Abstract
Disclosed is a device that is used to cover a typical aluminum pan and to allow easy access to the contents within the pan.
Claims
1. A device comprising: a rim capable of being fixedly attached to a second device wherein said rim has a at least one hinge attachment point and at least one cavity; at least one removable and liftable lid wherein said removeable and liftable lid can essentially cover the entire second device and the removeable and liftable lid has at least one hinge assembly and one securing block attached to said removeable and liftable lid wherein said removeable and liftable lid can be completely removed from said rim.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said rim and lid are manufactured from the same or different materials.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the lid and rim are made from plastics, polymers, metals or wood.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a top view of the device.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device on a pan.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device with open lids on a pan.
[0009] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are close up views of the center section of the lid securing voids.
[0010] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are close of views of the center section of the lid hinges.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a side, close up view, of the lid attaching to an aluminum pan.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, products, and/or systems, described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, products, and/or systems described herein will be apparent to an ordinary skilled artisan.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows an example of a rectangular lid, 10, of the present disclosure. As exemplified in FIG. 1, the lid, 10, may include at least one hinge slot, 20, and at least one recessed securing void or cavity, 30. The lid, 10, may also include one or more handles, and regions for the placement of a label. It may be made of an opaque polycarbonate material, metal, plastic, polymer, or other material as needed or desired.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows the lid, 10, on a pan, 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid may include a lid rim rest with hinged covers. The lid rim rest may rest on top of a pan and provide for a fixed connection to the pan. Access to the pan may then be gained through the lid cover openings with the rim remaining fixed to the pan.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a lid, 10, on a pan, 15, wherein the lid, 10, has at least one liftable section, 40, that can be lifted up to allow access to the contents within the pan, 15. The liftable sections of the lid, 10, are attached to the lid, 10, via a set of at least one hinge slot, 20. The hinge slots, 20, are designed such that the liftable sections, 40, of the lid, 10, can be lifted to uncover, and allow access to, the contents of the pan, 15.
[0016] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D shows the operation of the recessed securing void or cavity, 30, in conjunction with the liftable section, 40, wherein the liftable section, 40, has at least one attached securing block, 35. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D the securing block, 35, is not engaged with the recessed securing void or cavity 30, until and unless the lid, 40, is moved to a vertical position relative to the center section of the lid, 10. Once in the vertical position, as shown by FIGS. 4C and 4D, the securing block, 35, can be inserted into the recessed securing void or cavity, 30, thereby providing support to the liftable section, 40, to allow it to remain vertical without additional applied force. Alternative, the securing block, 35, and recessed securing void or cavity, 30, may be designed to allow the liftable lid, to be secured at any desired angle.
[0017] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D shows the operation of the hinge slots, 20, in conjunction with the hinge attachment mechanism, 25. The hinge attachment mechanism, 25, is shown in a “S” shaped design. However, any other design, such as “L”, hook, or other design may be used as long as the hinge slots are designed to mesh with the hinge attachment mechanism. The hinge attachment mechanisms, 25, are further designed to be able to recess into the pan, below the center portion of the lid, so as to allow, assist, and support the liftable section, 40, of the lid.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows the edge of the aluminum pan, 15, and the edge of lid, 10. The edge of the lid, 10, has a rim, 80, that is made to fit over and be secured by the edge, 70, of the aluminum pan. This allows the lid, 10, to be attached firmly to the aluminum pan, 15, and minimize the changes of the lid, 10, being inadvertently removed from the aluminum pan, 15.
[0019] The rim rest may be made of the same or different plastic or polycarbonate material as the cover(s). The rim rest may or may not be clear or opaque. The rim rest may be generally made of any suitable material known in the cooking pan art.
[0020] While polycarbonate is a preferred material, other suitable plastics, composites, or other like materials that are heat resistant to temperatures suitable for warming food and optionally opaque or clear are contemplated.
[0021] Furthermore, the lids may also have other designs with one or more openings for different shaped pans. The lids may also be of a variety of sizes. For example, a circular pan may have several openings. A larger rectangular shaped pan may have more openings. The shape of the rim and the number of openings can thus be varied to suit the particular pan. All shapes and sizes of pans generally known in the art for holding food at home or events, parties, etc. are contemplated.
[0022] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application has been attained that various changes in form and details may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents.
