EP1267677B1 - Removable clip-on meal serving system for food products - Google Patents

Removable clip-on meal serving system for food products Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1267677B1
EP1267677B1 EP01921497A EP01921497A EP1267677B1 EP 1267677 B1 EP1267677 B1 EP 1267677B1 EP 01921497 A EP01921497 A EP 01921497A EP 01921497 A EP01921497 A EP 01921497A EP 1267677 B1 EP1267677 B1 EP 1267677B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
accessory
set forth
holder
system set
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01921497A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1267677A1 (en
Inventor
Jacques Antoine Vial
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Original Assignee
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever PLC, Unilever NV filed Critical Unilever PLC
Priority to DK01921497T priority Critical patent/DK1267677T3/en
Publication of EP1267677A1 publication Critical patent/EP1267677A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1267677B1 publication Critical patent/EP1267677B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00—Table service
    • A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
    • A47G19/04—Plates with detachable waste receptacles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G23/00—Other table equipment
    • A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
    • A47G23/0208—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
    • A47G23/0216—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup
    • A47G23/0225—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup attachable to a plate, table, or the like

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general technical field of snap-on and removable food aid systems for food products consumables that are intended to be held by pinching on a support.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to a system for assisting meal that includes an accessory intended to be clipped or attached to a food carrier and for example on the edge of a plate or tray and which makes it possible to support, in a stable manner, containers for solid, liquid or pasty food products such as for example cups containing a sauce or condiment.
  • Clip-on and removable accessories for food products consumables intended to be held by pinching on a support and usually encountered are exclusively intended to support, passive way, momentarily a drink against a plate to release a hand of the user.
  • These accessories known and described for example in DE-U-8516315 or DE-U-8813769 are formed of a clamp and means for receiving at least one glass, the clip and the means for reception projecting from an intermediate zone, the clamp comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw that include respectively one and two longitudinal arms intended to extend from else of the support deforming substantially elastically for allow maintenance by pinching the accessory on the support.
  • These accessories are provided with skids intended to prevent slippage the accessory relative to the support.
  • Such accessories are frequently used during cocktails or picnic since the user can then, by means of such an accessory, to make a plate, the glass containing a drink. Only one the user's hands is then taken to support the set of the plate and glass, so that he still has a free hand.
  • a first solution consists in have self-adhesive pads on the ends of the jaw arms inferior and the arm of the upper jaw. This solution presents however, the disadvantage of being expensive, impractical and unattractive. The introduction of the accessory on the edge of the plate proves indeed little convenient and it is not easy to remove the accessory when the user needs more.
  • the intake of food side dish such as an aromatic sauce or condiment
  • basic or main course is carried out in fast food by the simple deposit a dose of sauce directly on the plate in the middle or next to the dish main from a sauce dispenser.
  • the user can use an independent lid cup containing the sauce and add its contents to the plate or exceptionally if the cup is large enough, soak directly the food in the latter.
  • the objects assigned to the invention are therefore intended to remedy the the various disadvantages listed above, and to propose a new food aid system, clipable and removable on a food carrier, and likely to facilitate the taking of meals.
  • the objects assigned to the invention are therefore intended to remedy the the various disadvantages listed above, and to propose a new Eligible and removable accessory for food products, whose stability after clipping and in use is increased.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new clip-on accessory whose manufacture is inexpensive and whose rigidity is increased, while being ergonomic.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new clip-on accessory whose contact surfaces with the support after clipping are many.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to propose a new clip-on accessory for receiving a shaped container specific.
  • the objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a system of assistance to snap-in and removable meal on a food rack, plate for example, having at least one container of a sauce of a staple and an accessory with means receiving or container (s), characterized in that the accessory includes a clip to be threaded onto the edge of the support with the receiving means cantilevered relative to the edge of the support, said clamp being capable of deforming substantially elastically for allow the stable hold by pinching the accessory on the support, during the soaking operation of the basic foodstuff (s) in the container.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a container for products intended to be supported by the means of reception of the accessory of the new meal aid system.
  • the form of the container specifically adapts to the receiving means of the accessory defined previously.
  • the present invention also aims to propose a new formed element by the fixing or clipping accessory previously defined.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a snap-on and removable meal aid system 1 for consumable food products, which is intended to be maintained by pinching on a support 2, and in which is intended to be housed a containing 3 of food products.
  • the meal aid system 1 comprises a part of an accessory 4 which is intended to be introduced on the edge 5 of the support 2 such as a plate in the direction of the arrow F and, on the other hand, the container 3 which is intended to be attached or inserted in the accessory 4.
  • meal means any consumption of food unrestricted, for example the one made during a snack, a cocktail, a snack, a picnic, a lunch or even a having dinner.
  • support also means a tray, a plate or even any element allowing to support a food basic.
  • the accessory 4 comprises a clamp 11 and receiving means 12.
  • clip 11 is intended to be inserted or threaded parallel to itself on the edge 5 of the plate 2, and the receiving means 12 are intended for stably housing or supporting the container 3 such as a cup for sauce or condiment that is introduced from above in these ways.
  • the receiving means 12 are cantilevered relative to the edge 5 of the plate 2 or the support.
  • clip 11 has an upper jaw 15 and a lower jaw 16, which respectively comprise a longitudinal arm 17 and two arms 18 and 19. These arms are intended to extend on both sides of the support 2 by deforming substantially elastically to allow the pinch hold of the accessory 4 on this support, while allowing a stable hold of the accessory preventing its displacement in case of mechanical and dynamic multidirectional stresses.
  • the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the two arms 18 and 19 of the lower jaw 16 are termed longitudinal insofar as they extend parallel to the direction of introduction of the accessory 4 on the support 2, ie parallel to the arrow F of Figure 1.
  • the two longitudinal arms 18 and 19 of the lower jaw 16 are mutually connected by a transverse arm 20 to form a continuous branch 21, the intermediate zone 13 and this continuous branch 21 delimiting a window 22.
  • the transverse arm 20 of the lower jaw 16 extends substantially perpendicular to the two longitudinal arms 18 and 19 of this jaw.
  • the shape of the continuous branch 21 does not have an angle in particular at the connection of the longitudinal arms 18, 19 transverse arm 20, and has a shape close to that of an "iron horse ".
  • the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 is inscribed in the window 22 delimited by the intermediate zone 13 and the branch 21.
  • the arm 17 is located substantially vertically above the window 22.
  • the shape of the arm 17 of the jaw upper 15 is substantially identical to that of the window 22, so that the superposition of the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the continuous branch 21 of the lower jaw forms a surface substantially full.
  • the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the continuous branch 21 of the inferior jaw 16 extend in the opposite direction to the direction of the receiving means 12.
  • the arm 17 and the continuous branch 21 extend on one side of the intermediate zone 13, while the receiving means 12 extend on the other side of this intermediate zone 13.
  • the zone 13 forms thus a transverse flank from which extend the arms on two levels different.
  • the intermediate zone 13 thus forms a stop when the accessory 4 is introduced on the edge 5 of the support 2.
  • the accessory 4 according to the present invention is made of a single piece of any material according to any known method, and preferably by injection of a plastic material.
  • Complementary forms of branch 21 of the lower jaw 16 and the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 facilitate injection in that it is not necessary to use a mold with a drawer or cores.
  • the arm 17 and the continuous branch 21 each comprise a first section 24, 25 protruding from the transverse flank 13. These two first sections 24 and 25 define two extension planes which are substantially parallel and are mutually separated by at least one value equal to the thickness of the edge 5 of the support 2. Preferably, the spacing between the first two sections 24 and 25 is substantially equal to the value of the thickness of this edge.
  • the first two sections 24 and 25 are respectively extended by second sections 26 and 27 which each form an angle with the planes extension.
  • the second two sections 26 and 27 are also substantially parallel and extend downward.
  • the second section 26 of the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 comprises a flap 30 which is turned towards the continuous branch 21 of the jaw lower 16, and which defines at least two support points 31 and 32 on the support 2 when clipping the accessory 4 on this support, the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the continuous branch 21 of the lower jaw 16 then elastically apart to pinch the support firmly.
  • the two bearing points 31 and 32 are located on the and other arm 17 of the upper jaw 15.
  • the portion of the flap 30 located between the two bearing points 31 and 32 forms a continuous line of support on the support 2.
  • This line of support is large size compared to the general dimensions of the accessory, so that the stability of the accessory 4 on the support 2 is important.
  • the continuous branch 21 of the lower jaw 16 comprises at least two teeth 35 and 36 which protrude towards the arm 17 of the jaw superior 15.
  • the shape of the teeth 35 and 36 is such that the upper ends of these teeth define two points of support which are come in elastic support on the support 2.
  • the two teeth 35 and 36 are for example of enlarged shape at their level. base and are converging towards their upper end. They own and respectively an inclined ramp 37 which forms an angle with the longitudinal direction of the accessory 1, this angle being for example approximately equal to 45 °.
  • the ramps 37 facilitate the sliding of the support in the jaws and teeth 35, 36 amplify the elastic deformation of jaws upper 15 and lower 16, so that the edge 5 of the support 2 is firmly pinched.
  • the continuous shape of the lower jaw makes the clipping stable, the accessory is thus not easily detachable when the user moves while holding the support by hand equipped with the accessory.
  • the elasticity of the arms of the upper and lower jaws allows to clip the accessory 4 on supports 2 of different thicknesses.
  • the upper jaw 15 has a lug 38 directed towards the lower jaw 16 and located behind the continuous line defined by the flap 30.
  • the lug 38 further increases the support of the upper jaw 15 on the support 2.
  • the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the first section 25 of the continuous branch 21 of the lower jaw 16 have ribs 39 which make it possible to stiffen the clamp 11.
  • the receiving means 12 of the consumable container 3 are constituted by a ring 40 which extends parallel to the extension plane defined by the first sections 24 and 25 of the arms.
  • the cross section of the ring 40 is substantially U-shaped downwards so that this ring has a receiving face 41 of annular shape.
  • the face ring 41 and the upper face of the upper jaw 15 are coplanar.
  • the container 3 shown in FIG. 1 is preferably a cup whose the side walls 45 are of frustoconical shape flaring upwards. In upper part, the cup 3 has a flange 46 extending radially.
  • the cup 3 has internal partitions which define several compartments to hold several types of products food.
  • the walls lateral 45 penetrate the ring 40 until the flange 46 comes into abutment on the upper bearing face 41 of this ring. So, when the cup 3 is positioned in the ring 40, most of the The weight of this cup is located below this ring. The cup 3 is therefore very stable and therefore does not tend to escape from the accessory 4.
  • This stability of the cup 3 is all the more important and necessary when the user wants to soak the staple food in the cup to season these foods.
  • seasoning or dipping the whole of the accessory 4 and the cupel 3 in fact undergoes solicitations which must be compensated by the gripper, the latter having to remain firmly in its position initial without lateral slip in particular.
  • the good elastic tightening obtained by the support means 31, 32 and especially by the two teeth 35, 36 allows to achieve this stability, especially lateral, despite the multiple dynamic and multidirectional solicitations.
  • the cup and the receiving means 12 can advantageously comprise means of form such as those represented in the second mode of embodiment, in Figures 6 and 7.
  • the ring 40 now also comprises at least one boss, and preferably two bosses 50 and 51 which extend towards the center of the ring 40 and which are intended to cooperate with recessed reliefs 52 of complementary shapes carried by the container 3 of products consumables.
  • the bosses 50 and 51 preferably extend over the entire height of the ring and are diametrically opposed.
  • the shape of the recesses 52 is complementary to that of the bosses 50 and 51 so that when inseflion, bosses 50 and 51 fit together in the hollows 52.
  • the outer shape of the cup 3 is shaped specifically adapted to the inner shape of the ring, which avoids the rotation of the cup in the ring and its disengagement.
  • the stability of the cup 3 in the ring 40 is thus further increased.
  • the cup 3 in the case where the cup 3 does not have the recessed reliefs 52 complementary bosses 51, 52, the cup 3 can not be inserted in the ring 40.
  • the bosses 51 and 52 have a curved cross section, but can also be square, or even triangular.
  • the ring 40 has recessed reliefs and the cup carries bosses of complementary shape.
  • the ring 40 provided with recessed reliefs or bosses may be integral with a clamp 11 having jaws which are conformed in the usual way.
  • bosses 50 and 51 are of evolutionary form in the vertical plane to constitute a clip with the reliefs in hollow of the cup to positively lock this cup in the ring.
  • the user wants to remove the cup, just pinch the side wall 45 of the cup to clear the bosses.
  • the removable cup 3 can be, once empty or almost empty, or when the user wants change seasoning, replaced by a new cup.
  • whole or part, for example of a sauce contained in the dish has been used, it is still possible to reload the cup using a container containing said sauce.
  • the invention finds its industrial application in the manufacture and use removably attachable meal aid systems at the edge of a plate.

