Tool for removing compacted particle residue from a cylindrical container

Abstract

A tool for removing particle residue from a cylindrical container includes a handle, configured to be grasped in the hand of a user to position the tool and to rotate the tool around an axis of rotation aligned substantially parallel to the handle, and at least one blade section extending from the handle at an angle to the axis of rotation. A user manipulates the handle in use to cause the tool to rotate about the axis of rotation so that the leading edge of the blade section moves into and through compacted particle residue within the cylindrical container.

Claims

1. A tool for removing compacted particle residue from a cylindrical container, comprising: handle configured to be grasped in the hand of a user to position the tool and to rotate the tool around an axis of rotation aligned substantially parallel to the handle; and at least one blade section extending from the handle at an angle to the axis of rotation, the at least one blade section having body section defining a leading edge and a trailing edge and being shaped so that the leading and trailing edges meet, wherein a wall extending along at least part of the trailing edge of the at least one blade section gradually decreases in height along a length thereof, wherein a user manipulating the handle in use causes the tool to rotate about the axis of rotation so that the leading edge of the at least one blade section moves into and through compacted particle residue within the cylindrical container.

2. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body section of the at least one blade section is broad.

3. A tool as claimed in claim 2 wherein the body section is substantially planar.

4. A tool as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least one blade section extends both substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation and with at least the leading edge angled inwards.

5. A tool as claimed in claim 4 wherein the at least one blade section is sized and configured so that the majority of the trailing edge substantially conforms with a curvature of the inner surface of the cylindrical container.

6. A tool as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least one blade section comprises a pair of blade sections on opposed sides of the handle.

7. A tool as claimed in claim 6 wherein the handle and the at least one blade section are configured so that the axis of rotation is substantially aligned with a central axis of the cylindrical container.

8. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one blade section extends both substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation and with at least the leading edge angled inwards.

9. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one blade section is sized and configured so that at least a portion of the trailing edge substantially conforms with a curvature of the inner surface of the cylindrical container.

10. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one blade section is sized and configured so that the majority of the trailing edge substantially conforms with a curvature of the inner surface of the cylindrical container.

11. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle and the at least one blade section are configured so that the axis of rotation is substantially aligned with a central axis of the cylindrical container.

12. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one blade section comprises a pair of blade on sections on opposed sides of the handle.

13. A tool as claimed in claim 12 wherein the handle and the pair of blade sections are configured so that the axis of rotation is substantially aligned with a central axis of the cylindrical container.

14. A tool as claimed in claim 12 wherein the wall of each blade section decreases in height from where the trailing edge meets the shaft so as to merge with a plane of the body section substantially where the trailing edge meets the leading edge.

15. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle comprises an elongate shaft.

16. A tool as claimed in claim 15 wherein the shaft comprises a thicker outer end configured to be grasped by a user.

17. A tool as claimed in claim 16 wherein the outer end is has a surface configured as a non-slip surface.

18. A tool as claimed in claim 15 wherein the shaft further comprises a hook aperture at or close to the outer end.

19. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the wall of the at least one blade section decreases in height from where the trailing edge meets the shaft so as to merge with a plane of the body section substantially where the trailing edge meets the leading edge.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of an embodiment of the tool of the present invention, the tool having an elongate handle that forms an axis of rotation, and a pair of curved teardrop-shaped blade sections at the inner end, each shaped and angled so that rotation of the tool around the axis of the handle will cause the leading edges of the blade sections to move into and through the compacted particle residue, loosening this so that it can be removed, a wall extending rearwardly from the trailing edge of each of the blade sections to assist with retaining particle residue on the blade.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a view from the side of the tool of FIG. 1, showing detail of the blade sections and their alignment in relation to the handle.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a view from the side of the tool of FIGS. 1 and 2, rotated through 90 degrees.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a top view of the toot of FIGS. 1 to 3, looking towards the blade sections from the outer end of the handle.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the tool of FIGS. 1 to 4, looking upwards from the underside of the blade sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) An embodiment of the tool of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

