U.S. patent application number 13/421136 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for lid holder.
Invention is credited to John Turbes.
Application Number | 20120235003 13/421136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45929614 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120235003 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turbes; John |
September 20, 2012 |
Lid Holder
Abstract
A lid holder for holding a lid above a pot or cylindrical vessel
is herein disclosed. The lid holder includes lid support, which
includes a central body, and one or more support arms extending
from the central body. The lid support further includes a lid stop,
on which an edge of the lid rests. The lid holder can further
include a band to hold the lid support to the pot or cylindrical
vessel.
Inventors: |
Turbes; John; (Burnsville,
MN) |
Family ID: |
45929614 |
Appl. No.: |
13/421136 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61453291 |
Mar 16, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/309.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 36/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/309.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A lid holder for supporting a lid above a pot, the lid holder
comprising: a lid support, the lid support comprising a central
body; a pot facing side and a side opposite the pot facing side; at
least one lid support arm extending from the central body, the at
least one lid support arm having a base, a distal end, and a
supporting surface, the supporting surface located at the distal
end of the at least one support arm; and a lid stop protruding from
the central body, the lid stop having an undersurface, the
undersurface of the lid stop configured to contact an opposite side
of the lid than the supporting surface of the at least one lid
support arm.
2. The lid holder of claim 1, wherein the central body comprises a
pot rim support.
3. The lid holder of claim 2, wherein the pot rim support comprises
an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, the inner perimeter
defining an opening therethrough.
4. The lid holder of claim 1 further comprising a flange, the
flange extending from the central body.
5. The lid holder of claim 4 further comprising a band, the band
disposed over the flange, the band contacting the side opposite the
pot facing side.
6. The lid holder of claim 4 further comprising an elastomeric
material disposed on at least a portion of the flange.
7. The lid holder of claim 1, wherein the lid stop has an attached
end and a free end, the undersurface being a concave surface, the
attached end being attached to the central body adjacent to the
base of the at least one lid support arm.
8. The lid holder of claim 7, wherein the at least one lid support
arm consists of two support arms and the lid stop angularly bisects
the two support arms.
9. The lid holder of claim 1 further comprising elastomeric
material disposed at the distal end of the at least one lid support
arm, the elastomeric material defining the supporting surface.
10. The lid holder of claim 1, wherein the at least one lid support
arm projects from the central body portion at an acute angle,
.alpha..
11. The lid holder of claim 11, wherein .alpha. is between
30.degree. and 60.degree.
12. The lid holder of claim 1, wherein the lid support arm
comprises a bent portion.
13. A kit comprising the pot lid holder of claim 1 and a pot.
14. A kit comprising the pot lid holder of claim 1 and instructions
for disposing the pot lid holder on a pot.
15. The kit of claim 14, wherein, when the kit is assembled
according to the instructions, the pot lid holder is placed at
least partially over an opening in the pot.
16. A container lid holder and container comprising: a container
having a base, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the
base, and a rim, the base and the at least one sidewall defining a
hollow opening of the container; and a container lid holder, the
container lid holder comprising: a central body having a container
rim support; a container facing side and a side opposite the
container facing side; at least one lid support arm extending
upwardly from the central body over the hollow opening of the
container, the at least one lid support arm having a base and a
distal end, a bent portion, and a supporting surface, the
supporting surface located at the distal end of the support arm;
and a lid stop protruding from the central body, the lid stop
having an undersurface, the undersurface of the lid stop configured
to contact an opposite side of the lid than the supporting surface
of the at least one lid support arm.
17. The container lid holder and container of claim 16 further
comprising: a plurality of said lid support arms, each lid support
arm extending upwardly from the central body over the hollow
opening of the pot and having a base and a distal end, a bent
portion, and a supporting surface, the supporting surface located
at the distal end of the support arms.
