Nestable containers are provided for installation within a compatible cutting board or for stand-alone use. A first container features a lip along at least part of a circumference of the container, and a ledge below the lip that also extends along at least part of the circumference. A second container features a cooperative lip that, when the second container is nested within the first container, engages or rests upon the ledge of the first container. The lips and/or the ledge may be continuous or discontinuous.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to the field of consumer goods. More particularly, nestable containers are provided for various uses, including with a cutting board that features at least one cut-out for accommodating the containers.

Existing cutting boards often provide mediocre user experiences during food preparation due to their limited surface area, which can quickly become cluttered with prepared ingredients, scraps, containers, etc. For example, some ingredients or scraps may need to be thrown away or composted, others may need to be washed or strained, others may need to be stored, while others may be intended for immediate use. Existing cutting boards generally do not assist a user in separating, sorting, or transporting the items for their intended dispositions. Instead, a user may need to awkwardly transfer items between the board and various containers placed around the area in which the cutting board is being used.

Also, containers for food ingredients and/or scraps are often designed such that they cannot be easily combined or used in a cooperative manner by themselves and/or with other equipment. For example, it is cumbersome to add contents to two or more individual and separate containers during preparation of a meal or during some other activity. Also, or instead, one container (e.g., when filled) may need to be exchanged for an empty container, thereby interrupting the workflow.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a cutting board described herein features one or more cut-out sections, bores, or voids. The cutting board may be situated such that while some or most of the board is supported by a counter or other underlying support, a cut-out may be located past an edge of the support. One or more removable and nestable/stackable containers fit into a cut-out such that their outer edges substantially align with a border of the cut-out; for example, they may be configured to closely fit the border of the cut-out, which may feature a lip or ledge for engaging and supporting edges of the containers. While the cutting board is in use, items may be easily transferred from a cutting surface by brushing or scraping them into the one or more containers. Lids may be provided for some or all containers.

In some embodiments, a cutting board features a single cut-out into which multiple containers are nested or stacked, and different containers may be used for different purposes. For example, one may receive items that are to be stored, another may receive items to be composted, another may act as a strainer, and so on. In addition, when installed in the cut-out, top edges of the installed containers may be substantially coplanar with the surface of the cutting board. Because none of the containers extend above the cutting surface, there is little or no impediment to the movement of items from the working area to the containers. In particular, the items need not be lifted from the cutting board in order to be placed in a container.

In other embodiments, nestable containers are provided for use with a compatible cutting board, another piece of equipment, or for stand-alone use. In these embodiments, a nestable container features external protrusions or lips around all or a portion of its upper rim, or a single continuous protrusion around all or a portion of the upper rim. Also, or alternatively, a nestable container features inner ledges or platforms around all or a portion of its upper rim, or a single continuous inner ledge around all or a portion of the upper rim. Thus, an external protrusion of one container is configured to engage with a corresponding ledge of another container, a cutting board, or other equipment. For example, the protruding portion(s) of a top-most container in a stack of two or more nestable containers may, when installed, rest upon a ledge of another container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed embodiments, and is provided in the context of one or more particular applications and their requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of those that are disclosed. Thus, the present invention or inventions are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but rather are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the disclosure.

In some embodiments, a cutting board is provided that includes at least one cut-out or void for holding nestable or stackable containers. A cut-out may be fully or partially encircled by the cutting board. In these embodiments, the cutting board is placed on a counter or other support such that the cut-out is located beyond an edge of the support (e.g., over a sink, over open air). Some or all of the cutting board may be weighted so that it remains balanced and level even while food items and/or remnants are placed in the containers.

In some implementations, top edges of a container or of multiple containers installed in a cut-out are substantially flush with the top surface of a working or cutting area of the cutting board, while bottom ends of the containers extend below the bottom surface of the board. In these implementations, items on the work surface can be easily and cleanly wiped, scraped, or otherwise transferred to the container(s) with virtually no mess or spill and without lifting them from the cutting board.

In other embodiments, nesting or nestable containers are provided that nest within each other and/or within other compatible equipment. In these embodiments, a first container features one or more ledges for receiving and supporting lips, rims, or other protrusions of one or more other nesting containers. The other nesting containers may or may not also feature ledges for receiving other containers or apparatus, such as a lid or a strainer. In some implementations of these embodiments, no portion of a nested container (or other apparatus) rises above an upper rim, lip or edge of the container within which it is nested.

FIG.1is a block diagram depicting a cutting board featuring multiple nestable containers within a cut-out, according to some embodiments. In these embodiments, cutting board100features work surface102, gutter104, and cut-out110. Cutting board100, work surface102, and cut-out110may be of various suitable dimensions and composition for cutting, chopping, grating and/or otherwise manipulating or preparing food and/or other items.

In some implementations, for example, work surface102may be approximately 14″ by 15″ while cut-out110is approximately 5″ by 15″. In other implementations, work surface102may be weighted to reduce the ratio of work surface area to cut-out area. For example, a weighted version of work surface110may be approximately 12″ by 12″ while cut-out110is approximately 6″ by 12″. These examples are merely illustrative and do not limit the dimensions of cutting board100or any component(s) of cutting board100.

Gutter104may define one or more edges of work surface102but, in at least some embodiments, does not extend between work surface102and cut-out110. Although cutting board100is rectangular inFIG.1, with rounded corners, in other embodiments a cutting board may be square, elliptical or have some other regular or irregular shape.

Cut-out110of cutting board100accommodates multiple removable containers, including containers120,122, some or all of which may be stackable or nestable. Upon installation, edges of the containers are supported on some or all sides by a ledge or edge defining the cut-out. InFIG.1, container120may be considered a ‘primary’ container in that it is placed first within cut-out110, while container122may be considered a ‘secondary’ container because it stacks or nests within container120.

A primary container may accept any number of secondary containers. Therefore, if container122is no longer than half the length of container120, two or more of container122may be nested within container120, side-by-side. Further, one or more of container122may be installed as primary containers, that is, they may be installed in cut-out110without container120. Yet further, one or more containers smaller than container122may be stacked within container122.

A container (e.g., container120, container122) may feature solid walls and a solid bottom, or one or more walls and/or a bottom may be open or perforated (e.g., to allow liquid to escape). For example, if container120has a perforated bottom (and/or if parts of one or more walls of the container are perforated), liquid may flow or seep from the container, possibly into a sink or basin placed below cut-out110. Also, or alternatively, if the bottom or one or more walls of container122are perforated, liquid may flow or seep from container122into container120, thereby allowing container122to act as a strainer. Yet further, a separate strainer implement may be installed on a container (e.g., as a top), and the resulting assembly (i.e., the strainer and one or more containers) may remain flush with work surface102.

In some embodiments, during use of cutting board100container120is situated in cut-out100without any other containers when scraps or remnants on work surface102are to be removed from the surface. Container120may be emptied as necessary to dispose of the scraps. One or more of container122may then be nested in container120in order to receive food items or ingredients that are not to be disposed of. For example, as multiple different items (e.g., onion, carrot, tomato) are manipulated (e.g., diced, chopped) on work surface102, the prepared ingredients may be wiped or scraped into one or more containers122.

In some embodiments, cutting board100(e.g., work surface102) is made from bamboo, wood, and/or a synthetic polymer that can withstand slicing, chopping and/or other actions with sharp instruments. Containers (e.g., containers120,122) may be made of silicon, glass, metal, and/or a natural or synthetic polymer.

FIGS.2A-Bare block diagrams depicting cutting board100ofFIG.1with nested containers installed in a cut-out, according to some embodiments. InFIG.2A, a perspective view of cutting board100shows that the cut-out is populated with containers120,122. A lip or edge of the cut-out supports lip120aof container120(shown inFIG.1) along its some or all its circumference and, likewise, lip120aof container120supports lip122aof container122(shown inFIG.1).

Illustratively, container122may be a strainer-type container, in which case a bottom of the container is perforated or pierced in some manner so that liquid moved into container122(e.g., liquid that accompanies food ingredients or scraps) passes through container122and into container120. If container120is also of the strainer type, the liquid would also pass through container120. In some implementations, multiple (e.g., two) of container122may be installed in container120, with one of them being of the strainer type and another being of a collector type that features a closed bottom and walls so that whatever is placed in the container (e.g., liquid, solid) remains in the container.

FIG.2Bis a side view of cutting board100, showing container120hanging from the cutting board and supported by cut-out110. In particular, an edge or rim of container120engages a ledge or lip of cut-out110(not visible inFIG.2B), which prevents the container from falling or passing through the cut-out. As shown inFIG.2B, container120does not extend above the work surface of cutting board100, and neither do any containers nested within container120(e.g., container122).

