splash guard

Abstract

A splash guard (10) for placing on a frying pan, comprising a flat protective surface (20) with a plurality of openings (21) and with a finishing edge (22) bounding the protective surface (20), characterized in that the finishing edge (22) is not stiffened in at least one direction (50) and the protective surface (20) and thus also the splash guard (10) are flexible and rollable in this direction (50), wherein at least two, preferably three, dimensionally rigid supports (30) distributed in this non-stiffened direction (50) and arranged parallel to each other completely traverse the protective surface (20) transversely to the direction (50) in order to be able to rest on a pan rim on both sides during use and thereby stiffen the protective surface (20), and wherein two of these supports (30) project beyond the finishing edge (22) on the same side and form handles (31) which are connected to each other only via the protective surface (20) and are otherwise free are movable relative to each other,for operating the protective surface (20), in particular for opening and closing the protective surface on both sides during use and / or for rolling it up.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a splash guard for placing on a frying pan to allow steam to escape during cooking and at the same time to prevent escaping splashes, comprising a flat protective surface with a plurality of openings and with an end edge that delimits this surface. State of the art

[0002] Such splash guards are widely available and come in various variations. Disposable paper splash guards with a stiffened cardboard strip around the edge and in the middle, which serves as a handle, are popular. These should be avoided for environmental reasons. The most common models consist of a fine metal mesh, surrounded by a metal reinforcement and with a handle. Unfortunately, they are very bulky when they need to be used. Furthermore, there is often not enough space to put them away during cooking to free up access to the pan. Finally, they are difficult to clean in the dishwasher due to the long handle and the large surface area—much larger than a conventional dinner plate.

[0003] Newer models take these disadvantages into account, they are in the Fig. 4. According to Fig. 4a, rigid, perforated surfaces that can be folded in the middle to ensure access to half of the cooking area. Even quarter-circle divisions are known, as in Fig. 4b. These versions have several advantages over the standard model. For example, a user can stir, season, taste, and add ingredients to the pan without having to completely remove the splash guard from the pan.

[0004] However, they also have to be removed from the pan from time to time during cooking, at the very latest when the food is finished and the pan is removed from the stove. Then the splash guard has to be set down somewhere, for which there is usually no space. Furthermore, a freshly used splash guard is hot and often dripping with oil, leaving the kitchen dirty when it is put down. The quarter-split splash guards are also flimsy to handle.

[0005] Another version, shown in Fig. 4c and d, consists of circular sectors that are pivoted together at their tips and can be fanned out 360° to form a complete circular area. While this version saves space, cleaning the area where the tips overlap is inadequate.

[0006] JP 2004337566 A describes a cover for a tempura pan formed by knitting a number of heat-resistant rods with fire-resistant knitting threads. Attached to one end of the cover is a ring that is hung from a hook on the tempura pan. Tangentially attached to the ring at the other end of the cover is an operating rod for opening and closing the cover. Before use, the cover is completely placed in a kitchen paper bag that has a hole for the ring. While this design is smaller and therefore less bulky, it is difficult to use and requires the use of disposable paper. Cleaning is also difficult, as grease can build up in numerous crevices around the knitting threads.

[0007] DE 202022001402 U1 describes a splash guard for pans consisting of an absorbent paper cover and a two-legged paper holder, designed as a flat bracket with a handle. The paper cover is multi-layered and has a pocket placed between two layers, into which the paper holder can be inserted with its parallel legs. A hole with a diameter of approximately 20 mm can be made in the center of the paper cover for steam escape. If ingredients are to be added during use, this splash guard is also bulky to put down and is prone to sticking together before it can be replaced. This design also must be assembled before use and leaves waste. Description of the invention

[0008] It is the object of the present invention to describe a splash guard as mentioned above that is more user-friendly and environmentally friendly, ensuring access to the food being cooked during preparation without having to be completely removed from the pan and while leaving both hands free. In addition, the splash guard should be easy to store next to the stove in a space-saving, and clean manner without dirtying the kitchen. The splash guard should also be space-saving and not bulky for storing items in the kitchen. It should be dishwasher-safe without taking up much space. In addition, the splash guard should preferably be simply designed and inexpensive to produce. It should not be or contain a disposable product. Reliable cleaning should be easy to achieve.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of the first patent claim. Preferred embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0010] According to the invention, the splash guard mentioned above has an end edge that is not reinforced in at least one direction, so that the protective surface and thus also the splash guard are flexible and rollable in this direction. Furthermore, the splash guard comprises at least two, preferably three, dimensionally stable supports distributed in this non-reinforced direction and arranged parallel to one another. These supports completely traverse the protective surface transversely to the flexible direction, allowing them to rest on both sides of a pan edge during use, thereby reinforcing the protective surface.

[0011] These supports prevent or reduce the protective surface from sinking in the middle during use. Two of these supports project beyond the end edge on the same side and form handles that are only connected to each other via the protective surface and are otherwise freely movable relative to each other. They can be used to operate the protective surface. During use, the splash guard can be opened and closed or the protective surface can be rolled up using these handles from either the left or right. The supports with the handles are preferably arranged approximately in the middle of each half, or one-third of the way down the protective surface, or in between. Simple, rod-like designs of the handles are already practical, although additional anti-twist protection is advantageous. The areas of the supports projecting beyond the end edge must be connected to the areas that pass through the splash guard as rigidly as possible, preferably in one piece.It is important that the two handles can be moved flexibly relative to each other.

[0012] Such a splash guard is easy to use. To use, it is placed completely over the edge of a pan. The edge should preferably form a circle, as pans are usually circular. Other shapes are also possible. Since rectangular grill pans are also available, rectangular designs, with or without rounded corners, may also be preferred.

[0013] When in use, the splash guard can be folded open by one of the handles, approximately one-third of the way or in the middle. This allows access to the inside of the frying pan for seasoning, stirring, or adding additional ingredients, leaving both hands free without having to constantly hold the splash guard. The splash guard can be closed again in the same way. It can be opened and closed from any side.

[0014] Another advantage of this design is that the user's hands never have to be above the pan while operating the cookware. This prevents burns caused by hot, rising vapors or oil splashes from the pan.

[0015] The openings can be arranged across the entire protective surface. However, they are preferably located exclusively in a central area of ​​the protective surface, which comprises 30-80%, preferably at least 50% of the total protective surface. Accordingly, an outer area, which therefore comprises 20-70% of the protective surface, has no openings. This creates a sufficiently large area to allow steam to escape, preventing too much liquid from being retained in the pan. On the other hand, any splashes that escape through the openings would mostly splash upwards rather than sideways, protecting the person cooking. The central area is not necessarily continuous.

[0016] The openings preferably have a width of approximately 4-6 mm and a length of approximately 4-20 mm. They are preferably shaped like elongated holes. Each opening has an area of ​​approximately 16-120 mm². All openings together preferably have a total area of ​​at least 50 cm², for a splash guard with a diameter of approximately 30 cm, or an area of ​​approximately 700 cm². This represents a proportion of at least 1 / 14. For smaller or larger splash guards, the absolute minimum area must be adjusted accordingly. This ensures a sufficiently large area for evaporation.

[0017] When the splatter guard needs to be completely removed from the pan, it can be conveniently rolled up and placed vertically in a cup or similar item provided. A cup is always available, takes up little space next to the stove, and prevents the kitchen surface from becoming dirty. Condensation and oils adhering to the underside drain into the cup. The two handles make handling and rolling up the splatter guard easy. This flexibility and user-friendliness is possible because the handles are only connected to each other via the protective surface and otherwise move freely relative to each other. Even when rolled up and placed down, both handles, which run in the same direction, remain clean and easily accessible.

