WO2014018916A1

WO2014018916A1 - Kitchen concepts

Info

Publication number: WO2014018916A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/052379
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Conti; Angus Davidson; Adam HAYES; Joseph A. MOYA
Original assignee: Mindinsync Inc.
Priority date: 2012-07-27
Filing date: 2013-07-26
Publication date: 2014-01-30

Abstract

A pot holder includes a sheet of silicone material that is formed into a self-supporting shape, such that, when a pot-contacting surface of the pot holder is supported by a surface, a gripping surface of the pot holder is supported above the surface such that it is grippable by a user. A silicone handle and lid tab are configured for providing gripability to hot kitchen items. An oven glove includes a removable silicone heat-resistant portion. Embodiments of mats include a massaging function, an odor absorbing function, and/or a spacer mesh core.

Description

KITCHEN CONCEPTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The inventions relate generally to products for use in the kitchen and home.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[002] FIGURE 1 is a side view of pot holder formed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[003] FIGURES 2A-D are multiple views of the embodiment of FIGURE 1 ;

[004] FIGURE 3A-E are multiple views of handle wraps formed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[005] FIGURES 4A-B are multiple views of lid holder formed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[006] FIGURE 5A-B are side and exploded views of a glove formed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[007] FIGURE 6 is a side view of a glove formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[008] FIGURE 7A-B are exploded and perspective views of a mat formed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[009] FIGURES 8A-B are side and perspective views of a mat formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0010] FIGURES 9A-B are side and perspective views of a mat formed in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

[0011] FIGURES 10A-B are exploded and perspective views of a mat formed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0012] FIGURE 11 A-C are multiple views of a seat cushion formed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIGURE 12 A-C are multiple views of a seat cushion formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIGURE 13 A-C are multiple views of a seat cushion formed in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; and

[0015] FIGURE 14 A-C are multiple views of a seat cushion formed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Standing Pot Holder

[0016] FIGURES 1 and 2A-D show a pot holder that is configured so that it can stand up when rested on a countertop, table or other flat surface. In an embodiment, the pot holder may be formed of a single piece of silicone. The silicone may be molded into the final shape or it may be shaped from a flat sheet. As shown, a surface texture may be applied to the areas of the pot holder that are meant to come into contact with the pot, baking sheet or other kitchen implements to be handled.

Handle Wraps and Lid Tabs

[0017] FIGURES 3A-E show several sizes of handle wraps for use with pots, pans, or other items with handles that may get hot during use. The handle wrap may be formed of silicone, and may furthermore be molded so that the wrap is in a rolled or coiled state at rest. A texture may be applied to the outer surface of the handle wrap to provide additional grip.

[0018] FIGURES 4A-B show a lid tab, which may be used with lids having handles on pots or pans that may get hot. The tab may be formed of silicone and formed with a slot on one end and a tab on the other, so that the lid tab may be secured to the handle by wrapping the lid tab around the handle and passing the tab end through the slot.

Oven Gloves

[0019] FIGURES 5A-B show an embodiment of an oven glove having a removable heat- resistant cap. The body of the glove may be formed of a breathable fabric such as woven or knit cotton or polyester. The heat resistant cap, which may be formed from silicone, is removably attached. In the embodiment shown, tabs may be inserted into holes at the ends of the cap, but it is readily appreciated that other ways to attach the cap may be used.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGURE 6, a heat resistant coating is

permanently applied to the body of the glove (for example, by dipping the glove into liquid silicone with is then cured).

Mats

[0021] FIGURES 7A-B show a mat that has interchangeable layers. Mat comprises a base frame, a foam layer, and a cover. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 7A, the cover comprises three sections; the middle section of the cover is designed to form the top layer of the mat, which the end sections form the base layer of the mat. The middle section may be formed of a fabric chosen for comfort and/or aesthetics, and the end sections may be formed of a material that improves the resistance of the mat to skidding. As shown, in this embodiment the cover is fitted through slots on either end of the base section. The ends of the cover may be secured to each other by various fasteners, including Velcro, snaps or ties. In other embodiments, the cover may be formed of fewer or more sections as desired. For example, the cover may be formed of two sections, a first section forming the top layer and the second section forming the base, and ends may be fastened at one end of the base section.

[0022] FIGURES 8A-B show a mat that combines a cushioning layer with a textured base layer to provide a mixture of cushioning with a massaging action. The top layer may be formed of a foam material,. It may readily be appreciated that additional layers, such as a top fabric layer or a non-skid base layer, may also be added to other embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIGURES 9A-B show a mat that is formed so that the top surface is oriented at an angle to the bottom surface. It is believed that this angling improves the ability of a user to stand comfortably for longer periods of time than on a flat surface.

[0024] FIGURES 10A-B show a mat having an odor absorbing filter layer. In an embodiment, the mat comprises a top fabric layer, a foam layer, an odor absorbing filter layer, and a non-skid backing layer. The fabric layer may be formed using a water-absorbing fabric. The foam layer may be formed of memory (visco-elastic) foam. The odor absorbing filter layer may include charcoal as the active element.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the odor absorbing filter layer may be placed between the fabric layer and the foam layer.

Seat Cushions

[0026] FIGURES 11 to 14 show different embodiments of seat cushions.

[0027] FIGURES 11 A-C and FIGURES 12A-C show different seat cushion having a mesh fabric top, a spacer mesh core, and a non-slip base. As shown, different configurations of binding may be used around the edges of the cushion. In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 12A-C, an edge section may also be formed of mesh fabric. The base material may be formed of SBR, PVC-coated polyester, or other suitable materials.

[0028] FIGURES 13 A-C show an embodiment of a seat cushion having a top surface formed of a bubble weave fabric, a memory foam core for cushioning, and a non-slip base.

[0029] FIGURES 14A-C show a seat cushion configured for use with backless stools as well as chairs having backs. Elastic bands with interwoven rubber are attached to the bottom of the cushion, allowing it to be attached to a stool while also not getting in the way when used on the seat of a chair. [0030] Although the inventions have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the inventions are not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, are intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. The concepts described above may further be combined with other materials to enhance one or more desired features.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A pot holder comprising:

a sheet of silicone material that is formed into a self-supporting shape, such that, when a pot-contacting surface of the pot holder is supported by a surface, a gripping surface of the pot holder is supported above the surface such that it is grippable by a user.

2. A pot holder as in claim 1, wherein the sheet is folded into the self-supporting shape.

3. A pot holder as in claim 1, wherein the sheet is molded into the self-supporting shape.

4. A pot holder as in claim 1, wherein the pot-contacting surface comprises a texture adapted to gripping a pot and wherein the gripping surface comprises a texture adapted to provide grip to a user's hand.

5. A handle wrap, comprising:

a silicone sheet, the silicone sheet molded such that it is biased into a coiled state, and is constructed and arranged to be flexible such that it may be uncoiled to be wrapped around a handle.

6. A handle wrap as in claim 5, wherein the silicone sheet comprises ridges configured and arranged such that when the silicone sheet is in the coiled state, at least a portion of the ridges mutually engage each other to maintain the coiled state.

7. A lid tab comprising:

an elongated silicone body, having a slot at a first end and a corresponding tab at a second end, the elongated silicone body, slot and tab mutually constructed and arranged such that when the elongated silicone body is wrapped around a handle, the slot and tab engage to secure the elongated silicone body to the handle.

8. A lid tab as in claim 7, wherein the slot, in a relaxed state has a largest dimension smaller than a largest dimension of the tab, such that engaging the slot and tab requires stretching the slot to allow the tab to pass therethrough.

9. A oven glove comprising:

a textile body; and a removable heat-resistant cover, constructed and arranged to extend over a pot-engaging portion of the oven glove.

10. An oven glove as in claim 9, wherein the textile body comprises a woven material and wherein the heat-resistant cover comprises silicone.

11. A mat comprising:

a base layer having slots at respective ends thereof;

a foam layer; and

a cover, wherein the cover further comprises a textile central portion and skid resistant end portions at each end, wherein the skid resistant end portions are configured and arranged to pass through the slots of the base layer to secure the cover to the base layer and to secure the foam layer between the base layer and the cover such that the skid resistant end portions form a bottom of the mat and the textile central portion forms an upper surface of the mat.

12. A mat as in claim 11, wherein the end portions further comprise fasteners constructed and arranged to mutually engage such that the end portions are locked together to secure the cover to the base layer.

13. A mat comprising :

a cushioning top layer; and

a base layer, the base layer including, on a surface of the base layer engaging the cushioning top layer, a textured surface configured and arranged to provide a massaging function to a user standing on the cushioning top layer.

14. A mat as in claim 13, wherein the top layer comprises a foam material and the base layer comprises a rubber material.

15. A mat comprising, in order from top to bottom:

a top fabric layer;

a foam layer;

an odor absorbing filter layer; and

a slip-resistant backing layer.

16. A mat as in claim 15, wherein the fabric layer comprises a water-absorbing fabric.

17. A mat as in claim 15 or 16, wherein the foam layer comprises memory foam.

18. A mat as in any of claims 15-17, wherein the odor absorbing filter layer comprises charcoal as a filter medium.

19. A seat cushion comprising in order from top to bottom:

a mesh fabric top;

a spacer mesh core; and

a slip resistant base.

20. A seat cushion as in claim 19, further comprising elastic bands secured to the slip resistant base for securing the seat cushion to a seat.