Abstract:
A slow cooker with fastening mechanism includes a housing, handles on the side wall of the housing, and a lid, wherein a movable fastening mechanism is provided on the upper side of the lid, and each of the handles is hinged to a clamping hook and corresponds to the movable fastening mechanism, so that the clamping hook can interact with the movable fastening mechanism. The inner pot can be closed tightly by the action of the clamping hook. With two compressing parts provided on the clamping hook and the dismountable sealing ring around the lid rim, the inner pot can be closed tightly by the lid. The lid handle is fixed onto the lid via threaded connection with sealing plugs in the connection sites.

Description:
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
       [0001]    The disclosure relates to cookers and, in particular, to slow cookers with fastening mechanism. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Slow cooker in the prior art is generally of simple design, and typically includes an inner pot and a lid thereon. Further, a fastening clip can be provided and hinged on a handle, such that the lid can be compressed tightly by clipping of the fastening clip. However, it is inconvenient to engage or release the fastening device. Besides, the sealing is not so perfect since the lid is compressed at one point only, which effects the quality of food cooked. On the other hand, a larger gap typically exists between the inner pot and the side wall, so that the inner pot cannot be placed steadily and protected well, and therefore it is not so safe when carrying the cooker. It is obviously significant to make further improvements to the design of the slow cooker for convenience and better cooking. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    For the purpose of overcoming the defects of the prior art, the present invention discloses a slow cooker with fastening mechanism, which is of novel and delicate configuration. A lid can be compressed tightly on the inner pot, while the clamping hook can be fastened and released quite easily and reliably. 
         [0004]    According to the present invention, the slow cooker with fastening mechanism comprises a housing, housing handles disposed at the outer wall of the housing, and a lid, wherein a movable fastening mechanism is provided on the upper side of the lid, and the movable fastening mechanism comprises: 
         [0005]    a first contractible rod and a second contractible rod, where a spring is provided between the opposite inner end of each contractible rod, wherein a slope inclining towards the inner end of the contractible rod is provided on the lower part of the inner end of each contractible rod; 
         [0006]    an auxiliary connecting rod provided under the two contractible rods and fixed on the lid, where two wedges corresponding to two slopes are provided in the middle of the auxiliary connecting rod; wherein recess areas are respectively provided on two ends of the auxiliary connecting rod; wherein the outer ends of the two contractible rods cover the corresponding recess areas; and 
         [0007]    a button disposed above the contractible rods, with its bottom contacting with the top of the inner ends of the two contractible rods; wherein when the contractible rods are pressed down via the button to an utmost position, the horizontal distance between the outer ends of the two contractible rods is not greater than the horizontal distance between the two recess areas. 
         [0008]    Each of the handles is hinged to a clamping hook and corresponds to the movable fastening mechanism, wherein the recess areas are located in the motion trail of the free end of each corresponding clamping hook, and a hole is provided on the free end part and corresponds to the outer end of each contractible rod. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two compressing parts are provided on each clamping hook, one of which is the free end part of the clamping hook, while the other one is the curve part for clamping the lid rim, the lid rim is fallen into the motion trail of the curve part. 
         [0010]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the housing handles comprises a fixed block fixed on the outer wall of the housing and a U-shaped push block; A chamber with an upwards opening is provided on the fixed block, and a slot is provided on the outer side of the chamber along the radial direction of the housing; The U-shaped push block is provided in the slot and is able to slide horizontally, with a spring provided between its closed end and the inner side of the chamber, with its open end projecting from the slot; the clamping hook is hinged to the fixed block and pushed against the open end of the U-shape push block. 
         [0011]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, convex parts are provided on the opening side of the middle layer of the housing, so as to fix the inner pot. 
         [0012]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, stop holes are respectively provided on the inner side of the recess areas of both ends of the auxiliary connecting rods corresponding to the two contractible rods, the outer ends of the contractible rods can pass through the stop holes. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, bumps are respectively provided on top of the inner end of each contractible rod, grooves are provided at the bottom of the button, where the bumps are embedded in the grooves. 
