Chopping board with integrated cutter storage
By designing the tool deflection state and multi-layer pallet connection in cutting board assembly, the problem of difficulty in transporting cutting boards and tool during outdoor activities is solved, achieving stability and diversity.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411932251.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-12
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-01
AI Technical Summary
In outdoor activities, cutting boards and knives are difficult to pack and transport, especially size and weight issues, and can appear bulky and unnecessary heavy when packaged separately.
A cutting board assembly is designed in which the cutter is kept in a deflected state through the connection of the tray and the cutting board, acting as a spring to prevent shaking and providing a variety of use arrangements through a combination of multi-layered tray and cutting board.
Effectively fix the cutter, reduce shaking and noise, improve transportation portability, and provide cutting board components for a variety of ways to use.
Smart Images
Figure CN120226944A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross - reference to related patent applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 620,565, filed on January 12, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 616,213, filed on December 29, 2023, the entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to outdoor equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to outdoor equipment for food preparation using cutting boards and knives. Background Art
[0003] Outdoor activities, such as camping, often require food preparation without traditional food preparation surfaces and equipment. Equipment used for food preparation, such as cutting boards and knives, often come in various shapes or require additional security measures before being packaged. This can make it difficult to pack or transport cutting boards and knives, as size and weight are primary considerations. Packing a cutting board and knife together as a single unit can be difficult because the knife or the cutting board can move and cause discomfort or noise, and if packaged separately, the cutting board and knife can be cumbersome and unnecessarily heavy. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a self-contained cutting board assembly that includes a cutting board and knife. Summary of the invention
[0004] The cutting board assembly includes a tray connected to the cutting board and a knife fixed in the tray. In the assembly or transport configuration, the knife is maintained in a deflected and tensioned state in the tray to act as a spring that applies a reaction force to the tray and the cutting board. The tensioned state of the knife prevents the knife from shaking in the cutting board assembly. According to various exemplary embodiments, the cutting board assembly can include additional trays and cutting boards, the positions of which can be interchanged to provide a variety of different possible usage arrangements of the cutting board assembly.
[0005] The cutting tool is placed on the tray so that the user can take it out, use and replace it. In some embodiments, the tray includes a cutting tool slot and a handle support portion to support the cutting tool in the tray. A gap is left between the cutting tool slot and the handle support portion. The depth of the gap is greater than the thickness of the cutting tool, so that the cutting tool is suspended between the cutting tool slot and the handle support portion. In some embodiments, one or more retaining plates are provided in the cutting tool slot of the tray to provide additional support for the cutting tool to maintain its position. In some embodiments, the handle support portion is a pillar extending from the bottom of the tray. In some embodiments, the cutting tool includes a handle having a hole on the handle to at least partially accommodate the pillar, so that the cutting tool is placed on the pillar and the cutting tool slot.
[0006] In some embodiments, the cutting board applies a force to the cutting tool at a position between the tool slot and the tool handle support, causing the cutting tool to bend or deflect and enter a deflected state. The gap provides a linear displacement space for the cutting tool in the deflected state. Due to the elastic strain in the deflected state, the potential energy stored in the cutting tool causes it to act as a spring and exert a reaction force on at least one of the tray or the cutting board. This reaction force keeps the cutting tool in a stable position relative to the tray and the cutting board. For example, when the cutting board is connected to the tray and causes the cutting tool to enter a deflected state, the reaction force generated by the elasticity of the cutting tool prevents the cutting tool from wobbling or shifting relative to the tray or the cutting board as the entire cutting board assembly moves.
[0007] According to various exemplary embodiments, a cutting board assembly includes a plurality of cutting tools supported in a tray. In some embodiments, the tray consists of two trays, an inner tray or tool tray nested within an outer tray or bottom tray. The tool tray may include a flange configured to generally surround the edge of the bottom tray to position the tool tray relative to the bottom tray. The tool tray may be located between the cutting board and the bottom tray such that when the cutting board is connected to the bottom tray, the tool tray is fixed therebetween. In some embodiments, the cutting board assembly includes an inner cutting board and an outer cutting board. The inner cutting board is located between the outer cutting board and the tray. For example, the inner cutting board may be placed or rested on the tool tray such that when the outer cutting board is connected to the bottom tray, the inner cutting board and the tool tray are fixed therebetween. In some embodiments, the bottom tray includes an edge and one or more tabs disposed along the bottom edge, and the outer cutting board may be placed directly on the edge and located between one or more tabs.
