Patent Application
20240237833
The present invention relates generally to the field of food container storage devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device that allows a user to sort, store in an organized manner, and easily dispense food containers and the matching lids of said containers. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
It is often difficult to neatly organize food storage containers and lids. Because of this, it may also be incredibly difficult to find the matching lid to a food container when needed, which is extremely frustrating. Further, unorganized food containers and lids may take up valuable cabinet space within a kitchen.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a food container and lid managing device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device that allows a user to easily sort, store, and dispense food containers, and matching lids for each container, from one respective location in an organized manner.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device. The device is comprised of a body comprised of at least one opening for receiving a food container bowl and at least one slot for receiving a food container lid. The opening and slot are each comprised of a channel that stores lids and bowls in a vertical, stacked manner. When a user desires to dispense a bowl and or lid from the device, the user can press a button of the device to disengage a fastener within each channel and wherein at least one wheel pushes the bowl and/or to an opening/slot wherein the bowl/lid can then be grabbed by the user.
In this manner, the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device for managing food containers and lids. More specifically, the device allows a user to easily sort, store and dispense food containers and matching lids. Furthermore, the device does so in one convenient location and in an organized manner.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device. The device is primarily comprised of a body preferably comprised of a front wall, a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and a top wall. The top wall is comprised of at least one drying mat. The top wall is also comprised of at least one opening that allows a user to place a bowl into the body of the device for storage and later dispensing.
After being inserted into a respective opening, the bowl falls downward into a channel within the body wherein bowls of the same size stack in a nested fashion atop one another. The bottom-most bowl is temporarily secured within the channel via at least one fastener. Once disengaged by the pressing of a button of the device, the fastener allows at least one bowl to fall downward and onto a ramp, wherein the ramp slants downward toward at least one bowl dispensing slot and at least one rubber cam wheel pushes the bowl down the ramp. After sliding to the end of the slot, the bowl can then be retrieved by a user for use.
Similarly, the front wall is comprised of at least one insertion slot for a user to place a lid into the body of the device for storage and dispensing. After being inserted into the slot, the lid falls downward into a channel within the body wherein lids of the same size stack in a nested fashion. The bottom-most lid is temporarily secured within the channel via at least one fastener. Once disengaged by a pressing of the button, the fastener allows at least one lid to fall downward and wherein at least one rubber cam wheel pushes the bowl out of the lid dispensing slot where the lid can then be retrieved by a user for use.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device for sorting, storing, and dispensing bowls. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one opening and at least one channel positioned below the opening, wherein the channel is comprised of at least one fastener and at least one wheel; at least one ramp, and at least one bowl dispensing slot. Then, a bowl is dropped through the opening such that it is stored within the channel and secured within the channel via the fastener. Then, a user can press a button to disengage the fastener to allow the bowl to fall downward from the channel, wherein the wheel pushes the bowl down the ramp such that the bowl slides to the bowl dispensing slot and a user can grab the bowl from the slot for use.
A second method of using the device is comprised of a method for sorting, storing, and dispensing lids. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one insertion slot and at least one channel positioned below the slot, wherein the channel is comprised of at least one fastener and at least one wheel, and at least one lid dispensing slot. Then, a lid is dropped through the slot such that it is stored within the channel and secured within the channel via the fastener. Next, a user can press a button to disengage the fastener to allow the lid to fall downward from the channel, wherein the wheel pushes the lid to the lid dispensing slot such that a user can grab the lid from the slot for use.
The present invention is also comprised of a third method of using the device for sorting, storing, and dispensing bowls and lids. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one opening and at least one channel positioned below the opening, wherein the channel comprised of at least one fastener and at least one wheel; and at least one insertion slot with at least one channel positioned below the slot, wherein the channel comprised of at least one fastener and at least one wheel, at least one bowl dispensing slot, and at least one lid dispensing slot. Then, a bowl is dropped through the opening such that it is stored within the channel and secured within the channel via the fastener. Then, a user can press a button to disengage the fastener to allow the bowl to fall downward from the channel, wherein the wheel pushes the bowl down the ramp such that the bowl slides to the bowl dispensing slot and a user can grab the bowl from the slot for use. Next, a lid is dropped through the slot such that it is stored within the channel and secured within the channel via the fastener. Next, a user can press a button to disengage the fastener to allow the lid to fall downward from the channel, wherein the wheel pushes the lid to the lid dispensing slot such that a user can grab the lid from the slot for use.
Accordingly, the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device for managing food containers and lids that allows a user to easily sort, store, and dispense food containers and matching lids. Furthermore, the device does so in one convenient location and in an organized manner. In this manner, the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device overcomes the limitations of existing methods and devices used to store food containers and lids known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a food container and lid managing device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device that allows a user to easily sort, store, and dispense food containers and matching lids for each container from one respective location in an organized manner.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device. The device is primarily comprised of a body preferably comprised of a front wall, a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and a top wall. The top wall is comprised of at least one drying mat and at least one opening that allows a user to place a bowl into the body of the device for storage and later dispensing.
After being inserted into a respective opening, the bowl falls downward into a channel within the body wherein bowls of the same size stack in a nested fashion atop one another. The bottom-most bowl is temporarily secured within the channel via at least one fastener. Once disengaged by the pressing of a button of the device, the fastener allows at least one bowl to fall downward and onto a ramp. The ramp slants downward toward at least one bowl dispensing slot, wherein at least one rubber cam wheel pushes the bowl down the ramp. After sliding to the end of the slot, the bowl can then be retrieved by a user for use.
