Abstract
A temperature probe holder is provided. The device includes a magnetic fastener and a probe clip, whereby a connector secures the probe clip to the magnetic fastener. The magnetic fastener includes a notch and a slot. The probe clip includes a pair of resilient arms that extend upwardly and outwardly at opposite angles from a central base. Each resilient arm includes coaxially aligned apertures, such that a temperature probe can be inserted through a pair of coaxially aligned apertures. The temperature probe is secured to the probe clip due to an outward angle of the pair of resilient arms at rest. In operation, the magnetic fastener engages any ferromagnetic section of a cooking device. The device allows users to easily secure a temperature probe to various surfaces inside a cooking device. In some embodiments, the magnetic fastener is secured to an elongated ceramic bar.
Claims
1. A temperature probe holder, comprising: a magnetic fastener, wherein the magnetic fastener comprises a lower end and an upper end; wherein the magnetic fastener includes a notch, whereby the notch is extending through the lower end; a slot is disposed on the upper end of the magnetic fastener, wherein the slot extends through the magnetic fastener; a probe clip comprising a pair of resilient arms and a central base; whereby the pair of resilient arms extend upwardly and outwardly at opposite angles from the central base; an opening disposed through the central base; a connector passes through the opening and the slot to secure the pair of resilient arms to the upper end of the magnetic fastener; and a plurality of apertures disposed on the pair of resilient arms, whereby multiple apertures on a first resilient arm mirrors with multiple apertures on a second resilient arm.
2. The temperature probe holder of claim 1, wherein the pair of resilient arms of the probe clip are biased towards an outward angle.
3. The temperature probe holder of claim 1, wherein the probe clip is composed of a flexible material.
4. The temperature probe holder of claim 1, wherein a distal end of each resilient arm comprises a tab.
5. The temperature probe holder of claim 4, whereby a first resilient arm and a second resilient arm may be compressed together by pushing the tabs towards each other.
6. The temperature probe holder of claim 1, wherein a temperature probe may be inserted through the plurality of apertures disposed on the pair of resilient arms of the probe clip.
7. The temperature probe holder of claim 1, wherein the multiple apertures on the first resilient arm and the multiple apertures on the second resilient arm are coaxially aligned when the pair of arms are compressed.
8. The temperature probe holder of claim 6, whereby compressing the first resilient arm towards the second resilient arm enables the temperature probe to be inserted through coaxially aligned apertures on each resilient arm.
9. The temperature probe holder of claim 8, wherein the outward angle of the probe clip permits the pair of resilient arms to lock the temperature probe in position when the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm are released from compression.
10. The temperature probe holder of claim 1, wherein the magnetic fastener is removably securable to a ferromagnetic interior surface via magnetic engagement.
11. A temperature probe holder, comprising: a magnetic fastener, wherein the magnetic fastener comprises a lower end and an upper end; wherein the magnetic fastener includes a notch, whereby the notch is extending through the lower end; a slot is disposed on the upper end of the magnetic fastener, wherein the slot extends through the magnetic fastener; a probe clip comprising a pair of resilient arms and a central base; whereby the pair of resilient arms that extend upwardly and outwardly at opposite angles from the central base; an opening disposed through the central base; a connector passes through the opening and the slot to secure the pair of resilient arms to the upper end of the magnetic fastener; a plurality of apertures disposed on the pair of resilient arms, whereby multiple apertures on a first resilient arm mirrors with multiple apertures on a second resilient arm.; an elongated ceramic bar, wherein the elongated ceramic bar is composed of a ferromagnetic material; and the lower end of magnetic fastener is engaged with the elongated ceramic bar.
12. The temperature probe holder of claim 11, wherein the pair of resilient arms of the probe clip are biased towards an outward angle.
13. The temperature probe holder of claim 11, wherein the probe clip is composed of a flexible material.
14. The temperature probe holder of claim 11, wherein a distal end of each resilient arm comprises a tab.
15. The temperature probe holder of claim 14, whereby a first resilient arm and a second resilient arm may be compressed together by pushing the tabs towards each other.
16. The temperature probe holder of claim 11, wherein a temperature probe may be inserted through the plurality of apertures disposed on the pair of resilient arms of the probe clip.
17. The temperature probe holder of claim 11, wherein the multiple apertures on the first resilient arm and the multiple apertures on the second resilient arm are coaxially aligned when the pair of arms are compressed.
18. The temperature probe holder of claim 15, whereby compressing the first resilient arm towards the second resilient arm enables the temperature probe to be inserted through a corresponding aperture on each resilient arm.
19. The temperature probe holder of claim 18, wherein the outward angle of the probe clip permits the pair of resilient arms to lock the temperature probe in position when the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm are released from compression.
20. The temperature probe holder of claim 11, wherein the elongated ceramic bar is placed upon a surface to support the temperature probe.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
[0013] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the probe clip.
[0014] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic fastener.
[0015] FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic fastener.
[0016] FIG. 1D shows a top view of an embodiment of the elongated ceramic bar.
[0017] FIG. 2A shows an exploded, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the temperature probe holder.
[0018] FIG. 2B shows an assembled view of an embodiment of the temperature probe holder.
[0019] FIG. 3A shows an exploded, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the temperature probe holder.
[0020] FIG. 3B shows an assembled view of an alternative embodiment of the temperature probe holder.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of multiple configurations of the temperature probe holder in use
[0022] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the temperature probe holder in use.
[0023] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the temperature probe holder in use.
[0024] FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the temperature probe holder in use.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the temperature probe holder in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the temperature probe holder. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be limiting in any respect.
[0027] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a probe clip. The probe clip 11 comprises a central base 12 and a pair of resilient arms 13. The pair of resilient arms 13 are disposed on opposing ends of the central base 12. The pair of resilient arms 13 extend upwardly and outwardly at opposite angles from the central base 12. The pair of resilient arms 13 are biased towards an outward angle relative to the central base 12. A distal end of each resilient arm 13 includes a tab 14. Users may alter the position and the outward angle of the pair of opposing arms 13 by pinching the tabs 14 towards each other.
[0028] An opening 15 is disposed through the central base 12 of the probe clip 11. The opening 15 is centrally located on the central base 12. A plurality of coaxially aligned apertures 16 are disposed through each resilient arm 13. The plurality of coaxially aligned apertures 16 on a first resilient arm will mirror the plurality of coaxially aligned apertures 16 on a second resilient arm.
[0029] FIGS. 1B and 1C show perspective views of an embodiment of a magnetic fastener. The magnetic fastener 21 comprises an upper end and a lower end, defining a cylindrical body. The lower end of the magnetic fastener 21 includes a notch 23. The notch 23 extends through the diameter of the lower end. The upper end of the magnetic fastener 21 includes a slot 22. The slot 22 extends through the upper end of the magnetic fastener 21 and exists into the notch 23. The magnetic fastener 21 may attach to any ferromagnetic material surface.
[0030] FIG. 1D shows a top view of an embodiment of an elongated ceramic bar. The elongated ceramic bar 31 is composed of a ferromagnetic material. The elongated ceramic bar 31 comprises a top face 32, a bottom face, and plurality of sides 33. The plurality of sides 33 are sandwiched between the top face 32 and the bottom face. In the shown embodiment, the elongated ceramic bar 31 is rectangular in shape.
[0031] FIGS. 2A and 2B show an exploded, cross-sectional view and an assembled view of an embodiment of a temperature probe holder, respectively. The temperature probe holder 41 includes a probe clip 11, a magnetic fastener 21, and a connector 42. The connector 42 comprises a head and a threaded body. In assembly, the threaded body of the connector 42 is inserted through the opening disposed on the central base of the probe clip 11 and the slot on the upper end of the magnetic fastener 21. In one embodiment, the slot includes a threaded interface. The threaded interface of the slot can engage the threaded body of the connector 42. When the threaded interface and the threaded body are engaged, the connector 42 is secured to the magnetic fastener 21. The connector 42 secures the probe clip 11 to the magnetic fastener 21. In one embodiment, the connector 42 is a bolt. In one embodiment, the connector 42 is a screw. In one embodiment, the connector 42 is a stud.
[0032] FIGS. 3A and 3B show an exploded, cross-sectional view and an assembled view of an alternative embodiment of a temperature probe holder. The temperature probe holder 51 includes a probe clip 11, a magnetic fastener 21, a connector 42, and an elongated ceramic bar 31. The connector 42 comprises a head and a threaded body. In assembly, the threaded body of the connector 42 is inserted through the opening disposed on the central base of the probe clip 11 and the slot on the upper end of the magnetic fastener 21. The connector 42 secures the probe clip 11 to the magnetic fastener 21. The lower end of the magnetic fastener 21 is connected to the top face of the elongated ceramic bar 31. The magnetic properties of the magnetic fastener 21 will secure the elongated ceramic bar 31 to the temperature probe holder 51.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of multiple configurations of a temperature probe holder in use. Depending on the type of cooking device that the user is operating, the temperature probe holder may be utilized in multiple different configurations. A first configuration 61 does not have the magnetic fastener coupled with the probe clip. Instead, the magnetic fastener is in direct contact with the upper section of the ferromagnetic interior of the cooking device and the temperature probe is threaded into the notch out of the slot of the magnetic fastener. A second configuration 71 has the temperature probe that includes the magnetic fastener coupled with the probe clip, via the connector. In this configuration 71, the magnetic fastener in direct contact with the ferromagnetic grate of the cooking device. The temperature probe is threaded through the coaxially aligned apertures disposed on the pair of resilient arms of the probe clip. The probe clip will hold the temperature probe in place and measure the ambient temperature of the area around the grate. A third configuration 81 has the temperature probe that includes the magnetic fastener coupled with the probe clip, via the connector. In this configuration 81, the magnetic fastener is in direct contact with the ferromagnetic interior wall of the cooking device, such that the temperature probe holder extends parallel to the grate. The temperature probe is threaded through the coaxially aligned apertures disposed on the pair of resilient arms of the probe clip. The probe clip will hold the temperature probe in place and measure the ambient temperature of the area around the interior wall. The multiple different configurations allow the temperature probe holder to be placed in multiple ways within the cooking
[0034] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a temperature probe holder in use. In the shown configuration 61 of the temperature probe holder, the lower end of the magnetic fastener 21 is directly connected to the ferromagnetic materials without the probe clip or the connector. A temperature probe 63 is on the end of a temperature probe wire 62. The temperature probe 63 is inserted through the notch 23 and out of the slot disposed on the upper end of the magnetic fastener 21. Thus, the temperature probe 63 will hang from the magnetic fastener 21 into an area that the user wants the ambient temperature to be measure. In use, this configuration 62 of the temperature probe holder is secured to an interior lid of a cooking device, such that the temperature probe 63 is suspended in close proximity to the items placed upon the grate or other surfaces within the cooking device.
[0035] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a temperature probe holder in use. In the shown configuration 71 of the temperature probe holder 41, the temperature probe holder 41 is attached to a cooking device grate. The cooking device grate is made of a ferromagnetic material that allows the magnetic fastener 21 to remain secured thereon. The magnetic fastener 21 is coupled with the probe clip 11, via the connector. In use, users can pinch the tabs on the distal end of the pair of resilient arms and thread the temperature probe 63 through an aperture on a first resilient arm and through the corresponding aperture on a second resilient arm. When the temperature probe 63 is inserted through the coaxially aligned apertures on the pair of resilient arms, the user can release the tabs on the distal end of the pair of resilient arms and the probe clip 11 will return to the resting outward angle. At the outward angle, the probe clip 11 will secure the temperature probe 63 in position to measure the ambient temperature. Moreover, if a user has multiple temperature probe holders 41 disposed along different locations of the cooking device grate, the temperature probe 63 and the corresponding temperature probe wire 62 may pass through the notch 23 of another temperature probe holder 41 and through the notch 23 of the desired temperature probe holder 41 to reach the probe clip 11 of the desired temperature probe holder 41. Threading the temperature probe wire 62 through the notch 23 of a temperature probe holder 41 will prevent the temperature probe wire 62 from contacting any food that is placed within the cooking device and prevent the temperature probe wire 62 from getting in the user's way as they prepare the food. The notch 23 serves to prevent the temperature probe wire 62 from dangling into the heat source within the cooking device.
[0036] FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a temperature probe holder in use. In the shown configuration 81 of the temperature probe holder 41, the temperature probe holder 41 is attached to an interior wall of a cooking device, such that the temperature probe holder 41 extends parallel to the grate. The interior wall of the cooking device is made of a ferromagnetic material that allows the magnetic fastener to remain secured thereon. The magnetic fastener is coupled with the probe clip, via the connector. In use, users can pinch the tabs on the distal end of the pair of resilient arms and thread the temperature probe 63 through an aperture on a first resilient arm and through the corresponding aperture on a second resilient arm. When the temperature probe 63 is inserted through the coaxially aligned apertures on the pair of resilient arms, the user can release the tabs on the distal end of the pair of resilient arms and the probe clip will return to the resting outward angle. At the outward angle, the probe clip will secure the temperature probe 63 in position to measure the ambient temperature. Moreover, if a user has multiple temperature probe holders 41 in disposed along different locations of the interior wall of a cooking device, the temperature probe 63 and the corresponding temperature probe wire 62 may pass through the notch of another temperature probe holder 41 and through the notch of the desired temperature probe holder 41 to reach the probe clip of the desired temperature probe holder 41. Threading the temperature probe wire 62 through the notch of a temperature probe holder 41 will prevent the temperature probe wire 62 from contacting any food that is placed within the cooking device and prevent the temperature probe wire 62 from getting in the user's way as they prepare the food. The notch 23 serves to prevent the temperature probe wire 62 from dangling into the heat source within the cooking device.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a temperature probe holder in use. In the shown configuration 91 a temperature probe holder 51 is intended for a cooking device without any internal ferromagnetic material. In such a cooking device, the temperature probe holder 51 will require an elongated ceramic bar 31. The elongated ceramic bar 31 is made of a ferromagnetic material that allows the magnetic fastener 21 to remain secured thereon. The temperature probe holder 51 may be placed upon an interior surface of a cooking device grate. The magnetic fastener 21 is coupled with the probe clip 11, via the connector. In use, users can pinch the tabs on the distal end of the pair of resilient arms and thread the temperature probe 63 through an aperture on a first resilient arm and through the corresponding aperture on a second resilient arm. When the temperature probe 63 is inserted through the coaxially aligned apertures on the pair of resilient arms, the user can release the tabs on the distal end of the pair of resilient arms and the probe clip 11 will return to the resting outward angle. At the outward angle, the probe clip 11 will secure the temperature probe 63 in position to measure the ambient temperature. Moreover, if a user has multiple temperature probe holders 51 disposed along different locations of the cooking device grate, the temperature probe 63 and the corresponding temperature probe wire 62 may pass through the notch 23 of another temperature probe holder 51 and through the notch 23 of the desired temperature probe holder 51 to reach the probe clip 11 of the desired temperature probe holder 51. Threading the temperature probe wire 62 through the notch of a temperature probe holder 41 will prevent the temperature probe wire 62 from contacting any food that is placed within the cooking device and prevent the temperature probe wire 62 from getting in the user's way as they prepare the food.
[0038] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0039] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
