DUAL BRUSH ASSEMBLY WITH REPLACEABLE COMPONENT

Abstract

A dual brush assembly for cleaning a cooking surface. The dual brush assembly includes a handle assembly, a handguard assembly, a bristleless scraper, and a scouring pad assembly. The handguard assembly is wider than the handle assembly to protect the hand of the user. The handguard assembly further comprises a first segment and a second segment and is secured to the handle assembly such that the dual brush assembly generally forms a triangle shape. The triangle shape allows the dual brush assembly to achieve approximately equal leverage when using either the bristleless scraper or the scouring pad assembly, achieved by orientating either the bristleless scraper or the scouring pad assembly towards the cooking surface. The scouring pad assembly is further removable and replaceable such that a user can replace it when it becomes worn down due to usage over time.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims priority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of earlier-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/703,979, filed on Jul. 27, 2018, and entitled "DUAL BRUSH ASSEMBLY WITH REPLACEABLE COMPONENT." The identified earlier-filed provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

[0002] Embodiments of the dual brush assembly are broadly directed to cleaning brushes. More specifically, embodiments of the dual brush assembly are directed to cleaning brushes used to clean cooking surfaces such as those found on grills, smokers, and other cooling equipment.

2. Related Art

[0003] Grills, smokers, and other cooking equipment contain cooking surfaces that require periodic cleaning. Grills for example, become difficult to clean because food, grease, and other debris get stuck to the cooking surface. The build-up of food, grease, and other debris over time in conjunction with the heat from the grill make the cooking surface difficult to clean. Generally, the grill is often cleaned while the grill is warming up, after the grill has warmed up, or after cooking is complete. The heat from the grill assists in cleaning the cooking surface but is also dangerous to the user.

[0004] Grill brushes come in a variety of apparatuses. Most grill brushes use a scouring pad or bristle brush to scrape away unwanted food, grease, or other debris from the grill's cooking surface. These grill brushes also typically include a long handle such that a hand is a safe distance away from the heated cooking surface.

[0005] However, these grill brushes present several drawbacks. First, limiting the grill brush to include only a scouring pad or a bristle brush minimizes cleaning versatility. Second, the scouring pad or bristle brush wears out over time rendering the grill brush useless. Third, the long handle that protects a hand from the cooking surface's heat leaves the grill brush with insufficient leverage needed to remove tough debris.

SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the dual brush assembly solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a distinct advantage in the art by providing a dual brush assembly to be used on cooking surfaces. The dual brush assembly offers many advantages over prior art grill brushes. First, the dual brush assembly includes a scouring pad section and a bristle-type section to provide the brush with the cleaning versatility needed. Second, the scouring pad is replaceable and can be easily removed from the dual brush assembly because such scouring pads wear down and need replacing. Third, the bristle-type section is comprised of a bristleless design such that the metal is in a continuous form to prevent individual bristles from breaking off and becoming exposed to food during cooking. Fourth, in certain embodiments, the dual brush assembly forms a triangle shape such that the proper leverage can be applied when using either the scouring pad portion or the bristleless scraper portion. Finally, the width of the dual brush assembly protects a hand from the heat of the cooking surface while still allowing the user to grasp the dual brush assembly and apply the proper leverage.

[0007] A first embodiment of the dual brush assembly is broadly directed to a dual brush assembly for cleaning a cooking surface, comprising a handle assembly, a handguard assembly, a first scrubber, and a second scrubber. The handguard assembly has a first segment and a second segment. The first scrubber is a bristleless scraper and is fixed on the first segment. The second scrubber is a scouring pad assembly and is attached to the second segment. The handle assembly is secured to the handguard assembly such that the dual brush assembly generally forms a triangle. The triangular shape of the dual brush assembly allows the user to achieve approximately equal leverage when the first scrubber is orientated down to face the cooking surface as when the second scrubber is orientated down to face the cooking surface. This allows the user to rotate the dual brush assembly in order to use either the bristleless scraper or the scouring pad assembly while achieving substantially the same leverage based on the triangular shape. The handguard assembly has a second width, and the handle assembly has a first width. The handguard assembly's second width is at least twice the size of the handle assembly's first width. The second width provides protection to a hand from the heat of the cooking surface, and the first width allows the user to grasp the handle.

[0008] A second embodiment of the dual brush assembly is directed to a dual brush assembly for cleaning a cooking surface, comprising a handle assembly, a handguard assembly, a first scrubber fixed to the first segment, and a scouring pad assembly attached to the second segment. The handguard assembly includes a first segment and a second segment. The scouring pad assembly is removable and replaceable to allow the user to attach a new scouring pad assembly when the old scouring pad assembly becomes worn down due to usage over time. The scouring pad assembly further comprises a clip that bends to allow the scouring pad assembly to be attached to the second segment. The scouring pad assembly also comprises a retention connector to attach the scouring pad assembly to the second segment.

