Apron-Mounted Tong Holder for Quick Access and Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial kitchens, chefs face inefficiencies in keeping tongs readily available while working, as existing solutions like cloth loops are time-consuming and lack effective sanitization options, and there is a need for a holder that is economical and easy to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A holder for tongs featuring a back anchoring portion joined to a bridge and a forward tubular receiving portion, made from a single metal sheet, allowing quick access and easy sanitization, with a design that fits over the apron or waist support, enabling swift insertion and removal of tongs without interfering with work duties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cloth loop strap is used to hold tongs, then the tongs can be kept accessible on the chef's person, but the insertion and removal of tongs becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into distinct functional segments: a back anchoring portion for securing to the apron, a bridge portion for structural connection, and a forward tubular receiving portion for tong storage. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, with the tubular portion providing quick-access tong insertion and removal without the complexity of cloth loop manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the tong-holding mechanism require complex manipulation (hooking and unhooking through a cloth loop), the invention inverts the approach by using a simple tubular opening that allows tongs to be inserted and removed directly. The anchoring mechanism is inverted from a front-access cloth loop to a back-anchored structure, allowing the user to access tongs from the front without dealing with complex fastening mechanisms
2Reliability
If a cloth loop strap is used to hold tongs, then the tongs can be kept accessible, but the cloth strip cannot be easily sanitized
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed as a non-fabric, likely metal or rigid plastic object that can be easily disposed of or replaced if contaminated, and can withstand repeated sanitization processes. This eliminates the problem of cloth loop sanitation while maintaining accessibility functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameter is changed from absorbent cloth to non-porous metal or rigid plastic, which fundamentally alters the sanitization capability. The new material allows for effective cleaning and sterilization through standard kitchen sanitization methods, eliminating the limitation of cloth loop sanitation
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional tong holder design is used, then the structure may be stable, but the device becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated structure: the anchoring portion, bridge, and tubular receiving portion are formed as one continuous piece. This merging simplifies manufacturing (requiring only one forming operation) while maintaining structural stability and functionality, eliminating the need for multiple parts and assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the back anchoring portion secures the holder to the apron, the bridge provides structural connection, and the forward tubular portion receives and holds the tongs. This multi-functionality in a single structure reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining device effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for a set of tongs is provided that includes a back anchoring portion with a tab joined to an intermediary bridge portion which is in turn joined to a forward tubular tong-receiving portion. A bend at the bridge portion positions the back anchoring portion to the back of the forward tong-receiving portion. The tab and bridge portion are adapted to be engaged over the top edge of an apron, apron tie, or similar support at a user's waist. The forward tong-receiving portion is formed into a generally open tubular-shape to receive a set of tongs. Preferably the holder is formed of a unitary continuous, thin blank. The support of the bridge and back anchor portion including a projecting tab allows the tongs to be inserted quickly and removed efficiently from the forward tubular tong-receiving portion.