GB2543341A - Detachable handle - Google Patents

Abstract

A detachable handle 10 for a saucepan, the handle comprising a grip 12 and a clamp 14 comprising first and second clamping surfaces 36, 38 opposing each other and configured to receive a part of the saucepan between them. The handle also comprises an actuator 34 that moves the first clamping surface towards or away from the second clamping surface to apply or remove a clamping force to the saucepan. The first clamping surface is moveable between a first clamping position, a second clamping position and a released position. The actuator may be housed in the grip and comprise an electrical motor (82, Fig. 8) powered by a battery which may be charged by induction. The actuator may comprise a clutch. The clamp may comprise a slidable elongate rod 76, an end of which includes the first clamping surface. The second clamping member may be provided on a hook member 40 having two fingers. The handle may comprise an indicator to indicate that the handle is clamped to the saucepan. The saucepan to which the handle is clamped may already comprise a permanent handle.

Description

Detachable Handle

BACKGROUND a. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a handle device for use with a receptacle such as a saucepan, to an assembly including an item of cookware and a handle device, and to a method of attaching a handle device to an item of cookware. In particular, this invention relates to a handle that may be quickly and easily attached to a side wall of any receptacle to allow a person to easily lift and manoeuvre the receptacle. b. Related Art

There are nearly 90,000 cooking related injuries in the United Kingdom and as many as 250,000 cooking related injuries in the United States each year.

Some elderly and disabled people can find it particularly difficult to grip the handle of cookware such as saucepans and frying pans and to lift the pans, especially when they are full of liquid. When a person grips and lifts a pot or pan all of the force is transmitted through the wrist of the person, and the wrist can be one of the weakest joints of the body. Furthermore, medical conditions such as arthritis can make it difficult to grip the relatively slim handle.

In the event that the grip on the handle is lost, the contents of the pot or pan may quickly and easily spill. This may result in a hot liquid coming into contact with a part of the person holding the pot or pan. This can lead to injury which may take a significant length of time to heal.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a handle assembly for use with pots and pans that overcomes some of these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a detachable handle device for an item of cookware, the handle device comprising: a grip member for gripping by a hand of a user of the handle device; clamping means comprising opposing first and second clamping surfaces, said first and second clamping surfaces being configured to receive a part of said cookware therebetween; and actuation means operable to move the first clamping surface in a direction towards the second clamping surface to apply a clamping force to said part of the cookware, and operable to move the first clamping surface in a direction away from the second clamping surface to remove said clamping force, the first clamping surface being movable between at least a first clamping position, a second clamping position and a released position.

The handle device of the present invention may be attached to any item of cookware, including cookware that includes at least one permanent handle. In this way, the handle device provides a temporary additional handle to make it easier for a user to lift the item of cookware.

Importantly, the clamping means and the actuation means of the handle device are configured to enable the handle device to be attached to any size item of cookware. Accordingly, the first and second clamping surfaces may be moved to one of a number of clamping positions to accommodate different thicknesses of a sidewall of the item of cookware, for example.

It is envisaged that the handle device will be of particular advantage to an elderly or disabled person who may have limited strength in their hands. The actuation means, therefore, preferably comprises an electrical motor. The motor is connected to drive means arranged to move the first clamping surface when the motor is operated by a user. The motor is preferably operated by suitable activation means such as a button or a switch.

The actuation means is preferably housed in the grip member. Accordingly the grip member includes one or more cavities within which components of the actuation means are located.

In embodiments in which the actuation means comprises an electrical motor, the motor is preferably powered by means of a battery. The battery is preferably located within the grip member of the handle device. In preferred embodiments the battery is rechargeable, and the battery may be configured to be recharged using inductive charging.

The actuation means is preferably configured to move the first clamping surface in a direction towards the second clamping surface until a clamping force exerted on the item of cookware is greater than a predetermined threshold clamping force. This means that a user can then safely lift the item of cookware using the handle device.

In some embodiments the actuation means is configured to move the first clamping surface in a direction towards the second clamping surface until a predetermined clamping force is applied to the cookware. In order to achieve this, the actuation means may comprise a clutch mechanism. In particular, the clutch mechanism may be a torque or force limiting clutch that is configured to disengage when a preset torque or force is reached. Limiting the clamping force that is applied to the item of cookware in this way minimises the likelihood of damage to the cookware.

In preferred embodiments the grip member is elongate and the clamping means is located at a first end of the grip member. In this way, when the handle device is clamped to an item of cookware, the grip member extends from the cookware to be gripped by a user.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the clamping means comprises an elongate rod and a first end of the rod includes the first clamping surface. The rod is preferably mounted for sliding movement between at least the first clamping position, the second clamping position and the released position. The rod is preferably at least partially located in the grip member and extends from the grip member in a direction towards the second clamping surface.

In some embodiments the second clamping surface is provided on a hook member extending from the grip member. In use, a user locates the hook member over a rim of the item of cookware such that the second clamping surface contacts an internal surface of the item of cookware. The hook member may comprise two fingers, and a part of the second clamping surface may be provided on each of the fingers.

To enable the clamping surfaces to be cleaned, in preferred embodiments the clamping means is separable from the grip member and the actuation means. In particular the clamping means may be repeatedly engaged with and disengaged from the actuation means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising: an item of cookware including a receptacle and a handle, the handle being permanently attached to the receptacle; and a detachable handle device according to the first aspect of the present invention, said handle device being clamped to a part of the cookware so as to provide an additional handle by which a user may lift the item of cookware.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of temporarily attaching a handle device to an item of cookware, the method comprising: locating a part of the item of cookware between a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface of the handle device; moving the first clamping surface towards the second clamping surface until both the first and second clamping surfaces are in contact with the item of cookware; and moving the first and second clamping surfaces into one of at least a first clamping position and a second clamping position in which a clamping force is applied to the item of cookware, the clamping force being greater than a predetermined threshold clamping force.

In preferred embodiments the handle device comprises an electrical motor operably connected to the first clamping surface. In these embodiments the method comprises operating said motor to drive the first clamping surface in a direction towards the second clamping surface. A user may press a button or move a switch on the handle device to operate the motor.

The handle device preferably comprises indicating means, such as audible or visual indicating means. The indicating means are preferably activated when the first and second surfaces are in one of at least a first clamping position and a second clamping position. Activation of the indicating means, therefore, indicates to a user that the handle device is clamped to the item of cookware and that the item of cookware may be safely lifted or moved using the handle device.

Typically the handle device will be attached to an item of cookware as an additional or second handle. As such the item of cookware typically comprises a receptacle and a handle permanently attached to the receptacle. The handle device is preferably located and attached to a part of the item of cookware at a distance from the permanent handle. This allows a user to carry the item of cookware safely and stably using both the permanent handle and the temporary handle device of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective drawing showing a detachable handle device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention attached to a saucepan;

Figure 2 is a view of the detachable handle device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view of the detachable handle device of Figure 2 showing a motor and plunger arrangement located at least partially in a handle grip of the detachable handle device;

Figure 4 is a plan view from below of a detachable handle device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view from above of the detachable handle device of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a plan view from a first end of the detachable handle device of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a perspective view from the first end of the detachable handle device of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a detailed view of the motor and plunger arrangement of Figure 3; and

Figure 9 illustrates an alternative motor and plunger arrangement of the detachable handle device of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A detachable handle device 10 for an item of cookware according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 8.

The handle device 10 comprises a grip portion 12 and a clamping portion 14. The clamping portion 14 is arranged to engage with and apply a clamping force to a part of an item of cookware such as a saucepan 2. A user can then grip or hold the grip portion 12 of the handle 10 to lift or otherwise move the item of cookware 2.

The detachable handle 10 is preferably attached to an item of cookware 2 that includes a permanent handle 4. The detachable handle 10, therefore, provides a second handle to enable a user to grip both handles 4, 10 to lift the item of cookware 2 with two hands. In this regard, and as shown in Figure 1, the detachable handle 10 may be attached to the item of cookware 2 at a position spaced apart from the permanent handle 4. The use of the detachable handle 10, therefore, provides an easier and safer means to lift the item of cookware 2, especially when the cookware is full and/or hot.

The grip portion 12 of the detachable handle 10 comprises a grip member 16. The grip member 16 is elongate and is generally sized and shaped to be easily gripped by a hand of a user. A first end 18 of the grip member 16 is connected to the clamping portion 14 of the handle 10 and a second end 20 of the grip member 16 is a free end.

In preferred embodiments at least a part of an outer surface 22 of the grip member 16 includes a textured surface 24. The textured surface 24 may include raised regions or ridges. The outer surface 22 of the grip member 16 is preferably made from a non-slip material, and in some embodiments may be made from a plastics or rubber material.

The elongate grip member 16 is tubular and has a hollow bore 26 extending along a length of the grip member 16 between the first and second ends 18, 20. The second, free end 20 of the grip member 16 is preferably a closed end; however, the second end 20 may include connecting means as described in more detail later. The tubular grip member 16 may be made from a rigid metal or plastics material which may be covered by a layer of a non-slip material that provides the textured surface 24.

The clamping portion 14 comprises a shaft 28 and clamping means 30. The clamping means 30 comprises an engagement member 32 and actuation means 34. The clamping means 30 includes a first clamping surface 36 and a second clamping surface 38. At least one of the clamping surfaces 38 is provided by the engagement member 32. The clamping surfaces 36, 38 are arranged such that a part of the cookware 2 to which the handle 10 is to be attached is receivable or beatable between the clamping surfaces 36, 38.

As shown most clearly in Figure 2, in this embodiment the engagement member 32 comprises a claw or hook member 40. The hook member 40 is substantially U-shaped and includes opposing leg portions 42, 44 and a connecting portion or bridge portion 46 extending between first ends 48, 50 of the leg portions 42, 44. A first one of the leg portions 42 is divided into two fingers 52 such that a root 53 of the fingers 52 is located in the bridge portion 46. Each finger 52 includes opposite first and second surfaces 54, 56, the first surface 54 of each finger 52 facing or opposing a first surface 58 of the second one of the leg portions 44. A gap 60 between the leg portions 42, 44 is sized to receive a part of an item of cookware 2. In particular a distance between the opposing first surfaces 54, 58 of the leg portions 42, 44 is such that a part of a sidewall 6 of an item of cookware 2 such as a saucepan may be located between the leg portions 42, 44. The distance is preferably such that a number of different thicknesses of sidewall 6 may be located between the leg portions 42, 44 with a clearance between the leg portions 42, 44 and the sidewall 6.

In use, a user places the hook member 40 over a top edge or rim 8 of a sidewall 6 of an item of cookware 2. When the hook member 40 is engaged with the sidewall 6, a first one of the leg portions 42 is located proximate and extends over an internal surface of the sidewall 6 and a second one of the leg portions 44 is located proximate and extends over an external surface of the sidewall 6. The bridge portion 46 extends over the top edge or rim 8 of the sidewall 6. A part of the second clamping surface 38 is located on the first surface 54 of each of the fingers 52. In this embodiment, the second clamping surface 38 is provided by a pad 62 attached to the first surface 54 of each of the fingers 52. The pad 62 is made of a resilient material so that there is a relatively high frictional force between the sidewall 6 of the cookware 2 and the second clamping surface 38 when the clamping means 30 is attached to the cookware 2, as described below. The pad 62 may be made from a suitable resilient plastics or rubber material. In other embodiments the pad 62 may be made from a suitable plastics material that will not scratch or otherwise damage the sidewall 6 of the cookware 2.

In some embodiments the second clamping surface 38 may not be provided by a pad and may be a part of the first surface 54 of the finger 52.

The second leg portion 44 is attached to a first end 64 of the shaft 28. The shaft 28 extends from a second surface 66 of the leg portion 44, the second surface 66 being opposite the first surface 58. The shaft 28 is of hollow tubular construction and includes a bore 68 extending between the first end 64 and a second end 70.

The grip member 16 extends from the second end 70 of the shaft 28. As shown most clearly in Figure 3, the first end 18 of the grip member 16 is connected to the second end 70 of the shaft 28 such that the shaft 28 and the grip member 16 are substantially co-axial in this region.

The second leg portion 44 of the hook member 40 comprises a through aperture 72. The diameter of the aperture 72 is the same as the diameter of the bore 68 of the shaft 28 at its first end 64. The shaft 28 is attached to the second leg portion 44 so that the bore 68 of the shaft 28 is aligned with the aperture 72. A press element or plunger 74 in the form of a rod or cylinder 76 is located in the bore 68 of the shaft 28 at the first end 64 of the shaft 28. A first end 78 of the rod 76 includes the first clamping surface 36. The first clamping surface 36 may be provided by a pad 80 attached to the first end 78 of the rod 76. The pad 80 may be made of a resilient material so that there is a relatively high frictional force between the sidewall 6 of the cookware 2 and the first clamping surface 36 when the clamping means 30 is attached to the cookware 2, as described below. Alternatively the first clamping surface 36 may not be provided by a pad but may be a part of the first end 78 of the rod 76.

The rod 76 is slidable in the bore 68 between a released or retracted position and one or more clamping positions. In the clamping positions the rod 76 extends through the aperture 72 in the hook member 40 and the first end 78 of the rod 76 is located in the gap 60 between the leg portions 42, 44 of the hook member 40. In the retracted position the first end 78 of the rod 76 preferably does not extend into the gap 60 between the leg portions 42, 44. In some embodiments, however, the first end 78 of the rod 76 may protrude slightly from the first surface 58 of the second leg portion 44.

To move from the retracted position to a clamping position the rod 76 slides in a direction towards the first leg portion 42 of the hook member 40, i.e. in a direction away from the second end 70 of the shaft 28. To move from a clamping position to the retracted position the rod 76 slides in an opposite direction away from the first leg portion 42 of the hook member 40, i.e. in a direction towards the second end 70 of the shaft 28.

The press element 74 or rod 76 is moved by the actuation means 34. The actuation means 34 comprises an electric motor 82 and an actuation member 84 or linkage connecting the motor 82 to the press element 74. The actuation member 84 is engaged with or connected to a second end 98 of the rod 76. A suitable gear assembly 86 may be located between the motor 82 and the actuation member 84 to convert a rotational output of the motor 82 to a linear movement of the actuation member 84. In preferred embodiments the actuation means 34 are located in the bore 68 of the shaft 28, as shown most clearly in Figure 8.

Electrical power is supplied to the motor 82 by a battery (not shown). The battery is preferably housed within the bore 26 of the grip member 16. In some embodiments a sealable opening is provided in the grip member 16 to enable a user to access the battery within the bore 26. This allows the user to replace the battery when it no longer has sufficient electrical charge. In other embodiments the battery may be rechargeable. In these embodiments the grip member 16 may include connecting means to enable the battery within the grip member 16 to be electrically connected to a source of electrical power to recharge the battery. In preferred embodiments the grip member 16 includes wireless or inductive charging means to enable the battery to be recharged wirelessly or inductively.

Activation means in the form of a button 88 or switch is provided on the shaft 28. The activation means is electrically connected to the actuation means 34 so as to control the motor 82. In use, a user presses the button 88 or moves the switch to activate the actuation means 34 and move the press element 74 between the retracted and clamping positions.

Preferably only a single button 88 or switch is provided. In embodiments comprising a button 88, a user may press the button 88 to move the rod 76 from the retracted to a clamping position and then press the button 88 again to move the rod 76 from the clamping position to the retracted position. In embodiments comprising a switch, a user may move the switch into a first position to move the rod 76 from the retracted to a clamping position and then move the switch into a second position to move the rod 76 from the clamping position to the retracted position.

