Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title: Grill Cleaner
Technical Field
[0001]
The disclosure relates to a grill cleaner, particularly a grill cleaner
incorporating springs.
Introduction
[0002]
United States Patent No. 5,881,426 purports to disclose a brush with
flexible bristles in which each bristle includes a flexion integral with the
bristle to provide
innate resilience to the bristle for flexing along its longitudinal axis. The
brush fitted with
the bristles includes a perforated brushhead for passing the bristles so as to
maintain the
bristles on their axis. A trapezoidal bristle grid provides for bristle
density in the brush
comparable the standard brush density.
[0003]
United States Patent No. 8,683,641 purports to disclose a novel scraper
assembly having a plurality of interchangeable scraper heads and handles and
corresponding method for use. The scraper assembly further comprises a
plurality of
abrasive mechanisms, namely spring bristles, coiled springs, chainmail
abraders and wire
cloth abraders capable of effectively cleaning a surface without scoring or
otherwise
damaging the surface. The invention may be particularly useful for cleaning
grills and
ovens. Additionally, the invention may also be useful for shaping, adding
texture to,
stripping materials from or otherwise preparing a surface, including wood,
metal or
ceramic surfaces.
[0004]
United States Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0326599 purports
to disclose a scraper for a barbeque grill comprises a handle. A substantially
parallelepiped cleaning head is extended at a forward end of the handle. The
cleaning
head comprises a first metal plate and a second metal plate. A plurality of
metal spikes is
mounted to and extends from at least one surface of the cleaning head. The
plurality of
metal spikes move centrifugal swivel movement at an angle of 15 degrees for
inserting
into open spaces of the barbecue grill. The plurality of metal spikes provides
side-to-side
swinging motion to remove the charred debris from the top and side portions of
the
barbecue grill.
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Summary
[0005] In a first aspect, some embodiments of the invention
provide a grill cleaner,
comprising a head having a plurality of coil springs, each coil spring having
a proximate
end embedded in the head and a distal application end projecting from the
head, the
distal application ends shaped for coordinated application to a surface.
[0006] In some embodiments, the grill cleaner further comprises a
handle coupled
to and extending from the head, the handle oriented for use in driving the
head in a grill
cleaning operation
[0007] In some embodiments, the head includes a main body member
and a
removable member, the removable member removably securable to the main body
member, the plurality of coil springs embedded in the removable member.
[0008] In some embodiments, the removable member is a socket
insert and the
main body member has a socket cavity shaped to receive the socket insert and
to hold
the socket insert when the socket insert is secured to the main body member.
[0009] In some embodiments, each coil spring is an extension
spring.
[0010] In some embodiments, the socket insert is removably coupled
in the socket
insert via a spring lock.
[0011] In some embodiments, the handle is an elongated handle.
[0012] In some embodiments, the handle has a handle axis and the
head defines
an operational plane, the handle axis forming an oblique angle with the
operational plane.
[0013] In some embodiments, the springs are overmolded by the
head.
[0014] In some embodiments, the head has a grill facing surface
and the grill facing
surface is convexly curved.
[0015] In some embodiments, each coil spring of the plurality of
coil springs has
an axis of extension, the plurality of axis of extension being mutually
parallel.
[0016] In a first aspect, some embodiments of the invention
provide a grill cleaner,
comprising a cleaner head; a spring mount secured to the cleaner head by a
press fit,
the spring mount holding a plurality of coil springs, each spring of the
plurality of coil
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springs having a proximate end secured to the spring mount and a distal
application end
projecting from the head, the distal applications ends shaped for coordinated
application
to a surface.
[0017] In some embodiments, the grill cleaner further comprises a handle
coupled
to and extending from the head, the handle oriented for use in driving the
head in a grill
cleaning operation.
[0018] In some embodiments, the spring mount includes a retaining plate
having a
head face and an opposite grill face and a plurality of apertures therethrough
from the
head face to the grill face, each spring of the plurality of springs passing
through one of
the plurality of apertures with the proximate end retained adjacent the head
face and the
distal end extending from the grill face.
[0019] In some embodiments, each spring of the plurality of springs has a
proximate end diameter and a main body diameter, the proximate end diameter
larger
than the main body diameter.
[0020] In some embodiments, the spring mount includes a back plate
secured to
the retaining plate, the proximate ends of the plurality of springs held
between the back
plate and the retaining plate.
[0021] In some embodiments, the back plate includes a plurality of
bosses, the
plurality of bosses including one boss for each coil spring of the plurality
of coil springs
and each of the plurality of bosses positioned on the back plate to be
inserted into a coil
spring when the proximate ends of the plurality of springs are held between
the back plate
and the retaining plate.
