Cooking article lid equipped with improved grip member

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking article lid (1) comprising a gripping member (3) comprising a base (5) fixed to the lid (1) and at least one tab (6) carrying a gripping surface (4), the at least one tab (6) being rotationally movable relative to the base (5) between a stacked position in which the at least one tab (6) is stacked on the base (5) and a gripped position in which the at least one tab (6) is gripped by the gripping surface (4). The gripping member (3) has a gripping surface (4) which is bent towards the cover (1) to allow the cover to be stacked with another similar cover, in a gripping position in which the gripping surface (4) is spaced from the cover (1), the gripping member (3) comprising elastic means which drive the flap (6) from its stacked position to its gripping position. According to the invention, the at least one fin (6) is made of an austenitic stainless steel, or a duplex stainless steel, or a superaustenitic stainless steel, or an alpha-beta titanium alloy, and the at least one fin (6) has a C-shape, the expansion length L of which is greater than 110 mm, preferably greater than 160 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover for a cooking item, such as a cover for a frying pan, a frying pan, a saucepan, etc., comprising a gripping member. Background Art

[0002] From document EP1871206 a cover for cooking articles is known, the cover comprising a gripping member comprising a base fixed to the cover and at least one wing bearing a gripping surface. The at least one wing is rotatably movable relative to the base between a stacking position and a gripping position, in which the gripping surface is bent towards the cover to allow the cover to be stacked with another similar cover, and in which the gripping surface is spaced apart from the cover. The gripping member comprises elastic means which drive the wing from its stacking position to its gripping position.

[0003] However, upon continuous heating and cooling of the cover, the at least one fin made of plastic material may become brittle, in particular at its rotational connection with the base.

[0004] Furthermore, using a plastic material to manufacture the at least one flap may reduce the perceived quality of the cover and grip member by the user. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a cookware cover equipped with a gripping member which has a safe and ergonomic operation.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to propose a culinary item cover equipped with a gripping member having a design that is simple and economical to implement.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a cooking article cover, comprising a gripping member, the gripping member comprising a base fixed to the cover and at least one wing carrying a gripping surface, the at least one wing being rotatably movable relative to the base between a stacking position and a gripping position, in which the gripping surface is bent towards the cover to allow the cover to be stacked with another similar cover, and in the gripping position, the gripping surface is spaced apart from the cover, the gripping member comprising elastic means, which drive the wing from its stacking position to its gripping position, characterized in that the at least one wing is made of austenitic stainless steel, or duplex stainless steel, or super austenitic stainless steel, or alpha-beta titanium alloy, and that the at least one wing has a C-shape, the unfolded length L of the C-shape being greater than 110 mm, preferably greater than 160 mm.

[0009] Therefore, using a metallic material, in particular stainless steel or a titanium alloy, to manufacture the at least one fin increases the mechanical strength of the gripping member.

[0010] Using austenitic stainless steel with low thermal conductivity to manufacture the at least one fin allows slowing down the heat flow from the cover to the gripping surface.

[0011] Advantageously, the austenitic stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of less than 17 W / mK.

[0012] Using a duplex stainless steel, ie a stainless steel comprising a two-phase microstructure of austenite and ferrite, having a low thermal conductivity to manufacture said at least one fin allows slowing down the heat flow from said cover to said gripping surface.

[0013] Advantageously, the duplex stainless steel has a thermal conductivity less than or equal to 17 W / mK.

[0014] Using a superaustenitic stainless steel having a low thermal conductivity to manufacture the at least one fin allows slowing down the heat flow from the cover to the gripping surface.

[0015] Advantageously, the superaustenitic stainless steel has a thermal conductivity less than or equal to 9 W / mK.

[0016] Using an alpha-beta titanium alloy having a low thermal conductivity to manufacture the at least one fin allows slowing down the heat flow from the cover to the gripping surface.

[0017] Advantageously, the alpha-beta titanium alloy has a thermal conductivity less than or equal to 8 W / mK.

[0018] The developed length L of the C-shape of the at least one flap may be understood as the developed length L of the fibers positioned at the center of the cross section of the C-shape of the at least one flap, in particular taken between the hinge points of the at least one flap.

[0019] The expanded length L of the C-shape of the at least one flap, greater than 110 mm, is long enough to slow down the heat flow from the hinge point of the at least one flap to the gripping surface.

[0020] For metal gripping members, there is a standard test that specifies the temperature limit that must not be exceeded when used on a hot plate, especially at a metal gripping surface. According to the scheme detailed in standard EN 12983-1 (Annex F), this limit is set at 55°C for the gripping surface. When this temperature of 55°C is exceeded, the manufacturer should inform the user that a handle-type thermal protection device should be used to manipulate the gripping member.

[0021] The combination of these two features: the at least one fin being made of austenitic stainless steel, or of duplex stainless steel, or of superaustenitic stainless steel, or of alpha-beta titanium alloy, and the developed length L of the C-shape of the at least one fin being greater than 110 mm, allows obtaining a use temperature of the gripping surface below 55° C. according to standard tests.

[0022] Furthermore, using a metallic material to manufacture the at least one tab improves the perceived quality of the cover and the gripping member by the user.

[0023] Advantageously, said C-shape of said at least one fin has a cross section S of less than 30 square millimeters.

[0024] The small cross section S also allows slowing down the heat flow from the hinge point of the at least one wing to the gripping surface.

[0025] Advantageously, the cross section S is progressive between the area of ​​rotational connection with the base and the gripping surface.

[0026] Preferably, said cross section S of said at least one fin has a thickness E comprised between 2 and 3 mm.

[0027] Advantageously, said thickness E of said cross section S of said at least one fin is substantially constant.

[0028] This arrangement allows the fins to be manufactured by cutting from a metal strip. This embodiment is particularly economical.

[0029] Preferably, the gripping surface is arranged in a central portion of the C-shape and, in the gripping position of the tab, the gripping surface is arranged at a distance D from the cover, the distance D being greater than 20 mm.

[0030] “The gripping surface is arranged at a distance D from the cover” may be understood as meaning that the distance D is taken from the lower end of the gripping surface in the gripping position.

[0031] Advantageously, said at least one fin has a flat C-shape, said gripping surface being arranged in a substantially straight central portion of said flat C-shape, said gripping surface having a length LP greater than 60 mm.

[0032] This arrangement allows obtaining a use temperature of the gripping surface of less than 45°C.

[0033] Advantageously, said at least one flap is movable relative to said base along an axis of rotation parallel to a tangential plane of said cover at said base.

[0034] Preferably, said at least one tab in said gripping position is oriented along a plane forming an angle with said tangential plane of said cover comprised between 30° and 60°, preferably equal to 45°.

[0035] Thus, the gripping surface is sufficiently spaced apart from the cover to facilitate gripping by a user.

[0036] Advantageously, said at least one flap is movable up to a transport position in which said flap is substantially perpendicular to said tangential plane.

[0037] Preferably, the gripping member comprises two wings, the two rotation axes of the wings being parallel to each other.

[0038] The two fins may be made of the same material.

[0039] The two fins may also be made of two different materials.

[0040] Advantageously, the base is made of a thermosetting plastic material, in particular Bakelite.

[0041] The base thus acts as a first thermal barrier to limit the heat flow from the cover to the at least one fin.

[0042] The austenitic stainless steel may be AISI 304 type austenitic stainless steel.

[0043] The α-β titanium alloy may be a Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention, which are shown by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooking item cover equipped with a gripping member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the gripping member of the cover.

[0047] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a stack of two covers, with the tabs of the gripping member of the lower cover in the stacking position and the tabs of the gripping member of the upper cover in the gripping position, Figure 1 The cover is the lower cover shown along a vertical section, which is along the line IV-IV.

[0048] Figure 4 Is equipped with Figure 1Partial cross-sectional view of the cover of the gripping member along a vertical section, the vertical section being along line IV-IV.

[0049] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of a gripping member of a cover with the flaps of the gripping member of the cover in a stacked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Only elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, identical elements between different drawings have the same reference numerals.

[0051] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "high", "lower", "front", "rear", "longitudinal" and "lateral" used to describe the cooking item cover equipped with a grip member are with reference to the use of the cover when it is placed on the cooking item.

[0052] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 1 for cooking items comprises a hood 2 adapted to cover the cooking items and a gripping member 3 adapted to allow gripping of the cover 1. The gripping member 3 is convertible and comprises at least two states: a stacking state in which the gripping member 3 does not hinder the stacking of the cover with another cover 1a, such as in a stacking state. Figure 3 and a gripping state, in which the gripping state, the gripping member 3 has a gripping surface 4 detached from the cover 1 (more precisely, detached from the cover 2), such as in Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen in.

[0053] The gripping member 3 comprises a base 5 fixed to the cover 2 and two wings 6 carrying a gripping surface 4 of the gripping member 3, the wings 6 being movable relative to the base 5 between at least one stacking position and a gripping position in which the gripping surface 4 is not in contact with the cover 2, these positions corresponding to the stacking position and the gripping position of the gripping member 3, respectively.

[0054] Each wing 6 has a flat C-shape. Each wing 6 is mounted to rotate relative to the base 5 along an axis of rotation 7 which is parallel to a tangential plane 8 of the cover 2 at the base 5. The two axes of rotation 7 of the wing 6 are parallel to each other. In order to allow this articulation, each wing 6 comprises two axes 10 which are arranged diametrically opposite each other and which extend in the prolongation of the free ends of the C-shape. The gripping surface 4 is arranged in a substantially straight central portion 12 of the flat C-shape. For each wing 6, the base 5 comprises two openings 11 which face each other and are suitable for receiving each axis 10 of the wing 6.

[0055] According to a first embodiment, each fin 6 is made of austenitic stainless steel of AISI 304 type. This austenitic stainless steel has a thermal conductivity equal to 16.2 W / mK at 100° C. This thermal conductivity is particularly low, in particular compared to ferritic stainless steels. For example, ferritic stainless steel of AISI 430 type has a thermal conductivity equal to 26.1 W / mK at 100° C.

[0056] As in Figure 5 As can be seen in the figure, the C-shape of each flap 6 has an expanded length L equal to 161 mm. The expanded length L of the C-shape of the flap 6 can be understood as the expanded length L of the fiber F located at the center of the cross section of the C-shape of the flap 6 taken between the hinge points 22, 23 of the flap 6. Figure 5 The vertical dot-dash line visible in corresponds to the development of the fiber F along the vertical axis.

[0057] As in Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , each wing 6 has a C-shape at the gripping surface 4. Figure 4 The cross section S is equal to 29 square millimeters, taken in a vertical middle section of the C. The cross section S of each wing 6 has a thickness E that is substantially constant over the developed length L and is equal to 2 mm. The cross section S is progressive between the hinge points 22, 23 with the shaped base and the gripping surface 4. The gripping surface 4 has a length LP equal to 75 mm, corresponding to the substantially straight central portion 12 ( Figure 5 ).

[0058] As in Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen in FIG. 1 that when the flap 6 is in its gripping position, the flap 6 is inclined relative to the tangential plane 8 so that the gripping surface 4 is accessible. In order to allow easy gripping, each flap 6 in the gripping position is oriented along a plane that is 45° to the tangential plane 8. In the gripping position of the flap 6, the gripping surface 4 is arranged at a distance D equal to 26 mm from the cover 2 of the lid 1 ( Figure 4 ). The distance D is measured relative to the point in the gripping area 4 which is closest to the cover 2.

[0059] Taking advantage of these characteristics, according to the scheme detailed in standard EN 12983-1 (Annex F), the temperature of the gripping surface 4 is below 45° C. This temperature is well below the 55° C. required by the standard to avoid using the cover 1 without protecting the user's hands. This temperature also allows thermal comfort, avoiding the sensation of heat when the user holds the gripping surface 4.

[0060] In the present embodiment, for a cover 1 in which the cover 2 has an outer diameter between 140 mm and 280 mm, the base 5 has a rectangular shape. The base is made of a thermosetting plastic material, in particular bakelite. Figure 38, it can be seen that when the flap 6 is in the stacked position, the gripping surface 4 is rotated against the cover 2. When the flap 6 is in the stacked position, the flap 6 is substantially parallel to the tangential plane 8. The small thickness of the gripping member 3 in its stacked state means that it does not interfere with the cover 2a of the cover 1a resting on the cover 1 carrying it. The thickness of the gripping member 3 in the stacked state is less than the distance separating, at the gripping member, the upper surface of the cover 2 of the cover 1 carrying it and the fixing screws 20a of the gripping member 3a of the cover 1a.

[0061] The thickness of the base 5 and of each flap 6 is less than the distance that separates, at these different elements 5, 6, the upper surface 12 of the hood 2 of the cover 1 carrying these elements 5, 6 from the lower surface of the hood 2a of the cover 1a placed on the first cover 1, taking into account its orientation for the flaps 6. The level difference between the lower hood 2 and the upper hood 2a is mainly imposed by the height of the circular peripheral ring 21, 21a that adjoins each of the flat or slightly convex hoods 2, 2a.

[0062] The cover 1 comprises elastic means 14 which urge the flaps 6 from their stacking position to their gripping position. Thus, when the cover 1 is placed on a cooking item placed on a hot plate, the flaps 6 are in their gripping position and the gripping surface 4 is disengaged from the cover 2 due to the presence of the elastic means 14. Thus, the gripping surface 4 is not heated and can be easily gripped by the user.

[0063] The elasticity of the elastic means 14 is such that the weight of an object placed on the flap 6, for example a cover of a cooking item, drives the flap 6 from its gripping position to its stacking position.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the elastic means are formed by a flat spring 14 of rectangular shape housed in the seat 5. Each shaft 10 of each flap 6 comprises a bearing surface 15 on which the spring 14 rests, the bearing surface 15 forming an angle with the surface defined by the flap 6 equal to the angle of the flap 6 in the gripping position with the tangential plane 8 along which the flat spring 14 is arranged. Thus, when the flap 6 is in its stacked position, the spring 14 bears on a first axial edge 16 of the shaft 10 and drives each shaft 10 until it bears on the entire bearing surface 15.

[0065] Each flap 6 is movable beyond the gripping position until reaching a transport position in which it extends along a plane substantially parallel to the normal plane of the tangential plane 8. When the two flaps 6 are in the transport position, they are stopped against each other by their stop surfaces 18, which are opposite the gripping surface 4 of the flaps 6. When the flaps 6 are in their transport position, they are driven into their gripping position by the elastic means 14: the spring 14 in fact bears on the second axial edge 19 of the shaft 10 and drives each shaft 10 until it bears on the entire bearing surface 15.

[0066] In order to improve the holding of the lid 1 , the gripping member 3 is configured such that the two flaps 6 in the transport position represent fixed (or nearly fixed) parts relative to the cover 2 , the two flaps 6 being unable to slide against each other.

[0067] In operation, the user only needs to bring the flaps 6 close by pinching them from their gripping position until they come to rest against each other in the transport position, in which they are stable when held by the user. The temperature of the gripping area of ​​each flap is below 45°C and the user does not need to take special precautions to manipulate the lid. When the user releases the flaps 6, they then move from their transport position to their gripping position.

[0068] According to a second embodiment, each fin 6 is made of duplex stainless steel, which comprises a two-phase microstructure of austenite and ferrite. Duplex stainless steel has a thermal conductivity similar to that of austenitic stainless steel. Sandvik SAF Duplex stainless steel has a thermal conductivity equal to 16 W / mK at 100°C. Sandvik SAF Duplex stainless steel has a thermal conductivity equal to 17 W / mK at 100°C.

[0069] According to a third embodiment, each fin 6 is made of superaustenitic stainless steel of type EN1.4652 X1CrNiMoCun24-22-8. This superaustenitic stainless steel has a thermal conductivity equal to 8.6 W / mK at 20°C, ie nearly 2 times less than austenitic stainless steel or duplex stainless steel.

[0070] According to a fourth embodiment, each fin 6 is made of an α-β titanium alloy. Such an α-β titanium alloy has a thermal conductivity of less than 8 W / m·K at 20°C.

[0071] The most commonly used alpha-beta titanium alloy is Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, also known as TA6V or grade 5 titanium. The composition of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V is as follows:

[0072] [Table 1]

[0073] element content% aluminum 5.5 to 6.75 vanadium 3.5 to 4.5 carbon Max. 0.10 iron Max. 0.30 oxygen Max. 0.02 nitrogen Max. 0.05 titanium Total / Basic

[0074] Another α-β titanium alloy is the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-6V-2Sn, also known as TA6VE. The composition of the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-6V-2Sn is as follows:

[0075] [Table 2]

[0076] element content% aluminum 5.0 to 6.0 vanadium 5.0 to 6.0 tin 1.5 to 2.5 carbon Max. 0.05 iron Max. 0.30 oxygen Max. 0.02 nitrogen Max. 0.05 titanium Total / Basic

[0077] Another alpha-beta titanium alloy is the titanium alloy Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr, also known as grade 17 titanium. The composition of the titanium alloy Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr is as follows:

[0078] [Table 3]

[0079]

[0080]

[0081] Comparison of alloy thermal properties:

[0082] [Table 4]

[0083]

[0084] As a variant, the two wings 6 do not necessarily have to be made of the same material.

[0085] As a variant, the cover 1 does not necessarily comprise two flaps 6 .

[0086] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown, which are given merely as examples. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, in particular from the point of view of the composition of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents.

[0087] Thus, in one variant embodiment not shown, at least one flap 6 has a constant cross-section S, the cross-section S being taken between the hinge points 22 , 23 .

Claims

1. A cooking article cover (1), comprising a gripping member (3), the gripping member (3) comprising a base (5) fixed to the cover (1) and at least one wing (6) carrying a gripping surface (4), the at least one wing (6) being rotatably movable relative to the base (5) between a stacking position and a gripping position, wherein the gripping surface (4) is bent towards the cover (1) to allow the cover to be stacked with another similar cover (1a), and wherein the gripping surface (4) is spaced apart from the cover (1), the gripping member (3) comprising an elastic device (14) which drives the wing (6) from its stacking position to its gripping position, characterized in that At least one fin (6) is made of austenitic stainless steel, or duplex stainless steel, or super austenitic stainless steel, or α-β titanium alloy, and at least one fin (6) has a C-shape, the unfolded length L of which is greater than 110 mm, preferably greater than 160 mm.

2. The cooking article cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Said C-shape of at least one fin (6) has a cross section S of less than 30 square millimeters.

3. The cooking article cover (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that Said cross section S of at least one fin (6) has a thickness E comprised between 2 and 3 mm.

4. The cooking article cover (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that Said thickness E of said cross section S of at least one fin (6) is substantially constant.

5. The cooking product cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The gripping surface (4) is arranged in the central portion (12) of the C-shape and, in the gripping position of the flap (6), the gripping surface (4) is arranged at a distance D from the cover (1), the distance D being greater than 20 mm.

6. The cooking product cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that At least one wing (6) is movable relative to the base (5) along a rotation axis (7) parallel to a tangential plane (8) of the cover (1) at the base (5).

7. The cooking article cover (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that At least one flap (6) in said gripping position is oriented along a plane forming an angle with said tangential plane (8) of said cover (1) comprised between 30° and 60°, preferably equal to 45°.

8. The cooking product cover (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that At least one flap (6) is movable up to a transport position in which the flap (6) is substantially perpendicular to the tangential plane (8).

9. The cooking product cover (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The gripping member (3) comprises two wings (6), the two axes of rotation (7) of which are parallel to each other.

10. The cooking article cover (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The two fins (6) are made of the same material.

11. The cooking product cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The base (5) is made of thermosetting plastic material, in particular bakelite.

12. The cooking product cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The austenitic stainless steel is AISI 304 type austenitic stainless steel.

13. The cooking product cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The α-β titanium alloy is Ti6Al4V titanium alloy.

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