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Title:
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO SCRAPERS AND SCARIFYING TOOLS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2007/129919
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
In a first embodiment, the invention is a scraping tool having a tool body which is adapted to support one or more rotatable cutters. Each cutter is not powered to rotate but is able to rotate freely about a first axis of rotation. Each rotatable cutter has one or more cutting edges or points arranged in a generally circular pattern in a first plane. The tool is configured such that the first plane can be presented at an acute angle to a surface to be scraped. In a second embodiment the invention is a rotary tool adapter, having the same features as the scraping tool, but with the added feature that it can be rotated about a second axis of rotation by a power tool. The rotary adapter further includes a pivot member which can help to control the application of the cutters onto a surface to be cut or scraped.

Inventors:
BROOKFIELD PETER ARTHUR MARSHA (NZ)
Application Number:
PCT/NZ2007/000104
Publication Date:
February 21, 2008
Filing Date:
May 08, 2007
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
BROOKFIELD P A M (NZ)
International Classes:
B60S1/04; A47L1/00; B60S3/06
Foreign References:
CA2028282A11992-04-24
US5839151A1998-11-24
US5781957A1998-07-21
CA2508639A12006-12-13
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ROBERTSON, Thomas George et al. (Level 129 Waterloo Roa, Lower Hutt 6009, NZ)
Download PDF:
Claims:

CLAIMS

1. A scraping tool having a tool body which is adapted to support at least one rotatable cutter in such a manner that the or each rotatable cutter can rotate about a first axis of rotation, the or each rotatable cutter having one or more cutting edges or points arranged in a generally circular pattern in a first plane, and the tool being configured such that the first plane can be presented at an acute angle to a surface to be scraped.

2. A scraping tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tool body includes at least one bore or spigot configured to support the or each rotatable cutter.

3. A scraping tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the scraping tool further includes at least one rotatable cutter.

4. A scraping tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the or each rotatable cutter is a toothed or notched cutter.

5. A scraping tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the or each rotatable cutter is a substantially disk shaped cutter.

6. A scraping tool as claimed in claim 5, wherein the or each rotatable substantially disk shaped cutter has cutting edges or points situated on a generally notched, castellated or toothed perimeter.

7. A scraping tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the scraping tool includes a power tool engagement means, the engagement means being adapted to mate with a power tool in such a manner that the tool body can be rotated about a second axis of rotation by the power tool.

8. A "scraping tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein the scraping tool further includes a pivot member.

9. A scraping tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the scraping tool is configured to be connectable to a container.

10. A powered ice scraping tool including a power tool and a scraping tool substantially as claimed herein..

11. A rotary tool adapter for cutting or scraping having a tool body that is configured to house or support-at least one cutter, a power tool engagement means connected to the tool body and configured to- allow the tool body to be rotated about a principal axis by a power tool, and having a pivot member situated in-line with the principal axis of rotation of the tool body, the pivot member extending from the tool body and beyond a cutting plane defined by the path of an extremity of a cutter housed or supported by the tool body as the tool body is rotated about its principal axis.

12. A rotary tool adapter as claimed in claim 11, wherein the tool adapter further includes at least one cutter.

13. A rotary tool adapter as claimed in any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the or each cutter is a substantially disk shaped cutter.

14. A powered ice scraping tool including a power tool and a rotary tool adapter substantially as claimed herein.

Description:

Improvements in and relating to Scrapers and Scarifying Tools

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a scraper or a scarifier, and in particular, but not exclusively to a scraper for use in scraping ice, or to a scarifier for scarifying or perforating wallpaper.

BACKGROUND

While it is not too difficult to scrape light frost from the windows of a vehicle, it can be very difficult to scrape a thicker build up of ice, particularly clear ice. In particularly cold climates it is not uncommon for light rain to fall onto a frozen vehicle resulting in a build up of clear ice.

It is not easy to penetrate into clear ice using a scraper. A number of plastic scrapers with large handles and a broad, relatively sharp, cutting edge have been available for some time, but even these larger scrapers are not always effective at removing heavy ice build-ups. Some have sharper teeth like protrusions in addition to their broader cutting edges, but even so, they can be difficult to use and do not always effectively penetrate through the surface of the ice. These scrapers tend to ride over the surface of the ice, or to scrape off only a very small amount of ice per stroke, even when some considerable force is applied.

While a number of metal scrapers are available for a range of purposes, these have not been widely used for scraping ice from vehicles. People naturally shy way from the use of metal scrapers on their vehicles as they fear that such scrapers will scratch or mark the windows of their vehicles. Or this reason, plastic scrapers are often used. However, to dig into clear ice it is common to use the corners of plastic scrapers. The corners often wear quickly however, and then the scrapers are much less effective.

It is often necessary to carry a scraper in a vehicle, or to have one available when returning to a vehicle, for example in a handbag or pocket. Large scrapers are often not as convenient to store in a car or a handbag or pocket.

A number of other applications use scrapers or scarifiers, for example, when stripping coatings, when removing wallpaper, and even when grooming the coats of animals. In each

case, a tool with the required ability to penetrate, and yet which balances the need to protect the underlying material or skin etc, is required.

OBJECT

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a scraper, or a wall paper scarifier, which will at least go some way towards overcoming the above mentioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a scraping tool having a tool body which is adapted to support at least one rotatable cutter in such a manner that the or each rotatable cutter can rotate about a first axis of rotation, the or each rotatable cutter having one or more cutting edges or points arranged in a generally circular pattern in a first plane, and the tool being configured such that the first plane can be presented at an acute angle to a surface to be scraped.

Preferably the tool body includes at least one bore or spigot configured to support the or each rotatable cutter.

Optionally the scraping tool further includes at least one rotatable cutter.

Preferably the or each rotatable cutter is a toothed or notched cutter.

Preferably the or each rotatable cutter is a substantially disk shaped cutter.

Preferably the or each rotatable substantially disk shaped cutter has cutting edges or points situated on a generally notched, castellated or toothed perimeter.

Preferably the or each rotatable cutter includes a stub axle, or a bore, adapted to engage with a corresponding bore or axle on the tool body.

Preferably the or each rotatable cutter is made from a plastics material.

Preferably the plastics material is an acetal, polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, or a polyoxymethylene, based plastics material.

Optionally the scraping tool further includes at least one substantially straight cutting edge, or is adapted to mount or retain at least one additional cutting member having at least one substantially straight cutting edge.

Optionally the scraping tool further includes at least one brush, or is adapted to mount or retain at least one brush.

Preferably the scraping tool includes a power tool engagement means, the engagement means being adapted to mate with a power tool in such a manner that the tool body can be rotated about a second axis of rotation by the power tool.

Preferably the tool is configured such that the or each first axis of rotation of the or each rotatable cutter is a radial distance from the second axis of rotation.

Preferably the or each first axis of rotation is offset from a line parallel to the second axis of rotation by an angle in the range of three to fifteen degrees.

Preferably the or each offset angle is within a plane perpendicular to a line extending radially from the second axis of rotation and to the or each first axis of rotation.

Preferably scraping tool further includes a pivot member.

Preferably the pivot member is situated in line with the second axis of rotation.

Preferably the pivot member is an extension of the tool body, however optionally the pivot member can be an extension of the engagement means.

Preferably the pivot member has a rounded free end.

Optionally the scraping tool includes a handle, or means to connect a handle, and is adapted to allow the tool to be pushed or pulled across a surface by hand.

Optionally the scraping tool is configured to be connectable to a container.

Preferably the scraping tool can be connected to a container by engaging with a neck of the container.

Preferably the scraping tool can be connected to a container by being held between a neck of the container and a cap or other closure means of the container.

Optionally the scraping tool includes a container and at least one scraping tool substantially as specified herein.

In a third aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a powered ice scraping tool including a power tool and a scraping tool substantially as specified herein.

In a fourth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a hand operated ice scraping tool including at least a handle or container and a scraping tool substantially as specified herein.

In a fifth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a rotary tool adapter for cutting or scraping having a tool body that is configured to house or support at least one cutter, a power tool engagement means connected to the tool body and configured to allow the tool body to be rotated about a principal axis by a power tool, and having a pivot member situated in line with the principal axis of rotation of the tool body, the pivot member extending from the tool body and beyond a cutting plane defined by the path of an extremity of a cutter housed or supported by the tool body as the tool body is rotated about its principal axis.

Preferably the pivot member has a rounded free end.

Preferably the tool body includes at least one bore or spigot configured to support the or each cutter.

Optionally the tool adapter further includes at least one cutter.

Preferably the or each cutter is a toothed or notched cutter, however, optionally the or each cutter is a pointed cutter.

Optionally the or each cutter is a substantially disk shaped cutter.

Preferably the or each substantially disk shaped cutter has cutting edges or points situated on a generally notched, castellated or toothed perimeter.

Preferably the or each cutter includes a stub axle, or a bore, adapted to engage with a corresponding bore or axle on the tool body.

Optionally the or each cutter is made from a plastics material.

Preferably the plastics material is an acetal, polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, or a polyoxymethylene, based plastics material.

Optionally the or each cutter is a metal cutter.

Optionally the scraping tool further includes at least one substantially straight cutting edge, or is adapted to mount or retain at least one additional cutting member having at least one substantially straight cutting edge.

Optionally the scraping tool further includes at least one brush, or is adapted to mount or retain at least one brush.

Preferably the tool adapter is configured to house or support the or each cutter in such a manner that the or each cutter is able to rotate about its respective cutter axis of rotation.

Preferably the tool is configured such that the or each cutter axis of rotation of the or each rotatable cutter is a radial distance from the principal axis of rotation of the tool body.

Preferably the or each cutter axis of rotation is offset from a line parallel to the principal axis of rotation by an angle in the range of three to fifteen degrees.

Preferably the or each offset angle is within a plane perpendicular to a line extending radially from the principal axis of rotation and to the or each cutter axis of rotation.

Preferably the pivot member is an extension of the tool body, however optionally the pivot member can be an extension of the engagement means.

Preferably the rotary tool adapter further includes a power tool configured to rotate the tool body.

Optionally, the tool adapter is configured to house or support the or each cutter in such a manner that the or each cutter is held fixed relative to the tool body.

Preferably the or each cutter has at least one cutting point.

Preferably the or each cutter is a metal cutter.

In a sixth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a powered ice scraping tool including a power tool and a rotary tool adapter substantially as specified herein.

In a seventh aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a powered wall paper scarifying tool including a power tool and a rotary tool adapter substantially as specified herein.

In an eighth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a hand operated scraper having a handle and a body, the body being adapted to rotatably house, or mount, at least one rotatable cutting member.

Preferably the body is adapted to rotatably house, or mount, at least one substantially disk shaped rotatable cutting member.

Preferably the housing, or mounting, for at least one rotatable cutting member is adapted to allow the at least one rotatable cutting member to freely rotate.

Optionally the housing, or mounting, -for at least one rotatable cutting member is adapted to prevent the at least one rotatable cutting member from rotating.

Preferably the at least one rotatable cutting member is housed or mounted in such a manner that the cutting member is rotatable about an axis that is at an angle in the range of thirty to seventy degrees to a longitudinal axis of the handle.

Preferably the scraper further includes at least one rotatable cutting member.

Preferably the at least one rotatable cutting member is a substantially disk shaped cutting member.

Preferably the scraper further includes at least one substantially straight cutting edge, or is adapted to mount or retain at least one additional cutting member having at least one substantially straight cutting edge.

In a nineth aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a hand scraper adapted to house or mount, at least one first cutter, wherein the at least one first cutter has a generally arcuate or circular cutting edge, or a series of cutting edges or cutting points which are arranged in a generally arcuate or circular manner.

Preferably the at least one first cutter has a radius of between five and twenty five millimetres, and yet more preferably the at least one cutter has a radius of between eight and fifteen millimetres.

Preferably the or each first cutter is a notched or toothed cutter.

Preferably the or each first cutter is made of metal or a plastics material, and optionally the or each first cutter is a monetary coin.

Preferably the scraper includes at least one first cutter.

Preferably the scraper is adapted to house or mount at least one spare or alternate first cutter.

Preferably the scraper further includes at least one spare or alternate first cutter.

Preferably each of the first cutters are interchangeable.

Preferably the scraper is further adapted to house or mount, at least one second cutter having a substantially straight cutting edge.

Preferably the scraper includes at least one second cutter.

Optionally the at least one second cutter is of a similar construction to that of a typical credit card, or is a credit card.

While some or all of the cutters can be integral parts of the scraper, preferably the or each first oFsecMd cutter isTemovabler

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and

where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth.

DESCRIPTION

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first example of a scraper,

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the first example of a scraper,

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the first example of a scraper,

FIGURE 4 is an end view of the first example of a scraper,

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a second example of a scraper,

FIGURE 6 is a side view of the second example of a scraper,

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a variation to the second example including a brush,

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a third example of a scraper,

FIGURE 9 is a side view of the third example of a scraper,

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a fourth example of a scraper,

FIGURE 11 is a side elevation view of the fourth example of a scraper,

FIGURE 12 is an exploded view of the fourth example of a scraper,

FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a power tool including a scraper of the type described in the fourth example,

FIGURE 14 is an exploded view of a fifth example of a scraper,

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of a sixth example of a scraper, and

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of a wallpaper scarifier.

EXAMPLE ONE

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a first example of a scraper (10) is shown having a handle (11), a body portion (13), a removable lid (15), a set of rotatable cutting members (17) and a second cutting member (19). In addition the scraper (10) includes a first set of spare rotatable cutters (21) and a second set of spare rotatable cutters (23).

In this example the rotatable cutting members (17) that are shown are essentially circular in profile, or generally disk shaped, having a first half (25) of the perimeter of each cutting member (17) toothed, and a second half (27) plain or having a continuous circular or arcuate profile.

The rotatable cutting members (17) can have a toothed or notched profile or a continuous profile, or both as shown. The important characteristic is their generally circular or arcuate profile, for example a cutter with an octagonal, or similar multi-edged, substantially disk shape, would work in a similar manner.

The inventor has found that a generally circular or arcuate shaped cutting edge, where the radius of the circular or arcuate shape is within the range of between fifteen and thirty millimetres is particularly effective at cutting into the surface of clear ice. When such a cutter is presented to the surface of the ice, with the plane of the generally circular or arcuate shaped profile at an acute angle to the surface of the ice, the contact area between the cutter and the ice is relatively small. This means that the local pressure that can be exerted on the ice is relatively high which allows the cutters edge to break through and score, or penetrate into, the ice.

The second cutter (21) in this example is a credit card sized and shaped cutter having a substantially straight cutting edge (29). A second cutter (21) with a straighter cutting edge is useful to clear away ice that has been scored, or at least partially dislodged or penetrated by the rotatable cutting members (17). While the second cutter (21) is not necessary, it is

convenient to have a second cutter (21) with a straighter cutting edge on the same scraper (10) to improve the versatility of the scraper (10).

It has been found that a credit card or similar card is very useful for the second cutter (21) as it has a hardwearing outer surface layer but is relatively flexible which allows it to conform to the profile of many vehicle windscreens.

As can be seen in figure 1 the second cutter (21) of this first example of a scraper (10) is removable. It fits into opposing slots (31) on each side of the body (13) and is held captive when the removable Hd (15) is engaged in the same slots (31). Flanges (32) on each side of the removable lid (15) engage with the slots (31) to hold the lid (15) in place.

Similarly the rotatable cutting members (17) are removable in this first example of a scraper (10), and the rotatable cutting members (17) can be interchanged with any of the first or second set of spare cutters (21) or (23). The rotatable cutting members (17) are held within circular shaped recesses (33) which are situated adjacent to an opening (35) which is situated along an edge of the body which is opposite to where the handle (11) is joined to the body.

It can be seen in figure 1 that each circular recess (33) has a central spigot (37), and in this example each spigot (37) has a hexagonal cross sectional profile. It can also be seen that the rotatable cutting members (17) and the second set of spare cutters (23) have similar sized hexagonal shaped holes (39) through their centres. When the rotatable cutting members (17) are engaged with the spigots (37), rotation of the cutters can be prevented. The rotatable cutting members (17) can be installed such that either the toothed half (25), or the plain half (27), of each cutter 17 is protruding through the opening (35).

The spare cutters (21) and (23) are retained in additional recesses (41) in the body (13) and are available for use when required. The removable lid (15) keeps the rotatable cutting members (17) and the spare cutters (21) or (23) in place when it is installed as shown in figures 2 and 3.

In figure 2 the removable lid (15) and the second cutter (19) are shown as transparent objects for illustrative purposes.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view through the section plane AA shown in figure 2. In figures 2, 3 and 4 the scraper (10) is configured differently to that shown in figure 1 in that the rotatable cutting members of the type of the first set of spare cutters (21) of figure 1 are shown installed in the circular recesses (33) and installed on the spigots (37).

It can be seen in figure 3 that the plane (43) in which the profile of the rotatable cutting members (17) lie, is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis (45) of the handle (11). This means that when the handle (11) is gripped by a person's hand the scraper (10) can be pushed or pulled across a surface with the plane of the profiles of the rotatable cutting members (17) at an acute angle, preferably of between about 10 to 35 degrees, to the surface, without difficulty.

The scraper (10) can be used to scrape and remove " ice by pushing or pulling it across the surface of the ice, initially orienting the scraper so that the rotatable cutting members (17) contact the ice, and then the scraper (10) can be turned over allowing the second cutter (19) to be used to clear away the broken up or fractured ice.

VARIATIONS TO EXAMPLE ONE

The spigots (37) can be omitted, or be removable, allowing cutters which do not have central holes (39) or (40) to be used in the scraper (10), or to allow the rotatable cutting members (17) to freely rotate.

The rotatable cutting members (17) can also be coins, or plain metal or plastic discs of a similar shape to a coin.

The cutting members (17), and/or the second cutter (19), can be moulded as part of the body of the scraper. Clearly in such a case the cutting members (17) would not be rotatable, but having said this the advantages of the arcuate cutting edge of the cutting members (17) could be exploited.

EXAMPLE TWO

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, a second example of a scraper (60) is shown having a handle portion (61), a pair of cutting disks (63) and a substantially straight cutting edge

(65). Both the pair of cutting disks (63), and the substantially straight cutting edge (65), are situated on a body portion (67) of the scraper (60).

In this example, the cutting disks (63) are each pivotally mounted to the body portion (67) of the scraper (60) on short stub axles (69). The cutting disks (63) can be retained on the stub axles (69) by a snap fitting them over a lip on the free end of each stub axle (69), while still allowing the cutting disks (63) to freely rotate. In an alternative embodiment of the scraper (60), the cutting disks (63) could include stub axles which snap fit into recesses in the body portion (67).

It can be seen in figure 6 that the cutting disks (63) can rotate about a rotational axis (71) which is at an angle (73) of about 45 to 60 degrees to a longitudinal axis (75). While this angle (73) can vary, it is envisaged that it is preferable that the angle (73) is within, the range of 30 to 70 degrees.

It can also be seen that in this example that the disks (63) each have cutting teeth (77) which are situated about the periphery of each disk (63), and which are all situated in a common plane (81) which is substantially at right angles to the rotational axis (71). While these cutting teeth (77) can take a number of forms or shapes, the cutting teeth (77) of this example are shown having a shape similar to a chisel tip, that is, they are each short tapered protrusions having a short linear cutting edge as opposed to a fine point. The linear cutting edge design is preferred over a fine point as it can improve the wear resistance of the cutting edges of each tooth (77).

In figure 6 the scraper (60) is shown in one of its possible orientations of use. In figure 6 it is shown with the cutting disks (63) being presented to a surface (79) to be scraped, for example the surface of a build-up of ice on the window of a vehicle. The plane (81) of the cutting teeth is shown at a small angle (83) of about 15 degrees to the surface (79). With the scraper (60) oriented as shown in figure 6 it can be pushed or pulled across the surface (79) to scrape the surface (79). Experimentation has shown that the scraper (60) is particularly effective at penetrating when it is pulled across a surface, it is apparent that a person can apply a greater force to the scraper (60) when pulling it across a surface rather than pushing it.

The scraper (60) can be held at a greater angle to the surface (79) so that an edge of each cutting disk (63) closer to the cutting edge (65) contacts the surface (79). Similarly, the scraper (60) can be inverted from the orientation shown in figure 6 to allow the cutting edge (65) to contact the surface (79).

Since the cutting disks (63) are circular, they present a relatively short edge to the surface (79) to be scraped. This allows increased pressure to be applied to a localised area on the surface (79) improving the chances of penetrating into the surface (79). When removing ice from a windshield for example, it is necessary to penetrate into the ice, and this can be difficult with sheet ice.

Presenting the cutting disks (63) at an angle (83) to the surface (79) is similar to presenting the corner of a conventional scraper, in that xhe localised pressure is greater than if an entire straight cutting edge were presented to the surface (79). And this is how conventional scrapers are often used to remove very hard layers of ice layers. However, when conventional scrapers are used in this way, the corners of these scrapers wear out quickly and they soon become less effective.

An advantage of the circular disks (63), which are free to rotate, is that they can rotate to spread any wear, meaning that they maintain relatively sharp cutting edges for a longer period of time than, for example, the corner of a conventional scraper.

It is worth noting that the cutting discs (63) can be plain disks having no cutting teeth at all, and the benefits of improved localised pressure, and improved wear characteristics, can still be achieved. While the cutting disks (63) can be a range of sizes it is preferable that the disks are between about fifteen and thirty millimetres in diameter so that they can present a relatively short cutting edge to a surface to ensure that a relatively high localised pressure can be exerted.

VARIATIONS TO EXAMPLE TWO

Figure 7 shows a variation of the scraper (60) in which it also includes a brash (85) which can be situated along one edge of the body portion (67) and can be used to brush away dislodged ice particles.

This variation of the scraper (60) also shows additional cutting teeth (87) situated adjacent to, and parallel to, the length of the cutting edge (65). By orienting the scraper (60) at a steeper angle than shown in figure 6 these cutting teeth (87) can be used, for example to dislodge ice fragments that have been partially dislodged by the cutting disks (63). In many cases, the process of removing ice is an incremental process, hard sheets of ice need to be scored initially using localised pressure, and then after the surface is scored, a straighter scraping edge can be used to liberate the scored ice. Then a brush can be used to remove any liberated ice.

In the above example the scraper (60) has two cutting disks (63), however clearly a similar scraper could have one or any number of cutting disks (63) depending on the size of the disks and the size of the body.

EXAMPLE THREE

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, a third example of a scraper (90) is shown which has a body (91) which is adapted to fit to a container (92), for example a de-icing fluid container.

In this example, the body (91) is adapted to engage with the container (92) by snap fitting on to a lid (93) of the container (92). The body (91) can also engage with the container

(92) in such a way that the body (91) cannot rotate relative to the container (92), for example by fitting about the shoulder area of the container (92) and engaging with any flat surfaces on the container (92).

It can be seen that the scraper (90) is similar in many ways to the scraper (60) of Example Two, shown and described with reference to figures 5 and 6. That is, the scraper (90) also includes cutting disks (95) and a cutting edge (97). The use of the scraper (90) is similar to that of the scraper (60) except that the scraper (90) is typically held by the handle (99) of the container (92), or by the body of the container (92), when in use.

VARIATIONS TO EXAMPLE THREE

As a variation to this third example shown and described with reference to figures 8 and 9, scraper (90) could comprise a container having an integral cutting edge (97) and/or

provisions to mount rotatable cutting disks (95). Such a container, when fitted with cutting disks (95), could be used as a scraper.

EXAMPLE FOUR

With reference to figures 10 to 15 a further variation of a.scraping tool (101) is shown and described. The scraping tool (101) has a tool body (103) which is adapted to support one or more rotatable cutters (105), and in this case the tool body (103) can support four. Each rotatable cutter (105) is supported in such a manner that it can rotate about a first axis of rotation (107).

Each rotatable cutter (105) has one ~ or more cutting edges or points (109) arranged in a generally circular pattern in a first plane (111), and the tool (101) is configured such that the first plane (111) can be presented at an acute angle (113) to a surface (115) to be scraped.

Preferably the cutters (105) are similarly sized to the circular cutters described in Example One. The use and advantages of the circular cutters (105) is also described in Example One.

Preferably the tool body (103) includes at least one bore (117) or spigot configured to support each rotatable cutter (105):" In this example, each rotatable cutter (105) includes a stub axle (119) which is adapted to engage with and rotate within each bore (117). Clearly, " in an alternative configuration each rotatable cutter (105) could have a bore which is adapted to engage with a spigot or short axle on the tool body (103).

In this example, each rotatable cutter (105) is substantially disk shaped and has teeth situated about the perimeter of the disk shape. Alternatively, each disk shaped cutter (105) can have a castellated or a notched periphery.

The cutters (105) can be made from a suitably robust plastics material, for example an acetal, polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, or a polyoxymethylene, based plastics material. Such a plastics material has been shown to have suitable penetration and wear characteristics

when used on ice, and yet will not tend to scratch glass, for example the glass of a vehicle windscreen. Alternatively the cutters (105) could be made of metal.

The rotatable cutters (105) are not driven to rotate, but are simply free to rotate when in use to spread the wear on the cutting points (109).

While figures 10 to 13 show a scraping tool (101) a circular shaped body (103), figures 14 and 15 show two alternative tools (121) and (123), each having a tool body (125) or (127) which is adapted to be mountable about the neck of a container (129). In both cases the scraping tools (121) or (123) are adapted to mount the cutters (105) and they also include a substantially straight cutting edge (131) or (135). Alternatively the tool (121) or (123) could be adapted to mount or retain a replaceable straight cutting edge.

The straight cutting edge (131) or (135) can be used to scrape ice, and is particularly useful in scraping away ice that has first been scraped or broken up by the rotatable cutters (105).

The cutting tool (121) is shown having a brush (135) which can be used to brush away ice or dirt, etc. The cutting tool (121) is also shown having a rubber or soft plastics material strip (136) allowing the tool (121) to be used as a squeegee also, for example to remove liquids from a windscreen if required. Similarly, the cutting tool (123) includes a snow plough (137) which can be used to shift snow and loose ice.

The scraping tools (121) and (123) are adapted for use as hand scrapers, and the scraping tool (101) is adapted for use with a power tool.

It can be seen that the scraping tool (101) further includes a power tool engagement means (139) which is adapted to mate with a power tool in such a manner that the tool body (103) can be rotated about a second axis of rotation by the power tool. The scraping tool (101) can also be referred to as a rotary tool adapter (101).

The scraping tool (101) is configured such that the first axis of rotation (107) of each rotatable cutter (105) is a radial distance (143) from the second axis of rotation (141).

Each first axis of rotation (107) is offset from a line (145) parallel to the second axis of rotation (141) by an offset angle (146), the angle (146) preferably being in the range of three to fifteen degrees. And, each offset angle (146) is preferably within a plane (147) that

is perpendicular to a line extending radially (149) from the second axis of rotation (141) and to each first axis of rotation (101).

The tool body (103) can be provided with a counter-bore (150) about each bore (117), the counter-bore being offset from the plane of the under-surface (103 a) of the tool body (103) by an angle equivalent to the offset angle (146). In this way the rotatable cutters (105) can be supported when in use without placing undue stress on the stub axles (119).

Preferably the scraping tool (101) further includes a pivot member (151), which is situated in line with the second axis of rotation (141). The pivot member (151) can be an extension of the tool hody (103), or be an extension of the engagement means (139). The pivot member extends away from the tool body (103) and beyond a cutting plane defined by the path of an extremity of a cutter (105) housed or supported by the tool body (103) as the tool body (103) is rotated about its principal axis, that is the axis referred to herein as the second axis of rotation (141). And preferably the pivot member (151) has a rounded free end.

Figure 11 shows the scraping tool (101) in use on a surface (115). The pivot member (151) allows greater control of the degree of contact beϊween the cutter (105) and the surface to be cut or scraped. The tool (101) can be brought into contact with the surface (115) in such a way that the pivot member (151) is the first part to contact the surface (115). The tool (101) can then be rocked about the pivot member (151) in a controlled manner until the cutter (105) engages with the surface (115). The depth of cut can also be controlled in this manner. This reduces the tendency of the cutter to "dig in" and the tool to "jump" sideways when the cutter (105) "digs in". Also, the pivot member (151) provides a measure of stability or "cohesion" between the cutting tool (101) and the surface (115), that is, it helps to reduce the natural tendency of the tool (101) to want to move away in a direction opposite to the cutting direction.

The scraping tools (101), (121) or (123) can include a handle, or a means to connect a handle. The scraping tools, (121) and (123), use the container (129) for a handle or as part of the handle. These scraping tools (121) and (123) are adapted to be pushed or pulled across a surface by hand.

The scraping tool (121) can be connected to the container (129) by a number of means, for example using a snap fit connection between the container (129) and the tool body (125), or

- a screw thread or an adhesive. The scraping tool (123) can be connected to the container (129) by being held between a neck of the container (129) and a cap (153) or other closure means of the container.

The action and advantages of the scraping;tools, (121) and (123), are similar- to those of the scrapers described in Examples Two and Three. An added feature of the scraping tool (121) is that a fluid from the container (129) can be squirted onto a surface to be scraped via a nozzle (154) which in this example is shown as part of the tool (121), but in an alternative embodiment, for example similar to the tool (123) of figure 15, the nozzle (154) could be part of the cap (153). Preferably the nozzle (154) is a self closing nozzle of the type that only opens when the container (129) is squeezed. The fluid contained in the container (129) and applied through the " nozzle (154) will depend on the work that the scraping tool is being used for, for example a de-icing fluid if used to scrape ice, a coatings stripper if used to scrape or remove a coating, or a shampoo if used to scrape the hide of an animal.

Figure 13 shows a powered scraping tool (155) which includes a power tool (157) and a scraping tool (101). Such a tool (155) has been found to be particularly effective at scraping sheet ice.

VARIATIONS TO EXAMPLE FOUR

In an alternative configuration to the scraping tool (101) described herein, a scraping tool (171) can be configured to house or support a cutter (173) in such a manner that the cutter (173) is held fixed relative to a tool body (175). An example of such a scraping (171) is shown in Figure 16. In this example the scraping tool (171) has only one cutter (173) and the cutter has a single cutting point. In a further variation, the tool (171) can have a number of cutters (173), and each cutter can have more than one cutting point.

The scraping tool (171) is designed to scrape or to scarify wallpaper, however it is envisaged that it could also be used to scrape ice. The tool (171) can be used to put shallow nicks or scratches into wallpaper to provide a path for steam or wall paper glue softeners to get in behind the wallpaper when removing wallpaper.

For scraping or scarifying wallpaper, preferably the cutter (173) is a metal cutter. And, preferably the cutting depth, of the cutter (173) is -variable, for example by mounting the cuter in a screw thread within the tool body (175), so that the cutting depth can be adjusted by screwing the cutter in or out as desired.

As with the scraping tool (101), the scraping tool (171) also includes a pivot member (151) and a power tool engagement means (139). The pivot member (151) allows very accurate control of the scraping tool (171) to be achieved. The scraping tool (171) can be moved toward a wall papered surface until the pivot member (151) contacts the wallpaper, and

- then the scraping tool (171) can be carefully canted over until the cutter (173) just contacts the wallpaper.

The amount that the "1 -cutter (173) protrudes from the tool body (175) can control the cutting depth.

The scraping tool (171) can be fitted to a suitable power tool to form a powered wall paper scarifying tool, similar to the powered scraping tool (155) shown in figure 13.

VARIATIONS - GENERAL

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

While the above examples have been described with reference to the removal of ice, it is envisaged that the scraper of the present invention could be used for other purposes, for example, for the removal of surface coatings, or for the removal of solid contaminants from

- a surface, or for the removal of dried dirt and grime or insect eggs from the coat of an animal. The scrapers shown in figures 5, 14 and 15 for example can be used to help care for the coat or hide of a horse.

The containers, (92) and (129), shown in figures 8, 9, 14 and 15 can be used to contain and/or to dispense a fluid that can be used with the scrapers. For example the containers (92) and (129) can be used to contain and/or to dispense a de-icing fluid to assist when using the scraper as an ice scraper, or a shampoo when using the scraper as an animal grooming tool, or a stripping compound when using the scraper as a coating removal tool.

In the above examples, the rotatable cutters (105) have been shown and described -as circular. In a variation they-could be triangular or square or rectangular, offering a number of substantially straight sides which can be presented to a surface (115) to allow a wider cutting width if desired.

DEFINITIONS

Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

ADVANTAGES

Thus it can be- seen that the invention provides a scraper which is able to penetrate into clear ice to help to remove ice from a vehicle while maintaining suitable wear characteristics.