U.S. patent application number 14/861653 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-23 for nesting bowl.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZAK DESIGNS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Wade Maple. Invention is credited to Wade Maple.
Application Number | 20170081078 14/861653 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58276629 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170081078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maple; Wade |
March 23, 2017 |
Nesting Bowl
Abstract
A nesting bowl is described and which, when used in combination
with other nesting bowls of a similar design, permits a user to
remove a smaller nesting bowl from the internal cavity of a larger
nesting bowl by exerting a downwardly directed force on the
circumscribing flange of the innermost nesting bowl so as to cause
the innermost nesting bowl to assume an elevated, and angulated
orientation which allows the innermost nesting bowl to be easily
removed, by hand, without contaminating the internal cavity of the
smaller nesting bowl.
Inventors: |
Maple; Wade; (Spokane,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Maple; Wade |
Spokane |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ZAK DESIGNS, INC.
Spokane
WA
|
Family ID: |
58276629 |
Appl. No.: |
14/861653 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/23 20130101;
A47G 19/02 20130101; A47J 43/0727 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; A47G 19/02 20060101 A47G019/02 |
Claims
1. A nesting bowl, comprising: main body which has a top peripheral
edge, and an interior facing surface which defines an internal
cavity and which further has a given shape and size, and wherein
the main body has a circumscribing flange which is made integral
with the top, peripheral edge, and which extends laterally
outwardly therefrom, and wherein an annular channel having variable
dimensions is defined by the interior facing surface, and which is
located near the top, peripheral edge thereof, and wherein the main
body of the nesting bowl matingly cooperates with a second nesting
bowl which has similar features, and which is either of a greater
or lesser size than the first mentioned nesting bowl, and wherein
the first mentioned nesting bowl, and the second nesting bowl, when
disposed in a nested relationship are oriented so that the
circumscribing flange of each are oriented in a coplanar
orientation, one relative to the other, and wherein an application
of a downwardly directed force to the circumscribing flange of a
smaller, innermost oriented nesting bowl is effective in moving the
circumscribing flange of the innermost oriented and smaller-sized
nesting bowl into an elevated, angular orientation relative to an
outermost oriented, and larger-sized nesting bowl so as to assist
in the removal of the innermost oriented, and smaller-sized nesting
bowl from the outermost oriented, and larger-sized nesting
bowl.
2. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the main body
is generally semi-hemispherical in shape, and the circumscribing
flange extends substantially radially, outwardly, with respect to
the top peripheral edge thereof, and wherein the circumscribing
flange has a predetermined diametral dimension which allows the
nesting bowl to be received in a nesting relationship within the
internal cavity of another, larger-sized nesting bowl.
3. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the annular
channel of the larger-sized nesting bowl is dimensioned to
matingly, and operably cooperate with the circumscribing flange of
the second, smaller-sized, nesting bowl, and which is inwardly
oriented relative thereto, and matingly received within the
internal cavity of the larger-sized nesting bowl.
4. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the annular
channel has a substantially uniform depth dimension, and a variable
width dimension when measured along a length dimension of the
annular channel.
5. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the top
peripheral edge is circular in shape, and the main body has
opposite sides, and wherein the annular channel has a maximum width
dimension which is oriented in predetermined locations which are on
the opposite sides of the main body, and wherein the annular
channel has a minimum width dimension which is oriented in
predetermined locations which are on opposite sides of the main
body, and which are further oriented at locations which are about
90 degrees offset from the locations which have the maximum width
dimension.
6. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 5, and wherein an inside
diametral dimension of the main body of the larger-sized nesting
bowl, when measured in the region of the annular channel thereof,
is greater than an outside diametral dimension of the
circumscribing flange of the smaller-sized nesting bowl, and which
is oriented inwardly relative thereto, and which is further
matingly received within the internal cavity of the outermost
oriented, and larger-sized nesting bowl.
7. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 6, and wherein, a visibly
discernible indicia is oriented on the circumscribing flange of the
respective nesting bowls, and is oriented adjacent to the location
of the annular channel of the respective nesting bowl, and which
has the maximum width dimension, and wherein the downwardly
directed force is applied on the circumscribing flange of the
smaller-sized, innermost located nesting bowl at a location which
is adjacent to the visibly discernible indicia of the immediately
outermost and larger-sized nesting bowl, and is effective in
rocking the smaller-sized nesting bowl into the angular orientation
so as to facilitate the easy removal of the smaller-sized nesting
bowl from the internal cavity of the immediately outermost, and
larger-sized nesting bowl.
8. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the
circumscribing flange of the respective nesting bowls have a top,
and an opposite, bottom surface, and wherein the bottom surface of
the circumscribing flange of the smaller-sized, innermost located
nesting bowl, rests in contact with the location of the annular
channel of the outermost located and larger-sized nesting bowl, and
which has the minimum width dimension, and wherein the downwardly
directed force rocks the innermost and smaller-sized nesting bowl
about the minimum width location of the annular channel of the
outermost oriented and larger-sized nesting bowl.
9. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 8, and wherein each of the
innermost and outermost oriented nesting bowls have an exterior
facing surface which defines a bottom surface, and which further
supports the respective nesting bowls on an adjacent, supporting
surface, and wherein the bottom surface of the innermost and
smaller-sized nesting bowl is spaced from the interior facing
surface of the outermost, and larger-sized nesting bowl when the
respective nesting bowls are nested together, and the respective
circumscribing flanges are disposed in a coplanar orientation, one
relative to the other.
10. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 9, and wherein the width
dimension of the annular channel gradually diminishes when measured
in a direction extending from the location having the greatest
width dimension, to the location which has the minimum width
dimension.
11. A nesting bowl, comprising: a main body defined by an exterior
facing surface, and an opposite, interior facing surface, and
wherein the exterior facing surface of the main body defines a base
portion which is operable to support the main body of the nesting
bowl in a predetermined orientation on an underlying supporting
surface, and which further has top, peripheral edge, and wherein
the main body further has a circumscribing flange which is disposed
in spaced relation relative to the base portion, and which is
further disposed in a substantially coplanar orientation relative
to the top, peripheral edge, and wherein the interior facing
surface of the main body defines an internal cavity having a given
volume, and shape, and wherein an annular channel is formed in the
interior facing surface of the main body, and is further located in
juxtaposed relation relative to the circumscribing flange, and the
top peripheral edge, and wherein the annular channel is dimensioned
to matingly, and operably cooperate with a circumscribing flange of
a second, and smaller nesting bowl, and which is matingly nested
within the internal cavity of the main body.
12. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 11, and wherein the main
body of the first mentioned nesting bowl has a substantially
circular cross-section, and the exterior facing surface has a
generally semi-hemispherical shape, and wherein the circumscribing
flange extends substantially radially, outwardly, relative to the
main body of the first mentioned nesting bowl, and the top,
peripheral edge thereof, and wherein the annular channel has a
substantially uniform depth dimension, and a variable width
dimension when measured along a length dimension of the annular
channel.
13. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 12, and wherein the top
peripheral edge is circular, and the main body has opposite sides,
and wherein the annular channel has a maximum width dimension which
is oriented in predetermined locations which are on opposite sides
of the main body, and wherein the annular channel has a minimum
width dimension which is oriented in predetermined locations which
are on opposite sides of the main body and which are further
oriented at locations which are about 90 degrees offset from the
locations having the maximum width dimension.
14. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 13, and wherein an inside
diametral dimension of the main body of the first mentioned nesting
bowl, when measured in the region of the annular channel, is
greater than an outside diametral dimension of a circumscribing
flange of the smaller nesting bowl, and wherein the smaller nesting
bowl when received in the internal cavity of the nesting bowl is
located in an orientation where the flange of the smaller nesting
bowl is located in a coplanar orientation relative to the flange of
the first mentioned nesting bowl.
15. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 14, and wherein a visibly
discernible indicia is oriented on the circumscribing flange of the
first mentioned nesting bowl, and is oriented adjacent to the
location of the annular channel of the first mentioned nesting
bowl, and which has the maximum width dimension, and wherein a
downwardly directed force applied on the circumscribing flange of
the smaller nesting bowl, in a location which is adjacent to the
visibly discernible indicia, is effective in rocking the smaller
nesting bowl into an orientation where the circumscribing flange of
the smaller nesting bowl moves from a coplanar orientation relative
to the circumscribing flange of the first mentioned and outwardly
oriented nesting bowl, to an elevated, angular orientation, and
which permits the easy removal of the smaller nesting bowl from the
internal cavity of the first mentioned and outwardly oriented
nesting bowl.
16. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the smaller
nesting bowl has an interior facing surface, and a top peripheral
edge, and wherein the circumscribing flange of the smaller nesting
bowl extends radially, outwardly relative to the top peripheral
edge thereof, and wherein the smaller nesting bowl has an annular
channel formed in the interior facing surface, and which is located
near the top, peripheral edge, and which further has a
substantially uniform depth dimension, and a variable width
dimension when measured along a length dimension of the annular
channel, and wherein a visibly discernible indicia is oriented on
the circumscribing flange of the smaller nesting bowl, and is
further located adjacent to the location of the annular channel of
the smaller nesting bowl and which has the greatest width
dimension.
17. A nesting bowl as claimed in claim 16, and wherein the width
dimension of the annular channel gradually diminishes when measured
in a direction extending from the location having the greatest
width dimension, to the location which has the minimum width
dimension.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a nesting bowl utilized in
a set of nesting bowls, and which provides novel advantages by
permitting the removal of individual nesting bowls from a nested,
stacked configuration in a manner not possible, heretofore.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various designs of nesting bowls have been fabricated and
sold through the years. Sets of nesting bowls provide many
advantages for chefs, and every day cooks because these sets of
nesting bowls, in their stacked and stored configuration, provide a
range of bowl sizes which can facilitate the preparation of a meal,
and which further minimizes the amount of space for storing such a
range of bowl sizes in a kitchen or other cooking environment.
[0003] Typically, when a set of nesting bowls are stored, it is
often difficult to remove smaller-sized nesting bowls from the
stored, and nested configuration without placing one's hand within
the smaller-sized nesting bowl in order to facilitate its removal.
The prior art nesting bowls, and the typical means for removing a
smaller-sized nesting bowls, are seen in FIGS. 1 and 2,
respectively. One of the chief disadvantages of the aforementioned
nesting bowl sets is what is illustrated in FIG. 2, and where, to
remove a smaller-sized nesting bowl, an individual, by necessity,
must place their finger or entire hand within the inside cavity of
the smaller nesting bowl in order to remove same. This is
undesirable for a number of different reasons. Chief among the
problems associated with this action is that germs and other food
particles may inadvertently be placed inside the internal cavity of
the removed, smaller-sized nesting bowl thus requiring that the
chef, or cook, wash the internal cavity of the nesting bowl, again,
in order to remove any food debris or contamination that may have
been inadvertently introduced into the internal cavity thereof.
[0004] While most chefs, and other cooks recognize that this
contamination sometimes occurs. Oftentimes, in the rush to complete
the preparation of a meal, or a given course during a meal, this
second washing or cleaning of the internal cavity of a removed
nesting bowl often is overlooked, or ignored. This is undesirable,
inasmuch as contamination in the form of germs; and other food
debris, and which might possibly cause an adverse allergic reaction
for an individual consuming the meal, Obviously these problems
should be avoided if at all possible.
[0005] A nesting bowl, and nesting bowl combination which avoids
the problems associated with the prior art, and the practices
associated with the prior art nesting bowls that have been
utilized, heretofore, is the subject matter of the present patent
application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a nesting
bowl having a main body which has a top peripheral edge, and an
interior facing surface which defines an internal cavity, and which
further has a given shape and size, The main body has a
circumscribing flange which is made integral with the top,
peripheral edge, and which further extends laterally outwardly
therefrom. An annular channel having variable dimensions is defined
by the interior facing surface, and which is located near the top,
peripheral edge thereof, and wherein the main body of the nesting
bowl matingly cooperates with a second nesting bowl which has
similar features, and which is either of a greater or lesser size
than the first mentioned nesting bowl. The first mentioned nesting
bowl, and the second nesting bowl, when disposed in a nested
relationship, are located so that the circumscribing flange of each
are oriented in a coplanar orientation, one relative to the other.
