DESC:A MAGNETIC FIXTURE FOR HOLDING A COOKWARE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a cookware holding fixture. In particular, the present invention relates to a magnetic cookware holding fixture for simultaneous coating of inside and outside of a cookware.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventionally known process and chuck for production of cookware including treatment of the cookware, such as coating and heat treatment. Conventionally, metallic plates of specific dimensions are subjected to press shop, for making cookware, such as vessels. Further, to make the cookware usable with induction type cook top, another metallic disc is embedded to the bottom of the cookware. Next, the cookware may be subjected to surface treatment to get the required finish for doing coating operation. Coating operation generally includes covering of inside surface of the cookware with two to five layers of nonstick coating i.e. base coat, mid-coat and topcoat and covering of outer surface with two to three layers of heat resistant paint or non-stick paint i.e. base coat, midcoat and topcoat.
[0003] In conventional process, after the inside surface is treated, the cookware is mounted on a mechanical chuck in a continuous conveyor chain or belt. Further, the base coat is sprayed by a nozzle mounted on the conveyor belt on the inner surface of the cookware. Thereafter, the cookware is moved into a continuous furnace and subjected to flash drying, at 80 degrees centigrade. Next, the inner surface is subjected to mid-coat and topcoat and cured in the continuous furnace at 430 to 440 degree centigrade. Subsequently, the cookware is given surface treatment on the outer surface while being mounted reverse on the mechanical chuck on the continuous conveyor. The outer surface is then given the two coats i.e. the base coat and the top coat of the heat resistant paint and cured in the continuous oven. Once the coating and heat treatment of the inner surface and the outer surfaces of the cookware is completed, it is passed on for assembly and packing.
[0004] The deficiency of the above-described process of coating and curing using mechanical chuck is that when the chuck holds on the outer surface of the cookware, the chuck covers some portion of the outer surface. Since the outer portion covered by the chuck cannot be coated, the conventional chuck does not facilitate simultaneous coating of inner and outer surface. Further, the heat resistant paint is over sprayed on the outside surface and an extra process is used for removing the excess paint.
[0005] Thus, in view of the above, there is a need for a fixture that holds the cookware without any hindrance and enables for simultaneous coating of inside and outside of the cookware.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other problems associated with simultaneous double side treatment of cookware.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention, discloses a magnetic fixture for holding a cookware. The magnetic fixture includes a shaft assembly coupled to a holding assembly at one end and a pulley at an opposite end. Further, the holding assembly includes a magnet holding plate having a plurality of magnetic inserts and is configured to physically contact a metallic disc of the cookware and a first spring to provide tension to the magnet holding plate and facilitates in a vertical movement of the magnetic holding plate.
[0008] Further a cam follower configured to move the holding assembly in a vertical direction. An upward movement of the holding assembly energizes an attachment force between the plurality of magnets in the magnet holding plate and the metallic disc of the cookware facilitating in holding the cookware in position and a downward movement of the holding assembly de-energizes the attachment force and detaches holding assembly from the metallic disc of the cookware.
[0009] Further, the shaft assembly comprises a first shaft and a second shaft, the first shaft is coupled with the holding assembly and the second shaft is coupled with the pulley, further wherein the pulley is mounted on a conveyer belt and configured to move along the conveyor belt. The first shaft and the second shaft are coupled together via a second spring, the second spring facilitates in adjusting height of the shaft assembly in the conveyor belt.
[0010] Further, the holding assembly further comprises a magnet locking plate to lock the plurality of magnets in position in the magnet holding plate and a job holder top cover to hold the cookware in position after creating a magnetic attachment between the plurality of magnets and the metallic disc of the cookware.
[0011] Further, the plurality of magnetic inserts is positioned along a peripheral portion of the magnet holding plate and contact with the metallic disc of the cookware. The cam follower is provided in the first shaft below the holding assembly and positioned perpendicular to a vertical axis of the first shaft.
[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cam follower is generally circular in shape with an expanding part towards an outside in a radial direction. The cam follower rotates in contact with the holding assembly, the rotation of the cam follower facilitates in the upward and the downward movement of the holding assembly.
[0013] Further, when the cam follower is rotated, the expanding part pushes the magnet holding plate via a job holding moving pipe in an upward direction against the tension of the first spring. Upon rotation of the cam follower, the plurality of magnets moves in an upward direction inside a job holder top cover magnetizing the metallic plate in the cookware and attaching the cookware with the job holding top cover.
[0014] Further, when the cam follower is further rotated, the tension in the first spring pulls the magnet holding plate in the downward direction inside the job holder top cover magnetizing the metallic plate in the cookware and attaching the cookware with the job holding top cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The following drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments for enabling the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.
[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a magnetic fixture for holding cookware during treatment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 2 illustrates the magnetic fixture holding cookware during treatment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 3 illustrates expanded view of the magnetic fixture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] Figures 4(c) and 4(d) illustrate process for production of cookware using the magnetic fixture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For the purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a magnetic fixture 102for holding cookware 202 during treatment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates the magnetic fixture 102holding cookware 202 during treatment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates expanded view of the magnetic fixture 102in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, figures 1, 2 and 3 are described together.
[0022] The fixture may be a part of a cookware 202 manufacturing or treatment assembly with conveyor assemblies and treatment units such as, without any limitation, coating and curing units. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cookware 202 may comprise, without any limitation, pans and pots.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic fixture 102for holding the cookware 202 may include a shaft assembly and a holding assembly. Further, the shaft assembly includes a first shaft 312 and a second shaft 320 that is connected in a same vertical axis. The first shaft 312 is coupled with a holding assembly at one end and the second shaft 320 is coupled with a pulley 326 in the opposite end. The holding assembly is configured to magnetically attach the cookware 202 and hold it in position and the pulley 326 is mounted on a conveyer belt and configured to move along the conveyor belt. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shaft assembly, the pulley 326 and the holding assembly may be coupled together using one or more coupling techniques.
[0024] Further, the holding assembly incudes a magnet holding plate 308 having a plurality of magnetic inserts 306 and a first spring 310 to provide tension to the magnet holding plate 308. The first spring 310 facilitates in a vertical movement of the magnetic holding plate. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of magnetic inserts 306 may be permanent magnets and may be positioned along a peripheral portion of the magnet holding plate 308. The magnet holding plate 308 is configured to move in a vertical direction and Furthermore, the holding assembly includes a magnet locking plate 304 to lock the plurality of magnetic inserts 306 in position in the magnet holding plate 308 and a job holder top cover 302 to hold the cookware 202 in position after creating a magnetic attachment between the plurality of magnetic inserts 306 and the metallic disc of the cookware 202. The magnet locking plate 304, the magnet holding plate 308 and the first spring 310 are provided inside the job holder top cover 302. The magnet holding plate 308 move in a vertical direction inside the job holder top cover 302.
[0025] Further, the first shaft 312 and the second shaft 320 is connected via a second spring 318. The second spring 318 facilitates in adjusting the height of the magnetic fixture (102). If the holding assembly needs to adjusted for height in the conveyor belt, the second spring 318 may be adjusted to increase or decrease distance between the first shaft 312 and the second shaft 320. Accordingly, the height of the magnetic fixture 102may be adjusted. Furthermore, the magnetic fixture 102is provided with a cam follower 316 configured to move the holding assembly in a vertical direction. An upward movement of the holding assembly energizes an attachment force between the plurality of magnetic inserts 306 in the magnet holding plate 308 and the metallic disc of the cookware 202 facilitating in holding the cookware 202 in position and a downward movement of the holding assembly de-energizes the attachment force and detaches holding assembly from the metallic disc of the cookware 202. The working of the cam follower 316 and the corresponding attachment of the cookware 202 is described in detail in subsequent paragraphs.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cam follower 316 is provided in the first shaft 312 below the holding assembly and positioned perpendicular to the vertical axis of the first shaft 312. The cam follower 316 is positioned such that, it is in contact with the holding assembly. The rotation of the cam follower 316 facilitates in the upward and the downward movement of the holding assembly. Further, the cam follower 316 is generally circular in shape with an expanding part towards an outside in a radial direction. When the cam follower 316 is rotated, the expanding part pushes the magnet holding plate 308 via a job holding moving pipe 314 in an upward direction against the tension of the first spring 310. Upon rotation of the cam follower 316, the plurality of magnetic inserts 306 moves in an upward direction inside a job holder top cover 302 magnetizing the metallic plate in the cookware 202 and attaching the cookware 202 with the job holding top cover. When the cam follower 316 is further rotated, the tension in the first spring 310 pulls the magnet holding plate 308 in the downward direction inside the job holder top cover 302 magnetizing the metallic plate in the cookware 202 and attaching the cookware 202 with the job holding top cover. Further, the cam follower 316 is rotated at desired location in the conveyor assembly for the purpose of holding the cookware. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cam follower 316 is moved up via guideways provided in the conveyor assembly facilitating in the upward and the downward movement of the holding assembly.
[0027] Further, the second shaft 320 is provided with a cam locator 322 to guide the cookware 202 in the conveyor belt. The cam locator 322 is provided in a cam holder 324 offset to the second shaft 320. Furthermore, the pulley 326 is provided with a bearing to rotate the cam locator 322 along the conveyor belt. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bearing 328 may be bearing number 6001 and two in number. Moreover, a circlip 330 is provided between the bearing 328 and the pulley 326 to lock the bearing in position.
