Apparatus for assisted pan turning

Abstract

An apparatus for facilitating the turning of a pan 102 and holding a plate 100 in place on the pan during turning. The apparatus includes a plate holder 104, at least two elastic bands 108, a pivot 20

Description

TECHNICAL FIEED

[0001] The presently disclosed embodiments are related, in general, to kitchen utensils and culinary tools. More particularly, the presently disclosed embodiments are related to an apparatus and method for facilitating the turning or flipping of saucepans and frying pans, particularly for presenting dishes such as rice bowls or maklouba plates, ensuring the aesthetic appeal of the served food. BACKGROUND

[0002] Culinary presentations play a significant role in enhancing the overall dining experience, as the visual appeal of a dish complements its taste and aroma, contributing to diner satisfaction. Many traditional dishes are meant to be served with their cooked sides facing upward, showcasing the chefs skill and artistry. For instance, rice bowls and maklouba plates are often presented with meticulously arranged ingredients neatly displayed.

[0003] However, achieving the ideal presentation in a typical cooking process can be challenging. Flipping or turning over various pans such as a saucepan or frying pan to present the dish may result in potential mishaps. The ingredients can become disarranged, the presentation can lose its appeal, and there is a risk of burning the hands or skin of the user. Traditional kitchen tools like spatulas or forks often lack the necessary support for turning pans of different sizes or preserving the presentation's integrity.

[0004] Moreover, there is a safety risk involved for the user. Flipping a heavy, hot, and unwieldy pan can lead to burns, strains, and injuries. Contact between the user's skin and the hot pan can result in burns. Additionally, flipping a heavy pan while holding a plate in place requires significant hand and wrist strength. If an accident occurs during the turning process, the user's instinct may be to drop the pan.

[0005] In the realm of kitchen utensils, various tools and implements are designed to assist with cooking, flipping, and turning food. Spatulas, tongs, and similar tools are commonly used for these purposes. However, existing tools are not specialized for the precise task of flipping and presenting dishes in saucepans or frying pans without disturbing the arrangement of ingredients or even ensure the user’s safety.

[0006] Furthermore, some prior art relates to automated cooking appliances, but these devices are often complex, expensive, and not focused on the specific requirement of maintaining the presentation of dishes during the flipping process. The need for a simple, effective, and specialized apparatus tailored to the presentation of dishes like rice bowls and maklouba plates in saucepans or frying pans remains unmet. The present specification recognizes that there is a need for an apparatus and method for facilitating the turning of a pan that can eliminate the aforementioned common culinary issues of flipping the pan.

[0007] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as outlined in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings. SUMMARY

[0008] According to embodiments illustrated herein, there may be provided an apparatus for facilitating the turning of a pan. The apparatus includes a plate holder, at least two elastic bands, a pivot, and at least two prongs. The plate holder includes a central disc. The two elastic bands extend from the plate holder and are configured to encircle two handles of the pan. The pivot is configured to be positioned against a side portion of the pan. The two prongs are extending from the pivot. The pivot is attachable to the plate holder through at least two prongs that pass through at least two corresponding apertures in the central disc of the plate holder.

[0009] In an aspect, the apparatus includes a presentation plate placed on top of the pan.

[0010] In an aspect, the plate holder holds the presentation plate in place during a turning process.

[0011] In an aspect, the elastic bands exhibit elasticity to accommodate various pan handle sizes securely.

[0012] In an aspect, the pivot moves forward and backward towards or away from the pan.

[0013] In an aspect, the pivot features a curved design to effectively conform to the shape of a pan's side and efficiently facilitates the turning proceed .

[0014] In an aspect, the pivot moves in a direction allowed by the two prongs entering or exiting at least two corresponding apertures.

[0015] In an aspect, the two prongs of the pivot are secured within the central disc by sliding through the corresponding apertures, ensuring stability during pan turning.

[0016] In an aspect, the pivot is securely fastened to the plate holder to prevent unintended disengagement while turning pans.

