TECHNICAL DOMAIN

The present invention relates to means for straining moist Belgian endive stumps, such as boiled or braised Belgian endive stumps. The present invention also relates to the use of means for straining moist Belgian endive stumps.

PRIOR ART

Belgian endive, also known as ‘witloof or ‘white-leaved chicory’, is used in numerous dishes. In many dishes, it is desirable to serve the Belgian endive as Belgian endive stumps, for example without cutting up or disintegrating the Belgian endive stumps. In such a dish, the whole Belgian endive stumps may for example be boiled or braised, to then be wrapped in meat and sprinkled with cheese before placing the whole into an oven. Preparing dishes with whole Belgian endive stumps is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also results in a different taste, for example when compared to disintegrated Belgian endive. When disintegrated Belgian endive, for example cut-up Belgian endive, is placed into an oven, the Belgian endive surface subjected to the Maillard reaction is (too) large. Whole Belgian endive stumps, on the contrary, when placed in an oven mainly undergo the Maillard reaction at their outer leaves, while the inner leaves of the Belgian endive stumps are gradually cooked, so that an ideal balance of flavors is achieved.

A known problem when preparing whole Belgian endive stumps, however, is that after the Belgian endive stumps have been boiled or braised al dente, the Belgian endive stumps have become highly moist, partly because cooking liquid becomes trapped between the inner Belgian endive leaves. The moist Belgian endive stumps cannot be served straight after cooking, since when eating the moist Belgian endive stumps, the cooking liquid spurts out of the cooked Belgian endive stumps. Moreover, it is not possible to further cook the moist Belgian endive stumps in the oven, as the cooking liquid in the moist Belgian endive stumps slows down the heating of the Belgian endive itself.

