Equipment for holding cutlery

Abstract

Holding device (1; 1a) for holding cutlery (2), comprising a holding means (4; 4a) for holding the cutlery (2) in a holding position and a fastening means (7; 7a) for fastening the holding device (1; 1a) to cookware (3), wherein the fastening means (7; 7a) has fastening legs (5, 6; 5a, 6a) for gripping an edge (15) of the cookware (3), wherein the holding means (4; 4a) for holding the cutlery (2) has a contact area (8; 8a) against which the cutlery (2) rests in the holding position, wherein the contact area (8; 8a) is formed of a friction-enhancing material, characterized in that the holding device (1; 1a) has replaceable side strips (13; 13a) which extend the contact area (8; 8a) against which the cutlery (2) rests in the holding position. limit, whereby the cutlery (2) can be placed on the side rails (13; 13a).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for holding cutlery, comprising a holding element for keeping the cutlery in a holding position and a fastening element for attaching the holding element to cookware, wherein the fastening element has fastening legs for gripping an edge of the cookware, wherein the holding element for holding the cutlery has a contact area against which the cutlery rests in the holding position, the contact area being formed of a friction-enhancing material. The cutlery can be, for example, a spoon, a cooking spoon, a fork, a knife, serving utensils, or serving cutlery.

[0002] From CH 365 837 A, a cutlery holder is known which has a crossbar for receiving a spoon, wherein the crossbar can be attached to the edge of a serving platter or a cooking pot by a clamp. Dovetail-shaped notches in the crossbar are provided for holding cutlery in a holding position.

[0003] DE 20 2020 004 949 U1 describes a cutlery holder comprising a support bracket and a retaining bracket for holding a spoon. The two brackets are connected by a support ring that encircles a container.

[0004] From DE 19 08 331 U, a cutlery holder is known which has two fastening brackets that grip and rest on the rim of a cooking pot and are connected to each other by a holding element. A spoon can be placed on the holding element, with its end facing away from the holding element resting on the rim of the cooking pot.

[0005] A cutlery holder known from US 2 530 470 A comprises a holding section adjustable by a return spring for gripping the rim of a dish, as well as a holding section for a spoon.

[0006] From US 2 164 649 A, a cutlery holder is known which has a U-shaped fastening section for gripping a dish rim and a helical spring-shaped holding section for a spoon, wherein the spoon can be inserted between adjacent spring sections.

[0007] US patent 1,687,795 A discloses a utensil holder comprising a bow-shaped fastening section for gripping a pot rim and a holding section for holding a spoon.

[0008] Further cutlery holders are known from US 2011 / 0 031 361 A1, WO 86 / 06 803 A1, SE 433 165 B and DE 630 170 A.

[0009] At dinner parties where friends and acquaintances are invited, the hosts often don't serve the cooked food on plates, but rather place it in a pot or pan, usually in the center of a table where everyone is seated. Serving utensils allow each person to portion their desired amount of food onto their own plate. After use, the serving utensils must either be placed on the table or rested against the edge of the pot or pan. When placing them down, the tablecloth can get dirty, or the serving utensils can slip from their resting position and fall into the pot or pan.

[0010] The holding devices known from the prior art are either complicated to operate or do not hold cutlery securely enough.

[0011] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a holding device of the type mentioned at the outset, which enables cutlery to be held securely while simultaneously allowing the holding device to be easily attached to the cookware.

[0012] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the holding device having interchangeable side strips that define a contact area against which the cutlery rests in the holding position, wherein the cutlery can be placed on the side strips.

[0013] Advantageously, different functional side panels can be used with a single mounting device.

[0014] Preferably, the contact area is coated with the friction-enhancing material. A friction-enhancing material is a material which, in combination with the material from which the cutlery is made, exhibits such a high coefficient of static friction that slippage of the cutlery from its holding position is effectively prevented.

[0015] The contact area may have a layer which, in material pairing with a material from which the cutlery is formed, has a coefficient of static friction between 0.2 and 1.0.

[0016] The layer can cover part or all of the contact area. A layer covering part of the contact area can, for example, form a pattern such as a manufacturer's logo.

[0017] A layer covering the entire contact area enables particularly good adhesion.

[0018] Silicone, that is, a plastic based on polysiloxane, has proven to be a particularly suitable coating material.

[0019] Because the contact area is made of a friction-enhancing material, it's possible to position the cutlery in a way that allows it to float. "Floating" means that the cutlery rests only on the contact area and is not additionally supported by the cookware or the table on which the cookware is placed.

[0020] It is conceivable that the contact area is replaceable, meaning it is designed as a detachable contact element. Advantageously, no coating is required, and simple assembly is possible.

[0021] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the contact area is replaceable. For this purpose, a detachable contact element with a friction-enhancing layer could be provided. Easy replacement is advantageous.

[0022] One mounting leg is designed for attachment to the inside of the cookware, while a second mounting leg is designed for attachment to the outside. The advantage of this system is the simple attachment of the mounting device to the cookware, which could be, for example, a pot, pan, or wok.

[0023] The fastening arms ensure that the cutlery holder can be securely attached and easily removed from the cookware if necessary.

[0024] It is understood that the holding device according to the invention can be placed on a surface such as a table. In this case, the holding device would not be attached to cookware. The fastening means is advantageously designed as a base. In particular, the fastening legs could be designed as bases.

[0025] It is also conceivable that the fastening device comprises several fastening legs arranged such that on each side of the cookware to which the holding device is attached—that is, on both the outer and inner sides—several fastening legs are provided side by side. Adjacent fastening legs fit more securely against a round cookware to which the holding device is attached than a single fastening leg on each side of the cookware. This allows for a particularly stable fastening.

[0026] Each of the fastening legs preferably extends across the entire width of the holding device. If several fastening legs are arranged side by side on each side, they extend across the entire width of the holding device.

[0027] Advantageously, the mounting legs are designed as flexible clamping legs. The mounting legs can be made of a flexible material such as plastic, in particular an injection-moldable and / or 3D-printable plastic.

[0028] The holding device can be attached to the cookware, in particular to an rim of the cookware. When attached to the cookware, the fastening legs are bent apart and thereby deflected in the manner of a spring. A restoring force of the deflected fastening legs allows the holding device to be attached to the cookware in a fixed yet detachable position. Furthermore, a holding device according to the invention is advantageously suitable for use with cookware with varying wall thicknesses.

[0029] Preferably, the holding device is attached to the rim in such a way that a first fastening leg or adjacent fastening legs are located inside and a second fastening leg or adjacent fastening legs are located outside of the cookware.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fastening means comprises a recess designed to receive the rim of cookware to which the holding device is attached. Preferably, the recess has a round cross-section. This creates a receiving space for thickened, for example, rolled rims of cookware. The receiving space advantageously ensures that the fastening legs, which can be designed as flexible clamping legs, lie flat against the cookware after attachment and are not spread apart by the thickened rim.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the recess for receiving the rim of the cookware adjoins a gap formed between the mounting legs. Advantageously, the recess forms a stop against which an rim area of ​​the cookware, to which the holding device is attached, rests.

[0032] Because the recess adjoins the gap, the area of ​​the fastener that defines the recess forms a connection point for the fastening legs. If the recess has a round cross-section, no stress concentrations occur when the fastening legs, which can be designed as flexible, are bent apart during attachment of the holding device to the cookware.

[0033] Preferably, the recess is circular-cylindrical or at least partially circular-cylindrical. Other configurations with a rounded cross-section, for example an elliptical cross-section, are conceivable.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, a longitudinal axis of the recess for receiving the rim of the cookware is arranged perpendicular or obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the cutlery in the holding position. Advantageously, this allows for a particularly stable attachment to the cookware, while simultaneously enabling the cutlery to be held in a fixed position.

[0035] Advantageously, the means for holding the cutlery has a contact area against which the cutlery rests in the holding position. In particular, the cutlery can rest on the contact area. A fixing device that secures the cutlery in the holding position is advantageously not required; contact with the contact area is sufficient.

[0036] The contact area can be a plane against which a largely flat part of the cutlery rests. For example, the underside of a cooking spoon handle can rest against the contact area, while the bowl of the cooking spoon rests against the bottom of a frying pan from which food is to be taken.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the contact area comprises an inclined contact surface against which the cutlery rests in the holding position. This inclined contact surface is inclined relative to the base on which the cookware stands. Advantageously, a particularly large contact area can be created.

[0038] It is conceivable that an inclined support surface could be designed in such a way that its inclination can be changed. A single holding device that can be used with cutlery of varying lengths is advantageous.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the means for holding the cutlery has a contact area against which the cutlery rests in the holding position, wherein the holding device has a magnet or the contact area is coated with a magnetic material.

[0040] If the cutlery is made of a magnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic alloy, the cutlery can be held in the holding position by interaction with the magnet or the magnetic coating.

[0041] The magnet is preferably a permanent magnet element. The magnet can, for example, be completely embedded in the holding device, particularly below the contact area.

[0042] It is conceivable that the magnet forms a surface section of the contact area and lies directly against the cutlery in the holding position.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the contact area comprises at least one contact area. The contact area is an area against which a piece of cutlery to be held can be placed with a cutlery section.

[0044] The cutlery can be held in several different positions by means of multiple support areas, which preferably merge seamlessly. Advantageously, multiple holding positions are possible with a single holding device. The number of possible holding positions in which the cutlery rests against the support areas corresponds to the number of support areas.

[0045] Furthermore, it is advantageous that a single holding device according to the invention can be used with cutlery of different sizes. For example, a first support area can be suitable for a tablespoon, while a second support area is suitable for a significantly longer cooking spoon.

[0046] Because the plant areas merge seamlessly, the holding device can be manufactured simply.

[0047] It goes without saying that the cutlery can be held suspended in any of the holding positions.

[0048] Advantageously, the holding device has a rim that limits the contact area. This effectively prevents the cutlery from sliding sideways out of the contact area.

[0049] It is conceivable that a single edge is provided for a single installation area of ​​a contact area with multiple installation areas.

[0050] The edge can be formed by side ledges spaced apart from each other, which are arranged on opposite sides of a storage area.

[0051] For example, the side rails can be parallel and / or of different lengths. It is conceivable that the side rails can be detachably connected to the holding device, for example by a plug-in connection. This makes the side rails easily replaceable. A particularly versatile holding device for cutlery is thus created.

[0052] If the side rails are of different lengths, one of the two side rails, preferably the longer one, protrudes towards a receiving area of ​​the dish to which the holding device is attached.

[0053] A receiving chamber can be the interior of a bowl intended for receiving food.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, a boundary of the contact area forms a resting position. Advantageously, this creates an additional holding position in which the cutlery can be held completely outside the cookware. This holding position can, for example, be a serving position.

[0055] When the cutlery rests on this rest, there is no contact with the contact area against which the cutlery rests and can partially protrude into the cookware. Furthermore, a friction-enhancing contact surface is not necessary to hold the cutlery in this resting position.

[0056] A boundary of the contact area can be, for example, an edge, which can be formed in particular by side ribs that limit the contact area.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the invention, the side strips are designed as decorative strips. Advantageously, this creates a visually appealing and functional holding device. The decorative strips can, for example, have the shape of animals, fruits, vegetables, or other living beings or objects. It is understood that the decorative strips can be interchangeable, i.e., removable.

[0058] The holding device is preferably 3D-printed or injection-molded. 3D printing allows for the production of customized holding devices, while injection molding enables cost-effective production of large quantities.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity of the holding device is located between the side strips that define the contact area.

[0060] A key advantage of this type of holder is its ability to be used standing upright, meaning it's suitable for holding cutlery without being attached to the rim of a dish. For this purpose, the holder can be placed on a table, for example. The mounting bracket is designed to act as a stand. For instance, the mounting arms of the bracket can form the feet.

[0061] The fact that the center of gravity is located between the side rails creates a particularly stable holding device.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is formed in one piece. Advantageously, this allows for particularly simple manufacturing. Assembly of several parts is advantageously unnecessary.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the invention, the side of the holding device facing away from the cookware to which the holding device is attached is designed as an advertising surface. This advantageously creates an attractive promotional item. Because the advertising surface is located on a side facing away from the cookware, it is particularly easy for a user of the holding device to see. It is conceivable that the advertising surface could be a display screen such as an LCD screen.

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings relating to these embodiments. The drawings show: Fig. 1a - 1d An embodiment of a cutlery holding device in several views, Fig. 2a another embodiment of a cutlery holding device, Fig. 2b an embodiment of a cutlery holding device according to the invention.

[0065] One in Fig. 1a in perspective view, in Fig. 1b in side view and in Fig. 1c and Fig. 1d shown in cutaway side view, a one-piece plastic holding device 1 for holding a spoon in a Fig. 1d shown holding position in a Fig. 1d, a pan shown in a cut side view, comprises a retaining means 4 and a fastening means 7 having two fastening legs 5, 6, wherein the fastening legs 5, 6 are designed as bendable clamping legs, each extending over the entire width of the retaining device 1, i.e. from a first side 18 to a second side 19.

[0066] The holding element 4 comprises a contact area 8, which has three overlapping contact areas 9, 10, 11 against which the bucket can rest. Each contact area 9, 10, 11 enables a holding position.

[0067] Each of the installation areas 9, 10, 11 also includes an inclined installation surface, the inclinations of the installation areas 9, 10, 11 being different from each other in this embodiment.

[0068] The spoon is in the Fig. 1d shown holding position with a spoon handle to the contact area 11 and with a cup of the spoon to a pan bottom 12 of the pan 3.

[0069] In this embodiment, the contact areas 9, 10, and 11 are fully coated with a silicone layer, resulting in a particularly high coefficient of static friction for the silicone layer-spoon material pairing. This creates a friction-fit connection when the spoon is placed against the contact area 8.

[0070] The contact area 8 is bounded by two side ribs 13, which prevent the spoon from slipping laterally out of the contact area 8 and into the pan. Each of the side ribs 13 has a concave curve 14 onto which the spoon rests in a Fig. It can be placed in one further horizontal holding position (not shown). This horizontal holding position could, for example, be a serving position.

[0071] The two fastening legs 5, 6 are for gripping an edge 15 of the in Fig. The pan shown in 1d is set up. The holding device 1 can be attached to the rim 15 of the pan.

[0072] A gap 16 formed between the two fastening legs 5, 6 opens into a cylindrical recess 17, which can be a bore and extends from the first side 18 to the second side 19 of the retaining device 1. Because the recess 17 is cylindrical, i.e., has a round base, no stress concentrations occur when the retaining device 1 is placed on the edge 15 of the pan and the fastening legs 5, 6 are bent apart, which could lead to material damage or breakage of one of the fastening legs 5, 6 or the fastening element 7. Fig. In the holding position shown in 1d, a longitudinal axis of the recess 17 for receiving the edge 15 is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the spoon.

[0073] Although in Fig. Not shown in 1d, it is conceivable that the spoon rests against the contact area 9 or 10. If it rests against contact area 9, the spoon would be positioned outside the pan, meaning its bowl would not rest against a pan bottom 12, but for example against one in Fig. 1. Table (not shown) on which the pan stands. It is conceivable that in this holding position the bowl is arranged outside the pan and above the holding device 1, i.e. pointing upwards, while a spoon handle is attached to a... Fig. 1. The spoon rests against the table (not shown). In this holding position, a used, food-stained spoon can be advantageously held without contact with the table and thus does not soil it. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the spoon only rests against the support area 10 and is not supported by the pan base 12, i.e., not resting against it. Such a suspended holding position of the spoon is possible due to the coating of the support area 10 with a friction-enhancing material.

[0074] It will now be on Fig. 2 Reference is made where identical or equivalent parts are used with the same reference number as in Fig. 1 are designated and the letter a is appended to the relevant reference number.

[0075] One in Fig. 2a The holding device 1a shown in a perspective view differs from the one in Fig. 1 shown by the fact that side strips 13a are designed as banana-shaped decorative strips.

[0076] One in Fig. The holding device 1a according to the invention, shown in a perspective view in Figure 2b, differs from that shown in Figure 2b. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a shows that the holding device 1a comprises attachable side strips 13a and a single contact area 11a. Because the side strips 13a are interchangeable, a single holding device is advantageously created in different designs for different occasions.

[0077] The side rails 13a are of different lengths and each has an arc-shaped end 20 with a concave curve 14a into which the spoon can be placed in a horizontal holding position. Because the side rails 13a are of different lengths, the horizontal holding position is such that a front section of the cutlery, like the bowl of a spoon, is positioned above the dish to which the holding device is attached. Food falling from the cutlery can thus fall into the dish and not onto a tablecloth.

[0078] At each of the in Fig. 1 and Fig. The center of gravity is located between the side rails 13 and 13a of the holding devices shown in 2; 1a.

[0079] It is understood that a holding device 1a according to the invention can be used standing on a table. This use is shown, for example, in Fig. 1a. In this case, the mounting area 7a would act as a base, meaning that the holding device 1a would stand on the undersides of mounting legs 5a, 6a.

[0080] Although in none of the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, it is conceivable that the plant areas 9, 10, 11; 9a, 10a, 11a are coated with a magnetic material that can interact with a spoon made of a ferromagnetic material to hold the spoon in a Fig. to maintain the holding position shown in 1d.

Claims

[1] Holding device (1; 1a) for holding cutlery (2), comprising a holding means (4; 4a) for holding the cutlery (2) in a holding position and a fastening means (7; 7a) for attaching the holding device (1; 1a) to cookware (3), wherein the fastening means (7; 7a) has fastening legs (5, 6; 5a, 6a) for gripping an edge (15) of the cookware (3), wherein the holding means (4; 4a) for holding the cutlery (2) has a contact area (8; 8a) against which the cutlery (2) rests in the holding position, wherein the contact area (8; 8a) is formed of a friction-enhancing material, characterized by , that the holding device (1; 1a) has interchangeable side rails (13; 13a) which limit the contact area (8; 8a) against which the cutlery (2) rests in the holding position, wherein the cutlery (2) can be placed on the side rails (13; 13a). [2] Holding device (1; 1a) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the fastening legs (5, 6; 5a, 6a) are designed as flexible clamping legs. [3] Holding device (1; 1a) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the fastening means (7; 7a) includes a recess (17; 17a) designed to receive the rim (15) of cookware (3) to which the holding device (1; 1a) is attached. [4] Holding device (1; 1a) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the recess (17; 17a) for receiving the rim (15) of the cooking vessel (3) adjoins a gap (16; 16a) formed between the fastening legs (5, 6; 5a, 6a). [5] Holding device (1; 1a) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that a longitudinal axis of the recess (17; 17a) for receiving the rim (15) of the cookware (3) is arranged perpendicular or oblique to a longitudinal axis of the cutlery (2) in the holding position. [6] Holding device (1; 1a) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the contact area (8; 8a) comprises an inclined contact surface against which the cutlery (2) rests in the holding position. [7] Holding device (1; 1a) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the contact area (8; 8a) includes at least one facility area (9, 10, 11; 9a, 10a, 11a). [8] Holding device (1; 1a) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the side strips (13; 13a) are designed as decorative strips. [9] Holding device (1; 1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the center of gravity of the holding device (1; 1a) is located between the side strips (13; 13a) which define the contact area (8, 8a).

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