Abstract:
A device for containing plastic container lids for storage and for use in an automatic dishwasher. The device includes an open lattice structure comprising top, bottom, back and side walls and a removable door. The lattice members preferably have convex outer surfaces and substantially planar interior surfaces and are configured to maximize water penetration into the device during a wash cycle. Longitudinally-oriented lattice members include projections and grooves that assist in retaining lids in position and maintaining separation between adjacent lids. Concentric circular members are provided on the sides of the device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/964,148, filed Oct. 13, 2004, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a container for storing and washing lids for plastic and other lidded containers. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Plastic storage containers, such as the well-known Tupperware® brand containers, are widely used. These containers typically have a plastic lid which is sealable over a lip on a plastic bowl. Similar lids are used on non-plastic containers as well since they can readily be formed to sealingly engage the upper lips of containers. As a result, many kitchens contain a plethora of plastic and other lids of various sizes and shapes. These lids are awkward to store since they are not conveniently stored with their matching containers, which are commonly stored in a nested configuration without their lids. Such lids are also difficult to wash using an automatic dishwasher because they tend to move during a washing cycle, which results in uneven cleaning and damage to the lids if they come in contact with the dishwasher heating element.  
         [0004]     There have been numerous attempts to develop improved systems for storing lids. Some such attempts are shown in U.S. Patents Des. 252,440 issued Jul. 24, 1979 to William P. Hamilton; Des. 401,811 issued Dec. 1, 1998 to Helen Hait; Des. 411,783 issued Jul. 6, 1999 to Frances Kualaau; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,000,326 issued Mar. 19, 1991 to Richard C. Vaughn; 5,207,334 issued May 4, 1993 to John E. Lear; 5,344,029 issued Sep. 6, 1994 to Ann T. Oghia, et al; and, 5,660,284 issued Aug. 26, 1997 to Richard C. Vaughn. While a variety of techniques for storing lids have been disclosed in these patents, better means are needed for storing and cleaning lids.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In one respect, the invention comprises a body having a top, bottom, left side and right side, a closed end and an open end. The top, bottom, left side, right side and the closed end each preferably comprise an open structure. The bottom includes a plurality of bottom rails. Each of the bottom rails is preferably parallel to the left and right side walls and has an inward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface. Also included are a plurality of projections located along the inward-facing surface of each of the bottom rails. Each of the projections is preferably no more than 0.5 inches in height.  
         [0006]     In another respect, the invention comprises a body having an open structure, including a top, a bottom, a left side a right side, a closed end and an open end. Also provided are plurality of rails extending along the top and bottom walls from the open end toward the closed end. Each of the plurality of rails preferably has a substantially flat inward-facing surface and a convex outward-facing surface. A plurality of grooves are also preferably included. Each of the plurality of grooves are located on the inward-facing surface of one of the plurality of rails and extending from the open end toward the closed end.  
         [0007]     In yet another respect, the invention comprises a body having an open structure, including a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, a closed end and an open end. The left side and the right side each preferably include a circular member. Also included are a plurality of rails extending along the top and bottom walls from the open end toward the closed end. Each of the bottom rails preferably includes a plurality of projections located along its inward-facing surface. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is an elevational view taken from the left side of  FIG. 1  with the door removed to show details of the door hinge;  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a view taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a view taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 5A  is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating a particular cross-sectional shape of the track;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5B  is a view identical to  FIG. 5A  illustrating an alternate configuration for the track;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5C  is a view identical to  FIG. 5A  illustrating yet another configuration of the track;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5D  is a view identical to  FIG. 5A  illustrating a still further configuration for the track;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged fragmentary view of a device for maintaining lids in position in the device of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged fragmentary view of another device for maintaining lids in position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6C  is an enlarged fragmentary view of yet another device for maintaining lids in position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6D  is an enlarged fragmentary view of still another device for maintaining lids in position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6E  is an enlarged fragmentary view of still yet another device for maintaining lids in position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is an elevational view of the right side of the device of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a view taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of an alternate pattern for the sides of the device of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of a device and door according to the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11A  is a top plan view of a device for securing the device of  FIG. 1  to an internal component of a dishwasher;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11B  is a top plan view of an alternate device for securing the device of  FIG. 1  to an internal component of a dishwasher;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11C  is a top plan view of another device for securing the device of  FIG. 1  to an internal component of a dishwasher; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an alternate fastener for use in securing the device of  FIG. 1  to an internal component of a dishwasher. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]     The ensuing detailed description provides preferred exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.  
