WO2013130365A1

WO2013130365A1 - Cookware handle with a soft grip

Info

Publication number: WO2013130365A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/027444
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert A. Rae; Kam Lun LEE
Original assignee: Meyer Intellectual Properties Ltd.
Priority date: 2012-02-29
Filing date: 2013-02-22
Publication date: 2013-09-06
Also published as: CN103284633A; CN203379033U

Abstract

A cookware article handle (100) comprises a rubber covered metal grip (140) for connection with the cookware body at a flange portion (120). A metal core (125) extends from the flange to the terminal end of the handle. The portion of rubber that covers the metal core as a plurality of perforations (145) that extend laterally transverse to the principal axis of the metal core. The perforations provide softness to the rubber grip portion, without affecting the strength derived from the metal core. The metal core terminates at the distal end with hanging means which is optionally a rotating metal loop used for hanging the cookware article. The metal loop (131) pivots or rotates about an axle at the terminal end of the metal core.

Description

Specification for an International (PCT) Patent Application for:

COOKWARE HANDLE WITH A SOFT GRIP

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001 ] The present application claim the benefit of priority to the US Provisional

Patent Application of the same title that was filed on Feb. 29, 2013, having application serial no. 61/604,778, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Background of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a cookware article, and in particular to

handles for cookware that have ergonomic grips.

[0003] The gripping members of kitchen utensil, and particularly cookware,

preferably have a plurality of attributes, being strong enough to support the weight of the kitchen utensil, which can be particularly demanding for cookware filled with ingredients, comfortable for the user to hold with their bare hand, provided they do not also become excessively hot during cooking.

[0004] Rubber grip's can provide most of these attributes, provided the rubber is a coating over a metal core that provides the strength.

[0005] However, such handles, are only most comfortable the grip when the rubber is relatively soft and us conforms to the shape of the handle when gripping firmly to distribute stress for uniformly among the various and ligaments and tendons of the user's hand.

[0006] This high level of softness however, can be discomforting to the extent it lowers the user's confidence that the kitchen article is gripped firmly enough, causing them to squeeze harder until the rubber is no longer compliant, deprecating many of the benefits of the softer rubber.

It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide cookware articles that deploying handles that convey and ergonomic benefit of comfort for the user.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide such ergonomic comfort through a soft gripping surface without sacrificing strength

It is still in further object of the invention to provide such a product using a cost effective fabrication means

It is a further object to provide such a fabrication means that enables the cost effective fabrication of stylish handles having various ornamental appearances while still providing ergonomic benefits.

As further disclosed below for the instant invention, which is not part of the background art, it has been discovered that apparently conflicting objectives can be met by providing a handle device having a portion for gripping that can be very firm where rigidity is important for firm grasping, while a another portion can be significantly softer for use or comfort.

Summary of Invention

In the present invention, the first object is achieved by providing a handle for a cookware article comprising a mental flange portion for attachment to the cookware article, a metal core connected thereto having a principal axis extending generally transverse to the metal flange portion, a rubber grip portion covering the metal core portion, a plurality a holes of perforations formed in the rubber grip portion that extends generally transverse to the principal axis of the metal core.

A second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the metal core is relatively flat or lease noncircular to preclude rotation of the rubber grip after molding.

Yet another aspect of the invention is that the rubber is then or the portion disposed above the metal core, and is thicker in the portion below the metal core, wherein the thicker portion as the plurality of also perforations.

The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[001 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cookware handle as configured for

attachment to a cookware vessel.

[001 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the metal core of the cookware handle in FIG.

one, in which the general outline of the other portions are shown in broken lines

[001 8] FIG. 3 is a side exterior elevation of the cookware handle of FIG. 's 1 & 2.

[001 9] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side elevation of the cookware handle as shown in

FIG. 3 taken in section line A-A, whereas FIG. 4B is a transverse cross- sectional elevation taken that section line B-B.

[0020] FIG. 5 A is a cross-sectional elevation of the cookware handle as shown in

FIG. 3 taken in section line C-C, whereas FIG. 5B is a transverse cross- sectional elevation taken in section line D-D.

[0021 ] FIG. 6A is another perspective view of the distal portion of the cookware handle of FIG. 1, whereas FIG. 6B is a bottom exterior plan view of the cookware handle.

[0022] FIG. 7A is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the cookware handle deployed on a different implement, a spoon, whereas FIG. 7B is a side- elevation view thereof, FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional elevation thereof at section lines C-C in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7D is an orthogonal section thereof at section line D-D in FIG. 7C. Detailed Description

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved Cookware Handle with a Soft Grip, generally denominated 100 herein.

In accordance with the present invention the Cookware Handle 100 has a flange 110 for attachment to the cookware vessel or article at the proximal end. The grip portion 120 extends from the flange 110 terminates at the end portion 130, which preferably includes a hanging means, such as hanging hole, which can be formed by a rotating or pivoting metal loop 131.

