Kitchenware lids with improved handle

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid for a cooking article which includes a gripping element, for example a lid for a saucepan, sauté pan, frying pan. State of the art

[0002] A lid for a cooking utensil is known from document EP1871206, comprising a gripping member including a base fixed to the lid and at least one flap carrying a gripping surface. The flap is rotatable relative to the base between a stacking position in which the gripping surface is folded back towards the lid to allow stacking with another similar lid, and a gripping position in which the gripping surface is moved away from the lid. The gripping member includes an elastic means for moving the flap from its stacking position to its gripping position.

[0003] However, at least one flap which is made of plastic may be weakened, particularly at the point of its rotational connection with the base, during successive heating and cooling of the lid.

[0004] Furthermore, using plastic to make at least one flap can lower the perceived quality of the lid and the gripping mechanism. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the invention consists of proposing a lid for a cooking item equipped with a gripping mechanism that offers safe and ergonomic operation.

[0007] Another aim of the invention is to provide a lid for a cooking item equipped with a gripping mechanism that has a simple and economical design to implement.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a lid for a cooking article, comprising a gripping member including a base fixed to the lid and at least one flap carrying a gripping surface, said at least one flap being rotationally movable relative to the base between a stacking position in which the gripping surface is folded towards the lid to allow stacking of the lid with another similar lid and a gripping position in which the gripping surface is moved away from the lid, said gripping member comprising an elastic means for moving the flap from its stacking position to its gripping position, characterized in that the at least one flap is made of austenitic stainless steel, or duplex stainless steel, or super austenitic stainless steel, or alpha-beta titanium alloy, and in that the at least one flap has a C-shaped form with a developed length L greater than 110 millimeters,preferably greater than 160 millimeters.

[0009] Thus, the use of a metallic material, in particular stainless steel, or a titanium alloy, to make at least one flap improves the mechanical resistance of the gripping element.

[0010] The use of austenitic stainless steel, which has low thermal conductivity, to make at least one flap helps to slow down the heat flows from the cover to the gripping surface.

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

[0012] The use of duplex stainless steel, i.e. a stainless steel with a two-phase austenitic and ferritic microstructure, which has low thermal conductivity to make at least one flap makes it possible to slow down the heat flows from the cover to the gripping surface.

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

[0014] The use of super austenitic stainless steel, which has low thermal conductivity, to make at least one flap helps to slow down the heat flows from the lid to the gripping surface.

[0015] Advantageously, super austenitic stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 9 W / mK

[0016] The use of an alpha-beta titanium alloy which has low thermal conductivity to make at least one flap helps to slow down the heat flows from the lid to the gripping surface.

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

[0018] By a developed length L of the C-shape of at least one flap, we understand a developed length L of a fiber positioned at the center of a cross-section of the C-shape of at least one flap, taken in particular between articulation points of at least one flap.

[0019] A developed length L of the C-shaped form of at least one flap greater than 110 millimeters is long enough to slow down the heat flows from the hinge points of at least one flap to the gripping surface.

[0020] For a metal gripping device, there is a standardized test that sets temperature limits that must not be exceeded when used on a heating plate, particularly on the metal gripping surface. This limit is set at 55°C for the gripping surface, according to a protocol detailed in standard EN 12983-1 (Annex F). Above this temperature of 55°C, the manufacturer must inform the user that thermal protection, such as oven mitts, must be used to handle the gripping device.

[0021] The combination of these two characteristics: at least one flap made of austenitic stainless steel, or duplex stainless steel, or super austenitic stainless steel, or alpha-beta titanium alloy, and a developed length L of the C-shape of at least one flap greater than 110 millimeters allows a temperature in use of the gripping surface of less than 55°C according to the normative test.

[0022] Furthermore, using a metallic material to make at least one flap improves the perceived quality of the lid and the gripping mechanism to the user.

[0023] Advantageously, the C-shaped at least one flap has a cross-section S of less than 30 square millimeters.

[0024] A small cross-sectional area S also helps to slow down the heat flows from the articulation points of at least one flap towards the gripping surface.

[0025] Advantageously, the cross-section S progresses between a rotational connection zone with the base and the gripping surface.

[0026] Preferably, the cross-section S of at least one flap has a thickness E between 2 and 3 millimeters.

[0027] Advantageously, the thickness E of the cross-section S of at least one flap is substantially constant.

[0028] This design allows the shutter to be made by cutting it from a metal strip. This method is particularly economical.

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

[0030] By the gripping surface is arranged at a distance D from the lid, it is understood that the distance D is taken from a lower end of the gripping surface in the gripping position.

[0031] Advantageously, at least one flap has a flattened C shape, the gripping surface being arranged in a substantially straight central portion of the flattened C shape, the gripping surface having a length LP greater than 60 millimeters.

[0032] Such arrangements make it possible to obtain a temperature in use of the gripping surface of less than 45°C.

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

[0034] Preferably, at least one flap in the gripping position is oriented along a plane making an angle with the plane tangent to the cover between 30° and 60°, and preferably equal to 45°.

[0035] Thus, the gripping surface is sufficiently far from the lid to be easily grasped by the user.

[0036] Advantageously, at least one flap is movable into a transport position in which it is substantially normal to the tangent plane.

[0037] Preferably, the grasping organ comprises two flaps, the two axes of rotation of the flaps being parallel to each other.

[0038] Both panels can be made from the same material.

[0039] The two panels can also be made from two different materials.

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

[0041] Thus, the base acts as a first thermal barrier to limit the heat flow from the lid to at least one flap.

[0042] Austenitic stainless steel can be an austenitic stainless steel of type AISI 304.

[0043] The alpha-beta titanium alloy can be a Ti 6 Al 4 V titanium alloy. Brief description of the figures

[0044] The aims, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, presented by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [ Fig.1 ] There [ Fig.1 ] is a perspective view of a lid for a cooking utensil equipped with a gripping device according to a particular embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 ] There [ Fig. 2 ] is an exploded perspective view of the lid's gripping mechanism of the [ Fig.1 ]. Fig.3 ] There [ Fig.3 ] is a cross-sectional view of a stack of two lids, with the flaps of the gripping mechanism of the lower lid in the stacking position, those of the gripping mechanism of the upper lid in the gripping position, the lid of the [ Fig.1 ] being the lower cover shown in a vertical section plane along line IV-IV. Fig. 4 ] There [ Fig. 4 ] is a partial cross-sectional view along the vertical cutting plane along line IV-IV of the lid fitted with the gripping device of the [ Fig.1 ]. Fig. 5 ] There [ Fig. 5 ] is a top view of the lid's gripping mechanism of the [ Fig.1 ], with the flaps of the lid gripping mechanism in the stacking position.

[0045] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numbers from one figure to another.

[0046] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "longitudinal", "transverse", used to describe the lid of a cooking article equipped with a gripping device refer to this lid resting on a cooking article, in a situation of use.

[0047] In the example of implementation shown in figures 1 to 5A lid 1 for a cooking article comprises a cover 2 adapted to cover the cooking article, and a gripping member 3 adapted to allow the lid 1 to be grasped. The gripping member 3 is transformable and comprises at least two states: a stacking state in which it does not interfere with the stacking of the lid with another lid 1a, as can be seen in the [ Fig.3 ], and a gripping state in which it presents a gripping surface 4 free from the cover 1 (and more precisely, free from the hood 2), as can be seen in figures 3 And 4 .

[0048] The gripping member 3 comprises a base 5 which is fixed to the cover 2, and two flaps 6 which carry the gripping surface 4 of the gripping member 3, the flaps 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 out of contact with the cover 2, these positions corresponding, respectively, to the stacking and gripping positions of the gripping member 3.

[0049] Each flap 6 has a flattened C-shape. Each flap 6 is mounted to rotate relative to the base 5 along an axis of rotation 7 that is parallel to a plane tangent 8 to the cover 2 at the base 5. The two axes of rotation 7 of the flaps 6 are parallel to each other. To allow this articulation, each flap 6 has two shafts 10 arranged diametrically opposite each other and extending from the free ends of the C-shape. The gripping surface 4 is arranged in a substantially straight central portion 12 of the flattened C-shape. The base 5 has, for each flap 6, two openings 11 facing each other, each adapted to receive one shaft 10 of the flap 6.

[0050] According to a first embodiment, each shutter 6 is made of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel. This austenitic stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of 16.2 W / mK at 100°C. Such a thermal conductivity is particularly low, especially compared to ferritic stainless steel. For example, AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of 26.1 W / mK at 100°C.

[0051] As seen on the [ Fig. 5 ], the C-shape of each flap 6 has a developed length L equal to 161 millimeters. By a developed length L of the C-shape of a flap 6, we understand a developed length L of a fiber F positioned at the center of a cross-section of the C-shape of the flap 6, taken between articulation points 22, 23 of the flap 6. The vertical dashed line visible on the [ Fig. 5 ] corresponds to the development of the fiber F along a vertical axis.

[0052] As seen on the [ Fig. 4 ], the C-shaped form of each flap 6 has a cross-section S equal to 29 square millimeters taken in a vertical median cutting plane of the [ Fig. 4 ], at the level of the gripping surface 4. The cross-section S of each flap 6 has a thickness E, substantially constant over the developed length L, equal to 2 millimeters. The cross-section S is progressive between the articulation points 22, 23 with the formed base and the gripping surface 4. The gripping surface 4 has a length LP equal to 75 millimeters corresponding to the central portion 12 ([ Fig. 5 ]) substantially right of the C shape.

[0053] As can be seen in figures 3 And 4, when a flap 6 is in its gripping position, it is inclined with respect to the tangent plane 8 so as to make the gripping surface 4 accessible. In order to allow easy gripping, each flap 6 in the gripping position is oriented along a plane making 45° with the tangent plane 8. In the gripping position of flap 6, the gripping surface 4 is arranged at a distance D from the cover 2 of the cover 1 equal to 26 millimeters ([ Fig. 4 The distance D is measured from the point in the gripping zone 4 closest to the hood 2.

[0054] With these characteristics, the temperature of the gripping surface 4, according to the protocol detailed in EN 12983-1 (Annex F), is below 45°C. This temperature is well below the 55°C required by the standard to prevent the use of the cover 1 without hand protection. This temperature also ensures thermal comfort by preventing the user from feeling hot when gripping the gripping surfaces 4.

[0055] In the present embodiment, for lids 1 whose covers 2 have an outside diameter between 140 and 280 mm, the base 5 has an oblong shape. The base is made of a thermosetting plastic material, in particular Bakelite. As can be seen in the [ Fig.3When a flap 6 is in the stacked position, the gripping surface 4 is turned against the cover 2. When in the stacked position, the flap 6 is substantially parallel to the tangent plane 8. The small thickness of the gripping member 3 in its stacked state means that it does not interfere with a cover 2a of the lid 1a resting on the lid 1 that supports it. The thickness of the gripping member 3 in the stacked state is less than the distance separating, at the level of the gripping member 3, an upper surface of the cover 2 of the lid 1 carrying this member 3 from a fixing screw 20a of the gripping member 3a of the lid 1a.

[0056] The thicknesses of the base 5 and each flap 6 are less than the distances separating, at the level of these various elements 5, 6, the upper surface 12 of the cover 2 of the lid 1 bearing these elements 5, 6 from a lower surface of the cover 2a of the lid 1a placed on the first lid 1, taking into account, for the flaps 6, their orientation. The difference in level between the lower cover 2 and the upper cover 2a is mainly determined by the height of a circular peripheral bead 21, 21a bordering each of the flat or slightly convex covers 2, 2a.

[0057] The lid 1 includes an elastic means 14 that moves the flap 6 from its stacking position to its gripping position. Therefore, when a lid 1 is placed on a cooking item positioned on a hot plate, the presence of the elastic means 14 keeps the flap 6 in its gripping position and the gripping surface 4 clear of the lid 2. Thus, the gripping surface 4 remains unheated and can be easily grasped by a user.

[0058] The elasticity of the elastic means 14 is such that the weight of an object such as a lid of a cooking item placed on the flap 6 causes the latter to move from its gripping position to its stacking position.

[0059] As seen in the [ Fig. 2The elastic means is formed by a flat, oblong spring 14 housed in the base 5. Each shaft 10 of each flap 6 includes a bearing surface 15 on which the spring 14 rests, the bearing surface 15 making an angle with the surface defined by the flap 6 that is equal to the angle of the flap 6 in the gripping position with the tangent plane 8, the flat spring 14 being arranged along the tangent plane 8. Thus, when the flaps 6 are in their stacking position, the spring 14 presses on the first axial edges 16 of the shafts 10 and drives each shaft 10 until it bears on the entire bearing surface 15.

[0060] Each flap 6 is movable beyond the gripping position, into a transport position in which it extends along a plane substantially parallel to the plane normal to the tangent plane 8. When they are in the transport position, the two flaps 6 are abutted against each other by means of their abutment surface 18 which is opposite their gripping surface 4. When they are in their transport position, the flaps 6 are driven by the elastic means 14 towards their gripping position: the spring 14 bears in fact on second axial edges 19 of the shafts 10 and drives each shaft 10 until it bears on the entire bearing surface 15.

[0061] In order to improve the holding of the cover 1, the gripping member 3 is shaped so that the two flaps 6 in the transport position behave as a fixed (or almost fixed) part relative to the cover 2, the two flaps 6 not being able to slide against each other.

[0062] In operation, the user simply pinches the flaps 6 together until they stop against each other in the transport position, where they remain 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 any special precautions when handling the cover. When the user releases the flaps 6, they then move from their transport position to their gripping position.

[0063] According to a second embodiment, each shutter 6 is made of duplex stainless steel, which has a two-phase austenitic and ferritic microstructure. Duplex stainless steels have a thermal conductivity similar to that of austenitic stainless steels. Sandvik SAF 2205® duplex stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of 16 W / mK at 100°C. Sandvik SAF 2304® duplex stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of 17 W / mK at 100°C.

[0064] According to a third embodiment, each shutter 6 is made of super austenitic stainless steel of type EN1.4652 X1CrNiMoCuN24-22-8. Such super-austenitic stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of 8.6 W / mK at 20°C, which is almost twice as low as austenitic stainless steels or duplex stainless steels.

[0065] According to a fourth embodiment, each flap 6 is made of alpha-beta titanium alloy. Such alpha-beta titanium alloys have a thermal conductivity of less than 8 W / mK at 20°C.

[0066] The most commonly used alpha-beta titanium alloy is the Ti 6 Al 4 V titanium alloy, also known as TA6V or GRADE 5 TITANIUM. The composition of the Ti 6 Al 4 V titanium alloy is as follows: [Table 1] Element Content in % Aluminum From 5.5 to 6.75 Vanadium From 3.5 to 4.5 Carbon Maximum 0.10 Iron Maximum 0.30 Oxygen Maximum 0.02 Nitrogen Maximum 0.05 Titanium Sum / base

[0067] Another alpha-beta titanium alloy is the Ti-6Al-6V-2Sn titanium alloy, also known as TA6VE. The composition of the Ti-6Al-6V-2Sn titanium alloy is as follows: [Tableaux2] Element Content in % Aluminum From 5.0 to 6.0 Vanadium From 5.0 to 6.0 Tin From 1.5 to 2.5 Carbon Maximum 0.05 Iron Maximum 0.30 Oxygen Maximum 0.02 Nitrogen Maximum 0.05 Titanium Sum / base

