Abstract:
Provided is a removable grip device ( 1 ) for a pot for cooking food, said removable grip device ( 1 ) comprising a grip body ( 7 ), attachment means that can be connected to the cooking pot and disconnected therefrom, and an electrical energy source ( 6 ). The removable grip device ( 1 ) comprises an electromechanical device fed by the energy source ( 6 ) and suitable for actuating a mechanical device, and control means for controlling the operation and the shut-off of the electromechanical device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the United States national phase of International Application No. PCT/FR2012/051575 filed Jul. 5, 2012, and claims priority to French Patent Application No. 1156378 filed Jul. 13, 2011, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention concerns a removable grip mechanism for a cooking pot. 
     Removable grip mechanisms or removable handles are used to grip cooking pots such as casseroles or frying pans. Removable grip mechanisms may be fixed temporarily to a cooking pot when in use and be removed from the cooking pot to make it easier to store. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Document EP 0 769 263 which discloses a removable grip mechanism for a cooking pot which includes a side wall. The grip mechanism includes two bits which form a pincer which moves between an open and closed position in which the two bits which form a pincer grip the side wall of the cooking pot. The grip mechanism also includes movement means designed to move the bit which forms a pincer between the open and closed position. The movement means includes a lever mounted to pivot on a grip body between a removed and retracted position within the grip body. A blade which forms a connecting rod extends between the lever and the mobile bit and is designed to move the mobile bit in translation when the lever is pivoted manually by the user. To pivot the lever from the position away from the retracted position, the user must exert a relatively strong force on it. Further, to unlock the grip mechanism, the user must both push on the unlock button and not press on the lever to move it away. This maneuver is not easy for the user who must then use both hands to unlock the pot, one to push on the unlock button and the other to support the handle. 
     Further, such a removable handle of the prior art does not allow other functions to be provided, such as mixing vegetables, for example. To mix vegetables in a cooking pot, the user must use an additional utensil such as a mixer, which creates storage problems and is awkward when storing utensils. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the invention is designed to resolve these inconveniences and provide a removable grip mechanism which is easier to use, safer, multi-functional and resolves the bulkiness problem. 
     The invention concerns a removable grip mechanism for a cooking pot, wherein said removable grip mechanism includes a grip body, a mechanism to attach it to and disconnect it from the cooking pot, and an electrical energy source. 
     In accordance with the invention, the removable grip mechanism includes:
         an electromechanical mechanism powered by the energy source designed to trigger (at least part of) a mechanical mechanism, and   a command mechanism to control the operation of and stop the electromechanical mechanism.       

     Accordingly, the invention provides a removable grip mechanism which is easier to use and requires less effort to trigger the bit which forms a pincer. The pincer is opened and closed automatically. There is less play between the bit which forms a pincer and the side wall of the cooking pot. Therefore, safety is improved. The removable grip mechanism may also include additional functions, which are not possible with handles of the prior art, which assist in cooking. The multi-functionality of the removable grip mechanism allows a single cooking utensil to be used rather than multiple utensils, which reduces the storage space required for the utensils. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other characteristics and benefits of the invention emerge clearly from the description which is provided below for illustrative purposes and is by no means limited, with reference to attached diagrams, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism, in accordance with one implementation of the invention, in the open position; 
         FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal cut-away of this removable grip mechanism in the closed position; 
         FIG. 3  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism which includes a mechanism to block the mobile bit; 
         FIG. 4  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism which includes an electromagnet in the open position, in accordance with another implementation of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a longitudinal cut-away of the removable grip mechanism in accordance with this other implementation in the closed position; 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of a removable grip mechanism with contacts; 
         FIG. 7  shows the removable grip mechanism with a secondary induction coil recharging on a recharging stand with a primary induction coil; 
         FIG. 8  shows a removable grip mechanism which includes a sensor to detect the installation of the grip mechanism on the cooking pot; 
         FIG. 9  shows the details of the positioning sensor; 
         FIG. 10  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism including a jack in accordance with another implementation of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism with a servomotor in accordance with another implementation of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  shows a diagram from above of the servomotor and the mobile bit in the open position; 
         FIG. 13  shows a diagram from above of the servomotor and the mobile bit in the closed position; 
         FIG. 14  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism including a removable module, in accordance with one implementation of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  shows a view from above of a removable grip mechanism with a display screen; 
         FIG. 16  shows a view from above of a removable grip mechanism with a diode; 
         FIG. 17  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism set on a pot which includes a mechanism to lift a cover, in the raised position; 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of this removable grip mechanism with the lifting mechanism in the raised position; 
         FIG. 19  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism set on a pot which includes a lifting mechanism in the rest position; 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of this removable grip mechanism with the lifting mechanism in the rest position; 
         FIG. 21  shows a longitudinal cut-away view of a removable grip mechanism with a cleaning brush; 
         FIG. 22  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism in which the mobile bit is formed by a mobile forward section of the grip body, with said mobile bit in the closed position; 
         FIG. 23  shoes a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism in which the mobile bit is in the open position; and 
         FIG. 24  shows a longitudinal cut-away of a removable grip mechanism with an electromagnet as a blocking mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Removable grip mechanism  1  includes grip body  7 , the mechanism to attach it to and disconnect it from cooking pot  24 , and electrical energy source  6 . Removable grip mechanism  1  includes electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  powered by energy source  6  to trigger a mechanical mechanism and command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  to control the operation of and stop electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c.    
     The attachment mechanism may include pincer-type mobile bits which are activated manually or motorized as described below, for example. In one variation, the attachment mechanism may include hooks which are part of removable grip mechanism  1  which are designed to be inserted into one of the openings on side wall  25  of cooking pot  24 . Other attachment mechanisms are also possible such as, for example, a nut-bolt system. 
     Preferably, the mechanical mechanism includes the attachment mechanism. Removable grip mechanism  1  includes trigger mechanism  3  driven by electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  designed to trigger the attachment mechanism. 
     The attachment mechanism may include two bits  2   a  and  2   b  which form a pincer wherein at least one of the bits moves relative to the other which is triggered by trigger mechanism  3 . The attachment mechanism may be attached to side wall  25  of cooking pot  24  or to another section of the pot such as a bracket which is part of side wall  25 . 
       FIG. 1  shows a longitudinal cut-away of removable grip mechanism  1  in the open position, in one possible implementation. 
     In this implementation, the mechanical mechanism includes the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes two bits which form mobile pincer  2   a  and  2   b  which move in translation relative to one another between an open and closed position in which the two bits which form pincer  2   a  and  2   b  pinch side wall  25  of cooking pot or cooking pot  24 . Removable grip mechanism  1  also includes trigger mechanism  3  to move at least one of the bits which form pincer  2   a  and  2   b , electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  to control trigger mechanism  3 , electrical energy source  6  to power electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c , and command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  to control electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c.    
     Removable grip mechanism  1  includes grip body  7  which forms a handle in which trigger mechanism  3 , electrical energy source  6  and command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  are housed. Grip body  7  is elongated and extends in longitudinal direction (X). 
     The two bits which form pincer  2   a  and  2   b  are located on the front end of removable grip mechanism  1  and electrical energy source  6  is located near the rear extremity of removable grip mechanism  1 . Command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56 , electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  and trigger mechanism  3  are located between the two bits which form pincer  2   a  and  2   b  and electrical energy source  6 . Other provisions are also possible. Electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c , trigger mechanism  3 , the two bits which form pincer  2   a  and  2   b  and electrical energy source  6  are aligned basically along longitudinal direction (X), which creates a compact handle of sufficiently elongated shape to allow it to be gripped by a user to raise the cooking pot. 
     In the examples in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the attachment mechanism includes single mobile bit  2   a  which moves in translation relative to grip body  7  along longitudinal direction (X) and fixed bit  2   b  which is part of grip body  7 . Mobile bit  2   a  is the bit which has an internal contact surface which is in contact with the internal surface of side wall  25  of pot  24 . In one variation, the two bits which form pincer  2   a  and  2   b  may move in opposite directions along longitudinal direction (X). 
     The grip mechanism is designed to be attached to and disconnected from cooking pot  24 , which is a cooking-type utensil (casserole, frying pan, casserole dish, etc.), which usually has a bottom and lateral wall  25  called a skirt. Side wall  25  may have curved edge  26  on its upper section which forms a pouring edge. The following examples are given for side wall  25  with edge  26  curved to the exterior. Fixed bit  2   b  is formed by grip body  7 . More specifically, grip body  7  includes contact surface  17  which is designed to come into contact with the external surface of side wall  25  of pot  24 . Front contact surface  17  has a shape which complements that of the external surface of side wall  25  and, more specifically, the external surface of curved edge  26  of cooking pot  24 . More in particular, front contact surface  17  has section plate  18  extended by section  19  which is curved toward the interior of grip body  7 . Grip body  7  is preferably made of bakelite. When removable grip mechanism  1  is set on cooking pot  24 , cooking pot  24  is basically perpendicular to a plane tangent to side wall  25  of cooking pot  24 . Mobile bit  2   a  has a shape which complements that of the internal surface of side wall  25  and, more specifically, the internal surface of curved edge  26  of cooking pot  24 . 
     In one variation, the two bits which form pincer  2   a  and  2   b  of removable grip mechanism  1  may be attached to a right side wall without a curved edge. 
     Mobile bit  2   a  is extended by arm  15  which slides in slide  27  in grip body  7 . Arm  15  extends in longitudinal direction (X). It is flat. 
     Electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  may include electrical motor  5 , electromagnet  5   a , servomotor  5   c , pneumatic or electrical jack  5   b , for example. 
     Preferably, electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  is electrical motor  5  powered by electrical energy source  6  which has shaft  20  which rotates, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Still more preferably, electrical motor  5  includes a reduction gear. The rotation speed of electrical motor  5  is at least 340 rotations per minute and preferably 360 rotations per minute. The motor coupling should be at least 80 mN/m and preferably 100 mN/m. 
     Trigger mechanism  3  includes initial transmission mechanism  8  designed to transfer the rotation of electrical motor  5  to second transmission mechanism  9  which is part of mobile bit  2   a  to move mobile bit  2   a  between the open and closed positions. 
     In one possible variation, initial transmission mechanism  8  includes threaded rod  8  which is rotated by electrical motor  5 . Second transmission mechanism  9  includes mobile item  9  with a threaded opening which engages with threaded rod  8 . The rotation of threaded rod  8  moves mobile item  9  in translation the length of it and, as a result, moves mobile bit  2   a  between the open and closed position. Threaded rod  8  may be an infinite screw. Threaded rod  8  is connected to shaft  20  of electrical motor  5 . Threaded rod  8 , shaft  20  and the bit which forms mobile pincer  2   a  and  2   b  are basically aligned in longitudinal direction (X). Threaded rod  8  rotates and but cannot move back and forth. 
     Threaded rod  8  and the threaded opening of mobile item  9  has a thread of between 0.65 mm and 0.85 mm to block the movement of mobile bit  2   a  when it is in the closed position. Preferably, the thread is 0.75 mm. 
     For example, for a 10 mm movement of mobile bit  2   a  between the closed and open position, corresponding to a 10 mm transverse movement of mobile item  9  along threaded rod  8 , the speed of the motor is 360 rotations per minute, and the thread of threaded rod  8  and the threaded opening of mobile item  9  is 0.75 mm. This configuration effectively blocks the movement of mobile bit  2   a  when it is in the closed position. Mobile item  9  may be a nut, for example. 
     In one variation, trigger mechanism  3  may include gear system (rack-and-pinion, conical wheels or cylinders), a bearing system (screw bearings), pulleys, belt, cog, chain, friction transmission or a scotch yoke/cam system. 
     Mobile bit  2   a  may be made of stainless steel, for example. Mobile bit  2   a  is extended by rectilinear arm  15  which forms a slide and extends to the interior of grip body  7 . This arm  15  slides in housing  27  in grip body  7  between the closed and open position of mobile bit  2   a . Second transmission mechanism  9  and, more specifically, mobile item  9  is part of this arm  15 . In the examples in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , mobile item  9  is attached to arm  15 . 
     Second transmission mechanism  9  includes stop  10  which comes into contact with counter stop  11  on grip body  7  to limit the opening of mobile bit  2   a . In the example in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , stop  10  is located on mobile item  9  and consists of its forward lateral surface. Mobile item  9  is generally cylindrical in shape, its forward lateral surface then forms a ring. Similarly, counter stop  11  of grip body  7  is cylindrical in shape. Counter stop  11  is located near the front end of threaded rod  8  and surrounds it. The open position of mobile bit  2   a  is limited by the contact of counter stop  11  with stop  10 . The closed position of mobile bit  2   a  is limited by the contact of mobile bit  2   a  with side wall  25  of cooking pot  24 , which is itself in contact with fixed bit  2   b.    
     In  FIG. 3 , arm  15  of mobile bit  2   a  extends basically to the middle of removable grip mechanism  1 . 
     Removable grip mechanism  1  includes blocking mechanism  21  to block the attachment mechanism in the closed position. In this example, the attachment mechanism include two bits  2   a  and  2   b . Blocking mechanism  21  blocks mobile bit  2   a  in the closed position. Blocking mechanism  21  prevents any movement away by mobile bit  2   a  when it is in the closed position due, for example, to a heavy load in the gripped cooking utensil. They make the removable grip mechanism  1  safer. Blocking mechanism  21  also increases the thread of threaded rod  8  and therefore, reduces the closing time of mobile bit  2   a  (or the rotation speed of the threaded rod) and increases the tightening coupling. The safety function is then provided by blocking mechanism  21  and no longer by threaded rod  8 . 
     In one possible variation, blocking mechanism  21  is mounted to move in translation within grip body  7  along longitudinal direction (X) between a released and blocked position in which they immobilize mobile bit  2   a  in its closed position. 
     Blocking mechanism  21  includes pinching mechanism  13   a  and  13   b  and cage  14  in which pinching mechanism  13   a  and  13   b  is housed. Cage  14  surrounds mobile bit  2   a . Two pinching bits  13   a  and  13   b  are both located on arm  15  of mobile bit  2   a  and are designed to immobilize mobile bit  2   a  by pinching it. Cage  14  is located near the extremity of arm  15  of mobile bit  2   a . Pinching mechanism  13   a  and  13   b  may be cylinders mounted to rotate within cage  14 . Cage  14  may be move along longitudinal direction (X) from the released position to the blocked position. Blocking mechanism  21  is triggered mechanically. Blocking mechanism  21  is triggered when the user pushes a button located on the grip body. 
     In accordance with another variation, blocking mechanism  21  is formed by electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  to block the attachment mechanism in the closed position. 
     In a possible implementation, removable grip mechanism  1  may include an attachment electromechanical mechanism powered by electrical energy source  6  and blocking mechanism  21  formed by an electromagnet powered by electrical energy source  6  (not shown). The electromagnet is located near the rear extremity of removable grip mechanism  1 . It works with a metallic plate which is part of mobile bit  2   a  and, more specifically, which is attached to the extremity of arm  15 . When mobile bit  2   a  is in the closed position, the electromagnet is activated to attract the plate to pin it against the electromagnet, thereby blocking mobile bit  2   a  in the closed position. The electromagnet may switch between a rest state in which mobile bit  2   a  is unblocked and an activated state in which the electromagnet blocks mobile bit  2   a.    
     In accordance with another variation shown in  FIG. 24 , blocking mechanism  21  is formed by an electromagnet powered by electrical energy source  6  and removable grip mechanism  1  includes a mechanical attachment mechanism such as those described in Claim EP-1991098, for example. Other mechanical attachment mechanisms may also be used. 
     To move mobile bit  2   a  relative to fixed bit  2   b  facing it, the user uses slide  60  mounted in translation on a longitudinal direction  61  relative to body  7 , and initial and second pivoting connecting rods  62  and  63 . The second connecting rod acts directly on mobile bit  2   a . Maneuver button  64  mounted to shift on body  7  controls second connecting rod  63  and, through articulated chain  60 ,  62  and  63  via lug  65  passing through a gap in rod  66  which terminates with bit  2   a . Additional details are available in EP 2007260. 
     The electromagnet is located near the rear extremity of removable grip mechanism  1 . It works with metallic plate  28  which is part of mobile bit  2   a . More specifically, metallic plate  28  is attached to arm  59 , which is itself attached to slide  60 . When mobile bit  2   a  is in the closed position, the electromagnet is activated to attract plate  28  to force it against the electromagnet, thereby blocking mobile bit  2   a  in the closed position. The electromagnet may shift between a rest state in which mobile bit  2   a  is unblocked and an activated state in which the electromagnet blocks mobile bit  2   a.    
     In one variation, blocking mechanism  21  may include a pad or an irreversible wheel. 
     Command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  includes command button  56 , shown in  FIG. 6 , which is accessible from the exterior of grip body  7  and an electronic circuit (not shown) connected to command button  56  and electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c . In the examples in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , command button  56  is located beneath removable grip mechanism  1 . When the user pushed command button  56 , a signal is transmitted to the electronic circuit which controls the rotation of electrical motor  5 . 
     Command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  may include switch  12  which is accessible from the exterior of grip body  7  to manually select the rotation direction of electrical motor  5 . 
     An initial rotation direction is assigned to open mobile bit  2   a . A second, opposite rotation direction is assigned to close mobile bit  2   a . For example, when the rotation direction to close mobile bit  2   a  is first selected with switch  12 , pushing command button  56  causes electrical motor  5  to rotate in that rotation direction and close mobile bit  2   a.    
     In the example in  FIG. 15 , command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  includes two switches  12 . Each switch  12  is located on one of the lateral walls of removable grip mechanism  1 . 
     In one variation, command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  may include sensor  22  to detect the presence of removable grip mechanism  1  attached to or in the immediate proximity of cooking pot  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Sensor  22  includes switch  22  connected to mobile arm  41 . Arm  41  includes lug  42  on one of its extremities which moves in relation to slit  23  in grip body  7  between a deactivated position when removable grip mechanism  1  is not attached to cooking pot  24  ( FIG. 8 ) and an activated position when removable grip mechanism  1  is attached to cooking pot  24  ( FIG. 9 ). Lug  42  moves in translation basically in longitudinal direction (X). Slit  23  is located on the extension of curved section  19  of fixed bit  2   b . When fixed bit  2   b  is in contact with side wall  25  of cooking pot  24 , the extremity of curved edge  26  enters slit  23  by displacing lug  42  to the back of removable grip mechanism  1 . This moves arm  41  to switch  22  which is supported by button  43  on switch  22 . Switch  22  is then in its activated position and transmits a signal to the electrical circuit which then detects the attachment of removable grip mechanism  1  on cooking pot  24 . When the user uses command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56 , electrical motor  5  rotates in the rotation direction which closes mobile bit  2   a.    
     In one variation, the activation of switch  22  automatically closes mobile bit  2   a  without user intervention. 
     In another possible implementation, grip mechanism  1  includes removable module  35  which is separable from grip body  7 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Removable module  35  contains the mechanical mechanism and trigger mechanism  3 . In this example, the mechanical mechanism includes the attachment mechanism which contains the bit which forms pincer  2   a  and  2   b . Grip body  7  includes electrical motor  5  and energy source  6 . Trigger mechanism  3  can be connected to and disconnected from electrical motor  5 . More specifically, threaded rod  8  can be connected to and disconnected from shaft  20  of electrical motor  5 . Threaded rod  8  includes housing  46  at its rear extremity which is designed to accept the shaft of electrical motor  5 . Removable module  35  may be held within the front face of grip body  7 . Removable module  35  can be easily connected to and disconnected from grip body  7 . Accordingly, when removable module  35  includes bits which form pincer  2   a  and  2   b  is detached from grip body  7 , it is possible to connect additional removable module  35 ′ which includes a position other than pinching such as, for example, a cleaning position. 
       FIG. 14  shows an example of additional removable module  35 ′ which includes a mechanical mechanism with rotating brush  45 . One of the extremities of rotating brush  45  is connected to shaft  44 . When additional removable module  35 ′ is enclosed within grip body  7 , housing  46  on shaft  44  of additional removable module  35 ′ receives shaft  20  of electrical motor  5 . In this manner, rotating brush  45  may be driven by electrical motor  5 . 
     In one variation, the brush may be replaced by an agitator to blend, crush or mix food. 
     Therefore, the mobility of modules  35  and  35 ′ allows grip mechanism  1  to provide additional functions such as cleaning the cooking pots or blending, mixing, or grinding food, for example. In accordance with another implementation shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  includes electromagnet  5   a . Electromagnet  5   a  may shift between a rest state in which the pincer is in the open position and an activated state in which it holds the pincer in the closed position. 
     As in the implementation prior, mobile bit  2   a  is extended by arm  15  sliding in slide  27  in grip body  7 . Arm  15  extends along longitudinal direction (X) and includes metallic plate  28  on its extremity opposite mobile bit  2   a . Metallic plate  28  extends in a plane that is basically perpendicular to longitudinal direction (X). Metallic plate  28  may be made of a ferromagnetic material. It moves in translation along longitudinal direction (X) in housing  29 , which is partly limited by electromagnet  5   a  and stop  30 . The width of the housing  29  corresponds to the movement distance of mobile bit  2   a  relative to fixed bit  2   b.    
     When mobile bit  2   a  is in the open position ( FIG. 4 ) and the user pushes on the command mechanism, electromagnet  5   a  is activated to attract metallic plate  28  to pin it against the electromagnet. Mobile bit  2   a  is then in the closed position ( FIG. 5 ). 
     Inversely, if the user pushes on the command mechanism when mobile bit  2   a  is in the open position, electromagnet  5   a  is deactivated. The electromagnetic field is cut and no further attraction force is exerted on metallic plate  28 . Mobile bit  2   a  may then be freely moved along longitudinal direction (X) in housing  29 . Mobile bit  2   a  may be opened by moving removable grip mechanism  1  slightly in longitudinal direction (X) and in a direction opposite cooking pot  24 . 
