EP2416681A2

EP2416681A2 - Temperature detector

Info

Publication number: EP2416681A2
Application number: EP10717750A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gianluca Mattogno; Davide Altamura; Filippo Matarazzi
Original assignee: Indesit Co SpA
Current assignee: Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Priority date: 2009-04-09
Filing date: 2010-04-06
Publication date: 2012-02-15
Also published as: WO2010116233A3; WO2010116233A2

Abstract

A cooking temperature detector comprises a first and a second portion; one portion of said two portions comprising a remote temperature sensor in turn comprising an element for capturing information from the outside and relating to a temperature to be measured, and the other portion of said two portions comprising a supporting member that supports the portion comprising the temperature sensor. The two portions comprise releasable connection means which cooperate to enable the two portions to be connected and disconnected to and from each other.

Description

Temperature detector

Technical Field

This invention relates to a cooking temperature detector. The invention also comprises a method for measuring a cooking temperature using the detector. Infrared temperature detectors are known which are applied to pots or pans in order to monitor the temperature for cooking certain foods.

The operating principle of these temperature sensors is based on the fact that the wavelength of an infrared ray is a function of the temperature. These sensors detect the wavelength of the infrared rays which they capture and convert this information into a temperature value.

Prior Art

In particular, a detector with means for fastening it to the handle of a pan is known. The infrared sensor extends above the pan handle and is oriented towards the part of the pan that receives the food to be cooked. The detector also comprises a display which allows the user to read off the measured temperature value. In particular, placing the detector on predetermined handles makes it possible to orient the sensor towards the part of the pan used to receive the foods to be cooked.

Detectors of this type are not free of disadvantages.

Such detectors cannot, for example, be used when there is a lid on the cooking pot or pan being used. In such a case, the detectors would measure the temperature of the lid, which might be very different from the temperature of the food to be cooked.

Further, such detectors cannot under any circumstances be washed in a dishwasher since the infrared sensor would be irreversibly damaged.

Moreover, these detectors can be applied only to food cooking containers with handles suitably shaped to match the fastener of the detector.

Applying them to other types of food cooking containers may not be physically possible. In some cases, although connection is possible, the position of the detector relative to the container is such that the sensor is not oriented towards the food whose temperature is to be detected (which is normally located in the central part of the pan) . That means temperature measurement errors are possible. For example, the temperature measured might be that of the edge of the pan and not that of the food. In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to propose a detector that overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

Disclosure of the Invention More specifically, this invention has for an aim to provide a detector which can be used to measure the cooking temperature of a food even if the food is being cooked in a container with a lid on it.

Another aim of the invention is to facilitate washing of the detector.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a method for measuring the temperature of a food.

The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a detector comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description which follows of a preferred non- limiting and non-exclusive embodiment of a detector illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a detector according to this invention, associated with a pan;

-Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1; -Figure 2a is an enlarged view of a detail from Figure 2;

-Figure 3 is a cross section of the detector according to the invention; -Figures 4 and 5 illustrate constructional details of the detector according to the invention; -Figure 6 is a perspective view of a detector according to the invention; -Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a specific embodiment of the detector according to the invention; -Figures 9-10 and 11-12 show embodiments of the invention that are alternative to the one shown in Figures 7 and 8; -Figure 13 shows a cooking top according to this invention; -Figure 14 is a perspective view of a detector according to this invention, associated with a pan;

-Figure 15 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 14; -Figure 15a is an enlarged view of a detail from Figure 15; -Figure 16 is a cross section of the detector according to the invention;

-Figures 17 and 18 illustrate constructional details of the detector according to the invention;

-Figure- 19 is a perspective view of the detector according to the invention; -Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a specific configuration of the detector according to the invention;

-Figure 22 shows a cooking top according to this invention; -Figure 23 is a perspective view of a detector according to this invention, associated with a pan; -Figure 24 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 23;

-Figure 24a is an enlarged view of a detail from Figure 24; -Figure 25 is a cross section of the detector according to the invention;

-Figures 26 and 27 illustrate constructional details of the detector according to the invention;

-Figure 28 is a perspective view of a detector according to the invention; -Figures 29 and 30 illustrate a specific embodiment of the detector according to the invention; -Figure 31 shows a cooking top according to this invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Until a different indication is stated, reference is made to figures from 1 to 13. In the figures from 1 to 13 the numeral 1 denotes a cooking temperature detector. The detector 1 can therefore provide information relating to the temperature of a 5 food while the food is cooking.

The detector 1 comprises at least a first and a second portion 31,

32:

-one 31 of the two portions 31, 32 comprises a temperature sensor

2; 0 -the other 32 of the two portions 31, 32 comprises a supporting member 30 that supports the portion 31 comprising the temperature sensor 2. Normally, during use, the portion 32 comprising the supporting member 30 is fastened directly to a container 304 designed to contain the foods to be cooked. S The temperature sensor 2 is of the "remote" (or, equivalently, "contactless") type. The sensor 2 comprises an element 20 for capturing information from outside the detector 1 and relating to a temperature to be measured. The sensor 2 is thus able to measure the temperature of an object at a distance from it without any0 physical contact. Advantageously, the sensor 2 is an infrared sensor and the pickup element 20 is suitable for capturing information from the outside (in particular from the body whose temperature information is required) . The infrared rays are therefore emitted from a distance. S The two portions 31, 32 of the detector 1 comprise releasable connection means 8.

An advantage of the releasable connection means 8 is that they enable the first and second portions 31, 32 to be disconnected, so that the portion comprising the supporting member 30 can be washed0 in a dishwasher (while the portion comprising the sensor 2 might be damaged if washed in a dishwasher) .

The releasable connection means 8 are therefore considered as built into the two portions 31, 32. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the first portion 31S coincides with the portion that comprises the temperature sensor 2 (see accompanying drawings) . The second portion 32 thus coincides with the portion that comprises the supporting member 30. The releasable connection means 8 comprise a pusher 84 that is elastically compressible along a first direction of extension. The first direction of extension preferably coincides with an axis of longitudinal extension of the pusher 84. The pusher 84 forms part 5 of the second portion 32 and comprises a first abutment 841.

The releasable connection means 8 comprise a first border 843 forming part of the first portion 31. When the first and second portions 31, 32 are connected, the pusher 84 is in a configuration of at least partial compression and applies pressure on the first

10 border 843 by means of the first abutment 841.

The releasable connection means 8 also comprise a contact interface 845 where the first and second portions 31, 32 come into contact with each other. The contact interface 845 opposes the movement of the first and second portions 31, 32 relative to each

I₅ other caused by pressure applied by the first abutment 841 on the first border 843.

The contact interface 845 comprises: -a second abutment 842 formed on the pusher 84; -a second border 844 forming part of the first portion 31.

2Q In the accompanying drawings, the portion comprising the sensor 2 is understood to be substantially symmetrical about the vertical plane through the straight line "R" shown in Figure 6. The parts of that portion not shown in Figure 6 are shown in the selfsame portion schematically represented in a specific configuration in S Figures 7, 9 or 11.

For allowing the first and second portions 31, 32 to be connected, the pusher 84 is at least partly connectable in a configuration of at least partial compression between the first and second borders 843, 844. When the pusher 84 is connected between the first and

30 second borders 843, 844, the first abutment 841 comes into contact with the first border 843 and the second abutment 842 comes into contact with the second border 844.

Advantageously, (in an embodiment not illustrated) there is a tab interposed between the first border and the second 843, 844, which

3₅ at least partly surrounds the pusher 84. The tab is integral with the portion of the detector 1 that does not comprise the pusher 84 (for example, the first portion 31) . The tab acts as a guide during the movement of the first portion 31 relative to the second portion 32.

The pusher 84 conveniently comprises a first and second end section 846, 847 with a central section 848 interposed between them. In the region between the central section 848 and the first end section 846, the pusher 84 has a first indentation 849 transversal to the first direction of extension. The first end section 846 goes through a first passage 851 that crosses the first border 843. The first indentation 849 forms the first abutment 841 between the pusher 84 and the first border 843.

In the region between the central section 848 and the second end section 847, the pusher 84 has a second indentation 850 transversal to the first direction of extension. The second end section 847 crosses the second border 844 and goes through a second passage 852, the second indentation 850 forming the second abutment 842.

The first border 843 has a first recess 853 comprising a first slot 855 that ends in the first passage 851. The second border 844 has a second recess 854 comprising a second slot 856 that ends in the second passage 852.

The pusher 84 is able to slide along the first and second slots 855, 856 in order to enable the first and second portions 31, 32 of the detector 1 to be connected or disconnected to or from each other. Advantageously, the first and second borders 843, 844 of the first portion 31 of the detector 1 are interposed between a first and a second appendage 857, 858 of the second portion 32 of the detector 1. To allow compression of the pusher 84 and facilitate connection of the first and second portions 31, 32 of the detector 1, the first end section 846 of the pusher 84 passes through the first appendage 857 so as to be accessible to a user.

Advantageously, the first and second end sections 846, 847 pass through the first and second appendages 857, 858, respectively, so as to be accessible to a user.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first border 843 slots into the first end section 846 of the pusher 84. The first recess 853 is too narrow to receive the central section 848 of the pusher 84.

