The present invention relates to kitchenware and, in particular, relates to a plurality of stackable bowls/strainers which use a twist and lock mechanism to raise, lower or lock the bowls/strainers in place for stability.
The present invention, referred as to “STACKABLES,” is a housewares space saving tower. We saw a problem of cluttered countertops, dining room tables, coffee tables and restaurant and banquet tables not having enough room to prepare meals in the kitchen and also too much space taken up while serving foods/items. Our family of 6 always struggled with having any space at our dinner table and having too many spills due to lack of space. Holidays and family gatherings presented the same problems.
The present invention provides a space saving tower of stackable bowls, comprised of a plurality of bowls, each of the plurality of bowls capable of stacking upon one another, wherein each of the plurality of bowls has a different diameter, wherein a bowl with the smallest diameter is on top of the tower and a bowl with the largest diameter is on the bottom of the tower, wherein each of the plurality of bowls includes a center post which twists and locks into an adjoining bowl.
The tower may be comprised of four bowls, with the first bowl containing three dividing walls.
In an embodiment, the first and second bowls have a diameter of about 7 inches and are about 3 inches deep; the third bowl has a diameter of about 10 inches and is about 3.5 inches deep; and the fourth bowl has a diameter of about 12 inches and is about 4 inches deep.
Each of the plurality of bowls has a molded closed center post having a hole therein for drainage.
The space saving tower is configured to be upright or collapsible, wherein when the tower is collapsible, all of the bowls fit into the bowl that is located on the bottom. The space saving tower also includes a twist and lock mechanism located on the bottom center of each of the bowls, wherein when the tower is upright, the post is seated in about a 0.5 inch oval choke molded to keep in an elevated position; and when the tower is condensed, a 90-degree turn of the twist and lock mechanism in either direction allows the post of each of the bowls to slide into the post above or below.
In addition, each of the plurality of bowls has an airtight lid to keep food fresh.
STACKABLES space saving tower will increase space while cleaning, preparing, serving and/or storing food or items. Our 3 to 4-tiered tower eliminates cluttered countertops/tables. At the dinner table, STACKABLES holds an entire 3 course meal while taking up ⅓ or more of the table space. This provides ample space to enjoy meals and less spills from an over cluttered table. While hosting a gathering, STACKABLES are used on coffee tables, picnic and banquet tables. The commercial industry will benefit using STACKABLES in the kitchen and while serving patrons at tables. STACKABLES can be used for food or any items needed to save space.
STACKABLES is unique with all levels being independently standing and then built up vertically with simple posts molded into the center each bowl/strainer. Each bowl also comes with an airtight lid to move food from the table, to the refrigerator, to the microwave (if needed) and back to the table for another meal.
STACKABLES utilizes a twist and lock mechanism that is on the bottom center of each unit and when upright, the post is seated in an approximately ½ inch oval choke mold to keep in an elevated position. STACKABLES utilizes a twist and lock mechanism that is on the bottom center of each unit and to condense, a 90-degree turn in either direction allows the post to slide into or onto the oval post above or below. The collapsed STACKABLE units all fit in the bottom bowl/strainer. The posts slightly increase in diameter from the largest bowl/strainer to the smallest allowing each to fit inside the next one. There is also a small hole in the top of each post for cleaning and draining.
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STACKABLES are a space saving tower that can be used to prepare, thaw, clean and serve food or hold items.
Each of the bowls have a unique stem and post system that is simple for the consumer to assemble.
While still in the beginning stages of development, the uniqueness of the “STACKABLES” tower lies in the individual units (bowls, strainers, and optional trays as a base). Each unit has a closed stem molded in the center of each unit. This stem will connect with larger attachable posts to build height and stability. The molded center stem in each unit is slightly wider at the base (for the post to be inserted) and narrower at the top (so the post will fit securely on it).
The units of “STACKABLES” are interchangeable. “STACKABLES” are to serve food in any room to save space (kitchen counters, coffee tables, dinner table, etc.).
“STACKABLES” for the kitchen sink have an attachment for the kitchen sink to utilize that space for cleaning, preparing, thawing and serving food.
Three to four levels of this tower use bowls and/or strainers. Units have a unique twist and lock mechanism molded to the unit that requires no assembly.
While still in the beginning stages of development, the uniqueness of the STACKABLES tower lies in the individual units (bowls or strainers). Each unit has a closed post molded in the center of each unit with a small drain hole for cleaning and in the dishwasher. This post will set in or on the posts of the other units to build height and stability. The molded center post in each unit is slightly smaller in diameter than each unit above it. STACKABLES also has the option to use 1, 2, 3 or 4 units at any time, just by keeping the larger units below and building up with (a) smaller unit(s). STACKABLES are to hold food or items in any room to save space
We are currently investigating multiple manufacturers to create a final prototype. These engineers will decide the best plastics materials and precise measurements of the units (bowls, strainers etc.) and which length of the center posts will best work on the STACKABLES tower.
Materials used and specific design increase proper health sanitations for food handling. Materials are dishwasher safe.
Plastic materials are utilized for the residential use of the STACKABLES tower and stainless-steel materials are used for those in commercial use. (Restaurants, food industry, hotels, etc.).
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/998,122, filed Jul. 2, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/604,400, filed Jul. 5, 2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62604400 | Jul 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15998122 | Jul 2018 | US |
Child | 17180267 | US |