[0009] A third embodiment of the dual brush assembly is directed to cleaning a surface, comprising a handle assembly, a handguard assembly including a first and second segment, a handguard assembly, a bristleless scraper fixed to the first segment, and a scouring pad assembly attached to the second segment. The handle assembly is secured to the handguard assembly such that the dual brush assembly generally forms a triangle shape and achieves approximately equal leverage when either the bristleless scraper or the scouring pad assembly is orientated down towards the surface. The scouring pad assembly is further removable and replaceable to allow a user to attach a new scouring pad assembly when the old scouring pad assembly becomes worn down due to usage over time. The scouring pad assembly is removable by a clip and retention connector.

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the dual brush assembly will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0011] Embodiments of the dual brush assembly are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1A is a first isometric view of a dual brush assembly;

[0013] FIG. 1B is a second isometric view of a dual brush assembly;

[0014] FIG. 1C is a third isometric view of a dual brush assembly;

[0015] FIG. 2A is a top view of a dual brush assembly;

[0016] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a dual brush assembly;

[0017] FIG. 2C is a front view of a dual brush assembly;

[0018] FIG. 2D is a back view of a dual brush assembly;

[0019] FIG. 2E is a first side view of a dual brush assembly;

[0020] FIG. 2F is a second side view of a dual brush assembly;

[0021] FIG. 3A is a first isometric view of a scouring pad assembly;

[0022] FIG. 3B is a second isometric view of a scouring pad assembly;

[0023] FIG. 3C is a top view of a scouring pad assembly;

[0024] FIG. 3D is a front view of a scouring pad assembly;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the dual brush assembly; and

[0026] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention being used on a cooking surface.

[0027] The drawing figures do not limit the dual brush assembly to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the dual brush assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following detailed description references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0029] In this description, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0030] The dual brush assembly 10 is comprised of a handle assembly 12 and a handguard assembly 14. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the handle assembly 12 and the handguard assembly 14. In some embodiments, the handle assembly 12 is generally linear as seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2E, and 2F. The handguard assembly 14 is comprised of a first segment 16 and a second segment 18. An example of the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 can be seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0031] The first segment 16 and the second segment 18 form an L-shape as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. The dual brush assembly 10 presents a general triangular shape as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. The handle assembly 12 forms the hypotenuse of the triangle shape. The L-shape of the first segment 16 and second segment 18 form the sides of the triangle shape. In some embodiments a bristleless scraper 20 is attached or connected to the first segment 16. Also, in some embodiments, a scouring pad assembly 22 is attached to the second segment 18. FIG. 1A shows the bristleless scraper 20 and the scouring pad assembly 22 attached to the first segment 16 and the second segment 18, respectfully. In some embodiments, the scouring pad assembly 22 is removable and replaceable such that the user can attach a new scouring pad assembly 22 when the old scouring pad assembly 22 wears down due to use.

[0032] Use of directional terms such as "upper," "lower,", "top", "bottom", "above," "below", "front", "forward", "left" or "right", and etc. are intended merely for orientation, to describe the positions and/or orientations of various components of the dual brush assembly 10 relative to one another, and are not intended to impose limitations on any position and/or orientation of any embodiment of the dual brush assembly 10 relative to any reference point external to the reference. FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 2C can be used as illustrations of directions. In FIG. 1A, the area where the first segment 16 is connected to the handle assembly 12 is considered the front and top of the dual brush assembly 10. Also, in Fig. A, the area where the second segment 18 is connected to the handle assembly 12 is considered the bottom and back of the dual brush assembly 10. In FIGS. 2A and 2C, thearea to the left of the handle assembly 12 is considered the left of the dual brush assembly 10, and the area to the right of the handle assembly 12 is considered the right of the dual brush assembly 10.

[0033] Certain embodiments of a dual brush assembly 10 are configured to clean a cooking surface. An example of a dual brush assembly 10 can be seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. Typically, a dual brush assembly 10 is used to clean the cooking surface of a grill, a smoker, a grill pan, a cast iron pan, a flat top skillet, stove tops, or other cooking surfaces. These cooking surfaces use high heat to cook meat, vegetables, and other food. Cleaning the grill's cooking surface before and/or after cooking prevents debris from becoming stuck to the cooking surface, becoming stuck to later-cooked food, and damaging the cooking surface.

[0034] Before discussing the detailed components and variations of embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10, exemplary uses of the dual brush assembly 10 will now be briefly discussed to orient the reader as to certain potential uses for embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10. It should be noted that these uses are only exemplary, and that embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10 may be configured for other uses. Generally, the uses described below can be characterized in one of three ways. First, some embodiments are configured to clean grill-like surfaces. Second, other embodiments are configured to clean generally flat non-grill-like cooking surfaces. Third, still other embodiments are configured to clean non-cooking surfaces.

[0035] Some embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10 are configured to clean or remove debris from grill-like surfaces. These include, but are not limited to, residential grills, restaurant grills, commercial grills, food truck grills, competition grills, portable grills, and other grills. These types of grills usually are comprised of grates and other cooking surfaces that require regular cleaning usually further requiring tough scrubbing to remove debris from the cooking surface.