[0008] According to various exemplary embodiments, the cutting board assembly is assembled by first placing the tool tray in the bottom tray. One or more cutting tools are placed in one or more tool slots in the tool tray and on top of one or more struts. The inner cutting board is placed on top of the tool tray and in some embodiments may contact the tops of one or more cutting tools. The outer cutting board is placed on top of the inner cutting board and connected to the bottom tray by one or more mechanical connectors. When the outer cutting board is connected to the bottom tray, it applies a force to the inner cutting board. The inner cutting board transfers the force to one or more cutting tools, causing the cutting tools to deflect downward away from the inner cutting board. The outer cutting board is then fixed in a position referred to as the assembled state such that one or more cutting tools are in a temporary elastic deformation state, also referred to herein as the deflected state or the tensioned state. Thereby, one or more cutting tools act as springs and ultimately exert a reaction force on the mechanical connectors such that the cutting board assembly itself is in a tensioned state in the assembled state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0010] Figure 1It is an exploded view of a cutting board assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0011] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 a perspective view of the bottom tray of the cutting board assembly of
[0012] Figure 3 It is Figure 2 an enlarged perspective view of a part of the bottom side of the bottom tray of
[0013] Figure 4 It is Figure 1 a perspective view of the tool tray of the cutting board assembly of
[0014] Figure 5 It is Figure 4 an enlarged perspective view of a part of the bottom side of the tool tray of
[0015] Figure 6 It is Figure 1 a front view of the tool of the cutting board assembly of
[0016] Figure 7 It is Figure 1 a front view of another tool of the cutting board assembly of
[0017] Figure 8 It is Figure 1 a perspective view of the bottom tray, tool tray and tool of the cutting board assembly in a partially assembled state of
[0018] Figure 9 It is Figure 1 a perspective view of the inner cutting board of the cutting board assembly of
[0019] Figure 10 It is Figure 9 an enlarged perspective view of a corner of the inner cutting board of
[0020] Figure 11 It is Figure 1 a perspective view of the bottom tray, tool tray and inner cutting board of the cutting board assembly in a partially assembled state of
[0021] Figure 12 It is Figure 1 a perspective view of the outer cutting board of the cutting board assembly of
[0022] Figure 13 It is Figure 1 a perspective view of the cutting board assembly in a fully assembled state of
[0023] Figure 14 It is Figure 13 a cross-sectional view of the fully assembled state of
[0024] Figure 15 It is Figure 1Perspective view of the cutting board assembly in a state of use.
[0025] Figure 16 Is a perspective view of the bottom tray, the tool tray, and the tool of the cutting board assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed embodiments
[0026] Before turning to the drawings that detail certain exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.
[0027] Now refer to Figure 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment, a cutting board assembly is shown, referred to as cutting board assembly 100. The cutting board assembly 100 includes a bottom tray 105. The bottom tray 105 includes two operable clamps 110 located at opposite ends of the bottom tray 105. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the bottom tray includes other mechanical fastening or clamping devices, such as latches, fasteners, or other user-operable connection mechanisms. The bottom tray 105 is rectangular, however, in some embodiments, the bottom tray 105 may be circular or any other shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0028] The cutting board assembly 100 includes a second tray, namely an inner tray, such as the tool tray 120 shown in the figure, which is removably placed within the bottom tray 105. The tool tray 120 includes a storage portion 125, a knife storage portion 130, and at least one internal support portion 135. In some embodiments, the storage portion 125 is not included. In some embodiments, there are additional knife storage portions 130 that are separated from each other. The tool tray 120 includes an edge 140 that generally surrounds and extends beyond the edge 115 of the bottom tray 105 when the tool tray 120 is placed within the bottom tray 105.
[0029] In the cutting board assembly 100, the bottom tray 105 and the tool tray 120 are shown as independent, discrete components. In some embodiments, one or both of the bottom tray 105 and the tool tray 120 are made of multiple sub-components that are fixed, fastened, or otherwise connected together. In some embodiments, the bottom tray 105 and the tool tray 120 are made as a single integral part. The size and shape of the tool tray 120 depend on the size and shape of the bottom tray 105 such that the tool tray 120 can be nested within the bottom tray 105 and the edge 140 of the tool tray 120 substantially or completely covers the edge 115 of the bottom tray 105.
[0030] The cutting board assembly 100 includes a plurality of cutting tools, such as a first cutting tool 165 and a second cutting tool 175 as shown. The first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175 can be placed in the tool storage portion 130 of the tool tray 120 when not in use. Although the illustration includes two cutting tools, in some embodiments, the cutting board assembly 100 includes fewer (e.g., one) or more cutting tools. The first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175 can be of any type or style. For example, the first cutting tool can be a Japanese cutting tool, such as a santoku knife, while the second cutting tool 175 can be a paring knife. In some embodiments, at least one of the first cutting tool 165 or the second cutting tool 175 can be serrated.
[0031] Still referring to Figure 1 , the cutting board assembly 100 includes a first cutting board, i.e., an inner cutting board, such as the inner cutting board 180 as shown. The inner cutting board 180 is supported by at least one support portion 135 of the tool tray 120. As shown, the inner cutting board is below the second cutting board (i.e., the outer cutting board, such as the outer cutting board 190 as shown). The outer cutting board 190 serves as a lid and the top surface of the cutting board assembly 100. The outer cutting board 190 is detachably connected to the bottom tray 105 by an operable clamp 110. In operation, the tool tray 120 is placed within the bottom tray 105 such that the edge 140 of the tool tray is placed on the edge 115 of the bottom tray 105. The first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175 are placed in the tool storage portion 130 of the tool tray 120. The inner cutting board 180 is placed on top of the tool tray 120 and covers the first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175, and is placed on at least one inner support portion 135. The outer cutting board 190 is placed on top of the inner cutting board 180 and is detachably connected to the bottom tray 105 by an operable clamp 110, thereby securing the entire cutting board assembly 100 together.
[0032] Now referring to Figure 2 , the bottom tray 105 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The bottom tray 105 includes a bottom 107 and a peripheral wall portion 109 that extends around the bottom 107 to define an inner cavity 113. The peripheral wall portion 109 is continuous, but in other embodiments, the peripheral wall portion 109 can include a plurality of discrete wall segments extending from the bottom 107. In some embodiments, there can be one or more holes in the peripheral wall portion 109 to provide visual observation or physical access to the inner cavity 113. The top of the peripheral wall portion 109 is the edge 115. The edge 115 includes a plurality of tabs 117 that extend vertically above the edge 115. The tabs 117 can be used to position or align the outer cutting board 190 when the outer cutting board 190 is placed directly on the bottom tray 105. As shown, the tabs 117 are located at each corner of the bottom tray 105, but the tabs can be placed anywhere around the edge 115. In some embodiments, the tabs 117 are disposed substantially opposite each other to provide opposing surfaces to align or position the outer cutting board 190. AlthoughFigure 2 Four tabs 117 are shown, but it should be understood that fewer or more tabs may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The peripheral wall portion 109 includes a lower or recessed portion, illustrated as a notch 119. In some embodiments, two notches 119 opposite to each other are provided on the peripheral wall portion 109.
[0033] The bottom tray 105 includes two operable clamps 110. Each operable clamp 110 is slidable and rotatable about a separate axis 114 such that the clamp 110 can be rotated outwardly to open and receive the outer anvil 190, or can be rotated inwardly to close and securely but removably fix the outer anvil 190 on the bottom tray 105. The clamps 110 can be provided on any one or more sides of the bottom tray 105, and in some embodiments, more or fewer clamps 110 can be provided.
[0034] Now referring to Figure 3 , the bottom surface of the bottom tray 105 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The bottom tray 105 may include a plurality of feet 108 that extend from the bottom 107 in a direction substantially opposite to the peripheral wall portion 109. In some embodiments, the plurality of feet 108 are made of a material different from that of the bottom tray 105. In some embodiments, the plurality of feet 108 are made of an elastomeric or rubber material to provide additional anti-slip performance for the bottom tray 105. The bottom of the bottom tray 105 also includes a pattern, such as the pattern 111 shown. In some embodiments, the pattern 111 provides additional anti-slip protection for the bottom tray 105.
[0035] Now referring to Figure 4 , the tool tray 120 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The tool tray 120 defines a plurality of cavities, such as the storage portion 125 and the knife storage portion 130 shown. Although illustrated as two discrete parts, in some embodiments, the storage portion 125 and the knife storage portion 130 may be connected. In some embodiments, the storage portion 125 may be subdivided into one or more smaller partitions to improve organization.
[0036] Surrounding the perimeter of the bottom tray 105 is an edge 140. The edge 140 has a flange to accommodate and at least partially surround the edge 115 of the bottom tray 105, as Figure 5As shown. In some embodiments, the edge 140 includes a lower or recessed portion, illustrated as a notch 141. The notch 141 is aligned with the notch 119 of the bottom tray 105. The edge 140 also includes a plurality of grooves 143 to accommodate the actuating clamps 110 of the bottom tray 105. The edge 140 further includes a plurality of tabs 145 that extend upward from the edge 140. The tabs 145 are aligned with the tabs 117 of the bottom tray 105 and accommodate the tabs 117 of the bottom tray 105. In some embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, the tabs 145 are generally hollow to accommodate the tabs 117. In some embodiments, the tabs 145 are used to align or position the inner cutting board 180 when the inner cutting board 180 is placed on the tool tray 120.
[0037] Referring again to Figure 4 , the tool tray 120 includes a tool storage portion 130. The tool storage portion can store one or more tools, such as a first tool 165 and a second tool 175, for storing and transporting tools within the cutting board assembly 100. The tool storage portion 130 also includes two tool slots 150 and two struts 155. The tool slots 150 accommodate the blades and are shaped to match the configuration and style of the tools. However, in other embodiments, the tool slots 150 can be shaped to fit a general tool profile. In some embodiments, for example, as Figure 16 shown, the tool slots 150 include one or more retaining tabs 152. The retaining tabs 152 extend over the blades of the tools (e.g., the first tool 165, the second tool 175) to further secure the tools in the tool tray 120. Referring again to Figure 4 , although two tool slots 150 and struts 155 are shown, in some embodiments, fewer or more tool slots 150 and struts 155 can be provided. The struts 155 extend upward from the bottom 131 of the tool storage portion 130. Each strut 155 is stepped, including a wider base 156 and a top 158, with a boss 157 extending upward from the base 156 around the top 158. The top 158 is sized to fit into a hole or opening of the tool such that the tool handle can be supported on the boss 157, which will be explained in more detail below in connection with Figures 5 - 7 and Figure 13 .
[0038] Since the struts 155 extend upward from the bottom 131 of the tool storage portion 130, a gap 159 separates each pair of tool slots 150 and struts 155. The gap 159 between each pair of tool slots 150 and struts 155 allows the tools to be suspended between two support members, namely the tool slots 150 and the struts 155.
[0039] The tool tray 120 further includes one or more support portions 135. The support portions 135 extend laterally and are substantially parallel to the bottom 131 and provide support for the inner cutting board 180. The support portions 135 extend vertically above the knife slots 150 such that the blades in the knife slots 150 are located below the plane in which the support portions 135 are located. The support portions 135 include recesses 137. The recesses 137 are pill-shaped, but in other embodiments, the recesses may be circular, square, or any other shape. The recesses 137 are for receiving the corresponding feet of the inner cutting board 180 and will be described in further detail in conjunction with Figure 9 Further detailed description will be provided.
[0040] Now referring to Figure 6 , a first cutting tool 165 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The first cutting tool 165 includes a blade 166 and a handle 167. The blade 166 may include a shank that extends into the handle 167, and the handle 167 may surround or at least partially surround the shank. The blade 166 is made of stainless steel. In other embodiments, the blade 166 may be made of other materials such as carbon steel, tool steel, or other metals, ceramics, or plastics. The blade 166 of the first cutting tool 165 is at least partially elastically deformable such that the first cutting tool 165 can be bent at least slightly without permanent deformation. The handle 167 is made of polypropylene, however, in some embodiments, the handle may be made of other moldable materials (such as other thermoplastics, resins) or other materials (such as wood or metal). The first cutting tool 165 is illustrated as a Santoku knife, however, the first cutting tool 165 may be a cutting tool of other shapes or styles without departing from the scope of the present invention. The handle 167 includes a hole or opening, illustrated as hole 168. Although only a single hole 168 is shown, there may be multiple holes 168 in some embodiments. The hole 168 is pill-shaped, however, in other embodiments, the hole 168 may be another shape such as circular, square, or any other shape.
