Utensil holder accessory for a food preparation appliance

Abstract

Accessory (110) for arranging utensils (120) in a work bowl (30) of a food preparation appliance, comprising: - at least one utensil positioning portion (111) (120), arranged to receive and hold in place at least one utensil (120), - at least one base (112) for the utensil positioning portion (111) (120), characterized in that the utensil arrangement accessory (110) (120) comprises at least one support portion (112c), and wherein, in a stack of utensil arrangement accessories (110) (120), said at least one support portion (112c) is provided to receive and support at least one base (112) of an accessory (110) for the arrangement of utensils (120) adjacent. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Utensil holder accessory for a food preparation appliance. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to food preparation appliances such as cooking appliances, and the invention relates in particular to accessories intended to help a user to position utensils (such as cooking or preparation utensils or containers) in a food preparation appliance. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art of food preparation appliances to use cooking utensils or cooking aids, or even food preparation aids, such as containers, glass jars, or compartments. However, the use of such utensils requires placing them in the food preparation appliance, and in particular in its cooking or working area, often called the work area (or cooking area if cooking is involved). If there are many utensils, or if the work area is deep, or if the work area has a rounded bottom, it can be difficult to position the utensils correctly to occupy all the available space. Description of the invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to address the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to offer a solution for easily and practically positioning utensils in a workspace of a food preparation appliance, so as to use all the available workspace.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to an accessory for arranging utensils in a work bowl of a food preparation appliance, comprising: - at least one utensil positioning section, arranged to receive and hold in place at least one utensil, - at least one base, for example at least one base for the utensil positioning section, characterized in that the accessory for arranging utensils comprises at least one support portion, and in which, in a stack of accessories for utensil arrangement, said at least one support portion is provided to receive and support at least one base of an adjacent utensil arrangement accessory.

[0005] According to the above embodiment, the utensil organizer includes a base, i.e., at least one foot for resting on a reference support (the bottom of the work bowl), or on a portion of the support of an identical utensil organizer. The utensil organizers can thus be stacked stably. It should be noted that the work bowl defines a work area and can equally well be called a cooking bowl or a preparation bowl.

[0006] It can be noted that the utensils positioned by the utensil organizer do not rest on the reference support when the utensil organizer is placed at the bottom of the work bowl, nor on the utensil organizer below when the utensil organizer is stacked on top of another utensil organizer. In other words, utensils supported by the utensil organizer are only in contact with the utensil organizer itself.

[0007] According to the above embodiment, the utensil arrangement accessory comprises a supporting structure with a base (at least one foot or all the feet of the utensil arrangement accessory) intended to rest on a reference support (the bottom of the work bowl) or on a supporting structure of the utensil arrangement accessory on which the utensil arrangement accessory in question is placed or stacked.

[0008] The invention can be defined with the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.

