Electric pressure cooker cover with protective cover

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a lid for a cooking appliance having a protective cover. One form of the cover includes a shield; a pressure relief valve on a first side of the shroud configured to move between an open position and a closed position; a switch positioned on a second side of the shroud; the sliding block is communicated with the switch; the first end of the lever is communicated with the pressure reducing valve, and the second end of the lever is communicated with the sliding block. The switch is configured to, when activated, move the slider such that the slider depresses the second end of the lever, thereby raising the first end of the lever and moving the relief valve from the closed position to the open position.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to pending U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 17 / 895,579, filed on August 25, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Electric cooking appliances, such as electric pressure cookers (EPCs), are commonly used household appliances. Conventional EPCs typically include an operating panel having buttons disposed thereon for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance. Using the operating panel, a consumer can operate the EPC to create a high pressure, high temperature environment within a cooking container of the EPC, thereby shortening the cooking time. At the end of the cooking cycle, the consumer must release pressurized gas, such as air and / or steam, from the cooking container of the EPC before accessing the food in the EPC. To this end, conventional EPCs include a pressure relief valve designed to gradually release pressurized gas from the cooking container. When the pressure relief valve is opened, a flow of high temperature and high pressure air or steam is released from the EPC through the pressure relief valve. For the average consumer, the release of air and steam discharged from the pressure relief valve may be a frightening process. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention solves the above problems and provides a cover for an electric pressure cooker wherein a shield is located between a switch that is actuated by the consumer to open the pressure relief valve where pressurized gas is released from the cooking vessel of the EPC and the pressure relief valve itself.

[0005] In one form, the present disclosure provides a lid for a cooking appliance, the lid comprising a pressure relief valve, a slider, a switch, a lever, and a shield positioned on an exterior of the lid between the pressure relief valve and the switch. The pressure relief valve is configured to move between an open position and a closed position; the slider is configured to move between a first position and a second position; and the switch is in communication with the slider, wherein pressure on the switch in a first direction causes the slider to move between the first position and the second position.

[0006] The lever defines a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the lever is in communication with the pressure reducing valve and the second end of the lever is in communication with the slider, such that movement of the slider between the first position and the second position causes the second end of the lever to descend and the first end of the lever to rise, thereby moving the pressure reducing valve from a closed position to an open position.

[0007] In another form, a cover for a cooking appliance is provided, comprising a shield located on the exterior of the cover, a pressure relief valve, a switch, a slider, and a lever. The pressure relief valve is positioned on the cover on a first side of the shield, wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to move between a closed position and an open position.

[0008] The switch is positioned on the cover on a second side of the shield, the second side of the shield being opposite to the first side of the shield. The slider is in communication with the switch. The lever defines a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the lever is in communication with the pressure relief valve, and the second end of the lever is in communication with the slider.

[0009] The switch is configured to move the slider when activated, causing the slider to depress the second end of the lever, thereby raising the first end of the lever and moving the pressure relief valve from a closed position to an open position.

[0010] In yet another form, a pressure cooker is provided that includes a cooker body, an inner pot positioned within an interior region of the cooker body, and a lid configured to couple with the cooker body.

[0011] The cover comprises a shield located outside the cover, a pressure relief valve, a switch, a slider and a lever. The pressure relief valve is positioned on the cover on a first side of the shield, wherein the pressure relief valve is communicated with the inner pot, and the pressure relief valve is configured to move between a closed position and an open position.

[0012] The switch is positioned on the cover on a second side of the shield, the second side of the shield being opposite to the first side of the shield. The slider is in communication with the switch. The lever defines a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the lever is in communication with the pressure relief valve, and the second end of the lever is in communication with the slider.

[0013] The switch is configured to move the slider when activated, causing the slider to depress the second end of the lever, thereby raising the first end of the lever and moving the pressure relief valve from a closed position to an open position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The embodiments and implementations of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and descriptions. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the focus is placed on illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals represent corresponding components in different views.

[0015] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of an electric pressure cooker.

[0016] Figure 2 is a top view of a cover for an electric pressure cooker having a protective cover.

[0017] Figure 3A is a perspective view of one form of a pressure relief valve actuation system for a lid of an electric pressure cooker having a protective cover.

[0018] Figure 3B is along Figure 3A Cross-sectional view of the pressure reducing valve at section line II.

[0019] Figure 4is another perspective view of one form of a pressure relief valve actuation system for an electric pressure cooker having a protective cover.

[0020] Figure 5 is a top view of components of one form of pressure relief valve actuation system for an electric pressure cooker having a protective hood.

[0021] Figure 6 is a perspective view of components of one form of pressure relief valve actuation system for an electric pressure cooker having a protective cover.

[0022] Figure 7 is another perspective view of components of one form of a pressure relief valve actuation system for an electric pressure cooker having a protective cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] As described below, the present disclosure provides a cover for an electric pressure cooker in which a shield is located between a switch that is activated by a consumer to open the pressure relief valve in which pressurized air and / or steam is released from a cooking container of the EPC, and the pressure relief valve itself. Positioning the shield between the switch and the pressure relief valve of the electric pressure cooker provides enhanced safety by providing a partial barrier between the hand of the user who activates the switch and the steam that leaves the electric pressure cooker at the pressure relief valve.

[0024] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an electric pressure cooker 100 with a protective cover, Figure 2 1 is a top view of a lid 102 for an electric pressure cooker with a protective cover. The pressure cooker 100 generally includes the lid 102, a cooker body 104, and an inner pot 106. The cooker body 104 may also include a control panel 108 located on a side of the cooker body 104. The control panel 108 is used to control the operation of the pressure cooker 100. Through interaction with the control panel 108, the cooker body 104 heats food inside the inner pot 106 when the inner pot 106 is located inside the interior area of ​​the cooker body 104. The lid 102 is configured to be coupled with the cooker body 104 when the inner pot 106 is located inside the cooker body 104 to form an airtight environment and maintain pressure in the pressure cooker 100.

[0025] When the cooking operation is complete, the user can wait for the pressure and temperature in the pressure cooker 100 to drop, or the user can actuate the switch 110 to open the pressure relief valve 112 located inside the lid 102 and allow the pressure to be quickly released. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a shield 113 , such as a handle, is located between the switch 110 and the pressure relief valve 112 to provide a partial barrier between a user's hand activating the switch 110 and steam exiting the electric pressure cooker at the pressure relief valve 112 .

[0026] Figure 3Ais a perspective view of one form of a pressure relief valve actuation system for a lid of an electric pressure cooker having a protective cover. Figure 3A 3, a portion of the housing of the cover is removed to show internal components, such as the pressure relief valve actuation system of the cover. The pressure relief valve actuation system includes a switch 310, a pressure relief valve 312, a slider 314 and a lever 316.

[0027] As explained in more detail below, in some embodiments, the pressure relief valve actuation system is configured such that when a user actuates the switch 310 by applying pressure to the switch, the pressure produces movement of the slider 314, which causes the lever 316 to open the pressure relief valve 312, thereby releasing pressurized gas from the electric pressure cooker.

[0028] When the cover is connected to the cooker body as described above, the pressure relief valve 312 is in fluid communication with the inner pot via the vent rod 318 (see Figure 3B ). The pressure reducing valve 312 is configured to move between a first closed position and a second open position. In some embodiments, when the pressure reducing valve 312 is in a natural resting position against the vent rod 318, the pressure reducing valve 312 is in a closed position. In the closed position, the pressure reducing valve 312 blocks the vent rod 318 and prevents the vent rod 318 from providing a passage for airflow into and out of the inner pot. When the pressure reducing valve 312 is raised to the open position, the pressure reducing valve 312 no longer blocks the vent rod 318. In the open position, the pressure reducing valve 312 does not restrict the vent rod 318, so that the vent rod provides a passage for airflow into and out of the inner pot.

[0029] The switch 310, the slider 314 and the lever 316 are configured to cooperate with each other to raise the pressure relief valve 312 from a first closed position to a second open position. The slider 314 is located on the cover and is configured to slide between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the first position of the slider 314 is closer to the pressure relief valve 312 than the second position.

[0030] Switch 310 is connected to slider 314 so that when a user activates switch 310 by applying pressure on the switch and pulling the switch in a first direction away from pressure relief valve 312 , slider 314 also moves from its first position to its second position away from pressure relief valve 312 .

[0031] The lever 316 defines a first end 320 and a second end 322. The lever 316 is positioned on the cover to pivot at a pivot point 323 such that when the second end 322 of the lever 316 is lowered, the first end 320 of the lever 316 is raised. In some embodiments, the second end 322 of the lever is in communication with a portion 316 of the slider 314 such that when the slider 314 moves from its first position to its second position, movement of the slider 314 causes the second end 322 of the lever 316 to be lowered. As a result, the first end 320 of the lever is raised.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first end 320 of the lever 316 is in communication with the pressure relief valve 312 such that when the first end 320 is raised due to movement of the slider 316 , the first end 320 of the lever 316 moves the pressure relief valve 312 from its closed position to its open position.

[0033] Although embodiments of the pressure relief valve actuation system have been described above with respect to the relative movement of the switch 310, the pressure relief valve 312, the slider 314, and the lever 316, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations having different relative movements of the switch 310, the pressure relief valve 312, the slider 314, and the lever 316 may be used that similarly result in activation of the switch 310, thereby causing the pressure relief valve to move from a closed position to an open position, allowing the pressurized gas to be released from the electric pressure cooker.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve actuation system is configured to act in cooperation with the pressure cap locking system. Figure 4-7 In some embodiments, the pressure lid locking system includes an arm 424, a pin 426, and a pressure plunger 428. When the lid 102 is in an unlocked position relative to the cookware body 104, the pin 426 abuts the side of the cookware body 104 in an extended position. When the lid 102 is rotated to a locked position relative to the cookware body 104, the cookware body 104 defines a hole for the end of the pin to be inserted, thereby locking the lid 102 in its position relative to the cookware body 104.

[0035] The pin 426 is connected to the arm 424 so that when the pin abuts the side of the cookware body 104 in the extended position, the arm 424 is also positioned in the extended position so that the end 430 of the arm 424 connected to the pin 426 also extends from the side of the cookware body 104. However, when the lid 102 is rotated to the locked position relative to the cookware body 104 and the end of the pin 426 is inserted into the cookware body 102, the arm 424 connected to the pin 426 also moves relative to the movement of the pin 426 so that the end 430 of the arm 424 moves closer to the side of the cookware body 104.

[0036] During operation, when pressure builds up within the cookware body 104, the buildup of pressure causes the pressure plunger 428 to rise into the hole 432 in the arm 424 and engage with the arm 424. When the pressure plunger 428 engages the arm 424 at the hole 432, the pressure plunger 428 holds the arm 424 in place, thereby also holding the pin 426 connected to the arm 424 in its position. It should be understood that when the arm 424 and the pin 426 are held in place, the cover 102 cannot rotate relative to the cookware body 104 due to the end of the pin 426 being inserted into the cookware body 104, thereby locking the cover 102 in its position.

[0037] When the pressure relief valve 312 is actuated as described above, the pressure plunger 428 drops as the pressurized air is released from the inner pot 104. As a result, when the pin 426 moves to the extended position, the pressure plunger 428 no longer holds the arm 424 in its position, and the arm 424 extends freely from the end of the cover 102, thereby allowing the cover 102 to rotate and unlock from the connector body 104.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pin 426 is actuated so that when the cover 102 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the cookware body 104 , the end of the pin 426 is retracted from the cookware body 104 by a contour, such as a ramp, of the cookware body 104 .

[0039] In some embodiments, the slider 314 engages the arm 424 so that when the arm 424 moves to the extended position, the arm 424 pulls the slider 314 to its first position, thereby resetting the pressure relief valve actuation system and closing the pressure relief valve 312. In the above embodiment, when the arm 424 pulls the slider 314 into its first position, the slider 314 allows the second end 322 of the lever 316 to rise. As a result, the first end 320 of the lever 316 is lowered, and the pressure relief valve 312 is lowered from its open position to its closed position.

[0040] Although an embodiment of a pressure lid locking system has been described that involves relative movement of the arm 424, pin 426, and pressure plunger 428, and the interaction of the relative movement of the arm 424, pin 426, and pressure plunger 428 with respect to the relative movement of the switch 310, pressure relief valve 312, slider 314, and lever 316 of the pressure relief valve actuation system, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations may be used that have different relative movement of the arm 424, pin 426, and pressure plunger 428, and different relative movement with respect to the switch 310, pressure relief valve 312, slider 314, and lever 316 that similarly result in locking the lid to the cooker body and resetting the pressure relief valve actuation system when pressurized gas is released from the electric pressure cooker.

[0041] As above combined Figure 1-7 As described, the present disclosure provides a cover for an electric pressure cooker in which a shield is located between a switch and the pressure relief valve itself, where the consumer activates the switch to open the pressure relief valve, where pressurized gas is released from a cooking container of the EPC. Positioning the shield between the switch and the pressure relief valve of the electric pressure cooker provides enhanced safety by providing a partial barrier between the hand of the user who activates the switch and the steam leaving the electric pressure cooker at the pressure relief valve.

[0042] The above disclosure is intended to illustrate the present invention rather than to limit the present invention. Since those skilled in the art may conceive of modifications to the disclosed forms and embodiments in combination with the spirit and substance of the present invention, the present invention should be interpreted as including all contents within the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cover for a cooking utensil, the cover comprising: a pressure relief valve configured to move between an open position and a closed position; a slider configured to move between a first position and a second position; a switch in communication with the slider, wherein pressure on the switch in a first direction moves the slider between the first position and the second position; a lever defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the lever is in communication with the pressure relief valve and the second end of the lever is in communication with the slider, such that movement of the slider between its first position and its second position causes the second end of the lever to descend and the first end of the lever to raise, thereby moving the pressure relief valve from a closed position to an open position; as well as A shroud is positioned on the exterior of the cover between the pressure relief valve and the switch.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein The shield includes a handle.

3. The cover according to claim 1, wherein: The second position of the slider is positioned further away from the pressure reducing valve than the first position of the slider.

4. The cover according to claim 3, further comprising: an arm positioned at a side of the cover, the arm being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position of the arm a first end of the arm is further away from an edge of the cover than in the first position of the arm; as well as a pin in communication with the arm, the pin being configured to retain the arm in the second position until an end of the pin is inserted into the hole; wherein the second end of the arm is in communication with the slider; and Wherein, the arm is configured to move the slider from its second position to its first position when the arm moves from its first position to its second position.

5. The cover according to claim 4, further comprising: A pressure plunger is configured to engage the arm and retain the arm in its first position when pressure is applied to the pressure plunger.

6. The cover according to claim 5, wherein: The pressure plunger is further configured to cease engagement with the arm upon release of pressure from the pressure plunger.

7. A cover for a cooking utensil, the cover comprising: a shroud positioned on an exterior of the cover; a pressure relief valve positioned on the cover on the first side of the shield, the pressure relief valve being configured to move between an open position and a closed position; a switch positioned on the cover on a second side of the shield, the second side of the shield being opposite the first side of the shield; a slider in communication with the switch; and a lever defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the lever is in communication with the pressure relief valve and the second end of the lever is in communication with the slider; Wherein, the switch is configured to move the slider when activated so that the slider depresses the second end of the rod, thereby raising the first end of the lever and moving the pressure relief valve from the closed position to the open position.

8. The cover according to claim 7, wherein: A handle defines the shroud.

9. The cover according to claim 7, further comprising: an arm configured to move from a position adjacent an edge of the cover to a position extending from the edge of the cover; as well as a pin in communication with the arm, the pin being configured to maintain the arm in a position extending from an edge of the cover when the pin is not inserted into the hole; The arm is in communication with the slider and is configured to move the slider to a position where the first end of the lever is lowered when the arm is in a position extending from an edge of the cover.

10. The cover according to claim 9, further comprising: A pressure plunger is configured to engage the arm and hold the arm in its position when pressure is applied to the pressure plunger.

11. A pressure cooker comprising: Cooker body; an inner pot positioned within the interior of the cooker body; A cover configured to be coupled to the cooker body, the cover comprising: a shroud positioned on an exterior of the cover; a pressure relief valve located on the cover on the first side of the shield, the pressure relief valve being in communication with the inner pot and configured to move between an open position and a closed position; a switch positioned on the cover on a second side of the shield, the second side of the shield being opposite the first side of the shield; a slider in communication with the switch; a lever defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the lever is in communication with the pressure relief valve and the second end of the lever is in communication with the slider; Wherein, the switch is configured to move the slider when activated so that the slider depresses the second end of the rod, thereby raising the first end of the lever and moving the pressure relief valve from the closed position to the open position.

12. The pressure cooker according to claim 11, wherein A handle positioned on the exterior of the cover defines the shroud.

13. The pressure cooker according to claim 11, wherein: The cover also includes: an arm configured to move from a position adjacent an edge of the cover to a position extending from the edge of the cover; and a pin in communication with the arm, the pin being configured to maintain the arm in a position extending from an edge of the cover when the pin is not inserted into the hole in the cookware body; The arm is in communication with the slider and is configured to move the slider to a position where the first end of the lever is lowered when the arm is in a position extending from an edge of the cover.

14. The pressure cooker according to claim 13, wherein: The cover also includes: A pressure plunger is configured to engage the arm and retain the arm in its position adjacent an edge of the cover when pressure is applied to the pressure plunger.

15. The pressure cooker according to claim 14, wherein: The pressure plunger is also configured to cease engagement with the arm when pressure is released from the pressure plunger.

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