Knob of a lid of a pot made by silicon, with side downwards steam hole, a quick release knob, and a bidirectional valve knob

Abstract

A knob of a pot's lid that includes a head and a connector that includes a lump, a rod, and a flat member to be inserted through the hole of the lid and to be tight to the bottom of the lid while the lump protrudes upwards. The head is mounted on the lump. The lid can include a side steam hole inclined downwards to direct the steam to the side and downwards. The side steam hole can be located on a lower part of the side of the lid in front of a recess in the side wall of the pot through which steam flow outside. The knob can be a bidirectional valve knob to release steam and to add liquids to the pot through the knob that includes a regulator-valve and a liquid compartment. The knob can have a quick release mechanism.

Description

[0001] Knob of a lid of a pot made by silicon, with side downwards steam hole, a quick release knob, and a bidirectional valve knob

[0002] Description

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention refers to a lid of a pot, pan or a bakeware that is equipped with a two parts silicon knob, a side steam hole that is designed to direct the steam to the side and downwards, a quick release knob, and / or a bidirectional valve knob.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] There is a constant need to improve knobs and lids of pots, pans and bakeware and the present invention provides great solutions for these needs.

[0007] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The intention of the drawings attached to the application is not to limit the scope of the invention and its application. The drawings are intended only to illustrate the invention and they constitute only one of its many possible implementations.

[0009] FIGS 1-3 depict the knob head (11).

[0010] FIG. 4 depicts the knob connector (12).

[0011] FIGS 5-6 depict the knob head (11) with the knob connector (12).

[0012] FIG. 7 depicts the knob (10) with the lid (51).

[0013] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional depiction of the knob connector (12) and the lid (51).

[0014] FIGS 9 and 10 are a cross-sectional depiction of the knob (10) and the lid (51).

[0015] FIG. 11 depicts the lid (51) with a steam hole (55) and a side steam hole (56).

[0016] FIG. 12 depicts the side steam hole (58) inclined downwards.

[0017] FIG. 13 depicts the side steam hole (58) with inclined canopy (582). FIG. 14 depicts the pot or pan (60) with a hole of recess (62).

[0018] FIG. 15 depicts the known Ball Lock Pin Quick Release (23).

[0019] FIG. 16 depicts the quick release knob (20) and the matching disc (24).

[0020] FIG. 17 depicts the bidirectional valve knob (30).

[0021] FIG. 18 depicts side steam holes in the pot that matches a side hole in the lid.

[0022] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional depiction of the knob (30).

[0023] THE INVENTION

[0024] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a lid of a pot, pan or bakeware that is equipped with a two parts silicon knob, a side steam hole in the knob or in the ring that is designed to direct the steam to the side and downwards, a quick release knob, or a bidirectional valve knob. The term “pot” in this disclosure hereinafter and in the claims refers and means pots, pans and bakeware.

[0025] Knobs of lids of pots usually have a connecting means (usually screw) to connect them to the lids through the hole in the lid and a gasket is used to seal the hole in the lid to prevent steam from escaping. Usually the knob is made of Bakelite, the screw is made of metal, and the gasket is made of rubber, silicone or Bakelite. It is known that metal and Bakelite should not be placed in microwaves, therefore an efficient knob that does not include these materials is needed, and one aspect of the present invention discloses a new and innovative knob in its structure, shape, and the way it is assembled on the lid through the standard hole of the lid.

[0026] The first embodiment of the present invention refers to a knob (10) of a lid of pots that comprises a knob head (11) and a knob connector (12). Figures 1-3 depict the knob head (11), Figure 4 depicts the knob connector (12), Figures 5-6 depict the knob connector (12) with the knob connector (12), and Figure 7 depicts the knob (10) with the lid (51).

[0027] The upper part (121) of the knob connector is designed and shaped in the form of a lump member (121) that may be rounded or spherical. In this disclosure and in the claims the terms “the upper part” and the “lump member” are same and refer to element (121) in the drawings. The central part (122) of the knob connector is designed and shaped in the form of a vertical rod (122) that may be circular and relatively thin. In this disclosure and in the claims the terms “the central part” and the “vertical rod” are same and refer to element (122) in the drawings. The lower part (123) of the connector is designed and shaped in the form of a flat member (123) that may be a flat and flexible disc or arms that projects from the vertical rod. In this disclosure and in the claims the terms “the lower part” and the “flat member” are same and refer to element (123) in the drawings. The vertical rod (122) of the knob connector is narrower than the lump member (121) and that the flat member (123) of the knob connector. The knob connector is made of flexible materials that possible to be positioned in microwaves and ovens, such as silicone, preferably made of one unit.

[0028] The design of the knob connector (12), its structure and the fact that it is made of silicone, and that its flat member (123) is flexible, enables the flat member to be inserted through the hole (52) in the lid (51), so that after inserting the knob connector into the hole of the lid, the lump member (121) protrudes upwards from the lid, the flat member (123) is tight to the bottom wall (53) of the lid (51), and the vertical rod

[0029] (122) is positioned inside the hole (52), as illustrated for example in Figure 8 which is a cross-sectional schematic depiction from a side view of the knob connector (12) after being inserted through the hole (52) of the lid (51). The most important part is that the knob connector is made of materials that possible to place in microwaves and ovens, such as silicon, and is connected without screws or other components to the lid and it is possible to place the lid (when it is without circumferential rim or with one made of silicon) so that possible to remove the knob head and place it in the microwaves so that the connector seal the hole in the lid. In such case, the knob head may be from a metal, and when it is made of silicon then possible to place it inside.

[0030] The knob head (11) includes a cavity (111) in its lower part (112) in such a way that it designed to be mounted on the knob connector (12) in such a way that the lump member (121) of the knob connector is inserted and positioned (preferably with pressure and flexibility) into the cavity (111) at the lower part (112) of the knob head (11), as illustrated for example in Figure 9 which is a cross-sectional schematic depiction from a side view of the knob head after being assembled on the lump member of the knob connector when it is positioned in the hole of the lid. It is desirable that the cavity be in the design of the lump member, so that the lump member is placed inside it in such a way that when the head is lifted, then it pulls the connector with it, and together the lid is lifted; And it is desirable that the cavity has a relatively narrow opening and its inner part is wider and larger, in the design of the lump member.

[0031] It is preferably that the length (122L) of the vertical rod (122) be the thickness (52L) of the lid (the length (52L) of the hole (52) of the lid) so that when the vertical rod is placed inside the hole of the lid, the flat member is pressed against the lower wall (53) of the lid, and the lump member is pressed against the upper wall (54) of the lid, in order to create a seal, and to prevent steam escaping when using a pot or pan on which the lid is placed with the knob of the present invention. It is also preferably that the cavity in the knob head matches the design and the shape of the lump member of the knob connector, so that the knob head will be mounted on the knob connector properly.

[0032] The fact that the knob comprises two parts, as detailed above, enables the user to insert the flat member (after he folds and compresses it) through the hole in the lid, while using his fingers or perhaps using some tool if necessary, and after he places the knob connector in its place the user can assemble the knob head on the lump member very easily. If we had made the knob as one piece, and not in two parts, it would have been difficult for the user to insert the flat member through the hole in the lid, because the knob would have to be very close to the lid, in a way that does not leave much room to use the fingers to hold the flat member in the folded state and insert it into the hole. In any case, the present invention refers and claims the knob even when it is made of one piece.

[0033] The fact that the knob (10) is made of silicone (or equivalent materials) enables it to be placed in the microwave, in the oven, and in addition to that, it doesn't get very hot (compared to buttons made of Bakelite or metal) when the pot or pan (covered with a lid that includes the knob) heats up on a gas or electric stove. Also, the special structure of the knob allows the user (who is not skilled) to assembled it on the lid easily, as well as remove it for cleaning, or replace it with another, new knob, with different colors aesthetically. Another version of the knob (10): in this version the vertical rod can be conical (preferably a narrow part at the top and a wider part at the bottom) and slightly longer than the thickness of the lid, as described for example in Figure 10. In this way, the connector can be used to release steam from the pot. If the user pulls the knob (together with the connector) upwards, position A in figure 10, then the hole in the lid is sealed and steam does not escape. If the user lowers the knob down a little, then a space is created (indicated by small arrows in the figure) between the hole in the lid and the connector, and through this space the steam can escape out of the pot. In another version, the vertical rod will include a longitudinal recess like a tunnel (1221) along a part of the vertical rod (1222), as described for example in Figure 19. In this way, the connector can be used to release steam from the pot. If the user pulls the knob (together with the connector) upwards, position A in figure 19, then the hole in the lid is sealed and steam does not escape. If the user lowers the knob down a little, then the tunnel (1221) is no longer blocked by the lid and through this tunnel the steam can escape out of the pot (indicated by small arrows in the figure). The user can control the amount of vapor by pulling up or pressing down the knob, and positioning the connector in relation to the lid to create the desired size gap to release vapor at the desired intensity.

[0034] Many standard lids of pots have a steam hole (55) on their upper wall (54) to let steam escape and prevent pressure from building inside the pot or pan, and there are lids that have a side steam hole (56) on their circumferential side wall (56) as depicted for example in Figure 11. The problem with these side steam holes (56) is that they cause the steam to flow out in a horizontal direction. The second embodiment of the present invention refers to a side steam hole (58) that is designed to direct the steam to the side and downwards, where usually steam collectors are positioned in new modem kitchens. The structure of the side steam hole (58) can be in a variety of options and structures, and the main thing is that the hole is designed, planned and built so that the steam is diverted to the side and downwards.

[0035] For example: the exit opening (581) of the side steam hole (58) may be inclined downwards (and not horizontal), so that the kinetic energy of the vapors (molecules) will cause them to continue to move to the side and downwards with the direction of their flow from the exit opening as depicted for example in Figure 12, or in such a way that the lid will include a inclined canopy (582) next and up to the exit opening (581) which will cause a downward deflection of the vapor stream, as depicted for example in Figure 13.

[0036] The side steam hole (58) is located on the upper part (571) of the peripheral wall (57) of the lid (51), which is not hidden by the peripheral wall (61) of the pot or pan (60) when the lid is put on them.

[0037] In another embodiment, the side steam hole (58) it located on the lower part (572) of the peripheral wall (57) of the lid (51), which is hidden by the peripheral wall (61) of the pot or pan (60) when the lid is put on them, and in this embodiment the peripheral wall (61) of the pot or pan (60) has a includes a hole or recess (62), means a missing section, through which the steam can exits the pot when the side steam hole is in front of that hole or recess, and the steam cannot go out through the side steam hole when the side steam is not located in front of the hole or recess, so the user can control the situation whether to allow steam to exit or not, as depicted for example in Figure 14. This version is mainly intended for cases where the side of the lid is too narrow and the side steam hole cannot be included. In this version the lid corresponds with the pot or the pan.

[0038] Longitudinal hole inclined upwards

[0039] Another embodiment of the present invention refers to a pot (600) that matches with a lid (510) that has elongated horizontal side hole (580) that it located on the lower part (572) of the peripheral wall (57) of the lid (510), which is hidden by the peripheral wall (610) of the pot (600) when the lid is put on it. In this embodiment the peripheral wall (610) of the pot (600) has an inclined upwards steam outlet (620), and the term “outlet” with this respect means a hole, recess or a missing part that is inclined upward and through which the steam can flow outside from the pot when the elongated horizontal side hole (580) is in front of that inclined upwards steam outlet (620), and on the other hand, the steam cannot go out through this inclined upwards steam outlet when the elongated horizontal side hole is not located in front of this outlet. The peripheral wall of the pot has also an inclined downwards steam outlet (630), that may include a canopy (631), and this outlet is inclined upward and through which the steam can flow outside from the pot when the elongated horizontal side hole is in front of that inclined downwards steam outlet (630), and on the other hand, the steam cannot go out through this inclined downwards steam outlet when the elongated horizontal side hole is not located in front of this outlet. So, the user can control the situation whether to allow steam to exit or not, and if yes, to decide if downwards or upwards, as depicted for example in Figure 18.

