阅读说明：本技术 具有稳定配置的可堆叠和可嵌套的炊具 (Stackable and nestable cookware with stable configuration ) 是由 F·霍林格 于 2019-04-15 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请提供一组可嵌套且可堆叠的炊具,例如一组锅和平底锅通过附接到炊具的外壁的止挡件来保持稳定配置。炊具的每个堆叠和嵌套的物品通过附接在物品的相对的侧面的外壁上的两个止挡件支撑在下部物品的边缘上。每个止挡件的形状和结构设计成在有限数量的点处接触堆叠中下部物品的边缘。这些接触点位于同一平面内,该平面直立地支撑下部炊具物品上的堆叠的炊具物品,而堆叠的炊具物品的壁或基底不接触下部物品。(The present application provides a set of nestable and stackable cookware, for example a set of pots and a flat bottom pot, held in a stable configuration by a stopper attached to the outer wall of the cookware. Each stacked and nested item of cookware is supported on the edge of the lower item by two stops attached to the outer walls of the opposite sides of the item. Each stop is shaped and configured to contact an edge of a lower article in the stack at a limited number of points. These contact points lie in the same plane that supports the stacked cookware item on the lower cookware item upright without the walls or base of the stacked cookware item contacting the lower item.)

1. A stackable and nestable cookware set comprising:

a first item of cookware comprising: a first base, a first wall rising from and integral with the first base, a first edge at a top of and integral with the first wall, a first stop attached to an exterior of the first wall between the first base and the first edge and extending outwardly from the first wall, and a second stop attached to an exterior of the first wall between the first base and the first edge and extending outwardly from the first wall;

a second item of cookware comprising: a second base, a second wall rising from and integral with the second base, a second edge on top of and integral with the second wall;

wherein the first item of cookware is stacked on and nested within the second item of cookware without the first base and the first wall contacting the second base or the second wall;

the first stopper contacts the second rim at exactly one contact point or exactly two contact points, the second stopper contacts the second rim at exactly two contact points to support the first item of cookware in a stacked and nested position in the second item of cookware.

2. A cookware set as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second stops are located on opposite sides of said first item of cookware.

3. The cookware set of claim 1, wherein said first stop or said second stop has a height in a direction from said first base to said first rim, and a width greater than the height.

4. The cookware set of claim 1 wherein said first stopper has a lower edge defining a non-linear profile of exactly one contact point or exactly two contact points and said second stopper has a lower edge defining a non-linear profile of exactly two contact points.

5. A cookware set as claimed in claim 1 wherein all contact points lie in the same plane.

6. The cookware set of claim 1, wherein said first article of cookware has a first handle attached to and extending outwardly from said first wall.

7. The cookware set of claim 6, wherein said first handle is adjacent to and above said first stop and said first handle is not integral with said first stop.

8. The cookware set of claim 6, wherein said first handle is an integral part of said first stop.

9. The cookware of claim 1, wherein said first item of cookware further includes a third stopper attached to an exterior of said first wall between said first base and said first rim and extending outwardly therefrom, said third stopper contacting said second rim at exactly one or exactly two contact points.

10. The cookware set of claim 1 wherein,

the cookware set further comprises: a third article of cookware comprising: a third base, a third wall rising from the third base and integral with the third base, a third edge on top of and integral with the third wall;

the second article of cookware further comprises: a third stop attached to and extending outwardly from an exterior of the second wall between the second base and the second edge, and a fourth stop attached to and extending outwardly from the exterior of the second wall between the second base and the second edge;

wherein the second item of cookware is stacked on and nested within the third item of cookware without the second base and the second wall contacting the third base or the third wall;

the third stopper contacts the third rim at exactly one contact point or exactly two contact points, and the fourth stopper contacts the third rim at exactly two contact points to support the second item of cookware in a stacked and nested position in the third item of cookware.

11. A stackable item of cookware adapted to nest within and stack on the second item of cookware, the stackable item of cookware comprising: a first base, a first wall rising from and integral with the first base, a first edge at a top of and integral with the first wall, a first stop attached to an exterior of the first wall between the first base and the first edge and extending outwardly from the first wall, and a second stop attached to an exterior of the first wall between the first base and the first edge and extending outwardly from the first wall, wherein the first stop is adapted to contact the edge of the second item of cookware at exactly one point of contact or exactly two points of contact, and a second stop is adapted to contact the edge of the second item of cookware at exactly two points of contact, to support a stackable cookware article in a stacked and nested position in the second cookware article, such that the first base and the first wall do not contact the base or wall of the second item of cookware.

12. The stackable item of cookware of claim 11, wherein said first and second stops are located on opposite sides of said stackable item of cookware.

13. The stackable item of cookware of claim 11, wherein said first or second stopper has a height in a direction from said first base to said first rim, and a width greater than the height.

14. The stackable item of cookware of claim 11, wherein said first stopper has a lower edge defining a non-linear profile of exactly one contact point or exactly two contact points, and said second stopper has a lower edge defining a non-linear profile of exactly two contact points.

15. The stackable item of cookware of claim 11, wherein all contact points lie in the same plane.

16. The stackable item of cookware of claim 11, wherein said stackable item of cookware has a first handle attached to and extending outwardly from said first wall.

17. The stackable item of cookware of claim 11, wherein said first handle is adjacent to and above said first stop and said first handle is not integral with said first stop.

18. The stackable item of cookware of claim 11, wherein said first handle is an integral part of said first stop.

19. The stackable item of cookware of claim 11, further comprising a third stopper attached to the outside of the first wall between the first base and the first rim and extending outwardly therefrom, said third stopper adapted to contact the rim of the second item of cookware at exactly one or exactly two points of contact to support the stackable item in a stacked and nested position in the second item of cookware such that the first base and the first wall do not contact the base or wall of the second item of cookware.

20. In a cookware kit comprising a first item of cookware having an outer wall and a second item of cookware having an edge, the first item of cookware being sized and shaped to nest within the second item of cookware, the improvement comprising a first stop and a second stop attached to the outer wall of the first item of cookware, the first stop adapted to contact the edge of the second item of cookware at exactly one point of contact or exactly two points of contact, and the second stop adapted to contact the edge of the second item at exactly two points of contact to support the first item of cookware in a stacked and nested position in the second item of cookware.

21. A cookware kit according to claim 20 wherein said first and second stops are located on opposite sides of a stackable item of cookware.

22. The cookware kit of claim 20, wherein said first or second stopper has a height in a direction from the first base to the first rim, and a width greater than the height.

23. The cookware kit of claim 20, wherein said first stopper has a lower edge of a non-linear profile defining exactly one or exactly two contact points and said second stopper has a lower edge of a non-linear profile defining exactly two contact points.

Technical Field

The present technology relates to articles of household or commercial cookware, such as pots and pans, that are constructed and arranged to be stacked and nested together.

Background

It is desirable to stack and nest a stack of cookware items in a stable configuration so that there is little or no tendency for the stacked and nested items to wobble or shift within the stack when the stack of cookware items is moved by a user or when items are added to the stack. Cookware articles may include an attachment handle extending from the article, which may hinder the ability of the articles to stack and nest in a stable configuration. Simple, robust and low cost designs are also desired for cookware items.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present technology, a group of cookware, such as a group of pots and pans, consists of individual cookware in a range of increasing diameter sizes, or with tapered walls so that they can be nested together. At least some cookware articles are provided with one or more stops attached to the exterior of the article to support the nested articles by contacting the lip or edge of the lower article of the nested articles.

Preferably, but not limited to, a stopper for stacked cookware items according to the techniques of the present application comprises a horizontal block attached to the outer surface of the cookware item. The item of cookware may have one, two or more stops attached to its outer surface. To improve the stability of the stack structure, according to one aspect of the present technology, the stopper or stoppers of an article contact the edge or lip of the next lower article in the stack with exactly three or exactly four contact points. Preferably, the three or four contact points are coplanar, i.e., in the same plane, so that the upper cookware article is supported on the lower cookware article in a stable configuration with little tendency to rock. The number of contact points is determined by the configuration of the lower edge of the stop. A stop having a non-linear lower edge as described herein may provide exactly one or exactly two contact points. Thus, an item of cookware with two stops may have exactly three or exactly four points of contact with the edge or lip of the next lower item (i.e., the item it nests).

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of cookware stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an article of cookware stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an article of cookware stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of an article of cookware stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an article of cookware stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a detail of an article of cookware stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an article of cookware stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an article of cookware stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of pans stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of pans stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the pans stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 12 is a front view of pans stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of pans stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of pans stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of pans stacked and nested in a stable configuration, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a first pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a first pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 18 is a right side view of a first pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 19 is a front view of a first pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 20 is a rear view of a first pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 21 is a plan view of a first pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 22 is a bottom view of a first pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a second pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a second pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 25 is a right side view of a second pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 26 is a front view of a second pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 27 is a rear view of a second pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 28 is a plan view of a second pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 29 is a bottom view of a second pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a third pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a third pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 32 is a front view of a third pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 33 is a right side view of a third pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 34 is a plan view of a third pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

Fig. 35 is a bottom view of a third pan stacked and nested in a stable configuration in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a stopper attached to a wall of an article of cookware in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 37 is a schematic view of a stopper attached to a wall of an article of cookware in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 38 is a view of a configuration of several different stops for an article of cookware in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 39 is a view of the structure of several different stops for an article of cookware in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 40 is a set of dimensional views of the body of the stopper according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, it being understood that a projection as in FIG. 38 or FIG. 39 would be added to the disclosed body, the dimensions being in mm.

Detailed Description

In accordance with non-limiting aspects of the present technology, the drawings show views of cookware items and a nested stack of three cookware items. Each cookware article has a base and a wall rising from and integral with the base that terminates in an integral lip or rim at the top of the article. The articles are sized and shaped to be stacked in a nested configuration as shown in fig. 1-8. Each article has an inner diameter, and to achieve nesting, the inner diameter of each article is at least slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the article below it in the stack. Alternatively, to achieve nesting, the walls of the articles taper outwardly from the base towards the lip or edge. It should be understood that a stack of nested cookware items according to the techniques of the present application may have as few as two items and more than three items.

As shown in the non-limiting embodiments of fig. 1-8 in accordance with the present technology, a nested stack 10 of three cookware items (specifically, a top item 11, a middle item 12, and a bottom item 13) is held in a stable configuration by a stopper 14 attached to the outer surface of the top item 11 and a stopper 15 attached to the middle item 12. The stopper 14 attached to the top article 11 contacts the edge 16 of the intermediate article 12. The stopper 15 attached to the intermediate item 12 contacts the edge 17 of the bottom item 13. In this embodiment, as shown, the articles 11,12 have two attached stoppers 14,15 disposed on opposite sides of each article. Preferably, these stop-to-edge contacts are the only points of contact between the nested articles 11,12,13, i.e. the walls and/or base of the articles do not contact.

The stops 14,15 are attached to the exterior of the walls of the articles 11,12,13 by, for example, welding, or by fasteners 18 (only one pair of numbered fasteners), such as rivets, bolts or screws that pass through apertures formed in the walls for this purpose. Preferably, the stops are curved to conform to the curvature (if any) of any wall to which they are attached. Preferably, for attachment to an item of cookware having a tapered or inclined outer wall, the surface of the stopper facing the wall (i.e., the inner surface) is also tapered or inclined to conform to the wall. The opposing surface (i.e., the outer surface) of the stopper may be tapered, sloped, or square relative to the sidewall of the stopper. The stop has a thickness extending outwardly from the outer wall. The thickness of a stop may be 5mm, or about 5mm, or in the range of 3mm to 10mm, or in the range of about 3mm to about 10 mm. The thickness of the stopper should be sufficient to enable it to rest on the edge of the lower item in the stack and need not be thicker. In particular, the stop need not be thick enough and extend far enough from the outer wall to serve as a handle. The stop is preferably solid and made of a heat resistant rigid material, such as metal, steel, aluminum, titanium, ceramic or a heat resistant polymeric material. As an alternative to attaching the stopper to the wall of the item of cookware, the stopper may be integrally formed with the wall of the item.

According to one aspect of the present technology, preferably, the lower surface of the stopper is adapted to contact an edge of a lower article in the stack at a limited number of contact points. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in fig. 1-8, the lower surface of each stopper 14 has two cusps or members with a radius (radii)21 at the opposite ends of the stopper to contact the edge 16 of the intermediate article 12 at exactly two points of contact relative to each stopper. Thus, the top article 11 contacts the middle article 12 at exactly four points. Similarly, the lower surface of the stoppers 15 is shaped to contact the edge 17 of the bottom item 13 at two cusps or members 20 with a radius with respect to each stopper, so that the intermediate item 12 contacts the bottom item at exactly four contact points.

Although the figures illustrate nested and stacked combinations of three cookware items, it should be understood that stacked combinations of two items or more than three items may be within the scope of the present technology.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, a single article of stackable cookware is provided with one or more stoppers as described herein that are adapted to be stacked in a stable configuration with other cookware described herein (e.g., other cookware as shown in fig. 9-35). As shown in fig. 9-35, a cookware 50 with a single item according to the present technology has one or more stoppers 51, the stoppers 51 attached to the wall 52 of the item, which rises from the base 53 to the rim 54. In various embodiments, the cookware 50 may have a straight handle 55 or a ring-shaped handle 56 or both attached between the stopper 51 or the stopper 54 and the rim 54.

In general, the stopper of a stackable and nestable cookware article according to the techniques of the present application may be in the form of a rectangular bar or nameplate that is curved to fit the outer surface of the cookware article, thus having an inner surface that is in full contact with the wall to which it is attached, and having a protrusion or cusp adapted to contact the edge of the lower cookware article at a limited number of points (e.g., at one, two, three, or more points).

As a non-limiting example shown in fig. 38 and 39, example shapes of the projection or prong of the stopper include: a triangle or other polygonal shape (which contacts the lower edge at the vertices of the polygon); or a portion of a circle, ellipse, arc, or other circle having a radius of contact with the lower edge at the tangent point of the protrusion. Fig. 38 shows an example of a stopper 30 having two protrusions 31 for contacting the lower article at two contact points, while the exemplary stopper 32 of fig. 39 has one protrusion 33 for contacting the lower article at one contact point. It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, the stopper may be any shape that does not interfere with stacking and nesting of the articles, and may be stably attached to the cookware article and contact the lower edge at a limited number of points. Preferably, the area of the stopper-to-edge contact point according to the invention is minimized, i.e. it is not an extended area along the entire bottom surface of the attachment of the article wall. In the case of a stop having two contact points, the distance between the contact points may be 45mm, or about 45mm, or 46mm, or about 46mm, or 47mm, or about 47mm, or in the range 40mm to 50 mm. It should be understood that within the scope of the present technology, the stopper may be shaped to contact the lower edge at more than just two points, but in embodiments with multiple stoppers properly disposed on the cookware article, this is not necessary to achieve the desired stability.

To ensure stability of the stack of cookware items according to the technology of the present application, the following conditions need to be met: (1) the stops of the nested cookware item contact the edge of the lower item at a limited number of points; (2) the contact points are located in the same plane; (3) these contact points are sufficiently distributed around the periphery of the rim to support the nested cookware article without a significant tendency to pivot, rock or move about the contact points; (4) the nested article and the underlying article do not touch at any other point (i.e., the walls, edges, base, and any attached handles of the articles).

Figures 36 and 37 show a schematic view of an item of cookware 40 with a wall 41. A first stop 42 and a second stop 43 are attached to the wall 41 across the diameter of the wall 41. In the example of fig. 36, the first and second stops 42,43 each have two projections 44 that collectively define four contact points 45, and in the example of fig. 37, the first stop 42 has two projections 44 and the second stop 43 has one projection 44 that collectively define three contact points 45. By definition, the three stopper-edge contact points as in fig. 37 will always lie in the same plane. In embodiments employing four contact points as in fig. 36, care must be taken to select the stopper and its position on the nested article so that the stopper-edge contact points lie substantially in the same plane. Preferably, since the stopper-edge contact plane is parallel to the plane of the base of the article and also parallel to the plane of the edge of the article, the article is supported vertically on the edge by the stopper, which may greatly reduce the likelihood of contact between the wall, edge, base and any attached handle of the article. In this manner, cookware items are stacked in a stable configuration as disclosed herein without interlocking handles, stops, rims or other elements of the items in the stack.

According to the techniques of this application, a handle may be attached to a wall and/or an edge of a nested article. The handle may be positioned above the stop. Alternatively, the stop and handle may be combined into a single component having both functions. However, it should be understood that the stopper according to the techniques of the present application need not be used as a handle, for example, it may be relatively thin and not extend far enough from the wall of the item of cookware to serve any practical purpose of a handle. It need only extend far enough from the wall that its downward projection or bump contacts the edge of the underlying item in the stack. In this aspect of the present technology, the thickness of the stopper is such that it does not extend beyond the outer diameter of the lower piece of cookware measured at the edge of the lower piece of cookware; or it may extend over less than 1 cm; or extend more than less than 0.5 cm; or extend more than less than 0.25 cm; or extend over less than 0.1 cm.

According to a further non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, not shown in the figures, the cookware article is provided with three stops attached to its outer surface, each of the three stops being configured to contact the edge of the lower article at exactly one point (e.g., having any of the shapes shown in fig. 39). Preferably, the three stops are evenly spaced around the sidewall of the item of cookware. One or more handles may be attached over the one or more stops.

It should also be understood that the ornamental appearance of the stackable cookware shown and described is also within the scope of the present technology.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. It should also be understood that the present invention includes any combination of the features and elements disclosed herein or any combination of equivalent features. The exemplary embodiments shown herein are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/782,114, filed on 19.12.2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

This application is also a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 29/675,505 filed on 2.1.2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.