U.S. patent application number 10/458461 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-25 for multi-tool kitchen utensil kit and container.
Invention is credited to McGuyer, Carter W., Robbins, Rodney W..
Application Number | 20030234205 10/458461 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30003696 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030234205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGuyer, Carter W. ; et
al. |
December 25, 2003 |
Multi-tool kitchen utensil kit and container
Abstract
A kitchen utensil kit including a multi-tool device having a
single handle with one or more easily attachable accessories such
as peelers, pizza cutters, cheese slicers, zesters, ice cream
scoops, graters, juicers, jar openers, etc. The kit includes
stationary or slidable attachable and/or stackable holders or trays
for the compact, organized storage of the kitchen implements in
drawers or on countertops. Indicia are provided for each receptacle
to identify the implement which the receptacle is designed to hold.
The preferred indicia is the shape of the receptacle, which matches
the shape of the article.
Inventors: |
McGuyer, Carter W.; (Muscle
Shoals, AL) ; Robbins, Rodney W.; (Run-florence,
AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gregor N. Neff, Esq.
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis &
Frankel LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
30003696 |
Appl. No.: |
10/458461 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10458461 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
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10177699 |
Jun 20, 2002 |
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10458461 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
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29164208 |
Jul 19, 2002 |
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10458461 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
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10286691 |
Nov 1, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/564 ;
206/372; 206/553; 206/576; 30/123; 99/506 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B26B 5/00 20130101; A47J
43/288 20130101; A47J 43/28 20130101; B26B 25/005 20130101; B26B
5/007 20130101; A47J 2043/0738 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/564 ;
206/553; 206/576; 30/123; 99/506; 206/372; 206/372 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/34 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A tray for holding kitchen implements, said tray comprising a
support wall forming a horizontal support surface, a plurality of
kitchen implement receptacles supported by said support surface,
and at least one of said receptacles having visible indicia
identifying one of a plurality of kitchen implements which will fit
into said receptacle.
2. A tray as in claim 1 in which said indicia is selected from the
group consisting of: (a) said receptacle having an outline shaped
like said one implement; (b) a visible representation of said one
implement; (c) alphanumeric indicia; (d) color coding to match a
color adjacent said receptacle to a color on said one implement;
and (e) a combination of two or more members of the group.
3. A tray as in claim 1 including a plurality of posts extending
upwardly from said wall to support another container of kitchen
implements in a position spaced upwardly from the first-named
container.
4. A tray as in claim 1 in which each of said receptacles has one
of said indicia comprising a shape conforming to the contours of a
specific implement.
5. A tray as in claim 1 including side walls connected to said
support wall, and a slide structure on at least one of said side
walls for enabling another tray to slide on the first-mentioned
tray when mounted on top thereof.
6. A tray as in claim 1 having side walls secured to said support
wall, and at least one wall having an upper edge shaped to comprise
one element of a tongue and groove combination, and a second tray
having at least one receptacle with indicia identifying an
implement to be put into said receptacle, and side walls with a
lower edge forming the other element of said tongue and groove
combination to allow said second tray to slide on the first tray to
uncover the contents of said first tray.
7. Apparatus as in claim 6 in which said first tray is
substantially longer than said second tray in the direction in
which said second tray slides so that a portion of the contents of
said first tray are not covered by said second tray.
8. A tray as in claim 1 in which each of said receptacles is
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; and
(c) a handle having one of said coupling structures and a plurality
of said accessories, each having said mating coupling
structure.
9. A tray as in claim 1 in which at least some receptacles are,
shaped to conform to the outline of one of said implements when
said implement is placed in said receptacle in an orientation
selected from the group consisting of (a) with its broadest
dimension substantially horizontal; (b) with its broadest dimension
substantially vertical; and (c) with its broadest dimension at an
acute angle to vertical.
10. A tray as in claim 9 in which at least one of said receptacles
is dimensioned to allow a substantial portion of the implement
within it to extend upwardly out of its receptacle for easy
grasping.
11. A tray as in claim 1 including an inset to the side of at least
one of said receptacles to allow insertion of a finger under the
implement in the receptacle to remove it from the tray.
12. A tray as in claim 1 having a plurality of said receptacles of
different sizes and shapes, each receptacle holding an adjustable
measuring device.
13. A tray as in claim 1 having a plurality of said receptacles,
each comprising a structure selected from the group consisting of:
(a) a recess in said support wall; (b) at least one projection
extending upwardly from said support wall; (c) side walls extending
upwardly from said support wall, and partitions extending between
said side walls; and (d) a plurality of projections extending
upwardly from said support wall and forming a cradle to hold said
implement.
14. A tray as in claim 1 in which each of said receptacles is open
to allow an implement to be inserted into or removed therefrom in a
generally vertical direction.
15. A tray as in claim 1 in a kitchen drawer with a support
structure supporting a second tray above it; said support structure
being selected from the group consisting of: (a) a slide structure
for allowing said second tray to slide on said first tray to
uncover at least a portion of said first tray; and (b) a plurality
of posts extending upwardly from said support wall to support said
second tray above said first tray with spacing between said
trays.
16. A citrus fruit juicer comprising: an oblate spheroid tapered to
a blunt point at one end and a handle member at the end opposite
said one end; said oblate spheroid having a plurality of elongated,
relatively deep and broad recesses extending from adjacent said
opposite end to adjacent said one end and spaced circumferentially
from one another; and a plurality of relatively shallow elongated
recesses of relatively narrow width extending in the same direction
as said deep recess and located at circumferentially spaced
locations between said deep recesses.
17. A juicer as in claim 16 in which said narrow recesses are
substantially shorter than said deep recesses.
18. A juicer as in claim 16 in which said handle member is one of a
receptacle and a mating projection for engagement with one another
to releasably fasten a handle onto said handle member.
19. A juicer as in claim 16 in which said handle member is a
projection with a polygon-shaped cross-section and including a
handle having a receptacle with the same polygon-shaped
cross-section and a snap-acting releasable latch for locking said
handle to said handle member when said projection is inserted into
said receptacle.
20. A jar opener implement, said implement comprising a support
member, a pair of elongated gripper members, at least one of which
is pivoted adjacent one end to said support member, said support
member having a handle member extending therefrom, at least said
one gripper member being rotatable towards the other gripper member
to reduce the space occupied by said jar opener when stored, said
one gripper member being rotatable away from the other to spread
said gripper members apart, and stop means for stopping the
rotation of said gripper member at a predetermined position.
21. A jar opener as in claim 20 in which said other gripper member
also is pivoted to said support member at a location adjacent the
point at which said one gripper member is pivoted, said stop means
includes a stop surface on each of said gripper arms and stop
surfaces on said support member for limiting the movement of said
gripper members apart from one another.
22. A jar opener as in claim 20 in which said handle member is one
of a receptacle and a mating projection for releasably fastening a
handle onto said handle member.
23. A jar opener as in claim 20 in which said handle member is a
projection with a polygon-shaped cross-section and including a
handle having a receptacle with the same polygon-shaped
cross-section and a snap-acting releasable latch for locking said
handle to said handle member when said projection is inserted into
said receptacle.
24. A kitchen implement kit comprising: at least one implement
storage holder held by an implement holder package; a plurality of
kitchen implements, each independent of any implement holder; said
implement holder having a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle
having a first indicia identifying a specific one of said
implements the receptacle is intended to hold; said implement
holder package, having holder indicia identifying the holder held
by said package by the combination of implements which it is
intended to hold; each of said implement packages bearing at least
one of said holder indicia matching that on the package of the
holder intended to hold said implement.
25. A kit as in claim 24 in which said first indicia comprise a
shape for each receptacle which matches the outline of the
implement which is intended to fit into it.
26. A kit as in claim 24 in which said holder indicia are selected
from the group consisting of (a) a colored marking; (b) an
alphanumeric marking; (c) a visible and/or tactile symbol; (d) a
combination of two or more of the foregoing.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to kitchen utensils, kitchen utensil
kits and containers and manufacturing methods. This patent
application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
10/177,699 filed Jun. 20, 2002, and of application Ser. No.
29/164,208, filed Aug. 19, 2002, and of application Ser. No.
10/286,691, filed Nov. 1, 2002.
[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] Another object of the invention is to provide an organizer
tray or receptacle for organizing and compactly storing kitchen
implements in the kitchen.
[0015] Still further, it is an object to provide improved kitchen
implements with superior or performance and/or structural strength
and cost advantages over prior comparable implements.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide packaging for
the separate sale of individual implements and trays so as to
assure that the implements are properly matched to the trays in
which they fit.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] Alternatively, the kit includes a container for storage on a
counter-top or similar surface.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] In another aspect, the invention includes an organizer tray
for kitchen implements. Preferably, the trays are assembled
together, either side-by-side, or stacked on top of one another.
Either upstanding posts are used to support the top of the bottom
tray, or the top tray is made so as to slide on the bottom
tray.
[0029] Indicia are provided to identify the implement which is to
go into the receptacle. The indicia can take several forms,
including shaping the receptacle like the shape of the article to
go into it; marking the receptacle with a representation of the
implement; and color coding or alphanumeric marking of the
implements and the receptacles.
[0030] An improved reamer-type citrus fruit juicer is provided with
alternating large and small recesses in the reamer body for better
juice extraction.
[0031] An improved jar opener is provided with hinged clamp jaws
which can be folded into a compact unit for space-saving storage in
the tray and in a kitchen drawer.
[0032] A packaging system is provided in which components of the
kit are sold separately with indicia, preferably color-coding, on
the packages of implements and trays to indicate the tray that each
implement is designed to fit into so that the purchaser buys the
right tray for each implement purchased.
[0033] 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
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-tool kitchen utensil
kit of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, broken away view illustrating
the attachment of the two kit modules of FIG. 1 together;
[0036] 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;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the handle of the multi-tool device of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the handle shown
in FIG. 4;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a phantom side elevation view of the handle shown
in FIG. 4;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lines
7-7 of FIG. 4;
[0041] FIGS. 8 and 9 are front elevation views showing the handle
of FIG. 4 in two different operative configurations;
[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a component of the handle
shown in FIG. 4;
[0043] FIG. 11 is a broken-away perspective view of another
component of the handle of FIG. 4;
[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pizza cutter accessory
for the handle down in FIG. 3;
[0045] 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;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cheese slicer
accessory;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a citrus peel scraper or
"zester" accessory;
[0048] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG.
16;
[0049] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a citrus fruit reamer
accessory;
[0050] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an ice cream scoop
accessory;
[0051] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a "horizontal: accessory"
peeler accessory;
[0052] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a melon baller
accessory;
[0053] FIG. .22 is an exploded view of a "straight" peeler
accessory;
[0054] FIG. 23 is a perspective assembly view of the device shown
in FIG. 22;
[0055] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention;
[0056] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown
in FIG. 24;
[0057] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional, partially schematic
broken-away view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24;
[0058] FIG. 27 is a top plan view, partially cross-sectional and
partially schematic, of the device shown in FIGS. 24 through
26;
[0059] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention with a zester accessory;
[0060] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIG. 28,
with a straight peeler accessory;
[0061] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the device of
FIG. 28 with an ice cream scoop accessory;
[0062] FIGS. 31 and 32 are top plan views, partially schematic, and
partially cross-sectional, of two additional embodiments of the
invention;
[0063] Each of FIGS. 33 through 39 is a top plan view of a
different accessory for use with the handle of the invention;
[0064] FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of a component holder and
kit provided in accordance with the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of another component
holder and kit provided in accordance with the invention;
[0066] FIG. 42 is a perspective, partially exploded view of another
component holder and kit provided in accordance with the present
invention;
[0067] FIG. 43 is a rear elevation view of each of the modules
shown in FIG. 42;
[0068] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of another accessory provided
in accordance with the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of another kit including
stacked individual kits or trays;
[0070] FIGS. 46 and 47 are front elevation views of the separate
trays of FIGS. 45;
[0071] FIGS. 48 and 49 are perspective views of the trays of FIGS.
46 and 47, without implements in them;
[0072] FIGS. 50 and 51 are front and rear perspective views of
another accessory provided in accordance with the present
invention;
[0073] FIGS. 52 and 53 are front perspective and side elevation
views, respectively, of another accessory provided in accordance
with the present invention;
[0074] FIG. 54 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
implement holder or tray of the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 55-55 of
FIG. 54, with implements in place in the tray;
[0076] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional, partially broken away view
like that of FIG. 55 but of a different embodiment of the implement
holder or tray of the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 57 is a top plan view of another implement holder or
tray constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 58 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
implement holder or tray of the present invention;
[0079] FIGS. 59 and 60 are perspective and side elevation schematic
views, respectively, of a portion of another embodiment of the
holder or tray of the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 61 is a schematic, side elevation view of another
embodiment like that shown in FIGS. 59 and 60;
[0081] FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
structure shown in FIG. 63, taken along lines 62-62 of FIG. 63;
[0082] FIG. 63 is a perspective, partially schematic view of
another embodiment of the holder or tray of the present
invention;
[0083] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of another implement holder or
tray of the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of sliding tray assembly
provided in accordance with the present invention;
[0085] FIG. 66 is an enlarged, broken away view of a detail of the
structure of FIG. 65;
[0086] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a garlic press implement of
the present invention;
[0087] FIG. 68 is a side elevation view of the citrus fruit reamer
shown in perspective view in FIG. 18;
[0088] FIGS. 69, 70 and 71 are cross-sectional views taken,
respectively, along lines 69-69, 70-70, and 71-71;
[0089] FIGS. 72 and 73 are top and bottom perspective views,
respectively, of a jar opener implement of the present invention in
closed position;
[0090] FIGS. 74 and 75 are top and bottom perspective views of the
device shown in FIGS. 72 and 73, in an open condition;
[0091] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
slidable trays of the present invention;
[0092] FIG. 77 is a top plan view of a kitchen drawer with the
assembly of FIG. 76 inside;
[0093] FIG. 78 is a top plan view of the superimposed trays shown
in FIG. 65 in place in a kitchen drawer;
[0094] FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional, broken away view taken along
line 79-79 of FIG. 76;
[0095] FIGS. 80 and 81 are top plan views of packages, each
containing a single implement (FIG. 80) or a combination of
implements (FIG. 81) for sale as components of the kit of the
present invention; and
[0096] FIG. 82 is a front perspective, partially broken-away view
of a package in which a tray constructed in accordance with the
invention is sold.
MULTI-TOOL KITCHEN UTENSIL KIT
[0097] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of the multi-tool
kitchen utensil or implement kit 50 constructed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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 bailer 90, a citrus fruit skin
scraper or "zester" 92, and a citrus reamer or juicer 94.
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] To this end, the container 52 is provided with an elongated
upstanding tab 80 on the lower edge of at least one side wall.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] Each of the containers 100 and 102 contains a handle 88
together with other accessories to be attached to the handles.
[0111] 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.
Handle
[0112] FIGS. 4 through 11 illustrate the preferred handle 88 of the
multi-tool system.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
[0117] 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.
[0118] Surrounding the receptacle 112 is a circumferential groove
128 in which the latching ring 110 is seated for rotation.
[0119] 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.
[0120] 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] 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.
[0123] 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.
[0124] 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.degree..
[0125] The operation of the locking ring will be explained below
after the following description of the locking structure on the
accessories.
Accessory Locking Structure
[0126] 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] 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.
[0131] 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
[0132] 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.
[0133] 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.degree. 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.
[0134] 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.
[0135] 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 168 FIG. 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.
[0136] 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
[0137] 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.
[0138] In a lower cost version, the body can be molded
polycarbonate instead of die-cast zinc.
Zester
[0139] 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.
[0140] 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
[0141] FIG. 18 shows the citrus reamer or juicer 94. It has a
die-cast zinc body with a projection 166 fastened to the body by a
polycarbonate insert. The body is an oblate spheroid with ridges
202, 204 and 206, and a blunt pointed end 200. The ridges are
formed by alternating large and small elongated recesses 205 and
207, respectively. The larger recesses 205 extend from the near end
of the reamer, where a flange 172 and handle attachment member or
projection 166 are located, to near the tip 200. The smaller
recesses 207 are not only narrower and shorter than the recesses
205, but they also are shallower, as it is shown in FIGS. 58
through 71.
[0142] As it can be seen in FIGS. 69-71, the recesses 205 are both
substantially deeper and wider, as well as being longer than the
smaller recesses 207.
[0143] This is believed to be highly advantageous in that it
sharpens the edges 209 formed between the recesses so as to dig
into the fruit more effectively. Furthermore, it is believed that
the larger recesses 205 augment the flow of juice squeezed from the
fruit.
[0144] When a handle 88 is snapped onto the projection 166, the
reamer can be used by pushing the point 200 into a cut half of a
fruit and rotating the reamer to extract juice from the fruit. It
is particularly useful in juicing lemons, limes, oranges and other
such fruit quickly and easily.
Ice Cream Scoop
[0145] 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
[0146] FIG. 20 shows what is called a "horizontal" peeler It is
given this name in order to distinguish it from the so-called
"straight" or "swivel" peeler shown in FIGS. 22 and 23
[0147] 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.
[0148] Alternatively, a lower cost version is made of molded
polycarbonate.
Melon Baller
[0149] 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.
[0150] 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.
Straight Peeler
[0151] FIGS. 22 and 23 show the "straight" or "swivel" 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.
[0152] The assembled peeler shown in FIG. 23 is used in a known
manner to peel vegetables, etc.
[0153] 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
[0154] 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.
[0155] 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.
[0156] 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.
[0157] 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.
[0158] 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.
Further Accessories
[0159] 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.
[0160] 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.
[0161] 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.
[0162] 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.
[0163] 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.
[0164] 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.
[0165] 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.
[0166] 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.
[0167] By this means, the attachment ends of the knives 330 and 346
are recessed out of view.
[0168] 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.
[0169] 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.
[0170] 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
[0171] 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.
[0172] 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.
[0173] 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.
[0174] 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.
[0175] 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.
[0176] 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
[0177] FIGS. 28 through 30 show a second alternative attachment
structure.
[0178] 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.
[0179] 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.
[0180] A spring 274 also is mounted to rotate on the pin 268, and
serves to thrust the two members 264 and 270 apart.
[0181] 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.
[0182] 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.
[0183] 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
[0184] 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.
[0185] 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.
[0186] 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.
[0187] 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.
[0188] 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.
[0189] 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
[0190] 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.
[0191] 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.
[0192] 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.
[0193] 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.
[0194] 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.
[0195] 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
[0196] 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.
[0197] 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.
[0198] Also included are modular storage and display units 352,
354, 356, etc., for holding and displaying accessories for use with
the handle 88.
[0199] 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.
[0200] 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.
[0201] 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.
[0202] 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.
[0203] The tabs 370 can be fitted into the gaps 366 to tightly
secure each of the units 352, 354 and 356 together.
[0204] 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.
[0205] 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.
[0206] 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.
[0207] The units 350, 352, 354 and 356 preferably are molded of
thermoplastic material such as ABS.
[0208] 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.
Stackable Tray Kit
[0209] FIGS. 45 through 49 show further embodiments of the kit of
the present invention.
[0210] 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.
[0211] 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.
[0212] 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.
[0213] 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.
[0214] Thus, the flange 408 forms semi-circular receptacles at the
tops of the posts 406.
[0215] 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.
[0216] 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.
[0217] 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.
[0218] 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.
[0219] 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.
[0220] 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.
[0221] 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.
[0222] 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.
[0223] The trays 392 and 394 desirably are molded of a
thermoplastic resin such as ABS.
[0224] 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.
[0225] The kit and tray structures shown in FIGS. 45 through 49
have several significant advantages.
[0226] 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.
[0227] By the use of posts to make the trays stackable, the
increase in material needed is kept to a minimum.
[0228] 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.
[0229] 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.
[0230] 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.
[0231] A still further advantage of the compartmented implement
holding trays described above and in the further description to
follow is that they provide very convenience organizers for storing
and organizing a variety of kitchen implements in addition to
multi-tool devices. These organizers are particularly beneficial
for use in drawers to minimize the clutter for a wide variety of
different implements, including adjustable measuring spoons and
scoops and many other implements. They store such other implements
with good visibility, relatively compactly, and in an organized
fashion to minimize clutter.
Further Accessories
[0232] FIGS. 50-53 shows two additional accessories for use in the
multi-tool device of the present invention.
Can Opener
[0233] FIGS. 50 and 51 are front and rear perspective views,
respectively, of a can opener 450 with the connecting projection
166 and the flange 172 as in the other multi-tool implements
described above.
[0234] The can opener is of a conventional side-opening rotary
type, and includes a body 452 with a large rotary handle 454, a
curved guide rail 456, a rotary drive wheel 458 driven by rotation
of the handle 454, and a horizontal circular cutter blade 460.
[0235] As it is well known, the can opener is used by resting the
guide rail 456 on the upper edge of the can and inserting the
upstanding rim of the can between the drive wheel 458 and the body
452. Then, when the handle 454 is rotated, the cutter wheel 460 is
thrust sideways into the metal of the can just beneath the upper
rim and further rotation of the handle 454 causes the lid to be cut
off of the top of the can. Advantageously, as it is well known, the
lid then can be refitted by hand on the top of the can to close
it.
Bottle/punch Opener
[0236] FIGS. 52 and 53 are perspective and front elevation views,
respectively, of a combination bottle opener and punch-type can
opener.
[0237] The bottle/punch can opener device 462 has a metal ring 464
secured to the flange 172 and the projection 166. The ring 464 has
a lower projection 466 to fit under the rim of a bottle cap so that
by pulling upwardly on the handle attached to the projection 166,
leverage can be obtained to pry a bottle cap off of a bottle.
[0238] A metal punch-type can opener 468 is secured to the ring 464
to punch holes in the tops of cans for pouring fruit juice or other
beverages from the can.
Garlic Press
[0239] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a garlic press 620
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0240] Unlike most other implements described herein, the garlic
press does not attach to or detach from the handle 88. Instead, the
handle is integrally attached. The handle comprises two halves 622
and 624 advantageously shaped like the handle 88 when the two
halves are closed together as shown in FIG. 67. The garlic press
itself, apart from the handles, is conventional. One handle half
622 is secured to the upper portion 626 of the garlic press, and
the lower handle half 624 is secured to the lower half 628 of the
garlic press. The two halves of the press are hinged together at
630.
[0241] As is well known, the garlic press is used by opening the
halves of the press, and inserting a clove of garlic. Then, by
pushing the handle halves 622 and 624 together, one squeezes juice
from the garlic through holes 629 for use in cooking, etc.
[0242] An array: 627 of plastic projections is provided so that
when the handles are rotated fully apart, the projections are
aligned with and enter the holes 629 in the lower part 628 of the
press 620 to clean any solid matter which may be closing the holes.
The materials of which the press are made are chrome-plated zinc,
except for a plastic coating on the handles and the cap 626, which
is made of polycarbonate.
Jar Opener
[0243] FIGS. 72 through 75 show a novel jar opener 640 constructed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0244] FIGS. 72 and 73 are top perspective and bottom perspective
views, respectively, of the jar opener when it is closed, and FIGS.
74 and 75 are, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of
the jar opener 640 when it is open and ready for use.
[0245] The jar opener 640 includes a central support member 642
which is attached to the flange 172 and projection 166 for
connection to a handle 88.
[0246] Two elongated gripper arms 644 and 646 are pivoted at 652
and 654 to the support member 642. The arm 646 has a serrated metal
edge member 648, and the member 644 has a straight, smooth metal
edge 650. The serrations on the edge member 648 are slanted in a
direction to increase their, penetration into the metal of a jar
lid when the tool 640 is rotated counter-clockwise to remove a
lid.
[0247] When it is desired to store the jar opener 640 in the
receptacle provided for it in one of the trays described above, it
is folded up so as to be compact as shown in FIGS. 72 and. 73, and
occupies relatively little space in the tray. It also can be stored
in a kitchen drawer by itself, if desired, and similarly occupies
relatively little space.
[0248] When it is prepared for use, the members 644 and 646 are
rotated outwardly to the position shown in FIG. 75 until a metal
pin 656 extending downwardly from each arm hits the end of one of
two slots 657 in the bottom surface of the support member 642 to
prevent the further opening movement of the arms 644 and 646.
[0249] In use, with the jar opener 640 in the position shown in
FIG. 74, a screw type jar lid to be loosened is pressed into the
V-shaped space between the arms 644 and 646, and turning torque is
applied to the handle attached to the handle member 166 to loosen
the jar lid.
[0250] When it is no longer in use, the jar opener 640 can be
folded up again and stored compactly in the tray or a drawer.
[0251] The jar opener preferably is made of polycarbonate, except
for the pivot pins 652 and 654, the edge members 648 and 650, and
the stop pins 656. Those parts preferably are made of stainless
steel.
Further Organizer Tray Embodiments
[0252] FIG. 54 is a top plan view of another embodiment of an
organizer tray 470 similar to the trays shown in FIGS. 45-49.
[0253] FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 55-55 of
FIG. 54 and shows implements in place in the tray.
[0254] The tray 470 shown in FIGS. 54 and 55 differs from that
shown in FIGS. 45-49 primarily in that the tray has receptacles
472, 474, 476 and 478, for example, for storing kitchen implements
on edge rather than laying flat. That is, the broadest dimension of
each is vertical instead of horizontal. By this means, the
organizer tray is made to have a smaller footprint so as to save
horizontal space in a drawer or on a countertop.
[0255] The tray 470 includes an upper horizontal support wall 482,
side walls 484 and four posts 480 each extending upwardly at one of
the four corners of the tray and identical to the posts 408 and the
tray shown in FIGS. 45-49, except that they are taller to
accommodate the greater height that the implements on edge
occupy.
[0256] Referring now to FIG. 55, the receptacle 472 contains an ice
cream scoop 82 which is rotated 90.degree. from the position in
which it is shown resting in FIG. 45.
[0257] Similarly, receptacle 474 contains a pizza cutter 84 like
that shown in FIGS. 12-14, except that it has a plastic guard cover
486 covering the edge of the cutter blade 176 which is easily
snapped on and off of the blade, thereby minimizing the chance that
the user will cut his or her fingers.
[0258] The receptacle 476 contains a straight (swivel) peeler 86
and the receptacle 478 contains a handle 88.
[0259] The depth of the receptacles varies, depending upon which
implement is to be placed in it. The depth preferably is selected
so that a substantial portion, preferably more than half of the
object held in the receptacle extends above the surface 482 so as
to make the implement easy to grasp and remove.
[0260] It is preferable that the end of the pizza cutter with the
projection flange 172 and projection 166 on it (see FIG. 12--not
shown in FIGS. 54 and 55) extends upwardly above the surface 482 so
as to make it easy to grasp and encourage the user to grasp it
instead of the blade portion of the cutter.
[0261] The peeler 86 is the same as the peeler shown in FIGS. 22
and 23, except that there is an added snap-on plastic blade guard
488 covering the cutter blade 236.
[0262] FIG. 56 is a partially broken-away cross-sectional view like
that of FIG. 55 of a tray 490 which is a modification of the device
shown in FIGS. 54 and 55. This modification 490 is the same as that
shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, except that at least one, and as many as
all receptacles in the tray are inclined at a substantial angle,
e.g., 45.degree. with respect to vertical. These receptacles can be
used to store taller implements such as the pizza cutter 84 and the
ice cream scoop 82 at an angle, thus reducing the height to which
they extend vertically, while storing other implements such as the
handle 88 in vertical receptacles. This enables a compromise
between minimizing the footprint of the tray and minimizing its
height.
[0263] FIG. 57 shows another organizer tray 500 constructed in
accordance with the present invention. The tray 500 has side walls
502, a bottom wall 516, and horizontal and vertical divider walls
504 and 506 which divide the space in the tray into uniform square
or rectangular receptacles 518, 520, 522 and 524. The size of the
receptacles is determined so that it will hold the largest of the
implements when laying flat as shown in dashed outline in FIG. 57.
Thus, the size of the receptacles is sufficient toehold the pizza
cutter 84 and the handle 88 as well as smaller implements like the
peeler 86 and the ice cream scoop 82.
[0264] Each receptacle has an indicia on its bottom which is a
representation of the implement that is to fit into the
compartment. Thus, compartment 518 has a small replica or
representation 508 of an ice cream scoop. Similarly, the receptacle
520 has a small representation 510 of a peeler; receptacle 522 has
a small representation 512 of a pizza cutter; and receptacle 523
has a representation 514 of the handle 88.
[0265] Preferably, the indicia 508, 510, 512 and 514 are marked
permanently on the bottom wall 516 such as by embossing, engraving
or molding the images when the trays are formed. Alternatively,
images on self-adhesive labels can be applied so as to be removable
to change the indicia of the implement to be stored in the
receptacle. This can reduce manufacturing costs by standardizing
the receptacle shape for all trays and thereby increasing the
volume of production runs.
[0266] The tray 500 has upstanding posts 408 like the trays shown
in FIGS. 45-49 to allow stacking.
[0267] Of course, by leaving off the indicia in each of the
receptacles, the trays can be made and sold for general storage use
so as to hold kitchen implements and other items.
[0268] FIG. 58 is a top plan view of a variation of the tray or
receptacle shown in FIG. 57. Instead of forming the tray into
receptacles of uniform size, the tray is formed into rectangular
receptacles adapted to hold one or a limited number of different
implements, so as to save space as compared with the tray 500 shown
in FIG. 57.
[0269] The tray 530 includes side walls 502 and a vertical
partition 536 and a horizontal partition 534 dividing the space in
the tray into three compartments 538, 540 and 542, each of which is
of a size and shape to hold a particular implement or group of
implements. As in the FIG. 57 embodiment, indicia 512, 514 and 508
are marked on the bottoms of the compartments to indicate the
implements which are primarily intended to be stored in the
receptacles. Thus, the compartments for the handle 88 and the ice
cream scoop 82 (shown in dashed outline only) are narrower than
that for the pizza cutter 84 (also shown only in dashed outline).
Of course, other implements having the same space requirements can
be stored in each of the compartments, as desired.
[0270] As shown in FIG. 57, the intended contents for each of the
receptacles can be indicated by indicia other than a picture of the
implement. For example, letters such as the letter "H" shown at 505
can be used to indicate "handle", and the word "HANDLE" can be
spelled out as shown at 503.
[0271] Similarly, as it is shown in FIG. 56, indicia such as the
letters "PC" or "PIZZA CUTTER", or a number or other alphanumeric
symbol can be marked on the receptacle 522. The implement is marked
with the same symbol as its receptacle.
[0272] Similarly, each container and each implement can be color
coded. For example, the handle compartment 524 can be colored black
to match the black color of the handle, the ice cream scoop 82 can
be colored red to match the red interior of the receptacle 518, the
pizza cutter 84 can be colored green to match the green of the
receptacle 522 and the peeler 86 can be colored blue to match the
blue interior of the receptacle 520.
[0273] It should be readily apparent that essentially any indicia
capable of distinguishing implements from one another can be used
as a marking to help guide the user in returning specific
implements to the desired locations. This greatly enhances the
orderliness of the kitchen drawers or counter tops where the
organizers are used.
[0274] Another indicia which can be used as a full-representation
of the implement adhered to the bottom of the receptacle for
receiving that implement.
[0275] Braille indicia can be used to aid the blind. The implements
have corresponding Braille markings on them. Of course, the indicia
provided by the specific shapes of the receptacles conforming to
the implement shapes also can be sensed by touch and thus "read" by
the blind. This can be particularly beneficial to blind people
because the organization of kitchen implements by use of the
invention makes it easier for blind people to find them.
[0276] Visible and/or tactile indicia also can be used in addition
to the specific conforming shape of a receptacle to identify the
implement at least with certain receptacles which have shapes which
are confusingly similar to one another.
[0277] As with the FIG. 57 embodiment, the indicia can be marked on
the bottoms of the compartments, either permanently or with
removable labels.
[0278] FIGS. 59-63 show several different ways to form receptacles
or holders for individual implements, other than by molding
recesses in a flat plastic panel.
[0279] FIGS. 59 and 60 show a technique using a plurality of molded
projections 554 extending upwardly from a bottom plastic panel 552.
The length and pattern of the projections are such as to form a
cradle for the implement, in the manner shown in FIG. 60.
[0280] FIG. 60 shows the projections supporting an ice cream scoop
82.
[0281] FIG. 61 shows an alternative structure for forming peaks
554, 556, 558 and 560 instead of the individual projections 54 to
provide a cradle for the implement. This forms a stronger structure
in which there are no individual projections to break off.
[0282] FIGS. 62 and 63 show the formation of an upstanding ridge
566 in the shape of the implement to be cradled.
[0283] As is shown in FIG. 60, a complete tray is formed by adding
side walls 557 and corner posts 555 at the four corners of the
bottom panel 552.
[0284] If desired, the side walls can be raised from the level
shown in FIG. 60 to the level 559 shown in dashed line, or other
wall construction can be used, depending upon whether the trays are
to be stacked, aligned side-by-side, or made to slide one on top of
the other.
[0285] FIG. 64 shows a tray substantially the same as that shown in
FIGS. 45-49, except that, instead of receptacles for the handle and
implements of a multi-tool kitchen set, three receptacles 572, 574
and 576 are provided for containing adjustable measuring devices
582, 584 and 586. Item 582 is a tablespoon-sized adjustable
measuring spoon; item 586 is a teaspoon-sized adjustable measuring
spoon; and item 584 is an adjustable scoop.
[0286] Since the scoop is larger than the other devices and stands
taller, it extends upwardly out of its receptacle, thus making it
easy to grasp.
[0287] The measuring spoons do not extend upwardly above the edges
of their respective receptacles. Therefore, access indentations 578
and 580 are provided to allow one to insert a finger underneath a
portion of the measuring spoon to easily remove it from the
receptacles.
[0288] In fact, such access indentations can be provided in any of
the foregoing embodiments, wherever it is necessary or expedient to
provide a deep receptacle which will not allow the object in the
receptacle to extend above the surface of the tray.
Sliding Tray Embodiments
[0289] FIG. 65 shows an assembly 590 of two stacked trays 592 and
594 in which the top tray 594 slides on the upper edges 602 of the
parallel sides 600 of the lower tray 592 to expose the implements
covered by the upper tray 594.
[0290] The opposed lower corners of the upper tray form an arcuate
recess 606 which matches the curvature of the curved upper edges
602 or rails of the lower tray, as shown best in FIG. 66.
[0291] The horizontal support panel 596 and the bottom surface 610
of the upper tray for the implements in the receptacles 598 to
avoid hitting the bottom 610.
[0292] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 64, the length of the bottom
tray 592 is substantially greater than the length W of the upper
tray 594. Thus, some of the implements in the lower tray are not
covered by the upper tray and are visible at all times. If the
implements are under the upper tray are needed, the user merely
slides the upper tray to one side, in the direction of the arrow M,
to expose them.
[0293] If preferred, the lengths of the upper and lower trays can
be made the same, as if the lower tray 592 were cut along the
dashed line 612. The resulting assembly occupies a smaller
footprint. The top tray can be moved over a portion of the lower
tray, without falling off. However, if a wider opening is desired,
one can hold up the leading edge of the upper tray with one hand to
prevent tilting of the tray.
[0294] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
sliding trays feature of the invention.
[0295] The assembly 660 shown in FIG. 76 includes a relatively
large tray 662, a smaller tray 664 attached side-by-side to the
tray 662, and a smaller tray 666 slidably mounted on the two lower
trays 662 and 664.
[0296] As it is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 79, the
upper edge of one side of each tray has an inverted V-shape, thus
forming a tongue for a tongue-in-groove rail structure. A groove is
formed on the bottom edge of each of the trays so that when one of
the trays is placed on top of the other the tongue and groove
structure thus formed allows the trays to slide easily with respect
to one another without easily becoming misaligned.
[0297] It should be understood, of course, that the bottom trays
should have recesses deep enough to fully seat the implements
therein without any part extending upwardly above the surface of
the tray so that the movement of a tray which slides upon it will
not be impeded.
[0298] Alternatively, the upper surface of the lower trays can be
recessed in the manner shown in the embodiment of FIG. 65.
[0299] FIG. 77 is a top plan view of a kitchen drawer 674
containing the assembly 660. As it can be seen, the top tray 666
slides forwardly and backwardly in the drawer in the direction
indicated by the arrow 669.
[0300] FIG. 78 is a top plan view of a wider but shallower drawer
showing the assembly 590 from FIG. 65 in a kitchen drawer 676. The
top tray 594 slides from left to right in the direction of the
arrow M.
[0301] Both of the assemblies shown in FIGS. 65 and 76 have the
advantage of allowing some of the implements in the lower trays to
be visible at all times, and others to be easily accessible, while
simultaneously increasing the organized storage capacity in the
drawer.
Package Coding
[0302] FIGS. 80-82 show a package coding system to permit the sale
of trays and implements of the kits separately or in
sub-combinations in a manner so as to insure that the customer will
obtain the proper tray for each of the implements purchased.
[0303] FIG. 80 shows a single straight peeler 86 mounted on a card
680 with a hanger opening 682 and a color code indicia 684. The
color code marking is a large dot of a color to match the color on
a box in which a tray is sold which will accommodate the
peeler.
[0304] FIG. 81 shows another card 686 with two implements mounted
on it, a melon baller 90 and a can opener 450, and two indicia 690
and 649 in the form of colored dots, as well as a hanger hole 688.
Since one of the implements in the package is intended for one
tray, and the other implement for another tray, two different color
coded indicia 690 and 694 are provided, together with a leg end
indicating which indicia applies to which implement.
[0305] FIG. 82 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a
box in which a tray depicted at 698 on the box cover is sold. The
box 696 has a color code indicia 700 on an upstanding flap 702. By
comparing the color code indicia on an implement package with the
one on a tray package, the customer can be sure of getting the
right tray for each implement purchased.
[0306] If desired, the purchases of kits and components by each
customer can be stored in the memory of the store computer so that
when the customer next purchases any components, the identity of
those components can be compared with those stored in the computer
so as to make certain that the customer has a tray to match the
implements purchased.
[0307] In addition to the color code markings on the packages shown
in FIGS. 80-82, there are alphanumeric markings such as the letters
"A" and "B", which can be used in addition to or instead of the
color coding to identify the trays and implements to go in the
trays. Other indicia similarly can be used for the same
purpose.
[0308] 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.
[0309] It should be understood that some or all of the implements,
in addition to the garlic press, can be made with internal handles
as well as with removable handles and the protection for the
invention also extends to these implements.
* * * * *