US20150305497A1

US20150305497A1 - Rotating Utensil Organizer with Accessory Attachment

Info

Publication number: US20150305497A1
Application number: US14/791,393
Authority: US
Inventors: Tadhg Dolan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-08
Filing date: 2015-07-03
Publication date: 2015-10-29

Abstract

Disclosed is a utensil organizer with an accessory attachment. The utensil organizer includes a post having an upper section and a lower section. The upper end of the upper section is connected to an upper plate with defined perimeter edges having a first set of pegs extending outward therefrom. The lower end of the upper section includes a second set of pegs extending outward therefrom. The pegs are configured to hang kitchen utensils thereon. The lower section is attached to a plate connected to a bearing for allowing the post to rotate about a vertical axis. The bearing is further secured to a stationary base member. The upper section and the lower section further include holes for securing the accessory attachment thereon. The accessory attachment includes one or more gaps that can hold various kitchen utensils therein, wherein the kitchen utensils do not include holes for hanging.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/998,816, filed on Jul. 8, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an organizing tool. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a kitchen utensil organizer that can hold multiple utensils simultaneously and that can rotate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many households have cluttered and disorganized utensil drawers for storing various kitchen utensils therein. It can be incredibly frustrating to spend time looking for specific utensils, especially during cooking While some individuals make an effort to clean and organize their utensil drawers, the drawers inevitably become messy as new items are thrown into the drawers over time. Additionally, it can be difficult to find designated places for oddly shaped tools or unique tools that may be needed on an infrequent basis.
Various types of storage receptacles for kitchen utensils are known in the art. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Specifically, Cass, U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,341 (Cass '341), Cass, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0290054 (Cass '054), and Cass, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/021276 (Cass '276) disclose utensil storage stands having radially extending spokes with support hooks thereon. The hooks and the spokes are adapted to hold utensils thereon.
Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,586, Zahn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,471, Donne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,080, and Nymark, U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,701 disclose rotating racks that include clips, hooks, springs or other engaging means extending outwardly therefrom. These devices are adapted to hold various items such as stamps, baseball cards, and other items. Thus, the foregoing devices are not adapted to hold kitchen utensils.
Greenfield, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0233816 discloses a revolving compartmental storage receptacle. Each of the storage receptacles is configured to hold a specific item therein. For instance, one of the receptacles is configured to hold a bottlebrush therein. In this regard, the shapes of the storage receptacles vary.
The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks, however. The prior art devices are not configured to hold a large number of utensils of various sizes and shapes, or oddly shaped utensils in an organized manner. Additionally, the prior art devices generally cannot accommodate utensil with and without holes for hanging. In this regard, there is a need in the prior art for a device that can organize multiple kitchen utensils on kitchen countertop in a convenient manner while reducing clutter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of storage receptacles for kitchen utensils now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved utensil organizer wherein the same can be utilized for storing multiple kitchen utensils thereon.
The following discloses a simplified summary of the specification in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the specification. This summary is not an extensive overview of the specification. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the specification nor delineate the scope of the specification. Its sole purpose is to disclose some concepts of the specification in a simplified form as to prelude to the more detailed description that is disclosed later.
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a rotating utensil holder having an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is connected to an upper plate having a first set of pegs disposed around the perimeter thereof. The upper end of the upper section also comprises a plurality of holes for securing an accessory attachment therein, and a second set of pegs disposed around the lower end thereof.
The lower section of the rotating utensil holder also comprises holes for securing the accessory attachment therein. The lower section is secured to a plate, wherein the plate is directly attached to a bearing. In this way, the lower section and the upper section of the utensil holder can move in a clockwise and a counter clockwise direction. The bearing is further secured to a base member, wherein the base member is stationary and comprises a plurality of rubber feet thereon.
The present invention further comprises one or more accessory attachments. The accessory attachment comprises a first leg and a second leg joined together via a pair of bridging members. The bridging members comprise a wave pattern and are connected together via one or more dividers that can move along the length thereof. Because of the wave pattern, the dividers can remain in place when they fall within one of the grooves, forming a gap in which kitchen utensils are inserted through. The first leg and the second leg of the accessory attachment are further attached to a first arm and a second arm, respectfully. The first and second arms are configured to snugly fit within the holes disposed on the upper section and/or the lower section.
Alternatively, users can attach a utensil attachment loop to a terminal end of a handle of a kitchen utensil. The utensil attachment loop comprises a closed loop portion that is joined to a utensil receiving portion, which is configured to encircle a portion of the handle of the kitchen utensil. The closed loop portion can be threaded through one of the pegs disposed on the upper plate and/or the upper section of the rotating utensil holder. In this way, the present invention can be used with utensils not having holes disposed on a handle thereof.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a utensil organizer that can store multiple utensils on a counter top in an accessible and convenient manner.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a utensil organizer that can store kitchen utensils with or without holes disposed on a handle thereof.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a utensil organizer comprising an accessory attachment for holding kitchen utensils without holes on a handle thereof.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a utensil organizer comprising pegs or hooks at various heights to accommodate utensils of various lengths.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a utensil organizer that can be used with utensil attachment loops so as to allow a user to hang utensils without holes disposed on a handle thereof.
A final object of the present invention to provide a utensil organizer with an accessory attachment that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and commensurate with durability.
In the light of the foregoing, these and other objects are accomplished in accordance of the principles of the present invention, wherein the novelty of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying exemplary drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the accessory attachment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a close up side elevational view of the accessory attachment as installed.

