Not applicable.
Not applicable.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to storage devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a bracket device for storage of a pot or pan lid.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Pot and pan lids may be stored via a wide variety of ways. Storage of a pot/pan lid may be performed inside of a cabinet, on top of pot/pan, on top of counter and/or hanging from ceiling.
In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.
Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.
References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.
It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described for containing, storing and/or retaining lids associated with pots and pans.
A bracket device 100 includes a first vertical bar 102, a second vertical bar 104 and a horizontal bar 106.
Bracket device 100 provides capability for retaining a lid device (not shown) for storage.
First vertical bar 102 retains a portion of a lid device, second vertical bar 104 retains a portion of a lid device and horizontal bar 106 retains a portion of a lid device.
Second vertical bar 104 includes a front retaining slat 108, a side slat 110 and a rear retaining slat 112.
A first edge of front retaining slat 108 connects to a first edge of side slat 110. A second edge of side slat 110 connects to a first edge of rear retaining slat 112. Front retaining slat 108, side slat 110 and rear retaining slat 112 are configured such that a slot 105 is made available.
Rear retaining slat 112 includes a tab 114. Furthermore, a hole 116 is located in tab 114.
Hole 116 provides a means for affixing second vertical bar 104 and bracket device 100 to a structure. As a non-limiting example, structure may be a cabinet door.
A slanted corner 109 providing a tapered corner may be configured for front retaining slat 108. Slanted corner 109 may be provided for any known angle of slant.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, slanted corner 109 may be configured with rounded corners. Slanted corner 109 may reduce efforts associated with inserting an item into bracket device 100.
In some embodiments, slanted corner 109 may not be configured for front retaining slat 108.
First vertical bar 102 includes a front retaining slat 118, a side slat 120 and a rear retaining slat 122.
A first edge of front retaining slat 118 connects to a first edge of side slat 120. A second edge of side slat 120 connects to a first edge of rear retaining slat 122. Front retaining slat 118, side slat 120 and rear retaining slat 122 are configured such that a slot 103 is made available.
Rear retaining slat 122 includes a tab 124. Furthermore, a hole 126 is located in tab 124.
Hole 126 provides a means for affixing first vertical bar 102 and bracket device 100 to a structure. As a non-limiting example, structure may be a cabinet door.
A slanted corner 119 is configured for front retaining slat 118.
Horizontal bar 106 includes a front retaining slat 128, a bottom slat 130 and a rear retaining slat 132.
A first edge of front retaining slat 128 connects to a first edge of bottom slat 130. A second edge of bottom slat 130 connects to a first edge of rear retaining slat 132. Front retaining slat 128, bottom slat 130 and rear retaining slat 132 are configured such that a slot 107 is made available.
Bracket device 100 may be configured in a multiplicity of sizes in order to support a multiplicity of lid sizes.
As a non-limiting example, bracket device 100 may be fabricated of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material.
As a non-limiting example, bracket device 100 may be configured in a U-bracket form-factor.
As an example, first vertical bar 102 and second vertical bar 104 may be configured for a length 115 (
As an example, horizontal bar 106 may be configured for a length 117 (
Bracket device 100 includes a slot or track, as formed by slot 103, slot 105 and slot 107, for containing, storing and/or retaining a lid.
As a non-limiting example, rear retaining slat 112 (
Tab 114 (
As a non-limiting example, the width of front retaining slat 108 (
As a non-limiting example, slanted corner 109 (
As a non-limiting example, the width of side slat 110 (
A screw 202 traverses hole 126 for affixing first vertical bar 102 and bracket device 100 (
Screw 202 may be configured of any known size or variation of screw capable of supporting the weight of bracket device 100 and associated contents. Furthermore, screw may be configured for a length such as to prevent protrusion through the front of cabinet doors.
A multiplicity of bracket device 100 (
A lid 304 slides into and is retained by bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 may be attached to the interior plane of cabinet door 302.
Lid 304 may be placed within bracket device 100 for storage.
A multiplicity of bracket device 100 (
A lid 404, a lid 406 and a lid 408 are retained by respective bracket device 100 (
Lid 404 may be associated with a pan 410.
Lid 406 may be associated with a pan 412.
A pan 414 resides on top of pan 412. Furthermore pan 412 resides on top of pan 410.
Storage of lid 404 and lid 406 by respective bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
As a result of lids stored via bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Non-limiting examples for applications of bracket device 100 (
Installation of bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
Bracket device 100 (
In some embodiments, bracket device 100 (
A bracket device 500 includes a first vertical bar 502, a second vertical bar 504 and a horizontal bar 506.
Bracket device 500 provides capability for retaining a lid device (not shown) for storage.
First vertical bar 502 retains a portion of a lid device, second vertical bar 504 retains a portion of a lid device and horizontal bar 506 retains a portion of a lid device.
An adhesive device 508 connects to first vertical bar 502.
An adhesive device 510 connects to second vertical bar 504.
Adhesive device 508 and adhesive device 510 may be configured as tabs.
Adhesive device 508 and adhesive device 510 adhere bracket device 500 to a structure (not shown).
As an example, a non-adhesive material 512 may be removed from adhesive device 508 thereby exposing an adhesive portion of adhesive device 508. Furthermore, the adhesive portion of adhesive device 508 may be attached to a structure for adhering bracket device 500 to the structure.
A bracket device 600 includes a first vertical bar 602, a second vertical bar 604 and a horizontal bar 606.
Bracket device 600 provides capability for retaining a lid device (not shown) for storage.
First vertical bar 602 retains a portion of a lid device, second vertical bar 604 retains a portion of a lid device and horizontal bar 606 retains a portion of a lid device.
First vertical bar 602 includes a top portion 608, a bottom portion 610 and an extension device 612.
Extension device 612 enables adjustment for a length dimension 626 of first vertical bar 602. Extension device 612 may be configured via any known means for extending or recessing top portion 608 and bottom portion 610.
Second vertical bar 604 includes a top portion 614, a bottom portion 616 and an extension device 618.
Extension device 618 enables adjustment for a length dimension 628 of second vertical bar 604. Extension device 618 may be configured via any known means for extending or recessing top portion 614 and bottom portion 616.
Horizontal bar 606 includes a left portion 620, a right portion 622 and an extension device 624.
Extension device 624 enables adjustment for a length dimension 630 of horizontal bar 606. Extension device 624 may be configured via any know means for extending or recessing left portion 620 and right portion 622.
The dimensions of bracket device 600 may be adjusted thereby enabling support for a multiplicity of dimensions for lids.
Bracket device 600 may be configured for supporting a multiplicity of lid sizes via adjustment of the length of horizontal bar 606, first vertical bar 602 and second vertical bar 604. Horizontal bar 606, first vertical bar 602 and second vertical bar 604 may be configured as telescoping. Furthermore horizontal bar 606, first vertical bar 602 and second vertical bar 604 may be configured via a multiplicity of sub-components. As a non-limiting example, horizontal bar 606, first vertical bar 602 and second vertical bar may be configured of two sub-components.
A multiplicity of brackets with a sampling denoted as bracket device 100 (
Containment package 702 includes an advertisement portion 704 and a containment portion 706.
Advertisement portion 704 may present information (e.g. a logo 708) for viewing.
As a non-limiting example, advertisement portion 704 may be fabricated out of cardboard material.
As a non-limiting example, containment portion 706 may be fabricated out of a clear plastic material.
As illustrated bracket devices may be configured for efficient containment via containment portion 706.
Containment package 702 may include screw 202 (
As a non-limiting example, containment portion 706 may include a multiplicity of sizes for bracket device 100. As a non-limiting example, containment portion 706 may include a multiplicity of bracket device 100 of the same size.
All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods for storage of pot/pan lid via a bracket device according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation for the material for fabrication may vary depending upon the particular type of cabinet used for mounting the bracket device. The bracket devices described in the foregoing were directed to home implementations; however, similar techniques for other implementations (e.g. automotive, marine, etc.) of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.