The front wall is also comprised of at least one insertion slot that allows a user to place a lid into the body of the device for storage and dispensing. After being inserted into the slot, the lid falls downward into a channel within the body wherein lids of the same size stack in a nested fashion. The bottom-most lid is temporarily secured within the channel via at least one fastener. Once disengaged by a pressing of the button, the fastener allows at least one lid to fall downward and wherein at least one rubber cam wheel pushes the bowl out of the lid dispensing slot where the lid can then be retrieved by a user for use.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device for sorting, storing, and dispensing bowls. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one opening and at least one channel positioned below the opening, wherein the channel is comprised of at least one fastener and at least one wheel; at least one ramp, and at least one bowl dispensing slot. Then, a bowl is dropped through the opening such that it is stored within the channel and secured within the channel via the fastener. Then, a user can press a button to disengage the fastener to allow the bowl to fall downward from the channel, wherein the wheel pushes the bowl down the ramp such that the bowl slides to the bowl dispensing slot and a user can grab the bowl from the slot for use.
A second method of using the device is comprised of a method for sorting, storing, and dispensing lids. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one insertion slot and at least one channel positioned below the slot, wherein the channel comprised of at least one fastener and at least one wheel, and at least one lid dispensing slot. Then, a lid is dropped through the slot such that it is stored within the channel and secured within the channel via the fastener. Next, a user can press a button to disengage the fastener to allow the lid to fall downward from the channel, wherein the wheel pushes the lid to the lid dispensing slot such that a user can grab the lid from the slot for use.
The present invention is also comprised of a third method of using the device for sorting, storing, and dispensing bowls and lids. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one opening and at least one channel positioned below the opening, wherein the channel is comprised of at least one fastener and at least one wheel; and at least one insertion slot with at least one channel positioned below the slot, wherein the channel comprised of at least one fastener and at least one wheel, at least one bowl dispensing slot, and at least one lid dispensing slot. Then, a bowl is dropped through the opening such that it is stored within the channel and secured within the channel via the fastener. Then, a user can press a button to disengage the fastener to allow the bowl to fall downward from the channel, wherein the wheel pushes the bowl down the ramp such that the bowl slides to the bowl dispensing slot and a user can grab the bowl from the slot for use. Next, a lid is dropped through the slot such that it is stored within the channel and secured within the channel via the fastener. Next, a user can press a button to disengage the fastener to allow the lid to fall downward from the channel, wherein the wheel pushes the lid to the lid dispensing slot such that a user can grab the lid from the slot for use.
Accordingly, the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device for managing food containers and lids that allows a user to easily sort, store, and dispense food containers and matching lids. Furthermore, the device does so in one convenient location and in an organized manner. In this manner, the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device overcomes the limitations of existing methods and devices used to store food containers and lids known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The bottom wall 140 of the body 110 is comprised of at least one foot 142. The foot 142 is preferably a height-adjustable foot that allows the device 100 to be leveled on uneven surfaces. In a different embodiment, the foot 142 is of a fixed height.
The top wall 150 is comprised of at least one drying mat 152. The mat 152 is preferably a rubber drying mat. The mat 152 may be textured with a recessed or raised texture to prevent food container bowls 10 and lids 12 from moving/falling off the mat 152 while placed on the mat 152 for drying.
The top wall 150 is also comprised of at least one opening 154. The opening 154 allows a user to place a bowl 10 into the body 110 of the device 100 for storage and later dispensing. In one embodiment, the top wall 150 is comprised of a plurality of openings 154 of different diameters to allow a user to sort the bowls 10 by size into the body 110. In this embodiment, each opening 154 is separated by at least one vertical divider wall 160 to aid in sorting each bowl 10 by size.
After being inserted into a respective opening 154, the bowl 10 falls downward into a channel 156 within the body 110, as seen in
Similarly, the front wall 120 is also comprised of at least one insertion slot 122. The slot 122 allows a user to place a lid 12 into the body 110 of the device 100 for storage and dispensing. In one embodiment, the front wall 120 is comprised of a plurality of openings 122 of different sizes in order to allow a user to sort the lids 12 by size.
After being inserted into a respective slot 122, the lid 12 falls downward into a channel 156 within the body 110. Within the channel 156, lids 12 of the same size stack in a nested fashion. The bottom-most lid 12 is temporarily secured within the channel 156 via at least one fastener 170. The fastener 170 is preferably a spring-loaded fastener that can be disengaged (and automatically re-engaged via the spring action to secure the remaining lids 12 within the channel 156) when a user presses at least one button 160. Once disengaged, the fastener 170 allows at least one lid 12 to fall downward and wherein at least one rubber cam wheel 180 (which may be spring-loaded and/or motorized) pushes the bowl 10 out of the lid dispensing slot 124 where the lid 12 can then be retrieved by a user for use.
It should be noted that in different embodiments the opening 154 and slots 122,124,126 may be positioned anywhere on the body 110. In one embodiment with multiple openings 154 and slots 122,124,126 of different sizes, each opening 154 is aligned with each slot 122,124,126 of the same respective bowl 10 and lid 12 diameter. It should also be appreciated that any feature or structure of the device 100 designed for use for/with a bowl 10 can also be used for/with a lid 12 on/in the device 100, and vice versa.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100 for sorting, storing, and dispensing bowls, as seen in
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using 300 the device 100 for sorting, storing, and dispensing lids, as seen in
The present invention is also comprised of a third method of using 400 the device 100 for sorting, storing, and dispensing bowls and lids, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the food container and lid sorting, storage, and dispensing device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/439,184, which was filed on Jan. 16, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63439184 | Jan 2023 | US |
