With Article Drying Support (e.g., Dish-rack Pan) Patents (Class 220/572)
  • Patent number: 11767663
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sink insert (1) with at least one holding rod (2) for cleaning rags and the like. The at least one holding rod (2) is designed to be flat at both end sections of the rod. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the sink insert (1) has bearing pieces (3) which are insertable so as to cover the edges of opposing sink edges and on which the end sections of the at least one holding rod (2) are held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: Christian P. Benzing
  • Patent number: 11160436
    Abstract: A drying rack for collecting water from one or more pieces of dishware includes a frame and a support shelf removably positioned on the frame. The support shelf is configured for supporting the one or more pieces of dishware. The drying rack also includes a drip tray removably supported by the frame below the support shelf. The drip tray includes a guide surface and defines a drain opening, wherein the guide surface is angled toward the drain opening to guide water toward the drain opening. The drying rack also includes a drip pan bracket supported by the frame. The drip pan bracket includes a pair of pan rails configured to removably receive and position a drip pan below the drain opening to collect the water guided by the guide surface through the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: InterMetro Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Olson
  • Patent number: 11039731
    Abstract: A drying rack which can be nested during shipment and/or storage includes an upper portion having a first and second drying areas. The drying areas define a gap between their lower extents. The drying rack also includes a baseboard portion to catch liquid draining through the first drying area and a baseboard extension configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the baseboard extension extends beneath the second drying area so as to catch liquid draining through the second drying area and, in the second position, the baseboard extension overlaps the baseboard portion exposing the gap between the first drying area and the second drying area so as to enable nesting of the drying rack with other like-designed drying racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Hongyuan Han
  • Patent number: 10827884
    Abstract: An organizer for bakeware, cookware, and other products is disclosed, the organizer containing a base with openings divided by supports. The base is expandable and the supports adjustable to accommodate various sized objects for storage and organizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: DV International Inc.
    Inventors: Hallie L. Stevens, Devee McNally
  • Patent number: 10674890
    Abstract: A tableware drying device for sanitary drying of tableware includes a first housing that is hingedly coupled to a second housing. The first housing has an upper facet and the second housing has an upper face, both of which are open so that the second housing is positioned to be hinged relative to the first housing to a closed configuration wherein contents of the first and second housing are shielded from dust, dirt, and insects. Each of a plurality of slats is coupled to and extends between opposing sides of the first housing to define a plurality of slots. Each slot is configured to insert an article of dishware that is to be air dried. Each of a plurality of couplers that is coupled to the second housing is configured to couple to a respective piece of glassware that is to be air dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Sherlock Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9549659
    Abstract: The invention is a dish rack for accommodating oversized containers in an automated dish machine. The rack includes a generally porous base surrounded by upstanding sidewalls and at least a pair of notches in one sidewall or opposing sidewalls configured for receiving an edge of the an oversized container. One form of the invention includes a wire framework having a base and one or more stanchions that extend generally upwardly from the base. The notches and wire framework are configured for supporting an oversized container at an angled position within an automated dish machine to inhibit spray from being directed out of the dish machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Jensen, Wesley Mark Nelson, Bryan John Henneman
  • Patent number: 9469045
    Abstract: A wood treatment station based on the concept of submerging wood with the ability to stage the wood and recover excess wood treatment prior to drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Karl Weselak
  • Patent number: 9039001
    Abstract: A device for cleaning trays comprises a tub that has a bottom and a wall. The tub is dimensioned such that a baking tray can be placed therein. The device further comprises a dish drain that can be placed in the tub. Said device for cleaning a baking tray uses only a small amount of space in a kitchen and is easy to handle. In fact, in a typical kitchen that already has a dish drain, the device requires no additional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Marcel Haeuselmann
  • Patent number: 8985375
    Abstract: An adjustable rack assembly for a dishwasher basket, comprises a rack (12) having a base bar (14) and a plurality of holding bars (16) that are fixedly attached to the base bar; and a bracket (18; 60; 80) provided at each end of the base bar for connecting said rack to a bar (10) of the dishwasher basket. The brackets (18; 60; 80) are adapted to permit horizontal shifting thereof along the bars (10) of the dishwasher basket. The rack assembly further comprises a releasable clamping means for securing the position of the brackets with respect to the bars of the dishwasher basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation, N.V.
