Cooking utensil handle cover

Abstract

A cover 10 for the handle 11 of a cooking utensil, such as the knob of the lid of a pot or pan. The cover comprises an annular / ring shaped body (21, fig 3) having an inwardly facing inner wall 22 and

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a cover for the handle of a cooking utensil, such as the knob of the lid of a pan. Background Hot handles of cooking utensils, such as pans, pots, saucepans, frying pans, casserole dishes, steamers, kettles and the like, are commonly gripped using a kitchen, dish or tea towel or oven gloves. However, using such aids can reduce manoeuvrability and grip between the user’s hand and the handle. Covers have therefore been developed to mount over the handle of the cooking utensil to provide improved grip with and thermal insulation from the handle. One such example is the knob cover article disclosed in US5584414A, having a cap portion continuous with a neck portion, terminating in a flange section. However, such an article is relatively difficult to mount and remove. Due to the flange section needing to peeled off the lid for removal, it is difficult to remove the knob cover article without touching a hot lid, risking burns to the user. KR20090011741U discloses a grip cap with similar drawbacks. Another example is the lid cap for the clay pot lid handle of KR20130000107U. However, the cap is not particularly securely held to the handle and can easily slide off. Summary An object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide an improved cooking utensil handle cover providing thermal insulation between the hand and the handle and / or increased grip. A further object is to provide a cover that is more securely and reliably mounted to the handle such that it does not fall off in use, whilst also being relatively easy to mount and remove from the handle by hand, without the aid of tools. The present invention therefore provides a cover for the handle of a cooking utensil, a kit and a method in accordance with the claims. The present invention provides a cover for the handle of a cooking utensil, the cover comprising an annular body having an inwardly facing inner wall comprising, at least partially therearound, upper and lower lips with a channel therebetween configured such that the handle is receivable in the channel between the upper and lower lips. The present invention further provides a cover for the handle of a cooking utensil, the cover comprising an annular body having an inwardly facing inner wall and an outwardly facing outer wall, the inner wall comprising, at least partially therearound, a channel for receiving the handle. The cover is configured to be mounted to and removed or peeled from the handle by a user. Thus, the cover is a separate item to the handle, separable therefrom by hand without the need for any tools. The cover provides thermal insulation between the user’s hand and the handle and provides improved grip thereto, by the increased contact area with the user’s hand and optionally via at least one gripping element around the cover. The cover is resiliently deformable, i.e. such that it is biased to return to its original shape. However, by being sufficiently flexible, it can be deformed sufficiently to enable it to be mounted and removed from the handle. In preferred embodiments, the lower lip is thicker than the upper lip. In particular, the upper and lower lips extend in opposing directions from the channel along upper and lower lip thicknesses respectively, further wherein the lower lip thickness is greater than the upper lip thickness. Such an arrangement provides both an improved fit with the handle and improve ease of mounting and removing. The thicker lower lip provides more stiffening and strength when the cover is used to hold the utensil, in which most of the weight will be concentrated on the lower lip. The thinner upper lip improves flexibility at the top of the cover, which reduces the force required when pushing down and flexing the cover so as to remove it from the handle. In preferred embodiments, the outer wall comprises at least one gripping element, preferably at least one rib, extending therearound. The at least one gripping element provides grip and a tactile feel for the user. The or each rib preferably comprises a generally curved or convex annular outer surface. In preferred embodiments, the channel extends across a channel width, wherein the channel width is at least about 35 mm. By having a channel width above this size, the contact area between the handle and the cover is sufficiently large that it remains in place, partly due to friction therebetween and due to the inward force applied by the cover to the handle by virtue of its resilient deformability. The present invention further relates to a kit comprising the cover mounted to the handle of the utensil. The present invention further relates to a method of mounting the cover onto a handle of a utensil by flexing and locating the cover such that the handle is mounted into the channel. Brief Description of the Drawings By way of example only, embodiments according to the present disclosure are now described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the cover of the present invention mounted to a handle, in particular a knob of a lid of a pan (the lid and pan are not illustrated); FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cover mounted to the handle of Figure 1; and FIGURE 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cover of Figure 1. Detailed Description Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the cover 10 of the present invention mounted to a handle 11, such as a knob, of a cooking utensil, such as the lid of a pan (the lid and pan are not illustrated in the Figures). In the present disclosure a knob is a substantially rounded handle or protuberance for holding by a user and attached to at least part of a cooking utensil. The cooking utensil and handle 11 may be any utensil or cookware comprising a handle 11 to which the cover 10 can be suitably mounted, such as the knob of a lid of a pan, pot, saucepan, frying pan, casserole dish, wok, steamer, kettle and the like. The handle 11 comprises a handle flange 12, also referred to as a rim, collar or rib, mounted to a handle body 13, the handle flange 12 having a greater maximum diameter than the handle body 13. The handle body 13 extends from the rest of the utensil, such as the saucepan lid, to the handle flange 12 at a distal end of the handle body 13 to the rest of the utensil, such as to the lid. The handle body 13 may be generally cylindrical, with the handle flange 12 mounted across a circular end thereof. The handle flange 12 extends across a flange width FW and a flange height FH, the flange width FW being greater than the flange height FH. As in the illustrated embodiment, the handle flange 12 may be substantially circular, i.e. having a circular outer circumference when viewed in plan view along the flange height FH and / or perpendicular to the flange width FW. The flange height FH is preferably about 3.77 mm and / or at least about 3 mm. The flange width FW is preferably about 43 mm, at least about 35 mm and / or at least about 40 mm. The wider flange width FW provides for an easier handle 11 to grip and helps to ensure that the cover 10, when fitted thereon, is securely mounted. The handle flange 12 may comprise at least one flange rib 14, 15, preferably first and second flange ribs 14, 15 as illustrated, extending around an upper flange surface 16. The upper flange surface 16 may be the surface of the handle flange 12 opposing a lower flange surface 17 to which the handle body 13 is attached. The at least one flange rib 14, 15 is preferably substantially circular, i.e. when viewed in plan view along the flange height FH and / or perpendicular to the flange width FW, and preferably is / are concentric with the circular outer circumference of the handle flange 12. The cover 10 is configured to be removably mounted to the handle 11 for at least partially covering the handle 11. The cover 10 is configured to cover the contact points of the handle 11 such that a user can hold the cover 10 to manipulate the utensil (for example to raise the lid) without touching the handle 11 itself. As illustrated, the cover 10 is preferably configured to cover the entire outer circumference of the handle 11, particularly that of the handle flange 12, and at least part of the handle body 13. Thus, the cover 10 is configured to extend at least partially around the handle flange 12 and at least partially along the handle body 13 from the handle flange 12. However, the cover 10 preferably does not cover at least part of the handle flange 12 at the upper flange surface 16, such as by not covering the at least one flange rib 14, 15, by comprising an upper cover aperture 20, thought which the handle 11 is partially accessible. The lack of material at the upper cover aperture 20 increases flexibility of the cover 10 such that it can be more easily mounted and removed. The cover 10 comprises a resiliently deformable material such that it can be flexed for mounting to and removal from the handle 11. However, the resiliently deformable material is sufficiently rigid such that, when mounted to the handle 11 and held by a user when raising the lid, it remains in place without sliding off. The resiliently deformable material also has a relatively low thermal conductivity so as to provide sufficient thermal insulation between the handle 11 and a user’s fingers. Suitable resiliently deformable materials include silicone rubber, gas phase silicone, thermoplastic rubber, synthetic polymers and the like Furthermore, the resiliently deformable material preferable has a Shore Hardness of at least about 30, at least about 75, no more than about 85 and / or in the range of about 75 to about 85, on the Shore A scale as measured under the standard ASTM D2240. If the material is too soft, the cover 10 can peel off the handle flange 12 too easily and has a poorer tactile feel. However, if the material is too hard, the cover 10 becomes too hard to mount it to the handle flange 12 and potentially too brittle such that cracking can occur. As best illustrated in Figure 3, the cover 10 comprises an annular body or wall 21. The annular body 21 preferably comprises a substantially circular ring as illustrated and may be generally configured to match or conform to the shape of the handle 11. The annular body 21 extends along a body thickness BT and across an outer body width OBW, being the maximum diameter of the cover 10 and perpendicular to the direction of the body thickness BT. The outer body width OBW is greater than, preferably at least three times greater than, the body thickness BT. The annular body 21 has an annular radial width ARW (i.e. ring width), the annular radial width ARW preferably being about the same or smaller than the body thickness BT. Such dimensions enable suitable torsion to be applied by hand to peel the cover 10 on and off the handle 11. The body thickness BT is preferably about 10.5 mm, at least about 8mm and / or up to about 14 mm. The outer body width OBW is preferably about 54 mm, at least about 45 mm up to about 65 mm. The annular radial width ARW is preferably about 8.5 mm, at least about 7 mm and / or up to about 10 mm. The annular body 21 extends across the body thickness BT between first and second body ends 28, 29. Each of the first and second body ends 28, 29 may predominantly comprise an annular planar surface or ring shaped surface as illustrated. The cover 10 comprises, and the annular body 21 extends radially between, an inwardly facing inner wall 22 and an outwardly facing outer wall 23. The annular radial width ARW extends therebetween. The inner and outer walls 22, 23 extend between the first and second body ends 28, 29 and extend entirely and continuously around the annular body 21. The inner wall 22 may define a body aperture 24 at the centre of the annular body 21 having a body aperture width BAW, being the maximum diameter of the body aperture 24 and perpendicular to the direction of the body thickness BT, less than the outer body width OBW. The inner wall 22, outer wall 23 and body aperture 24 may be configured to match or conform to the shape of the handle 11 and may be substantially circular as illustrated, i.e. having a circular circumference when viewed in plan view along the body thickness BT and / or perpendicular to the outer body width OBW. The body aperture width BAW is preferably about 37 mm, at least about 30mm and / or up to about 45 mm. The upper cover aperture 20 forms at least part of the body aperture 24. The body aperture 24 may extend entirely through the annular body 21 between the first and second body ends 28, 29, as illustrated. Alternatively, although not illustrated, the cover 10 may comprise an upper wall extending across the body aperture 24 in place of the upper cover aperture 10, closing an end of the body aperture 24, such that the upper wall is configured to entirely cover the upper flange surface 16. The inner wall 22 comprises, at least partially therearound, upper and lower lips 25, 26 with a channel 27 therebetween configured such that the handle 11 is receivable in the channel 27 between the upper and lower lips 25, 26. The upper and lower lips 25, 26 may be referred to as rims, collars or ribs and generally extend inwardly into the body aperture 24 from the channel 27. The upper and lower lips 25, 26 and channel 27 extend entirely and continuously around the inner wall 22 and annular body 21. The upper lip 25 extends between the channel 27 and the first body end 28 and the lower lip 26 extends between the channel 27 and the second body end 29. The upper and lower lips 25, 26 and channel 27 may be configured to match the shape of the handle 11 and may be substantially circular as illustrated. The upper and lower lips 25, 26 have a lip width LW, being the maximum diameter of the upper and lower lips 25, 26 and perpendicular to the directions of the upper and lower lip thicknesses ULT, LLT, that is generally the same as the body aperture width BAW. The channel 27 extends across a channel width CW, being the maximum diameter of the channel 27 and perpendicular to the directions of the upper and lower lip thicknesses ULT, LLT. The channel width CW is greater than the lip width LW and less than the outer body width OBW. The lip width LW is preferably less than 95% of the channel width CW and preferably at least 75% of the channel width CW. Such a range ensures that the upper and lower lips 25, 26 are sufficiently large to retain the handle 11 in the channel 27. The lip width LW is preferably about 37 mm, at least about 30 mm and / or up to about 45 mm. The channel width CW is preferably substantially the same as the flange width FW and is preferably about 43 mm, at least about 35 mm and / or up to about 50 mm. The outer body width OBW is preferably at least 110% or at least 125% of the channel width CW. The lower lip 26 is thicker than the upper lip 25. In particular, the upper lip 25 comprises an upper lip thickness ULT, being the distance along the body thickness BT between the channel 27 and first body end 28. The lower lip 26 comprises a lower lip thickness LLT, being the distance along the body thickness BT between the channel 27 and second body end 29. The upper lip thickness ULT is less than the lower lip thickness LLT. The lower lip thickness LLT is preferably at least 125%, at least 150% or at least 200% of the upper lip thickness. The channel 27 is open or extends across a channel height CH along the body thickness BT and / or in the same direction as the upper and lower lip thicknesses ULT, LLT. The channel height CH is less than the lower lip thickness LLT and greater than the upper lip thickness ULT. The channel height CH is preferably at least 125% or at least 150% of the upper lip thickness ULT and the lower lip thickness LLT is preferably at least 125% or at least 150% of the channel heigh CH. The upper lip thickness needs to be high enough to ensure that there is clearance to prevent contact between a palm of a hand holding the cover 10 and the handle flange 12, since the latter may be very hot. The channel height is preferably approximately the same as the flange height FH and is preferably about 3.77 mm and / or at least about 3 mm. The upper lip thickness ULT is preferably about 2mm, at least about 1 mm and up to about 3 mm. The lower lip thickness LLT is preferably about 4.73 mm, at least about 3.5 mm and up to about 6 mm. The annular body 21 may comprise a lower right-angled corner 30 at the transition between the second body end 29 and lower lip 26. As a result, there is full contact between the lower face of the cover 10 and the handle 11, particularly the handle body 13, so