Removable handle for deep-mouth pan and shallow-mouth pan

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable handle (2) for deep-mouth and shallow-mouth pans wherein the removable handle (2) comprises a first elongate member (4) comprising a first engagement portion (8, 108) at a front end and a first gripping portion (10) at a rear end, and a second elongate member (6) comprising a second engagement portion (8, 108) at a front end and a second gripping portion (10) at a rear end, and a second elongate member (4, 6) comprising a second engagement portion (12) at the front end and a second manual grip portion (14) at the rear end, the elongate members (4, 6) being pivotably connected via a pivot shaft (20) arranged between the respective grip portion and the engagement portion. The first engagement portion (8, 108) and the second engagement portion (12) of the removable handle (2) are adapted for locking engagement with a complementary shaped engagement portion of an attachment member of a deep-mouth pan or a shallow-mouth pan. The first elongate member (4) further comprises a support portion (24) for laterally supporting the removable handle (2) with respect to an attachment member (104) of a deep-mouth pan or a shallow-mouth pan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable handle for a frying pan and a saucepan, in particular for food preparation. The present invention also relates to such a frying pan and a saucepan adapted for connection with a removable handle.

[0002] Removable handles for saucepans and pans have long been known for outdoor use, such as in connection with camping stoves, wherein these removable handles provide space-saving packaging. Removable handles are also known for indoor applications, such as in the home, to achieve space-saving storage solutions in kitchen cabinets and drawers.

[0003] According to a first known basic type of removable handle (for outdoor use), it is suitable for holding around the edge (or edge) of a container of a deep or shallow pan. The removable handle comprises a first elongated member formed as a one-piece unit and a second elongated member also formed as a one-piece unit, the first elongated member and the second elongated member being connected in a pivotable manner via a pivot axis. Each of the elongated members comprises a substantially straight manual grip portion located at the rear side of the pivot axis and an engagement portion located at the front side of the pivot axis. The engagement portion extends in a transverse direction relative to the corresponding straight manual grip portion. The removable handle is assembled to the container when the manual grip portion is in a separated configuration and the engagement portion is therefore spaced apart so that the edge of the container can be received between the engagement portions. The manual grip portions can then be moved toward each other by the grip of a single hand, wherein the engagement portion will contact and press against the container wall on either side so that the removable handle will be attached to the container as long as the manual grip portions are kept together.

[0004] US 7,478,735 discloses a more advanced type of removable handle (for indoor use) that is suitable for gripping around the edge (or rim) of a container of a deep or shallow pan. The removable handle comprises a first elongated member, which is generally straight and comprises a first manual gripping portion located at a rear portion and a first engaging portion located at a front end and extending in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member. The removable handle also comprises a second manual gripping portion pivotably attached to the first elongated member. The first elongated member is also formed with a body for supporting a second elongated member, which is adapted to be able to extend and retract in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member. The second elongated member comprises a second engaging portion extending in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the second elongated member at the front end. The gripping portion is connected to the engaging portion in a manner that the movement of the gripping portion toward each other is transmitted to the engaging portion toward each other, wherein the engaging portion can contact and press against the container wall on either side so that the removable handle is attached to the container. The removable handle also includes a detent mechanism for locking the elongated members when moved together into a closed condition and a detent release mechanism in the form of a push button device.

[0005] US 7,975,874 discloses a removable handle adapted to engage with an attachment member of a complementary shape rigidly attached to the outer surface of a container of a deep or shallow saucepan. The attachment member is formed by a plate-like bent portion, which includes a middle portion spaced apart from the circumferential surface of the container. The removable handle includes two flanges extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the removable handle and adapted to be received and supported in the space between the middle portion and the circumferential surface of the container. The middle portion of the attachment member also includes a central flexible flange defined by two grooves, wherein the flexible flange includes a pin hole for receiving a locking pin of the removable handle. The removable handle includes a thumb slide adapted to move the locking pin along the longitudinal direction of the removable handle for inserting it into the pin hole of the attachment member. Summary of the invention

[0006] A first object of the present invention is to achieve a removable handle which is easy to operate, provides a secure attachment to the saucepan or pan and provides a design which is aesthetically preferred in the assembled state with respect to the saucepan or pan.