Landscapes

  • Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

Removable, clip-on meal assistance system for a food holder (2), such as a tray or plate, for foodstuffs is provided. The system includes at least one container (3) of foodstuffs to accompany a main dish and an accessory (4) formed from a gripper (11) and means (12) for receiving the container(s). The gripper is able to be more or less elastically deformed to permit an accessory to be held on the support by gripping it. Accessory for the system and foodstuff container supported by the accessory also may be provided.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine technique général des systèmes d'aide aux repas clipsables et amovibles pour produits alimentaires consommables qui sont destinés à être maintenus par pincement sur un support.The present invention relates to the general technical field of snap-on and removable food aid systems for food products consumables that are intended to be held by pinching on a support.

La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un système d'aide au repas qui comprend un accessoire destiné à être clipsé ou fixé sur un support d'aliments et par exemple sur le bord d'une assiette ou d'un plateau et qui permet de supporter, de manière stable, des contenants pour des produits alimentaires solides, liquides ou encore pâteux tels que par exemple des coupelles renfermant une sauce ou un condiment.The present invention relates more particularly to a system for assisting meal that includes an accessory intended to be clipped or attached to a food carrier and for example on the edge of a plate or tray and which makes it possible to support, in a stable manner, containers for solid, liquid or pasty food products such as for example cups containing a sauce or condiment.

TECHNIQUE ANTERIEUREPRIOR ART

Les accessoires clipsables et amovibles pour produits alimentaires consommables destinés à être maintenus par pincement sur un support et habituellement rencontrés sont exclusivement destinés à supporter, de manière passive, momentanément un verre contre une assiette pour libérer une main de l'utilisateur. Ces accessoires connus et décrits par exemple dans DE-U-8516315 ou DE-U-8813769, sont formés d'une pince et de moyens de réception d'au moins un verre, la pince et les moyens de réception faisant saillie à partir d'une zone intermédiaire, la pince comportant une mâchoire supérieure et une mâchoire inférieure qui comprennent respectivement un et deux bras longitudinaux destinés à s'étendre de part et d'autre du support en se déformant sensiblement élastiquement pour permettre le maintien par pincement de l'accessoire sur le support. Ces accessoires sont pourvus de patins destinés à empêcher le glissement de l'accessoire relativement au support.Clip-on and removable accessories for food products consumables intended to be held by pinching on a support and usually encountered are exclusively intended to support, passive way, momentarily a drink against a plate to release a hand of the user. These accessories known and described for example in DE-U-8516315 or DE-U-8813769, are formed of a clamp and means for receiving at least one glass, the clip and the means for reception projecting from an intermediate zone, the clamp comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw that include respectively one and two longitudinal arms intended to extend from else of the support deforming substantially elastically for allow maintenance by pinching the accessory on the support. These accessories are provided with skids intended to prevent slippage the accessory relative to the support.

De tels accessoires sont fréquemment utilisés au cours de cocktails ou de piques-niques puisque l'utilisateur peut alors, au moyen d'un tel accessoire, rendre solidaire d'une assiette, le verre contenant une boisson. Seule, l'une des mains de l'utilisateur est alors prise pour supporter l'ensemble de l'assiette et du verre, de sorte qu'il dispose encore d'une main libre.Such accessories are frequently used during cocktails or picnic since the user can then, by means of such an accessory, to make a plate, the glass containing a drink. Only one the user's hands is then taken to support the set of the plate and glass, so that he still has a free hand.

Toutefois, même si les accessoires habituellement rencontrés donnent généralement satisfaction, ils ne peuvent pas être clipsés sur des supports de différentes épaisseurs, ce qui limite leur utilisation. De plus, si l'utilisateur cherche à clipser un accessoire sur un support dont l'épaisseur ne correspond pas, la stabilité de l'accessoire sur le support est dégradée, obligeant l'utilisateur à veiller à ce que l'accessoire ne se désolidarise pas de l'assiette et ne se retourne pas.However, even if the accessories usually encountered give generally satisfaction, they can not be clipped on supports different thicknesses, which limits their use. Moreover, if the user try to clip an accessory on a support whose thickness does not does not match, the stability of the accessory on the support is degraded, obliging the user to ensure that the accessory does not disengage from the plate and do not turn around.

Pour remédier à ces inconvénients, une première solution consiste à disposer des patins autocollants sur les extrémités des bras de la mâchoire inféneure et du bras de la mâchoire supérieure. Cette solution présente toutefois l'inconvénient d'être onéreuse, peu pratique et peu esthétique. L'introduction de l'accessoire sur le bord de l'assiette s'avère en effet peu commode et il n'est pas facile de retirer l'accessoire lorsque l'utilisateur n'en a plus besoin. To remedy these drawbacks, a first solution consists in have self-adhesive pads on the ends of the jaw arms inferior and the arm of the upper jaw. This solution presents however, the disadvantage of being expensive, impractical and unattractive. The introduction of the accessory on the edge of the plate proves indeed little convenient and it is not easy to remove the accessory when the user needs more.

Enfin et de manière générale, les accessoires mentionnés précédemment sont conçus pour et destinés exclusivement à assurer une fonction de support passif d'un verre en vue de libérer une main. Ainsi, leur conception n'est pas prévue pour s'accommoder d autres fonctions, susceptibles par exemple de faire intervenir des sollicitations mécaniques autres et diverses impliquant notamment une stabilité accrue.Finally and in general, the accessories mentioned above are designed for and intended exclusively for the purpose of passive support of a glass to free a hand. So, their design is not intended to accommodate other functions example of involving other mechanical solicitations and various involving in particular increased stability.

En particulier, le développement de la restauration rapide sous toutes ses formes fait naítre des besoins nouveaux et continuels en matière de systèmes ou accessoires susceptibles de faciliter la prise du repas tout en étant d'une utilisation simple.In particular, the development of fast food under all its new and continuing needs for systems or accessories that may facilitate the taking of meals while being of simple use.

Par exemple et à présent, l'apport de produits alimentaires d'accompagnement, du genre sauce aromatique ou condiment, d'un aliment de base ou met principal s'effectue en restauration rapide par le simple dépôt d'une dose de sauce directement dans l'assiette au milieu ou à côté du met principal à partir d'un distributeur de sauce. Dans certains cas, l'utilisateur peut utiliser une coupelle operculée indépendante contenant la sauce d'accompagnement et verser son contenu dans l'assiette ou exceptionnellement si la coupelle est suffisamment grande, tremper directement l'aliment dans cette dernière.For example and now, the intake of food side dish, such as an aromatic sauce or condiment, basic or main course is carried out in fast food by the simple deposit a dose of sauce directly on the plate in the middle or next to the dish main from a sauce dispenser. In some cases, the user can use an independent lid cup containing the sauce and add its contents to the plate or exceptionally if the cup is large enough, soak directly the food in the latter.

De tels systèmes s'avèrent peu pratiques et impliquent souvent le mélange aléatoire de l'aliment avec la sauce ce qui peut être perçu négativement par l'utilisateur. Dans le cas d'une coupelle indépendante ils nécessitent la présence d'une table ou d'un support équivalent, la coupelle devant généralement par ailleurs être maintenue par une main si l'aliment doit y être inséré.Such systems are impractical and often involve mixing random food with the sauce which can be negatively perceived by the user. In the case of an independent cup they require the the presence of a table or equivalent support, the cup in front of generally also be held by a hand if the food is to be held there inserted.

On connaít également, du document US-A-2803120, un contenant pour sauce d'accompagnement destiné à être fixé et posé directement à l'intérieur de l'assiette grâce à des pattes et des patins anti-glissement. Un tel dispositif est d'un coût de production relativement élevé et présente le désavantage d'être disposé dans l'assiette même au milieu des aliments.Also known from US-A-2803120, a container for accompanying sauce to be fixed and placed directly inside of the plate thanks to feet and skates anti-slip. Such a device has a relatively high production cost and is at a disadvantage to be placed in the plate even in the middle of food.

EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Les objets assignés à l'invention visent en conséquence à porter remède aux différents inconvénients énumérés précédemment, et à proposer un nouveau système d'aide au repas, clipsable et amovible sur un support d'aliment, et susceptible de faciliter la prise de repas.The objects assigned to the invention are therefore intended to remedy the the various disadvantages listed above, and to propose a new food aid system, clipable and removable on a food carrier, and likely to facilitate the taking of meals.

Les objets assignés à l'invention visent en conséquence à porter remède aux différents inconvénients énumérés précédemment, et à proposer un nouvel accessoire elipsable et amovible pour produits alimentaires, dont la stabilité après clipsage et en cours d'utilisation est accrue.The objects assigned to the invention are therefore intended to remedy the the various disadvantages listed above, and to propose a new Eligible and removable accessory for food products, whose stability after clipping and in use is increased.

Un autre objet de l'invention est de proposer un nouvel accessoire clipsable dont la fabrication est peu coûteuse et dont la rigidité est augmentée, tout en étant ergonomique.Another object of the invention is to propose a new clip-on accessory whose manufacture is inexpensive and whose rigidity is increased, while being ergonomic.

Un autre objet de l'invention est de proposer un nouvel accessoire clipsable dont les surfaces de contact avec le support après clipsage sont nombreuses.Another object of the invention is to propose a new clip-on accessory whose contact surfaces with the support after clipping are many.

Encore un autre objet de l'invention consiste à proposer un nouvel accessoire clipsable destiné à réceptionner un contenant de forme spécifique.Yet another object of the invention is to propose a new clip-on accessory for receiving a shaped container specific.

Les objets assignés à l'invention sont atteints à l'aide d'un système d'aide au repas clipsable et amovible sur un support d'aliments, du genre plateau ou assiette par exemple, comportant au moins un contenant d'une sauce d'accompagnement d'un aliment de base et un accessoire avec des moyens de réception du ou des contenant(s), caractérisé en ce que l'accessoire comporte une pince destinée à être enfilée sur le bord du support avec les moyens de réception en porte à faux relativement au bord du support, ladite pince étant susceptible de se déformer sensiblement élastiquement pour permettre le maintien stable par pincement de l'accessoire sur le support, lors de l'opération de trempage du ou des aliment(s) de base dans le contenant.The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a system of assistance to snap-in and removable meal on a food rack, plate for example, having at least one container of a sauce of a staple and an accessory with means receiving or container (s), characterized in that the accessory includes a clip to be threaded onto the edge of the support with the receiving means cantilevered relative to the edge of the support, said clamp being capable of deforming substantially elastically for allow the stable hold by pinching the accessory on the support, during the soaking operation of the basic foodstuff (s) in the container.

Un autre objet de l'invention consiste à proposer un contenant pour produits alimentaires destiné à être supporté par les moyens de réception de l'accessoire du nouveau système d'aide au repas. Avantageusement, la forme du contenant s'adapte spécifiquement aux moyens de réception de l'accessoire défini précédemment.Another object of the invention is to propose a container for products intended to be supported by the means of reception of the accessory of the new meal aid system. Advantageously, the form of the container specifically adapts to the receiving means of the accessory defined previously.

La présente invention vise également à proposer un nouvel élément formé par l'accessoire de fixation ou de clipsage précédemment défini.The present invention also aims to propose a new formed element by the fixing or clipping accessory previously defined.

DESCRIPTIF SOMMAIRE DES DESSINSSUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Les objets assignés à l'invention seront explicités plus en détails à la lecture de la description jointe ainsi qu'aux dessins annexés à la description à titre purement explicatif et non limitatif, dans lesquels:

  • La figure 1 montre selon une vue en perspective, un système clipsable conforme à l'invention, en cours d'introduction sur le bord d'une assiette, le contenant pour produits alimentaires étant également en cours de positionnement dans l'accessoire.
  • Les figures 2 à 5 sont respectivement des vues de dessus, de côté, en coupe longitudinale et de dessous de l'accessoire conforme à l'invention selon un premier mode de réalisation.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un accessoire conforme à l'invention clipsé sur le bord d'une assiette.
  • La figure 7 est une vue en perspective du contenant destiné à être logé dans l'accessoire de la figure 6.
The objects assigned to the invention will be explained in more detail on reading the attached description and the drawings appended to the description for purely explanatory and non-limiting purposes, in which:
  • Figure 1 shows in a perspective view, a clip system according to the invention, being introduced on the edge of a plate, the food container is also being positioned in the accessory.
  • Figures 2 to 5 are respectively views from above, side, in longitudinal section and from below the accessory according to the invention according to a first embodiment.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an accessory according to the invention clipped on the edge of a plate.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the container intended to be housed in the accessory of FIG. 6.

MEILLEURE MANIERE DE REALISER L'INVENTIONBEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

La figure 1 illustre un système d'aide au repas clipsable et amovible 1 pour produits alimentaires consommables, qui est destiné à être maintenu par pincement sur un support 2, et dans lequel est destiné à être logé un contenant 3 de produits alimentaires.Figure 1 illustrates a snap-on and removable meal aid system 1 for consumable food products, which is intended to be maintained by pinching on a support 2, and in which is intended to be housed a containing 3 of food products.

Le système d'aide au repas 1 selon la présente invention comprend d'une part un accessoire 4 qui est destiné à être introduit sur le bord 5 du support 2 tel qu'une assiette selon le sens de la flèche F et, d'autre part, le contenant 3 qui est destiné à être rapporté ou inséré dans l'accessoire 4.The meal aid system 1 according to the present invention comprises a part of an accessory 4 which is intended to be introduced on the edge 5 of the support 2 such as a plate in the direction of the arrow F and, on the other hand, the container 3 which is intended to be attached or inserted in the accessory 4.