[0041] Now referring to Figure 7, a second cutting tool 175 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The second cutting tool 175 includes a blade 176 and a handle 177. The blade 176 may include a shank that extends into the handle 177, and the handle 177 may surround or at least partially surround the shank. The blade 176 is made of stainless steel. In other embodiments, the blade 176 may be made of other materials, such as carbon steel, tool steel, or other metals, ceramics, or plastics. The blade 176 of the second cutting tool 175 is at least partially elastically deformable such that the second cutting tool 175 can be bent at least slightly without permanent deformation. The handle 177 is made of polypropylene. However, in some embodiments, the handle may be made of other moldable materials (such as other thermoplastics, resins) or other materials (such as wood or metal). The second cutting tool 175 is illustrated as a paring knife. However, the second cutting tool 175 may be a cutting tool of other shapes or styles without departing from the scope of the present invention. The handle 177 includes a hole or opening, illustrated as hole 178. Although only a single hole 178 is shown, there may be multiple holes 178 in some embodiments. The hole 178 is in the shape of a pill. However, in other embodiments, the hole 178 may be another shape, such as circular, square, or any other shape.
[0042] Now referring to Figure 8 , the cutting board assembly 100 is shown in a partially assembled state or configuration. The tool tray 120 is located within the bottom tray 105 such that the edge 140 of the tool tray extends over the edge 115 of the bottom tray. The clamp 110 passes through the groove 143 of the tool tray 120. As Figure 8 shown, the first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175 are located within the tool storage portion 130. Specifically, the blade 166 of the first cutting tool 165 is located in the tool slot 150, while the handle 167 is placed across a gap (such as gap 159) on the support post 155. The top 158 of the support post 155 at least partially passes through the hole 168 of the first cutting tool 165 such that the handle 167 of the first cutting tool 165 is supported on the boss 157 of the base 156. Similarly, the blade 176 of the second cutting tool 175 is located in the tool slot 150, while the handle 177 is placed across a gap (such as gap 159) on the support post 155. The top 158 of the support post 155 at least partially passes through the hole 178 of the second cutting tool 175 such that the handle 177 of the second cutting tool 175 is supported on the boss 157 of the base 156. Both the first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175 are placed in the tool tray 120. The first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175 can be taken out, used, and replaced by the user. In some embodiments, for example, as Figure 16 shown, the first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175 are further held in the tool slot 150 by one or more retaining tabs 152.
[0043] Referring again to Figure 8, the dimensions of the tool slots 150 are designed to respectively fit the blade 166 of the first tool 165 and the blade 176 of the second tool 175. The tool slots 150 and the struts 155 support the shanks 167 of the first tool 165 and the shanks 177 of the second tool 175 such that at least a portion thereof is above one or more support portions 135, so that when the inner cutting board 180 is placed on the tool tray 120 and on one or more support portions 135, the inner cutting board 180 at least partially contacts or engages the shanks 167 of the first tool 165 and the shanks 177 of the second tool 175. In other embodiments, the tops of the shanks 167 of the first tool 165 and the shanks 177 of the second tool 175 are below the plane of one or more support structures such that the inner cutting board 180 does not contact the shanks 167 of the first tool 165 and the shanks 177 of the second tool 175 when simply placed on the tool tray 120, unless an additional external force is applied. This will be further explained with reference to Figure 14 below.
[0044] Now refer to Figure 9 and 10 , the inner cutting board 180 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The inner cutting board 180 is substantially flat or planar and generally rectangular. Although the inner cutting board 180 is shown as rectangular, the inner cutting board 180 can be any shape to fit or nest within the bottom tray 105 and the tool tray 120. The corners 181 of the inner cutting board 180 are inclined such that the inner cutting board 180 can nest on top of one or more support portions 135 of the tool tray 120. Nesting the inner cutting board 180 on one or more support portions of the tool tray 120 helps reduce lateral or side-to-side movement of the inner cutting board 180 relative to the tool tray 120 when placed on the tool tray 120. In some embodiments, the inner cutting board 180 includes one or more holes or openings to allow visual observation or physical access to the tool tray 120 when the inner cutting board 180 is placed on the tool tray 120. The inner cutting board 180 includes a groove or recess extending along its perimeter, illustrated as groove 182. The groove 182 can help capture liquids and debris generated in food preparation on the inner cutting board 180.
[0045] The inner cutting board 180 includes a plurality of feet 184 near each corner 181. The feet 184 extend from the top 187 and the bottom 188 of the inner cutting board 180 to lift the inner cutting board 180 off the surface on which it is placed. The inner cutting board 180 is flip - able, so that its top 187 can be used facing away from the tool tray 120, and its bottom 188 can be used facing away from the tool tray 120. The size and position of the feet 184 are aligned with the recesses 137 of the tool tray 120, which helps to align and position the inner cutting board 180 relative to the tool tray 120. The inner cutting board 180 includes an extension or protrusion, illustrated as having a handle 186, which extends from one side of the inner cutting board 180. In some embodiments, the handle 186 can be provided on one or more other sides of the inner cutting board 180.
[0046] Now referring to Figure 11 , there is shown a cutting board assembly 100 in a partially assembled state, including a bottom tray 105, a tool tray 120, and an inner cutting board 180. The tool tray 120 is located within the bottom tray 105, and the inner cutting board 180 is placed on the tool tray 120. The handle 186 passes through the notch 119 of the bottom tray 105 and the notch 141 of the tool tray 120, enabling a user to remove and otherwise manipulate the inner cutting board 180.
[0047] Now referring to Figure 12 , an outer cutting board 190 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The outer cutting board 190 is substantially flat or planar and generally rectangular in shape. Although the outer cutting board 190 is illustrated as rectangular, the outer cutting board 190 can be of any shape to fit or nest within the bottom tray 105, the tool tray 120, and the inner cutting board 180. The corners 193 of the outer cutting board 190 are angled so that the outer cutting board 190 can be mounted between the plurality of tabs 145 of the tool tray 120. The plurality of tabs 145 prevent the outer cutting board 190 from moving laterally or side - to - side relative to the rest of the cutting board assembly 100 when placed on top of the inner cutting board 180. In some embodiments, the outer cutting board 190 includes one or more holes or openings to allow visual observation or physical access to the area directly below the outer cutting board 190, for example when the outer cutting board 190 is placed directly on the bottom tray 105. The outer cutting board 190 includes a groove or recess extending along its perimeter, illustrated as groove 194. The groove 194 can help to capture liquids and debris generated during food preparation on the outer cutting board 190. The outer cutting board 190 is provided with a plurality of notches 192 at its opposite ends to receive the operable clamps 110 of the bottom tray 105.
[0048] Now referring to Figure 13 , according to an exemplary embodiment, the cutting board assembly 100 is shown in a fully assembled configuration or state. As Figure 13As shown, the tool tray 120 is located within the bottom tray 105, and the edge 140 of the tool tray 120 lies on the edge 115 of the bottom tray 105. The inner cutting board 180 is located on top of the tool tray 120 such that the handle 186 extends through the notch 119 and the notch 141. The outer cutting board 190 is located on top of the inner cutting board 180, and the clamp 110 of the bottom tray 105 detachably connects the outer cutting board 190 to the bottom tray 105, which also fixes the tool tray 120 and the inner cutting board 180 within the cutting board assembly 100. In some embodiments, the clamp 110 includes a retaining lip 112, as Figure 2 shown, which engages with the groove 194 of the outer cutting board 190 to secure the outer cutting board 190 to the remainder of the cutting board assembly 100. Although not visible in Figure 13 , in the fully assembled configuration of the cutting board assembly 100, the first tool 165 and the second tool 175 are located within the tool storage portion 130 of the tool tray.
[0049] Now referring to Figure 14 , a cross-section of the fully assembled cutting board assembly 100 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The first tool 165 is located in the tool storage portion 130, the blade 166 is placed on the tool slot 150, and the tool handle 167 is placed on the support post 155. The outer cutting board 190 is detachably connected to the bottom tray 105, thereby clamping the bottom tray 105, the tool tray 120, the inner cutting board 180, and the outer cutting board 190 together. Due to the clamping of the outer cutting board 190 to the bottom tray 105, the outer cutting board applies a force F to the inner cutting board 180, and the force F presses the inner cutting board 180 against the top of the tool handle 167. Thus, the force F causes the tool to deflect downward by a distance d and enter the gap 159 between the tool slot 150 and the support post 155. For the sake of illustration, Figure 14The deflection represented by the intermediate distance d is amplified. The blade 166 thus elastically deforms and stores the reaction force of the force F as elastic strain in the first cutting tool 165. When deflected, the first cutting tool 165 is said to be in a tensioned state or a deflected state. As long as the force F is applied (e.g., as long as the anvil assembly 100 is fully assembled), the first cutting tool 165 remains in the deflected state. In this deflected state, the first cutting tool 165 acts as a spring (e.g., a flat spring) that presses against the tool tray 120 and the inner anvil 180, thereby fixing the first cutting tool 165 in place. Advantageously, when moving the anvil assembly 100, the first cutting tool 165 acting as a spring reduces the wobbling and movement of the first cutting tool 165 relative to the rest of the anvil assembly 100. In some embodiments, the second cutting tool 175 behaves the same as the first cutting tool 165. The force F can be adjusted by changing the dimensions of the shank 167 of the first cutting tool 165 or the shank 177 of the second cutting tool 175, the height of the strut 155 or the tool groove 150, or the thickness of the inner anvil 180 or the outer anvil 190. In some embodiments, when the outer anvil 190 is separated from the rest of the anvil assembly 100, the force F is removed (or substantially removed). The inner anvil 180 can also be removed, and the first cutting tool 165 and the second cutting tool 175 can be removed.
