Insert for an egg cup

Abstract

A bowl-shaped insert (1) with a round rim (2) forming an opening (3) to a concave inner curve (4), encompassed by a wall (5) and having a convex outer curve (6), characterized in that the rim diameter (7) of the insert (1) is sufficient in outer dimension (8) to be inserted into an egg cup (9), and when inserted in this way the inner curve (4) has a distance (11) from the inner wall (10) of the egg cup (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert for an egg cup which, when inserted therein, conveniently lifts a boiled egg of small or medium size above the rim of the egg cup, for which purpose the insert can also be used optionally in two different positions.

[0002] Chicken eggs are sold in four different size categories. When placed in an egg cup, the differences between these sizes are primarily noticeable in their varying heights. Small and medium-sized eggs, in particular, often barely reach the rim of the cup. This is a disadvantage when eating a boiled egg, as it only extends slightly above the edge of the cup. Firstly, it's more difficult to open the egg with a knife or peel it by hand, and secondly, the smaller opening at the top of the shell makes it harder to scoop out the yolk.

[0003] According to current technology, there are hardly any known means of aligning an egg cup with a relatively high rim to boiled eggs of different sizes.

[0004] While it is conceivable to use egg cups with different rim heights or only those with a short rim, a disadvantage of this approach is that egg cups of a uniform size are typically included in a standard egg cup set. In any case, no commercially available egg cup sets with different egg cups suitable for the use described in the invention are currently offered.

[0005] Furthermore, a boiled egg in an egg cup with a low rim has less firmness than in an egg cup with a high rim.

[0006] Patent application DE000000066278A discloses a device that can be inserted into an egg cup in such a way that it rests on the rim. The device is designed to protect the outside of the egg cup by creating a gap between the egg and the cup wall, thus catching any leaking egg inside the egg cup before it runs over the eggshell and onto the outer wall of the egg cup. The disclosed solution is not intended to compensate for any height difference.

[0007] Even though it may seem that the described disadvantages of eating a breakfast egg are accepted, there is definitely a need for a product according to the invention in view of the advantages.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a product which is able to compensate for the lack of height of small and medium eggs in an egg cup (9) with a high rim and to raise such cooked eggs sufficiently above the rim of the cup to at least two heights so that they are suitable for consumption, is also easy to handle and does not noticeably disrupt the design concept of the tableware.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by an insert (1) according to claim 1, which has a concave inner curve (4) and a convex outer curve (6) and can be inserted into an egg cup (9). The wall thickness (13) between the inner curve (4) and the outer curve (6) ensures a minimum distance between the egg, which rests on the insert (1) positioned according to the invention, and the inner wall (10) of the egg cup (9), thereby lifting the egg.

[0010] Due to the use of an insert (1) as specified in claim 1, the main advantage is that the insert (1) can be placed in an egg cup (9) in such a way that a sufficient distance (11) is created to solve the problem according to the invention.

[0011] Commercially available egg cups (9) are shaped to fit the eggs they are designed to hold and typically have a round inner cross-section on the horizontal plane. The round rim (2) of the insert (1) corresponds to this shape. The insert (1) can only be inserted into the egg cup (9) to the extent that its rim diameter (7) allows. As soon as the rim diameter (7) is larger than the inner diameter of the egg cup (9), the insert (1) is held in place. The rim (2) also marks the widest point of the insert (1).

[0012] At the level of the rim (2), the insert (1) will therefore regularly lie horizontally flush against the inner wall (10) of the egg cup (9). The egg subsequently placed on the inner curve (4) is held by the insert (1) at a height greater than the height the egg would reach in the egg cup (9) without the insert (1). Even if the inner diameter of the egg cup (9) were wider than the rim diameter (7), the subsequently placed egg would still sit higher, because the insert (1) would then rest on the bottom inside the egg cup (9) with its outer curve and raise the egg by a distance (11) determined by the wall (5).

[0013] Therefore, it can be assumed that a shallow egg in an egg cup (9) with a relatively high rim (2) will protrude further and be easier to eat. Eggs have a shape similar to an oval, but they taper to a point on one side.

[0014] As a result, the diameter of the opening at the tapered end of the boiled egg is smaller in the upper area than a deeper opening. If the boiled egg extends further over the rim (2) of the egg cup (9), a correspondingly larger opening (3) can be used for consumption.

[0015] When using the insert (1) according to the invention, it is also advantageous that smaller and medium-sized eggs are equally edible as large and extra-large eggs. Since smaller and medium-sized eggs are regularly offered at a lower price than eggs of larger commercial grades, a cost saving results when using the insert (1).

[0016] In the embodiment according to claim 1, the insert (1) according to the invention is round in plan view in order to be positioned as appropriately as possible in an Eider cup.

[0017] The use of the insert (1) involves first positioning the insert (1) in the egg cup (9) and then placing the cooked egg on the positioned insert (1). Alternatively, the cooked egg and insert (1) can be placed together in the egg cup (9). The cooked egg can then be cut open over the rim (2) of the egg cup (9).

[0018] The insert (1) can be made from different materials that have flexible or rigid properties. The design can be intended for single or multiple use.

[0019] The insert (1) is designed as a bowl to facilitate the convenient placement of an egg. The rim (2) is preferably round, and a concave inner curve (4) is formed at the opening (3). The preferred circular shape is convenient for the user, suggesting that the insert (1) be positioned in an egg cup (9) according to the invention. A wall (5) is formed between the concave inner curve (4) and the convex outer curve (6), which also explains the wall thickness (13) that ensures a minimum distance (11) between the inner wall (10) of the egg cup (9) and the inner curve (4). Without a wall (5), the insert (1) would be almost flush with the inner wall (10) at a smaller rim diameter (7). The inner curve (4) would then be almost identical to the inner wall (10), and the insert (1) would offer no inventive advantage.

[0020] Since the insert (1) ideally has a rim diameter (7) in its outer dimension (8) such that it can be inserted flush into an egg cup (9), a rim diameter (7) seems advantageous where the insert (1) hangs freely in the inner curve (4) of the egg cup (9). The diameter of the inner wall (10) of the egg cup (9) should therefore be such that it extends beyond the entire height of the insert (1) and does not allow the insert (1) to rest on the inner base of the egg cup (9).

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below, by means of which the invention is to be explained in more detail by way of example, without limiting the invention to these.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment according to claim 2, the inner bulge (4) is provided with a central opening (12) to the outer bulge (6). This results in two main advantages when using the insert (1).

[0023] The insert (1) can be more easily grasped through the central opening (12) when it is inserted into the egg cup (9). The central opening (12) is advantageously sized so that the tip of the index finger can be inserted into it, thus providing a grip for the insert (1) to be pulled out. Furthermore, it is common practice to open a boiled egg by peeling the cracked shell at the pointed end. The shell fragments are then habitually disposed of in the egg cup (9). With the central opening (12), this habit can continue even when the insert (1) is positioned in the egg cup (9). The shell fragments then fall through the central opening (12) into the egg cup (9) and under the insert (1).

[0024] In one embodiment of the insert (1) according to claim 3, it is taken into account that the wall thickness (13) of the wall (5) can be designed differently. Near the edge (2), it would be advantageous to make the wall (5) as thin as possible in order to keep the distance (11) between the inner wall (10) and the eggshell as small as possible and thus hold the inserted egg stably in the egg cup (9). With a thicker wall thickness (13) towards the center (14) of the inner curve (4) and the outer curve (6), the advantage is that the distance (11) between the inserted egg and the inner wall (10) is greater and the egg protrudes further over the edge of the cup.

[0025] Claim 4 claims a concave recess (16) in the wall (5) of the insert (1) at the passage (15) of the central opening (12) from the outer bulge (6) to the inner bulge (4). The recess (16) forms a second concave inner bulge (4), which is opposite to the inner bulge (4). This makes it possible to insert the insert (1) into an egg cup (9) with the opposite orientation. In this orientation, the insert (1) is also held at the level of the rim (2) on the narrower inner diameter of the egg cup (9). In the concave recess (16), an inserted egg can thus be held higher than in the opposite orientation on the inner bulge (4). This advantageously allows even shorter eggs to protrude sufficiently above the rim (2) of the egg cup (9).

[0026] The guide groove (17) described in claim 5 serves to receive and hold a rubber ring (19). The rubber ring (19) projects beyond the guide groove (17) and the rim diameter (7). When the insert (1) is positioned in the egg cup (9), the rubber ring (19) causes the insert (1) to wedge itself in place when the rubber ring (19) deforms between the rim (2) and the inner wall (10) during positioning of the insert (1). Thus, the insert (1) remains wedged in the egg cup (9) when the egg cup (9) is emptied of the eggshell by turning it upside down.

[0027] Claim 6 claims the clamping of the insert (1) by the attachment of the rubber ring (19) as described above in claim 5.

[0028] Claim 7 is based on the advantage that can result from positioning the insert (1) on the rim (2) of the egg cup (9) by means of the shaped collar (20). The collar (20) extends parallel to the rim (2) at a height similar to the guide groove (17). It can be designed as a continuous disc-like surface or as a spoke-like structure. This high positioning is advantageous for particularly small eggs, such as quail eggs, or when the egg cup (9) is replaced by another object, for example, a glass.

[0029] Claim 8 claims the possibility of shortening the diameter of the insert (1) against a provided gap (18) in order to enable the insert (1) to be inserted into narrower inner diameters. For this purpose, the insert (1) is pressed against the gap (18) on both sides. Depending on the gap width, the ends of the insert (1) formed at the gap (18) can lie against each other or overlap. In this way, the edge diameter (7) can be reduced.

[0030] The use according to the invention (1) is illustrated with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows the insert (1) in cross-section, placed inside an egg cup (9). The insert (1) rests against the inner wall (10). For clarity, an egg is placed on the insert (1) as intended.

[0031] Fig.Figure 2 shows the insert (1) in cross-section. The central opening (12) is located in the center (14) between the walls (5). These walls are thickened towards the central opening (12). A recess (16) is formed below the central opening (12). It serves to hold a boiled egg when the insert (1) is positioned upside down in an egg cup (9). Reference sign 1 deployment 2 rand 3 Opening 4 Inward curvature 5 wall 6 Outer bulge 7 Rim diameters 8 External dimensions 9 egg cups 10 Inner wall 11 distance 12 central opening 13 wall thickness 14 Center 15th round 16 Omission 17 guide groove 18 gaps 19 rubber rings 20 collars QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 000000066278A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Bowl-shaped insert (1) with a round rim (2) forming an opening (3) to a concave inner curve (4), enclosed by a wall (5) and having a convex outer curve (6), characterized by , that the rim diameter (7) of the insert (1) is sufficient in the outer dimension (8) to be usable in an egg cup (9), and that when inserted in this way the inner curvature (4) has a distance (11) from the inner wall (10) of the egg cup (9). [2] Dish-like insert (1) according to claim 1 characterized by that the inner bulge (4) has a central opening (12) to the outer bulge (6). [3] Tray-shaped insert (1) according to claim 1-2 characterized by , that the wall thickness (13) of the wall (5) thickens towards the center (14) of the inner bulge (3) and the outer bulge (6). [4] Tray-shaped insert (1) according to claims 1-3 characterized by, that at the passage (15) of the opening (12) from the outer bulge (6) to the inner bulge (3) a concave recess (16) is formed in the wall thickness (13). [5] Tray-shaped insert (1) according to claims 1-4 characterized by , that in the area of ​​the edge (2) a guide groove (17) running parallel to the edge (2) is formed in the outer curve (6). [6] Cup-shaped insert (1) according to claims 1-5 characterized by , that a rubber ring (19) is inserted into the guide groove (17) which extends beyond the guide groove (17) and the edge diameter (7). [7] Tray-shaped insert (1) according to claims 1-6 characterized by , that a collar (20) is formed on the outer curve (6) which extends beyond the inner wall (10). [8] Bowl-shaped insert (1) according to claims 1-6 characterized by , that the insert (1) has a gap (18) between its edge (2) and the opening (12).

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