APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DRAINING AND SERVING A FOOD ITEM

Abstract

An apparatus and methods for preparing, cleaning, draining, and serving food items, such as, pasta, fruits and vegetables are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a vessel configured to selectively contain a liquid. The vessel includes a bottom portion having a plurality of apertures, and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom portion. An armature assembly is coupled to the vessel for rotational movement relative to the vessel between a closed configuration and an open configuration. A sealing mechanism coupled to the armature assembly is configured to selectively seal the plurality of apertures in the closed configuration, thereby preventing liquid contained by the vessel from flowing out of the vessel, and selectively open the plurality of apertures in the opened configuration, thereby providing a fluid passageway out of the bottom portion of the vessel.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and methods for preparing foods, and in particular to cleaning, draining, and serving food items such as, for example, pasta, fruits and vegetables.

Traditionally, when preparing foods that need to be cleaned with water, for example salad greens or fresh berries, or when serving foods that must be separated from cooking water, for example pasta or boiled or steamed vegetables, a strainer or colander must be employed to retain the food item while allowing the undesired liquid to be drained away. Presently available strainers and colanders are not suitable for serving a completed dish, as the drained food item will inevitably retain some water which will continue to drip through the strainer or colander for an extended period of time. As a result, each time a strainer or colander is used, the food item must be transferred from the colander to a serving dish. This transfer risks spillage and results in additional dishes that must be cleaned.

Thus, a need exists for a food preparation utensil suitable both for draining liquid and for serving the food item.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and methods for preparing, cleaning, draining, and serving food items, such as, pasta, fruits and vegetables are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a vessel configured to selectively contain a liquid. The vessel includes a bottom portion having a plurality of apertures, and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom portion. An armature assembly is coupled to the vessel for rotational movement relative to the vessel between a closed configuration and an open configuration. A sealing mechanism coupled to the armature assembly is configured to selectively seal the plurality of apertures in the closed configuration, thereby preventing liquid contained by the vessel from flowing out of the vessel, and selectively open the plurality of apertures in the opened configuration, thereby providing a fluid passageway out of the bottom portion of the vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a strainer bowl according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a strainer bowl according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the strainer bowl of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the strainer bowl of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the strainer bowl of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the strainer bowl of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7A is an exploded top perspective view of the strainer bowl of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged exploded bottom perspective view of a portion of the strainer bowl of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective view of the strainer bowl of FIG. 2 shown in a first configuration.

FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the strainer bowl of FIG. 2 shown in a second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus and methods for preparing, cleaning, draining, and serving food items, such as, pasta, fruits and vegetables are described herein. An apparatus includes a vessel configured to selectively contain a liquid, an armature assembly coupled to the vessel for rotational movement relative to the vessel, a sealing mechanism configured to selectively seal a plurality of apertures disposed in the vessel, and optionally a cover. For example, the vessel can include a bottom portion having a plurality of apertures, and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The apparatus can include a base configured to support the vessel above a surface. In some embodiments, the apertures are disposed substantially within the perimeter of the base such that the base elevates the apertures above a surface and provides a fluid passageway for liquid to drain out of the vessel unobstructed. The base can also define a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the armature assembly and/or the sealing mechanism.

