Container for storing knifes, utensils, and the like having integral blade sharpener

A container for storing at least one object, such as a knife, utensil, and the like, wherein the object has a blade that is occasionally dressed is disclosed. The container includes a housing presenting an object-receiving opening and a blade-dressing assembly configured to provide selective dressing of the blade. The blade-dressing assembly includes a carrier and a dressing component supported on the carrier. The carrier is shiftably supported on the housing so as to move between a storage position in which the dressing surface is incapable of engaging the blade and an operating position in which the dressing surface is engageable by the blade.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices for holding knives and/or other utensils. More specifically, the present invention concerns a container, such as a knife block, having a blade dressing assembly pivotally mounted therewith.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that utensils often become worn through regular use. For instance, knife blades may become worn by continuous use of the knife's blade to cut a variety of foodstuffs, such as for instance, frozen foods, that may cause the blade to dull. Moreover, knives are often used with cutting boards, which may be formed of wood, granite, or some other hard material. Continually using a knife on a cutting board may accelerate wear of the blade because of continual contact with the cutting board. Thus, after long and repeated use, a knife's blade may require conditioning, or dressing, to restore and/or enhance the blade's performance characteristics. Different dressing techniques exist to restore and/or enhance blade performance, such as, for instance, sharpening, straightening, honing, polishing, buffing, and the like. Such dressing techniques may refurbish or restore the blade to optimal conditions for use.

Notwithstanding the need for dressing utensils, such dressing tools are often inconvenient to store and use. For instance, some knife blocks include a storage slot for butcher steels or sharpening rods. Storing dressing utensils in the knife block, however, sacrifices storage space for other utensils. Alternatively, if a dressing apparatus like a sharpening stone is stored elsewhere, the sharpener may be lost or it may not be conveniently accessible for use when required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Responsive to these and other problems, an important object of the present invention is to provide a container for storing at least one object, such as a knife, utensil, and the like, wherein the object has a blade that is occasionally dressed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the utensil holder comprises a housing and a blade-dressing assembly. The housing presents an object-receiving opening. The blade-dressing assembly is configured to provide selective dressing of a blade. The blade-dressing assembly includes a carrier and a dressing component supported on the carrier. The dressing component presents a dressing surface that is configured to engage the blade and thereby dress the blade when the blade is moved relative to the dressing surface. The carrier is shiftably supported on the housing so as to move between a storage position and an operating position. When the carrier is in the storage position the dressing surface is incapable of engaging the blade. When the carrier is in the operating position the dressing surface is engageable by the blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the several views, the container10selected for illustration is designed to universally accommodate a plurality of objects, such as knives, utensils, tools, and the like. More particularly, the illustrated container10is similar to the device generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,559. Alternatively, the container10could be designed to include a retainer having a plurality of side-by-side web members presenting a utensil-receiving opening between adjacent ones of the web-members, as generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,403. The entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,082,559 and 6,439,403 are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Moreover, according to some aspects of the present invention, the container10could alternatively be a traditional slotted knife block, having a plurality of slots each sized to receive a corresponding knife or utensil. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the container10disclosed herein could be variously configured and designed such any one of a number of containers may be suitably employed and are within the scope of the present invention.

The container10is shown in use with a pair of knives12,14. It will be appreciated, however, the container10could be used with other utensils, such as potato peelers, scissors, other types of cutlery, spatulas, whisks, spoons, tongs, and the like. Most preferably, the container10is used with objects requiring dressing/conditioning. The illustrated knives12,14each include a handle16and a blade18projecting from the handle16. In the usual manner, the blade18is narrower than the handle16such that a flange20(seeFIG. 2) is defined generally at the junction of the blade18and handle16.

With reference generally toFIGS. 1 and 4, the illustrated container10includes a housing22preferably formed of a material capable of withstanding the environmental conditions in which the container will be used. Accordingly, the illustrated housing is formed of wood, but the housing may be formed of any other suitable material, such as plastic, synthetic resin, steel, and the like. The housing22generally includes a case24and a support26that supports the case24at an oblique angle relative to vertical. The case24is generally rectangular in shape and generally includes a plurality of upright walls28,30,32,34, each of which presents an outer face36. Although the illustrated case24does not present a bottom wall, a bottom wall may optionally be included and oriented generally perpendicularly to the upright walls28,30,32,34. The walls28,30,32,34cooperatively define an object-receiving opening38having a utensil-retaining rod assembly40therewithin. Although the container10illustrated inFIG. 1is shown supporting only a single knife12, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a plurality of knives or various other utensils (e.g., a sharpening rod, a potato peeler, scissors, other types of cutlery, spatulas, whisks, tools, utensils, etc.) may be placed in the container simultaneously.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container is provided with a rod assembly40similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,559. The rod assembly40comprises a plurality of generally cylindrical rods42, which present a common length and are substantially equal in cross-section and formed of plastic. The free ends of rods42are flat, but optionally rounded, and cooperatively define an entry face44spanning the case opening38so that a utensil, such as knife12, pierces through the entry face and passes along the length of the rods for storage. As with U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,559, the rods42are preferably fixed axially relative to one another by any suitable means.

The support26is preferably adhesively bonded to the case24to form an integral portion of the housing22but may alternatively be removably affixed to the case24. One of ordinary skill in the art will easily appreciate that the case24and support26may be connected and/or fabricated in any other suitable manner. The support26generally includes a plurality of walls46,48,50that cooperatively define a hollow interior defining a storage area52. Each of the walls46,48,50additionally present an outer surface54, with the center support wall48including a carrier-receiving slot56defined therein. The slot56runs from the base of the center support wall48substantially the entire height of the wall48, but may be variously dimensioned. The center support wall48additionally includes a support bore58transecting the carrier-receiving slot56. The slot56operably provides access to the hallowed internal storage area52defined by the support26and the case24(seeFIG. 6). The illustrated support26optimally stabilizes the case24so that the container10does not tip or wobble when objects are added to, or removed, from the case24. Again the case24is preferably oriented at an oblique angle relative to the surface on which it is supported, so as to facilitate access to the opening38thereof.

The illustrated container10is supported on the surface on which it sits by a plurality of feet60,62,64,66,68. In particular, the feet60,62,64,66,68are preferably adhesively attached to the bottom of the case24and support26and formed of nonslip material, such as rubber. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize that other materials may suitably be used to form the feet60,62,64,66,68. Likewise, other suitable fasteners may be used to affix the feet60,62,64,66,68to the case24and support26.

Now referring generally toFIGS. 2,3, and5, the illustrated container10includes a blade-dressing assembly70that provides convenient dressing of the knives12,14. The blade-dressing assembly70is shiftably connected to the housing22and, more preferably, is pivotally attached to the support26. It will be appreciated, however, that the blade-dressing assembly70may be associated with the housing22in any suitable manner, although it is important that the blade-dressing assembly70be configured to permit only selective dressing of a blade, as will be described.

The blade-dressing assembly70generally includes a carrier72and a dressing component74supported thereby. More particularly, the illustrated carrier72is generally rectangular in shape and includes a body portion76and a projecting portion78, both of which are preferably integrally formed as part of the carrier72. The body portion76presents an outer face80that is generally flat and additionally includes a bore82(seeFIG. 5) co-axially arranged with the support bore58with the respective bores58,82cooperatively receiving a cross-member84spanning the respective bores58,82to define an axis86of rotation about which the carrier72may be swung. As will be further described herein, the carrier72swings about the axis86relative to the housing22between a storage position, shown, for instance, inFIG. 4, and an operating position, shown, for instance, inFIG. 3.

