ARTICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of handles for utensils. More particularly, the present invention relates to a grasping assembly and a locking arrangement of an article which facilitates simple and easy locking mechanism and engagement with the articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0002] Many appliances or utensils used in various industries employ handles for moving, lifting, or operating such apparatuses or utensils. For example, kitchen appliances such as cooking utensils commonly include a handle which allows a user to easily move, remove or operate the cooking utensil. Generally, these handles provide protection against heat exchange between a heating apparatus and the cooking utensil so that the user is not burned while operating the handle of the cooking utensil. Most of the cooking utensils involve such handles which allows the users to position the cooking utensils so that food items can be cooked in a desired orientation. Some cooking utensils use a detachable handle. Such detachable handles are suitable for cooperating with the cooking utensils. These handles involve grooves for accommodating hooks or fastening means which are fixed to the handle. Further, such handle includes a sliding member on the surface for locking with the handle.

[0003] Generic handles of the cooking utensils comprise a support piece disposed on the cooking utensils and is secured to the cooking utensil by way of, for example welds or screws. Further, it is known that the handles of the cooking utensils adopt a metal flange attached to the cooking utensil, and a non-metallic gripping part like plastic extends from the flange for the user to grip. The grip part is overmolded on a portion of the metal flange. Such gripping portions are cooler than bare metal handles and are generally comfortable to hold. In other devices or handles, a recess is provided which has a shape corresponding to the support piece, so that the handle can slid onto the support piece and be locked there. An actuation element is also provided on such handles so that a latch connection can be created or released. Therefore, a precise production is required for such devices to provide a wiggle-free fit of the parts during their operation.

[0004] There are a number of problems associated with the conventional handles of the cooking utensils. The precise fit of the parts of the conventional cooking utensils and the handles can encumber while snapping on and releasing the handle. Also, in such cooking utensils handle tends to become loose due to the loads during use over a period of time. Thus, when loads change a wiggle-free fit of the handle on the support piece is not sufficiently ensured. When conventional handles with the actuation element are used by elder or disabled persons, there is a high possibility that the user’s hand may push the actuation element which may be a disaster and lead to mishap. Furthermore, for using such detachable handles significant mechanical complexity involving numerous fasting elements is required for engaging with the cooking utensils which can make users uncomfortable and relatively difficult to use.

[0005] In view of the above limitations of the conventional approaches, and devices, there exists a need to develop an improved grasping assembly for articles which would in turn address a variety of issues including, but not limited to, additional components or fastening elements and high manufacturing costs, accidental unlocking during use, difficult gripping, uncomfortable to use. Moreover, there is a need to provide a grasping assembly for an article which facilitates screwless connection with the article, slidable locking mechanism and which is easy to use.

[0006] Thus, the above-described deficiencies of conventional approaches and devices thereof, are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional approaches and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with conventional approaches, and devices and their corresponding benefits of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein may become further apparent upon review of the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[0008] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a grasping assembly which facilitates easy and simple engagement with the articles. The grasping assembly in view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior-art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a grasping assembly that is capable of including all advantages of the prior art and also overcomes the drawbacks inherent in the prior art offering some added advantages.

[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a grasping assembly which facilitates screwless connection with the article thereby making easier to operate.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a grasping assembly which facilitates screwless locking mechanism in the article which is also easy to use. [0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a grasping assembly which eliminates the use of additional components or fastening elements thereby reducing the high manufacturing costs.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a grasping assembly which avoids the risk of accidental unlocking during use, loosening of the holding member and difficulty in gripping.

[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a grasping assembly which is simple, economical and comfortable to use.

[0014] Accordingly, in an aspect, the present invention provides a grasping assembly for an article comprising a holding member and a connecting mechanism. The holding member has a frontal recess at a proximal end and a closed distal end. The connecting mechanism has a locking unit having a plurality of protruding elements, and a clamp having a plurality of openings. The clamp is operationally coupled with the locking unit such that the plurality of protruding elements penetrate through the plurality of openings. The connecting mechanism securely engages with the holding member upon snap-fitting such that the clamp and the plurality of protruding elements retain within the frontal recess of the holding member.

[0015] Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides a locking arrangement of an article.

[0016] Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides a method of engaging a plurality of grasping assemblies with an article.

[0017] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, details the invention in different embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0018] While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description of expressly disclosed exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings and detailed description which follow are intended to be merely illustrative of the expressly disclosed exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. In the drawings:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a grasping assembly for an article in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 2(a) illustrates a front view of a holding member of the grasping assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2(b) illustrates a back perspective view of the holding member of the grasping assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 3(a) illustrates (i) a perspective view, and (ii) a cross- sectional view of the connecting mechanism of the grasping assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 3(b) illustrates (i) a perspective view, and (ii) a cross- sectional view of the connecting mechanism of the grasping assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; [0024] FIG. 4(a) illustrates a perspective view of a locking unit of the connecting mechanism of the grasping assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0025] FIG. 4(b) illustrates a perspective view of a clamp of the connecting mechanism of the grasping assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 5(a) illustrates coupling of the connecting mechanism with the article such as a bowl or container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 5(b) illustrates coupling of the connecting mechanism with the article such as a lid or a cover in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates (a) a perspective view, and (b) a cross-sectional view of the coupling of the connecting mechanism and the holding member with the part of the article such as lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates (a) a perspective view, and (b) a cross-sectional view of the coupling of the connecting mechanism and the holding member with the part of the article such as container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the holding member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; [0031] FIG. 9(a) illustrates coupling of the connecting mechanism with the article such as a bowl or container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 9(b) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the coupling of the connecting mechanism and the holding member with the part of the article such as container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 9(c) illustrates a perspective view of the coupling of the connecting mechanism and the holding member with the part of the article such as container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a locking arrangement of the article in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 10(a) illustrates a front view of the locking arrangement of the article in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates (a) a perspective view of a first holding member, and (b) a front view of the first holding member with at least one protrusion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates (a) a perspective view of a second holding member, and (b) a back perspective view of the first holding member with at least one depression in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

CALL OUT LIST

1000 Grasping assembly 200 holding member

210 proximal end

212 frontal recess 220 distal end 230 protrusion 240 depression 200a holding member

210a proximal end

212a frontal recess 220a distal end 400 connecting mechanism 410 locking unit

412 plurality of protruding elements 420 clamp

422 plurality of openings 2000 Locking arrangement

200’ first holding member 210’ proximal end

212’ frontal recess 220’ distal end 230’ protrusion 200” first holding member 210” proximal end

212” frontal recess 220” distal end 240” depression

[0038] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in the structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular assembly as shown and described herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0039] The use of terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0040] Further, the terms, “an” and “a” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the invention will now be described in more detail. A grasping assembly (1000) for an article, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a holding member (200) and a connecting mechanism (400). The grasping assembly (1000) is capable of engaging with a multitude of differently configured articles such as, but not limited to, utensils or any other items which require such grasping assembly (1000) for holding, lifting, moving or operating such items.

[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the holding member (200) has a frontal recess (212) at a proximal end (210) and a closed distal end (220). The holding member (200) serves as a handle for holding or gripping by a user. The holding member (200) is made up of metallic or non-metallic materials such as, but not limited to, nylon, Bakelite, silicon, steel, any kind of plastic or the like.

[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the holding member (200) comprises at least one protrusion (230) which extends vertically from a bottom surface of the holding member (200), as shown in FIG 2(a). Further, the holding member (200) comprises at least one depression (240) on a top surface of the holding member (200), as shown in FIG 2(b).

[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism (400), as shown in FIG. 3(a), has a locking unit (410) and a clamp (420). FIG. 3(a) (i) illustrates the perspective view of the connecting mechanism (400) and FIG. 3(a) (ii) illustrates the cross-sectional view of the connecting mechanism (400) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, FIG. 3(b) (i) illustrates the perspective view of the connecting mechanism (400) and FIG. 3(b) (ii) illustrates the cross-sectional view of the connecting mechanism (400) in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the locking unit (410) has a plurality of protruding elements (412) which extends longitudinally and coaxially from the locking unit (410). The clamp (420) has a plurality of openings (422), as shown in FIG. 4(b). The clamp (420) is operationally coupled with the locking unit (410) such that the plurality of protruding elements (412) penetrate through the plurality of openings (422) of the clamp (420). The configuration of the clamp (420) is such that the locking unit (410) completely fits within the clamp (420) to collectively form the connecting mechanism (400). Further, the clamp (420) has, but not limited to, an inverted U-shaped configuration. The locking unit (410) and the clamp (420) are made up of metallic or non-metallic materials such as, but not limited to, nylon, Bakelite, silicon, steel, any kind of plastic or the like.

[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism (400) is securely coupled with the article or a part thereof. The coupling of the connecting mechanism (400) with the article or a part of the article, is by way of conventional coupling means which are not described here for the sake of brevity. In particular, the connecting mechanism (400) is securely coupled with the entire article such as, but not limited, a bowl or container, as shown in FIG. 5(a) or with a part of the article such as, but not limited, a lid or a cover, as shown in FIG. 5(b). The article is selected from, but not limited, a group consisting of cooking utensils, kitchen appliances or household appliances. For example, the grasping assembly (1000) may be used in a variety of cookware such as, but not limited to, pressure cooker, pans, wok, pots, frying pans, flat or concave or convex disc-shaped frying pans, tava, or the like. The cookware may comprise a container adapted to store food items and a lid to cover the container. Further, the cookware may comprise a container only without any lid or flat or concave or convex disc-shaped frying pans or tava.

[0046] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism (400) securely engages with the holding member (200) upon snap-fitting such that the clamp (420) and the plurality of protruding elements (412) retain within the frontal recess (212) of the holding member (200), as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The frontal recess (212) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the clamp (420) and the plurality of protruding elements (412) of the locking unit (410), as shown in FIG. 1 , such that the holding member (200) is slid onto the connecting mechanism (400) and latched or locked there by way of snap-fitting. FIGs. 6(a) and 6(b) illustrate the perspective view and the cross-sectional view, respectively, of the part of the article such as the lid which is attached to the connecting mechanism (400) and the holding member (200) after snap-fitting. FIGs. 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate the perspective view and the cross- sectional view, respectively, of the part of the article such as the container which is attached to the connecting mechanism (400) and the holding member (200) after snap fitting. This snap-fitting is screwless and does not require any fastening means such as screws, nut and bolts. In other words, screwless moulding grasping assemblies (1000) in for example, single, double or any number of moulds may be provided.

[0047] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the holding member (200a), as shown in FIG. 8, is configured to have a different shape and size. This holding member (200a) also has a frontal recess (212a) at a proximal end (210a) and a closed distal end (220a). The mechanism to couple this holding member (200a) with the connecting mechanism (400) and the article or utensil, as shown in FIGs. 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c), is same as described in FIGs. 5(a), 5(b), 6 and 7. In particular, this holding member (200a) also slides onto the connecting mechanism (400) and latches or locks there by way of snap-fitting such that the clamp (420) and the plurality of protruding elements (412) of the locking unit (410) retain within the frontal recess (212a) of the holding member (200a), as shown in FIG. 9(a).

[0048] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the locking arrangement (2000) of the article, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 10(a), is provided. The locking arrangement (2000) comprises a first holding member (200’) and a second holding member (200”). As shown in FIG. 11, the first holding member (200’) [FIG. 11(a)] has at least one protrusion (230’) [FIG. 11(b)] which extends vertically from a bottom surface of the first holding member (200’). As shown in FIG. 12, the second holding member (200”) [FIG. 12(a)] has at least one depression (240”) [FIG. 12(b)] on a top surface of the second holding member (200”). Each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”) has a frontal recess (212’, 212”) at a proximal end (210’, 210”) and a closed distal end (220’, 220”), as shown in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 12(a).

[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the locking arrangement (2000) further comprises the connecting mechanism (400), as shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), for each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”). The connecting mechanism (400) has the locking unit (410) and the clamp (420). The locking unit (410) has the plurality of protruding elements (412) and the clamp (420) has the plurality of openings (422), as shown in FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b), respectively. The clamp (420) is operationally coupled with the locking unit (410) such that the plurality of protruding elements (412) penetrate through the plurality of openings (422) thereby forming the connecting mechanism (400). Further, the connecting mechanism (400) is securely coupled with the article or a part thereof. The coupling of the connecting mechanism (400) with the article or a part thereof is by way of conventional coupling means which are not described here for the sake of brevity. In particular, the connecting mechanism (400) is securely coupled to the entire article such as, but not limited to, a bowl, a container, a tava or the like, or the connecting mechanism (400) is securely coupled to the part of the article such as, but not limited to, a lid or a cover, or the like. The article is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of cooking utensils, kitchen appliances or household appliances.

[0050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism (400) securely engages with each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”), separately, upon snap-fitting such that the clamp (420) and the plurality of protruding elements (412) retain within the frontal recess (212’, 212”) of each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”), as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. In other words, the connecting mechanism (400) separately engages with each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”) upon snap-fitting.

[0051] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protrusion (230’) of the first holding member (200’) is capable of sliding into the at least one depression (240”) of the second holding member (200”) and locking to restrict movement of the first holding member (200’) away from the second holding member (200”) thereby removably engaging the first holding member (200’) with the second holding member (200”), as shown in FIG. 10(a). When each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”), separately, snap-fits with the connecting mechanism (400) which is further connected with the article or the part of the article, then first holding member (200’) is moved towards the second holding member (200”) such that the at least one protrusion (230’) of the first holding member (200’) slides into the at least one depression (240”) of the second holding member (200”) and locks there. This arrangement restricts movement of the first holding member (200’) away from the second holding member (200”) which thereby removably engages the first holding member (200’) with the second holding member (200”). [0052] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of engaging a plurality of the grasping assemblies (1000) with the article is provided. At first step of the method, the locking unit (410) which has the plurality of protruding elements (412) is operationally coupled with the clamp (420) which has the plurality of openings (422) such that the plurality of protruding elements (412) penetrate through the plurality of openings (422) thereby, collectively, forming the connecting mechanism (400) for each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”). The connecting mechanism (400) is thereafter, coupled with the article or a part of the article by conventional coupling means which are not described here for the sake of brevity.

[0053] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at second step of the method, the connecting mechanism (400) is securely engaged with each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”), separately, by snap-fitting such that the clamp (420) and the plurality of protruding elements (412) collectively, retain within the frontal recess (212’, 212”) of each of the first holding member (200’) and the second holding member (200”). This step enables engagement of the article or a part of the article with the plurality of the grasping assemblies (1000) formed by snap-fitting of the first holding member (200’) with the connecting mechanism (400), and by snap-fitting of the second holding member (200”) with the connecting mechanism (400).

[0054] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at third step of the method, first holding member (200’) is moved towards the second holding member (200”) such that the at least one protrusion (230’) which is extending vertically from the bottom surface of the first holding member (200’) slides into the at least one depression (240”) on the top surface of the second holding member (200”) and locks there to restrict movement of the first holding member (200’) away from the second holding member (200”) thereby removably engaging the first holding member (200’) with the second holding member (200”). When the at least one protrusion (230’) slides into the at least one depression (240”) and locks there, then this arrangement prevents the first holding member (200’) to move away from the second holding member (200”) thereby preventing accidental opening or unlocking of the first holding member (200’). Further, this arrangement enables the first holding member (200’) to be in a locked or in an unlocked configuration depending on the requirement of the user.

[0055] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the grasping assembly (1000) may be potentially used in the field of cookware industry or any other relevant industry where such snap-fitting connection, and slide and lock mechanism is required to hold, lift, move or operate the items or the articles.

[0056] Apart from what is disclosed above, the present invention also includes some additional benefits and advantages. Few of the additional benefits are mentioned below:

• The present invention provides the grasping assembly which facilitates easy and simple connection with the article by way of snap-fitting without using any fastening means such as screws or the like. · The grasping assembly facilitates screwless locking mechanism in the article which is user-friendly and also easy to operate.

• The grasping assembly provides protection against accidental unlocking and loosening of the holding member thereby increasing the life span of the grasping assembly and eliminates the need of regular maintenance.

• The grasping assembly and the locking arrangement of the article are comfortable to use and economical.

• The engagement of the grasping assemblies of the article is easy to lock and unlock. [0057] The foregoing descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.