Similarly, in the preferred embodiment, the second border 844 slots into the second end section 847 of the pusher 84. The second recess 854 is too narrow to receive the central section 848 of the pusher 84.

The pressure applied along the same line but in opposite directions by the first and second abutments 841, 842 on the first and second borders 843, 844 of the second portion 32, respectively, allows the first and second portions 32, 31 to be positioned stably by friction relative to each other. When the second portion 32 is not slotted in the first portion 31, the first and second abutments 841, 842 are in contact with the first and second appendages 857, 858, respectively. For connecting the first and second portions 31, 32, the first and second end sections 846, 847 are moved close to each other. That way, the first and second end sections 846, 847 are at least partly in the space between the first and second appendages 857, 858 of the second portion 32. In this situation, the first and second borders 843, 844 may be connected to the first and second end sections 846, 847, respectively. This can be done by inserting the first and second end sections 846, 847 into the first and second recesses 853, 854, respectively. When the user stops applying pressure to move the first and second end sections 846, 847 towards each other, the first and second abutments 841, 842 move apart under the action of the elastic means 83 and apply pressure on the first and second borders 843, 844, respectively For disengaging the first and second portions 31, 32, the first and second end sections 846, 847 are moved close to each other and the first and second portions 31, 32 are disconnected.

Further, the pusher 84 forms a pin 81 of a joint 80 about which at least the first border 843 can rotate in order to enable the inclination of the first portion 31 to be varied relative to the second portion 32. The first and second portions 31, 32 may also comprise means 9 for inhibiting rotation of the pusher 84 relative to the appendages 857, 858. These inhibiting means 9 comprise a part of the first and second end sections 846, 847 of the pusher 84 which is not perfectly cylindrical and which slots into matchingly shaped holes 91 in the appendages 857, 858 of the second portion 32. This prevents the pusher 84 from rotating about an axis parallel to the first direction of extension mentioned above (relative to a plane at right angles to the first direction of extension, at least one cross section of the first and/or the second end section 846, 847 of the pusher 84 not being perfectly circular - in that, as mentioned above, a part of the first and second end sections 846, 847 of the pusher 84 is perfectly cylindrical -; see Figure 2a in this regard) .

Conveniently, the pusher 84 remains stably connected to the first and second appendages 857, 858. As shown by way of an example in Figure 4, the pusher 84 comprises elastic means 83 interposed between the first and the second end section 846, 847 of the pusher 84. The first and second end sections 846, 847 move close to each other by compression that overcomes the reaction force applied by said elastic means 83. The central section 848 of the pusher 84 comprises an elongate, preferably cylindrical, outer shell 85. Advantageously, the pusher 84 comprises a protrusion 86 integral with the second end section 847 and insertable into a housing hole 87 integral with the first end section 846 of the pusher 84. The protrusion 86 and the housing hole 87 extend towards the inside of the shell 85. The elastic means 83 lie in a gap 88 formed between the housing hole 87 and the shell 85. Advantageously, the elastic means 83 comprise a helical spring 830 that extends between the first and second end sections 846, 847 of the pusher 84. Conveniently, the supporting member 30 may comprise means 5 for connection to a body outside the detector 1. Typically, the outside body is a container 304 (for example, a pot, pan, etc.) designed to receive the food to be cooked. More specifically, the connection means 5 are connected to a side wall of the container 304 (see Figures 1, 2, 13) . Conveniently, the connection means 5 are located at one end 34 of the supporting member 30, the means 8 for releasable connection of the two portions 31, 32 of the detector 1 being located at a distance from the connection means 5. More specifically, the connection means 5 are located at the opposite end 35 of the supporting member 30 relative to the end 34 of the member 30 where the releasable connection means 8 are located. The connection means 5 comprise a device 50 for clamping the outside body and comprising two jaws 510, 520. The clamping device 50 is alternatingly movable between a clamped configuration where the two jaws 510, 520 are close together, and a disengaged configuration where the jaws 510, 520, are apart. Advantageously, each jaw 510, 520 comprises at least one plug 550 designed to come into contact" with the container 304. The plug 550 is made of plastic or rubber or other slightly deformable material. This avoids direct contact of the container 304 with metal components of the jaws 510, 520 which would lead to scratching of the container 304.

Advantageously, at least one of the two jaws 510, 520 comprises a plurality of arms 307 which form a concavity designed to receive the outside of the food cooking container 304. The clamping device 50 springs back automatically to the clamped configuration. That way, when it is not operated by the user, the detector 1 can remain stably attached to the container 304. As shown by way of example in Figures 2 and 3, the second portion 32 comprises a fastening base 320 formed at least partially by the two jaws 510, 520. Conveniently, the jaws 510, 520 are hinged at a single pivot 43 forming a gripper 530. This facilitates connection to the container 304, whatever its shape.

The pivot 43 comprises a hinge 570 operatively interposed between the two jaws 510, 520. The clamping device 50 is elastically operated by a helical bending spring 560 having a first end which is connected to one of the two jaws 510, 520 and the other end which is connected to the other of the jaws 510, 520. Advantageously, the hinge 570 is housed at least partly inside the coils of the helical bending spring 560.

The clamping device 50 comprises, for each jaw 510, 520, a grip zone 511, 521 integral with the respective jaw 510, 520 and designed to be gripped by the user. Said grip zones 511, 521 combine to form a handgrip 44 which enables the clamping device 50 to be moved at least from the clamped to the disengaged configuration. The pivot 43 is interposed between each jaw 510, 520 and the corresponding grip zone 511, 521.

When the jaws 510, 520 are in contact with each other, an interposed chamber 900 is formed on the clamping device 50 between the jaws 510, 520 and the grip zones 511, 521. Preferably, the chamber 900 is interposed between the jaws 510, 520 and the pivot 43.

The chamber 900 is designed to receive an upper edge of the container 304, especially in the case where the latter is flared outwardly.

The portion 31 comprising the sensor 2 comprises an enclosure which houses the sensor 2 at least partially. This protects the sensor 2 from shocks and also constitutes an aesthetic covering. The detector 1, and more specifically, its first portion 31, also comprises an illuminated pointer 4. The pointer 4 is designed to emit a light beam. The light beam is designed to project a light reference onto an external element (for example a food) to indicate to the user a zone which the pickup element 20 is directed at for receiving information such as to allow the temperature to be measured. In the case of the infrared sensor 2, the information is carried by infrared rays (for example, the wavelength of these rays is a function of the temperature of the body that emits them) . More specifically, the zone indicated by the light reference shows the area the sensor 2 pickup element 20 is directed at and hence the pickup element 20 will be struck principally by the infrared rays emitted by that zone. The light reference might for example indicate a part of the container 304 or of a specific food located inside the container 304. In the latter case, the sensor 2 would be especially sensitive to the temperature of that food. Whatever the case, the light reference tells the user that the pickup element 20 of the sensor 304 is directed at the container 10 and not at a cold point of a cooking top. The illuminated pointer 4 is usually a light cone and therefore the width of the cone is variable with the distance between the pointer 4 and the object the light reference is projected on. In normal applications, the light reference is a circular element a few centimetres in diameter. The illuminated pointer 4 and the pickup element 20 of the sensor 2 are located side by side. Further, the pointer 4 and the pickup element 20 face the same virtual reference plane (see plane X in Figure 3) integral with the first portion 31. During movement of the first portion 31, the illuminated pointer 4 and the sensor 2 remain integral with each other.

The illuminated pointer 4 can be operated by a user. It is normally off and (to avoid wasting energy) can be switched on only at the user's command. Preferably, the illuminated pointer 4 emits an intermittent light beam. The intermittent signal makes it easier to see the light reference projected onto the outside element. The detector 1 comprises a power source.

The power source supplies power to the sensor 2 and to the illuminated pointer 4. The power source can be inserted into and removed from a suitable housing in the detector 1. The power source is, for example, an electric battery. In an alternative embodiment, the power source might be a photovoltaic cell. During operation, when the connection means 5 are connected to the container 304, the second portion 32 extends upwards away from the container 304 (for example, see Figures 1 and 2) .

In the operating configuration illustrated in Figure 1, the detector 1 portion 31 comprising the sensor 2 extends in cantilever fashion transversally to the supporting member 30 (or, more generally, transversally to the second portion 32). The supporting member 30 extends along a principal direction of extension. When the connection means 5 are connected to the food cooking container 304, the member 30 extends away from the container 304, preferably in a vertical direction. The detector 1 also comprises means 6 for orientating the first portion 31 relative to the second portion 32. The orientating means 6 comprise the releasable connection means 8, and more specifically, the pin 81. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 12, the portion 32 comprising the supporting member 30 is a lid 300 of a container 304 for cooking food. In that case, the connection means 5 are the parts of the lid 300 that rest on the food cooking container 304. S The lid 300 comprises:

-a first surface 301 which, in use, faces the food to be cooked; -a second surface 302 opposite the first surface 301; -an opening 303 that goes through the lid 300 from the first to the second surface 301, 302. 0 In the operating configuration where the releasable connection means 8 connect the two portions 31, 32 to each other, the pickup element 20 of the temperature sensor 2 is positioned face to face with, or inserted in, the opening 303. Advantageously, the first portion 31 may be connected,S alternatively, to the member 30 comprising the clamping device 50 that can clamped to the edge of the container 304 or to the lid 300. That way, the cooking temperature can be detected even when the lid 300 is resting completely on the cooking container 304. In one particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the0 lid 300 might be provided with at least one protuberance 859 which slots into the first or second passage 851, 852. Preferably, there are at least two protuberances, which slot into the first and second passages 851, 852, respectively. The one or more protuberances form part of the releasable connection means 8. 5 In one particular embodiment, illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the lid 300 might have, on its second surface 302, a housing 500 designed to accommodate the portion 31 comprising the sensor 2. Advantageously, the housing 500 comprises four walls 501, 502, 503, 504 facing each other in pairs. Two of the walls 501, 5020 face each other and extend away from the second surface 302 more than the other two 503, 504.