[0007] This object is achieved by a removable handle according to claim 1. Therefore, this object is achieved by a removable handle for saucepans and frying pans, wherein the removable handle comprises a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion being adjacent to a front end of the removable handle and adapted to lockingly engage with a complementary shaped engagement portion of an attachment member of the saucepan or frying pan, wherein the removable handle comprises a first manual grip portion and a second manual grip portion arranged in a rear portion of the removable handle, wherein the grip portions are connected to the engagement portions in such a way that movement of the grip portions towards each other is transmitted as movement of the engagement portions towards each other, wherein the removable handle comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member The invention comprises a first engaging portion and a first gripping portion, and the second elongated member comprises a second engaging portion, wherein the elongated members are pivotally connected via a pivot axis, wherein the first engaging portion has a main operating extension that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the first elongated member, and wherein the second engaging portion has a main operating extension in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the second elongated member, wherein the first elongated member comprises a supporting portion adjacent to a front end portion for laterally supporting a removable handle relative to a supporting surface of a complementary shape of an attachment member of a deep or shallow saucepan, wherein the supporting portion has a main operating extension in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member.

[0008] The term "primary operating extension" refers to the direction of movement of operation during assembly of the removable handle.

[0009] According to one example, the removable handle can be operated using a single hand, wherein the user can hold the grip portion between the palm and four fingers (excluding the thumb) of the hand.

[0010] According to one example, the removable handle may include an end stop for providing a limit to the relative angular displacement of the manual grip portion so that the user can hold the grip portion between the palm and four fingers (except the thumb) of the hand in any relative angular configuration.

[0011] According to one example, the first manual grip portion and the first engagement portion are integrally formed with the first elongated member so that they are in a rigid configuration relative to each other. Furthermore, the second manual grip portion and the second engagement portion are integrally formed with the second elongated member so that they are in a rigid configuration relative to each other. Thus, according to this example, the two manual grip portions are arranged in a manner pivotable relative to each other via a pivot axis, and the engagement portions are arranged in a manner pivotable relative to each other via a pivot axis. Thus, the movement of the grip portions from an open state towards each other, i.e. towards a closed state, is directly transferred into a movement of the engagement portions approaching each other for locking engagement with the complementary shaped engagement portions of the attachment member of the deep or shallow saucepan, in which the grip portions are in a separated configuration in the open state and in which they can be parallel to each other in the closed state.

[0012] The removable handle provides safe and intuitive operation, wherein a user can visually follow part of the travel path of the second engagement portion as the grip portions are moved toward each other.

[0013] According to one example, the support portion has a main operating extension in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member. More specifically, the support portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The support portion provides a secure connection and a tight fit between the removable handle and the attachment member of the deep or shallow saucepan.

[0014] According to an alternative, the removable handle may comprise a transmission device between the manual gripping portion and the engagement portion, the transmission device being adapted to enable a movement of the gripping portions towards each other to be transferred into a movement of the engagement portions towards each other.

[0015] According to one embodiment example, the second engaging portion includes a guide surface that is suitable for guided engagement with a guide surface of one of the complementary shaped engaging portions of the attachment member of the deep or shallow pan, so that the removable handle can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member, and thereby cause the first engaging portion to engage with the other of the complementary shaped engaging portions of the attachment member of the deep or shallow pan when the gripping portions move toward each other.

[0016] According to one example, the second engagement portion has a main operating extension in a vertical direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the second elongated member. More specifically, the second engagement portion forms a protrusion at the front end of the second elongated member. More specifically, the protrusion extends in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. According to one example, the guide surface of the second engagement portion is arranged on a side of the second engagement portion facing away from the front end.

[0017] According to another embodiment example, the first engagement portion forms a projection for receipt in a complementary shaped hole in the attachment member of the saucepan or pan. According to a preferred example, the projection comprises a tapered free end to facilitate entry into the associated hole.

[0018] According to another embodiment example, the first engaging portion protrudes from the supporting portion. This allows for a two-step assembly, wherein in a first step, the removable handle is arranged in an open state and moved so that the supporting portion is positioned in a receiving portion associated with the supporting portion in the attachment member of the deep or shallow saucepan, while being guided laterally by the complementary shaped supporting surfaces of the attachment member to vertically reach a final position, wherein the first protruding engaging portion is horizontally aligned with the hole associated with it. Furthermore, in a second step, the removable handle can be moved into a closed state by bringing the manual gripping portion together, wherein the guide surfaces of the second engaging portion are guided by the guide surfaces of the complementary shaped engaging portion of the attachment member, so that the removable handle is moved in its longitudinal direction towards the deep or shallow saucepan and thus the first protruding engaging portion enters its associated hole.

[0019] According to another embodiment example, the first elongated member includes a body portion, wherein the support portion is spaced apart from the body portion in a longitudinal direction of the first elongated member, and wherein the second engagement portion of the second elongated member is adapted to be received in a space between the body portion and the support portion.

[0020] According to one example, the first engagement portion protrudes from the body portion into a space between the body portion and the support portion.

[0021] According to another example embodiment, the removable handle includes a detent mechanism for locking the elongated members when the elongated members are moved together into a closed state.

[0022] According to another embodiment example, the first elongated member comprises a stop mechanism, wherein the stop mechanism comprises two hook portions adapted to elastically separate from each other when the elongated member is moved to the closed state to retain the second elongated member.

[0023] According to another example embodiment, the removable handle includes a detent release, wherein the elongated member is pivotably connected about a pivot axis to allow the elongated member to move from a closed state to an open state when the detent release is operated.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a saucepan or frying pan is provided that is particularly adapted to allow removable connection with a removable handle.

[0025] According to one embodiment example, a saucepan or frying pan is provided, which is rigidly attached to the outer surface of the container of the saucepan or frying pan to allow the attachment of a removable handle, wherein the attachment member comprises a first engagement portion having a main operating extension parallel to a plane defined by the bottom of the container and intended to engage with a first engagement portion of a complementary shape of the removable handle, wherein the attachment member comprises a second engagement portion in the form of a receiving portion open in a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the container for receiving a second engagement portion of a complementary shape of the removable handle, wherein the second engagement portion of the attachment member comprises two lateral support surfaces defining the receiving portion for laterally supporting the support portion of the removable handle. According to one example, the receiving portion is open in an upward direction.

[0026] According to another embodiment example, the second engaging portion includes a guide surface, which is suitable for guiding engagement with the guide surface of the second engaging portion of the removable handle, so that the removable handle can be moved toward the outer surface of the container of the deep or shallow saucepan, and thereby causing the first engaging portions to engage with each other when the gripping portions of the removable handle are moved toward each other.

[0027] According to one example, the attachment member comprises a frame defining a receiving portion, wherein two spaced-apart walls of the frame define the receiving portion in a radial direction of the container. The outer wall of the two radially spaced-apart walls may comprise a guide surface at an inner side facing the receiving portion. Furthermore, one of the radially spaced-apart walls, or both walls, may be provided with a radially extending hole for receiving an associated protruding first engagement portion of the removable handle.

[0028] According to one example, the frame of the attachment member defining the receiving portion comprises two walls spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the container. Each of the circumferentially spaced apart walls may comprise a lateral support surface defining the receiving portion for lateral support of the support portion of the removable handle.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, a kit of parts is provided, comprising at least one saucepan or frying pan according to any of the above-indicated embodiment examples and a removable handle according to any of the above-indicated embodiment examples.

[0030] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Attached below is a more detailed description of an embodiment of the invention cited as an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] In the attached picture:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view from below of the removable handle in a closed state according to the first embodiment,

[0034] Figure 2 Is in open state according to Figure 1 a partially cutaway perspective view of a removable handle of

[0035] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 An exploded view of the parts of the removable handle,

[0036] Figure 4a is based on Figure 1 a partially cutaway perspective view of a removable handle of , indicating a stop mechanism,

[0037] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a A cross-sectional view in plane AA of FIG. 1 , wherein the detent mechanism is indicated in a locked state,

[0038] Figure 4c yes Figure 4a A cross-sectional view in plane AA of FIG. 1 , wherein the detent mechanism is indicated in an unlocked state,

[0039] Figure 5 is in an initially assembled state according to the first embodiment Figure 1 a partially cutaway perspective view of a removable handle and associated shallow pan in

[0040] Figure 6 It is in the intermediate assembly state. Figure 5 a partially cutaway perspective view of a removable handle and associated shallow pan,

[0041] Figure 7 It is in a continuous assembly state. Figure 6 a partially cutaway perspective view of a removable handle and associated shallow pan,

[0042] Figure 8 is in its final assembled state. Figure 7 a partially cutaway perspective view of a removable handle and associated shallow pan, and

[0043] Fig. 9 Indicates including Figure 1 A set of parts comprising a removable handle and a plurality of associated deep and shallow saucepans. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view from below of the removable handle 2 in a closed state according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 Is in open state according to Figure 1 A partially cutaway perspective view of the removable handle 2.

[0045] The removable handle 2 includes a first elongated member 4 and a second elongated member 6. The first elongated member 4 includes a first engagement portion 8, 108 and a first manual grip portion 10. The second elongated member 6 includes a second engagement portion 12 and a second manual grip portion 14. The first engagement portion 8, 108 and the second engagement portion 12 are arranged adjacent to a front end portion 16 of the removable handle 2. The first manual grip portion 10 and the second manual grip portion 14 are arranged in a rear portion 18 of the removable handle. The first elongated member 4 and the second elongated member 6 are pivotably connected via a pivot axis 20. The removable handle 2 is designed such that the manual grip portions 10, 14 are arranged on the rear side of the pivot axis and the engagement portions 8, 108, 12 are arranged on the front side of the pivot axis.

[0046] The gripping portions 10, 14 are connected to the engagement portions 8, 108, 12 in such a way that a movement of the gripping portions towards each other is transferred into a movement of the engagement portions 8, 108, 12 approaching each other.

[0047] The first grip portion 10 comprises a first hand contact surface facing in an upward direction, wherein the second grip portion 14 comprises a second hand contact surface facing in a downward direction, wherein the first hand contact surface and the second hand contact surface may be pushed towards each other by movement of a user's hand.

[0048] The elongated members 4, 6 are connected in a manner that allows them to pivot about the pivot axis 20 to allow the elongated members 4, 6 to move from one end to the other when the gripping portions 10, 14 are moved toward each other. Figure 2 Move the open state to See Figure 1 In the closed state, in the open state, the elongated members are in a first angular relationship, and in the closed state, the elongated members 4 and 6 are in a second angular relationship.

[0049] More specifically, the elongated members 4, 6 are arranged in a crossed relationship in the open state and are arranged parallel to each other in the closed state. The first elongated member 4 has a generally straight extension. Likewise, the second elongated member 6 has a generally straight extension.

[0050] The first engagement portion 8, 108 has a main operating extension substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member 4. More specifically, the first engagement portion 8, 108 forms a protrusion.

[0051] The first elongated member 4 comprises a support portion 24 adjacent to the front end 26 of the first elongated member 4 for laterally supporting the removable handle 2 in the assembled state. More specifically, the support portion 24 has two spaced-apart lateral support surfaces 28, 30 adapted for laterally supporting the removable handle 2 in the assembled state. The support portion 24 has a main operating extension in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member 4. More specifically, the support portion 24 has a main operating extension that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member 4. Furthermore, the support portion 24 extends in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis 20. Furthermore, the support portion 24 protrudes from the front end 26 of the first elongated member 4. Furthermore, the first of the first engagement portions 8 protrudes from the support portion 24 in the forward direction away from the pivot axis 20. The first of the first engagement portions 8 has an elongated shape in the lateral direction of the first elongated support member 4.

[0052] The first elongated member 4 further comprises a body portion 32 extending generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member 4. The support portion 24 is spaced apart from the body portion 32 in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member 4, and wherein the second engagement portion 12 of the second elongated member 6 is adapted to be received in the space between the body portion 32 and the support portion 24. Furthermore, a second one 108 of the first engagement portions protrudes from the body portion 32 into the space between the body portion 32 and the support portion 24.

[0053] The first one 8 of the first engagement portions and the second one 108 of the first engagement portions are parallel to each other in the direction of the main operating extension and have substantially the same shape and size.

[0054] The second engagement portion 12 has a main operating extension in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the second elongated member 6. More specifically, the second engagement portion 12 has a main operating extension substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction of the second elongated member 6. Furthermore, the second engagement portion 12 extends in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis 20. Furthermore, the second engagement portion 12 protrudes from the front end portion 22 of the second elongated member 6.

[0055] Furthermore, the second elongate member 6 has substantially the same width in the lateral direction along the entire length of the second elongate member 6. The second engagement portion 12 has substantially the same width as the width of an adjacent portion of the second elongate member 6 in the lateral direction.

[0056] The removable handle 2 further comprises a stop mechanism 34 for locking the elongated members 4, 6 when they are moved together into a closed state. The first elongated member 4 comprises the stop mechanism 34. Furthermore, the stop mechanism 34 comprises two hook-shaped portions 36, 38 facing each other, which are adapted to be elastically separated from each other when the elongated members 4, 6 are moved into a closed state, for holding the second elongated member 6. More specifically, the stop mechanism 34 comprises a U-shaped element 40, which comprises two hook-shaped portions 36, 38 at the free ends of the legs 42, 44.

[0057] Furthermore, the removable handle 2 comprises a detent release 46 wherein the elongated members 4, 6 are pivotably connected about the pivot axis 20 to allow the elongated members 4, 6 to move from a closed state to an open state when the detent release 46 is operated.

[0058] The first elongated member 4 comprises a housing 48, wherein the housing 48 comprises two side walls 50, 52 arranged at a certain interval in the lateral direction of the first elongated member 4, see also Figure 4b and Figure 4c The detent mechanism 34 is positioned between the side walls 50, 52. Furthermore, the detent release device 46 comprises two push buttons 54, 56 arranged in openings in the side walls 50, 52 and wherein the push buttons 54, 56 are operatively connected to the detent mechanism 34 and can be moved towards each other for releasing the detent mechanism. Each of the two push buttons 54, 56 comprises a guide structure 55, 57 in the form of two lateral rails for engagement with a complementary shaped guide structure 59, 61 in the form of a guide groove in the side walls 50, 52 for guiding the push button during operation.

[0059] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 2. The housing 48 of the first elongated member 4 defines an opening 58 for receiving a portion of the second elongated member 6. More specifically, the opening 58 is defined between the side walls 50, 52. In addition, each of the first elongated member 4 and the second elongated member 6 includes a laterally extending through hole 60, 62 that is adapted to be arranged in line with each other to receive a pin 64 for forming the pivot axis 20. The opening 58 is positioned between the through hole 60 for the pivot axis 20 and the front end 26 of the first elongated member 4.

[0060] Furthermore, the support portion 24 is formed in one piece with the housing 48. Likewise, the body portion 32 is formed in one piece with the housing 48.

[0061] The second elongated member 6 comprises a main portion 106 and an auxiliary portion 206 provided with the second gripping portion 14. The auxiliary portion 206 is rigidly attached to the main portion 106.

[0062] Now go to Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c , which indicates the function of the stop mechanism 34 and the stop release 46. The second elongated member 6 includes a downwardly facing undercut opening 66 for receiving the two hook portions 36, 38 of the U-shaped element 40 in a locking engagement. It can be noted that the hook portions 36, 38 have an upper inclined surface forming an upwardly tapered design, and the portion of the second elongated member 6 defining the undercut opening 66 has a similar lower inclined surface forming a downwardly tapered design, so that the hook portions 36, 38 are urged towards each other during the movement of the removable handle 2 towards the closed state.

[0063] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a 4. A cross-sectional view in plane AA of FIG. 4, wherein the detent mechanism 34 is indicated in a locked state, wherein the hook portions 36, 38 extend laterally outwardly in the undercut openings. Figure 4c yes Figure 4a 4, wherein the stop mechanism 34 is indicated in an unlocked state, wherein the push buttons 54, 56 are pushed toward each other and thereby affect the legs 42, 44 of the U-shaped element 40, and thus move the hook portions 36, 38 toward each other, wherein the stop mechanism 34 is released and the elongated members 4, 6 can be separated from each other. In other words, the push buttons 54, 56 are spring-biased outwardly by means of the flexibility of the legs 42, 44. Each of the push buttons 54, 56 comprises a pin-shaped protrusion 63, 65 extending from the inner surface of the push button for affecting the legs 42, 44 of the U-shaped element 40. The pin-shaped protrusions 63, 65 are adapted to be received in a complementary shaped opening 67, 69 in a corresponding one of the legs 42, 44. Each of the pin-shaped protrusions 63, 65 is arranged to be displaced upward relative to the central axis of the corresponding push button 54, 56.

[0064] It can be noted that in Figure 4b , the second elongated member 6 is received in the housing 48 of the first elongated member in a closed state so that the upper surface of the second member 6 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the first elongated member 4 .

[0065] Figure 5is a partially cutaway perspective view of a removable handle 2 and an associated shallow pan 102 in an initial assembled state according to a first embodiment. The shallow pan 102 comprises an attachment member 104 rigidly attached to an outer surface 106 of a deep or shallow pan container 110 for allowing attachment of the removable handle 2. The attachment member 104 is rigidly attached to the outer surface 106 of the container 110 via rivets or the like. The attachment member 104 is arranged at a distance from an upper edge or upper rim of the deep pan container. More specifically, the attachment member 104 is arranged at a distance from an edge or rim of the deep pan container such that the upper surface of the handle 2 is substantially flush with the upper edge or upper rim in the assembled state.

[0066] The attachment member comprises a first engagement portion 112, 212 for engaging with the first engagement portion 8, 108 of the complementary shape of the removable handle 2, the first engagement portion 112, 212 having a main operating extension parallel to the plane defined by the bottom 114 of the container. The first engagement portion 112, 212 is formed by an opening. The attachment member 104 also comprises a second engagement portion 116 in the form of a receiving portion open in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 114 of the container for receiving the second engagement portion 12 of the complementary shape of the removable handle 2.

[0067] More specifically, the attachment member 104 includes two opposing walls 130, 132, which are arranged at a certain interval to define the receiving portion 116 in the radial direction of the shallow pan 102. Each of the walls 130, 132 includes one of the openings 112, 212. In addition, the attachment member 104 includes two opposing lateral walls 134, 136, which are arranged at a certain interval to define the receiving portion 116 in the circumferential direction of the shallow pan 102. In addition, the attachment member 104 includes a bottom wall 138 that defines the receiving portion 116 in the vertical direction.

[0068] Figure 6 It is in the intermediate assembly state. Figure 5 104. The removable handle 2 has been moved relative to the shallow pan 110 in the open state so that the support portion 28 at the front end 26 of the first elongated member 4 is received in the receiving portion 116 in the attachment member 104. When the removable handle 2 has been moved relative to the shallow pan 110 so that the support portion 28 reaches the bottom wall 138 of the receiving portion 116, the protrusion 8, 108 is at the same level as the opening 112, 212 in the attachment member 104 in the vertical direction.

[0069] The two lateral support surfaces 28, 30 of the support portion 24 are planar and taper toward the free end of the support portion 24 so that the support portion 24 enters the receiving portion 116 and guides the removable handle 2. The corresponding lateral surfaces of the lateral walls 134, 136 that define the receiving portion 116 can have a similar tapered shape. In this way, it can be ensured that the protrusions 8, 108 are in line with the openings 112, 212 in the attachment member 104. Therefore, the removable handle 2 can be guided to the intermediate assembly position when the elongated members 4, 6 are in the open state. The inner surface 29 of the support portion 28 has a slightly curved shape for guiding the curved outer surface 13 of the corresponding shape of the second engagement member 12.

[0070] Figure 7 It is in a continuous assembly state. Figure 6 106 and 108. The second engagement portion 116 includes a guide surface 120, and more specifically, the wall 132 that defines the receiving portion radially outward includes a guide surface 120, which is adapted to be guidedly engaged with a guide surface 122 of the second engagement portion 12 of the removable handle 2 so that the removable handle 2 can be moved toward the outer surface 106 of the container of the shallow saucepan and thereby cause the first engagement portions 8, 108; 112, 212 to engage with each other when the grip portions 10, 14 of the removable handle 2 are moved toward each other.

[0071] Thus, the elongated members 4, 6 may be moved from an open state to a closed state such that the removable handle 2 may be moved from an intermediate assembly position to a final assembly position.

[0072] Figure 8 is in its final assembled state. Figure 7 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a removable handle 2 and an associated shallow pan 102, wherein the detent mechanism 34 is in a locked state. The second engagement portion 12 is arranged to contact the radial outer wall 132 in one direction and to contact the support portion 28 in another direction.

[0073] Fig. 9 Indicates including Figure 1 The present invention is a set of components of a removable handle 2 and a plurality of associated deep and shallow saucepans 102.

[0074] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; on the contrary, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] According to a first embodiment of the removable handle as described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, the removable handle comprises two first engagement portions arranged parallel to each other and at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member for being received in two associated holes in the attachment member of the deep or shallow saucepan. This provides a secure connection between the removable handle and the deep or shallow saucepan. According to an alternative, the removable handle comprises a single first engagement portion and the attachment member of the deep or shallow saucepan comprises a single associated hole for receiving the first engagement portion.

Claims

1. A removable handle (2) for a deep or shallow saucepan (102), wherein: The removable handle (2) comprises a first engaging portion (8, 108) and a second engaging portion (12), the first engaging portion (8, 108) and the second engaging portion (12) being adjacent to a front end portion (16) of the removable handle (2) and adapted to be lockedly engaged with an engaging portion (112, 212, 116) of a complementary shape of an attachment member (104) of the deep or shallow saucepan, wherein the removable handle (2) comprises a first manually-operated grip portion (10) and a second manually-operated grip portion (14) arranged in a rear portion (18) of the removable handle, wherein the grip portions (10, 14) are connected to the engaging portions (8, 108, 12) in such a way that movement of the grip portions towards each other is transmitted as movement of the engaging portions towards each other, wherein the removable handle (2) comprises a first elongated member (4) and a second elongated member (6), the first elongated member (4) comprising the first engaging portion ( 8, 108) and the first gripping portion (10), and the second elongated member (6) includes the second engaging portion (12), wherein the elongated members (4, 6) are pivotally connected via a pivot axis (20), wherein the first engaging portion (8, 108) has a main operating extension portion substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member (4), and wherein the second engaging portion (12) has a main operating extension portion in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the second elongated member (6), wherein the first elongated member (4) includes a supporting portion (24), the supporting portion (24) being adjacent to the front end portion (26) for laterally supporting the removable handle (2) relative to a supporting surface of a complementary shape of the attachment member (104) of the deep or shallow saucepan, wherein the supporting portion (24) has a main operating extension portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member (4).

2. The removable handle according to claim 1, wherein: The second engaging portion (12) includes a guide surface (122) adapted to engage with a guide surface (120) of one of the complementary shaped engaging portions (112, 212, 116) of the attachment member (104) of the deep or shallow frying pan, so that the removable handle (2) can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated member (4), thereby causing the first engaging portion (8, 108) to engage with another of the complementary shaped engaging portions (112, 212) of the engaging member (104) of the deep or shallow frying pan when the gripping portions (10, 14) are moved toward each other.

3. A removable handle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first engagement portion (8, 108) forms a projection for receipt in a complementary shaped hole (112, 212) in the attachment member (104) of the saucepan or the shallow saucepan.

4. A removable handle according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first engaging portion (8) protrudes from the supporting portion.

5. A removable handle according to any preceding claim, wherein: The support portion (24) has two spaced apart lateral support surfaces (28, 30) adapted to laterally support the removable handle (2) relative to complementary shaped support surfaces of the attachment member of the saucepan or pan.

6. A removable handle according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first elongated member (4) comprises a main body portion (32), wherein the support portion (24) is spaced apart from the main body portion (32) in a longitudinal direction of the first elongated member (4), and wherein the second engaging portion (12) of the second elongated member (6) is adapted to be received in a space between the main body portion and the support portion.

7. The removable handle of claim 6, wherein: The first engaging portion (108) protrudes from the body portion (32) into the space between the body portion (32) and the supporting portion (24).

8. A removable handle according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second elongated member (6) comprises the second gripping portion (14).

9. A removable handle according to any preceding claim, wherein: The removable handle (2) includes a stop mechanism (34) for locking the elongated members (4, 6) when the elongated members (4, 6) are moved together into a closed state.

10. The removable handle of claim 9, wherein: The first elongated member (4) comprises the stop mechanism (34), wherein the stop mechanism comprises two hook-shaped portions (36, 38), and the two hook-shaped portions (36, 38) are suitable for elastically separating from each other when the elongated member (4, 6) moves to the closed state, so as to retain the second elongated member (6).

11. The removable handle of claim 10, wherein: The stop mechanism (34) comprises a U-shaped element (40) comprising the two hook portions (36, 38) at the free ends of the legs (42, 44) of the U-shaped element (40).

12. A removable handle according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The removable handle (2) includes a detent release (46), wherein the elongated members (4, 6) are connected in a manner that allows them to pivot about the pivot axis (20) to allow the elongated members (4, 6) to move from the closed state to the open state when the detent release (46) is operated.

13. The removable handle of claim 12, wherein: The first elongated member (4) comprises a shell (48), wherein the shell (48) comprises two lateral walls (50, 52) arranged at a certain interval in the lateral direction of the first elongated member (4), wherein at least a portion of the stop mechanism (34) is positioned between the lateral walls (50, 52), wherein the stop release device (46) comprises two push buttons (54, 56), wherein the push buttons (54, 56) are arranged in openings in the lateral walls (50, 52), and wherein the push buttons (54, 56) are operatively connected to the stop mechanism (34) and can be moved toward each other for releasing the stop mechanism.

14. A saucepan or frying pan (102) comprising an attachment member (104) rigidly attached to an outer surface (106) of a container (110) of the saucepan or frying pan for allowing attachment of a removable handle (2), wherein: The attachment member (104) comprises a first engaging portion (112, 212) having a main operating extension parallel to a plane defined by the bottom (114) of the container and for engaging with a first engaging portion (8, 108) of a complementary shape of the removable handle (2), wherein the attachment member (104) comprises a second engaging portion (116) in the form of a receiving portion open in a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the container for receiving a second engaging portion (12) of a complementary shape of the removable handle, wherein the second engaging portion (116) of the attachment member (104) comprises two lateral supporting surfaces defining the receiving portion, the two lateral supporting surfaces being used to laterally support the supporting portion (24) of the removable handle.

15. The deep or shallow frying pan according to claim 14, wherein: The second engaging portion (116) includes a guide surface (120), which is suitable for guiding engagement with a guide surface (122) of the second engaging portion (12) of the removable handle (2), so that the removable handle can be moved toward the outer surface (106) of the container of the deep or shallow saucepan, and thereby causing the first engaging portions (8, 108; 112, 212) to engage with each other when the gripping portions of the removable handle are moved toward each other.

16. A deep or shallow frying pan according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The first engagement portion (112, 212) has a hole shape for receiving a complementary shaped protrusion (8, 108) of the removable handle.

17. A kit of parts (302) comprising at least one saucepan or frying pan (102) according to any one of claims 14 to 16 and a removable handle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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