U.S. patent application number 13/659708 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for retractable storage system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy Lee Snyder. Invention is credited to Timothy Lee Snyder.
Application Number | 20130099649 13/659708 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48135393 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130099649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snyder; Timothy Lee |
April 25, 2013 |
RETRACTABLE STORAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A storage system for single serve beverage devices is provided.
The storage system includes a slidable rack, capable of being
positioned or mounted within a variety of known or preexisting
features and having a plurality of apertures for selectively
storing the devices. Beverage devices include, for example, pods or
K-Cups.RTM. for providing single-serve coffee, espresso, hot
chocolate, or tea drinks.
Inventors: |
Snyder; Timothy Lee;
(Littleton, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Snyder; Timothy Lee |
Littleton |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48135393 |
Appl. No.: |
13/659708 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61550758 |
Oct 24, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/348.3 ;
211/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/4425
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/348.3 ;
211/79 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00 |
Claims
1. A storage system for a plurality of single-serve beverage units,
comprising: a slidable rack having a predetermined length, width,
and thickness, wherein said thickness is substantially less than
said length and said width; said slidable rack comprising a
plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern, each of said
apertures having at least one dimension that is less than or equal
to at least one dimension of a single-serve beverage unit.
2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein said slidable rack
comprises a substantially planar rack in slidable communication
with at least one of a cabinet, shelf, closet, and a pantry.
3. The storage system of claim 1, wherein said at least one
dimension of said single-serve beverage unit corresponds to a
dimension of a coffee pod.
4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein said system is adapted to
be installed within preexisting cabinetry.
5. The storage system of claim 1, wherein a central region of said
slidable rack comprises a removable insert.
6. The storage system of claim 1, wherein at least two corners of
the slidable rack comprise a cylindrical roller.
7. A slidable storage feature for use in connection with a
cabinetry storage system, comprising: a rectangular slidable rack
having a predetermined length, width, and thickness, wherein said
thickness is substantially less than said length and said width;
said rack comprising a plurality of apertures arranged in at least
one of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each of said
apertures having at least one dimension that is less than or equal
to at least one dimension of a single-serve beverage unit; said
slidable rack slidable between a position of storage and a position
of use, wherein said slidable rack comprises at least one track
extending along at least a portion of the length of the rack.
8. The slidable storage feature of claim 7, wherein the rectangular
slidable rack comprises a rectangular frame member, said
rectangular frame member comprising an internal void in which a
removable insert is received, said removable insert comprising said
plurality of apertures.
9. The storage system of claim 7, wherein said rectangular slidable
rack is in slidable communication with at least one of a cabinet,
shelf, closet, and a pantry.
10. The storage system of claim 7, wherein said at least one
dimension of a single-serve beverage unit comprises at least one
dimension of a preexisting coffee pod.
11. The storage system of claim 7, wherein said slidable storage
feature is adapted to be installed within preexisting
cabinetry.
12. The storage system of claim 7, wherein at least two corners of
the rectangular slidable rack comprise a cylindrical roller.
13. The storage system of claim 7, wherein said thickness is less
than a height of said single-serve beverage unit, and the diameter
of each of said plurality of apertures is less than a diameter of
said single-serve beverage unit.
14. The storage unit of claim 7, wherein the at least one track is
provided in communication with at least one roller.
15. The storage unit of claim 14, wherein said roller is provided
on an interior portion of said cabinetry storage system.
16. The storage unit of claim 7, wherein said track comprises a
laterally extending portion of said rectangular slidable rack for
at least one of guiding movement of said rectangular slidable rack
and supporting the weight of said rectangular slidable rack.
17. The storage unit of claim 16, wherein said laterally extending
portion comprises a tongue, and said cabinetry storage system
comprises an elongate groove for receiving said tongue.
18. The storage unit of claim 7, wherein each of said plurality of
apertures is sized to receive one single-serve beverage unit.
19. The storage unit of claim 7, wherein each of said plurality of
apertures is sized to receive a plurality of single-serve beverage
units.
20. The storage unit of claim 8, wherein a plurality of removable
inserts are provided, each of said plurality of removable inserts
comprising apertures of different diameters.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application 61/550,758, filed Oct. 24, 2011, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to storage systems.
More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention relates
to a retractable device capable of storing a plurality of coffee,
tea, espresso, or beverage features, such as "pods" or K-Cups.RTM.
sold by Keurig, for example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Single serve brewing and dispensing devices for beverages
such as espresso, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and related products
have become immensely popular. Many systems provide single serve
drinks from individually sized cups or pods (hereinafter "pods")
containing a predetermined dosage of, for example, ground espresso
or coffee. Such systems are disclosed, by way of example only, in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,401 to Rolfes et al., which is incorporated by
reference in its entirety. There is a need to provide an efficient
storage system for the numerous pods that are typically kept on
hand in the home or in an establishment which uses pod-based
brewing systems. There has been a long felt need for a storage
system for single serve pods and similar devices and products which
is capable of effectively storing and/or concealing a number of
pods such that the pods are readily available for use, disposed,
and/or displayed in an orderly manner. None of the known storage
systems provide a system that conceals pods and that also provides
ease of access to the pods when desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention
contemplate novel systems, methods, and devices for storing one or
more espresso pods in an orderly manner. In one embodiment, the
present invention comprises a substantially planar rack that is
slidably mounted within various pre-existing cabinetry systems. For
example, in a particular embodiment, the present invention
comprises a slide-out rack having a predetermined length, width,
and thickness wherein the thickness is relatively small or marginal
compared to the overall length and width of the device. The length
and width define a surface area which comprises an array or
plurality of apertures for receiving pods. Accordingly, in one
embodiment, the present invention comprises a slide-out rack for
housing a plurality of pods, wherein the rack is slidably mountable
within a preexisting cabinet or similar structure such that the
device and any contents contained therein occupy a relatively small
volume of the pre-existing cabinet or structure. The contemplated
storage device thus allows for the device and its contents to be
stored in a convenient and aesthetically pleasing manner, while
allowing ease of access to device contents (e.g., K-Cups.RTM. or
espresso pods) when desired. As used herein, the term "planar" or
"substantially planar" refers to a surface that is generally flush,
but may comprise undulations or surface contours that do not
significantly alter the shape or functionality of the surface.
Similarly, the term "substantially" as used herein is provided to
specify that relatively minor variations in the size, shape,
dimension, material property, etc. of a specific object are
contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0005] Slidable racks of embodiments of the present invention may
be constructed of a variety of different materials as will be
recognized by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, a storage
device is provided wherein a slidable rack for housing pods is of
the same or similar material and/or appearance of material as the
pre-existing cabinetry or associated structures. Where pre-existing
cabinetry comprises, for example, a particular type of wood, the
slidable rack of the present invention may comprise the same type
of wood or comprise at least the same or similar appearance.
However, the present invention is not limited to slide-out racks
which comprise the same material, appearance, or properties as that
of the surrounding cabinetry. Slide-out racks of the present
invention may be comprised of any number of materials including,
but not limited to various woods, rock, slate, Lucite, plastics,
metals, glass, synthetics, and various other materials and
combinations thereof.
[0006] In various embodiments, the present invention is not limited
to the storing of K-Cups.RTM. or espresso pods or similar devices.
For example, it is contemplated that devices and systems of the
present invention comprise functionality in addition to the storage
of K-Cups.RTM. or espresso pods, including, for example, the
ability to use a slide-out rack portion of the system as a cutting
board or storage area to extend counter space. In one embodiment,
the present invention comprises a system for storing espresso pods
wherein a slide-out rack is provided with a plurality of
predetermined apertures for storing the pods and an additional
substantially planar cover for the slide-out rack upon which
devices may be stored, chopped, etc.
[0007] In one embodiment, the slide out rack of the present
invention comprises a plurality of holes wherein the holes are of a
predetermined size to store or house a pod of predetermined size.
The holes have a diameter greater than the minimum diameter of the
pod and less than the maximum diameter of the pod. In alternative
embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the apertures of the
present invention be of varying diameter. Alternatively, the
apertures may receive spacers or inserts to vary the size thereof
such that a variety of different sized pods may be held within an
aperture.
[0008] While some embodiments of the present invention contemplate
a storage system comprising a retractable rack provided within
pre-existing cabinetry, such as under-sink cabinetry, for example,
alternative embodiments contemplate providing a rack or plurality
racks in a standalone system. For example, in one embodiment, a
counter-top device is provided having one or more slidable racks in
accordance with present invention and adapted for storing and/or
concealing a plurality of pods or K-Cups.RTM..
[0009] These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The
above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are
neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other
embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in
combination, one or more of the features set forth above or
described in detail below. Further, the summary of the invention is
neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative
of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present
invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the summary
of the invention, as well as, in the attached drawings and the
detailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the
scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion
or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of
the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will
become more readily apparent from the detailed description,
particularly when taken together with the drawings.
[0010] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should
it be construed as being representative of the full extent and
scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set
forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention
as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of
the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present
disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more
readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following
description is merely illustrative of the principles of the
disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many
different alternative embodiments. This description is made for
illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this
disclosure invention and is not meant to limit the inventive
concepts disclosed herein.
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the general description of the
disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosures.
[0013] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a retractable storage system of
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a right elevation view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of a retractable storage system
of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a left elevation view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a retractable storage
system of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] The present invention has significant benefits across a
broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the applicant's intent that this
specification be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and
spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear
to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to
the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the
pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a
preferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode
now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is
described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings
that form a part of the specification. The exemplary method is
described in detail without attempting to describe all of the
various forms and modifications in which the invention might be
embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are
illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the
arts, can be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary
only and does not describe every possible embodiment since
describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not
impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,
using either current technology or technology developed after the
filing date of this patent.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, a storage system of the present
disclosure is provided wherein a slidable storage rack 2 is
depicted. The slidable rack 2 comprises a plurality of apertures 6
for storing pods (not shown). Pods, as contemplated for use with
the present disclosure generally comprise a tapered geometry and/or
a lid or top which is larger in diameter than the bottom of the
pod. Accordingly, the apertures 6 allow for a pod to be dropped or
placed in an aperture 6 from above and held therein by virtue of
the pod's geometry and the fact that the diameter of the aperture 6
is less than a diameter of the pod.
[0028] As shown in the figures, a preferred embodiment contemplates
pods being placed or disposed in apertures 6 of the rack 2 with a
portion of the height of the pod extending downwardly through the
slidable rack 2. However, it will be expressly recognized that
various other arrangements and geometries are further contemplated
as within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For
example, it is contemplated that a slidable rack 2 be provided with
a thickness (t) which is approximately equal to or greater than a
height of a pod. It will further be recognized, therefore, that the
overall and exact thickness (t) of the slidable rack 2 is not
critical. Rather, embodiments of the present invention contemplate
a unique and novel storage system wherein the slidable rack 2
comprises a thickness (t) that is substantially less than a length
and/or width of the slidable rack.
[0029] Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a
system with a slidable rack 2 for storing pods, the slidable rack
having a length (L) of between approximately 12 inches and
approximately 36 inches, a width between approximately 12 inches
and approximately 36 inches, and a thickness (t) of between
approximately 1/2 inch and approximately 1.5 inches. In a preferred
embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a storage rack 2 with
a thickness (t) of approximately 5/8 inches, a length (L) of
approximately 23.5 inches, and a width (W) of approximately 20
inches. It will be expressly recognized, however, that racks of
some embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such
dimensions. It is contemplated that racks comprising various
features as shown and described herein may take on any suitable
dimension as may be required for the rack(s) to fit within a
cabinet, drawer, closer, shelf, etc.
[0030] As further shown in the drawings, slidable racks of storage
systems of the present disclosure preferably comprise sliding
mechanisms. Sliding mechanisms similar to, but not being limited
to, various known sliding drawer and/or roller bearing systems. For
example, a track 4 may be provided and secured along peripheral
edges of the slidable rack 2 for slidable communication with wheels
or bearings in association with cabinetry systems and vice versa.
Alternative embodiments of the present invention may employ simple
tongue and groove and/or frictional sliding mechanism(s) wherein a
slidable rack 2 is vertically supported by a portion of the
existing cabinetry to the exclusion of elements such as wheels
and/or bearings upon which the rack 2 is slidable.
[0031] In various embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 6, a storage
system comprising a slidable rack 2 is provided wherein the
slidable rack 2 comprises a grip feature 8, such as a recess in a
lower or bottom portion of the rack. While FIG. 8 depicts a grip
feature 8 as shown in the bottom front portion of the rack 2, it
will be recognized that such a grip feature may be positioned in a
variety of locations including, but not limited to, top and side
portions of the rack 2. Furthermore, grip features of the present
disclosure are not limited to a singular recess but may comprise
one or more of a variety of features such as recesses, frictional
pads, protrusions, etc.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, a storage system is provided
comprising a slidable rack 2 for housing a plurality of pods, the
slidable rack 2 disposed in a generally upper portion of a cabinet,
rack, closet, or similar feature. In such a preferred arrangement,
it will be recognized that a slidable rack 2 and contents disposed
therein will be positioned in an elevated manner such that the
remainder of the storage volume of a cabinet, for example, is not
substantially impeded. Furthermore, when access to pods or features
contained within the slidable rack 2 is desired, the rack may be
withdrawn or extracted from its stored position where it occupies a
relatively small amount of space.
[0033] In one embodiment, each of the apertures 6 for storing a pod
comprises an extension or access point to enable a user to contact
or grasp at least a portion of an underside of the lid or top of a
pod, thereby facilitating removal of the pod from the rack 2.
[0034] FIGS. 7-8 provide a side elevation view and a front
elevation view, respectively, of one embodiment of a rack 2 in
accordance with the present disclosure. Relative length L, width W,
and thickness t of the rack 2 is depicted.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In addition to various features as shown and
described herein, the embodiment of FIG. 9 comprises a frame member
10 with a removable inlay panel or insert 12, the panel comprises
apertures 6 for selectively storing features such as K-Cups.RTM.
and pods. The frame 10 can be built or molded in any number of
sizes and dimensions and may comprise slide features molded and/or
built in. The inlay panel 12 can be customized with any number
size/shape of holes 6 to accommodate any brand/size/shape pods or
capsules. In various embodiments, the panel 12 is made of any
material desired, such as wood, medium-density fiberboard ("MDF"),
plastic, glass, acrylic, etc. and, in various embodiments, is
customized by a consumer with pictures, laminate, etc.
[0036] Although the inlay panel 12 of FIG. 9 is provided as
rectangular, any number of sizes and dimensions may be provided. In
preferred embodiments, the panel 12 is selectively removable and
may be replaced with, for example, a panel comprising different
numbers and/or types of apertures 6. The removable panel 12 may be
removed for ease of cleaning and replacement. In various
embodiments, a flush or solid insert is provided such that the
system may be used as, for example, a cutting board or shelf.
[0037] The insert 12 of the present disclosure can be built/molded
in any size. The panel 12 can be customized by size/shape of holes
to accommodate any brand/size/shape pods or capsules. Panel
fasteners contemplated for use in securing the panel 12 include
various known fasteners suitable for securing joining wood, plastic
and various other known materials.
[0038] One embodiment of the present invention includes a rack
feature 2 with one or more rounded corners 14. Rounded corners are
provided to minimize scratching of cabinet features and reduce risk
of injury to users. In yet another embodiment, substantially
cylindrical rollers 16 are provided within or in connection with
corners 14. Rollers 16, in at least one embodiment, comprise a
substantially cylindrical structure comprised of scratch-resistant
material and rotatable about an axis. The rollers 16 are provided
within and/or partially recessed within the frame 10, such that a
portion of the circumference of the roller extends beyond the
boundaries of the frame 10. In such embodiments, rollers 16 provide
scratch protection without occupying substantial amount of
additional space within a cabinet.
[0039] While a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure
comprises an array of circular apertures 6 for storing pods,
alternative embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate
elongate or slot-like apertures 18 for storing a plurality of pods
within a single aperture. One such embodiment is provided in FIG.
11. The elongate recesses 18 comprise at least one dimension (e.g.,
a width) that is less than a diameter of a pre-existing pod.
Accordingly, a plurality of pods may be disposed and stored within
the elongate slots 18. In one embodiment, an inlet 12 or frame 10
is provided with a slight angle (e.g. between approximately 1 and
10 degrees off horizontal) to allow pods to be gravity fed or
gravity-assisted toward a front end of the rack 2.
[0040] FIG. 11 depicts various features of embodiments of the
present invention. It will be recognized, however, that these
various feature are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11.
Indeed, it is contemplated that any one or more of these features
may be provided in alternative embodiments as shown and described
herein.
[0041] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such
modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of
the present invention. Further, the invention(s) described herein
are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being
carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood
that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the
purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The
use of "including," "comprising," or "adding" and variations
thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter
and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.
* * * * *