The armature assembly is coupled to the vessel for rotational movement relative to the vessel between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The sealing mechanism is coupled to the armature assembly and is configured to selectively seal the plurality of apertures in the closed configuration, thereby preventing liquid contained by the vessel from flowing out of the vessel, and to selectively open the plurality of apertures in the opened configuration, thereby providing a fluid passageway out of the bottom portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism can be moved into the recess defined by the base and placed in contact with the vessel, thereby obstructing the apertures. The sealing mechanism can frictionally engage the vessel or provide a compression fit when the armature assembly is moved to the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism can include a sealing member that is removable, for example, with a threaded connection, quarter-turn, or any other of a variety of mechanical fastening methods or mechanisms.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a vessel having a plurality of apertures configured to selectively contain a liquid, an armature assembly having a first portion disposed in a first plane, and a second portion disposed in a second plane, coupled to the vessel for rotational movement relative to the vessel, and a sealing mechanism coupled to the second portion of the armature assembly configured to be placed in contact with the vessel to obstruct the apertures by movement of the first portion of the armature assembly. For example, the first plane can intersect the second plane at an angle less than 90 degrees, greater than 90 degrees, or substantially at 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the armature assembly can include a linkage between the first portion and the second portion.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a vessel configured to selectively contain a liquid, the vessel including a bottom portion having a plurality of apertures, a wall extending upwardly from the bottom portion, and a base configured to support the bottom portion of the vessel above a surface. An armature assembly is movably coupled to the vessel between a closed configuration and an open configuration, the armature assembly configured to move a sealing mechanism relative to the vessel to selectively seal the plurality of apertures in the closed configuration, thereby preventing liquid contained by the vessel from flowing out of the vessel, and to selectively open the plurality of apertures in the opened configuration, thereby providing a fluid passageway out of the bottom portion of the vessel.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus for draining and serving foodstuffs according to an embodiment. An apparatus 100 includes a bowl assembly 110 and optionally a cover 190 to contain the foodstuffs for storage or mixing. Specifically, the bowl assembly 110 includes a vessel 120, an armature assembly 150, and a sealing mechanism 170. In some embodiments, all components of the bowl assembly 110 and cover 190 can be made from materials suitable for food preparation, that are dishwasher safe, and/or that are microwave safe.

The vessel 120 of the bowl assembly 110 is configured to selectively retain a liquid (e.g., water or other cooking liquid) and solids (e.g., foodstuffs) prior to, during, or after a cooking process. The vessel 120 includes a plurality of apertures (not shown) disposed at or near the bottom of the vessel 120 to selectively allow the liquid to be drained from the vessel 120 while retaining foodstuffs. In some embodiments, the vessel 120 can include a vessel body (not shown) and vessel base (not shown) configured to support the vessel body and to provide a stable platform to prevent the vessel 120 from tipping or sliding on horizontal surfaces. The vessel base can be removable or fixedly coupled to the vessel body.

The armature assembly 150 is configured to be movably coupled to the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the armature assembly 150 can include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be configured to allow the user to move the armature assembly 150 and the second portion can be coupled to the sealing mechanism 170. In some embodiments, the first portion of the armature assembly 150 can include one or more handles to assist a user in moving the armature assembly 150, to facilitate lifting or moving of the bowl assembly 110, or both.

In some embodiments, the armature assembly 150 is rotatably coupled to the vessel 120 at one or more pivot points. For example, the armature assembly 150 can include one or more apertures configured to be disposed over one or more pivot pins that are coupled to the vessel 120. In this manner, a user can move the first portion of the armature assembly 150 with respect to the vessel 120, thereby pivoting the second portion of the armature assembly 150 with respect to the vessel 120. Said another way, a user can manipulate a portion of the armature assembly 150 (e.g., a portion of the armature near the bottom of the vessel) without physically being in contact with that portion of the armature assembly 150. In some embodiments, the armature assembly 150 can be slidingly coupled to the vessel 120. In other embodiments, the armature assembly 150 can be hingedly coupled to the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the vessel 120 can include one or more tracks which mate with one or more protrusions on the armature assembly 150.

As described herein, the sealing mechanism 170 is coupled to the armature assembly 150 such that the armature assembly 150 holds the sealing mechanism 170 adjacent the vessel 120 creating a substantially water-tight seal. The armature assembly 150 can be moved from a closed configuration, whereby the sealing mechanism 170 is positioned adjacent the plurality of apertures (not shown) in the vessel 120 to prevent the flow of liquid out of the vessel 120, to an open configuration, whereby the sealing mechanism 170 is moved away from the plurality of apertures to allow liquid to flow out of the vessel 120.

In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 170 can be fixedly coupled to the armature assembly 150. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sealing mechanism 170 can be removeably coupled to the armature assembly 150, for example, with a threaded connection, quarter-turn, snap-fit, press-fit, slide into a slot or recess, retained by pins and/or clamping features, or coupled or held in place by any other of a variety of mechanical fastening methods or mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the vessel base (not shown) can be recessed, or otherwise define a recess (not shown), to allow at least a portion of the armature assembly 150 and/or at least a portion of the sealing mechanism 170 to be moved proximate the bottom of the vessel such that the sealing mechanism 170 is adjacent the plurality of apertures in the vessel 120. In this manner, as the user operates the armature assembly 150 to move the sealing mechanism from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the sealing mechanism 170 rotates out of the recess to allow liquid to flow from the vessel 120, through the plurality of apertures, and through the vessel base to a kitchen sink, drain, or to another vessel (e.g., a bowl). As described herein, in addition to supporting and stabilizing the vessel body, the vessel base can be configured to elevate the plurality of apertures above a horizontal surface to allow operation of the sealing mechanism 170 and to maintain a fluid passageway out of the vessel 120. Said another way, the vessel base can prevent one or more of the plurality of apertures from being obstructed by a sink, bowl, or other container to which the bowl assembly 110 is being drained.

