MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to cookware and, in particular, relates to cooking appliances with at least handles completely made up of a single piece food grade material. BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. [0003] Generally, a variety of tools are commonly used in domestic as well as commercial kitchens for cooking food items. Cookware, such as pots, pans, pressure cookers etc. comprise a container in which raw food items are placed for cooking and optionally, a lid for covering open end of the container, thereby generating the required steam and pressure inside the container. Cookware are typically made up of metals, such as stainless steel, as they are good conductors of heat and chemically unreactive. Cookware coated with non-stick coatings are also known in the art and allow cooking of food items while preventing sticking of food items to the container.

[0004] Cookware are generally provided with handles for carrying the container and / or uncovering the lid. A conventional cookware handle is generally made of a metal or high strength material similar to that of the container and / or the lid. However, since metal is a good conductor of heat, there are high chances that the handle is also heated up when the container and / or the lid are at high temperatures. Further, there are chances that the cookware is slipped down if the user's hands are wet. Therefore, handles of cookware are generally covered with a non- conductive material, such as plastic, wood or the like, for comfortable handling and proper grip.

[0005] Generally, the metallic handles of cookware, such as a pressure cooker, are covered with Bakelite material, which is a bad conductor of heat, as other insulating materials like rubber or PVC do not stand high temperature conditions that occur in a cookware while cooking. An air gap is provided between the metallic handle and the Bakelite material. This air gap acts as an insulator for preventing transfer of heat from metallic handle to the Bakelite material covering.

[0006] However, the Bakelite material is very hard, brittle and does not provide proper grip to the user. Further, Bakelite covering can be assembled in at least a two-piece configuration to the handle of a cookware, such as a pressure cooker. In some cases, Bakelite covering with more than two-pieces are also known to be installed on handles of a cookware. Usually, fastening mechanisms, such as nuts and bolts, screws etc., are employed at two or more locations / ends of the two-piece or three-piece Bakelite covering for assembling said Bakelite covering on handles of cookware. However, assembly by fastening mechanisms increases the chances of dismantling of a Bakelite covering and in extreme situations, may case injuries to the user. Further, due to brittleness properties of Bakelite material, there are high chances that the Bakelite covering is broken in case of an unintentional drop of the cookware or otherwise. These broken pieces of Bakelite may get mixed inadvertently with the food being cooked in the cookware. [0007] Moreover, Bakelite material does not have a food grade property and hence, is hazardous in case the molten or broken pieces of Bakelite material is mixed with the food being cooked.

[0008] Furthermore, fastening mechanisms used to fasten the Bakelite material on the handle are generally metallic, which may get rusted over a period of time.

[0009] Therefore, there is a well felt need for a system and a method that overcomes the above and other related drawbacks of conventional handle grips of cookware.

SUMMARY

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a handle of a cookware, specifically, a pressure cooker. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a cooking utensil that is completely made up of food grade material.

[0012] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a compact covering for the handles of cookware.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide a comfortable grip to the handle of cookware. [0014] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide a single-piece covering for the handles of cookware.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to prevent inadvertent breakage and dismantling of the covering for handles of cookware. [0016] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to substantially reduce injuries to the user of a cookware.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to enhance service life of cookware.

[0018] The subject matter relates to a handle of a cookware including at least one grip portion comprising a single-piece food grade material for gripping.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the food grade material is heat resistant with melting point more than 250 degrees, in particular silicone material.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the grip portion is mounted on a core member of the handle by screwless means. [0021] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the grip portion is moulded directly on at least one portion of the core member.

[0022] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the handle further comprises a nylon sleeve mounted between the core member and the grip portion. [0023] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, at least one provision 106 is provided in the handle for attaching to a cookware, such as a pressure cooker, saucepan and the like.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, at least one provision in the form of sifting or holes is provided in the grip portion.

[0025] A process for manufacturing a handle of a cookware is also described herein. The process comprises the steps of preparing a raw material for the grip portion; making a sheet of required thickness on the mixing mill; heating the mould of silicon on a compression moulding machine at a required temperature; and based on the required thickness, cutting, weighing and wrapping silicone on a core member of the handle

[0026] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the step of preparing a raw material for the grip portion comprises the steps of adding a raw material of silicone with a curing chemical having 2% weight of the raw material and colour having 2% of weight of raw material, and mixing silicone, curing chemical and colour in a mixing mill. [0027] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the process comprises the step of assembling a nylon material on the core member of the handle before wrapping silicone.

