WO2005065502A1

WO2005065502A1 - Apparatus for food

Info

Publication number: WO2005065502A1
Application number: PCT/IT2004/000004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Ranzoni
Original assignee: Bialetti Industrie S.P.A.
Priority date: 2004-01-08
Filing date: 2004-01-08
Publication date: 2005-07-21
Also published as: EP1701642A1

Abstract

A pasta cooking pan comprises a container (4) adapted for cooking food and cover (2) provided with one or more holes (41) for straining the cooking water from the container. The pasta cooking pan further comprises means (44a, 44b) for locking/releasing the cover to/from the container, said cover being held to the container in a first locking configuration and separable from the container in a second release configuration, the cover in the release configuration being rotated relative to the cover in the locking configuration, for moving tongues protruding from the cover out of seats obtained into the handles (16a).

Description

DESCRIPTION "APPARATUS FOR FOOD" [001] The present invention relates to a food appliance, in particular for cooking pasta, for boiling vegetables, stewing meat, or for washing vegetables, fruit and the like, suitable for being used for straining the water used.

[002] In particular, the present invention refers to an appliance for cooking food comprising a cover associable to a container, for example a pot, a pan, a skillet and the like, so as to strain the water at the end of the cooking or washing.

[003] One of the trends in the field of kitchen utensils is that of providing for pots associable to a cover so as to use the set to strain the cooking water, avoiding the use of an especially separated colander.

[004] Some embodiments are known in the field wherein the cover is associated to the container by devices that are usually difficult to realise and to use. [005] Therefore, there is the need of providing to the realisation of a food appliance suitable for cooking food and for straining the cooking water, which should be simple and low-cost to produce while at the same time ensuring a safe use. [006] Object of the present invention is that of providing a cooking appliance which should meet the above requirements and at the same time should overcome the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the prior art. [007] Such object is achieved with an appliance according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe variants of embodiment .

[008] Further features and advantages of the finding will appear more clearly from the following description made with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: [009] - figure 1 shows a plan view of the cooking appliance according to the invention, in a first configuration called locking configuration; [0010] - figure 2 shows a section of the cooking appliance of figure 1, obtained according to the section line II-II of figure 1;

[0011] - figure 3 shows a plan view of the cooking appliance according to the invention, in a second configuration called release configuration; [0012] - figure 4 shows a section of the cooking appliance of figure 3, obtained according to the section line IV-IV of figure 1;

[0013] - figure 5 shows a detail of the cooking appliance of figure 4; [0014] - figure 6 shows a plan view of the cooking appliance according to a further variant of embodiment; [0015] - figure 7 shows a plan view of a handle of the cooking appliance of figure 6;

[0016] - figure 8 shows a perspective partly sectioned view of the handle of figure 7; [0017] - figure 9 shows a front view of a detail of figure 8.

[0018] With reference to the attached figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a food appliance suitable for cooking food, comprising a cover 2 and a container 4. [0019] For example, the container 4 is a pot or a pan or a skillet, suitable for cooking food such as pasta and the like.

[0020] The container 4 comprises a bottom 8 and an annular wall 10 that preferably develops along a central axis X-X. In a variant of embodiment, said annular wall 10 is a circular wall.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the container 4, said annular wall is provided with an annular edge 12, located opposite the bottom 8, preferably with a flap, so as to exhibit a rim 14.

[0022] Moreover, the container 4 comprises at least one handle. Preferably, the container 4 is provided with a first handle 16a and a second handle 16b, preferably arranged diametrically opposed to the central axis X-X of the annular wall 10. [0023] In other words, defining the outline Y-Y of a symmetry plane of the container 4 intersecting the central axis X-X, said handles 16a, 16b are arranged opposed to said central axis X-X, along said direction Y- Y.

[0024] In the description below, reference shall be made for simplicity to the features of only one of said handles 16a, 16b, since they are substantially similar in their essential features. [0025] The handle 16a comprises a body 18 exhibiting a connecting portion 20, adapted for connecting said handle to the annular wall 10 of the container 4, and a gripping portion 22 jointed to it.

