Multi-tool kitchen utensil kit and container

Abstract

A kitchen utensil kit including a single handle with one or more easily detachable and attachable accessories such as peelers, pizza cutters, cheese slicers, zesters, ice cream scoops, etc. The kit includes stackable trays for storage in drawers or on countertops. Preferably, the individual implements extend upwardly out of the storage cavities in the trays, and vertical posts are used to support one tray on top of the other without interference with the implements stored in the lower tray.

Description

[0002] The crowding and jumble of kitchen utensils in the usual kitchen drawer is a hindrance of long standing. The jumble makes it difficult to find individual implements, and often extends the time and exasperation in obtaining a utensil from the drawer due to the fact that the drawer cannot be closed until the utensils in the drawer are rearranged.

[0003] One of the causes of the foregoing problems is the amount of space occupied by each implement.

[0004] Proposals have been made in the past to provide a partial solution to this problem by supplying a single handle with a plurality of attachments to be attached to the handle, each being an implement for a different purpose.

[0005] Such prior proposals have been considerably less than fully satisfactory. Although, in theory, those proposals result in a reduction of the volume occupied by the kitchen utensils, they are believed to do little to lessen the jumble and difficulty of finding and retrieving specific implements.

[0006] Furthermore, the means used to attach the individual accessories to the handle are relatively difficult to use and/or less than fully satisfactory in other ways.

[0007] Another problem with some kitchen implements, especially those whose handles are visible when the implements are stored, such as kitchen knives, the handles are not dishwasher-safe; that is, the handles, usually made of wood or heat-sensitive plastics, will fade, crack or otherwise deteriorate if they are washed frequently in the dishwasher.

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a kitchen utensil device which alleviates or resolves the above problems.

[0009] In particular, it is an object to provide a utensil system in which the components are ordered and housed so as to minimize tangling and disorder of the components, and to minimize the use of kitchen drawer and other storage space.

[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-tool kitchen implement device with a handle and a plurality of attachments easily and securely attachable to and detachable from the handle.

[0011] It is a further object of the invention to provide such a multi-tool device which is relatively strong, durable, simple in construction and easy to use and store.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide such a device which is ergonomically shaped so as to make it easy to grasp and comfortable to use.

[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing the multi-tool device of the invention and the kit with economy, speed and quality.

[0014] In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objectives are satisfied by the provision of a multi-tool kitchen utensil kit with a container to hold and organize a plurality of components of a multi-tool device in the container.

[0015] An additional object is to provide a multi-tool kitchen device and kit in which the tools are both attractive in appearance and yet are made dishwasher-safe at a moderate to low cost.

[0016] Preferably, the container has a plurality of recesses, each shaped to hold a component of the multi-tool device. Each kit is adapted to be secured together with other containers containing different components of the multi-tool device to form a organization system to keep the tool components in an orderly fashion in a kitchen drawer or on a shelf, or in another available space.

[0017] In one embodiment, each recess is shaped to receive a specific component, and means are provided for attaching various containers together to form a unitary support structure for holding and organizing the multi-tool components neatly in a kitchen drawer. Thus, space is saved and the usual jumble of kitchen implements in the drawer is avoided.

[0018] Alternatively, the kit includes a container for storage on a counter-top or similar surface.

[0019] The implements can be stored with one end up in a relatively deep container, or flat in a relatively shallow container for use in shallow drawers.

[0020] The single handle needed for use with a variety of tools, and the tools themselves, can be made both dishwasher-safe and attractive in appearance at a modest cost.

[0021] In one embodiment of the kit, the handle and a plurality of accessories are stored in units suitable for display on a kitchen counter-top, shelf or other such surface. The kit also is useful for display of the product in stores, on television and in other advertising.

[0022] In another embodiment of the kit, the handle and a plurality of accessories are stored in stackable trays. The trays preferably have upstanding posts which are used to support and accurately align one tray on top of the other. Preferably, the trays have side walls which are substantially shorter in height than the attachments which fit into the trays, thus saving material for the trays and making the attachments easier to grasp and remove. The stackable trays occupy a smaller footprint than the other trays designed for use inside drawers, thus allowing for more flexibility in the use of the drawer space.

[0023] The multi-tool device includes a handle with attachment means mating with similar attachment means on each of a plurality of accessories so that each accessory can simply be inserted and snapped into place and held tightly in the handle. This holds the accessory onto the handle very securely. The accessory then can be detached by the simple act of pushing a button or lever with one finger or separated from the handle by simply tipping the handle to allow gravity to do the work.

[0024] The handle advantageously is ergonomically shaped, and is manufactured by co-molding a flexible elastomeric cover over a molded plastic handle to provide a handle which can be firmly, easily and comfortably gripped while wielding the kitchen implement attached to it.

[0025] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be described in or apparent from the following description of the drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-tool kitchen utensil kit of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, broken away view illustrating the attachment of the two kit modules of FIG. 1 together;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a kitchen drawer with various kit modules located in the drawer to organize and arrange the components of a multi-tool kitchen utensil or implement system;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the handle of the multi-tool device of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the handle shown in FIG. 4;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a phantom side elevation view of the handle shown in FIG. 4;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 4;

[0033] FIGS. 8 and 9 are front elevation views showing the handle of FIG. 4 in two different operative configurations;

[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a component of the handle shown in FIG. 4;

[0035] FIG. 11 is a broken-away perspective view of another component of the handle of FIG. 4;

[0036] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pizza cutter accessory for the handle down in FIG. 3;

[0037] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the process of attachment of the pizza cutter of FIG. 12 to the handle of FIG. 4;

[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cheese slicer accessory;

[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a citrus peel scraper or “zester” accessory;

[0040] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 16;

[0041] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a citrus fruit reamer accessory;

[0042] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an ice cream scoop accessory;

[0043] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a “horizontal: accessory” peeler accessory;

[0044] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a melon bailer accessory;

[0045] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a “straight” peeler accessory;

[0046] FIG. 23 is a perspective assembly view of the device shown in FIG. 22;

[0047] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;

[0048] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 24;

[0049] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional, partially schematic broken-away view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24;

[0050] FIG. 27 is a top plan view, partially cross-sectional and partially schematic, of the device shown in FIGS. 24 through 26;

[0051] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention with a zester accessory;

[0052] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 28, with a straight peeler accessory;

[0053] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 28 with an ice cream scoop accessory;

[0054] FIGS. 31 and 32 are top plan views, partially schematic, and partially cross-sectional, of two additional embodiments of the invention;

[0055] Each of FIGS. 33 through 39 is a top plan view of a different accessory for use with the handle of the invention;

[0056] FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of a component holder and kit provided in accordance with the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of another comment holder and kit provided in accordance with the invention;

[0058] FIG. 42 is a perspective, partially exploded view of another component holder and kit provided in accordance with the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 43 is a rear elevation view of each of the modules shown in FIG. 42;

[0060] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of another accessory provided in accordance with the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of another kit including stacked individual kits or trays;

[0062] FIGS. 46 and 47 are front elevation views of the separate trays of FIGS. 45; and

[0063] FIGS. 48 and 49 are perspective views of the trays of FIGS. 46 and 47, without implements in them.

[0064] Multi-Tool Kitchen Utensil Kit

[0065] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of the multi-tool kitchen utensil or implement kit 50 constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0066] The kit 50 includes at least one container 52 containing a plurality of components for interconnection to one another to form various kitchen tools. Two such containers 52 and 54 are shown in FIG. 1 to illustrate the different forms that the containers and their contents can take.

[0067] The container 52 is generally rectangular in shape, and has four vertical side walls 56 and a top wall 55. The top wall 55 has a plurality of depressions 62, 64, 66 and 68, each of which is shaped to receive a specific component of a multi-tool device.

[0068] The components to be used in a particular grouping can be varied as desired. However, the grouping shown in container 52 includes a handle 88, an ice cream scoop 82, a pizza-cutting wheel 84 and a peeler 86.

[0069] Container 54 also has four vertical side walls 60 and an upper wall 58. It is smaller in size than the container 52, and contains different components of the multi-tool system. The upper wall 58 has recesses 70, 72, 74 and 76 in which are located, respectively, a handle 88, a melon baller 90, a citrus fruit skin scraper or “zester” 92, and a citrus reamer or juicer 94.

[0070] A cover 59 is shown for the container 54, which would cover the container when sold in stores. A similar cover normally will be provided for the container 52.

[0071] Each of the containers 52 and 54 is preferably molded of a thermoplastic resin such as ABS. Its walls are thick and sturdy enough to serve not only as packaging in which the product is shipped and sold, but durable storage and organizing means for the multi-tool components in the kitchen.

[0072] To this end, the container 52 is provided with an elongated upstanding tab 80 on the lower edge of at least one side wall.

[0073] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment of the two containers 52 and 54 together by use of the tab 80. The lower edge of the rear side-wall 60 of container 54 (not visible in FIG. 1) has a shallow notch, slightly longer than the tab 80. The front wall of the unit 54 is inserted into the clip formed by tab 80, so as to secure the containers together to form an enlarged container and organizer structure.

[0074] The container 54 has two separate tabs 81 which can be used to join the units 52 and 54 side-by-side, with the tabs 81 fitting into notches 83 in the side walls of the unit 52.

[0075] The notches in the lower edges of the rear and side walls are provided in order to accommodate the material of the tabs 80, 81 to ensure the bottom and top edges of the containers are aligned with one another.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a schematic top plan view of a kitchen drawer 96 containing several containers 98, 100 and 102 fastened together by clips formed by taps 80 or 81 to occupy a portion of the drawer and provide organization and storage for a variety of components of the multi-tool system.

[0077] As an example, the container 98 is larger than the containers 100 and 102. It contains accessories for the multi-tool system, but no handles. Instead, it includes an ice cream scoop 82, a cheese slicer 104, a pizza-cutting wheel 84 and a grater 106.

[0078] Each of the containers 100 and 102 contains a handle 88 together with other accessories to be attached to the handles.

[0079] These containers and their arrangement in the kitchen drawer 96 are strictly by way of example to show just some of the combinations that can be used advantageously to store and organize the components of the multi-tool system neatly and compactly. Other kits constructed in accordance with the present invention are shown in other figured of the drawings and are described below.

[0080] Handle

[0081] FIGS. 4 through 11 illustrate the preferred handle 88 of the multi-tool system.

[0082] The handle 88 has a hand grip portion 108 with a tapered shape and a pointed end 140. At the opposite end there is a rotatable locking ring 110 and a receptacle 112 for receiving a mounting projection on an accessory. The locking ring 110 operates in a snap-acting manner to lock an accessory in place and attach it to the handle by the simple step of inserting a projection into the receptacle 112. The attaching structure also allows the accessory to be detached easily, with one finger, merely by turning the locking ring 110 through a relatively small angle to free the accessory and allow it to fall out of the receptacle under the force of gravity, with the use of only one hand.

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 5, which is an exploded view of the handle 88, the handle has a hard molded plastic base 114. In one embodiment, the base 114 has a plurality of circumferential ribs 116 and longitudinal ribs 118. Preferably, the ribs 116 and 118 are of approximately the same thickness. The ribbed construction reduces the use of material and increases the molding speed with which the handles can be manufactured.

[0084] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the handle also includes an elastomeric cover 130 which is co-molded in place over the base 114 during manufacturing.

[0085] The material of which the base 114 is made preferably is a very strong thermoplastic resin such as a polycarbonate material, and the cover 130 is made of an elastomeric material such as Sanoprene.

[0086] Although the ribbed construction for the base 114 saves polycarbonate material and some molding time, the spaces between ribs are filled with elastomeric material during co-molding of the cover 130. Because the elastomeric material can be considerably more costly than polycarbonate material, it is preferred to make the base member solid with a rough surface to which the elastomeric material adheres.

[0087] Surrounding the receptacle 112 is a circumferential groove 128 in which the latching ring 110 is seated for rotation.

[0088] The latching ring 110 preferably includes two halves 120 and 122, which are assembled and sonically welded together while an inner ring 154 is seated in the groove 128 and after a coil spring 126 has been inserted into the group. The leading edges 132 and 134 of the two halves of the locking ring are flared so as to give a rounded outside edge to help guide projections into the square opening formed by joining the ring halves 102 and 122. The inside edge of the ring around the central opening is flat. A protrusion 124 extends outwardly from the upper ring half 120 for use in rotating the ring 110.

[0089] As it is shown in FIG. 6, in which the base 114 is shown in dashed outline, the elastomeric cover 130 is of varying thickness along the length of the handle. It is relatively thin in a necked-down region 136 and is thicker towards the larger trailing end of the handle, thus providing extra softness in the areas to be gripped with the most pressure by the hand. This extra cushioning makes the handle easier and more comfortable to use.

[0090] The handle also is given a wasp-like cross-sectional shape, as also is apparent in FIG. 6, and is curved downwardly, also so as to conform to the shape of the hand holding the handle. However, this shape also is provided for decorative effect, and gives the handle a sleek, streamlined and attractive look.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the locking ring 110, the spring 126 which is used in the operation of the locking ring, and the inner construction of the attachment mechanism.

[0092] The handle has a body end portion 144 in which the rectangular-shaped recess 112 is formed. A first stop member 142 is attached to the body 144 member, and a second stop member 146 is attached to the internal surface of the ring 110.

[0093] A second stop member 148 extends from the body 144, and another stop 150 member extends from the inner surface of the ring 110. With the components in the rest position shown in FIG. 7, the stop members 148 and 150 are separated by an angle A of approximately 21°.

[0094] The operation of the locking ring will be explained below after the following description of the locking structure on the accessories.

[0095] Accessory Locking Structure

[0096] FIGS. 12 through 14 show the pizza-cutting wheel accessory 84 which is one of a number of accessories which can be attached to the handle 88.

[0097] FIG. 13 is an exploded view showing the insertion of the pizza wheel locking structure into the handle 88 in the direction indicated by arrow 80. FIG. 14 shows the pizza wheel and the handle assembled together and ready for use.

[0098] Referring particularly to FIG. 12, at one end of the pizza wheel 84 is a projection 166 with a square cross-section matching that of the receptacle 112 in the handle but with slightly smaller dimensions so that it fits into the receptacle 112 easily. The projection 166 has a rounded front end 168 for use as a camming surface.

[0099] A circumferential groove 170 extends around the projection 166 at its base. A flange 172 which is flared or rounded on its left surface and is of approximately the same outer diameter as the ring 110, is provided and forms one wall of the groove 170.

[0100] A molded plastic curved arm 174 extends from the flange 172 and a stainless steel cutting blade 176 is rotatably mounted on the end of the arm 174 by means of a fastener 178. Preferably, the arm 174 and the fastener 178 are molded plastic, as is the projection 166 and the other components of the pizza wheel, except for the cutting blade 176.

[0101] It should be understood that each of the accessories to be attached to the handle has a projection 166 and groove 170 and is attached to and detached from the handle in the same way as the pizza wheel. The pizza wheel is being used as a vehicle for explanation of the attachment function.

[0102] Operation

[0103] Referring again to FIGS. 7 through 11, as well as FIGS. 12 through 14, the attachment of an accessory to the handle 88 will be described.

[0104] FIG. 8 shows the locking ring 110 in its relaxed or stable condition as shown in FIG. 7, in which the coil spring 126 holds the ring in the position shown in FIG. 7. In this position, the square opening in the ring 110 is rotated clockwise by approximately 21° with respect to the square receptacle 112 so that the four straight sides of the opening in the ring extend over the four corners of the opening 112, as shown at 156, 158, 160 and 164 in FIG. 8. With the ring 110 in this position, and the projection 166 inserted into the receptacle 112, the projection 166 and the accessory are locked in position due to the fact that the edges 156, 158, 160 and 164 of the ring 110 extend into the groove 170 and prevent the accessory from coming free from the handle. The inner edge of the ring around the central hole is flat, as is the outermost wall of the groove 170 (FIG. 12) so that the arrangement of the two flat surfaces, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the projection holds the components together.

[0105] In addition, the square shape of the projection 166 and the corresponding square shape of the receptacle 112 prevent the accessory from rotating relative to the handle.

[0106] It is highly advantageous that the locking of the accessory in place is performed very simply. As it is illustrated in FIG. 13, one merely inserts the projection 166 into the receptacle 112. The rounded front surface 168FIG. 12) of the projection bears against the edge portions of the hole in the center of the ring 110 so as to compress the spring 126 and rotate the ring 110 counterclockwise to the position shown in FIG. 9 in which the square hole in the ring 110 is aligned with the receptacle 112 to permit the projection to be inserted into the receptacle. The resilience of the spring 126 causes the edges of the hole in the ring 110 to snap into the groove 170.

[0107] The release of an accessory from the handle is also is relatively easy. All that need be done is to press on the upstanding projection 124 on the ring 110 in the direction of arrow 162 (FIG. 7) to compress the spring 126 and rotate the ring 110 to the position shown in FIG. 9, thus releasing the accessory. As a result, with the simple one finger motion, the user may release the accessory and it will drop away from the handle if the handle is turned slightly upwardly to take advantage of the force of gravity. The release thus can be accomplished with one hand.

[0108] Cheese Slicer

[0109] FIG. 15 shows the cheese slicer 104 which also is shown in FIG. 1. The cheese slicer has a die-cast zinc body. The projection 166 and the flange 172 are die cast with the body. The body has a pair of support arms 182 and 184 and mounting supports 186 and 188. A stainless steel cutting wire 192 is secured to the supports 186 and 188 by stainless steel pins 193. The wire extends over the front edges of the supports and is stretched taut to form a stable cutting element. A plastic roller 190 is rotatably mounted in the supports 186 and 188 at a pre-determined distance from the wire. The combination of the cutting wire 192 and the roller 190 are used in a known manner to cut cheese slices of a relatively constant desirable thickness. The attachment structure has the strength and durability to stand up to the sometimes heavy pressure extended on the slicer during use.

[0110] In a lower cost version, the body can be molded polycarbonate instead of die-cast zinc.

[0111] Zester

[0112] The zester 92 includes a mounting projection 166 and flange 177 with a pair of arms 194 and end supports 196. A stainless steel scraper element pivotably mounted on the supports 196. Preferably, the body, including the projection 166, is molded of polycarbonate material.

[0113] Although a single molding step is preferred, the projection or “insert” 166 also can be made separately and attached as shown in FIG. 17, to a square post 210 which is provided at one end of the accessory. The post is force-fitted into a square hole 112 in the insert 166 to secure it to the body of the accessory. This method can be used advantageously when the insert 166 and the body are made of different materials.

[0114] Citrus Reamer

[0115] FIG. 18 shows the citrus reamer 94. It has a die-cast zinc body with polycarbonate insert 166. The reamer has a rounded body with ridges 202, 204 and 206, and a pointed end 200.

[0116] Preferably, the reamer is formed with a longitudinally-extending axial hole, and the insert is co-mold to fill the hole to form a solid connection of the insert to the body.

[0117] The reamer is used to extract juice from lemons, limes, oranges and other such fruit.

[0118] Ice Cream Scoop

[0119] FIG. 19 shows the ice cream scoop 82. It is die-cast zinc and consists of the projection 166, flange 172, a support arm 208, and a bowl shaped scoop portion 209.

[0120] Horizontal Peeler

[0121] FIG. 20 shows what is called a “horizontal” peeler It is given this name in order to distinguish it from the so-called “straight” peeler shown in FIGS. 22 and 23

[0122] The peeler 214 includes a projection 166 and flange 172 forming part of a die-cast zinc body which has arms 216 and mounting supports 218 for rotatably supporting a blade mounting structure 220 with a cutting blade 222. The blade 222 is used in a known manner to peel vegetables, etc.

[0123] Alternatively, a lower cost version is made of molded polycarbonate.

[0124] Melon Baller

[0125] FIG. 21 shows the melon baller 90, which has a molded polycarbonate projection 166 and flange 172, joined with a stainless steel stem 226 and cutting bowl 228 which is used to cut a melon ball in a known manner.

[0126] The enlarged section 224 is a joint which is formed to join the stainless steel elements to the plastic elements. The end of each segment is enlarged to increase the surface area of contact between the parts, projects are provided from the metal surface, and the plastic is molded to the metal.

[0127] Straight Peeler

[0128] FIGS. 22 and 23 show the straight peeler 86. It consists of a metal or polycarbonate body including the flange 172 and the projection 166, and a body with spaced-apart support arms 232 with a support member 234 secured to the outer ends of the arms 230 and 232. A stainless steel cutting blade 236 with an incuse pair of cutting edges 238 is rotatably mounted in the flange 172 and the support 234.

[0129] The assembled peeler shown in FIG. 23 is used in a known manner to peel vegetables, etc.

[0130] Although a single molding or casting is preferred, the insert 166 can be secured by the post 210 in the hole 212, as shown in FIG. 22.

[0131] Grater

[0132] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the grater 106. The grater 106 includes a stainless steel grater blade 378 with grater teeth 380, and a molded polycarbonate frame 374, projection 166 and flange 172. The frame is solidly secured to the edges of the blade 368 by forming the edges of the blade into bent tabs and co-molding the polycarbonate material over the edges.

[0133] The flange 172 and projection 166 form a substantial angle to the blade 378. The angle is provided in order to allow the grater to be held easily at the most desirable angle for most grating jobs, when the unit 106 is attached to the handle 88.

[0134] The rear surface of the border at the lower or outer end 379 of the grater is given a co-molded coating (not shown) of elastomeric material to inhibit the grater from slipping when its rear lower edge is resting on a countertop, cutting board or other such support surface.

[0135] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a stackable tray kit embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 46 and 47 are, respectively, front elevation views of the upper and lower components of the kit shown in FIG. 45.

[0136] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the upper component of the kit of FIG. 45 without implements; and FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the lower component of the kit of FIG. 45, without the implements.

[0137] Further Accessories

[0138] FIGS. 33 through 39 show some of the many additional accessories which can be used with the handle 88, or, with suitable modifications with any of the other handle and attachment structures shown.

[0139] FIG. 33 shows a fork 320; FIG. 34 shows a medium-sized carving knife 322; FIG. 35 shows a bread knife 324; FIG. 36 shows a spoon 326; FIG. 37 shows a turner 328 such as a pancake turner; FIG. 38 shows a paring knife 330; and FIG. 39 shows an apple corer 332.

[0140] Preferably, the utensils are made of stainless steel and the flange 172 and projection 166 are made of polycarbonate co-molded over one end of the shaft of the utensil, such as the end 321 of the fork 320 shown in FIG. 33. Holes 323 in the end of the shaft are penetrated and filled with plastic during molding so as to solidly secure the plastic parts to the metal parts.

[0141] Each of these additional accessories has the square projection 166 with the groove 170 and the flange 172 so that they can be fastened to and used with the handle 88 shown above.

[0142] FIG. 40 shows a butcher block type of support 334 with a sloping face 336 and slots or holes cut into the face 336 to receive various different sizes of knives 324 and 330. This also comprises another version of the kit of the present invention. Advantageously, the projections 166 extend outwardly from the surface 336 so that a handle easily can be pushed downwardly on one of the projections 166 to secure the handle and the accessory together.

[0143] The mounting 334 can be made of wood, or transparent plastic to allow the utensils to be seen, and can have different shaped holes to receive other accessories so that they can be stored outside of the drawers in the kitchen.

[0144] FIG. 41 is shows another kit, similar to the one shown in FIG. 40. A block of wood 338 has circular holes, such as holes 344 and 342, of a depth greater than the combined length of the flange 172 and the projection 166 of each accessory, and slots or other shaped receptacles to receive kitchen utensils such as the paring knife 330 and a butter knife 346. A further wooden block 339 supports the block 338 which leans at an angle so as to present the upper surface 340 of the block at an angle.

[0145] The openings 342 and 344 preferably are made considerably larger in diameter than the diameter of the flange 172, in order to easily receive the attachment end of one of the handles 88 so that the handle can be inserted into the cavity to attach to each of the tools stored in the block 338.

[0146] By this means, the attachment ends of the knives 330 and 346 are recessed out of view.

[0147] If desired, the block 338 in FIG. 40 can be made transparent, or windows can be provided to allow the utensils within to be seen. Alternatively, or in addition, a marking next to each opening can be provided to identify its contents.

[0148] The variety of utensils which can be used to advantage in the multi-tool system is extensive. In addition to those shown, such utensils include can openers, jar openers, bottle/can openers, garlic presses, whisks, ladles, turning fork for spaghetti, strainer spoons and ladles, pie servers, spatulas, potato mashers, meat tenderizers, strainers, pots and pans, or any other utensils which have handles.

[0149] Each of the multi-tool system components is made dishwasher-safe; that is, the component can be washed regularly in a dishwasher without significant deterioration. The cracking and deterioration of wooden and some prior plastic handles has been avoided, at a cost that is considerably reduced because there are many more accessories than handles.

[0150] Alternative Attachment Structure

[0151] FIGS. 24 through 27 illustrate an alternative attachment structure for attaching accessories to the handle in the multi-tool system. The assembled device shown in FIG. 24 includes a handle 238 with an attached horizontal peeler 242, whose construction is substantially the same as the horizontal peeler 214 shown in FIG. 20, except for the means used for attaching it to the handle.

[0152] Referring now to FIG. 26, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24, the attachment means includes a rounded flange 244 to which a projection structure is attached and extends to the left as shown in FIG. 26. The projection structure includes side walls 246 and a pair of opposed projections 248 forming catch receivers.

[0153] A pair of release push-buttons 240 is mounted on opposite sides of the handle (see FIGS. 24 and 25). Each of the push buttons actually is the end of a molded lever mechanism which has a pivot point 52 and catch arms 256.

[0154] When the projection of the accessory is pushed into the receptacle shown in FIG. 25, the forward edges of the projections 248 push the flexible plastic catch arms 250 aside, and those arms snap back into the notches or receivers formed by the projections 248, thus providing a snap-action catch which locks the accessory to the handle.

[0155] In order to release the accessory from the handle, the buttons 240 are pushed with the fingers. This rocks each of the arms 250 around the pivot points 252 and pulls them away from engagement with the projections 248, thus releasing the accessory from the handle.

[0156] As it is shown in FIG. 25, a further projection 254 shaped to mate with a receiving hole 256 in the handle is provided on the accessory in order to further guide the accessory accurately into the handle cavity.

[0157] Second Alternative Attachment Structure

[0158] FIGS. 28 through 30 show a second alternative attachment structure.

[0159] The structure shown in FIGS. 28 through 30 includes a handle 258 and three different accessories 260, 277 and 280 for attachment to the handle. The accessory 260 is a zester, the accessory 276 is a straight peeler with a blade 278, and the accessory 280 is an ice cream scoop.

[0160] The attachment structure includes a pair of inclined latch members 264 and 270 with catch surfaces 266 and 271 respectively. Both elements 264 and 270 are pivotably mounted on pins 268 attached to a mounting member 272 which is secured within the housing 259 of the handle 258.

[0161] A spring 274 also is mounted to rotate on the pin 268, and serves to thrust the two members 264 and 270 apart.

[0162] Two release buttons 262 are mounted in holes 265 in the housing of the handle and holes 263 in the members 264 and 270. By depression of the release buttons 262, the elements 264 and 270 are pivoted inwardly towards the center of the handle to withdraw each of the catch edges 266 and 271 from a corresponding receiver in the accessory.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 30, one such receiver edge is shown at 286. Another (not shown) is located at the upper part of the opening in the accessory 280. The accessory 280 includes a support arm 282 and an ice cream scoop bowl 284.

[0164] The body of the accessory has a tapered inlet opening 281 which receives the tapered projection formed by the elements 264, 270 and 272, and the straight sides of the elements 264 and 270 mating with the straight sides of the opening 28 keep the accessory from rotating on the handle.

[0165] Third Alternative Attachment Structure

[0166] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of another attachment device of the invention. The structure shown in FIG. 31 includes a handle 288 having a housing 312 with a longitudinal shaft 296, and a coil spring 30 surrounding the shaft 296 and bearing against a bulkhead 302 through which the shaft 296 passes.

[0167] The shaft 296 has a rack structure 298 at its left end which mates with gear teeth 294 on mounted catch members 292 rotatably mounted in the housing 312. It should be understood that the rack is not shown engaged with the gear teeth, for the sake of clarity in the drawings. However, it should be understood that they are so engaged.

[0168] The accessory 290 has a tapered cavity 308 with opposed receivers 310 for the catch members 292. The forward end of the handle is tapered as shown at 306.

[0169] In operation, the spring 3—tends to hold the projections 292 in their fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 31, so as to keep the members 292 engaged in the receivers 310 to hold the accessory onto the handle.

[0170] When it is desired to release the accessory from the handle, an externally-extending end attachment 304 to the shaft 296 is pushed inwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 305. This rotates the members 292 about their pivots and withdraws them from the receiving notches 310 so as to release the accessory from the handle.

[0171] When the tapered end 306 of the handle is inserted into the tapered cavity 308 in order to attach the accessory to the handle, the sloping side walls of the cavity 308 rotate the elements 292 backwardly until they move far enough to snap into the receiving notches 310.

[0172] Fourth Alternative Attachment Structure

[0173] FIG. 32 shows a fourth alternative attachment structure, which is the same as that shown in FIG. 31 except that the coil spring 300 bears against the bulkhead 309, and the pivotably mounted catch members 316 are rotated by means of a linkage instead of a rack and pinion arrangement such as that shown in FIG. 31.

[0174] The linkage includes a first link 314 pivotably attached at one end to the shaft 296, and pivotably connected at its other end to one end of the lever arm forming part of the catch member 316.

[0175] When it is desired to release the accessory from the handle, the end extension 318 of shaft 296 is pulled in the direction indicated by arrow 307 to compress the spring 300 and withdraw the catch elements 316 from the receiving grooves 310 in the accessory 290.

[0176] When the tapered forward end 306 of the handle is inserted into the tapered cavity 308 of the accessory 290, the side walls of the cavity cam the catch members 316 in the direction shown by the arrows and then, when they reach the receiving cavities 310, they snap into place under the urging of the spring 300.

[0177] It can be seen from the foregoing that in all of the attachment embodiments, it is possible to engage an accessory with the handle simply by pushing the two together. The accessory snaps into place without requirement of the operation of a lever or the like.

[0178] Also, releasing the accessory from the handle involves no more than button pushing, and can be done with one hand while allowing gravity to remove the accessory from the handle.

[0179] Counter-Top Display Kit

[0180] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another kit constructed in accordance with the invention. The kit allows the storage, organization and display of the handle 88 and accessories on a cupboard shelf or counter-top, or a counter-top or shelf in a store selling the product, etc..

[0181] The kit 348 includes a handle mounting and storage unit 350 with a curved and sloping top wall 351 and a recess 358 shaped to receive and hold the handle 88 where it can be easily seen, grasped and replaced.

[0182] Also included are modular storage and display units 352, 354, 356, etc., for holding and displaying accessories for use with the handle 88.

[0183] Each of the units 352, 354 and 356 is identical to the other. Each has four upstanding projections or bosses 360 each of which has a flat, horizontal upper surface with a central square hole 361 slightly larger than the projections 166 on the attachments so that the attachments can be stored upright with the attachment projections 166 extending into the holes 361.

[0184] One such attachment, a straight peeler 86, is shown mounted in one of the holes in the unit 352. As it can be seen, the flange portion 172 of the peeler rests on the upper surface of the boss 360 and the working portion of the peeler 86 extends upwardly where it can be seen, grasped and replaced easily.

[0185] Each of the three units 352 and 354 has an upper arcuate surface 362 from which the bosses 360 extend. Each unit also has a front side wall 364 and a rear side wall 368 shown in FIG. 43.

[0186] Each front side wall 364 has a pair of vertical notches or gaps 366, and the rear wall 368 has a pair of upstanding tabs 370 spaced apart by the same distance as the notches or gaps 366. The width of each of the tabs 370 is greater than the width of each of the gaps 366. The tabs 370 are molded with a vertical member 372 attaching it to the rear wall 368.

[0187] The tabs 370 can be fitted into the gaps 366 to tightly secure each of the units 352, 354 and 356 together.

[0188] The handle storage and display unit 350 also has a rear structure such as that shown in FIG. 43 whereby one of the units 352, 354 and 356 can be attached to the rear of the unit 350.

[0189] Thus, for a person wishing to start with only a few accessories, he or she can buy a kit including, for example, only the units 350 and 352 which provides a handle and four accessories.

[0190] Later, if the person decides he or she wants to add to the original multi-tool system, one or more additional units 354 or 356 can be purchased with one to four additional accessories and attached to the other units to form a readily expandable multi-tool system.

[0191] The units 350, 352, 354 and 356 preferably are molded of thermoplastic material such as ABS.

[0192] The counter-top units shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 also serve well to display the multi-tool system on store counters and shelves, and in television and other advertising. Thus, the units serve double-duty; saving space and adding convenience in the kitchen, while serving to show the product in a good light.

[0193] Stackable Tray Kit

[0194] FIGS. 45 through 49 show further embodiments of the kit of the present invention.

[0195] FIG. 45 shows a kit 390 consisting of a stack of individual storage trays 392 and 394, each of which itself comprises a separate multi-tool implement kit. The trays 392 and 394 are identical to one another, except for the types of implements they are designed to hold.

[0196] The trays shown in FIGS. 45 through 49 differ from the trays shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 primarily in that the trays 392 and 394 are made to be easily stackable on top of one another.

[0197] Now referring to FIGS. 45, 48 and 49, each of the trays 392 and 394 has a flat upper wall 396 and vertical side walls 398 and 400 which support the upper wall 396 above a flat surface on which the tray rests, such as the bottom of a drawer. Rear side walls are indicated at 402 and 404, but are not visible in the drawings.

[0198] At each of the four corners of the tray is a vertical post 406 which has an upper end 408 with a curved approximately semi-circular flange 410 extending around the innermost half of the post and extending slightly above the surface of the upper end 408.

[0199] Thus, the flange 408 forms semi-circular receptacles at the tops of the posts 406.

[0200] Extending from the bottom of the tray directly below each of the posts 406 is a rubber foot pad 412 which is attached by adhesive to a flange extending underneath the tray at each corner. This pad serves two purposes; first, it minimizes slipping of the tray on a flat surface upon which it is resting, and it also serves as an alignment device fitting into the receptacle formed at the top of each post. This holds the upper tray in place relative to the lower tray so that the trays will not slip out of alignment with one another after they have been stacked. By making the projections 410 only semi-cylindrical instead of cylindrical, it is easier to insert the feet 412 into the receptacles, without detracting from the function of holding the stacked trays together.

[0201] As with the trays shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, each of the kitchen implements is stored in its own individual recess shaped specifically to hold that implement. The implements shown in FIGS. 45 through 49 are given the same reference numerals that they have been given above in this patent application.

[0202] As with the trays shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the implements extend out from the upper surface 396 by a substantial distance. As it can be seen in FIGS. 46 and 47, each of the implements extends outwardly by at least 50% of its height. This makes the implements easier to grasp when removing them from the tray.

[0203] As it is shown in FIG. 47, larger implements such as the citrus juicer 94, the receptacle 76 is made deeper so that the upper surface of the juicer does not extend above the plane 411 of the tops of the posts. Thus, there will be no interference between the implements in the lower tray with the upper tray when the trays are stacked.

[0204] It is preferable that approximately 40% to 60% or more of the height of each implement extend upwardly out of the upper surface of the tray to ensure ease of removal and replacement of the implements in the tray.

[0205] FIGS. 48 and 49 show the two trays 392 and 394 without implements. The implement recesses are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 through 3, with the exception of recesses 414 and 416 in FIG. 49 which are, respectively, for the cheese slicer 104 (FIG. 15) and the horizontal parer 214 (FIG. 20), which are not shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

[0206] It should be understood, of course, that the stackable trays also can be used on a countertop, in which case they will store the implements compactly and with the use of a minimum footprint on the countertop.

[0207] Although two trays are shown stacked atop one another, it should be understood that three or more trays can be stacked atop one another, if desired.

[0208] The trays 392 and 394 desirably are molded of a thermoplastic resin such as ABS.

[0209] It also should be understood that the structures used for holding the implements in the trays shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 45 through 49 can take a variety of different forms. For example, instead of using recesses in an upper wall, under some circumstances it may be advantageous to have a lower bottom wall with projections or bumps extending upwardly in the appropriate locations to form a support for the implements.

[0210] The kit and tray structures shown in FIGS. 45 through 49 have several significant advantages.

[0211] First, like the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, by keeping the implement-receiving recesses shallow enough to insure that the implements extend outwardly by a substantial amount, a substantial savings of plastic material is realized, while making certain that the implements are relatively easy to grasp to remove from the trays.

[0212] By the use of posts to make the trays stackable, the increase in material needed is kept to a minimum.

[0213] By providing trays which can be stacked atop one another, the footprint taken up by a set of different trays is minimized. This can lead to the advantageous preservation of deep drawer space which may be necessary for other items.

[0214] Another advantage is that, by providing the posts for use in stacking the trays atop one another, a relatively large gap is provided between the trays into which the user can see to determine what implements are in the lower tray or trays.

[0215] A further advantage is that the trays are standardized as to size and external shape so as to enable better utilization of container space and economies of scale in manufacturing.

[0216] The above description of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes or modifications in the embodiments described may occur to those skilled in the art. These can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A kitchen implement kit comprising the combination of a container, a plurality of kitchen implements in said container, said implements being selected from the group consisting of: (a) a handle having a coupling structure for releasably securing to said handle an accessory having a mating coupling structure, and at least one accessory having said mating coupling structure; (b) a plurality of said accessories, each having said mating coupling structure; (c) a handle having one of said coupling structures and a plurality of said accessories, each having said mating coupling structure; at least one wall forming a plurality of recesses, each of said recesses being dimensioned to receive one of said implements; a plurality of posts extending upwardly from said walls to support another container of kitchen implements in a position spaced upwardly from the first-named container.

2. A kit as in claim 1 in which each of said posts has an upper end and a holding structure at said upper end, a plurality of mating holding structures on said other container, whereby each of said mating structures engages with one of said holding structures to hold said containers in alignment with one another when stacked.

3. A kit as in claim 2 in which said holding structures comprises one of a projection and a receptacle, and said mating holding structure comprises the other of said projection and said receptacle, said projections and said receptacle being shaped to inhibit sideways movement of said other container relative to said posts when said projection and said receptacle are engaged with one another.

4. A kit as in claim 1 in which said walls include side walls, and the vertical dimension of each of said side walls is substantially smaller than the height of each of said posts.

5. A kit as in claim 1 in which said walls include side walls, and each of said posts has an upper end located in a plane, and the depth of each of said recesses is sufficient to hold its accessory in a position in or beneath said plane, said container being dimensioned to hold said accessories with around 40% to 60% of the height of said accessories above said side walls.

6. A kit as in claim 1 said walls include side walls, and the vertical dimension of each of said side walls is substantially smaller than the height of each of said posts, said container being dimensioned to hold said accessories with around 40% to 60% of the accessories above said side walls.

7. A kit as in claim 3 in which each of said walls has a bottom edge with one of said projections extending downwardly therefrom, and each of said receptacles is shaped to receive one of said projections.

8. A kit as in claim 7 in which each of said projections comprises a friction element to form a slip-resistant foot to support said container on a flat surface.

9. A kit as in claim 1 in which each of said recesses is shaped to conform to the shape of a selected one of said implements, and has a depth dimensioned to allow a substantial portion of each of said implements to extend upwardly out of said recess.

10. A container for kitchen implements, said container having walls forming a plurality of recesses, each of said recesses being dimensioned to receive one of said implements, said implements being selected from the group consisting of: (a) a handle having a coupling structure for releasably securing to said handle an accessory having a mating coupling structure, and at least one accessory having said mating coupling structure; (b) a plurality of said accessories, each having said mating coupling structure; (c) a handle having one of said coupling structures and a plurality of said accessories, each having said mating coupling structure; and a plurality of posts extending upwardly from said container and positioned to support a second container like the first-named container with said second container above the implements in said recesses of said first-named container when said implements are in said recesses.

11. A container as in claim 10 in which said walls include side walls having vertical dimensions substantially smaller than the vertical dimensions of said posts.

12. A container as in claim 10 in which the depth of each of said recesses is around 40% to 60% of the height of the implement which fits into said recess.

13. A container as in claim 10 in which said walls form access openings through which fingers can be inserted to grasp the implements resting in said recesses.

14. A container as in claim 10 including feet projecting downwardly from said container and a receptacle for receiving and holding one of said feet in the top of each of said posts when said container is placed atop another of said containers.

15. A tray for holding kitchen implements, said tray comprising a wall forming a horizontal support surface, a plurality of kitchen implement receptacles supported by said support surface, and a plurality of posts extending upwardly from said support surface to support another tray of kitchen implements above the first-named tray.

16. A tray as in claim 15 in which each of said receptacles has vertically extending walls, said walls extending to a height substantially less than the height of an implement placed in said receptacle so as to leave a substantial portion of said implement extending out of said receptacle.

17. A tray as in claim 15 in which said posts extend to a height equal to or greater than the uppermost extent of any implement in one of said receptacles.

18. A tray as in claim 15 in which each of said receptacles is shaped to conform to the contours of a specific implement so as to provide a specific location for each implement.

19. A tray as in claim 15 in which said wall has a plurality of support feet extending downwardly therefrom, and each of said posts has a top with a holding structure for engaging said feet and holding said trays in alignment with one another when one is stacked atop another.

20. A tray for holding kitchen implements, said tray comprising a wall forming a horizontal support surface, a plurality of kitchen implement receptacles supported by said support surface, a plurality of posts extending upwardly from said support surface to support another tray of kitchen implements above the first-named tray in which said wall is supported by at least one vertical wall extending around the periphery of said support wall to hold said support wall above a flat surface upon which said tray may rest, the height of said vertical wall being substantially less than the height of implements in said receptacles, said posts having upper ends located in a plane which is as high as or higher than the highest extent of any implement when it is in its receptacle, each of said receptacles being shaped to conform to the contours of a specific implement so as to provide a specific location for each implement, in which said wall has a plurality of support feet extending downwardly therefrom, and each of said posts has a top with a holding structure for engaging one of said feet and holding said trays in alignment with one another when one is stacked atop another.