An application of a downwardly directed force to the circumscribing
flange of a smaller, innermost oriented nesting bowl is effective
in moving the circumscribing flange of the innermost oriented, and
smaller-sized nesting bowl, into an elevated, angular orientation
relative to an outermost oriented, and larger-sized nesting bowl so
as to assist in the removal of the innermost oriented, and
smaller-sized nesting bowl from the outermost oriented, and
larger-sized nesting bowl.
[0007] Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a
nesting bowl which includes a main body defined by an exterior
facing surface, and an opposite, interior facing surface, and
wherein the exterior facing surface of the main body defines a base
portion which is operable to support the main body of the nesting
bowl in a predetermined orientation on an underlying supporting
surface, and which further has a top, peripheral edge, and wherein
the main body further has a circumscribing flange which is disposed
in spaced relation relative to the base portion, and which is
further disposed in a substantially coplanar orientation relative
to the top, peripheral edge, and wherein the interior facing
surface of the main body defines an internal cavity having a given
volume, and shape, and wherein an annular channel is formed in the
interior facing surface of the main body, and is further located in
juxtaposed relation relative to the circumscribing flange, and the
top peripheral edge, and wherein the annular channel is dimensioned
to matingly, and operably cooperate with a circumscribing flange of
a second, and smaller nesting bowl, and which is matingly nested
within the internal cavity of the main body.
[0008] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
discussed in greater detail hereinafter,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a typical, prior
art nesting bowl combination which has been utilized,
heretofore.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art nesting bowl
combination, and showing a user's hand inserted, at least in part,
within the internal cavity of a smaller-sized nesting bowl in order
to remove it from a stacked, nesting bowl combination.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded, side elevation view of a
nesting bowl, and nesting bowl combination of the present
invention,
[0012] FIG. 4 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of a
nesting bowl of the present invention and which is taken from a
position along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective, side elevation view of the nesting
bowl of the present invention, and which shows a user removing a
nested, smaller dimensioned nesting bowl from a stacked
configuration in a manner not possible heretofore.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance
of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote
the progress of science in useful arts" [Article 1, .sctn.8].
[0015] The nesting bowl and nesting bowl combination of the present
invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 3 and
5, respectively. It should be understood that nesting bowls of
various designs have been sold and utilized for many years. A prior
art nesting bowl arrangement is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2,
respectively. In this regard, the prior art nesting bowl
combination 11 is formed of a smaller-sized nesting bowl 12; a pair
of intermediate-sized nesting bowls 13; and a large-sized nesting
bowl 14. The respective prior art nesting bowls each have a main
body 15 which is generally semi-hemispherical in shape. Still
further, each of the prior art nesting bowls 11 have a
circumscribing flange 16, and further defines an internal cavity 17
which is conformably shaped so as to allow the nesting of a
smaller-sized nesting bowl within the internal cavity 17 thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 2, and when the prior art nesting bowl
combination 11 is properly stored, the respective individual
nesting bowls 11 are arranged, as illustrated, for easy storage.
However, and as noted earlier in this patent application, to remove
a smaller-sized nesting bowl from a stored, and nested
configuration, a user 18 must insert their hand into the internal
cavity 17 of one of the nesting bowls 11 so as to effect its
removal. By doing this, the user 18, contaminates the internal
cavity 17 with either germs, food debris, or both. This of course
necessitates the cleaning of the removed nesting bowl 11 in order
to remove the germs and food debris before further cooking can
continue. Otherwise the prepared meal could be adversely
contaminated.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 3, the nesting bowls of the present
invention are generally indicated by the numeral 10, and include a
larger-sized nesting bowl 20, and a corresponding smaller-sized
nesting bowl 21 which is operable to nest within same, While only
two bowls are shown, it will be understood that both larger and
smaller sized nesting bowls can also be provided. In this regard,
the nesting bowl 10 of the present invention will be described,
hereinafter, by referring to the same structures by utilizing an
alpha-numeric designator. It should be understood that each of the
respective nesting bowls 20 and 21 as seen in FIG. 3 have a main
body 22A, and which relates to the larger-sized nesting bowl 20,
and a corresponding main body 22B which refers to the smaller-sized
nesting bowl 21. Further, each of the nesting bowls 20 and 21 each
have an exterior facing surface 23A and 23B, respectively, and
further have an opposite interior facing surface 24A and 24B,
respectively. In this regard, the main body 22A and 223 of the
respective large-sized nesting bowl 20, and small-size nesting bowl
21, has a base portion 25 which is dimensioned to support the
respective nesting bowls 20 and 21, respectively, on an underlying
supporting surface when in use (FIG. 4). Still further, the main
body 22A and 22B, respectively, each include a top peripheral edge
26A and 8, and an internal cavity 27A and 273, respectively, and
which is defined by the interior facing surface 24A and 24B,
respectively. It should be understood that the main body 22A and
228, respectively, are both semi-hemispherical in shape. However,
the overall size of the main body 22B is dimensioned so that it may
be received in a nested or stored configuration within the internal
cavity 27A, of the larger-size nesting bowl 20.
[0017] The larger-sized nesting bowl 20, and smaller-sized nesting
bowl 21 each have a circumscribing flange which is generally
indicated by the numerals 40A and 40B, respectively. The
circumscribing flange 40A, as illustrated in FIG. 4, is made
integral with the top, peripheral edge 26A and B, of the respective
nesting bowls 20 and 21, respectively. The circumscribing flange
40A and 40B, respectively, extend substantially radially outwardly
relative to the top peripheral edge 26A and 26B, respectively.
Still further, the circumscribing flanges 40A and 40B, each have a
top surface of 41A and B, respectively, and an opposite, bottom
surface 42A and B, respectively. As seen in FIG. 3, and following,
an indicia, here indicated by the numbers 43A and 43B,
respectively, are formed in, or otherwise attached to, the top
surface 41A and 41B, respectively, of the circumscribing flanges
40A and B. The respective indicia of 43A and 43B are individually
positioned adjacent to a location along or near to the annular
channel 60A and 60B, respectively, and which has the maximum width
dimension. This will be discussed, below.
[0018] As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 the main body 22A and B, and
more specifically the interior facing surface thereof, 24A and B,
respectively, has formed into the interior facing surface an
annular channel 60A and 60B respectively, The respective annular
channels which are formed in the interior facing surface are
located near the top peripheral edge 26A and 26B, respectively. The
annular channel 60A and B extend substantially continuously about
the interior facing surface, and further has a substantially
similar depth dimension along its length, but further has a
variable width dimension, In this regard, the annular channel 60A
and 60B, respectively, each has a depth dimension indicated by the
line labeled 61A, as seen in FIG. 4, and further has a width
dimension that is generally indicated by the numeral 62A and B as
seen in FIG. 3. It should be understood that the annular channel
60A and 60B each has a location or region 63A or B and which has a
maximum width dimension ; and a second location 64A or B and which
has a minimum width dimension. It should be appreciated, from a
study of FIGS. 3 and 4, that the location of the maximum width
dimension 63 of the annular channel 60A and 60B, respectively, is
located adjacent to the indicia 43A and 43B, respectively. The
location of the maximum width dimension 63A or B is located on
opposite sides of the main body 22A and 22B, respectively. Still
further the location of the minimum width dimension 64A and B, of
the annular channels 60A and B, is located at a position which is
about 90.degree. offset from the location where the maximum width
dimension 63A or B is located on the main body 22A and 22B,
respectively.
[0019] As best seen by a study of FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be
appreciated that when the smaller-sized nesting bowl 21 is received
within the internal cavity 27A of the larger-sized nesting bowl 20,
that the corresponding circumscribing flanges 40A and 40B are
substantially oriented in a coplanar position one relative to the
other, However, when a downwardly directed force 70, as seen in
FIG. 5, is applied to the top surface 418, in the region of the
indicia 43A, and which is on the circumscribing flange 40A, this
downwardly directed force 70, and which is typically applied by the
hand of the user 18, causes the smaller-sized nesting bowl 21, and
more specifically the circumscribing flange 40B, to be moved into
an angulated, elevated orientation relative to the outermost
oriented, and larger-sized nesting bowl 20, so as to assist in the
removal of the innermost oriented and smaller-sized nesting bowl 21
from the outermost oriented and larger-sized nesting bowl 20 (FIG.
5). In this regard, it should be appreciated that the bottom
surface 42B of the smaller-sized nesting bowl 21, rests on the
interior facing surface 24A, and which, at least in part, forms the
location of the minimum width region 64A of the larger-sized
nesting bowl 20. Consequently, when force is applied to the
circumscribing flange 40B, of the smaller-sized nesting bowl 21,
and in the area of the maximum width dimension 63A of the
larger-sized nesting bowl 20, the smaller-size nesting bowl 21 is
operable to rock into an angulated elevated position 71 as seen in
FIG. 5, so as to provide an easy removal of the smaller-sized
nesting bowl 21 without the insertion of a person's fingers or hand
18 within the internal cavity 27B. It should be understood that the
inside diametral dimension of the larger-sized nesting bowl 20, and
which is measured in the region of the annular channel 60A, is
slightly greater than the outside diametral dimension of the
circumscribing flange 40B of the smaller-sized nesting bowl 21.
Consequently, the smaller-sized nesting bowl 21, when received in a
nesting relationship within the internal cavity 27A of the
larger-sized nesting bowl 20, allows the circumscribing flanges of
the respective nesting bowls 40A and B to be oriented in a coplanar
position one relative to the other. In this coplanar position or
orientation, the base portion 25B of the smaller-sized nesting bowl
21 is disposed in spaced relation relative to the interior facing
surface 24A, of the large sized nesting bowl 20. This spatial
orientation allows the rocking of the smaller nesting bowl 21
relative to the larger nesting bowl 20 as seen in FIG. 5.
OPERATION
[0020] The operation of the described embodiment of the present
invention 10 is believed to be readily apparent, and is briefly
summarized at this point.
[0021] In its broadest aspect the present invention 10 relates to a
nesting bowl 20 and which includes a main body 22A which has a top
peripheral edge 26A, and an interior facing surface 24A. The
interior facing surface defines an internal cavity 27A, The
internal cavity 27A further has a given shape and size. The main
body 22A further has a circumscribing flange 40A which is made
integral with the top, peripheral edge 26A, and which further
extends laterally outwardly therefrom. It should be understood that
an annular channel 60A, having variable dimensions, is defined by
the interior facing surface 24A, and is further located near the
top, peripheral edge 26A thereof. The main body 22A of the nesting
bowl 20 matingly cooperates with a second nesting bowl 21, and
which has similar features, and which further is either of a
greater or lesser size than the first mentioned nesting bowl 20.
The first mentioned nesting bowl 20, and the second nesting bowl
21, when disposed in a nested relationship are oriented so that the
circumscribing flanges 40A and B, respectively, of each, are
located in a coplanar orientation, one relative to the other. As
seen in FIG. 5, an application of a downwardly directed force 70,
to the circumscribing flange 40B of a smaller, innermost oriented
nesting bowl 21, is effective in moving the circumscribing flange
40B of the innermost oriented, and smaller-sized nesting bowl 21,
into an elevated, angular orientation 71, relative to the outermost
oriented, and larger-sized nesting bowl 20 so as to assist in the
removal of the innermost oriented, and smaller-sized nesting bowl
21, from the outermost oriented, and larger-sized nesting bowl 20
(FIG. 5). This of course allows a user to easily grasp the smaller
nesting bowl without inserting the user's hands into the internal
cavity 27B.
[0022] In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the main body 22
of the present invention 10 is generally semi-hemispherical in
shape, and the circumscribing flange 40 extends substantially
radially, outwardly with respect to the top peripheral edge 26
thereof. The circumscribing flange 40 has a predetermined diametral
dimension which allows the nesting bowl 21 to be received in a
nesting or stored relationship within the internal cavity 27A of
another, larger-sized nesting bowl 20. It should be appreciated
that the annular channel 60A or B of the larger-sized nesting bowl
20 is dimensioned to matingly and operably cooperate with the
circumscribing flange 40B of the second smaller-sized nesting bowl
21, and which further is inwardly oriented relative thereto, and
matingly received within the internal cavity 27A of the
larger-sized nesting bowl 20. It should also be understood from the
drawings, that the annular channel 60 has a substantially uniform
depth dimension 61A and B, and a variable width dimension 62A and B
when measured along a length dimension of the annular channel 60A
and B. It will be appreciated from the drawings that the top
peripheral edge 26A and B is circular in shape, and the main body
22A and B has opposite sides. In the arrangement as seen in the
drawings, the annular channel 60A and B has a maximum width
dimension which is oriented in predetermined locations which are on
the opposite sides of the main body 22A and B. In this arrangement,
the annular channel 60A and B has a minimum width dimension 64A and
B, and which is oriented in predetermined locations which are on
opposite sides of the main body, and which are further oriented at
locations which are about 90.degree. offset from the locations
which have the maximum width dimension 63A and B.
[0023] The nesting bowl 10 of the present invention, and more
specifically the main body 22A of the larger-sized nesting bowl 20,
when measured in the region of the annular channel 60A, thereof, is
greater than the outside diametral dimension of the circumscribing
flange 40B, of the smaller-sized nesting bowl 21, and which is
oriented inwardly relative thereto, and which is further matingly
received within the internal cavity 27A of the outermost oriented
and larger-sized nesting bowl 20. In the arrangement as seen in the
drawings, the visibly discernable indicia 43A and B, respectively,
are oriented on each of the circumscribing flanges 40A and 40B, of
the respective nesting bowls 20 and 21, and is further oriented
adjacent to the location of the annular channel 60A and B,
respectively, of the nesting bowls 20 and 21, and which has the
maximum width dimension 63A and B, As will be appreciated from a
study of FIG. 5, the downwardly directed force 70 which is applied
to the circumscribing flange 40B of the smaller-sized, innermost
located nesting bowl 21, at a location which is adjacent to the
visibly discernable indicia 43A, of the immediately outermost and
larger-sized nesting bowl 20, is effective in rocking this
smaller-sized nesting bowl 21 into an elevated, angular orientation
71, so as to facilitate the easy removal of the smaller-sized
nesting bowl 21 from the internal cavity 27A of the immediately
outermost and larger-sized nesting bowl 20 without resort to
contaminating the internal cavity 27B thereof.
[0024] As earlier discussed, the circumscribing flanges 40A and B
of the respective nesting bowls 20 and 21, respectively, each have
a top, and an opposite bottom surface 41 and 42, A and B,
respectively. It should be understood that the bottom surface 42B
of the circumscribing flange 40B, of the smaller-sized, and
innermost located nesting bowl 21, rests in contact with a location
of the annular channel 60A of the outermost located, and
larger-sized nesting bowl 20, and which has the minimum width
dimension 64A. In this arrangement the downwardly directed force 70
rocks the innermost, and smaller-sized nesting bowl 21 about the
minimum width location 64A, of the annular channel 60A of the
outermost oriented and larger-sized nesting bowl 21. As should be
appreciated from the drawings, the innermost and smaller-sized
nesting bowl 21 is spaced from the interior facing surface 24A of
the outermost and larger-sized nesting bowl 20 when the respective
nesting bowls 20 and 21 are nested together, and the respective
circumscribing flanges 40A and 40B, are disposed in a coplanar
orientation, one relative to the other. It should be appreciated,
that the width dimension 62, of the annular channel 60A and B,
respectively, gradually diminishes when the annular channel is
measured in a direction extending from the location having the
greatest width dimension 63A or B, to the location which has the
minimum width dimension 64A or B.
[0025] Therefore, it will be appreciated that the present invention
provides many advantages over nesting bowl configurations which
have been utilized, heretofore. In particular, the present
invention provides a convenient means for allowing a user to remove
a smaller nesting bowl from the internal cavity of a larger nesting
bowl without the need for inserting the fingers or hand of the user
into the internal cavity thereof, and thereby contaminating the
internal cavity with germs, food debris and the like.
[0026] In compliance with the statute the present invention has
been described in language more or less specific as to structural
and methodological features. It is to be understood, however, that
the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and
described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms
of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore,
claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper
scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in
accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalence.
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