Claims:
[CLAIM 1] A utensil 100 characterized in that, said utensil includes a lid 06 and open hollow compartment, wherein the open hollow compartment consists of a lid securing mechanism comprising of:
a. a lid securing compartment AA consisting of:
i. a top rim 01;
ii. a lid opening area 2A;
iii. a neck 03;
b. a housing compartment BB consisting of:
i. a hollow compartment 04;
ii. a base 05.

[CLAIM 2] The utensil as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neck 03 of the lid securing mechanism and the lid 06 have the following dimensions:
A. the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06;
B. the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the major diameter Z1 of the lid 06; or
C. the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the major diameter Z1 and greater than the minor diameter Z2; preferably, the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06.

[CLAIM 3] The utensil as claimed in claim 1, wherein a top rim 01 enables fastening of the lid 06 and the diameter of the lid 06 being incapable of passing through the neck 03.

[CLAIM 4] The utensil as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing compartment BB extending from the securing compartment AA is prevented from any contact with the lid 06 at all times by means of the lid securing area, blocking said lid 06 from passing through its inner diameter.

[CLAIM 5] The utensil as claimed in claim 1, wherein the securing compartment AA provides easy opening and closing of inner lid and prevents the lid of the utensil from falling into the housing compartment BB of the utensil wherein food is contained.

[CLAIM 6] The utensil as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid opening area has walls the shape of which may be selected from but not limited to concave, convex, angled, funnel, cylindrical, planar, conical, inversely conical, or combinations thereof, preferably the walls are shaped convexly.

[CLAIM 7] The utensil as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid securing mechanism may be incorporated into but not limited to a simple inner lid pressure cooker, a haandi type inner lid pressure cooker, an electric inner lid pressure cooker, or any inner lid utensil.

[CLAIM 8] A utensil 100 characterized in that, said utensil includes a lid and open hollow compartment, wherein the open hollow compartment consists of a lid securing mechanism comprising of:
a. a lid securing compartment AA consisting of:
i. a top rim 01;
ii. a lid opening area 2A;
b. a housing compartment BB consisting of:
i. a hollow compartment 04;
ii. a base 05.

[CLAIM 9] The utensil as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lid opening area has walls the shape of which may be selected from but not limited to concave, convex, angled, funnel, cylindrical, planar, conical, inversely conical, or combinations thereof, preferably the walls are shaped convexly.

[CLAIM 10] The utensil as claimed in claim 8, wherein the neck Y is of a diameter less than the diameter X of the top rim and the lid 06 is of the diameter compatible with diameter X of the top rim 01.
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)

&

THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10, Rule 13]

1.: TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A LID SECURING MECHANISM FOR A UTENSIL

2. APPLICANT
a) Name : Bajaj Electricals Ltd.
b) Nationality : Indian
c) Address : 45/47, Veer Nariman Road, Fort Mumbai - 400001, Maharashtra, India

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER OF PERFORMING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a utensil. Particularly, the present invention relates to a kitchen utensil with a lid; most preferably an inner lid type utensil wherein a novel securing mechanism is provided to prevent the lid of the utensil from falling into the housing compartment of the utensil.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
A pressure cooker is a sealed utensil with a valve that utilizes steam at high temperature and pressure to cook food inside the utensil. As the utensil heats up, the liquid inside forms steam, which raises the pressure in the utensil. Opening the utensil that contains such high temperature and pressure can be dangerous if the lid of the utensil is opened while the pressure inside the utensil is still high. The user must first release the steam from the vent to reduce the pressure inside the utensil before opening the utensil. Considering a pressure cooker is used by experienced as well as novice cooks, safety measures are incorporated in the fastening of the lid of the utensil which can secure the user even if the lid is attempted to be opened without releasing the high pressure.

An inner-lid type pressure cooker is one such safety mechanism that prevents the lid from blasting open, if the user unfastens the utensil before venting out the steam. However, such inner-lid type pressure cooker can be tricky to handle especially by a novice cook. Often in the process the lid tends to fall into the utensil body containing food, it also leads to wear and tear of the lid as the user struggles to fasten the lid while scraping the edges of the lid along the walls of the utensil. This not only reduces the life of the utensil and creates a mess for the user but also brings the lid directly in contact with the food which is highly avoidable for sanitary reasons amongst others.

The European patent EP2904949B1 relates to a pressure cooker with a manhole comprising a re-entrant lid, a lid handle attached to the lid by a flexible arm, and a cooking vessel equipped with a bowl handle. However, the main disadvantage of the pressure cooker disclosed in EP’949 is that the pressure cooker does not provide sufficient space for easy opening and closing of the inner lid. Therefore, there is a great chance that during opening or closing of inner lid allow unwanted contact between the lid and the food inside the utensil.

The US patent US2828045A relates to closures for containers and more particularly to improvements in closures especially adapted for pressure cookers. Moreover, the US’045 talks about improvements in shape of lid and upper portion 14 [shown in figure] of container. But the US’045 does not disclose any lid securing mechanism to enable easy opening and closing of lid.

At present, there are no utensils which have a fastening mechanisms that may prevent the lid from falling into the utensil. Currently available options focus on altering the lid fastening mechanism rather than lid securing mechanism. Alternatives include lids that are externally fastened over the utensil. However, such utensils become bulky externally, without increasing the internal space of the utensil. The locking mechanism of the inner lid pressure cooker is safer than the outer lid pressure cooker.

Therefore, there is a need to overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
It has already been proposed that there is a need for utensils which have a fastening mechanisms that may prevent the lid from falling into the utensil.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism for an inner lid type utensil.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism which may be incorporated into but not limited to a simple inner lid pressure cooker, a haandi type inner lid pressure cooker, an electric inner lid pressure cooker, or any inner lid utensil.

Yet another object of the present invention isto provide a lid securing mechanism which prolongs the life of the lid by reducing frictional interference of the lid with the inner walls of the utensil.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism which ensures hygienic conditions by preventing the contents of the utensil from coming into contact with the lid.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism which overcomes the shortcomings of an inner lid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
An aspect of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism for a utensil. Wherein, the lid securing mechanism comprises of a lid securing compartment; and a housing compartment.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism for a utensil and lid; wherein, the securing compartment comprises of a top rim which enables fastening of the lid, a lid opening area and a neck extending into the housing compartment. Wherein the neck is of a diameter less than the diameter of the top rim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 shows across-sectional view which discloses a compartment of a utensil.
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view which discloses a utensil with lid covering opening area of a utensil.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of utensil which discloses prevention of lid to fall into the housing.
Figure 3A shows a top view of an inner lid of a pressure cooker.
Figure 3B shows a top view of the compartment of the pressure cooker.
Figure 4A shows cross-sectional view of an inner lid pressure cooker.
Figure 4B shows cross-sectional view of an inner lid pressure cooker which discloses easy opening of lid through a lid securing compartment.
Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of an inner lid pressure cooker which discloses prevention of a lid into the housing of the cooker container.
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention which easy opening of the lid of the utensil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
Unless otherwise indicated, this disclosure uses the following definitions:
“A lid securing mechanism” is defined as any kind of mechanism which prevents the lid of the utensil from falling into the housing compartment.

“A lid securing compartment” means a section or part of a structure or container which secures the lid in a preferred position.

“A housing compartment” is defined as a casing that is capable of containing matter such as food.

“A lid opening area” is defined as the area containing sufficient space for the lid to be easily fastened onto the utensil while preventing the lid from falling into the housing compartment.

The present invention solves at least the problems mentioned in the “background of the Invention ”by providing a lid securing mechanism which prevents the inner lid from falling into the housing compartment and consists of a lid opening area to enable easy opening and closing of lid.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a utensil 100 characterized in that, said utensil includes a lid and open hollow compartment, wherein the open hollow compartment consists of a lid securing mechanism comprising of:
a. a lid securing compartment AA consisting of:
i. a top rim 01;
ii. a lid opening area 2A;
iii. a neck 03;
b. a housing compartment BB consisting of:
i. a hollow compartment 04;
ii. a base 05.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a lid securing mechanism for a utensil having an inner lid. Wherein, the lid securing mechanism comprises of a securing compartment; and a housing compartment.