[0026] Preferably, said body 18 of the handle 16a is made of a single piece.

[0027] Said gripping portion 22 comprises a gripping element 24 adapted for being gripped by a user of the appliance 1 for gripping the container. [0028] Said gripping element 24 preferably exhibits a substantially toroidal shape, extending by a predetermined angular opening around the central axis X-X of container 4.

[0029] In particular, said gripping element 24 with toroidal shape is arranged relative to the annular wall 10 of the container 4 so as to converge with its end portions 26, 28 towards the annular wall 10, so as to determine an opening 30 between said gripping element 24 and said annular wall 10 adapted for seating the thumb of a user' s hand. [0030] The connecting portion 20 of the body 18 of the handle 16a is arranged below said opening 30 so as to realise a resting body for the hand's thumb. [0031] In an example of embodiment, said gripping element 24 exhibits a shelf 25 protruding from said gripping element and arranged spaced relative to the connecting portion 20 of the body 18, so as to realise a seat 25a preferably shaped as a notch, between said shelf 25 and said connecting portion 20.

[0032] In other words, in the portion comprised between the gripping element 24 and the annular wall 10 of the container 4 there is a free portion realised by said opening 30 and a portion covered by said shelf 25. [0033] In a preferred embodiment, the body 18 of the handle 16a exhibits a groove 25b, preferably in the portion of the body 18 covered by the shelf 25. [0034] The appliance 1 further comprises means for connecting each handle 16a, 16b to the container 4. [0035] According to a preferred embodiment, said connecting means comprise a pierced projection 34 to which the body 18 of the handle 16a can be associated by virtue of a seating hole 36 of said body 18. [0036] Preferably, said pierced projection 34 and said body 18 of the handle 16a are made integral by a screw or a bolt .

[0037] Moreover, according to an example of embodiment, said means for connecting the handle to the container comprise a thin plate 38 connected to the annular wall 10 of the container 4 and adapted for being inserted into a respective notch of the body 18. [0038] In an example of embodiment, the cover 2 of the appliance 1 comprises a bell 40 provided with an annular peripheral edge 42 adapted for resting on the rim 14 of the annular wall 10 of the container 4. [0039] According to a variant of embodiment, the cover 2 associable to the container 4 exhibits, along said annular peripheral edge 42, an undulated portion 42a.

[0040] In other words, along said undulated portion 42a, the contact between the annular peripheral edge 42 of the cover 2 and the rim 14 of the container 4 is interrupted, thereby originating some ducts that place the outside environment in communication with the inside of the container. [0041] Advantageously, said undulated portion 42a facilitates the outlet of the water to be strained. [0042] The appliance 1 further comprises locking/release means which, in a locking configuration of the cover 2 to the container 4 wherein said cover is held to said container, allows a rotation of said cover, to change into a release configuration in which said cover is rotated relative to the cover in the locking configuration and can be separated or lifted from said container.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, said locking/release means comprise protruding elements adapted for being seated into respective seats for holding said cover to said container.

[0044] According to an example of embodiment, said protruding elements are shaped as tongues, preferably projecting from the cover 2 of the appliance 1. [0045] In particular, in an example of embodiment, said means comprise a first tongue 44a and a second tongue 44b, preferably protruding from the annular peripheral edge 42 of the bell 40 of the cover 2. [0046] In a further example of embodiment, the locking/release means comprise the seat 25a of the handle 16a or of the handles 16a, 16b. [0047] Preferably, at least one of said tongues 44a, 44b exhibits a safety relief 45. For example, said safety relief is provided in the lower portion of the tongue, that is, in the portion that is hidden during the normal use of the cooking appliance. [0048] In a preferred embodiment, cover 2 further comprises a cover handle 45 generally arranged on top of bell 40 of said cover.