[0028] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPNAYING DRAWINGS [0029] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a silicone-based cookware handle in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0031] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of a silicone-based cookware handle in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter [0032] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of a silicone-based cookware handle in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0033] Fig. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a metallic core member of the handle that gets attached to a cookware, such as a pressure cooker, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. [0034] Fig. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a grip portion moulded on the metallic core member of Figure 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0035] Fig. 6 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the handle with grip portion mounted on a pressure cooker in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0036] Fig. 7 illustrates a front view of the handle with grip portion in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. [0037] Fig. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the handle with grip portion in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0038] Fig. 9 illustrates a side view of the handle with grip portion in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. [0039] Fig. 10 illustrates a top view of the handle with grip portion in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0040] Fig. 11 illustrates a rear view of the handle with grip portion clearly depicting the brackets in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0041] Fig. 12 illustrates a top view of two handles with grip portion of a lid and a pan of the cookware in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0042] Fig. 13 illustrates a top view of two handles with grip portion of a lid and a pan of the cookware in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0043] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0045] The following presents a detailed description of various embodiments of the present subject matter with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0046] The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is not limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the present subject matter to a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. [0047] The specification may refer to "an", "one", "different" or "some" embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0048] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes", "comprises", "including" and/or "comprising" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "attached" or "connected" or "coupled" or "mounted" to another element, it can be directly attached or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0049] The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown. [0050] The subject matter described herein relates to a cookware / cooking utensil that is completely made up of food grade material. In an embodiment, the cookware / cooking utensil include a pan or a lid of a pressure cooker. The present subject matter can be implemented in a pressure cooker with an inner lid as well as in a pressure cooker with an outer lid. However, as would be clear to a person skilled in the art, the present subject matter is not limited to a pressure cooker and can be employed in other kitchen appliances, such as a saucepan and other similar appliances.

[0051] The cookware, such as a pressure cooker, according to the present subject matter, includes at least one handle with a grip portion that is completely made up of a food grade material. Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate side view, rear view and top view respectively of a silicone-based cookware handle 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. [0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the handle 100 includes a metallic core member 102 that is attached at one end to the pan of the pressure cooker (not shown) through brackets 104. As can be seen in Figure 2, the brackets 104 have provisions 106 to attach the handle 100 to the pan of the pressure cooker. In a preferred embodiment, the provisions 106 include holes through which fastening means, such as nuts and bolts, screws etc., attach the brackets 104 with the pan of the pressure cooker. In another preferred embodiment, the bracket 104 is attached to the core member 102 through sifting. However as would be clear to a person skilled in the art, the brackets may be attached to the pan by any other means for providing a secured arrangement. Similarly, the bracket may be attached to the pan of the pressure cooker by any other similar means to provide a secured arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the brackets 104 may be made up of Aluminium or Steel. In yet another embodiment, two brackets are joined by sifting on opposite sides of the core member 102.

[0053] The core member 102 is covered with a grip portion 108 for enabling the user to grip the handle 100. The grip portion 108 according to the present subject matter is made single-piece and moulded directly on the core member 102 of the handle 100. Therefore, the grip portion 108 of the present subject matter is screwless and does not require any fastening means to mount the same on the core member 102 of the handle 100.

[0054] The food grade material employed in manufacture of the grip portion 108 is a heat resistant material with melting point of more than 250 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the food grade material with which the grip portion 108 is manufactured is silicone.

[0055] The grip portion 108 in Figures 1 to 3 is shown only at one side of the core member

102 for the purpose of illustration. However according to the present subject matter, the grip portion 108 extends to both sides of the core member 102 such that no portion of the core member 102 is exposed. Furthermore, the grip portion 108 is moulded as a single piece on the core member 102 and hence, is attached to the core member 102 without any fastening means, such as screws. [0056] Figures 4 to 11 illustrate different views of a handle with grip portion 108 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. The metallic core member 102 in one embodiment is depicted in Figure 4 while Figure 5 shows moulding of a grip portion 108 on the metallic core member 102. In Figure 6, the handle with grip portion is mounted on a pressure cooker through brackets 106. Figures 7 to 10 describe various views of the handle with grip portion in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. The brackets with provisions for mounting the handle on a cookware are shown clearly in Figure 11.

[0057] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the grip portion may be provided on an auxiliary handle provided on the pan of the cookware as well as on the handle of the lid of cookware, as can be shown in Figures 12 and 13. [0058] The present embodiment is described by referring to the handle 100 as the handle of a pan of a pressure cooker. However, the present subject matter can be extended to the handle of the lid of the pressure cooker in an embodiment as would be clear to a person skilled in the art. The pressure cooker according to different embodiments may either comprise a pressure cooker with an inner lid or an outer lid. Similarly, the present subject mater may be extended to a cookware other than a pressure cooker, such as a saucepan or a similar cooking utensil. [0059] It is also possible, in an embodiment, to provide a nylon sleeve between the core member 102 and the grip portion 108. Nylon is also a bad conductor of heat and does not allow transfer of heat from the heated core member 102 to the grip member 108 made up of silicone. The thickness of the nylon sleeve can be varied so that at least the gripping portion of the handle comprising nylon sleeve and silicone grip member is comfortable and compact grip to the user.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, at least one provision is provided in the form of sifting or holes for fastening means in the grip portion so that any other grip portion with fastening means may be fixed over the grip member 108.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, a process of manufacturing a handle 100 of a cookware with a grip portion is described. In the present process, a nylon layer is moulded over the metal handle. After moulding of nylon layer, a silicone layer is moulded over the nylon layer to provide better grip and high insulating properties to the handle. However, as discussed above, moulding of nylon layer is not necessary as this is only an optional feature of the present subject matter. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, silicon material is directly moulded on the handle 100 of the cookware.

[0062] In an Example according to one embodiment of the present subject matter, composition (wt%) of material used for production of a handle for a cookware, such as a pressure cooker, is provided below:

[0063] Stainless Steel - 58- 62% [0064] Nylon - 11 - 20%

[0065] Silicone - 22- 27% [0066] According to the present subject matter, the process of manufacturing a handle 100 of a cookware includes a step of preparing a raw material for the grip portion. In the preparation step, a raw material of silicone is added with a curing chemical having 2% weight of the raw material and the required color having 2% of weight of raw material. The silicone, curing chemical and required color is then mixed properly in a mixing mill.

[0067] After the preparation of raw material, a sheet of required thickness is made on the mixing mill. The mold of silicon is then heated on a compression molding machine properly at the required temperature.

[0068] Based on the required thickness, the silicone is cut, weighed and wrapped on a steel core member 102 of the handle 100 of cookware, such as a pressure cooker.

[0069] In an embodiment, the steel core member 102 of the handle 100 is first assembled with a nylon material and thereafter, the silicone material is wrapped on the nylon layer.

[0070] The core member 102 of the handle 100 that is wrapped with silicone grip member 108 is then inserted in a mold and optimized pressure and temperature are applied on the closed mold machine for predefined time period until curing of the handle 100 is processed. After curing, the handle 100 is taken out from the mold. The handle 100 is then finished by removing excess silicone material from the gripping area.

[0071] The present subject matter provides a compact covering and a comfortable grip for the handles of cookware, such as a pressure cooker. [0072] As can be seen from above, the present subject matter provides a single-piece grip member for handles of a cookware, such as a pressure cooker. Therefore, the handle according to the present subject matter is screwless and does not require any nuts, bolts or any other fastening means.

[0073] The present subject matter ensures that inadvertent breakage and dismantling of the covering for the handles of cookware, such as a pressure cooker, are prevented and possible injuries to the users are substantially reduced. Therefore, the present subject matter ensures that the service life of a cookware, such as a pressure cooker, is substantially enhanced.

[0074] The present subject matter employs a silicon material, which is soft by its properties, to form the gripping portion of the handle of a cookware. Therefore, the present subject matter ensures easy and comfortable gripping of the handle and has an enhanced strength. The gripping portion according to the present subject matter is not brittle and has a long life. Since silicone is a food grade material, it is safe to use this material in a kitchen appliance or a cookware, such as a pressure cooker.

[0075] The present subject matter, therefore, provides a screwless handle having a gripping portion that cannot be broken or cut as it is moulded directly on the handle of the cookware. [0076] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.