WO2018147843A1

WO2018147843A1 - Reinforced hand scoop

Info

Publication number: WO2018147843A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/016982
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Albert EBELT; Robert William VIS; Janice M.k. JAFERIAN
Original assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Llc
Priority date: 2017-02-08
Filing date: 2017-02-08
Publication date: 2018-08-16

Abstract

An apparatus for picking up material, i.e., a scooping device for scooping materials such as ice, is disclosed that has a scoop section with a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge. The scoop has a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and has an open front end and extending rearward therefrom. The bottom of the scoop section has at least one rib angled rearwardly from the leading edge, which may be reinforced, and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls. The scoop has a handle connected to and extending rearward from the back of the scoop section. The scoop is designed to efficiently transfer the scooped material to minimize spillage and maximize the volume of material conveyed per scoop, and to prevent breaking or cracking of the scoop during usage.

Description

REINFORCED HAND SCOOP

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to devices for moving materials and more particularly to hand scoops for picking up and transferring ice or the like. Generally, this disclosure relates to a reinforced hand scoop that is useful for the removal and transport of particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid materials. Particularly, this disclosure relates to a reinforced ice scoop for removal of ice from an ice storage container and transport of the ice in the ice scoop.

2. Discussion of the Background Art

[0002] Scoops are widely used to transfer materials from one container to another. Typically, a scoop is used to transfer food, ice or other free flowing materials from a larger vessel to a smaller vessel, e.g., from a main storage bin, bag or receptacle to a bucket, bag or dispenser. However, most scoops used in this process inefficiently transfer the scooped material resulting in spillage, and don't maximize the volume of material conveyed per scoop.

[0003] Known scoops often have a scoop section that is fixedly connected to a handle. One problem with such scoops is that the scoop sections are relatively shallow. Thus, these scoops do not readily contain large amounts of scooped material and can allow some material to spill. This can result in wasted ice or other product as well as ice or product particles falling on the floor creating a safety hazard.

[0004] Users of ice scoops have also been observed breaking up larger chunks of ice using the front edge of the scoop. Some scoops are not sturdy enough to withstand such usage and can dent, chip, or break when used to break up ice chunks. Potentially, this damage to the scoop can result in plastic chips and fragments being left behind in the ice.

[0005] U.S. Publication No. 2009/0140536 (Claypool et al.) discloses an ice scoop having a scoop section with a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge. The ice scoop has a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom. The ice scoop has a handle connected to and extending upwardly and rearwardly from the back. The ice scoop cavity has an extended cavity section disposed under the handle that is a contiguous part of the cavity. The handle is spaced above the extended cavity section. There is no teaching or disclosure of a scoop with at least one reinforcing, strengthening rib in its cavity, nor a handle that is textured, nor a scoop that is partially covered.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 5,716,087 (Backich et al.) discloses a scoop assembly that includes a scoop subassembly and scoop support subassembly. The scoop assembly is detachably connectable to the scoop support subassembly. The scoop support subassembly includes a saddle member for contacting the ventral side of a user's forearm and structure for releasably securing the scoop support subassembly to the user's forearm. The scoop support subassembly further includes a rear portion to which the saddle member is attached and a fore portion attached to a handle of the scoop subassembly. There is no teaching or disclosure of a scoop with at least one reinforcing, strengthening rib in its cavity, nor a handle that is textured, nor a scoop that is partially covered.

[0007] As can be seen, the current scoops suffer from certain drawbacks and limitations.

Accordingly, a need exists for scoops that are designed to efficiently transfer the scooped material to minimize spillage and maximize the volume of material conveyed per scoop, to prevent breaking or cracking of the scoop during usage, and solve other problems associated with the existing designs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] This disclosure relates in part to an apparatus for picking up material. The apparatus comprises a scooping device having a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge; a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; and a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly from the back, in which the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another. The bottom of the scoop section has at least one rib angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

[0009] In an embodiment, the apparatus can have one or more of the following: an elongated protuberance extending rearward from the back under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield or barrier; a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and having a front edge; the bottom and/or side walls and/or partial cover include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof; the scoop section has at least two ribs angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls; and the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

[0010] This disclosure also relates in part to an apparatus having a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge; a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; and a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly from the back, in which the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly attached to one another. The bottom of the scoop section has at least one rib angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

[0011] In an embodiment, the apparatus can have one or more of the following: an elongated protuberance extending rearward from the back under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield or barrier; a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and having a front edge; the bottom and/or side walls and/or partial cover include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof; the scoop section has at least two ribs angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls; and the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

[0012] This disclosure further relates in part to an apparatus having a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge; a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly from the back, in which the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly attached to one another; and an elongated protuberance extending rearward from the back under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield or barrier. The bottom of the scoop section has at least one rib angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

[0013] In an embodiment, the apparatus can have one or more of the following: a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and having a front edge; the bottom and/or side walls and/or partial cover include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof; the scoop section has at least two ribs angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls; and the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

[0014] This disclosure yet further relates in part to an apparatus having a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge; a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; and a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly from the back, in which the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly attached to one another. The bottom of the scoop section has at least one rib angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls. Also, the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

[0015] In an embodiment, the apparatus can have one or more of the following: an elongated protuberance extending rearward from the back under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield or barrier; a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and having a front edge; the bottom and/or side walls and/or partial cover include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof; and the scoop section has at least two ribs angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

[0016] This disclosure also relates in part to an apparatus having a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge; a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly from the back, in which the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly attached to one another; and a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and having a front edge. The bottom of the scoop section has at least one rib angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

[0017] In an embodiment, the apparatus can have one or more of the following: an elongated protuberance extending rearward from the back under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield or barrier; the bottom and/or side walls and/or partial cover include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof; the scoop section has at least two ribs angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls; and the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

[0018] The above-described and other features and advantages of this disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib in accordance with this disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a front elevational view of the scoop of Fig. 1.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a B-B cross sectional view of the scoop of Fig. 2.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with two ribs and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 6 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a reinforced leading edge, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 7 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with two ribs, a reinforced leading edge, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 8 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, perforations on the bottom and side walls, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure. [0027] Fig. 9 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with two ribs, perforations on the bottom and side walls, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 10 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a reinforced leading edge, perforations on the bottom and side walls, and an elongated

protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 11 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with two ribs, a reinforced leading edge, perforations on the bottom and side walls, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 12 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a partial cover having a concaved front edge, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 13 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with two ribs, a partial cover having a concaved front edge, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 14 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a reinforced leading edge, a partial cover having a concaved front edge, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 15 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with two ribs, a reinforced leading edge, a partial cover having a concaved front edge, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 16 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a partial cover having a concaved front edge, perforations on the bottom and side walls and partial cover, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure. [0035] Fig. 17 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with two ribs, a partial cover having a concaved front edge, perforations on the bottom and side walls and partial cover, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 18 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a reinforced leading edge, a partial cover having a concaved front edge, perforations on the bottom and side walls and partial cover, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 19 shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with two ribs, a reinforced leading edge, a cover having a concaved front edge, perforations on the bottom and side walls and cover, and an elongated protuberance in accordance with this disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 20(a) shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib and a reinforced leading edge in accordance with this disclosure. Fig. 20(b) shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a reinforced leading edge, and perforations on the bottom and side walls in accordance with this disclosure. Fig. 20(c) shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a reinforced leading edge, and a partial cover having a concaved front edge in accordance with this disclosure. Fig. 20(d) shows a top perspective view of an example of a scoop with a single rib, a reinforced leading edge, a partial cover having a concaved front edge, and perforations on the bottom and side walls and partial cover in accordance with this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] This disclosure relates in general to a hand held and operated apparatus for picking up material and, more particularly, to a scoop for the removal and transport of particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid materials (e.g., ice, pet foods, hardware items such as screws, nails, washers, and the like, agricultural materials such as seeds, grains, coffee beans, and the like).

[0040] With prior art scoops, a scoop user typically experiences inefficient transfer of the scooped material resulting in spillage, and therefore the volume of material conveyed per scoop is not maximized.

[0041] The scoops of this disclosure enable a user to efficiently transfer the scooped material to minimize spillage and maximize the volume of material conveyed per scoop, to prevent breaking or cracking of the scoop during usage, and solve other problems associated with the existing designs.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 1-20, in one embodiment, this disclosure is for an improved scoop 100. The disclosed scoop 100 has a scoop section 110 and an attached handle 120 joined to a back 150 of the scoop section 110. The handle 120 and the scoop section 110 are integrally formed with one another, e.g., from any suitable material such as wood, metal, plastic (e.g.,

polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene), composite or antimicrobial material, or separately formed and fixedly or adjustably attached to one another. The scoop section 110 can incorporate a thicker walled front leading edge 250, i.e., thicker than bottom 220 and sides 200 and 210. This more durable front leading edge 250 is less likely to chip and break upon blunt contact with the ice or other product to be scooped. The scoop section has a bottom 220, sides 200 and 210, and a back 150 that are arranged to form a cavity 130. The handle 120 is attached to the scoop section 110 at the back 150.

[0043] The bottom 220 of the scoop section 110 can have a curved profile that is gradually convexly curved upward. Preferably, the bottom curvature is greater near the back 150 than near the leading edge 230. The combination of the handle 120 orientation and shape, the reinforced leading edge 230, and the curved bottom renders it easier for a user to perform a scooping motion without worrying about contaminating the material to be scooped and while being able to scoop large and/or heavy volumes of the material.

[0044] The front scoop section 110 permits reinforced scooping and more efficient and precise product transfer. The leading edge 230 preferably is reinforced (i.e., reinforced leading edge 250) so that the scoop can withstand usage that can break, chip or crack the scoop. The back section 150 of the scoop provides a surface against which scooped material can be held. At least one rib 240 is provided on the bottom 220 of the scoop section 110. The at least one rib 240 extends laterally across at least a portion of the bottom 220 of the scoop section 110, and is angled rearwardly from the leading edge 230 toward the back section 150 to improve material retention as well as enhancing the strength of the scoop itself. The handle 120 is preferably attached to the back section at a position that permits a user to hold material during the transfer process without spillage. The point of attachment of the handle to the back section 150 is preferably above the bottom of the scoop 100, when the scoop section 110 is filled with material. This placement, together with the structural features of the handle 120, improves material handling generally and specifically improves the ability of a user to scoop and hold a large amount of material.

[0045] The scoop 100 of this disclosure has a scoop section 110 or scoop body and a handle 120 joined to a back of the scoop section 110. The scoop section 110 has an open top, or a partially covered top 500, and an open mouth opposite the back 150. Referring to Figs. 12-19, 20(c) and 20(d), the cover 500 may be solid, protecting the user from coming in direct contact with the scooped materials and also providing additional protection from overflow or spillage of the scooped materials. Alternatively, the cover 500 may contain openings or perforations 260 to both protect from user contact with the scooped materials while also providing for aeration or drainage. The scoop section 110 includes a bottom 220 with two opposed side walls 200 and 210 extending upward from the bottom 220. The back 150 extends upward from the bottom 220 and is joined to the side walls 200 and 210. The upstanding side walls 200 and 210 increase in height moving from the open mouth at the leading edge 230 toward the back 150.

[0046] In another embodiment, the partial cover is gradually downwardly (e.g., convexly) joining with each of the side walls and back, and is inclined from the back to the front edge of the partial cover. The front edge of the partial cover can be a concave front edge, a convex front edge, a straight edge, or any variations therebetween.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 1-20, the bottom 220 of the scoop section 110 can have an upwardly curving profile from the leading edge 230 to the back 150. This creates a smooth contour to the body of the scoop 100. The back 150 and the bottom 220 can also be gradually curved. All surface transitions on the scoop section 110 are gradually curved giving the entire scoop section 110 a rounded contour with no sharp or acutely angled edges or corners.

[0048] The two side walls 200 and 210 can be slightly diverging toward the leading edge 230. The bottom 220 can be wider near the leading edge 230 than near the back 150. The bottom 220 has one or more ribs 240 (e.g., one or two or more ribs 240) on the inside surface, near the leading edge 230, that extend crosswise between the side walls 200 and 210. The underside surface of the bottom 220 can optionally have one or more ridges or grooves (not shown) that extend lengthwise. The side walls 200 and 210 and back 150 can also have such surface features.

[0049] Referring to Figs. 1-20, a perimeter edge is formed on the scoop section 110 by the front or leading edge 230 of the bottom 220, front and top edges 300 and 310 of the side walls 200 and 210, and an upper edge 290 of the back 150. The bottom 220, the side walls 200 and 210, and the back 150 form a cavity 130 therein. The perimeter edge defines the cavity 130 boundaries. The shape and configuration of the scoop section 110 and cavity 130 can vary.

[0050] The leading edge 230 of the bottom 220 can include a reinforced region 250. The reinforced region 250 is an area along and adjacent the leading edge 230 of the bottom 220, upwards along the front and top edges 300 and 310 of the side walls 200 and 210. The reinforced region 250 has a greater wall thickness than that of the adjacent portions of the bottom 220 and the side walls 200 and 210. The parameters of the reinforced region 250 can vary.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 1-20, the handle 120 is joined to the back 150 near the middle of the back 150. The handle 120 has an elongate shaft with a proximal end that is joined to part of the back 150. The diameter or cross-section volume of the handle 120 can be tapered becoming larger from the proximal end toward the distal free end. The handle 120 can have a cross-section that is somewhat oval or ovoid. The handle 120 can be hollow or solid. The handle 120 preferably has a large grip area to keep the hand grip comfortable without excessive grip pressure. The handle 120 may be textured or ridged to improve gripping, thereby avoiding losing grip of the handle. The handle 120 may have a cap 140 covering the distal end. The handle 120 can have a slot or hole through the cap 140 covering the distal end. [0052] The scooping device 100 has a vertical axis B-B (see Figs 2 and 3) extending perpendicularly through the leading edge 230, the at least one rib 240, and a portion of the scoop section 110 and cavity 130. The at least one rib 240 projects rearwardly from the leading edge 240 toward back 150.

[0053] The vertical axis B-B defines a rib angle of between about 30° to less than about 50°, preferably between about 32° to less than about 48°, and more preferably between about 34° to less than about 46°, with respect to the vertical axis B-B and the bottom 220. The angle with respect to the vertical axis B-B and the bottom 220 can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure.

[0054] The height of the at least one rib 240 can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure. For example, the height of the at least on rib 240, measured from the bottom 220, can be from about 2 centimeters to about 6 centimeters, preferably from about 2.5 centimeters to about 5.5 centimeters, and more preferably from about 3 centimeters to about 5 centimeters. The height of the at least one rib 240 can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure.

[0055] The length of the at least one rib 240 can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure. The at least one rib 240 extends crosswise in the cavity 130 between the two spaced apart side walls 200 and 210. For example, the length of the at least on rib 240 can be from about 8 centimeters to about 14 centimeters, preferably from about 9 centimeters to about 13 centimeters, and more preferably from about 10 centimeters to about 12 centimeters. The length of the at least one rib 240 can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure.

