DEVICE FOR CLEANING

Abstract

The present invention discloses a cleaning apparatus that includes a mounting plate having a central opening and a plurality of projections that are spaced along the outer periphery edge of the mounting plate, and spaced along the periphery edge of the central opening.

Description

All documents mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It should be noted that throughout the disclosure, where a definition or use of a term in any incorporated document(s) is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the incorporated document(s) does not apply.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to device for cleaning that uses steel wool scrubbers or other similarly constructed abrasive material.

Description of Related Art

Conventional cleaning devices that use steel wool are well known and have been in use for a number of years. Regrettably, the steel wool used with most conventional cleaning devices is loosely mounted on only one side of the cleaning device and hence, come loose during use, even for simple light cleaning tasks.

Further, most conventional cleaning devices are not sturdy and do not have sufficient surface area and length to allow for the cleaning of the deep, bottom parts of a cooking device such as a deep frier.

Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current cleaning devices mentioned above, a need exists for a cleaning apparatus that would allow for a strong grip (sufficient holding strength) of a mounted of steel wool scrubber, covering all sides of the cleaning apparatus. Additionally, a need exits for a cleaning apparatus that would be sturdy and have sufficient surface area and length to clean deep crevices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a single, integral metal piece, having:

a mounting plate; and

a handle.

A non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a mounting plate; and

a handle that is detachably connected to a top surface of the mounting plate.

A non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a mounting plate, having:

a central opening; and

a plurality of projections that are spaced along a periphery edge of the mounting plate, and spaced along a periphery edge of the central opening.

These and other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” may be used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” but the absence of the term “exemplary” does not denote a limiting embodiment. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout.

FIGS. 1A to 1C are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus, progressively illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary method of use thereof in cleaning a cooking device (e.g., a deep frier) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A to 2E are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, progressively illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary method of replacing a mounted steel wool in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A to 3K are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the various views of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A to 2E, but with the steel wool removed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4F are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of cleaning apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A to 5J are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of cleaning apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6A to 6I are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of cleaning apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.

It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Stated otherwise, although the invention is described below in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and aspects described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention.

One or more embodiments of the present invention define a hinge in accordance with its ordinary meaning, which is a movable joint or mechanism which movably connects or links objects. Non-limiting, non-exhaustive listing of examples of hinges may include, most known hinges, including flexures or compliant mechanisms such as a living hinge, etc.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning apparatus that has a strong grip (sufficient holding strength) of a replaceable mounted steel wool scrubber, with the mounted steel wool covering all sides of the cleaning apparatus.

Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning apparatus that is sturdy and has sufficient surface area and length to clean deep crevices of cooking devices (e.g., deep friers).

FIGS. 1A to 1C are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus, progressively illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary method of use thereof in cleaning a cooking device (e.g., a deep frier) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C, cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention with a mounted stainless steel wool scrubber 102 may be used to clean a cooking device 104 such as the illustrated conventional deep frier. Cleaning apparatus 100 may be held in an upright position as shown, and simply moved up and down and laterally while being pressed against surfaces of cooking device 104 which is to be cleaned.

Cleaning apparatus 100 is fairly thin and long and hence, may easily be moved into and in between narrow structural features or crevices of cooking device 104. In this non-limiting, exemplary instance, cleaning apparatus 100 is easily moved in between the frier “tubes” 106 of deep frier cooking device 104, and has sufficient length to easily reach the bottom “sink” surface 108. In fact, the overall length 110 of cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention is longer than a depth 112 of a typical deep frier and hence, cleaning apparatus 100 easily reaches and cleans the base or sink portion 108 of cooking device 104.

FIGS. 2A to 2E are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, progressively illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary method of replacing a mounted steel wool in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 2E, a mounted steel wool 102 fully covers over all sides of a mounting plate section 114 of cleaning apparatus 100. As shown, any conventional steel wool scrubber 102 or other similarly constructed abrasive material may be used with cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention.

The critical and advantageous reason for a replaceable steel wool 102 covering all sides of mounting plate section 114 of cleaning apparatus 100 is that steel wool 102 may simultaneously clean any number of cleaning surfaces with which it comes into contact.

As detailed below, due to the construct of mounting plate section 114 of cleaning apparatus 100, a significant pulling force is required to actually remove an already mounted steel wool 102. This is critical and advantageous in that it demonstrates the interlocking strength of mounting plate section 114 with the replaceable steel wool 102, which is important when applying force during cleaning so that steel wool 102 does not come loose from mounting plate section 114.

Mounting of steel wool 102 onto mounting plate 114 is easily done by stretching a bundle of steel wool 102 over all sides, which would also cover over opening 140. As being mounted, steel wool 102 stretches and moves into all reliefs 168 (FIGS. 3H, 3H-1) of both mounting plate 114 and its opening 140, and is held in placed by all projections 156 of both mounting plate 114 and its opening 140, thereby securely and strongly interlocking steel wool 102 with mounting plate 114 (as detailed below).

FIGS. 3A to 3K are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the various views of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A to 2E, but without the steel wool in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 3J, a non-limiting, exemplary method of manufacturing cleaning apparatus 100 may be the well-known stamping and folding operations, with various sections (e.g., grip 132) folded at desired fold lines 188 to form grip 132 of handle 116 or other parts. Grip 132 also includes openings 234 for storing cleaning apparatus 100 by hanging.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 3K, cleaning apparatus 100 is comprised of a single, integral piece comprised of metal (e.g., stainless steel) having a mounting plate section 114 for mounting steel wool 102 and a handle 116.

Mounting plate 114 and handle 116 are generally coplanar, with a front distal section 120 (a distance of about 0.5 inches) of mounting plate 114 curved at an angle towards a top side 122 of mounting plate 114. Critical and advantageous reason for coplanar arrangement is that it allows mounting plate 114 to move into deep sections of cooking device 104 with a longer span depth 112 than a longitudinal axis 118 of mounting plate 114.

If mounting plate 114 and handle 116 were not coplanar, handle 116 will come into contact with parts (e.g., frier “tubes” 106) of cooking device 104, preventing mounting plate 114 to further move into deeper sections of cooking device 104 being cleaned for thorough cleaning.

As further shown, a longitudinal axis 124 of handle 116 is perpendicular to a transverse axis 126 (and rear side 128) of mounting plate 114. Handle 116 is connected to transverse side 126 of mounting plate 114 to allow for a greater reach of mounting plate 114 into the deep crevasses of cooking device 104 such as the illustrated deep frier. That is, it permits longitudinal axis 118 of mounting plate 114 with its longer span to reach deeper into the frier 104.

Handle 116 has an elongated section 130 and a grip section 132. Elongated section 130 of handle 116 has a cross-sectional profile that is curved 134 in the general middle to improve the structural integrity of the overall handle 116. Curve 134 is convex at back side 136 of elongated section 130 and concave at top side 138.

Mounting plate 114 has a generally oblong rectangular configuration with a generally oblong rectangular central opening 140. Mounting plate 114 includes top side 122 and a bottom side 142, a first longitudinal side edge 144, a second longitudinal side edge 146, a front side edge 148 that is curved towards top side 122, and a rear side edge 150, to which handle 116 is connected.

The critical and advantageous reason for the curved front side edge 148 is to allow a bottom side 152 of curved front side edge 148 to reach and clean the curved side surface and curved bottom surface of cooking device 104 being cleaned when cleaning apparatus 100 is oriented vertically parallel along its longitudinal axis 154. Most deep friers 104 have a slight conical curved bottom surface (similar to a curved sink) to allow cooking oil to be quickly drained and hence, the curved front side edge 148 would generally correspond to the curved bottom surface of cooking device 104 for better cleaning.

Mounting plate 114 further includes a plurality of projections 156 that are coplanar with mounting plate 114 and that are spaced along longitudinal side edges 144 and 146, transverse side edges 148 and 150, and corners 158 of mounting plate 114. This arrangement enables steel wool 102 to be mounted onto and be securely held by mounting plate 114 from all side edges, top side 122, bottom side 142, and center opening 140 for a stronger grip or holding power. Additionally, the structural arrangement also facilitates simultaneous clearing of corner walls and floors of cooking device 104 because steel wool 102 fully encompasses the entire mounting plate 114. This allows for simultaneous cleaning of cook device 104 from all sides of mounting plate 114 contacting cooking device 104.

As further shown (best in FIG. 3H-1), a projection 156a of the plurality of projections 156 includes outwardly divergent side edges 160 and 162 at an angle β of about 45° with an outer portion or edge 164 terminating at a straight side 166.

Projection 156a of plurality of projections 156 and an adjacent or adjoining projection 156b of plurality of projections 156 form a retainer-relief 168 in between by companion, inwardly divergent side edges 160/162 (or outwardly convergent side edges 160/162) of projection 156a and adjoining projection 156b at an angle λ of about 45°, terminating at the very distal side edge 170 of mounting plate 114.

As be may visualized, plurality of projections 156 and reliefs 168 in between plurality of projections 156 have a general appearance form of respective isosceles trapezoid flanges and isosceles trapezoid reliefs, with corners having generally triangular projections.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2C-2, where most of steel wool 102 is removed for discussion purposes, retainer-reliefs 168 receive steel wool 102, where it is moves into and is tucked therein within reliefs 168 and at inner corners (or vertices) 172 of retainer-relief 168. Further, steel wool 102 within retainer-reliefs 168 is securely held in position by the companion converging convex corners or vertices 174 of projection 156a and adjoining projection 156b , including their respective inwardly divergent side edges (or outwardly converging side edges) 160/162, all of which form a small (or narrower) space 176 that prevents steel wool 102 from being loosened off of mounting plate 114. Accordingly, side edges 160/162 allow for mounting of steel wool 102, but prevent egress thereof from the small narrow space 176. It should be noted that the sides 162/160 of projections 156 and retainer-reliefs 168, including distal side edge 170 of mounting plate 114 are generally blunt so to not cut the steel wool.

Generally oblong rectangular central opening 140 also include plurality of projections 156 that are coplanar with mounting plate 114 and that are spaced along inner longitudinal sides 178 and 180 and inner transverse sides 182 and 184 of the generally oblong rectangular central opening 140.

As illustrated, projections 156 and reliefs 168 of opening 140 may optionally be identical to those arranged along outer perimeter of mounting plate 114. In particular, projection 156a of plurality of projections 156 and an adjacent or adjoining projection 156b of plurality of projections 156 form retainer-relief 168 in between by companion, inwardly divergent side edges 160/162 (or outwardly convergent side edges 160/162) of projection 156a and adjoining projection 156b at an angle ψ of about 45°, with an outer portion terminating at a straight side 166.

Projection 156a and an adjoining projection 156b form relief 168 by companion, inwardly divergent side edges (or outwardly convergent side edges 160/162) at an angle a of about 45° of the projection and the adjoining projection, terminating at inner side edge 186 of generally oblong rectangular central opening 140.

Plurality of projections 156 and reliefs 168 in between plurality of projections 156 have a general appearance form of respective isosceles trapezoid flanges and isosceles trapezoid reliefs, with corners having generally triangular reliefs. The function of projections 156 and reliefs 168 of opening 140 is identical to those described above and shown in FIG. 2C-2, which is to securely interlock and hold steel wool 102 in the same manner described.

FIGS. 4A to 4F are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of cleaning apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Cleaning apparatus 100a illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4F includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, methods, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as cleaning apparatus 100 that is shown in FIGS. 1A to 3K, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. 4A to 4F will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, methods, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to cleaning apparatus 100 that is shown in FIGS. 1A to 3K but instead, are incorporated by reference herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4F, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, cleaning apparatus 100a includes a mounting plate 114a that is further comprised of a main section 114b and an extended member 114c . Extended member 114c includes front distal section 120 that is curved at an angle Ω towards a top side 190 of extended member 114c (away from bottom side 236).

Extended member 114c is moveably associated with main section 114b of mounting plate 114a . That is, extended member 114c is connected to main section 114b by a movable mechanism, such as a hinge 192.

Mounting plate 114a (both main section 114b and extended member 114c ) include a plurality of projections 156 that are coplanar with mounting plate 114a . Plurality of projections 156 are spaced along longitudinal side edges 144a , 144b , 146a , 146b , transverse side edges 148a , and 150, further defining reliefs 168.

In this non-limiting, exemplary instance, corners 158a have an indented recess 194. Additionally, transverse side edge 196 of extended member 114c and transverse side edge 198 of main section 114b have no projections/reliefs, but are movably connected together by hinge 192.

FIGS. 4A-5 to 4A-8 show a partially mounted stainless steel wool scrubber 102 onto both extended member 114c and main section 114b for discussion purposes related to tensile forces experienced by steel wool 102 when mounted on mounting plate 114a . As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5 to 4A-8, mounted stainless steel wool scrubber 102 on extended member 114c and main section 114b of mounting plate 114a exerts and experiences tensile forces. That is, due to steel wool 102 construct, as it is mounted it stretches and is under tension. This stretching force acts on extended member 114c to maintain its position until a greater force (such as by a user) is applied to overcome this tensile force, moving the extended member 114c . In other words, steel wool 102 acts as a resilient member to allow for biased movement of extended member 114c to move underneath hard to reach locations for cleaning, but the exerted tension by steel wool 102 “pulls back” extended member 114c to a position where steel wool (which acts like a “spring”) is at “rest”. Simply stated, combination of steel wool 102 and hinge 192 may be thought of as a biasing mechanism (a resilient member or spring) to facilitate controlled movement of extended member 114c . Critical and advantageous reason for resilient movement of extended member 114c is that such movement allows extended member 114c to resistively bend and reach underneath frier tubes 106 of cooking device for better cleaning.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5 to 4A-8, indented recesses 194 at corners 158a facilitate in catching strands of steel wool 102 for a more secure mounting as the steel wool is mounted.

FIGS. 5A to 5J are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of cleaning apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Cleaning apparatus 100b illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5J includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, methods, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as cleaning apparatuses 100 and 100a that are shown in FIGS. 1A to 4F, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. 5A to 5J will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, methods, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to cleaning apparatuses 100 and 100a that is shown in FIGS. 1A to 4F but instead, are incorporated by reference herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5J, in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, cleaning apparatus 100b is comprised of a mounting plate 114e and a handle 116a . Handle 116a in this embodiment is detachably connected to a top surface 238 of mounting plate 114e . When cleaning, the weight and force of the individual may be applied to handle 116a , which is directly applied to mounting plate 114e for cleaning cooking device 104a (e.g., a grill).

Mounting plate 114e in this embodiment has a generally oblong isosceles trapezoid configuration with a generally oblong rectangular central opening. Mounting plate 114e includes a top side (top surface) 238 and a bottom side 240, a first longitudinal side edge 242, a second longitudinal side edge 244, a front side edge 246 that forms a first, shorter base of the generally oblong isosceles trapezoid, and a rear side edge 248 that forms a second, longer base of the generally oblong isosceles trapezoid. In other words, transverse axis 250 of mounting plate 114e progressively decreases in length from longest, rear side edge 248 to shortest, front side edge 246 along longitudinal axis 252 of mounting plate 114e . The critical and advantageous reason for the first, shorter base (side 246) is to allow movement into narrow channels 202 cooking device 104a.

Mounting plate 114e further includes a plurality of projections 156 that are spaced along longitudinal side edges 242, 244, transverse side edges 246, 248, and one or more corners 158, 158a of mounting plate 114e . This enables steel wool 102 to be mounted onto and be securely held by mounting plate 114e from all side edges, top side, bottom side, and center opening 140 for a stronger grip. Further, projections 156 facilitate simultaneous clearing of corner walls and floors of a cooking device because the steel wool fully encompasses the entire mounting plate 114e.

Mounting plate 114e for this embodiment further includes a first opening 204 positioned equally distanced between a front side edge 246 of mounting plate 114e and a first width side 182 of the generally oblong rectangular central opening 140. Also included is a second opening 206 positioned equally distanced between a rear side edge 248 of mounting plate 114e and a second width side 184 of the generally oblong rectangular central opening 140. Handle 116a is connected to mounting plate 114e using fasteners such as screws connected through first and second openings 204 and 206, with handle 116 longitudinal axis 208 parallel a longitudinal axis 210 of mounting plate 114e.

FIGS. 6A to 61 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of another embodiment of cleaning apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6B-1 in particular, is shown to include a partially mounted steel wool 102 for discussion purposes. Cleaning apparatus 100c illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6I includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, methods, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as cleaning apparatuses 100, 100a , 100b that are shown in FIGS. 1A to 5J, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. 6A to 6I will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, methods, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to cleaning apparatuses 100, 100a , 100b that is shown in FIGS. 1A to 5J but instead, are incorporated by reference herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6I, in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, cleaning apparatus 100c is comprised of mounting plate 114f having a plurality of projections 156 that are coplanar with angled, longitudinal sides 208 and 210 of mounting plate 114f and that are spaced along longitudinal side edges 212 and 214, transverse side edge 216, and one or more corners 254 of mounting plate 114f As illustrated, longitudinal sides 208 and 210 of mounting plate 114f are bend at angle (in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, at 90° angle) in relation to top side 222, away from bottom side 256, forming vertical, longitudinal lateral sides.

As best illustrated in FIG. 6B-1, the critical and advantageous reason for the vertical, longitudinal lateral sides 208 and 210 is that projections 156 and reliefs 168 are also oriented at an angle in relation to the top side 222. This arrangement improves the retention of steel wool 102 mounted on mounting plate 114f by not allowing potential slippage of steel wool 102 from plate 114f when cleaning. That is, vertically raised lateral sides tension (or stretch) steel wool 102 for a more secure mounting. This way, when force is applied to move cleaning apparatus 100c in any direction along some horizontal surface, steel wool 102, which is tension-mounted on mounting plate 114f due to the vertical sides 208 and 210, will be securely retained.

Angled longitudinal sides 208 and 210 of mounting plate 114f further include openings 218 at bend 220, that function to strengthen the vertically oriented longitudinal sides 208 and 210 of mounting plate 114f and function as drainage holes. In this non-limiting, exemplary instance, rear side edge 224 of mounting plate 114f is beveled 226, and functions as a scraper blade. Additionally, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, rear sections 228 and 230 of longitudinal angled sides 208 and 210 are slanted, tapering towards rear side edge 224 to further assist in scraping away food material from the cooking device.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, mounting plates disclosed for the various embodiments need not have a polygonal configuration, but may have a non-polygonal configuration such as oval, teardrop, or circular. Further, the central opening need not have a polygonal configuration, but may have a non-polygonal configuration such as oval, teardrop, or circular. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, inside, outside, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, lateral, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction, orientation, or position. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations/positions and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.

Further the terms “a” and “an” throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The use of the phrases “and or,” “and/or” throughout the specification (if any used) indicate an inclusive “or” where for example, A and or B should be interpreted as “A,” “B,” or both “A and B.”

In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a single, integral metal piece, having:a mounting plate; anda handle.

2. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the mounting plate and the handle are generally coplanar, with a front distal section of the mounting plate curved at an angle towards a top side of the mounting plate.

3. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the handle includes:an elongated section; anda grip section.

4. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the elongated section of the handle has a cross-sectional profile that is curved to improve a structural integrity of the handle.

5. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the mounting plate has a central opening.

6. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the mounting plate includes:a periphery edge portion that is curved at an angle towards a top side of the mounting plate.

7. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the mounting plate includes:a plurality of projections that are coplanar with the mounting plate and that are spaced along a periphery edge of the mounting plate.

8. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein: a projection of the plurality of projections includes:an outwardly divergent side edges, with an outer portion terminating at a straight side.

9. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein: a projection of the plurality of projections and an adjacent projection of the plurality of projections form a retainer-relief in between by companion, inwardly divergent side edges of the projection and the adjoining projection, terminating at the side edge of the mounting plate.

10. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the central opening includes:a plurality of projections that are coplanar with the mounting plate and that are spaced along inner periphery edges the central opening.

11. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the mounting plate is further comprised of:an extended member that includes a front distal section of the mounting plate that is curved at an angle towards a top side of the mounting plate and extended member.

12. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein: the extended member is moveably associated with the mounting plate.

13. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein: the extended member is connected to the mounting plate by movable mechanism.

14. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein: the mounting plate and associated extended member include:a plurality of projections that are coplanar with the mounting plate and the extended member;the plurality of projections are spaced along periphery edges of the mounting plate and extended member.

15. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein: the mounting plate and extended member include:a plurality of projections that are spaced along periphery edges, with corner edges having an indented recess.

16. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a cleaning element comprised of abrasive material removably mounted on the mounting plate.

17. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: the cleaning element is a steel wool.

18. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a mounting plate; anda handle that is detachably connected to a top surface of the mounting plate.

19. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein: the mounting plate has a central opening.

20. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein: the mounting plate includes:a plurality of projections that are spaced along a periphery edge of the mounting plate.

21. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein: a projection of the plurality of projections includes:an outwardly divergent side edges, with an outer portion terminating at a straight side.

22. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein: a projection of the plurality of projections and an adjacent projection of the plurality of projections form a retainer-relief in between by companion, inwardly divergent side edges of the projection and the adjoining projection, terminating at the side edge of the mounting plate.

23. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein: the central opening includes:a plurality of projections that are coplanar with the mounting plate and that are spaced along edges of the central opening.

24. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein: a projection of the plurality of projections includes:an outwardly divergent side edges, with an outer portion terminating at a straight side.

25. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 24, wherein: a projection of the plurality of projections and an adjacent projection of the plurality of projections form a retainer-relief in between by companion, inwardly divergent side edges of the projection and the adjoining projection, terminating at the side edge of the oblong rectangular central opening.

26. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein: the mounting plate includes fastener opening for securing the handle onto the mounting plate.

27. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 26, wherein: the mounting plate includes:a plurality of projections that are coplanar with an angled periphery of the mounting plate.

28. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein: the angled periphery of mounting plate further include openings at the bend, that function to strengthen the he longitudinal sides of mounting plate and function as drainage holes.

29. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein: a section of the mounting plate that functions as a scraper blade is beveled.

30. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a mounting plate, having:a central opening; anda plurality of projections that are spaced along periphery edge of the mounting plate, and spaced along periphery edge of the central opening.

31. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein: a projection of the plurality of projections includes:outwardly divergent side edges, with an outer portion terminating at a straight side.

32. The cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein: a projection of the plurality of projections and an adjacent projection of the plurality of projections form a retainer-relief in between by companion, inwardly divergent side edges of the projection and the adjoining projection, terminating at the side edge of the mounting plate.