[0049] During the normal use of the food appliance according to the present invention, the container 4 is generally filled with water, brought to the boil, for example for cooking pasta, boiling vegetables, meat and the like. In an alternative use, the container 4 can be used for washing vegetables, fruit and the like.

[0050] The cover 2 is associated to the container 4 resting onto said container, so that said locking/release means are in a first release configuration (figures 3, 4 and 5) .

[0051] In particular, the annular peripheral edge 42 of the bell 40 of the cover 2 rests on the rim 14 of the annular wall 10 of the container 4, tongues 44a, 44b being arranged in the free portion between the gripping element 24 and the annular wall 10 of the container 4, that is in the opening 30.

[0052] Rotating cover 2 moves said cover 2 into a configuration wherein it is locked to container 4, since the latter is held (figures 1 and 2) . [0053] In particular, the locking/release means move into a locking configuration wherein tongue 44a, 44b is inserted, following said rotation of cover 2, into seat 25a realised between shelf 25 and the connecting portion 20 of handle 16a, 16b. [0054] In other words, said first tongue 44a and said second tongue 44b, in the locking configuration, do not engage opening 30 between the gripping element 24 and the annular wall of container . [0055] In the variant of embodiment which provides for relief 45 on at least one of tongues 44a, 44b and the respective groove 25b in body 18 of handle 16a, said relief 45 and said groove 25b realise a preferred example of safety means. [0056] In other words, the relief 45, in the locking configuration, is seated snap-wise into the groove 25b, thereby preventing the cover 2 from accidentally moving to the release configuration. [0057] In gripping the appliance 1 for straining water, making it drain through holes 41 present in the bell 40 of the cover, the user grips the gripping element 24 between fingers and hand palm and introduces his thumbs into opening 30 of each handle 16a, 16b, realising a further safety that prevents the accidental rotation of cover 2 while straining.

[0058] Moreover, the connecting portion 20, at least partly placed at opening 30 of handle 16a, 16b, realises a resting element for the user's thumbs, for example for their fingertips, limiting the introduction of said thumbs into opening 30 and preventing them from getting stuck therein. [0059] It is clear that in the example of embodiment provided with a first tongue 44a and a second tongue 44b and respective handles 16a, 16b, shelves 25 of said handles are arranged in asymmetrical position relative to outline Y-Y of the symmetry plane of container 4.

[0060] A further rotation of cover 2 according to a direction opposed to the previous one moves said locking/release means again from the locking configuration to the release configuration, for example for inspecting the food cooking.

[0061] The rotation can be carried out by gripping the cover handle 45 located on top of bell 40. [0062] Uncommonly, the food appliance according to the invention allows using the cover associated to the food cooking container for straining the water from said container, using means for locking/releasing the cover from the container which are simple to use and cheap to manufacture .

[0063] Advantageously, moreover, said means are usable through the cover handle associated to said cover and arranged in a protected position away from the heat emitted by the heat source, for example a cooking stove or a grille, and/or protected relative to the annular wall of the container. [0064] In other words, it is possible to lock/release the cover without acting in the proximity of the handles, since the latter are more exposed to the heat emitted by the heat source. [0065] According to a further advantageous aspect, said locking/release means allow obtaining openings that realise free portions at the handles, wherein it is possible for the user to introduce the hand thumb during the water straining, in order to safely keep the cover into position relative to the container avoiding an accidental rotation of the cover which would cause its release.

[0066] According to an even further advantageous aspect, between the toroidal gripping element of the handle and the annular wall of the container there is a portion which is only partly covered by the shelf that realises the seat of said means, whereas in a simple and quick way, the tongues of the cover can be inserted into the free portion and rotated into the seat of the handles . [0067] According to an even further advantageous aspect, the appliance allows preventing burns to the thumb while gripping. [0068] In particular, said shelves realise covering elements adapted for preventing contact between the thumb and the cover tongues . [0069] Advantageously, moreover, the connecting portion of the handle body is at least partly placed at the opening realised by said handles, so as to realise a resting element for the hand thumb, to prevent said thumb from getting stuck between the handle and the annular wall.

[0070] Finally, advantageously, the handle is realised provided with tongues in a single piece, so as to allow a large and low-cost production. [0071] It is clear that a man skilled in the art will be able of making several changes to the finding according to the present invention, all covered by the scope of protection as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. Appliance for food comprising a container (4) adapted for cooking said food and a cover (2) associable to said container, said cover being provided with at least one passage for straining the water from said container, said appliance (1) further comprising means for locking/releasing the cover (2) to the container (4) , said cover being held to the container in a first locking configuration and separable from the container in a second release configuration, said cover (2) , in the release configuration, being rotated relative to said cover in the locking configuration.

2. Appliance according to claim 1, wherein said locking/release means comprise protruding elements adapted for being seated into respective openings for holding said cover to said container.

3. Appliance according to claim 2, comprising at least one handle (16a, 16b) operatively connected to said container, said handle exhibiting said seat (25a) , said protruding elements projecting from said cover (2) .

4. Appliance according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said protruding elements are shaped as a tongue (44a, 44b) , that is, they exhibit a free rounded end.

5. Appliance according to any one of claims from 2 to 4, wherein said Locking/release means exhibit a free portion (30) wherein said protruding elements are seated into said release configuration.

6. Appliance according to claim 5, comprising at least one handle (16a, 16b) having a connecting portion (20) to the container (4) and a gripping element (24) , said free portion (30) being determined between said gripping element (24) and an annular wall (10) of said container (4).

7. Appliance according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said free portion (30) is adapted for seating at least partly at least one finger of a user's hand, for preventing said locking/releasing means from shifting from the locking configuration to the release configuration.

8. Appliance according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said locking/release means comprise a resting element on which the finger of the user's hand can rest while gripping the container.

9. Appliance according to claim 8, wherein said resting element comprises at least one portion of a connecting portion (20) of a handle (16a, 16b) of the appliance (1) .

10. Appliance according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a first handle (16a) and a second handle (16b) arranged in diametrically opposed positions relative to a central axis (X-X) of the container.

11. Appliance according to claim 10, wherein each handle (16a, 16b) comprises a seat (25a) , said seat of the first handle (16a) and said seat of the second handle (16b) being arranged in asymmetrical position relative to the outline (Y-Y) of a symmetry plane of the container.

12. Appliance according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the container comprises an annular wall (10) closed by a bottom (8) and provided with an annular edge (12) , arranged opposed to said bottom, said annular edge being jointed to a rim (14) .

13. Appliance according to claim 12, wherein said cover (2) comprises a bell (40) jointed to an annular peripheral edge (42) adapted for resting onto said rim (14) of the container (4) .

14. Appliance according to claim 13 , wherein said cover (2) comprises a cover handle (45) , arranged on top of said bell (40) .

15. Appliance according to any one of the previous claims, comprising at least one handle (16a, 16b) comprising a connecting portion (20) to the container (4) and a gripping portion (22) , said gripping portion comprising a substantially toroidal gripping element (24) .

16. Appliance according to any one of the previous claims, wherein aid cover (2) exhibits at least one thorough hole (41) adapted for placing the outside environment in communication with the inside of the container for straining said water.

17. Appliance according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said cover (2) exhibits an undulated portion (43) along an annular peripheral edge (42) adapted for realising, coupled to said container (4) , at least one duct adapted for straining said water from said container.

18. Appliance according to any one of the previous claims, comprising safety means adapted for locking said cover (2) into the locking position.

19. Appliance according to claim 18, wherein said safety means comprise a relief (45) adapted for being housed snap-wise into a groove (25b) .

20. Appliance according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising heat insulation means adapted for preventing the contact between the cover and the user in the gripping portion of said container.

21. Appliance according to claim 20, wherein said heat insulation means comprise at least one shelf (25) adapted for covering at least one respective tongue (44a, 44b) of the locking means.