    Inventors: Dieter Kohles, Gerhard Dürr, Klaus-Martin Forst
  • 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: 8763818
    Abstract: A kitchen sink organizer is disclosed that provides for a housing with a sloping dish washing detergent reservoir in a bottom base area, a reservoir insert that rests inside the reservoir that allows for degrees of penetration of dish washing implements such as sponges, soap pads and the like, and a plurality of reservoir covers that are formed with open channels through which liquid can drip back into the reservoir when the washing implements are placed on the covers, and where the housing also provides for an upper storage area for sponges, scrub pads, brushes dish towels, a bar of soap, and a ring or wrist watch, and also for a plurality of swinging hanging rods and rod sleeves that are molded onto the outer walls of the housing and which a user can swing outwardly for placement of a damp dish towel or rubber cleaning gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Pargansky
  • Patent number: 8635737
    Abstract: A wringer has a support surface and a first wringer surface depending from the support surface to a second wringer surface having perforations and curving to a free edge substantially below the support surface. The second wringer surface may be curved in an approximately 180 degree arc. The first wringer surface may be flat and also perforated. The support surface may be formed as an inverted channel structure with a closed upper surface and an angled surface extending away from the first wringer surface. The angled surface may extend at an angle approximately 45 degrees. The wringer may be used with one or more buckets, where the wringer is supported from the rim of one bucket or from the adjacent rims of two buckets. A flat first wringer surface may be used to ring a flat mop, and the curved second wringer surface may be used to wring a round mop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip LeCompte, C. Travis Hunsucker
  • Patent number: 8596490
    Abstract: A tray in accordance with the present disclosure includes a floor and a side wall arranged to extend along a perimeter edge of the floor. The floor and the side wall cooperate to form a product-storage region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan P. Davidson, Gail S. Becke, Jeffrey C. Minnette
  • Patent number: 8448811
    Abstract: A durable preparation tray for preparing and serving food items. The preparation tray, which is constructed from a microwaveable plastic material, includes a bottom wall provided with an upstanding food support structure, a catch basin for catching liquids associated with the food and a pour channel for pouring liquid from the catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Gross, Brett Gross, Eric Gross
  • Patent number: 8317057
    Abstract: A paint roller paint saving pan for a tubular roller pad is provided. The paint roller paint saving pan includes a paint can attachment portion configured to removably axially support the paint roller paint saving pan relative to an open end of an open paint can. A roller pad support portion is configured to radially support an end of the roller pad. A paint catching portion is positioned adjacent and vertically below the roller pad support portion and includes a through passage permitting fluid communication into the paint can when the paint can attachment portion is vertically supported on the paint can such that paint scraped from the roller pad supported by the roller pad support portion can return back to the paint can. The paint roller paint saving pan is configured to provide access to the roller pad by a rigid tool to scrape excess paint therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Terry Dennis West
  • Patent number: 8037999
    Abstract: A soap dish has a plurality of apertures for the passage of water. An imperforate tray is fabricated of a moisture impervious material for the retaining of water in the tray. A primary region supports the tray. A secondary region is laterally spaced from the primary region. A coupling assembly includes an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism has an internal end and an external end. The internal end is operatively coupled with respect to the primary region. The external end is operatively coupled with respect to the soap dish. The coupling assembly is adapted to allow the movement of the soap dish with respect to the tray between an inoperative orientation and an operative orientation and through an intermediate orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Sivathanu B. Kumar
  • Patent number: 7938285
    Abstract: A wood chip soaking apparatus has a fluid holding base container having end walls suited for supporting at least one, and suitably two, or even more, wood chip baskets in the container for pre-soaking the wood chips to be added to a barbeque heat source. Wood chips are preferably supported in the base container on handles projecting from the wood chip baskets. The base container preferably is provided with elevated side walls for supporting the wood chip baskets in an elevated position after soaking for draining the fluid from the baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Charcoal Companion Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven Raichlen, Charles Adams
