[go: up one dir, main page]

US20080073241A1 - Cutlery tray - Google Patents

Cutlery tray Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080073241A1
US20080073241A1 US11/524,636 US52463606A US2008073241A1 US 20080073241 A1 US20080073241 A1 US 20080073241A1 US 52463606 A US52463606 A US 52463606A US 2008073241 A1 US2008073241 A1 US 2008073241A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
divider
cutlery tray
compartment
fixed
removable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/524,636
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark C. Naden
Amy B. Goldsmith
Anthony J. Baxter
Juan C. Escobar
Mark E. Milman
Alice von Stockhausen
Inbal Paulina Austern
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Helen of Troy Ltd
Original Assignee
Helen of Troy Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Helen of Troy Ltd filed Critical Helen of Troy Ltd
Priority to US11/524,636 priority Critical patent/US20080073241A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2007/073747 priority patent/WO2008036456A2/fr
Assigned to HELEN OF TROY LIMITED reassignment HELEN OF TROY LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MILLMAN, MARK E., STOCKHAUSEN, ALICE VON, NADEN, MARK C., AUSTERN, INBAL PAULINA, BAXTER, ANTHONY J., ESCOBAR, JUAN C., GOLDSMITH, AMY B.
Publication of US20080073241A1 publication Critical patent/US20080073241A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/02—Internal fittings
    • B65D25/04—Partitions
    • B65D25/06—Partitions adapted to be fitted in two or more alternative positions

Definitions

  • embodiments of the present invention solve the problems of prior art devices by providing a cutlery tray which maximizes space utilization, permits adjustment of flatware compartments to accommodate different sizes and styles, expands for additional storage, and accommodates other kitchen utensils, when necessary.
  • the expandable compartment preferably comprises a permanent knife block and, optionally, a removable knife block which attaches to the permanent knife block.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the expandable compartment in a closed position;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable knife divider for use with an embodiment of the present cutlery tray
  • FIG. 10 is identical to the drawing of FIG. 9 showing a fixed knife block in the expandable compartment and the placement of a removable knife block.
  • the expandable compartment 14 is preferably slidably attached to the underside of the tray including the fixed compartments 16 . This slidable attachment can be achieved in any of the ways known to those skilled in the art.
  • the expandable compartment 14 may be extended to any point within the range of from completely open, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , to completely closed, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
  • the divider areas 20 are preferably comprised of three pair of divider position slots 22 . That is, each divider 16 is retained at two attachment points, with one on each of the two opposing inside surface walls of the fixed compartment.
  • the two opposing divider position slots 22 i.e., attachment points
  • the divider position slots 22 are comprised of vertical slots 24 extending from the bottom wall of the compartment to the upper edge of the inside surface wall.
  • the upper edge of the wall also features a first finger notch 25 , the purpose of which is explained in more detail below.
  • the divider 16 is comprised of a base 30 and three upright portions 32 a - c .
  • the outer upright portions 32 a, b are designed to flex inward slightly and include a locking rib 34 along a centerline of the outer surface 35 .
  • the locking rib 34 corresponds—in a male/female connection manner—to the vertical slot 26 of the divider position slots 22 in the divider areas 20 .
  • the interaction of the locking rib 34 with the vertical slot 26 locks the divider 16 into the divider position slot 22 .
  • the inner upright portion 32 c operates as a sectioning wall to separate, for example, two stacks of flatware. This sectioning wall 32 c may be centered to provide sub-compartments of equal width or off-center to accommodate, for example, stacks stored in opposite directions, as shown in FIG. 8 .
  • each outer upright portions 32 a and b is positioned at the upper end of each outer upright portions 32 a and b .
  • This second finger notch 37 aligns with the first finger notch 25 of the compartment wall to form a significant opening 40 , the purpose of which is described in more detail below.
  • cutlery tray 110 a second embodiment of a cutlery tray 110 is shown. Except as discussed below, the cutlery tray 110 is substantially identical in form and function to the cutlery tray 10 described above.
  • the expandable compartment 14 may include a removable knife block 50 .
  • a removable knife block 50 is shown in FIG. 7 .
  • the knife block 50 is comprised of a plurality of upright portions 232 separated by a space. The number of knives which may be held by the knife block is dictated by the number of spaces.
  • a long tapered tab or protuberance 234 is shown on an end of the knife block 50 for locking the component into the extendable compartment 14 .
  • This particular tab 238 is designed to frictionally fit within a corresponding slot (not shown) in one of either a compartment wall or a permanent or fixed knife block 60 to provide a knife block which extends the width of the expanded compartment, as shown in FIG. 8 .
  • an expandable compartment 14 includes both a fixed knife block 60 and a removable knife block 50 .
  • the large expanded compartment 14 is suitable for holding larger cutting knives.
  • the fixed knife block 60 may be permanently attached within the expandable compartment 14 by any known means, including epoxy, glue, molded connectors, metal fasteners, or the like.
  • the removable knife block 50 may be attached in much the same manner as a divider 16 is attached with the fixed compartments 12 as discussed above.
  • the removable knife block 50 may be removed for some uses, as shown in FIG. 10 leaving an open space for storage of general utensils.
  • FIG. 7 one embodiment of the fixed and removable knife blocks 60 and 50 , respectively, can be more readily understood.
  • the two blocks are substantially similar in design, though one may be made longer than the other, if desired.
  • the removable block 50 is preferably made of a sufficiently rigid material to maintain its form over an extended period of use. It should also be sufficiently pliable to allow for removable attachment and prevent damaging any stored utensils.
  • Block 60 may be similarly constructed.
  • the blocks 50 , 60 consists of a series of fingerlike members 54 separated by slots 56 , each of a sufficient width to accommodate a knife blade.
  • a tapered protuberance 234 is integrally positioned on an outer surface of the outermost member 54 a on each end of the block 50 .
  • the protuberance 234 corresponds to a similarly shaped indentation (not shown) on an interior surface of any compartment wall. The two elements fit together to hold the removable block 50 in place.
  • the outer surface (not shown) of the adjoining end of the fixed knife block 60 would also necessarily include an indention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Warming Or Keeping Food Or Tableware Hot (AREA)
US11/524,636 2006-09-21 2006-09-21 Cutlery tray Abandoned US20080073241A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/524,636 US20080073241A1 (en) 2006-09-21 2006-09-21 Cutlery tray
PCT/US2007/073747 WO2008036456A2 (fr) 2006-09-21 2007-07-18 Plateau de rangement de couteaux

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/524,636 US20080073241A1 (en) 2006-09-21 2006-09-21 Cutlery tray

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080073241A1 true US20080073241A1 (en) 2008-03-27

Family

ID=39201796

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/524,636 Abandoned US20080073241A1 (en) 2006-09-21 2006-09-21 Cutlery tray

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20080073241A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008036456A2 (fr)

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD589798S1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2009-04-07 Nokia Corporation Container
USD596030S1 (en) * 2007-08-02 2009-07-14 Nokia Corporation Container
US20110120906A1 (en) * 2009-11-20 2011-05-26 Wilton Industries Inc. Drawer storage with magnetic connectors
US8689979B2 (en) 2011-11-18 2014-04-08 Grant M. Rowe Cutlery tray assembly
US8833881B2 (en) 2011-06-15 2014-09-16 Forte USA Parts storage drawer system
USD733990S1 (en) * 2012-06-29 2015-07-07 Nacco Materials Handling Group, Inc. Tray for industrial vehicle
US10906692B2 (en) * 2018-09-18 2021-02-02 Gourmet Settings Inc. Tieless flatware display packaging
USD923429S1 (en) * 2017-12-13 2021-06-29 Veyes Llc Drawer organizer
USD948969S1 (en) * 2020-07-27 2022-04-19 Yangjiang Jiangcheng Xuanxuan Manufacture LLC. Knife holder
USD956865S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2022-07-05 The Container Store, Inc. Pencil organizer
USD956866S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2022-07-05 The Container Store, Inc. Desktop file
USD956864S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2022-07-05 The Container Store, Inc. Desktop organizer
USD971691S1 (en) * 2021-01-15 2022-12-06 The Container Store, Inc. Drawer organizer
USD971693S1 (en) * 2021-02-11 2022-12-06 Helen Of Troy Limited Drawer organizer
USD971694S1 (en) * 2021-02-12 2022-12-06 Helen Of Troy Limited Drawer organizer
USD971692S1 (en) * 2021-02-10 2022-12-06 Helen Of Troy Limited Drawer organizer
USD976657S1 (en) * 2021-02-11 2023-01-31 Helen Of Troy Limited Drawer organizer
USD1001888S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2023-10-17 The Container Store, Inc. Magazine file
USD1005998S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2023-11-28 The Container Store, Inc. Monitor riser
US20240165838A1 (en) * 2021-03-19 2024-05-23 Seung Soo YOUN Knife storage device
USD1049797S1 (en) * 2024-07-02 2024-11-05 Fujian EastWest Lifewit Technology Co., Ltd. Cutlery box
USD1049798S1 (en) * 2024-07-12 2024-11-05 Fujian EastWest Lifewit Technology Co., Ltd. Utensil organizer
USD1052357S1 (en) * 2024-07-02 2024-11-26 Fujian EastWest Lifewit Technology Co., Ltd. Cutlery box
USD1055643S1 (en) * 2024-05-28 2024-12-31 Shenzhen Bimingdi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd. Drawer organizer
USD1069518S1 (en) * 2024-11-15 2025-04-08 Fujian EastWest Lifewit Technology Co., Ltd. Utensil organizer
USD1071676S1 (en) * 2022-02-09 2025-04-22 Salt By Sabrina Llc Combined drawer divider and organizer
USD1080315S1 (en) * 2024-11-29 2025-06-24 Bijun Wang Cutlery tray
USD1099648S1 (en) 2021-01-15 2025-10-28 The Container Store, Inc. Two-tier drawer organizing tray for eating and cooking utensils

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2210084A4 (fr) * 2007-10-01 2012-03-21 Optosecurity Inc Procede et dispositifs pour estimer l'etat de menace d'un article a un point de controle de securite
EP2331944B1 (fr) 2008-09-05 2014-03-12 Optosecurity Inc. Procédé et système d exécution d'une inspection aux rayons x d'un produit liquide à un poste de contrôle de sécurité
WO2010091493A1 (fr) 2009-02-10 2010-08-19 Optosecurity Inc. Procédé et système d'inspection par rayons x d'un produit au niveau d'un point de contrôle de sécurité à l'aide d'une simulation
WO2010145016A1 (fr) 2009-06-15 2010-12-23 Optosecurity Inc. Procédé et appareil d'évaluation du niveau de menace de bagages
US8879791B2 (en) 2009-07-31 2014-11-04 Optosecurity Inc. Method, apparatus and system for determining if a piece of luggage contains a liquid product
EP4258949B1 (fr) 2020-12-11 2025-03-26 Catone, Cesare Ensemble plateau à couverts comprenant un plateau doté d'un porte-couverts

Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1753878A (en) * 1923-11-23 1930-04-08 Oneida Community Ltd Receptacle for silverware
US2214042A (en) * 1938-08-03 1940-09-10 Emory F Burdick Divider structure
US2563570A (en) * 1951-08-07 Space apportioning divider for beds
US4305629A (en) * 1980-05-22 1981-12-15 Edward Friis Drawer organizer for knives, forks, and spoons
US4889253A (en) * 1987-02-20 1989-12-26 Marius Schmulian Divider for luggage and the like
US4979610A (en) * 1989-11-20 1990-12-25 Johnson & Wales University Case for culinary instruments and the like
US5016772A (en) * 1990-03-02 1991-05-21 Wilk Peter J Collapsible receptacle assembly and related method
US5332106A (en) * 1992-12-17 1994-07-26 Schlotte Alice M Spoon and fork holder
US5603439A (en) * 1995-04-17 1997-02-18 Pineda; Adrian R. Truck cargo organizer
USD421554S (en) * 1998-12-04 2000-03-14 DV International, Inc. Expandable flatware drawer
US6129433A (en) * 1996-08-09 2000-10-10 Dynatec International, Inc. Adjustable drawer organizer
US6467622B1 (en) * 2000-10-12 2002-10-22 Rubbermaid Incorporated Adjustable organizer
US20040004420A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-01-08 Pine Eli S. Asymmetric expandable silverware tray
US20040155564A1 (en) * 2003-02-10 2004-08-12 Berger Andrew L. Expandable drawer organizer
US20040245254A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-09 Gayle Rosenberg X-Y-Z drawer organizer
US6834924B2 (en) * 2001-05-17 2004-12-28 Julius Blum Gesellschaft M.B.H. Drawer insert
US20050067928A1 (en) * 2003-02-10 2005-03-31 Berger Andrew L. Expandable drawer organizer
USD512279S1 (en) * 2004-03-08 2005-12-06 Berger Andy L Combined expandable knife holder and utensil storage unit
US20060124647A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2006-06-15 Gayle Rosenberg Drawer organizer

Patent Citations (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2563570A (en) * 1951-08-07 Space apportioning divider for beds
US1753878A (en) * 1923-11-23 1930-04-08 Oneida Community Ltd Receptacle for silverware
US2214042A (en) * 1938-08-03 1940-09-10 Emory F Burdick Divider structure
US4305629A (en) * 1980-05-22 1981-12-15 Edward Friis Drawer organizer for knives, forks, and spoons
US4889253A (en) * 1987-02-20 1989-12-26 Marius Schmulian Divider for luggage and the like
US4979610A (en) * 1989-11-20 1990-12-25 Johnson & Wales University Case for culinary instruments and the like
US5016772A (en) * 1990-03-02 1991-05-21 Wilk Peter J Collapsible receptacle assembly and related method
US5332106A (en) * 1992-12-17 1994-07-26 Schlotte Alice M Spoon and fork holder
US5603439A (en) * 1995-04-17 1997-02-18 Pineda; Adrian R. Truck cargo organizer
US6129433A (en) * 1996-08-09 2000-10-10 Dynatec International, Inc. Adjustable drawer organizer
USD421554S (en) * 1998-12-04 2000-03-14 DV International, Inc. Expandable flatware drawer
US6467622B1 (en) * 2000-10-12 2002-10-22 Rubbermaid Incorporated Adjustable organizer
US6834924B2 (en) * 2001-05-17 2004-12-28 Julius Blum Gesellschaft M.B.H. Drawer insert
US20040004420A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-01-08 Pine Eli S. Asymmetric expandable silverware tray
US20040155564A1 (en) * 2003-02-10 2004-08-12 Berger Andrew L. Expandable drawer organizer
US20050067928A1 (en) * 2003-02-10 2005-03-31 Berger Andrew L. Expandable drawer organizer
US20040245254A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-09 Gayle Rosenberg X-Y-Z drawer organizer
US20060124647A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2006-06-15 Gayle Rosenberg Drawer organizer
US7147120B2 (en) * 2003-06-03 2006-12-12 Gayle Rosenberg Drawer organizer
USD512279S1 (en) * 2004-03-08 2005-12-06 Berger Andy L Combined expandable knife holder and utensil storage unit

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD596030S1 (en) * 2007-08-02 2009-07-14 Nokia Corporation Container
USD589798S1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2009-04-07 Nokia Corporation Container
US20110120906A1 (en) * 2009-11-20 2011-05-26 Wilton Industries Inc. Drawer storage with magnetic connectors
US8833881B2 (en) 2011-06-15 2014-09-16 Forte USA Parts storage drawer system
US8689979B2 (en) 2011-11-18 2014-04-08 Grant M. Rowe Cutlery tray assembly
USD733990S1 (en) * 2012-06-29 2015-07-07 Nacco Materials Handling Group, Inc. Tray for industrial vehicle
USD923429S1 (en) * 2017-12-13 2021-06-29 Veyes Llc Drawer organizer
US10906692B2 (en) * 2018-09-18 2021-02-02 Gourmet Settings Inc. Tieless flatware display packaging
USD948969S1 (en) * 2020-07-27 2022-04-19 Yangjiang Jiangcheng Xuanxuan Manufacture LLC. Knife holder
USD956865S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2022-07-05 The Container Store, Inc. Pencil organizer
USD956866S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2022-07-05 The Container Store, Inc. Desktop file
USD956864S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2022-07-05 The Container Store, Inc. Desktop organizer
USD1001888S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2023-10-17 The Container Store, Inc. Magazine file
USD1005998S1 (en) 2021-01-12 2023-11-28 The Container Store, Inc. Monitor riser
USD971691S1 (en) * 2021-01-15 2022-12-06 The Container Store, Inc. Drawer organizer
USD1099648S1 (en) 2021-01-15 2025-10-28 The Container Store, Inc. Two-tier drawer organizing tray for eating and cooking utensils
USD971692S1 (en) * 2021-02-10 2022-12-06 Helen Of Troy Limited Drawer organizer
USD971693S1 (en) * 2021-02-11 2022-12-06 Helen Of Troy Limited Drawer organizer
USD976657S1 (en) * 2021-02-11 2023-01-31 Helen Of Troy Limited Drawer organizer
USD971694S1 (en) * 2021-02-12 2022-12-06 Helen Of Troy Limited Drawer organizer
US20240165838A1 (en) * 2021-03-19 2024-05-23 Seung Soo YOUN Knife storage device
USD1071676S1 (en) * 2022-02-09 2025-04-22 Salt By Sabrina Llc Combined drawer divider and organizer
USD1055643S1 (en) * 2024-05-28 2024-12-31 Shenzhen Bimingdi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd. Drawer organizer
USD1049797S1 (en) * 2024-07-02 2024-11-05 Fujian EastWest Lifewit Technology Co., Ltd. Cutlery box
USD1052357S1 (en) * 2024-07-02 2024-11-26 Fujian EastWest Lifewit Technology Co., Ltd. Cutlery box
USD1049798S1 (en) * 2024-07-12 2024-11-05 Fujian EastWest Lifewit Technology Co., Ltd. Utensil organizer
USD1069518S1 (en) * 2024-11-15 2025-04-08 Fujian EastWest Lifewit Technology Co., Ltd. Utensil organizer
USD1080315S1 (en) * 2024-11-29 2025-06-24 Bijun Wang Cutlery tray

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008036456A2 (fr) 2008-03-27
WO2008036456A3 (fr) 2008-11-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20080073241A1 (en) Cutlery tray
US6877231B2 (en) Expandable knife holder
CN100572201C (zh) 多隔间容器和盖子组件
KR100189601B1 (ko) 분배 수단을 구비한 식품 용기
US8220789B2 (en) Combination food cutting board with removable compartments
US9434590B2 (en) Utensil carrying case
US9549626B2 (en) Eating utensil assembly including support member and related methods
US20180125274A1 (en) Eating utensil assembly and related methods
US20030234205A1 (en) Multi-tool kitchen utensil kit and container
US4534469A (en) Tray assembly
US20090261049A1 (en) Kitchen Utensil Organizer and Utensil Support Rack
US11958656B2 (en) Storage box
US2574099A (en) Cutlery receptacle tray
US20140332527A1 (en) Lunch box
US20080110901A1 (en) Plate Pack
US20030029770A1 (en) Systems for organizing and carrying food preparation items
US10758087B1 (en) Multi-purpose cutting board
US20190343308A1 (en) Tableware Organizer for Large Group Gatherings
JP3177947U (ja) 本体収容空間に仕切りを設けた箸箱及び仕切り部材
CN114711650A (zh) 用于晾干搁架的刀具保持架和切割板
US20070131697A1 (en) Plate with utensil pocket
JPH0721187Y2 (ja) 飲食・調理用具セット
US20230255215A1 (en) Cookie cutter apparatus and system
EP4258949B1 (fr) Ensemble plateau à couverts comprenant un plateau doté d'un porte-couverts
CN212853300U (zh) 一种可隔断的收纳筒

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HELEN OF TROY LIMITED, BARBADOS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NADEN, MARK C.;GOLDSMITH, AMY B.;BAXTER, ANTHONY J.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:020494/0741;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060815 TO 20060919

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION