WO2021162867A1

WO2021162867A1 - Measuring vessel set

Info

Publication number: WO2021162867A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/015603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tiffany Chang CHEN; Lance E. HAZELTON; Nicholas Reynolds; Brittany PFEIFFENBERGER; Mark Drayer
Original assignee: Helen of Troy Ltd
Current assignee: Helen of Troy Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-10
Filing date: 2021-01-29
Publication date: 2021-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-10

Abstract

A set of measuring vessels configured for arrangement in a stack includes a first measuring vessel and a second measuring vessel. The first measuring vessel includes a first container and a first handle extending from the first container. The second measuring vessel includes a second container and a second handle extending from the second container. The second handle is configured to releasably connect with the first handle and the second measuring vessel being slidable in a sliding direction with respect to the first measuring vessel between a slid forward position and a slid backward position.

Description

MEASURING VESSEL SET

BACKGROUND

[0001] Conventional measuring cups and spoons are often provided in sets of varying storage capacity and with indicia provided thereon to convey information such as a storage capacity, source material, make, or brand. Moreover, many conventional measuring cup and spoon sets including such indicia are also stacked or otherwise configured for storage as a set in such a way that reduces the storage volume of the set but also hides the indicia of most every measuring cup or measuring spoon in the set. As a result, identifying a specific measuring cup or measuring spoon in the set is very difficult without unstacking the set or otherwise reconfiguring the set from its storage configuration.

[0002] Furthermore, most conventional measuring cups and spoons that are able to be stacked for storage require movement of the container portion of one the measuring cups or spoons with respect to another of the measuring cups or spoons if one desires to move one of the measuring cups or spoons with respect to another.

SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the foregoing, a set of measuring vessels configured for arrangement in a stack includes a first measuring vessel and a second measuring vessel. The first measuring vessel includes a first container, a first handle extending from the first container, a first indicia on the first handle indicating a volume of the first container. The second measuring vessel includes a second container and a second handle extending from the second container. The second handle is configured to releasably connect with the first handle and the second measuring vessel being slidable with respect to the first measuring vessel between a slid forward position and a slid backward position. When the second measuring vessel is in the slid backward position at least a portion of the second handle covers the first indicia, and when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position the first indicia is not obscured by the second handle. [0004] Alternatively, a set of measuring vessels configured for arrangement in a stack includes a first measuring vessel and a second measuring vessel. The first measuring vessel includes a first container and a first handle extending from the first container. The second measuring vessel includes a second container and a second handle extending from the second container. The second handle is configured to releasably connect with the first handle with the second container at least partially received in the first container and the second measuring vessel being slidable in a sliding direction with respect to the first measuring vessel between a slid forward position and a slid backward position. When the second handle is connected with the first handle, the second measuring vessel is slidable with respect to the first measuring vessel in the sliding direction without lifting the second container away from the first container in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a set of measuring vessels. [0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of first and second measuring vessels a second measuring vessel shown in a slid forward position.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 2.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 with the second measuring vessel shown in a slid backward position.

[0009] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the second measuring vessel. [0010] FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of the second measuring vessel.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 in FIG. 2.

[0012] FIGS. 8 - 10 are cross-sectional views with two measuring vessels having a configuration different than that shown in FIGS 1 - 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] It should be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a set 100 of measuring vessels in a first stack configuration. In FIG. 1 , the set 100 includes a first measuring vessel 102, a second measuring vessel 104, a third measuring vessel 106, a fourth measuring vessel 108, a fifth measuring vessel 110, and a sixth measuring vessel 112. Even through six measuring vessels 102 - 112 are shown making up the set 100, the set can include a fewer or greater number of measuring vessels, so long as the set includes more than one measuring vessel. The measuring vessels 102 - 112 releasably connect with one another while allowing relative movement of one measuring vessel with respect to another measuring vessel without disconnection between the measuring vessels. For example, and as more clearly seen in FIGS. 2 - 4, the second measuring vessel 104 is slidable in a sliding direction 116 (see double arrow in FIGS. 3 and 4) with respect to the first measuring vessel 102 between a slid forward position, which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a slid backward position, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The other measuring vessels 106 - 112 are movable in a similar manner. For example, the sixth measuring vessel 112 is slidable with respect to the fifth measuring vessel 110 between a slid forward position, the fifth measuring vessel 110 is slidable with respect to the fourth measuring vessel 108 between a slid forward position, and so on.

[0014] To differentiate between components or features of the first measuring vessel 102 as compared to the second measuring vessel 104 and so on, components or features of the first measuring vessel 102 may be preceded with the term “first,” components or features of the second measuring vessel 104 may be preceded with the term “second” and so on. Also, in figures that show more than one measuring vessel components or features of the first measuring vessel 102 will be referred to with reference numbers having the subscript “1 ,” while like features or components of the second measuring vessel 104 will be referred to with reference numbers having the subscript “2” and so on. The terms “first,” “second,” etc. are simply intended to differentiate one feature or component of one measuring vessel from a similar feature or component of another measuring vessel, and are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc.

[0015] Describing the second measuring vessel 104 in terms additionally applicable to each measuring vessel 102, 106, 108, 110 and 112 in the set 100, as shown in FIG. 5, the second measuring vessel 104 includes a container 122 with a handle 124 extending therefrom. The second measuring vessel 104 also includes an extended portion 126. A distal end portion 130 of the handle 124 is provided with indicia 132 thereon. The indicia 132 can convey a storage volume (e.g., mL, Tsp, Tbsp) of the container 122; however, the indicia 132 could also display other or additional information such as a company logo or safety information. With reference back to FIG. 1 , each handle 124i - 124e can be the same length and identical in configuration from where the respective container 122i - 122b extends from the handle moving away from the container and toward each handles’ respective distal end 130i - 130₆.

[0016] With reference back to FIG. 5 and the second measuring vessel 104 shown therein where terms are additionally applicable to each measuring vessel 102, 106, 108, 110 and 112, the handle 124 includes a proximal upper surface 140 located between the container 122 and a recess 142 provided in the handle 124. The handle 124 further includes a distal upper surface 144 at the distal end portion 130 on which the indicia 132 is provided in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, both the proximal upper surface 140 and the distal upper surface 144 are planar and parallel with the sliding direction 116 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) in which the second measuring vessel 104 moves with respect to the first measuring vessel 102 between the slid forward position and slid backward position. With reference also to FIG. 6, the handle 124 further includes a proximal lower surface 146 and a distal lower surface 148, which are substantially coplanar and parallel with the sliding direction mentioned above. The handle 124 further defines a forward end portion 152 positioned between the container 122 and the recess 142 where the proximal upper surface 140 and the proximal lower surface 146 provide upper and lower boundaries for the forward end portion 152.

[0017] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the handle 124 further includes a ridge 158 extending into the recess 142 to define a concavity 160. As more clearly seen in FIG. 7, two ridges 158 can be provided on the opposite sides of the recess 142 to define two concavities 160. Each of the ridges 158 extend in a direction parallel with the sliding direction mentioned above. The concavities 160 can define opposite lateral inner surfaces of the recess 142. With particular reference to FIG. 5, stop surfaces 162 (only one visible in FIG. 5, the other being on the opposite lateral side of the recess 142) extend inwardly into the recess 142 at each distal end of each respective concavity 160. The particular shape of the ridges 158, the concavities 160 and the stop surfaces 162 can be different than that shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 so long as they allow for relative sliding movement of the measuring vessels with respect to one another between the slid forward position and slid backward position.

[0018] The recess 142 includes a lowermost base surface 164 that transitions to a distal ramped surface 166 when moving in a direction from the container 122 toward the distal end portion 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the lowermost base surface 164 is substantially planar and parallel with the sliding direction 116 to allow for the sliding movement of the second measuring vessel 104 with respect to the first measuring vessel 102 when the respective handles 124 of the first measuring vessel 102 and the second measuring vessel 104 are connected with each other. The distal ramped surface 166 ramps upwardly from the lowermost base surface 164 to the distal upper surface 144. The stop surfaces 162 extend into the recess 142 aligned with where the lowermost base surface 164 transitions to the distal ramped surface 166 and act as travel limits for a respective upper measuring vessel (not shown in FIG. 5) in a manner described in more detail below. The recess 142 is further defined by a proximal inner surface 168 that extends transverse to, and in the illustrated embodiment generally perpendicular to, the direction of sliding travel of the second measuring vessel 104 with respect to the first measuring vessel 102.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment and with reference to FIG. 5, the extended portion 126 extends downwardly from the handle 124. More particularly in the illustrated embodiment, the extended portion 126 extends downwardly from the proximal lower surface 146 of the handle 124. The extended portion 126 can be made from a material that is more resilient than the material from which the remainder of the second measuring vessel 104 is made. For example, the extended portion can include a thermoplastic elastomer, which can be an alternative to a natural or synthetic rubber, and the remainder of the second measuring vessel 104 can be made from a more rigid polypropylene material. By making the extended portion 126 from a more resilient material, this allows the extended portion 126 deform and return toward its original shape to facilitate connection among the measuring vessels in a manner that will be described in more detail below.

[0020] With reference also to FIG. 6, the extended portion 126 includes a protuberance 180 that extends outwardly so as to define a channel 182. With reference to FIG. 7, the extended portion 126 can include two protuberances 180, one on each side that each define a respective channel 182. The protuberances 180 and the channels 182 cooperate with the ridges 158 and the concavities 160 to allow for relative movement of the second measuring vessel 104 with respect to the first measuring vessel 102 between the slid forward position and slid backward position in a manner that will be described in more detail below. With reference back to FIG. 6, the extended portion 126 can also include a proximal exterior surface 184 that is situated transverse, and in the illustrated embodiment generally perpendicular to, the sliding direction of travel for the second measuring vessel 104 with respect to the first measuring vessel 102. The extended portion 126 further includes a lowermost exterior surface 186, which in the illustrated embodiment is generally planar and parallel with the sliding direction of the second measuring vessel 104 with respect to the first measuring vessel 102. The extended portion 126 further includes a ramped distal exterior surface 188 that transitions from the lowermost exterior surface 186 toward the distal lower surface 148 of the handle 124.

[0021] With reference back to FIG. 5, the container 122 is defined generally by a container wall 192 that is formed to hold a substance to be measured with the measuring vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the measuring vessels takes the form of a measuring spoon, however, the measuring vessels could take other configuration, for example measuring cups, and the like.

[0022] Movement of the second measuring vessel 104 with respect to the first measuring vessel 102 will be described in particularity with reference to FIGS. 2- 4 and 7. It is to be understood that each of the measuring vessels 102-112 include similar features such that movement of the third measuring vessel 106 with respect to the second measuring vessel 104, for example, and movement of the remaining vessels will operate similarly.

[0023] With reference to FIG. 2, the second handle 124₂ is configured to releasably connect with the first handle 124i with the second container 122₂ at least partially received in the first container 122i and the second measuring vessel 104 being slideable in the sliding direction 116 with respect to the first measuring vessel 102 between the slid forward position (FIG. 2) and the slid backward position (FIG. 4). As seen in FIG. 4, when the second measuring vessel 104 is in the slid backward position, the second distal end portion 130₂ covers the first distal end portion 130i on the first measuring vessel 102. As such, the first indicia 132i (see FIG. 2) is covered by the second distal end portion 130₂ of the second measuring vessel 104 when the second measuring vessel 104 is in the slid backward position on the first measuring vessel 102. In contrast, as seen in FIG. 2, when the second measuring vessel 104 is in the slid forward position with respect to the first measuring vessel 102, the first distal end portion 130i of the first measuring vessel 102 is not covered by the second distal end portion 130₂ on the second measuring vessel 104. As such, the first indicia 132i on the first measuring vessel 102 is no longer obscured by the second distal end portion 130₂ of the second measuring vessel 104, but the first measuring vessel 102 and the second measuring vessel 104 can remain connected.

[0024] As more clearly seen in FIG. 7, the second extended portion 126₂ is received in the first recess 142i when the second handle 124₂ is connected with the first handle 124i . Moreover, the second protuberance I8O₂ is received in the first concavity I6O₁ when the second handle 124₂ is connected with the first handle 124i . As such, the second protuberance I8O₂ can slide within the first concavity I6O₁ when the second measuring vessel 104 is slid between the slid forward position and the slid backward position. Also, the first ridge 158i can be received in the second channel 182₂ and slide within the second channel 182₂ when the second measuring vessel 104 is slid between the slid forward position and the slid backward position. By providing the extended portion 126 from a material that is more resilient than the remainder of the respective measuring vessel, insertion of the second protuberance I8O₂ into the first concavity I6O₁ is facilitated.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 3, the second proximal exterior surface 184₂ of the second extended portion 126₂ contacts the first proximal inner surface 168₁ of the first recess 142i when the second measuring vessel 104 is in the slid forward position with respect to the first measuring vessel 102. Also, as seen in FIG. 3, the second container wall 192₂ is offset from the first container wall 192i when the second measuring vessel 104 is in the slid forward position with respect to the first measuring vessel 102. Such a configuration allows the second measuring vessel 104 to be slideable with respect to the first measuring vessel 102 without lifting the second container 122₂ away from the first container 122i . When the second measuring vessel 104 is in the slid backward position with respect to the first measuring vessel 102, the second protuberance I8O₂ is in contact with the first stop surface 162i (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, which shows the stop surface 162 on the second measuring vessel 104).

[0026] The measuring vessels 102 - 112 in FIGS. 1 - 7 can take other shapes and configurations. As mentioned above, the particular shape of both the ridges 158 and the concavities 160 can be different, and the same is true for the particular shape of protuberances 180 and the channels 182 so long as the measuring vessels 102 - 112 can slide with respect to one another while still remaining connected. Distinct from the other measuring vessels 104 - 112, the first measuring vessel 102, which is a designated bottom measuring vessel in the set 100, may not include protuberances and the channel for engaging an accommodating measuring vessel, if desired.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows an alternative configuration where a first measuring vessel 202 is connected with a second measuring vessel 204. The first measuring vessel 202 is similar to the first measuring vessel 102 and second measuring vessel 204 is similar to the second measuring vessel 104, with the exception that respective recesses 242i, 242₂ and extended portions 226i, 2262 and extend upwardly. Otherwise, the measuring vessels 202, 204 shown in FIG. 8 are similar in configuration to those shown in FIGS. 1 - 7, and will not be described in more detail for the sake of brevity.

[0028] FIGS. 9 and 10 also show an alternative configuration where a first measuring vessel 302 is connected with a second measuring vessel 304. The first measuring vessel 302 is similar to the first measuring vessel 102 and second measuring vessel 304 is similar to the second measuring vessel 104. Each measuring vessel 302, 304 includes a respective opening 314i, 314₂, which in the illustrated embodiment is positioned between the respective container 322i, 322₂ and recess 342i, 342₂. As seen when comparing FIG. 9 to FIG. 10, when the second measuring vessel 304 is in the slid backward position (FIG. 9), a portion of the second handle 324₂ covers the first indicia 332i on the first measuring vessel 302, and when the second measuring vessel 304 is in the slid forward position (FIG. 10) the first indicia 332i is not obscured by the second handle 324₂, i.e., it is visible through the second opening 314₂. Otherwise, the measuring vessels 302, 304 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are similar in configuration to those shown in FIGS. 1 - 7, and will not be described in more detail for the sake of brevity. [0029] It will be appreciated that various features of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A set of measuring vessels configured for arrangement in a stack, comprising: a first measuring vessel including a first container, a first handle extending from the first container, and a first indicia indicating a volume of the first container; and a second measuring vessel including a second container and a second handle extending from the second container, wherein the second handle is configured to releasably connect with the first handle and the second measuring vessel being slidable with respect to the first measuring vessel between a slid forward position and a slid backward position, when the second measuring vessel is in the slid backward position at least a portion of the second handle covers the first indicia, and when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position the first indicia is not obscured by the second handle.

2. The set of measuring vessels of claim 1 , wherein the first handle defines a first recess between the first container and a first distal end portion.

3. The set of measuring vessels of claim 2, wherein the second measuring vessel includes a second extended portion extending from the second handle, the second extended portion being received in the first recess when the second handle is connected with the first handle.

4. The set of measuring vessels of claim 3, wherein the first handle includes a first ridge extending into the first recess to define a first concavity, and the second extended portion includes a second protuberance.

5. The set of measuring vessels of claim 4, wherein the second protuberance is received in the first concavity when the second handle is connected with the first handle.

6. The set of measuring vessels of claim 5, wherein the first handle includes a first stop surface extending inwardly into the first recess at a distal end of the first concavity, and the second protuberance contacts the first stop surface when the second measuring vessel is in the slid backward position.

7. The set of measuring vessels of claim 4, wherein the second protuberance is made from a more resilient material than the material from which the second handle is made.

8. The set of measuring vessels of claim 3, wherein first recess is defined by a first proximal inner surface and the second extended portion includes a second proximal exterior surface that contacts the first proximal inner surface when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position.

9. The set of measuring vessels of claim 1 , wherein the first indicia is provided a first distal end portion of the first handle, and the second handle includes a second distal end portion, when the second measuring vessel is in the slid backward position the second distal end portion covers the first distal end portion, and when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position the first distal end portion is not covered the second distal end portion.

10. The set of measuring vessels of claim 1 , wherein the second handle includes a second opening, and when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position the first indicia is aligned with the second opening such that the first indicia is visible through the second opening.

11. The set of measuring vessels of claim 1 , wherein the second container is at least partially received in the first container when the second handle is connected with the first handle.

12. The set of measuring vessels of claim 11 , wherein the second container includes a second container wall and the first container includes a first container wall, wherein the second container wall is offset from the first container wall when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position.

13. The set of measuring vessels of claim 1 , wherein the second measuring vessel is slidable with respect to the first measuring vessel in a direction along which the second handle extends from the second container without lifting the second container away from the first container.

14. A set of measuring vessels configured for arrangement in a stack, comprising: a first measuring vessel including a first container and a first handle extending from the first container; and a second measuring vessel including a second container and a second handle extending from the second container, wherein the second handle is configured to releasably connect with the first handle with the second container at least partially received in the first container and the second measuring vessel being slidable in a sliding direction with respect to the first measuring vessel between a slid forward position and a slid backward position, when the second handle is connected with the first handle the second measuring vessel is slidable with respect to the first measuring vessel in the sliding direction without lifting the second container away from the first container in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

15. The set of measuring vessels of claim 14, wherein the first handle defines a first recess between the first container and a first distal end portion.

16. The set of measuring vessels of claim 15, wherein the second measuring vessel includes a second extended portion extending from the second handle, the second extended portion being received in the first recess when the second handle is connected with the first handle.

17. The set of measuring vessels of claim 16, wherein the first handle includes a first ridge extending into the first recess to define a first concavity, and the second extended portion includes a second protuberance.

18. The set of measuring vessels of claim 17, wherein the second protuberance is received in the first concavity when the second handle is connected with the first handle.

19. The set of measuring vessels of claim 18, wherein the first handle includes a first stop surface extending inwardly into the first recess at a distal end of the first concavity, and the second protuberance contacts the first stop surface when the second measuring vessel is in the slid backward position.

20. The set of measuring vessels of claim 17, wherein the second protuberance is made from a more resilient material than the material from which the second handle is made.

21. The set of measuring vessels of claim 16, wherein first recess is defined by a first proximal inner surface and the second extended portion includes a second proximal exterior surface that contacts the first proximal inner surface when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position.

22. The set of measuring vessels of claim 14, wherein the first handle includes a first distal end portion, and the second handle includes a second distal end portion, when the second measuring vessel is in the slid backward position the second distal end portion covers the first distal end portion, and when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position the first distal end portion is not covered the second distal end portion.

23. The set of measuring vessels of claim 14, wherein the second handle includes a second opening, and when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position a first indicia on the first handle is aligned with the second opening such that the first indicia is visible through the second opening.

24. The set of measuring vessels of claim 14, wherein the second container includes a second container wall and the first container includes a first container wall, wherein the second container wall is offset from the first container wall when the second measuring vessel is in the slid forward position.