FR2711358A1 - Dynamic device for raising solid products packed in jars - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention consists of a utensil intended to be placed inside a jar, usually made of glass and required for containing solid products such as, for example, food products like gherkins, onions or olives, in order to make it possible for the consumer to raise the contents of the jar which are generally submerged in a preserving liquid and thus to avoid the consumer having to immerse his or her fingers in the preserving liquid in order to grasp the products. It is characterised in that the vertical rod (2) which is perpendicularly connected to the centre of the tray (1) is free to be moved in the upward or downward direction such that, when the jar is closed, the rod (2) is pushed in by the pressure of the lid on its end (3) and, when the jar is opened, the end (3) of the rod (2) emerges from the jar by elastic reaction and thus makes it possible for the consumer to grasp the utensil without immersing his or her fingers in the preserving liquid.

Description

DYNAMIC DEVICE
SOLID PRODUCT LIFTER
PACKED CONDITIONS
The present invention relates to a utensil intended to be introduced into a pot before filling to allow the contents of the pot to be raised and to facilitate its gripping.

It is known that an increasing number of products, for example small food products and in particular condiments, are today packaged inside pots, most often made of glass, in total or partial immersion in a preserving liquid.

Furthermore, the dimensions of said pots and the density of the products they contain are such that when the content is partially consumed, the products remaining to be collected are generally deposited at the bottom of the pot, in the initial volume of the preservation liquid.

Consequently, users forced to plunge their fingers into the preserving liquid to grab the products, felt the need to resort to the use of external utensils.

To do this, they used in the first place one of the elements of the cutlery such as, fork, spoon or knife, usually metallic, therefore not recommended for such an operation, the quality of certain preservatives associated with that of the material of certain cutlery, can generate chemical reactions not recommended for both the taste of products and the health of the consumer.

This problem quickly found its solution by selling commercially wooden or plastic utensils compatible with preserving liquids.

However, the use of an external accessory most often having drawbacks and in particular that of not always being available when the consumer needs it, manufacturers and suppliers of products have offered the consumer an internal utensil in the jar and delivered with this one
This plastic utensil compatible with this particular use, most often consists of a tray intended to be placed under the products to be lifted, and generously perforated with holes to let the preservation liquid pass during the lifting of the products, connected in its center to a vertical axis whose end opposite to the plate is provided with a prehensiori bar, perpendicular to the axis and length avoisinarit the inside diameter of the opening of the pot.

The products to be consumed being located on the tray resting at the bottom of the jar and all around the vertical axis, the consumer just has to open the jar and grab the grip bar and pull up to raise enough products
This device, internal and static before use, has several drawbacks for the consumer and for the industrial conditioner.

The device currently offered on the market is produced in shapes and materials leading to an excess of flexibility significantly altering the operation of the assembly and the service rendered to the consumer.

Indeed, it is not uncommon to find when buying a pot equipped with this device, that the tray has turned and is inclined relative to the bottom of the pot, or that the vertical axis is very inclined relative to the worm, or that the gripping bar is twisted and immersed in the preservation liquid.

The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

To this end, the invention relates to a utensil characterized by the fact that it comprises in combination; a plate and a vertical axis fixed at its center, both rigid and whose shape and material make it possible to obtain an axial dynamic movement of the axis relative to the plane of the plate.

Therefore, before filling the pot, the vertical axis of the utensil of the invention emerges from the plane of the opening of the pot.

Once the jar is filled, and when the jar is closed, the inner surface of the jar lid presses on the end of the emerging axis, forcing it to move down and retract to allow the lid to be locked. .

When the jar is opened by the consumer, the axis of the utensil, freeing itself from the pressure that the lid operated on it, moves upwards, tending to return to its initial position.

Its end again emerges from the plane of the opening of the jar allowing the consumer to grasp the utensil without immersing his fingers in the preserving liquid.

The end of the vertical axis, opposite the plate, consists of a preferably circular and thin plane, whose horizontal surface and perpendicular to the axis coming into contact with the internal surface of the cover allows automatic centering of the vertical axis with respect to the pot.

The circular plane located at the end of the axis is of sufficient diameter to allow the gripping of the axis, its centering with respect to the pot, and sufficiently reduced to considerably facilitate the introduction of the products into the pot in the packaging automatic.

The operation in automated chains for introducing the products into the pot but also for placing the utensil of the invention in the pot is significantly improved by the rigidity of the components of the utensil and the precision of their assembly.

The tray of the utensil according to the invention is perforated with several orifices of sufficient size and shape to allow the flow of the preservation liquid during the lifting of the products, as well as the elastic deformation of the tray under the effect of the axial displacement of the axis.

The tray has on its upper part a border consisting of one or more parts attached to its periphery to allow scraping of the inner wall of the pot and the collection of all products, even the smallest.