Au sens de l'invention, on entend par repas toute consommation d'aliments sans restriction, et par exemple celle effectuée au cours d'une collation, d'un cocktail, d'un goûter, d'un pique-nique, d'un déjeuner ou bien encore d'un díner. On entend également au sens de l'invention, par support, un plateau, une assiette ou bien encore tout élément permettant de supporter un aliment de base.For the purposes of the invention, meal means any consumption of food unrestricted, for example the one made during a snack, a cocktail, a snack, a picnic, a lunch or even a having dinner. For the purposes of the invention, the term "support" also means a tray, a plate or even any element allowing to support a food basic.

L'accessoire 4 comprend une pince 11 et des moyens de réception 12. La pince 11 est destinée à être introduite ou enfilée parallèlement à elle-même sur le bord 5 de l'assiette 2, et les moyens de réception 12 sont destinés à loger ou supporter de manière stable le contenant 3 tel qu'une coupelle pour sauce ou condiment qui est introduite par le haut dans ces moyens. Selon cette configuration, les moyens de réception 12 sont en porte à faux relativement au bord 5 de l'assiette 2 ou du support.The accessory 4 comprises a clamp 11 and receiving means 12. clip 11 is intended to be inserted or threaded parallel to itself on the edge 5 of the plate 2, and the receiving means 12 are intended for stably housing or supporting the container 3 such as a cup for sauce or condiment that is introduced from above in these ways. according to this configuration, the receiving means 12 are cantilevered relative to the edge 5 of the plate 2 or the support.

Comme le montrent plus particulièrement les figures 2 à 5, la pince 11 et les moyens de réception 12 font saillie à partir d'une zone intermédiaire 13. La pince 11 comporte une mâchoire supérieure 15 et une mâchoire inférieure 16, qui comprennent respectivement un bras longitudinal 17 et deux bras longitudinaux 18 et 19. Ces bras sont destinés à s'étendre de part et d'autre du support 2 en se déformant sensiblement élastiquement pour permettre le maintien par pincement de l'accessoire 4 sur ce support, tout en permettant un maintien stable de l'accessoire empêchant son déplacement en cas de sollicitations mécaniques et dynamiques multidirectionnelles.As is more particularly shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the clamp 11 and the receiving means 12 project from an intermediate zone 13. clip 11 has an upper jaw 15 and a lower jaw 16, which respectively comprise a longitudinal arm 17 and two arms 18 and 19. These arms are intended to extend on both sides of the support 2 by deforming substantially elastically to allow the pinch hold of the accessory 4 on this support, while allowing a stable hold of the accessory preventing its displacement in case of mechanical and dynamic multidirectional stresses.

Le bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 et les deux bras 18 et 19 de la mâchoire inférieure 16 sont qualifiés de longitudinaux dans la mesure où ils s'étendent parallèlement à la direction d'introduction de l'accessoire 4 sur le support 2, c'est à dire parallèlement à la flèche F de la figure 1.The arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the two arms 18 and 19 of the lower jaw 16 are termed longitudinal insofar as they extend parallel to the direction of introduction of the accessory 4 on the support 2, ie parallel to the arrow F of Figure 1.

Selon la présente invention, les deux bras longitudinaux 18 et 19 de la mâchoire inférieure 16 sont mutuellement reliés par un bras transversal 20 pour former une branche continue 21, la zone intermédiaire 13 et cette branche continue 21 délimitant une fenêtre 22.According to the present invention, the two longitudinal arms 18 and 19 of the lower jaw 16 are mutually connected by a transverse arm 20 to form a continuous branch 21, the intermediate zone 13 and this continuous branch 21 delimiting a window 22.

Le bras transversal 20 de la mâchoire inférieure 16 s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement aux deux bras longitudinaux 18 et 19 de cette mâchoire. De préférence, la forme de la branche continue 21 ne présente pas d'angle vif, en particulier au niveau du raccordement des bras longitudinaux 18, 19 au bras transversal 20, et possède une forme voisine de celle d'un « fer à cheval ».The transverse arm 20 of the lower jaw 16 extends substantially perpendicular to the two longitudinal arms 18 and 19 of this jaw. Preferably, the shape of the continuous branch 21 does not have an angle in particular at the connection of the longitudinal arms 18, 19 transverse arm 20, and has a shape close to that of an "iron horse ".

De manière préférentielle, le bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 est inscrit dans la fenêtre 22 délimitée par la zone intermédiaire 13 et la branche continue 21. Le bras 17 est situé sensiblement à l'aplomb de la fenêtre 22. De manière encore préférentielle, la forme du bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 est sensiblement identique à celle de la fenêtre 22, de sorte que la superposition du bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 et de la branche continue 21 de la mâchoire inférieure forme une surface sensiblement pleine.Preferably, the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 is inscribed in the window 22 delimited by the intermediate zone 13 and the branch 21. The arm 17 is located substantially vertically above the window 22. In a still preferred manner, the shape of the arm 17 of the jaw upper 15 is substantially identical to that of the window 22, so that the superposition of the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the continuous branch 21 of the lower jaw forms a surface substantially full.

Le bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 et la branche continue 21 de la mâchoire inféneure 16 s'étendent en direction opposée à la direction des moyens de réception 12. Le bras 17 et la branche continue 21 s'étendent d'un côté de la zone intermédiaire 13, tandis que les moyens de réception 12 s'étendent de l'autre côté de cette zone intermédiaire 13. La zone 13 forme ainsi un flanc transversal à partir duquel s'étendent les bras sur deux niveaux différents. La zone intermédiaire 13 forme ainsi une butée lorsque l'accessoire 4 est introduit sur le bord 5 du support 2.The arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the continuous branch 21 of the inferior jaw 16 extend in the opposite direction to the direction of the receiving means 12. The arm 17 and the continuous branch 21 extend on one side of the intermediate zone 13, while the receiving means 12 extend on the other side of this intermediate zone 13. The zone 13 forms thus a transverse flank from which extend the arms on two levels different. The intermediate zone 13 thus forms a stop when the accessory 4 is introduced on the edge 5 of the support 2.

L'accessoire 4 selon la présente invention est réalisé d'une seule pièce en toute matière selon tout procédé connu, et de préférence par injection d'une matière plastique. Les formes complémentaires de la branche 21 de la mâchoire inférieure 16 et du bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 facilitent l'injection dans la mesure où il n'est pas nécessaire d'utiliser un moule muni d'un tiroir ou de noyaux.The accessory 4 according to the present invention is made of a single piece of any material according to any known method, and preferably by injection of a plastic material. Complementary forms of branch 21 of the lower jaw 16 and the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 facilitate injection in that it is not necessary to use a mold with a drawer or cores.

Le bras 17 et la branche continue 21 comprennent chacun un premier tronçon 24, 25 qui fait saillie à partir du flanc transversal 13. Ces deux premiers tronçons 24 et 25 définissent deux plans d'extension qui sont sensiblement parallèles et sont mutuellement écartés d'une valeur au moins égale à l'épaisseur bord 5 du support 2. De préférence, l'écartement entre les deux premiers tronçons 24 et 25 est sensiblement égal à la valeur de l'épaisseur de ce bord.The arm 17 and the continuous branch 21 each comprise a first section 24, 25 protruding from the transverse flank 13. These two first sections 24 and 25 define two extension planes which are substantially parallel and are mutually separated by at least one value equal to the thickness of the edge 5 of the support 2. Preferably, the spacing between the first two sections 24 and 25 is substantially equal to the value of the thickness of this edge.

Les deux premiers tronçons 24 et 25 sont respectivement prolongés par des deuxièmes tronçons 26 et 27 qui forment chacun un angle avec les plans d'extension. Les deux deuxièmes tronçons 26 et 27 sont également sensiblement parallèles et s'étendent vers le bas.The first two sections 24 and 25 are respectively extended by second sections 26 and 27 which each form an angle with the planes extension. The second two sections 26 and 27 are also substantially parallel and extend downward.

Le deuxième tronçon 26 du bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 comporte un rabat 30 qui est tourné vers la branche continue 21 de la mâchoire inférieure 16, et qui définit au moins deux points d'appui 31 et 32 sur le support 2 lors du clipsage de l'accessoire 4 sur ce support, le bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 et la branche continue 21 de la mâchoire inférieure 16 s'écartant alors élastiquement pour pincer fermement le support.The second section 26 of the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 comprises a flap 30 which is turned towards the continuous branch 21 of the jaw lower 16, and which defines at least two support points 31 and 32 on the support 2 when clipping the accessory 4 on this support, the arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the continuous branch 21 of the lower jaw 16 then elastically apart to pinch the support firmly.

De manière avantageuse, les deux points d'appui 31 et 32 sont situés de part et d'autre du bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15. Dans une variante préférentielle, la portion du rabat 30 située entre les deux points d'appui 31 et 32 forme une ligne d'appui continue sur le support 2. Cette ligne d'appui est de grande dimension par rapport aux dimensions générales de l'accessoire, de sorte que la stabilité de l'accessoire 4 sur le support 2 est importante.Advantageously, the two bearing points 31 and 32 are located on the and other arm 17 of the upper jaw 15. In a variant preferentially, the portion of the flap 30 located between the two bearing points 31 and 32 forms a continuous line of support on the support 2. This line of support is large size compared to the general dimensions of the accessory, so that the stability of the accessory 4 on the support 2 is important.

La branche continue 21 de la mâchoire inférieure 16 comprend au moins deux dents 35 et 36 qui font saillie en direction du bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15.The continuous branch 21 of the lower jaw 16 comprises at least two teeth 35 and 36 which protrude towards the arm 17 of the jaw superior 15.

La forme des dents 35 et 36 est telle que les extrémités supérieures de ces dents définissent deux points d'appui sensiblement ponctuels destinés à venir en appui élastique sur le support 2. The shape of the teeth 35 and 36 is such that the upper ends of these teeth define two points of support which are come in elastic support on the support 2.

Les deux dents 35 et 36 sont par exemple de forme élargie au niveau de leur base et sont convergentes vers leur extrémité supérieure. Elles possèdent ainsi respectivement une rampe inclinée 37 qui forme un angle avec la direction longitudinale de l'accessoire 1, cet angle étant par exemple approximativement égal à 45°. Lors de l'introduction de l'accessoire 4 sur le support 2, les rampes 37 facilitent le coulissement du support dans les mâchoires et les dents 35, 36 amplifient la déformation élastique des mâchoires supérieure 15 et inférieure 16, de sorte que le bord 5 du support 2 est fermement pincé. De plus, la forme continue de la mâchoire inférieure rend le clipsage stable, l'accessoire étant ainsi peu facilement désolidansable lorsque l'utilisateur se déplace en tenant à la main le support muni de l'accessoire.The two teeth 35 and 36 are for example of enlarged shape at their level. base and are converging towards their upper end. They own and respectively an inclined ramp 37 which forms an angle with the longitudinal direction of the accessory 1, this angle being for example approximately equal to 45 °. When introducing the accessory 4 on the support 2, the ramps 37 facilitate the sliding of the support in the jaws and teeth 35, 36 amplify the elastic deformation of jaws upper 15 and lower 16, so that the edge 5 of the support 2 is firmly pinched. In addition, the continuous shape of the lower jaw makes the clipping stable, the accessory is thus not easily detachable when the user moves while holding the support by hand equipped with the accessory.

De plus, l'élasticité des bras des mâchoires supérieure et inférieure permet de clipser l'accessoire 4 sur des supports 2 de différentes épaisseurs.In addition, the elasticity of the arms of the upper and lower jaws allows to clip the accessory 4 on supports 2 of different thicknesses.

En variante, la mâchoire supérieure 15 possède un ergot 38 dirigé vers la mâchoire inférieure 16 et situé en arrière de la ligne continue définie par le rabat 30. L'ergot 38 augmente encore l'appui de la mâchoire supéneure 15 sur le support 2.Alternatively, the upper jaw 15 has a lug 38 directed towards the lower jaw 16 and located behind the continuous line defined by the flap 30. The lug 38 further increases the support of the upper jaw 15 on the support 2.

Le bras 17 de la mâchoire supérieure 15 et le premier tronçon 25 de la branche continue 21 de la mâchoire inférieure 16 possèdent des nervures 39 qui permettent de rigidifier la pince 11.The arm 17 of the upper jaw 15 and the first section 25 of the continuous branch 21 of the lower jaw 16 have ribs 39 which make it possible to stiffen the clamp 11.

Les moyens de réception 12 du contenant 3 de produits consommables sont constitués d'une bague 40 qui s'étend parallèlement au plan d'extension défini par les premiers tronçons 24 et 25 des bras. La section transversale de la bague 40 est de forme sensiblement en U tournée vers le bas de sorte que cette bague possède une face de réception 41 de forme annulaire. La face annulaire 41 et la face supérieure de la mâchoire supérieure 15 sont coplanaires.The receiving means 12 of the consumable container 3 are constituted by a ring 40 which extends parallel to the extension plane defined by the first sections 24 and 25 of the arms. The cross section of the ring 40 is substantially U-shaped downwards so that this ring has a receiving face 41 of annular shape. The face ring 41 and the upper face of the upper jaw 15 are coplanar.

Le contenant 3 représenté à la figure 1 est de préférence une coupelle dont les parois latérales 45 sont de forme tronconique s'évasant vers le haut. En partie supérieure, la coupelle 3 possède une collerette 46 s'étendant radialement.The container 3 shown in FIG. 1 is preferably a cup whose the side walls 45 are of frustoconical shape flaring upwards. In upper part, the cup 3 has a flange 46 extending radially.

En variante, la coupelle 3 possède des cloisons intérieures qui définissent plusieurs compartiments pour contenir plusieurs types de produits alimentaires.Alternatively, the cup 3 has internal partitions which define several compartments to hold several types of products food.

Lors de la mise en place de la coupelle 3 dans l'accessoire 4, les parois latérales 45 pénètrent dans la bague 40 jusqu'à ce que la collerette 46 vienne en butée sur la face d'appui supérieure 41 de cette bague. Ainsi, lorsque la coupelle 3 est positionnée dans la bague 40, la majeure partie du poids de cette coupelle est située en dessous de cette bague. La coupelle 3 est donc très stable et n'a donc pas tendance à s'échapper de l'accessoire 4.When placing the cup 3 in the accessory 4, the walls lateral 45 penetrate the ring 40 until the flange 46 comes into abutment on the upper bearing face 41 of this ring. So, when the cup 3 is positioned in the ring 40, most of the The weight of this cup is located below this ring. The cup 3 is therefore very stable and therefore does not tend to escape from the accessory 4.

Cette stabilité de la coupelle 3 est d'autant plus importante et nécessaire lorsque l'utilisateur veut tremper le ou les aliments de base dans la coupelle pour assaisonner ces aliments. Au cours de cette opération d'assaisonnement ou de trempage, l'ensemble de l'accessoire 4 et de la coupelle 3 subit en effet des sollicitations qui doivent être compensées par la pince, cette dernière devant notamment rester fermement dans sa position initiale sans glissement latéral en particulier. Le bon serrage élastique obtenu par les moyens d'appuis 31, 32 et surtout par les deux dents 35, 36 permet d'atteindre cette stabilité, notamment latérale, en dépit des multiples sollicitations dynamiques et multidirectionnelles. This stability of the cup 3 is all the more important and necessary when the user wants to soak the staple food in the cup to season these foods. During this operation seasoning or dipping, the whole of the accessory 4 and the cupel 3 in fact undergoes solicitations which must be compensated by the gripper, the latter having to remain firmly in its position initial without lateral slip in particular. The good elastic tightening obtained by the support means 31, 32 and especially by the two teeth 35, 36 allows to achieve this stability, especially lateral, despite the multiple dynamic and multidirectional solicitations.

Par ailleurs, pour augmenter la stabilité de la coupelle 3 dans les moyens de réception 12 de l'accessoire 4, la coupelle et les moyens de réception 12 peuvent avantageusement comporter des moyens de forme complémentaires tels que ceux représentés au deuxième mode de réalisation, aux figures 6 et 7.Moreover, to increase the stability of the cup 3 in the means of receiving 12 of the accessory 4, the cup and the receiving means 12 can advantageously comprise means of form such as those represented in the second mode of embodiment, in Figures 6 and 7.

Les parties constitutives de l'accessoire 4 et de la coupelle 3 du deuxième mode de réalisation similaires à celles du premier mode de réalisation porteront des références identiques.The constituent parts of the accessory 4 and the cup 3 of the second similar embodiment to those of the first embodiment will carry identical references.

La bague 40 comporte à présent en outre au moins un bossage, et de préférence deux bossages 50 et 51 qui s'étendent en direction du centre de la bague 40 et qui sont destinés à coopérer avec des reliefs en creux 52 de formes complémentaires portées par le contenant 3 de produits consommables.The ring 40 now also comprises at least one boss, and preferably two bosses 50 and 51 which extend towards the center of the ring 40 and which are intended to cooperate with recessed reliefs 52 of complementary shapes carried by the container 3 of products consumables.

Les bossages 50 et 51 s'étendent de préférence sur toute la hauteur de la bague et sont diamétralement opposés.The bosses 50 and 51 preferably extend over the entire height of the ring and are diametrically opposed.

La forme des creux 52 est complémentaire de celle des bossages 50 et 51 de manière à ce que lors de l'inseflion, les bossages 50 et 51 s'emboítent dans les creux 52. Ainsi, la forme extérieure de la coupelle 3 est de forme spécifiquement adaptée à la forme intérieure de la bague, ce qui évite la rotation de la coupelle dans la bague ainsi que sa désolidarisation. La stabilité de la coupelle 3 dans la bague 40 est donc encore augmentée. De plus, dans le cas où la coupelle 3 ne possède pas les reliefs en creux 52 complémentaires des bossages 51, 52, la coupelle 3 ne peut pas être insérée dans la bague 40.The shape of the recesses 52 is complementary to that of the bosses 50 and 51 so that when inseflion, bosses 50 and 51 fit together in the hollows 52. Thus, the outer shape of the cup 3 is shaped specifically adapted to the inner shape of the ring, which avoids the rotation of the cup in the ring and its disengagement. The The stability of the cup 3 in the ring 40 is thus further increased. Of more, in the case where the cup 3 does not have the recessed reliefs 52 complementary bosses 51, 52, the cup 3 can not be inserted in the ring 40.

Les bossages 51 et 52 ont une section transversale de forme courbe, mais peuvent également être de forme carrée, ou bien encore triangulaire. The bosses 51 and 52 have a curved cross section, but can also be square, or even triangular.

En variante, la bague 40 comporte des reliefs en creux et la coupelle porte des bossages de forme complémentaire.As a variant, the ring 40 has recessed reliefs and the cup carries bosses of complementary shape.

Dans encore une autre variante, la bague 40 munie de reliefs en creux ou de bossages peut être solidaire d'une pince 11 comportant des mâchoires qui sont conformée de manière habituelle.In yet another variant, the ring 40 provided with recessed reliefs or bosses may be integral with a clamp 11 having jaws which are conformed in the usual way.

Dans une autre variante, les bossages 50 et 51 sont de forme évolutive dans le plan vertical pour constituer un clip avec les reliefs en creux de la coupelle pour bloquer positivement cette coupelle dans la bague. Lorsque l'utilisateur veut ensuite retirer la coupelle, il suffit de pincer la paroi latérale 45 de la coupelle pour dégager les bossages.In another variant, the bosses 50 and 51 are of evolutionary form in the vertical plane to constitute a clip with the reliefs in hollow of the cup to positively lock this cup in the ring. When the user then wants to remove the cup, just pinch the side wall 45 of the cup to clear the bosses.

Par ailleurs, on comprend bien entendu que la coupelle amovible 3 peut être, une fois vide ou pratiquement vide, ou bien encore lorsque l'utilisateur veut changer d'assaisonnement, remplacée par une nouvelle coupelle. Lorsque tout ou partie, par exemple d'une sauce contenue dans la coupelle, a été utilisé, il est encore possible de recharger la coupelle à l'aide d'un récipient contenant ladite sauce.Furthermore, it is understood that the removable cup 3 can be, once empty or almost empty, or when the user wants change seasoning, replaced by a new cup. When whole or part, for example of a sauce contained in the dish, has been used, it is still possible to reload the cup using a container containing said sauce.

POSSIBILITE D'APPLICATION INDUSTRIELLEPOSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

L'invention trouve son application industrielle dans la fabrication et l'utilisation de systèmes d'aide au repas attachables de manière amovible sur le bord d'une assiette.The invention finds its industrial application in the manufacture and use removably attachable meal aid systems at the edge of a plate.

Claims (13)

  1. Clippable and removable meal aid system on a holder (2) for food, such as a tray or plate for example, comprising at least a container (3) for a side dressing of a main foodstuff and an accessory (4) with means for holding (12) the container(s) (3), said accessory (4) comprising a clip (11) intended to be slid over the edge of the holder (2) with means for holding (12) being off centre relatively at the edge (5) of the holder (2), said clip being susceptible to substantial flexible deformation in order to provide stable binding of the accessory (4) to the holder (2) when dunking the main foodstuff into the container (3) and comprising an upper jaw (15) and a lower jaw (16) fitted with respectively upper (31, 32) and lower (35, 36) means for bearing (31, 32, 35, 36) intended to flexibly bear on the holder (2), the lower means for bearing (35, 36) being made of at least two teeth (35, 36) defining at least two substantially pointed ends.
  2. System set forth in claim 1, characterised in that the teeth (35, 36) extend in the direction of the upper jaw (15) and are substantially conical so as to define at least a sloping ramp (37) simplifying the inserting of the accessory (4) in the holder (2).
  3. System set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the clip (11) and the means for holding (12) extend from an intermediary zone (13) of the accessory (4), the upper jaw (15) and the lower jaw (16) respectively comprising one (17) and two (18, 19) longitudinal arms intended to extend on either side of the holder (2), said longitudinal arms (18, 19) of the lower jaw (16) being mutually attached via a crossbar (20) to create a continuous leg (21), the intermediary zone (13) and the continuous leg (21) delimiting an opening (22).
  4. System set forth in claim 3, characterised in that the arm (17) and the upper jaw (15) are incorporated into the opening (22) delimited by the intermediary zone (13) and the continuous leg (21), this arm (17) being substantially located level with the opening (22).
  5. System set forth in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the arm (17) of the upper jaw (15) and the continuous leg (21) of the lower jaw (16) extend in the opposite direction to the direction of the means for holding (12).
  6. System set forth in any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the intermediary zone (13) comprises a cross-flank intended to create a limit stop for the holder (2),
  7. System set forth in claim 6, characterised in that the arm (17) and the continuous leg (21) each comprise a first section (24, 25) which extends from the cross-flank (13), in that the first two sections (24, 25) define two substantially parallel extension planes each extended by a second section (26, 27), and in that the two second sections (26, 27) each create an angle with the extension planes.
  8. System set forth in claim 7, characterised in that the first sections (24, 25) extend substantially parallel and are mutually set apart by a value at least equal to the thickness of the holder (2).
  9. System set forth in claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the second section (26) of the arm (17) of the upper jaw (15) comprises a flap (30) which is turned towards the continuous leg (21) and which defines at least two anchor points (31, 32) on the holder (2) when clipping the accessory (4) to the holder, the arm (17) of the upper jaw (15) and the continuous leg (21) thus flexibly drawing apart.
  10. System set forth in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the means for holding (12) at least one container (3) of edible products comprises a ring (40) which extends in a parallel manner to the extension planes.
  11. System set forth in claim 10, characterised in that the ring (40) comprises at least two projections (50, 51) which extend towards the centre of the ring (40) and which are intended to co-operate with the hollow embossments (52) of complimentary shape set into the container (3) of edible products.
  12. System set forth in one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the container (3) has at least one conformation (52) of complimentary shape with at least one projection (50, 51) set into the means for holding (12).
  13. System set forth in claim 12, characterised in that said at least one conformation (52) is a hollow and said at least one projection (50, 51) is an embossment.
EP01921497A 2000-04-07 2001-04-05 Removable clip-on meal serving system for food products Expired - Lifetime EP1267677B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DK01921497T DK1267677T3 (en) 2000-04-07 2001-04-05 Removable, clip-on food serving system

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0004493A FR2807306B1 (en) 2000-04-07 2000-04-07 REMOVABLE CLIPSABLE MEAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR FOOD PRODUCTS, ACCESSORY FOR THIS SYSTEM AND CONTAINER OF FOOD PRODUCTS SUPPORTED BY SUCH ACCESSORY
FR0004493 2000-04-07
PCT/FR2001/001039 WO2001076426A1 (en) 2000-04-07 2001-04-05 Removable clip-on meal serving system for food products, accessory for same and food product container borne by said accessory

Publications (2)

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EP1267677A1 EP1267677A1 (en) 2003-01-02
EP1267677B1 true EP1267677B1 (en) 2005-07-06

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US (1) US6682034B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1267677B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE298992T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2001248480A1 (en)
BR (1) BR0109844A (en)
DE (1) DE60111832T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2807306B1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA02009833A (en)
PL (1) PL198162B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001076426A1 (en)

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BR0109844A (en) 2003-06-03
US6682034B1 (en) 2004-01-27
WO2001076426A1 (en) 2001-10-18
AU2001248480A1 (en) 2001-10-23
MXPA02009833A (en) 2004-09-06
FR2807306B1 (en) 2002-07-26
PL198162B1 (en) 2008-05-30
EP1267677A1 (en) 2003-01-02
DE60111832T2 (en) 2006-06-01
DE60111832D1 (en) 2005-08-11
PL360111A1 (en) 2004-09-06
FR2807306A1 (en) 2001-10-12
ATE298992T1 (en) 2005-07-15

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