Stackable spice container assembly having a removable accessory
Provided is a multiple-function, stackable spice container having one or more containers that are configured to be stacked, where the containers are attached through complementary threaded portions. The apparatus also includes a removable accessory, configured to removably engage the complementary threaded portions. An apparatus may alternatively utilize one or more containers and an attaching structure for coupling the container and an accessory, configured to removably engage one of the containers at the attaching structure.
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The present disclosure is generally related to outdoor cooking and, more particularly, related to apparatus for providing a stackable spice container assembly having a universal accessory mount.
BACKGROUNDBy definition, outdoor cooking is performed in an environment that lacks many of the conveniences of a modem kitchen. For example, outdoor cooking environments may lack the proximity to storage areas for spices, seasonings, and other food flavoring ingredients. Additionally, working space adjacent the cooking surface, which can be used for temporary placement of cooking implements, spices, seasonings, etc., may be severely limited. Examples of such cooking implements include, for example, forks, spatulas, and tongs used for outdoor grilling. In addition to the spices and cooking implements, an outdoor grilling environment may benefit from supplemental illumination, especially proximate the cooking surface. The inclusion of multiple spices and seasonings, a variety of cooking implements and supplemental illumination presents significant storage and workspace challenges.
Previous attempts to solve multiple container related challenges include U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,740, which teaches stackable cylindrical containers for storing seasonings. The '740 patent discloses a container with a reduced-diameter tubular mouth having a corresponding threaded cap and a bottom wall having a circular well configured to receive the cap of another container. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,416 discloses a combination salt and pepper shaker where the two cylindrical containers are frictionally coupled at their bottoms by an intermediate coupling member. Further, published U.S. Patent Application 2004/0178161 discloses an interconnecting container assembly where each container includes a threaded opening with a dispensing cap on one end and a threaded recess on the other end. Although the '740 and the '416 patents and the '161 published patent application address some of the storage problems associated with multiple containers of spices and seasonings, they fail to address the integration of other outdoor cooking or storage aids. Regarding other devices integrated into a container, U.S. Pat. No. 3,240,384 teaches a detachable cap having an integral supporting means and U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,177 discloses a multifunction container that includes a light source. The '384 and the '177 patents both, however, fail to address the problem of storing and using multiple types of devices and multiple spice or seasoning containers.
Thus, a heretofore-unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARYEmbodiments of the present disclosure provide a multiple-function, stackable spice container, comprising: a plurality of containers, configured to be stacked, each of the plurality of containers having at least one side wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of complementary threaded portions; and a removable accessory mount, configured to removably engage one of the plurality of complementary threaded portions.
Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be viewed as an apparatus for providing a multiple-function, stackable spice container, comprising: at least one container, configured to be stacked, the at least one container having at least one side wall, a bottom wall, and an attaching structure configured to receive at least one other container; and an accessory, configured to removably engage one of the at least one container at the attaching structure.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSMany aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to the description of the disclosure as illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Reference is made to
Reference is now made to
While the multiple function stackable spice container 130 is illustrated as utilizing multiple containers 102 in a stacked configuration with a single mounted accessory, the use of a single container 102 in conjunction with an accessory is contemplated within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Further, different single containers 102 can each be utilized with different accessories. For example, one single container 102 can be attached to an illumination device while another container 102 can be attached to a fork.
Reference is now made to
The container 140 includes an open end 145 having an external threaded portion 144 formed in or attached to the side wall 141 adjacent the open end 145. The container 140 can also be configured to have a non-cylindrical geometry such that the container 140 can include multiple side walls 141. The container can be constructed of a variety of metallic or non-metallic materials using a variety of processes including, but not limited to, casting, molding, forming, bending, and extruding among others. In additional to a threaded engagement, the interlock configuration for attaching multiple containers 140 together can also include, for example, a press-fit or a bayonet mount, among others. Similarly, attachment of an accessory to a container can include these alternative interlock configurations as well.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
The protrusion and slot configuration can be reversed such that the protrusions can be formed in the container wall and slots can be formed in the coupling members. Alternatively, the containers can be secured to the coupling members without a slot/protrusion configuration, where the attachment is maintained through frictional engagement alone.
Reference is now made to
In the use and operation of an embodiment, as illustrated in
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any illustrated embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for providing a multiple-function, stackable spice container, comprising:
- at least one container, configured to be stacked, the at least one container having at least one side wall, a bottom wall, and an attaching structure configured to receive at least one other container; and
- an accessory, configured to removably engage one of the at least one container at the attaching structure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attaching structure comprises:
- a first engagement section having at least one internally directed protrusion;
- wherein the at least one container comprises at least one slot, configured in the at least one side wall adjacent the bottom wall; and
- wherein the at least one slot is configured to receive the at least one protrusion in a rotationally actuated frictional engagement.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attaching structure further comprises:
- a second engagement section having an internally threaded portion;
- wherein the at least one container comprises a complementary externally threaded portion formed in the at least one side wall adjacent an open end; and
- wherein the complementary externally threaded portion is configured to receive the internally threaded portion.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attaching structure further comprises:
- a second engagement section having at least one internally directed protrusion;
- wherein the at least one container comprises at least one slot, configured in the at least one side wall adjacent an open end; and
- wherein the at least one slot is configured to receive the at least one protrusion in a rotationally actuated frictional engagement.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the accessory further comprises at least one slot, configured in a side wall; and
- wherein the at least one slot is configured to receive the at least one protrusion in a rotationally actuated frictional engagement.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one container is generally cylindrical.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises an illumination device.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a hanger, configured to removably attach the at least one container to a structure for convenient storage.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the accessory further comprises a means for manipulating food during the cooking process.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for manipulating comprises a fork.
11. An apparatus for providing a multiple-function, stackable spice container, comprising:
- a plurality of containers, configured to be stacked, each of the plurality of containers having at least one side wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of complementary threaded portions; and
- a removable accessory, configured to removably engage one of the plurality of complementary threaded portions.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of complementary threaded portions comprises:
- an inside threaded portion configured at the open end of each of the plurality of containers;
- an outside threaded portion configured at the closed end of each of the plurality of containers; and
- wherein the inside threaded portion of a first container is configured to receive the outside threaded portion of a second container.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of complementary threaded portions are formed in the at least one side wall of each of the plurality of containers.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of complementary threaded portions are formed independently and attached to each of the plurality of containers.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the removable accessory comprises a hook for hanging the plurality of containers.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the removable accessory comprises a portable illuminating device.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the removable accessory comprises a grill cooking implement.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the grill cooking implement comprises a spatula.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the grill cooking implement comprises a fork.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the grill cooking implement comprises a pair of tongs.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 14, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 19, 2007
Applicant:
Inventor: Jose Mendez (Columbus, GA)
Application Number: 11/250,872
International Classification: B65D 6/28 (20060101);