[0056] The location of the at least one rib 240 can vary and remain within the teachings of this disclosure. The at least one rib 240 is positioned rearward from the leading edge 230. The distance of the at least one rib 240 from the leading edge 230 can vary, for example, from about 1 centimeter to about 3 centimeters, preferably from about 1.25 centimeters to about 2.75 centimeters, and more preferably from about 1.5 centimeters to about 2.5 centimeters. The distance between multiple ribs 240 can vary, for example, from about 3 centimeters to about 6 centimeters, preferably from about 3.25 centimeters to about 5.75 centimeters, and more preferably from about 3.5 centimeters to about 5.5 centimeters.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the scoop of this disclosure may have an elongated protuberance 400. The elongated protuberance 400 functions to create a shield or guard that can protect the handle and the user's hand and knuckles from injury during use. The handle shield or guard inhibits the user's hand from contacting the ice or other material being scooped. In this way, the elongated protuberance 400 helps prevent contamination of the ice or other material in addition to providing added capacity.

[0058] The elongated protuberance 400 can function as a shield to prevent a user's hand from coming into contact with the ice or scooped product. The bottom 220 of the scoop section 110 can have a curved profile that is gradually convexly curved upward. Preferably, the bottom 220 curvature is greater near the back than near the leading edge 230. The combination of the handle 120 orientation and shape, the elongated protuberance 400, the reinforced leading edge 250, and the curved bottom 220 renders it easier for a user to perform a scooping motion without worrying about contaminating the material to be scooped and while being able to scoop large and/or heavy volumes of the material.

[0059] In an embodiment, the handle 120 can be adjustable to project rearwardly from the back 150 to define a handle angle that is desired by a user. Adjustable positions of the handle 120 are within the teachings of this disclosure.

[0060] In accordance with this disclosure, the handle 120 can be adjusted by various methods or means. One such method involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 120 joins the back 150 or on a portion of the handle 120 near where the handle 120 joins the back 150 that enables the handle to rotate into or nearly into the scoop 100. Another method involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 120 joins the back 150 or on a portion of the handle 120 near where the handle 120 joins the back 150 that enables the handle 120 to rotate downwardly towards the bottom 220 of the scoop 100. In another method, the handle 120 involves a hinge-like or ratchet-like mechanism at or near where the handle 120 joins the back 150 or on a portion of the handle 120 near the where the handle 120 joins the back 150 that enables the handle to rotate downwardly towards the bottom 220 of the scoop 100 to various degrees, the angle of which can be selected by the user, and such adjustment can be fixed at variously selected angles by the user. In yet another method, the handle 120 can be made in telescoping sections so that by depressing the handle 120, it telescopes within itself to shorten the handle 120 and by pulling on the handle 120, the handle 120 can by pulled to elongate. Other conventional methods may be used for adjustably attaching the handle 120 to the back 150 of the scoop 100.

[0061] Referring to Figs. 1-20, the bottom 220 has a rear portion near the back 150 that curves increasingly upward. The back 150 generally extends between and is joined to the side walls 200 and 210 along a curved profile.

[0062] Referring to Figs. 1 -20, the scoop 100 of this disclosure can optionally include one or more slits or perforations 260, or combinations thereof, on the bottom 220 and/or side walls 200 and 210. The slits and/or perforations 260 can be arranged in any suitable configuration for allowing drainage of liquids, gels, sand, bits of paper or plastic, or other matter from the scoop. The slits and/or perforations 260 can allow drainage when scooping solid materials from liquid materials. For example, when scooping ice, the slits and/or perforations 260 allow for selectively scooping ice while any melted ice (i.e., water) drains away through the slits and/or perforations 260.

[0063] Referring to Figs. 12-19, 20(c) and 20(d), the scoop cavity 110 and partial cover 500 may incorporate variations, such as a solid scoop cavity 110 and solid partial cover 500; a solid scoop cavity 110 and perforated partial cover 500; a perforated scoop cavity 110 and solid partial cover 500; or perforated scoop cavity 110 and perforated partial cover 500.

[0064] The scoop of this disclosure has several advantages. The scoop having at least one rib on the bottom of the scoop section can efficiently transfer scooped material (e.g., ice) to minimize spillage and maximize the volume of material conveyed per scoop. The smooth contours on the outer sides of the scoop section and the curved profile of the bottom can reduce the friction between the scoop and the ice, or other material being scooped, during the scooping action. The reinforced leading edge of the scoop helps to prevent breaking or cracking of the scoop during usage, for example, the reinforced leading edge inhibits damage to the scoop when used to break chunks of ice that have melted together while also inhibiting damage to the exposed scoop edge. This more durable leading edge is less likely to chip and contaminate the ice with plastic fragments. The elongated protuberance creates a shield or guard that protects the handle and the user's hand and knuckles from injury during use, and helps prevent contamination of the ice. The handle can be in either a fixed position or an adjustable position on the scoop. The scoop body may be solid or have slits or perforations.

[0065] As will be evident to one skilled in the art, the disclosed scoop may be formed of injection molded resin, cast metal, multiple injection molded parts, one unitary structure and/or of different or integral materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, or the like. While this disclosure is for an ice scoop, the disclosed scoop could be used for scooping any suitably sized substance or food product, or other particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid materials.

[0066] Though the scoop disclosed herein is particularly useful for scooping ice from a commercial ice machine, the scoop can be utilized for scooping virtually any product from its container and yet achieve the benefits associated with the disclosed one-handed scoop. For example, the scoop is generally useful for the removal and transport of particulate, granular, solid or semi-solid materials (e.g., ice, pet foods, hardware items such as screws, nails, washers, and the like, agricultural materials such as seeds, grains, coffee beans, and the like) from one container to another. The disclosed scoop provides a number of benefits and advantages over prior known devices.

[0067] The scoop, with or without its partial cover, and handle may be made of anti-microbial material to ensure its cleanliness while also protecting the cleanliness of the materials being scooped.

[0068] While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a scoop section having a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back disposed between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge;

a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom; and

a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly from the back, wherein the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly attached to one another;

wherein the bottom of the scoop section has at least one rib angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 which is a scooping device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an elongated protuberance extending rearward from the back under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield or barrier.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and having a front edge.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and inclined from the back to the front edge of the partial cover.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the front edge of the partial cover is a concave front edge, a convex front edge, a straight front edge, or any variation therebetween.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the bottom and/or side walls and/or partial cover include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the scoop section has at least two ribs angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle and the scoop section are integrally formed with one another from at least one material selected from the group consisting of wood, metal, plastic, composite or antimicrobial material.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bottom is gradually convexly curved upward in joining with each of the side walls and back.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle can be in a fixed position or adjustable position.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle is ridged or textured.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said scooping device has a vertical axis extending perpendicularly from the leading edge to the back of said scoop section, and wherein the at least one rib projects rearwardly to define a rib angle of between about 30° to less than about 50°, with respect to the vertical axis and the bottom of said scoop section.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one rib has a height, measured from the bottom, from about 2 centimeters to about 6 centimeters.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one rib extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls has a length from about 8 centimeters to about 14 centimeters.

17. An apparatus comprising:

wherein the bottom of the scoop section has at least one rib angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls; and wherein the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising an elongated protuberance extending rearward from the back under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield or barrier.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and having a front edge.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the bottom and/or side walls and/or partial cover include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof.

21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the scoop section has at least two ribs angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

22. An apparatus comprising:

a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom;

a handle having an elongated body connected to and extending rearwardly from the back, wherein the handle and back are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and fixedly attached to one another; and

a partial cover gradually downwardly joining with each of the side walls and back, and having a front edge;

23. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising an elongated protuberance extending rearward from the back under the handle sufficient to form a hand shield or barrier.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the bottom and/or side walls and/or partial cover include one or more slits or perforations, or combinations thereof.

25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the scoop section has at least two ribs angled rearwardly from the leading edge and extending crosswise in the cavity between the two spaced apart side walls.

26. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the leading edge of the scoop section is reinforced having a greater material thickness than adjacent parts of the bottom, and the reinforced leading edge continues upwardly along a front edge of each of the side walls, respectively.

27. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the scoop section, the elongated protuberance, the handle, and the partial scoop cover, are made of anti-microbial material.