     As in the prior implementation, trigger mechanism  3 , electrical energy source  6  and the command mechanism (not shown) are housed in grip body  7 . 
     In another possible implementation shown in  FIG. 10 , electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  includes electrical jack  5   b  with mobile piston  47  between a retracted state in which the pincer is in the closed position ( FIG. 10 ) and a deployed state in which the pincer is in the open position. Piston  47  is connected to arm  15  of mobile bit  2   a  via connection part  48 . Arm  15  and connection part  48  form trigger mechanism  3 . Piston  47  moves in translation in direction (X). 
     In another possible implementation shown in  FIG. 11 , electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  includes servomotor  5   c  which rotates eccentric item  36 . The rotation of eccentric item  36  around axis  49  results in the transverse movement along longitudinal direction (X) of plate  38  which is part of mobile bit  2   a  and, more specifically, which is part of arm  15  of mobile bit  2   a . Eccentric item  36 , plate  38  and arm  15  form trigger mechanism  3 . Eccentric item  36  includes slit  48  to accept plate  38 . Eccentric item  36  rotates between an open position of mobile bit  2   a  ( FIG. 12 ) in which plate  38  is engaged in slit  48  and a closed position of mobile bit  2   a  ( FIG. 13 ) in which plate  38  is engaged in slit  48 . Slit  48  is forms an arc. When plate  38  is engaged in slit  48 , mobile bit  2   a  and arm  15  move in translation toward servomotor  5   c . Mobile bit  2   a  is attracted toward fixed bit  2   b.    
     Electrical energy source  6  may include a rechargeable electrical energy source (large battery or super capacitor) or one or more batteries. For example, a large battery may provide 3.6 Volts and capacity of 780 milliamp*hrs. The electrical energy may be recovered by induction by an induction plate using a conducting item located on the bottom of cooking pot  24 . 
     If a rechargeable electrical energy source is used, removable grip mechanism  1  includes electromagnetic connection mechanism to recharge the rechargeable electrical energy source. “Electromagnetic connection mechanism” means any mechanism, whether electrical or magnetic. 
     The electromagnetic connection mechanism may include “jack” type female socket  31  as shown in  FIG. 6 . This female socket  31  is located on grip body  7  of removable grip mechanism  1 . It may be located on the side wall of grip body  7 . Female socket  31  can be connected to an energy source using, for example, a power cord with male “jack” type plug designed to be inserted into female socket  31  of removable grip mechanism  1 . 
     The electromagnetic connection mechanism may include two electrical connection terminals  32   a  and  32   b  connected to the rechargeable electrical energy source, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Removable grip mechanism  1  of  FIG. 6  includes electrical connection terminals  32   a  and  32   b  in addition to female socket  31 . Electrical connection terminals  32   a  and  32   b  can be connected to and disconnected from two electrical connection terminals on a recharging stand to recharge the electrical energy source  6 . Electrical connection terminals  32   a  and  32   b  are located on the back of removable grip mechanism  1 . Electrical connection terminals  32   a  and  32   b  may be connection plates or contacts. Removable grip mechanism  1  may be placed on a recharging base in a basically vertical position or inclined to the vertical when the recharging stand is placed on a horizontal surface. Recharging stand is connected to the electrical grid (230 V for example). 
     In one variation, the electromagnetic connection mechanism may include secondary induction coil  57  connected to the rechargeable electrical energy source, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Secondary induction coil  57  surrounds cavity  58  in grip body  7  in which primary induction coil  33  on recharging stand  34  can be inserted when the handle is in the recharge position. This improves the watertightness of removable grip mechanism  1 . 
     In accordance with one possible implementation, the mechanical mechanism may include mechanisms other than the attachment mechanism. It may include a rotating brush connected to a shaft driven by the electromechanical mechanism or an agitator to blend, crush or mix the food, for example. In this implementation, removable grip mechanism  1  includes an attachment mechanism which may be triggered manually or electromechanically. 
     In one possible implementation (not shown), the electromechanical mechanism may include a cam rotated by threaded rod  8 . The cam is part of threaded rod  8  and is located near the front end of threaded rod  8 . The cam is housed in a housing in grip body  7 . The housing opens to the exterior on the upper face of grip body  7 . The cam is rotated by electrical motor  5  to move between a rest position in which the cam is housed within the housing and an activated position in which the cam protrudes from the upper face of removable grip mechanism  1 . In the rest position, the main axis of the cam is basically parallel to the horizontal plane of removable grip mechanism  1 . In the activated position, the main axis of the cam is basically perpendicular to the horizontal plane of removable grip mechanism  1  and oriented upward when removable grip mechanism  1  is attached to cooking pot  24  when placed on a horizontal surface. In this activated position, the cam protrudes from the upper face of removable grip mechanism  1  and allows the edge of a cover placed on cooking pot  24  to be raised to a greater or lesser degree to control the rate of vapor flow when food is heated in cooking pot  24 . 
     In one variation, the electromechanical mechanism may include a cog rotated by threaded rod  8  which is itself driven by electrical motor  5  (not shown). The cog is part of threaded rod  8  and is located near the front end of threaded rod  8 . The cog is housed in a housing in grip body  7 . The housing opens to the exterior on the upper face of grip body  7 . The cog is rotated by electrical motor  5  to drive a trammel located on the cover. The trammel rotates a paddle to blend the food (for example, purée, fried vegetables, or soup) located on the bottom of cooking pot  24 . 
     In one variation shown in  FIG. 17 , removable grip mechanism  1  may include lifting mechanism  50  to lift cover  51  placed on pot  24 .  FIG. 17  shows a longitudinal cut-away of removable grip mechanism  1  set on pot  24  which includes lifting mechanism  50  in the raised position.  FIG. 19  shows a longitudinal cut-away of removable grip mechanism  1  set on pot  24 . Lifting mechanism  50  is shown in the rest position. 
     Lifting mechanism  50  includes two pistons  52  triggered by a motor and a trigger mechanism (not shown). This motor and electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  trigger bit  2   a  and  2   b  and are powered by energy source  6 . Pistons  52  move in translation perpendicularly in longitudinal direction (X) between a rest position ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ) in which they are retracted (completely or nearly so) in grip body  7  and a raised position ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ) in which they protrude on upper face  37  of grip body  7  and are basically perpendicularly thereto. 
     Pistons  52  are positioned near bit  2   a  and  2   b  and are aligned along the forward edge of the grip mechanism in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal direction (X). 
     Grip mechanism  1  pinches side wall  25  of pot  24  from above the wall. As shown in  FIG. 19 , when pistons  52  are in a rest position (retracted), cover  51  is designed to rest on the pistons and cover mobile bit  2   a  to allow as little space possible between the cover and grip mechanism  1 . Cover  51  includes support edge  53  on its external periphery which supports pistons  52 . 
     When pistons  52  are in the raised position ( FIGS. 17 ,  18 ), they are in contact with support edge  53  of cover  51  and push it upward to form space  54  between cover  51  and mobile bit  2   a  of grip mechanism  1 . A space is thereby formed between cover  51  and the upper edge of pot  24  to allow vapor to pass. 
     In one variation, the mechanical mechanism includes lifting mechanism  50 . Lifting mechanism  50  is triggered by trigger mechanism  3 , which is itself driven by electromechanical mechanism  5 ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  (not shown). The attachment mechanism is triggered manually. 
     In the implementation shown in  FIG. 21 , the mechanical mechanism may include brush  45  with shaft  44  rotated by motor  5 . Motor  5  triggers both brush  45  and trigger mechanism  3 , which moves bit  2   a  of the attachment mechanism. Brush  45  may clean cooking pots such as pot  24 , for example. Removable grip mechanism  1  then forms a multifunctional handle which eliminates the need for other utensils. 
     In one variation, removable grip mechanism  1  may include two electrical connection terminals connected to electrical energy source  6  to power an electrical mechanism external to removable grip mechanism  1  (not shown). The two connection terminals are located on front face of removable grip mechanism  1  and are designed to be connected to two other connection terminals on the cooking pot. The external electrical mechanism can be an electrical resistor located under the cooking pot to heat it or an agitator located on the cover, for example. 
     Removable grip mechanism  1  may include display  39  powered by electrical energy source  6  and be connected to the electronic circuit, as shown in  FIG. 15 . This display  39  may include a liquid crystal screen for example, to, inter alia, display remaining power in electrical energy source  6 , the time, remaining cooking time or temperature of the cooking pot. Liquid crystal screen is located on upper face  37  of removable grip mechanism  1 . 
     Removable grip mechanism  1  may include a measurement mechanism such as a temperature sensor or a mechanism to determine the weight of the food in cooking pot  24 , for example. The temperature or weight may be displayed on the liquid crystal screen. Removable grip mechanism  1  may include a clock and timer. The measurement mechanism is powered by electrical energy source  6  and is connected to the electronic circuit. 
