U.S. patent application number 14/062885 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for vertical box system for organizing and storing spice jars and other small items.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lota Deanne Dixon. Invention is credited to Lota Deanne Dixon.
Application Number | 20140175101 14/062885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50973480 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140175101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dixon; Lota Deanne |
June 26, 2014 |
Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars and Other
Small Items
Abstract
Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars and
Other Small Items is a unique spice rack that can also serve as a
multi-unit and multi-purpose storage system. The System saves
available storage space and enables instant and constant
organization with windows, personalized label areas and specialized
organizational dividers. When decorated, the boxes appeal to the
esthetic tastes of the consumer. The Vertical Storage System may
include coordinated companion Trays and is expected to save time,
reduce clutter and attractively grace storage areas.
Inventors: |
Dixon; Lota Deanne;
(Highland City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dixon; Lota Deanne |
Highland City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50973480 |
Appl. No.: |
14/062885 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61717807 |
Oct 24, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/529 ;
53/445 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/48032 20130101;
B65D 77/0426 20130101; B65D 5/4233 20130101; B65D 5/6661 20130101;
B65D 2577/048 20130101; B65D 5/22 20130101; B65B 5/06 20130101;
B65D 5/4204 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/529 ;
53/445 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/72 20060101
B65D085/72; B65B 5/06 20060101 B65B005/06 |
Claims
1. A method of storing and organizing a plurality of spice jars,
comprising: arranging spice jars alphabetically; removing duplicate
spice jars; obtaining a storage apparatus comprising: a box
comprising a bottom panel, a top panel, a left panel, a right
panel, a back panel, and a front panel, wherein the front panel
comprises at least one window pane and is hingedly coupled to one
of the bottom panel, the top panel, the left panel, and the right
panel, and a removable shelving insert that can be inserted into
the box to divide the box into multiple compartments, wherein at
least one shelf surface is parallel to the bottom panel of the box
and wherein the bottom panel and the at least on shelf surface are
configured to support small canisters in a vertical position;
placing the spice jars in alphabetical order on the at least one
shelf surface and the bottom panel of the box; and placing the
apparatus in a cupboard in a vertical orientation.
2-5. (canceled)
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising labeling one or more
of the left panel and the right panel with a label that describes
contents of the apparatus.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising replacing the
removable shelving insert with a second removable shelving
insert.
8. A storage and organizational apparatus, comprising: a box
comprising a bottom panel, a top panel, a left panel, a right
panel, a back panel, and a front panel, wherein the front panel
comprises at least one window pane and is hingedly coupled to one
of the bottom panel, the top panel, the left panel, and the right
panel; and a removable shelving insert that can be inserted into
the box to divide the box into multiple compartments, wherein at
least one shelf surface is parallel to the bottom panel of the box
and wherein the bottom panel and the at least on shelf surface are
configured to support small canisters in a vertical position.
9. The storage and organizational apparatus of claim 8, wherein the
apparatus is sized to fit within a cupboard and is configured to
support spice jars in a vertical position.
10. The storage and organizational apparatus of claim 8, wherein
the distance between the back panel and the front panel in a closed
position is less than about 5 inches.
11. The storage and organizational apparatus of claim 8, further
comprising a latching mechanism for temporarily securing the front
panel in a closed position.
12. The storage and organizational apparatus of claim 8, wherein
one or more of the left panel and the right panel comprises a label
pane for labeling contents of the apparatus.
13. The storage and organizational apparatus of claim 8, wherein
the removable shelving insert further comprises at least one
vertical divider surface parallel to the left and right panels.
14. The storage and organizational apparatus of claim 8, wherein
the removable shelving insert further comprises a backing panel
that engages the back panel of the box to structurally reinforce
the apparatus.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the provisional
patent application No. 61/717,807 titled "Vertical Box System for
Organizing and Storing Spice Jars and Other Small Items", which was
filed on Oct. 24, 2012, and which is hereby included by
reference.
SUMMARY
[0002] Uses: The Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing
Spice Jars and Other Small Items was developed to solve the problem
of keeping spices orderly and easily retrieved. It has been
observed that in addition to spices, a wide variety of
hard-to-organize collections can be stored in the present
invention. Examples are: bottles of flavor extracts, cake
decorating supplies, salt & pepper shakers, thread, sewing
notions, toys, medicines, paint tubes, art and craft supplies,
school classroom supplies, ribbons, jewelry, hair bows, keepsakes,
etc. Empty bottles, such as those used for spices, can be arranged
in the present invention and filled with even smaller objects, such
as thumb tacks, paper clips, erasers, game parts, thimbles, beads,
and buttons. The advantage of the present invention is that once an
item has a place, the item can be used and easily returned to that
place for time-saving convenience and order. In addition, a
cupboard companion Tray coordinates with the organizers to give a
total cupboard makeover in just a few minutes. The frustrations of
scouring a cupboard or drawer for a particular spice or package are
avoided and the likelihood of buying duplicate spices is greatly
reduced. The organizer can be attractively covered with different
or coordinated graphics that increase their appeal as storage
containers and gift boxes. Consumer may want to fill a decorated
box with selected special items to give as a wedding, graduation,
baby shower or house-warming gifts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Prior Art
[0004] A search of prior art for spice jar storage did not disclose
any patents that read directly on the claims of the invention.
However, the following U.S. patents may be considered related
because of their vertical nature: U.S. Pat. No. 1,709,685 by
Rothrock in 1929, U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,037 by Kronberg in 1993, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,241,084 by Gyr in 2001 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,665 by
Gyr in 2006 all claim variations of a vertical container designed
to resemble a hollow book. The present invention does not intend to
resemble a hollow book in design, structure or function. A search
of spice racks and spice storage units did not reveal any that were
similar to the present invention.
[0005] 2. Field of Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to spice racks and, more
particularly, to a narrow vertically oriented box with off-centered
dividers, windows, a door, a label area and a pull hole to
organize, store and display its contents and to a system for
alphabetizing spices in the box. The present invention also
includes accessories to the storage system, such as labels and a
coordinating tray.
Purpose
[0007] A Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars
and Other Small Items for an efficient, compact, environmentally
friendly and easy-to-use storage system for spices and other small
items. The system may comprise multiple vertically standing boxes,
each labeled with the contents of the box. The boxes include with
windows to view the contents. Internal dividers specifically
designed to accommodate standard-sized commercially available spice
jars may allow for the arranging and maintaining of jars in
convenient alphabetical order. The present invention can also store
a wide variety of other small items, such as medicines, sewing
notions or digital devices. The system can save search time,
storage space and money by eliminating the unnecessary purchase of
duplicates to replaced lost items. With the present invention the
ages-old mantra can be realized: a place for everything (small) and
everything (small) in its place. The present invention can be
quickly assembled without tools and it can be made of
environmentally friendly materials.
Background Description of the Problem
[0008] Everyone who cooks has spice containers or jars in their
kitchen and for nearly all chefs it's a love-hate relationship. The
spice-jar storage area can be one of the most frustratingly
disorganized spots in the home, and the more a person cooks, the
larger the spice collection grows and the harder it is to manage.
We have visited many homes to study and photograph storage systems
used by homemakers. The first thing a homemaker usually says is,
"I'm sorry, it's a mess!" Even homemakers with popular commercial
spice racks find the storage units don't solve every need. People
want a better system to organize; store, display, and retrieve
spice jars, as well as help with conquering those other pesky
order-resistant household items such as medicine and supplements,
spools of thread, sewing notions, jewelry, crafts, office supplies,
etc.
[0009] Many attempts have been made to design a better spice rack.
The following are examples: decorative narrow shelves that hang on
a kitchen wall, carousels that sit on the counter-top, lazy-susans,
free-standing wire or acrylic shelves, in-drawer organizers, wire
racks that attach to the back of a cupboard or pantry door, narrow
built-in cabinet spice doors or drawers, stacking drawer units, and
narrow tiered shelf organizers. Such storage systems can commonly
be found or sale in specialty stores, general home supply stores,
and on the Internet. Our system is like none of them.
Shortcomings of Other Solutions
[0010] The following are common complaints about other spice
storage containers: Most spice-rack products store a fixed number
of spices and cannot easily be expanded or reduced in size as
storage needs change. Fancy carousels often come with full
pre-labeled spice jars that provide the consumer with some
unfamiliar and unwanted products and unnecessary cost. Other
carousels come with empty bottles that the consumer must fill with
spices. Filling the bottles can be difficult and sometimes require
a specially designed funnel. Provided labels for the refillable
jars often fall off leaving the user unsure of the contents.
Exposed display units on the wall or counter gather dust and
cooking grease and are difficult to keep clean. Most carousel
systems take up too much room on the counter, especially when
considering that many of the spices are seldom if ever used. The
common in-cupboard systems, such as the Lazy-Susan and the tiered
shelves, present difficulties of their own when the cook is
searching for a particular spice: it is often impossible to see
labels on any items behind the front row; searching for a needed
spice frequently results in several spices getting knocked over or
put back out of order. In addition, spices stored in cupboard
shelves may have considerable wasted space above the spices on the
shelf. A tiered shelf wastes space above and below the rows of
spices. Built-in cabinet door storage can be unsatisfactory if the
distance between shelves wastes space, if the bottle labels are
hard to see, if jars easily fall over when the door is opened and
if some spice shelves are too high to reach. In general, it is
difficult to keep a collection of more than a few spices jars in
order. Out of order spices can often result in the consumer buying
duplicates when a sought for spice is not found, adding to the cost
of the system. Many consumers who have commercial spice organizers
also have spice jars sitting on open shelves or piled in
drawers.
Advantages of the Invention
[0011] General Advantages:
[0012] It is an object of the Vertical Box System for Organizing
and Storing Spice Jars and Other Small Items to save space, save
time, reduce clutter, and keep spices or other collections in
desired order over a long period of use. The frustration of
scouring a cupboard or drawer for particular items can be avoided
and the frequent problem of buying duplicates can be greatly
reduced.
[0013] Spice Storage Advantages:
[0014] The present invention has been carefully proportioned to
store mini, standard and large-sized spice jars. Being initially
designed for use with original retail spice containers, the present
invention can eliminate any need to repackage the spices into
coordinated or specially sized jars. Using the original retail jars
may allow the user to retain the original label, which records the
contents, source, and common uses of the spice as well as a
purchase date the consumer may add. As an alternative, the consumer
may use ready-to-fill bottles, which could be filled with bulk or
home-grown spices and labeled by the consumer. Additional
advantages the consumer may enjoy are that the present invention
may improve spice quality by reducing exposure to light, the
consumer may easily apply a first-bought/first used system for any
duplicates, and the consumer may experience space and cost savings
when comparing storage capacity with other spice organizers.
[0015] Other Storage Items:
[0016] In addition to spices, a wide variety of hard-to-organize
collections can be stored in the Vertical Box System for Organizing
and Storing Spice Jars and Other Small Items. Examples include:
bottles of flavor extracts or food colorings, cake decorating
supplies, salt & pepper shaker collections, thread, sewing
notions, ribbons, jewelry, toys, medicines and supplements, first
aid supplies, paint tubes, art and craft supplies, school classroom
supplies, hair bows, seasonal and holiday decorations, keepsakes,
etc. Empty jelly or spice-sized bottles can be arranged in the
invention and filled with even smaller objects, such as thumb
tacks, paper clips, erasers, game parts, thimbles, beads, and
buttons. When the vertical storage boxes are assembled side by side
and labeled accurately, many diverse collections can be
attractively and neatly grouped together on a shelf and easily
accessible.