Conveniently, when the portion 31 comprising the sensor 2 is applied to the lid 300, it forms part of a handgrip of the lid 300 itself (see Figure 8, 10 or 12) . 5 A cooking temperature detection kit is thus obtained which is characterized in that it comprises: -a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described herein and equipped with the clamping means 50; -a lid 300 comprising: a first surface 301 which, in use, faces the food to be cooked, a second surface 302 opposite the first surface 301, an opening 303 that goes right through the lid 300 5 between the first surface 301 and the second surface 302.

The releasable connection means 8 enable the portion 31 of the detector 1 comprising the temperature sensor 2 to be releasably connected both to the lid 300 and to the portion 32 of the detector 1 comprising the supporting member 30 equipped with the

10 clamping device 50. When the detector portion 31 comprising the sensor 2 is connected to the lid 300, the pickup element 20 may face or be inserted into the opening 303.

Advantageously, the lid 300 may be as described above with reference to Figure 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.

I₅ Advantageously, the lid 300 comprises ridges (preferably circumferential) formed at progressive radial distances from the centre and designed to make it easier for it to be placed on containers differing in diameter. The detector 1 conveniently comprises wireless communication means

2Q 7 designed to transmit in radiofrequency outside of the detector 1 a signal supplied by the sensor 2. Typically, the signal regards the temperature detected by the sensor 2. Advantageously, the sensor 2 comprises an electronic circuit 21 which can convert the information supplied by the pickup element 20 into an electrical

2S signal. The electronic circuit 21 is operatively interposed between the pickup element 20 and the wireless communication means 7.

The wireless communication means 7 preferably transmit a signal in radiofrequency . This radiofrequency signal is intended to be

30 picked up by an antenna 14 located outside the detector 1.

In this regard, this invention also has for its subject-matter a cooking top 10 comprising at least one cooking point 11. By cooking point 11 is meant a zone on which a container 304 (for example a pot or pan) can be placed in order to cook the food it

35 contains.

The cooking top 10 also comprises a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described above. The detector 1 is equipped with the wireless means 7 described above. The detector 1 is applicable to a food cooking container positioned on the cooking point 11.

The cooking top 10 further comprises a receiver 12 (outside the S detector 1) designed to capture the signal supplied by the wireless communication means 7 of the detector 1, and a control unit 13 operatively interposed between the receiver 12 and the cooking point 11. The receiver 12 coincides with the antenna 14 described above.

10 The control unit 13 controls the operation of the cooking point 11 at least according to the signal supplied by the receiver 12. For example, according to said signal and according to the type of food to be cooked or heated, the control unit 13 may control the time for switching off, or adjust the power of, the cooking point

I₅ 11.

The cooking top 10 normally comprises a user interface 15 operatively associated with the control unit 13. Through the user interface 15, it is possible to choose the cooking point 11 to be associated with the measurement of the detector 1. The interface

20 15 can be used to set the type of food which a certain cooking operation is to be performed on. For example, the user can select the type from a plurality of preset options. For example, if the user chooses the "pasta" cooking option, the cooking top 10 uses the information from the detector 1 to warn the user when it has 5 detected a predetermined target temperature associated with that cooking option. Typically, in the case of pasta, the first step to be carried out, as is known, is to bring the cooking water to a suitably high temperature before putting the pasta in it. The cooking top 10 monitors water temperature through the detector 1 0 and tells the user when it is time to place the pasta in the water. Typically, this will be done through a signalling device 16 operatively associated with the control unit 13. In the preferred embodiment, the signalling device 16 comprises an acoustic emitter 160. S In the pasta example, the detector 1 will typically emit an acoustic signal when it detects that the temperature has reached 100⁰C. The value of the temperature is not communicated to the user but, upon receiving the signal from the cooking top 10, the user knows that it is time for the pasta to be placed in the water for cooking it. The cooking top 10 also comprises a counter which causes the signalling device 16 to emit a further acoustic signal when cooking is considered complete (and which, in one particular embodiment, also switches off the cooking point 11) . In a first embodiment, the further signal follows the signal preceding it by a time interval set by the user or, alternatively, the time interval may be counted from a specific and express command given by the user. The value of the time interval may be communicated by the user to the cooking top 10 through the interface 15 (the value of the interval may be easily read off from the pasta packaging) . It will be appreciated that similar procedures may be applied to the cooking of many other foods: for example, when frying, where the oil must be preheated before the food to be fried is placed in it, or when warming milk or other foods. In these examples, too, the user is not normally informed of the temperature of the food but knows, upon hearing the signal from the cooking top, that it is time to perform a certain operation (putting pasta in the boiling water, placing a food in the frying pan, and so on) or that cooking is considered complete. An instruction booklet accompanying the cooking top 10 explains the meaning of each type of signal emitted by the cooking top 10 based on the user's input (such input being provided through the interface 15 and regarding, for example, the type of food the user wants to cook) . In one particular embodiment, the signalling device 16 might provide an express indication - for example, a voice message or an instruction on a display unit - telling the user what to do. This invention also has for its subject-matter a method for detecting food cooking temperature comprising the step of applying a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described above to a food cooking container 304 (the detector comprises, in particular, the above mentioned connection means 5) . Conveniently, the step of applying the detector 1 entails positioning the pickup element 20 of the sensor 2 of the detector 1 above the container 304 in such a way that it surmounts and faces the container 304 zone 306 that accommodates the food during cooking. The step of positioning the pickup element 20 entails connecting the connection means 5 of the detector 1 to a perimetric edge 305 of the container 304 (see Figures 1 and 2) . The method also entails adjusting the inclination of the first portion 31 relative to the second portion 32 in order to be able to project the light reference emitted by the pointer 4 onto the zone whose temperature is to be measured. For example, the inclination of the first portion 31 can be adjusted using the joint 80. The step of connecting the connection means 5 to the perimetric edge 305 allows the user to connect the connection means 5 to the most convenient part of the edge 305 (for example, the part that is easiest to reach on a cooking top 10 cluttered with pots) . The step of connecting the connection means 5 to the perimetric edge 305 can be performed by clamping the jaws 510, 520 at the desired point on the edge 305.

This invention has important advantages. First of all, it allows a temperature reading to be made even when the pot has a lid 300 on it during cooking. Secondly, a detector according to the invention may easily be used with a wide variety of pots and pans. A detector according to the invention is also easier to wash. A further advantage is its greater flexibility of use. It shall be understood that the invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may vary according to requirements.

In the following, until a different indication is stated, reference is made to the figures from 14 to 22. With reference to the figures from 14 to 22 the numeral 1 denotes a detector for detecting the cooking temperature (of a food or of products for cooking a food such as, for example, water used for cooking pasta) . The detector 1 comprises a temperature sensor 2. The temperature sensor 2 is of the "remote" (or, equivalently, "contactless") type. The sensor 2 comprises an element 20 for capturing information from the outside and relating to a temperature to be measured. The sensor 2 is thus able to measure the temperature of an object at a distance from it even without any direct physical contact. Advantageously, the remote sensor 2 is an infrared sensor and the pickup element 20 is suitable for capturing information from the outside (in particular from the body whose temperature information is required) . The infrared rays are therefore emitted from a distance.

As illustrated in the figures from 14 to 22, the detector 1 also comprises a support 3 to which the sensor 2 is connected. The support 3 comprises, for example, an enclosure 35 which houses the sensor 2 at least partially. This protects the sensor 2 from shocks and also constitutes an aesthetic covering. The detector 1 also comprises an illuminated pointer 4. The pointer 4 is connected to the support 3 and designed to emit a light beam. The light beam is designed to project a light reference onto an external element to indicate to the user a zone which the pickup element 20 is directed at for receiving information such as to allow the temperature to be measured. In the case of the infrared sensor 2, the information is carried by infrared rays (for example, the wavelength of these rays is a function of the temperature of the body that emits them) . More specifically, the zone indicated by the light reference shows the area the sensor 2 pickup element 20 is directed at and hence the pickup element 20 will be struck principally by the infrared rays emitted by that zone. The light reference might for example indicate a part of the container 304 or of a specific food located inside the container 304. In the latter case, the sensor 2 would be especially sensitive to the temperature of that food. Whatever the case, the light reference tells the user that the pickup element 20 of the sensor 2 is directed at the container 304 and not at a cold point of a cooking top 10.

The illuminated pointer 4 is usually a light cone and therefore the width of the cone is variable with the distance between the pointer 4 and the object the light reference is projected on. In normal applications, the light reference is circular and a few centimetres in diameter. Advantageously, the support 3 comprises a first portion 31 IS

integral with the temperature sensor 2 and with the illuminated pointer 4.