[0009] According to one embodiment, at least one base comprises a foot arranged opposite, or aligned with, said at least one support portion, according to a stacking direction of accessories for the arrangement of utensils.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the support portion includes a guiding portion, for example concave, arranged to guide a foot of the accessory's base for the adjacent utensil arrangement. The guiding portion may be conical, with a narrowing, with an entry chamfer, to guide a foot of the accessory's base for the adjacent utensil arrangement.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the accessory for arranging utensils comprises A gripping means, preferably made of a polymer material such as silicone, and preferably arranged on and in the center of the utensil holder. The gripping means may be a handle, a hook, a lever, a button, etc. The gripping means may be made of heat-insulating material, plastic, polymer, etc.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the gripping means is retractable or removable. A single gripping means can allow for the successive manipulation of several accessories for arranging utensils, and / or can free up space in the workspace.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the utensil arrangement accessory is arranged to define a free space between the set of utensils received and held in place in the at least one positioning part and between the set of the at least one base and the utensils received and held in place in the at least one positioning part, and the gripping means is arranged opposite, or aligned with, the free space, according to a stacking direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the base comprises at least one foot with a tapered and / or conical lateral surface, and / or thinning towards one end of the foot.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the base comprises at least one foot with a foot surface, and the accessory for the arrangement of utensils, preferably the base, comprises a head with the support portion in which the support portion has a support surface, the support surface being greater than the foot surface, and in which the support surface is preferably at least twice greater than the foot surface, and in which the support surface is preferably at least three times greater than the foot surface, and in which the support surface is preferably at least four times greater than the foot surface, and in which the support surface is preferably at least five times greater than the foot surface.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the utensil positioning portion comprises at least one through hole, and preferably has a passage dimension designed to lock and hold the utensil in place. The through hole may be formed in a plate or sheet, in a perforated plate or sheet, the through hole may be formed by a wire bent back on itself, and the through hole may have a closed or open perimeter. The utensil is simply inserted into the through hole.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the passage dimension is less than an overall dimension of the utensil.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the accessory for the arrangement of utensils comprises a plurality of through holes, and in which at least one base comprises a foot arranged opposite an area between two through holes.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the accessory for the arrangement of utensils comprises a frame, and in which said at least a portion of support and / or the base is formed by a block attached and fixed to the frame.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the stud is formed in whole or in part from synthetic material, such as a polymer.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the chassis is entirely made of, or at least partially comprises, a plastic or metallic material.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the chassis forms locations for the studs.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the block is force-mounted in its location.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the frame is formed into a lattice, such as a wire lattice metallic.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the chassis comprises a platform, for example made of perforated sheet metal, and in which the base is made of metal wire.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the metallic material is made of alloy or stainless steel.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention relates to a food preparation device, comprising an accessory for arranging utensils according to the first aspect, and at least one utensil to be positioned in the accessory.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance, of the cooking appliance type, has a pressure cooking mode, and / or a hot air cooking mode and / or a steam cooking mode.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance comprises: - a case, - a lid, preferably hinged on the casing, - a working tank housed within the casing, preferably removable, - preferably, a human-machine interface designed to allow a user to control the operation of the food preparation device.

[0030] Description of the figures

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] [Fig. 1] represents a general view of a food preparation device that can to receive an accessory for arranging utensils according to the invention;

[0033] [Fig.2] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of the preparation apparatus culinary [Fig.1] receiving an accessory for the arrangement of utensils according to the invention;

[0034] [Fig.3] represents a first embodiment of an accessory for the arrangement of utensils according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig.4] represents a second embodiment of an accessory for the arrangement of utensils according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig.5] represents a third embodiment of an accessory for arranging utensils according to the invention.

[0037] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a food preparation apparatus comprising: - a 10-inch case, - a lid 20 hinged on the housing 10, - a 30-liter working tank housed in casing 10, - a human-machine interface 40 designed to allow a user to control the operation of the food preparation device.

[0039] The food preparation appliance of [Fig. 1] may, for example, be of the cooking type and may feature a pressure cooking mode, and / or a hot air cooking mode, and / or a steam cooking mode. Operating modes may be provided for preparing hot preparations, such as desserts, and / or cold preparations, such as yogurt. For preparing these foods, it is advantageous to use utensils, such as small glass jars, pots, or molds. To facilitate use and maximize operating efficiency, an accessory for arranging utensils may be provided.

[0040] For this purpose, and as shown in [Fig.2], a schematic cross-sectional view of the food preparation apparatus of [Fig.1], the work bowl 30, housed in the casing 10 and covered by the lid 20 hinged around a hinge 12, defines a work area (or cooking area or preparation area) and can receive a stack of preparation sets 100.

[0041] In the example of [Fig. 2], two preparation sets 10 are stacked one on top of the other and rest on the bottom 31 of the working tank 30. Each preparation set 100 comprises: - an accessory 110 for arranging utensils 120, - several utensils 120 containing a food preparation (a dessert to bake, a pâté to prepare, a yogurt to prepare...).

[0042] In the schematic view of [Fig.2], each accessory 110 for the arrangement of utensils 120 comprises: - a positioning part 111 for utensils 120, arranged to receive and hold in place at least one utensil 120, - at least one base 112.