[0022] In some embodiments, each coil spring of the plurality of coil
springs has
an axis of extension, the plurality of axis of extension being mutually
parallel.
[0023] In some embodiments, the spring mount includes at least two press-
fit legs
each press fit into the head, the at least two press-fit legs supporting a
retaining plate,
each spring of the plurality of coil springs having a proximate end secured to
the retaining
plate.
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[0024] In some embodiments, the legs are each oriented generally
vertically and
the retaining plate is oriented generally horizontally.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0025] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of
systems, methods, and apparatus of the present specification. In the drawings:
[0026] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of a grill cleaner,
according to an
embodiment;
[0027] Figure 2 is an expanded bottom perspective view of a portion of
the grill
cleaner of Figure 1;
[0028] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the grill cleaner of Figure 1;
[0029] Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the grill cleaner of Figure
1, taken along
the line 4-4 of Figure 3;
[0030] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a spring mount, according to
an
embodiment;
[0031] Figure 6 is a right side elevation view of the spring mount of
Figure 5;
[0032] Figure 7 is an exploded top perspective view of the spring mount
of Figure
5;
[0033] Figure 8 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the
spring mount of
Figure 5, with the back plate removed;
[0034] Figure 9 is an expanded top perspective view of a portion of the
spring
mount of Figure 5;
[0035] Figure 10 is a top plan view of the spring mount of Figure 5, with
the back
plate removed;
[0036] Figure 11 is a front end view of the spring mount of Figure 5;
[0037] Figure 12 is an exploded top perspective view of a spring mount,
according
to an embodiment;
[0038] Figure 13 is a top perspective view of the spring mount of Figure
12;
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[0039] Figure 14 is a front end elevation view of the spring mount
of Figure 12; and
[0040] Figure 15 is a right side elevation exploded view of the
spring mount of
Figure 12.
Detailed Description
[0041] Various apparatus or processes will be described below to
provide an
example of each claimed embodiment. No embodiment described below limits any
claimed embodiment and any claimed embodiment may cover processes or
apparatuses
that differ from those described below. The claimed embodiments are not
limited to
apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or
process
described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses
described
below.
[0042] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary grill cleaner 100
includes a head 102
and a plurality of coil springs 106. In the illustrated example, each coil
spring 106 is an
extension or tension spring. Each coil spring 106 has a proximate end 108
embedded in
the head 102 and a distal application end 110 projecting from the head 102 and
provided
for application to a grill surface in a grill cleaning operation. Although in
other
embodiments, grill cleaner 100 may be used to clean other surfaces.
[0043] In the illustrated example each spring 106 is a metal spring
embedded in a
plastic head 102 by being overmolded by the head 102. However, in other
embodiments
one or more of springs 106 and head 102 may be made of alternate materials,
such as
materials that are strong enough for a grill cleaning operation. For example,
head 102
may be made of, or incorporate, metal.
[0044] Grill cleaner 100 includes a handle 114 secured to head 102.
In the
illustrated example, handle 114 is an elongated handle coupled to and
extending from the
head 102. For example, handle 114 may be welded to head 102 or secured by
fasteners.
The handle 114 is oriented for use in driving the head in a grill cleaning
operation. Handle
114 is illustrated as a solid molded plastic handle, although in some
embodiments handle
114 may be made of a bent metal shaft. For example, handle 114 may be formed
of a
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brushed aluminum shaft having a proximate end press-fit into head 102 and a
distal end
having a plastic hand grip formed thereon.
[0045] In the illustrated example, grill cleaner 100 has a
longitudinal axis 111, a
transverse axis 113, and a vertical axis 115. The longitudinal axis 111 and
the transverse
axis 113 define an operational plane of the head 102. In the illustrated
example, handle
114 has a handle axis of extension 116 rising vertically from the operational
plane and
forming an oblique angle with the operational plane.
[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the head 102 of exemplary grill
cleaner 100 includes
a main body member 118 and a removable member 120. The removable member 120 is
removably securable to the main body member 118, and the plurality of coil
springs 106
are embedded in the removable member 120.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the removable member 120 is
a socket insert
and the main body member 118 has a socket cavity 122 shaped to receive the
socket
insert 120. The main body member 118 is shaped to hold the socket insert 120
when the
socket insert 120 is secured to the main body member 118.
[0048] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in the illustrated example
the main body 118
and the socket insert 120 include a spring lock structure 128. Spring lock
structure 128
includes a pair of rigid forward projections (not shown) on socket insert 120,
each
corresponding to a forward recess (not shown) in the wall of socket cavity
122. Spring
lock structure 128 also includes a moveable rear clip 130 on socket insert
120, the
moveable rear clip 130 corresponding to a rear recess (not shown) in the wall
of socket
cavity 122. Rear clip 130 is moveable between a retracted position and an
extended
position. In the retracted position, the rear clip is freed from the rear
recess so that the
socket insert 120 may be removed from socket cavity 122. In the extended
position, the
rear clip 130 is received in the rear recess to cooperate with the forward
projections
received in the forward recesses to hold the socket insert 120 in the socket
cavity 122.
The rear clip 130 is biased by a spring toward the extended position and may
be moved
to a retracted position to allow the socket insert 120 to be removed from the
socket cavity
122.
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[0049] Referring again to Figure 2, in the illustrated example,
the plurality of springs
106 are arranged in a rectangular array of eight rows and six columns.
However, in other
embodiments the plurality of springs may be arranged in alternate arrays,
including arrays
in which the springs are not arranged in rows and/or columns.
[0050] Distal ends 110 are shaped for coordinated application to a
surface. In the
illustrated example, each spring has generally the same length extending from
the grill
facing surface and is overmolded by the socket insert 120. The grill facing
surface 132 of
socket insert 120 of head 102 is a convexly curved surface bowed downward
along the
longitudinal axis. The distal application ends 110 of springs 106
correspondingly lie in a
convexly curved plane (see for example Figure 4). However, in other
embodiments the
grill facing surface 132 may have an alternative surface, such as being
concave, flat, or
undulating. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments the springs
may have
unequal lengths extending from the grill face, such as if the springs 106 are
of unequal
total lengths and/or the springs 106 are of equal total lengths but have
unequally sized
portions embedded in head 102. In some embodiments, having springs of unequal
lengths extending from the head 102 may allow for coordinated application to a
surface,
such as if the surface is ridged or otherwise non-planar.
[0051] In the illustrated example, each coil spring of the
plurality of coil springs has
an axis of extension 138, and the plurality of axis of extension are mutually
parallel.
However, in other embodiments, the axis of extension 138 may not be mutually
parallel.
For example, coordinated application of distal ends 110 to a non-planar
surface may be
made easier if the axis of extension 138 are not mutually parallel.
[0052] Referring to Figure 5, another example of a grill cleaner
200 is illustrated.
The grill cleaner 200 is similar in many respects to grill cleaner 100, and
like features are
identified by like reference characters, incremented by 100.
[0053] Grill cleaner 200 includes a cleaner head (not shown) and a
spring mount
240. Spring mount 240 is secured to the cleaner head by a press fit. In the
illustrated
example, spring mount 240 includes a two press-fit legs 242, 244, each leg
242, 244
provided to be press fit into the head. However, in other embodiments other
press-fit
members may be used.
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[0054] As illustrated, the two press-fit legs 242, 244 support a
retaining plate 246
for retaining proximate ends of the plurality of springs. However, in other
embodiments
the springs may be secured to the spring mount in other ways, such as by being
embedded in a metal or plastic spring mount body.
[0055] In the illustrated example, grill cleaner 200 has a longitudinal
axis 211, a
transverse axis 213, and a vertical axis 215. The longitudinal axis 211 and
the transverse
axis 213 define an operational plane of the head. In the illustrated example,
each leg
242, 244 is oriented generally vertically, relative the operational plane, and
is generally
planar in shape. The retaining plate 246 is oriented generally horizontally
and is also
generally planar in shape. While illustrated oriented generally vertically or
horizontally, in
other embodiments one or more of press-fit members or retaining members may be
otherwise angled, including being curved.
[0056] In the illustrated example the retaining plate 246 and the press-
fit legs 242,
244 are integrally formed of a single plate. Although, in other embodiments,
they may be
joined together, such as by welding if the components are made of or
incorporate metal
or plastic.
[0057] Referring to Figure 6, spring mount 240 holds a plurality of coil
springs 206.
Coil springs 206 may be metal. Each spring 206 includes a proximate end 208
secured
to the spring mount 240 and a distal application end 210 projecting from the
head and
provided for application to a grill surface in a grill cleaning operation.
[0058] In the illustrated example, the grill cleaner 210 includes a
handle (not
shown) coupled to and extending from the head. The handle is oriented for use
in driving
the head in a grill cleaning operation.
[0059] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, in the illustrated example, the
retaining plate
246 has a grill face 232 and a opposite head face 234 and a plurality of
apertures 250
therethrough from the head face 234 to the grill face 232. Each spring 106 is
passed
through one aperture 250 with the proximate end 208 retained by retaining
plate 246
adjacent the head face 234 and the distal end 210 extending from the grill
face 232. In
the illustrated example, each spring 206 is retained because the proximate end
208 has
a proximate end diameter 254 which is greater than the main body diameter 256.