[0050] One or more components of the anvil assembly 100 (e.g., the bottom tray 105, the tool tray 120, the shank 167, the shank 177, the inner anvil 180, the feet 184, the outer anvil 190, the clamp 110, and other components) can be made of a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polypropylene). In some embodiments, they can be made of other plastics, resins, or polymers or metals or wood. In some embodiments, the outer anvil 190 is made of wood (e.g., bamboo). In some embodiments, the feet 184 are made of a certain rubber or silicone material to enhance the anti-slip performance of the inner anvil 180.
[0051] Now referring to Figure 15, according to an exemplary embodiment, a cutting board assembly 100 is shown in a use state. In the use state, the tool tray 120 can be removed from the bottom tray 105 and placed near the bottom tray 105. When not in use for cutting by the user, the first tool 165 and the second tool 175 can still be stored in the tool storage portion 130. The outer cutting board 190 can be directly placed on the bottom tray 105 and located between the tabs 117. The tabs 117 reduce the lateral or side-to-side movement of the outer cutting board 190 relative to the bottom tray 105. Advantageously, by placing the outer cutting board 190 on the bottom tray 105, the outer cutting board 190 can benefit from the stability provided by the foot pads 108 and the pattern 111. The position of the outer cutting board 190 is higher than that of the tool tray 120. In some embodiments, the groove 194 only partially extends around the perimeter of the outer cutting board 190 such that food debris can be directly pushed into the storage portion 125 of the tool tray 120.
[0052] Now referring to Figure 16 , according to another exemplary embodiment, the cutting board assembly 100 is shown in a partially assembled state or configuration. The first tool 165 and the second tool 175 are located within the tool storage portion 130. Specifically, the blade 166 of the first tool 165 is located in the tool slot 150, and the tool handle 167 is placed on the support post 155 across a gap (such as gap 159). The blade 166 extends below the retaining piece 152 in the tool slot 150 to further fix the first tool 165 in the tool slot 150. The top 158 of the support post 155 at least partially extends through the hole 168 of the first tool 165 such that the tool handle 167 of the first tool 165 is placed on the boss 157 of the base 156. Similarly, the blade 176 of the second tool 175 is located in the tool slot 150. The blade 176 extends below the retaining piece 152 in the tool slot 150 to further fix the second tool in the tool slot 150. Also, the tool handle 177 of the second tool 175 is placed on the support post 155 across a gap (such as, gap 159). The top 158 of the support post 155 at least partially extends through the hole 178 of the second tool 175 such that the tool handle 177 of the second tool 175 is placed on the boss 157 of the base 156. By sliding the blades 166, 176 out from below the respective retaining pieces 152, the user can remove, use, and replace the first tool 165 and the second tool 175.
[0053] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "approximately", "essentially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains, and represent within a range of + / - 10% based on a given numerical value or direction. Those skilled in the art reading this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to permit the recitation of certain features being described and claimed without restricting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be construed to mean that minor or inconsequential modifications or variations to the subject matter being described and claimed are still considered to be within the scope defined by the claims.
[0054] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and its variants as used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and these terms are not intended to imply that these embodiments are necessarily particularly excellent or optimal examples).
[0055] The term "connected" and its variants as used herein refer to two components being directly or indirectly coupled to each other. Such coupling can be fixed (e.g., permanent or non-detachable) or movable (e.g., detachable or releasable). Such coupling includes directly connecting the two components to each other, connecting the two components to each other using a separate intermediate component and any additional intermediate components, or connecting the two components to each other using an intermediate component integrally formed with one of the two components. If "connected" or its variants are modified by additional qualifiers (e.g., directly connected), the general definition of "connected" provided above will be limited by the literal meaning of the additional words (e.g., "directly connected" means that the two components are coupled without any separate intermediate component), thus making the definition narrower than the general definition of "connected" provided above. The connection can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a fluid connection.
[0056] The term "or" as used herein is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense), so when it is used in a series of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements. Unless otherwise expressly stated, language such as the phrases "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one of X, Y, or Z" should be understood to mean that the element can be X; Y; Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, such language generally is not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of each of the elements X, Y, and Z at least.
[0057] References to element positions in this document (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") are for the purpose of describing the orientation of the various elements in the drawings only. It should be noted that, depending on other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may be different, and such variations are intended to be covered in this disclosure.
[0058] It should be noted that the construction and arrangement of the cutting board assembly 100 as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications can be made (e.g., variations in the dimensions, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, installation arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of the various elements). For example, some elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be changed or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or re-ordered according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A cutting board assembly, comprising: Limited to trays with knife slots; a cutting tool located in the cutting groove; as well as A cutting board is removably connected to the tray, and when connected to the tray, the cutting board applies a force to the knife so that the knife is retained between the tray and the cutting board in a deflected state.
2. The cutting board assembly of claim 1, wherein the knife includes a handle and a blade, and wherein the cutting board applies a force to the handle of the knife such that the blade bends in a deflected state.
3. The cutting board assembly of claim 2, further comprising a handle support portion and a gap between the knife slot and the handle support portion, the gap allowing the handle to deflect.
4. The cutting board assembly of claim 1, wherein the knife includes a handle with a hole at least partially extending through the handle, and wherein the tray further includes a post extending from a bottom of the tray at least partially into the hole.
5. The anvil assembly of claim 4, wherein the support post includes a stepped extension extending at least partially into the aperture.
6. The cutting board assembly of claim 1, wherein the cutting board comprises: an outer cutting board detachably connected to the tray; as well as An inner anvil is removably positioned between the outer anvil and the tray, wherein the outer anvil applies the force to the inner anvil, and the inner anvil transmits the force to the knife.
7. The cutting board assembly of claim 1, wherein the tray further comprises: a bottom tray removably connected to the cutting board; as well as A knife tray is removably positioned within the bottom tray, the knife tray defining the knife slot.
8. The anvil assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second knife groove and a second knife, wherein when the anvil is connected to the tray, a force is applied to the knife and the second knife so that the knife and the second knife are maintained between the tray and the anvil in a deflected state.
9. A storage container, comprising: tray; a flat spring removably disposed within the tray; a cover removably connected to the tray; Wherein, in a first configuration, the cover is connected to the tray and contacts the flat spring, causing the flat spring to deform to a loaded state, exerting a force on the cover.
10. The storage container of claim 9, wherein in the second configuration, the lid is separated from the tray and the flat spring is in an unloaded state.
11. The storage container of claim 9, wherein the flat spring is a knife.
12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the tray includes a knife slot located in a first plane of the tray and a knife handle support located in a second plane of the tray, the first plane being different from the second plane.
13. The storage container of claim 12, wherein the knife has a hole and the knife handle support includes a post extending from the bottom of the tray at least partially into the hole to support the knife.
14. The storage container of claim 13, further comprising a gap between the knife slot and the support post.
15. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the lid is a cutting board.
16. The storage container of claim 9, wherein the flat spring lies freely in the tray.
17. The storage container according to claim 9, wherein: The flat spring is a knife, and the cover is a cutting board. The tray comprises a bottom tray and a second tray removably located within the bottom tray; and The cutting board comprises an outer cutting board connected to the bottom tray and an inner cutting board fixed between the outer cutting board and the bottom tray.
18. A cutting board and knife set comprising: Bottom tray; A tool tray having a tool slot is defined; a cutting tool located in the cutting groove; an inner cutting board located on top of the knife tray; as well as An outer cutting board is located above the inner cutting board, and the outer cutting board is detachably connected to the bottom tray to connect the bottom tray, the knife tray, the inner cutting board and the outer cutting board together into an assembled state, wherein in the assembled state, the outer cutting board applies a force to the inner cutting board, and the inner cutting board transfers the force to the knife to elastically deform the knife in the knife groove, so that the cutting board and the knife kit are in a tensioned state in the assembled state.
19. The cutting board and knife set of claim 18, wherein the knife includes a handle with a hole, and the knife slot includes a post extending at least partially into the hole.
20. The cutting board and knife set of claim 18, wherein the bottom tray includes a plurality of perimeter tabs extending from an edge of the bottom tray, and wherein the inner and outer cutting boards are configured to engage the edge between the plurality of perimeter tabs.