         [0030]     To aid in describing the invention, directional terms are used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the present invention (e.g., top, bottom, upper, lower, left, right, etc.). These directional definitions are merely intended to assist in describing the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. In addition, reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification in order to provide context for other features.  
         [0031]     The purpose of the container of the present invention is two-fold. First, it is intended to provide a convenient and organized means for storing plastic container lids in an upright or lying down position in a cupboard or drawer. It can also be used to store a variety of other items which will be at the discretion of the consumer. Second, it is designed to retain the lids and facilitate thorough cleaning in an automatic dishwasher.  
         [0032]     It is very difficult to thoroughly clean modern plastic container lids by hand. Thorough, sterile washing of such lids is important because the lids often come in contact with food elements, such as oils and sauces, which can leave a tough residue on the lids. Such food elements can also stain the lids. It is very difficult to hand wash such lids using water that is sufficiently hot to provide some degree of sterilization.  
         [0033]     In addition, plastic container product makers, such as Tupperware, Inc., are now making lids with tighter (i.e., narrower) seal grooves, which provide more air-tight seals, and therefore, prolongs freshness for food stored in the container. This makes thoroughly washing such lids by hand even more challenging. When hand washed, such lids are also typically left to air dry. This invariably results in a small amount of water remaining at the bottom of each lid in the seal grooving. When the lid is picked up to be put away, the remainder of that water splatters out. If lids are left out overnight to dry, this area can harbor germs, especially if residue is present.  
         [0034]     Modern automatic dishwashers provide a superior environment for thoroughly cleaning such lids. The dishwasher is able to provide a wash cycle using water at a temperature of at least twice that of typical tap water. Improvements in water jet dispersion have also improved the cleaning thoroughness of automatic dishwashers. A heated drying environment thoroughly dries the lids, while killing any germs that may have been left behind after washing.  
         [0035]     Automatic dishwashing of such lids presents several challenges. For example, plastic container lids are often “freely” placed in the dishwasher and usually anchored by other items. During the wash cycles, such lids often become dislodged and end up coming in contact with the dishwasher heating element, which usually melts the lids and renders them unusable. Even if a lid does not come in contact with the heating element, it is difficult to retain lids in a position that will insure thorough cleaning. Therefore, in order to provide consistent and thorough wash results in an automatic dishwasher, it is critical to (1) prevent the lids from moving around during the wash cycle and (2) make sure that wash water is able to penetrate all areas of each lid. The present invention is specifically designed to achieve these aims.  
         [0036]     The container of the present invention is configured to retain multiple lids in a stable and upright position, while maintaining spacing between each adjacent lid. In addition, the container is designed to maximize the amount of wash water that is directed onto the lids retained therein and, in particular, the grooves used to fasten lids to matching containers.  
         [0037]     In the description of the figures, the same numbers will be used throughout to refer to the same or similar components. While the container may be used to store lids and other relatively small household articles of a size and shape suitable for containment in a dishwasher and the like, such articles and lids are referred to herein as lids for convenience. The term “small” as used herein refers to articles which are of a size which is readily placed in the container.  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a lid storage and washing device  10  according to the invention comprises a top  12 , a bottom  14 , an open end  16 , a closed end  18 , a right side  20  and a left side  22 , all of which being formed of an “open structure.” For the purposes of the specification and claims, the term “open structure” means a structure having openings that are sufficiently large to allow water to pass through.  
         [0039]     The open end  16  of device  10  is connected to top  12  and sides  20 ,  22  and the closed end  18  is connected to top  12 , bottom  14  and sides  20 ,  22  to form a generally box shaped structure or device. The open end  16  includes a door  24  supported by hinges  26 ,  28 ,  30  to enable a user to open and close one end of the device  10 . Latches  32 ,  34  and  36 ,  38  are used to secure the door in a closed position.  
         [0040]     As will be described herein, the door  24  is preferably removable. With the door  24  removed, the device  10  can be stood on the closed end  18 , which allows the device  10  to accommodate larger lids.  