[0040] The present invention refers also to a quick release knob (20) with a quick release mechanism, in such a way that pressing or rotating the push button (21) causes two balls (22) to retract, and enables the quick release knob (20) to be pulled out of the hole (52) in the lid (51). The structure and principle of how the quick release mechanism works are the same as of the known Ball Lock Pin Quick Release (23) that is known to experts in the field, so no explanation is needed. The quick release knob (20) that is based on the known structure of Ball Lock Pins is very secure and easy for use. It has the push-rotation button that initiates the balls action and retraction, and can only be released by pushing or rotation the button.

[0041] The lid (51) may be include a matching disc (24), which includes a notch (241) with two side holes (242) into which the balls (22) are supposed to fit and positioned while the knob (20) is pressed on the lid, and while the matching disc (24) is pressed and tight to the bottom of the lid.

[0042] The advantages of this quick release knob (20) are enormous: it allows quick disassembly of the knob (20) before storing the pots and their lids in the kitchen drawers, in a way that saves space (the user can stack the lids one on top of the other and put aside their knobs). In case the invention is applied to a flat lid, then, while storing the pot (when it's covered with the lid) in the refrigerator it takes up less space, and wha s more, the user can place another pot on the pot (with the lid), or other things comfortably. Also, the lid (when it's flat) can be used as a decorative serving surface after removing the knob (20). Figure 15 depicts the known Ball Lock Pin Quick Release (23), and Figure 16 depicts the quick release knob (20) and the matching disc (24).

[0043] The present invention refers also to a bidirectional valve knob (30) that is designed to enable the user to select an option of steam release from the pot through the knob (30), and an option to add liquids to the pot through the knob (30). The knob (30) includes the knob head (31), may further include a swift tightening nut (32) or any other mechanism for tightening the head to the lid, a regulator-valve (33), may further include a liquid compartment (34), a liquid inlet opening (35), a steam release outlet (36) from which the steam flows outside from the pot through the passageway (37), and may further include a whistle (38) in the exit of the passageway. The way the regulator-valve controls the size of the openings may be based on well-known principles of faucets, such as a conical lower part that the greater the rotation of the regulator, the larger the opening, or a bottom of the regulator that includes a spherical part with nozzles, and similar methods and means. Figure 17 depicts the bidirectional valve knob (30).

[0044] The regulator- valve (33) can be in one or more of the following positions: (a) the steam release outlet and the liquid inlet opening are closed; (b) the steam release outlet and the liquid inlet opening are opened; (c) the steam release outlet is opened and the liquid inlet opening is closed; and (d) the steam release outlet is closed and the liquid inlet opening is opened. The knob (3) is designed to release steam and enables the control of the cooking time and manner and, and in case of a glass lid, to see the contents of the pot through the glass lid that incorporates a funnel (the liquid compartment and the liquid inlet opening) for the controlled addition of liquids to the pot during cooking that may be with a finger protector valve to allow steam emission from the side of the knob and thus protect hand and fingers from hot steam. The regulator-valve may be easily removed without dismantling the knob and may be washed by hand or in a dishwasher. The knob (30) may be incorporated with any type of glass or metal lid or any other kind of lid and materials. An optional thermometer may be added to the knob. The knob (30) may also have an optional whistle feature to notify when the contents of the pot are boiling. This feature may be turned on or off.

[0045] The regulator-valve of the knob (30) is designed to control the rate of the steam release and the rate of adding the liquids, and this is by controlling the size of the openings (35) (36), by the rotation of the regulator-valve.

[0046] Cleaning of the vent knob: The vent knobs’ liquid and steam passages (37) may easily be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher by easy dismantling of the valve and without having to unscrew the entire knob, this a logical new and innovative feature for the customer and will prevent the entrapment of liquid between the knob and the lids.

[0047] Technical Shape and Fit between the Knob and Lid - All that is required for the steam to be emitted from the knob is a hole. In all knobs that are currently available on the market the radius of the shape of the lid must suit the radius of the knob otherwise the steam escapes from the sides of the lids as well as through the designated hole and / or the steam escape vent gets clogged or is mechanically inappropriate and thus prevents the release of steam.

[0048] When liquid in a closed pot boils, steam accumulates within the pot, and as this steam needs to be emitted in a controlled and safe manner. The knob (30) may comprise the minimum possible number of parts, which may be detached from the lid and easily cleaned and re-assembled. The knob (30) may be tightened using a nut or any other elementary fixture (32) such as tightening by a platform thus eliminating the need for an additional part and allowing just two parts. As steam is very hot and dangerous, it is hereby proposed to distance the steam emission from the area where hands may be and to situate it towards the edge of the lid, accomplished by the asymmetrical shape of the part and by using the passageway (37) to force the steam to flow inside the knob and to exit relatively far from the place the user touch the knob.

[0049] Controlling the amount of steam emitted: the regulator-valve (33) is assembled within the knob (30) which controls the amount of steam emitted. Turning this element causes part to move either up or down (and rotating or only rotting for opening and closing the openings); when moving up an opening in the cone opens and the steam is emitted through this opening into the atmosphere. At the same time as emitting the steam and distancing the steam from the user’s hands, liquids of any type (wine, syrup, water, etc.) may be added to the cookware.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A knob of lid of a pot that comprises a knob head and a knob connector; wherein the knob connector comprises a lump member, a vertical rod, and a flat member; wherein the flat member is designed to be inserted through a hole in the lid, and wherein when the knob connector is assembled on the lid the lump member protrudes upwards, the flat member is tight to a bottom wall of the lid, and the vertical rod is positioned inside the hole; wherein the knob head comprises a cavity in its lower part that it designed to be mounted on the knob connector in such a way that the lump member is positioned inside the cavity.

2. The knob of claim 1 wherein said vertical rod is conical or includes a longitudinal tunnel, and longer than thickness of said hole of said lid or long as the highest of the hole, and is designed to be used to release steam form said pot; wherein upon pulling up or pushing down the knob a gap is created between the vertical rod and the lid or the tunnel is revealed and become opened, so that steam can flow outside the pot.

3. A lid of a pot that includes a side steam passageway that is designed to direct to the side and downwards steam that flows outside from the pot; wherein an exit opening of the side steam passageway is inclined downwards, or wherein the lid is further comprises an inclined canopy next and up to the exit opening side steam passageway.

4. The lid of claim 3 wherein said side steam hole is located on a lower part of said peripheral wall of the lid that is designed to be in front of a peripheral wall of said pot when the lid is put on the pot, and wherein the pot includes a recess that is designed to be positioned in front of the side steam hole.

5. A bidirectional valve knob of a lid of a pot that is designed to release steam from the pot through the knob, and to add liquids to the pot through the knob; wherein the knob comprises a knob head, a regulator-valve, a liquid compartment with a liquid inlet opening, a steam release outlet from which the steam can flows outside from the pot through a passageway, and a whistle in an exit of the passageway; wherein the regulator- valve is designed to control the amount of steam that flows out, and the rate of adding liquids to the pot.

6. A quick release knob of a lid of a pot that includes a quick release mechanism.

7. The quick release knob of claim 6 that further comprises a matching disc that includes a notch with two side holes into which balls of the quick release mechanism are designed to be positioned when the quick release mechanism is locked.

8. A pot and matching lid; wherein the lid has elongated horizontal side hole that it located on a lower part of a peripheral wall of the lid, which is designed to be in front of the peripheral wall of the pot when the lid is put on it; wherein the peripheral wall of the pot has an inclined upwards steam outlet that is inclined upward and through which steam can flow outside from the pot when the elongated horizontal side hole is in front of the inclined upwards steam outlet; wherein the peripheral wall of the pot has an inclined downwards steam outlet that is inclined upward and through which steam can flow outside from the pot when the elongated horizontal side hole is in front of the inclined downwards steam outlet.

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