(8) The tool 1 has two main parts: a handle 2, and a pair of blade sections 3. The handle 2 comprises an elongate shaft that forms a central axis of rotation for the tool 1. The outer end of the handle 2 (furthest away from the blade sections 3) is thicker than the inner end, and is shaped to fit comfortably within the palm of a user's hand, so that they can manipulate, position and rotate the tool 1. The thicker portion is curved in profile and tapers at each end, to blend with the inner part of the handle at the inner end and to come to a point at the outer end. In this embodiment, the surface of the handle at the outer end is configured as a non-slip surface, for example by configuring this as a matte surface. Alternatively, the handle could have small protrusions or bumps moulded into/onto the surface to assist with grip. An aperture 5 passes through the outer end, which allows the tool 1 to be hung on a hook for storage or similar when not in use.

(9) Each of the pair of blade sections 3 is substantially identical to the other. Each comprises a substantially planar or flat broad body section 6 that extends from the shaft of the handle 2 at the inner end, substantially perpendicularly to the shaft. Each blade section has a leading edge 4. When viewed from the side with the axis of the handle horizontal, the planes of the blade sections 3 appear tilted at a small angle slightly forwards and rearwards, as can be seen in FIG. 2. The blade sections 3 are angled so that the leading edges 4 are angled inwards—that is, with the leading edge forwards or towards the inner end, furthest away from the handle.

(10) As shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5, each blade section 3 appears as a curved teardrop shape in plan view, or when viewed along the axis of the handle 2. The leading and trailing edges 4, 7 of the blade sections 3 meet at a point (the point of the teardrop) at the outermost extent of the blade sections, furthest from the axis of rotation. The blade sections 3 are sized and shaped so that the trailing edge 7 will fit against and conform to the curvature of the inner surface of the cylindrical container, along the majority of the length of the trailing edge 7.

(11) A wall 8 extends along the length of the trailing edge 7, the wall extending outwards or towards the handle front the blade section, the wall 8 planar and with the plane of the wall 8 substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The wall 8 is shaped to gradually decrease in height along the length of the trailing edge 7, decreasing in height from where the trailing edge meets the shaft, so as to merge with the plane of the blade section 3 substantially where the trailing edge 7 meets the leading edge 4.

(12) The tool 1, and in particular the blade sections 3, are sized so that they can be used with standard sizes of container or cafetière. In this embodiment, the tool 1 is intended for use with standard sizes of cafetière. These come in standard sizes, and the tool 1 is sized to fit these as follows:

(13) 4 cup (small sized cafetière). Blade diameter 54 mm, handle height overall 29.5 mm.

(14) 8 cup (Espresso cups—the middle sized most popular version). Blade diameter 84 mm, handle height overall 29.5 mm.

(15) 12 cup (large sized cafetière). Blade diameter 96 mm, handle height overall 29.5 mm.

(16) In use, a user pushes the tool 1 blades first into the cafetière, having emptied out all of the surplus liquid contents first. The axis of rotation of the tool 1 is substantially aligned with the central axis of the cylindrical container (the cafetière). A user then rotates the tool so that the leading edges lead with the blade sections 3 trailing the leading edges 4. The leading edges 4 move into and through the compacted particle residue within the cylindrical container, loosening this. A user cart then pull the handle outwards out of the cafetière to pull the grounds out and dispose of these. The wall 8 helps to retain the grounds on the blade sections 3 so that these don't drop off and cause a mess. As can be seen, the tool 1 will need to be rotated through roughly 180 degrees to fully clear a cafetière or similar in one turn

(17) The tool 1 in this embodiment is formed as a one piece item from a non-toxic thermoplastic polymer, or a similar non-toxic material that can be easily formed to the shape required, which can be easily cleaned post-use, and which is sufficient to endure hot water temperatures in use or when washed in a dishwasher.