U.S. patent application number 11/558150 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for rotary food storage system.
Invention is credited to David G. Berg.
Application Number | 20080011697 11/558150 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38948185 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080011697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berg; David G. |
January 17, 2008 |
ROTARY FOOD STORAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A rotary food storage system which includes a carousel base and
a plurality of generally wedge-shaped containers, The base includes
a turntable portion and an upwardly extending central column. Each
of the wedge-shaped containers has a nose portion that is received
against the central column when the containers are received on the
upper surface of the turntable portion.
Inventors: |
Berg; David G.; (White Lake,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
38948185 |
Appl. No.: |
11/558150 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60815547 |
Jun 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/78 ;
211/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/08 20130101;
A47J 47/02 20130101; A47J 47/16 20130101; A47B 49/00 20130101; A47B
71/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/78 ;
211/10 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/00 20060101
A47G029/00 |
Claims
1. A rotary food storage system comprising: a carousel base
supported for rotation about a central axis, the carousel base
having a turntable portion with an upper surface and a central
column extending upwardly from the turntable portion, the central
column having an outer surface with a plurality of faces defined
thereon, each face having a vertically elongated shaped indentation
defined therein; and a plurality of generally wedge shaped
containers each having an inner nose portion and an outer portion
that is wider than the nose portion, the nose portion of each
container being shaped to be received into the shaped indentation
in one of the faces of the column, the containers being received on
the upper surface of the turntable portion with the nose portions
each being received into one of the shaped indentations and the
outer portions disposed radially outwardly therefrom.
2. The rotary food storage system according to claim 1, wherein the
central column has a lower end adjacent the turntable portion and a
distal upper end, the column having a generally constant cross
section between the lower end and upper end.
3. The rotary food storage system according to claim 2, wherein
each of the shaped indentations is a curved indentation and the
nose portions of each of the containers has a matching curve so as
to mate with one of the indentations.
4. The rotary food storage system according to claim 1, further
comprising a light disposed on the upper end of central column.
5. (canceled)
6. The rotary food storage system according to claim 1, further
comprising a light disposed in the central column, the central
column being at least partially transparent or translucent.
7.-9. (canceled)
10. The rotary food storage system according to claim 1, wherein
the turntable portion is tapered downwardly toward the central
column.
11. (canceled)
12. The rotary food storage system according to claim 1, further
comprising a motion activated light.
13. A rotary food storage system comprising: a carousel base having
an upper surface, the base being mounted for rotation about a
central axis, the base including a light for illuminating at least
a portion of the food storage system; and a plurality of generally
wedge shaped containers configured to be received on the upper
surface of the carousel.
14. The rotary food storage system according to claim 13, wherein
the carousel base further includes a central column extending
upwardly from the upper surface, the column having an outer wall at
least partially formed of a transparent or translucent material,
the light being disposed in the column such that illumination from
the light passes thru the outer wall.
15.-16. (canceled)
17. The rotary food storage system according to claim 13, wherein
the carousel base includes a turntable portion defining the upper
surface for receiving the plurality of containers, the light being
disposed under the turntable portion and the turntable portion
being at least partially formed of a transparent or translucent
material such that illumination from the light passes through the
turntable portion.
18.-20. (canceled)
21. The rotary food storage system according to claim 13, wherein
the carousel base further comprising a central column extending
upwardly from the base, the central column having an outer surface
with a plurality of faces defined thereon, each face having a
vertically elongated shaped indentation defined therein; and the
plurality of generally wedge shaped containers each having an inner
nose portion and an outer portion that is wider than the nose
portion, the nose portion of each container being shaped to be
received into the shaped indentation in one of the faces of the
column, the containers being received on the upper surface of the
base with the nose portions each being received into one of the
shaped indentations and the outer portions disposed radially
outwardly therefrom.
22. The rotary food storage system according to claim 21, wherein
the central column has a lower end adjacent the base and a distal
upper end, the column having a generally constant cross section
between the lower end and upper end.