     Removable grip mechanism  1  may include a wireless communication mechanism to receive and/or transmit information to a base station. The communication mechanism may include a radio transmitter and/or receiver powered by electrical energy source  6  which is connected to the electronic circuit. For example, the base station may transmit cooking recipes to removable grip mechanism  1 . These recipes are displayed on the liquid crystal screen. Removable grip mechanism  1  may transmit signals with the temperature of the cooking pot to the base station. 
     Removable grip mechanism  1  may include lighting mechanism  40 , for example, a diode, to light the food in cooking pot  24 . Lighting mechanism  40  is located on upper face  37  and in front of removable grip mechanism  1 . Lighting mechanism  40  is powered by electrical energy source  6 . 
     The electronic card or circuit may, for example, control the rotation direction of the motor, detect the tightening of mobile bit  2   a , display information on the status of removable grip mechanism  1  (open/closed, remaining power, specific problems, etc.), and the battery charge. 
     In one possible operation mode, prior to using the cooking pot or cooking pot, the user attaches the handle or removable grip mechanism  1  which is in the open position to side wall  25  of cooking pot  24 . 
     When the user pushes command button  56 , electrical motor  5  starts, turning threaded rod  8 . Mobile item or nut  9  moves and drives mobile bit  2   a  or a fork. When mobile bit  2   a  comes into contact with the cap, electrical motor  5  stops, as a surge in motor power is detected and transmitted to the electronic circuit. 
     When the cooking pot is used when removable grip mechanism  1  is grasped by the user, blocking mechanism  21  (mechanical safety) prevents mobile bit  2   a  from being triggered, and therefore its accidental opening when moving cooking pot  24 , for example. 
     After the cooking pot is used, by pushing command button  56 , electrical motor  5  is restarted, opening mobile bit  2   a . The electronic circuit “learns” the status of the handle which is in the closed position in this case and controls the rotation direction of electrical motor  5  to activate the rotation direction which opens the handle. In one variation, the user may manually select the rotation direction of electrical motor  5  using switch  12 . 
     If energy source  6  is a battery, recharging stand  34  recharges the handle after use. 
     In one variation, at rest, removable grip mechanism  1  is held in the closed position by a recall spring, for example. Command button  56  is then only used to open mobile bit  2   a . When command button  56  is released, mobile bit  2   a  is automatically closed by the spring. 
     In one possible implementation shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , grip body  7  includes mobile forward section  55  which forms mobile bit  2   a . This mobile forward section  55  includes front contact surface  17  designed to come into contact with the external surface of side wall  25  of pot  24 . Fixed bit  2   b  is extended by arm  15  which is part of grip body  7 . Fixed bit  2   b  includes an internal contact surface designed to come into contact with the internal surface of side wall  25  of pot  24 . Mobile forward section  55  moves in translation along longitudinal direction (X) between a closed position ( FIG. 22 ) in which bit  2   a  and  2   b  may pinch side wall  25  of pot  24  and an open position ( FIG. 23 ). Mobile forward section  55  moves between fixed bit  2   b  and the remainder of grip body  7 . 
     Mobile forward section  55  is activated by trigger mechanism  3 . Trigger mechanism  3  includes threaded rod  8  which is rotated by electrical motor  5 , and mobile item  9 ′ which is part of mobile forward section  55  (mobile bit  2   a ) and has a threaded opening in which engages threaded rod  8 . The rotation of threaded rod  8  moves mobile item  9 ′ along it and moves mobile forward section  55  in translation. Electrical motor  5  is powered by electrical energy source  6 . Command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  is designed to control the operation of and stop motor  5 . Removable grip mechanism  1  shown in the example in  FIGS. 22 and 23  may have the characteristics described above for removable grip mechanism  1  of the example in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This removable grip mechanism  1  has fewer mechanical elements, can be released above trigger mechanism  3  and is less fragile than removable grip mechanism  1  which includes mobile bit  2   a  at its front extremity. Mobile forward section  55  is protected by fixed bit  2   b.    
     In one variation, command mechanism  4 ,  12 ,  22  and  56  includes additional security mechanism  4  which prevents the attachment mechanism from being triggered when grip mechanism  1  is grasped. Additional security mechanism  4  includes button  4  which is advantageously located under grip body  7 . When the user grasps the handle, he automatically triggers additional security mechanism  4 , which prevents the attachment mechanism from being triggered. Button  4  may be connected to a switch which cuts the electrical power. Additional security mechanism  4  is a dead man&#39;s switch.