Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
STACKABLE AND NESTABLE COOKWARE HAVING A
STABLE CONFIGURATION
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject technology relates to household or commercial cookware
items, for
example, pots and pans, which are structured and configured to stack and nest
together. It is desirable for a stack of cookware items to be stacked and
nested in a
stable configuration, so that the stacked and nested items have little or no
tendency
to rock or shift within the stack when the stack is moved by a user, or when
items
are added to the stack. Cookware items may include attached handles extending
from the items, which may impede the ability of these items to stack and nest
in a
stable configuration. A simple, rugged and low-cost design is also desirable
for
cookware items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] According to an aspect of the subject technology, a set of
cookware, for example a
set of pots and pans, consists of individual cookware items sized in a series
of
increasing diameters, or having tapering walls, so they can nest together. At
least
some of the cookware items are provided with one or more stops attached to the
outside of the items, to support the nested items by contacting the lip or rim
of the
lower items into which they are nested.
[0003] Preferably, without limitation, a stop for a stacked cookware item
according to the
subject technology consists of a horizontal bar attached to the outer surface
of the
cookware item. A cookware item may have one, two, or more stops attached to
its
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outer surface. To improve the stability of the stacked configuration,
according to
an aspect of the subject technology, the stop or stops of an item contact the
rim or
lip of the next lower item in the stack at exactly three or exactly four
contact points.
Preferably, the three or four contact points are co-planar, i.e. are lying in
the same
plane, so that the upper cookware item is supported in a stable configuration
on the
lower cookware item, with little or no tendency to rock. The number of contact
points is determined by the configuration of the lower edges of the stops. A
stop
having a non-linear lower edge may provide for exactly one or exactly two
contact
points, as described herein Thus, a cookware item having two stops may have
exactly three or exactly four contact points with the rim or lip of next lower
item
(i.e. the item into which it is nested).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Figure 1 is a perspective view of cookware items stacked and nested
in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0005] Figure 2 is a perspective view of cookware items stacked and nested
in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0006] Figure 3 is a front view of cookware items stacked and nested in a
stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0007] Figure 4 is a right-side view of cookware items stacked and nested
in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0008] Figure 5 is a rear view of cookware items stacked and nested in a
stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
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[0009] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a detail of cookware items
stacked and nested in
a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0010] Figure 7 is a perspective view of cookware items stacked and nested
in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0011] Figure 8 is a perspective view of cookware items stacked and nested
in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0012] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pan configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0013] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a pan configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0014] Figure 11 is a right-side view of a pan configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0015] Figure 12 is a front view of a pan configured to be stacked and
nested in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0016] Figure 13 is a rear view of a pan configured to be stacked and
nested in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0017] Figure 14 is a plan view of a pan configured to be stacked and
nested in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
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[0018] Figure 15 is a bottom view of a pan configured to be stacked and
nested in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0019] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a first pot configured to be
stacked and nested in
a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0020] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a first pot configured to be
stacked and nested in
a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0021] Figure 18 is a right-side view of a first pot configured to be
stacked and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0022] Figure 19 is a front view of a first pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0023] Figure 20 is a rear view of a first pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0024] Figure 21 is a plan view of a first pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a stable
configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0025] Figure 22 is a bottom view of a first pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0026] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a second pot configured to be
stacked and nested
in a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the
subject
technology.
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[0027] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a second pot configured to be
stacked and nested
in a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the
subject
technology.
[0028] Figure 25 is a right-side view of a second pot configured to be
stacked and nested
in a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the
subject
technology.
[0029] Figure 26 is a front view of a second pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0030] Figure 27 is a rear view of a second pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0031] Figure 28 is a plan view of a second pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0032] Figure 29 is a bottom view of a second pot configured to be stacked
and nested in
a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0033] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a third pot configured to be
stacked and nested
in a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the
subject
technology.
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[0034] Figure 31 is a perspective view of a third pot configured to be
stacked and nested
in a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the
subject
technology.
[0035] Figure 32 is a front view of a third pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0036] Figure 33 is a right-side view of a third pot configured to be
stacked and nested in
a stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0037] Figure 34 is a plan view of a third pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0038] Figure 35 is a bottom view of a third pot configured to be stacked
and nested in a
stable configuration according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology.
[0039] Figure 36 is a schematic view of stops attached to the wall of a
cookware item
according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject technology.
[0040] Figure 37 is a schematic view of stops attached to the wall of a
cookware item
according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject technology.
[0041] Figure 38 is a view of the configuration of several different stops
for a cookware
item according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject technology.
[0042] Figure 39 is a view of the configuration of several different stops
for a cookware
item according to a non-limiting embodiment of the subject technology.
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[0043] Figure 40 is a set of dimensioned views of the body of a stop
according to a non-
limiting embodiment of the subject technology, it should be understood that
projections as in Figure 38 or Figure 39 would be added to the disclosed body.
Dimensions are in mm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] According to a non-limiting aspect of the subject technology, the
Figures show
views of cookware items and of nested stacks of three cookware items. Each
cookware item has a base, and a wall rising from the base and integral with
the
base, which terminates at an integral lip or rim at the top of the item. The
items are
sized and shaped to stack in a nesting configuration as shown, for example, in
Figures 1-8. Each item has an internal diameter, and to enable nesting, the
internal
diameter of each item is at least slightly smaller than the item beneath it in
the stack.
Alternatively, to enable nesting, the walls of the items taper outward from
the base
toward the lip or rim. It will be understood that a stack of nested cookware
items
according to the subject technology could have as few as two items and more
than
three items.
[0045] As shown in the non-limiting embodiments of Figures 1-8, according
to the subject
technology, a nested stack 10 of three cookware items, specifically a top item
11,
middle item 12, and bottom item 13 is maintained in a stable configuration by
stops
14 attached to the outer surface of top item 11 and stops 15 attached to
middle item
12. Stops 14 attached to top item 11 contact the rim 16 of middle item 12.
Stops
15 attached to middle item 12 contact the rim 17 of bottom item 13. In this
embodiment, items 11, 12 have two attached stops 14, 15, disposed on opposite
sides of each item as shown. Preferably, these stop-to-rim contacts are the
only
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points of contact between the nested items 11, 12, 13, i.e., the walls and/or
bases of
the items are not in contact.
[0046] The stops 14, 15 are attached to the exterior of the walls of the
items 11, 12, 13, by
welding for example, or are attached by fasteners 18 (only one pair of
fasteners is
numbered) such as rivets, bolts or screws through small holes formed in the
walls
for that purpose. Preferably the stops are curved to conform to the curvature,
if
any, of the walls to which they are attached. Preferably, for attachment to a
cookware item with tapering or sloping outer walls, the surface of the stop
facing
the wall (i.e. the inner surface) is likewise tapered or sloped to conform to
the wall.
The opposite (i.e. outer) surface of the stop may be tapered, sloped, or
square, with
respect to the side walls of the stop. The stops have a thickness extending
outwardly
from the exterior walls. The thickness of a stop may be 5 mm, or approximately
5
mm, or in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm, or in the range of approximately 3 mm to
approximately 10 mm. The thickness of a stop should be sufficient to enable it
to
rest on the rim of the lower item in a stack, and it need not be any thicker.
In
particular, a stop need not be thick enough, and extend from the exterior wall
far
enough, to be functional as a handle. The stops are preferably solid and made
of a
rigid material that is oven-safe, for example, metal, steel, aluminum,
titanium,
ceramic or oven-safe polymer material. As an alternative to attaching a stop
to the
wall of a cookware item, the stop may be formed integrally with the wall of
the
item.
[0047] According to an aspect of the subject technology, preferably, the
lower surface of
a stop is adapted to contact the rim of the lower item in the stack at a
limited number
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of contact points. For example, in the non-limiting embodiments of Figures 1-
8,
the lower surface of each stop 14 has two nibs or radii 21 at opposite ends of
the
stop, to contact the rim 12 of middle item 16 at exactly two contact points
with
respect to each stop. Thus, top item 11 contacts middle item 12 at exactly
four
points. Similarly, the lower surfaces of stops 15 are shaped to contact the
rim 17
of middle items 13 at two nibs or radii 20 with respect to each stop, such
that middle
item 12 contacts bottom item at exactly four contact points.
[0048] Although the Figures show nested and stacked sets of three cookware
items, it will
be understood that a stacked set of two items, or more than three items, could
be
within the scope of the subject technology.
[0049] According to another aspect of the subject technology, a single
item of stackable
cookware is provided with a stop or stops as described herein, adapted to be
stacked
in a stable configuration with other cookware as described herein, for example
those
shown in Figures 9-35. As shown in Figures 9-35, a single item of cookware 50
according to the subject technology has one or more stops 51 attached to a
wall 52
of the item, the wall rising from base 53 to rim 54. In various embodiments,
cookware 50 may have a straight handle 55 or loop handle 56, or both, attached
between a stop, or stops, 51 and rim 54.
[0050] Generally, a stop for a stackable and nestable cookware item
according to the
subject technology may be in the form of a rectangular bar or badge, curved to
fit
the outer surface of the cookware item, having an inner surface which is
entirely in
contact with the wall to which it is attached, and having projections or nibs
adapted
to contact the rim of a lower cookware item at a finite number of points, for
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example, at one, two, three, or more points. For example, as shown in Figure
19,
stop 51 has a lower edge having a non-linear profile which defines exactly two
nibs,
102, 103. Stop 51 has left end 100 and a right end 101 spaced apart from left
end
100. Nibs 102, 103 disposed and spaced apart on the left end 100 and the right
end
101 respectively. As seen for example in Figure 3, stop 15 has nibs 20 formed
at a
right end and left end thereof Stop 15 directly contacts rim 17 at two points,
where
nibs 20 directly contact rim 17. Between the points of direct contact, a gap
(unnumbered) where there is no contact between stop 15 and rim 17 is defined
between stop 15 and rim 17 at the top and bottom of the gap, and nibs 102, 103
at
the left end and right end of the gap.
[0051] As shown in the non-limiting embodiments of Figures 38 and 39,
exemplary shapes
for the projections or nibs of a stop include a triangular or other polygonal
shape
which contacts the lower rim at a vertex of the polygon; or a part of a
circle, oval,
curve or other rounded shape having a radius which contacts the lower rim at a
tangent point of the projection. Figure 38 shows examples of stops 30 having
two
projections 31 for contacting the lower item at two contact points, while the
exemplary stops 32 of Figure 38 have one projection 33 for contacting the
lower
item at one contact point. It will be understood that (unless a claim herein
specifies
otherwise) a stop may be of any shape that does not interfere with the
stacking and
nesting of the items, and can be stably attached to the cookware items, and
contacts
the lower rim at a finite number of points. Preferably the area of the stop-to-
rim
contact points according to the present invention is minimized, i.e. it is not
an
extended area along the entire bottom surface of an attachment to the wall of
an
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item. In the case of a stop having two contact points, the distance between
the
contact points may be 45 mm, or approximately 45 mm, or 46 mm, or
approximately 46 mm, or 47 mm, or approximately 47 mm or in the range of 40
mm to 50 mm. It will be understood that it is within the scope of subject
technology
that a stop may be shaped to contact the lower rim at more than exactly two
points,
but in an embodiment having multiple stops suitably placed on the cookware
item,
this is not necessary to achieve the desired stability.
[0052] To result in a stable stack of cookware items according to the
subject technology,
it is desirable for the following conditions to be achieved: (1) the stops of
a nested
cookware item contact the lower item's rim at a finite number of points; (2)
the
contact points lie in the same plane; (3) the contact points are sufficiently
distributed about the perimeter of the rim to support the nested cookware item
without a significant tendency to pivot, rock, or shift about the contact
points; (4)
the nested item and lower item are not contacting at any other points, i.e.
the walls,
rim, bases, and any attached handles of the items are not contacting.
[0053] Figures 36 and 37 show schematic representations of a cookware item
40 having a
wall 41. First stop 42 and second stop 43 are attached to the wall 41, across
a
diameter of the wall 41. In the example of Figure 36, first and second stops
42,43
have two projections 44 each, which together define four contact points 45. In
the
example of Figure 37, first stop 42 has two projections 44 and second stop 43
has
one projection 44, which together define three contact points 45. Three points
of
stop-to-rim contact as in Figure 37 will, by definition, always lie in the
same plane.
In an embodiment in which four points of contact are utilized as in Figure 36,
care
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must be taken in the selection of stops and their placement on the nested
items that
the points of stop-to-rim contact will lie substantially in the same plane.
Preferably,
the plane of the stop-to-rim contacts is parallel to the plane of the item's
base and
also to the plane of the item's rim, so the item is supported on the rim by
the stops
in a straightly upstanding position, which will minimize the chance of contact
between the walls, rim, bases, and any attached handles of the items. In this
manner
the cookware items are stacked in a stable configuration as disclosed herein
without
interlocking of handles, stops, rims, or other elements of items in the stack.
[0054] According to the subject technology a handle may be attached to
the wall and/or
rim of a nested item. The handle may be positioned above a stop.
Alternatively, a
stop and a handle may be combined into a single part having both functions.
However, it should be understood that a stop according to the subject
technology
need not be functional as a handle, for example, it may be relatively thin and
not
extend far enough from the wall of the cookware item to be of any practical
use as
a handle. It need only extend far enough from the wall to enable contact of
its
downward projection or projections with the rim of the lower item in the
stack. In
this aspect of the subject technology, the stop has a thickness such that it
does not
extend beyond the outer diameter of the lower cookware item, measured at the
rim
of the lower cookware item; or extends beyond it by less than 1 cm; or extends
beyond it by less than 0.5 cm; or extends beyond it by less than 0.25 cm; or
extends
beyond it by less than 0.1 cm.
[0055] According to a further non-limiting embodiment of the subject
technology, not
shown in the Figures, a cookware item is provided with three stops attached to
its
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outer surface, each of the three stops being configured to contact the rim of
the
lower item at exactly one point (e.g., having any of the shapes shown in
Figure 39,
for example). Preferably, the three stops are evenly spaced around sides of
the
cookware item. A handle or handles may be attached above one or more of the
stops.
[0056] It will also be understood that the ornamental appearance of
stackable cookware as
shown and described is within the scope of the subject technology.
[0057] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and
described in
detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it
will be
understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from
such principles. It will also be understood that the present invention
includes any
combination of the features and elements disclosed herein and any combination
of
equivalent features. The exemplary embodiments shown herein are presented for
the purposes of illustration only and are not meant to limit the scope of the
invention.
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