The detector 1 also comprises a second portion 32 which comprises means 5 for its physical connection with the outside. The connection means 5 allow the second portion 32 to be positioned relative to an outside body. With reference to the figures from 14 to 22, the first portion 31 is a work, head 310, whilst the second portion 32 forms a member 320 designed to be connected to the container 304 (through the connection means 5) . The temperature sensor 2 is thus positioned in the work head 310. The work head 310 extends, at least in a first operating configuration, transversally to the member 320. As shown by way of example in the figures from 14 to 22, the member 320 extends along a principal direction of extension (as illustrated in Figures 14, 15, 22, when the connection means 5 are connected to the container 304, the principal direction of extension is vertical) . Preferably, the detector 1 comprises means 6 for orientating the first portion 31 relative to the second portion 32. In effect, the second portion 32 is normally connected to the food container 304. As shown by way of an example, the second portion 32 is preferably connected directly to the container 304. During use, therefore, the second portion 32 is made integral with the container 304, whilst the first portion 31, being movable relative to the second portion 32 (and hence relative also to the food container 304) makes it possible to orientate the sensor 2 and the pointer 4.

The orientation means 6 comprise, for example, a joint 60 which enables the first portion 31 to rotate relative to the second portion 32. Advantageously, the joint 60 comprises a pin 61 which allows the first and second portions 31, 32 to be connected to each other.

In a first operating configuration, the first portion 31 extends in cantilever fashion transversally to the second portion 32. In effect, the second portion 32 can be connected through the connection means 5 to an edge of the food cooking container 304 (specific embodiments of the connection means 5 are described below) . During operation, when the connection means 5 are connected to the container 304, the second portion 32 extends upwards away from the container 304. The fact that the first portion 31 extends transversally to the second portion 32 enables it to surmount the part of the container 304 used for cooking the food. That means the pickup element 20 of the sensor 2 can be placed close to the central zone of the container 304 so that measurement of the temperature of the food being cooked in the container 304 can be improved.

The illuminated pointer 4 and the pickup element 20 of the sensor 2 are located side by side. Further, the pointer 4 and the pickup element 20 face the same virtual reference plane (see plane X in Figure 16) integral with the first portion 31. During movement of the first portion 31, the illuminated pointer 4 and the sensor 2 remain integral with each other. The illuminated pointer 4 can be operated by a user. It is normally off and (to avoid wasting energy) can be switched on only at the user's command.

Preferably, the illuminated pointer 4 emits an intermittent light beam. The intermittent signal makes it easier to distinguish the light reference projected onto the outside element. The detector 1 comprises a power source.

The power source supplies power to the sensor 2 and to the illuminated pointer 4. The power source can be inserted into and removed from a suitable housing in the detector 1. The power source is, for example, an electric battery. In an alternative embodiment, the power source might be a photovoltaic cell. The two portions 31, 32 of the detector 1 comprise releasable connection means 8. The releasable connection means 8 are therefore considered as built into the two portions 31, 32.

The releasable connection means 8 comprise a pusher 84 that is elastically compressible along a first direction of extension. This direction of extension preferably coincides with an axis of longitudinal extension of the pusher 84. The pusher 84 forms part of one of the two portions 31, 32 of the detector 1 (preferably the second portion 32) and comprises a first abutment 841. The releasable connection means 8 comprise a first border 843 forming part of the portion of the detector 1 that does not comprise the pusher 84 (preferably the first portion 31) . When the first and second portions 31, 32 are connected, the pusher 84 is in a configuration of at least partial compression and applies pressure on the first border 843 by means of the first abutment 841.

The releasable connection means 8 also comprise a contact interface 845 where the first and second portions 31, 32 come into contact with each other. The contact interface 845 opposes the movement of the first and second portions 31, 32 relative to each other caused by pressure applied by the first abutment 841 on the first border 843.

The contact interface 845 comprises: -a second abutment 842 formed on the pusher 84; -a second border 844 forming part of the portion that does not comprise the pusher 84 (advantageously, the first portion 31). In the accompanying drawings, the first portion 31 is understood to be substantially symmetrical about the vertical plane through the straight line "R" shown in Figure 19. The parts of the work head 310 not shown in Figure 19 are shown in the selfsame work head 310 schematically represented in a specific configuration in Figure 20.

For allowing the first and second portions 31, 32 to be connected, the pusher 84 is at least partly connectable in a configuration of at least partial compression between the first and second borders 843, 844. When the pusher 84 is connected between the first and second borders 843, 844, the first abutment 841 comes into contact with the first border 843 and the second abutment 842 comes into contact with the second border 844. Advantageously, (in an embodiment not illustrated) there is a tab interposed between the first border and the second 843, 844, which at least partly surrounds the pusher 84. The tab is integral with the portion of the detector 1 that does not comprise the pusher 84 (preferably the first portion 31) . The tab acts as a guide during the movement of the first portion 31 relative to the second portion 32.

The pusher 84 conveniently comprises a first and second end section 846, 847 with a central section 848 interposed between them. In the region between the central section 848 and the first end section 846, the pusher 84 has a first indentation 849 transversal to the first direction of extension. The first end section 846 is adapted to go through a first passage 851 that S crosses the first border 843. The first indentation 849 forms the first abutment 841 between the pusher 84 and the first border 843. In the region between the central section 848 and the second end section 847, the pusher 84 has a second indentation 850 transversal to the first direction of extension.

10 The second end section 847 crosses the second border 844 and goes through a second passage 852. The second indentation 850 forms the second abutment 842.

The first border 843 has a first recess 853 comprising a first slot 855 that ends in the first passage 851.

I₅ The second border 844 has a second recess 854 comprising a second slot 856 that ends in the second passage 852.

The pusher 84 is able to slide along the first and second slots 855, 856 in order to enable the first and second portions 31, 32 of the detector 1 to be connected or disconnected to or from each

20 other.

Advantageously, the first and second borders 843, 844 of the detector 1 are interposed between a first and a second appendage 857, 858 of the portion (preferably the second portion 32) of the detector 1 that comprises the pusher 84 (see for example Figure 5 19) .

To allow compression of the pusher 84 and facilitate connection of the first and second portions 31, 32 of the detector 1, the first end section 846 of the pusher 84 passes through the first appendage 857 so as to be accessible to a user. 0 In the embodiment illustrated by way of an example in the figures from 14 to 22, the first and second end sections 846, 847 pass through the first and second appendages 857, 858, respectively, so as to be accessible to a user. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures from 14 to 5 22, the first border 843 slots into the first end section 846 of the pusher 84. The first recess 853 is too narrow to receive the central section 848 of the pusher 84. Similarly, in the preferred embodiment, the second border 844 slots into the second end section 847 of the pusher 84. The second recess 854 is too narrow to receive the central section 848 of the pusher 84.

S The pressure applied along the same line but in opposite directions by the first and second abutments 841, 842 on the first and second borders 843, 844, respectively, allows the first and second portions 31, 32 to be positioned stably by friction relative to each other. When the second portion 32 is not

I₀ connected to the first portion 31, the first and second abutments 841, 842 are in contact with the first and second appendages 857, 858, respectively. For connecting the first and second portions 31, 32, the first and second end sections 846, 847 are moved close to each other. That way, the first and second end sections 846,

15 847 are at least partly in the space between the first and second appendages 857, 858. In this situation, the first and second borders 843, 844 may be connected to the first and second end sections 846, 847, respectively. This can be done by inserting the first and second end sections 846, 847 into the first and second 0 recesses 853, 854, respectively. When the user stops applying pressure to move the first and second end sections 846, 847 towards each other, the first and second abutments 841, 842 move apart under the action of the elastic means 83 and apply pressure on the first and second borders 843, 844, respectively For 5 disengaging the first and second portions 31, 32, the first and second end sections 846, 847 are moved close to each other and the first and second portions 31, 32 are disconnected.

Further, the pusher 84 forms the pin 61 described above and at least the first border 843 can rotate about the pin 61 in order to0 enable the inclination of the first portion 31 to be varied relative to the second portion 32. The second border 844, too, can rotate about the pin 61.

The first and second portions 31, 32 may also comprise means 9 for inhibiting rotation of the pusher 84 relative to the appendages 5 857, 858. These inhibiting means 9 comprise a part of the first and second end sections 846, 847 of the pusher 84 which are not perfectly cylindrical and which slot into matchingly shaped holes 91 in the appendages 857, 858.

This prevents the pusher 84 from rotating about an axis parallel to the first direction of extension mentioned above (relative to a plane at right angles to the first direction of extension, at S least one cross section of the first and/or the second end section 846, 847 of the pusher 84 is not perfectly circular; see Figure 15a in this regard) .

Conveniently, the pusher 84 remains stably connected to the first and second appendages 857, 858. 0 As shown by way of an example in Figure 17, the pusher 84 comprises elastic means 83 interposed between the first and the second end section 846, 847 of the pusher 84. The first and second end sections 846, 847 move close to each other by compression that overcomes the reaction force applied by said elastic means 83.5 The central section 848 of the pusher 84 comprises an elongate, preferably cylindrical, outer shell 85. Advantageously, the pusher 84 comprises a protrusion 86 integral with the second end section 847 and insertable into a housing hole 87 integral with the first end section 846 of the pusher 84. The protrusion 86 and theQ housing hole 87 extend towards the inside of the shell 85. The elastic means 83 lie in a gap 88 formed between the housing hole 87 and the shell 85. Advantageously, the elastic means 83 comprise a helical spring 830 that extends between the first and second end sections 846, 847 of the pusher 84. 5 An advantage of the releasable connection means 8 is that they enable the first and second portions 31, 32 to be disconnected, allowing the second portion 32 to be washed in a dishwasher (while the first portion 31 comprising the sensor 2 might be damaged if washed in a dishwasher) . 0 This invention also has for its subject-matter a kit for detecting the cooking temperature of a food. The kit comprises: -a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described in this document; -a lid 300 comprising: a first surface 301 which, in use, faces5 the food to be cooked, a second surface 302 opposite the first surface 301, an opening 303 that goes right through the lid 300 between the first surface 301 and the second surface 302. The releasable connection means 8 allow the first portion 31 of the detector 1 to be releasably connected both to the second portion 32 of the detector 1 and to the lid 300. In that case, the lid 300 (forming part of the kit) might be provided with at least one protuberance 859 which slots into the first or second passage 851, 852. Preferably, there are at least two protuberances, which slot into the first and second passages 851, 852, respectively. Advantageously, the first portion 31, when it is applied to the lid 300, forms part of a handle of the lid 300 (see Figure 21) . In one particular embodiment of the detector 1, the second portion 32 might, instead, coincide with a lid 300 of the type described above. In that case, the lid 300 might advantageously be transparent to allow the user to see the light reference at all times . When the first portion 31 of the detector 1 is connected to the lid 300, the pickup element 20 may face or be inserted into the opening 303.

Advantageously, the lid 300 comprises ridges (preferably circumferential) formed at progressive radial distances from the centre and designed to make it easier for it to be placed on containers 304 differing in diameter.

Reference is now made by way of a non-limiting example to Figures 14, 15, 16 and 19. Generally speaking, the connection means 5 comprise a device 50 for clamping the outside body and comprising two jaws 510, 520. The clamping device 50 is alternatingly movable between a clamped configuration where the two jaws 510, 520 are close together (see Figures 14, 15, 16 and 19, for example), and a disengaged configuration where the jaws 510, 520 are apart (configuration not illustrated) . Advantageously, each jaw 510, 520 comprises at least one plug 550 designed to come into contact with the container 304. The plug 550 is made of plastic or rubber or other slightly deformable material. This avoids direct contact of the container 304 with metal components of the jaws 510, 520 which would lead to scratching of the container 304.

The second portion 32 comprises a fastening base 30 formed at least partially by the jaws 510, 520. Conveniently, the jaws 510, 520 are hinged at a single pivot 43 forming a gripper 530. This facilitates connection to the container 304, whatever its shape.

The clamping device 50 springs back automatically to the clamped configuration. That way, when the clamping device 50 is not operated by the user, it allows the detector 1 to remain attached to the container 304. The pivot 43 comprises a hinge 551 operatively interposed between the two jaws 510, 520 (see Figure 16) .

The clamping device 50 is elastically operated by a helical bending spring 552 having a first end which is integral with one of the two jaws 510, 520 and the other end which is integral with the other of the jaws 510, 520. Advantageously, the hinge 551 is housed inside the coils of the helical bending spring 552. When the jaws 510, 520 are in contact with each other (or in any case in the clamped configuration) , an interposed chamber 900 is formed on the clamping device 50 between the jaws 510, 520 and the grip zones 511, 521.

Preferably, the chamber 900 is interposed between the jaws 510, 520 and the pivot 43.

Advantageously, at least one of the two jaws 510, 520 comprises a plurality of arms 307 which form a concavity designed to receive the outside of the food cooking container 304. The connection means 5 are located at least at one end 34 of the second portion 32. The means 8 for releasable connection of the first and second portions 31, 32 of the detector 1 are located at a distance from the connection means 5. More specifically, the means 8 are located at the end of the second portion 32 opposite the end 34 where the connection means 5 are located. The detector 1 conveniently comprises wireless communication means 7 designed to transmit in radiofrequency outside of the detector 1 S a signal supplied by the sensor 2. Typically, the signal regards the temperature detected by the sensor 2. Advantageously, the sensor 2 comprises an electronic circuit 21 which can convert the information supplied by the pickup element 20 into an electrical signal. The electronic circuit 21 is operatively interposed

10 between the pickup element 20 and the wireless communication means 7.

The wireless communication means 7 preferably transmit a signal in radiofrequency. This radiofrequency signal is intended to be picked up by an antenna 14 located outside the detector 1.

I₅ In this regard, this invention also has for its subject-matter a cooking top 10 comprising at least one cooking point 11. By cooking point 11 is meant a zone on which a container 304 (for example a pot or pan) can be placed in order to cook the food it contains .

20 The cooking top 10 also comprises a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described above. The detector 1 is equipped with the wireless means 7 described above. The detector 1 is applicable to a food cooking container which can be positioned on the cooking point 11.

2₅ The cooking top 10 further comprises a receiver 12 designed to capture the signal supplied by the wireless communication means 7 of the detector 1, and a control unit 13 operatively interposed between the receiver 12 and the cooking point 11. The receiver 12 may coincide with the antenna 14 described above.

30 The control unit 13 controls the operation of the cooking point 11 at least according to the signal transmitted by the detector 1 and supplied by the receiver 12. For example, according to said signal and according to the type of food to be cooked or heated, the control unit 13 may control the time for switching off, or adjust

35 the power of, the cooking point 11.

15 can be used to set the type of food which a certain cooking operation is to be performed on. For example, the user can select

5 the type from a plurality of preset options. For example, if the user chooses the "pasta" cooking option, the cooking top 10 uses the information from the detector 1 to warn the user when it has detected a predetermined target temperature associated with that cooking option. Typically, in the case of pasta, the first step to

10 be carried out, as is known, is to bring the cooking water to a suitably high temperature before putting the pasta in it. The cooking top 10 monitors water temperature through the detector 1 and tells the user when it is time to place the pasta in the water. Typically, this will be done through a signalling device 16

I₅ operatively associated with the control unit 13. In the preferred embodiment, the signalling device 16 comprises an acoustic emitter 160.

In the pasta example, the detector 1 will typically emit an acoustic signal when the temperature reaches 100⁰C. The value of 0 the temperature is not communicated to the user but, upon receiving the signal from the cooking top 10, the user knows that it is time for the pasta to be placed in the water. The cooking top 10 also comprises a counter which causes the signalling device

16 to emit a further acoustic signal when cooking is considered 5 complete (and which, in one particular embodiment, also switches off the cooking point 11) . In a first embodiment, the further signal follows the signal preceding it by a time interval set by the user or, alternatively, the time interval may be counted from a specific and express command given by the user. The value of the0 time interval may be communicated by the user to the cooking top 10 through the interface 15 (the value of the interval may be easily read off from the pasta packaging) . It will be appreciated that similar procedures may be applied to the cooking of many other foods: for example, when frying, where the oil must beS preheated before the food to be fried is placed in it, or when warming milk or other foods. In these examples, too, the user is not normally informed of the temperature of the food but knows, upon hearing the signal from the cooking top, that it is time to perform a certain operation (putting pasta in the boiling water, placing a food in the frying pan, and so on) or that cooking is considered complete. An instruction booklet accompanying the cooking top 10 explains the meaning of each type of signal emitted by the cooking top 10 based on the user's input (such input being provided through the interface 15 and regarding, for example, the type of food the user wants to cook) . In one particular embodiment, the signalling device 16 might provide an express indication - for example, a voice message or an instruction on a display unit - telling the user what to do.

This invention also has for its subject-matter a method for detecting food cooking temperature comprising the step of applying a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described above to a food cooking container 304 (the detector 1 comprises, in particular, the above mentioned connection means 5) . This step conveniently comprises: connecting the connection means 5 of the detector 1 to a perimetric edge 305 of the container 304; - positioning the pickup element 20 of the sensor 2 of the detector 1 above the container 304 in such a way that it surmounts and faces the container 304 zone 306 that accommodates the food during cooking. The method also entails adjusting the inclination of the second portion 32 relative to the first portion 31 in order to be able to project the light reference emitted by the pointer 4 onto the zone whose temperature is to be measured. For example, the inclination of the second portion 32 can be adjusted using the joint 60. The step of connecting the connection means 5 to the perimetric edge 305 allows the user to connect the connection means 5 to the most convenient part of the edge 305 (for example, the part that is easiest to reach) . The step of connecting the connection means 5 to the perimetric edge 305 can be performed by clamping the jaws 510, 520 at the desired point on the edge 305. In the following, until a different indication is stated, reference is made to figures from 23 to 31. With reference to the figures from 23 to 31 the numeral 1 denotes a detector for detecting the cooking temperature (of a food or of a product for cooking a food such as, for example, boiling water used for cooking pasta) .

The cooking temperature detector 1 comprises a temperature sensor 2 of the "remote" (or, equivalently, "contactless") type. Conveniently, the sensor 2 comprises a pickup element 20 for capturing information from the outside (remote) and relating to a temperature to be measured. The sensor 2 is thus able to measure the temperature of an object at a distance from it without any physical contact. Advantageously, the sensor 2 is an infrared sensor and the pickup element 20 is suitable for capturing information from the outside (in particular from the body whose temperature information is required - typically a food or a product for cooking a food such as, for example, boiling water used for cooking pasta) . The infrared rays are therefore emitted from a distance.

The detector 1 also comprises a structure 3 for supporting the sensor 2. The structure 3 comprises means 4 for connection to a body outside the detector 1. Typically, the outside body is a container 6 (for example, a pot, pan, etc.) designed to receive the food to be cooked. More specifically, the connection means 4 can be connected to a side wall of the container 6, preferably to an edge of the container 6. The connection means 4 comprise a device 40 for clamping the outside body and comprising two jaws 410, 420. The clamping device 40 is movable between a clamped configuration where the two jaws 410, 420 are close together, and a disengaged configuration where the jaws 410, 420, are apart. To allow connection to the container 6, in the clamped configuration, a side wall of the container 6 is interposed and clamped between the two jaws 410, 420. Advantageously, each jaw 410, 420 comprises at least one plug 550 designed to come into contact with the container 6. The plug 550 is made of plastic or rubber or other slightly deformable material. This avoids direct contact of the container 6 (usually made of metal) with metal components of the jaws 410, 420 which would lead to scratching of the container 6. The supporting structure 3 comprises a fastening base 30 formed at least partially by the jaws 410, 420. The fastening base 30 forms a foot of the supporting structure 3. In effect, in the configuration in which the detector 1 is connected directly to the edge of the food cooking container 6, the fastening base 30 is located at the bottom of the detector 1. The structure 3 comprises :

-a work head 31 in which the temperature sensor 2 is mounted; -a member 32 for supporting the work head 31, said member 32 comprising the clamping device 40. Thus, when the detector 1 is connected to the container 6 by the clamping device 40, the member 32 extends away from the container 6. Preferably, the member 32 extends along a principal direction of extension. The work head 31 extends, at least in a first operating configuration, transversally to the member 32 of the structure 3. More specifically, it extends transversally to the principal direction of extension of the member 32.

The jaws 410, 420 are hinged at a shared pivot 43 forming a gripper 430. This facilitates connection to the container 6, whatever its shape.

The clamping device 40 comprises, for each jaw 410, 420, a grip zone 411, 421 integral with the respective jaw 410, 420 and designed to be gripped by the user. The grip zones 411, 421 combine to form a handgrip 44 which enables the clamping device 40 to be moved at least from the clamped to the disengaged configuration. The pivot 43 is interposed between each jaw 410, 420 and the corresponding grip zone 411, 421.

The clamping device 40 is elastically operated so that it moves automatically to the clamped configuration. That way, when the clamping device 40 is not operated by the user, it allows the detector 1 to remain attached to the container 6. The pivot 43 comprises a hinge 431 operatively interposed between the two jaws 410, 420. The clamping device 40 is elastically operated by a helical bending spring 432 having a first end which is integral with one of the two jaws 410, 420 and the other end which is integral with the other of the jaws 410, 420. Advantageously, the hinge 431 is housed at least partly inside the coils of the helical bending spring 432.

When the jaws 410, 420 are in contact with each other, an interposed chamber 5 is formed on the clamping device 40 between the jaws 410, 420 and the grip zones 411, 421. More specifically, 5 the chamber 5 is interposed between the jaws 410, 420 and the pivot 43. The chamber 5 is designed to receive the edge of the food cooking container 6, especially when the container 6 is flared outwardly. Advantageously, at least one of the two jaws 410, 420 comprises a plurality of arms 307 which form a concavity

10 designed to receive the outside of the food cooking container 6.

Besides the sensor 2, the work head 31 also comprises an enclosure 310 which houses the sensor 2 at least partially. This protects the sensor 2 from shocks and also constitutes an aesthetic covering.

I₅ The detector 1, and more specifically, the head 31, also comprises an illuminated pointer 7 for emitting a light beam. The light beam is designed to project a light reference onto an external element to indicate to the user a zone which the pickup element 20 is directed at for receiving information such as to allow the

20 temperature to be measured. In the case of the infrared sensor 2, the information is carried by infrared rays (for example, the wavelength of these rays is a function of the temperature . of the body that emits them) . More specifically, the zone indicated by the light reference shows the area the sensor 2 pickup element 20

2S is directed at and hence the pickup element 20 will be struck principally by the infrared rays emitted by that zone. The light reference might for example indicate a part of the container 6 or of a specific food located inside the container 6. In the latter case, the sensor 2 would be especially sensitive to the

30 temperature of that food.

The illuminated pointer 7 is usually a light cone and therefore the width of the cone is variable with the distance between the pointer 7 and the object the light reference is projected on. In normal applications, the light reference is a circular element a

35 few centimetres in diameter.

The illuminated pointer 7 and the pickup element 20 of the sensor 2 are located side by side. Further, the pointer 4 and the pickup element 20 face the same virtual reference plane (see plane X in Figure 25) integral with the work head 31.

The illuminated pointer 4 can be operated by a user. It is normally off and (to avoid wasting energy) can be switched on only 5 at the user's command.

Preferably, the illuminated pointer 4 emits an intermittent light beam. The intermittent signal makes it easier to see the light reference projected onto the outside element. The detector 1 comprises a power source.

10 The power source supplies power to the sensor 2 and to the illuminated pointer 7. The power source can be inserted into and removed from a suitable housing in the detector 1. The power source is, for example, an electric battery. In an alternative embodiment, the power source might comprise a photovoltaic cell.

I₅ As shown by way of example in Figure 28, the detector 1 comprises means 8 for releasable connection of the work head 31 to the member 32.

The releasable connection means 8 are at least partly integrated in the work head 31 and/or in the member 32.

20 The detector 1 comprises at least a first and a second portion 910, 920, one of said two portions 910, 920 coinciding with the work head 31 and the other coinciding with the member 32. Advantageously, the first portion 910 coincides with the member 32 and the second portion 920 thus coincides with the head 31. S The two portions 910, 920 of the detector 1 comprise releasable connection means 8.

The releasable connection means 8 are therefore considered as built into the two portions 910, 920. The releasable connection means 8 comprise a pusher 84 that is 0 elastically compressible along a first direction of extension. This direction of extension preferably coincides with an axis of longitudinal extension of the pusher 84. The pusher 84 forms part of one of the two portions 910, 920 of the detector 1 (preferably it forms part of the first portion 910) and comprises a first

3S abutment 841.

The releasable connection means 8 comprise a first border 843 forming part of the portion of the detector 1 that does not comprise the pusher 84 (preferably the second portion 920) . When the first and second portions 910, 920 are connected, the pusher 84 is in a configuration of at least partial compression and applies pressure on the first border 843 by means of the first abutment 841.

The releasable connection means 8 also comprise a contact interface 845 where the first and second portions 910, 920 come into contact with each other. The contact interface 845 opposes the movement of the first and second portions 910, 920 relative to each other caused by pressure applied by the first abutment 841 on the first border 843. The contact interface 845 comprises: -a second abutment 842 formed on the pusher 84; -a second border 844 forming part of the second portion 920. In the accompanying drawings, the portion comprising the sensor 2 is understood to be substantially symmetrical about the vertical plane through the straight line "R" shown in Figure 28. The parts of that portion not shown in Figure 28 are shown in the selfsame portion schematically represented in a specific configuration in Figure 29.

For allowing the first and second portions 910, 920 to be connected, the pusher 84 is at least partly connectable in a configuration of at least partial compression between the first and second borders 843, 844. When the pusher 84 is connected between the first and second borders 843, 844, the first abutment 841 comes into contact with the first border 843 and the second abutment 842 comes into contact with the second border 844. Advantageously, (in an embodiment not illustrated) there is a tab interposed between the first border and the second 843, 844, which at least partly surrounds the pusher 84. Said tab is integral with the work head 31. The tab acts as a guide during the movement of the work head 31 relative to the supporting member 32. The pusher 84 conveniently comprises a first and second end section 846, 847 with a central section 848 interposed between them. In the region between the central section 848 and the first end section 846, the pusher 84 has a first indentation 849 transversal to the first direction of extension. The first end section 846 goes through a first passage 851 that crosses the first border 843. The first indentation 849 forms the first abutment 841 between the pusher 84 and the first border 843.

In the region between the central section 848 and the second end section 847, the pusher 84 has a second indentation 850 transversal to the first direction of extension.

The second end section 847 crosses the second border 844 and goes through a second passage 852, the second indentation 850 forming the second abutment 842. The first border 843 has a first recess 853 comprising a first slot 855 that ends in the first passage 851.

The second border 844 has a second recess 854 comprising a second slot 856 that ends in the second passage 852.

The pusher 84 is able to slide along the first and second slots 855, 856 in order to enable the first and second portions 910, 920 of the detector 1 to be connected or disconnected to or from each other.

Advantageously, the first and second borders 843, 844 of the detector 1 are interposed between a first and a second appendage 857, 858 of the detector 1 portion (preferably the first portion

910) that comprises the pusher 84.

To allow compression of the pusher 84 and facilitate connection of^s the first and second portions 910, 920 of the detector 1, the first end section 846 of the pusher 84 passes through the first appendage 857 so as to be accessible to a user.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures from 23 to 31, the first border 843 slots into the first end section 846 of the pusher 84. The first recess 853 is too narrow to receive the central section 848 of the pusher 84.

The pressure applied along the same line but in opposite directions by the first and second abutments 841, 842 on the first and second borders 843, 844 allows the first and second portions 910, 920 to be positioned stably by friction relative to each other. When the second portion 920 is not connected to the first portion 910, the first and second abutments 841, 842 are in contact with the first and second appendages 857, 858, respectively. For connecting the first and second portions 910, 920, the first and second end sections 846, 847 are moved close to each other. That way, the first and second end sections 846, 847 are at least partly in the space between the first and second appendages 857, 858. In this situation, the first and second borders 843, 844 may be connected to the first and second end sections 846, 847, respectively. This can be done by inserting the first and second end sections 846, 847 into the first and second recesses 853, 854, respectively. When the user stops applying pressure to move the first and second end sections 846, 847 towards each other, the first and second abutments 841, 842 move apart by the effect of the elastic compressibility of the pusher 84 along the first direction of extension and apply pressure on the first and second borders 843, 844, respectively To disengage the first and second portions 910, 920 from each other, the above steps are carried out in reverse order. For disengaging the first: and second portions 910, 920, the first and second end sections 846, 847 are moved close to each other and the first and second portions 910, 920 are disconnected.

Further, the pusher 84 forms a pin 81 and at least the first border 843 can rotate about the pin 81 in order to enable the inclination of the second portion 920 to be varied relative to the first portion 910. Conveniently, the second border 844, too, can rotate about the pin 81.

The first and second portions 910, 920 also comprise means 9 for inhibiting rotation of the pusher 84 relative to the appendages 857, 858. These inhibiting means 9 comprise at least a part of the first and second end sections 846, 847 of the pusher 84 which is not perfectly cylindrical and which slots into matchingly shaped holes 91 in the appendages 857, 858. This prevents the pusher 84 from rotating about an axis parallel to the first direction of extension mentioned above (relative to a plane at right angles to the first direction of extension, at least one cross section of the first and/or the second end section 846, 847 of the pusher 84 is not perfectly circular; see Figure 24a in this regard) .

Conveniently, the pusher 84 remains stably connected to the first and second appendages 857, 858.

As shown by way of an example in Figure 26, the pusher 84 comprises elastic means 83 interposed between the first and the second end section 846, 847 of the pusher 84. The first and second end sections 846, 847 move close to each other by compression that overcomes the reaction force applied by said elastic means 83. The central section 848 of the pusher 84 comprises an elongate, preferably cylindrical, outer shell 85. Advantageously, the pusher 84 comprises a protrusion 86 integral with the second end section 847 and insertable into a housing hole 87 integral with the first end section 846 of the pusher 84. The protrusion 86 and the housing hole 87 extend towards the inside of the shell 85. The elastic means 83 lie in a gap 88 formed between the housing hole 87 and the shell 85. Advantageously, the elastic means 83 comprise a helical spring 830 that extends between the first and second end sections 846, 847 of the pusher 84.

The jaws 410, 420 are located at one end 34 of the member 32, the releasable connection means 8 of the head 31 and of the member 32 of the detector 1 being located at a distance from the jaws 410, 420. More specifically, the jaws 410, 420 are located at the opposite end of the member 32 relative to the end 34 of the member 32 where the releasable connection means 8 are/can be positioned. The detector 1 comprises means 80 for orientating the head 31 relative to the member 32. The orientating means 80 comprise the releasable connection means 8, and more specifically, the pin 81. More specifically, the head 31 rotates about the pin 81 to adopt a different inclination relative to the member 32. During movement of the work head 31 relative to the member 32 (through the orientating means 80) , the illuminated pointer 7 and the sensor 2 remain integral with each other. This invention also has for its subject-matter a kit for detecting the cooking temperature of a food. The kit comprises: -a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described above;

-a lid 300 comprising: a first surface 301 which, in use, faces 5 the food to be cooked, a second surface 302 opposite the first surface 301, an opening 303 that goes right through the lid 300 between the first surface 301 and the second surface 302. The releasable connection means 8 allow the head 31 of the detector 1 to be releasably connected both to the member 32 of the

10 detector 1 and to the lid 300.

When the head 31 of the detector 1 is connected to the lid 300, the pickup element 20 may face or be inserted into the opening

303.

Conveniently, the lid 300 (forming part of the kit) might be

I₅ provided with at least one protuberance 859 which slots into the first or second passage 851, 852. Preferably, there are at least two protuberances, which slot into the first and second passages 851, 852, respectively. Advantageously, the work head 31, when it is applied to the lid 300, forms part of a handle of the lid 300. 0 Advantageously, the lid 300 comprises ridges (preferably circumferential) formed at progressive radial distances from the centre and designed to make it easier for it to be placed On containers differing in diameter. The detector 1 conveniently comprises wireless communication means 5 70 designed to transmit in radiofrequency outside of the detector 1 a signal supplied by the sensor 2. Typically, the signal regards the temperature detected by the sensor 2. Advantageously, the sensor 2 comprises an electronic circuit 21 which can convert the information supplied by the pickup element 20 into an electrical 0 signal. The electronic circuit 21 is operatively interposed between the pickup element 20 and the wireless communication means 70. The wireless communication means 70 are powered through the above mentioned power source. The wireless communication means 70 preferably transmit a signal

35 in radiofrequency. This radiofrequency signal is intended to be picked up by an antenna 14 located outside the detector 1. In this regard, this invention also has for its subject-matter a cooking top 10 comprising at least one cooking point 11. By cooking point 11 is meant a zone on which the container 6 (for example a pot or pan) can be placed in order to cook the food it contains .

S The cooking top 10 also comprises a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described above. The detector 1 is equipped with the wireless means 70 described above. The detector 1 is applicable to the food cooking container 6 positioned on the cooking point 11. Q The cooking top 10 also comprises:

-a receiver 12 designed to pick up the signal supplied by the wireless communication means 70 of the detector 1;

-a control unit 13 operatively interposed between the receiver 12 and the cooking point 11. The receiver 12 coincides with theS antenna 14 described above.

The control unit 13 controls the operation of the cooking point 11 at least according to the signal supplied by the receiver 12. For example, according to said signal and according to the type of food to be cooked or heated, the control unit 13 may control the0 time for switching off, or adjust the power of, the cooking point 11.

The cooking top 10 normally comprises a user interface 15 operatively associated with the control unit 13. Through the user interface 15, it is possible to choose the cooking point 11 to be5 associated with the measurement of the detector 1.

The interface 15 can be used to set the type of food which a certain cooking operation is to be performed on. For example, the user can select the type from a plurality of preset options. If the user chooses the "pasta" cooking option, the cooking top 10 uses the information from the detector 1 to warn the user when it has detected a predetermined target temperature associated with that cooking option. Typically, in the case of pasta, the first step to be carried out, as is known, is to bring the cooking water to a suitably high temperature before putting the pasta in it. The cooking top 10 monitors water temperature through the detector 1 and tells the user when it is time to place the pasta in the water to cook it. Typically, this will be done through a signalling device 16 operatively associated with the control unit 13. In the preferred embodiment, the signalling device 16 comprises an acoustic emitter 160.

In the pasta example, the detector 1 will typically emit an acoustic signal when it detects that the temperature has reached 100 °C. The value of the temperature is not communicated to the user but, upon receiving the signal from the cooking top 10, the user knows that it is time for the pasta to be placed in the water to cook it. The cooking top 10 also comprises a counter which causes the signalling device 16 to emit a further acoustic signal when cooking is considered complete (and which, in one particular embodiment, also switches off the cooking point 11) . In a first embodiment, the further signal follows the signal preceding it by a time interval set by the user or, alternatively, the time interval may be counted from a specific and express command given by the user. The value of the time interval may be communicated by the user to the cooking top 10 through the interface 15 (the value of the interval may be easily read off from the pasta packaging) . It will be appreciated that similar procedures may be applied to the cooking of many other foods: for example, when frying, where the oil must be preheated to a certain temperature before the food to be fried is placed in it, or when warming milk or other foods; In these examples, too, the user is not normally informed of the temperature of the food but knows, upon receiving the signal from the cooking top 10, that it is time to perform a certain operation (putting pasta in the boiling water, placing a food in the frying pan, and so on) or that cooking is considered complete. An instruction booklet accompanying the cooking top 10 explains in detail the meaning of each type of signal emitted by the cooking top 10 based on the user's input (such input being provided through the interface and regarding the type of food the user wants to cook) . In one particular embodiment, the signalling device 16 might provide an express indication - for example, a voice message or an instruction on a display unit - telling the user what to do.

This invention also has for its subject-matter a method for detecting the cooking temperature of a food. The method involves applying to a food cooking container 6 a detector 1 having one or more of the technical features described above. The method comprises: connecting the connection means 4 of the detector 1 to a perimetric edge 60 of the container 6;

- positioning the sensor 2 of the detector 1 above the container 6 in such a way that it surmounts and faces the zone of the container 6 that accommodates the food during cooking. The step of connecting the detector connection means 4 entails moving the jaws 410, 420, inserting an edge of a side wall of the container 6 between the jaws 410, 420 and clamping the jaws on the edge. Since the jaws 410, 420 spring back elastically to the clamped configuration, the connection between the detector 1 and the container 6 is made stable. The step of connecting the connection means 4 to the perimetric edge 60 allows the user to connect the connection means 4 to the most convenient part of the edge 60 (for example, the part that is easiest to reach). The method also entails adjusting the inclination of the head 31 relative to the member 32 in order to be able to project the light reference emitted by the pointer 7 onto the zone whose temperature is to be measured. For example, the inclination of the head 31 can be adjusted using the orientating means 80.

