Patent Publication Number: US-2009235535-A1

Title: Scraper

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a scraping tool, and in more particular applications to a scraping and/or cutting tool with a releasable blade which can be retracted within a housing. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Scraping tools can be used for a variety of purposes, such as, for example, removing paint, adhesives, decals, wallpaper and the like from surfaces such as glass and walls. These tools often include a gripping portion whereby a user can grasp the tool comfortably and safely, and a blade portion for scraping the desired surface. Additionally, these tools may, in some instances, be used for cutting. 
     Scraping tools can become dull or worn at the blade portion as a result of scraping or cutting the respective surfaces. The speed at which the blade becomes dull can depend on a number of factors, such as the surface and the material which is being scraped from the surface. Some scraping tools have been designed to include replaceable blades whereby the user can disassemble the tool and replace the blade when necessary. However, oftentimes, these tools require significant disassembly of the tool to replace the blade which can be time consuming. 
     Furthermore, blade removal and replacement oftentimes requires the user to exert significant force to separate the blade from the tool and install a new blade. This can be dangerous for the user should the user&#39;s hand slip and/or slide along the blade. 
     Moreover, as some tools have been developed with replaceable blades, it has become necessary to carry extra replacement blades. Oftentimes, the tool will include an extra carrying case that may be attached to the tool or include an internal compartment for carrying extra blades. 
     Furthermore, scraping tools are used by a variety of individuals and may be carried in the user&#39;s pocket or in a tool belt. However, the blade can injure the user if the blade is not properly covered when not in use. Therefore, some tools have been developed that include covers for the blade or have been designed such that the blade is retractable into a housing. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one form, a tool for releasably securing a blade is provided. The tool includes a housing, a blade retracting mechanism, a blade retaining portion, a blade opening and an actuator. The blade retracting mechanism is movable between a retracted position and a working position. The blade retaining portion is located on the blade retracting mechanism. The blade retaining portion has at least two blade retaining surfaces cooperating to releasably secure the blade to the blade retracting mechanism. The blade retaining surfaces are located a first distance from one another in a blade retaining position and located a second distance from one another in a blade releasing position, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The blade opening is defined by the housing for inserting and removing the blade from the blade retaining portion. The actuator is for manipulating the blade retaining mechanism between the retracted position and the working position. 
     According to one form, a tool for releasably securing a blade is provided. The tool includes a housing, a blade retracting mechanism, a blade retaining portion, a blade opening, a first actuator and a second actuator. The blade retracting mechanism is movable between a retracted position and a working position. The blade retaining portion is located on the blade retracting mechanism. The blade retaining portion has at least two blade retaining surfaces movable between a blade releasing position and a blade retaining position. The blade opening is defined by the housing for inserting and removing the blade from the blade retaining portion. The first actuator is for manipulating the blade retracting mechanism between the retracted position and the working position. The second actuator is for manipulating the blade retaining surfaces between the blade releasing position and the blade retaining position. 
     In accordance with one form, a tool for releasably securing a blade is provided. The tool includes a housing, a blade retracting mechanism, a blade retaining portion, a blade opening and an actuator. The blade retracting mechanism is movable between a retracted position, a working position and a blade releasing position. The blade retaining portion is located on the blade retracting mechanism. The blade retaining portion has at least two blade retaining surfaces movable between the blade releasing position and a blade retaining position. The blade opening is defined by the housing for inserting and removing the blade from the blade retaining portion. The actuator is for manipulating the blade retracting mechanism between the retracted position, the working position and the blade releasing position. 
     According to one form, the blade is substantially enclosed within the housing and is located inwardly relative to the blade opening when in the retracted position. 
     In one form, the actuator is a button operably coupled to the blade retracting mechanism. 
     In accordance with one form, the tool further includes a storage drawer and an extension arm extending therefrom, wherein the actuator is the drawer operably coupled to the blade retracting mechanism via the extension arm. 
     According to one form, the blade retaining portion includes a lever arm to manipulate at least one of the blade retaining surfaces. 
     In accordance with one form, the lever arm contacts a portion of the housing to pivot at least one of the blade retaining surfaces to the blade releasing position. 
     In one form, the tool further includes a storage drawer and an extension arm extending therefrom, wherein the arm contacts a portion of the extension arm to pivot at least one of the blade retaining surfaces to the blade releasing position. 
     According to one form, the blade retaining surfaces are biased to the blade retaining position by a spring. 
     Other forms are also contemplated as understood by those skilled in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its constructions and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of one form of a scraper with a retractable and replaceable blade; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  with the scraper in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  with the scraper in a working position; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  with the scraper in a blade releasing position; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of an alternative form of a scraper with a retractable and replaceable blade; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the encircled area of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  with the scraper in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  with the scraper in a working position; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  with the scraper in a blade releasing position; and, 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of one form of a blade retracting mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One form of a scraper  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Generally, the scraper  20  includes a housing  22 , a blade retracting mechanism  24 , a blade retaining portion  26 , a blade opening  28 , and an actuator  30 , as best seen in  FIGS. 2-4 . One or more blades  32  may be used in combination with the scraper  20  to scrape and or cut a surface. It should be understood that while blade  32  is illustrated as being a single-edged blade, other forms of blades may also be utilized as understood by those skilled in the art. 
     The housing  22  includes an interior portion  34 , and in some instances, such as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , includes one or more protrusions  36 . In one form, the housing  22  is shaped to be comfortably grasped in a user&#39;s hand. In another form, the housing  22  is shaped to be grasped in a user&#39;s hand in multiple positions. The function of the interior portion  34  and protrusion  36  will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the operation of the scraper  20 . 
     The blade retracting mechanism  24  may comprise multiple components, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . In this form, the blade retracting mechanism  24  includes the blade retaining portion  26  located on the blade retracting mechanism  24 . The blade retaining portion  26  includes at least two blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40 . The blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  can cooperate to releasably secure the blade  32  to the scraper  20 . The blade retaining portion  26  and blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40 , may include a recessed portion  42  to provide space for and engage a holding portion  44  of the blade  32 . As shown in  FIG. 2-4 , each of the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  includes a recessed portion  42 . However, it should be understood that only one of the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  may include a recessed portion  42  and/or neither of the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  may include a recessed portion  42 . 
     In one form, the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  may be configured to cooperate with one another via a pivot  46 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . The pivot  46  may form part of one or both of the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  and/or may be a separate component to operably couple the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40 . Alternatively, the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  may be configured in other manners known by those skilled in the art to cooperate with one another to releasably secure the blade  32 . 
     The blade retracting mechanism  24  may include one or more lever arms  48  that may be used to manipulate the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  at the blade retaining portion  26 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the scraper has two lever arms  48 , one coupled to each of the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40 . The function of the lever arms  48  will be discussed in more detail below with regards to the operation of the scraper  20 . 
     In one form, the blade opening  28  is defined by the housing  22 . The blade opening  28  can be utilized to insert and remove the blade  32  from the scraper  20 . The blade opening  28  also provides access for the blade  32  to be retracted and extended from the housing to scrape a surface. The blade opening  28  may also include additional structure and features such as a cover (not shown) which may be used to cover the blade opening  28 . It should be noted that the blade opening  28  should be large enough to permit the blade  32  and/or part of the blade retaining portion  26  to pass through. However, it should be understood that the blade opening  28  may be modified as understood by those skilled in the art. 
     The actuator  30  may take a variety of forms and may include additional structure as understood by those skilled in the art. In one form, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , the actuator  30  is a button  50 . The actuator  30  can be guided by a slot  52 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The slot  52  may take the form of an opening in the housing  22  whereby the actuator  30  is guided along a path. Additionally, the slot  52  may include additional features, such as stops or locks (not shown) to provide feedback to the user indicating movement of the actuator  30  along the slot  52 . The stops or locks can also provide resistance such that the actuator  30  is not moved along the slot  52  unintentionally. 
     The scraper  20  may also include additional structures or features as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the scraper  20  may include one or more biasing structures  54 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the scraper  20  includes a spring  56  to bias the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  via the lever arms  48 . Additionally, further biasing structures may be included to bias other components, such as to bias the actuator  30  in one or more directions, and for other structures, as understood by those skilled in the art. The scraper  20  may also include slots and grooves to guide the various components in desired directions or configurations and permit the components to slide, such as described for the actuator  30 . The scraper  20  may also include protrusions  60 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , that may be used to cooperate with one or more apertures  62  in the blade  32  to better secure the blade  32  and prevent it from moving while in operation. Additional features and structures may also be included as understood by those skilled in the art. 
     Another form of a scraper is illustrated in  FIG. 5  as scraper  120 . Scraper  120  contains many of the same or similar features as described above for scraper  20  with the common numbers used to designate the similar features. For example, scraper  120  includes the housing  22 , the blade retracting mechanism  24 , the blade retaining portion  26 , the blade opening  28  and the actuator  30 . However, it should be understood that the shape and design of the features found in scraper  120  may be modified slightly compared to the same features found in scraper  20 . Furthermore, the scraper  120  need not include all of the features described for scraper  20 . For example, scraper  120  may not include protrusions  36 , as shown in scraper  20 . However, such features may be include if desired. 
     Scraper  120  also includes further features, such as a second actuator  130  and a blade drawer or storage area  132 . The second actuator  130  may take a variety of forms. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the second actuator  130  is a cover  134  for a rear portion  136  of the scraper  120 . The second actuator  130  may also be movable as a handle to provide access to the blade storage area  132 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 11 , the second actuator  130  is operably coupled to one or more extension arms  138 . The extension arms  138  are configured to manipulate the blade retracting mechanism  24 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , in one form, the scraper  120  includes two extension arms  138  with a cross member  140 . While  FIG. 11  illustrates two extension arms  138 , it should be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more extension arms  138  may be utilized, with or without a cross member  140 . The function of the extension arms  138  will be discussed in more detail below with regard to the operation of the scraper  120 . 
     The storage area  132  can be utilized to store one or more extra blades  32  within the housing  22 . In one form, the storage area  132  is simply a recessed area wherein blades  32  can be placed. Individual blades  32  and/or one or more boxes  142  of blades can be placed in the storage area  132 . In one form, the blade storage area  132  includes additional features, such as blade carrier  144 . The blade carrier  144  can be designed to provide an area to secure the extra blades  32  or boxes  142  within the storage area  132 . Furthermore, the blade carrier  144  can be designed to pop up when the blade storage area  132  is exposed outside of the housing  22 . In this form, one or more biasing structures, such as springs (not shown) can be utilized to bias the blade carrier  144 . Alternatively, grooves or the like can be provided such that the blade carrier  144  follows the groove to pop up when exposed, as understood by those skilled in the art. Additional biasing structure, such as bias member  145  can be utilized to bias the actuator  30 . 
     The operation of these structures will now be discussed in more detail below with reference to the appropriate figures. Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the scraper  20  is illustrated in the retracted, working and blade releasing positions, respectively. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the scraper  20  is shown in the retracted position. The blade  32  is secured to the blade retracting mechanism  24  such that the blade  32  is substantially within the housing  22 . It should be noted that the scraper  20  may be positioned in the retracted position without having any blades secured to the blade retracting mechanism  24 , such that the scraper does not contain a working blade. 
     In the retracted position, the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  secure the blade  32  at the blade retaining portion  26 . The biasing member  54  provides force to position the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  a first distance from one another, thereby securing the blade  32  while in the retracted position. It should be noted that the actuator  30  is located towards a rear portion of the scraper, away from the blade opening  28 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the scraper has been manipulated to the working position as the actuator  30  has been moved towards the blade opening  28 . The actuator  30  is operably coupled to the blade retracting mechanism  24  such that movement of the actuator  30  results in movement, such as lateral movement, of the blade retracting mechanism  24 , and ultimately the blade  32 . The blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  are in a blade retaining position. While the biasing member  54  still provides force to bias the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  to secure the blade  32 , additional force is provided from the interior  34  of the housing  22 . As discussed above, the interior can include one or more protrusions  36 . As best seen in  FIG. 3 , these protrusions  36  can provide additional force to secure the blade  32  when in the working position. Because of the positioning of the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  and the pivot  46  relative to the interior  34  and/or the protrusions  36 , a clamping force results at the blade  32 . In the working position, the scraper  20  and blade  32  are subjected to varying amounts of force when in use to scrape surfaces. The interior  34 , as well as the protrusions  36  (when included), can provide extra clamping force via the blade retaining portion  26  to help prevent the blade from becoming loose or dislodged from the scraper  20 . 
     However, it should be noted that the protrusions  36  are not necessary and the shape of the interior  34  can provide sufficient clamping force. In this manner, it should be noted that in one form, the interior  34  of the housing narrows near the blade opening  28 . This narrowing shape can be used with or without the protrusions  36 . Alternatively, the interior  34  does not have to narrow, but instead, protrusions  36  can be included to provide additional clamping force. 