[0017] According to one embodiment illustrated herein, there may be provided a method to facilitate the turning of a pan. The method includes a step of placing a plate holder comprising a central disc and at least two elastic bands on top of a presentation plate to hold the presentation plate in place during a flipping process. The method includes a step of wrapping the two elasticated bands extending from the plate holder around the two handles of the pan to hold the plate holder in place. The method includes a step of placing a pivot against the side of the pan. The method includes a step of sliding at least two prongs extending from the pivot through at least two corresponding apertures in the central disc of the plate holder to restrain the pivot from side to side or up and down motion.

[0018] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it acts as a precision pan-flipper which is a specially-designed kitchen apparatus that ensures an easier and more reliable method of flipping one-pot dishes. It focuses on maintaining the structural integrity and visual appeal of the dish during the flipping process.

[0019] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it may be commercialized as a retail product for consumer kitchens, or even as a specialty tool for professional chefs and culinary schools.

[0020] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it is specifically designed for flipping complex, layered dishes.

[0021] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it is capable of accommodating different dishes and pan sizes.

[0022] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it provides a user-friendly setup to ensure an easy and safe flipping process.

[0023] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it optimizes both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the dish.

[0024] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it is reasonably priced, which is why anyone would be able to add the gadget to their kitchen.

[0025] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure may be appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate the various embodiments of apparatuses, systems, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Further, the elements may not be drawn to scale.

[0027] Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in accordance with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope in any manner, wherein similar designations denote similar elements, and in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of an apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the plate holder mounted on a pan, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the pivot being mounted on the pan, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the plate holder and pivot mounted on the pan, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the plate holder and pivot mounted on the pan, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the plate holder and pivot mounted on the pan, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the apparatuses, methods, and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.

[0034] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0035] The present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for facilitating the turning of a pan (saucepans or frying pans) by 180 degrees without disturbing the arrangement of ingredients. The apparatus is formed of two main parts, a pivot and a plate holder. The plate holder attaches to the two handles of the pan via two elasticated bands. The pivot attaches to the plate holder via two prongs that pass through two holes in the side of the plate holder. The pivot is restrained from moving side to side or up and down. The pivot can only move in the direction allowed by the prongs entering or exiting the two holes. The pan is now ready for flipping. The user grips the two 8 handles of the pan and turns the pan towards and over the pivot. Movement in this direction allows the invention to accommodate pans and presentation plates of different sizes.

[0036] FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the plate holder mounted on a pan 102, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus includes a presentation plate 100, a plate holder 104, at least two elastic bands 108, a pivot 206 (shown in FIG. 2), and at least two prongs 210 (shown in FIG. 2). The presentation plate 100 is placed on top of the pan 102. The plate holder 104 includes a central disc 106. The two elastic bands 108 extend from the plate holder 104 and are configured to encircle two handles 110a, and 110b of the pan 102. In an embodiment, the plate holder 104 holds the presentation plate 100 in place during a turning process. In an embodiment, the elastic bands 108 exhibit elasticity to accommodate various pan handle sizes securely. The elastic bands 108 are stretched over the handles 110a, and 110b on each side of the pan 102. The tension of the elastic bands 108 securely holds the presentation plate 100 against the pan 102. There are two apertures or holes 112 through the center of the plate holder 104, for attaching the pivot 206.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the pivot being mounted on the pan 102, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The pivot 206 is configured to be positioned against a side portion of the pan 102. The two prongs 210 are extending from the pivot 206. The pivot 206 is attachable to the plate holder 104 through at least two prongs 210 that pass through at least two corresponding apertures 112 in the central disc 106 of the plate holder 104. In an embodiment, the pivot 206 moves forward and backward towards or away from the pan 102. In an embodiment, the pivot 206 features a curved design to conform to the shape of a pan's side effectively. In an embodiment, the pivot 206 moves in a direction allowed by the two prongs 210 entering or exiting at least two corresponding apertures 112. In an embodiment, the two prongs 210 of the pivot 206 are secured within the central disc 106 by sliding through the corresponding apertures 112, ensuring stability during pan turning. In an embodiment, the pivot 206 is securely fastened to the plate holder 104 to prevent unintended disengagement while turning pans. The pivot 206 attaches by moving the two prongs 210 in the direction indicated by arrow 212.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the plate holder and pivot mounted on the pan 102, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2. The pivot is restrained from moving side to side or up and down. The pivot 206 can only move in the direction allowed by the prongs 210 entering or exiting the two holes 112. The movement in this direction allows the apparatus to accommodate pans and presentation plates of different sizes. As the pan 102 is flipped over the pivot 206, the pivot 206 is restrained from moving by the surface underneath.