In some embodiments, the vessel 120 may not have a base. The bottom of the vessel 120 can be flat to provide a stable platform to prevent the vessel 120 from tipping or sliding on horizontal surfaces, and the user may be required to lift the vessel 120 to remove any obstruction of the apertures by the horizontal surface. In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of apertures (not shown) can be disposed on the sides of the vessel 120, and/or around the periphery of the bottom of the vessel, to selectively allow the liquid to be drained from the vessel 120 while retaining foodstuffs. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 170 can provide support and stability for the vessel 120.

FIGS. 2-7B illustrate an apparatus for draining and serving foodstuffs including a strainer bowl 210 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the strainer bowl 210 in a closed configuration and an open configuration, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the strainer bowl 210 (also referred to herein as a “bowl assembly”) includes a vessel 220 having a vessel body 222 configured to accept and retain foodstuffs and a vessel base 224 configured to support and stabilize the vessel body 222. The vessel body 222 is substantially hemispherical and configured such that the force of gravity acts to draw water towards the center and bottom of the vessel body 222 when the strainer bowl 210 is positioned on a horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the vessel body 222 can have a conical, frusto-conical, U-shaped, or any other suitable shape for retaining foodstuffs. Alternate vessel body 222 shapes can be configured to provide additional stability, altered aesthetics, and/or altered liquid draining characteristics. The vessel body 222 can be made from any of a variety of materials typically used in kitchen utensils and equipment such as, for example, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, wood, plastics, and other alloys or polymers.

As described herein, in some embodiments, the vessel base 224 can be fixedly coupled to or integrally formed with the vessel body 222. For example, the vessel base 224 can be welded to the vessel body 222 or affixed with mechanical fasteners or adhesives, or can be integrally formed as one molded or machined piece. In some embodiments, the vessel base 224 can be removable from the vessel body 222 for storage and/or to enable cleaning of the strainer bowl 210.

An armature assembly 250 is moveably coupled to the vessel body 222. Pivot pins 230 are disposed through apertures (not shown) in the armature assembly 250 and are coupleable to the vessel body 222. In this manner, the armature assembly 250 can rotate about an axis 240 defined by the pivot pins 230. In other embodiments, the pivot pins 230 can protrude from the vessel body 222 and caps or other fastening mechanisms can be used to secure the armature assembly 250 to the vessel body 222. In some embodiments, the armature assembly 250 can be coupled to the vessel body 222 at a single pivot point. In some embodiments, the armature assembly 250 can include a mechanical linkage connected to the vessel 220 at any number of points. In some embodiments, the armature assembly 250 can be slidingly or hingedly coupled to the vessel 220. In some embodiments, the vessel 220 can include one or more tracks or slots, which mate with one or more protrusions on the armature assembly 250.

As shown, the armature assembly 250 includes a first armature portion 252 on a first side of the pivot axis 240 configured to allow the user to move the armature assembly 250 about the pivot axis 240, and a second armature portion 254 on a second side of the pivot axis 240 configured to position a sealing mechanism 270 adjacent the bottom of the vessel 220. The first armature portion 252 is disposed in a first plane, and the second armature portion 254 is disposed in a second plane, different from the first plane. The first armature portion 252 and the second armature portion 254 are fixedly coupled to each other such that the first plane and the second plane intersect at an angle greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the armature assembly can include a single straight member rotating about a pivot point or axis, or a curved member moveably coupled to the vessel 220. In other embodiments, the armature assembly 250 can include any number of bends, curves, or portions disposed in any number of planes intersecting at a variety of angles. The armature assembly 250 can be made from any of a variety of materials typically used in kitchen utensils and equipment such as, for example, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, wood, plastics, and other alloys or polymers.

The strainer bowl 210 can includes a vessel handle 226 coupled to the vessel body 222 and an armature handle 256 coupled to the first armature portion 252. The handles can be fixedly coupled or removable from the vessel body 222 and the armature first portion 252. Together or separately, the vessel handle 226 and the armature handle 256 can be used to facilitate lifting or moving the strainer bowl 210, or can be used to stabilize the strainer bowl 210 while the user is mixing the contents of the strainer bowl 210. The armature handle 256 can be used to move the first armature portion 252 with respect to the vessel body 222, thereby pivoting the second armature portion 254 with respect to the vessel body 222. Said another way, a user can manipulate the second armature portion 254 through the armature handle 256 without physically being in contact with the second armature portion 254. In other embodiments, additional handles can be included to further facilitate lifting, moving and/or stabilizing the strainer bowl 210. The handles can be made from any of a variety of materials typically used in kitchen utensils and equipment such as, for example, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, wood, plastics, and other alloys or polymers.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the sealing mechanism 270 is shown coupled to the second armature portion 254. The portion of the sealing mechanism 270 configured to be placed in contact with the vessel body 222 can be any of a variety of materials suitable for creating a liquid-tight seal such as, for example, rubber, silicone, or other elastomeric materials. As described herein, the vessel 220 includes a plurality of apertures (not shown) disposed at or near the bottom of the vessel 220 to selectively allow liquid to drain from the vessel 220 while retaining foodstuffs. The armature handle 256 can be used to position the sealing mechanism 270 adjacent the bottom of the vessel 220 to create a substantially water-tight seal. For example, the sealing mechanism 270 can frictionally engage the vessel 220 or provide a compression fit when the armature assembly 250 is moved to the closed configuration. The armature handle 256 can also be used to move the first armature portion 252 with respect to the vessel body 222, thereby pivoting the second armature portion 254 and the sealing mechanism 270 away from the plurality of apertures to allow liquid to flow out of the vessel 220. As shown, the sealing mechanism 270 and armature assembly 250 are located outside the vessel body 222. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 270 and armature assembly 250 can be on the interior of the vessel body 222 (e.g., where the liquid and foodstuffs can be contained), or in an internal cavity defined by the vessel body 220 such that at least a portion of the armature assembly 250 and/or sealing mechanism 270 are not visible to the user.

As shown, a recess 232 is incorporated into the vessel base 224 to allow at least a portion of the second armature portion 252 and/or the sealing mechanism 270 to access the bottom of the vessel body. The vessel base 224 is also configured to elevate the plurality of apertures (not shown) above a surface to maintain a fluid passageway out of the vessel 220. Said another way, the vessel base 224 and recess 232 can prevent one or more of the plurality of apertures from being obstructed by a sink, bowl, or other container to which the strainer bowl 210 is being drained. In some embodiments, the vessel 220 may not have a base. For example, the bottom of the vessel 220 can be substantially flat to provide a stable platform to prevent the vessel 220 from tipping or sliding on horizontal surfaces and the plurality of apertures can be disposed in side walls of the vessel 220. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 270 can provide support and stability for the vessel 220.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, the vessel 220 includes a bottom portion 242 having an interior surface 243, an exterior surface 244 and a plurality of apertures 234 therethrough. The vessel 220 also includes a wall 245 extending upwardly from the bottom portion 242 having an interior surface 246 and an opposite, exterior surface 247. The interior surface 243 of the bottom portion 242 and the interior surface 246 of the wall 245 collectively define an interior 248 of the vessel. The plurality of apertures 234 perforate the vessel body 222 and allow liquid to selectively drain from the interior 248 while retaining foodstuffs. As shown, the plurality of apertures 234 are disposed at the center-bottom and surround the lowest point of the vessel body 222 when it is sitting on a horizontal surface. In this configuration, the force of gravity acts to draw water towards the plurality of apertures 234. In some embodiments, the vessel body 222 can be other shapes (e.g., conical, frusto-conical, or U-shaped) and the plurality of apertures 234 can be disposed away from the center of the vessel body 222, away from the bottom of the vessel body 222, or both. For example, the bottom of the vessel body 222 can be convex (i.e., the center portion of the bottom of the vessel can be slightly elevated above the surrounding portion) and the apertures can be disposed around the outside of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the user can be required to tilt the strainer bowl 210 so that the force of gravity acts to draw water towards the plurality of apertures 234.

As shown, the apertures 234 are substantially circular. In some embodiments, the apertures 234 can be slots, polygons, or any other shape suitable to facilitate liquid drainage. In some embodiments, a screen or mesh can be coupled to the vessel body 220 to provide a plurality of apertures 234. In addition, the number and size of the apertures 234 can be selected to alter the draining speed, and/or to allow solid particles of particular sizes or shapes to pass through the vessel body 222. The apertures can be molded into the vessel body 222, drilled, cut, stamped, or otherwise formed. Alternatively, a hole can be molded, cut or otherwise formed into the vessel body 222 and covered with a screen or mesh coupled to the vessel body 222.

As shown, the plurality of apertures 234 are disposed in a hexagonal pattern. In some embodiments, the apertures can be disposed in any of a variety of shapes, configurations or patterns selected to facilitate liquid drainage or to alter the rate at which apertures are uncovered when the sealing mechanism 270 is moved. For example, a triangular pattern of apertures can be configured so that when the sealing mechanism 270 is moved from a closed position to an open position it initially uncovers only a single aperture. As the user continues to move the sealing mechanism 270, a second row of apertures would be uncovered and a total of three apertures would be uncovered, followed by a third, fourth row, and so on. In this manner, the user could be provided with relatively precise control over the drainage flow rate.

As described herein, the sealing mechanism 270 is coupled to the second armature portion 254. The sealing mechanism 270 is configured to selectively seal against the exterior surface 244 of the bottom portion 242 or the exterior surface 247 of the wall 245, or both. The selective sealing of the sealing mechanism 270 against at least one of the exterior surfaces 244, 247 prevents liquid contained in the interior 248 of the vessel 220 from flowing out of the vessel 220 through the apertures 234, and selectively permits liquid to flow through the apertures 234. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sealing mechanism 270 is sealed against the exterior surface 244 of the bottom portion 242. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 270 can be fixedly coupled to the second armature portion 254. In some embodiments, a portion of the sealing mechanism 270 can be removeably coupled to the second armature portion 254 with, for example, a threaded or quarter-turn connection. The second armature portion 254 is configured to hold the sealing mechanism 270 adjacent the vessel body 222 and plurality of apertures 234 to create a substantially water-tight seal. The sealing mechanism 270 can be sized and shaped to obstruct all of the plurality of apertures 234. The sealing mechanism 270 can be circular (as shown in FIG. 5) or any other shape depending on the configuration of the plurality of apertures 234. The portion of the sealing mechanism 270 configured to be placed in contact with the vessel body 222 can be any of a variety of materials suitable for creating a liquid-tight seal such as, for example, rubber, silicone, or other elastomeric materials.

As shown best in FIG. 5, the vessel base 224 includes a recess 232 configured to allow a portion of the second armature portion 254 and the sealing mechanism 270 to access the bottom of the vessel body 222. In the closed configuration, the sealing mechanism 270 is located within the recess 232 adjacent to and obstructing the plurality of apertures 234. The vessel base 224 can be substantially hollow to provide a substantially unimpeded channel for water leaving the strainer bowl 210 is in the open configuration. In some embodiments, the vessel base 224 can be of substantially solid construction, and the recess 232 can define a chute or spout for water leaving the strainer bowl 210 in the open configuration. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the vessel base 224 has a layer of rubber, silicone, cork, or other material to decrease heat transfer and/or increase friction between the strainer bowl 210 and any horizontal surface, thereby preventing heat damage to the horizontal surface and/or reducing slipping or sliding.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the apparatus can include a removable cover 290. The cover 290 can be removeably coupleable to the strainer bowl 210 by snap-fit, screw mechanism, or any other fastening mechanism. The cover 290 can be made from any of a variety of materials typically used in kitchen utensils and equipment such as, for example, plastic, silicone, or other polymers or materials.

As described herein, the armature assembly 250 can be removable from the vessel 220. As shown, the armature assembly 250 can be removeably coupled to sockets 228 sockets in the vessel body 222 via pivot pins 230 disposed through apertures 260 in the armature assembly 250. To remove the armature assembly 250 from the vessel body 222, the pivot pins 230 can be removed from the sockets 228, thereby, decoupling the armature assembly 250 from the vessel 220. The pivot pins 230 can be threaded, press-fit, snap-fit, or any other of a variety of fastening mechanisms. In some embodiments, the pivot pins 230 can be integrally coupled to the vessel body 222 and caps or other fastening mechanisms can be used to removeably couple the armature assembly 250 to the vessel 220.

A portion of the sealing mechanism 270 can also be removable to, for example, enable cleaning and/or allow for replacement. For example, in some embodiments when the sealing mechanism 270 is in frictional contact with the vessel body 222, the rubber or elastomeric material of the sealing mechanism 270 can wear away or become damaged. As the material wears, the substantially water tight seal can become compromised and begin to fail.

In some embodiments, a sealing member 272 can be removable from a bore 274 in a flange 276. The sealing member 272 can include two tabs 278 arranged on opposite sides of the sealing member 272 (i.e., disposed 180 degrees from each other) which mate with two slots 280 in the flange 276. The sealing member 272 can be coupled to the flange 276 by inserting the tabs 278 into the slots 280 and rotating the sealing member 272 clockwise through a quarter-turn as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 7B. The sealing member 272 can be decoupled from the flange 276 by rotating the sealing member 272 counterclockwise (i.e., in the direction opposite arrow A) through a quarter-turn and removing the tabs 278 from the slots 280. More or fewer tabs 278 and/or slots 280 (e.g., 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) can be included to secure the sealing member 272 to the flange 276. In some embodiments, the sealing member 272 can be removeably coupled to the flange 276 with a threaded connection, snap-fit, press-fit, slid into a slot or recess, retained by pins and/or clamping features, or coupled or held in place by any other of a variety of mechanical fastening methods or mechanisms. In some embodiments, the flange 276 can be substantially solid (i.e., without a bore 274) and the sealing member 272 can be applied to the flange 276 with adhesive, slid into a slot or groove, or otherwise disposed thereon to allow the sealing mechanism 270 to selectively seal the apertures 234.

The armature assembly 250 can include one or more mechanical features to hold the armature assembly 250 in the open configuration, the closed configuration, or any intermediate position between the open and closed configurations. For example, the vessel body 222 can include one or more protrusions 238 configured to frictionally engage the armature assembly 250 as the armature assembly 250 moves between the opened and closed configuration. The armature assembly 250 can include protrusions 258 disposed on the inside surface of the armature assembly 250 configured to frictionally engage the protrusions 238. As the armature assembly 250 is rotated from the closed configuration to the open configuration and vice-versa, the protrusions 258 on the armature assembly 250 can engage the protrusions 238 disposed on the vessel body 222 and hold the armature assembly 250 in any position along the length of travel of the armature assembly 250.

In some embodiments, the armature assembly 250 can also include mechanical features that limit the length of travel of the armature assembly 250 in one or more directions. For example, the armature assembly 250 can include protrusions disposed on the inside surface of the armature assembly 250 that can be disposed in recesses in the vessel body 222 or can engage mechanical stops disposed on the vessel body 222 when the armature assembly 250 is coupled to the strainer bowl 210. As the armature assembly 250 is rotated, the protrusions 258 can engage the recesses or the stops to limit the length of travel of the armature assembly 250. In some embodiments, only one side of the vessel body 222 includes a protrusion and a recess and/or stop. In some embodiments, the length of travel of the armature assembly 250 can be limited, at least in part, through an interference fit with a lip on the vessel body, the vessel base, or by a compression fit between the sealing mechanism 270 and the vessel body 222.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the strainer bowl 210 is shown in the closed configuration (FIG. 8A) and the open configuration (FIG. 8B) configuration. In the closed configuration, the sealing mechanism 270 is positioned adjacent to, and obstructing, the plurality of apertures 234 to prevent the flow of liquid out of the vessel body 222. As shown, the second armature portion 254 holds the sealing mechanism 270 adjacent the vessel body 222 and plurality of apertures 234 creating a substantially water-tight seal. The sealing mechanism 270 is sized and shaped to obstruct all of the plurality of apertures 234. The portion of the sealing mechanism 270 configured to be placed in contact with the vessel body 222 can be any of a variety of materials suitable for creating a liquid-tight seal such as, for example, rubber, silicone, or other elastomeric materials.

In operation, the user can apply a downward force in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 8A on the first armature portion 252 of the armature assembly 250 (e.g., via the armature handle 256) causing the armature assembly 250 to rotate about the pivot axis 240. As the armature assembly 250 rotates about the pivot axis 240, the second armature portion 254 and the sealing mechanism 270 rotate away from the plurality of apertures 234 to move the strainer bowl 210 into the open configuration. When the strainer bowl 210 is in the open configuration, the force of gravity will act to draw water out of the vessel body 222 through the plurality of apertures 234, through the recess 232 in the vessel base 224, and out of the strainer bowl 210. After a sufficient amount of liquid has been drained from the strainer bowl 210, the user can rotate the armature assembly 250 back up to the closed configuration, for example, by pulling the armature handle 256 in the direction opposite arrow B in FIG. 8A. Once in the closed configuration, the user can use the strainer bowl 210 to mix additional ingredients with the drained foodstuffs (e.g., mix sauce with drained pasta) or otherwise use the strainer bowl 210 to serve food. In addition, the user can apply the cover 290 for storage in, for example, the refrigerator or freezer.

In some embodiments, the armature assembly 250 can be weighted such that the center of gravity biases the armature assembly in the opened or closed configuration. Said another way, the armature assembly 250 can be predisposed in the closed configuration such that after the user has drained the liquid and released the armature handle 256, the armature assembly automatically returns to the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the vessel body 222 can include one or more protrusions 238 configured to frictionally engage the armature assembly 250 as the armature assembly 250 moves between the opened and closed configuration. In some embodiments, the armature assembly 250 includes other mechanical features (e.g., springs, latches, etc.) to hold the armature assembly 250 in the open or closed configuration.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations and/or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. Similarly, where methods and/or events described above indicate certain events and/or procedures occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events and/or procedures may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a vessel configured to selectively contain a liquid, the vessel including a bottom portion having a plurality of apertures, and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom portion;

an armature assembly coupled to the vessel for rotational movement relative to the vessel between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and

a sealing mechanism coupled to the armature assembly configured to selectively seal the plurality of apertures in the closed configuration, thereby preventing liquid contained by the vessel from flowing out of the vessel, and selectively open the plurality of apertures in the opened configuration, thereby providing a fluid passageway out of the bottom portion of the vessel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a base configured to support the vessel above a horizontal surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the base defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of the sealing mechanism when the armature assembly is in the closed configuration.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism includes a removable sealing member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the sealing member is removable from the sealing mechanism by rotational movement.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the armature is coupled to the vessel for rotational movement by pins disposed on the vessel.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vessel includes a protrusion configured to frictionally engage the armature assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a cover configured to be removeably disposable on the vessel.

9. An apparatus comprising:

a vessel configured to selectively contain a liquid and having a plurality of apertures therethrough;

an armature assembly coupled to the vessel for rotational movement relative to the vessel, the armature assembly including a first portion disposed in a first plane, and a second portion disposed in a second plane; and

a sealing mechanism coupled to the second portion of the armature assembly, the sealing mechanism configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration by movement of the first portion of the armature assembly.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first plane and the second plane intersect at an angle greater than 90 degrees.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to selectively seal the plurality of apertures in the closed configuration, thereby preventing liquid contained by the vessel from flowing out of the vessel, and selectively open the plurality of apertures in the opened configuration, thereby providing a fluid passageway out of the vessel.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

a base configured to support the vessel above a horizontal surface.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the base defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of the sealing mechanism.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the base includes a rubber material configured to be placed in contact with the horizontal surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism includes a removable sealing member.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first handle coupled to the vessel; and

a second handle coupled to the first portion of the armature assembly.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a vessel configured to selectively contain a liquid, the vessel including a bottom portion having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom portion and having an interior surface defining with the interior surface of the bottom portion an interior of the vessel and having an opposite, exterior surface;

a base configured to support the bottom portion of the vessel above a horizontal surface;

an armature assembly movably coupled to the vessel between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and

a sealing mechanism coupled to the armature assembly configured to selectively seal against the exterior surface of the bottom portion to prevent liquid contained in the interior of the vessel from flowing out of the vessel through the apertures, and to selectively permit liquid to flow through the apertures.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the base defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of the sealing mechanism when the armature assembly is in the closed configuration.

19. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sealing mechanism includes a removable sealing member.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the armature assembly is removable from the vessel.