FIG. 5 is a view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 6 is a close up view of a utensil attachment loop of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a kitchen utensil organizer. For purposes of clarity, and not by way of limitation, illustrative views of the present utensil organizer are described with references made to the above-identified figures. Various modifications obvious to one skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to disclose concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” Additionally, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. It is to be appreciated that determinations or inferences referenced throughout the subject specification can be practiced through the use of artificial intelligence techniques.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view and a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, respectively. The utensil organizer 100 of the present invention comprises a post having an upper section 102 and a lower section 103. Each of the upper section 102 and the lower section 103 comprises a rectangular cross section having a diameter that is uniform over its length, wherein the lengths of the upper section 102 and the lower section 103 are substantially equal.
Preferably, the interior of the post is hollow so as to define an exterior surface and an interior surface thereof. The lower end 113 of the upper section 102 directly contacts the upper end 114 of the lower section 103 so that the lower section 103 is subjacent to the upper section 102; and the upper section 102 and the lower section 103 are in a stacked configuration. The upper section 102 and the lower section 103 are connected via connector strips 118 disposed on the interior surface of the upper and lower sections 102, 103. The connector strips align the upper and lower sections 102, 103 and remain secured in place via a fastener 121. In some embodiments, the upper section 102 and the lower section 103 may be unitary in structure.
The upper section 102 comprises a first wall opposite a second wall, and a third wall opposite a fourth wall. The first wall and the second wall of the upper section 102 comprise a width; and the third wall and the fourth wall of the upper section 102 comprise a width. The width of the first and second wall of the upper section 102 is longer than the width of the third and fourth wall of the upper section 103.
Similarly, the lower section 103 comprises a first wall opposite a second wall, and a third wall opposite a fourth wall. The first wall and the second wall of the lower section 103 comprise a width; and the third wall and the fourth wall of the lower section 103 comprise a width. The width of the first and second wall of the lower section 103 is longer than the width of the third and fourth wall of the lower section 103. In one embodiment, each of the walls of the upper and lower section 102, 103 may be mitered or joined via other suitable means. It is contemplated that the first wall and the second wall of the lower section 103 is subjacent to the first wall and the second wall of the upper section 102, respectively. Additionally, the third and fourth walls of the lower section 103 are subjacent to the third and fourth walls of the upper section 102.
The upper end 112 of the upper section 102 is connected to an upper connecting plate 110 via a rectangular plinth 120. The plinth 102 is disposed on the interior surface of the upper section 102 and is held in place via a fastener 121. The upper connecting plate 110 is substantially rectangular in shape, and includes an upper surface that is coextensive with a lower surface. The lower surface of the upper connecting plate 110 directly contacts the upper end 112 of the upper section 102 and the upper surface of the upper connecting plate 110 directly contacts the lower surface of the upper plate 101, wherein the upper plate 101 is also substantially rectangular in shape; and the lower surface of the upper plate 101 is coextensive with the upper surface of the same. The upper plate 101 is dimensioned so that the perimeter edges 111 of the upper plate 101 extend beyond the perimeter edges of the upper connecting plate 110.
The perimeter edges 111 of the upper plate 101 comprise a first set of pegs 106 extending outward therefrom, wherein the pegs 106 are substantially colinear with the upper plate 101 and perpendicular to the post. The pegs 106 are separated at regular intervals, and the pegs 106 are substantially equal in shape and dimension. In a preferred embodiment, the pegs 106 comprise a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. In this way, the pegs 106 can extend through holes disposed on kitchen utensil handles for hanging. It is contemplated that the pegs are secured to the perimeter edges 111 of the upper plate 101 via press fit.
The upper section 102 further comprises a first set of holes 109 biased toward the upper end 112 thereof. The holes 109 are separated at regular intervals and are adapted to secure accessory attachments therein. The holes 109 are disposed on each of the walls of the upper section 102. The lower end 113 of the upper section 102 comprises a second set of pegs 107 extending outward therefrom. The second set of pegs 107 are substantially equal in dimension and size as the first set of pegs 108. The pegs 107 are separated at regular intervals and extend from each of the walls of the upper section 102.
The lower section 103 comprises a second set of holes 108 on a substantial mid portion thereof. The holes 108 are adapted to secure accessory attachments therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 108 are in a rectangular configuration on each wall of the lower section 103. The lower end 115 of the lower section 103 is connected to a lower connecting plate 104 via a plinth 119. Similar to the plinth 120 on the upper section 102, the plinth 119 is disposed on the interior surface of the lower section 103. The plinth 119 is secured in place via a fastener 121, such as a screw or a nail.
The lower connecting plate 104 is substantially rectangular in shape with an upper surface that is coextensive with a lower surface thereof. The lower surface of the lower connecting plate 104 is attached to a bearing 117, wherein the bearing 117 allows for the upper plate 101, the upper connecting plate 110, the upper section 102, the lower section 103, and the lower connecting plate 104 to rotate in unison about a vertical axis in clockwise and counter clockwise directions with respect to the base member 105. The bearing 117 sits within the lower surface of the lower connecting plate 104. In this regard, the lower connecting plate 104 may comprise a groove for receiving the bearing 117 partially therein. In one embodiment, the bearing 117 comprises a Lazy Susan bearing.
The bearing 117 is further connected to the base member 105. The base member 105 comprises a rectangular shape with an upper surface that is coextensive with a lower surface thereof. The base member 105 is dimensioned so that the perimeter edges of the base member 105 extend beyond the perimeter edges of the lower connecting plate 104. The base member 105 remains stationary while the remaining components of the utensil organizer 100 rotate. The lower surface of the base member 105 includes a rubber pads 116 thereon, wherein the rubber pads 116 are disposed on each corner of the lower surface of the base member 105 so as to form a rectangular configuration. It is contemplated that the rubber pads 116 are secured to the lower surface of the base member 105 via adhesives.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a perspective view and a side elevational view of the accessory attachment. The accessory attachment 300 comprises a first leg 305 and a second leg 306, wherein each of the legs 305, 306 comprises a first section that is perpendicular to a second section, forming an L-shape when viewed from the top. The legs 305, 306 are disposed so that the first section and the second section of the legs are parallel with a horizontal axis. The first leg 305 and the second leg 306 are connected together via a pair of bridging members.
The bridging members comprise a distal bridging member 303 and a proximal bridging member 304. The distal bridging member 303 is disposed at terminal ends of each of the first sections of the first leg 305 and the second leg 306. The proximal bridging member 304 is located short of the second section of the first leg 305 and the second leg 306. The bridging members 303, 304 are parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the second section of the first leg 305 and the second leg 306. Additionally, the bridging members 303, 304 are substantially coplanar to the first leg 305 and the second leg 306.
The proximal bridging member 304 and the distal bridging member 305 are connected via one or more dividers. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory attachment 300 comprises three dividers. Each of the dividers comprises a bar 301 having a closed loop 302 at each of the terminal ends thereof. The closed loop 302 comprises a centrally located opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive a portion of the bridging members 303, 304 therethrough. In this way, the dividers can move along the length of the bridging members 303, 304 and can move closer to or further away from the first leg 305 and the second leg 306; whereby the dividers create one or more gaps through which utensils are inserted, and the gaps can be adjusted in size. Because each of the bridging members 303, 304 comprise a wavy pattern, the divider remains in place when it is placed in one of the grooves disposed along the bridge members 303, 304.
The accessory attachment 300 is attached to the utensil organizer via press fit. Each of the first leg 305 and the second leg 306 is connected to an arm. Each arm comprises a first section that is perpendicular to a second section, forming an L-shape when viewed from the side. The first section is substantially parallel with the vertical axis while the second section is substantially parallel with the horizontal axis. The first section 309 of the first arm is connected to the second section of the first leg 305. The first section 310 of the second arm is connected to the second section of the second leg 306.
In the illustrated embodiment, two accessory attachments 300 are secured to the lower section 103 in a stacked orientation. While only one accessory attachment 300 may be used, a second accessory attachment 300 helps stabilize the utensil held therein by limiting the mobility of the utensil. The second sections 307, 308 of the arms are inserted into two of the upper holes 108 disposed on the lower section 103. It is contemplated that the holes 108 are dimensioned so that the second sections 307, 308 fit snugly therein, preventing the accessory attachment 300 from falling out without need for additional fasteners. When installed, the second sections 309, 310 of the arms are flush against the exterior surface of the lower section 103 and the first leg 305 and the second leg 306 extend perpendicularly outward from the lower section 103. Because the proximal bridging member 304 is short of the second section of the legs 305, 306, the closed loop 302 closest to the lower section 103 can move without hitting the wall of the lower section 103.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a view of the present invention in use. The present invention may be used to organize utensils with or without holes disposed on a handle thereof. For instance, the illustrated embodiment shows a spatula 500 having a hole 503 disposed on a handle portion thereof. The hole is threaded through one of the pegs 106 disposed on the upper plate.
If a utensil does not comprise a hole or means to attach to one of the pegs 106, the utensil can be attached to the utensil holder in one of two ways. First, a utensil can be held within the accessory attachment 300. In the illustrated embodiment, a whisk 501 is secured within a gap created between two or more dividers. Because the diameter of the gap is smaller than the diameter of the cross section of the upper portion of the whisk 501, the whisk does not pass completely therethrough. In this way, the handle 502 of the whisk 501 is inserted through the gap from the top until the whisk 501 is held in place.
Alternatively, the utensil can be held via a utensil attachment loop 504 of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 6. The attachment loop 504 comprises a closed loop 507 having an opening for receiving a peg 106 therethrough. The closed loop 507 is attached to a utensil receiving portion 508 via a joint 510. The utensil receiving portion 508 includes an open lower end 509 that is configured to encircle the handle portion of a utensil. In the illustrated embodiment, the utensil attachment loop 504 is attached to a terminal end of a handle 505 of a ladle 506. The handle 505 of the ladle 506 is inserted through the lower end 509 of the attachment loop 504 so that a portion of the handle 505 of the ladle 506 is held within the utensil receiving portion 508. Because the utensil attachment loop 504 is composed of a resilient material such as rubber, the handle 505 of the ladle 506 fits snugly within the utensil receiving portion 508. In some embodiments, the utensil receiving portion 508 can be stretched to accommodate various handle sizes.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A utensil organizer, comprising:

a post having an upper section and a lower section, each of said upper section and said lower section having an upper end and a lower end;

said upper end of said upper section connected to an upper plate with defined perimeter edges;

a first set of pegs extending outward from said perimeter edges of said upper plate;

a second set of pegs extending outward from said lower end of said upper section;

said first set of pegs and said second set of pegs configured to hang kitchen utensils thereon;

a lower plate having an upper surface that is coextensive with a lower surface;

said upper surface of said lower plate connected to said lower end of said lower section;

said lower surface of said lower plate connected to a bearing that is secured to a stationary base member; and

said bearing allowing said post to rotate in counter clockwise and clockwise directions about a vertical axis with respect to said base member.

2. The utensil organizer of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rubber pads on a lower surface of said base member.

3. The utensil organizer of claim 1, wherein said post comprises a rectangular cross section.

4. The utensil organizer of claim 1, further comprising a first set of holes on said upper section, wherein said first set of holes is biased toward said upper end of said upper section.

5. The utensil organizer of claim 4, further comprising an accessory attachment;

said accessory attachment comprising a first L-shaped arm connected to a first L-shaped leg and a second L-shaped arm connected to a second L-shaped leg;

a pair of bridging members connecting said first L-shaped leg and said second L-shaped leg;

one or more dividers connecting said pair of bridging members, whereby said one or more dividers can move along said pair of bridging members, creating gaps through which said kitchen utensils are inserted;

said first L-shaped arm and said second L-shaped arm inserted into two of said first set of holes.

6. The utensil organizer of claim 5, wherein said one or more dividers comprise a bar having a closed loop at terminal ends thereof;

said closed loop configured to receive a portion of said pair of bridging members therethrough.

7. The utensil organizer of claim 5, wherein said pair of bridging members comprise a wave pattern.

8. The utensil organizer of claim 1, further comprising a second set of holes on said lower section, wherein said second set of holes is at substantial midpoint of said lower section.

9. The utensil organizer of claim 8, wherein said second set of holes is in a rectangular configuration.

10. The utensil organizer of claim 8, said accessory attachment comprising a first L-shaped arm connected to a first L-shaped leg and a second L-shaped arm connected to a second L-shaped leg;

said first L-shaped arm and said second L-shaped arm inserted into two of said second set of holes.

11. The utensil organizer of claim 10, wherein said one or more dividers comprise a bar having a closed loop at terminal ends thereof;

12. The utensil organizer of claim 10, wherein said pair of bridging members comprise a wave pattern.

13. The utensil organizer of claim 1, further comprising a utensil attachment loop;

said utensil attachment loop having a closed loop attached to a utensil receiving portion;

said closed loop having an opening for receiving one of said first set of pegs or one of said second set of pegs therethrough;

said utensil receiving portion having an open lower end that is configured to encircle a portion of a handle of a utensil.

14. A utensil organizer, comprising:

a first set of holes on said upper section;

a second set of holes on said lower section;

a lower plate having an upper surface that is coextensive with a lower surface;

said lower surface of said lower plate connected to a bearing that is secured to a stationary base member;

said bearing allowing said post to rotate in counter clockwise and clockwise directions about a vertical axis with respect to said base member;

an accessory attachment comprising a first L-shaped arm connected to a first L-shaped leg and a second L-shaped arm connected to a second L-shaped leg;

said first L-shaped arm and said second L-shaped arm inserted into two of said first set of holes or two of said second set of holes.

15. The utensil organizer of claim 14, wherein said first set of holes is biased toward said upper end of said upper section.

16. The utensil organizer of claim 14, wherein said second set of holes is at substantial midpoint of said lower section; and

further wherein said second set of holes is in a rectangular configuration.

17. The utensil organizer of claim 14, wherein said one or more dividers comprise a bar having a closed loop at terminal ends thereof;

18. The utensil organizer of claim 14, wherein said pair of bridging members comprise a wave pattern.

19. The utensil organizer of claim 14, further comprising a utensil attachment loop;