US 12,696,989 B2Granted

Device for storing elongated utensils

OwnerAlastair James Townsendinventor

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Abstract

A storage device for elongated utensils comprises a case with an open top containing a pivotally mounted utensil holder with tiered compartments. The compartments limit utensil insertion depth, keeping ends visible and accessible. The holder rotates upward from a horizontal stored position to an angled access position via an integrated handle. A retention system secures the holder in the raised position for two-handed access to utensils. Multiple embodiments of the retention system are disclosed, including magnetic pairs, a flexible strip mechanism, and a spring-loaded latch. The holder returns to horizontal position by disengaging the retention system. The device functions in drawers, on flat surfaces, or wall-mounted. This space-efficient design particularly benefits storing paired utensils such as chopsticks, preventing damage while maintaining visibility and easy access.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A storage device for elongated utensils, comprising:

(a) a case comprising:
(i) two parallel longitudinal side walls;
(ii) two parallel transversal end walls;
(iii) a horizontal base;
and
(iv) an open top;
(b) a utensil holder pivotally mounted within the case, comprising:
(i) a horizontal top surface;
(ii) two parallel side walls;
(iii) a horizontal base;
(iv) a handle extending outwardly from the utensil holder and contained within the interior volume of the case with sufficient clearance to permit unobstructed rotational movement;
and
(v) a plurality of tiered internal compartments arranged in rows, wherein the compartments are comprised of:
horizontal trays arranged in a stepped configuration;
vertical longitudinal partitions with top ends angled to correspond to the stepped configuration;
and
transverse end walls extending upward from the horizontal trays;
(c) a pivot mechanism that connects the utensil holder to the case along a transverse axis to enable rotation of the utensil holder through an arc of up to 90 degrees relative to the base of the case in an open position;
(d) stoppers mounted above the base of the case that maintain a gap between the base of the utensil holder and the base of the case in a closed position;
and
(e) a retention system comprising a mechanism to hold the utensil holder at a fixed angle between zero and ninety degrees relative to the base of the case.

18 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 19/032,226Filed 20 Jan 2025
Published: US 2026/0206989 A123 Jul 2026
Granted: 4 Aug 2026
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification12 codes

A47G 21/14
Table-ware: knife racks or stands; Holders for table utensils attachable to plates
A47F 5/0081
Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features: show stands or display racks with movable parts
A47F 5/10
Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features: adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands
A47G 21/103
Sugar tongs; Asparagus tongs; Other food tongs: chop-sticks