Abstract:
A system for pouring liquids from a vessel is provided with a mounting flange that engages an inner surface of a vessel sidewall and a spout that extends from the mounting flange. A biasing member depends from the spout to engage an outer surface of the vessel sidewall and securely engage the mounting flange with the inner surface of the vessel sidewall. Guide walls may extend up from the mounting flange on either side of the spout. A separator plate may be removably secured with the mounting flange to strain solids from the liquid being poured from the vessel. The spout, alone or in combination with the separator plate my form a utensil support.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Cooks of all types frequently find themselves in the position of needing to pour a liquid from one of various different cooking vessels. Sometimes, this seemingly easy task can be dangerous. For example, some liquids, such as grease, may be quite hot. Accordingly, when the hot grease is poured from a frying pan, the grease may run down the side of the frying pan and spill against the person holding the frying pan, potentially causing serious injury. Errant spills may also cascade down the sides of cooking vessels and come into contact with open flames from a cook top, creating a very real fire hazard. Aside from concerns of injury to the user, pouring liquids from cooking vessels is rarely successful, from the standpoints of depositing all of the liquid into an intended receptacle or preventing messy spills. 
         [0002]    Part of the problem associated with successfully pouring liquids from a cooking vessel centers on the shape of the lip of the vessel&#39;s sidewalk Some vessels present rounded lips, which tend to cause liquids to adhere to the lip of the vessel and then cascade down the side of the vessel. The same is frequently true with cooking vessels having multi-facetted lips. The breadth of the cooking vessel opening also tends to cause problems, as the stream of fluid coming from the vessel broadens as the size and shape of the vessel opening increase. 
         [0003]    Prior attempts at resolving these problems include forming cooking vessels with integrated spouts. However, such permanent spout features tend to prevent the proper fit of lids and get in the way when the cooking vessel is used for cooking. Other attempts have presented removable spouts for use with cooking vessels, however, such devices are typically cumbersome. More importantly, such devices typically prevent, an adequate seal between the spout and the cooking vessel, permitting liquid to leak between the structures. Loose fitting spouts may fall from the cooking vessel completely as the cooling vessel is tipped through extreme angles. 
         [0004]    Even if these problems can be partially addressed, other concerns persist. For example, when a user is cooking and needs to pour liquid from a cooking vessel, the liquid is not alone in the cooking vessel. Solids, such as pasta, crumbled burger, vegetables and the like, are oftentimes cooked in the liquid. It is desirable to separate the liquids from the solids without loosing the solid pieces down a drain or into the liquid receptacle. Regardless of the shape of the cooking vessel, or the inclusion of a spout, the final amount of liquid and the solids can be difficult and time consuming to separate. More times than not, pieces of food are poured from the vessel with the last amount of liquid. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter, 
         [0006]    A system is provided for pouring a liquid from a vessel, having at least a bottom wall and a sidewall with inner and outer surfaces and a free circumferential edge portion. The system includes a mounting flange, having first and second opposite surfaces and a free lower edge portion. The mounting flange is shaped to be placed in a use position, closely adjacent the inner surface and circumferential edge portion of the vessel sidewall. A spout, having proximal and distal end portions, is coupled with the mounting flange. The spout forms a fluid pathway along an upper surface of the spout between the proximal and distal end portions. A biasing member, is positioned to depend from the spout and positioned so that, when the mounting flange is placed in a use position, the biasing member at least partially engages the outer surface of the vessel sidewall and biases the first surface of the mounting flange against the inner surface of the vessel sidewall. 
         [0007]    In one aspect, a pair of guide walls may be positioned on either side of the spout, extending upwardly from the mounting flange. The guide walls may be shaped to guide materials into the spout as they are poured form the vessel. In another aspect, the guide walls and mounting flange may be formed to be deformably resilient so that the mounting flange may be secured within vessels of differing diameters. 
         [0008]    In at least one embodiment, the biasing member is a spring that is shaped to depend downwardly from the spout, toward the mounting flange. In at least one other embodiment, the biasing member includes a bracket that depends from the spout to hold a support pin, which is movable between engagement and release positions. In one aspect, a spring is positioned to engage the support pin and bias it toward its engagement position. An engagement end portion of the support pin may be provided to engage the outer surface of the vessel sidewall when the mounting flange is in its use position and support the system with respect to the vessel. 
         [0009]    In one or more embodiments, the system may further include a separator plate, having first and second opposing surfaces and a plurality of drainage holes. In one aspect, the separator plate may be removably coupled with the mounting flange so that an engagement edge portion of the separator plate is positioned closely adjacent the mounting flange, below the spout. In another aspect, a sealing edge portion may be provided to depend from the engagement edge portion of the separator plate to seal against the inner surface of the vessel sidewall when the mounting plate and separator plate are in use positions. In still another aspect, the separator plate may be provided with a recessed area in its first surface that, when the separator plate is in its use position, is in-line with the proximal and distal ends of the spout to provide a support for at least one elongated utensil handle. In another aspect, a support arm, may extend across a width of the spout, adjacent the proximal end portion of the spout to function in conjunction with an upturned lip of the spout as a support for at least one elongated utensil handle. 
         [0010]    These and other aspects of various embodiments of the present system and method will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present system and method are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the system for pouring liquids from a vessel and demonstrates one manner in which the system may engage a vessel; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  depicts a top, plan view of the system depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  depicts a side elevation view of the system depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts one contemplated embodiment of the system for pouring liquids from a vessel and demonstrates one manner in which a separator plate may be removably incorporated within the system; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  depicts a side elevation view of one embodiment of the system for pouring liquids from a vessel and demonstrates one manner in which a biasing member may be disposed in an engagement position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5B  depicts a side elevation view of the system depicted in  FIG. 5A  and demonstrates one manner in which a biasing member may be disposed in a release position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  depicts a partial, exploded view of an embodiment of the system for pouring liquids from a vessel and demonstrates one manner in which a separator plate may be coupled with a mounting flange of the system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of the system for pouring liquids from a vessel wherein the mounting flange is formed from a deformably resilient material; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  depicts an alternate embodiment of a separator plate and one manner in which it may be coupled with the system for pouring liquids from a vessel; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  depicts an alternate embodiment of the system for pouring liquids from a vessel wherein an alternate embodiment of a utensil support is provided. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to he taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0023]    With reference to  FIG. 1  a system  10  is provided for use with one of various different types of cooking vessels  12  for pouring liquids from within the cooking vessel  12 . It is contemplated that various different types of cooking vessels  12  may be used with the present system  10 , including pots, pans, skillets, and the like. It is also contemplated that the system  10  may be used with cooking vessels  12  having nearly limitless different shapes, depths, and structural configurations. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the liquids for which the system  10  may be used will very greatly and may include nearly any type of liquid used in cooking, such as water, grease, and the like. Moreover, it is contemplated that the liquids being poured using the system  10  may be of a wide range of temperatures experienced during common cooking operations. 
         [0024]    Generally speaking, the system  10  will be used with a vessel  12 , having at least a bottom wall  14  and a sidewall  16  with an inner surface  18  and an outer surface  20 . The cooking vessel  12  will have an open upper end portion defined by a free, circumferential edge portion  22  of the sidewall  16 . The system  10  will he provided with a mounting flange  24 , having a first surface  26  and an opposite second surface  28 . The mounting flange  24  will terminate at a free lower edge portion  30 . Preferably the mounting flange  24  is shaped to be placed in a use position, closely adjacent the inner surface  18  and circumferential edge portion  22  of the vessel sidewall  16 . A spout  32 , having a free distal end portion  34  and a proximal end portion  36  is operatively coupled with, and extends from, the mounting flange  24 . A fluid pathway is defined by an upper surface  38  of the spout  32 , intermediate the proximal end portion  36  and the distal end portion  34 . In one aspect a generally upturned lip member  40  may be provided at the distal end portion  34  of the spout  32 . Preferably, the upturned lip member  40  will be shaped to provide an adequate opening through which the liquid may pass. However, the shape of the upturned lip member  40  and its relationship with the spout  32  should be such that drips and spills commonly associated with the surface tension of liquids as they pass from spouts will be greatly reduced. 
         [0025]    A biasing member  42  is provided to depend downwardly from the spout  32  and should be formed to be generally resilient with regards to its position relative to the spout  32 . The biasing member  42  should be positioned so that, when the mounting flange  24  is placed, in its use position, the biasing member  42  at least partially engages the outer surface  20  of the vessel sidewall  16  and exerts a force on the spout  32  and mounting flange  24  that biases the first surface  26  of the mounting flange  24  against the inner surface IS of the vessel sidewall  16 . In one aspect, the biasing member may be comprised of a spring. With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , the biasing member may be provided with a first arm  44  that depends downwardly from the spout  32 , toward the mounting flange  24 . A second arm  46  may be provided to extend in a generally upward direction to form a distal end of the first arm  44 . In this fashion, an outwardly exposed surface of the second arm  46  will engage the outer surface  20  of the vessel sidewall  16 . It is contemplated that various non-abrasive or deformably resilient materials may be provided along the outer surface of the second arm  46  to reduce the likelihood that the second arm  46  will scratch the outer surface  20  of the vessel sidewall  16 . 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the biasing member  42  may be provided to include at least one bracket  48  that depends downwardly from the spout  32 . A support pin  50  may he coupled with the bracket  48  and moveable between an engagement position, such as depicted in  FIG. 5A  and a release position, such as depicted in  FIG. 5B . A spring  52  may be positioned to engage the support pin  50  and bias the support pin toward the engagement position. In this manner, the biasing member  42  will tend to exert a force on the spout  32  and the mounting flange  24  that biases the first surface  26  of the mounting flange  24  against the inner surface of the vessel sidewall  16 . It is contemplated that an engagement end portion  54  of the support pin  50  will engage the outer surface  20  of the vessel sidewall  16  with a fair amount of force. Accordingly, an engagement member  56  may be disposed on the engagement end portion  54  of the support pin  50 . Constructing the engagement member from a non-abrasive or deformably resilient material will tend to limit the likelihood of damage to the cooking vessel  12  over the life of the system  10 . However, due to the likelihood of heat that may travel upwardly along the outer surface  20  of the vessel sidewall  16 , it may be preferable to form the engagement member  56  from a heat resistant material, such as silicone and various known polymer blends that provide adequate heat resistance for cooking operations. A handle  58  may be associated with the support pin  50  so that the support pin  50  may be selectively moved between its engagement and release positions. 
         [0027]    A pair of guide walls  60  may be positioned on either side of the spout  32 , adjacent the proximal end portion  36  of the spout  32  and extending upwardly from the mounting flange  24 , to guide materials and liquid Into the spout  32 . The guide, walls  60  may be coupled, to or integrally formed with the mounting flange  24 . Various shapes and dimensions are contemplated for the guide walls  60 . However, in one aspect, it may be preferable to provide the guide walls  60  such that they are positioned to extend higher than the circumferential edge portion  22  of the vessel sidewall  16  when the mounting flange  24  is in its use position. Such orientation will help direct fluid and materials from within the cooking vessel  12  into the spout  32  and prevent leaks beyond the sides of the system  10 . 
         [0028]    In one aspect, the guide walls  60  and the mounting flange  24  may be formed to be deformably resilient so that the mounting flange  24  may be placed into its use position with cooking vessels  12  of differing sidewall edge portion circumferences. To be sure, not all  12  Inch skillets, for example, measure exactly  12  inches in diameter. While such variances will tend to be less than one inch, the flexible nature of the mounting flange  24  and the guide walls  60  will help the system  10  accommodate such size deviations. It is further contemplated that the system  10  will be provided in various shapes and sizes to accommodate the wide range of shapes and sizes of cooking vessels  12  within the cooking industry. 
         [0029]    In at least one embodiment, the system  10  may he provided with a separator plate  62 , having a first surface  64  and an opposing second surface  66 . One or more drainage holes  68 , of nearly limitless shapes and configurations, are preferably formed through the separator plate  62  in order to permit the passage of liquid therethrough. While it is contemplated that the separator plate  62  could be permanently coupled within the system  10  or molded as a single piece, at least one preferred embodiment provides the separator plate  62  as a removable feature. In one aspect, the separator plate  62  may be securable with the mounting flange  24  so that an engagement edge portion  70  of the separator plate  62  is positioned closely adjacent the mounting flange  24 , below the level of the spout  32 . In one aspect, at least one mounting tab  72  may be provided to extend outwardly from the separator plate  62 . At least one mounting channel  74  may be associated with the second surface  28  of the mounting flange  24  to align with the at least one mounting tab  72  when the separator plate  62  is placed in a use position with respect to the mounting flange  24 . As such, the at least one mounting channel  74  should be shaped and sized to removeably receive the at least one mounting tab  72  and secure the separator plate  62  in its use position. In at least one embodiment, a sealing edge portion  76  may be provided to depend downwardly from the engagement edge portion  70  of the separator plate  62 . The sealing edge portion  76  may be formed from a deformably resilient material and positioned along the separator plate  62  so that, when the separator plate  62  and the mounting flange  24  are placed in their use positions, the sealing edge portion  76  of the separator plate  62  creates a seal against the inner surface  18  of the vessel sidewall  16 . 
         [0030]    In at least one embodiment, the separator plate  62  may be provided with a recessed area  78  in the first surface  64  of the separator plate  62 . Preferably, the recessed area  78  will be positioned so that, when the separator plate  62  is in its use position, the recessed area  78  will be in line with the proximal end portion  36  and the distal end portion  34  of the spout  32 . The recessed area  78  should be shaped and positioned to function in conjunction with the spout  32  as a support for at least one elongated utensil handle  80 , such as that depicted in  FIG. 1 . As the separator plate  62  may be provided as an optional feature, it is contemplated that a support arm  82  may be provided to extend across the width of the spout  32 , adjacent its proximal end portion  36 , such that an opening is left between an upper surface  38  of the spout  32  and the support arm  82 . Such a support arm  82  should be shaped and positioned to function in conjunction with the distal end portion  34  or upturned lip member  40  of the spout  32  as a support for at least one elongated utensil handle  80 . 
         [0031]    In at least one embodiment, the system  10  may be provided with a resiliency deformable gasket  84  along the first surface  26  of the mounting flange  24 , adjacent the free lower edge portion  30 . The gasket  84  should be provided such that, when the mounting flange  24  is in its use position, a seal is created between the first surface  26  of the mounting flange  24  and the inner surface  18  of the sidewall  16 . While it is contemplated that the biasing member  42  may exert a sufficient force to create the seal without the use of a gasket  84 , it is contemplated that over an extended useful life, the biasing member  42  may tend to lose its resiliency. The use of a gasket  84 , as described, will further help the system  10  accommodate various cooking vessels  12  having slightly irregular side walls  16 . 
         [0032]    Although the above embodiments have been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.