[0017] System and Sets:
[0018] An advantage of the Vertical Box System for Organizing and
Storing Spice Jars and Other Small Items may be that once an item
has a place, the item can be used and easily returned to that place
for time-saving convenience and order. This can be appealing for
households in which more than one person needs to access the stored
items. An example of how a spice system might work is the
following: kitchen spices may be alphabetically arranged in a set
of vertical boxes and the boxes labeled by the consumer in a manner
such as the following: "All Spice to Cinnamon" or "A-C"; "Dill to
Garlic" or "D-G", etc. Any number of vertical boxes may be added
side-by-side in the set, depending on the number of spices in the
collection.
[0019] Vertical or Horizontal Orientation:
[0020] The special vertical feature of the invention enables the
user to line up the boxes compactly in a small space. A finger-pull
opening in the lower portion of a narrow paned enables the
invention to be easily removed from higher shelves or locations.
Thus, spices that might have been stored in a carousel on the
counter can now be put neatly away on a higher shelf in a cupboard.
The invention can also be stored horizontally as the specific use
and space available dictates.
[0021] Locations of Use:
[0022] A Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars
and Other Small Items can be used in various home locations, such
as kitchens, bedroom, craft or sewing areas, and storage areas, as
well as the office, classrooms and in travel. The present invention
looks beautiful in elegant homes, small apartments and trailer
homes. It can especially be useful in locations where order and
effective utilization of limited space are a priority.
[0023] Decorated Box:
[0024] The present invention can be decorated to appeal to the
esthetic tastes of the consumer and to add charm to any storage
location. The boxes can be manufactured with applied graphics, or
may be produced plain for the consumer who would prefer to decorate
their own box with vinyl lettering and designs or scrapbooking
paper, bows, stickers, stamps or other means. When decorative
surfaces are applied to the present invention the user may be
greeted with a pleasant appearance every time the storage area is
accessed.
[0025] Gift Boxes:
[0026] The consumer may want to fill decorated individual units
with selected products, to give as wedding, graduation, birthday,
baby shower, house-warming or other special event gifts. Examples
could include a selection of common spices for newly-weds, cupcake
decorations for a birthday celebration, or a collection of tea bags
and supplies to give as a friendship gift. Crinkle paper can be
arranged in the boxes to nest the gift items and a bow can be
attached to the outside of the attractive box. A beautiful box can
make an attractive gift on its own.
[0027] Coordinating Tray.
[0028] Some items in a cupboard or on a shelf may need order and
improved accessibility but they are too large to be stored in the
Vertical Spice Storage Box. The present invention may also include
a separate tray that can add the needed storage assistance for
things that get out of place and lost in the back of the shelf or
in hard to reach areas of the cupboard. The tray may include
decorative covering that matches the Vertical Spice Storage Boxes.
The tray may hold collections of other boxes, packages and jars,
such as cooking supplies or foods. The tray can make finding items
hidden in the back of a cupboard easy because the tray can be
pulled forward to examine the back items. Trays may be designed to
match the depth of the cupboard shelves and have a width small
enough that several trays can fit on one shelf. A tray may also
contain a finger pull-hole for easier access.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view and method of use of
the present invention as a vertical storage set and organizational
system;
[0030] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view showing how spices
may be organized in a box, stored, removed from storage, opened and
a spice jar or other stored item removed for use;
[0031] FIG. 1C illustrates a system for selecting a storage area
and items to be stored;
[0032] FIG. 1D illustrates a system to assemble the boxes,
according to one embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 1E illustrates a system to assemble the boxes,
according to another embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 1F illustrates a system to assemble the boxes,
according to another embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 1G illustrates a system to assemble the boxes,
according to another embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 2A is a flat view of a cardboard box blank with which
the present invention may be constructed;
[0037] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a folded box blank
showing a box interior through a partially opened door;
[0038] FIG. 3A illustrates other box structure, substrate, window
and closure options for the present invention, according to one
embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 3B illustrates other box structure, substrate, window
and closure options for the present invention, according to another
embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 3C illustrates other box structure, substrate, window
and closure options for the present invention, according to another
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 3D illustrates other box structure, substrate, window
and closure options for the present invention, according to another
embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 3E illustrates other box structure, substrate, window
and closure options for the present invention, according to another
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 3F illustrates other box structure, substrate, window
and closure options for the present invention, according to another
embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one sample interior of the
invention, according to one embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one sample interior of the
invention, according to another embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of one sample interior of the
invention, according to another embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of one sample interior of the
invention, according to another embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of one sample interior of the
invention, according to another embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of one sample interior of the
invention, according to another embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 5A is a flat view of cardboard blanks for creating
off-centered dividers;
[0051] FIG. 5B is a manner in which the cardboard blanks may be
assembled and placed in the invention;
[0052] FIG. 5C is a manner in which the cardboard blanks may be
assembled and placed in the invention;
[0053] FIG. 5D is a manner in which the cardboard blanks may be
assembled and placed in the invention;
[0054] FIG. 5E is a manner in which the cardboard blanks may be
assembled and placed in the invention (note the reinforced back
wall of the box created by the dividers);
[0055] FIG. 5F is a manner in which the cardboard blanks may be
assembled and placed in the invention;
[0056] FIG. 6A shows a method of forming optional corner-shaped
dividers for the invention;
[0057] FIG. 6B shows an example of one possible use for the
optional corner-shaped dividers;
[0058] FIG. 6C shows another example of one possible use for the
optional corner-shaped dividers;
[0059] FIG. 6C shows another example of one possible use for the
optional corner-shaped dividers;
[0060] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of Trays that
coordinate with and serve as cupboard companions to the present
invention;
[0061] FIG. 7B illustrates a cardboard blank for making trays that
coordinate with and serve as cupboard companions to the present
invention;
[0062] FIG. 8A is an illustration of label panel stickers that may
be available to change the color and pattern of the label panel of
the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 8B is an illustration of label panel stickers that may
be available to change the color and pattern of the label panel of
the present invention; and
[0064] FIG. 8C is an illustration of plastic zip bags that can be
made available to assist in storing beads, jewelry and other small
items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1--Perspective View and Method of Use
[0065] The two illustrations show an overall concept of a Vertical
Box System for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars and Other Small
Items and a sample method for using the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the overall concept. A
Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars and Other
Small Items (1) may be a collection of individual boxes (2) that
stand vertically in a side-by-side grouping on a shelf. A method of
using the boxes (2) and an orderly arrangement and labeling of
their contents comprise a system (1).
[0067] Boxes in the collection (1) may contain dissimilar contents.
The boxes (2) can be utilized independently and do not need to be
used as part of a set. Coordinated box exterior decoration may make
a pleasant combination of storage boxes when grouped together or
used separately.
[0068] Viewing orientation of the present invention for purposes of
discussion: when the closed door panel (4) of a Spice Organizer (2)
is facing the user, the end to the right may be called the right
side panel (5) and the end to the left, where the door hinge (6)
could be located may be called the left side panel (7). Either
narrow panel (5 or 7) may be placed outwardly toward the user when
the present invention is in storage but the pull hole (14) can best
be utilized if the left panel (7) is oriented outwardly toward the
user. Either panel (5 or 7) may have a label area (9) on which to
record the contents of the present invention (2). The labels (9) in
this illustration show examples of cooking and kitchen supplies
that may be stored in the Vertical Box System for Organizing and
Storing Spice Jars and Other Small Items (1) or individual boxes
(2).
[0069] The unique resting orientation of the invention may be
vertical, with each organizer box (2) within the set (1) standing
on its narrow bottom panel (10), however an organizer box (2) may
also be stored horizontally by lying flat on its back panel (11) in
a drawer or on a counter or other flat surface (3), as positioned
in FIG. 1B. A vertical orientation of an organizer box (2) allows
it to make the fullest use of available space in a cupboard or on a
shelf.
[0070] FIG. 1B illustrates an opened Spice Organizer or
Multi-Purpose Storage box (2) showing stored contents and the
method of using a box (2) for spice organization and storage. One
spice organizer box (2) has been removed from the set (1) and
placed on its back panel (11) on a flat surface (3), such as a
counter or table. The windowed door panel (4) has been opened by
lifting up on the lift tab (22) and a stored item (12) has been
removed. In this view the open box (2) contains spice jars (13) as
an example of stored items.
FIGS. 1C-G Perspective View and Method of Use (Continued)
[0071] FIG. 1C--System for selecting a storage area and items to be
stored: To prepare the present invention as a storage system, a
person might collect a set (1) of empty organizer boxes (2) and
determine which cupboard shelf or other flat surface (3) is
conveniently located and of an acceptable size to store the set.
The organizer boxes (2) may be carefully calculated to fit within
the width of a standard cupboard shelf. The height of the space
between shelves is often adjustable in modern cabinets with the use
of shelving strips and moveable support clips or pegs. When storing
spices (13), as an example, it is not necessary to have the spices
stored in a shelf near the stove or even displayed on a counter.
The organizer boxes (2) containing spices may be stored on an upper
kitchen cupboard shelf, in an upper cupboard above a stove or
microwave, in a lower cupboard below the counter, on a
corner-cupboard turn-table, in a pantry, on a window ledge, on a
table or even on a bookshelf. The finger-pull hole (14) on the
narrow left panel (7) can make removal from higher shelves easier.
Organizer boxes used for multi-purpose storage (2) can also be
stored on a display shelf, a bookshelf, a craft table, a sewing
shelf, in a closet, in a drawer, or pantry, work bench, in a
trailer, a desk, etc.
[0072] The user may want to remove all spice containers and other
small disorganized items from the current storage area and group
them by category, such as spices, instant soup mixes, pudding
boxes, dried meal enhancers, small packages of nuts, etc. Line the
spices up alphabetically irrespective of variations in size on a
table or counter. In this drawing numerals have been substituted
for names of individual spices that might be stored for clarity of
illustration. Duplicate spices could be removed and placed in a
separate storage container for duplicates. Spice bottles or other
items too large for the Spice Organizers can be stored in the
Coordinating Companion Trays (See FIG. 8).
[0073] FIG. 1D--System to assemble the boxes. After selecting the
storage area and obtaining the desired number of organizer boxes
(2), the flat blanks (see FIG. 2) could be assembled by forming
them into box shapes. It is assumed that most consumers would
purchase boxes that are already assembled and fitted with an
internal removable optional structure such as the off-centered
dividers (16) to separate and support the contents. If the boxes
need to be assembled, see the instructions in FIG. 2. Assembly of
the box blanks may take less than two minutes for experienced
hands. See the assembly instructions for the off-centered dividers
in FIG. 5. The off-centered divider may take just moments to
assemble and snap into place in the well of the box. Some storage
items, such as thread, and may do well with other optional dividers
see FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0074] FIG. 1E--System for Loading the vertical organizer boxes:
With all the spice jars (13) arranged alphabetically, left to
right, in a line and with duplicate spices set aside, the consumer
may start at the left end of the line and place the spice jars in
the vertical spice organizer box. (2) The consumer may maintain as
much as practical the same alphabetical order by starting in the
upper left corner of a box and placing the sequentially arranged
jars in the open areas to the right of the last jar placed until
the rows are filled. If the spice organizing boxes (2) are divided
by one or more horizontal support shelves (15), the consumer can
put the jars in the upper and lower storage spaces. Smaller jars
may be placed on top of each other so that they become stacked when
the box is stored vertically. Occasionally large jars may need to
be placed out of order. This may not be a problem because the spice
will still be found in the appropriately labeled box. The user may
want to leave an extra open space to accommodate new spice bottles
that are added later. A user may want to mark the purchase date on
each jar to assist in keeping the spice collection fresh. The
system is very flexible and can easily change as the need arises.
Variations in the way an Organizer could be loaded are seen in
FIGS. 4A-4F.
[0075] FIG. 1F--System of Securing and Recording the contents: When
the Organizer Box (2) has been sufficiently loaded with the stored
items, the user may securely close the windowed door panel (4). In
the instance of a cardboard substrate as used in FIG. 2, the door
rotates on the hinge area from the left side (7) to the right side
(5) and the door-locking flap (23) snaps snugly into place on the
inside of the box parallel to the right panel. FIG. 3 shows a
variety of other closure options. The Organizer box contents (12)
may be listed in the designated label area (9) on the narrow panels
(5 or 7). Recording the box contents in the label area (9) can be
achieved in several ways, including but not limited to: hand
written labels, labels made of the glued area of sticky notes,
preprinted replacement labels as shown in FIG. 8, press-apply vinyl
lettering and labels printed on self-apply address stickers.
[0076] FIG. 1G--Placing the multi-purpose box in storage: After
storage items (12) have been placed in the individual boxes (2),
the boxes may be placed in the cupboard or other storage area (3).
A consumer may also want to arrange the boxes alphabetically based
on the labels created. Next to any designated vertical spice
organizer boxes can be added boxes containing other cooking items,
such as liquid flavors, cake decorating equipment (see FIG. 1A), or
non-cooking items. Together vertically arranged boxes stored on a
shelf can be considered a set or system (1).
[0077] Removing the present invention from storage: When removing
the present invention from a shelf the consumer may simply grip the
individual box (2) (as shown in FIG. 1A), pull it forward while
supporting the bottom of the box with the other hand and lay it on
its back panel (11) on a flat surface (3). As an alternative,
especially for boxes that are stored on a high shelf, the consumer
may place a finger in the finger-pull hole (14) and pull the box
(2) forward from the storage area. When placed on a flat surface
(3) the door (4) can then be opened and all the needed stored items
(12) removed. Although the organizing boxes are easy to use and
save time in finding spices, removing all the spices needed at the
beginning of the cooking session may increase the time efficiency
even more.
[0078] System of restocking stored items: With the vertical spice
organizer clearly labeled on the label panel (8), the user could
expect to see all the spices (or other items) in that range or
category neatly in place in the vertical spice organizer. If an
item is missing the user could naturally assume that restocking of
the missing item is necessary. On the chance that the spice jar was
not replaced in the vertical spice organizer, it might be easily
found if all the other spices have been stored in their designated
places. With this system the ages-old mantra can be realized: a
place for everything (small) and everything (small) in its
place.
FIG. 2--Cardboard Box Blank with Construction Steps
[0079] FIG. 2A Substrate options: This Figure is a diagram of the
interior side of a flat cardboard blank that may be used as one of
the optional substrates for the present invention. Other substrates
options are illustrated in FIG. 3 and could include chipboard, tin,
plastic, aluminum, bamboo, wood or other sturdy but light-weight
material. The substrate used may change the specifics of the
construction, such as the style of door, hinge and closure used.
When constructed, the resulting box may be similar in size and
shape to the cardboard box illustrated here in order to fit in a
standard cupboard and hold a set of spices of three sizes most
commonly found in grocery stores. The substrate needs to give
adequate support to the stored items and to withstand reasonable
wear and tear. If made of cardboard, the panels and door can be
double thickness for greater strength. The door panel is
constructed of two layers of cardboard plus the plastic window
which prepares it for frequent handling. The size of the cardboard
space between the two windows is made sufficiently wide to support
a user's handgrip when hefting the box. Boxes made of paper or
cardboard will be gentle on the environment and biodegradable. The
blank cardboard material may have decorative graphics permanently
adhered to one or both sides before the blank is cut with a
specifically designed and manufactured die.
[0080] As an added advantage, the present invention, when
constructed of cardboard blanks, can be shipped in a knockdown form
and assembled or erected without the use of tools. The boxes may
also be made available to the consumer fully constructed.
[0081] Method of constructing a the present invention (2) using a
cardboard blank: Cardboard as a substrate is lightweight and
provides strength to the invention. The design of this invention
gives most of the box walls a double thickness. A cardboard blank
will be used as an example to discuss how the box is constructed.
In this diagram the interior side of the blank is in view and it is
presumed but not required that a plain white surface is upward
facing. Decorative elements created by printed lithographic paper
may be facing downward in this illustration. All folds occur along
dashed or scored lines (17). [0082] [1] To assemble and strengthen
the windowed-doors (4): The transparent plastic window pane (18) or
other transparent material may be glued to the door (4) at the
window glue area (19). The two interior window supports (20) may be
gently folded inwardly 90 degrees at the fold lines (17) and glued
to the interior side of the door panel (4) giving the door
additional strength. The transparent sheet (18) will be sandwiched
between the interior window supports (20) and the windowed-door
panel (4) creating a transparent window (21) through which the
contents of the vertical organizer box can be viewed. [0083] [2]
Finishing the door: The door's lift tab (22) is released only along
its curved edge from the door locking-flap (23). The door
locking-flap (23) is folded inwardly 45-degrees along the creased
lines (17). The reinforced door panel (4) is foldably attached to
the left side panel (7) along the hinge (6) area. The door (4) is
folded inwardly along the creased hinge line (6) to a 45-degree
position relative to the left side (7), which may also be called
the panel with label area (8). [0084] [3] Pre-folding to create the
wall corners: The four locking-tabs (24) can be folded upwardly at
a 45-degree angle relative to the back panel. The three locking-tab
flaps (25) may be folded upwardly at a 45-degree angle but should
not be locked in place yet. Continuing to pre-fold by folding along
the dotted lines each of the four narrow panels: the left side
panel (7), the right side panel (5), the top panel (27) and the
bottom panel (10) upwardly at a 45-degree angle relative to the
back panel. [0085] [4] Creating the top panel and its corners:
Next, the two locking-tabs (24T) at both ends of the top panel (27)
may be folded along the interior of the box toward the center (28)
of the top panel (27). While adroitly holding the locking-tabs
(24T) in place, fold over the locking-tab flap (25), which is
foldably attached to the top panel (27). Capture the locking-tabs
(24T) between the locking-tab flap (25) and the top panel (27) and
press the top panel (27) and locking-tab flap (25) together until
the two locking-tab extensions (29) engage in the two locking
notches (30). [0086] [5] Steps to create the bottom panel and its
corners: Using the same steps as needed to create the top panel and
its corners, the two locking-tabs (24B) may be folded on the scored
lines toward the center of the bottom panel (10). Again while
adroitly holding the locking-tabs (24B) in place, fold over the
locking-tab flap (25) which is foldably attached to the bottom
panel (10). Capture the locking-tabs (24B) between the locking-tab
flap (25) and the bottom panel (10) and press together until the
two locking-tab extensions (29) firmly engage in the two locking
notches, which are also called (30). [0087] [6] To form the right
panel (5) and complete the box interior: The locking tab flap (25)
foldably attached to the right side panel (5) is folded toward the
box interior (26), also called back panel (11), at a 90 degree
angle and the two locking tab extensions (29) are inserted securely
into the two locking notches (30). If needed, remove the plug from
the lift tab access hole (31). When the panel is folded and the
plug removed, the lift tab access hole may be half-moon in shape.
[0088] [7] Positioning the windowed-door panel (4): Once the walls
and well are formed, the door panel may be pivoted along the dotted
lines, which indicate the hinge (6) area, to cover and close the
entire well or interior (26) of the box. The door locking flap (23)
may be inserted in the space on the inside of the right side panel
(5). The lift tab (22), which attaches at the fold of the left
locking flap (23), may line up with the lift tab access hole (31)
on the right side panel (5). The purpose of the lift tab (22) and
lift tab access hole (31) are to provide a one-finger action to
raise the door (4) and open the box.
[0089] FIG. 2B is a perspective diagram of the constructed
organizer box, based on the folding and gluing instructions listed
in FIG. 2A. In a slightly different configuration of the cardboard
blank, the door flap (23) may be lapped outside the right side
panel (5) and held in place by Velcro, magnets or other fasteners.
The fastener must be strong enough to withstand years of service.
In this Illustration, the door flap (23) snaps securely in place
inside the right side panel (5).
FIG. 3--Other Vertical Box Structure, Substrate, Window and Closure
Options
[0090] Substrate Variations and distinctions: As explained in the
description for FIG. 2, other substrates in addition to cardboard
may be used, such as paperboard, plastic or tin, and the details
for the method of construction would vary accordingly. What may
distinguish all variations of the Spice Organizer and Multi-Purpose
Vertical Box from other boxes is a construction that allows the box
to rest securely on the bottom narrow panel without tipping, a
closing device that keeps the contents securely in place when
vertically stored, a method of labeling the contents of the box on
the viewable panels when stored, a means of holding in place and
supporting the products within, an attractive and durable exterior
that lends itself to grouping multiple boxes vertically, substrate
strength sufficient to hold a full contingency of glass spice jars
and a size that can accommodate a maximum number of spice jars in
the available space of typical kitchen shelves. Boxes may be
constructed in a narrow or wide version to more specifically store
individual items such as collections of narrow thread spools or
wide spice jars. (See examples of width variations in FIG. 4.)
[0091] Window panes: The boxes may have a variety of transparent
window pane configurations, or no pane. The number of panes is an
esthetic choice based on the substrate and graphics selected. A
paperboard box (FIGS. 3A and 3B) may have one or more panes. Panes
could be made of transparent plastic sheets, small uncovered slits
in the door, or even unusual materials such as nylon or wire
webbing (FIG. 3C). A tin box could have one large pane as in (FIG.
3D). A plastic box may be clear and not need a designated window
pane.
[0092] Hinge: The hinge (6), which connects the door panel (4) to
the labeled panel (7 or 8), as seen in FIG. 1B, can be achieved
through a number of means depending on the substrate and design
preferences. Some of the hinges that could be used are metal
hinges, tape, wire rings, ribbon and string. A living hinge could
be used when a box is made of a single substrate and the hinge is
achieved by bending or folding a connecting edge between the door
and the body of the box. Cardboard or plastic are substrates that
could use a living hinge.
[0093] Closure system: The door panel (4) may have a door locking
flap (23) to secure it in a closed position. The closure system may
include but is not limited to tucking in the flap inside the right
side panel (5) or overlapping the right side panel (5) with the
door flap (23), and securing it with a latch, magnets, Velcro,
elastic (FIG. 3F), ties, string (FIG. 3B), ribbons (FIG. 3E),
buckles (FIG. 3F) or other means to keep the door securely in
place. A plastic or tin box may have no flap but instead have a
metal latch as in (FIGS. 3C and 3D)
FIG. 4--Box Interior View with Variations of Size, Dividers and
Content
[0094] FIG. 4A is a perspective illustration of the interior of the
present invention, displaying spice jars in storage. The
off-centered divider shown here in the open boxes (FIGS. 4A, 4C,
4D, and 4F) are carefully engineered to maximize the use of space
when storing spices. The off-centered divider could also be an
optional part of the multi-purpose vertical box system to hold
items in place and create upper and lower-level storage spaces.
(The optional off-centered dividers are depicted in further detail
in FIG. 5.) The consumer also has the option of removing the
vertical section of the off-centered divider Dividers (as in FIG.
4C) or both sections of the off-centered divider (as in FIG. 4E)
and replacing them with a different style of divider, if needed for
various sizes and shapes of items, or to not uses dividers at all
in the box. (See samples of other types of dividers in FIGS. 6 and
7.)
[0095] Size: The present invention may be carefully engineered to
fit within a cupboard shelf and to function as a spice organizer. A
spice organizer may accommodate ten standard spice jars (36), with
five standard spice jars on a top row (32T) and five on a bottom
row (32B). The same size spice organizer (2) would be able to store
20 small jars (35) or a combination of both standard (36) and small
jars (35). A wide (34) spice organizer can hold four large spice
jars (37) in addition to a mix of standard and small jars. All
boxes can contain sufficient space to enclose the stored items and
to sit on a standard-depth shelf in a closed cupboard while
allowing sufficient box interior space for the consumer's fingers
to grip an item for removal from the box.
[0096] FIG. 4B illustrates a Short Spice Organizer box: The shorter
height may enable it to fit in narrow spaces between shelves in a
cupboard, a bookshelf, or other storage area. The box can be large
enough to accommodate small (35), standard (36) or large (37) spice
jars and yet be small enough to fit in a cupboard space that is not
adjustable.
[0097] FIGS. 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F show how the present invention can
be adapted to accommodate a wide variety of small items. The
illustrations also show that the Spice Organizer and Multi-Purpose
Vertical Storage Boxes can be made in a variety of sizes to more
precisely fit particular items, such as a narrow organizer box (33)
for thread (FIG. 4E) storage. People who quilt or otherwise have a
large collection of thread may want a set of library boxes into
which they organize the thread by color or type. A kitchen cupboard
can be organized and the space fully utilized by putting not only
spice jars in the Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing
Spice Jars and Other Small Items, but also small containers of
flavorings, colorings, cake decorating supplies, packages of soup
or drink mixes, etc.
FIG. 5: Cardboard Blanks for Creating an Off-Centered Divider
[0098] Spice Organizer and Multi-Purpose Vertical Storage Boxes (2)
may be divided into two or more compartments or cells by means of
different styles of optional dividers. The divider structure may be
integral with the container or a separate member as in the example
of the off-centered divider (16). An off-centered divider can be
designed to fit tightly within the Spice Organizer and
Multi-Purpose Vertical Boxes so that it adds additional strength to
the all the panels of the vertical storage boxes.
[0099] The two separate blanks (FIGS. 5A and 5C) of the
off-centered divider are cut from the same sheet of material, such
as cardboard in this example, but other substrates may be used.
[0100] FIG. 5A is a diagram of the larger blank that becomes the
back wall (38) and horizontal support shelf (39 and/or 15) of the
off-centered divider. The shelf (39) may be formed by folding the
upper half (39a) and lower half (39b) along the scored fold lines
(40) at a 90 degree angle with the backs together.
[0101] FIG. 5B shows the results of the actions described in FIG.
5A. The backs of (39a) and (39b) are folded together and protrude
at right angles from the back (38), forming a shelf (39 and/or
15).
[0102] FIG. 5C illustrates the second and smaller blank, which may
be used as a vertical support (43). To construct the vertical
support, fold the backs of the two sides together (42a and 42b)
along the scored folding line (41) at a 90 degree angle. The folded
blank is rotated as shown in FIG. 5D to become vertical. The
vertical portion (43) may be fitted into place on the horizontal
shelf (39) by inserting vertical member slot (44) into horizontal
shelf receiving slot (45). The joined pieces are illustrated in
FIG. 5E.
[0103] The formed divider (15) may be slipped into the well (26) of
the box (2), as seen in FIG. 5F, with the left side (46) of the
off-centered divider (15) touching the left box panel (8). The
right side (47) of the horizontal shelf (39) has a notch (48) that
provides a space for the door-locking flap (23) to be snugly tucked
inside the right side panel (5). The off-centered divider may be
used with the horizontal shelf (39) alone, creating an upper and
lower cell within the box, or it may be used with the addition of
the vertical portion (43) so that four cells are created. Other
dividers (such as those in FIG. 6) may result in different numbers
of cells.
[0104] When fully assembled and placed in the box, (as in FIG. 5F)
an off-centered divider (15), the back wall (38) provides a
reinforcing layer of support material to the back panel (11) and
the shelf (39) is held securely in place by the vertical divider
(43). If necessary, the vertical divider can be cut along the
dotted line at (49) to allow the top and bottom cells to be
adjusted in size independently to the right or to the left for
special stored items.
FIG. 6: Corner-Shaped Divider
[0105] FIG. 6 illustrates corner-shaped dividers. This diagram
illustrates another optional divider design called corner-shaped
dividers (50). These dividers can be used when additional
flexibility is needed when supporting and separating uniquely
shaped stored items. Corner-shaped dividers may be used exclusively
in Spice Organizers and Multi-Purpose Vertical Storage Boxes (2) or
in combination with other divider devices such as horizontal
shelves (51) or the off-centered divider (16). The corner-shaped
dividers (50) may be especially useful in dividing and holding in
place spools of thread in narrow boxes (as seen in FIGS. 4E and
6C). The dividers (50) may be made in a variety of sizes such as
long (52) or short (53) for thread or other products. The
corner-shaped dividers may be placed in the box (2) in a variety of
ways, such as on the short end (54) or long side (55) of the
divider and facing right (56) or left (57).
[0106] FIG. 6A describes a method of making the corner-shaped
divider. Each corner-shaped divider (50) may be created using a
small rectangular flat blank (FIG. 6A). The blank could be made of
a material similar to poster board or other suitably thin but
sturdy substrate. The blank sides are folded at a 45 degree angle
along the length (58) at the fold lines (59). The blank is then
folded at a 45 degree angle at the cross fold line (60). A short
cut (61) is made up to the fold mark on the length fold line (59).
The resulting cut would be about 1/3 the distance of the lengthwise
fold line (59). The cut (61) creates two resulting divider flaps
(62) which are folded inwardly and overlapped each other (63). The
tabs are glued, stapled, taped, self-locking or otherwise joined to
each other creating a three-sided support called a corner-shaped
divider (50).
[0107] FIG. 6B is a perspective drawing of corner-shaped dividers
(50) providing support to a variety of odd-shaped sample stored
items.
[0108] FIG. 6C shows details of using corner-shaped dividers to
organize and store thread spools and bobbins. In this Illustration,
separate horizontal shelf supports (51) may be made of sturdy paper
or plastic by cutting a rectangle the length of the box and, in the
case of heavy paper, folding it in half lengthwise. The number of
shelf supports needed would be determined by the number and sizes
of the rows of thread spools stored.
FIG. 7--Coordinating Companion Tray
[0109] FIG. 7A-A Coordinating Companion Tray (64) may provide
additional cupboard organization and storage for items that are
large, odd-shaped or otherwise cannot fit in a Spice Organizer and
Multi-Purpose Vertical Storage Box (2). The tray (64) could have
cover graphics (65) that coordinate with the Vertical Box System
for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars and Other Small Items (1) and
give a pleasing orderliness to larger storage items. Examples of
groupings that could be put into trays are boxes of cake mixes,
boxes of puddings, cooking ingredients such as salt, soda and
baking soda, etc. The Tray may be open, without a lid to give
immediate access to the well (66). The tray may have a finger-pull
hole (14) to help the user pull the tray forward from the shelf
(3). The ability to pull the tray forward makes items in the back
of the cupboard easier to retrieve. The tray could be made of
cardboard or other substrate and have reinforced walls. Each wall
may have a folded upper edge (67) which gives a finished look. A
label area (9) on which to write the contents of the tray may be
provided or affixed by the consumer.
[0110] FIG. 7B--The construction of a coordinating companion tray
may proceed as follows: Fold the four locking-tab flaps (25) inward
at a 45-degree angle but do not lock them in place yet. Fold the
back panel (77), the right side panel (5), the left side panel (7)
and the front panel (68) upward at a 45-degree angle. Fold the four
locking-tabs (24) up at a 45-degree angle. Adroitly hold
locking-tabs (24R) against the inside portion of the right side
panel (5) and bring down the locking-tab flaps (25) to cover the
tabs (24R). Push the two locking-tab extensions (29) into the two
locking-notches (30). Repeat the procedure on the left side of the
box by adroitly holding the locking tabs (24L) against the left
side panel (8) while bringing down the locking tab flaps (25) to
cover the locking tabs (24L). Push the two locking tab extensions
(29) into the two locking notches (30) on the left side.
FIG. 8--Vertical Storage System Accessories
[0111] FIG. 8A--Illustrates sheets of decorative label stickers
(70) that can fit on the label panel (8) of the Organizer and
Multi-Purpose Vertical Storage System Boxes (2). The Stickers may
contain adhesive on the non-decorated side with a protective
removable covering. A sticker could be applied as in FIG. 8B by
carefully positioning the sticker over the end panel and smoothing
from the bottom up.
[0112] FIG. 8C--Small plastic zip bags of various sizes can be
supplied for consumers who wish to organize jewelry, beads or other
very small items in the Vertical Box System for Organizing and
Storing Spice Jars and Other Small Items.
[0113] While the invention is described in conjunction with
illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the present patent specification as a
whole.
ELEMENTS
[0114] 1. Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars
and Other Small Items [0115] 2. Individual Spice Organizer and
Multi-Purpose Vertical Storage box [0116] 3. Flat surface, such as
a shelf or table [0117] 4. Door panel [0118] 5. Right panel [0119]
6. Door hinge [0120] 7. Left panel [0121] 8. Panel or spine with
label area [0122] 9. Label area [0123] 10. Bottom panel [0124] 11.
Back panel [0125] 12. Stored item [0126] 13. Spice jars [0127] 14.
Finger-pull hole [0128] 15. Horizontal support shelf (also #29)
[0129] 16. Off-centered dividers [0130] 17. folding edge (all
dashed lines) [0131] 18. window pane, transparent [0132] 19. window
glue area [0133] 20. window support, interior [0134] 21. window
opening [0135] 22. door's lift-tab [0136] 23. door locking-flap
[0137] 24. locking-tabs (Top & Bottom) [0138] 25. locking-tab
flap [0139] 26. box interior [0140] 27. top panel [0141] 28. Center
of the top panel [0142] 29. Locking-tab extension [0143] 30.
Locking-notch [0144] 31. lift tab access hole [0145] 32. Top row
(32T), Bottom row (32B) [0146] 33. Narrow organizer box [0147] 34.
Wide organizer box [0148] 35. Small spice jars [0149] 36. Standard
spice jars [0150] 37. Large spice jars [0151] 38. Off-centered
divider back wall [0152] 39. (a&b) Horizontal support shelf
(also #15) [0153] 40. Scored fold lines [0154] 41. Scored fold
lines [0155] 42. (a&b) Sides of the vertical member of an
off-centered divider [0156] 43. Vertical member of an off-centered
divider [0157] 44. Vertical member Slot [0158] 45. Horizontal shelf
receiving Slot [0159] 46. Left side of the off-centered divider
[0160] 47. Right side of the off-centered divider [0161] 48. Notch
on the off-centered divider [0162] 49. Cut line [0163] 50.
Corner-shaped dividers [0164] 51. Horizontal shelves [0165] 52.
Long corner-shaped dividers [0166] 53. Short corner-shaped dividers
[0167] 54. Short end of corner-shaped dividers [0168] 55. Long side
corner-shaped dividers [0169] 56. Facing right [0170] 57. Facing
left [0171] 58. Length of the corner-shaped dividers [0172] 59.
Length Fold lines [0173] 60. Cross Fold lines [0174] 61. Short cut
[0175] 62. Corner-shaped divider flaps [0176] 63. Overlapped
corner-shaped divider flaps [0177] 64. Coordinating Companion Tray
[0178] 65. Coordinated graphic cover [0179] 66. Well or interior of
the Tray [0180] 67. Folded upper edge [0181] 68. Front panel [0182]
69. Back panel [0183] 70. Replacement stickers for the label panel
[0184] 71. Plastic zip bags to organize beads, jewelry or other
very small items.
* * * * *