Utensil, kit and method

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 interlocking trays for storage in drawers, and interlocking counter-top storage units. Individual storage cavities are provided for each of the implements to organize the implements of the kit and minimize storage space requirements while maintaining ease of finding the implements. Each accessory snap-locks to the handle upon insertion, and can be released with one hand.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to kitchen utensils, kitchen utensil kits and manufacturing methods.

[0002] The crowding and jumble of kitchen utensils or implements 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, is that 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. Furthermore, the cost of providing an individual handle for each of several utensils can be substantial.

[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 cost and space required by providing handles for each of several utensils is significantly reduced, and in which the system 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] 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.

[0015] 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.

[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, are both dishwasher-safe and attractive in appearance, without being unduly costly to make.

[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 does double-duty in that it is useful for display of the product in stores, on television and in other advertising.

[0022] The multi-tool device includes a handle with attachment means connectable with mating attachment means on each of a plurality of accessories. Advantageously, each accessory can simply be inserted and snapped into place and held securely in the handle. The accessory then can be detached by the simple act of pushing or pulling one or two buttons or levers and allowing gravity to remove the accessory.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-tool kitchen utensil kit of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, broken away view illustrating the attachment of the two kit modules of FIG. 1 together;

[0027] 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;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the handle of the multi-tool device of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the handle shown in FIG. 4;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a phantom side elevation view of the handle shown in FIG. 4;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 4;

[0032] FIGS. 8 and 9 are front elevation views showing the handle of FIG. 4 in two different operative configurations;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a component of the handle shown in FIG. 4;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a broken-away perspective view of another component of the handle of FIG. 4;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pizza cutter accessory for the handle down in FIG. 3;

[0036] 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;

[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cheese slicer accessory;

[0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a citrus peel scraper or “zester” accessory;

[0039] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 16;

[0040] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a citrus fruit reamer accessory;

[0041] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an ice cream scoop accessory;

[0042] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a “horizontal” accessory peeler accessory;

[0043] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a melon bailer accessory;

[0044] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a “straight” peeler accessory;

[0045] FIG. 23 is a perspective assembly view of the device shown in FIG. 22;

[0046] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;

[0047] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 24;

[0048] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional, partially schematic broken-away view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24;

[0049] FIG. 27 is a top plan view, partially cross-sectional and partially schematic, of the device shown in FIGS. 24 through 26;

[0050] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention with a zester accessory;

[0051] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 28, with a straight peeler accessory;

[0052] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 28 with an ice cream scoop accessory;

[0053] FIGS. 31 and 32 are top plan views, partially schematic, and partially cross-sectional, of two additional embodiments of the invention;

[0054] Each of FIGS. 33 through 39 is a top plan view of a different accessory for use with the handle of the invention;

[0055] FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of a component holder and kit provided in accordance with the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of another comment holder and kit provided in accordance with the invention;

[0057] FIG. 42 is a perspective, partially exploded view of another component holder and kit provided in accordance with the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 43 is a rear elevation view of each of the modules shown in FIG. 42; and

[0059] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a grater accessory provided in accordance with the present invention.

MULTI-TOOL KITCHEN UTENSIL KIT

[0060] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of the multi-tool kitchen utensil or implement kit 50 constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 to serve as durable storage and organizing means for the multi-tool components in the kitchen.

[0067] To this end, the container 52 is provided with an elongated upstanding tab 80 on the lower edge of at least one side wall.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 tabs 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Each of the containers 100 and 102 contains a handle 88 together with other accessories to be attached to the handles.

[0074] 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 figures of the drawings and are described below.

Handle

[0075] FIGS. 4 through 11 illustrate the preferred handle 88 of the multi-tool system.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Surrounding the receptacle 112 is a circumferential groove 128 in which the latching ring 110 is seated for rotation.

[0082] 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 groove. The leading edges 132 and 134 of the two halves of the locking ring are rounded 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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°.

[0088] The operation of the locking ring will be explained below after the following description of the locking structure on the accessories.

Accessory Locking Structure

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

Operation

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In addition, the square shape of the projection 166 and the corresponding square shape of the receptacle 112 prevent the accessory from rotating about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle.

[0098] The width and depth of the receptacle 112 and the width and length of the projection 166 are large enough to enable the attachment to withstand forces tending to bend the assembled tool during use.

