Foldable Or Collapsible Patents (Class 211/41.6)
  • Patent number: 11700938
    Abstract: A suspended storage rack includes a first rack body for suspending, and a second rack body hingedly connected to a lower side of the first rack body and used for storing articles. The second rack body includes: a storage part and a first limiting part arranged on one side of the storage part and tilted upward. A middle part of the first limiting part arranged in a vertical direction is hingedly connected to the lower side of the first rack body, an upper part of the first limiting part arranged in the vertical direction is used to prevent the second rack body from being excessively expanded relative to the first rack body, and a lower part of the first limiting part arranged in the vertical direction is used to make the storage part lean against the first rack body after the second rack body is rotated upward for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN QINGLONG ELECTRONIC COMMERCE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mengtian Zou
  • Patent number: 11103121
    Abstract: A foldable dish drying rack has a rack base section, a rack back section pivotally connected to the rack base section and a rack upright section pivotally connected to the rack base section rearward of the rack back section. The rack upright section supports the rack back section in an unfolded condition. A removable utensil tray has utensil tray support arms with utensil tray support arm notches that accept a top edge of base side members to support the utensil tray on either side of the rack base section when the dish drying rack is in the unfolded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Zak Wood
  • Patent number: 9107552
    Abstract: A collapsible drying rack having a flexible base capable of being folded along at least one fold line or axis, and a substantially rigid drying support secured to a portion of the flexible base. The drying support has one or more tines configured to have a first folded position and a second upright operable position. A locking mechanism secures the tines in their upright operable position. The flexible base can be folded over the drying support (when the tines are folded down) and secured in the folded position for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Micek, William Edwin Drinkwater
  • Patent number: 8960452
    Abstract: A drying rack assembly for countertop placement has a drip pan and a drying rack positionable on the drip pan for holding one or more objects to be dried above the drip pan. The drying rack includes a base seatable on the drip pan, with at least a portion of the base being configured for disposition above the drip pan upon seating the drying rack on the drip pan. At least one panel is pivotably connected to the base for positioning relative to the base between a standing position for supporting the one or more objects to be dried and a collapsed position in which the at least one panel is generally laid down against the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Handi-Craft Company
    Inventors: Idus L. Rhodes, II, Janine Berger
  • Patent number: 8925742
    Abstract: A system and configuring method for a dish rack system includes a tray providing a first generally planar draining surface having a first surface area with a first width and a first length; and a folding platform including a pair of half trays rotatably coupled to each other, the folding platform including an unfolded mode and a folded mode, with the folding platform configured to be supported by the tray when in the unfolded mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: David Dennys Chitayat, Heather Tomasetti, Pieter Schouten
  • Patent number: 8925743
    Abstract: A dish drying rack includes a basin, a side bay pivotally connected with the basin for movement about a side bay pivot axis, and a plate rack pivotally connected with the basin for movement about a plate rack pivot axis. The basin includes a basin floor. The side bay moves between a collapsed position and an extended position. The side bay includes a side bay floor. When the side bay is in the extended position, the side bay floor is positioned with respect to the basin such that water drains from the side bay floor toward and onto the basin floor. The plate rack pivot axis is transverse to the side bay pivot axis. The plate rack is movable between an upright position and a flattened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Tze Fung Lee, Larry S. Witt, Paul Lacotta, William Fiebel, Thomas Jason Dooley, Seth David Kranzler, Ryan Jonathan Vernon, Michael Delevante, Sunny Kim, David Lionetti
  • Publication number: 20140263111
    Abstract: A collapsible drying rack having a flexible base capable of being folded along at least one fold line or axis, and a substantially rigid drying support secured to a portion of the flexible base. The drying support has one or more tines configured to have a first folded position and a second upright operable position. A locking mechanism secures the tines in their upright operable position. The flexible base can be folded over the drying support (when the tines are folded down) and secured in the folded position for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven MICEK, William Edwin DRINKWATER
  • Publication number: 20140246445
    Abstract: A container having a body convertible from a fully collapsed configuration to a fully expanded configuration, the body comprising a substantially rigid rim extending about at least a most of the upper edges of front, back and side walls, a substantially rigid bottom member and a flexible middle section extending around of the front, back and side walls between the substantially rigid rim and the substantially rigid bottom member, said flexible middle section including two or more living hinges, wherein when the body is in its fully open configuration the side walls at the front wall have a height less than the side walls at the back wall and the living hinges diverge as they extend from the front wall to the back wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Robinson Home Products Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Harvey Lee, Jochen Schaepers
  • Patent number: 8727139
    Abstract: An aftermarket kitchen utensil and a method of using the utensil to support a cover of a cooking vessel such that the cover does not obstruct the service of food from the cooking vessel while drippings from the inner surface of the supported cover are guided into the cooking vessel. The utensil includes a body, a first support assembly operable and effective for supporting the body in a vertically upright position during use, and a second support assembly operable and effective for supporting the cover of a cooking vessel in a desired orientation relative to the cooking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Jeanne Sventek, Bruce Sventek, Tanner Sventek
  • Patent number: 8701898
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf assembly for a dishwasher system is used to hold cups, bowls, spoons and other crockery items that are placed within the dishwasher. The vertical position of the shelf assembly within the dishwasher tub is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism comprising a carrier and a gripping projection. The gripping projection can move between a gripping position and sliding position. The carrier slides up and down a vertical bar. The adjustable shelf is capable of moving between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the shelf can support crockery items. The shelf can be moved and held at any position between the deployed and stowed positions. The shelf assembly includes a cam mechanism that allows the shelf to move between a deployed position and a stowed position. The shelf is partially curved in the stowed position and flexes to become straight in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited
    Inventor: Biao Chai
  • Patent number: 8464880
    Abstract: A rack for holding articles includes a plurality of sets of vertical battens, a plurality of sets of horizontal battens that are clamped together with the plurality of sets of vertical battens, a long connecting screw piece that extends through each set of horizontal and vertical battens, and a supplementary connecting screw that connects the front horizontal batten and the front vertical batten. The screw piece defines a pivot axis for folding the battens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Seville Classics Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M Lim
  • Patent number: 8096430
    Abstract: A rack for holding articles includes a plurality of sets of vertical battens, a plurality of sets of horizontal battens that are clamped together with the plurality of sets of vertical battens, a long connecting screw piece that extends through each set of horizontal and vertical battens, and a supplementary connecting screw that connects the front horizontal batten and the front vertical batten. The screw piece defines a pivot axis for folding the battens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Seville Classics Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Lim
  • Patent number: 8087108
    Abstract: A sink protector is provided that includes a frame defining a frame opening, and a grate supported by the frame. The grate includes a first grate section and a second grate section, each having a perimeter and a plurality of wires extending across each grate section to provide structure for supporting various items to be deposited in a sink. The grate is sufficiently porous to allow the unobstructed passage of water and food particles therethrough. The grate sections are pivotally connected such that at least one of the grate sections pivots about the other grate section to allow unencumbered access to the sink drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Joy Burns, Sarah Rosenbach, Randall Lewis, Brad Cracchiola
  • Patent number: 7886459
    Abstract: A device and method for assisting in the removal of fluid, such as water, and related moisture from a bladder of a fluid storage device, such as a personal hydration pack or reservoir, is disclosed. The device has a three-dimensional structure or profile so that, when inserted within the bladder, the bladder is held in an open configuration or position, which allows any water or fluid to drain out and allows evaporation to the atmosphere of moisture to occur through the port of the bladder used to fill the device. In one form, the device has an insertion section having portions of elongated structure having a smaller size than the opening so that the insertion section can be fed into the bladder, and the overall insertion section has a profile larger than the opening so that the bladder is held open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: John Robert Ruess
  • Patent number: 7665475
    Abstract: A utility shelf includes a retaining frame pivotally connected to a support frame. The support frame is pivotally connected to a side portion of a dish rack through a plurality of hinge elements. Similarly, the retaining frame is pivotally connected to the support frame through a corresponding plurality of hinge members. The hinge members on the retaining frame are adapted to abut a stop member that positions the retaining frame at an angle relative to the support frame. With this arrangement, the retaining frame can be extended from the support frame to support objects during a washing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen K. Hedstrom, Mark E. Palm
  • Patent number: 7578401
    Abstract: A drain rack for countertop mounted sinks that extends over the width of the sink, is foldable in scissor fashion, includes notches for holding small dishes as well as bars for standard sizes, and netting for utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Brant Andrew Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 7475785
    Abstract: A rack that is easily stored and used and on which a plurality of bags can be placed for drying. The rack is X-shaped and includes a plurality of bars each of which has a pad on the distal end thereof over which a bag is placed. The X-shape of the rack makes the rack self-supporting. The bars cross each other at a central location on each bar and the intersection is flexible so the rack can be closed for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Phyllis A. Kidd
  • Patent number: 7458470
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rack including fingers which are pivotally mounted so that when an actuator is moved to an extended condition the fingers will simultaneously move to an extended position approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the rack so that items may be placed thereon for uses such as drying. The fingers are pivotally attached to the actuator so that, upon movement to a retracted position, the fingers will pivot downward and to a retracted position below the upper surface providing a flat rack that is easily stored. The rack also includes a liquid indicator for identifying whether liquid is present within a base of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Goeran Jerstroem, Boris Kontorovich, Alec Drummond, Arsenio Garcia Monsalve, Sally Bernadine Rumble, Steven Dibdin, Conor P. McNamara
  • Patent number: 7455184
    Abstract: A dish rack has a stationary first rack portion and a second rack portion pivotably coupled to the first rack portion. The second rack portion can be adjusted to occupy a plurality of different positions with respect to the first rack portion. A pivoting mechanism couples the second rack portion to the first rack portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: SimpleHuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Adam C. Wade, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20080283480
    Abstract: A dish rack convertible between and expanded and collapsed configurations. The dish rack has at least three support surfaces, with a first support surface pivotally connected to a base tray, a second support surface pivotally connected to the first support surface, and a third support surface pivotally connected to the second support surface. In the collapsed configuration, each of the three support surfaces and the base tray are in a generally parallel arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Paul M. Segall, Charles Bain
  • Patent number: 7448587
    Abstract: A stand (20) for supporting a computer chassis (10) includes a support body (22), and a pair of clamping ledges (30) pivotally attached to the support body. The support body forms two resilient portions (25) corresponding to each clamping ledge. Each resilient portion forms a protrusion (34). Each clamping ledge corresponding to each resilient portion forms a pair of cutouts (36, 37). The pair of cutouts engages with the corresponding protrusion, respectively, to keep the corresponding clamping ledge in an upright position and horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Bo Han
  • Patent number: 7383846
    Abstract: A dishwasher rack basket assembly that includes a water impervious basket of open mesh construction, the basket is selectively positionable between a first size and a second size, the first size securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, the second size smaller than the first size and not securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, and a projection positioned on the basket, wherein the projection is engageable to transform the basket from the first size to the second size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jesse Allen Curran
  • Patent number: 7344036
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rack including fingers which are pivotally mounted so that when an actuator is moved to an extended condition the fingers will simultaneously move to an extended position approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the rack so that items may be placed thereon for uses such as drying. The fingers are pivotally attached to the actuator so that, upon movement to a retracted position, the fingers will pivot downward and to a retracted position below the upper surface providing a flat rack that is easily stored. The rack also includes a liquid indicator for identifying whether liquid is present within a base of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Goeran Jerstroem, Boris Kontorovich, Alec Drummond, Arsenio Garcia Monsalve, Sally Bernadine Rumble, Steven Dibdin, Conor P. McNamara
  • Patent number: 6929130
    Abstract: An expandable dish rack with a drainage channel and port. The rack is expandable to hold larger dishes and increase its capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Kaminstein Imports, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Sampaio
  • Publication number: 20040144738
    Abstract: A dish draining rack which contains one or more expandable surfaces for receiving and maintaining wares to be dried. This surface is formed so as to provide adequate protection of the wares it holds. The present invention further discloses a dish draining rack which mechanisms to permit the controllable removal of water which has drained from the wares held in the draining rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Andre Sampaio
  • Patent number: 6763954
    Abstract: A dish drainer and tray system providing reduced space requirements for packaging, shipping, display and storage. The tray may be compacted into storage size which allows it to fit in the drainer, thereby allowing the drainer rather than the combination to determine the space requirements. In one embodiment, the tray folds about one or more live hinges, and in a second embodiment the tray rolls and includes a closure to maintain it in the rolled position. A particularly preferred embodiment includes a detachable silverware compartment that drains directly into the sink and which can be stored with the tray in the drainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: John F. Travers, Vince Haley, Sean Michael O'Brien, Christopher Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20040134866
    Abstract: The present invention in an embodiment provides a rack including fingers which are pivotally mounted so that when an actuator is moved to an extended condition the fingers will simultaneously move to an extended position approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the rack so that items may be placed thereon for uses such as drying. The fingers are pivotally attached to the actuator so that, upon movement to a retracted position, the fingers will pivot downward and to a retracted position below the upper surface providing a flat rack that is easily stored. The rack also includes a liquid indicator for identifying whether liquid is present within a base of the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Goeran Jerstroem, Boris Kontorovich, Alec Drummond, Arsenio Garcia Monsalve, Sally Bernadine Rumble, Steven Dibdin, Conor P. McNamara
  • Patent number: 6758348
    Abstract: A dish drying apparatus including a cabinet that houses a dish strainer. In use, the strainer hangs from an arm member that extends from the cabinet and the strainer includes multiple dish racks that are connected to one another by flexible bands. When not in use the inventive dish strainer can be collapsed and folded into a cabinet to which it is attached. Advantageously, in preferred embodiments, the arm member is extendable and vertically adjustable, such that placement of the cabinet with respect to the sink over which the strainer is intended to hang is not critical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Kathleen J. Adkins
  • Publication number: 20030080074
    Abstract: A dish drying apparatus including a cabinet that houses a dish strainer. In use, the strainer hangs from an arm member that extends from the cabinet and the strainer includes multiple dish racks that are connected to one another by flexible bands. When not in use the inventive dish strainer can be collapsed and folded into a cabinet to which it is attached. Advantageously, in preferred embodiments, the arm member is extendable and vertically adjustable, such that placement of the cabinet with respect to the sink over which the strainer is intended to hang is not critical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Kathleen J. Adkins
  • Patent number: 6516956
    Abstract: A device for supporting objects for drying. This device contains a catch basin, for receiving fluid that drips off of these drying objects. Attached to the catch basin is a multi-part rack, wherein each part has a front end and a back end. The back end of each part of the multi-part rack is rotatably supported within the catch basin. In addition, there is also a complementary rack. This complementary rack is rotatably attached to the catch basin and extends in a substantially upright or vertical position. Both the multi-part rack and the complementary rack are comprised of a series of parallel extending slats that are spaced apart from each other to receive a plate between these parallel extending slats. These parallel extending slats are also designed to support a series of pots on either the multi-part rack or the complementary rack wherein these parallel extending slats allow water to drip down through the slats and into the catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Rudolph Martorella, R. Christopher Kidd
  • Patent number: 6513674
    Abstract: A bowl B in a dish-accommodating space S comes in engagement at the periphery or rim f thereof with lugs 12, which are movable relatively to reduce or expand an interval between any two adjacent bowls. On the other hand, a support plate 7 makes engagement at a concave edge 13 thereof with the periphery or rim of the bowl B and also abutment at a major surface thereof against the periphery or rim of an adjoining bowl B. That is, any one of bowls B comes in abutment against the major surface of the support plate 1 that is ahead of the bowl B. An operator first loads a conveyor of a dishwasher with a dish container 1 lying on its side and, then, expands the dish container 1. In this way, the bowls B in the dish container 1 are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other in a substantially standing posture. After the completion of the washing, the dish container 1 is contracted to a reduced state where the bowls B come in close relation with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Mamia
    Inventors: Yasushi Kajikawa, Masahide Inomata
  • Patent number: 6502704
    Abstract: A device for supporting objects for drying. This device contains a catch basin, for receiving fluid that drips off of these drying objects. Attached to the catch basin is a first adjustable rack, having a front end and a back end. The back end of the first adjustable rack is rotatably supported within the catch basin. There is also a second adjustable rack disposed in the basin. Both the first adjustable rack and the second adjustable rack are comprised of a series of parallel extending bars that are spaced apart from each other to receive a plate between these parallel extending bars. These parallel extending bars are also designed to support a series of pots on either the first adjustable rack or the second adjustable rack wherein these parallel extending bars allow water to drip down through the bars and into the catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Rudolph Martorella
    Inventors: Rudolph Martorella, R. Christopher Kidd
  • Publication number: 20020144960
    Abstract: This Space Saver Dish Strainer is appealing due to its ease of use, adjustable design, convenience, durability, effectiveness, time-savings, and practicality. This dish strainer has two shelf compartments enough room for a typical day of dishes. The strainer will allow the water to drain from dishes directly into the sink below. The circulating air that is above the sink that runs through the plastic or rubber-coated wires would facilitate a more sanitary method of drying dishes, dishes would be safe from germs, bacteria, residue, odors and detergents from draining base, and the dishes could be dried in a timely and effective fashion. This kitchen tool would save a busy homemaker a considerable amount of time and energy while washing and drying dishes and when the dishes are dry, no mess is left behind, and it is simply folded down and slide it under the sink. While dishes are drying individuals would feel free to wash their hands in the sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Kathleen J. Adkins
  • Publication number: 20020084233
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting objects for drying. This device contains a catch basin, for receiving fluid that drips off of these drying objects. Attached to the catch basin is a multi-part rack, wherein each part has a front end and a back end. The back end of each part of the multi-part rack is rotatably supported within the catch basin. In addition, there is also a complementary rack. This complementary rack is rotatably attached to the catch basin and extends in a substantially upright or vertical position. Both the multi-part rack and the complementary rack are comprised of a series of parallel extending slats that are spaced apart from each other to receive a plate between these parallel extending slats. These parallel extending slats are also designed to support a series of pots on either the multi-part rack or the complementary rack wherein these parallel extending slats allow water to drip down through the slats and into the catch basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: RUDOLPH MARTORELLA
    Inventors: Rudolph Martorella, R. Christopher Kidd
  • Patent number: 6357605
    Abstract: A device for supporting objects for drying containing a catch basin, for receiving fluid that drips off of these drying objects. Attached to the catch basin is a first adjustable rack, having a front end and a back end. The back end of the first adjustable rack is rotatably supported within the catch basin. In addition, attached to the back end of the first adjustable rack is a second adjustable rack. This second adjustable rack is rotatably attached to the first adjustable rack and extends in a substantially upright or vertical position. The second adjustable rack is rotatably attached to the first adjustable rack and is for supporting the objects for drying. Both the first adjustable rack and the second adjustable rack are comprised of a series of parallel extending bars that are spaced apart from each other to receive a plate between these parallel extending bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Rudolph Martorella
  • Publication number: 20010040141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting objects for drying. This device contains a catch basin, for receiving fluid that drips off of these drying objects. Attached to the catch basin is a first adjustable rack, having a front end and a back end. The back end of the first adjustable rack is rotatably supported within the catch basin. In addition, a second adjustable rack which is rotatably attached to the first adjustable rack and extends in a substantially upright or vertical position. The second adjustable rack is for supporting the objects for drying. Both the first adjustable rack and the second adjustable rack are comprised of a series of parallel extending bars that are spaced apart from each other to receive a plate between these parallel extending bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Rudolph Martorella, R. Christopher Kidd
  • Patent number: 6170676
    Abstract: A foldable dish drainer includes a base with first and second sections hingedly joined at adjacent parallel edges to form a dish draining surface and movable into a parallel overlying position in a folded mode. The foldable dish drainer further includes a first dish support member having one edge hingedly attached to a surface of the first base section, a second dish support member having one edge hingedly attached to a surface of the second base section, and opposed edges of the first and the second dish support members movably attached together such that when the first and second base sections are in the open mode the first and second dish support members are in an upstanding position for receiving and holding dishes in a draining position and when the first and second base sections are in the folded mode the first and second dish support members are in a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Sona Patadia, Joseph Pepe Velasquez
  • Patent number: RE43349
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, legal representative
  • Patent number: RE43635
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, legal representative