U.S. patent application number 13/767863 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for container for transport and storage of condiments.
The applicant listed for this patent is Holly Suzanne McWhorter, Bjarke Ballisager Nielsen. Invention is credited to Holly Suzanne McWhorter, Bjarke Ballisager Nielsen.
Application Number | 20140224757 13/767863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51296762 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140224757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McWhorter; Holly Suzanne ;
et al. |
August 14, 2014 |
CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF CONDIMENTS
Abstract
The present invention is a kit, comprising of numerous
pre-fabricated stacking jars screwed together into a single unit,
for the compact and organized transport of herbs, spices and other
condiments in both as-sold and consumer-chosen numbers and
combinations, making new use of pre-fabricated containers that are
already available on the consumer market but that are made for and
until now used only for the storage and transport of cosmetics.
Inventors: |
McWhorter; Holly Suzanne;
(Brooklyn, NY) ; Nielsen; Bjarke Ballisager;
(Brooklyn, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McWhorter; Holly Suzanne
Nielsen; Bjarke Ballisager |
Brooklyn
Brooklyn |
NY
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51296762 |
Appl. No.: |
13/767863 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/10 ;
53/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/0228
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/10 ;
53/467 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; B65B 7/28 20060101 B65B007/28 |
Claims
1. A storage system comprising: a plurality of jars, each jar
further comprising; an upper portion, the upper portion further
comprising a male thread pattern; and a lower portion, the lower
portion further comprising a female thread pattern such that the
plurality of jars can be joined together by engaging the male
thread pattern with the female thread pattern.
2. The storage system of claim 1 further comprising a bottom jar
which lacks the female thread pattern.
3. The storage system of claim 1 further comprising a lid adapted
to cover the upper portion of at least one of the plurality of
jars.
4. A storage receptacle formed by joining the plurality of jars
described in claim 1 by engaging the male thread pattern at the
upper portion of a jar with the female thread pattern at the lower
portion of a jar such that a top jar is present with an exposed
male thread pattern which is covered with a lid.
5. The storage system of claim 1 where the plurality of jars are
made of plastic.
6. The storage system of claim 1 where the plurality of jars are
made of glass.
7. The storage system of claim 1 where the plurality of jars are
made of metal.
8. The storage system of claim 3 where the lid snaps over the upper
portion of the jar.
9. The storage system of claim 3 where the lid engages the male
thread pattern at the upper portion of the jar.
10. A storage system comprising a plurality of interlocking jars,
each interlocking jar further comprising: An upper portion further
comprising an outside surface where the outside surface is further
comprised of a thread pattern; A bottom surface; A flange extending
below the bottom surface, the flange further comprising an inside
surface where the inside surface of the flange is further comprised
of a complementary thread pattern capable of engaging the thread
pattern on the outside surface of the upper portion of another
interlocking jar; and At least one lid capable of engaging the
thread pattern on the outside surface of the upper portion of an
interlocking jar.
11. The storage system of claim 10 where the plurality of jars are
made of plastic.
12. The storage system of claim 10 where the plurality of jars are
made of glass.
13. The storage system of claim 10 where the plurality of jars are
made of metal.
14. A method for storing condiments comprising: selecting at least
one condiment for storage; placing an amount of the at least one
condiment into at least 2 of the jars described in claim 1;
engaging the male thread pattern at the top portion of one of the
jars with the female thread pattern at the bottom portion of
another jar; and covering the remaining top portion of the jar with
a lid.
15. A method comprising providing a user with the storage system of
claim 1 and allowing the user to store items with the system.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of providing
the at least one user with instructions on how to use the system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Provisional patent application 61598386, filed Feb. 14,
2012.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] The present invention is in the technical field of food
storage and transportation.
[0006] More particularly, the present invention is in the technical
field of condiment storage and condiment transport.
[0007] Even more particularly, the present invention is in the
field of transportation and storage of condiments when storage
space is limited, or there is a need to keep the weight and size of
condiments as small as possible for travel.
[0008] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0009] Many people who like to cook, as well as those who may not
like to cook but are simply very picky about how their food is
seasoned, like to be able to carry multiple herbs, spices and other
condiments with them when they travel--to vacation homes, friends'
houses, guesthouses with kitchens, and on camping trips. However,
because many people prefer to carry as little luggage as possible
when traveling, and to keep said luggage light, it is desirable to
carry smaller amounts of these condiments with them than the
amounts in which they are typically sold. Few people want to carry
numerous full-size condiment jars with them in a carry-on suitcase
for a trip of only a few days, but they may still want to carry
several different condiments. In addition, even if they choose to
put the condiments into smaller containers, these are difficult to
organize, which complicates not only the packing process but the
cooking one as well.
[0010] It is also desirable to be able to carry only the condiments
that are needed, and for this reason the ideal system for transport
would allow the individual condiment containers to be separable and
able to be combined in any number or combination without losing
organization or adding excess size and weight.
