GB2334713A

GB2334713A - Gripping device for lifting lids

Info

Publication number: GB2334713A
Application number: GB9826411A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard James Stones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-02-27
Filing date: 1998-12-03
Publication date: 1999-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-03
Also published as: GB9804095D0; GB2334713B; GB9826411D0

Abstract

A gripping device comprises a pair of leg sections 2 extending from a bend section 3, a curved engagement zone in or adjacent at least one of the leg sections, and handle means 1 adjacent the free end of each leg section. The engagement zone may be provided with a detachable gripper piece 4.

Description

LID LIFTING DEVICE The present invention relates to a tool for lifting lids of saucepans or the like during the process of cooking a meal or such an undertaking where the saucepan lids, their knobs or handles may become too hot.

The term "saucepan lids" used herein is intended to include any type of lid for covering a cooking utensil, whether it be a casserole, stockpot, saucepan or the like.

It is usual for such lids to be provided with some form of lifting means, either a knob projecting upwardly from a central zone of the lid or a handle projecting upwardly over a central zone. The term "knob" is used herein to describe any such as knob, handle or other lifting means.

Some saucepan lids get hot during cooking because of the design or because of the materials used, or both.

It is also known that, during cooking, some knobs, as defined herein, also get hot, especially if they are of metal. Even if they are not themselves hot, they may be uncomfortably close to a hot lid or to steam venting through or around the lid.

An object of this invention is to provide means to make it more comfortable and safer for a user to lift a hot lid safely and without getting sore or burnt fingers.

According to the present invention, there is provided a gripping device comprising a length of material formed into a generally U-shaped member having a pair of leg sections extending away from a bend section, the material being shaped through a curve in at least one of said leg sections to form an engagement zone, and handle means at or adjacent to the end of each leg section.

The leg sections may also be so bent as to form foot members.

The bend section of the section of the device may comprise the engagement zone.

Additionally, the bend section may include an extension adapted to fit under a lid handle to enable the lid to be lifted.

The material is advantageously sufficiently springy that movement together of the handle means deforms the legs of the device to bring the engagement zone into gripping contact with a knob, but release of inward pressure on the handles will cause the legs to spring back to their original position, leaving the device to become disconnected from the knob.

The device may also be suitably angled on each side of the engagement zone around the knob so as automatically to keep the handles away from the heat once in place.

The or each engagement zone may be provided with a gripper piece detachably affixable to the material. The fixing may be by means of clips.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the device with a flexible, detachably affixable grip; Figure 2 shows the device in a users hand; Figure 3 shows the device in position on a typical saucepan lid; Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device; Figure 5 is a plan view of the device of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view from one side of the device of Figures 4 and 5; and Figure 7 is a side view from the side opposite to that seen in Figure 6.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a device having two handles 1 attached at the end of legs which have angled sections 2. The angled sections 2 are adjacent a curved gripping engagement zone 3. As shown, this zone is provided with a clip-on, clip-off piece 4.

The device can be used in either a left or right hand of a user. As may be seen from Figures 2 and 3 the device is offered above the lid past the knob and lowered down and drawn back so that the half round end 3 engages around the knob.

Once the device is in place the two handles may be squeezed together, thus enabling the knob to be gripped and the lid 5 to be removed in safety. The knob can be released by letting go of the handles 1 and allowing the natural springiness of the material of the device at the bent zone to restore the legs of the device to their original position.

A slightly more sophisticated version of the device is shown in Figures 4 - 7. In this case, the end portions of the legs are returned so that the handles 1 are disposed above the device rather than at one end. Also, the bent engagement zone 3 is extended by a hook member 6 adapted to hook under a lid handle of the type having two points of engagement with a bar stretching across them. Also, a foot 7 is formed by a kink in the leg.

In both embodiments, the material is basically steel wire of diameter 3 - 4 millimetres, bent into the appropriate shape. Handles are preferably 100 millimetres long and formed of heat resistant plastics material.

This device will obviate the need for the conventional method of holding hot saucepan lids with oven gloves, tea towels or similar material and thereby reduce the risk of accidents. It will also reduce the possibilities of burnings and scaldings when cooking. The device can also aid people who may have difficulty picking up saucepan lids because of the smoothness of the knobs or who have difficulty gripping small objects, such as elderly, arthritic or other disabled people.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A gripping device comprising a length of material formed into a generally U-shaped member having a pair of leg sections extending away from a bend section, the material being shaped through a curve in or adjacent to at least one of said leg sections to form an engagement zone, and handle means at or adjacent to the end of each leg section.
2. A gripping device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg sections are so bent as to form foot members.
3. A gripping device as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bend section of the device comprises the engagement zone.
4. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bend section includes an extension adapted to fit under a lid handle to enable the lid to be lifted.
5. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material is sufficiently springy that movement together of the handle means deforms the legs of the device to bring the engagement zone into gripping contact with a knob, but release of inward pressure on the handles will cause the legs to spring back to their original position, leaving the device to become disconnected from the knob.
6. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is suitably angled on each side of the engagement zone around the knob to maintain the handles, once in place, spaced from the lid.
7. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each engagement zone is provided with a gripper piece detachably affixable to the material.
8. A gripping device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the gripper piece may be affixable by means of clips.
9. A gripping device substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.