[0099] 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 at four different circumferentially spaced-apart locations. Thus, the edges of the hole serve as a latch element, and the groove 170 serves as a receiver or keeper for the latch element.

[0100] 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.

Cheese Slicer

[0101] 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 thickness. The attachment structure has the strength and durability to stand up to the sometimes heavy pressure extended on the slicer during use.

[0102] In a lower cost version, the body can be molded polycarbonate instead of die-cast zinc.

Zester

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

Citrus Reamer

[0105] FIG. 18 shows the citrus reamer 94. It has a die-cast zinc body with a polycarbonate insert 166. The reamer has a rounded body with ridges 202, 204 and 206, and a pointed end 200.

[0106] Preferably, the reamer is formed with a longitudinally-extending axial hole, and the insert is co-molded to fill the hole to form a solid connection of the insert to the body.

[0107] The reamer is used to extract juice from lemons, limes, oranges and other such fruit, in a well-known manner.

Ice Cream Scoop

[0108] 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.

Horizontal Peeler

[0109] 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

[0110] 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.

[0111] Alternatively, in a lower cost version, the body is made of molded polycarbonate.

Melon Baller

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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, projections are provided from the metal surface, and the plastic is molded to the metal.

Straight Peeler

[0114] 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 a pair of opposed, spaced-apart cutting edges 238 is rotatably mounted in the flange 172 and the support 234.

[0115] The assembled peeler shown in FIG. 23 is used in a known manner to peel vegetables, etc.

[0116] 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.

Grater

[0117] 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 numerous bent tabs at many locations on the edges, and co-molding the polycarbonate material over the edges.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The rear surface of the border at the lower or outer end 379 of the grater is given a co-molded coating 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.

Further Accessories

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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 butcher 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] By this means, the attachment ends of the knives 330 and 346 are recessed out of view.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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, serving spoons with tines for handling spaghetti, strainer spoons and ladles, pie servers, spatulas, potato mashers, meat tenderizers, strainers, pots and pans, or many other utensils which have handles.

[0131] 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.

Alternative Attachment Structure

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

Second Alternative Attachment Structure

[0138] FIGS. 28 through 30 show a second alternative attachment structure.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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 on a mounting member 272 which is secured within the housing 259 of the handle 258.

[0141] A spring 274 also is mounted to rotate on the pin 268, and serves to thrust the two members 264 and 270 apart.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

Third Alternative Attachment Structure

[0145] 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.

[0146] The shaft 296 has a rack structure 298 at its left end which mates with gear teeth 294 on 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] In operation, the spring 300 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

Fourth Alternative Attachment Structure

[0151] 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 a 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] When it is desired to release the accessory from the handle, an end extension 318 on 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 notches 310 in the accessory 290.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

Counter-Top Display Kit

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] Also included are modular storage and display units 352, 354, 356, etc., for holding and displaying accessories for use with the handle 88.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] The tabs 370 can be fitted into the gaps 366 to tightly secure each of the units 352, 354 and 356 together.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] The units 350, 352, 354 and 356 preferably are molded of thermoplastic material such as ABS.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

2. A kit as in claim 1 in which said container has an upper wall and side walls joined to said upper wall, and a plurality of recesses in said upper wall, each of said recesses being shaped to receive one of said implements.

3. A kit as in claim 2 in which each of said recesses is shaped to conform to the outlines of a different one of said implements.

4. A kit as in claim 1 in which said attachments are selected from the group consisting of a pizza cutter, a peeler, a grater, a zester, a cheese slicer, a melon baller, an ice cream scoop, a citrus reamer, a corer, a fork, a knife, a spoon and a turner.

5. A kit as in claim 1 in which one of said handle and said accessory has a spring-loaded locking element to fit into a mating recess on the other of said handle and said accessory when said handle and said accessory are pressed together, said mating locking member being shaped to move said locking element aside when said mating locking member is pressed against said locking member, said spring-loaded locking element being positioned and biased to snap into said recess.

6. A kit as in claim 5 in which said mating locking member is a projection, said locking element being accessible to the hand of a user of one of said implements to release said projection to disengage said handle from said accessory.

7. A kit as in claim 1 in which each of said containers is rectilinear in cross-sectional shape and has a plurality of side walls, and at least one clasp on one of said side walls shaped to mate with one of said side walls of another one of said containers to secure said containers in side-by-side relationship to form a combined array of said implements on said containers.

8. A kit as in claim 1 in which said container is rectilinear and is sized to fit into a kitchen drawer and occupy substantially less than all of the bottom space in said drawer whereby plural ones of said containers can fit into one kitchen drawer side-by-side.

9. A kit as in claim 1 in which said coupling structure of said handle includes: a first recess having a pre-determined shape; a ring mounted to rotate on said handle around said first recess and having a locking surface, rotatable between first and second positions, and bias means for biasing said ring towards said first position, said first position being a locking position and said second position being an unlocking position; said mating coupling structure on one of said accessories including a projection shaped to fit into said first recess, and a second recess spaced from the outermost end of said projection at a location adjacent said locking surface when said projection is in said first recess so that said locking surface snaps into said second recess to releasably lock said accessory in place on said handle.

10. A kit as in claim 2 in which each of said accessories has two ends, said mating coupling structure being located at one of said ends and an implement structure at the other of said ends, each of said recesses being shaped to receive and store one of said accessories in a position selected from the group consisting of: (a) with said one end substantially higher than said other end, with said mating coupling structure being accessible; (b) with said other end substantially higher than said one end and with said implement structure accessible; (c) with said ends at approximately the same level; and (d) with said ends in a combination of one or more of the configurations of (a) (b) and (c).

11. A kit as in claim 10 in which said container is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a container whose top wall is flat and horizontal when resting on the bottom edges of said side walls, said side walls being relatively short to fit compactly within a relatively shallow drawer; (b) a container whose top wall is sloping relative to horizontal when said container is resting on a horizontal surface, said side walls being relatively tall and forming a bottom adapted to rest on a flat surface; (c) a counter-top container in which at last one of said side walls allows for viewing the contents stored in said container; (d) a container having attachment means for attaching it to another container in side-by-side relationship; and (e) A container having multiple identical openings and each accessory has at one end an attachment structure and said openings are adapted to receive said attachment structure to store said accessories upright.

12. A multi-tool kitchen implement device comprising: a handle; a kitchen implement for attachment to said handle; said handle having a resiliently biased latch member; said implement having a receiver for said latch member and a cam surface for moving said latch member to a non-engaged position upon bringing said cam surface to bear against said latch member, and releasing said catch member to snap it into said receiver to hold said handle and said implement together; and a release member mounted on said handle and manually operable for withdrawing said latch member from said receiver to release said implement from said handle.

13. A device as in claim 12 in which said handle has a receptacle and said implement has a projection positioned to be fitted into said receptacle when said implement is attached to said handle.

14. A device as in claim 13 in which said camming surface is on said projection, said receiver is located inwardly from the outermost end of said projection, and said latch member is located adjacent the entrance to said receptacle.

15. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 12 in which said kitchen tool accessory is selected from the group consisting of a pizza cutter, a peeler, a grater, a zester, a cheese slicer, a melon baller, an ice cream scoop, a citrus reamer, a corer, a fork, a knife, a spoon and a turner.

16. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 13 in which said projection is shaped to fit into said receptacle with a rotationally interfering fit to prevent said accessory and said handle from rotating with respect to one another.

17. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 13 a ring rotatably mounted on said handle, said ring having a central hole with a shape conforming to the shape of said receptacle and having an internal edge forming said latch member, and said projection having a groove shaped to serve as said receiver for said catch member, said ring being rotatable between a first position in which said central hole in said ring is aligned with said receptacle and a second position in which said internal edge of said hole is positioned in said groove, and a resilient bias member for urging said ring towards said second position.

18. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 13 in which said projection has a forward end and a rear end secured to said accessory, said forward end being shaped to form said cam surface, said receptacle and said projection have square cross-sectional shapes, and said ring comprises said release member.

19. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 13 in which said implement includes a body member with a flange approximately the same size as the end of the handle to which the implement is attached, said projection has a base and a distal end, said flange being located at said base, and a circumferential groove in said projection adjacent said base.

20. A multi-tool kitchen implement device comprising: a handle having one of a receptacle and a projection for fitting into said receptacle; a kitchen tool accessory having the other one of said receptacle and said projection; a spring-biased snap-action catch member on one of said handle and said accessory, and a mating catch receiver on the other of said handle and said accessory; a cam surface on one of said projection and said receptacle for moving said catch member to a non-engaging position and then releasing said catch member to move into said receiver to releasably hold said handle and said accessory together when said projection is inserted into said receptacle; and a release member accessible to the hand of the user and actuatable to pull said catch member away from said receiver to a non-engaging position to release said accessory.

21. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 20 in which said catch member is mounted in said receptacle and said receiver and cam surface are located on said projection, and said release member is a resilient lever pivotably mounted in said receptacle with one end positioned externally thereof and depressible to release said catch member from said receiver.

22. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 20 in which said catch member is rotatably mounted on said projection and said projection is located on said handle, said receptacle and said camming surface and said receiver are on said accessory, said release member comprising a resiliently-biased longitudinally-movable manually-operated drive member engaging said catch member to rotate it out of said receiver to disengage said catch member from said receiver when said release member is moved longitudinally in said handle.

23. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 22 in which said catch member has gear teeth and said drive member has a rack engaging said gear teeth, said resilient bias on said drive member tending to thrust said catch member into said receiver when released but rotate said catch member out of said receiver when moved against said resilient bias.

24. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 23 including another catch member and receiver substantially the same as the first-named catch member and receiver but located approximately opposite said first-named catch member and receiver, said other catch member being engaged with said drive member, said rack on said drive member having rack teeth on two opposite sides to engage both of said catch members simultaneously.

25. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 22 including a linkage joining said drive member to said catch member, said linkage comprising a first link pivoted to said drive member, and a second link pivoted to said first link and one end of a lever forming part of said catch member to rotate said catch member.

26. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 25 in which said drive member withdraws said catch member from said receiver when said drive member is moved longitudinally in said handle against said resilient bias.

27. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 20 in which said catch member is pivotably mounted on said handle and extends from one end thereof to form said projection so as to rotate towards the longitudinal axis of said handle to disengage said catch member from said receiver, and including a spring urging said catch member outwardly from said axis to enter said receiver, said receiver being located in said receptacle located in said accessory, and said release member is mounted in said handle and extends outwardly therefrom and is depressible to pull said catch member out of said receiver.

28. A multi-tool kitchen implement device as in claim 27 in which said cam surface is the tapered leading edge of a surface on said accessory.

29. A handle for a multi-tool kitchen implement device, said handle comprising: an elongated body member; a releasable attachment structure at one end of said body member; said attachment structure being adapted to releasably secured to said handle each of a plurality of kitchen implement accessories having mating attaching structures; said body member being made of a relatively hard and strong material; a flexible elastomeric cover molded onto said body member, said cover and said body member forming a handle which conforms to the shape of a human hand when it is gripped by such a hand.

30. A handle as in claim 29 in which said body member and said cover have a relatively small cross-sectional and area near said one end and a relatively large cross-sectional area at greater distances from said one end.

31. A handle as in claim 29 in which said cover is relatively thin adjacent said one end and relatively thick at greater distances from said one end.

32. A handle as in claim 29 in which said attachment structure includes a shaped receptacle molded into said one end, and a circumferential recess molded into said body member closely adjacent said one end, said recess having at least one stop member therein to stop an attachment ring mounted to rotate in said recess.

33. A handle for a multi-tool kitchen implement device, said handle comprising: an elongated body member; a releasable attachment structure at one end of said body member; said attachment structure being adapted to releasably secure to said handle each of a plurality of kitchen implement accessories having mating attaching structures; said attachment structure including a spring-biased catch constructed to be forced by contact with a cam first away from a receiver in said mating structure and then freed to snap into said receiver under spring bias; a finger-actuatable release member mounted in said handle and accessible to at least one finger of a hand holding said handle to move said catch out of said receiver to free said accessory from said handle.

34. A handle as in claim 33 in which said release member is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a ring mounted to rotate on said handle and having an opening whose edges are shaped to enter said receiver at one rotary position and leave said receiver at another rotary position; (b) at least one pull-lever for rotating said catch member away from said receiver; said catch being rotatably mounted in said handle and being coupled to rotate with the movement of said lever.

35. An implement for a multi-tool kitchen implement system, said implement comprising: a kitchen tool having a working end and an attachment end; an attachment device at said attachment end, said attachment device comprising a receiver for a spring-loaded latch member on a handle to be attached to said tool; a projection shaped to fit into a corresponding receptacle in said handle and engage the side walls of said receptacle to prevent rotation of said tool and said handle relative to one another; said receiver having at least one bearing surface substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of said projection into said receptacle and being positioned and shaped to receive and hold said latch member until it is withdrawn from engagement with said surface

36. An implement as in claim 35 in which said projection has a square cross-section and a rounded front end with a groove around the circumference of said projection at a location spaced from said front end, said bearing surface being one wall of said groove.

37. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool has a support structure secured to said attachment device, and a rounded flange between said projection and said support structure, the breadth of said flange matching that of one end of said handle having a receptacle for said projection.

38. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool is selected from the group consisting of a pizza cutter, a peeler, a grater, a zester, a cheese slicer, a melon baller, an ice cream scoop, a citrus reamer, a corer, a fork, a knife, a spoon and a turner.

39. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool is a pizza cutting wheel with a curved arm having two ends, said arm rotatably supporting said wheel at one end of said arm, said attachment device being located at the opposite end of said arm.

40. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool is a peeler comprising a body, a blade support member, a pair of spaced apart struts, each secured at one end to said blade support member and at the other end to said body, and a blade having a pair of opposed, spaced-apart cutting edges and being pivotably mounted at one end in said blade support member and at the other end in said body.

41. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool is a grater having a planar metal grater blade with a co-molded plastic frame around the edges of said blade and said attachment device at one end of said frame.

42. An implement as in claim 41 in which the longitudinal axis of said projection forms a substantial angle with the plane of said grater blade, and an elastomeric coating on one portion of said frame so as to enable the grater to resist slipping when resting on a support surface.

43. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool has a flange having two sides, a pair of spaced-apart legs extending outwardly from one side of said flange, and a cutting blade pivotably mounted between said arms, said blade being selected from the group consisting of a peeler blade and a zester blade, said projection extending outwardly from the other side of said flange.

44. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool has a flange having two sides, and a citrus reamer extending outwardly from one side of said flange, said projection extending outwardly from the other side of said flange.

45. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool has a flange having two sides, and an ice cream scoop extending outwardly from one side of said flange, said projection extending outwardly from the other side of said flange.

46. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool has a flange having two sides, and a stainless steel melon baller with an arm secured to a molded plastic arm extending from one side of said flange, said arms being molded together at an enlarged joint.

47. An implement as in claim 35 in which said kitchen tool has a flange having two sides, and a pair of spaced-apart legs extending outwardly form one side of said flange, and a wire stretched between said arms and a roller rotatably supported by said arms and spaced from said wire to form a cheese slicer.

48. A mounting support for a plurality of kitchen tools for attachment to a handle, each of said tools having at one end an attachment device extending outwardly from said tool and attachable to a handle having a mating attachment device, said support comprising a housing having a surface with a plurality of cavities therein, each being shaped to receive a specific one of said tools with said attachment device accessible at said surface whereby said handle can be attached to any of said tools by pressing said attachment device of one of said tools against said mating attachment device by means of a pressure-actuated latch.

49. A support as in claim 48 in which said support is a block with said surface sloping when said support is on a horizontal surface, and said tools are a plurality of knife blades.

50. A support as in claim 48 in which said attachment device of each of said tools is made accessible by a construction selected from the group consisting of (a) extending said attachment device above said surface and (b) recessing said attachment device below said surface in a recess large enough to receive the attachment end of a handle.

51. A method of making a handle for a multi-tool kitchen implement device, said method comprising the steps of molding a plastic handle base member and co-molding an elastomeric cover onto said base member, said molded body including a shaped receptacle for an accessory attachment projection.

52. A method as in claim 51 including a circumferential groove at one end of said base member extending around said receptacle, and the step of forming a latch ring mounted to rotate in said groove by molding said ring in two halves and securing said halves together while mounted in said groove.

53. A kit including a handle and plural implements for attachment thereto, each of said implements having an attachment structure adjacent one end; a plurality of housings having supports for engaging said attachment structures to support said implements vertically above a horizontal surface, and means for releasably securing said housings together to form a countertop storage and display unit.

54. A device as in claim 52 in which said housings include a housing for holding said handle.

55. A device as in claim 52 in which said attachment structure includes a projection for fitting into a mating receptacle in said handle, said supports including holes for receiving said projections and thereby supporting said implements vertically.