         [0014]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a lid handle being a hollow housing is provided on the upper side of the lid, the movable fastening mechanism is installed within the inner space of the lid handle; A hole is provided vertically through the top of the lid handle, the button is provided movably inside the hole; Further, two openings corresponding to the two recess areas are provided on the lid handle; The lid handle comprises a first handle case and a second handle case, two compressing plates corresponding to two contractible rods are respectively provided on the first handle case and the second handle case, the two contractible rods are located between the corresponding compressing plates. 
         [0015]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, locating posts and their corresponding locating holes, as well as locating grooves and their corresponding locating strips, are respectively provided on the engaging surfaces of the first handle case and the second handle case. 
         [0016]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid handle is fixed to the upper side of the lid via threaded connection with sealing plugs in the connection sites. 
         [0017]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a dismountable sealing ring is provided around the lid rim. 
         [0018]    Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: 
         [0019]    I. Owing to the configuration of the lid handle, movable fastening mechanism and the housing handles, it is convenient for users to operate the clamping hooks, so that the lid can be compressed tightly. Moreover, stop holes corresponding to the contractible rods are designed on the movable fastening mechanism, and two compressing plates corresponding to the contractible rods are respectively designed on each handle case. Therefore the contractible rods could be compressed tightly, and the clamping hooks won&#39;t be released or misplaced, so that the cooker could be used conveniently. 
         [0020]    II. The clamping hook could return to the original released position automatically but not manually via interaction of the fixed block, the push block with the spring in each housing handle. 
         [0021]    III. The lid handle is fixed on the lid by screws, and the sealing plugs are provided between the lid handle and the lid in order to strengthen the connection, and therefore the lid can match the lid handle quite well regardless of the irregular surface of the lid. 
         [0022]    IV. The inner pot can be compressed more effectively by the lid, since the lid retains the inner pot in a tight compressing situation via two compressing parts, i.e. the free end part and the curve part of the clamping hook. Further, along with the sealing ring on the lid rim, steam and liquid-like food stuffs can be retained in the inner pot, and thus the pressure inside the inner pot rises. This enables the food to be heated evenly, so that the original food nutrients can be retained while consuming less energy. 
         [0023]    V. The dismountable sealing ring around the lid rim makes it easy to clean and healthy to use. 
         [0024]    VI. The convex parts on the inside wall of the middle layer are provided such that the inner pot could be fixed in a certain place without moving inside the housing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  depicts a schematic drawing of the slow cooker according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  depicts an exploded perspective view of the slow cooker according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the slow cooker according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  depicts a schematic drawing of the handle according to the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  depicts a schematic drawing of the sealing plug&#39;s structure and application according to the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  depicts a structural schematic drawing of the handle and movable fastening mechanism according to the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  depicts a schematic drawing of the middle layer of the slow cooker according to the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  depicts a schematic drawing of the lid and the sealing ring according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  depicts a demonstrating drawing of the movable fastening mechanism according to the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  depicts an exploded view of the handle according to the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  depicts a schematic drawing of the locating groove and locating strip on the housing according to the present invention; 
       
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               111  button; 
               112  contractible rod; 
               1121  bump; 
               1122  slope; 
               113  spring; 
               114  auxiliary connecting rod; 
               1141  wedge; 
               1142  stop hole; 
               1143  recess area; 
               12  lid handle; 
               121  lid handle case; 
               12111  locating post; 
               12112  locating hole; 
               1212  compressing plate; 
               1213  end slope; 
               12141  locating groove; 
               12142  locating strip; 
               13  lid; 
               14  sealing ring; 
               141  ring grooves; 
               15  sealing plugs; 
               2  inner pot; 
               3  housing; 
               31  side wall; 
               311  control knob; 
               32  base; 
               321  support leg; 
               33  middle layer; 
               331  housing rim; 
               332  heating element; 
               4  housing handle; 
               411  fixed block; 
               4111  chamber; 
               4112  slot; 
               412  U-shaped push block; 
               413  spring; 
               414  connecting part; 
               4141  fixing hole; 
               42  clamping hook; 
               421  free end part; 
               422  curve part; 
               423  connecting end part; 
               43  housing handle case; 
               5  convex part. 
           
         
       
     
         [0080]    The invention is described in more details hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0081]    The slow cooker of the invention comprises a housing  3 , an inner pot  2 , housing handles  4  on the side wall of the housing  3 , and a lid  13  as shown in  FIG. 1-2 . 
         [0082]    As shown in  FIG. 1-2 , the housing  3  is typically oval, circular, or in other shapes, and can be made of metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or other suitable materials. While metal is preferred for the components of the housing  3 , it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention that other materials are applied. The invention is not limited to specific shapes or materials for the slow cooker described above, but it is intended to cover any changes as to the shape and material of the housing that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The housing  3  comprises a side wall  31 , a base  32  and a middle layer  33 . 
         [0083]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 , a housing rim  331  is provided on the upper part of the middle layer  33 , and extends to the opening rim of the middle layer  33 , and is embedded into the side wall  31 , the inner pot  2  is surrounded by the middle layer  33 . Three separate protrusions or support legs  321  are typically provided on the bottom of the base  32 . The support legs  321  can be of various types. The invention is intended to cover all changes as to the support parts that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, the bottom can be designed without support legs  321  or protrusions. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a heating element  332  is disposed within the inner wall of the middle layer  33 , which can not be seen from outside. The heating element typically comprises electrical heating parts and insulation parts, such as calrod heating element or mica heating element. The heating element  332  can be installed in other parts of the cooker, such as a portion between the base  32  and the middle layer  33 . The invention is intended to cover all changes as to the mounting position and types of the heating element that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a control knob  311  is typically provided on the side wall  31  in order to allow the user to control the heating element  332 . For example, the rotary knob of the control knob  311  is configurated at least with a switch, or with a further improved configuration, i.e. “HIGH” and “LOW” function, and even with more developed alternating heating device, such as, but not limit to, rotating the rotary knob to energize the control knob (which cannot be seen from outside), and therefore the heating element  332  will heat the inner pot at the temperature as desired. 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the inner pot  2  is a hollow container with a rim around the inner pot opening, and its hollow space can be used for containing food. The shape and size of the inner pot  2  are typically in correspondence with that of the middle layer  33 , such that the outer wall of inner pot  2  could be close enough to the middle layer  33  in order to receive heat from the heating element  332  of the middle layer  33 . The inner pot  2  is usually made of ceramic or stoneware, or other applicable material, such as material with equivalent function like enamel, pottery or aluminum pot. The invention is intended to cover all changes that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Besides, it is easy to take the inner pot  2  out of the housing  3  and clean it, preventing the housing  3  and the heating element and other energized parts from being inundated by or contacting with detergent. 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the shape and size of the lid  13  are typically in correspondence with that of the inner pot  2 . The lid  13  can generally be placed on the opening part of the upper rim of the inner pot  2  completely or at least partly, so as to cover the inner pot  2 . For example, the shape of the lid  13  is oval or circular corresponding to the housing  3 , while relevant changes or modifications are within the scope of claims and equivalent technology. The lid  13  is typically made of glass, however it can be made of other transparent of semitransparent materials, such as polymer or other materials with equivalent function, the invention is intended to cover other materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, at least one vent, generally one or two vents here, is provided on the lid for ventilation, while relevant changes or modifications are within the scope of claims and equivalent technology. A hollow lid handle  12  and a movable fastening mechanism are set on the upper side of the lid  13  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0087]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6  and  9 , the movable fastening mechanism comprises a first contractible rod  112  and a second contractible rod  112 , where a spring is provided between the opposite inner ends of two contractible rods  112 ; for each contractible rod  112 , a slope  1122  inclining towards the inner end of the contractible rod is provided on the bottom of each inner end, and a bump  1121  is provided in the top of each inner end; The contractible rods  112  are typically made of polymers, such as plastics, however other materials with the equivalent functions are also applicable. All materials with the equivalent functions are within the scope of claims and equivalent technology of the present invention; An auxiliary connecting rod  114  is provided under the two contractible rods  112 , two wedges  1141  associated with two slopes  1122  respectively are provided in the middle portion of the auxiliary connecting rods  114 ; Two recess areas  1143  are respectively provided on outer ends of the auxiliary connecting rods, there is no limit to the specific location and depth of the recess area  1143 , and those with the equivalent functions are within the scope of claims and equivalent technology of the present invention. Two stop holes  1142  are respectively provided on the inner sides of both recess areas  1143  of the auxiliary connecting rod  114 , the outer ends of the contractible rods  112  can pass through the stop holes  1142 , thereby the contractible rod  112  is compressed by the stop holes  1142 . The outer ends of the contractible rods  112  cover the corresponding recess area  1143 . Further, when the contractible rods are pressed down to an utmost position, i.e. the bumps  1121  of the two contractible rods  112  was contacted with each other, the distance between the outer ends of the two contractible rods is not greater than the distance between the two recess areas  1143 ; 
         [0088]    a button  111  is disposed above the contractible rods  112 , with a bottom having a groove, two bumps provided on the two contractible rods are embedded in the grooves. 
         [0089]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ,  6 ,  9  and  11 , the lid handle  12  is connected to the upper side of the lid  13  by screws, where sealing plugs  15  are provided such that no steam or liquid inside the cooker can leak out, and the lid can match the lid handle quite well regardless of the uneven surface of the lid. The lid handle  12  comprises a first lid handle case  121  and a second lid handle case  121 . These two lid handle cases  121  are formed as a whole via a locating post  12111  and a corresponding locating hole  12112  as well as a locating groove  12141  and the corresponding locating strip  12142  on the engaging surfaces of the lid handle cases  121 . The lid handle  12  is typically made of polymer, such as plastics, however other materials with the equivalent functions are also applicable. The invention is intended to cover all changes that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and within the claims and equivalent technology scope of the present invention. The movable fastening mechanism is installed inside the lid handle  12 . A hole is provided vertically through the top of the lid handle  12 . The button  111  is movably provided in the hole. The button  111  is typically made of polymer, such as plastics, however other materials with the equivalent functions are also applicable. The invention is intended to cover all changes that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, two holes are respectively provided on the end slopes  1213  of the lid handle  12 , corresponding to the two recess areas  1143 . Two compressing plates  1212  corresponding to two contractible rods  112  are respectively provided on the first and second handle cases  121 , and the two contractible rods  112  are provided between the corresponding compressing plates  1212 . The compressing plates  1212  and the stop holes  1142  on both ends of the auxiliary connecting rod  114  are used for fastening the contractible rods  112 . 