Claims

1. A cooking temperature detector comprising a first and a second portion; one portion of said two portions comprising a remote

5 temperature sensor in turn comprising an element for capturing information from the outside and relating to a temperature to be measured, and the other portion of said two portions comprising a supporting member that supports the portion comprising the temperature sensor;

10 characterized in that the two portions comprise releasable connection means which cooperate to enable the two portions to be connected and disconnected to and from each other.

2. The detector according to claim 1, characterized in that the releasable connection means comprise:

I₅ - a pusher elastically compressible along a first direction of extension, said pusher forming part of the second portion and comprising a first abutment;

- a first border forming part of the first portion, the pusher being, when the first and second portions are connected, in a 0 configuration of at least partial compression and applying pressure on the first border by means of the first abutment;

- a contact interface where the first and second portions cόiiie into contact with each other and which opposes the movement of the first and second portions relative to each other caused by S pressure applied by the first abutment on the first border.

3. The detector according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact interface comprises:

- a second abutment formed on the pusher;

- a second border forming part of the first portion, for allowing 0 the first and second portions to be connected, the pusher being at least partly connectable in a configuration of at least partial compression between the first and the second border, when the pusher is connected between the first and the second border, the first abutment coming into contact with the first border and the S second abutment coming into contact with the second border.

4. The detector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the pusher comprises a first and a second end section between which there is an interposed central section, the pusher having in the region between the central section and the first end section an indentation transversal to the first direction of extension, said first end section going through a first passage that crosses the first border, said indentation forming the first abutment between the pusher and the first border.

5. The detector according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that:

- in the region between the central section and the second end section, the pusher has a second indentation transversal to the first direction of extension;

- the second end section, crossing the second border, goes through a second passage, the second indentation forming the second abutment .

6. The detector according to claim 5, characterized in that:

- the first border has a first recess comprising a first slot that ends in the first passage;

- the second border has a second recess comprising a second slot that ends in the second passage; the pusher being able to slide along the first and second slots to enable the first and second portions of the detector to be connected or disconnected to or from each other.

7. The detector according to claim 4, 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that the first and second borders of the first portion of the detector are interposed between a first and a second appendage of the second portion of the detector; for enabling compression of the pusher and facilitating connection of the two portions of the detector, the first end section of the pusher crossing the first appendage so as to be accessible to a user or the first and the second end section crossing the first and the second appendage, respectively, so as to be accessible to a user.

8. The detector according to any of the foregoing claims from 2 to 7, characterized in that the pusher forms a pin of a joint about which at least the first border can rotate in order to enable the inclination of the first portion to be varied relative to the second portion.

9. The detector according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the supporting member comprises means of connection to an element outside of the detector.

10. The detector according to claim 9, characterized in that the 5 connection means comprise a device for clamping the outside element .

11. The detector according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the connection means are located at a first end of the supporting member , the releasable connecting means being located at a second

10 end of the supporting member.

12. The detector according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least in a first operating configuration the first portion of the detector comprising the temperature sensor extends in cantilever fashion transversally to the

I₅ supporting member.

13. The detector according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 9, characterized in that the portion comprising the supporting member is a lid of a container for cooking food, said lid comprising: 0 - a first surface which, in use, faces the food to be cooked;

- a second surface opposite the first surface;

- an opening that goes through the lid from the first to the second surface; in an operating configuration where the releasable connection 5 means connect the first and second portions of the detector to each other, the pickup element being positioned face to face with, or inserted in, the opening.

14. A cooking temperature detection kit characterized in that it comprises :

30 - a detector according to claim 10;

- a lid comprising: a first surface which, in use, faces the food to be cooked, a second surface opposite the first surface, an opening that goes right through the lid between the first surface and the second surface ;

3S the releasable connection means enabling the portion of the detector comprising the temperature sensor to be removably connected both to the lid and to the portion of the detector comprising the supporting member equipped with the clamping device, the pickup element being able to be positioned face to face with, or inserted in, the opening when the portion of the detector comprising the temperature sensor is connected to the 5 lid.

15. A method for detecting cooking temperature characterized in that it comprises a step of applying a detector according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 13 to a container for cooking food, said step of applying the detector comprising positioning

10 the pickup element of the sensor of the detector above the container in such a way that it surmounts and faces the container zone that accommodates the food during cooking.

16. A food cooking temperature detector comprising:

-a remote temperature sensor in turn comprising an element for I₅ picking up information from the outside relating to a temperature to be measured;

-a support to which the sensor is connected; characterized in that it comprises an illuminated pointer connected to the support and designed to emit a light beam for 0 projecting a light reference onto an external element to indicate to the user an area which the pickup element of the sensor is directed at for receiving information enabling measurement of the temperature.

17. The detector according to claim 16, characterized in that the 5 support comprises:

- a first portion integral with the temperature sensor and with the illuminated pointer; a second portion comprising means for connection with the outside. 30 18. The detector according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises means for orientating the first portion relative to the second portion.

19. The detector according to claim 18, characterized in that the orientation means comprise a joint which enables the first portion 35 to rotate relative to the second portion, in a first operating configuration the first portion extending in cantilever fashion transversally to the second portion.

20. The detector according to claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that the second portion can be connected by the connection means to an edge of a container for cooking food; said second portion extending away from the container when the connection means are

5 connected during operation.

21. The detector according to any of the foregoing claims from 17 to 20, characterized in that the illuminated pointer and the pickup element of the temperature sensor are positioned side by side and face the same virtual reference plane integral with the

10 first portion.

22. The detector according to any of the claims from 16 to 21, characterized in that the illuminated pointer can be operated by the user and emits an intermittent light beam.

23. The detector according to any of the claims from 16 to 22, I₅ characterized in that it comprises wireless communication means designed to transmit in radiofrequency outside of the detector a signal supplied by the sensor.

24. A cooking top characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one cooking point;

20 - a detector according to claim 23 applicable to a food cooking container which can in turn be positioned on said cooking point;

- a receiver outside the detector and designed to pick up' the signal supplied by the wireless communication means of the detector ; 5 - a control unit operatively interposed between the receiver and the cooking point; said control unit (13) controlling the operation of the cooking point at least according to the signal supplied by the receiver.

25. A cooking temperature detection method characterized in that 0 it comprises a step of applying a detector according to any of the foregoing claims from 17 to 21 to a container for cooking food, said step comprising:

- connecting the connection means of the detector to a perimetric edge of the container; 5 - positioning the pickup element of the sensor of the detector above the container in such a way that it surmounts and faces the container zone that accommodates the food during cooking.

26. A cooking temperature detector comprising:

- a remote temperature sensor in turn comprising an element for capturing information from the outside and relating to a temperature to be measured;

5 - a structure for supporting the sensor; characterized in that the structure comprises means of connection to an element outside of the detector, said connection means comprising a device comprising two jaws for clamping the outside element, the clamping device being mobile between a clamped 10 configuration where the jaws are close together and a released configuration where the jaws are apart.

27. The detector according to claim 26, characterized in that the supporting structure comprises a fastening base formed at least partially by the jaws.

I₅ 28. The detector according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the structure comprises:

- a work head in which the temperature sensor is mounted;

- a member for supporting the work head, said member comprising the clamping device;

20 the work head extending, at least in a first operating configuration, transversally to the member of the structure.

29. The detector according to any of the claims from 26 to _^28, characterized in that the jaws are hinged at a single pivot forming a gripper. 5

30. The detector according to any of the claims from 26 to 29, characterized in that the clamping device comprises, for each jaw, a corresponding grip zone integral with the jaw and designed to be gripped by the user, said grip zones combining to form a handgrip which enables the clamping device to be moved at least from the 0 clamped to the released configuration, the pivot being interposed between each jaw and the corresponding grip zone.

31. The detector according to any of the claims from 26 to 30, characterized in that the clamping device is spring operated so that it moves automatically to the clamped configuration.

3₅ 32. The detector according to any of the claims from 26 to 31, characterized in that when the jaws are in contact with each other, an interposed chamber is formed on the clamping device between the jaws and the grip zones.

33. A cooking top characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one cooking point;

- a detector according to any of the foregoing claims from 26 to 5 32 and comprising wireless communication means designed to transmit outside of the detector a signal supplied by the sensor , the detector being applicable to a container for cooking food placed on the cooking point;

- a receiver designed to pick up the signal supplied by the 10 wireless communication means of the detector;

- a control unit operatively interposed between the receiver and the cooking point; said control unit controlling the operation of the cooking point at least according to the signal supplied by the receiver. I₅ 34. A cooking temperature detection method characterized in that it comprises a step of applying a detector according to any of the claims from 26 to 32 to a container for cooking food, said step comprising:

- connecting the connection means of the detector to a perimetric 20 edge of the container;

- positioning the pickup element of the sensor of the detector above the container in such a way that it surmounts and faces the container zone that accommodates the food during cooking.