[0036] Other examples to which certain embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10 are directed are cleaning or removing debris from generally flat, non-grill-like cooking surfaces and structures. These include, but are not limited to ovens, microwaves, stoves, various cooktops, crockpots, griddles, dishes, cast iron pans, cookware, and other cooking surfaces and structures.

[0037] Yet further examples to which embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10 are directed are removing debris from non-cooking surfaces and structures. These include, but are not limited to, counter tops, outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, bathrooms, automotive parts, tires, yard tools, golf clubs, heating and cooling components, mechanical equipment, filters, grates, tiles, or anything that has debris or grout stuck to it.

[0038] Because the dual brush assembly 10 is adapted to clean standard grill-like surfaces in certain embodiments, a standard grill will be briefly discussed. Standard grills utilize a heat source or heating element that is contained in a reservoir. The cooking surface lies across the top of this reservoir in order to keep the food suspended at a certain height from the heat source. These cooking surfaces are typically made out of parallel metal bars or a porcelain-covered metal grid. The metal bars or metal grid are traditionally grooved in either a concave or convex orientation.

[0039] Grease, food, and other debris become stuck to the metal bars or grates of the grill over time. The grooved features of these bars or grates can make the cooking surface especially difficult to clean. The two different scrubbers of the dual brush assembly 10 allow users to properly clean the cooking surface because the bristleless scraper 20 can reach into the grooved features, and the scouring pad assembly 22 can provide a finishing scrub. In other words, the bristleless scraper 20 can first reach and remove the tough debris contained in the grooves, and the scouring pad assembly 22 can then remove any debris broken up by the bristleless scraper 20.

[0040] Grills and other cooking surfaces produce a significant amount of heat that can be dangerous to anyone near the grill or cooking surface. Further, the cooking surfaces of grills require a combination of scrubbing from the user and heat to properly remove any unwanted debris. Embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10 allow the user to grip the dual brush assembly 10 such that appropriate leverage can be applied in close proximity to the heat without endangering the user. The user can then apply pressure to the dual brush assembly 10 in order to slide the dual brush assembly 10 along the grates of the grill, cleaning and removing debris in the process.

[0041] The structure of the dual brush assembly 10 will now be discussed in detail. As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2C, the handle assembly 12 is comprised of a handle grip 24, a first handle base 26, and a second handle base 28, and has a first width W1. The first handle base 26 and the second handle base 28 are on opposite sides of the handle assembly 12. The first handle base 26 is positioned towards the top and front of the dual brush assembly 10. The second handle base 28 is positioned towards the bottom and back of the dual brush assembly 10. The handle grip 24 is positioned between the first handle base 26 and the second handle base 28. In some embodiments, the handle assembly 12 presents a general linear shape with the handle grip 24 in between the first handle base 26 and the second handle base 28. The first handle base 26 is attached to the handle grip 24 at the top of the handle assembly 12. The second handle base 28 is attached to the handle grip 24 at the bottom of the handle assembly 12. An example of these embodiments can be seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. The first handle base 26 serves as the upper connecting point between the handle assembly 12 and the handguard assembly 14. The second handle base 28 serves as the lower connecting point between the handle assembly 12 and the handguard assembly 14.

[0042] In some embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10, the handle assembly 12 is non-linear. Therefore, some embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10 form an irregular triangle shape or a non-traditional geometric shape. In other embodiments, lengths of the first segment 16, the second segment 18, and the handle assembly 12 may vary creating different geometric shapes with different possible angles. For example, if the first segment 16 was twice as long as the second segment 18, the angle between the handle assembly 12 and the first segment 16 would be smaller than if the second segment 18 was twice as long as the first segment 16. Other combinations of first segment 16 lengths and the second segment 18 lengths will produce different angles in this manner. If the handle assembly 12 presents a non-linear shape, due to a bow, concave, or convex structure, the overall shape of the dual brush assembly 10 will not be triangular, but rather would present a ramp shape, for example.

[0043] The first width W1 is the width of the handle assembly 12 if measured from left to right in the perspective of FIG. 2A. The first width W1 is such that a hand can comfortably grasp the handle assembly 12 to provide leverage on the dual brush assembly 10. For example, in FIG. 2E, leverage applied to the handle assembly 12 would push the dual brush assemble 10 to the left. The handle assembly 12 may have a cross sectional area of a square, circle, or other geometric shape such that a hand can grasp the handle assembly 12.

[0044] In other embodiments, the handle assembly 12 may form a curved, bow, or other acute shape as opposed to the linear orientation shown in the drawings. The curve of the bow may be in either a concave or convex orientation. These different orientations allow the user to have different grips on the dual brush assembly 10. Other embodiments may have groves on the bottom of the handle assembly 12 such that fingers can rest in different groves providing a more comfortable feel and additional leverage. Some embodiments have replaceable and/or customizable variations of the handle assembly 12.

[0045] Some embodiments of the handle assembly 12 may be formed by structurally connecting or fastening the first handle base 26, handle grip 24, and second handle base 28 together. As seen in FIG. 4 this can be accomplished by forming connection holes 30 down the middle of the first handle base 26, the handle grip 24, and/or second handle base 28 such that the holes align and support the use of a fastener for connecting the first handle base 26, handle grip 24, and second handle base 28 together. The connection holes 30 may be recesses or openings. The connection holes 30 may be extruded through the first handle base 26, handle grip 24, and second handle base 28, or may be extruded only through a portion of the first handle base 26, the handle grip 24, and/or the second handle base 28. Other embodiments of the handle assembly 12 may be formed of a single, monolithic structure.

[0046] In some embodiments, the handle grip 24 is comprised of a smaller diameter section 32 and an outer sleeve 34, as seen in FIG. 1A. The smaller diameter section 32 is connected to or part of the same monolithic structure as the first handle base 26 and the second handle base 28. The outer sleeve 34 wraps around the outside of the smaller diameter section 32 and runs the length of the smaller diameter's length, from the first handle base 26 to the second handle base 28. The outer sleeve 34 is approximately flush with the first handle base 26 and the second handle base 28. In other embodiments, the diameter of the outer sleeve 34 is larger than the diameter of the smaller diameter section 32 and may extend partially onto or over the first handle base 26 and the second handle base 28.

[0047] Additional embodiments utilize handle a handle assembly 12 with one or multiple holes or extrusions in each the first handle base 26 and the second handle base 28. In these embodiments, one or more recesses on the first handle base 26 will serve as an insert section for protrusions on the handguard assembly 14. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, handguard assembly protrusions 36 will pop into place and hold the handle assembly 12 in place when the handle assembly 12 is attached to the handguard assembly 14. Some embodiments utilize handguard assembly protrusions 36 in addition to fastener holes to attach the handle assembly 12 to the handguard assembly 14.

[0048] In some embodiments, the handguard assembly 14 is comprised of a first segment 16, a second segment 18, a first pommel 38, and a second pommel 40. FIGS. 1A and 1C show these different components of the handguard assembly 14. The first segment 16 is orientated at the front of the dual brush assembly 10 generally in a vertical position. FIGS. 2E and 2F show this general vertical position. The first segment 16 generally spans the vertical distance of the handle assembly 12. The vertical distance is the length of the first segment 16 if measured from the bottom of the first segment 16 to the top of the first segment 16. FIGS. 2E and 2F show this vertical distance. The second segment 18 is orientated towards the bottom of the dual brush assembly 10 below the handle assembly 12 and above the second scrubber. The second segment 18 is generally horizontal and spans the horizontal distance of the handle assembly 12. This can be seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. The horizontal distance, which can also be seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F, is the length of the second segment 18 if measured from the front of the second segment 18 to the back of the second segment 18.

[0049] The first pommel 38 connects the first segment 16 and the handle assembly 12. The first pommel 38 is orientated at the top and front of the dual brush assembly 10. In some embodiments the first pommel 38 protrudes or is structurally connected to the first segment 16 at angle FPPA 42, as seen in FIGS. 1C and 2E. In other embodiments, the first pommel 38 may not be a separate structural component or may extend from the first segment 16 along the same general vertical direction as the first segment 16. The second pommel 40 connects the second segment 18 and the handle assembly 12. The second pommel 40 is orientated at the bottom and back of the dual brush assembly 10 but above the second scrubber. In some embodiments the second pommel 40 protrudes or is structurally connected to the second segment 18 at angle SPPA 44, as seen in FIGS. 1C and 2E. In other embodiments, the second pommel 40 may not be a separate structural component or may extend from the second segment 18 along the same general horizontal direction as the second segment 18.

[0050] In some embodiments the bottom of the first segment 16 and the front of the second segment 18 are connected at a ninety-degree angle, as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. Other embodiments are approximations of this ninety-degree angle. Other embodiments are connected at an angle between ninety degrees and one hundred forty degrees. Other embodiments are connected at an angle between forty degrees and ninety degrees. Still further, in some embodiments, the vertical length of the first segment 16 is approximately the horizontal length of the second segment 18 such that the dual brush assembly 10 forms an approximate isosceles right triangle shape, as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. In these orientations the handle assembly 12 forms the hypotenuse of the isosceles right triangle.

[0051] In some embodiments, the inside face of the first pommel 46 aligns with the cross section of the first handle base 26, as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. The inside face of the first pommel 46 is orientated on the back of the first pommel 38 and can be seen in FIG. 2B. As seen in FIG. 1C, a first pommel fastener hole 48 may be used to connect the handle assembly 12 to the first pommel 38, via the first handle base 26. In this case, the first pommel fastener hole 48 would align with the cross-sectional hole in either or both the first handle base 26 and handle grip 24. In other embodiments, the first pommel 38 may not be visible or present at all, and the handle assembly 12 would connect directly to the first segment 16.

