Claims:We Claim:
1. A utensil 100 for accommodating a food item therein, the utensil comprising:
- a base 102;
- a wall 104 extending angularly upwards from a perimeter of the base 102; and
- an elliptical rim 106, wherein the wall 104 terminates at the elliptical rim 106;
wherein a width of the elliptical rim 106 at a major axis 108 is greater than the width of the elliptical rim 106 at a minor axis 110.
2. The utensil 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein difference between the width at the major axis 108 and minor axis 110 ranges between 15 to 20 mm.
3. The utensil 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein angle between the perimeter of the base 102 and the wall 104 ranges between 30° to 150°.
4. The utensil 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of the major axis 108 of the elliptical rim 106 ranges between 175 mm to 375 mm.
5. The utensil 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of the minor axis 110 of the elliptical rim 106 ranges between 150mm to 350 mm.
6. The utensil 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a diameter of the utensil 100 ranges between 125mm to 325mm.
7. The utensil 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a depth of the utensil 100 ranges between 50 mm to 150mm.
8. The utensil 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inner surface 112 of the utensil is coated with a food grade coating.
9. The utensil 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a form-factor of the utensil 100 allows for stackability.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
UTENSIL WITH IMPROVED RIM PROFILE FOR COOKING, SERVING AND STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS

2. APPLICANT(S)
a) Name :Hawkins Cookers Limited
b) Nationality :India
c) Address :Maker Tower, F-101, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400 005, Maharashtra, India

3. PREAMBLE TO DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to utensils for cooking, serving and storage of food items; and more specifically, to utensils which if are bought in a set can be stored in a nested manner.
BACKGROUND
Cookware are food preparation utensils used in the kitchens. These utensils are also used for storage purposes of food items and are provided by the manufacturers in the market with different sizes. The food items stored in these utensils can be transferred from one place to the other. These different sized utensils are arranged in stacks of 2 or more number of utensils. While stacking, smaller sized utensil is nested in the larger sized utensil and stacking of the utensils helps in saving the maximum space utilized for storage.
Presently in the market, the utensils are available in circular shapes with circular flanges for stacking purposes. The width of the circular flanges is kept to a minimum just to suffice the nesting of the smaller sized utensil over the larger sized utensil. The present design of the circular flange generally provides good pouring characteristics. However, it is difficult for a user to hold the utensil having a small flange with a firm grip. Furthermore, in order to hold the utensil containing hot food items, the user would be using a cotton cloth that further reduces the space for holding the utensil and the usage of cotton cloth contaminates the food contained in the utensil. Additionally, when the user lifts the utensil with two hands, his thumbs are prone to go inside the utensil, which is dangerous if it has hot food or liquid food inside it. Moreover, lifting the utensil with user’s hand dipping into the food also contaminates the food and at the same time, it poses a risk of the utensil being slipped. Kitchen tongs can also be used for lifting the utensil. Increasing the width of the flange for facilitating ample space to hold the utensil, would not be a desirable solution as it would be compromising the pouring characteristics. Tongs used in the kitchen are not suitable for use with the bigger flange.
Another important factor to be considered is the un-nesting of the nested utensils. In general, to un-nest the utensil, the user presses the inner wall of the utensil being un-nested against the wall of the utensil it is nested in and raises it against the wall friction as the flanges of corresponding utensils rest on each other and are not accessible for lifting. However, such a method of un-nesting creates scratches over the walls of the utensils. The problem to un-nest the utensils would further increase when the utensils are not wiped properly and water gets entrapped between the flanges of the nested utensils. The problems are also associated with larger sized utensils where the weight of the utensil will act as a deterrent.
Thus, there exists a need of a utensil for accommodating the food items which not only enables the user to hold the utensil firmly for lifting purpose without compromising on the pouring characteristics but also solves the problem of un-nesting.
SUMMARY
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved utensil which if bought in a set are stored in a nested manner. The utensils stored in such a nested manner further leads to storage space conservation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved utensil which maintains the pouring characteristics.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved utensil which facilitates a user for holding the utensil with a firm grip while lifting (especially when the utensil contains hot liquid). Additionally, the present invention aims to provide an option, to a user, of using a tong or his fingers to lift the utensil.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved utensil that enables a user to hold and lift the utensil in such a way that contamination of the food item can be prevented.
In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a utensil for accommodating a food item therein, the utensil comprising:
a base;
a wall extending angularly upwards from a perimeter of the base; and
an elliptical rim, wherein the wall terminates at the elliptical rim;
wherein a width of the elliptical rim at a major axis is greater than the width of the elliptical rim at a minor axis.