  • Patent number: 7918429
    Abstract: A horizontal fuel tank support system for efficiently supporting a propane tank above the ground. The horizontal fuel tank support system generally includes a support pad including an internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity extends throughout the support pad and wherein the support pad is comprised of an elongated configuration, a platform defining at least a portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the platform extends along a longitudinal axis of the elongated support pad, and an internal ribbing structure extending within the internal cavity and beneath the platform. The internal ribbing structure includes a plurality of outer ribbing portions and an inner ribbing portion, wherein the inner ribbing portion is connected between the plurality of outer ribbing portions. The inner ribbing portion is comprised of a less dense structure than the plurality of outer ribbing portions to distribute the weight of the propane tank directly below the legs of the propane tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce Kleespie
  • Patent number: 7870636
    Abstract: A wringer has a support surface and a first wringer surface depending from the support surface to a second wringer surface having perforations and curving to a free edge substantially below the support surface. The second wringer surface may be curved in an approximately 180 degree arc. The first wringer surface may be flat and also perforated. The support surface may be formed as an inverted channel structure with a closed upper surface and an angled surface extending away from the first wringer surface. The angled surface may extend at an angle approximately 45 degrees. The wringer may be used with one or more buckets, where the wringer is supported from the rim of one bucket or from the adjacent rims of two buckets. A flat first wringer surface may be used to ring a flat mop, and the curved second wringer surface may be used to wring a round mop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip LeCompte, C. Travis Hunsucker
  • Patent number: 7857147
    Abstract: A dish rack comprises a tubular hub with a bottom segment and an outwardly flared top segment. An inner ledge supports a funnel and a flat-panel grate. The funnel may be molded together with the hub, eliminating the ledge. The rear of the hub is a vertical splash guard rising above the height of the front of the hub. A removable drainage tray is configured to slide into the bottom segment at the front of the hub. Cutouts on the bottom segment define hand-hold cavities. Handles are located on the exterior of the flared top segment to also serve as dish towel drying bars. The flat-panel grate is preferably configured with a slot to support and cradle a dish edge. An optional utensil holder is preferably configured to be supported by the flat-plate grate at the inner periphery of the flared top segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Azanaw Mulaw
  • Patent number: 7726620
    Abstract: A vertical fuel tank support system for efficiently supporting a vertical propane tank above the ground. The vertical fuel tank support system generally includes a support pad including an internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity extends throughout the support pad, an inner platform defining a first portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the inner platform is comprised of circular configuration, an outer platform defining a second portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the outer platform is comprised of circular configuration and an internal ribbing structure extending within the internal cavity and beneath the inner platform and the outer platform. The internal ribbing structure includes a first ribbing portion and a second ribbing portion, wherein the first ribbing portion interconnects with the second ribbing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce Kleespie
  • Patent number: 7621422
    Abstract: A spill containment assembly includes a support structure or grate, and a flexible containment bag disposed beneath, and secured to, the grate. Fluid filled containers are placed on the grate. The bag defines an available containment volume sufficient to retain a quantity of liquid stored within the containers supported by the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Polyflex, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Reed, Douglas M. Horner, Thomas G. Carter, Scott Janda
  • Patent number: 7424949
    Abstract: The novel concept of a single embodiment, namely a self-draining soap dish unit fabricated with choice of materials, metals, sizes, shapes, styles, including the options for accessories, securable to fixed structure, in which the soap held in the container component of the unit is repositioned, by means of one or more integrated mechanisms, such as telescopic arm, pivoted leaver, hydraulic, hinge, pneumatic, motor, solenoids, springs and inclined plane, to a preferred location, such as sink, tub or shower floor, to enhance drying function of the soap, during use and thereafter, allowing water from the wet soap to drain into the preferred area and be eliminated, thus drying the soap effectively and efficiently, and is returned to its original position in the soap dish. The combined structural construction and functional elements of this single embodiment to enhance the drying feature of the soap makes this soap dish unit, unique and innovative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Sivathanu Bhagavath Kumar
  • Patent number: 7407059
    Abstract: A storage rack for retaining items to be dried, which can be used in conjunction with a drain basin, such as a sink, or as a stand alone system is disclosed. The rack includes a support body having a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of foot members extending from the body in a direction opposite the side surfaces. The rack also includes three detachable basins: two side basins and a lower drain basin. The lower basin includes a flexible spout extending beyond an edge, the spout being capable of movement between a downward position extending below the surface of the basin and an upward position extending the spout above the surface of the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Ann Sullivan, Allan Cameron, Patrick F. McDormott, Paul Gregory, Guerav Rohatgi, Zach Traina, Dean DiPietro
  • Publication number: 20080149644
    Abstract: A drainage grid (12) for a dripping device (10) comprising a first flat portion of grid (14) to which a second flat portion of grid (15) is constrained, said second portion (15) can rotate around a first axis (21) defined by a border line between said first (14) and said second (15) portion. A third flat portion of grid (16) is constrained to the second portion (15), said third portion (16) can rotate around a second axis (22) defined by a border line between said second (15) and said third (16) portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Raffaele Piacenza, Marco Alessandro Piacenza
  • Patent number: 7377004
    Abstract: A wringer has a support surface and a first wringer surface depending from the support surface to a second wringer surface having perforations and curving to a free edge substantially below the support surface. The second wringer surface may be curved in an approximately 180 degree arc. The first wringer surface may be flat and also perforated. The support surface may be formed as an inverted channel structure with a closed upper surface and an angled surface extending away from the first wringer surface. The angled surface may extend at an angle approximately 45 degrees. The wringer may be used with one or more buckets, where the wringer is supported from the rim of one bucket or from the adjacent rims of two buckets. A flat first wringer surface may be used to ring a flat mop, and the curved second wringer surface may be used to bring a round mop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip LeCompte, C. Travis Hunsucker
  • Patent number: 7267308
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base member formed from wire strands conjoined to each other, defining outwardly flanging sides and a bottom surface. One wire has a unitary body provided with ends disposed along sides of the base, support pegs monolithically formed therewith, and lip portions spaced along a longitudinal length of the base member. The wire further has an annular portion monolithically formed with the lip portions, extending upwardly from the base member and traveling inwardly towards a center thereof. Another wire has opposed ends conjoined to the annular portion and one of the base member sides. A tray is seated on the base member and includes a bottom surface and monolithically formed edges. The tray is positioned beneath the annular portion for catching fluids and debris. Rubber caps are positioned about the support pegs for increasing surface area friction and assisting to maintain the apparatus at a stable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Duane R. Jenson
  • Patent number: 7267238
    Abstract: A dish rack has a collector tray that has a compartment. A retaining block is seated in the compartment for holding knives or other utensils having sharp edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Tzu-Hao Wei, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7207074
    Abstract: A dish drying rack system includes a sink and drain basin extending through a peripheral wall of the sink. A drain panel is positioned over the drain basin. The drain panel has a plurality of holes extending therethrough. Each of plurality of legs is attached to and extends downwardly from a loop member. The legs are positioned on the loop member so that each of the legs extends through one of the holes. A locking assembly is adapted for releasably locking each of the free ends in a position adjacent to a bottom surface of the drain panel so that the legs extend upwardly from the drain panel. A plurality of rods is attached to and traverses the loop member. Plates are selectively positioned within the loop member and vertically supported thereby when each of the free ends is in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Kim C. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6769538
    Abstract: A selectively configurable household accessory holder capable of being customized through adding and removing a variety of containers to a base. The containers may hold any number of items. The household accessory holder may be configured by removably attaching a variety of containers to the base. The base has a connection means capable of mating with an attachment means on a container bottom. The base has a series of regularly spaced holes drilled in its top while a container has one or more pegs sized to fit into a hole. The container may be aligned on the base so that the peg sits in a hole and secures the container to the base. A user may remove a container by pulling it up so that the peg is removed from the hole. The base is sized such that multiple containers of any shape may be affixed thereto simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Charlane Marie Oswald
  • Patent number: 6607805
    Abstract: The invention is a rubber or plastic mat with four sidewalls for collecting the grease drippings from a conventional barbecue grill. The mat is placed on the ground and the grill is simply rolled onto the mat. Specially shaped grease barriers allow the wheels of the grill to be rolled over them to place the grill over the center of the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Tom Clark
  • 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: 6484880
    Abstract: A transportable carrying cases for toiletries, cosmetics and personal hygiene items, for use in both wet and dry environments is disclosed. The carrying case has a main body portion with a top opening, and a perforate floor, a bottom portion configured to receive a lower portion of the main body portion in nesting or contiguous relationship, whereby excess moisture shed from articles contained in the main body portion is drained through the perforate floor into a reservoir provided in the bottom portion spaced below the perforate floor. A lid is secured in one of a plurality of telescoped positions to close the top opening of the main body portion, by a handle portion locking the lid in a closed configuration in one of a plurality of telescoped positions adjacent to the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Shaeffer
  • Publication number: 20020053572
    Abstract: An elongated bar rail mat having a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated, resilient members that cooperate with each other to form fluid damping chambers therebetween while supporting a wet glass thereon with the spaced-apart, elongated, resilient members cooperating with each other to provide a longitudinal stability to the bar rail mat to enable one to empty the contents of the bar rail mat without the bar rail mat collapsing and accidentally spilling the contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: DONALD T. NORDVIK
  • Patent number: 6276555
    Abstract: A storage and drainage device (10) for the removal and collection of water (50) from freshly washed salad ingredients (100). The device (10) includes an upper lid member (30), a lower base member (20) defining a liquid reservoir (23) and an intermediate drainage member (40) that is dimensioned to be received within both the lid member (30) and the base member (20) in an invertible fashion. The drainage member (40) has an apertured floor panel (41) that will support salad ingredients (100) so that water (50) will flow by gravity into the liquid reservoir (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Pearl E. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6227401
    Abstract: A rag bucket having a lid received against a tub's rim that allows bleached rags with residual odors of bleach contained therein to breathe with the outside air. The rag bucket lid has an aperture covered by a screen which allows the rags, when sealed therein, to breathe. The lid is recessed into the tub so that after the bleached rags have been removed, the lid may act as a strainer, for example, for paint to allow “good” paint to pass through the screen into the tub, and “bad” paint or impurities to be trapped on top of the screen to be discarded so as not to spoil a painter's work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Dale Rowland, Norman Manning
  • Patent number: 6047845
    Abstract: A dinner plate for serving, consuming and storing greasy foods, such as bacon, sausages or steaks. The plate has an inclined surface to facilitate drainage of greasy juices and the like to a lower side of the plate. The plate further includes a food receiving platform removably supported at an elevation above the inclined surface. The platform has a plurality of apertures formed therein to permit passage of fluid through the platform to the lower end of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Antonio R. Rapaz
  • Patent number: 5913440
