MODULAR FOOD CONTAINER COVERING DEVICE

Abstract

A modular food container covering device, comprising a disc 1 developed to be positioned on mouth portion of an utensil, an expandable pulley arrangement 3 integrated in disc 1 to accommodate on utensil, an imaging unit 2 is installed on disc 1 to determine positioning of disc 1 on utensil, a pair of motorized clippers 4 integrated on lateral sides of disc 1 to acquire a grip on utensil, a display panel is arranged on disc 1 for user input, a motorized first gripper 7 installed underneath disc 1 to position a fork in contact with food item, a motorized second gripper 8 arranged underneath disc 1 for positioning flap dipped in food item, a motorized dual axis slider is integrated in between lid 9 and second gripper 8 to translate second gripper 8, an electronically controlled nozzle 6 integrated on a water reservoir 5 mounted on disc 1 for dispensing water inside utensil.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular food container covering device that is capable of determining a dimension of the utensil's mouth portion and accordingly accommodate on the utensil in order to cook a user-desired dish in a secured and an automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Properly covering food containers is essential for preserving the freshness, flavor, and quality of stored food items. Exposure to air, moisture, and contaminants can lead to spoilage, dehydration, or contamination, resulting in food waste and potential health risks. Food is stored in a wide range of containers, including bowls, plates, pots, pans, jars, and various types of food storage containers. These containers come in different sizes, shapes, and materials, making it challenging to find universal covers that fit securely. Traditional methods of covering food containers include using plastic wrap, aluminum foil, reusable lids, or makeshift covers like plates or bowls.

[0003] Although the traditional method properly food container using reusable lids has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations relying. On packed meals for work, travel, or outdoor activities, there's a growing demand for food storage solutions that are easy to use, transport, and clean. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of covering food where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US20110121002A1 discloses about a multi-compartment food storage container is adapted for stand-alone use or for use in a lunchbox or lunch bag. The container includes a lower portion defining a plurality of compartments, an upper portion defining at least one compartment pivotably connected in a sealing engagement to the lower portion and a cover hingably connected to seal the upper portion. The compartments are suitable for storing food items in a sanitary manner.

[0005] US20100200438A1 discloses about a modular container system may enable a user to create a set of interconnected containers to organize and pack small items. The modular container system may be assembled in various ways to hold one or more items in separate compartments of varying size. The modular container system may have the same diameter as a typical sports water bottle, making the container system easy to pack and readily accessible to the user. The modular container system may be useful in various situations where a person needs to organize and store items. Applications may include outdoor sports and recreation, military, automotive, arts and crafts, construction tools and materials, food storage, toy storage, and the like.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of food container covering however these devices fail in determining a dimension of the utensil's mouth portion and accordingly accommodate on the utensil in order to cook a user-desired dish in a secured and an automated manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of determining a dimension of the utensil's mouth portion and accordingly accommodate on the utensil in order to cook a user-desired dish in a secured and automatic manner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining a dimension of the utensil's mouth portion and accordingly accommodate on the utensil in order to cook a user-desired dish in a secured and an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring a level of water in the food item contained in the utensil and accordingly dispense water inside the utensil in view of ensuring an optimum level of water inside the utensil to prevent any chances of burning.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature and capable of straining extra water from the utensil in order to maintain the optimum level inside the utensil.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a modular food container covering device that is capable of determining a dimension of the utensil's mouth portion and accordingly accommodate on the utensil in order to cook a user-desired dish in a secured and an automated manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an modular food container covering device comprising, a modular food container cover device, comprising, a disc developed to be positioned on mouth portion of a utensil in which food is being cooked, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the disc for monitoring dimensions of the utensil's mouth portion, an expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the disc that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to expand/contract the disc for getting properly accommodated on the utensil, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the disc and integrated with a processor to determine positioning of the disc on the utensil, a pair of motorized clippers integrated on lateral sides of the disc to acquire a grip on rim portion of the utensil in view of locking the disc on the utensil, wherein a touch interactive display panel is arranged on the disc that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding a dish which is being cooked in the utensil, a motorized first gripper installed underneath the disc to position a fork integrated on the first gripper in contact with food item stored inside the utensil, a temperature sensor is integrated on the first gripper for monitoring boiling status of the food item, in case the user-specifications includes boiling of the food items.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises, a motorized second gripper arranged underneath the disc and integrated with a curved flap that is actuated by the microcontroller to extend for positioning the flap dipped in the food item, a motorized dual axis slider is integrated in between the lid and second gripper that is actuated by the microcontroller to translate the second gripper for initiating stirring of the food items, in case the user-specifications includes stirring of the food items, a level sensor integrated underneath the disc for monitoring level of water in the food item contained in the utensil and in case the monitored level recedes/exceeds a threshold level of water, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle integrated on a water reservoir mounted on the disc for dispensing water inside the utensil in order to ensure an optimum level of water inside the utensil to prevent any chances of burning of food item inside the utensil, wherein plurality of motorized iris lids are integrated on the disc that are actuated by the microcontroller to get open for allowing the user to strain extra water from the utensil in order to maintain the optimum level inside the utensil, wherein a battery is configured with the disc for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a modular food container covering device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a modular food container covering device that is capable of determining a dimension of the utensil's mouth portion and accordingly accommodate on the utensil in order to cook a user-desired dish in a secured and an automatic manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an modular food container covering device is illustrated, comprising a disc 1 developed to be positioned on mouth portion of an utensil, an expandable pulley arrangement 3 integrated in disc 1, an imaging unit 2 is installed on disc 1, a pair of motorized clippers 4 integrated on lateral sides of disc 1, a motorized first gripper 7 installed underneath disc 1, a motorized second gripper 8 arranged underneath disc 1, an electronically controlled nozzle 6 integrated on a water reservoir 5 mounted on disc 1, plurality of lid 9 present on the disc 1.

[0023] The proposed invention is comprises a disc 1 developed to be positioned on mouth portion of a utensil in which food is being cooked. Further, an inbuilt microcontroller activate an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the disc 1 for monitoring dimensions of the utensil's mouth portion. The ultrasonic sensor works by generating ultrasonic waves, wherein the waves hit the handle and are diffracted back. The diffracted waves are received by a receiver integrated within the sensor. The pattern of the received waves gets converted into an analog value which is further converted into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is send to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the received signal from the sensor, thus detecting dimensions dimension utensil's mouth portion of the in accordance to which the microcontroller evaluates dimension of disc 1 need to extend/retract to cover the utensil.

[0024] Upon evaluating dimensions dimension utensil's mouth portion, the microcontroller actuate an expandable pulley arrangement 3 integrated in the disc 1 to expand/contract the disc 1 for getting properly accommodated on the utensil. The pulley arrangement 3 consists of an expanding pulley that works on a mechanism such that the pulley changes its size while maintaining its circular shape. The pulley arrangement 3 is powered by a DC (Direct Current) motor to actuate the arrangement, aiding in expansion or retraction of the arrangement that in turn expands to form a cavity as per the dimensions of the utensil's mouth portion aiding in getting properly accommodated on the utensil.

[0025] Upon getting properly accommodated on the utensil, the microcontroller activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on the disc 1 to determine positioning of the disc 1 on the utensil. The imaging unit 2 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in vicinity of the disc 1 and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 2 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 2 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines positioning of the disc 1 on the utensil.

[0026] Upon determining the position of the disc 1 on the utensil, the microcontroller actuate a pair of motorized clippers 4 integrated on lateral sides of the disc 1 to acquire a grip on rim portion of the utensil. Motorized clippers 4 are operated by a pair of handles which are alternately squeezed together and released for griping the rim portion of the utensil and are driven by the motor which makes the lock the disc 1 on the utensil. Upon actuation of the motorized clippers 4 by the microcontroller the motor driven the clipper to acquire a grip on rim portion of the utensil, in view of locking the disc 1 on the utensil.

[0027] After then, the microcontroller activate a touch interactive display panel is arranged on the disc 1 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding a dish which is being cooked in the utensil. The touch interactive display panel as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding a dish which is being cooked in the utensil. The touch controller is typically connected to the inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the disc 1 through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The Integrated Circuit, then transmit the analogue signal to the microcontroller in the form of the electrical signal to process the signal. Upon receiving the signal the microcontroller process the user requirement and evaluate detail regarding a dish which is being cooked in the utensil.

[0028] As per the user input, the microcontroller activate a motorized first gripper 7 installed underneath the disc 1 to position a fork integrated on the first gripper 7 in contact with food item stored inside the utensil. The motorized gripper operates as a robotic hand that is designed to grasp the corn effectively. The gripper typically incorporates a motorized mechanism that controls the opening and closing of the jaws of the gripper. The motor generates the necessary force to move the gripper's fingers for the opening and closing of the jaws with precision. This motorized action is often controlled by the microcontroller to position a fork in contact with food item stored inside the utensil.

[0029] After then, the microcontroller activate a temperature sensor is integrated on the first gripper 7 for monitoring boiling status of the food item. The temperature sensor is composed of metal that generate an electrical voltage or resistance when experienced to temperature changes. The senor works by measuring the voltage across the diode terminals. The resistance of the diode is detected and transformed into readable values in order to measure the temperature of the food items. The measured temperature is then converted into electrical signal which is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller further processes the measured temperature and determine the boiling status of the food item.

[0030] Thereafter, the microcontroller activate a motorized second gripper 8 arranged underneath the disc 1 and integrated with a curved flap to extend for positioning the flap dipped in the food item. The motorized second gripper 8 operates on the same principle as that of the motorized first gripper 7 disclosed above, thus the second gripper 8 extend and position the flap dipped in the food item.

[0031] In case the user-specifications includes stirring of the food items, the microcontroller actuate a motorized dual axis slider is integrated in between the lid 9 and second gripper 8 to translate the second gripper 8 for initiating stirring of the food items. The two- axis slider consists of two main components, a base platform and a moving carriage. The base platform is fixed in place, while the moving carriage is attached to the base via a rail. The second grippe is mounted over the carriage such that the microcontroller actuates the slider to perform sliding operation to move the second grippe smoothly along the horizontal and vertical axis of the slider. The slider is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the moving carriage to provide sliding
movement to the second grippe in both the axis, thereby initiating stirring of the food items.

[0032] After then, the microcontroller activate a level sensor integrated underneath the disc 1 for monitoring level of water in the food item contained in the utensil. The level sensor used herein is a preferably an ultrasonic level sensor. The ultrasonic level sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the water. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, propagator, reflector and a receiver for measuring the level of water in the reservoir 5. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of water which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the key. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of the water and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the water in the utensil. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller processes signal and compare the level of the water with pre-fed database, evaluate the monitored level recedes/exceeds a threshold level of water.

[0033] In case the monitored level recedes/exceeds a threshold level of water, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 6 integrated on a water reservoir 5 mounted on the disc 1 for dispensing water inside the utensil. Electronic controlled nozzle 6 consists of a gate, and a magnetic coil which is energized by the microcontroller, on energizing the magnetic coil force is generated which pushes the gate to open thus allowing the water to flow out of the nozzle 6 and dispense water inside the utensil in order to ensure an optimum level of water inside the utensil to prevent any chances of burning of food item inside the utensil.

[0034] Additionally, plurality of motorized iris lid 9s are integrated on the disc 1 that are actuated by the microcontroller to get open for allowing the user to strain extra water from the utensil. The iris lid 9 arrangement comprises of a ring and a blade with multiple protrusions. The ring is fabricated with multiple grooves. The protrusions on the blades engage with the grooves on the ring in order to link the movement of the ring and blades. As the ring rotates, the protrusions move within the grooves to open or close the lid 9 according to the degree of rotation of the ring. The ring is installed with the motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for rotating the ring with a motor to get open for allowing the user to strain extra water from the utensil in order to maintain the optimum level inside the utensil.

[0035] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0036] The present invention work well in the following manner, where the disc 1 as disclosed in the invention is positioned on mouth portion of the utensil in which food is being cooked. Further, the ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the disc 1 for monitoring dimensions of the utensil's mouth portion. Then, the expandable pulley arrangement 3 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to expand/contract the disc 1 for getting properly accommodated on the utensil, followed by the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 to determine positioning of the disc 1 on the utensil. Then, the pair of motorized clippers 4 that are actuated by the microcontroller to acquire the grip on rim portion of the utensil in view of locking the disc 1 on the utensil, followed by the touch interactive display panel that is accessed by the user for providing input regarding the dish which is being cooked in the utensil. Then, the motorized first gripper 7 that is actuated by the microcontroller to position the fork integrated on the first gripper 7 in contact with food item stored inside the utensil, followed by the temperature sensor for monitoring boiling status of the food item,. Then, the motorized second gripper 8 that is actuated by the microcontroller to extend for positioning the flap dipped in the food item, followed by the motorized dual axis slider is that is actuated by the microcontroller to translate the second gripper 8 for initiating stirring of the food items, in case the user-specifications includes stirring of the food items. Then, the level sensor for monitoring level of water in the food item contained in the utensil and in case the monitored level recedes/exceeds the threshold level of water, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 6 for dispensing water inside the utensil in order to ensure an optimum level of water inside the utensil to prevent any chances of burning of food item inside the utensil.

[0037] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A modular food container covering device, comprising:

i) a disc 1 developed to be positioned on mouth portion of a utensil in which food is being cooked, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on said disc 1 for monitoring dimensions of said utensil's mouth portion;
ii) an expandable pulley arrangement 3 integrated in said disc 1 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to expand/contract said disc 1 for getting properly accommodated on said utensil, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on said disc 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said disc 1, respectively to determine positioning of said disc 1 on said utensil;
iii) a pair of motorized clippers 4 integrated on lateral sides of said disc 1 that are actuated by said microcontroller to acquire a grip on rim portion of said utensil in view of locking said disc 1 on said utensil, wherein a touch interactive display panel is arranged on said disc 1 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding a dish which is being cooked in said utensil;
iv) a motorized first gripper 7 installed underneath said disc 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to position a fork integrated on said first gripper 7 in contact with food item stored inside said utensil, wherein a temperature sensor is integrated on said first gripper 7 for monitoring boiling status of said food item, in case said user-specifications includes boiling of said food items;
v) a motorized second gripper 8 arranged underneath said disc 1 and integrated with a curved flap that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend for positioning said flap dipped in said food item, wherein a motorized dual axis slider is integrated in between said lid 9 and second gripper 8 that is actuated by said microcontroller to translate said second gripper 8 for initiating stirring of said food items, in case said user-specifications includes stirring of said food items; and
vi) a level sensor integrated underneath said disc 1 for monitoring level of water in said food item contained in said utensil and in case said monitored level recedes/exceeds a threshold level of water, said microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 6 integrated on a water reservoir 5 mounted on said disc 1 for dispensing water inside said utensil in order to ensure an optimum level of water inside said utensil to prevent any chances of burning of food item inside said utensil.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized iris lid 9s are integrated on said disc 1 that are actuated by said microcontroller to get open for allowing said user to strain extra water from said utensil in order to maintain said optimum level inside said utensil.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said disc 1 for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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