The securing compartment AA enables easy opening and closing of the inner lid and prevents the lid 06 of the utensil from falling into the housing compartment BB of the utensil where food is contained.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism; wherein, the securing compartment comprises of atop rim to enable fastening of the inner lid, a lid opening area and a neck connected to the housing compartment. Wherein the neck is of a diameter less than the diameter of the lid.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a lid securing mechanism wherein the rim diameter X is greater than or equal to the neck diameter Y. Optionally, the rim diameter X is smaller than the neck diameter Y, wherein the diameter Z of the lid is greater than the diameter of the neck Y.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide the lid securing mechanism; wherein, the neck 03 of the lid securing mechanism prevents the lid 06 from falling into the compartment 04 by ensuring at least following:
A. the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06;
B. the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the major diameter Z1 of the lid 06; or
C. the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the major diameter Z1 and greater than the minor diameter Z2;
preferably, the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide the lid securing mechanism; wherein, the neck 03 of the lid securing mechanism and the lid 06 have the following dimensions:
D. the diameter Yof the neck 03 is less than the minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06;
E. the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the major diameter Z1 of the lid 06; or
F. the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the major diameter Z1 and greater than the minor diameter Z2;
preferably, the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism; wherein, the top rim is connected to the neck by means of walls having shape which may be selected from but not limited to concave, convex, angled, funnel, cylindrical, planar, conical, inversed conical, or a combination thereof, preferably the walls are shaped convexly.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the securing compartment comprises of a lid opening area having convex curved wall which provides easy opening and closing for inner lid and wherein the diameter of the neck is less than the diameter of the lid. Said less diameter of neck prevents the lid from falling into the housing compartment.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the securing compartment comprises a lid opening area having concavely curved walls, which itself forms a narrow diameter preventing the lid from falling into the housing compartment.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a lid opening area having walls which may comprise a combination of convex and concave curves also.

In a further embodiment of the present invention a lid opening area having walls which may comprise a combination of convex and conical walls resulting in a funnel shaped lid opening area, which itself forms a narrow diameter preventing the lid from falling into the housing compartment is provided. The lid opening area has walls the shape of which may be selected from but not limited to concave, convex, angled, funnel, cylindrical, planar, conical, inversely conical, or combinations thereof, preferably the walls are shaped convexly.

In an embodiment of the present invention a lid securing mechanism which may be applied to but not limited to a simple inner lid pressure cooker, a haandi type inner lid pressure cooker, an electric inner lid pressure cooker, etc. is provided, said lid securing mechanism is applicable to any inner lid utensil.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism; wherein, the housing compartment is connected to the neck of the securing compartment and comprises of a hollow compartment and a base.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a utensil 100 characterized in that, said utensil includes a lid and open hollow compartment, wherein the open hollow compartment consists of a lid securing mechanism comprising of:
a. a lid securing compartment AA consisting of:
i. a top rim 01;
ii. a lid opening area 2A;
b. a housing compartment BB consisting of:
i. a hollow compartment 04;
ii. a base 05

Figure 1 of the present invention discloses an embodiment of the invention; wherein, a utensil 100 comprises a lid securing compartment AA and a housing compartment BB.A lid securing compartment AA consisting of atop rim 01; a lid opening area 2A having curved walls 02 and a neck 03. Curved walls 02 are designed in such way that said walls 02 connects atop rim 01 and a neck 03. A housing compartment BB consisting of a hollow compartment 04 and a base 05. The base 05 optionally consists of a heat conducting plate which transmits heat into the utensil from an external heat source. The housing compartment BB extending from the securing compartment AA is prevented from any contact with the lid 06 at all times by means of the lid securing area, blocking the said lid 06 from passing through its inner diameter.

Figure 2 of the present invention shows a cross sectional view of a utensil 100 with a lid 06 covering opening area of a said utensil 100 and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of utensil 100 which discloses prevention of lid 06 from falling into the housingcompartment BB. The lid 06 provides airtight seal to utensil 100 by means of gasket 06’. Further, Figure 2 and Figure 3 clearly illustrate an embodiment of the present invention wherein the diameter Z of the lid 06 is greater than or equal to the diameter X of the top rim 01 in such a way that the lid 06 seals the inner surface of the top rim 01 and it is to be noted that the diameter Z of the lid 06 is depend upon the diameter X of the top rim 01. Further, the diameter Y of the neck 03 is less than the diameter Z of the lid 06; due to which the neck 03 prevents the lid 06 from falling into the housing compartment BB. Moreover, the neck Y is of a diameter less than the diameter X of the top rim and the lid 06 is of the diameter compatible with diameter X of the top rim 01. The top rim 01 enables fastening of the lid 06 and the diameter of the lid 06 being incapable of passing through the neck 03.

Figure 3A of the present invention shows the top view of the inner lid for the pressure cooker. The shape of the lid is elliptical such that it consist of a major diameter Z1 and a minor diameter Z2.

Figure 3B of the present invention shows the top view of the compartment of the inner lid pressure cooker with a handle 09. The rim 01 of the compartment having an elliptical shape and having two diameters consisting of a major diameter X1 and a minor diameter X2.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a lid securing mechanism wherein the minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06 is greater than the neck diameter Y; due to which the neck 03 prevents the lid 06 from falling into the housing compartment BB.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show the inner lid pressure cooker having a lid securing mechanism wherein utensil having atop rim 01, curved walls 02, a neck 03, a hollow compartment 04 and a base 05. In the Figure 4A, the utensil consisting of a utensil handle 08 which is mounting on handle bracket [not shown in the figure]. A lid 06 having gasket 06’, a pressure regulator device 07, a vent pipe 07’, a safety pressure relief valve 12, a lid handle 09. The lid 06 is locked by means of fasting a locking hinge 10.Figure 4B shows the area made by curved walls 02 which provides more space for easy opening and closing of the inner lid 06.

Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of an inner lid pressure cooker (the handles of the utensil are in perpendicular alignment) which discloses prevention of a lid into the housing of the cooker container wherein the minor diameter Z2(not seen in view) of the lid 06 is greater than or equal to the minor diameter X2 of the top rim 01 in a way that the lid 06 seals the inner surface of the top rim 01 and it is to be noted that the major diameter Z1 of the lid 06 is depend upon the major diameter X1(not seen in view) and minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06 is depend upon the minor diameter X2 of the top rim 01. The diameter Y of the neck is less than the minor diameter Z2 of the lid 06. Due to less diameter Y of the neck 03 of the lid securing compartment AA; the neck 03 prevents the lid 06 from falling into the housing compartment BB because of larger diameter Z of the lid 06.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a lid 06 can be operated easily by user within the lid securing compartment AA. The said lid securing compartment AA provides easy opening and closing of the lid 06.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for the securely fastening the inner lid pressure cooker comprising of an opening and closing method. Wherein the closing method comprises of at least the following steps:
i. First hold lid 06 above the lid securing compartment AA such that the minor diameter of the lid Z2 meets the major diameter of the top rim X1 while twisting the lid to a slight angle;
ii. The minor diameter of the lid Z2 is passed through the major diameter of the top rim X1 as the tilted lid enters the lid securing compartment 2A;
iii. As the lid 06 enters the lid securing compartment 2A, it is straightened into a planar position from a tilted position;
iv. The lid 06 is then lifted upwards to meet the top rim 01 and rotated such that the minor diameter of the lid Z2 meets the minor diameter of the top rim X2 and the major diameter of the lid Z1 meets the major diameter of the top rim X1 and ensuring that the the lid handle 09 is positioned above the compartment handle 08.
v. The lid handle bar is placed on the pivot point 11;
vi. The lid handle 09 and compartment handle 08 are pressed together while pushing the locking hinge 10 to latch securely.

The opening method comprises of at least the following steps:
i. Squeeze the lid handle 09 and the compartment handle 08 together to release locking hinge 10;
ii. Turn the lid 06 900 counter clockwise away from the compartment handle 09 such that the minor diameter Z2 of the lid meets the major diameter of the top rim X1;
iii. Raise the lid edge out of a lid securing mechanism AA through top rim 01 with a slight twist of the lid handle 09;
iv. Move the lid 06 out towards the compartment handle 08.

EXAMPLES:

1. The inner lid pressure cooker was made having lid securing mechanism comprising of the neck 03 having diameter of 250mm and the lid 06 having major diameter of 270mm. Such that, the neck 03 prevented the lid 06 from falling into the compartment due to major diameter of the lid 06 being greater than the diameter of the neck 03.
2. The inner lid pressure cooker having lid securing mechanism comprises of the neck 03 having diameter of 250mm and the lid 06 having minor diameter of 260mm. so that, the neck 03 prevents the lid 06 from falling into the compartment due to minor diameter of the lid 06 being greater than the diameter of the neck 03.
3. The inner lid pressure cooker having lid securing mechanism comprises of the neck 03 having diameter of 250mm and the lid 06 having minor diameter of 240mm but major diameter of 260mm. so that, the neck 03 prevents the lid 06 from falling into the compartment due to major diameter of the lid 06 being greater than the diameter of the neck 03.