[0068] Another alpha-beta titanium alloy is the Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr titanium alloy, also known as GRADE 17 TITANIUM. The composition of the Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr titanium alloy is as follows: [Tables 3] Element Content in % Aluminum From 4.5 to 5.5 Chromium From 3.5 to 4.5 Molybdenum From 3.5 to 4.5 Tin From 1.5 to 2.5 Zirconium From 1.5 to 2.5 Iron Maximum 0.3 Oxygen Maximum 0.02 Nitrogen Maximum 0.05 Titanium Sum / base

[0069] Comparison of the thermal characteristics of the alloys: [Tableaux4] 430 Stainless Steel 304 stainless steel Ti 6 Al 4 V Ti-6Al-6V-2 Sn Ti-5Al-2Sn-2 Zr-4Mo-4Cr Conductivity (W / m / K) 25 15 6,7 6,6 7,8 Density (kg / m³) 7700 7700 4430 4540 4650 Cp (J / kg / K) 480 480 525 670 525 Diffusivity (100000*m² / s) 6.76 4.06 2.88 2,17 3,20

[0070] As an alternative, the two 6 panels are not necessarily made of the same material.

[0071] As an alternative, the lid 1 does not necessarily have two flaps 6.

[0072] Of course, the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0073] Thus, in an unillustrated variant embodiment, the cross-section S of at least one flap 6 is constant, the cross-section S being taken between the articulation points 22, 23.

Claims

1. Lid (1) of a cookware article, comprising a grasping member (3) comprising a base (5) fixed to the lid (1) and at least one flap (6) which carries a grasping surface (4), said at least one flap (6) being rotatable relative to the base (5) between a stacking position in which the grasping surface (4) is folded down toward the lid (1) to allow stacking of the lid (1) with another similar lid (1a) and a grasping position in which the grasping surface (4) is spaced apart from the lid (1), said grasping member (3) comprising an elastic means (14) driving the flap (6) from its stacking position to its grasping position, characterized in that the at least one flap (6) is made of austenitic stainless steel, or duplex stainless steel, or super austenitic stainless steel, or alpha-beta titanium alloy, and in that the at least one flap (6) has a C-shape whose developed length L is greater than 110 millimeters, preferably greater than 160 millimeters.

2. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to claim 1, characterized in that the C-shape of the at least one flap (6) has a cross section S of less than 30 square millimeters.

3. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to claim 2, characterized in that the cross section S of the at least one flap (6) has a thickness E of between 2 and 3 millimeters.

4. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to claim 3, characterized in that the thickness E of the cross section S of the at least one flap (6) is substantially constant.

5. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the grasping surface (4) is arranged in a central portion (12) of the C-shape and in that, in the grasping position of the flap (6), the grasping surface (4) is arranged at a distance D from the lid (1), the distance D being greater than 20 millimeters.

6. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one flap (6) is movable relative to the base (5) about an axis of rotation (7) parallel to a tangent plane (8) to the lid (1) at the level of the base (5).

7. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one flap (6) in the grasping position is oriented in a plane forming, with the tangent plane (8) to the lid (1), an angle of between 30° and 60°, and preferably equal to 45°.

8. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the at least one flap (6) is movable into a transport position in which it is substantially normal to the tangent plane (8).

9. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the grasping member (3) comprises two flaps (6), the two axes of rotation (7) of the flaps (6) being parallel to one another.

10. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to claim 9, characterized in that the two flaps (6) are made of the same material.

11. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the base (5) is made of a thermosetting plastic material, in particular of Bakelite.

12. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the austenitic stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel of AISI 304 type.

13. Lid (1) of a cookware article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the alpha-beta titanium alloy is a Ti6A14V titanium alloy.