It is known in the art to manually wring out Belgian endive stumps, for example by squeezing the Belgian endive stumps in a dishcloth so as to absorb the cooking liquid from the Belgian endive stumps into the dishcloth. However, the process currently in use brings several disadvantages. In particular, the known process is quite time-consuming, has the disadvantage that an excessive amount of the Maillard reaction products are removed from the cooked Belgian endive stumps by the dishcloth, and has the disadvantage that the cooking liquid cannot be reused, for example for preparing a sauce. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention offers a solution to the problem from the current state of the art. More in particular, the present invention provides a Belgian endive press for straining moist Belgian endive stumps. Providing a press for straining moist Belgian endive stumps, instead of a conventional dishcloth, brings the advantage that the moisture can easily be removed from the moist Belgian endive stumps. The user of the Belgian endive press, for example the cook, can remove the cooking liquid from the Belgian endive stumps without getting his hands dirty, so that after pressing the moist Belgian endive stumps, he does not need to wash his hands. The cook can go on to press the entire batch of moist Belgian endive stumps using the same Belgian endive press, for example sequentially, without the Belgian endive press becoming saturated after the first few pressed Belgian endive stumps, as is the case when using a dishcloth. Contrary to the dishcloth, the Belgian endive press therefore does not need to be replaced after a first series of pressed moist Belgian endive stumps in order to press the second series of moist Belgian endive stumps. The Belgian endive press of the present invention therefore brings the advantage that Belgian endive can be pressed in a time-efficient way. The Belgian endive press of the present invention brings the additional advantage that almost none of the Maillard reaction products are removed from the cooked Belgian endive stumps, for example because the Belgian endive press does not or almost not absorb the Maillard reaction products. The Belgian endive press of the present invention also brings the advantage that the cooking liquid can be reused, for example for preparing a sauce, for example because the Belgian endive press does not absorb the cooking liquid.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the Belgian endive press provided with a sleeve for temporarily receiving a Belgian endive stump. The sleeve comprises an axially extending sleeve sidewall. The sleeve sidewall for example extends in an axial direction from a proximal end to a distal axial end of the sleeve, giving the sleeve an elongated, for example substantially cylindrical appearance. The proximal end is preferably directed essentially upward, for example against the gravitational acceleration vector, while the distal end is directed essentially downward, for example along the gravitational acceleration vector. At least part of the sleeve sidewall is adjustable between a radially expanded position on the one hand, in which the Belgian endive stump can be inserted into/taken out of the sleeve, for example can be inserted into the sleeve and/or removed from the sleeve, and a radially compressed position on the other, in which the Belgian endive stump is compressed by the sleeve sidewall, for example squeezed or clamped together, so that the moisture is strained from the moist Belgian endive stump. The embodiment brings the advantage that the user of the Belgian endive press can easily strain the whole moist Belgian endive stumps, for example by carrying out the following steps: bringing the sleeve sidewall into the radially expanded position, so that the sleeve diameter and for example also the sleeve volume increase to such an extent that the moist Belgian endive stump can be inserted into in the sleeve substantially without friction, inserting the moist Belgian endive stump into the sleeve, and bringing the sleeve sidewall into the radially compressed position, in which the sleeve sidewall compresses the Belgian endive stump so that the moisture flows out of the moist Belgian endive stump, for example along the gravitational acceleration vector. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the Belgian endive stump corresponds to the axial direction of the sleeve when the Belgian endive stump is inserted into the sleeve.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve sidewall has an axial cross section at every position along the axial direction, particularly a cross section defined by the sleeve sidewall in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The axial cross sections have a cross-sectional surface area. The term “cross-sectional surface area” is intended to denote the area of the surface defined by the axial cross section. Preferably, the extendable part of the sleeve sidewall defines a first cross-sectional surface area, hereafter called the extended cross-sectional surface area, when the sleeve sidewall is in the radially expanded position, and a second cross-sectional surface area, hereafter called the compressed cross-sectional surface area, when the sleeve sidewall is in the radially compressed position. Preferably, the extended cross-sectional surface area is larger than the compressed cross-sectional surface area for a same axial position. Preferably, each expanded cross-sectional surface area is sufficiently large for a whole Belgian endive stump that is inserted into the sleeve to remain substantially uncompressed by the sleeve sidewall. Preferably, each compressed cross-sectional surface area is sufficiently small for a whole Belgian endive stump inserted into the sleeve to be compressed by the sleeve sidewall.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve sidewall has a length L, measured in the axial direction between the proximal and distal axial ends of the sleeve. Preferably, the length L is at least as long as the average length of a Belgian endive stump. Preferably, the length L is at least 5 cm, preferably at least 9 cm, preferably at least 16 cm, preferably at least 18 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm. By providing the above-mentioned length L, the whole Belgian endive stump can be inserted into the sleeve in its entirety.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve comprises an input/outlet opening for inserting the Belgian endive stump into/taking the Belgian endive stump out of the sleeve. Preferably, the input/outlet opening is arranged at an adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall. In a first implementation, the input/outlet opening is arranged in the sleeve sidewall, so that inserting/taking out the Belgian endive stumps takes place by carrying out the following steps: positioning the longitudinal direction of the Belgian endive stump parallel to the axial direction of the sleeve, placing the Belgian endive stump next to the sleeve sidewall over the input/outlet opening, and radially moving the Belgian endive stump through the input/outlet opening. In a second implementation, the input/outlet opening is arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve, thereby defining an axial opening. Preferably, the proximal end of the sleeve is provided with the axial opening for the passage of the Belgian endive stump when the Belgian endive stump is inserted into/taken out of the sleeve. Preferably, the extended cross-sectional surface area defined by the input/outlet opening is larger than the largest axial cross-sectional surface area of an average Belgian endive. Preferably, the extended cross-sectional surface area defined by the input/outlet opening is larger than 2 cm, preferably larger than 3 cm, preferably larger than 5 cm, preferably larger than 7 cm, preferably larger than 10 cm. Inserting/taking out the Belgian endive stumps takes place by carrying out the following steps: positioning the longitudinal direction of the Belgian endive stump parallel to the axial direction of the sleeve, placing the Belgian endive stump in line with the sleeve over the input/outlet opening, and axially moving the Belgian endive stump through the input/outlet opening.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve sidewall extends in the axial direction from an upper portion near the proximal end of the sleeve to a lower portion near the distal end of the sleeve via an intermediate portion. Preferably, the axial cross-sectional surface area in the intermediate portion is larger than the axial cross-sectional surface area in the upper portion and/or larger than the axial cross-sectional surface area in the lower portion. Preferably, in this embodiment, the axial cross-sectional surface area is measured when the sleeve sidewall is in the radially compressed position (and thereby for example defines compressed cross-sectional surface areas). More preferably, in this embodiment, both the axial cross-sectional surface area when the sleeve sidewall is in the radially compressed position (and thereby for example defining compressed cross-sectional surface areas), and that when the sleeve sidewall is in the radially expanded position (and thereby for example defining expanded cross-sectional surface areas) are envisioned. Preferably, the sleeve diameter in the intermediate portion is larger than the sleeve diameter in the upper portion and/or larger than the sleeve diameter in the lower portion. Preferably, the term “sleeve diameter” is intended to mean the sleeve diameter measured with the sleeve sidewall in radially compressed position. The embodiment preferably also applies when the sleeve diameter is measured with the sleeve sidewall in radially expanded position. Preferably, the term “sleeve diameter” is intended to mean the maximum chord measured in the axial cross section of the sleeve. The present embodiment brings the advantage that the whole Belgian endive stumps can be strained, without the Belgian endive stumps being damaged. The present embodiment thus preserves the aesthetics and the integrity of the Belgian endive stumps during straining. Whole Belgian endive stumps have a shape that, when viewed along the longitudinal direction, consists of an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion, wherein the intermediate portion is thicker than the upper and/or lower portion. If the sleeve sidewall were not provided with the different portions as described in the present embodiment, when moving the sleeve sidewall toward the radially compressed position, the sleeve sidewall would first contact the intermediate portion of the Belgian endive stump. It would then require some compression of the intermediate portion of the Belgian endive stump before the sleeve sidewall would contact the lower and/or upper portion of the Belgian endive stump. This would result in the intermediate portion of the Belgian endive stump being compressed too strongly when compared to the upper/lower portion of the Belgian endive stump, leading to damage to the Belgian endive stump. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve, for example the sleeve sidewall, is convex in the intermediate portion. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve, for example the sleeve sidewall, is shaped like a Belgian endive. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve, for example the sleeve sidewall, has a fusiform shape.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each expanded cross-sectional surface area in the upper and intermediate portions is larger than the larges axial cross-sectional surface area of an average Belgian endive stump, for example measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the Belgian endive stump. Preferably, each expanded cross- sectional surface area in the upper and intermediate portions is larger than 2 cm, preferably larger than 3 cm, preferably larger than 5 cm, preferably larger than 7 cm, preferably larger than 10 cm. This embodiment allows the whole Belgian endive stump to be easily inserted into the sleeve along the axial direction. Preferably, each compressed cross-sectional surface area in the upper and intermediate portions is smaller than 10 cm, preferably smaller than 7 cm, preferably smaller than 5 cm, preferably smaller than 3 cm, preferably smaller than 2 cm. This embodiment allows the whole Belgian endive stump to be sufficiently compressed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion, the intermediate portion and the lower portion each constitute about a third of the length L of the sleeve.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion of the Belgian endive stump is the portion of the Belgian endive stump near the roots of the Belgian endive stump, particularly there where the different leaves of the Belgian endive stump are interconnected. Preferably, when straining the Belgian endive stump, the Belgian endive stump is placed into the sleeve in such a way that the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump is located in the lower portion of the sleeve and in such a way that the lower portion of the Belgian endive stump is located in the upper portion of the sleeve. The intermediate portion of the Belgian endive stump is then located in the intermediate portion of the sleeve. By placing the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump in the lower portion of the sleeve, any moisture leaking from the Belgian endive stump is simply drained along the gravitational acceleration vector. In an embodiment of the present invention, in particular when the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump is placed in the lower portion of the sleeve, the sleeve sidewall is adjustable between the radially expanded and radially compressed positions, at the level of the intermediate and upper portions of the sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve sidewall is only adjustable to a limited extent, or not at all, in the lower portion of the sleeve. In other words, it is preferred that only the upper portion and the intermediate portion of the sleeve are adjustable portions. The sleeve sidewall being only slightly adjustable in the lower portion of the sleeve, or not at all, lowers the risk of the Belgian endive stump being damaged. The inventors have found that the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump is highly sensitive to pressure, meaning that even a small amount of pressure may damage the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump. Moreover, the inventors have found that, if the sleeve sidewall would also be highly adjustable in the lower portion of the sleeve, moving the sleeve sidewall to the radially compressed position would squeeze the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump shut, as a result of which the moisture would no longer be able to simply flow out of the Belgian endive stump. Preferably, the sleeve sidewall in the lower portion of the sleeve is not or only slightly adjustable due to the sleeve sidewall comprising a rigid structure, such as a rigid ring, near the distal end.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the distal end of the sleeve is provided with a perforated bottom or an axial opening. This embodiment offers the advantage that in the radially compressed position of the sleeve sidewall, the moisture strained from the moist Belgian endive stump is removed from the Belgian endive press through the distal end of the sleeve. The inventors have found that as a result of the compression using the sleeve sidewall, most of the moisture flows between the Belgian endive leaves to the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump. To this end, as previously mentioned, the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump is preferably located in the lower portion of the sleeve. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve sidewall is a perforated sidewall. Providing a perforated sleeve sidewall offers the advantage that, in the compressed position of the sleeve sidewall, the moisture strained from the moist Belgian endive stump is removed from the Belgian endive press through the sleeve sidewall. The inventors have found that, despite most of the moisture flowing between the Belgian endive leaves to the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump as a result the compression using the sleeve sidewall, part the moisture can also be diverted radially out of the Belgian endive stump. Moreover, the inventors have found that, by perforating the sleeve sidewall, a smaller surface of the Belgian endive stump is put into contact with met the sleeve sidewall. This brings several advantages: it increases the pressure the sleeve sidewall can exert onto the Belgian endive stump; it reduces the cooling of the Belgian endive stump by heat conduction through the sleeve sidewall; and it reduces the amount of reaction products from the Maillard reaction transferred from the Belgian endive stump to the sleeve sidewall.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall is constituted by a spiral winding around the axial direction, preferably forming a helix. In the present embodiment of het spiral system, the length L of the sleeve sidewall preferably increases as the sleeve sidewall moves from the radially expanded position to the radially compressed position. Preferably, this decreases the sleeve diameter, causing the Belgian endive stump to be compressed in the radial direction. In an alternative second embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall is constituted by two sets of fingers extending in the axial direction, wherein each of the fingers extends in the circumferential direction, and wherein the fingers of the first set of fingers are located between the fingers of the second set of fingers. Preferably, a rib cage system is thus formed, wherein opposing ribs are offset relative to each other in the axial direction (i.e. , interdigitated). In the present embodiment, the length L of the sleeve sidewall preferably remains substantially constant, regardless of whether the sleeve sidewall is in the radially expanded position or in the radially compressed position. Preferably, the volume of the sleeve does change, between an expanded volume when the sleeve sidewall is in the radially expanded position and a compressed volume when the sleeve sidewall is in the radially compressed position. Preferably, the extended volume is larger than the compressed volume. Preferably, this causes the sleeve diameter to decrease, as a result of which the Belgian endive stump is compressed in the radial direction. In an alternative third embodiment of the present invention (called the ring system), the adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall is constituted by a set of axially stacked closed rings, wherein the rings are able to expand or contract radially. In a first implementation, the rings are provided to this end with telescoping ends. In a second implementation, the rings are provided with one or more elastic connecting pieces that are compressible or expandable in the circumferential direction of the ring so as to allow the closed ring to be compressed or to expand radially. The elastic connecting piece is for example a coil spring, or is for example a piece of elastic material. In a third implementation, the entire closed ring is made from an elastic material. In all embodiments as described above the spiral, the closed rings or the fingers are preferably formed by wires, for example metallic wires. Preferably, the voids between the wires form the perforations of the sleeve sidewall mentioned above. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve is provided with an actuator for adjusting the adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall upon actuation of the actuator. In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is provided by providing the sleeve with gripping handles for manually, for example mechanically and without electronic assistance, adjusting the adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall. In the embodiment, two gripping handles may be provided, wherein the gripping handles can be moved toward one another for adjusting the sleeve sidewall. The two gripping handles are preferably spaced apart so that the can both be gripped by a single hand, after which the gripping handles can be moved toward one another by clenching the hand. To this end, the two gripping handles preferably extend parallel to each other, and the gripping handles preferably remain parallel to each other while moving the gripping handles toward each other or away from each other.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve sidewall has a resting state to which the sleeve sidewall spontaneously adjusts itself, wherein the resting state is one of the radially compressed position and the radially expanded position. The resting state is for example achieved by providing one or more resting state spring mechanisms, for example a first resting state spring mechanism provided in the vicinity of and between the gripping handles, and/or for example a second resting state spring mechanism formed by the sleeve sidewall itself. An example of the second resting state spring mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic rings in the ring system bringing the rings to a mechanical resting state. Preferably, the spring rate of at least one of the resting state spring mechanisms is adjustable by the user, for example to allow the degree of compression of the Belgian endive stump to be controlled when the resting state corresponds to the compressed position. Actuation of the actuator leads to adjustment of the sleeve sidewall from the resting state to the actuated state, for example by counteracting the resting state spring mechanism, for example by tensioning the resting state spring mechanism.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall are at rest when they are in the radially compressed position. In this embodiment, actuation of the actuator leads to adjustment of the sleeve sidewall to the radially expanded position. This embodiment offers the advantage that the cook only needs to exert force for a short time in order to strain the Belgian endive stumps. Indeed, in this embodiment, opening the Belgian endive press to allow the Belgian endive stump to be inserted into the sleeve only requires the one-time and momentary movement of the sleeve sidewall from the radially compressed position to the radially expanded position, during which time the cook needs to exert force. Once the Belgian endive stump is placed into the sleeve, the sleeve sidewall returns to the radially compressed position of its own accord, in which the sleeve is to remain for some time in order to adequately strain the Belgian endive stump. This embodiment offers the additional advantage that the degree of compression provided by the sleeve sidewall does not depend on the degree of compression exerted by the user onto the actuator. The degree of compression exerted by the sleeve sidewall onto the Belgian endive stump depends only on the configuration of the sleeve in the resting state, which may for example by user-adjustable, for example by adjusting the resting state spring mechanism. However, the setting of the degree of compression by the user does not take place during compression of the Belgian endive stumps, but before or after compression of the Belgian endive stumps. This lowers the risk of the user compressing the Belgian endive stumps too strongly, thus damaging them.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve is provided with a pair of hooks for securing the Belgian endive press to a container, such as a casserole or a saucepan, while straining the Belgian endive stump. This embodiment offers the advantage that the cooking liquid can be collected in an optimal way. The collected cooking liquid can then immediately be used for preparing a sauce. It is a further advantage of the present embodiment that the Belgian endive stumps can be braised or boiled inside the Belgian endive press, for example by attaching the Belgian endive press to the casserole or saucepan by means of the hooks. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hooks of the pair of hooks are provided with the gripping handles at their ends. In an embodiment of the present invention, multiple pairs of hooks are provided, for adjusting the depth of the Belgian endive press inside the container. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the Belgian endive press is first used for braising or boiling the Belgian endive stumps inside the Belgian endive press, wherein the Belgian endive press can be positioned at its deepest position, and then be set to its least deep position for straining the moist Belgian endive stumps.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a use of the Belgian endive press for straining moist Belgian endive stumps. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Belgian endive stump is inserted into the Belgian endive press in such a way that the head of the Belgian endive stump, particularly the upper portion of the Belgian endive stump, is near or in the lower portion of the sleeve. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the moist Belgian endive stumps are boiled, braised or baked Belgian endive stumps.