         [0090]    As shown in  FIGS. 2-4  and  10 , the each housing handle  4  comprises a fixed block  411  fixed on the outer wall of the housing  3  and a U-shaped push block  412 . Components of the housing handle  4  are typically made of polymer, such as plastics, however other materials with the equivalent functions are also applicable. The invention is intended to cover all changes that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. A chamber  4111  with an upward opening is provided on the fixed block  411 , and a slot  4112  is provided on the outer side of the chamber  4111  along the radial direction of the housing  3 . The U-shaped push block  412  is provided in the slot and is able to slide horizontally, with a spring  413  provided between its close end and the inner side of the chamber  4111 , and its open end projecting from the slot  4112 . A connecting part  414  extends from the outer end of the fixed block  411  where the slot is provided. A clamping hook  42  is hinged to the fixed block  414  and push against the open end of the U-shape push block  412 . Two compressing parts are provided on each clamping hook  42 , one of the compressing parts is the free end part  421  of the clamping hook  42 , while the other one is the curve part  422  for clamping the rim of the lid  13 . The recess areas  1143  is located in the motion trail of the corresponding free end part  421  of the clamping hook  42 . The rim of the lid  13  is fallen into the motion trail of the curve part  422 . The clamping hook  42  is made of metal, however other materials are also applicable. The shape of the clamping hook  42  is typically as shown in  FIG. 1 , but not limit to such material or shape, those with the equivalent functions are within the scope of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the connecting end of the clamping hook  42  to the connecting part  414  is an open end. Two opposite fixing holes  4141  are provided on both side of the connecting part  414  in order to correspond to two ends  423  on the open end of the clamping hook  42  respectively. The two ends  423  on the open end can be driven apart and then inserted into corresponding fixing holes  4141  respectively. With an ability of the clamping hook  42  reversion, the two ends  423  are caught in the fixing holes  4141  of the connecting part  414  tightly. The housing handle  4  further comprises a housing handle case  43  wrapped the fixed block  411  and the U-shaped push block  412 . 
         [0091]    Preferably, springs will be the elements which retract and extent in the movable fastening mechanism and housing handles, but other elastic elements with different sizes and materials but equivalent functions are also applicable. The invention is intended to cover all changes that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 , convex parts  5  are provided on the opening side of the middle layer  33  of the housing  3 , so as to fix the inner pot  2  and prevent the inner pot  2  from moving inside the housing  3 . There are typically, but not limit to, four convex parts provided. The invention is intended to cover all changes as to the number of the convex parts that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  8 , a sealing ring  14  is provided around the rim of the lid  13 . The sealing ring  14  is typically made of silica gel, however other materials with equivalent functions are also applicable. The shape of the sealing ring  14  is oval, and its cross section view is shown in  FIG. 8 . The invention is intended to cover all changes as to the material and shape of the sealing ring that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The sealing ring  14  is a closed ring, with a ring groove  141  provided corresponding to the rim of the lid  13  in the inner side of the sealing ring  14 . With the elasticity of the sealing ring  14 , the rim of the lid  13  can be surrounded completely and tightly by the sealing ring  14  by matching the ring groove  141  of the sealing ring  14  with the rim of the lid  13 . The sealing ring  14  can seal up the cooker, in order to prevent the steam and liquid food from flowing out, and thus the pressure inside the cooker rises, which brings better uniform heating, more nutrition, but less electrical power. Further, it is a healthy way that the sealing ring  14  can preferably be dismantled and cleaned alone. 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , when in use, the housing  3  is covered with the lid  13 , and then the free end parts  421  of the clamping hooks  42  are pushed through the hole in the end slope  1213  of the contractible rods  112 , and then the bumps  1121  and the slopes  1122 , of the two contractible rods  112 , slide and retract inward along the wedges  1141  of the auxiliary connecting rod  114 . Once the free ends  421  of the clamping hooks  42  are locked in the recess areas  1143 , the two contractible rods  112  extend respectively under the reversion of the spring  113 , and the outer ends of the two contractible rods  112  will cover the recess areas  1143  and pass through the clamping hook  42  respectively. As a result, the lid  13  is compressed tightly by the clamping hook  42 , while the inner pot  2  is compressed tightly by the lid  13 , and the rim of the lid  13  is compressed tightly by the curve parts  422  of the clamping hooks  42 . When the user wants to open the lid  13 , he can push the button  111 , such that the two contractible rods  112  can retract inward respectively with slopes along the wedges  1141 , and then the outer ends of the two contractible rods  112  will not cover the recess areas any more. Meanwhile, the springs  413  in the housing handles  4 , under its reversion action, push the U-shaped push blocks  412  to act on the clamping hooks  42 , therefore the clamping hooks  42  are released automatically from the recess areas  1143 , and the lid  13  can be removed easily. 
         [0095]    It should be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The invention is intended to cover various changes or modifications that could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.