18. The container lid holder and container of claim 16, wherein the
container lid holder further comprises a flange having a flared
end, the flange extending from the central body and the flared end
extending away from the container facing side, and the container
rim support has a recessed surface, the recessed surface contacting
a portion of the container rim.
19. The container lid holder and container of claim 18 wherein the
container lid holder is secured to the container via a band, the
band attached to the flange and disposed around the container.
20. The container lid holder and container of claim 19, wherein the
band comprises an elastomeric material.
21. A lid holder for supporting a lid above a pot, the lid holder
comprising: a lid support, the lid support comprising a central
body, the central body having a pot rim support, the pot rim
support having a recessed surface; a pot facing side and a side
opposite the pot facing side; at least one lid support arm
extending from the central body, the at least one lid support arm
having a base and a distal end, a bent portion, and a supporting
surface, the supporting surface located at the distal end of the at
least one support arm; a flange having a flared end, the flange
extending from the central body and the flared end extending away
from the pot facing side; and a lid stop protruding from the
central body, the lid stop having an undersurface, the undersurface
of the lid stop configured to contact an opposite side of the lid
than the supporting surface of the at least one lid support arm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. application Ser.
No. 61/453,291, filed Mar. 16, 2011, the entire contents of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to a lid holder, and more
specifically to a lid holder that suspends a lid above a slow
cooker, cooking pot, or other cylindrical, circular, elliptical, or
rectangular container or other vessel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In many circumstances it is desirable to use a lid or cover
in conjunction with a cylindrical vessel. One such circumstance
involves cooking or heating of food within a pot or slow cooker. In
some instances, the inside of the lid may be coated with condensed
water, food particulates, or other matter, which emanated from the
food or other contents of the vessel, for example during heating or
cooking. Advantageously, the lid is removable to permit access to
the contents of the pot or slow cooker. Upon removing the lid, the
condensed water or other matter may begin to flow or run off of the
lid onto whatever object is positioned below the lid.
[0005] Slow cookers are commonly used in potlucks, buffet lines, or
other familial gatherings. In these instances, a user may be
dishing food out of a slow cooker or pot onto a plate, holding the
plate with one hand and dishing food out of the slow cooker with
the other. Consequently, both of the user's hands are occupied. The
user is invariably confronted with a problem when reaching a pot
with a lid covering the contents of the pot. The user can try to
set his or her plate down, freeing one hand, remove the lid and set
it aside, dish food out of the pot and onto his or her plate, then
replace the lid. This is problematic, however, because typically
there is insufficient space to set the lid aside. Alternatively,
the user can ask his or her neighbor to hold the lid while they
dish food out of the pot.
[0006] In light of the foregoing problems associated with pots and
their removable lids, there remains a need for a lid holder that
alleviates or eliminates these problems.
[0007] All US patents and applications and all other published
documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0008] Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary
of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth
below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the
invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be
found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
[0009] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the
specification is provided as well only for the purposes of
complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be
used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a lid
holder for supporting a lid above a pot. In some embodiments, the
lid holder comprises a lid support and the lid support comprises a
central body. The lid holder further comprises a pot facing side
and a side opposite the pot facing side. Further, in some
embodiments, the lid holder further comprises at least one lid
support arm extending from the central body. The at least one lid
support arm has a base, a distal end, and a supporting surface. The
supporting surface is located at the distal end of the at least one
support arm. In some embodiments, the lid holder further comprises
a lid stop protruding from the central body. The lid stop has an
undersurface that is configured to contact an opposite side of the
lid than the supporting surface of the at least one lid support
arm.
[0011] In some embodiments, the central body comprises a pot rim
support.
[0012] In some embodiments, the pot rim support comprises an outer
perimeter and an inner perimeter. The inner perimeter defines an
opening therethrough.
[0013] In some embodiments, the lid holder further comprises a
flange extending from the central body.
[0014] In some embodiments, the lid holder further comprises a
band. The band is disposed over flange and contacts the side of the
flange opposite the pot contacting side.
[0015] In some embodiments, the lid holder comprises an elastomeric
material disposed on at least a portion of the flange.
[0016] In some embodiments, the lid stop has an attached end and a
free end. In some embodiments, the undersurface is a concave
surface and the attached end is attached to the central body
adjacent to the base of the at least one lid support arm.
[0017] In some embodiments, the at least one lid support arm
consists of two support arms and the lid stop angularly bisects the
two support arms.
[0018] In some embodiments, the lid holder further comprises an
elastomeric material disposed at the distal end of the at least one
lid support arm. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material
defines the supporting surface.
[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one lid support arm
projects from the central body at an acute angle, .alpha..
[0020] In some embodiments, the angle .alpha. is between 10.degree.
and 60.degree. and, in some embodiments, between 30.degree. and
60.degree..
[0021] In some embodiments, the lid support arm comprises a bent
portion.
[0022] In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a lid
holder for use in conjunction with a container. In some
embodiments, the lid holder and container comprise a container
having a base, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the
base, and a rim. The base and the at least one sidewall define a
hollow opening of the container. Further, the lid holder comprises
a central body having a container rim support, a container facing
side, a side opposite the container facing side, and at least one
support arm. In some embodiments, the at least one lid support arm
extends upwardly from the central body over the hollow opening of
the container. The at least one lid support arm has a base and a
distal end, a bent portion, and a supporting surface. Further, the
supporting surface is located at the distal end of the support arm.
In some embodiments, the lid stop protrudes from the central body.
The lid stop has an undersurface and the undersurface is configured
to contract an opposite side of the lid than the supporting surface
of the at least one lid support arms.
[0023] In some embodiments, the lid holder further comprises a
plurality of lid support arms. Each lid support arm extends
upwardly from the central body over the hollow opening of the pot
and has a base and a distal end, a bent portion, and a supporting
surface. The supporting surface is located at the distal end of the
support arms.
[0024] In some embodiments, the container is a slow cooker.
[0025] In some embodiments, the lid holder further comprises a
flange having a flared end. The flange extends from the central
body and the flared end extends away from the container facing
side. In some embodiments, the container rim support has a recessed
surface and the recessed surface contacts a portion of the
container rim.
[0026] In some embodiments, the lid holder is secured to the
container via a band. The band is attached to the flange and
disposed around the container.
[0027] In some embodiments, the band comprises an elastomeric
material.
[0028] In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a kit
comprising a lid holder and a pot.
[0029] In some embodiments, the kit comprises instructions for
disposing the lid holder on the pot.
[0030] In some embodiments, the kit is assembled according to the
instructions and the pot holder is placed at least partially over
an opening in the pot.
[0031] In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a lid
holder for supporting a lid above a pot. In some embodiments, the
lid holder comprises a lid support, a pot facing side and a side
opposite the pot facing side, at least one lid support arm, a
flange, and a lid stop. In some embodiments, the lid support
comprises a central body and the central body has a pot rim
support. The pot rim support has a recessed surface. In some
embodiments, the at least one lid support arm extends from the
central body. The at least one lid support arm has a base, a distal
end, a bent portion, and a supporting surface. The supporting
surface is located at the distal end of the at least one support
arm. In some embodiments, the flange has a flared end. The flange
extends from the central body and the flared end extends away from
the pot facing side. In some embodiments, the lid stop protrudes
from the central body. The lid stop has an undersurface, and the
undersurface is configured to contact an opposite side of the lid
than the supporting surface of the at least one lid support
arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0032] FIGS. 1-3 show an embodiment of a lid holder in conjunction
with a pot.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a lid support in
accordance with the embodiment of the lid holder of FIGS. 1-3.
[0034] FIGS. 5-9 show plan views of the embodiment of the lid
support shown in FIG. 4.
[0035] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the lid holder wherein a
portion of the lid holder is routed through a slot in the band
54.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the lid holder wherein the
lid holder is attached to the pot via a receiver.
[0037] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of another embodiment of the lid
holder.
[0038] FIGS. 13 and 14 show additional views of the embodiment of
the lid holder of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] As shown in the attached figures, in some embodiments, a lid
holder 10 for supporting a lid 6 above a pot 4 comprises a lid
support 8. The lid support 8 comprises a central body 12. The
central body 12 has a pot rim support 18 (FIG. 5), and the pot rim
support 18 has a recessed surface 20. The lid holder 10 further
comprises a pot facing side and a side opposite the pot facing
side, and at least one lid support arm 14 extending from the
central body 12. The at least one lid support arm 14 has a base 41
and a distal end 40, a bent portion 44, and a supporting surface,
the supporting surface located at the distal end 40 of the at least
one support arm 14. In some embodiments, the lid holder 10 further
comprises a flange 19 having a flared end 30. The flange 19 extends
from the central body 12 and the flared end 30 extends away from
the pot facing side. The lid holder 10 further comprises a lid stop
16 protruding from the central body 12. The lid stop 16 has an
undersurface 52, that is configured to contact an opposite side of
the lid 6 than the supporting surface of the at least one lid
support arm 14.
[0040] In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 1, a lid
holder 10 is attached to a pot 4. In some embodiments, the lid
holder 10 comprises a lid support 8. In some embodiments, the lid
support 8 comprises a central body 12 and at least one and,
desirably, a plurality of lid support arms 14 extending from the
central body 12. In some embodiments, the lid support 8 has two lid
support arms 14. The lid support 8 further comprises a lid stop 16.
In some embodiments, the lid stop 16 protrudes from the central
body 12.
[0041] In at least one embodiment, the lid support 8 is positioned
over the pot 4 so that any condensation or other matter disposed on
the undersurface of the pot lid 6 falls into the pot 4. In this
way, in some embodiments, the lid support arms 14 extend upwardly
and away from the central body 12 to position the lid 6 above the
opening in the pot 4.
[0042] In some embodiments, the central body 12 comprises a pot rim
support 18. The pot rim support 18 abuts the rim 21 when the lid
holder is attached to the pot 4. Further, in some embodiments, the
central body 12 has a flange 19 extending therefrom. In some
embodiments, the flange 19 comprises a straight segment 28 and a
flared end 30. In some embodiments, the flared end 30 extends from
the straight segment 28 and bends away from the pot side of the lid
support 8. The bend can be angled or curved. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, the flared end 30 curves toward the pot side of the
lid support 8. In some embodiments, the flared end is longer than
the straight segment 28 from which it extends.
[0043] In some embodiments, the pot rim support 18 comprises a
recessed surface 20 which contacts a portion or portions of the rim
21. For example, in some embodiments, the recessed surface 20 sits
or rests on a portion of the rim 21, for example a horizontal
surface 23 of the rim 21. In some embodiments, a hole 22 is
provided through the pot rim support 18. In some embodiments, the
hole 22 is defined by an inner perimeter 24 of the pot rim support
18. In some embodiments, when the lid support 8 is attached to the
pot 4, the pot rim 21 extends at least partially into the hole 22
and the pot rim 21 contacts the rim support 18 along the areas
designated generally by 29a and 29b. In some embodiments, however,
the pot rim 21 does not contact the rim support 18 or extend into
the hole 22. Alternatively, the pot rim 21 contacts the rim support
18 but does not extend into the hole 22; alternatively still, in
some embodiments, the pot rim 21 extends into the hole 22 but does
not contact the rim support 18. In some embodiments, the pot rim 21
contacts the rim support 18 when the diameter of the pot rim is
sufficiently large. Also, in some embodiments, the pot rim 21
contacts the rim support 18 when there is a difference in diameter
between the pot rim 21 and the body of the pot.
[0044] The pot rim support 18 further comprises an outer perimeter
26. In some embodiments, the outer perimeter 26 has an oval shape.
In some embodiments, the inner perimeter 24 has an oval shape. In
some embodiments, either or both of the inner perimeter 24 and
outer perimeter 26 has an elliptical shape, oblong shape, or any
other suitable shape.
[0045] In some embodiments, the lid support 8 has a central axis
32. In addition, in some embodiments, each of the support arms
comprises a support arm axis 34. In some embodiments, each of the
support arm axes 34 is offset from the central axis 32, when viewed
in the -y direction, by an angle .delta.. In some embodiments,
angle .delta. is 20.degree.-75.degree., and in some embodiments
angle .delta. is 40.degree.. When viewed in the -x direction, the
support arm axes are offset relative to the central axis 32 by an
angle .alpha.. In some embodiments, angle .alpha. is
10.degree.-60.degree., in some embodiments 30.degree.-60.degree.,
and in some embodiments 45.degree..
[0046] Still viewing the lid support 8 in the -x direction, for
example as shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the lid support 8
has a lid support projection line 36, which is defined as extending
from the base 38 of the lid stop 16 to the distal most end 40 of
the respective support arm 14. Further, the lid support projection
line 36 is offset from the central axis 32 by a lid support
projection angle .beta.. In some embodiments, the lid support
projection angle .beta. is 10.degree.-60.degree., in some
embodiments, 20.degree.-40.degree., and in some embodiments
30.degree.. Also, in some embodiments, the distal most end 40 of
the respective support arm 14 defines a supporting surface on which
the lid 6 rests. As shown for example in FIG. 6, in some
embodiments, the lid stop 16 angularly bisects the two support arms
14.
[0047] With additional regard to the support arms 14, in some
embodiments, the support arms 14 comprise a first straight portion
42 extending from the central body 12, a bent portion 44 extending
from the first straight portion 42, and a second straight portion
46 extending from the bent portion 44. The first straight portions
42 extend from the support arm base 41. In some embodiments, the
bent portion 44 is bent at a right angle. Other angles can also be
used; for example, in some embodiments, the angle between the first
straight portion 42 and the second straight 46 portion is
75.degree.-105.degree..
[0048] In addition, in some embodiments, the support arms 14 are
straight--they do not have a bent portion 44. In this instance, it
will be appreciated that angle .beta. is equal to angle
.alpha..
[0049] In some embodiments, the support arms 14 are manufactured by
cutting a single piece of wire or rod into a desired length. Then,
in some embodiments, the wire or rod is bent at the support arms
base 41 and at each of the bent portions 44. Subsequently, the bent
wire or rod is welded, adhered, or otherwise attached to the
central body 12. In some embodiments, the lid stop 16 is added, for
example by welding. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the lid
support 8 is cast as a single piece of material. In some
embodiments, the lid holder 10 comprises a molded polymer. In some
embodiments, the molded polymer contains a composite material; for
example, in some embodiments, the polymer is filled with fibers or
particulates. Other manufacturing methods can also be employed,
including, but not limited to, some combination of casting,
welding, gluing, attaching with fasteners, molding, or any other
suitable method.
[0050] In some embodiments, the second straight portion 46 of the
support arm 14 comprises a chamfer 48 at the end of the second
straight portion 46. In addition, in some embodiments, the second
straight portion 46 has an elastomeric material 50, for example, a
rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, or other soft material,
at the end of the second straight portion 46 to prevent the lid 6
from sliding relative to the lid support 8. Also, in some
embodiments, the lid stop 16 comprises an elastomeric material 50
over at least a portion of the lid stop 16. The elastomeric
material 50 can cover the entirety of the lid stop 16, or, for
example, just the surface(s) of the lid stop 16 that contacts the
lid 6. For example, in some embodiments, the elastomeric material
50 is placed on only the undersurface 52 of the lid stop 16. Other
suitable arrangements can also be employed.