The detachable handle 10 may include an indicator to indicate whether the press element 74 is in the retracted position or a clamping position. The indicator may be in the form of an audible or visual indictor. For example, after a user presses the activation button 88, a light may indicate when the rod 76 has reached the clamping position and the item of cookware 2 is safe to be lifted. Alternatively, or additionally, a light may indicate when the rod 76 has reached the retracted position and the detachable handle 10 can be removed from the item of cookware 2.

To use the detachable handle device 10, a user firstly locates the hook member 40 over the top edge 8 of a sidewall 6 of an item of cookware 2. The user then presses the button 88 which activates the motor 82. The motor 82 causes the actuation member 84 to drive the rod 76 in a direction towards the first leg portion 42 of the hook member 40, such that a distance between the first and second clamping surfaces 36, 38 is reduced. The rod 76 continues to move in this direction until the second clamping surface 38 is in contact with the internal surface of the sidewall 6 and the first clamping surface 36 is in contact with the external surface of the sidewall 6. The part of the sidewall 6 of the item of cookware 2 is, therefore, clamped between the first and second clamping surfaces 36, 38.

The actuation means 34 continues to urge the rod 76 in a direction towards the first leg portion 42 of the hook member 40 until sufficient clamping force has been applied to the sidewall 6 of the item of cookware 2. In some embodiments the actuation means 34 is configured to apply a predetermined clamping force to the item of cookware 2. In these embodiments the actuation means 34 may include a suitable clutch mechanism that disengages the motor 82 from the press element 74 when a predetermined or preset torque or force is reached. In other embodiments a sensor may be arranged to measure the force applied by the rod 76 to the item of cookware 2 and control means may be configured to stop the movement of the rod 76 when a predetermined or preset force is reached.

The actuation means 34 is, therefore, configured to apply sufficient clamping force to the item of cookware 2 independently of the thickness of the sidewall 6 clamped between the first and second clamping surfaces 36, 38. In this way the rod 76 is movable to a continuous range of clamping positions depending on the thickness of the part of the item of cookware 2 located between the first and second clamping surfaces 36, 38.

In the illustrated embodiment each part of the second clamping surface 38 is located proximate a second end 90 of the respective finger 52 furthest from the bridge portion 46. Similarly, the aperture 72 in the second leg portion 44 is located proximate a second end 92 of the leg portion 44 furthest from the bridge portion 46. In this way, the first and second clamping surfaces 36, 38 apply the clamping force to a part of the item of cookware 2 at a distance from the rim or top edge 8 of the sidewall 6. Furthermore, in this embodiment there are three discrete areas of contact between the clamping surfaces 36, 38 and the item of cookware 2. This enables the detachable handle 10 to be attached or clamped to a wide variety of items of cookware 2 having different sizes and shapes.

As illustrated most clearly in Figure 8, the aperture 72 in the hook member 40 and a part of the bore 68 in the shaft 28 through which the rod 76 slides may include a keyway or longitudinal slot 94. The rod 76 preferably includes a corresponding rib 96 that extends radially from an outer surface of the rod 76 and extends longitudinally along the length of the rod 76 between the first and second ends 78, 98. The rib 96 is engaged with the keyway 94 such that the rod 76 is unable to rotate in the aperture 72 or bore 68, but is able to slide longitudinally as described above. A detachable handle device 110 for an item of cookware 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 9. Many of the features of this embodiment are the same as or similar to features of the first embodiment and like features have been indicated by reference numbers incremented by 100.

The handle device 110 comprises a grip portion 112 and a clamping portion 114. The grip portion 112 comprises a grip member 116 that is substantially the same as the grip member 16 of the first embodiment and will not be described further in relation to this embodiment. The clamping portion 114 comprises a shaft 128 and clamping means 130. The grip member 116 extends from the second end 170 of the shaft 128.

The clamping means 130 comprises an engagement member 132 and actuation means 134. The clamping means 130 includes a first clamping surface 136 and a second clamping surface 138, the second clamping surface 138 being provided by the engagement member 132. The clamping surfaces 136, 138 are arranged such that a part of the cookware 2 to which the handle device 110 is to be attached is receivable or locatable between the clamping surfaces 136, 138.

As shown most clearly in Figures 7 and 9, in this embodiment the engagement member 132 comprises a claw or hook member 140. The hook member 140 includes opposing leg portions 142, 144 and a connecting portion or bridge portion 146 extending between first ends 148, 150 of the leg portions 142, 144. The bridge portion 146 is substantially planar and the leg portions 142, 144 extend substantially perpendicularly from the bridge portion 146. A first leg portion 142 is divided into two fingers 152 and a root 153 of the fingers 152 is located proximate the first end 148 of the leg portion 142. Each finger 152 includes opposite first and second surfaces 154, 156, the first surface 154 of each finger 152 facing or opposing a first surface 158 of the second leg portion 144.

The second leg portion 144 is attached to a first end 164 of the shaft 128. The shaft 128 extends from a second surface 166 of the leg portion 144, the second surface 166 being opposite the first surface 158. The shaft 128 is of hollow tubular construction and includes a bore 168 extending between the first end 164 and a second end 170. A press element or plunger 174 in the form of a rod 176 is located in the bore 168 of the shaft 128 at the first end 164 of the shaft 128. A first end 178 of the rod 176 includes the first clamping surface 136. The rod 176 is slidable in the bore 168 between a released or retracted position and one or more clamping positions. In the clamping positions the rod 176 extends through an aperture 172 in the hook member 140 and the first end 178 of the rod 176 is located in a gap 160 between the leg portions 142, 144 of the hook member 140. In the retracted position the first end 178 of the rod 176 preferably does not extend into the gap 160 between the leg portions 142, 144. In some embodiments, however, the first end 178 of the rod 176 may protrude slightly from the first surface 158 of the second leg portion 144.

The press element 174 or rod 176 is moved by the actuation means 134. The actuation means 134 comprises an electric motor 182 and an actuation member 184 or linkage connecting the motor 182 to the press element 174. A gear assembly 186 is located between the motor 182 and the actuation member 184 to convert a rotational output of the motor 182 to a linear movement of the actuation member 184. In this embodiment the actuation member 184 and gear assembly 186 are located in the bore 168 of the shaft 128, as shown most clearly in Figure 9. The motor 182 extends into a bore 126 in the grip member 116. In this embodiment the electric motor 182 extends through aligned openings in each of the second end 170 of the shaft 128 and a first end 118 of the grip member 116. Electrical power is supplied to the motor 182 by a battery (not shown). The battery is preferably housed within the bore 126 of the grip member 116.

Activation means in the form of a button 188 or switch is provided on the shaft 128. The activation means is electrically connected to the actuation means 134 so as to control the motor 182. In use, a user presses the button 188 or moves the switch to activate the actuation means 134 and move the press element 174 between the retracted and clamping positions.

The advantage of at least partially locating the motor 182 in the grip member 116 is that the length of the shaft 128 may be minimised. This allows the handle device 110 to be made more compact. There may be an advantage in locating the motor 82 fully in the shaft 28, however, as this may make construction and assembly of the handle device 10 easier.

In some embodiments the engagement member and the clamping surfaces may be separable or detachable from the remainder of the handle device. This allows these parts of the handle device, which have been engaged with the item of cookware, to be cleaned. In preferred embodiments the engagement member and at least a part of the press element are releasably connected to the shaft and the actuation means.

Although in the above described embodiments the rod and therefore the first clamping surface is movable with respect to the shaft and grip member, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the actuation means may be configured to move the second clamping surface with respect to the shaft and grip member. In particular, in some embodiments the first clamping surface may be in a fixed position at the second end of the shaft. The actuation means may be configured to move a part of the engagement member including the second clamping surface in a first direction towards the first clamping surface and in a second direction away from the clamping surface, so as to decrease and increase a distance between the first and second clamping surfaces respectively.

In a preferred embodiment an actuation member is connected to a substantially L-shaped portion of the engagement member. The L-shaped engagement member includes a leg portion and a bridge portion connecting the leg portion to the actuation member. The second clamping surface is provided on the leg portion and the actuation member is arranged to move the leg portion linearly between a released position and a clamped position.

In the released position a gap between the leg portion and the first clamping surface is sized to receive a part of an item of cookware. In particular a distance between the opposing first and second clamping surfaces is such that a part of a sidewall of an item of cookware such as a saucepan may be located between the clamping surfaces.

In use, a user places the engagement member over a top edge of a sidewall of an item of cookware. When the engagement member is engaged with the sidewall, the leg portion is located proximate and extends over an internal surface of the sidewall and the second end of the shaft including the first clamping surface is located proximate or adjacent an external surface of the sidewall. In this position the bridge portion extends over the top edge or rim of the sidewall.

When the engagement member is moved into a clamped position, the first and second surfaces are moved towards each other until a predetermined clamping force is applied to the sidewall of the item of cookware.

The present invention, therefore, provides a handle assembly or detachable handle device for use with cookware, such as pots and pans, that overcomes some of the problems associated with prior art handles.

Claims (19)

1. A detachable handle device for an item of cookware, the handle device comprising: a grip member for gripping by a hand of a user of the handle device; clamping means comprising opposing first and second clamping surfaces, said first and second clamping surfaces being configured to receive a part of said cookware therebetween; and actuation means operable to move the first clamping surface in a direction towards the second clamping surface to apply a clamping force to said part of the cookware, and operable to move the first clamping surface in a direction away from the second clamping surface to remove said clamping force, the first clamping surface being movable between at least a first clamping position, a second clamping position and a released position.

2. A handle device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the actuation means is housed in the grip member.

3. A handle device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the actuation means comprises an electrical motor.

4. A handle device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the motor is powered by a battery located in the grip member.

5. A handle device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the battery is configured to be charged by inductive charging.

6. A handle device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means is configured to move the first clamping surface in a direction towards the second clamping surface until a predetermined clamping force is applied to said part of the cookware.

7. A handle device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means comprises a clutch mechanism.

8. A handle device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the grip member is elongate and the clamping means is located at a first end of the grip member.

9. A handle device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamping means comprises an elongate rod, a first end of the rod including the first clamping surface, and the rod being slidably mounted for movement between at least the first clamping position, the second clamping position and the released position.

10. A handle device as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the rod is at least partially located in and extends from the grip member.

11. A handle device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second clamping surface is provided on a hook member extending from the grip member.

12. A handle device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the hook member comprises two fingers and a part of the second clamping surface is provided on each of the fingers.

13. A handle device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamping means is separable from the grip member and the actuation means.

14. An assembly comprising: an item of cookware including a receptacle and a handle, the handle being permanently attached to the receptacle; and a detachable handle device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, said handle device being clamped to a part of the cookware so as to provide an additional handle by which a user may lift the item of cookware.

15. A method of temporarily attaching a handle device to an item of cookware, the method comprising: locating a part of the item of cookware between a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface of the handle device; moving the first clamping surface towards the second clamping surface until both the first and second clamping surfaces are in contact with the item of cookware; and moving the first and second clamping surfaces into one of at least a first clamping position and a second clamping position in which a clamping force is applied to the item of cookware, the clamping force being greater than a predetermined threshold clamping force.

16. A method as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the handle device comprises an electrical motor operably connected to the first clamping surface, and the method comprises operating said motor to drive the first clamping surface in a direction towards the second clamping surface.

17. A method as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the handle device comprises indicating means, and the method comprises activating said indicating means when the first and second surfaces are in one of at least a first clamping position and a second clamping position to indicate to a user that the handle device is clamped to the item of cookware.

18. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the item of cookware comprises a receptacle and a handle, the handle being permanently attached to the receptacle, and the method comprises locating a part of the item of cookware at a distance from the handle between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface of the handle device.

19. A handle device substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in Figures 1-3 and 8.