The present invention has been described in reference to Belgian endive stumps. Herein, ‘Belgian endive’ is intended to mean the edible vegetable crop often referred to as ‘witloof or ‘white-leaved chicory’. The Belgian endive is for example grown from ‘Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum’. The Belgian endive is for example grown according to the method described in the patent publication NL1018767. The Belgian endive is for example derived from the varieties Manoline, Ecrine, Platine, Ombline, Takine and the like, from seed provider Vilmorin.

FIGURES

Figure 1 a shows the Belgian endive crop as used in the present invention.

Figure 1 b shows the whole Belgian endive stump of the Belgian endive crop from figure 1 a.

Figure 2 shows a traditional method for straining the moist Belgian endive stumps.

Figures 3 through 5 show a first embodiment of the Belgian endive press according to the present invention (the ring system).

Figure 3a shows the Belgian endive press at rest with no Belgian endive stump inserted.

Figure 3b shows the Belgian endive press in its actuated state with no Belgian endive stump inserted.

Figure 3c shows the Belgian endive press in its actuated state with a Belgian endive stump inserted.

Figure 3d shows the Belgian endive press substantially at rest with a Belgian endive stump inserted.

Figure 4a shows a cross section of the first resting state spring mechanism in a relaxed state.

Figure 4b shows a cross section of the first resting state spring mechanism in a tensioned state.

Figure 5a shows a plan view of one of the rings of the closed ring system, wherein the closed ring is in the resting state.

Figure 5b shows a plan view of one of the rings of the closed ring system, wherein the closed ring is in the actuated state.

Figure 6a shows the ring from figure 5a wherein a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in a relaxed state.

Figure 6b shows the ring from figure 5b wherein a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in a tensioned state.

Figures 7 through 10 show a second embodiment of the Belgian endive press according to the present invention (the rib cage system).

Figure 7a shows the Belgian endive press in its actuated state with a Belgian endive stump inserted.

Figure 7b shows the Belgian endive press substantially at rest with a Belgian endive stump inserted. Figure 8a shows a cross section of the first resting state spring mechanism in a relaxed state.

Figure 8b shows a cross section of the first resting state spring mechanism in a tensioned state. Figure 9a shows a plan view of two intersecting fingers of the rib cage system, wherein the intersecting fingers are in the resting state.

Figure 9b shows a plan view of e two intersecting fingers of the rib cage system, wherein the intersecting fingers are in the actuated state.

Figure 10a shows the two intersecting fingers from figure 9a wherein a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in a relaxed state.

Figure 10b shows the two intersecting fingers from figure 9b wherein a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in a tensioned state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present invention will hereafter be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto and is defined only by the claims. The drawings shown here are merely schematic depictions and are non limiting. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain parts may be exaggerated, meaning that the parts in question are not drawn to scale, for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to the actual reductions to practice of the invention.

The term “comprising” and derivative terms, as used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed respectively thereafter; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. It should be interpreted as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, without, however, precluding the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression such as “a device comprising means A and B” is not limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. What is meant, on the contrary, is that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Figure 1a shows the Belgian endive crop as used in the present invention. The Belgian endive crop comprises a Belgian endive stump 1 and a root portion 8. During growth of the Belgian endive crop, the root portion is substantially entirely underground 7. After the Belgian endive crop is harvested, the Belgian endive stump 1 is removed from the root portion 8 for the Belgian endive stumps to be marketed. The Belgian endive stumps 1 are usually sold as whole Belgian endive stumps 1 , as shown in figure 1 b. Whole Belgian endive stumps 1 are Belgian endive stumps 1 that are integral items in themselves that do not spontaneously fall apart. To this end, in a whole Belgian endive stump 1 , the different concentric leaves of the Belgian endive stump 1 are joined together near an end 6 of the Belgian endive stump 1 in the lower portion 4 of the Belgian endive stump 1 . In the Belgian endive crop, the lower portion 4 of the Belgian endive stump 1 is near the root portion 8. The different concentric leaves of the Belgian endive stump 1 join in an open end 5 in the upper portion 2 of the Belgian endive stump 1 . The space between the concentric leaves of the Belgian endive stump 1 are accessible through the open end 5, so that dirt and moisture can move into/out of the Belgian endive stump 1 through the open end 5. Between the upper portion 2 and the lower portion 4 of the Belgian endive stump 1 , there is an intermediate portion 3. The intermediate portion 3 comprises the thickest part of the Belgian endive stump 1 and usually has convex shape. A Belgian endive stump 1 has an average length L, measured along the longitudinal direction of the Belgian endive stump 1 , of between 9 cm and 18 cm, for example between 11 cm and 16 cm. A Belgian endive stump 1 has an average thickness/diameter of between 3 cm and 7 cm.

It is desirable to use the whole Belgian endive stumps 1 in preparing meals. To this end, the whole Belgian endive stumps 1 are first boiled or braised. The boiled or braised Belgian endive stumps 1 can then be served as such, or can then be further prepared, for example by means of an oven. Prior to further use of the boiled or braised Belgian endive stumps 1 , they should first be relieved of the boiling/braising liquid trapped between the leaves of the Belgian endive stump 1 . To this end, in the current state of the art as shown in figure 2, the moist whole Belgian endive stumps 1 are wrapped in a dishcloth, after which the cook squeezes the moist whole Belgian endive stumps 1 so as to remove the moisture from the Belgian endive stumps. Preferably, a container 18, such as a casserole, is placed under the dishcloth for collecting the boiling/braising liquid.

The present invention provides an improved method for straining the moist whole Belgian endive stumps 1 . The present invention thereto provides a Belgian endive press 9 arranged for straining the moist Belgian endive stumps 1 . To this end, the Belgian endive press 9 is adjustable between an expanded position, in which a moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 can be inserted into the Belgian endive press 9, or in which a strained whole Belgian endive stump 1 can be removed from the Belgian endive press 9, and a compressed position, in which a moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 is squeezed/compressed. To this end, the Belgian endive press 9 comprises a sleeve for receiving the whole Belgian endive stump 1. The sleeve comprises a sleeve sidewall 10 extending in the axial/longitudinal direction of the sleeve. At least part of the sleeve sidewall 10 is adjustable between a radially expanded position, in which the Belgian endive press 9 is in the expanded position, and a radially compressed position, in which the Belgian endive press 9 is in the expanded position.

Two exemplary embodiments of a Belgian endive press 9 having different sleeve sidewalls 10 and corresponding adjusting mechanisms will now be discussed. Figures 3 through 5 show a first embodiment of the Belgian endive press 9, wherein the sleeve sidewall 10 and the corresponding adjusting mechanism form a ring system. Figures 7 through 10 show a second embodiment of the Belgian endive press 9, wherein the sleeve sidewall 10 and the corresponding adjusting mechanism form a rib cage system.

In a first embodiment, as shown in figure 3a, the sleeve sidewall 10 and the corresponding adjusting mechanism form a ring system. The axially extending sleeve sidewall 10 in the present embodiment is formed by a set of closed rings 21 . The closed rings 21 are stacked in the axial direction. Between each of the rings, for example rings 21 a and 21 b, an opening 23 is provided. By providing the openings 23, the sleeve sidewall 10 becomes a perforated wall. The sleeve sidewall 10 extends in the axial/longitudinal direction of the sleeve from a lower portion 13 to an upper portion 11 via an intermediate portion 12. The sleeve has a thickness determined by the diameter of the sleeve sidewall 10. The sleeve is at its thickest in the intermediate portion 12. At least the upper portion 11 and the intermediate portion 12 are adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall 10. The adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall 10 are parts of the sleeve sidewall 10 arranged for extensive radial deformation and/or movement, particularly for extensive radial expansion and for extensive radial shrinking/compression. The mechanism by means of which the rings 21 of the adjustable portions are adjustable, is discussed in figures 5 and 6. Preferably, the sleeve sidewall 10 is not adjustable, or only adjustable to a limited extent, in the lower portion 13. To this end, the rings 21 in the lower portion are for example not provided with the adjusting mechanism discussed in figures 5 and 6 (although they may for example be provided with regular rigid rings as shown in figure 7), or for example provided with the adjusting mechanism from figures 5 and 6 having a controlled, more limited adjustability. The sleeve sidewall 10 is connected to a frame 15. The frame 15 comprises two axial rods 25a and 25b extending substantially in the axial direction and connected to the different rings 21. The axial rods 25a and 25b are for example integrally connected to the different rings 21 . The connection between the axial rods 25a, 25b and the rings 21 is such that a movement of the axial rods 25a, 25b causes a movement or deformation of the rings 21 , in particular of those rings 21 located in the adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall 10. In order to create a stronger coupling of the movement between the axial rods 25a, 25b and the rings 21 , the frame 15, in particular the axial rods 25a, 25b, is also provided with an embracing member 24 embracing at least one ring 21 . The axial rods 25a, 25b are interconnected, by means of a fixed connection 20 near/in the lower portion 13 of the sleeve on the one hand, and by means of a coupling mechanism 17 near the upper portion 11 of the sleeve on the other. Though not shown in the figure, it is possible, in an alternative or additional embodiment, to also provide a coupling mechanism in the lower portion 13 of the sleeve, wherein the alternative/additional coupling mechanism has the same function as the coupling mechanism 17 discussed below. The coupling mechanism 17 comprises a first resting state spring mechanism, as will be explained in figure 4. Just outside the coupling mechanism 17, the axial rods 25a and 25b are bent into horizontal rods 26a and 26b that extend through the coupling mechanism 17. The horizontal rods 26a, 26b leave the coupling mechanism 17 as gripping handles 16a and 16b. The gripping handles 16a and 16b are substantially parallel to each other, and are spaced apart so that a user may grip both gripping handles 16a, 16b at the same time using a single hand. The coupling mechanism 17 is arranged so that the user can adjust the distance between the gripping handles 16a, 16b. When adjusting the distance between the gripping handles 16a, 16b, horizontal rods 26a and 26b become more or less interdigitated, respectively decreasing or increasing the total horizontal length U described by horizontal rods 26a and 26b. As the total horizontal length U decreases or increases, the axial rods 25a, 25b will also tend to respectively decrease or increase the horizontal distance between them. Due to the axial rods 25a, 25b being connected to the rings 21 , the rings 21 located in the adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall 10 will shrink/compress or expand, respectively. After the shrinking/compressing of the rings 21 , the rings 21 , and thus the sleeve sidewall 10, and thus the Belgian endive press 9, are/is said to be in the compressed position. After the expansion of the rings 21 , the rings 21 , and thus the sleeve sidewall 10, and thus the Belgian endive press 9, are/is said to be in the expanded position. The rings 21 in the adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall 10 are arranged to have a mechanical resting state. The resting state is the position/configuration to which the rings 21 spontaneously tend to move, for example so as to achieve an energetic minimum. In the present embodiment, the resting state is a state in which the rings 21 , and thus the sleeve sidewall 10, are/is in a compressed position. The rings 21 tend to move toward the resting state under the influence of resting state spring mechanisms. In the present embodiment, at least a first resting state spring mechanism is provided in the coupling mechanism 17, as will be discussed in figure 4. Implementations are also possible in which, in addition to or instead of the first resting state spring mechanism, a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in the rings 21 themselves. The implementation in which a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in the rings 21 themselves is shown in figure 6. In order to move the rings 21 , the sleeve sidewall 10 and the Belgian endive press 9 out of the resting state, the user of the Belgian endive press 9 needs to actuate an actuator. The actuator moves the rings 21 , and thus the sleeve sidewall 10, and thus the Belgian endive press 9 from the resting state to the actuated state, when the actuator is actuated. In the present embodiment, the actuated state is the expanded position. In the present embodiment, the actuator is provided by the two gripping handles 16a, 16b that can be actuated by the user changing the distance between the gripping handles 16a, 16b, for example by squeezing the gripping handles 16a, 16b together. Actuation of the actuator requires counteracting the resting state spring mechanisms urging the rings 21 toward the resting state. Furthermore, the sleeve is provided with two axial openings. A first axial opening 14 is provided near the part of the upper portion 11 of the sleeve most proximal to the user. The first axial opening 14 is also called the input/outlet opening, as the first axial opening 14 is arranged for inserting the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 into the sleeve and for removing the strained whole Belgian endive stump 1 from the sleeve. The first axial opening 11 is located in the adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall 10, as a result of which the axial cross-sectional surface area of the input/outlet opening may vary strongly between the compressed position and the expanded position. In the expanded position, the axial cross-sectional surface area is sufficiently large for the passage of the whole Belgian endive stump 1 . The second axial opening 22 is provided near the part of the lower portion 13 of the sleeve most distal to the user. The second axial opening 22 is arranged for the passage of the boiling/braising liquid dripping from the Belgian endive stump 1 . Finally, a pair of hooks 19 are also connected to the frame 15. In particular, a hook is connected to each of the axial rods 25a and 25b. The hooks 19 allow the Belgian endive press 9 to be attached to a container 18. The hooks 19 may also be formed by the ends of the gripping handles 16a, 16b (not shown).

In the previous paragraph, the structural elements of the Belgian endive press 9 were discussed in reference to figure 3a. The same structural elements are present in the Belgian endive press 9 of the figures 3b-3d. The figures 3a-3d further show the consecutive steps to be carried out by the user in order to use the Belgian endive press 9. As shown in figure 3a, the Belgian endive press 9 is in the compressed resting state, since the actuator is not actuated. The user may for example attach the Belgian endive press 9 to a casserole 18 by means of the hooks 19. As shown in figure 3b, the user then actuates the Belgian endive press 9 by moving the gripping handles 16a, 16b toward each other. This then counteracts the resting state spring mechanisms, causing the rings 21 to expand radially. The user can now insert the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 into the sleeve. This is shown in figure 3c. The moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 is inserted met its upper portion 2 into the lower portion 13 of the sleeve. This allows the boiling/braising liquid to easily flow out of the Belgian endive press 9 along the gravitational acceleration vector through the second axial opening 22. In order to remove the boiling/braising liquid from the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 , the user no longer needs to actuate the actuator. As a result, the resting state spring mechanism is no longer counteracted, causing the rings 21 to be moved to the resting state. However, the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 prevents the rings 21 from reaching the resting state, causing the Belgian endive stump 1 to be compressed/strained. This is shown in figure 3d.

Figure 4a shows a cross section of the first resting state spring mechanism in a relaxed state. Figure 4b shows a cross section of the first resting state spring mechanism in a tensioned state. The first resting state spring mechanism is located in the coupling mechanism 17. As previously described, the coupling mechanism 17 ensures that the two horizontal rods 26a, 26b can telescope in order to adjust the total horizontal distance U. To this end, one of the two horizontal rods, in this case horizontal rod 26a, forms a hollow tube 27, inside which the second horizontal rod 26b can translate concentrically. The second horizontal rod 26b ends in gripping handle 16b, which extends through the hollow tube 27 via an opening 30 in the sidewall of the hollow tube 27. The hollow tube 27 ends in gripping handle 16a. By changing the distance between the gripping handles 16a, 16b, the hollow tube 27 translates over the second horizontal rod 26b. The translation movement has two extremes, particularly a maximally inserted position of the second rod 26b in the hollow tube 27 and a minimally inserted position of the second rod 26b in the hollow tube 27. In the maximally inserted position, the gripping handle 16b is closer to the edge 31 of opening 30 than to the edge 32 of opening 30. In the minimally inserted position, the gripping handle 16b is closer to the edge 32 of opening 30 than to the edge 31 of opening 31. The first resting state spring mechanism comprises a spring 28 arranged in the lumen of the hollow tube 27. The second horizontal rod 26b extends concentrically through the spring 28. The spring 28 has a length direction along which its spring action is the greatest. In its longitudinal direction, the spring 28 is limited, on the one hand, by an end plate of the hollow tube 27 provided with a passage opening (wherein the passage opening is arranged to allow the second horizontal rod 26b to be inserted into the lumen of the hollow tube 27), and, on the other, by an urging flange 29 that is integrally attached to the second horizontal tube 26b. In a relaxed state, as shown in figure 4a, the spring 28 is substantially uncompressed. The spring action of the spring 28 permanently pushes the urging flange 29, and thus the second horizontal tube 26b, deeper into the lumen of the hollow tube 27. The spring action of the spring 28, in other words, creates a resting state in which the gripping handles 16a and 16b are located relatively distant from each other, and in which the total horizontal distance U is relatively small, when compared to the actuated state. The actuated state is shown in figure 4b. As the user moves the gripping handles toward each other, the spring mechanism is counteracted, and in particular, the spring 28 is compressed.

Figure 5a shows a plan view of one of the rings 21 a of the closed ring system, wherein the closed ring 21 a is in the resting state. Figure 5b shows a plan view of the ring 21 a from figure 5a, wherein the closed ring 21 a is in the actuated state. In the resting state, closed ring 21 a has a cross-sectional surface Ac and a corresponding diameter Dc, which are larger than the cross-sectional surface Av and the corresponding diameter Dv, respectively, of the closed ring 21 a in its actuated state. In other words, the resting state and the actuated state of the closed ring 21 a respectively correspond to the compressed position and the expanded position. The closed ring 21 a is able to change its cross-sectional surface area and corresponding diameter due to the closed ring being provided with a sliding mechanism comprising a sliding plate 35. Sliding plate 35 is fixedly connected, via connection 33, to one of the two ends of closed ring 21 a, in particular to the radially outermost end of the closed ring 21 a. The other end, hereafter referred to as the second end, is not fixedly connected to the sliding plate 35. The sliding plate 35 is also provided with a passage opening 34 at a radially more inward position relative to connection 33. The closed ring 21 a is slidable in the circumferential direction through the passage opening 34 so that the length in the circumferential direction between the second end of the closed ring 21 a and the sliding plate 35 is adjustable, for example between a large length lc on the one hand, when the closed ring 21 a is in the compressed position, and a smaller length Iv on the other, when the closed ring 21 a is in the expanded position. Actuation of the gripping handles 16a and 16b causes the axial rods 25a and 25b to move relative to each other, increasing the distance between the axial rods 25a and 25b, measured in an axial cross section, and causing the closed ring 21 a to expand.

Figure 6a shows the ring from figure 5a wherein a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in a relaxed state. Figure 6b shows the ring from figure 5b wherein a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in a tensioned state. The second resting state spring mechanism is provided with spring 36. The spring 36 permanently urges the second end of the closed ring 21 a away from the sliding plate 35. The second end is thereto preferably provided with an urging plate (not shown). The urging plate is for example a plate that is fixedly connected to the second end of the closed ring 21 a. The spring 36 is clamped between the sliding plate 35 and the urging plate. The spring 36, in other words, ensures that the length between the second end and the sliding plate 35 is relatively large, and that, as a result, the cross-sectional surface area and the corresponding diameter are relatively small. Actuation of the gripping handles 16a and 16b causes the movement of the axial rods 25a and 25b, counteracting the second resting state spring mechanism. In a second embodiment, as shown in figure 7a, the sleeve sidewall 10 and the corresponding adjusting mechanism form a rib cage system. The axially extending sleeve sidewall 10 in the present embodiment is formed by a first set of fingers 37c, 37d and a second set of fingers 37a, 37b. The fingers 37 in every set are stacked in the axial direction. Between each of the fingers 37 of a set, for example between fingers 37a and 37b, an opening 38 is provided. By providing the openings 38, the sleeve sidewall 10 forms a perforated wall. The fingers of the first set 37c, 37d and the fingers of the second set 37a, 37b are offset relative to each other in the axial direction, so that, in the compressed position, a finger of the first set, for example finger 37c, is located between two fingers of the second set, for example between fingers 37a and 37b. The sleeve sidewall 10 extends in the axial/longitudinal direction of the sleeve from a lower portion 13 to an upper portion 11 via an intermediate portion 12. The sleeve has a thickness determined by the diameter of the sleeve sidewall 10. The sleeve is at its thickest in the intermediate portion 12. At least the upper portion 11 and the intermediate portion 12 are adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall 10. The adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall 10 are parts of the sleeve sidewall 10 arranged for extensive radial deformation, particularly for extensive radial expansion and for extensive radial shrinking/compression. The mechanism by means of which the fingers 37 of the adjustable portions are adjustable is discussed in figures 9 and 10. Preferably, the sleeve sidewall 10 is not adjustable, or only adjustable to a limited extent, in the lower portion 13. To this end, the rings 21 in the lower portion are not provided as fingers 37 but as regular rigid rings 20. The sleeve sidewall 10 is connected to a frame 15. The frame 15 comprises two axial rods 25a and 25b extending substantially in the axial direction and connected to the different fingers 37. In particular, every axial rod 25a or 25b is connected to its own set of fingers 37. In particular, axial rod 25b is connected to the second set of fingers 37c, 37d, and the axial rod 25a is connected to the first set of fingers 37a, 37b. The axial rods 25a and 25b are for example integrally connected to the different rings 21 . The connection between the axial rods 25a, 25b and the fingers 37 is such that a movement of the axial rods 25a, 25b causes a movement of the fingers 21 , in particular of those fingers 37 located in the adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall 10. The axial rods 25a, 25b are interconnected, by means of a fixed connection 20 in the lower portion 13 of the sleeve on the one hand, and by means of a coupling mechanism 17 near the upper portion 11 of the sleeve on the other. Though not shown in the figure, it is possible, in an alternative or additional embodiment, to also provide a coupling mechanism in the lower portion 13 of the sleeve, wherein the alternative/additional coupling mechanism has the same function as the coupling mechanism 17 discussed below. The coupling mechanism 17 comprises a first resting state spring mechanism, as will be explained in figure 8. Just outside the coupling mechanism 17, the axial rods 25a and 25b are bent into horizontal rods 26a and 26b that extend through the coupling mechanism 17. The horizontal rods 26a, 26b also form gripping handles 16a and 16b for the coupling mechanism 17. The gripping handles 16a and 16b are substantially parallel to each other, and are spaced apart so that a user may grip both gripping handles 16a, 16b at the same time using a single hand. The coupling mechanism 17 is arranged so that the user can adjust the distance between the gripping handles 16a, 16b. When adjusting the distance between the gripping handles 16a, 16b, horizontal rods 26a and 26b become more or less interdigitated, respectively decreasing or increasing the total horizontal length U described by horizontal rods 26a and 26b. As the total horizontal length U decreases or increases, the axial rods 25a, 25b will also tend to respectively decrease or increase the horizontal distance between them. Due to the axial rods 25a, 25b being connected to the fingers 37, the two sets of fingers 37 located in the adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall 10 move away from each other or move toward each other, respectively (so that the fingers overlap intersectingly, becoming interdigitated). After the sets of fingers 37 have been moved toward each other, the fingers 37, and thus the sleeve sidewall 10, and thus the Belgian endive press 9, are/is said to be in the compressed position. After the sets of fingers 37 have been moved away from each other, the fingers 37, and thus the sleeve sidewall 10, and thus the Belgian endive press 9, are/is said to be in the expanded position. The fingers 37 in the adjustable portions of the sleeve sidewall 10 are arranged to have a mechanical resting state. The resting state is the position/configuration to which the fingers 37 spontaneously tend to move, for example so as to achieve an energetic minimum. In the present embodiment, the resting state is a state in which the sets of fingers 37 have been moved toward each other, and wherein, as a consequence, the sleeve sidewall 10 is in a compressed position. The fingers 37 tend to move toward the resting state under the influence of resting state spring mechanisms. In the present embodiment, at least a first resting state spring mechanism is provided in the coupling mechanism 17, as will be discussed in figure 8. Implementations are also possible in which, in addition to or instead of the first resting state spring mechanism, a second resting state spring mechanism is provided between the sets of fingers 37 themselves. The implementation in which a second resting state spring mechanism is provided between the sets of fingers 37 themselves is shown in figure 10. In order to move the sets of fingers 37, the sleeve sidewall 10 and the Belgian endive press 9 out of the resting state, the user of the Belgian endive press 9 needs to actuate an actuator. The actuator moves the sets of fingers 37, and thus the sleeve sidewall 10, and thus the Belgian endive press 9 from the resting state to the actuated state, when the actuator is actuated. In the present embodiment, the actuated state is the expanded position. In the present embodiment, the actuator is provided by the two gripping handles 16a, 16b that can be actuated by the user changing the distance between the gripping handles 16a, 16b, for example by squeezing the gripping handles 16a, 16b together. Actuation of the actuator requires counteracting the resting state spring mechanisms urging the sets of fingers 37 toward the resting state. Furthermore, the sleeve is provided with two axial openings. A first axial opening 14 is provided near the part of the upper portion 11 of the sleeve most proximal to the user. The first axial opening 14 is also called the input/outlet opening, as the first axial opening 14 is arranged for inserting the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 into the sleeve and for removing the strained whole Belgian endive stump 1 from the sleeve. The first axial opening 11 is located in the adjustable portion of the sleeve sidewall 10, as a result of which the axial cross-sectional surface area of the input/outlet opening may vary strongly between the compressed position and the expanded position. In the expanded position, the axial cross-sectional surface area is sufficiently large for the passage of the whole Belgian endive stump 1. The second axial opening 22 is provided near the part of the lower portion 13 of the sleeve most distal to the user. The second axial opening 22 is arranged for the passage of the boiling/braising liquid dripping from the Belgian endive stump 1 .

In the previous paragraph, the structural elements of the Belgian endive press 9 were discussed in reference to figure 7a. The same structural elements are present in the Belgian endive press 9 of the figure 7b. The figures 7a-7b further show a number of consecutive steps to be carried out by the user in order to use the Belgian endive press 9. The user actuates the Belgian endive press 9 by moving the gripping handles 16a, 16b toward each other. This then counteracts the resting state spring mechanisms, causing the sets of fingers 37 to move away from each other, so as to radially expand the sleeve sidewall 10. That way, the user can insert the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 into the sleeve. As shown in figure 7a, the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 is inserted with its upper portion 2 into in the lower portion 13 of the sleeve. This allows the boiling/braising liquid to easily flow out of the Belgian endive press 9 along the gravitational acceleration vector through the second axial opening 22. In order to remove the boiling/braising liquid from the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 , the user no longer needs to actuate the actuator. As a result, the resting state spring mechanism is no longer counteracted, causing the sets of fingers 37 to be moved to the resting state. However, the moist whole Belgian endive stump 1 prevents the sets of fingers 37 from reaching the resting state, causing the Belgian endive stump 1 to be compressed/strained. This is shown in figure 7b.

Figure 8a shows a cross section of the first resting state spring mechanism of the rib cage system in a relaxed state. Figure 8b shows a cross section of the first resting state spring mechanism of the rib cage system in a tensioned state. The first resting state spring mechanism is located in the coupling mechanism 17 of the rib cage system. As previously described, the coupling mechanism 17 ensures that the two horizontal rods 26a, 26b can telescope in order to adjust the total horizontal distance U. To this end, one of the two horizontal rods, in this case horizontal rod 26a, forms a hollow tube 27, inside which the second horizontal rod 26b can translate concentrically. A first gripping handle 16a is connected to the first horizontal rod 26a at a position where the first horizontal rod 26a does not yet form the hollow tube 27. A second gripping handle 16b is connected to the second horizontal rod 26b at a position where the second horizontal rod 26b does not yet enter the hollow tube 27. By changing the distance between the gripping handles 16a, 16b, the hollow tube 27 translates over the second horizontal rod 26b. The translation movement has two extremes, particularly a maximally inserted position of the second rod 26b in the hollow tube 27 and a minimally inserted position of the second rod 26b in the hollow tube 27. The first resting state spring mechanism comprises a spring 28 arranged in the lumen of the hollow tube 27. The spring 28 has a length direction along which its spring action is the greatest. In its longitudinal direction, the spring 28 is limited, on the one hand, by an end plate of the hollow tube 27 (near the first horizontal tube 26a), and, on the other, by an urging flange 29 that is integrally attached to the second horizontal tube 26b. In a relaxed state, as shown in figure 8a, the spring 28 is substantially uncompressed. The spring action of the spring 28 permanently pushes the urging flange 29, and thus the second horizontal tube 26b, out of the lumen of the hollow tube 27. The spring action of the spring 28, in other words, creates a resting state in which the gripping handles 16a and 16b are located relatively distant from each other, and in which the total horizontal distance U is relatively large, when compared to the actuated state. The actuated state is shown in figure 8b. As the user moves the gripping handles toward each other, the spring mechanism is counteracted, and in particular, the spring 28 is compressed. This decreases the total horizontal distance U.

Figure 9 shows a plan view of one of the fingers of each set of fingers. In particular, two adjacent fingers 37b and 37c are shown. The sets of fingers 37b and 37c are interconnected via supporting arms that are in turn rotatably connected to a common rotation axis 40. Furthermore, each finger 37c, 37b extends beyond the supporting arms so as to form a lever arm 42. The axial rods 26a and 26b are connected to the lever arms of the fingers 37a and 37b, respectively. The fingers 37 in figure 9a are shown in the resting state. Figure 9b shows the fingers 37 in the actuated state. In the resting state, the fingers 37c, 37b have a cross-sectional surface Ac and a corresponding diameter Dc, which are larger than the cross-sectional surface Av and the corresponding diameter Dv, respectively, of the fingers 37c, 37d in their actuated state. In other words, the resting state and the actuated state of the sets of fingers 37 correspond to the compressed position and the expanded position, respectively. It should be noted that the cross-sectional surface area may for example be seen as the surface described in an axial cross section at the level of one of the two fingers 37b and 37c, and by projecting the fingers 37b and 37c onto this axial cross section. Further, it can be said that the cross-sectional surface area is limited by the intersection of the fingers 37b and 37c, or if the fingers do not intersect, by connecting the ends of the fingers 37c, 37b to each other by means of an imaginary straight line. It can also be said that the cross-sectional surface area is limited by the supporting arms projecting from the fingers in the direction of the rotation axis 40. The fingers 37c, 37b are able to change their cross-sectional surface area and corresponding diameter due to the fingers being arranged hingedly relative to the rotation axis 40 via the supporting arms. Upon actuation of the gripping handles 16a and 16b, the distance between the axial rods 25a and 25b, measured in an axial cross section, decreases. As a result, a torque according to the rotation axis 40 is generated on the lever arms 42, which, as a result, move toward each other. Due to the lever arms 42 on the one hand, and the rest of the fingers 37c, 37b on the other, being located on either side of the rotation axis 40, the fingers 37c and 37b are pulled apart when the lever arms 42 are moved toward each other. As the first resting state spring mechanism pushes the axial rods 25a and 25b away from each other, the sets of fingers 37 are pressed shut in the resting state.

Figure 10a shows the fingers 37 from figure 9a wherein a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in a relaxed state. Figure 10b shows the fingers 37 from figure 9b wherein a second resting state spring mechanism is provided in a tensioned state. The second resting state spring mechanism is provided with a torsion spring 41 . The torsion spring 41 permanently urges the lever arms 42 apart, causing the sets of fingers to be permanently pressed toward each other. Actuation of the gripping handles 16a and 16b causes the movement of the axial rods 25a and 25b, counteracting the second resting state spring mechanism.