GB2306100A

GB2306100A - A carrier frame for an oven-to-table dish

Info

Publication number: GB2306100A
Application number: GB9521010A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Lee White
Original assignee: W G ALLEN
Current assignee: W G ALLEN
Priority date: 1995-10-13
Filing date: 1995-10-13
Publication date: 1997-04-30
Also published as: GB9521010D0

Abstract

A carrier for an oven-to-table dish, e.g. casserole dish 10 with separate lid 54, comprises different support means 14, 40 for the casserole dish 10 and the lid 54 when removed from the dish. The carrier is a wire frame comprising diametrically-opposed handles 26 and an encircling ring 14 which engages under an outwardly bulged rim 12 of the dish 10. The ring 14 is supported by legs 16 which terminate in feet 18 which space the carrier frame from the table. The lid support 40 comprises parallel members (44, 46) on which the lid rests and a curved portion (38) shaped to engage the neck 50 of the lid 54. A drip tray 60 underlies the lowest part of the lid and is removable for cleaning.

Description

TABLEWARE This invention relates to tableware. According to the invention we provide in combination, an oven-to-table dish having a separate lid, and a carrier having at least three table engaging feet, a support area to space the dish from the table, a pair of handles, and means for supporting the lid when removed from the dish.

Preferably a drip tray is provided in association with said means.

Conveniently the carrier is a skeleton frame of stout wire, which may be surface-finished to prevent corrosion and also for aesthetic reasons: for example it may be silver-plated or gold-plated.

The oven-to-table dish is a well known article of commerce, comprising a ceramic (including glass) usually ornamented or decorated, and capable of use in an oven and possibly also on a hob, to cook food. Such dishes are also called casseroles.

It is known to provide carrier frames per se having handles facilitating transport of the dish from the oven to the table, and also serving to space the dish from the table to avoid the hot dish damaging the table. Although such dishes and carriers have been known for many years, hitherto no provision has been made for the lid which had to be left in the kitchen, or perhaps placed on a separate plate whilst food was served from the dish.

One typical example of a dish and carrier according to the invention is now more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is an elevation with the dish in place and the lid supported at the side of the dish over a drip tray; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same; and Figure 3 is a plan view.

Referring to the drawings, the dish 10 has an outwardly bulged rim 12 and is supported in the carrier by an encircling ring 14 which engages under that rim.

The ring 14 is supported by legs 16 which terminate in (in this instance) ball feet 18. In this particular embodiment there are three equi-spaced legs and feet as can be seen in Figure 3, but different numbers of legs may be provided to suit requirements.

The legs are braced by a second ring 20 of similar dimensions to the ring 14, and radially extending ties 22, see Figure 3, strengthen the carrier frame. It will be noted that the dish does not, in this embodiment, rest on the ties. This is to minimise contact with the metal work and heat transfer. However in other embodiments the dish may contact support members under the base of the dish.

Each of the legs 16 is also used to support one end of the corresponding handle 24, 26, the other end being supported by a similar post 28 parallel to the legs 16 but extending only between the top and bottom frames 14, 20. Further post-like parts 32 are provided extending between the frames 14, 20 so that the latter are connected together at, in this particular instance, six equi-spaced points around the dish.

The lid support comprises frame 36, 38, 40 best seen in Figure 2 integral with parallel members 44, 46 which are fixed to the frame member 20. The portion 38 is shaped to engage a neck 50 between knob 52 and the major portion 54 of the lid, and the lid may also rest on the parallel portions 44, 46 as best seen in Figure 2.

A drip tray 60 may be a plastic moulding or a metal pressing engaged with the parallel parts 44, 46 so as to underlie the lowest part of the lid as best seen in Figure 1. The drip tray may be removable for cleansing.

Claims

CLAIMS : -

1. In combination, an oven-to-table dish having a separate lid, and a carrier therefore, said carrier having at least three table engaging feet, a support area to space said dish from said table, a pair of handles, a means for supporting the lid when removed from the dish.

2. The combination of Claim 1 wherein the carrier is a wire frame.

3. The combination as in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the dish has a pro tube rent rim, and the carrier has a ring portion to underlie said rim and support the dish.

4. The combination as in the preceding Claim wherein the carrier is provided with handles located generally diametrically off the dish and the lid support is located between said handles at one side of the dish.

D. The combination as in the preceding Claim wherein a removable drip tray is supported on the frame below the lid.

6. The combination substantially as iescribed with rererence to ehe accompanying drawings.