The projecting portion78of the carrier72serves several functions depending upon the position of the carrier72. In particular, when the carrier72is in the storage position (FIGS. 4 and 6), the outer face80of the body portion76is generally flush with the outer surface54of the support26. Accordingly, when the carrier72is in the storage position, the projecting portion78operably extends outwardly from the flush outer faces54,80of the support26and body portion76to define a handle88that is manually graspable and configured to be pulled to rotate the carrier72away from the support26about the axis86of rotation. Alternatively, when the carrier72is in the operating position (FIGS. 2,3, and5), the projecting portion78operably engages the surface upon which the container10rests and spaces the body portion76of the carrier72from the surface. Spacing the body portion76from the surface facilitates storage of the blade-dressing assembly70, as will later be described, and preferably stabilizes the blade-dressing assembly70for use. Moreover, the illustrated projecting portion78is dimensioned relative to the axis86of rotation to level the body portion76with the surface upon which the carrier72rests. Therefore, the axis86illustrated in the preferred embodiment is positioned and the projecting portion78is configured to support the body portion76in a generally horizontal orientation when the carrier72is in the operating position.

Although the projecting portion78illustrated herein is integrally formed with the body portion76as part of the carrier72, the projecting78portion may operably be formed of a separate structure, such as a knob, affixed to the body portion76with some type of adhesive or mechanical fastener, such as a screw. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize the vast array of structures capably projecting from the outer face80of the body portion76. Moreover, while the illustrated projecting portion78is distal from the axis86of rotation, the projecting portion78can be variously shaped, sized, and positioned along the carrier72to accommodate various design preferences while still achieving the above-described functions. To be sure, the projecting portion78can be variously placed along the body portion76and may be located more proximate the axis86of rotation. In addition, the projecting portion78may be dimensioned and/or may be positioned relative to the axis86of rotation to orient the body portion76in alternative angles for presenting the blade-dressing assembly70to a user for selective dressing of a blade.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 5, the illustrated carrier72includes a generally arcuate slot-defining portion90opposite the outer face80of the body portion76. The slot-defining portion90presents first92and second94spaced apart slots, each of which is configured to receive a blade for selective dressing therein. In particular, each slot92,94defined by the slot-defining portion90is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body portion76. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, when the carrier72is in the operating position, the slots92,94assume a substantially vertical orientation. The slots92,94operably present the dressing component74of the blade-dressing assembly70. More particularly, the dressing component74includes first96and second98dressing surfaces within respective first92and second94slots. In the illustrated embodiment, a first pair of spaced apart dressing members100within the first slot92define a first pair of opposed sections102of the first dressing surface96, which are configured to simultaneously engage opposite sides of the blade18. Indeed, the first dressing surface96illustrated inFIG. 3shows a blade18engaged therewith and the blade18is thereby dressed when moved relative to the first dressing surface96. Most preferably, each of the respective dressing surfaces96,98is defined by ceramic sharpening rods104,106,108,110having a generally cylindrical shape and having an abrasive grit embedded therewithin or coated thereon. The rods104,106,108,110may be sized and/or shaped as desired, and may further include suitable grit or dressing characteristics to provide different blade conditioning. Moreover, the respective dressing surfaces96,98may alternatively be formed of a unitary sharpening stone having a notch formed therein, with respect notch walls cooperatively defining the respective dressing surfaces.

Likewise, the second dressing surface98is defined within the second slot94of the slot-defining portion90of the carrier72. A second pair of spaced apart dressing members114within the second slot94define a second pair of opposed sections116of the second dressing surface98, which are configured to simultaneously engage opposite sides of the blade18. The second dressing surface98is engageable in a manner similar to the first dressing surface96for dressing a blade18engaged therewith. Those of skill in the art will note, however, that the first96and second98dressing surfaces ofFIG. 3are differently configured so that different dressing characteristics are imparted thereby. Accordingly, the dressing component74illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 5presents two dressing surfaces96,98, each of which operably dresses the blade18to a different degree. While the respective pairs of dressing members100,114defining respective dressing surfaces96,98illustrated herein both present dressing surfaces designed to sharpen the blade18, alternative configurations are possible and the dressing members100,114may be oriented with respect to each other to provide differing dressing surfaces96,98or comprise any material suitable for dressing a blade18, such as, for instance, for sharpening, straightening, honing, polishing, buffing, and the like. Thus, one dressing surface may be suitable for steeling while the second dressing surface may be suitable for honing. One of skill in the art can easily appreciate the vast combinations possible. Moreover, while the illustrated blade-dressing assembly70presents two slots92,94for receipt of a blade18therein, the blade-dressing assembly70may be otherwise configured to present a single slot or more than two slots.

Again, the first and second slots92,94illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 5are oriented with respect to the carrier72to be substantially vertical when the carrier72is in the operating position. Nevertheless, the carrier72and/or slots92,94may alternatively be configured to present the slots92,94at different and varying angles. For instance, the slots92,94may be canted within the slot-defining portion90and parallel with one another. Alternatively, the slots92,94may be canted within the slot-defining portion90and oriented at differing angles with respect to one another. The slots92,94may also be alternatively angled by dimensioning the projecting portion79of the carrier72so that the carrier72rests canted with respect to the surface on which the container10rests. Consequently, those of skill will easily appreciate the various possible configurations and orientations of the blade-dressing assembly70and dressing component74.

The illustrated slot-defining portion90is preferably adhesively affixed to the body portion76to form an integral portion thereof, but those of skill in the art will readily recognize that other means for interconnection portions, such as mechanical or chemical fasteners, may operably be used. In addition, while the illustrated slot-defining portion90is permanently affixed to, and forming an integral portion of, the carrier72, the slot-defining portion90may alternatively be removably affixed to the carrier72to facilitate replacement of the blade-dressing assembly70if desired. It is also noted that the body portion76, projecting portion78, and slot-defining portion90are all preferably formed of wood. In this manner the body portion76, projection portion78, and slot-defining portion90are preferably formed of the same material as the housing22. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the body portion76, projection portion78, and slot-defining portion90may be constructed of any suitable material.

Accordingly, the illustrated container10beneficially stores utensils and includes a blade-dressing assembly70shiftably affixed to the housing22thereof. In particular, the carrier72is ordinarily stored in the storage position (e.g., seeFIGS. 4 and 6). In the storage position, access to and use of the dressing component74is prevented because the dressing component74is stored in the storage area52and therefore substantially inaccessible. Upon required dressing of a blade, the handle88defined by the projecting portion78of the carrier72is graspable and facilitates pulling on the carrier72to rotate the carrier72away from the housing22until the carrier72is in the operating position in which the blade18is selectively engageable with the dressing surfaces96,98. Alternative designs of the carrier72may optionally forego a projecting portion78and opt instead for a spring-loaded push-release latching mechanism so that, for instance, the outer face80and outer surface54are more substantially flush.

In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier72is in the operating position when the projecting portion78of the carrier70engages the surface upon which the container10rests (e.g., seeFIGS. 1,2,3, and5). A user may thereby dress a blade18using the blade-dressing assembly70in the known manner. Once the blade18has been dressed with the dressing component74, the carrier72may be swung about the axis86toward the housing22toward the storage position. As previously discussed, the projecting portion78spaces the body portion76from the surface upon which the container10is supported, thereby enabling a user to slide a finger adjacent the outer face80of the body portion76of the carrier72to facilitate swinging the carrier72from the operating position. As the carrier72pivotally swings about the axis86from the operating position to the storage position, the illustrated blade-dressing assembly70passes through the carrier-receiving slot56of the support26and is received within the internal storage area52defined by the support26and the case24(seeFIG. 6). The illustrated carrier-receiving slot56is configured to snugly accept the carrier72therethrough. The carrier72continues to swing until the slot-defining portion90of the carrier72abuts the housing22, which thereby acts as a stop to prevent the carrier72from over-rotating. Moreover, as best shown inFIG. 6, the container10is configured so that the outer face80of the body portion76of the carrier72is substantially flush with the outer surface54of the housing22when the blade-dressing assembly70is in the storage position. Consequently, the dressing surfaces96,98are incapable of engaging a blade18when in the carrier72is in the storage position illustrated herein.