[0018] For cleaning, the splash guard can be conveniently placed in the dishwasher. For example, it can be rolled up and placed in a cutlery compartment, flat on a cutlery drawer, or half-folded over a plate. A preferred design also allows for easy handwashing, as it is washable and has no small gaps where dirt can accumulate. The only gaps are the openings. These are preferably at least 4 mm wide and therefore easy to clean.

[0019] In particular, the splash guard is designed as a single-piece, reusable piece, and contains no disposable products. It also requires no disposable products for use. Unlike other products wrapped in paper towels, no additional material needs to be procured, stored, and disposed of. Furthermore, the splash guard can be used immediately at any time without the need to assemble it with a second product.

[0020] For storage, it can be rolled up and placed in a drawer or, if equipped with a suitable hanging device, hung up. A hanging device can be located inside or outside the end edge, either between or opposite the handles. Alternatively, a hanging device can be provided on one or both handles. A simple strap, such as a magnetic or Velcro fastener, can secure the splash guard in the rolled-up state. It can also be permanently or removably attached to one side of the protective surface.

[0021] The flexibility of the protective surface is the same at the end edge as in the surrounding area: towards the supports, the protective surface is rigid, at least in the area of ​​the supports, while it is flexible across the supports. Preferably, between the two supports that project beyond the end edge and are designed as handles, a third rigid support is arranged, which completely crosses the protective surface approximately in the middle to prevent the protective surface from sinking in the middle. This support also rests on the edge of a pan on both sides during use. With three such rigid supports, the protective surface is therefore divided into four narrower segments. These are preferably approximately the same width. The supports do not have to run all the way to the end edge; they can also be covered by it. They are generally not visible. However, they must extend over both edges of a standard pan on which they can rest.

[0022] Depending on the design, however, this rigidity may not be sufficient to prevent the protective surface from sinking locally during use. To improve the stability of the protective surface, ribs can be formed parallel to the rigid supports, flexibly connected to each other by webs. These ribs can be continuous and end at the end edges, or they can be shorter. It is only important that they run parallel to the rigid supports so that the protective surface remains rollable. It is also possible for the openings to pass through ribs. If the openings are elongated, they preferably also run in the direction of the supports.

[0023] The ribs contribute to rigidity and should be designed to ensure that the protective surface in each segment is sufficiently protected from deflection. When designing the splash guard, it must be taken into account that the splash guard is exposed to hot and humid conditions during use, which causes many materials to soften.

[0024] The ribs differ from their adjacent flexible webs in their material thickness. The protective surface is preferably manufactured in one piece and comprises thicker and thinner material thicknesses, which define the ribs and webs. The thinner material thicknesses, preferably approximately 0.8-1.5 mm, especially 1 mm, form the webs between the ribs, which preferably have a width of approximately 4 mm + / - 50%. Viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rib lines, the webs are preferably at least half as wide as the ribs, preferably approximately 2-4 mm. This creates sufficient space to tightly roll up the splash guard.

[0025] To achieve minimal diameters when rolled up, the ribs can be designed away from a center plane of the protective surface, so that the protective surface has a smooth or almost smooth surface on one side, with the ribs protruding opposite. On the other hand, good results can also be achieved if the ribs are designed symmetrically in the center plane of the protective surface. The ribs also promote the dripping of condensate and oils back into the pan.

[0026] In addition, more flexible or wider webs can be designed at preferred locations to form so-called desired folding points during use, which facilitate the folding of the splash guard at these locations.

[0027] In a preferred version, the rigid supports run centrally in hollow, continuous ribs, which are, for example, approximately 1 mm wider than the other ribs. Preferably, the supports are also completely covered in the handle area, ideally with the same material as the protective surface.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, the rigid supports are made of metal, such as stainless steel, or of hard plastic, and / or the protective surface and preferably the coating are made entirely or primarily of silicone. Silicone is recyclable and therefore considered environmentally friendly. Thus, a splash guard can be easily manufactured, for example, in an injection mold if the supports are inserted beforehand and then overmolded. A suspension device can also be integrated. Other manufacturing processes are also possible. The openings can be punched or recessed in the injection mold. Short description of the drawings

[0029] The invention is illustrated below in various embodiments in the figures and explained in more detail with the aid of the reference numerals explained later. They show: Fig. 1 shows a splash guard according to the invention in preferred embodiments, (a) in perspective view; and (b) with a view from above; (c) a representation of a simple embodiment in plan view; (d) sectional view of (c) along AA; Fig. 2 an enlarged view of the splash guard after Fig. 1 a and b in perspective view, (a) in the area of ​​the openings; (b) at the end edge in the area of ​​a hollow, continuous rib; (c) in the edge area, slightly curved; Fig. 3 illustrations of the splash guard according to Fig. 1b: (a) unfolded from the right; (b) rolled up; Fig. Four different designs according to the state of the art: (a) halved for opening; (b) quartered for opening, (c) fan-shaped for use; and (d) fan-shaped when folded together. Ways to implement the invention

[0030] In Fig. Figure 4 shows various designs of splash guards from the state of the art, as they are offered today. The designs according to Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b have two or four rigid sectors with openings that can be folded together. Each segment has a handle that can also be used for locking.

[0031] In Fig. 4c and Fig. Figure 4d shows another design. This can be extended like a fan from small segments to form a complete circle, with slit-shaped openings ensuring steam equalization. In the design according to Fig. 3d the splash guard can be supplied in a space-saving manner.

[0032] In the Fig. 1 to 3, a splash guard 10 according to the invention is shown in preferred, slightly different embodiments and in different views. Fig. 1c and Fig. 1d are shown in a simple version for better clarity.

[0033] Such a splash guard 10 according to Fig. 1 is suitable for placing on a frying pan and comprises a flat protective surface 20 with a plurality of openings 21 and with a terminal edge 22 delimiting the protective surface 20, which is not stiffened in at least one flexible direction 50. The protective surface 20 and thus also the splash guard 10 are flexible and can be rolled up in the specified direction 50. At least two, preferably three dimensionally stable supports 30 distributed in the flexible direction 50 and arranged parallel to one another traverse the protective surface 20 completely and run transversely to the flexible direction 50. Since in this embodiment they run within the protective surface 20 and are visible at most at the terminal edge 22, their position and course are indicated in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b with white, dashed lines with double arrows. Two of these supports 30 project beyond the end edge 22 on the same side and form handles 31 for operating the protective surface 20. These handles are connected to each other only via the protective surface 20 and are otherwise freely movable relative to each other, as can be seen in Fig. 3. They are arranged approximately centrally in each half of the protective surface 20 or in a third division thereof, thus stiffening it. Preferably, a third support 30 is arranged approximately centrally of the protective surface 20 and / or centrally between the supports 30 with the handles 31, so that the protective surface 20 does not sag. In total, the splash guard 10 rests on a pan rim with the three supports at six distributed locations during use. Fig. 1c and Fig. 1d clearly shows this simple version.

[0034] In the embodiment shown here, ribs 27 are arranged in the protective surface 20 parallel to the supports 30, which ribs are connected to one another by flexible webs 26. One or more of the openings 21 can partially or completely pass through such ribs 25, as also in Fig. 2a is shown enlarged. This allows the openings 21 to be larger. If they are too small, they are easily blocked by splashes and are more difficult to clean.

[0035] In the Fig. 1c and Fig. Figure 1d shows a design without such ribs 25 and webs 26. If the protective surface 20 is sufficiently stable, these can be omitted, thus saving material. The essentially flat protective surface 20 shown here preferably has a material thickness of 0.8-2.5 mm, depending on the diameter of the protective surface 20.

[0036] The ribs 25 and their flexible connecting webs 26 are in the Fig. 2 is shown enlarged. They form the one-piece protective surface 20 using thicker and thinner material thicknesses, with the thinner material thicknesses forming the webs 26 between the ribs 25. Measured in the direction 50 transverse to the rib profiles, the webs 26 are preferably at least half as wide as the ribs 25.