23. The rotary food storage system according to claim 22, wherein
each of the shaped indentations is a curved indentation and the
nose portions of each of the containers has a matching curve so as
to mate with one of the indentations.
24. The rotary food storage system according to claim 13, wherein
the upper surface of the carousel base is tapered downwardly toward
a center of the base.
25. (canceled)
26. A rotary food storage system comprising: a carousel base
supported for rotation about a central axis, the carousel base
having a turntable portion with an upper surfacer the upper surface
of the turntable portion sloping downwardly toward a center of the
turntable portion; and a plurality of generally wedge shaped
containers configured to be received on the upper surface of the
turntable portion, each of the containers having an inner nose
portion and an outer portion that is wider than the nose
portion.
27. The rotary food storage system according to claim 26, wherein
the carousel base further comprises a central column extending
upwardly from the turntable portion, the nose portion of each
container being received against the central column when the
container is received on the turntable portion.
28. The rotary food storage system according to claim 27, wherein
the central column has an outer surface with a plurality of faces
defined thereon, each face having a vertically elongated shaped
indentation defined therein; and the nose portion of each container
being shaped to be received into the shaped indentation in one of
the faces of the column, the containers being received on the upper
surface of the base with the nose portions each being received into
one of the shaped indentations and the outer portions disposed
radially outwardly therefrom.
29. (canceled)
30. The rotary food storage system according to claim 28, where in
the central column has a lower end adjacent the base and a distal
upper end, the column being tapered inwardly between the lower end
and the upper end.
31.-33. (canceled)
34. The rotary food storage system according to claim 26, further
comprising a column extending upwardly from the turntable portion,
a light being disposed on the upper end of central column.
35. (canceled)
36. The rotary food storage system according to claim 26, further
comprising a column extending upwardly from the turntable portion,
a light being disposed in the central column, the central column
being at least partially transparent or translucent.
37.-39. (canceled)
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/815,547, filed Jun. 21, 2006, the entire
content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to storage devices
and, more specifically, to a storage device including a plurality
of containers supported on a turntable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Consumers buy and consume a wide variety of food products,
and organizing and storing these food products presents a well
known problem. Cabinets, cupboards and drawers tend to be cluttered
with various shaped packages, making it difficult to find a
particular item. In light of this, there is a need for improved
food storage devices and systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a variety of food storage
systems. In one embodiment, the system includes a carousel base
supported for rotation about a central axis. The base has a
turntable portion with an upper surface and a central column
extending upwardly from the turntable portion. The central column
has an outer surface with a plurality of faces defined thereon.
Each face has a vertically elongated shaped indentation defined
therein. A plurality of generally wedge-shaped containers each has
an inner nose portion and an outer portion that is wider than the
nose portion. The nose portion of each container is shaped to be
received into the shaped indentation of one of the faces in the
column. The containers are received on the upper surface of the
turntable portion with the nose portions each being received into
one of the shaped indentations and the outer portions disposed
radially outwardly therefrom.
[0005] In another embodiment of the present invention, a carousel
base has an upper surface and is mounted for rotation about a
central axis. The base includes a light for illuminating at least a
portion of the food storage system. A plurality of generally
wedge-shaped containers are configured to-be received on the upper
surface of the carousel.
[0006] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a rotary
food storage system includes a carousel base supported for rotation
about a central axis. The carousel base has a turntable portion
with an upper surface. The upper surface of the turntable portion
slopes downwardly toward the center of the turntable portion. A
plurality of generally wedge-shaped containers are configured to be
received on the upper surface of the turntable portion. Each of the
containers has an inner nose portion and an outer portion that is
wider than the nose portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary
food storage system according to the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the rotary food storage system
of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view of the rotary food storage system of
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotary food storage system
according to the present invention with several containers removed,
and illustrating an embodiment of a light for use with the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
rotary food storage system according to the present invention,
illustrating various versions of lights that may be used with the
present invention;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
rotary food storage system according to the present invention with
yet another version of a light;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of
a rotary food storage system according to the present invention;
and
[0014] FIG. 8 is a side view, with partial cutaways, of a rotary
food storage system according to the present invention being used
as a snack tray.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The present invention provides a food storage system that
includes a carousel base 10 that includes a preferably circular or
generally circular turntable portion 12 that is mounted for
rotation about a central axis. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first
embodiment of the present invention. The carousel base 10 may be
placed in a cabinet or on a countertop, preferably on a flat
surface. The base 10 may also include a sliding portion that allows
it to slide outwardly for easier access. For example, the base 10
may include a slide component that sits or mounts on a preferably
flat surface and allows the carousel 12 to be slid outwardly prior
to rotating the carousel 12 about its axis.
[0016] The present invention also includes a plurality of
containers, such as 16, 18, 20 and 22 which are preferably shaped
so as to be received on the upper surface of the turntable portion
12. The containers 16-22 are preferably wedge shaped such that a
plurality of the containers fit on the generally round turntable
portion 12 and use most or all of the upper surface. Referring to
FIG. 2, the container 20 may be said to have an inner nose portion
24 and an outer portion 26, with the nose portion being narrower
than the outer portion. The nose portion 24 may come to a point,
may be blunt, or may be rounded, as shown. The container 20 has a
pair of opposed sides 28 and 30 which are angled with respect to
each other such that the container has an overall wedge-shaped
horizontal cross section, As will be clear to those of skill in the
art, the angle between the sides 28 and 30 will depend on how many
containers fit on the turntable portion 12. For example, if ten
equal width containers fit on the turntable portion, the angle
between the sides will be approximately 36 degrees. If six equal
width containers fit on the turntable portion, the angle between
the sides will be 60 degrees.
[0017] In one preferred embodiment, the containers are all of the
same width and the turntable portion 12 has a plurality of
indentations or ridges 31 that define receiving areas for each
container. As such, a container may be positioned on the upper
surface of the turntable portion and easily positioned such that it
is in its designated location. Additional containers may be placed
on the turntable portion 12 until it is full. The carousel base 10
may also have a central column as shown at 32 in FIG. 2.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the central column 32 has an
outer surface with a plurality of faces that are each generally
vertical. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the central
column 32 has six faces. It is also preferred that each of the
faces has a vertically elongated shaped indentation defined
therein. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, each indentation is an
arcuate or curved generally vertical channel. The shaped
indentations in the faces of the column 32 preferably receive the
corresponding nose portions 24 of the containers. The nose portions
24 of the containers are preferably shaped so as to mate with and
be received in the indentations in the column.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, a top view is provided which shows the
nose portions 24 being received in the indentations 34. As will be
clear to those of skill in the art, the fact that the nose portions
are received in an indentation of the column 32 helps to locate and
stabilize the containers on the turntable portion 12 of the
carousel base. In embodiments including the ridges or indentations
31 in the upper surface of the turntable portion 12, the containers
are further located and stabilized. However, as shown in FIG. 2, it
is preferred that embodiments of the present invention include
containers of differing heights. For example, the container 20 is a
full height container that extends approximately the same height as
the central column 32. Containers 16 and 18 are half height
containers that each stand approximately half the height of the
central column 32. Containers such as container 22 are one-third
height containers, such that three containers can be stacked to
approximately equal the height of the column 32. As will be clear
to those of skill in the art, containers that are stacked on top of
each other, rather than being placed directly on the upper surface
of the turntable portion 12, may be less securely located. The
engagement between the nose portion of one of these upper
containers and the indentation in the column 32 helps to stabilize
and locate these upper containers. While the indentations 34 and
the column 32 are shown as curved grooves, they may alternatively
be pointed or have other shapes, with the nose portions of the
containers preferably having complementary shapes so that they mate
with the indentations.
[0020] It is preferred that no further interconnection between the
containers and the central column is provided. However, in
alternative embodiments, a further interconnection may be provided.
For example, the central column may have magnets or magnetic
material disposed therein with corresponding pieces of magnet or
magnetic material in the nose portions of the containers.
Alternatively, any type of latch or catch may be provided so as to
provide interconnection between the nose portions and the column.
As a further alternative, the; containers may interlock or
otherwise engage the turntable 12, such as providing a magnet or
magnetic material in the bottom surface of the container and a
corresponding magnet or magnetic material in the turntable portion.
As another alternative, the containers may snap into recesses in
the turntable so that they are more securely received, or to allow
transportation of the overall device.
[0021] The containers may also have a lip or flange at some point
along their inner to outer length such that the containers interact
with an outer rim of the carousel or a ridge on the carousel. For
example, the carousel may have an upwardly extending ring at any
radius, including the outer edge, with this ring being received in
a flange, lip or recess in the underside of the containers. This
design would help to prevent the containers from being inserted too
far onto the carousel and would also help to retain the containers
on the carousel when it is rotated. An additional piece may be
provided to more securely interconnect the containers and carousel,
such as a perimeter locking ring or a lid or cover. As a further
alternative on the present invention, the carousel base may be
formed as a carousel support that forms an upper part of the
system. In other words, the carousel would form a carousel rack or
holder. Containers then may be hung from the carousel for rotation
therewith. In one example, the carousel could be mounted under an
upper cabinet with a plurality of preferably wedge-shaped
containers that are received on the carousel support for rotation
about its axis. Each container may have a hook or other interaction
means for interconnecting with the carousel.
[0022] The containers may have a handle, not shown, so that each
container may be easily gripped and removed from the carousel.
Numerous alternatives on this handle 34 may be utilized as part of
the present invention. For example, the outer end 26 of the
containers may have small indentations or other gripping surfaces
to allow a user to grip and remove a container from the carousel.
The containers are preferably clear or translucent so that a
consumer may observe what is inside of each container. They may
have labeling regions on the sides and/or outer surfaces so that a
consumer may label them. Alternatively, they may have a pocket to
receive a portion of a label for the food product that is placed in
the container. The containers may each have a removable lid 36
which may be a single piece or may have an openable portion to form
a pouring spout 38.
[0023] In one version of the present invention, the carousel has a
diameter between ten inches and twelve inches and the containers
have a height of about ten inches. Alternatively, the carousel
and/or containers may be substantially smaller or larger. As will
be clear to those of skill in the art, numerous alternatives form
part of the present invention. As one alternative, containers of
different heights and widths may be provided for use on a single
carousel. For example, some "double wide" containers may be
provided.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, some embodiments of the
present invention further include a light for illuminating some or
all of the rotary food storage system. In FIGS. 4 and 5, a light 40
is provided inside the column 32, which is preferably at least
partially formed out of a translucent or transparent material. The
light 40 in this embodiment is provided as a series of LEDs 42 that
are distributed along the column. As such, when the light 40 is
illuminated, illumination passes through the column 32. Preferably,
the containers are also transparent or translucent such that the
light 40 is able to illuminate the contents of the containers. FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional side view that shows multiple containers
received on the turntable portion 12 of the carousel base with the
containers shown with material therein, such as food.
[0025] As also shown in FIG. 5, a switch 44 may be provided at the
upper end of the central column 32 for activating the light 40. In
the illustrated embodiment, the switch 44 is a mechanical switch
which is depressed downwardly for operation. Alternatively, the
switch may be a touch sensitive switch without moving parts. As a
further alternative, the light 40 may be activated by a motion
switch, such that movement of the turntable 12 causes illumination
of the light for a period of time. FIG. 5 also illustrates
batteries 46 for powering the light 40. In the illustrated
embodiment, the batteries are in the base of the column 32, and are
accessible from underneath. Alternatively, they may be provided in
the top of the column, down the center of the column, or elsewhere
in the base. The batteries may take a variety of forms, and other
power sources, such as a fuel cell, may be substituted.
[0026] FIG. 5 also illustrates that the turntable 12 is supported
by a support 13 with bearings provided for rotation of the
turntable portion 12 relative to the support 13. Referring again to
the light which may be provided as part of the inventive food
storage system, a light or lights may be additionally or
alternatively provided in the turntable portion 12 or under the
turntable portion, such as in the support 13. A plurality of LEDs
48 are illustrated in the turntable 12 and another plurality of
LEDs 50 is illustrated in the support 13. Lights may be provided in
other ways, such as a bulb in or under the turntable portion 12. If
a light is provided in or under the turntable 12, it is preferred
that at least portions of the turntable portion 12 may be formed of
a transparent or translucent material so that illumination passes
from the light source upwardly to where the containers rest. A
switch may be provided on the turntable in addition to or instead
of on top of the column for activating the light. Additionally or
alternatively, a motion sensor may be used for activating the
lights. As an alternative approach to providing a light, various
approaches to providing a glowing surface may be used, such as the
use of electro-luminscent surfaces.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 6, yet another alternative is illustrated.
A light may be provided on the top of the column, in addition to or
as an alternative any of the other lights previously illustrated.
In FIG. 6, the light takes the form of a tap light in which a
portion of the light 52 is pressed in order to illuminate the bulb
inside. This light may take a variety of forms, and it is preferred
that it provide at least some illumination in a downward direction
so as to illuminate the containers.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 7, in some embodiments of the present
invention, the turntable portion 60 has an upper surface 62 that
tapers downwardly towards the center. This taper helps in
positioning containers, such as 64 thereon. This embodiment may
also include a column 66 that tapers inwardly from its lower end to
its upper end. In one preferred version, the angle of downward
taper of the upper surface 62, relative to horizontal, is the same
as the amount of inward taper of the column 66 between its lower
end and its upper end, relative to vertical. This allows the
container 64 to have a lower surface 68 that is generally
perpendicular to the nose portion 70. As with earlier embodiments,
the column 66 may have a plurality of shaped indentations 72
defined in outer faces thereof. Alternatively, the column 66 may
have a generally constant cross-section between its lower and upper
ends. In some versions, the containers may have a nose portion that
is sloped inwardly slightly as compared to the design shown in FIG.
7, so that the containers mate with the constant cross-section
column. As with earlier embodiments, it is preferred that the nose
portion of each of the containers is received in the indentation of
the column so as to help locate the containers relative to the
carousel base. The amount of taper of the upper surface of the
turntable portion and/or column may be any functional taper, with 1
to 30 degrees preferred, and 5 to 10 degrees more preferred.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative use for some
embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. FIG. 8 shows a
carousel base 80 with the turntable portion 82 and a central column
84 extending upwardly therefrom. The device is being shown used as
a party tray when the containers have been removed and substitute
snack containers 86 have been placed on the upper surface of the
turntable portion 82. The central column 84 may have inner
connection portions 88 to engage an inner edge of the snack
containers 86 and to assist in retaining them on the turntable
portion 82. Other approaches to retaining the containers 86 may
also be used, such as providing lower surfaces that engage with the
upper surface of the turntable. A dip tray 90 is shown supported by
the upper end of the column 84. In the illustrated embodiment,
lights 92 are also provided in the central column 84.
[0030] As will be clear to those of skill in the art, the various
embodiments of the present invention illustrated and discussed
herein may be altered in various ways without departing from the
scope or teaching of the present invention. For example,
embodiments of the present invention may include any or all of the
features discussed herein. The size, shape and appearance of the
food storage system according to the present invention may also be
altered without departing from the scope or teaching of the present
invention. It is the following claims, including all equivalents,
which define the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *