U.S. patent application number 11/250872 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for stackable spice container assembly having a removable accessory.
This patent application is currently assigned to W.C. Bradley Company. Invention is credited to Jose R. Mendez.
Application Number | 20070084863 11/250872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37947210 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070084863 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mendez; Jose R. |
April 19, 2007 |
Stackable spice container assembly having a removable accessory
Abstract
Provided is a multiple-function, stackable spice container
having one or more containers that are configured to be stacked,
where the containers are attached through complementary threaded
portions. The apparatus also includes a removable accessory,
configured to removably engage the complementary threaded portions.
An apparatus may alternatively utilize one or more containers and
an attaching structure for coupling the container and an accessory,
configured to removably engage one of the containers at the
attaching structure.
Inventors: |
Mendez; Jose R.; (Columbus,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP
100 GALLERIA PARKWAY, NW
STE 1750
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5948
US
|
Assignee: |
W.C. Bradley Company
|
Family ID: |
37947210 |
Appl. No.: |
11/250872 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/4.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 43/283 20130101;
B65D 21/0224 20130101; A47J 45/06 20130101; B65D 71/502 20130101;
A47G 19/24 20130101; A47J 43/288 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/004.27 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/28 20060101
B65D006/28 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for providing a multiple-function, stackable spice
container, comprising: at least one container, configured to be
stacked, the at least one container having at least one side wall,
a bottom wall, and an attaching structure configured to receive at
least one other container; and an accessory, configured to
removably engage one of the at least one container at the attaching
structure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attaching structure
comprises: a first engagement section having at least one
internally directed protrusion; wherein the at least one container
comprises at least one slot, configured in the at least one side
wall adjacent the bottom wall; and wherein the at least one slot is
configured to receive the at least one protrusion in a rotationally
actuated frictional engagement.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attaching structure
further comprises: a second engagement section having an internally
threaded portion; wherein the at least one container comprises a
complementary externally threaded portion formed in the at least
one side wall adjacent an open end; and wherein the complementary
externally threaded portion is configured to receive the internally
threaded portion.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attaching structure
further comprises: a second engagement section having at least one
internally directed protrusion; wherein the at least one container
comprises at least one slot, configured in the at least one side
wall adjacent an open end; and wherein the at least one slot is
configured to receive the at least one protrusion in a rotationally
actuated frictional engagement.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the accessory further
comprises at least one slot, configured in a side wall; and wherein
the at least one slot is configured to receive the at least one
protrusion in a rotationally actuated frictional engagement.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one container is
generally cylindrical.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises an
illumination device.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a
hanger, configured to removably attach the at least one container
to a structure for convenient storage.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the accessory further
comprises a means for manipulating food during the cooking
process.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for manipulating
comprises a fork.
11. An apparatus for providing a multiple-function, stackable spice
container, comprising: a plurality of containers, configured to be
stacked, each of the plurality of containers having at least one
side wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of complementary threaded
portions; and a removable accessory, configured to removably engage
one of the plurality of complementary threaded portions.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
complementary threaded portions comprises: an inside threaded
portion configured at the open end of each of the plurality of
containers; an outside threaded portion configured at the closed
end of each of the plurality of containers; and wherein the inside
threaded portion of a first container is configured to receive the
outside threaded portion of a second container.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
complementary threaded portions are formed in the at least one side
wall of each of the plurality of containers.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
complementary threaded portions are formed independently and
attached to each of the plurality of containers.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the removable accessory
comprises a hook for hanging the plurality of containers.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the removable accessory
comprises a portable illuminating device.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the removable accessory
comprises a grill cooking implement.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the grill cooking implement
comprises a spatula.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the grill cooking implement
comprises a fork.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the grill cooking implement
comprises a pair of tongs.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to outdoor
cooking and, more particularly, related to apparatus for providing
a stackable spice container assembly having a universal accessory
mount.
BACKGROUND
[0002] By definition, outdoor cooking is performed in an
environment that lacks many of the conveniences of a modem kitchen.
For example, outdoor cooking environments may lack the proximity to
storage areas for spices, seasonings, and other food flavoring
ingredients. Additionally, working space adjacent the cooking
surface, which can be used for temporary placement of cooking
implements, spices, seasonings, etc., may be severely limited.
Examples of such cooking implements include, for example, forks,
spatulas, and tongs used for outdoor grilling. In addition to the
spices and cooking implements, an outdoor grilling environment may
benefit from supplemental illumination, especially proximate the
cooking surface. The inclusion of multiple spices and seasonings, a
variety of cooking implements and supplemental illumination
presents significant storage and workspace challenges.
[0003] Previous attempts to solve multiple container related
challenges include U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,740, which teaches stackable
cylindrical containers for storing seasonings. The '740 patent
discloses a container with a reduced-diameter tubular mouth having
a corresponding threaded cap and a bottom wall having a circular
well configured to receive the cap of another container. Similarly,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,416 discloses a combination salt and pepper
shaker where the two cylindrical containers are frictionally
coupled at their bottoms by an intermediate coupling member.
Further, published U.S. Patent Application 2004/0178161 discloses
an interconnecting container assembly where each container includes
a threaded opening with a dispensing cap on one end and a threaded
recess on the other end. Although the '740 and the '416 patents and
the '161 published patent application address some of the storage
problems associated with multiple containers of spices and
seasonings, they fail to address the integration of other outdoor
cooking or storage aids. Regarding other devices integrated into a
container, U.S. Pat. No. 3,240,384 teaches a detachable cap having
an integral supporting means and U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,177 discloses
a multifunction container that includes a light source. The '384
and the '177 patents both, however, fail to address the problem of
storing and using multiple types of devices and multiple spice or
seasoning containers.
[0004] Thus, a heretofore-unaddressed need exists in the industry
to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
multiple-function, stackable spice container, comprising: a
plurality of containers, configured to be stacked, each of the
plurality of containers having at least one side wall, a bottom
wall, and a plurality of complementary threaded portions; and a
removable accessory mount, configured to removably engage one of
the plurality of complementary threaded portions.
[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be viewed as
an apparatus for providing a multiple-function, stackable spice
container, comprising: at least one container, configured to be
stacked, the at least one container having at least one side wall,
a bottom wall, and an attaching structure configured to receive at
least one other container; and an accessory, configured to
removably engage one of the at least one container at the attaching
structure.
[0007] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
configuration of an apparatus, as disclosed herein.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
another configuration of the apparatus of FIG. 1, as disclosed
herein.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
another configuration of the apparatus of FIG. 1, as disclosed
herein.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
another configuration of the apparatus of FIG. 1, as disclosed
herein.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
single container, as disclosed herein.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
coupling member as disclosed herein.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a partial exploded perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a container assembly, as disclosed
herein.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a partial, side cut-away view of an alternative
embodiment, as disclosed herein.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an accessory and
coupling member of an exemplary embodiment, as disclosed
herein.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an accessory and
coupling member of another exemplary embodiment, as disclosed
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure,
reference will now be made in detail to the description of the
disclosure as illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure
will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no
intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed
herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives,
modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope
of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0020] Reference is made to FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of
an exemplary embodiment of a configuration of a multiple function
stackable spice container. The multiple function stackable spice
container 100 includes multiple containers 102 removably attached
to one another in a stacked arrangement. The containers 102 each
include at least one side wall 103 and a bottom wall 105. Although
the side wall 103, as illustrated, is configured as a generally
cylindrical geometry, the side wall configuration can also be
polygonal, elliptical, or another geometry within the scope and
spirit of the claims. The illustration of FIG. 1 depicts an
illumination device 104 attached to one end of the multiple
function stackable spice container. A perspective view of another
configuration of the multiple function stackable spice container is
illustrated in FIG. 2. The hook configured multiple function
stackable spice container 110 includes multiple containers 102, as
described in reference to FIG. 1, and a hook 112 attached to one
end of the multiple function stackable spice container 110. The
hook 112 is configured such that when the multiple function
stackable spice container 110 is not in use, the apparatus can be
stored by hanging the container from a lanyard or the like, or hung
on a radially extending protrusion as might be found on a barbecue
grill shelf, without using any of the limited work space that
typically characterizes an outdoor cooking environment.
[0021] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 and 4, which are
perspective views of exemplary embodiments of other configurations
of the apparatus of FIG. 1. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 3
includes, in addition to the multiple containers 102, a spatula 122
that is removably attached to one end of the multiple function
stackable spice container 120. Similarly, FIG. 4 illustrates a fork
configured multiple function stackable spice container 130 having a
fork 132 attached to one end of the containers 102. Although not
shown, many different types and configurations of cooking
implements can be utilized within the scope and spirit of this
disclosure. For example, instead of a fork or a spatula, the
accessory attached to the end of the multiple function stackable
spice container can be tongs, a knife blade, basting brush,
etc.
[0022] While the multiple function stackable spice container 130 is
illustrated as utilizing multiple containers 102 in a stacked
configuration with a single mounted accessory, the use of a single
container 102 in conjunction with an accessory is contemplated
within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Further, different
single containers 102 can each be utilized with different
accessories. For example, one single container 102 can be attached
to an illumination device while another container 102 can be
attached to a fork.
[0023] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a perspective view
of an exemplary embodiment of a single container as disclosed
herein. The container 140 includes a side wall 141, which is a
single wall in the case of a cylindrical configuration, and a
bottom wall 143. The container 140 also includes at least one slot
142 formed in or mounted to the side wall 141 adjacent the bottom
wall 143. The slot 142 can be formed partially through the side
wall 141 where the slot 142 is located above the bottom wall 143.
Alternatively, where the side wall 141 extends below the bottom
wall 143 and the slot 142 is also below the bottom wall 143, the
slot may be formed completely through the side wall 141. Further,
the side wall 141 can include a reduced diameter section 139
adjacent the bottom wall 143.
[0024] The container 140 includes an open end 145 having an
external threaded portion 144 formed in or attached to the side
wall 141 adjacent the open end 145. The container 140 can also be
configured to have a non-cylindrical geometry such that the
container 140 can include multiple side walls 141. The container
can be constructed of a variety of metallic or non-metallic
materials using a variety of processes including, but not limited
to, casting, molding, forming, bending, and extruding among others.
In additional to a threaded engagement, the interlock configuration
for attaching multiple containers 140 together can also include,
for example, a press-fit or a bayonet mount, among others.
Similarly, attachment of an accessory to a container can include
these alternative interlock configurations as well.
[0025] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a perspective view
of an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member as disclosed
herein. The coupling member 150 can also include an optional
delivery restriction component where the delivery of the spice or
seasoning is to be restricted through, for example, grating holes
156. The coupling member 150 of some embodiments includes an
internal threaded portion 152 that is configured to receive the
complementary threads 144 adjacent the open end of a container, as
discussed above regarding FIG. 5. The coupling member also includes
one or more protrusions 154 formed on the inside adjacent an end of
the coupling member. The protrusions 154 are configured to be
received by slots 142 formed into the side wall adjacent the bottom
of a container, as discussed above regarding FIG. 5. When the slots
142 receive the protrusions 154, the coupling member can be secured
to the bottom of the container using a rotational movement. The
protrusions 154 are configured to be received by the slots on the
bottom or closed end of a container and the internal threaded
portion 152 is configured to receive the threaded top or open end
of another container. Alternatively, the coupling member 150 can be
configured with a solid cap having no grating holes such that an
open ended container attached to the coupling member 150 will
remain closed even when removed from an adjacent container.
Similarly, multiple coupling members 150 of solid and grated
configurations can be selectively used as needed within the same
assembly. The coupling member 150 can be produced using similar
materials and processes as described above in reference to the
container. Further, the container and coupling member can be
configured to utilize threaded sections for both top and bottom
engagements or to utilize the protrusion/slot or bayonet
arrangement described above for both the top and bottom
engagements.
[0026] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is an exploded
perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a container
assembly. A first container 160 includes a top threaded portion 162
formed in or attached to the side wall 161 adjacent the open end
163 and a bottom threaded portion 164 formed in or attached to the
side wall 161 adjacent a bottom wall 165 (not visible from this
view). A second container 170 similarly includes a top threaded
portion 172 formed in or attached to the side wall 171 of the
second container 170 adjacent the open end 173 and a bottom
threaded portion 174 formed in or attached to the side wall 171
adjacent the bottom wall 175 (not visible in this view). A coupling
member 166 is configured with a first threaded portion 167 and a
second threaded portion 169, each of which are complementary to the
threaded portions 162, 164, 172, and 174 of the first and second
containers 160, 170. Additionally, the coupling member 166 can
include an optional grating 168 for restricting the distribution of
granular or particulate spices and seasonings. When assembled, the
bottom threaded portion 164 of the first container is threadably
received by the first threaded portion 167 of the coupling member
166 and the top threaded portion 172 of the second container 170 is
threadably received by the second threaded portion 169 of the
coupling member 166.
[0027] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a partial, side
cut-away view of an alternative embodiment. Illustrated is a
partial view of a first container 182 having a side wall 184 and a
bottom wall 186. The first container 182 is removably attached to a
coupling member 190, which includes a protrusion 192 configured to
be received by a slot 194, which is formed in the side wall 184 of
the first container 182. The coupling member 190 is also removably
attached to a second container 183 having a side wall 185. The
second container 183 includes a slot 195 for receiving a protrusion
196, which is formed in the coupling member 190. The coupling
member 190, in this exemplary embodiment, receives the bottom or
closed end of the first container 182 and the top or open end 188
of the second container 183. The coupling member can also include a
partition 197, which may include, for example, grating holes 198. A
container 182, 183 is removably attached to the coupling member 190
by inserting the one or more protrusions 192, 196 into
corresponding slots 194, 195 and rotating the container 182, 183
relative to the coupling member 190. This protrusion and slot
arrangement may also be referred to as a bayonet style
arrangement.
[0028] The protrusion and slot configuration can be reversed such
that the protrusions can be formed in the container wall and slots
can be formed in the coupling members. Alternatively, the
containers can be secured to the coupling members without a
slot/protrusion configuration, where the attachment is maintained
through frictional engagement alone.
[0029] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is an exploded
perspective view of an accessory and coupling member of an
exemplary embodiment. The accessory 202 utilizes a hook 204
attached to a mount 201, which includes slots 203. The coupling
member 200 includes protrusions 205 that are configured to be
received by the slots 203. The coupling member 200 can then be
threadably attached to the top of a spice container (not shown).
Similarly, reference is now made to FIG. 10, which is an exploded
perspective view of an accessory and coupling member of another
exemplary embodiment. The accessory 212 utilizes for example, a
fork 214 attached to a mount 211, which has a retaining channel
213. The coupling member 210 is configured to receive the accessory
212 such that the retaining channel 213 engages a first retaining
rib 215. The coupling member 210 also includes a second retaining
rib 216 configured to engage a retaining channel formed in a
container (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art knows or
will know that any combination of the coupling techniques disclosed
herein are contemplated within the scope and spirit of this
disclosure.
[0030] In the use and operation of an embodiment, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1-4, where a spice or seasoning contained in the one of the
containers 102 is needed for cooking, the container or accessory
attached to the top of container 102 is removed to access the spice
or seasoning within. Similarly, where the user requires additional
light for the outdoor grilling environment, the illumination
accessory is attached to the multiple-function stackable spice
container and the light is directed to the areas that lack
sufficient illumination. Similarly, a hook accessory can be
attached to the multiple-function spice container for providing
convenient storage. Alternatively, a user can utilize one of any
number of different cooking implements, including, but not limited
to a spatula, a fork, or tongs, among others.
[0031] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present disclosure, particularly, any illustrated
embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations,
merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the
disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing
substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All
such modifications and variations are intended to be included
herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present
disclosure and protected by the following claims.
* * * * *