FIG.3is a flow chart demonstrating a method of using a cutting board in which nestable containers can be installed, according to some embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the steps may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order. Accordingly, the specific arrangement of steps shown inFIG.3should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments.

In operation302, a cutting board having one or more cut-out sections is placed on a counter or other support. Each cut-out is defined by a ledge, edge, or rim that extends around some or all the cut-out. In some implementations, the cut-out(s) extend beyond the counter and over a sink or open air. Therefore, while a work surface of the cutting board has immediate underlying support, the cut-out(s) have no immediate underlying support.

In operation304, a first container is installed in a cut-out section, such that an outer edge or rim of the container catches on and is supported by the cut-out, thereby preventing the first container from falling through the cut-out. The first container does not extend above the plane of the working surface of the cutting board.

The first container may be a strainer type of container (with a bottom that is perforated or otherwise pierced) or a collector type (with a solid bottom), depending on a type of food ingredient to be prepared. For example, if tomatoes are to be diced and the liquid is not needed a strainer-type container may be installed or, if an ingredient having less liquid is to be prepared (e.g., carrot, apple, potato) a collector type of container may be installed.

In optional operation306, one or more first ingredients are prepared and the ingredients and/or scraps are scraped or wiped into the first container. The first container may then be emptied (e.g., into a cooking pan or pot, into a trash can if it only contains scraps or remnants).

In operation308, one or more second containers are nested within the first container, such that an outer edge or rim of each second container catches on and is supported by an inner edge or rim of the first container. None of the first and second containers extend above the plane of the working surface of the cutting board.

In operation310, additional food ingredients are prepared (e.g., cut, sliced, chopped, minced) and moved into the second containers and/or (e.g., by removing a second container) the first container. If any of the additional food ingredients require straining, one or more of the second containers may be strainer-type containers, in which case the strained liquid will pass through to the first container and, if the first container is also a strainer-type container, will also pass through the first container (e.g., and into a sink).

In optional operation312, one or more second containers may be swapped for other, empty, second containers or may be emptied (e.g., into a cooking vessel, into the trash) and re-installed for additional use with other ingredients.

In operation314, either or both the first and second containers are removed from the cutting board cut-out(s). Contents of the containers may be used or placed appropriately; for example, one or more containers may be sealed with a lid to store or conserve their contents.

In some implementations, lids may be placed on the upper-most containers before, during, and/or after the containers are used. Although no container normally extends higher than the work surface of the cutting board, when a lid is placed on a container some or all the lid may extend above the plane of the work surface.

FIG.4Ais a block diagram depicting a cutting board having a cut-out section for installation of nestable containers, according to some embodiments.

In these embodiments, cutting board400includes work surface402, gutter404and cut-out410, similar to cutting board100ofFIG.1.FIG.4also illustrates distal end406of cutting board400, which borders cut-out410. Note that distal end406may be used as a handle for the cutting board.

Cut-out410is defined by walls or edges that include upper ledge412and lower ledge414. In some implementations, ledges412,414surround the cut-out, while in other implementations they do not completely surround the cut-out. Operation of ledges412,414is shown in more detail inFIG.5.

FIG.4Bis a block diagram depicting the cutting board ofFIG.4Awith multiple removable and nestable containers installed therein, according to some embodiments. InFIG.4B, two containers (containers420,430) are nested within cut-out410. Note that neither of the containers extends above the surface of distal end406, which is coplanar with work surface402.

Container420includes upper (or external) rim or edge422, which engages or mates with (e.g., rests upon) upper ledge412, and lower (or internal) rim or edge424, which engages or mates with (e.g., rests upon) lower ledge414. In the illustrated embodiments, lower portions of rims422,424that are vertical abut, rather than rest upon, ledges412,414. Similarly, container430includes rim or edge432, which engages with upper rim422and/or lower rim424of container420. A lower, vertical portion of rim432abuts, rather than rests upon, lower rim424. Sides and bottoms of the containers do not touch each other in the illustrated embodiments.

In some alternative embodiments in which more than two containers are nested without a cut-out, container430may include upper and lower rims or edges to engage with container420and another container nested within container430.

FIG.5is a perspective view of nestable containers according to some embodiments. In these embodiments, container550can nest within container530, which may be self-standing or may be installed within some other optional equipment, such as a cut-out within a cutting board.

Container530features lip532, which forms some or all the perimeter of the opening of the container. Lip532is of uniform (or nearly uniform) height and thickness and, though shown as a continuous construct around the perimeter, in other implementations may be discontinuous. For example, lip532may appear on fewer than all sides of container530or may appear as a series of small lips with regular or irregular spacing instead of as a single extended lip.

A bottom or lower portion of lip532merges or melds into ledge534, which may also be continuous or discontinuous around the perimeter of container530. It can be seen inFIG.5(and in following figures) that lip532may slightly overhang ledge534. In other words, in some implementations, the length and/or width of container530may be greater when measured from the outer edge of lip532on one side of the container to the outer edge of lip532on the opposite side than when measured at the outer edges of ledge534. In other implementations, however, the outer surfaces of lip532and ledge534may be flush.

In contrast to container530, container550features lip552but no ledge. Therefore, in these embodiments, container550is configured for use as a top-most container in a nest or stack. For example, container550may be a strainer-type container. As previously described, a lid may be installed in container530(i.e., on ledge534) in place of container550or may be situated on top of container550while container550is nested within container530.

As will be seen in other figures, when containers530and550are nested, the underside and/or outer surface of lip552of container550contact the upper surface of ledge534and/or the inner surface of lip532of container530. However, the dimensions of the two containers are such that the sides (or side walls) and bottoms of the two containers do not touch. In particular, outer surfaces of sides556of container550do not touch inner surfaces of sides536, and the underside of the bottom of container550(not shown inFIG.5) does not contact the top surface of the bottom of container530(also not shown inFIG.5). Similarly, in embodiments in which one or all nested containers are circular or semi-circular, no side wall of a given container touches a side wall of a container nested within the given container nor a side wall of a container in which the given container is nested.

FIG.6Ais a side view of the nestable containers ofFIG.5aligned for nesting, according to some embodiments. In this view, container550is aligned for nesting within container530, which is aligned for nesting within another container or an article such as a cutting board having a cut-out configured to receive the container.

One may note that the outer contour of container530progresses downward and inward from lip532to ledge534, to the sides of the container (e.g., side536c), and to bottom538. Similarly, the outer contour of container550proceeds downward and inward from lip552to the sides of the container (e.g., side556c) to bottom558. Although top-most container550nests directly within container530in the illustrated embodiments, in other embodiments one or more additional containers may be interposed and nested between them.

A container or article that receives container530will support, and contact, the underside of ledge534and/or the underside of the portion of lip532that overhangs ledge534. Alternatively, container530may be self-standing, alone and/or when one or more containers (e.g., container550) are nested within it.

FIG.6Bis a side view of the nestable containers ofFIG.5with a first container in a stationary orientation and positioned to receive a second container, according to some embodiments. Although container530is installed or nested within a compatible cut-out of a cutting board in these embodiments, in other embodiments container530is installed in another (larger) container having surfaces that engage ledge534and/or lip532, or that is self-standing. Container550is aligned above container530.

FIG.6Cis a side view of the containers ofFIG.5in a nested orientation, according to some embodiments. It can be seen inFIG.6Cthat lip552of container550vertically engages and rests upon ledge534of container530, and may be prevented from moving horizontally (or from moving more than a very short distance) by lip532. As discussed above, bottom558of container550does not rest upon or contact bottom538of container530. Similarly, outer side walls of container550(e.g., side556c) do not contact inner side walls of container530(e.g., side536c). However, a lower vertical (or nearly vertical) portion of lip552may contact a lower vertical (or nearly vertical) portion of ledge534.

FIG.6Cdemonstrates that, when container550is nested within container530, no part of container550rises above container530. Further, in some embodiments, lip552is configured such that a lid or strainer may be placed on lip552without rising above a highest point or surface of container530.

Nesting containers may include one or more covers for covering or sealing the containers, perhaps for storage purposes (e.g., in a refrigerator or freezer). For example, because no nested containers rise above an upper edge, lip, or rim of container530inFIGS.6A-C, a single cover may be provided that (tightly) fits lip534of container530and thereby covers container530and all containers nested within container530.

As described previously, an upper nested container may be of various dimensions relative to the lower nested container in which it is installed, as long as it features an appropriately configured lip. For example, and with reference toFIG.2A, an upper nested container (e.g., container122inFIG.2A) may be notably shorter or narrower than a lower nested container (e.g., container120inFIG.2A) in at least one dimension. This allows multiple upper nesting containers to be installed in a single lower nesting container. Thus, two of container122may be installed side-by-side in container120ofFIG.2A.

The foregoing embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The scope is defined by the appended claims, not the preceding disclosure.