[0011] Many people like to have multiple herbs, spices and other
condiments on hand even when they are not traveling, but need to be
able to store them in a very small space--for example an office
drawer, small storage unit in a dorm room, overpacked cabinet or
crowded countertop in a small kitchen.
[0012] Various products intended for the compact storage and
compact, lightweight transport of herbs, spices and other
condiments are presently available for consumer purchase, but they
all have defects that make them less than ideal for the task. A kit
that is available at many camping stores holds a variety of herbs
and spices, but the containers are difficult to open, and the holes
(for shaking) in the lids are of a size that the herbs and spices
don't come out easily. Many people have found it so difficult and
inconvenient to use that they have not used the spices within it
even if they were carrying it for that express purpose. Another
problem with this kit is that it offers only a fixed quantity of
containers for condiments, making it necessary to carry the whole
kit, whether that number of condiments or fewer (or more) is
actually required.
[0013] Another type of travel condiment kit that is popular right
now has the problem of having a thin metal case that is easily
dented, glass windows in the lids of each pot that can break and
contaminate the pot's contents with shattered glass, and a tendency
to leak spices whenever the kit is inverted or shaken.
[0014] Other products being marketed as "travel spice kits" are
actually large and cumbersome, with unnecessarily large containers;
or feature only a very limited selection of condiments that do not
meet the needs of even the average cooking or seasoning fan.
[0015] Therefore, what is needed is a system for the transport and
compact storage of condiments that is durable, light-weight,
inherently organized, and easily customizable to accommodate the
use of whatever number and combination of condiments are
desired.
[0016] In the past, a number of devices which contain condiments
and offer some portability have been proposed. A search of the
patent literature has uncovered the following related US-issued
patents:
[0017] No. 20020148363 U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,670 U.S. Pat. No.
6,349,820 No. 20070181600 No. D525488
[0018] No. D654322
[0019] Frommer Cozzie Kelley Ben-Shlomo McWhorter Stuiber et al
[0020] October, 2002 September 1997 February 2002 February 2006
July 2006 January 2012
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention is a kit, comprising of numerous
pre-fabricated stacking jars screwed together into a single unit,
for the compact and organized transport of herbs, spices and other
condiments in both as-sold and consumer-chosen numbers and
combinations, making new use of pre-fabricated containers that are
already available on the consumer market but that are made for and
until now used only for the storage and transport of cosmetics.
[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
lightweight, durable, organized and compact method for the
transport of herbs, spices and other condiments in both provided
and customizable numbers and combinations.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
way to transport separate condiments in such a way that they are
bound together into a single, solid unit, while kept completely
separate from one another within that unit.
[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved way for people to store herbs, spices and other condiments
than typical spice and condiment jars currently provide, in a
fashion that requires little space but simultaneously offers a wide
range of condiment options, in kitchens, dorms, offices and/or
other places that often have very limited storage space.
[0025] These and other objectives are achieved in the present
invention through the use of existing, pre-fabricated plastic jars
that are well known for another, non-food-related use; and
instruction in the new use via the demonstration inherent in the
new invention's existence and presence on the consumer market.
[0026] The features that make this invention new in comparison to
other existing artwork meant for the same purpose are its light
weight, its high resistance to denting or breakage, its ability to
be customized (by the addition, removal, and/or reorganization of
the individual containers within the stack), its ease of use, and
its inherent organization by way of the containers being able to be
screwed firmly together into a single unit. These features,
inherent in these containers, have been prized within the cosmetics
industry for use with cosmetics, but until now have not been
available or presented for use with herbs, spices or other
condiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention, shown with
different condiments inside it;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention, shown
without a lid and without condiments inside it;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view of three interlocking components of
the invention, specifically three body jars, showing their
threading at top and bottom,
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view of a lid from the present invention,
showing its interior threading;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view of a base jar from the present
invention, showing the threading at its top;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention fully
assembled and filled with condiments, inside a shoulder bag as
might be used for travel, shown alongside other cooking utensils;
and
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention fully
assembled and shown in a kitchen context, illustrating its ability
to contain condiments in a compact fashion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIGS. 1, 6
and 7 there is shown the primary embodiment of the present
invention: a stack of interlocking clear plastic jars 10, shown
here each containing one condiment, screwed together into a single
unit with a lid 12 on the top body jar 14. Each body jar 14 has
screw threads 20 at its bottom and top. At the bottom of the stack
is a base jar 16, which has screw threads 20 only at its top. At
the top of the stack is a lid 12 with screw threads 20 inside it.
Shown inside the stack 10 are various condiments 18.
[0035] In still more detail, still referring to the invention of
FIG. 1, the stack 10 as shown contains the condiments 18 in a
secure, compact and organized fashion by way of the jars being
screwed together into a single unit. Each body jar 14 comprises the
lid of the body jar 14 below it, by way of screwing onto the top of
that jar with screw threads 20. The base jar 16 has screw threads
20 only at its top, onto which the body jar 14 above it screws. The
top body jar 14 is closed with a lid 12, whose screw threads 20 fit
its own screw threads 20.
[0036] Still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, the stack 10 as
shown is of a size of 9 inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter,
making it small enough to fit comfortably into a small bag of a
kind most often used for travel, and small enough to fit into even
the smallest of kitchens.
[0037] The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 1
are that the components of stack 10 may be made of rigid,
high-strength polystyrene (PS) plastic or any other rigid,
high-strength plastic such as polyethelene (PET) and the like.
Further, the components of stack 10 may be made in any size that is
convenient to prospective users for either the transportation or
storage of condiments. Smaller sizes are most convenient for
travel, and bigger ones are sometimes desirable for stationary
kitchen use. Even further, the components of stack 10 may be made
of either clear (translucent), semi-opaque or opaque plastic.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows another stack 11 of body jars 14 and a base jar
16, without any condiments 18 inside it, and without lid 12,
showing the threads 20 at the top of each body jar 14.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a smaller stack 13 of body jars 14, seen
without a base jar 16 or a lid 12.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a lid 12 on its own, with its screw threads 20
visible.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a base jar 16, with screw threads 20
visible.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows a stack 10, containing condiments 18, fitting
easily inside a 12-inch-wide shoulder bag 22 along-side other
cooking instruments 24 that a cooking enthusiast might often travel
with.
[0043] FIG. 7 shows stack 10 in the context of a kitchen 26 where
other cooking instruments 24 are stored in a space-efficient
fashion, illustrating how stack 10 is able to contain several
condiments 18 within a very small space.
[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, a storage system is
provided comprising a plurality of interlocking jars. Each jar may
further comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper
portion of each jar will have a thread pattern adapted to engage
the thread pattern at the bottom portion of another jar. For
example, in an embodiment, the upper portion of each jar will have
a male thread pattern and the bottom portion of each jar will have
a female thread pattern. When a plurality of jars are locked
together using the threads, there will be a top jar where the
upper-portion of the top jar remains uncoupled to any other jar. It
may be desirable to have a lid to cover the top jar so that
whatever is stored in the top jar will not spill out. The invention
contemplates a lid that will screw on by engaging the thread
pattern at the upper portion of the top jar. The lid may also snap
over the upper portion of the top jar. It may also be desirable to
provide a bottom jar that lacks the thread pattern so that the
interlocked jars have a more refined appearance. When so engaged
the interlocking jars form a storage receptacle capable of storing
a variety of substances. The jars may be made from any suitable
material including plastic, glass, metal and the like.
[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, a storage system is
provided comprising a plurality of interlocking jars. Each
interlocking jar may further comprise an upper portion further
comprising an outside surface where the outside surface is further
comprised of a thread pattern. Each jar will also have a bottom,
with a bottom surface. A flange extending below the bottom surface
will further comprise an inside surface where the inside surface is
further comprised of a thread pattern complementary to the thread
pattern on the outside surface of the upper portion of the jar,
capable of engaging the thread pattern on the outside surface of
the upper portion of another interlocking jar The invention
contemplates providing at least one lid capable of engaging the
thread pattern on the outside surface of the upper portion of an
interlocking jar. It may also be desirable to provide a bottom jar
that lacks the thread pattern so that the interlocked jars have a
more refined appearance. When so engaged the interlocking jars form
a storage receptacle capable of storing a variety of substances.
The jars may be made from any suitable material including plastic,
glass, metal and the like.
[0046] In another embodiment, the invention is a method for storing
substances, particularly condiments, comprising the steps of
selecting at least one condiment for storage, placing an amount of
the at least one condiment into at least 2 of the jars described
above, engaging the male thread pattern at the top portion of one
of the jars with the female thread pattern at the bottom portion of
another jar; and covering the remaining top portion of the jar with
a lid. When marketing to consumers, instructions may be provided to
the customer so they know how to use the system.
[0047] The term condiment as used should be construed broadly to
include spices, herbs, mixtures thereof, classic condiments, or any
other small quantity of foodstuffs.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0048] The advantages of the present invention include, without
limitation, that is contains numerous condiments within a single,
solid item, offering improved organization than a collection of
separate condiments containers; that it allows the condiments it
contains to be stored in a stacked, upright manner, which allows
the collection of them to take up a much smaller amount of
horizontal space than a collection of separate, un-stackable
containers; that it can be made of components small enough to allow
an assembled stack to remain very light in weight and small in
size, making it ideal for travel--or large enough to replace the
usual separate jars of herbs and spices seen in a typical kitchen;
that the components screw together tightly enough and are
manufactured in such a way and of such a materials that the total
stack is resistant to liquids and humidity; that it is durable
enough to withstand light impact such as it might sustain in a
travel bag or crowded kitchen; that the translucency of its
materials allows the condiments inside to be readily seen, even
while they are protected; and that the components screw together
sufficiently tightly enough that spillage of the condiments in
transit is extremely unlikely.
[0049] While the foregoing written description of the invention
enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered
presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will
understand and appreciate the existence of variations,
combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method,
and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited
by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all
embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *