Compact, lightweight pressure cooker

Claim 1

A compact, lightweight pressure cooker assembly comprising, in combination: first and second pan members each having mutually conforming surface portions permitting nestable, stacked engagement of one pan member within the other when disassembled, and each pan member having an annular, flanged rim permitting mutually superposed mating engagement with each other when assembled thereby enclosing a cooking chamber; first and second clasp members coupled in hinged engagement to one of said pan members for pivotal movement, each clasp member having edge portions defining a channel for receiving and confining the superposed flanged rims, and said clasp members being movable from a retracted, closed position of latching engagement with said superposed pan members in which said flanged rims are received within the channels in gripping engagement by said clasps, to an open extended position in which said rims are released, thereby permitting disengagement of the flanged rims and separation of said pan members; first and second handle members pivotally coupled to said first and second clasp members, respectively, said handle members being movable from an extended position relative to said clasps in which both handles may be grasped and held together with one hand to a retracted position in which said handles engage said clasps; an annular gasket compressively confined between the superposed rim portions defining a fluid seal; and, a pressure relief valve communicating with the cooking chamber for venting said chamber when the cooking pressure exceeds a predetermined level.