as to ensure effective lateral loading therebetween. When the cover 10 is gripped, the lower right-angled corner 30 ensures that the loading is applied laterally inwardly into the handle 11, such that a more secure grip is achieved. The annular body 21, particularly the lower lip 26 thereof, may comprise a lower curved corner 31 at the transition from the lower lip 26 into the channel 27. The curvature aids moving the lower lip 26 over the handle flange 12 when the cover 10 is mounted to and peeled from the handle 11. The radius of curvature of the lower curved corner 31 may be in the approximate range of about 2 mm to about 3 mm and may be about 2.5 mm. The lower lip 26 comprises a lower lip annular surface 50 extending around the inner wall 22 between the lower right-angled corner 30 and lower curved corner 31. The lower lip annular surface 50 is in contact with the handle body 13 for providing lateral loading thereto in use. The channel 27 may comprise a channel right-angled corner 32 adjacent to the lower lip 26 and / or a channel curved corner 33 adjacent to the upper lip 25, spaced apart from one another along the body thickness BT. The channel right-angled corner 32 ensures full contact between the cover 10 and handle 11, providing a surface for axial loading when the cover 10 is used to lift the handle 11. The channel curved corner 33 helps ensure a secure fit against the handle 11 and the radius of curvature thereof may be in the approximate range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm and may be about 1.3 mm. The channel 27 may comprise a channel inner annular surface 51 extending around the inner wall 22 between the channel right-angled corner 32 and channel curved corner 33. The channel inner annular surface 51 is in contact with the handle flange 12 for providing lateral loading thereto in use. The annular body 21 comprises an upper right-angled corner 34 at the transition between the channel 27 and upper lip 25. This results in tactile feedback, particularly a click, to the user when the cover 10 is mounted properly. The channel 27 may comprise a channel lower annular surface 52 extending between the channel right-angled corner 32 and lower curved corner 31 and a channel upper annular surface 53 extending between the channel curved corner 33 and upper right-angled corner 34. The channel lower and upper annular surfaces 52, 53 are in contact with and provide axial loading the handle flange 12 in use. The annular body 21 comprises an upper curved corner 35 at the transition between the upper lip 25 and first body end 28. The upper curved corner 35 helps to prevent items from catching thereon and the radius of curvature thereof may be in the approximate range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm and may be about 1 mm. The upper lip 25 comprises an upper lip annular surface 54 extending around the inner wall 22 between the upper curved corner 35 and upper right-angled corner 34. The lower and upper lip annular surfaces 50, 54 and channel inner annular surface 51 extend along the body thickness BT and perpendicular to the channel lower and upper annular surfaces 52, 53. The corners 30-35 generally also conform to or match the shape of the handle 11, ensuring a close and / or contact fit therewith. As a result, the handle 11 does not move within the cover 10 in use. The outer wall 23 comprises at least one gripping element 40, 41,42 for gripping by a user. The at least one gripping element 40, 41,42 preferably comprises at least one rib 40, 41, 42 extending at least partially around the outer wall 23. As illustrated, the or each rib 40, 41,42 may extend entirely and continuously around the outer wall 23 and the outer wall 23 may comprise at least two ribs 40, 41,42 or at least three ribs 40, 41,42. The or each rib 40, 41,42 may comprise a generally curved or convex annular outer surface as illustrated. The maximum outer diameter of the or each rib 40, 41,42 is the same as the outer body width OBW, whilst the minimum outer diameter of each rib 40, 41,42 (i.e. in grooves 43, 44 between ribs) is at least 90% of the outer body width OBW and / or less than 99% of the outer body width OBW. In order to mount the cover 10 to the handle 11, the user will insert the handle flange 12 into the body aperture 24. By virtue of the flexibility of the cover 10, the lower lip 26 can be stretched or flexed around the handle flange 12 until the handle flange 12 is mounted and rests in the channel 27. When the cover 10 moves into place, the upper right-angled corner 34 strikes the handle 11 to provide tactile feedback such that the user knows it is correctly mounted. When mounted, the upper lip 25 generally prevents the cover 10 slipping further down the handle 11 whilst the lower lip 26 generally prevents the cover 10 slipping up and off the handle 11. The effective contact between the corners 30-34 and the handle 11 ensures that, when the 5 cover 10 is used to raise the handle 11 and utensil attached thereto, axial and lateral loading is effectively transferred between the cover 10 and handle 11 such that the handle 11 does not move within the cover 10. The cover 10 acts so as to provide insulation between the handle 11 and hand. As the cover 10 is larger than the handle 11, it also improves grip for the user. Furthermore, the at least one gripping element 40, 41,42 further 10 improves grip with the handle 11. In order to remove the cover 10, the user draws the lower lip 26 out, up and around the handle flange 12 such that the handle flange 12 leaves the channel 27 and the cover 10 is dismounted from the handle 11. 15

Claims

:

1. A cover for the handle of a cooking utensil, wherein the cover comprises an annular body:extending along a body thickness and across an outer body width, perpendicular to5 the body thickness, the outer body width being greater than the body thickness; andhaving an inwardly facing inner wall comprising, at least partially therearound, upper and lower lips with a channel therebetween configured such that the handle is receivable in the channel between the upper and lower lips, wherein upper and lower lips extend in opposing directions from the channel along upper and lower lip thicknesses respectively,10 further wherein the lower lip thickness is greater than the upper lip thickness;wherein the annular body extends along the body thickness between first and second body ends, the upper lip extending between the channel and the first body end and the lower lip extending between the channel and the second body end; andthe lower lip extends inwardly from channel entirely between the channel and15 second end.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the lower lip thickness is at least 125% of the upper lip thickness.20 3. The cover of any preceding claim wherein the channel extends across a channel height,the channel height being less than the lower lip thickness and greater than the upper lip thickness.

4. The cover of any preceding claim wherein the channel extends across a channel width, 25 perpendicular to the upper and lower lip thicknesses.

5. The cover of claim 4 wherein the channel width is at least 35 mm.

6. The cover of claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the upper and lower lips have upper and lower30 lip widths, perpendicular to the upper and lower lip thicknesses, the channel width being greater than the upper and lower lip widths.

7. The cover of claim 6 wherein the lip width is less than 95% of the channel width and at least 75% of the channel width.3503 06 258. The cover of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the outer body width is at least 110% of the channel width.

9. The cover of any preceding claim wherein the annular body comprises:5 a lower right-angled corner at the transition between the second body end and thelower lip;a lower curved corner at the transition from the lower lip into the channel;a channel right-angled corner adjacent to the lower lip and / or a channel curved corner adjacent to the upper lip, spaced apart from one another along the body thickness;10 an upper right-angled corner at the transition between the channel and the upperlip; and / oran upper curved corner at the transition between the upper lip and the first body end.15 10. The cover of any preceding claim wherein the annular body extends radially betweenthe inner wall and an outwardly facing outer wall, wherein the outer wall comprises at least one gripping element for gripping by a user.

11. The cover of claim 10 wherein the at least one gripping element comprises at least one 20 rib extending at least partially around the outer wall.

12. A kit comprising:a cooking utensil comprising a handle, the handle comprising a handle flange25 mounted to a handle body, the handle body extending from the rest of the utensil; anda cover configured to be removably mounted to the handle to at least partially cover the handle flange and partially cover the handle body, the cover comprising an annular body:extending along a body thickness and across an outer body width, perpendicular to30 the body thickness, the outer body width being greater than the body thickness; andhaving an inwardly facing inner wall comprising, at least partially therearound, upper and lower lips with a channel therebetween configured such that the handle is receivable in the channel between the upper and lower lips, wherein upper and lower lips extend in opposing directions from the channel along upper and lower lip thicknesses respectively,35 further wherein the lower lip thickness is greater than the upper lip thickness;wherein the annular body extends along the body thickness between first and second body ends, the upper lip extending between the channel and the first body end and the lower lip extending between the channel and the second body end; andthe lower lip extends inwardly from channel entirely between the channel and5 second end.

13. A kit as claimed in claim 12 wherein the handle comprises a handle flange mounted to a handle body, the handle flange having a greater maximum diameter than the handle body, wherein the handle flange is mountable in the channel.1014. A kit as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the handle flange extends across a flange width, the flange width being at least 35 mm.

15. A method of mounting the cover of any one of claims 1 to 11 onto a handle of a utensil15 by flexing and locating the cover such that the handle is mounted into the channel.Application No: GB2412038.8Examiner: Joe WiltshireClaims searched: 1-13 (fully), 20-23 (partially) Date of search: 10 January 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-7, 10-13, 20-22 KR102452443 Bl (MOON SUNG JAE) See figure 5, paragraphs 24 and 56. X 1-9, 12, 13, 20-23 US5584414 A (RES MANUFACTURING CO) See figures 1-4 and column 4 line 4. X 1, 2, 4-6, 7-9, 12, 13, 20-23 KR20090011741U (JONG HYUN) See figures 1, 4 and description. X 1, 2, 4-7, 12, 13, 20-23 CN209694932 U (ZHEJIANG SHAOXING SUPOR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO) See figures 1-3 and description.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From A47J 0045 / 10 01 / 01 / 2006 A47J 0036 / 36 01 / 01 / 2006 A47J 0045 / 08 01 / 01 / 2006Application No: GB2412038.8Examiner: Joe WiltshireClaims searched: 14-19 (fully), 20-23 (partially) Date of search: 13 March 2025Patents Act 1977Further Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance v A 14-23 CN 208769479 U (DEA GENERAL AVIATION HOLDING CO LTD) See whole document and in particular figure 14 showing cover 6 which is annular, has inner and outer walls with an inner channel 621, gripping element 62 and ribs located at the top and bottom of cover 6. X 14-22 JP 2024021616 A (RINNAI KK) See whole document and in particular figure 3 showing a cover 1 with an annular body, inner wall of channel 7 and outer wall 52 / 51, gripping element 5 and rib 51. X 14-18 and 20 CN 209995983 U (JOYOUNG CO LTD) See whole document and in particular figures 1 and 2 showing handle cover 3, with annular body / gripping element 31, inner and outer walls and ribs 311.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From A47J 0045 / 10 01 / 01 / 2006 A47J 0036 / 36 01 / 01 / 2006Subclass Subgroup Valid From A47J 0045 / 08 01 / 01 / 2006

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