movement/scraping action and may have dimples, ripples, indentations or other such imprints for making gripping the surface easier. 
     Side flaps  20  and  22  are joined to and hingedly articulate with the rear portion  24  of the main body  10  of the inventive scraper attachment by means of bendable edges joining the side flaps  20  and  22  and the main scraper body  10 . Side flaps  20  and  22  are normally folded at a substantially perpendicular angle to the plane of the main scraper body to gird and secure the sponge (see below). In  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , side flap  20  is shown in partially unfolded position. Side finger grips  26  and  28  are respectively disposed substantially towards the rear portion of the outer surfaces of side flaps  20  and  22 . Both of the side finger grips  26  and  28  are contoured for receiving at least a portion of a human fingertip, or multiple fingertips. The two side finger grips act together as stable points from which to obtain a firm and stable grasp allowing energy to be exerted toward leverage during scraping rather than toward stabilizing the sponge body. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1   b , support bar/rod  30  is integrally affixed on the inner surface of side flap  20  at its proximal end  32 . When side flaps  20  and  22  are folded at substantially a 90° angle to the plane of main scraper body  10 , support bar/rod  30  extends from the inner surface of side flap  20  to the inner surface of side flap  22 , where it is met by a engaging means for securely fastening the distal end of bar/rod  30  to side flap  22 . The axis of support bar/rod  30  is substantially parallel to leading edge  12  and the plane of the main scraper body  10 . In this disposition, support bar/rod  30  functions as a truss to form a structurally sturdy attachment that girds a sponge. The distal end  34  of support bar/rod  30  is tapered, and can take on, but not be limited to, a stylus shape, while the body of support bar/rod is substantially smooth for facile piercing of and penetration through the body of the sponge, preferably through the width dimension, to secure it to the attachment (see below). The cross section of the body of support bar/rod  30  can range from cylindrical, as in the preferred embodiment, to a flat, blade-like shape. 
     The support bar/rod receiving means  36  is integral with side flap  20  and can take on the form of a clip having a depression for insertion of the distal end henceforth referred to as the tip  34  of support bar/rod  30 . Receiving means  36  can also attach by means of a latch or hook and latch mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, receiving means  36  can be a molded plastic part formed with the scraper body as a single piece by plastic injection molding, or can be a separately formed from (but not limited to) rubber, plastic, composite, metal or any combination thereof. 
     Sponge stop  38  is a plastic plate located in front of the support bar/rod and is used as a guide for proper placement of the sponge on the scraper attachment. Sponge stop  38  also acts as a second solid point to hold the sponge in place. 
     The inventive scraper attachment has the ability to be attached to a sponge or any surface that is appropriate for its purpose of cleaning, scrubbing and removing any unwanted substance from any surface. 
     In  FIG. 2   a , a frontal view of the inventive scraper attachment  10  is shown to provide a view of the relief of the side grips  26  and  28  disposed on the outer portions of side flaps  20  and  22  bent at 90° angles with respect to the plane of the main scraper body. Debris catch  14  is also shown in greater detail delineated by the arc-shaped raised serrated edge  16 .  FIG. 2   b  shows a side view of the inventive scraper attachment  10  with side flap  20  in the clipped 90° angle configuration.  FIG. 2   c  provides a top view of the inventive scraper body  10 , featuring a full view of the front finger grip  18 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , a further embodiment of the invention is shown, a second support bar/rod  40  is affixed to side flap  20  in proximity to first support bar/rod  30 , and a second receiving means  42  is disposed on the inner surface of slide flap  22  in the proximity of first receiving means  36 . Support bar/rod  40  can be identical in shape and dimensions to bar/rod  30 , but also can have a different shape, diameter, taper, material and other characteristics than first support bar/rod  30 . As an example, second support bar/rod  40  can have a smaller diameter than first support bar/rod  30 , and/or have a more tapered profile. The same is equally applies to second receiving means  42 , whereby second receiving means  42  can be identical to first receiving means  36 , but can also embody a different design and/or type than first receiving means  36 . For example, second receiving means  42  can embody a clip that is smaller relative to first receiving means  36 , to accommodate, for example, a narrower second support bar/rod tip. 
     In  FIG. 4 , a further embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein a soap dispensing means comprising a soap reservoir  44  for containing liquid soap, and dispensing tube  46  to transfer liquid soap to one or both of the support bar/rods  30  and  40  is included. Soap dispensing reservoir  44  further comprises a semi-rigid hollow sac, container or vessel of appropriate dimensions, preferably of molded deformable plastic material, and can be substantially rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, or take on a combination of shapes to form a suitable structure that can be integrated with the main scraper body  10 . In the preferred embodiment, soap reservoir  44  is affixed to main scraper body  10 , preferably integrally formed with the bottom surface, and preferably disposed between the front edge  12  of the main scraper body  10  and sponge stop  38 . However, soap reservoir  44  can also be disposed along the top surface of main scraper body  10 , for example along rear portion  24 . Dispensing tube  46 , having a first end  48  and a second end  50 , is integral to and in fluidic communication with soap reservoir  44  at the first end  48 . Dispensing tube  46  may be formed integrally with the main scraper body  10 . The second end  50  of dispensing tube  46  is attached to at least one of support bar/rods  30  and/or  40 . In this embodiment, support bar/rods  30  and/or  40  have a hollow center and possess a plurality of dispensing apertures  52  disposed on the shaft portion, through which liquid soap can be infused into the sponge body. Soap reservoir  44  and dispensing tube  46  are preferably made from, but not limited to, a deformable molded plastic material, preferably integrally formed by injection molding with the main scraper body  10 . Dispensing tube  46  can be disposed along the junction between the plane of main scraper body  10  on its top or bottom, and be partially disposed along one of the two side flaps  20  and  22  wherein first end of support bar  32  is attached to form a fluid connection with support bar  30 . 
     Finally, the inventive scraper attachment  10  is shown fixedly secured to a sponge in  FIG. 5 . Hidden lines depict the support bar/rod embedded in the body of the sponge when the attachment  10  is mounted on the sponge and support bar/rod  30  is secured by receiving means  36 . The method of conjoining the sponge and scraper attachment may be accomplished by means of piercing the sponge with the support bar/rod  30  and securing it to receiving means  36 . This process is simple and may be done by the user with ease. The user does not have to glue or reattach the scraper in any strenuous manner; therefore the sponge will not be damaged. All surfaces of the sponge can be utilized. The sponge being made from a pliable and manipulative material is able to accept the support bar and assume its natural shape and ability to perform as usual. The scraper attachment may be made from numerous materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastics, polymers, wood, metal or any combination thereof. The scraper attachment is not limited in the regard, and any appropriate scraper material that is currently known or later becomes used. For improved manipulation and scraping, the depressible surface  18  ( FIG. 1   a ) is contoured in a concave-like manner and, depending on the size, is adapted for receiving at least a portion of: (I) a human fingertip, (II) multiple human fingertips, (III) a human hand or (IV) two human hands, for applying pressure and manipulating the scraper. 
     Having thus described the scraper attachment, attention will now be drawn to an example of its use. 
     With the scraper attachment fixedly secured onto any household sponge, and/or the desired object or surface for cleaning prepared with soap, cleaning liquids, cleaning powders or the like, the user places the sponge body in contact with said object or surface. The user then presses on the contoured depressible surface  14  ( FIG. 1   a ) thereby imparting downward pressure on the scraper edge  12  ( FIG. 1   a ). 
     The serrated edge  16  ( FIG. 1   a ) is an additional feature that allows for added ease in removing stubborn material. In another embodiment, liquid soaps or detergents can be infused into the interior of the body of the attached sponge by squeezing action on soap reservoir  44  to force liquid soap or detergent from soap reservoir  44  into the hollow center of one or more support bar/rods  30  and  40 , and out into the sponge interior through the plurality of dispensing apertures  52 . 
     With pressure applied, the scraper attachment is moved into position for contacting and scraping unwanted substances in a desired location. While maintaining the applied pressure, the user can grasp onto the provided finger grips provided by front finger grip(s)  18 , and side finger grips  26  and  28  ( FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b ) and scrape stubborn material off in, for example, a forward or reciprocating motion to effectively scrape away and remove the unwanted substance. When finished, the scraper attachment may be easily removed by simply unfastening support bar/rod  30  ( FIG. 1   b ) and pulling it out of the sponge body. No glues or adhesives are involved. Both the sponge and scraper may be washed and sanitized for reuse. Further, the scraper attachment can be used in a dry state without the addition of water, soap, cleaning liquids, cleaning powders, or the like. 
     The inventive scraper attachment may be used in a variety of applications that may dictate the size, shape and configuration of the size of the attachment. For example, small size scraper attachments may be used to clean pots, pans and small containers, while larger scraper attachments can be used to clean larger surfaces or objects, such as automobiles. Furthermore, specific shapes and configurations may be implemented for use in specific environments such as, for example, car interiors and exteriors, sinks, stoves, bathtubs, toilets, windows, furniture, and countless other applications where sponges can be used for cleaning. 
     In view of the embodiments disclosed above and their various aspects, it will be appreciated that the detailed description of the various embodiments are illustrative only and are by no means to be construed as limiting the scope and spirit of the invention. Rather, we claim as our invention all such embodiments as may come within the scope and spirit of the invention as expressed in the claims that follow, and equivalents thereto.