Patent Publication Number: US-2013233816-A1

Title: Counter Space Saver

Description:
CLAIM OR PRIORITY 
     This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/634,767 filed Mar. 6, 2012, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Counter Space Saver.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to the field of rotating storage devices, and more specifically to the field of storage compartments for kitchen cleaning accessories and functional tools. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art has put forth several designs for storage devices. Among these are: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,511 to Richard A. Denholtz describes a storage device for kitchen utensils, tools, artist supplies and more, with annular tiers of storage pockets surrounding a central hollow cylinder whose apertured top level supports bladed utensils. A middle level and lower level have spaced double walls between storage pockets for holding bladed utensils. Nonbladed utensils are stored in each storage pocket for easy and quick access. The entire device rotates for facilitating utensil removal and replacement. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,588 to Bill E. Davis, Eugene W. Meyers, and Paul Podsiad describes a bakery utensil storage system to be used with an automated commercial baking system. This storage system automatically receives baking utensils from a continuous conveyor of the baking system and immediately directs the utensils over a positionably curved conveyor for engagement with a predetermined table top conveyor to be returned to the baking system or lifted and stored until used by the baking system again. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,277 to Walter G. Geldenhuys describes a rotating implement storage device to store garden implements and similar tools in garages, tool sheds and storage units with traditional linear wall storage space. This storage device permits more efficient use of space by providing a suspended rotating carousel attached to a mounting bracket having a plurality of retaining hooks or brackets about the periphery of the carousel. These hooks retain a variety of implements in a hanging. A circular rotating base allows a user to rotate the device to reach a needed implement. 
     None of these prior art references describe the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotating or revolving storage compartment for kitchen cleaning accessories and functional tools. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rotating storage compartment for kitchen tools and accessories, including latex or rubber gloves. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a functional perspective front view of the present invention showing storage components for storing latex or rubber kitchen gloves, a bottle brush, a potato brush, a pot scrubber and a flat space for liquid detergents of various sized containers. 
         FIG. 2  is a functional perspective front view of the present invention showing components for storing a long handle pot scraper, a can opener and a sponge. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustrative front view of an empty storage compartment of the present invention showing the design of its plastic components for storing gloves, bottle brush, pot scraper, can opener, sponge and pot scrubber. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustrative bird&#39;s eye view of the storage compartment of the present invention showing the various components and how the compartment rotates in either direction. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As any high school physics student knows, a gas expands to evenly fill its container regardless of the container&#39;s size. As any householder knows, a similar law operates in terms of one&#39;s possessions. Possessions also expand to fill whatever space one occupies whether that space is a studio apartment, condominium, house or mansion. Householders very quickly find their available space diminishing as possessions expand. Household space often is at a premium and householders look for more efficient ways to use it. Bookshelves built into a wall convert wall space into storage space without appreciably decreasing the volume of the room. Laptop computer workstations with hideaway and sliding shelves double as traditional desks for reading or writing. Many people use the space under beds for storage and many disorganized closets and garages are filled to capacity with stuff. Usually, one stores one&#39;s stuff in the room in which it is used. Books and DVDs in one&#39;s den or TV room, bathroom toiletries in the bathroom, and clothes in a bedroom closet. When it comes to the kitchen, some supplies and tools such as dish detergent and sponge and cleaning brushes need to be near the sink where a user uses them. Many housekeepers simply place these items at the back of the sink, but this placement is unsanitary and unattractive. Keeping essential daily supplies under the sink removes them from view, but constantly getting them out and putting them back may be an annoyance. 
     The present invention, hereinafter referred to as The Counter Space Saver, is a revolving compartmental storage receptacle for the essential kitchen supplies and tools that a household user needs close at hand and near the sink. The device comprises a circular disc mounted on a rotating “lazy susan” mechanism. As used herein “lazy susan” mechanism refers to a top circular disc mounted on top of a bottom circular disc having a circular race to receive ball bearings between the two circular discs to provide the rotation of the top disc while the bottom disc remains stationary. The present invention is designed to secure rubber gloves, cleaning brushes, scouring pads and sponges and a bottle of liquid dish detergent as well as a manual can opener and a vegetable brush. The Counter Space Saver offers the storing of kitchen essentials and keeps them organized in one place. The Counter Space Saver provides householders with a clean, neat, and organized means of keeping these essentials together near the sink, taking up as little room as possible. 
     The Counter Space Saver is fabricated in a hard durable scratch and impact resistant injection molded thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is washable and may be produced in a variety of colors to suit various kitchen colors and decors. The base of the Counter Space Saver is circular, measuring approximately ten and one half inches in diameter and comprising a circular track of ball bearings and a rotating top. The top of the rotating base is molded with several form fitting recesses or receptacles into which individually removable receptacles or containers fit snugly. At the discretion of the manufacturer, the top could be lifted off the base for washing. Two holders for rubber gloves, measuring approximately fourteen and one half inches tall and resembling candlesticks, and inserted into molded components in the top of the base. The Counter Space Saver also contains two open top cylinders, each measuring approximately five inches in height and three inches in diameter. One open top cylinder stores long handled bottle brushes and other utensils such as a handheld can opener. The cylinder comprises a center divider for storage of the can opener. 
     Three high backed rectangular plastic holders provide storage space for items such as a sponge, a vegetable brush and a scouring pad. Holders sloping sides provide for measurements of approximately three and one half inches in height, three and one half inches in width and one and one half inches of depth in front. Each holder is large enough to allow adequate airflow while the sponges or scouring pads are drying. The various components or receptacles of the Counter Space Saver fit neatly into their molded mounts in the tray like rotating base, so the Counter Space Saver is stable and sturdy. The individual components of the present invention are lifted easily out of their mountings and are dishwasher safe. The top of the base, if made removable, may be easily lifted up for washing when needed. 
     Simple, stable, attractive and convenient, the Counter Space Saver provides householders with an easy means of organizing and storing the tools and supplies most closely associated with the kitchen sink. Kitchen cleaning items are easy to organize with the Counter Space Saver and easy to reach because the base of the Space Saver rotates to facilitate accessing a needed tool. Designed with convenience in mind, the present invention is an attractive modular and stylish unit, which saves space and ensures that kitchen cleaning tools are stored efficiently. Cleverly conceived, thoughtfully designed and offered in a variety of pleasing colors, the Counter Space Saver also is reasonably priced and will have a wide and enthusiastic reception in households, business break rooms and institutional establishments. The tall glove holders may be adapted for use in other areas for use with work related gloves. The glove holder easily fits into any of the glove fingers. 
     Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.