Patent Publication Number: US-8966793-B1

Title: Date indicating device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to date identifying devices, and in particular, to a date indicating device for food products that is attachable to a food storage container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     While grocery shopping, one must be constantly aware of product dating codes in order to ensure that safe and fresh food products are purchased. This practice, however, does not end at the grocery store. Rather, it is equally important to monitor the expiration date on products in the home to make sure that only the freshest, non-outdated food is consumed. This is especially the case where prepared food or leftovers are placed in the refrigerator for future use. While containers can be provided with labels, such labels can fall off, become smeared or even become confusing when remarked with other dates. Similar problems exist in restaurant and food preparation industries where legal ramifications of using outdated food can be costly. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which food product containers can be easily marked with the current date during initial storage in an effort to address the above-mentioned problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a device that ensures food products in storage containers are fresh in a manner which is quick, easy, and effective. The development of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail herein, substantially departs from conventional solutions to provide a date indicating device and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     In one (1) embodiment, the disclosed date indicating device can include an enclosure defining a hollow internal volume, a spring clamp attached to an exterior of the enclosure, a plurality of date indicia disposed within the internal volume and visible through the enclosure to visually indicate a date, and a plurality of adjustable knobs disposed within the internal volume and mechanically connected to the date indicia configured to set the date. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosed date indicating device can include an enclosure having a top panel, a bottom panel opposite the top panel, a front panel, a rear panel laterally opposed to the front panel, and a pair of longitudinally opposed side panels defining a hollow internal volume, a spring clamp attached to the enclosure, a first knob rotatably attached to the rear panel and protruding through the front panel, a second knob rotatably attached to the rear panel and protruding through the front panel, a third knob rotatably attached to the rear panel and protruding through the front panel, a month gear rotatably attached to the rear panel and mechanically connected to the first knob, the month gear having a plurality of month indicia visible through the front panel, a day gear rotatably attached to the rear panel and mechanically connected to the second knob, the day gear having a plurality of day indicia visible through the front panel, and a year gear rotatably attached to the rear panel and mechanically connected to the third knob, the year gear having a plurality of year indicia visible through the front panel. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosed date indicating device can be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize after reading the present disclosure. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in any particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a date indicating device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of the date indicating device; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective rear view of the date indicating device; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the date indicating device; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view of an enclosure of the date indicating device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  date indicating device 
               15  container 
               20  enclosure 
               21  top panel 
               22  front panel 
               23  side panel 
               24  rear panel 
               25  bottom panel 
               26  interior 
               27  writing opening 
               28  indicia 
               29  cover 
               30  handle 
               31  track 
               32  writing surface 
               33  month knob opening 
               34  month opening 
               35  day knob opening 
               36  day opening 
               37  year knob opening 
               38  year opening 
               40  first gear 
               41  first knob 
               42  first gear axle 
               43  month gear 
               44  month gear axle 
               45  month gear indicia 
               46  second gear 
               47  second knob 
               48  second gear axle 
               49  day gear 
               50  day gear axle 
               51  day gear indicia 
               52  third gear 
               53  third knob 
               54  third gear axle 
               55  year gear 
               56  year gear axle 
               57  year gear indicia 
               60  clamp 
               61  fixed member 
               62  clamping member 
               63  spring 
               64  gap 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of the described embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only certain configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     It can be appreciated that, although such terms as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one (1) element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It also will be understood that, as used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one (1) or more stated elements, steps or functions without precluding one or more unstated elements, steps or functions. Relative terms such as “front” or “rear” or “left” or “right” or “top” or “bottom” or “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one (1) element, feature or region to another element, feature or region as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. It should also be understood that the sizes and relative orientations of the illustrated elements are not shown to scale, and in some instances they have been exaggerated for purposes of explanation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , disclosing a date indicating device (herein generally described as a “device”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure describes a device  10  that particularly suited for providing a selective means for keeping track of the date foodstuffs were initially stored within a container  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the device  10  is depicted as being attached to handle of a container  15  in an upright orientation. The container  15  is depicted as a restaurant-style bulk container which is utilized to store a quantity of foodstuffs, yet it can be appreciated that other styles and types of storage containers can be utilized without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The device  10  can be clamped onto an edge of the container handle and a date that the enclosed foodstuff was initially stored can be set to keep track of the freshness of the enclosed foodstuff. The device  10  can be positioned in a location which is easily visible to show the date upon the container  15  and also positioned in a manner which enables the containers  15  to be stacked upon each other. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 through 4 , the device  10  can include an enclosure  20  which displays the date, provides a writing surface, and protects a plurality of internal mechanisms. The device  10  can also include a clamp  60  for attachment of the device  10  to the container  15 . The enclosure  20  and clamp  60  are preferably fabricated of a durable plastic, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the disclosure. 
     The enclosure  20  can include a generally rectangular, six-sided member further having a top panel  21 , a front panel  22 , a pair of side panels  23 , a rear panel  24 , and a bottom panel  25 . The top panel  21  includes the components which can be manipulated to change the date and label what is stored in the container  15 . The bottom panel  25  can be positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the container  15  in order for the top panel  21  to be positioned away from the container  15  and visible. 
     The top panel  21  can include a writing opening  27  (also see  FIG. 5 ) which provides access to a writing surface  32  for the user to write indicia  28 , which may include a name or description of what is being stored within the container  15 . The writing opening  27  includes a cover  29  which slides over the writing surface  32  via an internal track  31  to conceal the writing surface  32 . The cover  29  also includes an integral handle  30  which protrudes upwardly from the cover  29  to enable the user to grasp and motion the cover  29  as needed. The handle  30  also provides a limiting means to the cover  29  to prohibit the cover  29  from traveling past the confines of the writing opening  27 . 
     The top panel  21  also includes a plurality of knobs  41 ,  47 ,  53  which are manually manipulated by the user to set respective numeric indicia  45 ,  51 ,  57  providing a date setting means (also see  FIG. 5 ). The knobs  41 ,  47 ,  53  are depicted as being positioned linearly below the writing surface  32  for illustration purposes only; however, it can be appreciated that other locations upon the top panel  21  may be utilized without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. A first knob  41  manipulates the month, a second knob  47  manipulates the day, and a third knob  53  manipulates the year. 
     A rear panel  24  of the enclosure  20  includes the clamp  60  which provides a spring-actuated means of attaching the device  10  to the container  15 . The clamp  60  includes a fixed member  61  which is integral to and protrudes from the rear panel  24 . The fixed member  61  includes a slight “L”-shape for illustration purposes only and it can be appreciated that other shapes may be utilized without limiting the scope of the disclosure. A “U”-shaped spring  63  fabricated from a plastic material, having elastic characteristics, is attached via welding techniques to an underside surface of the fixed member  61 . The spring  63  enables a clamping member  62  to actuate to an open or closed state. The spring  63  is also attached to an upper surface of the clamping member  62  via welding techniques. The height of the clamp  63  creates a gap  64  between the fixed member  61  and the clamping member  62  which enables the clamp  60  to attach to a container  16 . The members  61 ,  62  are depressed towards each other to increase the gap  64  and enable placement on the container  15 . The members  61 ,  62  are released to fasten the clamp  60  in a fixed position on the container  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the top panel  21  and the front panel  22  are removed from the enclosure  20  for illustration purposes only; however, it can be appreciated that the enclosure  20  is to be completely enclosed. The top panel  21  includes the writing opening  27 , knob openings  33 ,  35 ,  37 , a month opening  34 , a day opening  36 , and a year opening  38 . The writing opening  27  frames the writing surface  36  and cover  29 . The writing opening  27  also prohibits the cover  29  from accidently being removed because the handle  30  extends beyond the writing opening  27  acting as a stop for travel of the cover  29 . Each knob opening  33 ,  35 ,  37  enables a respective knob  41 ,  47 ,  53  to be exposed for use. Also each knob opening  33 ,  35 ,  37  is slightly larger in diameter than the respective knob  41 ,  47 ,  53  to enable placement and usage. The month opening  34  enables a single numeral upon the month gear indicia  45  to be visible. The day opening  36  enables a single numeral upon the day gear indicia  51  to be visible. The year opening  38  enables a single numeral upon the year gear indicia  57  to be visible. 
     The rear panel  24  includes an integral track  31  having a “C”-shaped cross-section upon each opposing side which protrudes inwardly. The cover  29  is inserted within the track  31 , which enables the cover  29  to travel within. The track  31  is preferably fabricated from a material similar to the enclosure  20 , yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the disclosure. Integral to the track  31  is the writing surface  32  which includes a flat writable surface  27  such as a dry-erase board spanning the length of the track  31 . The writing surface  32  provides an area for the user to label the container  15  as desired. Various existing writing utensils can be utilized to write upon the writing surface  27  as desired by the user. 
     The first knob  41  is integral to a first gear  40 . The first gear  40  is a toothed gear which rotates about a first gear axle  42  which is further attached to the bottom panel  25  and enables the first gear  40  to rotate freely. A user rotates the first knob  41  to simultaneously rotate the first gear  40  and further rotate an engaged month gear  43 . The month gear  43  is also a toothed gear which is interlocked with the first gear  40  to translate the rotation of the first gear  40  to the month gear  43 . The month gear  43  rotates about a month gear axle  44  which is also attached to the bottom panel  25  and enables the month gear  43  to rotate freely when the first gear  40  is rotated by the user manipulating the first knob  41 . The month gear  43  includes the month gear indicia  45  which include a plurality of month numerals which correspond to the twelve months (12 mos.) that make up a year. 
     Likewise, the second knob  47  is integral to a second gear  46 . The second gear  46  is also a toothed gear which rotates about a second gear axle  48  which is attached to the bottom panel  25  and enables the second gear  46  to rotate freely. A user rotates the second knob  47  to simultaneously rotate the second gear  46  and further rotate an engaged day gear  49 . The day gear  49  is another toothed gear which is interlocked with the second gear  46  to translate the rotation of the second gear  46  to the day gear  49 . The day gear  49  rotates about a day gear axle  50  which is also attached to the bottom panel  25  and enables the day gear  49  to rotate freely when the second gear  46  is rotated by the user manipulating the second knob  47 . The day gear  49  includes the day gear indicia  51  which include a plurality of day numerals up to thirty-one (31) which correspond to the maximum day that could make up a month. 
     Lastly, the third knob  53  is integral to a third gear  52 . The third gear  52  is another toothed gear which rotates about a third gear axle  54  attached to the bottom panel  25  and enables the third gear  52  to rotate freely. A user rotates the third knob  53  to simultaneously rotate the third gear  52  and further rotate an engaged year gear  55 . The year gear  55  is a toothed gear which is interlocked with the third gear  52  to translate the rotation of the third gear  52  to the year gear  55 . The year gear  55  rotates about a year gear axle  56  which is also attached to the bottom panel  25  and enables the year gear  55  to rotate freely when the third gear  52  is rotated by the user manipulating the third knob  53 . The year gear  55  includes the year gear indicia  57  which include a plurality of year numerals for a plurality of consecutive years. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present device  10  can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only particular configurations have be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The present device can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it can be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the device  10 ; depressing the fixed member  61  and the clamping member  62  towards each other to flex the spring  63  and open the gap  64  for placement upon a container  15 ; sliding the cover  29  within the track  31  via the handle  30  to write upon the writing surface  32  as desired; rotating the first knob  41  to simultaneously rotate the first gear  40  and month gear  43  to change the month gear indicia  45  as needed to be viewed through the month opening  34 ; rotating the second knob  47  to simultaneously rotate the second gear  46  and day gear  49  to change the day gear indicia  51  as needed to be viewed though the day opening  36 ; rotating the third knob  53  to simultaneously rotate the third gear  52  and year gear  55  to change the year gear indicia  57  as needed to be viewed through the year opening  38 ; removing and resetting the device  10  as needed; and, utilizing the device  10  to date the foodstuff within a container  15 . 
     The foregoing embodiments of the disclosed date indicating device have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles, configurations, and modifications of the invention can be incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure upon reading the specification and that the embodiments of the disclosed baluster bracket assembly shown and described are for the purposes of clarity and disclosure and to limit the scope. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.