    Abstract: A drain saving device for use in a sink having a drain, comprising a framework, and a bag that is supported by the framework. The framework comprises a pair of side supports and a connecting bar that extends between the side supports. The side supports each have a pair of supporting members, each of which have a top end that has a downwardly curving hook. The connecting bar is telescoping for adjusting the distance between the side supports, so that the framework may fit in different sized sinks. The bag has an upper end which drapes over the downwardly curving hooks, and a lower end having a perforated lower surface. Food preparation activities, such as cleaning meat, poultry, and vegetables, may be carried out over the bag, wherein liquids are allowed to seep through the bag and reach the drain, while debris is maintained within the bag and is prevented from reaching the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventors: Susan Bobko, Robert Bobko
  • Patent number: 5908133
    Abstract: A container for transporting particulate matter is initially in slurry form has a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom and is characterized by a downwardly extending, integrally-formed peripheral drainage channel having a drainage opening at a normally lowest point therein. The container bottom is configured to urge liquid from the slurry toward the channel, and the channel is configured to urge the liquid toward the drainage opening. The sidewall portion defines an opening coverable by a lid. A liner may be used to improve the drainage of the liquid from the slurry and from the container, and a plug can be placed in the drainage opening after liquid has drainage from the slurry and the container. A supplemental elevating member can be utilized to elevate the slurry with respect to the channel. A method of use of the container is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventors: Frano Luburic, C. Richard Roper
  • Patent number: 5899353
    Abstract: An ice cream cone cake holder comprises a supporting platform having a plurality of joined cone and/or cake supporting members and, preferably, a pair of handle members. Several embodiments of the holder are shown. In the first embodiment, the supporting platform is solid with apertured, open supporting members. In a second embodiment, the supporting platform is solid with apertured supporting members having connected frusto-conical members. In a third embodiment, the holder is wire-like with parallel, wire-like holder members with shaped portions that support ice cream cone cakes. The holder may be used in conjunction with a carrier for the holder and may hold an ice cream cone filled with cake ingredients, before during and after baking of the cake ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Sabin, Darla Jane Clark
  • Patent number: 5794747
    Abstract: A skid pad has an actuatable drain for use with baggage carrying wet gear. A mesh compartment is provided in the bottom interior of the bag. Slidingly carried in the compartment is a valve member. The mesh compartment is in fluid communication with an opening provided in the bottom of the baggage. A skid pad having a plurality of holes thereon, is provided on the bottom of the bag for covering the opening in the bottom of the bag. When the valve member is removed, fluid may freely drain through the mesh compartment, the opening in the bottom of the bag, and ultimately through the holes provided in the skid pad. Because the holes in the skid pad are in recessed portions, and because of the configuration of the mesh compartment, fluid is allowed to drain from the baggage, but dirt and foreign debris is substantially prohibited from entering into the baggage through the drainage openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Akona Adventure Gear
    Inventor: Frank D. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5720930
    Abstract: A container for enabling fluid flow therethrough for cleaning or sterilizing of the contents, comprises a tray (10) and lid (20) and having respective bases (11, 21) and side walls (17, 27). The bases (11, 21) have perforations (12, 22) defined by elliptically shaped perforation walls (13, 23) with their major axes vertical to allow easy flow of the cleaning fluid through the container and minimum contact points with the contents or other containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas Colin Bean
  • Patent number: 5702003
    Abstract: A bath toy storage unit has a storage chamber that stores bath toys for tidy clean-up after a bath. The storage chamber is accessible by removing a lid or by removing an exterior cover, and includes a perforated surface to hold the toys and to allow water to drain into a collection chamber underneath the surface. A removal tray may be provided for ease of dispensing of collected water. The exterior of the bath toy storage unit may be shaped in the form of an animal to provide incentive for children to place their toys in the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Bonnie L. Springer
  • Patent number: 5653271
    Abstract: An oil and oil filter recycle apparatus useful to consumers who change their own oil comprising the assembly of a receptacle for the oil and oil filter, a support within the receptacle to keep the oil filter from being immersed in dried oil, and a drain unit which is low profile to go under vehicle, invertible to empty its contents into the receptacle for transport to a recycle location, and mated to the receptacle to seal the receptacle and drain unit mutually against leakage while anchoring the support screen in the receptacle inward of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventors: Charles Brittain, Gilbert B. Ross
  • Patent number: 5615798
    Abstract: A container for transporting particulate matter which is initially in slurry form has a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom and is characterized by a downwardly extending, integrally-formed peripheral drainage channel having a drainage opening at a normally lowest point therein. The container bottom is configured to urge liquid from the slurry toward the channel, and the channel is configured to urge the liquid toward the drainage opening. The sidewall portion defines an opening coverable by a lid. A liner may be used to improve the drainage of the liquid from the slurry and from the container, and a plug can be placed in the drainage opening after liquid has drained from the slurry and the container. A supplemental elevating member can be utilized to elevate the slurry with respect to the channel. A method of use of the container is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventors: Frano Luburic, C. Richard Roper
  • Patent number: 5611377
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the draining of residual oil or fuel remaining in an oil or fuel filter is disclosed. The device includes an outer container or bucket having an inner basket disposed at least partially therewithin. The basket has a ribbed or screened surface that holds the oil or fuel filters and allows the fuel to drain from the filter and through the ribbed or screened surface down to a bottom of the outer container. The basket may include a lower sloping surface with an opening formed therein. Oil draining from an oil furnace filter strikes the lower sloping surface and is directed to pass through the opening down to the bottom of the outer container. When the basket is entirely disposed within the outer container, a cover closes the opening at the top of the outer container to prevent spillage of any accumulated oil in the outer container therefrom during transportation of the device in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: John R. Maguire
  • Patent number: 5551591
    Abstract: A drainage container including a receptacle having an upwardly opening interior chamber and a support platform positioned in closely spaced relation above the chamber bottom. An upwardly projecting handle panel is fixed to the platform and extends upwardly beyond the chamber mouth. The handle panel and support platform are releasably retained within the chamber by a rim member releasably mounted to the receptacle about the mouth and projecting inwardly thereof to form an abutment engaged downwardly against opposed shoulders on the handle panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Laib
  • Patent number: 5505295
    Abstract: A system that comprises a container capable of holding motor oil and a housing that is capable of holding a first oil filter such that motor oil in the first oil filter can drain into the container. The container is comprised of a light to medium weight durable plastic that is recyclable, such as polyethylene, and preferably has a rectangular top surface with four sides. The rectangular top surface has at least two handles (i.e., indention handles) positioned on opposite sides of the rectangular top surface. The container also has a drain release cap along with a screw and nipple combination to secure motor oil in the container and empty motor oil from the container. At least one drain hole is positioned to drain motor oil from the first oil filter held by the housing into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: C. Wendell Whittington
  • Patent number: 5489042
    Abstract: The present invention provides a way for the do-it-yourself oil and filter changer to safely and cleanly drain used oil from the filter, then seal and store both filter and drained filter oil in the same container that crankcase oil is collected and stored in while keeping the drained filter dry and separate from the drained and collected oil. The invention solves a recent problem that has become apparent as used oil filters have become a culprit of land and water pollution. By allowing the do-it-yourselfer a convenient, safe, clean, and economical way to manage his used oil filter along with his used oil, it hampers the tendency to improperly dispose of these recyclable wastes by allowing more convenient and cleaner transport of these wastes to a collection center. This reusable container also eliminates the disposable items currently being used to transport used oil filters, thus eliminating these oily wastes from the wastestream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Bart W. Ewald
  • Patent number: 5385261
    Abstract: This invention is directed to dish drainers, which have integrally formed connecting elements in the basket and pan thereof.The connector elements are used to maintain the basket and pan coupled together during shipment, when displayed for sale or when in use. The connector may be disconnected to separate the pan from the basket in order to clean the dish drainer components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Sterilite Corporation
    Inventors: Hangwind F. Lippisch, Cory J. Kruger