[0039] FIG. 4 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the plate holder and pivot mounted on the pan 102, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3. The pivot 206 attaches to the plate holder 104 via two prongs 412 that slide through two holes 112 in the plate holder 104 central disc 106. The pivot 206 is restrained from moving side to side or up and down. The pivot 206 can only move in the direction allowed by the prongs 412 entering or exiting the two holes 112. Movement in this direction allows the apparatus to accommodate pans and presentation plates of different sizes. As the pan 102 is flipped over the pivot 206, the pivot 206 is restrained from moving by the surface underneath. After the pan 102 and presentation plate have been flipped, the elasticated bands 108 can be detached from the handles 110a, and 110b. The pan 102 and plate can then be moved.

[0040] FIG. 5 is an illustrative representation of the apparatus for assisted pan turning, showing the plate holder and pivot mounted on the pan 102, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4. According to an embodiment herein, the apparatus may be used with saucepans, frying pans, woks, or any other variations known in the art. Further, the apparatus may be formed of silicone, aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, or any other variations known in the art. Furthermore, the apparatus may be manufactured via injection molding, rotational molding, laser cutting, CNC milling, or any other variations known in the art. Additionally, the apparatus may be attached to the pans via magnets, reusable sticky pads, tension grips, or any other variations known in the art. In implementation, the apparatus is a precision pan-flipper that consists of the plate holder and the pivot. The plate holder is secured on top of the presentation plate, which is itself placed on the pan containing the cooked dish. Elasticated bands extend from the plate holder and fasten around the handles of the pan. The pivot aligns with the side of the pan, and its prongs extend into holes in the plate holder, allowing for only forward and backward motion. The user then grips the handles of the pan and flips the pan using the pivot as a fulcrum, resulting in a perfectly intact and well-presented dish.

[0041] The design of the present apparatus prioritizes user inclusivity, aiming to enhance the cooking experience for a diverse range of individuals. By streamlining the pan-flipping process, this apparatus not only ensures simplicity and safety, catering specifically to the elderly and those with limited mobility but also serves as a valuable tool for beginners. Furthermore, this apparatus acts as an efficiency booster for seasoned cooks, providing a versatile and accessible solution that contributes to an inclusive cooking environment suitable for users of all skill levels and physical abilities.

[0042] A person skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus described herein is for illustrative purposes and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. A person with ordinary skills in art will appreciate that the apparatuses and devices have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above-disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different apparatuses, systems, or applications.

[0043] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for facilitating the turning of a pan, comprising:a plate holder comprising a central disc;at least two elastic bands extend from the plate holder and are configured to encircle two handles of the pan;a pivot configured to be positioned against a side portion of the pan; andat least two prongs extending from the pivot, wherein the pivot is attachable to the plate holder through the at least two prongs that pass through at least two corresponding apertures in the central disc of the plate holder.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises a presentation plate placed on top of the pan.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate holder holds the presentation plate in place during a turning process.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastic bands exhibit elasticity to accommodate various pan handle sizes securely.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot moves forward and backward towards or away from the pan.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot features a curved design to conform to the shape of a pan's side effectively.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot moves in a direction allowed by the two prongs entering or exiting at least two corresponding apertures.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two prongs of the pivot are secured within the central disc by sliding through the corresponding apertures, ensuring stability during pan turning.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot is securely fastened to the plate holder to prevent unintended disengagement while turning pans.

10. A method to facilitate the turning of a pan, comprising:placing a plate holder comprising a central disc and at least two elastic bands on top of a presentation plate to hold the presentation plate in place during a flipping process;wrapping the two elasticated bands extending from the plate holder around the two handles of the pan to hold the plate holder in place;placing a pivot against the side of the pan; andsliding at least two prongs extending from the pivot through at least two corresponding apertures in the central disc of the plate holder to restrain the pivot from side to side or up and down motion.

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