WO2016051126A1

WO2016051126A1 - A kitchen sink utensil holder

Info

Publication number: WO2016051126A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/000277
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sunita Gill
Original assignee: Sunita Gill
Priority date: 2014-10-01
Filing date: 2015-09-28
Publication date: 2016-04-07
Also published as: GB2533760A; GB2533760B; GB201417371D0

Abstract

A kitchen sink utensil holder (1), comprising: a base (2), and; a side wall (3) that extends upwards from the base (2) to substantially define an at least partially enclosed interior portion configured to hold a plurality of kitchen utensils, the side wall (3) having an opening (4) through which utensils can be passed, the side wall (3) rotatable on the base (2).

Description

A kitchen sink utensil holder

FIELD

The present invention relates to a container for holding kitchen sink utensils. More particularly, the present invention relates to a kitchen sink organiser or kitchen sink caddy.

BACKGROUND

It is usual for a domestic kitchen sink or immediate environs to have a number of associated separate utensils such as sponges, cleaning brushes, and containers of liquid soap and/or washing-up liquid. It can be difficult for a user to store these so that they are out of the way when not required, but in a location convenient enough so that a user can quickly and easily access these when required.

A number of products are available that address this problem or similar, as outlined below. These products are generally known as 'kitchen sink organisers', or 'kitchen sink caddies':

Dr Leonard's kitchen sink caddy is a container having an open top to allow a user to easily access the interior, and which is divided into a number of sub- compartments internally so that a user can store different items such as soap and brushes in different compartments.

Another common type of organiser or caddy design is a wire basket having a handle that extends from the top and which bends away from the basket to form a hook that can be looped over a sink divider or similar to allow the caddy to be hung from the side of a sink, a user placing brushes or sponges in the basket to conveniently store these.

A variation on this design has a pair of containers that are hung over the top of a sink divider in a similar manner to a pair of panniers or saddlebags, with an open- topped container on each side into which a user can place their utensils for storage and easy access.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a kitchen sink utensil holder which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in an aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in a kitchen sink utensil holder, comprising a base, and a side wall that extends upwards from the base to substantially define an at least partially enclosed interior portion configured to hold a plurality of kitchen utensils, the side wall having an opening through which utensils can be passed, the side wall rotatable on the base. The opening allows a user to store and retrieve utensils within the interior portion of the utensil holder, and the rotatability of the side wall on the base allows a user to rotate the opening to a desired location, for example to a location where it is blocked from a user's sight line by the side wall.

In an embodiment, the kitchen sink utensil holder further comprises a rotation means located in the base and configured to rotate the side wall on the base when activated. This assists a user with rotating the side wall on the base without requiring a user to exert rotational force themselves with hands that may be dirty or slippery.

In an embodiment, the rotation means comprises a spring configured to be placed in tension when the side wall is rotated from a neutral position on the base. This is a simple, robust, reliable and inexpensive mechanism. In an embodiment, the base further comprises a catch, the side wall rotatable to engage the catch with the spring in tension to hold the side wall at that position, the kitchen sink utensil holder further comprising a button on the base connecting to the catch, pressing the button causing the catch to release so that the side wall will rotate back towards the neutral position. This allows a user to rotate the base away from the 'in use' position, but to release it for use quickly and easily when required.

In an embodiment, the kitchen sink utensil holder further comprises dampers configured to prevent over-rapid movement of the side wall on the base assembly. This helps to prevent over-rapid movement that could cause damage or injury, and which could cause the kitchen sink utensil holder to fall over.

In an embodiment, the rotation means is an electric motor, the kitchen sink utensil holder further comprising a button on the base connecting to the electric motor and configured to activate the motor when pressed. This provides a simple and reliable mechanism for rotating the side wall.

In an embodiment, the kitchen sink utensil holder further comprises a drain support configured to locate within and at or towards the bottom of the interior portion, the drain support forming a supporting surface for utensils within the holder and further comprising at least one drain aperture configured to allow water to drain from within the interior portion. This allows water and other fluids to drain from used utensils within the utensil holder through the support while supporting the utensils.

In an embodiment, the side wall opening is configured to form a lip that extends upwards from the drain support. This helps to retain fluids within the interior portion until they can drain from the interior portion through the aperture or apertures.

In an embodiment, the at least one drain aperture is a plurality of apertures spaced around the drain support. This helps to provide efficient drainage while not compromising the support provided.

In an embodiment, the base further comprises a drip tray configured to locate under the drain support to receive water draining from within the interior portion, the drip tray removable. This helps a user to contain and then dispose of unwanted fluids draining from utensils. in an embodiment, the drip tray further comprises a lip configured to prevent spillage into the base. This helps to protect items within the confines of the base.

In an embodiment, the at least partially enclosed interior portion has a

substantially open top. This allows a user to more easily access the interior and to at least view the contents more easily.

In an embodiment, the side wall opening extends to the substantially open top. This assists a user with emplacing and removing utensils.

In an embodiment, the kitchen sink utensil further comprises a cover configured to extend at least partly over the substantially open top. This assists with blocking a user's sight line.

In an embodiment, the cover is substantially crescent-shaped. This presents an aesthetically-pleasing cover that does not extend to interfere with a user's hand when they are adding or removing items.

In an embodiment, the cover connects with the side wall via a friction fit. This is a simple and effective way to connect the cover.

In an embodiment, the side wall has a height of substantially 300mm. This ensures that the side wall extends to at least the height of the majority of the most common kitchen utensils so that they are fully enclosed within the boundaries of the side wall and below the upper lip or surface of the side wall.

In an embodiment, the base further comprises at least one anti-slip foot connected to the underside of the base.

In an embodiment, the anti-slip foot is at least partly formed from a rubberised material. This helps to prevent the base from slipping in use on wet and/or soapy surfaces.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, 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.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a first embodiment of kitchen sink utensil holder according to the invention, having a base, and a side wall that extends upwards from the base to an open top, the side wall enclosing an interior portion for holding kitchen utensils, the side wall having an opening through which utensils can be passed, the opening in this view facing towards and to the left of the viewer, the side wall rotatable on the base by a user pressing a button on the base.

Figure 2 shows the kitchen sink utensil holder of figure 1 with the side wall rotated so that the opening faces away from and to the right of the viewer.

Figure 3 shows a view directly from the side of the kitchen sink utensil holder of figures 1 and 2, with the opening rotated to face directly towards the viewer.

Figure 4 shows a view directly from the side of the kitchen sink utensil holder of figures 1 and 2, with the viewer directly to the left-hand side of the opening.

Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the kitchen sink utensil holder from the same angle as figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a second embodiment of kitchen sink utensil holder according to the invention, having a base, and a side wall that extends upwards from the base to an open top, the side wall enclosing an interior portion for holding kitchen utensils, the side wall having an opening through which utensils can be passed, the opening in this view facing towards and to the left of the viewer, the side wall rotatable on the base, the holder further having a crescent-shaped cover that extends inwards from the upper edge of the side wall opposite the opening to partly cover the open top of the enclosure formed by the side wall, the cover connected to the side wall via a notch in the side wall into which an extension that is integrally formed with and which extends downwards from the cover fits to hold to cover in position via a friction fit.

Figure 7 shows the kitchen sink utensil holder of figure 6 viewed from directly side-on and with the side wall aligned so that the opening faces directly towards the viewer.

Figure 8 shows a perspective exploded view from above and to one side of the holder of figures 6 and 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the kitchen sink utensil holder of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

A first embodiment of kitchen sink utensil holder 1 has a base assembly 2 that when assembled is circular in plan view and which has a height much less than the diameter, the base 2 extending upwards a short distance from a flat bottom that allows the base 2 to rest on a surface. A rubber foot or feet, or similar is/are attached to the bottom surface of the base assembly 2 to help prevent the base assembly 2 from slipping across surfaces that might be wet or soapy, or otherwise slippery.

A side wall 3 extends upwards substantially vertically from the perimeter or circumference of the base 2 to enclose an interior area or portion. The side wall extends from the base for approximately 30cm. An opening 4 is formed in the side wall, the opening extending from the top lip or edge of the side wall 3 for substantially the entire height of the side wall, the opening stopping slightly short of the base 2 so that a short lip 5 is formed extending upwards for a short distance from the base 2. The opening 4 extends around the circumferential side wall over approximately a 90-degree arc.

The interior area or portion enclosed by the cylindrical side wall 2 is sized and shaped to be suitable to receive a number of kitchen utensils, such as brushes, sponges, washing-up bottles, etc. The height of the side wall ensures that these will be fully enclosed within the interior area - that is, the side wall is high enough that the majority of the most common or normally-sized kitchen utensils will generally not extend above the upper rim or lip of the side wall.

To place objects inside the utensil holder 1 , or to retrieve objects already inside the utensil holder 1 , a user passes these through the opening 4, or reaches in through the opening 4 to pull these out. The open top assists with this process but is not absolutely necessary.

A drain support 6 forms a floor for the interior portion at the bottom of the interior portion, at the lower part of the side wall 3, between the top of the base 2 and the interior portion. The drain support 6 forms a supporting surface for utensils within the holder 1. A number of drain apertures 7 are formed through the drain support 6 to allow water and other fluids to drain from within the interior portion down into the base 2, where the water/fluids are collected. This allows water and other fluids to drain from utensils held within the utensil holder. Draining water and fluids are held within the interior portion by the lip 5 so that they drain through the apertures 7 rather than spilling through the bottom of the opening 4.

A drip tray 10 forms part of the base 2 and is located directly underneath the drain support 6, formed from tray base 10a and perimetrical lip section 10b. Draining water and fluids drain through the apertures 7 into the drip tray 10 to be held in the drip tray base 10a. The side wall 2 and drain support 6 can be removed from the top of the base 2, and the tray base 10a removed from the remainder of the base assembly 2 so that the tray base 10a can be emptied. The lip section 10b helps to prevent overspill of fluids in the tray base 0a into the remainder of the base 2.

The side wall 3 and the base 2 are connected so that the side wall 3 can rotate on the base 2, the centre of the axis of rotation for the side wall 3 passing through the centre of the base 2. The side wall 3 and base 2 can be connected in any suitable manner - for example connected via a spindle or similar at the centre of the circular base 2, and/or a standard rotary bearing, or similar - any mechanism that allows relative rotation of the side wall 3 on the base 2 is suitable.

As shown in figure 5, in an embodiment, the base 2 has a spring 9 that is connected between the spindle and the side wall. When a user rotates the side wall 3 on the base 2 they place the spring in tension. The side wall 3 is rotated through approximately half a full rotation, or 180 degrees, and will then latch in position with the spring 9 in tension. A button 8 is mounted to extend through and from the side of the base 2, passing through a side wall of the base 2. The button 8 is sized and shaped and configured so that it can easily be pressed with dirty/wet hands. When a user presses the button 8, this releases the spring latch and the side wall will rotate, driven by tension in the spring 9, back to it's original position.

Rotation of the side wall 2 changes the position of the opening 4. In use, a user initially has the opening 4 towards them so that the opening 4 is conveniently located to either insert or remove items from inside the kitchen sink utensil holder 1. After they have completed adding and/or removing items, they then rotate the side wall 3 to move the opening 4 away from them, so that the closed part of the side wall 3 is between their eye line and the opening for all normal usage. That is, the opening allows a user to store and retrieve utensils within the interior portion of the utensil holder, and the rotatability of the side wall on the base allows a user to rotate the opening to a desired location, for example to a location where it is blocked from a user's sight line by the side wall, in order that the kitchen sink utensil holder 1 presents a more pleasing aspect to the sight of a user.

When the user wishes to retrieve stored items, they press the button 8 to release the catch, and the side wall rotates to bring the opening back towards them (the initial or neutral position).

Dampers can be added to the base assembly 2 to help prevent over-rapid movement of the side wall 3 on the base assembly 2. Alternatively, various components such as the bearings can be sized and configured, and the strength of the spring can be chosen, such that their own inertia helps to prevent over- rapid movement or acceleration and deceleration of the side wall 3 on the base assembly 2.

In the embodiment described above, the side wall 3 is rotated on the base assembly 2 by way of a rotation means that in the embodiment described comprises a spring which is tensioned by a user to provide rotational force between the base 2 and side wall 3. Any other suitable rotation means could also be used, such as for example a motor (battery or mains powered), clockwork, or similar. A second embodiment of the kitchen sink utensil holder of the present invention is shown in figures 6, 7 and 8, and described below.

The utensil holder 100 of the second embodiment is very similar overall to the utensil holder 1 of the first embodiment, having a base assembly 102 and side wall 103 that extends upwards from the perimeter or circumference of the base 102 to enclose an interior area or portion, in a similar manner to that described for the first embodiment above. Also similarly to first embodiment above, the side wall 103 has an opening 104 in the side wall, which extends from the top lip or edge of the side wall 103 for substantially the entire height of the side wall 103. The opening 104 extends around the circumferential side wall over approximately a 90-degree arc.

The interior area or portion enclosed by the cylindrical side wall 103 is sized and shaped to be suitable to receive a number of kitchen utensils, such as brushes, sponges, washing-up bottles, etc. The height of the side wall ensures that these will be fully enclosed within the interior area - that is, the side wall 103 is high enough that the majority of the most common or normally-sized kitchen utensils will generally not extend above the upper rim or lip of the side wall.

In this embodiment, a cover 111 extends inwards generally horizontally from the upper edge of the side wall 103 opposite the opening 104 to partly cover the open top of the enclosure formed by the side wall 103. The cover 111 appears crescent-shaped in plan view, with an outer edge that follows the upper rim or lip of the side wall 103. The cover is connected to the side wall 103 via a notch 112 in the side wall into which an extension 113 that is integrally formed with and which extends downwards from the cover 111 fits to hold to cover 111 in position via a friction fit.

The cover 111 extends partly over the open top of the enclosure formed by the side wall 103 to partly cover the open top. When utensils are stored in the holder 100, and with the opening 104 rotated away from a user, the cover 111 and the closed part of the side wall 103 are between a user's eye line and the opening 104 and the interior of the holder 100 for all normal usage.

To place objects inside the utensil holder 100, or to retrieve objects already inside the utensil holder 100, a user passes these through the opening 104, or reaches in through the opening 04 to pull these out. As the cover 111 does not extend all the way over the top, a user can more easily reach into the interior of the holder 100 to place objects therein, or to pull items out.

In a similar manner to the first embodiment described above, a drain support 106 forms a floor for the interior portion at the bottom of the interior portion, at the lower part of the side wall 103, between the top of the base 102 and the interior portion. The drain support 106 forms a supporting surface for utensils within the holder 100. A number of drain apertures 107 are formed through the drain support 106 to allow water and other fluids to drain from within the interior portion down into the base 102, where the water/fluids are collected. This allows water and other fluids to drain from utensils held within the utensil holder. Draining water and fluids are held within the interior portion by the lip 105 so that they drain through the apertures 107 rather than spilling through the bottom of the opening 104.

A drip tray 110 forms part of the base 102 and is located directly underneath the drain support 106, formed from tray base 1 10a and perimetrical lip section 1 10b. Draining water and fluids drain through the apertures 107 into the drip tray 1 10 to be held in the drip tray base 110a. The side wall 102 and drain support 106 can be removed from the top of the base 102, and the tray base 1 10a removed from the remainder of the base assembly 102 so that the tray base 1 10a can be emptied. The lip section 110b helps to prevent overspill of fluids in the tray base 1 10a into the remainder of the base 102.

The side wall 103 and the base 102 are connected so that the side wall 103 can rotate on the base 102, the centre of the axis of rotation for the side wall 3 passing through the centre of the base 102. The side wall 103 and base 102 can be connected in any suitable manner - for example connected via a spindle or similar at the centre of the circular base 102, and/or a standard rotary bearing, or similar - any mechanism that allows relative rotation of the side wall 103 on the base 102 is suitable. In this embodiment, the side wall 103 is manually turned on the base 102 by a user grasping the side wall and twisting this to rotate the side wall 103 around the central axis relative to the base 102, to turn the open section towards or away from the user. In use, a user initially has the opening 104 towards them so that the opening 104 is conveniently located to either insert or remove items from inside the kitchen sink utensil holder 100. After they have completed adding and/or removing items, they then rotate the side wall 103 to move the opening 104 away from them, so that the closed part of the side wall 103 and the cover 111 are between their eye line and the opening for all normal usage. That is, the opening 104 allows a user to store and retrieve utensils within the interior portion of the utensil holder, and the rotatability of the side wall on the base allows a user to rotate the opening to a desired location, for example to a location where it is blocked from a user's sight line by the side wall, in order that the kitchen sink utensil holder 100 presents a more pleasing aspect to the sight of a user.

'Rotation means' or 'rotation mechanism' as used in this specification should be taken as broad enough to encompass mechanisms the same as or similar to that described for the embodiments, or any mechanism or arrangement that provides a way by which the side wall can be rotated on the base, with the centre of the base forming an axis of rotation. For the mechanism of the second embodiment, the rotation means is activated or used by manually rotating the side wall 103 on the base 102. For the first embodiment, energy is stored in or accessible by the mechanism or means itself, and is released by a user on activation to cause rotation via the mechanism or means.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, 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 as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A kitchen sink utensil holder, comprising:

a base;

a side wail that extends upwards from the base to substantially define an at least partially enclosed interior portion configured to hold a plurality of kitchen utensils, the side wall having an opening through which utensils can be passed, the side wall rotatable on the base.

2. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a rotation means located in the base and configured to rotate the side wall on the base when activated.

3. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 2 wherein the rotation means comprises a spring configured to be placed in tension when the side wall is rotated from a neutral position on the base.

4. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 3 wherein the base further comprises a catch, the side wall rotatable to engage the catch with the spring in tension to hold the side wall at that position, the kitchen sink utensil holder further comprising a button on the base connecting to the catch, pressing the button causing the catch to release so that the side wall will rotate back towards the neutral position.

5. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 further comprising dampers configured to prevent over-rapid movement of the side wall on the base assembly.

6. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 2 wherein the rotation means comprises an electric motor, the kitchen sink utensil holder further comprising a button on the base connecting to the electric motor and configured to activate the motor when pressed.

7. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising a drain support configured to locate within and at or towards the bottom of the interior portion, the drain support forming a supporting surface for utensils within the holder and further comprising at least one drain aperture configured to allow water to drain from within the interior portion.

8. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 7 wherein the side wall opening is configured to form a lip that extends upwards from the drain support.

9. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the at least one drain aperture is a plurality of apertures spaced around the drain support.

10. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the base further comprises a drip tray configured to locate under the drain support to receive water draining from within the interior portion, the drip tray removable.

11. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 10 wherein the drip tray further comprises a lip configured to prevent spillage into the base.

12. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 1 wherein the at least partially enclosed interior portion has a substantially open top.

13. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 12 wherein the side wall opening extends to the substantially open top.

14. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 further comprising a cover configured to extend at least partly over the substantially open top.

15. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 14 wherein the cover is substantially crescent-shaped.

16. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the cover removably connects with the side wall via a friction fit.

17. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the side wall has a height of substantially 300mm.

18. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the base further comprises at least one anti-slip foot connected to the underside of the base.

19. A kitchen sink utensil holder as claimed in claim 18 wherein the anti-slip foot is at least partly formed from a rubberised material.

17. A kitchen sink utensil holder substantially as herein described with reference to figures 1 to 5.

18. A kitchen sink utensil holder substantially as herein described with reference to figures 5 to 8.