Patent Application
20170020341
The present invention relates to a kitchen utensil having multiple features and functions. More particularly, it is a multi-function bowl having an integrated strainer, funnel, measuring gradients and cutting board. The bowl is constructed of materials that are microwave and dishwasher safe.
Various kitchen utensils are known which perform more than a single function. For example, some bowls have measuring lines. A cutting board might have an integrated funnel assembly, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,470 to Ward. Cutting boards also exist with strainers or colanders, U.S. Pat. No. D557,085 to Shamoon. A bowl could have some form of associated cutting board, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,451 to Snyder.
While various combination kitchen utensils are known, there are no known multi-functional bowls which include a funnel, a strainer, a cutting board and measuring lines. Applicant's invention combines all of these functions and more. Further, the bowl will include at least one spout formed within the upper periphery of the vessel. Many multi-use kitchen appliances have removable parts, are difficult to clean and do not function well. Known kitchen tools that have more than one function rarely work well and often malfunction during use, resulting in spills, accidents and wasted foods. Applicant's unitary invention is less likely to malfunction, is very easy to clean and is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Accordingly, the device will have substantial consumer appeal.
The inventive kitchen utensil disclosed herein is a unitary device having multiple functions. More particularly, it is a bowl manufactured of heat resistant materials which are dishwasher safe and microwave safe. It is preferably a shallow bowl having a substantially flat bottom with a congruent and continuous side that is integral with the bottom so that there is not a substantial seam between the side and bottom. For ease of reference, the bowl has a first end, a spaced apart second end, a pair of opposed sides and the side has an upper periphery.
The bowl is preferably elongated and substantially rectangular in shape. At the first end of the bowl a strainer or colander is formed at the top periphery of the bowl side. The colander is substantially planar, spans the width of the bowl and is integral with the top of the opposing sides and the first end. Further, the colander has a plurality of holes through which liquids in the bowl can be drained when the bowl is tilted toward the first end. The span of the colander across the top of the bowl prevents solids from falling out of the bowl as it is tilted. The colander can be made with a variety of geometric shapes without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of drain holes are also formed in the side wall of the first end which facilitates better draining of liquids from the device without tipping it to a degree where food can spill. The colander is large enough to capture substantially all of the food which would normally be contained within the bowl as it is tilted toward the first end for draining.
Formed integrally with the second end of the bowl is a funnel assembly. Similar to the colander at the first end, the funnel assembly spans the width of the second end and is integral with the top of the opposing sides and end. The funnel itself includes an opening through the end wall preferably at the center of the second end. The funnel may include a spout exterior the second end wall. In one embodiment, a plurality of drain holes replaces the opening at the spout. The drain holes facilitate simultaneous draining and pouring of liquid from the bowl. For example, the funnel assembly can be used to drain fat laden foods, such as ground meat, into a collection and disposal vessel so the fat is not deposited into kitchen drain pipes. Draining and rinsing fat laden foods can remove undesirable fat from the user's diet. The inventive funnel and drain assembly make this draining process simple, clean and efficient.
Measuring gradient markings may be formed into the wall of the bowl, or applied thereto by known marking methods. Accordingly, the bowl can also be used as a measuring vessel. In one embodiment the markings on one side of the bowl may be liquid gradients while markings on the second side are gradients for dry foods. In another embodiment, the measuring markings on the bowl may indicate serving sizes. The measurement marks are also useful when the bowl is used as a mixing bowl.
Midway between the first and second end and formed near the top of the side is a pouring spout. A spout may be formed in each side of the bowl.
The bottom of the bowl is manufactured of rigid plastic, preferably a solid, non-porous, high density polyethylene material such as that commonly found in “plastic” cutting boards. The bowl bottom is planar and can be used as a cutting board. The dimensions of the bowl are such that a user can easily chop and cut food items on the bowl bottom. Moreover, the bowl can be inverted and the bottom used as a chopping or cutting board.
This versatile and inventive bowl makes it easy to prepare a simple meal. For example, ingredients such as vegetables can be chopped using the cutting board bottom of the bowl. Liquid can be added to the bowl in the desired amount using the helpful measurement markings. The food can be cooked in a microwave oven. Liquid can be drained from the bowl using the colander end or if the liquid is to be saved, it can be poured out of the funnel end. The user can also use the bowl for serving or may eat directly from the bowl. The bowl also is highly functional for washing food items and then draining the liquid from the bowl.
Because the inventive bowl is multi-functional, it may be used for several different functions during meal preparation which also cuts down on clean up time and dish washing.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become apparent from the following description and drawings.
The following description of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claims herein presented. The teaching of the present invention includes the discovery that a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations of the inventive kitchen utensil can be achieved within the scope of this invention as more particularly described herein.
Referring now generally to the drawings, the inventive kitchen utensil disclosed herein is a bowl 100 manufactured of heat resistant materials which are dishwasher safe and microwave safe. As shown in
The bowl 100 is preferably elongated and substantially rectangular in shape as best shown in
As best shown in
Shown in
Approximately halfway between the first end 106 and second end 108 and formed near the upper periphery 105 of the first side 110 is a first pouring spout 132. A second pouring spout 134 may be formed in each upper periphery 105 of the second side 112 opposite the first pouring spout 132. These spouts are useful for pouring out the contents of the bowl without straining through the colander or funnel.
The bottom 102 of the bowl is manufactured of rigid plastic, preferably a solid, non-porous, high density polyethylene material such as that commonly found in “plastic” cutting boards. The bottom 102 is planar and can be used as a cutting board. Because the bottom 102 is flat it fully contacts a work surface during use to limit movement during use. The dimensions of the bowl are such that a user can easily chop and cut food items on the bowl bottom 102. Moreover, the bowl can be inverted and the bottom 102 used as a chopping or cutting board.
It is to be understood that the bowl can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. The colander 116 can have any number of drain holes 118 at, on or near the colander assembly 114 or the side wall 104 of the first end 106. The funnel assembly 120 can be made with an opening 124 or drain holes 128. The spout 126 can be any size and can be a fully enclosed or partially open spout. A lid (not shown) can be provided so the bowl 100 can be used for food storage.
The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments of the invention for illustrative purposes and explanation of the inventive device. It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The following claims are intended to encompass all such modifications.
This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/194,542 filed Jul. 20, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62194542 | Jul 2015 | US |