[0028] Figures 4(c) and 4(d) illustrate process for production of cookware 202 using the magnetic fixture 102in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, after press shop operations and surface preparation, steps 402 and 404, coating and curing/ heat treatment may be carried out on the cookware 202. For the coating, the magnetic fixture 102may be attached to metallic disc embedded in the cookware 202 for induction based cooking, as illustrated in Figure 2. It may be understood that since the metallic disc is provided for heat transfer when the cookware 202 is used on induction cook top, the metallic disc does not require to be coated with heat resistant paint.
[0029] Upon attachment of the magnetic fixture 102to the cookware 202 via the metallic disc, paint spray nozzles mounted on the conveyor system would spray base coat from the top on the inside surface and simultaneously the nozzle mounted at the bottom would spray base coat of the heat resistant paint on the outer surface of the cookware 202 as shown in 406. After, coating of base coats on the inside and the outside surface, the cookware 202 204 may be passed for flash drying as shown in 410.
[0030] After, the flash drying the paint spray nozzles mounted on the conveyor system would spray mid-coat and top coat from the top, on the inside surface and simultaneously the nozzle mounted at the bottom would spray mid and top coat (as applicable) of the heat resistant paint on the outer surface of the cookware 202 as shown in 412. Thereafter, the coated cookware 202 may be cured via heat treatment as shown in 416. Subsequent to the curing the cookware 202 may be passed on for assembly and packaging as shown in 418.
[0031] Accordingly, as the magnetic fixture 102disclosed by the present subject matter holds on only to the metallic disc on the bottom surface of the cookware 202 where no coating is required, the inner and outer surfaces of the cookware 202 remain free from any coverage, blockage and obstacles, unlike the conventional mechanical chuck. Thus, the use of the fixture of the present invention overcomes the mechanical chuck hindrance for coating simultaneously both the inner and outer surface. Further, the process of coating and curing is made faster by use of the magnetic fixture (102). The new process helps in avoiding over spray removal, reduced handling of the product during manufacturing process, better finish quality of the coating of the cookware 202, energy efficient manufacture as one oven need not be used, besides significant savings in cost and time as multiple handling is reduced. ,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A magnetic fixture (102) for holding a cookware (202), the fixture comprising:
a shaft assembly coupled to a holding assembly at one end and a pulley (326) at an opposite end;
the holding assembly comprising:
a magnet holding plate (308) having a plurality of magnetic inserts (306) and is configured to physically contact a metallic disc of the cookware (202);
a first spring (310) to provide tension to the magnet holding plate (308) and facilitates in a vertical movement of the magnetic holding plate;
a cam follower (316) configured to move the holding assembly in a vertical direction, wherein an upward movement of the holding assembly energizes an attachment force between the plurality of magnetic inserts (306) in the magnet holding plate (308) and the metallic disc of the cookware (202) facilitating in holding the cookware (202) in position and a downward movement of the holding assembly de-energizes the attachment force and detaches holding assembly from the metallic disc of the cookware (202).
2. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a first shaft (312) and a second shaft (320), the first shaft (312) is coupled with the holding assembly and the second shaft (320) is coupled with the pulley (326), further wherein the pulley (326) is mounted on a conveyer belt and configured to move along the conveyor belt.
3. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first shaft (312) and the second shaft (320) are coupled together via a second spring (318), the second spring (318) facilitates in adjusting height of the shaft assembly in the conveyor belt.
4. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding assembly further comprises:
a magnet locking plate (304) to lock the plurality of magnetic inserts (306) in position in the magnet holding plate (308);
a job holder top cover (302) to hold the cookware (202) in position after creating a magnetic attachment between the plurality of magnetic inserts (306) and the metallic disc of the cookware (202).
5. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of magnetic inserts (306) is positioned along a peripheral portion of the magnet holding plate (308) and contact with the metallic disc of the cookware (202).
6. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cam follower (316) is provided in the first shaft (312) below the holding assembly and positioned perpendicular to a vertical axis of the first shaft (312) further wherein the cam follower (316) is generally circular in shape with an expanding part towards an outside in a radial direction.
7. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cam follower (316) rotates in contact with the holding assembly, the rotation of the cam follower (316) facilitates in the upward and the downward movement of the holding assembly.
8. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein when the cam follower (316) is rotated, the expanding part pushes the magnet holding plate (308) via a job holding moving pipe (314) in an upward direction against the tension of the first spring (310).
9. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, wherein upon rotation of the cam follower (316), the plurality of magnetic inserts (306) moves in an upward direction inside a job holder top cover (302) magnetizing the metallic plate in the cookware (202) and attaching the cookware (202) with the job holding top cover.
10. The magnetic fixture (102) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the cam follower (316) is further rotated, the tension in the first spring (310) pulls the magnet holding plate (308) in the downward direction inside the job holder top cover (302) magnetizing the metallic plate in the cookware (202) and attaching the cookware (202) with the job holding top cover.