[0043] It can be noted that the base 112 of the accessory 110 for the lower utensil arrangement 120 rests directly on the bottom of the work bowl 30, and that the base 112 of the accessory 110 for the upper utensil arrangement 120 rests on the accessory 110 for the lower utensil arrangement 120.

[0044] In detail, the base 112 includes at least one foot 112a and at least one support portion 112c to receive the base 112 (the feet) of an accessory 110 for the arrangement of utensils 120 stacked on the accessory 110 for the arrangement of utensils 120 in question.

[0045] To facilitate stacking, each support portion 112c is aligned with a foot 112a, making stacking intuitive. Furthermore, each support portion 112c has a larger surface area than the foot 112a it receives, making it easy to find a suitable stacking position. To further facilitate finding the stacking position, each support portion 112c includes a guide portion formed by a conical, flared, or chamfered inlet.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of an accessory for arranging utensils according to the invention, in which the main part of the accessory 110 for arranging utensils 120 is made of wire, for example, metallic wire (such as stainless steel). Two accessories for arranging utensils 110 are stacked one on top of the other. Each accessory 110 for arranging utensils 120 comprises four utensil positioning parts 111 and four bases 112.

[0047] The base 112 comprises feet 112a, legs 112b, and support portions 112c. In this embodiment, each foot 112a is formed by a sleeve or stud pressed onto the leg 112b. The support portion 112c is also formed by a stud crimped or pressed into the frame of the accessory 110 for the arrangement of utensils 120. It can be noted that each support portion 112c has a guide portion that facilitates the reception of the corresponding foot 112a of the accessory 110 for the arrangement of stackable utensils 120.

[0048] A gripping means 113 is provided in the center of the accessory 110 for the arrangement of utensils 120, to offer easy handling. As the utensils 120 are distributed around the periphery, a free space is provided between the utensils 120 and the feet 112a, the gripping means 113 of the accessory 110 for the lower arrangement of utensils 120 does not interfere with the accessory 110 for the upper arrangement of utensils 120.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of an accessory 110' for arranging utensils according to the invention, in which the four utensil positioning parts 111' are formed in a support tray made, for example, of plastic. The base 112' comprises four assemblies, each with a foot 112a', a leg 112b', and a support portion 112c'. The legs 112b' and the feet 112a' are tapered. The support tray is sandwiched between the support portion 112c' on one side and the leg 112b' and foot 112a' on the other. As in Figure 3, a gripping means 113' is provided in the center of Accessory 110' for utensil arrangement. In this embodiment, accessory 110' for utensil arrangement can be made entirely of plastic.

[0050] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of an accessory 110" for arranging utensils according to the invention, in which the four utensil positioning parts 111" are formed in a support plate made of perforated sheet metal, which also forms a support portion 112c" between the four utensil positioning parts 111". The base 112" comprises four assemblies, each with a foot 112a" and a leg 112b" formed by a curved metal wire. The support plate receives the legs 112b" and feet 112a" in notches. Similar to Figure 3, a gripping means 113" is provided in the center of the accessory 110" for arranging utensils. In this embodiment, the 110” accessory for utensil arrangement can be made entirely of metallic material. Industrial application

[0051] An accessory for the arrangement of utensils according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0052] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this description without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] In particular, the structure of the food preparation apparatus may differ from that shown in Figures 1 and 2: the lid may be removable, the work bowl may be fixed or removable, a work tool (or a coupling interface for a work tool) may be provided in the work bowl, which remains in place (the utensil organizers may, however, be placed in the work bowl without interference). Three or more utensil organizers may be stackable. A different structure may also be provided for the utensil organizers: they may be in several parts or hinged to be removable or foldable.

Claims

Claims

1. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) in a work tank (30) of a food preparation appliance, comprising: - at least one positioning portion (111; 111'; 111”) for utensils (120), arranged to receive and hold in place at least one utensil (120), - at least one base (112; 112'; 112”) of the positioning portion (111; 111'; 111”) for utensils (120), characterized in that the accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) comprises at least one support portion (112c; 112c'; 112c”), and wherein, in a stacking of accessories (110; 110'; 110”) for the arrangement of utensils (120), said at least one support portion (112c; 112c'; 112c”) is provided to receive and support at least one base (112; 112'; 112”) of an accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for the adjacent arrangement of utensils (120).

2. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for the arrangement of utensils (120) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one base (112; 112'; 112”) comprises a foot (112a; 112a'; 112a”) arranged opposite, or aligned with, said at least one support portion (112c; 112c'; 112c”), in a stacking direction of the accessories (110; 110'; 110”) for the arrangement of utensils (120).

3. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for the arrangement of utensils (120) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the support portion (112c; 112c'; 112c”) comprises a guide portion, for example concave, arranged to guide a foot (112a; 112a'; 112a”) of the base (112; 112'; 112”) of the accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for the adjacent arrangement of utensils (120).

4. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a gripping means (113; 113'; 113”), preferably made of polymer material, such as for example silicone, and preferably arranged on and in the center of the accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120).

5. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to claim 4 wherein the gripping means (113; 113' ; 113”) is retractable or removable.

6. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to claim 4, arranged to define a free space between the set of utensils (120) received and held in place in the at least one positioning part (111; 111'; 111”) and between the set of the at least one base (112; 112'; 112”) and the utensils (120) received and held in place in the at least one positioning part (111; 111'; 111”), and wherein the gripping means (113; 113'; 113”) is arranged opposite, or aligned with, the free space, in a stacking direction.

7. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base (112; 112'; 112”) comprises at least one foot (112a; 112a'; 112a”) with a tapered and / or conical lateral surface, and / or thinned towards one end of the foot (112a; 112a'; 112a”).

8. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base (112; 112'; 112”) comprises at least one foot (112a; 112a'; 112a”) with a foot surface (112a; 112a'; 112a”), and a head with the support portion (112c; 112c'; 112c”) in which the support portion (112c; 112c'; 112c”) has a support surface, the support surface being greater than the foot surface (112a; 112a'; 112a”), and in which the support surface is preferably at least twice as large as the foot surface (112a; 112a'; 112a”), and wherein the support surface is preferably at least three times greater than the foot surface (112a; 112a'; 112a”), and wherein the support surface is preferably at least four times greater than the foot surface (112a; 112a';112a”), and wherein the support surface is preferably at least five times greater than the foot surface (112a; 112a'; 112a”).;

9. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the positioning portion (111; 111'; 111”) of utensils (120) comprises at least one through hole, and preferably has a passage dimension intended to block and hold in place said utensil (120).

10. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of through holes, and wherein the at least one base (112; 112'; 112”) comprises a foot (112a; 112a'; 112a”) arranged opposite an area between two through holes.

11. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a frame, and in which said at least one support portion (112c; 112c'; 112c”) and / or the base (112; 112'; 112”) is formed by a stud added and fixed to the frame.

12. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to claim 11, wherein the stud is formed in whole or in part from synthetic material, such as a polymer.

13. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the frame is entirely made of, or partially comprises, a plastic material or a metallic material.

14. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to claim 13 in which the frame forms locations for the studs.

15. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for the arrangement of utensils (120) according to claim 14, in its dependence on claim 12 in which the stud is force-mounted in its location.

16. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the frame is formed into a lattice, such as a wire mesh.

17. Accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 13 to 16, in which the frame comprises a tray, for example made of perforated sheet metal, and in which the base (112; 112'; 112”) is made of metal wire.

18. Food preparation appliance, comprising an accessory (110; 110'; 110”) for arranging utensils (120) according to one of claims 1 to 17, and at least one utensil (120) to be positioned in the accessory.

19. Food preparation appliance according to claim 18, of the cooking appliance type having a pressure cooking mode, a hot air cooking mode and a steam cooking mode.

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