     The actuator  30  may be moved even further towards the blade opening  28  to the blade releasing position, as shown in  FIG. 4 . As seen in this figure, at least a part of the blade retaining portion  26  extends through the blade opening  28  to permit removal and replacement of the blade  32 . In one form, the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  are located a second distance from one another which is greater than the first distance when in the retracted and/or the working positions. In one form, the second distance is large enough such that the blade  32  can be removed by pulling the blade in the direction indicated by arrow  160 . Alternatively, the blade retaining portion  26  can be designed to extend far enough through the blade opening  28  such that the blade  32  can be removed by moving the blade  32  in a direction indicated by arrow  162  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The blade  32  can be removed as the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  are separated. In one form, the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  are separated as a result of the interior  34  and/or protrusions  36  contacting the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  relative to the pivot  46 . For example, the interior  34  contacts the lever arms  48  to pivot the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  relative to one another. The interaction of these components can be modified, made integral or separated into individual components, as understood by those skilled in the art. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10  operates somewhat similarly to the embodiment described above, though the overall operation is modified. As described for the embodiment in  FIG. 2 , scraper  120  in  FIG. 8  is in the retracted position whereby the blade  32  is substantially within the housing  22  and the blade retracting mechanism  24  and actuator  30  is positioned away from the blade opening  28 . The biasing member  54  provides force to the retaining portion  26  to secure the blade  32  when in the retracted position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the scraper  120  has been manipulated to the working position whereby the actuator  30  and retracting mechanism have been moved towards the blade opening  28 . In this position, the extension arms  138  and/or the cross member  140  can be utilized to provide additional force to secure the blade  32 . In this manner, the extension arms  138  and/or the cross member  140  contacts the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  at a location relative to the pivot  46  such that a clamping force is provided to the blade  32 . However, it should be understood that the interior  34  of the housing  22  can be shaped to also, or alternatively, provide clamping force, as described regarding  FIG. 3 . Similarly, protrusions  36  may be included to provide clamping force. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the scraper  120  has been manipulated to the blade releasing position. This position is somewhat different compared to that shown for scraper  20  in  FIG. 4 . Scraper  120  is manipulated to the blade releasing position by moving the second actuator  130  away from the blade opening  28 . In this manner, the extension arms  138  and/or the cross member  140  contact the blade retaining surface  38 , such as at the lever arm  48 , in cooperation with the interior  34  contacting the blade retaining surface  40 , pivot the blade retaining surfaces  38 , 40  with respect to one another. The blade  32  can then be removed in similar manners as described above regarding scraper  20 . 
     Furthermore, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  can also be designed such that the actuator  30  can be manipulated even to move closer to the blade opening  28  than shown in  FIG. 10  to provide better access to remove and replace the blade  32 . In this form, the actuator  30  for scraper  120  would have three positions, similar to actuator  30  for scraper  20 . 
     The scrapers  20 , 120  may also include additional functionality. For example, referring to  FIGS. 6 and 11 , scraper  120  includes bias member  145  to bias the actuator  30 . When a user manipulates the actuator  30 , the bias member  145  will provide force/resistance as the user moves the actuator  30 . While the bias member is illustrated for scraper  120 , it should be understood that it may also be utilized with scraper  20 . 
     Similarly, while storage area  132  is illustrated with scraper  120 , it may also be utilized with scraper  20 . With scraper  120 , the storage area  132  is accessed as the scraper  120  is manipulated to the blade releasing position shown in  FIG. 10 . Therefore, in a single motion from the working position to the blade releasing position, the scraper releases the blade  32  as well as provides access to stored blades in the storage area  132 . Scraper  20 , on the other hand would require movement of the actuator  30  to the blade releasing position and a separate movement to gain access to the storage area  132 . Alternatively, the storage area  132  could be coupled to the actuator  30  such that a single motion manipulates the scraper  20  to the blade releasing position and provide access to the storage area  132 , as understood by those skilled in the art. 
     The scrapers  20 , 120  can be made from a variety of materials, as understood by those skilled in the art. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to plastic, metal, rubber and the like or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the components described above can be manufactured as integral units or as combinations of parts assembled together to form the described components, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the housing  22  can be made as a single formed or molded piece or may be made of individual components, such as a top and bottom piece, that are subsequently assembled together. The overall assembly of the scrapers  20 , 120  should be understood by those skilled in the art in view of the figures and descriptions contained herein. 
     The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.