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However, in other embodiments each spring 206 may be otherwise retained, such
as by
a clip or other fastener.
[0060] In the illustrated example, the spring mount 240 includes a back
plate 260
secured to the retaining plate 246. When spring mount 240 is assembled, the
proximate
ends 208 of the springs 206 are held between the back plate and the retaining
plate 246.
[0061] Each aperture 250 includes notches 248. Notches 248 serve to extend
an
aperture diameter 252 to an extended aperture diameter 253. In the illustrated
example,
the main body diameter 256 of the main body portion 258 and distal application
end 210
of each spring 206 is larger in size than the aperture diameter 252 but
smaller than the
extended aperture diameter 253. Notches 248 are provided to receive a wire of
a coil of
spring 206 so that spring 206 can fit through aperture 250. Noteches 248 allow
aperture
250 to more firmly hold spring 206 as spring 206 is captured by aperture 250.
However,
the proximate end diameter 254 is larger than the extended aperture diameter
253,
preventing the proximate end 208 from passing through the aperture 250.
[0062] In other embodiments, however, notches 248 may not be provided. For
example, in some embodiments spring main body diameter 256 may be smaller than
aperture diameter 252 so that spring 206 may be passed through aperture 250.
In some
embodiments spring 206 may
[0063] Back plate 260 is held adjacent retaining plate 246. In the
illustrated
example, back plate 260 is held adjacent retaining plate 256 by fasteners 262.
In the
illustrated embodiment, fasteners 262 are clips anchored to retaining plate
246 and
releasably securable to back plate 260. However, in other embodiments the back
plate
260 may be held by other fasteners, such as threaded fasteners, adhesives, or
magnets,
and fasteners 262 may be releasably secured, directly or indirectly, to either
or both of
the back plate 260 and the retaining plate 246.
[0064] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, springs 206 are positioned in nine
rows
extending longitudinally and seven rows extending transversely. Alternate rows
are
staggered. Springs 206 are arranged with a small clearance between adjacent
longitudinal rows and a larger clearance between adjacent transverse rows. In
the
illustrated example, each coil spring 206 has an axis of extension 238, and
the plurality
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of axis of extension 238 are mutually parallel. However, other arrangements of
springs
may be used in other embodiments for coordinated application of distal ends
210 to a
surface.
[0065] Referring to Figures 12 to 14, another example of a spring mount
340 is
illustrated. The spring mount 340 is similar in many respects to spring mount
240, and
like features are identified by like reference characters, incremented by 100.
[0066] Spring mount 340 includes a retaining plate 346 and a back plate
360. Back
plate 360 includes a plurality of bosses 364. The plurality of bosses 364
includes one
boss for each coil spring 306. Each boss 364 is positioned on the back plate
360 to be
inserted into a coil spring 306 when the proximate end 308 of the coil spring
306 is held
between the back plate 360 and the retaining plate 346. The plurality of
bosses 364 each
extend from a grill facing surface 366 of back plate 360, and the plurality of
bosses and
the plurality of apertures 350 have a common pattern so that the bosses align
with coil
springs 306 received in apertures 350.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, bosses 364 are cylindrical in
shape. A
proximate end 368 of each boss 364 is secured to back plate 360 while a distal
end 370
extends from back plate 360 to be inserted into a spring 306 within the coil
of the spring
306.
[0068] Referring to Figure 14 and 15, teeth 372 are formed on distal end
370. Teeth
372 allow back plate 360 to be held to retaining plate 346 as teeth 372 engage
grill face
332 from within spring 306. In some embodiments, teeth 372 also assist in
securely
holding springs 306 in position and aligned vertically. In some embodiments,
teeth 372
may act through spring 306 and indirectly engage grill face 332 by pushing one
or more
coils of spring 306 outward, while in other embodiments teeth 372 may project
between
coils of spring 306 or otherwise act past spring 306.
[0069] In the illustrated example, each boss 364 has two teeth 372 formed
on distal
end 370. However, in other embodiments a boss may have other teeth
arrangements,
such as a single tooth or a flange around the entire distal end 370.
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[0070] In some embodiments, bosses 364 are solid plastic cylinders.
In other
embodiments, bosses 364 may be hollow, such as to ease manufacturing or use of
the
spring mount or to save material. In some embodiments, bosses 364 and/or back
plate
360 may be made of metal rather than the plastic of the illustrated
embodiment. For
example, if retaining plate 346 is made of stainless steel, in some
embodiments back
plate 360 may also be made of stainless steel for aesthetic or durability
reasons.
[0071] The present invention has been described here by way of
example only.
Various modification and variations may be made to these exemplary embodiments
without departing from the scope of the invention, which is limited only by
the appended
claims.
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