Optionally, the difference between the width at the major and minor axis ranges between 15-20 mm.
Optionally, the angle between the perimeter of the base and the wall ranges between 30° to 150°.
Optionally, the length of the major axis of the elliptical rim ranges between 175 mm to 375 mm.
Optionally, the length of the minor axis of the elliptical rim ranges between 150 mm to 350 mm.
Optionally, the diameter of the utensil ranges between 125 mm to 325 mm.
Optionally, the depth of the utensil ranges between 50 mm to 150 mm.
Optionally, the inner surface of the utensil is coated with a food-grade coating.
Optionally, the form-factor of the utensil allows for stackability.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained through the following examples which are set forth to illustrate but are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1a is an illustration of a utensil with a side view.
FIG. 1b is an illustration of a utensil with a top view.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a plurality of utensils of FIGs 1a and 1b in a nesting position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a plurality of utensils of FIG. 2 disclosing a nesting position where the plurality of utensils are overlapped for un-nesting purposes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a plurality of utensils of FIGs 2 and 3 disclosing a position where the plurality of utensils are overlapped for un-nesting purposes, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a utensil of FIGs 1a and 1b with a lid.
In the accompanying drawings, a number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is accompanied by an associated arrow, the number is used to identify a general item to which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a utensil for accommodating a food item therein, the utensil comprising:
a base;
a wall extending angularly upwards from a perimeter of the base; and
an elliptical rim, wherein the wall terminates at the elliptical rim;
wherein a width of the elliptical rim at a major axis is greater than the width of the elliptical rim at a minor axis.
The present disclosure provides the aforementioned utensil for accommodating the food item. When a plurality of aforementioned utensils with different sizes are used for stacking purpose, it would be easy for a user to un-nest the utensils from a nesting position. More specifically, the present disclosure provides an improved structure of the utensil which allows the user to lift a utensil from the plurality of utensils arranged in the nesting position with more convenience as ample space is available for the user to hold the utensils. Moreover, such an arrangement aids the user to hold the utensil with a firm grip while lifting especially when the utensil is used for storing hot food item. By employing such an enhanced structure of the utensil, contamination of the stored food item can be avoided. Furthermore, the utensils, when stacked together, lead to storage conservation. For example, consider the utensils of 1.5 litre, 2 litre and 2.5 litre capacities. The storage area required for these three individual utensils are 2.54 litre, 3.20 litre and 3.98 litre respectively. if these utensils are not stackable, it will occupy storage volume of 9.72 litre. Since 1.5 litre utensil will be nested in 2 litre utensil and 2 litre utensil will be nested in 2.5 litre utensil, the combined volume required for storage of these 3 utensils is equal to the storage volume of 2.5 litre utensil only. In other words, 3 utensils with combined capacity of 6 litres will occupy a storage volume of 3.98 litre only.
Additionally, the utensil facilitates in maintaining the desirable pouring characteristics. It is the basic requirement of a utensil to possess a feature of dripless pouring when food item in liquid/semi-liquid form is poured from one utensil to another utensil. Therefore, the enhanced structure of the utensil, as disclosed herein, preserves the desirable pouring characteristics.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “utensil” relates to a vessel which is used for cooking and serving purposes as well as for storage of food items. The utensils may be of different size which are used for storing the food items with different quantities. The size of the utensil may vary depending upon the amount of the food item to be stored and/or cooked. The different sized utensils could be used for stacking purposes where a smaller sized utensil can be stacked within a larger sized utensil. The utensil may be manufactured by employing different material such as Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminium, Carbon Steel, Cast Iron, Clay, Stoneware and a tri-ply material with aluminium being sandwiched between food grade SS304 and magnetic SS430 materials.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “angular” is used in respect of the angle that occurs between the base of the utensil and the wall that protrudes from the ends of the base. The angle may vary from 30° to 150° depending upon the design of the utensil. The utensils possessing a particular angle between the base and the wall could be stacked together. For example, a smaller sized utensil with an angle of 90° between the base and the wall could be stacked with a larger sized utensil with the same angle. For another example, a smaller sized utensil with an angle of 120° between the base and the wall could be stacked with a larger sized utensil with the same angle or lesser.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “elliptical rim” is used in reference to a flange of the utensil. The rim of the utensil is in the shape of an ellipse with a major axis and a minor axis. The term “oval” and “elliptical” are used interchangeably, in the disclosure, in reference to the flange of the utensil. In general, different steps are employed for manufacturing the utensil such as Pressing, Blanking and Metal finishing. However, it requires additional operation of deburring for shaping the rim in the elliptical manner.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “major axis” refers to the longest diameter of the elliptical rim of the utensil. The length of the major axis may vary depending upon the size of the utensil. For example, the major axis of the elliptical rim could be of length 230mm for a utensil.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “minor axis” refers to the longest diameter perpendicular to the major axis of the elliptical rim. The length of the minor axis may vary depending upon the size of the utensil. For example, the minor axis of the elliptical rim could be of length 197mm for a utensil.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “inner surface” relates to the inner wall of the utensil which comes in contact with the food item stored in the utensil. The inner surface of the utensil may be of circular shape and the diameter of the circular shaped inner surface may vary depending upon the size of the utensil. For example, the diameter of the inner surface of the utensil could be 175mm.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “form-factor” is used in reference to the utensil as disclosed herein. The form factor defines the shape and size of the plurality of the utensils. The form-factor allows for stackability of the utensil on one another. In particular, the utensils can be stacked together, for example, in such a way that a utensil with angle of 90o between the base and the wall, the diameter of 145 mm and with depth 70 mm can be stacked with another utensil having same angle, the diameter of 165 mm with depth 80 mm. The arrangement of utensils in a nesting positions can be un-nested by the user either by using tongs or by using his fingers. In another example, the wall of the utensil may be curved.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “food grade coating” is used in reference to the material employed for coating the inner surface of the utensil. The food grade coatings are of the advantage that such coatings are heat and water resistant. Additionally, these coatings are resistant to chemicals. The examples of food grade coating materials may be Teflon, Electropolishing Steel and so forth.
Referring to figure 1a, there is disclosed a utensil 100 for accommodating a food item with a side view. The utensil comprises a base 102 for providing support to the utensil and a wall 104 extending at angle of 90° from a perimeter of the base 102. The utensil 100 further comprises an elliptical rim 106 which is located at the outer covering of the utensil 100. The wall 104 extended at the perimeter of the base 102 terminates at the elliptical rim 106. The figure 1a further discloses a major axis 108 of the elliptical rim 106. Referring to figure 1b, there is disclosed a utensil 100 with a top view. The figure discloses a minor axis 110 of the utensil 100, wherein a width of the elliptical rim 106 at the major axis 108 is greater than a width of the elliptical rim at a minor axis 110. An extension protruding from outer covering along the major axis 108 facilitates a user to hold the utensil 100 with a firm grip. The figure further discloses an inner surface 112 of the utensil 100, wherein the inner surface 112 comes in direct and indirect contact with the food item to be stored.
In a preferred embodiment, the utensil 100 can be beneficially employed for heating purposes. In particular, the utensil 100 is constructed with multiple layers of metals. In an implementation, multiple layers of metals can be used in the construction of the base 102 of the utensil 100. In another implementation, multiple layers of metals can be used in the construction of the entire utensil 100. In yet another implementation, a tri-ply material with aluminium is sandwiched between food grade SS304 and magnetic SS430 materials Examples of such a utensil is tri-ply, five-ply, seven-ply utensils. It will be appreciated that such ply-utensils consists of stainless steel and aluminium layers, including a magnetic layer for induction compatibility. Optionally, the utensil 100 is constructed by employing different material such as Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminium, Carbon Steel, Cast Iron, Clay, Stoneware and a tri-ply material with aluminium being sandwiched between food grade SS304 and magnetic SS430 materials. More optionally, the utensil 100 is constructed with a tri-ply stainless steel with a thickness of 2.5mm. The tri-ply stainless steel enables the utensil 100 to be induction compatible. Additionally, the food item cooked in the utensil 100 does not burn as well as does not stick. The utensil 100 can be used for heating and re-heating the food items. In an implementation, the utensil 100 is provided with two silicon grips which can be used to hold the utensil 100 when it is used for heating the food items or when the utensil 100 contains the hot food.
In an embodiment, the difference between the width of the major axis 108 and minor axis 110 of the utensil 100 ranges between 15 mm to 20 mm.
In an embodiment, the length of the major axis 108 of the elliptical rim 106 ranges between 175mm to 375mm.
In an embodiment, the length of the minor axis 110 of the elliptical rim 106 ranges between 150 mm to 350 mm.
In an embodiment, the diameter of the utensil 100 ranges between 125 mm to 325 mm.
In an embodiment, depth of the utensil 100 ranges between 50 mm to 150 mm.
In an embodiment, an inner surface of the utensil 100 is coated with a food grade coating.
In an embodiment, the form factor of the utensil 100 allows for stackability.
In an exemplary embodiment, the utensil 100 with diameter 175 mm and the wall 104 extends at an angle of 110° from the perimeter of the base 102. The utensil 100 further comprises the elliptical rim 106, wherein the length of the major axis 108 is 230mm and the length of the minor axis 110 is 197mm. The depth of the utensil 100 is 90mm.
In another exemplary embodiment, the utensil 100 comprises a base 102 with diameter 125mm and the wall 104 extends at an angle of 120° from the perimeter of the base 102. The utensil 100 further comprises the elliptical rim 106, wherein the length of the major axis 108 is 175mm and the length of the minor axis 110 is150mm. The depth of the utensil 100 is 50mm.
Referring to figure 2, there is provided an illustration of a plurality of utensils 100 of figures 1a and 1b in a nesting position. The size of the utensil 100 varies depending upon the quantity of the food item to be stored. The plurality of utensils 100 are arranged in such a way that smaller sized utensil is stacked within a larger sized utensil. The plurality of utensils 100 are stored in a set of 3, wherein the elliptical rims 106A, 106B and 106C are the respective elliptical rims of the utensils with variable sizes. The utensil 100 for accommodating the food item, as disclosed herein, is of the advantage that it aids the user to hold and lift the utensil with an ease during un-nesting of the utensils arranged in the nesting position. In particular, the protrusion that occurs along the major axis 108 as the result of difference between the width of major axis 108 and the width of minor axis 110 provides ample space for the user to lift the utensil 100.
In an exemplary embodiment, the utensil 100 with diameter 165 mm, depth 80 mm, diameter of the major axis 109 215mm and diameter of the minor axis 110 182 mm is stacked within the utensil 100 with diameter 180mm, depth 87.5 mm, diameter of the major axis 109 230mm and diameter of the minor axis 110 197mm. in another exemplary embodiment, the utensil 100 with diameter 180mm, depth 87.5mm, diameter of the major axis 109 230mm and diameter of the minor axis 110 197mm is stacked within the utensil 100 with diameter 195mm, depth 95 mm, diameter of the major axis 108 245mm and diameter of the minor axis 110 212mm
Optionally, four utensils of individual capacities of 1 litre, 1.5 litre, 2 litre and 2.5 litre and combined capacity 7 litres, as disclosed herein, can be stacked together within a storage space of 2.5 litres. Thus, such an arrangement of stacked utensils saves storage space when compared with individual storage spaces of 4 single utensils of combined capacity of 7 litre.
Referring to figure 3, there is provided an illustration of the plurality of utensils 100 of FIG. 2 disclosing a nesting position where the plurality of utensils 100 are overlapped for un-nesting purposes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, each of the plurality of utensils 100, arranged in the nesting position as disclosed in figure 2, with corresponding elliptical rims 106A, 106B and 106C are slid towards one side of the minor axis of the smallest sized utensil 100. As a result of the enhanced structure of the utensil 100, as disclosed herein, a pocket is created between pair of the plurality of utensils 100 such that the user can lift the utensil by inserting the fingers within the created pocket and un-nests the utensil. 100. The utensil 100 for accommodating the food item, as disclosed herein, is of the advantage that it makes easier for the user to hold and lift the utensil during un-nesting of the utensils arranged in the nesting position.
Referring to figure 4, there is provided an illustration of a plurality of utensils 100 of FIGs 2 and 3 disclosing a position where the plurality of utensils are overlapped for un-nesting purposes, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As disclosed in the figure, each of the plurality of utensils 100, arranged in the nesting position as disclosed in figure 2, with corresponding elliptical rims 106A, 106B and 106C are pressed along the major axis of the rim and rotated at an angle of 90 degree. When the utensil 100 with elliptical rim 106A is pressed along the major axis of the elliptical rim 106A and rotated at 900, then as a result of the enhanced structure of the utensil 100, ample space exists between two of the plurality of the utensils 100 that facilitates in easy un-nesting of the plurality of the utensils arranged in the nesting position.
Referring to figure 5, there is disclosed an illustration of the utensil 100 of FIGs 1a and 1b with a lid 500 with a top view. The figure discloses the utensil 100 with the elliptical rim 106 and a lid 500. The diameter of the lid is more than a minor diameter of the utensil, but lesser than a major diameter of the utensil. Generally, lids are removed from the utensil by sliding the lid away from its position. The extension of the lid beyond the minor diameter of the utensil facilitates yet another and an easier way of removing the lid just by lifting the projection of the lid beyond the minor diameter. The arrangement of the utensil 100 with the lid 500 is of the advantage that the lid 500 provides a coverage for the food item stored in the utensil 100 and does not allow the outer atmosphere’s germs to contaminate the food. Moreover, due to the presence of the protrusion along the side of major axis of the elliptical rim 106, it would be possible for the user to always have the covered food item while also lifting the utensil. This avoids the possibility of user’s finger dipping inside the utensil.