[0052] In some embodiments, an inside face of the second pommel 50 aligns with the cross section of the second handle base 28, as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. As seen in FIGS. 1C and 4, the inside face of the second pommel 50 is orientated at the front of the second pommel 40. A second pommel fastener hole 52 may be used to connect the handle assembly 12 to the second pommel 40, via the second handle base 28. In this case, the second pommel fastener hole 52 would align with the cross-sectional hole in either or both the second handle base 28 and handle grip 24. In other embodiments, the second pommel 40 may not be visible or present at all, and the handle assembly 12 would connect directly to the second segment 18.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 are connected at their ends in such a way as to form a right angle. As previously noted, the connection of these two pieces may not form an exact right angle but may be orientated in such a way that creates one of a wide variety of different angles. The first pommel 38 is connected to the end of the first segment 16 that is not connected to the second segment 18. The second pommel 40 is connected to end of the second segment 18 that is not connected to the first segment 16. This can be seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. In some embodiments these features may be formed from a single, monolithic structure. In other embodiments, some of these components may be formed from a monolithic structure which is then structurally connected to the other components.

[0054] The handguard assembly 14 has a second width W2 to protect a hand when using the dual brush assembly 10. The second width W2 is the width of the handguard assembly 14 if measured from left to right in the perspective of FIG. 2A or 2C. In some embodiments the second width W2 is larger than the first width W1 to allow protection of a hand when grasping the handle assembly 12 and applying leverage to the dual brush assembly 10 as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2C. In some embodiments, the second width W2 is approximately twice the first width W1. The ratio for the second width W2 to the first width W1 (W2:W1) is at least two to one (2:1). In other embodiments, the second width W2 is greater than two times the first width W1. In these embodiments the ratio for the second width W2 to the first width W1 (W2:W1) is at least two to one (2:1) or greater than two to tone (2:1). In other embodiments the ratio for the second width W2 to the first width W1 (W2:W1) is at least three to one (3:1). In other embodiments the ratio for the second width W2 to the first width W1 (W2:W1) is at least four to one (4:1). In other embodiments the ratio for the second width W2 to the first width W1 (W2:W1) is at least five to one (5:1).

[0055] In some embodiments, the second width W2 will be approximately the same width as the second scrubber. This can be seen in FIGS. 1C, 2A, and 2B. In these embodiments, the width of the first segment 16 will be approximately the same as the width of the second scrubber. In other embodiments, the width of the second segment 18 will be less than the width of the first segment 16 to allow the second scrubber to attach to the second segment 18 such that the farthest outside faces of the dual brush assembly 10 are flush.

[0056] Some embodiments may include additional wings or structural components that extent farther than the second width W2. These additional structural components may protrude from the handguard assembly 14 straight out or at an angle. They may be orientated on the far left and far right sides of the dual brush assembly 10 if viewed from the perspective of FIGS. 2A and 2C. However, they would not extent farther forward than the bristleless scraper 20, and they would not extend lower than the second scrubber. In shape, they may be linear, concave, convex, or some combination thereof. These additional structural components or wings when comprised in embodiments provide extra protection for a hand when using the dual brush assembly 10.

[0057] The first segment 16 of the handguard assembly 14 is the structure for which a first scrubber is attached. This can be seen in FIGS. 2D, 2E, and 5. In some embodiments, the first scrubber is a bristleless scraper 20. The bristleless scraper 20 is used as a permanent metal brush. The bristleless scraper 20 is orientated forward from the first segment 16 at the front of the dual brush assembly 10. When referencing FIG. 2E, this forward direction is to the left. It generally traces the vertical path of the first segment 16. In some embodiments, the bristleless scraper 20 includes a sturdy, traversing wire 54 that protrudes forward from the first segment 16 (as seen in FIGS. 2E and 1A), travels horizontally along and parallel to the first segment 16 (as seen in FIGS. 1C, 2D, and 2E), and returns backwards to the first segment 16 (as seen in FIGS. 2F, 1C, and 2D). Scraping wires 56 protrude radially and/or helically from the traversing wire 54 as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. The scraping wires 56 are designed to remove food particles and other objects from the cooking surface. Unlike common bristles, they are at least partially continuous such that they are not prone to dislodge and do not present any pointed ends. This prevents the bristleless scraper 20 from potentially allowing bristles to enter food cooked on the cooking surface after scraping.

[0058] Different embodiments use different amounts of traversing wires 54. For example, one embodiment may comprise one traversing wire 54 which spans the majority of the area of the bristleless scraper 20. Another embodiment may comprise two traversing wires 54. Another embodiment may comprise three traversing wires 54. Another embodiment may comprise four traversing wires 54. Another embodiment may comprise five traversing wires 54. Another embodiment may comprise six traversing wires 54. Another embodiment may comprise seven traversing wires 54. Another embodiment may comprise eight traversing wires 54.

[0059] In some embodiments, the bristleless scraper 20 comprises scraping wires 56 that attach to the first segment 16 directly. They may be continuous in part or in whole forming and may form one single wire. In other embodiments the bristleless scraper 20 is attached to the first segment 16 by weaving portions of the continuous scraping wire 56 through holes in the first segment 16. Other embodiments may utilize traversing wires 54 that protrude from the left face of the first segment 58 or the right face of the first segment 60, as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F, respectively.

[0060] The second segment 18 of the handguard assembly 14 is the structure for which a second scrubber is attached. In some embodiments, the second segment 18 has an outside left face of the second segment 62 (as seen in FIG. 1A) and an outside right face of the second segment 64 (as seen in FIG. 1C). The outside left face of the second segment 62 is orientated on the left side of the second segment 18. The outside right face of the second segment 64 is orientated on the right side of the second segment 18 and is parallel to the outside left face of the second segment 62. The outside right face of the second segment 64 has a first cavity 66 and a second cavity 68, as seen in FIG. 1C. The first cavity 66 and second cavity 68 are generally in the shape of square extrusions. However, other embodiments may include a first cavity 66 and a second cavity 68 in other geometric extrusion shapes. In some embodiments, the first cavity 66 and the second cavity 68 are formed by extruding material from the second segment 18. The first cavity 66 and second cavity 68 hold the right side of the second scrubber in place when the second scrubber is attached to the second segment 18.

[0061] In other embodiments, there may be more or less than two cavities used to hold the right side of the second scrubber in place. In yet other embodiments, the outside right face of the second segment 64 presents one, two, or more protrusions instead of cavities. These protrusions generally have a square cross section. However, other embodiments may include these protrusions in other geometric shapes. In these embodiments, the inside face of the right ridge 70 (as seen in FIG. 3B) of the second scrubber presents a number of cavities designed to incorporate the protrusions from the outside right face of the second scrubber.

[0062] In some embodiments the second scrubber is a scouring pad assembly 22. The scouring pad assembly 22 can be seen in FIG. 3A. This scouring pad assembly 22 comprises a scouring pad base 72 and a scouring pad 74. The scouring pad base 72 is the upper portion of the scouring pad assembly 22, as seen in FIG. 3D. The scouring pad base 72 is the lower portion of the scouring pad assembly 22, as seen in FIG. 3D. The scouring pad base 72 comprises a retention clip 76, a first left ridge 78, a second left ridge 80, and a right ridge 82 as seen in FIG. 3A. The retention clip 76 is orientated on the middle left side of the scouring pad assembly 22, as seen in FIG. 3C. The retention clip 76 is also positioned above and protrudes up from the scouring pad base 72, as seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3D. The first left ridge 78 is orientated on the back left of the scouring pad assembly 22, as seen in FIG. 3C. The first left ridge 78 is also positioned above and protrudes up from the scouring pad base 72 as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3D. The scouring pad base 72 presents a first gap 84 between the first left ridge 78 and the retention clip 76, as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C. The second left ridge 80 is orientated on the front left of the scouring pad assembly 22, as seen in FIG. 3A. It also is positioned above and protrudes up from the scouring pad base 72. The scouring pad base 72 presents a second gap 86 between the retention clip 76 and the second left ridge 80, as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C. The first left ridge 78, the retention clip 76, and the second left ridge 80 generally align on the left side of the scouring pad assembly 22, as seen in FIG. 3C. The right ridge 82 is orientated on the top right side of the scouring pad assembly 22, as seen in FIG. 3B. It is positioned above and protrudes up from the scouring pad base 72. It is parallel to the first left ridge 78, the retention clip 76, and the second left ridge 80, as seen in FIG. 3C. The first left ridge 78, the second left ridge 80, and the right ridge 82 all protrude up from the scouring pad base 72 in a general rectangular shape. However, other embodiments may utilize different geometric protrusion shapes.

[0063] The retention clip 76 comprises a retention clip fastener 88, a retention clip base 90, and a retention clip fillet 92. The retention clip base 90 forms the bottom portion of the retention clip 76, as seen in FIG. 3A. The retention clip base 90 protrudes up from the scouring pad base 72 in a general rectangular shape. Other embodiments may utilize different geometric protrusion shapes for the retention clip base 90. The retention clip fastener 88 forms the upper portion of the retention clip 76, as seen in FIG. 3A. The retention clip fastener 88 protrudes to the right from the retention clip 76. The retention clip fastener 88 generally protrudes at an angle to or perpendicular to the retention clip base 90 and comes to a point, as seen in FIG. 3D. The bottom of the retention clip fastener 88 has a general horizontal bottom such that it may sit flush against the horizontal top face of the second segment 94, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 2E. Other embodiments may utilize retention clip fastener 88 protrusions that have a curved or squared end. The retention clip fillet 92 can be seen in FIG. 3B. The retention clip fillet 92 is located on the bottom left side of the retention clip 76. Some embodiments do not use some or all of these components. These features may be formed from a single, monolithic structure or manufactured separately and connected together through various techniques.

[0064] In some embodiments, the right ridge 82 comprises a first retention connector 96 and a second retention connector 98, as seen in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Both the first retention connector 96 and the second retention connector 98 are located on the inside face of the left side of the right ridge 100. They are positioned somewhere between the top of the right ridge 82 and the bottom of the right ridge 82. However, other embodiments may utilize locations that are closer to the top or closer to the bottom as opposed to being generally centered between the top and the bottom of the right ridge 82. They generally protrude out to the left in a square shape approximately perpendicular to the inside face of the right ridge 70. However, some embodiments may utilize these protrusions in different geometric shapes. The protrusions may have a flat end, a curved end (as seen in FIG. 3B), or a pointed end depending on the embodiment. Some embodiments do not use some or all of these components. These features may be formed from a single, monolithic structure or manufactured separately and connected together through various techniques.

[0065] In some embodiments, the scouring pad assembly 22 is removable. This allows the user to replace the scouring pad assembly 22 when it gets worn down due usage over time. The scouring pad assembly 22 can be removable through various techniques depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the scouring pad assembly 22 is removable via a clip system. FIGS. 3A and 3B show the important aspects of the clip system. In FIG. 3A, the retention clip fastener 88 and retention clip base 90 can be seen, as described above. In FIG. 3B, the retention clip fillet 92, the first retention connector 96, and second retention connector 98 can be seen. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and described above, an inside face of the retention clip base 100 aligns with an inside face of the first left ridge 102 and an inside face of the second left ridge 104. These inside faces sit flush against an outside left face of the second segment 62 when the scouring pad assembly 22 is attached to the second segment 18, as seen in FIG. 1A. When the scouring pad assembly 22 is attached to the second segment 18, the first retention connector 96 and the second retention connector 98 protrude into the first cavity 66 and the second cavity 68, respectfully. Also as discussed above, other embodiments comprise retention connectors on the second segment 18 and cavities on the scouring pad assembly 22.

[0066] For some embodiments that use the clip system for attaching the scouring pad assembly 22 to the second segment 18, the scouring pad assembly 22 is attached by first inserting the first retention connector 96 and the second retention connector 98 into the first cavity 66 and the second cavity 68, respectfully. This will leave the inside face of the right ridge 70 flush with the outside right face of the second segment 64. Next, the scouring pad assembly 22 is pushed into place until the retention clip fastener 88 extends above the top face of the second segment 94. The retention clip fillet 92 will allow the retention clip 76 to slightly bend until the retention clip fastener 88 is above the top face of the second segment 94. Other embodiments of attaching the scrubber may include sliding, clipping, or other fastening mechanisms. For example, embodiments that use a sliding mechanism for attaching the scouring pad assembly 22 to the second segment 18, groves on the bottom edges of the second segment 18 may mate with groves on the top edges of the scouring pad assembly 22. These edges may be orientated on the front and back of the second segment 18, or they may be orientated on the left and right of the second segment 18. The scouring pad assembly 22 will then slide into place, resting flush with the second segment 18. These embodiments may temporarily lock into place once the scouring pad assembly 22 is flush with the second segment 18.

[0067] In other embodiments, the scouring pad assembly 22 is held in place and attached to the second segment 18 by a latch system. The latch may be in the same place as the retention clip 76 from other embodiments or may be positioned closer to or farther away from the first segment 16. The latch may comprise a hinge in which the latch can swing up and snap into place above the top face of the second segment 94. For yet other embodiments that use other fastening mechanisms, a fastener is used secure the scouring pad assembly 22 to the second segment 18 once the scouring pad assembly 22 is aligned with the second segment 18. These types of fasteners may include hooks, latches, pins, screws, nuts, bolts, caps, wings, couplings, flanges, torque locks, and/or buttons.

[0068] While the operation of the dual brush assembly 10 has been discussed throughout, a method of using embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10 will now be discussed for clarity. As seen in FIG. 5, a method of operating the dual brush assembly 10 comprises the following steps: orienting the face of the first scrubber (such as the bristleless scraper 20) towards the cooking surface; orientating the handle assembly 12 such that the user can grasp the handle assembly 12; grasping and applying downward pressure on the dual brush assembly 10 via the handle assembly 12; scraping the cooking surface with the bristleless scraper 20; removing pressure and turning the dual brush assembly 10 such that the second scrubber (such as the scouring pad assembly 22) is orientated towards the cooking surface; orientating the handle assembly 12 such that the user can grasp the handle assembly 12; grasping and applying downward pressure on the dual brush assembly 10 via the handle assembly 12; scraping the cooking surface with the scouring pad assembly 22; removing the dual brush assembly 10 from the proximity of the cooking surface.

[0069] A method of replacing the scouring pad assembly 22 may comprise: grasping the dual brush assembly 10; grasping the scouring pad assembly 22; depressing the retention clip base 90 of the retention clip 76; lowering the scouring pad assembly 22 relative to the second segment 18 of the dual brush assembly 10; acquiring a new scouring pad assembly 22; placing the first retention connector 96 and the second retention connection 98 into the second segment 18; pushing the scouring pad assembly 22 upward relative to the second segment 18 until the retention clip 76 engages.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the different embodiments without departing from the scope of the claimed dual brush assembly 10. It will, of course, be understood that modifications of the dual brush assembly 10, in its various aspects, will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent only after study, others being matters of routine mechanical design. No single feature, function or property of different embodiments is essential. Other embodiments are possible, their specific designs depending upon the particular application. As such, the scope of the dual brush assembly 10 should not be limited by the particular embodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0071] Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10 have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and sub-assemblies are of utility, may be employed without reference to other features and sub-assemblies, and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Although the dual brush assembly 10 has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed, and substitutions may be made herein without departing from the scope of the dual brush assembly 10 as recited in the claims.

[0072] Having thus described various embodiments of the dual brush assembly 10, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:

Claims

1. A dual brush assembly configured to clean a cooking surface, comprising: a handle assembly having a first width; a handguard assembly having a second width, wherein the handguard assembly include a first segment and a second segment, wherein the handle assembly is secured to the handguard assembly such that the dual brush assembly generally forms a triangular shape, wherein the dual brush assembly achieves approximately equal leverage when the first segment is orientated down to face the cooking surface as when the second segment is orientated down to face the cooking surface, wherein the second width is at least two times the first width as to protect a hand from the heat of the cooking surface; a bristleless scraper fixed to the first segment; and a scouring pad assembly attached to the second segment.

2. The dual brush assembly of claim 1, wherein an angle between the first segment and the second segment of the handguard assembly is approximately ninety degrees, wherein the handle assembly forms a hypotenuse of the triangular shape.

3. The dual brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the dual brush assembly approximately forms an isosceles right triangle, wherein the first segment and the second segment form the sides of the isosceles right triangle, wherein the handle assembly forms the hypotenuse of the isosceles right triangle.

4. The dual brush assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first pommel structurally connected to the first segment and fastened to the handle assembly; and a second pommel structurally connected to the second segment and fastened to the handle assembly.

5. The dual brush assembly of claim 4, wherein the first pommel protrudes from the first segment at a first angle, wherein the second pommel protrudes from the second segment at a second angle, wherein the first angle is equal in magnitude to the second angle.

6. The dual brush assembly of claim 5, wherein an inside face of the first pommel is flush with a first handle base, wherein an inside face of the second pommel is flush with a second handle base, wherein the first handle base is opposite the second handle base.

7. The dual brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a grooved hand grip.

8. A dual brush assembly configured to clean a cooking surface, comprising: a handle assembly; a handguard assembly including a first segment and a second segment; a first scrubber fixed to the first segment; and a scouring pad assembly attached to the second segment, wherein the scouring pad assembly is removable from the second segment, wherein a clip bends to allow the scouring pad assembly to attach to the second segment, wherein a retention connector holds a second side of the scouring pad assembly in place when attached to the second segment.

9. The dual brush assembly of claim 8, wherein a top part of the clip sits flush against a top of the second segment when attached to the second segment.

10. The dual brush assembly of claim 8, further comprising a second retention connector, wherein the second retention connector holds a second side of the scouring pad assembly in place when attached to the second segment.

11. The dual brush assembly of claim 10, further comprising a third retention connector, wherein the third retention connector holds a second side of the scouring pad assembly in place when attached to the second segment.

12. The dual brush assembly of claim 8, wherein the second scrubber is fastened onto the second segment.

13. The dual brush assembly of claim 8, wherein the scouring pad assembly slides onto the second segment.

14. The dual brush assembly of claim 13, wherein the scouring pad assembly further comprises a set of grooves to mate with a second set of grooves on the second segment.

15. The dual brush assembly of claim 8, wherein a movable latch attaches the scouring pad assembly to the second segment.

16. A dual brush assembly configured to clean a cooking surface, comprising: a handle assembly; a handguard assembly including a first segment and a second segment, wherein the handle assembly is secured to the handguard assembly such that the dual brush assembly generally forms a triangular shape, wherein the dual brush assembly achieves approximately equal leverage when the first segment is orientated down to face the cooking surface as when the second segment is orientated down to face the cooking surface; a bristleless scraper fixed to the first segment; and a scouring pad selectively attached to the second segment, wherein the scouring pad assembly is removable from the second segment, wherein a first retention connector holds a second side of the scouring pad assembly in place when attached to the second segment.

17. The dual brush assembly of claim 1, wherein an angle between the first segment and the second segment of the handguard assembly is approximately ninety degrees, wherein the handle assembly forms a hypotenuse of the triangular shape. wherein the dual brush assembly approximately forms an isosceles right triangle, wherein the first segment and the second segment form the sides of the isosceles right triangle, wherein the handle assembly forms the hypotenuse of the isosceles right triangle.

18. The dual brush assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first pommel structurally connected to the first segment and fastened to the handle assembly; and a second pommel structurally connected to the second segment and fastened to the handle assembly. wherein the first pommel protrudes from the first segment at a first angle, wherein the second pommel protrudes from the second segment at a second angle, wherein the first angle is equal in magnitude to the second angle.

19. The dual brush assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a second retention connector, wherein the second retention connector holds a second side of the scouring pad assembly in place when attached to the second segment; and a third retention connector, wherein the third retention connector holds a second side of the scouring pad assembly in place when attached to the second segment.

20. The dual brush assembly of claim 8, wherein the scouring pad assembly is configured to slide onto the second segment. wherein the scouring pad assembly further comprises a set of grooves to mate with a second set of grooves on the second segment.