[0037] In addition, preferably hollow ribs 27 are arranged continuously on the protective surface 20 parallel to the supports 30. They end on both sides at the end edge 22 or shortly before. Fig. 2b shows a hollow, continuous rib 27. A support 30 runs through the center of this rib 27. As shown in Fig. 2b and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2c, the hollow ribs 27 in this embodiment are approximately 5 mm, slightly wider and higher than the other ribs 25, through which no supports 30 extend. If the supports 30 do not penetrate the end edge 22, they can either be visible, as in Fig. 2b, or they may be provided with a coating 32, as in Fig. 2c.

[0038] In the Fig. 1c and Fig. These hollow ribs 27 with their supports 30 extending therein are also shown in Figure 1d. Since this protective surface 20 has no further ribs 25, it is otherwise flat.

[0039] The rigid supports 30 are preferably made of metal or hard plastic, such as stainless steel. They are strong enough and sufficiently temperature-resistant to prevent bending across the span between the support points on a frying pan.

[0040] The protective surface 20 of the splash guard 10 according to the invention preferably consists entirely or predominantly, in any case at least 50% by weight, of silicone. Other materials that are heat-resistant and flexible can also be used.

[0041] The handles 31 preferably also have a coating 32, which ideally consists of the same material used to form the protective surface 20, for example, comprising or consisting of silicone. This ensures simple production, for example, in an injection mold. Other manufacturing methods involving hot forming are also possible. The openings can be recessed or punched out directly during production.

[0042] In Fig. 1b and in the Fig. 3 shows a suspension device 40, which is configured outside the end edge 22, opposite the handles 31. The splash guard 10 can be conveniently hung from this. It can also be arranged inside the splash guard 10 or between the handles 31 to reduce the overall length of the splash guard 10.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 21 are arranged in a central region 23 of the protective surface 20, which amounts to at least 30-80%, preferably at least 50% of the total protective surface 20, while an outer region 24 has no openings 21. This also allows for a creative arrangement of the openings 21, for example in the shape of a heart, as shown here, or a star, a flower, a logo, etc. The outer region 24 thus provides better protection against splashes. The inner region 23 does not have to be continuous.

[0044] The openings 21 preferably have a width of 4-6 mm and a length of 4-20 mm. They should not be too small to allow the steam to escape easily. Each opening 21 can, for example, have an area of ​​16-120 mm². All openings 21 together preferably have a total area of ​​at least 50 cm², or 1 / 14 of the area of ​​the protective surface 20.

[0045] In the Fig. In Figure 1c, this central region 23 is marked with a dashed rectangle, which is surrounded by the outer region 24. In this example, the central region 23 is located exclusively between the outer supports 30, which is rather coincidental and not mandatory.

[0046] The end edge 22 preferably forms a circle. Other shapes are also possible here, for example, for design reasons.

[0047] In Fig. 3 shows the splash guard 10 in use. In Fig. 3a, it has been opened by a user using a handle 31 to about one-third. In this position, access to the interior of the pan is created, on which the splash guard 10 rests during use. Fig.In Figure 3b, the splash guard 10 is shown rolled up. This allows it to be stored in a drawer to save space or placed in a cup after or between uses, for example, to temporarily remove it from the pan while scooping.

[0048] The splash guard 10 according to the invention is reusable and uses no disposable products. It is washable and suitable for cleaning in a dishwasher, but can also be easily washed by hand. Since it has no gaps where deposits can accumulate, it is easy to keep clean. The only gaps are formed by the openings 21. These are preferably no narrower than 4 mm.

[0049] The advantage of this inventive splash guard 10 is its ease of use: It can be used directly without the use of disposable products and allows easy access to the food being cooked during use without removing the splash guard 10 from the pan and without exposing your hands to hot steam. This is achieved by the handles 31, which are freely movable relative to one another and are held together solely by the protective surface 20. After use, or when fully opened in the meantime, it can be rolled up and placed in a cup, where any contaminating liquid is collected without contaminating the stove. From there, it can be immediately reused on the pan. It is easy and hygienic to keep clean because it is designed without gaps. It can also be stored rolled up in a drawer to save space.

[0050] The symmetrical design makes the splash guard equally easy to use for all users. List of reference symbols 10 Splash guard 20 protective area 21 Opening 22 End edge 23 middle range 24 outer area 25 ribs 26 bridge, flexible 27 hollow rib 30 carriers, dimensionally stable 31 handle 32 coating 40 Suspension device 50 flexible direction, winding direction, direction for determining the width QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] JP 2004337566 A

[0006] DE 202022001402 U1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Splash guard (10) for placing on a frying pan, comprising a flat protective surface (20) with a plurality of openings (21) and with a closing edge (22) delimiting the protective surface (20), characterized byin that the end edge (22) is not stiffened in at least one direction (50) and the protective surface (20) and thus also the splash guard (10) are flexible and rollable in this direction (50), wherein at least two, preferably three dimensionally stable supports (30) distributed in this non-stiffened direction (50) and arranged parallel to one another completely traverse the protective surface (20) transversely to the direction (50) in order to be able to rest on a pan edge on both sides during use and thereby stiffen the protective surface (20), and wherein two of these supports (30) project beyond the end edge (22) on the same side and form handles (31) which are only connected to one another via the protective surface (20) and are otherwise freely movable relative to one another, for operating the protective surface (20), in particular for folding the protective surface open and closed on both sides during use and / or for rolling it up. [2] Splash guard (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat ribs (25) are formed in the protective surface (20) parallel to the supports (30) and are connected to one another by flexible webs (26). [3] Splash guard (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that one or more openings (21) at least partially traverse one or more ribs (25). [4] Splash guard (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that the protective surface (20) is designed in one piece with the ribs (25) and the webs (26) by means of thicker and thinner material thicknesses, the thinner material thicknesses forming the webs (26) between the ribs (25, 27). [5] Splash guard (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that, measured in direction (50) transverse to the ribs, the webs (26) are at least half as wide as the ribs (25). [6] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in the protective surface (20) parallel to the supports (30) at least two, preferably three hollow ribs (27) are formed, which are continuous and end on both sides at the end edge (22). [7] Splash guard (10) according to claim 6, characterized by that all dimensionally stable supports (30) run centrally in the continuous, hollow ribs (27). [8] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supports (30) are made of metal, in particular stainless steel, or of hard plastic. [9] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective surface (20) consists entirely or mainly by weight of silicone. [10] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supports (30) are provided with a coating (32) which preferably consists entirely or mainly of silicone. [11] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a suspension device (40) which can be designed inside or outside the end edge (22). [12] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the openings (21) are arranged in a central, not necessarily contiguous region (23) of the protective surface (20), which amounts to 30-80%, preferably at least 50% of the entire protective surface (20) and an outer region (24) of the protective surface (20) has no openings (21). [13] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the end edge (22) forms a circular line. [14] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed to be one-piece and reusable and does not include or require any disposable products for use. [15] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supports (30) which project beyond the end edge (22) and form handles (31) are each arranged approximately centrally in one half of the protective surface (20), in a third division of the protective surface (22) or in between. [16] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a third dimensionally stable support (30) completely traverses the protective surface (20) approximately centrally, between the other supports (30), in order to prevent the protective surface (20) from sinking in the middle. [17] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the openings (21) have a width of 4-6mm and a length of 4-20mm. [18] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each opening (21) has an area of 16-120 mm2 and / or all openings (21) together have a total area of at least 1 / 14 of the area of the protective surface (20). [19] Splash guard (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is washable and has no gap smaller than 4mm to avoid the deposition of contaminants.

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