[0051] Also, in some embodiments, the pot rim support 18 and
recessed surface 20 comprise an elastomeric material 50 over at
least a portion of the surface or surfaces that contract the pot
rim 21, for example the horizontal surface 23 of the pot rim 21. In
some embodiments, the hole 22 is defined by an inner perimeter 24
of the pot rim support, and in some embodiments, a portion or
surface of the inner perimeter 24 comprises an elastomeric material
50 for increased friction and contact area between the pot rim 21
and the lid support 8.
[0052] In some embodiments, an elastomeric material is disposed
over at least a portion of the flange 19. In some embodiments, the
elastomeric material covers the entirety of the flange 19. The
flange 19 can also have elastomeric material disposed on only a
portion thereof. In some embodiments, for example, the flange 19
has elastomeric material on the surface(s) of the flange 19 that
contact the pot 4. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material on
the flange 19 prevents the lid support 8 from sliding relative to
the pot 4.
[0053] It will be appreciated that the elastomeric material 50 on
the various components or portions of the lid support 8 can be the
same material throughout. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the
specific material can be different depending upon its location and
function. For example, the elastomeric material 50 used on the lid
stop 16 may comprise a material different than the material used on
the second straight portion 46.
[0054] In some embodiments, the lid holder 10 further comprises a
band 54. In some embodiments, the band 54 fastens the lid support 8
to the pot 4. In some embodiments, the band 54 comprises an
elastomeric material that tightly holds the lid support 8 to the
pot 4. In some embodiments, the band 54 is disposed over the flange
19, such that the band contacts the side of the flange 19 opposite
the side of the lid support 8 that contacts the pot 4. In some
embodiments, however, the band 54 is disposed between the flange 19
and the pot 4. In this regard, in some embodiments, the flange 19
comprises a hook, loop, or plurality of flanges that is attached to
the band 54. In addition, the flange 19 can have a different
orientation or configuration than that shown in the figures.
[0055] In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 10, the
band 54 is disposed over the flange 19, such that a portion of the
band 54 contacts the side of the flange 19 opposite the side of the
lid support 8 that contacts the pot 4 and a portion of the band 54
is disposed between the flange 19 and the pot 4. This occurs, for
example, where the band 54 has a hole or slot 60 for the flange 19
to fit through.
[0056] In addition to the foregoing, for example as shown in FIG.
11, in some embodiments, the lid support 8 is used without a band.
For example, in some embodiments, the lid support 8 is fastened to
a receiver 62 on the pot 4. In this way, in some embodiments, the
lid support 8 does not include a flange. Instead, in some
embodiments, the straight segment 28 is lengthened to fit into a
receiver or other receptacle in the pot 4. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, the pot 4 includes a protrusion and the lid support 8
comprises a receiver to accept the protrusion.
[0057] In some embodiments, the flange 19 of the lid support 8 has
suction cups affixed thereto. The suction cups can be used to
releasably attach the lid support 8 to the pot 4. In some
embodiments, the flange 19 comprises magnets which can be integral
with the flange 19 or can be attached thereto. The magnets can
releasably attach the lid support 8 to the pot. Further, in some
embodiments, adhesive is used to affix the lid support 8 to the pot
4. In some embodiments, the flange 19 and pot 4 have a
semi-permanent attachment, such as a hook and loop structure,
wherein either the hook or loop is attached to the flange 19 and
the other of the hook or loop is attached to the pot 4. In addition
to the foregoing, other methods of attachment are also possible.
Finally, in some embodiments, the band 54 is rigidly attached to
the lid support 8 in a manner not intended for disassembly. In
other words, in some embodiments, the band 54 is permanently
attached to the lid support 8.
[0058] In some embodiments, the flange 19 extends sufficiently to
rest on a horizontal surface, for example a table, such that the
lid support 8 stands upright without the presence of a pot 4. In
this way, the flange 19 can include a support structure on which
the lid support 8 rests. Additionally, the pot 4, or any suitable
object of sufficient weight, can rest on the support structure to
provide additional stability for the lid support 8.
[0059] In some embodiments, the lid stop 16 has an attached end 56
and a free end 58. The attached end 56 of the lid stop 16 is
attached to the central body 12 between the lid support arms 14. In
some embodiments, the attached end 56 of the lid stop 16 is
attached to the support arms 14, which are in turn attached to the
central body 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the lid stop 16 has a
concave undersurface 52 and a concave outersurface 53, for example
as viewed from underneath the lid stop 16, looking upwardly at the
lid stop 16 from inside the pot 4. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, the lid stop 16 has a concave undersurface 52 and a
convex outersurface 53 as viewed from underneath the lid stop 16,
looking upwardly at the lid stop 16 from inside the pot 4. In some
embodiments, the undersurface 52 of the lid stop 16 contacts a
portion of the outer surface, or top, of the lid 6. In some
embodiments, the lid stop is configured such that an edge of the
lid rests on the undersurface 52 of the lid stop 16.
[0060] Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13, in some embodiments, the lid
support 8 comprises a flange 19 that is relatively long and extends
from the central body 12. A relatively long flange 19 can, in some
embodiments, distribute load over a greater length and, in
particular, counteract a moment placed on the lid support 8 by the
lid 6. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the
central body 12 comprises a portion that flares outwardly at the
lateral ends 31a, 31b. Further, in some embodiments, the central
body 12 is configured such that it does not come into contact with
the pot 4 or pot rim 21. In this way, the flange 19 will fully
support the lid support 8.
[0061] In addition to the foregoing, in some embodiments, the lid
support 8 has a single lid support arm 14 that extends from the
central body 12. In this way, in some embodiments, the single lid
support arm 14 is narrow at its base 41 and wide at its distal end
40. In some embodiments, for example where a single lid support arm
14 is used, the single lid support arm 14 has a generally
triangular shape.
[0062] Further, in some embodiments, the lid support arm (or arms)
14 is connected to the central body 12 along the length of the
first straight portion 42. In this way, in some embodiments, the
support arm (or arms) 14 overhangs both sides of the central body
12. Such a design is employed, in some embodiments, to reduce or
eliminate the moment on the central body 12, as the center of mass
of the lid 6 is located over (or at least closer to) the central
body 12.
[0063] In some embodiments, the lid support 8 comprises a plurality
of lid stops 16, for example, two lid stops that are
side-by-side.
[0064] In some embodiments, lid holder 10 is sold as a kit or in
conjunction with a band 54, pot 4, and/or instructions detailing
the assembly of the lid holder 10 and the pot 4, and/or band
54.
[0065] Although particular features are shown or described with
respect to particular embodiments disclosed herein, it will be
appreciated that these features can be combined with the features
or substituted for the features of other embodiments. For example,
certain features shown with respect to FIG. 4 can be incorporated
into the embodiment of FIG. 12. Likewise, and further by way of
example, it will be appreciated that certain features shown with
respect to FIG. 12 can be incorporated into the embodiment of FIG.
4. For example, the longer flange 19 of FIG. 12 can be substituted
for the shorter flange 19 of FIG. 4 or vice-versa. Further, the
flaring lateral ends 31a, 31b of the embodiment of FIG. 12 can be
incorporated into the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. The skilled
artisan will appreciate that other substitutions and combinations
can be made.
[0066] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not
exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and
alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All
these alternatives and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the claims where the term "comprising" means
"including, but not limited to." Those familiar with the art may
recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described
herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the
claims.
[0067] Further, the particular features presented in the dependent
claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the
scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized
as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other
possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For
instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim
which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a
multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all
antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple
dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction
(e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be
alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In
jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are
restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also
taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim
format which creates a dependency from a prior
antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in
such dependent claim below.
[0068] This completes the description of the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art
may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment
described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed
by the claims attached hereto.
* * * * *