Abstract:
A rotatable handle for use with an associated cookware item including an attachment member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being rotatably secured to a first portion of the cookware item and the distal end having a gripping member disposed thereon. The first portion also includes a handle locking member. A locking mechanism is slidably disposed on the attachment member between the gripping member and the proximal end, the locking mechanism being arranged and configured to engage the handle locking member and being slidable between a first position and a second position. When the locking mechanism is in the first position, the handle is rotatable relative to the first portion. When the locking mechanism is in the second position, the locking mechanism engages the handle locking member, thereby securing the handle relative to the cookware item.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Handle for Cookware,” having Ser. No. 60/295,976, filed Jun. 5, 2001, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to cooking devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to baskets that can be used for cooking food with outdoor grills. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Typically, cookware items come with a fixed handle that extends radially from the cookware item. Such cookware items include cooking baskets, skillets, woks, baking pans, and other such devices. The radially extending handle presents a number of problems for manufacturers, retailers and purchasers. For example, because the handle extends beyond the cookware item, relatively large packaging must be used during shipping. This translates to increased costs for the manufacturer not only because of the greater amounts of packaging materials used, but also because of the increased costs of shipping due to each unit shipped requiring a larger volume. Increased package volume also increases the costs of presenting the cookware items to consumers in that both increased shelf space and warehouse space are required to display and store the items. Ultimately, consumers suffer because the increased costs of the manufacturers and retailers are frequently passed along in the price of the item. As well, the radially extending handles require greater space when the cookware item is in use, on a stove, grill, etc., and during storage. Furthermore, radially extending handles raise safety concerns when allowed to extend beyond the edge of the cooking surface being used in that spill type accidents are possible. 
     Thus a heretofore unaddressed need exists to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a handle is provided that rotatably attaches to an associated cooking item. An embodiment of the handle comprises an attachment member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being rotatably secured to a first portion of the cookware item and the distal end having a gripping member disposed thereon. The first portion also includes a handle locking member. A locking mechanism is slidably disposed on the attachment member between the gripping member and the proximal end, the locking mechanism being arranged and configured to engage the handle locking member and being slidable between a first position and a second position. When the locking mechanism is in the first position, the handle is rotatable relative to the first portion. When the locking mechanism is in the second position, the locking mechanism engages the handle locking member, thereby securing the handle relative to the cookware item. 
    
    
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description, the illustrative embodiments describing the principles of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to refer to like parts throughout the several figures. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a cooking basket shown in an open position, with the present handle assembly shown in an extended position. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the basket of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a cutaway, plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing detail of a locking assembly. 
     FIG. 4 is a cutaway, plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing assembly detail of a panel of the basket assembly. 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism. 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the locking mechanism of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the locking mechanism of FIGS. 5 and 6. 
     FIG. 8 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing detail of a hinging mechanism. 
     FIG. 9 is a cutaway, end view of the hinging mechanism of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view of the handle of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 11 is an end view of the handle of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the handle of FIGS. 10 and 11. 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view of the gripping member of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of the gripping member of FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 15 is an end view of the gripping member of FIGS. 13 and 14. 
     FIG. 16 is a plan view of the handle mounting mechanism of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 17 is a side view of the handle mounting mechanism of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the basket of FIG. 1 in the closed position, with the handle assembly in a retracted position. 
     FIG. 19 is a cutaway, perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 showing detail of the handle assembly. 
     FIG. 20 is a cutaway, perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18, with the handle assembly moved to an extended position. 
     FIG. 21 is a cutaway, perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 18 through 20, with the locking mechanism in a first locking position. 
     FIG. 22 is a cutaway, perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 18 through 21 showing detail of the handle assembly, with the locking mechanism moved to a second locking position. 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 18 through 22 with the basket in a closed position. 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 18 through 23 showing the locking mechanism moved to its first locking position and a panel of the basket being moved toward the open position. 
    
    
     Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the removable handle for use with grilling implements as illustrated in the drawings. While the removable handle for use with grilling implements will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed therein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the removable handle for use with grilling implements as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention comprises a handle assembly which can be adapted for use with a variety of cookware such as, cooking baskets, skillets, woks, baking pans, and other such devices. The various cookware items typically come with a fixed handle that extends radially from the cookware item. As such the packaging must be relatively large for shipping the item to a retail outlet or to a consumer. Upon removal from the packaging by the consumer, the cookware item requires a large storage area in the home. The present invention teaches a handle that has an extended position for use and a folded position for shipping, cleaning, and storage. The invention also provides means for locking a cover for the cookware item in place during use. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the handle is described herein in connection with a basket assembly such as might be used on a barbecue grill. 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the basket  100  of the present invention includes a basket assembly  102  and a handle assembly  104 . In FIGS. 1 and 2, basket assembly  102  is depicted in an open position. In the open position, panels  106  and  108  of the basket assembly are arranged so that the basket assembly can receive one or more food items that are to be placed between the panels of the basket assembly. As described in greater detail hereinafter, the food item(s) can be maintained between the panel of the basket assembly by arranging the panels in an overlying relationship with each other and securing the panels in a closed position. 
     Although capable of being formed in various configurations, each panel of the basket assembly is depicted in FIG. 1 as comprising a perimeter wire  120  that forms a frame for a series of cross wires  122 . In FIG. 1, each cross wire  122  is fixedly attached at each of its ends to the perimeter wire. One or more intermediate portions of each of the cross wires can be affixed to the perimeter wire and/or to an adjacent cross wire. For example, spring wires  124  are used to affix portions of the wires to each other. So provided, the spring wires maintain the cross wires in relatively close proximity to each other while enabling the various wires of the panel to deflect. More specifically, the wires can deflect in response to engaging a food item that is placed between the panels of the basket assembly. The spring wires also prevent the cross wires from deflecting to such a degree that food items can easily fall out of the basket assembly. 
     Cross wires from each panel can be formed in various shapes. In FIG. 1, the cross wires take on a generally zigzag configuration. This particular configuration enables a portion of a cross wire to nest within a portion of an adjacent cross wire, thereby providing voids between the cross wires that are sufficiently small so as to retain relatively small food items between the panels when the basket assembly is in its closed position. A more detailed view of representative cross wires and spring wires is depicted in FIG.  4 . 
     In some embodiments, the various wires of the basket assembly can be formed of metal, such as cold rolled steel. Additionally, the material of the basket assembly can be finished with a non-stick coating. Since it is intended that the basket  100  be primarily used with food products, the various exterior surfaces of the basket should be compatible for use with food products. 
     Panels  106  and  108  of the basket assembly of FIG. 1 are hingedly attached to each other so that they are able to move between the open position (depicted in FIG. 1) and a closed position (depicted in FIG.  23 ). A hinge mechanism  130  engages each of the panels and facilitates hinged attachment of the panels, e.g., hinged attachment to each other. Shown in greater details in FIGS. 8 and 9, hinge mechanism can be a clip that is shaped to capture corresponding portions of the perimeter wire of each panel. Although only one hinge mechanism may be required, multiple hinge mechanisms can be used in some embodiments so that twisting of the basket assembly when moving the panels between their various positions is reduced. 
     Each panel includes one of a handle locking member  140  and a basket locking member  142 . In FIG. 1, handle locking member  140  engages panel  106  and basket locking member  142  engages panel  108 . As described in greater detail hereinafter, the handle locking member  140  facilitates securing of the handle in its extended position, and the basket locking member facilitates securing of the basket assembly in its closed position. 
     The handle assembly  104 , shown in FIG.  1  and in greater detail in FIGS. 10-17, includes an attachment mechanism  150  and a gripping member  152 . Attachment member  150  is adapted to facilitate engagement of the handle assembly with one of the panels. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the handle assembly rotatably engages a panel so that the handle can be rotated between an extended position (depicted in FIG.  1 ), and a retracted position (depicted in FIG.  18 ). Attachment mechanism  150  can be formed in various shapes and of various materials. For example, in the embodiments depicted in the accompanying figures, attachment mechanism  150  is provided as a wire loop that is adapted to secure gripping member  152 . Additionally, the wire loop is adapted to rotatably engage a perimeter wire of a panel at its ends  154 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 13-15, gripping member  152  includes longitudinal recesses  156  and  158  that are adapted to receive a portion of the attachment mechanism. Gripping member  152  can be formed of various materials, e.g., wood, and is provided to facilitate secure grasping of the handle by a user. 
     Referring now to FIG.  3  and FIGS. 5-7, the locking mechanism will be described in greater detail. In FIGS. 3,  5  and  7 , locking mechanism  160  is formed as a clip that is adapted to engage about a portion of the attachment mechanism. In particular, locking mechanism  160  includes an engagement portion  162  that is adapted to engage about the wire loop of the handle assembly. Additionally, the locking mechanism is adapted to slide along the attachment member and capture one or more components of the basket assembly to facilitate securing of the handle assembly in its extended position as well as locking the basket assembly in the closed position. In order to facilitate moving the locking mechanism between its various positions, a protrusion  164  can be provided that extends from the engagement member. So provided, the protrusion provides a convenience surface by which a user may manipulate the position of the locking mechanism, e.g., the protrusion can be engaged by a thumb of the user. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 18-24, operation of an embodiment of the basket will be described in greater detail. In FIG. 18, basket  100  is depicted in a stored configuration. In particular, panels of the basket assembly are arranged in the closed position and the handle assembly is rotated to its retracted position. So positioned, convenient storage of the basket is accommodated as the various components of the basket require a minimal amount of storage space. This configuration is shown in greater detail in FIG.  19 . Note, in FIG. 19, that the handle and basket locking members are aligned with each other in a generally nested configuration. 
     In FIG. 20, the handle assembly has been rotated to its extended position. The locking mechanism, however, is in a release position so that the handle assembly is still free to rotate relative to the panel to which it is attached. Also, the panels are able to be moved to either the open or closed position. 
     In FIG. 21, the locking mechanism is moved to a first locking position. In the first locking position, the locking mechanism captures the handle locking member. This configuration prevents the handle assembly from rotating relative to the panel. 
     In FIG. 22, the locking mechanism has been moved to a second locking position. In this configuration, both the handle and the basket locking members are captured by the locking mechanism. Therefore, in addition to the handle assembly being prevented from rotating relative to the panel, the panels are maintained in their closed position. This configuration also is depicted in FIG.  23 . 
     In FIG. 24, the locking mechanism is moved back to its first locking position. Thus, in FIG. 24, it is depicted that the second locking member is no longer captured by the locking mechanism, and that the panel can be rotated to its open position. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.