The tray of the utensil according to the invention comprises in its lower part and over its entire periphery, a stop preferably made up of several small cylindrical studs to allow stability in the horizontal position of the tray when the latter rests on the bottom of the pot.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the underside of the plate, that is to say the face opposite to that on which the axis is fixed, is provided in its center with one or more stops constituted by small cylindrical studs for example, the function of which is to limit the elastic displacement of the plane of the plate, so as to keep the deformation inside the elastic limit of the material. In fact the spring phase transmitted to the vertical axis and which gives it the property of being retracted when the pot is closed and emerging when it is opened is conditioned by the shapes and the material constituting the utensil and by mechanical limits in deformation.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the plate has in its lower part, that is the part opposite to that on which the vertical axis is fixed, and over its entire periphery, a border preferably made up of several flexible elements. , intended to deform when pressed against the bottom of the pot when it is closed, and to return to its initial position when the pot is opened and the pressure released on the plate.

According to a different embodiment of the invention, the plate has in its lower part, that is to say the part opposite to that on which the vertical axis is fixed, and in its center, a compact damper made for example of plastic or rubber, of any shape and volume to allow the utensil to be reinforced with elasticity to facilitate operation.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of nonlimiting examples will make it possible to understand how the invention can be put into practice.

Figure 1 is urie perspective view of the utensil according to the invention showing the various elements according to the preferred embodiment of 1 inverltion.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the utensil according to the invention placed in a pot, open, before loading.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the utensil according to the invention placed in an unloaded but closed pot.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the utensil according to the invention placed in a pot being opened.

Figure 5 shows the grip of the utensil according to the invention.

Figure 6 shows the position of the cylindrical plane located at the end of the vertical axis before closing with the cover.

Figure 7 shows the position of the cylindrical plane located at the end of the vertical axis when loading products in automated channe.

Figure 8 shows the position of the cylindrical plane located at the end of the vertical axis, when the pot and closed by the lid.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of one utensil according to one invention allows both to see the position of the deformation stops in the center of the inner face of the plate.

Figure 10 shows the deformation stops acting inside the pot.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the utensil according to the invention showing for example the outlets of the preservation liquid.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the utensil according to the invention showing the upper edge of the tray.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the utensil according to the invertio showing the position stops placed on the periphery and in the lower part of the tray, to facilitate its positioning at the bottom of the pot.

Figures 14a and 14b show the lower peripheral edge of the plate according to a different embodiment of the invention
Figure 15 is a schematic view of the utensil according to a different embodiment of the invention.

The dynamic device for lifting solid products packaged in pots, according to the invention (FIG. 1) firstly comprises a plate (1) in the center of which is preferably fixed permanently and integral an axis (2) perpendicular to the plane of the plate. , whose end opposite the plate is provided with a plan, for example circular and of small thickness (3) whose dimensions are sufficient to facilitate gripping of the assembly. (see fig 1)
The device according to the invention (fig 1) is preferably made of two elements; the plate (1) and the axis (2), the axis (2) being firmly fixed in the center of the plate (1) so as to give the assembly the rigidity and the perpendicularity necessary for operation.

The plane (4) of the plate is perforated with several orifices (5) of any shape and size to allow the flow of the preservation liquid during the lifting of the products, and to facilitate the deformation of the plane (4) relative to its periphery, consecutive to the movements from top to bottom and from bottom to top of the axis (2) (see fig 11).

The plate (1) is bordered over its entire periphery and on its upper face by a lip (6) more or less flexible, consisting of a single or several parts inclined towards the outside of the plane and whose function consists in limiting the 'space existing between the plane (4) and the inner wall of the pot, in order to prevent the passage of small products through this space and raise the maximum of products (see fig 12).

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tray (1) is bordered on the entire periphery of its lower surface with small studs (8), for example cylindrical, to guarantee the horizontal position of the tray (1) in the bottom of the pot. (see fig 1 and 13).

According to a different embodiment of the invention, the plane (4) is preferably provided in the center of its lower face, that is to say the face opposite to that on which the axis (2) is fixed, one or more stops constituted for example by small cylindrical studs (9) intended to limit precisely the deformation of the plane (4) of the plate (1) whose elastic effect is conditioned by the characteristics of the material and the respect of the limits imposed mechanical, such as elastic limit and permanent deformation of the material. (see fig 9)
According to another embodiment of the invention, the plate (1) is bordered on the periphery of its lower face, by a lip (10) formed in one or more parts, and which under the effect of the displacement of the axis (2) and of the plate (1) when closing the pot, tends to deform by pressing on the bottom of the pot, to resume its initial shape by elasticity upon opening of the pot and the relaxation of the stresses, thus causing emersion of the end of the axis (2) to facilitate gripping of the assembly. (see fig 14a and 14b).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the plane (4) of the plate (1) is preferably provided in the center of its lower face, that is to say the face opposite to that on which the axis (2) is fixed, with a shock absorber of any shape and volume, for example made of plastic or compact rubber, compatible with food use, to generate or reinforce the elastic effect of the assembly and dampen the movement from top to bottom of the 'axis (2). (see fig 15)
According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the dynamic device for lifting solid products is placed before filling inside the pot intended to receive, for example, condiments. The tray (1) is in a horizontal position and bears on the bottom. of the pot resting on the small studs (8). The axis (2) is well perpendicular to the plane (4) of the plate (1) and rigidly fixed in its center. The end of the axis ( 2) emerges above the plane of the jar opening (see fig 2).

When filling the condiBents, the opening of the jar is not blocked by a grip bar, but leaves a large access around the axis (2) and under the cylindrical plane (3) located eri its end. (See fig 7).

Thus, when the condiments have been filled, the pot cover is affixed (see fig 6) on the pot, by exerting pressure on the end (3) of the axis (2) tending to move the axis (2) from top to bottom and deform the plane (4) of the plate (1). (see Fig. 6)
The axis (2) is then completely retracted inside the pot, and perfectly centered in the middle of the pot thanks to the cylindrical plane (3) coming to bear in the center and on the internal face of the lid of the pot. (See fig 3et8 ).

When the consumer opens the jar, the lid will be automatically peeled off under the action of the pin (2) which, free from all constraints, will return to its original position, and will emerge from the opening of the jar and the preservation liquid, allowing thus the consumer gripping the whole without being forced to immerse the fingers in the preservation liquid.

Claims (9)

1.- Dynamic device for eri conditioned solid products  pot characterized in that it consists of a horizontal tray  (1) and a vertical and perpendicular axis (2) at the center of the plate  horizontal plate (1), the axis (2) being axially movable relative to  to the horizontal geometric plari of the plate 41). 2.- Dynamic device for lifting solid products according to revenue  dication 1, characterized in that the axial displacement of the axis (2)  is rerldu possible by the shape of the plan (4) of the plate (1) provo  as for a spring effect allowing; the axial displacement of the axis  (2) from top to bottom when pressure is applied axially on  the end (3) of the axis (2), and the axial displacement of the axis (2)  from bottom to top by elastic reaction when the pressure on the ex-  end (3) of the axis (2) is released. 3.- Dynamic device for lifting solid-products according to which one  conch of the preceding claims characterized in that the axis  vertical (2) is provided at its end opposite the plate (1) with a  plane (3) parallel to the horizontal geometric plane of the plate (1)  allowing the gripping of the device, the automatic centering of  the axis (2) relative to the pot, and its maintenance in a vertical position  by pressing the plane (3) on the internal surface of the pot cover. 4.- Dynamic device for lifting solid products according to which one  conch of the preceding claims characterized in that the pla  sheet (1) has in its lower part and on its entire periphery  of positioning stops, for example of cylindrical shape,  (8) to facilitate the horizontal positioning of the plate (1) to  inside and at the bottom of the pot. 5.- Dynamic device for lifting solid products according to the ballot box  conch of the previous reveodicatioles, characterized in that the plane  (4) of the plate (1) is perforated with several orifices (5) of form  and surface such that they allow the flow of the liquid of con-  servation when raising the products in the pot, and give the  flexibility in the plane (4) of the plate (1). 6.- Dynamic device for lifting solid products according to which one  conch of previous claims, characterized in that the pla  sheet (1) is bordered on its upper face and on its entire periphery  laughs with a flexible lip inclined towards the outside (6) to limit  the space between the tray (1) and the wall of the pot. 7.- Dynamic device for lifting solid products according to which one  conch of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plane  (4) of the plate (1) is provided on its lower surface, that is to say  the face opposite to that carrying the axis (2), and at its pre center  ference, one or more deformation stops (9) to limit  the deformation of the plane (4) of the plate (1) and guarantee the performan  these elastic bands and their maintenance over time. 8.- Dynamic device for lifting solid products according to which one  conch of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pla  sheet (1) is provided in its lower part, that is to say the part  opposite to that carrying the axis (2) and over its entire periphery of a  flexible lip (10) in one or more parts, to deform into  press on the bottom of the pot when pressure is applied to the end  mite (3) of the axis (2), and return to its initial position by reaction  elasticity as soon as the pressure on the axis (2) is released. 9.- Dynamic device for lifting solid products according to which one  conch of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plane  (4) of the plate (1) is provided on its underside, that is to say  the face opposite to that carrying the axis (2) and in its center, an amor  weaver (11) preferably made of plastic or rubber  pact to generate or reinforce the elastic effect of the whole during  closing and opening the jar.