Locking cookware article

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention includes a cookware article comprising a handle, two opposable surfaces, a detachable hinge, a lifting handle, and a means for locking the opposable surfaces. Another embodiment consists of the aforementioned article wherein the means for locking is comprised of: a stationary sleeve with a second handle positioned at the end, a stationary pin with a positioning collar, a semi-circular collar accommodating a rotation limiting latch pin and shoulder stop wherein said semi-circular collar is interlocked with said stationary pin, a round shaft accommodating lateral movement limiting rings, wherein said shaft is inserted through said stationary sleeve, wherein said stationary sleeve is attached to one opposing cookware surface. Another embodiment includes the use of a second handle to lift one opposing cookware surface away from the other opposing cookware surface. Another embodiment includes a circular collar instead of a semi-circular collar. Another embodiment further includes a return spring in the means for locking. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a means for locking wherein the circular collar accommodating a rotation limiting latch pin and two shoulder stops, wherein one of said shoulder stop limits movement of said shaft in the counter-clockwise direction and the other said shoulder stop limits movement of said shaft in the clockwise direction instead of the semi-circular collar. Another variation of this embodiment further consists of a second handle which can rotate the range between approximately 20 degrees and 60 degrees. Another embodiment of the present invention further includes a feature wherein the means for locking is detachable from the cookware.

1 . A cookware article comprising: 
 a handle;    two opposable surfaces;    a detachable hinge;    a lifting handle; and    a means for locking said opposable surfaces.    
   
   
       2 . A cookware article of  claim 1  wherein the means for locking is comprised of: 
 a stationary sleeve with a second handle positioned at the end;    a stationary pin with a positioning collar;    a semi-circular collar accommodating a rotation limiting latch pin and shoulder stop wherein said semi-circular collar is interlocked with said stationary pin;    a round shaft accommodating lateral movement limiting rings;    wherein said shaft is inserted through said stationary sleeve; and    wherein said stationary sleeve is attached to one opposing cookware surface.    
   
   
       3 . A cookware article of  claim 2  wherein said second handle is further used to lift one opposing cookware surface away from the other opposing cookware surface.  
   
   
       4 . A cookware article of  claim 2  wherein said semi-circular collar is a circular collar.  
   
   
       5 . A cookware article of  claim 2  wherein said means for locking is further comprised of a return spring.  
   
   
       6 . A cookware article of  claim 2  wherein said semi-circular collar in said means for locking is comprised of a circular collar accommodating a rotation limiting latch pin and two shoulder stops, wherein one of said shoulder stop limits movement of said shaft in the counter-clockwise direction and the other said shoulder stop limits movement of said shaft in the clockwise direction.  
   
   
       7 . A cookware article of  claim 2  wherein the rotation of said second handle is in the range of approximately 20 degrees and 60 degrees.  
   
   
       8 . A cookware article of  claim 2  wherein said means for locking is detachable from said cookware.