Gripping device for kitchen applications

Abstract

The invention relates to a gripping device for kitchen applications, with at least one gripping element (1) comprising a circumferential ring element (2) on which a finger receptacle (4) with a receiving opening (5) is provided at one end region (3) and on which a profile (7) for supporting the gripping element (1) on a food is provided at another end region (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a gripping device for kitchen applications according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Gloves made of a silicone material or other temperature-insulating material are already known from the prior art, for handling hot foods such as roasts, poultry, cakes or the like for cutting.

[0003] Such gloves – assuming a certain quality – are relatively expensive and offer only limited comfort, making it difficult to properly control the force required when handling food. Furthermore, the shape of a glove dictates certain points of contact with the food, which can hardly be varied.

[0004] From DE 20 2007 007 068 U1, a gripping device with several gripper elements for mounting on a corresponding finger is already known. Each of the gripper elements comprises two ring-like holding parts by means of which a corresponding rod is held on the finger.

[0005] From DE 10 2010 038 415 A1 a gripping device with respective gripping elements is known, which are formed from a respective circumferential ring element, on which a finger receptacle with a receiving opening is provided at one end area and on which a fork, a knife or a spoon can be attached at the other end area.

[0006] Finally, from CN 201 718 945 U, respective gripping elements designed as finger cots are known, which include a fork, a knife or a spoon at the other end area.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create a gripping device by means of which food can be handled more comfortably and the forces required for this can be better dosed or the points of application varied.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a gripping device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] The gripping device according to the invention for kitchen applications is characterized by at least one gripping element comprising a circumferential ring element. At one end of the ring element, a finger receptacle with a receiving opening is provided, and at another end, a profile is provided for supporting the gripping element against food. The gripping element according to the invention can thus be attached to the corresponding finger, in particular the index finger, thumb, and / or middle finger, but optionally also to the ring finger or little finger. In other words, at least one finger, preferably a plurality of fingers of a hand, are equipped with respective gripping elements to form the gripping device by means of which, in particular, hot foods such as roasts, poultry, etc., but also a variety of other foods such as cakes, bread, or the like, can be manually secured.This allows the food to be easily cut, sliced, or otherwise prepared. The ring element of the gripping mechanism is positioned and secured on the respective finger by inserting the finger through the finger holder's opening. This finger holder is located at the upper end of the surrounding ring element, relative to the gripping direction. A contour, such as a wavy or serrated edge, is provided at the opposite lower end to ensure the gripping mechanism is optimally and securely held against the food.

[0010] The gripping element is designed in two parts: an upper part with a finger grip and a lower part with a profile for supporting the gripping element against the food. The upper and lower parts are detachably connected. This two-part design makes the gripping element particularly easy to clean.

[0011] According to the invention, it is advantageous that a support element is provided which forms a stop for the respective finger and is arranged at a distance from the lower end region of the gripping element. This allows a particularly favorable force to be exerted from the gripping element onto the food to be grasped via the respective fingertip.

[0012] The design stipulates that the receiving opening in the finger receptacle is at least essentially star-shaped, with individual opening rays radiating outwards from a central point. This results in a particularly favorable fixation of the ring element or the gripping element to the corresponding finger.

[0013] In this context, it has proven further advantageous if the upper and lower parts of the gripping element are connected to each other via a screw connection, a bayonet connection, or a snap-fit ​​connection. This allows the two parts to be separated and connected particularly easily.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is also advantageous if markings for connecting the two parts are provided on the upper and lower parts of the gripping element. This makes it particularly easy to connect the two parts.

[0015] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the support element is arranged on the lower part of the gripping element. This allows the part provided with the support element to be cleaned particularly well.

[0016] It is further advantageous if the support element has at least one opening for a fingernail. This allows the fingertip of the respective finger to be supported particularly well against the support element.

[0017] If one part of the opening rays extends radially further outwards than another part of the opening rays, the ring element or the gripping element can be fixed particularly favorably on fingers of different thicknesses.

[0018] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the gripping device is formed from a set of several, in particular two or three, gripping elements. This makes it particularly easy to hold the food.

[0019] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. Fig. 1a, 1b, 1c a perspective view, a top view and a side view of a gripping element according to a first embodiment according to the invention, Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c a top view, a sectional view and a partially enlarged sectional view of an upper part of the gripping element according to the first embodiment, Fig. 3a, 3b, 3c a side view of the upper part, a top view of a finger receptacle, and an enlarged sectional view through the finger receptacle of the gripping element according to the invention in the first embodiment, Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c a side view, a top view of a finger receptacle and a sectional view of the lower part of the gripping element according to the invention in the first embodiment, Fig. 5a, 5b, 5c a perspective view, a top view and a side view of a gripping element according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c a top view, a sectional view and a partially enlarged sectional view of an upper part of the gripping element according to the second embodiment, Fig. 7a, 7b, 7c a side view of the upper part, a top view of a finger receptacle, and an enlarged sectional view through the finger receptacle of the gripping element according to the second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8a, 8b, 8c a side view, a top view of a finger receptacle and a sectional view of the lower part of the gripping element according to the invention in the second embodiment, Fig. 9a, 9b, 9c a side view of the upper part, a top view of a finger receptacle, and an enlarged sectional view through the finger receptacle of the gripping element according to a third embodiment according to the invention, Fig. 10a, 10b, 10c a side view, a top view of a finger receptacle and a sectional view of the lower part of the gripping element according to the invention in the third embodiment, Fig. 11a, 11b, 11c a side view of the upper part, a top view of a finger receptacle, and an enlarged sectional view through the finger receptacle of the gripping element according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 12a, 12b, 12c a side view, a top view of a finger receptacle and a sectional view of the lower part of the gripping element according to the fourth embodiment.

[0020] In the Fig. 1a, 1b, 1c A gripping element 1 according to a first embodiment is shown in a perspective view, a top view, and a side view. This gripping element 1 comprises a circumferential ring element 2, on which a finger receptacle 4 with a receiving opening 5 is provided at a first, upper end region 3, and on which a profile 7 for supporting the gripping element 1 against food is provided at a second, lower end region 6. In this case, the gripping element 1, or rather the ring element 2, is formed in two parts: an upper part 8, which has the finger receptacle 4 and forms the upper end region 3, and a lower part 9, which has the lower end region 6 and the profile 7 for supporting the gripping element 1 against the food. The upper and lower parts 8 and 9 are detachably connected to each other.

[0021] As from the Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c As can be seen in a top view, a sectional view, and a partially enlarged sectional view of the upper part 8 and the lower part 9 of the gripping element according to the first embodiment, the two parts 8, 9 are connected to each other via a screw connection with respective threads 10, 11. For example, the two parts 8, 9 can be connected or disconnected by a quarter turn clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. Each part 8, 9 has, for example, a marking 12, 13, which overlaps when fixed and is spaced apart by a quarter turn when open. Arrows 14, 15, indicating the opening direction, are also arranged at the markings 12, 13. The two parts 8, 9 of the ring element and the gripping element 1, respectively, are made of a plastic. In conjunction with the Fig. 3a, 3b, 3c Figures 4, which show a side view of the upper part 8, a top view of the finger receptacle 4, and an enlarged sectional view through the finger receptacle 4, clearly illustrate its shape and the form of the receiving opening 5. In this case, the finger receptacle 4 is, for example, disc-shaped and made of a soft, elastic plastic, and is manufactured, for example, using a two-component process with the upper part 8 of the ring element 2. The receiving opening 5 in the finger receptacle 4 is—as shown in Figure 4— Fig. 3 b recognizable - at least essentially star-shaped with respective opening rays 16 which project radially outwards from a center point 18.

[0022] The Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c Figure 1 shows a side view and a top view of the finger receptacle 4, as well as a sectional view of the lower part 9 of the gripping element 1 according to the invention. A disc-shaped support element 19 is visible, which in this case is formed integrally with part 9 and provides a stop for the respective finger, which is inserted into the ring element 2 with parts 8 and 9 via the finger receptacle 4. The support element 19 is arranged at a distance from the lower end region 6 of the gripping element 1 or the ring element 1 and prevents the inserted finger from coming into contact with the hot food. In this case, the support element 19 has three arcuate, slot-like openings 20 through which a fingernail of the inserted finger can protrude.

[0023] Based on the Fig. 5a bis 8c A second embodiment of the invention will now be explained, whereby, to avoid repetition, only the differences between the two embodiments will be discussed.

[0024] The gripping element 1 according to the second embodiment has – as can be seen from the Fig. 5a bis 5c As can be seen in a perspective view, a top view, and a side view, it again has a two-part design with parts 8 and 9. As can be seen from the Fig. 5a, 5b, 5c As can be seen in a top view, a sectional view and a partially enlarged sectional view of the upper part 8 and the lower part 9 of the gripping element 1 according to the second embodiment, the two parts 8, 9 are connected to each other via a plug connection or a bayonet connection with respective locking elements 21, 22.

[0025] From the Fig. 7a, 7b, 7c , which show a side view of the upper part 8 as well as a top view of the finger receptacle 4 and an enlarged sectional view through the finger receptacle 4, as well as from the Fig. 8a, 8b, 8c Figures 9, which show a side view, a top view and a sectional view of the lower part 9, clearly show that one part of the opening rays 16, 17, namely rays 17, project radially further outwards than another part, namely opening rays 16. This allows the ring element 2 or the gripping element 1 to be fixed particularly favorably on fingers of different thicknesses.

[0026] The embodiment according to the gripping element 1 according to the Fig. 9a bis 10 c shows a third embodiment of the invention analogous to the version according to the Fig. 3 a bis 4 c , whereby, to avoid repetition, only the differences to the other embodiments will be discussed.

[0027] The essential difference in the present embodiment is that – as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 10 a bis 10 c It is evident that a different type of support element 19 is provided, which, for example, can be formed integrally with part 9 and provides a stop for the respective finger, which is inserted into the ring element 2 with parts 8 and 9 via the finger receptacle 4. The support element 19 includes a receptacle 23, which here, for example, is designed as a ring surrounding an opening 24. A recess could also be provided instead of the opening 24. The opening 24 or the recess serves to receive the fingertip of the respective finger, which is inserted into the finger receptacle 4.

[0028] The annular receptacle 24 is supported on a base 26 of the part 9 by a plurality of support elements 25 arranged radially at uniform angles to each other or projecting radially from the receptacle 24 as its center, with recesses 27 provided between the support elements 25. The base 26 forms an annular receptacle for the support elements 25.

[0029] The support elements 25 show - as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 10 As can be seen from figures a and 10c, the respective legs 28, 29, and 30 are formed. Each of the support elements 25, which is either made of the same material as the entire part 9 or is manufactured separately, for example, using a two-component process from a suitable plastic, is either relatively rigid or, if necessary, flexible. In the case of a relatively flexible design, the respective corners 31 between the legs 28, 29, and 30 could be pressed downwards on the receptacle 24 under appropriate pressure until they come into contact with the food. In the pressure-free initial position, the corners 31 can be arranged above or below the lower ends of the contour 32, by means of which the food is held.

[0030] The embodiment according to the gripping element 1 according to the Fig. 11 a bis 12 c shows a fourth embodiment of the invention analogous to the version according to the Fig. 7 a bis 8 c , whereby, to avoid repetition, only the differences to the other embodiments will be discussed.

[0031] In the present fourth embodiment, support elements 19 are again provided, as these are described in connection with the Fig. 10 a bis 10 c as described above. Accordingly, the support element 19 also includes a receptacle 23, which here, for example, is designed as a ring surrounding an opening 24. Instead of the opening 24, a recess could also be provided here. The opening 24 or the recess again serves to receive the fingertip of the respective finger, which is inserted into the finger receptacle 4.

[0032] The annular receptacle 24 is supported on a base 26 of the part 9 by a plurality of support elements 25 arranged radially at uniform angles to each other or projecting radially from the receptacle 24 as its center, with recesses 27 provided between the support elements 25. The base 26 forms an annular receptacle for the support elements 25.

[0033] The support elements 25 show - as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 12As can be seen in a and 12 c, the respective legs 28, 29, 30 are also present. Each of the support elements 25 can either be made of the same material as the entire part 9 or be manufactured separately, for example, using a two-component process with a suitable plastic. This plastic is either relatively rigid or, if necessary, flexible. In the case of a relatively flexible design, the respective corners 31 between the legs 28, 29, 30 could be pressed downwards on the receptacle 24 under appropriate pressure until they come into contact with the food. In the pressure-free initial position, the corners 31 can be positioned above or below the lower ends of the contour 32, by which the food is held. Reference symbol list

[0034] Gripping element 1 Ring element 2 Upper end area 3 Finger receptacle 4 Receiving opening 5 Lower end area 6 Profile 7 Upper part 8 Lower part 9 Thread 10 Thread 11 Marking 12 Marking 13 Arrows 14 Arrow 15 Opening rays 16 Opening rays 17 Center point 18 Support element 19 Openings 20 Locking element 21 Locking element 22 Receptacle 23 Opening 24 Support elements 25 Base 26 Recesses 27 Leg 28 Leg 29 Leg 30 Corners 31 Contour 32

Claims

1. A gripping device for kitchen applications, comprising at least one gripping element (1), - which comprises a circumferential ring element (2), on which a finger receptacle (4) comprising a receiving opening (5) is provided at an end region (3) and on which a profile (7) for supporting the gripping element (1) on a dish is provided at another end region (6), - and which is formed in two parts, with an upper part (8) comprising the finger receptacle (4) and a lower part (9) comprising the profile (7) for supporting the gripping element (1) on the dish, the upper and the lower part (8, 9) being detachably interconnected, characterized in that the lower part (9) is formed in one piece with a disk-like supporting element (19), which forms a stop for the relevant finger that is inserted into the ring element (2) through the finger receptacle, and in that the receiving opening (5) in the finger receptacle (4) is formed to be at least substantially star-shaped, with respective opening lines (16, 17) which extend radially outward from a midpoint.

2. The gripping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper and the lower part (8, 9) of the gripping element (1) are interconnected by means of a screw connection (10, 11) or a bayonet connection or a latched connection.

3. The gripping device according to claim 2, characterized in that respective markers (12, 13) for connecting the two parts (8, 9) are provided on the upper and the lower part (8, 9) of the gripping element (1).

4. The gripping device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting element (19) comprises at least one opening (20) for a fingernail.

5. The gripping device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one portion of the opening lines (17) extend further radially outward than another portion of the opening lines (16).

6. The gripping device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping device is formed by a set of a plurality of, in particular two or three, gripping elements (1).

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