The grip portion 120 includes a metal core 125 which is integral to the flange portion 110 and connecting to the hanging means. The metal core 125 is covered by a rubber grip 140 which has a plurality of perforations 145 that extends through the rubber grip 140 water transfers to the principal access of the cookware handle 100 that is defined by the grip portion 120 that extends from the flange 110 to the hanging means at the end portion 130.

For reference purposes, the above figures may include set of orthogonal references axis, in which the x-axis corresponds with the elongated axis of the handle that extends away form the attached vessel or other cookware tool or implement.

The inventive handle 100 can be fabricated cost-effectively by fabricating of the metal core by forging technique from such sheets or plates of metal, and then molding a decorative rubber grip portion over to provide the ergonomic features. Hence, another aspect of the invention is a method of forming a cookware implement, the method comprising the steps of providing an elongated metal piece of flat metal stock, forging the stock to provide at least one of a flange or foodworking implement at a proximal end, and to providean elongated metal core connected to the foodworking implement and having a principal axis extending away therefrom to terminate at a distal end, molding a rubber grip portion covering at least a portion of the metal core, the molded rubber grip being formed with a plurality of bore like perforations that extend through the rubber grip portion in a direction that is generally transverse to the principal axis of the metal core.

[0028] The method of forming a cookware implement also preferably includes

providing a hanging means at the distal end of the metal core, either by punching or drilling a hole in the end, or attaching a rotating metal loop to the end.. The rotating metal loop is preferred added after molding. However, adding a hanging hole, trimming, grinding and polishing to final shape is preferably accomplished before molding the rubber grip over the metal core.

[0029] It should now be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art at many

different shapes of the rubber grip portion can convey a different ornamental and decorative aspects, including the specific shapes of holes, while the location of the holes and the hole density within a selected rubber portion, in respect to the elastic modulus of the rubber provides the desired ergonomic function.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5B, metal core 125 has a noncircular cross section in the x- y plane to prevent rotation of the rubber grip portion 140 thereon about the z- axis after molding

[0031 ] It should also be apparent from FIG. 5B that the holes 145 extend through the portion 140b of the rubber grip that is below the metal core 125, extend laterally transverse to the principal (z - axis) of the grip portion forming metal core, the perforation or bores extending preferably in the y-axis. In contrast, the portion of the rubber grip 140a, which lies above the metal core 125 both lacks holes, and is relatively thin in the vertical or x-axis direction. Hence, a user holding the handle 100 by grip portion 140 would feel a firm and less resilient upper portion 140a, whereas due to the presence of the plurality of holes 145 in the lower portion 140b, would be softer and more compliant for user comfort. Hence, the user would not be compelled to apply more force than is necessary to hold the grip portion 140, as they will note the upper portion 140a is relatively firm, and feel confident in their grip, while still benefiting from the softer less resilient lower portion 140b, that comports with the shape of the hand on gripping to reduce stress to the user.

[0032] It should also be appreciated that in addition to a large plurality of holes 145, such holes are holes are arranged as a lattice, that is over least a portion of the rubber grip 145b have a regular and periodic spacing between them. Alternatively, the size of the holes as well as the spacing need not be periodic in repeating, as to provide a different level of compliance to correspond with different portions of the hand.

[0033] It should also be appreciated that as the metal core is preferably not only non- circular in the x-y plane to avoid rotation of the surrounding rubber grip 140, but is also flat or ribbon shaped, that is wider in the y-axis than the thickness in the x-axis by a ratio of at least about 3 : 1 , so the grip portion 140 is more compliant in compression along the x-axis, than in compression in the transverse direction along the y-axis due to the reinforcing effect of the greater width in the y-axis direction, which is the same direction of the perforation or bore 145.

[0034] It should also be appreciated that while the holes or bores 145 are illustrated as having hexagonal shape, alternative hole shapes include round, oval, square, diamond shaped, triangular. It should also be appreciated that flange 110 can be connected to the cookware article or vessel via rivets that are inserted into holes 111 formed therein or by welding. It should also be noted that the metal core 125, which can optionally be straight, is preferably curved as shown in FIG. 2 and also preferably terminates with a transverse hollow rod 135 position for fixing the pivot axis or the looped hanging ring 131. A pivot axle 134 extends through metal loop 131 adjacent the end 130 of the handle 100. The end portion about loop 131 does not interfere with the provision of holes 145 below the major portion of the metal core 125, which is in front of the metal loop 131. Preferably the cure in the metal core extends around the array of holes that are in the rubber below the grip portion 150, so that the lower portion of the grip is softer than the upper portion.

[0035] It is most preferred that the rubber grip 140 is molded flush with the edges of the looped hanging ring 131, with the rubber portion under the loop 131 being recessed to account for the thickness of the loop 131 and sufficient space to avoid adhesion between a metal and rubber surface. [0036] Further, in the context of the cookware article handle being employed with kitchen utensils other than cooking vessels, the term flange alternatively implies functional or food working portion of such a utensil, such as a blade for spatula, or the portion which connects to the functional portion, such as what might have long or elongated rod or neck member in the case of a long spatula, or a long serving spoon or carving fork. Hence it should also be appreciated that the cookware article 100 that deploys the inventive handle portion 100 can be a cookware vessel or other kitchen or foodworking implement, such as a knife, spatula, serving utensil, sieve or colander handle, and the like. [0037] A non-limiting example of such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7A-D, in which the cookware article 100 is a serving spoon, with a spoon implement 115 at one end that is connected to a grip portion 120. The grip portion includes a metal core 125 which terminates at the opposite end 130 from implement 115 with a hanging hole 132 formed in the end of the metal core. The central region of metal core 125 is covered by a rubber grip 140, between the hanging hole 130 and the spoon 115, and has a plurality of perforations 145 that extends through the rubber grip 140 which are transverse to the principal access of the cookware handle 100 that is defined by the grip portion 120 that extends from the flange 110 to the hanging means, hole 132, at the end portion 130.

[0038] The metal core 125 is preferably solid, but is optionally hollow to increase stiffness and limited heat transfer from the flange 110 to any exposed metal at end 130.

[0039] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred

embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims We claim:

1. A handle for a cookware article comprising: a) a metal flange portion for attachment to the cookware article, b) a metal core having a principal axis extending generally transverse to the metal flange portion, c) a rubber grip portion covering at least a portion of the metal core and having a plurality of bore like perforations that extend through the rubber grip portion in a direction that is generally transverse to the principal axis of the metal core.

2. The handle for a cookware article according to claim 1 and further comprising a pivoting metal loop that is attached to the end of the of the metal core distal from the flange.

3. The handle for a cookware article according to claim 1 and further comprising a hanging hole at the end of the of the metal core distal from the flange.

4. The handle for a cookware article according to claim 1 wherein a thinner layer of rubber covers an upper portion of the metal core and a thinker layer of rubber covers a lower portion of the metal cover that is opposite the upper portion.

5. The handle for a cookware article according to claim 4 wherein the plurality of bore like perforations that extend through the rubber grip are disposed in the a thinker layer of rubber covers a lower portion of the metal cover that is opposite the upper portion.

6. The handle for a cookware article according to claim 5 wherein the metal core is cured to extend around the plurality of bore like perforations that extend through the rubber grip.

7. The handle for a cookware article according to claim 6 and further comprising a pivoting metal loop that is attached to the end of the of the metal core distal from the flange.

8. The handle for a cookware article according to claim 1 wherein the metal core is non- circular in cross-section transverse to the principal axis thereof.

9. The handle for a cookware article according to claim 1 wherein the metal core has a ribbon shape with an aspect ratio of at least 3 to 1 , in which the width in the direction of the flange is great than the thickness thereof.

10. A cookware article comprising: a) a foodworking implement, b) a metal core connected to the foodworking implement and having a principal axis extending away therefrom, c) a rubber grip portion covering at least a portion of the metal core and having a plurality of bore like perforations that extend through the rubber grip portion in a direction that is generally transverse to the principal axis of the metal core.

11. The cookware article according to claim 10 and further comprising a pivoting metal loop that is attached to the end of the of the metal core distal from the flange.

12. The cookware article according to claim 10 and further comprising a hanging hole at the end of the of the metal core distal from the flange.

13. The cookware article according to claim 10 wherein a thinner layer of rubber covers an upper portion of the metal core and a thinker layer of rubber covers a lower portion of the metal cover that is opposite the upper portion.

14. The cookware article according to claim 13 wherein the plurality of bore like

perforations that extend through the rubber grip are disposed in the a thinker layer of rubber covers a lower portion of the metal cover that is opposite the upper portion.

15. The cookware article according to claim 14 wherein the metal core is cured to extend around the plurality of bore like perforations that extend through the rubber grip.

16. The cookware article according to claim 15 and further comprising a pivoting metal loop that is attached to the end of the of the metal core distal from the flange.

17. The cookware article according to claim 10 wherein the metal core is non-circular in cross-section transverse to the principal axis thereof.

18. The cookware article according to claim 10 wherein the metal core has a ribbon shape with an aspect ratio of at least 3 to 1.

19. A method of forming a cookware implement, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an elongated metal piece of flat metal stock, b) forging the stock to provide; i) at least one of a flange or foodworking implement at a proximal end, ii) an elongated metal core connected to the foodworking implement and having a principal axis extending away therefrom to terminate at a distal end, c) molding a rubber grip portion covering at least a portion of the metal core, the molded rubber grip being formed with a plurality of bore like perforations that extend through the rubber grip portion in a direction that is generally transverse to the principal axis of the metal core.

20. The method of forming a cookware implement according to claim 19 and further comprising providing a hanging means at the distal end of the metal core.