         [0041]     Desirably the top  12 , bottom  14 , sides  20 ,  22  and end  18  of the device  10  are formed of a generally open structure, which readily permits the flow of air through device  10  for contact with the lids, as for instance in storage, or liquids and air in a dishwasher or the like. The open structure may be formed of rails and cross slats, ornamental figures or the like. The primary function of the open structure is to support and protect the lids inside the device  10  while permitting the ready flow of air and liquids into and out of the device  10 . In addition, as can be seen in  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  4  and  8 , the outward-facing surfaces of most of the portions of the device  10  are rounded and convex, and the inward-facing surfaces of most of the portions of the device  10  are substantially flat. This configuration minimizes the reflection of water that is directed toward the device  10  from dishwasher cleaning jets (not shown) and encourages the reflection of water moving inside the device  10  as such water contacts inwardly-facing surfaces of the device  10 .  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the closed end  18  of the device  10  has an open structure comprising main or longitudinal rails  40  and cross-slats  42 . The rails  40  and cross-slats  42  may be of any convenient width and presented in any desired number so long as the resulting structure is sufficient to maintain the lids in a selected position and to permit water, detergent and air to contact the lids (at various stages of the wash cycle).  
         [0043]     Each of the rails  40  includes projections (e.g.,  44  of  FIG. 1 ), which are located on the inward-facing surfaces of the rails  40  and are used to contain the lids in a desired position or to maintain the lids in an upright or semi-upright position and to slightly separate the lids. The height of each of the projections  44  is no greater than 0.5 inches and is preferably a small fraction of the overall height of the device  10  (i.e., the distance from the top  12  to the bottom  14 ). In this embodiment, the preferred height of the projections is in the range of 0.125 to 0.25 inches and the overall height of the device  10  is preferably no less than 8 inches, in order to accommodate a wide range of common lid sizes.  
         [0044]     The projections may be of a variety of configurations, such as a tab channel shaped projection  44  shown in  FIG. 6A , arc shaped projection  46  as shown in  FIG. 6B , or a solid semi-circular projection  48  as shown in  FIG. 6C , a square shaped solid tab  50  shown in  FIG. 6D , or a solid rectangular shaped tab  52  shown in  FIG. 6E . It should be understood that the projections shown in  FIGS. 6A-6E  can be positioned on rails  40 ,  41  located on the top  12 , bottom  14 , or closed end  18  of the device  10 .  
         [0045]     Top  12  and bottom  14  are formed with an open structure similar to the closed end  18 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5E , the rails  40 ,  41  of top  12 , bottom  14  and end  18  have a cross-section including a groove  51  formed therein so that a lid (e.g.,  50  of  FIG. 5A ) may be supported in an upright position. Each of the rails  40  on closed end  18  is preferably aligned with a corresponding rail  41  on both the top  12  and bottom  14 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 5A  shows a groove  51  having a generally semi-circular cross-section.  FIG. 5B  shows a groove  53  having a “V” shaped cross-section.  FIGS. 5C, 5D  and  5 E show other alternative cross sectional shapes for grooves  55 ,  57 ,  59 , respectively. The common feature of all of the grooves  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57 ,  59  is that each includes a low point that is centered on the rail  40 ,  41  on which it is located. This promotes proper positioning of the lid  50  when it is inserted and removed from the device  10 , as well as during a wash cycle. In order to facilitate easy insertion and removal of lids, the rails  40  and the grooves  51  are preferably parallel to the sides  20 ,  22  of the device  10 .  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the structure of side  20  comprises three concentric circular members  52 ,  54 ,  56 , which are supported by vertical supports  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  69 ,  71 . Preferably, each of the circular members  52 ,  54 ,  56  and vertical supports  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  69 ,  71  has an airfoil-shaped cross-sectional shape. Each of the circular members  52 ,  54 ,  56  and vertical supports  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64  is preferably angled so that its inwardly-facing edge has a smaller circumference than its outward facing edge. This orientation is most visible in  FIGS. 4 and 8 . For example, the inward-facing edge  73  (see also  FIG. 8 ) of circular member  52  is closer to the center of the side  20  (i.e., has a small circumference) than the outward-facing edge  75  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) of circular member  52 . As with most of the structural members of the device  10 , the circular members  52 ,  54 ,  56  and vertical supports  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  69 ,  71  are configured to be open to the flow of fluids and air into and through the device  10 . In this embodiment, side  22  is a mirror image of side  20 , except for parts that engage the door  24 .  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , bottom  14  has longitudinal rails  41  and cross slats  43 , which are similar in structure to the longitudinal rails  40  and cross slats  42  located on the closed end  18 . The relative size and configuration of the rails  41 , projections  44  and grooves  51  are shown in  FIGS. 5A  though  5 E. Preferably, the projections  44  are located between the groove  51  and either the left edge  49  or right edge  47  of the rail  41  in an alternating pattern. The alternating pattern of the projections is visible in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 .  
         [0049]     While open end  16  of the device  10  as shown in  FIG. 1  is fitted with a door  24 , it should be understood that either end of device  10  (or both ends) could be fitted with doors so long as the ends  16 ,  18  can be maintained in a closed position during use of the device  10  in a dishwasher or the like.  
         [0050]     The door  24  may be positioned with hinges  26 ,  28 ,  30  or other devices known to the art to permit a user to open and close the device  10 . Positioning of the door  24  at the open end  16  of device  10  is preferred. The door may be removeably hinged on device  10  and may be held in a closed position by a latch or latches  32 ,  34  and  36 ,  38  ( FIG. 9 ), by clips, by frictional engagement of the door fitted into a shadow box like opening in the body of device  10  and the like.  FIG. 10  shows door  24  in the closed and latched position.  
         [0051]     The device  10  may be fabricated with an open structure of various shapes, such as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3  and  7 . In  FIG. 9 , an alternate configuration for the side members  20 ,  22  is shown, comprising rings  70 ,  72 ,  74 , arcs  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82  with vertical support slats  84 ,  86 ,  88  horizontal support slats  90 ,  92 ,  94  and diagonal support slats  96 ,  98 ,  100 ,  102 . Obviously other variations could be used. The primary requisite of the open structure is that it be open to the flow of air and fluids and that it provide sufficient strength to protect the lids and to prevent the escape of the lids from the inside of the device  10  during storage, use in a dishwasher, or the like.  
         [0052]     The cross-section shapes of the structural members of the device  10  can have a tapered cross-sectional shape designed to permit the ready flow of fluids and air into the device  10 . While other configurations could be used, the tapered or air foil configuration is a desirable cross-sectional configuration for slats and other structural components.  
         [0053]      FIG. 11A  shows a fastener  110  having the general shape of a coat hanger, for use in positioning and securing the device  10  to a dishwasher rack by placing the hook portion  112  on one of the slats of device  10  and the loop portion  114  to a portion of the dishwasher rack (not shown). A plurality of fasteners is typically positioned on the device  10  for use in maintaining the device  10  in position in a dishwasher.  
         [0054]     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 11B , a resilient clip  116  having a spring-like portion  118  which is adapted to resiliently engage a support slat of device  10  and eye portion  120  adapted to slip over a coated wire or the like in a dishwasher rack.  FIG. 11C  illustrates a fastener  122  similar in construction to the device of  FIG. 11B  which may be used to secure the device  10  in a desired position in a dishwasher.  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a clip or fastening device  126  with open jaw like ends  128 ,  130  clip on a vertical member  132  of the device  10  and end  128  is adjusted to clip onto adjacent vertical dish supporters of a dishwasher rack.  
         [0056]     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 , the hinges  26 ,  28 ,  30  used for door  24  can be of any suitable type. A simple plastic hinge comprising a sheet of flexible plastic could be used. Alternatively as shown in the drawings, the hinges have a section mounted on the door having a vertical projecting pin for mating with an aperture or hole in a projecting arm on the door, the arm fitting over the pin.  
         [0057]     Latches  32 ,  34  and  36 ,  38  used with door  24  of device  10  can be a hasp-like latch, a hook or any other suitable latch of the many types known to those skilled in the art for such purposes. As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 , a T-shaped pin on the door is fitted to mate with a complementary shaped barrel lock on open end  16  of device  10 .  
         [0058]     The device  10  can be constructed in any size desired. Size will be determined by the size of the lids to be stored. Lids, such as plastic lids for plastic containers, plastic lids for other types of containers or non-plastic lids and other relatively small articles can be contained within device  10 . It is anticipated that commercial devices will be produced to accommodate a variety of lid sizes and number of lids stored.  
         [0059]     The device  10  may be fabricated of materials, e.g., plastic or rubber, having sufficient strength and stability for use in environments seeing temperatures up to about 250° F. Plastic or rubber coated metal can also be used to fabricate the lid container.  
         [0060]     The unique design features of the device of the invention are unlike anything currently in the market with overall dimensions 10½ to 10¾ inches in height; 5 inches wide and 12 inches in length. The overall design is open, yet somewhat flexible in its makeup. The angles and curves of the structure work to promote maximum wash and dry exposure. Its inner components provide stability to lids no matter where it is placed in the dishwasher, yet does not hinder storage capabilities and the door is removable. A large device can store between ten and 12 large lids; a medium device, eight to ten lids; and the small device, five to seven lids.  
         [0061]     While the present invention has been described by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is pointed out that the embodiments described are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments.