Spatula with multiple-flap scraping edge

Abstract

A spatula includes a handle generally defining a spatula axis. The spatula has one end extending from the handle along the axis while a generally flat spatula blade is connected to the other hand of the shank. The spatula blade has two opposing edges at least one of which is a scrapping edge is substantially parallel to the spatula axis. The spatula blade defines a plane of substantial symmetry co-extensive with the spatula axis and extends through the two opposing edges. At least one of the scrapping edges includes a plurality of flexible longitudinal scrapping flaps displaces from each other relative to the plane of symmetry.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . Spatula comprising a handle generally defining a spatula axis; a shank having one end extending from said handle along said spatula axis; a generally flat spatula blade connected to the other end of said shank and having two opposing edges at least one of which is a scraping edge substantially parallel to said spatula axis, said spatula blade defining a plane of substantial symmetry coextensive with said spatula axis and extending through said two opposing edges, said at least one scraping edge including a plurality of flexible longitudinal scraping flaps displaced from each other relative to said plane of symmetry.  
     
     
         2 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 1 , wherein said flaps are angularly displaced from each other.  
     
     
         3 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 1 , wherein three flaps are provided.  
     
     
         4 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 1 , wherein one flap is coextensive with said plane of symmetry, and another flap is angularly displaced from said plane of symmetry.  
     
     
         5 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 4 , wherein the depth of said coextensive flap, in a plane normal to said spatula axis and said plane of symmetry, is greater than the width of said angularly displaced flap.  
     
     
         6 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 1 , wherein said spatula blade is formed of a resilient, heat resistance material.  
     
     
         7 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 6 , wherein said material is silicone.  
     
     
         8 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the spatula is intended to be used to scrape two surfaces having different heights, one of said opposing edges generally corresponding to one of the heights and the other of said edges generally corresponding to the other of said heights.  
     
     
         9 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the other of said edges is provided with a rounded edge.  
     
     
         10 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the depth of said flaps, in a place normal to said spatula axis and said plane of symmetry, vary along said scraping edge.  
     
     
         11 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 10 , wherein said widths of said flaps decreases in the region of said handle.  
     
     
         12 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 1 , furthering comprising means for facilitating displacement of said flaps in relation to said plane of symmetry during scraping actions of said scraping edge on a surface to be cleaned.  
     
     
         13 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 12 , wherein said means comprises a longitudinal constricted region generally parallel to said spatula axis and proximity to said at least one scraping edge.  
     
     
         14 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 13 , wherein said means comprises a longitudinal indentation on at least one surface of said spatula.  
     
     
         15 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 14 , wherein two longitudinal indentations are provided one in each side of said spatula.  
     
     
         16 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 15 , wherein said two indentations are on opposite sides of said plane of symmetry and arranged on a plane normal to said plane of symmetry.  
     
     
         17 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 15 , wherein said indentations are spared from each other a distance on the order of magnitude as spacing between adjacent flaps.  
     
     
         18 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 17 , wherein said distances are substantially equal.  
     
     
         19 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 5 , wherein said coextensive flap is at least twice the width of said displaced flaps.  
     
     
         20 . Spatula comprising a handle according to  claim 5 , wherein said coextensive flap is at least three times the width of said displaced flaps.