U.S. patent application number 15/437388 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-31 for detachable food storage system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Imani Dove. Invention is credited to Imani Dove.
Application Number | 20180146808 15/437388 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62192924 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180146808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dove; Imani |
May 31, 2018 |
DETACHABLE FOOD STORAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A storage device, comprising, a first bowl comprising, a side
wall having an exterior surface a predetermined height and
curvature, a base connected to the side wall, and a first
protrusion connected to the side wall distal to the base and
extending outward from the exterior surface of the side wall, and a
second bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior surface a
predetermined height and curvature and an opening, a base having a
top surface connected to the side wall, and a second protrusion
extending upwards from the top surface of the base a predetermined
distance from the connection of the base and the side wall, wherein
the first bowl is sized so that the protrusion is able to fit
underneath the second protrusion engaging the first bowl with the
second bowl, a spout inserted into the opening in the side wall of
the second bowl.
Inventors: |
Dove; Imani; (Ellenwood,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dove; Imani |
Ellenwood |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62192924 |
Appl. No.: |
15/437388 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62428325 |
Nov 30, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2303/0831 20130101;
A47G 19/027 20130101; B65D 21/0233 20130101; B65D 81/18 20130101;
F25D 3/08 20130101; F25D 21/14 20130101; B65D 25/42 20130101; B65D
47/30 20130101; F25D 2303/081 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/02 20060101
A47G019/02; B65D 81/18 20060101 B65D081/18; B65D 25/42 20060101
B65D025/42; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02; B65D 47/30 20060101
B65D047/30 |
Claims
1. A food storage device, comprising: a first bowl comprising, a
side wall having an exterior surface a predetermined height and
curvature, a base connected to the side wall, and a first
protrusion connected to the side wall distal to the base and
extending outward from the exterior surface of the side wall, and a
second bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior surface a
predetermined height and curvature and an opening, a base having a
top surface connected to the side wall, and a second protrusion
extending upwards from the top surface of the base a predetermined
distance from the connection of the base and the side wall, wherein
the first bowl is sized so that the protrusion is able to securely
fit underneath the second protrusion to engage the first bowl with
the second bowl; and a spout inserted into the opening in the side
wall of the second bowl forming a substantially watertight
seal.
2. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the first bowl has a
convex curvature.
3. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the first bowl has a
unitary design.
4. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the second bowl has
a concave curvature.
5. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the second bowl has
a unitary design.
6. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the opening is
positioned distal to the connection between the side wall and the
base.
7. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the second
protrusion extends continuously along the base of the second bowl
and the second protrusion is semi flexible.
8. The food storage device of claim 7, wherein the first protrusion
extends continuously along the exterior surface of the side wall of
the first bowl.
9. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the second
protrusion is a plurality of segments with predetermined length and
the plurality of segments are substantially rigid.
10. 9. The food storage device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of
segments is substantially equally spaced from one another
11. The food storage device of claim 9, wherein the first
protrusion is a plurality of extensions equal to or less than the
number of segments.
12. The food storage device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
extensions is positioned to coincide with the positioning of the
plurality of segments.
13. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the spout has an
adjustable valve.
14. The food storage device of claim 13, wherein the spout has a
handle attached to the adjustable valve.
15. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the opening is
distal to the connection between the side wall and the base.
16. A food storage device, comprising: an interior bowl defining a
first cavity and having a first portion of a locking mechanism
disposed on the exterior surface opposite the opening of the first
cavity; an exterior bowl defining a second cavity comprising; a
second portion of a locking mechanism disposed within the second
cavity, wherein the exterior bowl is detachably engaged to the
interior bowl through the mating of the first and second portions
of the locking mechanism and once the interior bowl and the
exterior bowl are detachably engaged a substantially liquid tight
seal is formed creating a sealed compartment, and an opening
disposed distal to the second portion of the locking mechanism but
outside the sealed compartment, and a valve inserted into the
opening wherein a liquid tight seal is formed between the valve and
the opening.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to insulated serving
bowl, and, more particularly, relates to an insulated serving bowl
that allows for easy transportation and emptying of the insulated
serving bowl.
[0002] It is often desirable to cool foods prior to consumption or
to keep the foods cool while serving them. Commonly, foods are
cooled or chilled by refrigerating the container holding the foods.
Although electric refrigerators are found in the kitchens of most
homes, when entertaining it may be more convenient to have a means
of chilling the foods at the location of the guests. Often this
location is a recreation room or another room away from the
kitchen.
[0003] Portable coolers may be filled with ice cubes to chill
foods. However, it may be difficult to properly distribute and
access the foods when they are to be served. If the foods are left
out without being chilled they become inedible because the foods
get to warm and bacteria begins to grow. This is important both for
the safety of the people consuming the foods but also so that foods
are not wasted.
[0004] Current serving bowls may have the ability to insulate the
food in ice or a cold substance. But once the ice melts it is
difficult to remove the water that has filled the bowl, the melted
ice may contaminate the food, or if the substance is incorporated
into the bowl the entire bowl and its contents have to be put in a
refrigerator to rechill the bowl.
[0005] Thus, it is desired to have a serving bowl that is insulated
with an easy way to remove the melted ice from the bowl, as well as
an insulated bowl that may be easily transported.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention provides a food storage device
comprising a first bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior
surface a predetermined height and curvature, a base connected to
the side wall, and a first protrusion connected to the side wall
distal to the base and extending outward from the exterior surface
of the side wall, and a second bowl comprising, a side wall having
an exterior surface a predetermined height and curvature and an
opening, a base having a top surface connected to the side wall,
and a second protrusion extending upwards from the top surface of
the base a predetermined distance from the connection of the base
and the side wall, wherein the first bowl is sized so that the
protrusion is able to securely fit underneath the second protrusion
to engage the first bowl with the second bowl; and a spout inserted
into the opening in the side wall of the second bowl forming a
substantially watertight seal.
[0007] The present invention provides another embodiments of a food
storage device, comprising an interior bowl defining a first cavity
and having a first portion of a locking mechanism disposed on the
exterior surface opposite the opening of the first cavity, an
exterior bowl defining a second cavity comprising, a second portion
of a locking mechanism disposed within the second cavity, wherein
the exterior bowl is detachably engaged to the interior bowl
through the mating of the first and second portions of the locking
mechanism and once the interior bowl and the exterior bowl are
detachably engaged a substantially liquid tight seal is formed
creating a sealed compartment, and an opening disposed distal to
the second portion of the locking mechanism but outside the sealed
compartment, and a valve inserted into the opening wherein a liquid
tight seal is formed between the valve and the opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view the bowl assembled, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a section view along Line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of
the bowl assembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a close up view of section 3 from FIG. 2 of
the connection point between the two bowls, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the bowls, in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the exterior bowl, in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the bowls, in accordance
with a second embodiment of the present invention
[0014] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the exterior bowl, in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The products of the present invention provide a bowl system.
The present system makes use of a detachable interior container
that is used to hold food or contents while the exterior container
is used to hold the insulation material (typically ice) and has a
spout to allow for easy removal of the liquids that are from either
the insulation material melting or condensation. The interior
container is detachably affixed to the exterior container so that
the entire bowl may be picked up and moved with ease.
[0016] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein may also be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, the preferred methods and materials are now
described.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view the insulated bowl assembly
100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
The insulated bowl assembly 100 (hereinafter "bowl assembly") is
comprised of an interior bowl 200, and exterior bowl 300, and a
spout 400. Unless otherwise stated herein, each of the components
of bowl 100 preferably comprised of a durable material such as
stainless steel, ceramic, polymers, or the like or a combination of
said materials and may include thermal energy storage materials to
further increase the insulation feature of the invention. Briefly
stated, the interior bowl 200 is detachably engaged to the exterior
bowl 300.
[0018] The interior container 200 is designed to receive hold food
or items which the user wants to keep cool, but not submerged
within a liquid. In the depicted embodiment, the interior container
200 is generally a circular shape much like a bowl. In the depicted
embodiment, the interior container 200 has a convex shape. The
interior container 200 may have concave curve, may have a
rectangular or square shape. However, those of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that the interior container 200 may be
various shapes provided the interior container 200 incorporates the
locking mechanism (shown in FIG. 2 below). The interior container
200 is sized to fit within the exterior container 300 with adequate
space between the two containers to allow for the insertion of the
insulation material(s) in the opening that is created between the
two bowls. In additional embodiments, the interior bowl 200 and the
exterior bowl 300 may have varying distances between the two
dependent upon the size of the bowls and the intended use. In the
depicted embodiment, ice is used to fill the void between the two
bowls. In some embodiments, the interior container 200 is a unitary
design. In additional embodiments, the interior container 200 is
comprised of several elements attached together. In one embodiment,
a side wall and a base are attached together to form the interior
container 200.
[0019] The exterior container 300 is designed to receive the
interior container 200 and detachably engage with the interior
container 200 via a locking mechanism. In the depicted embodiment,
the exterior container 300 is generally a circular shape. In the
depicted embodiment, the exterior container 300 has a concave
shape. In additional embodiments, the exterior container 300 may
have a convex shape or a rectangular shape. However, those of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exterior
container 300 may be various shapes. The exterior container 300 is
sized to fit the interior container 200 with adequate space between
the two containers to allow for the insertion of the insulation
material(s). Distal to the bottom surface of the exterior bowl 300
is an opening which allows for the insertion of the spout 400. In
some embodiments, the exterior container 300 is a unitary design.
In additional embodiments, the exterior container 300 is comprised
of several elements attached together. In one embodiment, a side
wall and a base are attached together to form the exterior
container 300.
[0020] The spout 400 is designed to allow easy and quick release of
any liquids that are pooling or gathering at the bottom of the
exterior bowl 300 and are no longer providing insulation to the
contents of the interior bowl 200. In some embodiments, the spout
400 is a ball value, has a handle for easy opening and closing or
may have a pressure release valve. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that the spout 400 may be various types of
valves. In some embodiments, the spout 400 may have a valve or
locking mechanism to allow the user freedom to remove the waste at
their leisure. In some embodiments, the spout 400 is just an
opening. In the depicted embodiment, the spout 400 is locked as
close as possible to the bottom of the exterior bowl 300 to allow
for the easiest removal of the waste.
[0021] FIG. 2 depicts a section view along Line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of
the bowl assembly 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the top surface 203
of the interior bowl 200 is substantially parallel and equal with
the top surface 303 of the exterior bowl 300. In additional
embodiments, the top surface 203 and the top surface 303 may be
angled or un even depending on the desired shapes and sizes of the
bowls. The interior bowl 200 has a substantially flat base and a
concave designed to maximize the amount of space in the bowl, while
also permitting the most exposure to the insulating materials. The
exterior bowl 300 has a substantially flat interior base surface to
allow for the interior bowl 200 to sit flush against the base of
the exterior bowl 300 so that the locking mechanism may
successfully engage.
[0022] FIG. 3 depicts a close-up view of section 3 from FIG. 2 of
the connection point between the two bowls, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted image the
protrusion 202 is shown as a feature of the interior bowl 200 that
is protruding from the exterior surface 201 of the interior bowl
200. The protrusion 202 may be integrated into the interior bowl
200 as a unitary design. In some embodiment, the protrusion 202 is
an additional element incorporated into the interior bowl 200 by an
adhesive or welding the two together. The protrusion 202 is sized
to securing fit underneath the lip 302 of the interior surface 301
of the exterior bowl 300. The lip 302 is integrated into the
interior surface 301 of the exterior bowl 300 creating a unitary
design. the lip 302 is an additional element incorporated into the
exterior bowl 300 by an adhesive or welding the two together. The
lip 302 is sized to securely cover the protrusion 202 and keep the
bowls attached so that both bowls may be picked up and moved
without the interior bowl 200 becoming disengaged from the exterior
bowl 300. The protrusion 202 and the lip 302 may be various sizes
and shapes provided they maintain the proper tension between the
two elements. In some embodiments, the lip 302 is has a curved end
and is flexible to bend when the interior bowl 200 is pressed into
place. In other embodiments, the lip 302 is rigid and requires the
interior bowl 200 to be "locked" into place. In some embodiments,
the seal between the lip 302 and the protrusion 202 is
substantially water tight to reduce the possibility of water
escaping from the area which is accessible to the spout 400 and
reduce the opportunity for water to get underneath the interior
bowl 200.
[0023] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the bowl assembly 100, in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In the
shown embodiment, the interior bowl 200 has a protrusion 202 that
does not extend continuously around the base of the bowl, but is
positioned in predetermined locations and with predetermined
length. This is for embodiments, where the lip 302 is rigid and the
interior bowl 200 needs to be placed strategically inside the
exterior bowl 300 and then twisted to lock the two bowls together.
In most embodiments, there are more than two protrusions 203 which
are positioned opposite one another.
[0024] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the exterior bowl 300, in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment, the lip 302 is not continuous and has gaps of
predetermined size so as to receive the interior bowl 200 with the
protrusions 203 that are sized smaller than the gaps in the lip 302
so that the two bowls may be locked together. In the shown
embodiment, there are two gaps sized to receive the protrusions
203.
[0025] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the bowls, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. In the shown
embodiment, the interior bowl 200 has a protrusion 202 that does
extend continuously around the base of the interior bowl 200. This
is for embodiments, where the lip 302 is semi rigid and the
interior bowl 200 simply is pressed down over the lip 302 and the
lip 302 snaps up and over the protrusion 202
[0026] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the exterior bowl 300, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the lip 304 is continuous and is made out a material or
thickness that allows the lip 304 to flex so that when the interior
bowl 200 is pressed substantially directly downwards, the lip 304
extends over the protrusion 203 and locks the interior bowl 200 to
the exterior bowl 300.
[0027] Some examples of the plastics used to make the bowls and the
features of the bowls may be, but not limited to high density
polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride,
polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene,
or the like.
[0028] In some embodiments, the lip 302 (or 304) and the protrusion
203 may have a coat that provides minor adhesive properties to
further increase the bond between the interior bowl 200 and the
exterior bowl 300.
[0029] The invention has been described in conjunction with the
specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of
the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of this invention.
[0030] The invention is inclusive of combinations of the aspects or
embodiments described herein. References to "a particular aspect"
or "embodiment" and the like refer to features that are present in
at least one aspect of the invention. Separate references to "an
aspect" or "particular aspects" or "embodiments" or the like do not
necessarily refer to the same aspect or aspects; however, such
aspects are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are
readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or
plural in referring to "method" or "methods" and the like is not
limiting. The word "or" is used in this disclosure in a
non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted.
[0031] The invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to certain preferred aspects thereof, but it will be
understood that variations, combinations, and modifications may be
effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit
and scope of the invention. Examples of variations, combinations,
and modifications that are intended to be within the scope of the
claims are those having structural elements that do not differ from
the literal language of the claims and those including equivalent
structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal
language of the claims.
[0032] While various shapes, configurations, uses, and features
have been described above and are shown in the drawings for the
various embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any
combination of the above features may be used without departing
from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is
recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to
the above described embodiments of the invention without departing
from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood,
therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all
modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown in the
attached drawings.
[0033] All publications and patents cited in this specification are
herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication
or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference
to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection
with which the publications are cited. The citation of any
publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and
should not be construed as an admission that the present invention
is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior
invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be
different from the actual publication dates which may need to be
independently confirmed.
* * * * *