Cutting board with modular containers

Abstract

In some implementations, the cutting board may include a cutting surface having at least two magnets embedded therein which allow a secondary cutting surface to magnetically connect to the cutting surface. In addition, the cutting board may include a side of the cutting board with at least one magnet embedded therein, which allows an accessory to connect to the side of the cutting board magnetically. The cutting board may include where at least one magnet is positioned closer to the top surface of the cutting board than the bottom.

Description

CUTTING BOARD WITH MODULAR CONTAINERSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 729,329, filed on December 07, 2024, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to food preparation, specifically providing a preparation station with modular components with multifaceted uses for, but not limited to, organization, cooking, and serving.BACKGROUND

[0003] Meal preparation often results in a cluttered and disorganized workstation, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in maintaining a sanitized environment. Cooks frequently need to manage food scraps and waste that accumulate during preparation, typically requiring multiple steps to discard them, which can lead to spills onto the meal preparation area. This not only slows down the process but also complicates post-preparation cleanup.

[0004] Traditionally, meal preparation, cooking and serving often require the use of multiple kitchenware items, such as separate serving bowls, plates, and baking pans. This practice not only increases the number of tools needed but also consumes valuable countertop space. Furthermore, transferring food between containers for different tasks, such as cooking and serving, adds unnecessary steps to the process. The containers and inserts described in the embodiments herein streamline these workflows by enabling seamless transitions from meal preparation to cooking and serving, reducing duplication of tools and minimizing cleanup efforts.

[0005] Therefore, there are opportunities to provide an improved cooking apparatus to improve organization and cleanliness in a cooking environment.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 1SUMMARY

[0006] It is an advantage of the present invention to integrate key functionalities into a single food preparation device.

[0007] In one general aspect, the cutting board may include a cutting surface with at least two magnets embedded therein, which allows a secondary cutting surface to releasably attach to the cutting surface magnetically. The cutting board may also include a side of the cutting board having at least one magnet embedded therein, which allows an accessory to releasably attach to a side of the cutting board magnetically. The cutting board may furthermore include where at least one magnet is positioned closer to the top surface of the cutting board than the bottom.

[0008] Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding accessories and alternative embodiments, which provide a meal preparation station with modular components for organization, cooking, and serving.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a non-limiting example embodiment of the cutting board, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0011] FIGS. 2A-2B provide a side view and cross-sectional view of a non-limiting example embodiment of a magnetic non-slip foot embedded in a secondary cutting surface of the cutting board, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the right side of a non-limiting example embodiment of the cutting board, according to the disclosure described herein;Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 2

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the back side of a non-limiting example embodiment of a container for use with the cutting board, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the left side of a non-limiting example embodiment of the cutting board, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a non-limiting example of how the connection surface of a container interfaces with the left side of a non-limiting embodiment of the cutting board, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0016] FIG. 7 provides a top view of a non-limiting second embodiment of the secondary cutting surface, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0017] FIG. 8 provides a perspective cross-sectional view of a non-limiting second embodiment of the secondary cutting surface releasably attached to a container magnetically, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0018] FIGS. 9A-9B provide a side view and cross-sectional view, respectively, of a nonlimiting example embodiment of a flush encapsulated magnet of the cutting board, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0019] FIGS. 10 provides a perspective view of a non-limiting second embodiment of the cutting board with riser blocks, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0020] FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of a non-limiting example embodiment of the cutting board with a knife block accessory, according to the disclosure described herein;

[0021] FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of a non-limiting example embodiment of the cutting board containers being set into an elongated cutting board container, according to the disclosure described herein;Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 3

[0022] FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of a non-limiting example third embodiment of the cutting board having inserts for each container, according to the disclosure disclosed herein;

[0023] FIG. 14 provides an exploded perspective view of the non-limiting third embodiment of the cutting board having inserts for each container, according to the disclosure disclosed herein;

[0024] FIG. 15 provides a perspective view of an example non-limiting fourth embodiment of the cutting board having covers for each container, according to the disclosure disclosed herein;

[0025] FIG. 16 provides an enhanced side view of the non-limiting fourth embodiment of the cutting board, having covers for each container, according to the disclosure disclosed herein; and

[0026] FIG. 17 provides a top-down view of the non-limiting fourth embodiments of the cutting board with a fluid outlet groove, according to the disclosure disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The apparatus described herein may include specialized collection bowls that assist in food preparation and may also be utilized for cooking and serving, which may reduce the need for separate serving dishes and reduce redundancy in kitchen tools.

[0028] The apparatus described herein may include containers that allow for secure and easily detachable use during both preparation and serving. Another key feature is the inclusion of a removable cutting surface held in place with magnetized non-slip feet. In some embodiments, the magnetized nonslip feet may ensure the removable cutting surface can be securely snapped into place and used independently on the food preparation surface (i.e., countertop), providing versatility and maintaining a clean and sanitized workstation throughout meal preparation.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 4

[0029] The apparatus described herein may generally directed to a cutting board apparatus to enhance organization and efficiency during food preparation and serving. The apparatus described herein may comprise a cutting board embedded with magnets along the outside perimeter and on the top cutting surface. In some embodiments, magnets are positioned to locate and secure containers and the interchangeable prep surface and may help ensure the removable components remain in place during use.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 1, the cutting board apparatus 100 may comprise a cutting board 101 on the top of which a secondary cutting surface 110 may be releasably attached, on the left side a container 120, and a container 125 may be releasably attached, on the right side a container 130 may be releasably attached, and on the back side a container 140 may be releasably attached. The surface of the cutting board 101 may comprise a surface magnet 100a, a surface magnet 100b, a surface magnet 100c (not shown), and a surface magnet lOOd. The secondary cutting surface may comprise a magnetic non-slip foot I l la, a magnetic non-slip foot 111b, a magnetic non-slip foot 111c, and a magnetic non-slip foot 11 Id.

[0031] In some embodiments, the magnets affixed to the sides of the cutting board 101 allow for accessories to be releasably attached to the cutting board 101. In some embodiments, accessories may include containers, pans, knife blocks, cast iron or carbon steel cooking pans and other cooking assistance accessories.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cutting board 101 may comprise a rectangular box with magnets embedded in four of the six sides. In some embodiments, the cutting board 101 may include cutouts that provide ergonomic handles for carrying. In some embodiments, the top surface of the cutting board 101 may include four or more magnets or steel dowels with magnetic properties, one near each corner.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 5

[0033] In some embodiments, the cutting board 101 may comprise wood, plastic, paper composite, glass, bamboo, stone, or any material suitable for a reusable cutting surface. The top surface of cutting board 101 may be configured to attach a secondary cutting surface 110. In some embodiments, the secondary cutting surface may comprise wood, plastic, paper composite, glass, bamboo, stone, or any material suitable for a reusable cutting surface. In some embodiments, the secondary cutting surface 110 may comprise at least four non-slip magnetic feet 111. In some embodiments, the placement of the non-slip magnetic feet 111 may align with the magnets or steel dowels embedded on the top side of the cutting board 101 and may snap into place. In some embodiments, the magnets may be placed near the four comers of the secondary cutting surface 110.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cutting board 101 may be configured to releasably attach to the container 120 on the left side, the container 130 on the right side, and the container 140 on the back side. In some embodiments, the placement of some containers may be interchangeable, for example, the container 120 may releasably attach to the right side and the container 130 may releasably attach to the left side. In some embodiments, the containers 130, 140, and 150 may comprise wood, silicone, metal, bamboo, ceramic, stone, plastic, metal, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the containers 130, 140, and 150 may have magnets positioned near the top side of the flat side wall. In some embodiments, the flat wall magnets may enable the containers 130, 140, and 150 to connect flush against the respective side wall of the cutting board 101, which may minimize the risk of food scraps falling onto the countertop when food is swiped into the containers from the top face of the cutting board 101.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 6

[0035] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, the secondary cutting surface 1 10 may have embedded therein at least one of the magnetic non-slip feet 111, which may comprise a rubber casing I l la and a magnet 111b.

[0036] In some embodiments, the magnetic non-slip feet 111 may encapsulate a magnet 111b within the rubber casing I l la. In some embodiments, the magnet 111b may allow the secondary cutting surface 110 to securely attach magnetically to the top surface of the cutting board 101 and provide stability when used independently on a food preparation surface. In some embodiments, the encapsulating material of the magnetic non-slip foot I l la may replace rubber with silicone, vinyl, plastic, nitrile, neoprene, or any other slip-inhibiting material.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 3, the cutting board apparatus 100 may comprise the cutting board 101 where two or more magnets may be embedded and sit flush on the right side. In some embodiments, the magnets embedded in the right side may comprise magnet 131a, magnet 131b, magnet 131c, and magnet 13 Id. In some embodiments, the magnets may be closer to the top surface than the bottom of the cutting board 101.

[0038] In some embodiments, the container 130 may releasably attach to the right side of the cutting board 101 via the magnet 131a, the magnet 131b, the magnet 131c, and the magnet 131 d. In some embodiments, the flat side of the container 130 may have a magnet 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d (not shown) which are positioned to mirror the magnets on the right side of the cutting board 101. In some embodiments, the right side may have four or more magnets to mirror the left side and allow containers to be attach interchangeably between the left side and the right sideAmbum Law Docket No. 6180.003 7

[0039] With reference to FIG. 4, the cutting board apparatus 100 may comprise a cutting board 101, where a magnet 141a, 141b, and 141c (not shown) may be embedded and sit flush on the back side of the cutting board 101.

[0040] In some embodiments, the magnets may be closer to the top surface than the bottom of the cutting board 101. In some embodiments, the container 140 may releasably attach to the back side of the cutting board 101 and have a magnet 140a, a magnet 140b, and a magnet 140c which sit flush on a flat side of the container 140. In some embodiments, the magnets on the flat side of the container 140 may be positioned to mirror the magnets integrated into the back side wall of the cutting board 101.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 5, the cutting board apparatus 100 may comprise the cutting board 101 with the left side having a magnet 121a, a magnet 121b, a magnet 126a, and a magnet 126b embedded near the top of the left side of the cutting board 101.

[0042] In some embodiments, the magnets may be closer to the top surface than the bottom of the cutting board 101. In some embodiments, the container 120 may releasably attach to the left side of the cutting board 101 and have a magnet 120a, a magnet 120b (not shown) which sit flush on a flat side of the container 120. In some embodiments, the container 125 may releasably attach to the left side of the cutting board 101 and have a magnet 125a, a magnet 125b (not shown) which sit flush on a flat side of the container 125. In some embodiments, the magnets on the flat sides of the container 120 and the container 125 may be positioned to mirror the magnets integrated into the left side of the cutting board 101.

[0043] In some embodiments the container 120 may comprise a container step which may allow for stacking the container 120 on top of another container. In some embodiments, the container step of container 120 provides an ergonomic gripping area for the user to hold theAmbum Law Docket No. 6180.003 8container 120. All the containers described herein may have a container step like that described for container 120.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 6, the cutting board apparatus 100 may be configured to utilize a connection surface of the container 120 which interfaces with the left side of the cutting board 101 via a magnetic connection between the magnet 120a and the magnet 121a and the magnet 120b and the magnet 121b. While the container 120 is used as an example, all the containers may utilize a similar mechanism for connecting to the cutting board 101.

[0045] In some embodiments, the alignment of magnets near the top edge may create a biased offset from the center of the container 120. In some embodiments, the offset provides an axis of rotation between the magnet 120a and the magnet 120b on the container 120 which may maximize the reaction surface below the magnets. In some embodiments, the positioning of the magnet 120a and the magnet 120b towards the top edge of the container 120 ensures maximum weight bearing while minimizing the effort required to remove the container 120 with upward rotation. For example, the container 120 may be removed from the cutting board 101 by pulling the container 120 upward from the bottom edge furthest from the cutting board 101. In some embodiments, the weight of any substance in the container 120 may be transferred to the reaction surface below the magnet 120a and the magnet 120b.

[0046] In some embodiments, the interface of the container 120 with the left side of the cutting board 101 may align flush or slightly below the cutting surface, which may allow for easy transfer of food from the cutting surface, to the container 120.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 7, the second embodiment of the secondary cutting surface 210 may comprise a surface magnet 210a, a surface magnet 210b, and a surface magnet 210c, each of which may be encased in silicone, rubber, or another material. In some embodiments, theAmbum Law Docket No. 6180.003 9secondary cutting surface 210 may attach to the top surface of the cutting board 101 via the four comer magnets embedded therein. In some embodiments, the secondary cutting surface 210 may further have the surface magnet 210a, the surface magnet 210b, and the surface magnet 210c embedded along the top surface, which may be flush with the top and bottom surface. In some embodiments, the surface magnet 210a, the surface magnet 210b, and the surface magnet 210c may be encapsulated in some material such as silicone, plastic, vinyl, rubber, metal, bamboo, stone, glass, any material that can withstand repeated abrasions by a knife, or some combination thereof, so the magnet is not exposed on the cutting surface. The secondary cutting surface 210 may be used in a reversible manner, where one side (shown in FIG 7) is flat and the other, contains a groove along the perimeter for the collection of juices. On both sides, the magnets 210a, 210b and 210c are flush with the cutting surface to not interfere with the stroke of a knife.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 8, the secondary cutting surface 210 may be releasably attached to the container 120 via the container magnet 120e and the surface magnet 210a. The container 120 is used as an example container, however any container may be used similarly with the secondary cutting surface 210.

[0049] In some embodiments the container 120 may have the container magnet 120e embedded in the bottom surface of the container 120 to releasably attach with any of the surface magnets embedded into the top surface of the secondary cutting surface 210. In some embodiments, the container magnet 120e may be embedded in the center of the bottom surface of the container 120. In some embodiments, the container 120 may attach to the top surface of the secondary cutting surface 210 when the container magnet 120e is aligned with the surface magnet 210a of the secondary cutting surface 210. In some embodiments, multiple containers may simultaneously attach to the secondary cutting surface 210.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 10

[0050] Referring to FIG. 9, the secondary cutting surface 210 may comprise the surface magnet 210a, having a shell 210al and a magnet 210a2. In some embodiments, the magnet 210a2 may be encapsulated by the shell 210al. In some embodiments, the shell 210al may be made of silicone, plastic, vinyl, any form of rubber, metal, bamboo, stone, glass, or any material that can withstand repeated abrasions by a knife or some combination thereof.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 10, the second embodiment of the cutting board apparatus 800 may comprise the cutting board 801 and the riser blocks 810. In some embodiments, the cutting board 800 may comprise at least two riser blocks 810, which elevate the cutting board 801 above the countertop, leaving space for a pan or containers to fit below the cutting board 801. In some embodiments, the riser blocks 810 eliminate the need for a secondary cutting surface, supporting both the cutting surface and attached containers. In some embodiments, the riser blocks 810 may comprise magnets inlaid on the side, as described above, which may allow the containers to securely attach to the riser blocks 810, while the cutting board 801 is affixed to the top surface of the blocks.

[0052] In some embodiments, to ensure stability, the riser blocks 810 may be weighted, which may prevent unintentional disassembly when containers are removed. In some embodiments, the cutting board apparatus 800 may comprise an open space between the riser blocks 810, which may accommodate a cooking pan 820. In some embodiments, a step 810c may be integrated into the internal wall of the riser blocks 810, which allows a pan flange to rest securely and provides sliding functionality for easy removal and attachment of the pan 820.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 11, the cutting board apparatus 100 may comprise a knife block accessory 900 attached to a side. In some embodiments, the knife block accessory 900 may integrate with the magnets embedded in the sides of the cutting board 101 and may magneticallyAmbum Law Docket No. 6180.003 11attach the knife block 900 to the cutting board 101. Like the container attachment mechanism, the knife block 900 may comprise magnets along the side, allowing it to securely snap into place. In some embodiments, the magnets of the knife block 900 may be positioned similarly to those of the containers described above and be releasably attached interchangeably to the cutting board 101. In some embodiments, the knife block 900 may hold knives securely off the countertop, promoting a clean, sanitized, and safe work environment.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 12, the container 140 may have set therein the container 120, a container 123, and the container 125.

[0055] In some embodiments, the container step of container 120, may allow the container 120 to be stacked securely on top of the container 140 for convenient transportation and storage. Simultaneously, the containers 123 and the container 125 may also be stacked onto the container 140 with similar container steps as the container 120. In some embodiments, the internal volume of one container may overlap with the volume of another, this stacking ability ensures that each container's usable volume remains distinct and accessible above the step of the lower container. In some embodiments, the ability to stack containers may be particularly useful for serving, allowing users to move the containers as a neatly stacked group from one location to another.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 13-14, the third embodiment of the cutting board apparatus 300 may comprise an insert for each container.

[0057] In some embodiments, each container may be fitted with a removable insert that may withstand higher temperatures seen in cooking ovens. The carriers may insulate heat and protect the user’s hand from the heat, allowing for safe handling of the inserts during serving. InAmbum Law Docket No. 6180.003 12some embodiments, the inserts may be easily removed for cleaning, serving, or storage. In some embodiments, the inserts may be made of a non-porous material.

[0058] In some embodiments, the inserts may be composed of a material which may withstand high levels of heat such as, but not limited to, silicone, stainless steel, tungsten, titanium, stainless steel, tantalum, ceramic, niobium, polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), steel, brass, aluminum, ceramic, clay, and some types of plastics in some embodiments, the containers may be composed of silicone, wood, cast iron or cast steel. When made from cast iron or steel, the containers may be used, but not limited to, cooking over a flame or in an oven. When made from silicone, the containers may be used, but not limited to, cooking in the oven.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the fourth embodiment of the cutting board apparatus400 may comprise a cutting board 401 with a secondary cutting surface 410 having embedded therein a fluid outlet groove 412. Further, the cutting board 401 may be magnetically connected to a first container 420 having a first lid 421, a second container 425 having a second lid 426, a third container 440 having a third lid 442, and a fourth container 430 having a lid 431.

[0060] In some embodiments, the fluid outlet groove 412 may run along the majority of the perimeter of the secondary cutting surface 410. The fluid outlet groove 412 may be configured to capture juices and other fluids, preventing them from spilling over the edge of the cutting board401 and onto the food preparation area. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet groove 412 may be designed to direct the collected fluids towards one or more outlets, such as the first container 420. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet groove 412 outlet may be a channel or chute that connects the groove to a container. In some embodiments, the fluid collection groove and connecting channel may work together to efficiently guide all liquids from the cutting surface into the attachedAmbum Law Docket No. 6180.003 13container, keeping the work area clean and tidy and capturing juices that may be reused as sauce or otherwise.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first lid 421 may fit onto the top of the first container 420 to create an airtight compression seal. In some embodiments, the compression seal can be achieved regardless of whether a liner is present. Further, the first lid 421 may be installed onto the first container while the first container is connected to the cutting board 401. In some embodiments, the compression seal may be aided by a gasket that may be compressed between the first lid 421 and the first container 420. In some embodiments, the compression seal may be replaced with a magnetic seal, a screw seal, a hermetic seal, or any appropriate form of air-tight seal.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second container 425, the third container 440, and the fourth container 430 have similar attributes to the first container 420.

[0063] Clauses:

[0064] Example Clause A: An apparatus for a cutting board, the apparatus may include: a cutting surface having at least two magnets embedded therein; a secondary cutting surface positioned above the cutting surface, having at least two magnets embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least two magnets embedded into the cutting surface, configured to magnetically connect to the cutting surface; a side of the cutting board having at least one magnet embedded therein, where the at least one magnet is positioned closer to the cutting surface of the cutting board than a bottom of the cutting board; and an accessory positioned adjacent to the side of the cutting board, having at least one magnet embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least one magnet embedded into the side of the cutting board.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 14

[0065] Example Clause B: The cutting board of Example Clause A, where: the accessory may include a storage compartment.

[0066] Example Clause C: The cutting board of Example Clause A or Example Clause B, where: the accessory may include a lip between the side of the cutting board and the storage compartment, where the lip may include a flat surface that is coplanar with the cutting surface.

[0067] Example Clause D: The cutting board of any one of Example Clauses A-C, where the storage compartment further may include a removable liner made of a non-porous material.

[0068] Example Clause E: The cutting board of any one of Example Clauses A-D, where the storage compartment may include a lid with an airtight compression fit between the lid and the removable liner.

[0069] Example Clause F: The cutting board of any one of Example Clauses A-E, where: the accessory may include at least one knife sharpening groove.

[0070] Example Clause G: The cutting board of any one of Example Clauses A-F, where: the secondary cutting surface may include a groove that is configured to direct a liquid on the secondary cutting surface to the accessory.

[0071] Example Clause H: The cutting board of any one of Example Clauses A-G, where: the secondary cutting surface magnetically connects to the cutting surface.

[0072] Example Clause I: The cutting board of any one of Example Clauses A-H, where an interface created between the accessory and the side of the cutting board may include a magnetic pivot point closer to the cutting surface than a bottom of the cutting board.

[0073] Example Clause J: The cutting board of any one of Example Clauses A-I, may include a cavity below the cutting surface formed by two opposing supports having an interface on an inside surface of the two opposing supports for slidably connecting a pan.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 15

[0074] Example Clause K: A method for preparing food, may include the steps of providing a cutting board may include: a cutting surface having at least two magnets embedded therein; a secondary cutting surface positioned above the cutting surface, having at least two magnets embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least two magnets embedded into the cutting surface, configured to magnetically connect to the cutting surface; a side of the cutting board having at least one magnet embedded therein, where the at least one magnet is positioned closer to the top surface of the cutting board than the bottom; an accessory positioned adjacent to the side of the cutting board, having at least one magnet embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least one magnet embedded into the side of the cutting board placing a food item on the cutting surface; cutting the food item on the cutting surface to create at least two food item portions; and storing at least one of the food item portions at the accessory.

[0075] Example Clause L: The method of Example Clause K, where the accessory may include a storage compartment and a lip between the side of the cutting board and the storage compartment, where the lip may include a flat surface that is coplanar with the cutting surface.

[0076] Example Clause M: The method of Example Clause K or Example Clause L, where the storage compartment further may include a removable liner made of a non-porous material.

[0077] Example Clause N: The method of any one of Example Clauses K-M, where the secondary cutting surface magnetically connects to the cutting surface.

[0078] Example Clause O: The method of any one of Example Clauses K-N, where an interface created between the accessory and the side of the cutting board may include a magnetic pivot point closer to the cutting surface than a bottom of the cutting board.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 16

[0079] Example Clause P: The method of any one of Example Clauses K-O, where the cutting board further may include a cavity below the cutting surface formed by two opposing supports having an interface on an inside surface of the two opposing supports for slidably connecting a pan.

[0080] Example Clause Q: An article of manufacture, may include: a cutting board having a cutting surface with at least two magnets embedded therein; a secondary cutting surface positioned above the cutting surface, having at least two magnets embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least two magnets embedded into the cutting surface, configured to magnetically connect to the cutting surface; a side of the cutting board having at least one magnet embedded therein, where the at least one magnet is positioned closer to the cutting surface of the cutting board than a bottom of the cutting board; and an accessory positioned adjacent to the side of the cutting board, having at least one magnet embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least one magnet embedded into the side of the cutting board.

[0081] Example Clause R: The article of manufacture of Example Clause Q, where the accessory may include a storage compartment and a lip between the side of the cutting board and the storage compartment, where the lip may include a flat surface that is coplanar with the cutting surface.

[0082] Example Clause S: The article of manufacture of Example Clause Q or Example Clause R, where an interface created between the accessory and the side of the cutting board may include a magnetic pivot point closer to the cutting surface than a bottom of the cutting board.

[0083] Example Clause T: The article of manufacture of any one of Example Clauses Q-S, where the cutting board further may include a cavity below the cutting surface formed by twoAmbum Law Docket No. 6180.003 17opposing supports having an interface on an inside surface of the two opposing supports for slidably connecting a pan.

[0084] Several embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 18

Claims

1. CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for a cutting board, the apparatus comprising: a cutting surface having at least two magnets embedded therein; a secondary cutting surface positioned above the cutting surface, having at least two magnets embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least two magnets embedded into the cutting surface, configured to magnetically connect to the cutting surface; a side of the cutting board having at least one magnet embedded therein, wherein the at least one magnet is positioned closer to the cutting surface of the cutting board than a bottom of the cutting board; and an accessory positioned adjacent to the side of the cutting board, having at least one magnet embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least one magnet embedded into the side of the cutting board.

2. The cutting board of claim 1, wherein: the accessory comprises a storage compartment.

3. The cutting board of claim 2, wherein: the accessory comprises a lip between the side of the cutting board and the storage compartment, where the lip comprises a flat surface that is coplanar with the cutting surface.

4. The cutting board of claim 2, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a removable liner made of a non-porous material.

5. The cutting board of claim 4, wherein the accessory further comprises a lid with an airtight compression fit between the lid and the removable liner.

6. The cutting board of claim 1, wherein: the accessory comprises at least one knife sharpening groove.

7. The cutting board of claim 1, wherein: the secondary cutting surface comprises a groove that is configured to direct a liquid on the secondary cutting surface to the accessory.

8. The cutting board of claim 1, wherein:Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 19the secondary cutting surface magnetically connects to the cutting surface.

9. The cutting board of claim 1, wherein an interface created between the accessory and the side of the cutting board comprises a magnetic pivot point closer to the cutting surface than a bottom of the cutting board.

10. The cutting board of claim 1, comprising a cavity below the cutting surface formed by two opposing supports having an interface on an inside surface of the two opposing supports for slidably connecting a pan.

11. A method for preparing food, comprising the steps of: providing a cutting board comprising: a cutting surface having at least two magnets embedded therein; a secondary cutting surface positioned above the cutting surface, having at least two magnets embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least two magnets embedded into the cutting surface, configured to magnetically connect to the cutting surface; a side of the cutting board having at least one magnet embedded therein, wherein the at least one magnet is positioned closer to the top surface of the cutting board than the bottom; an accessory positioned adjacent to the side of the cutting board, having at least one magnet embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least one magnet embedded into the side of the cutting board placing a food item on the cutting surface; cutting the food item on the cutting surface to create at least two food item portions; and storing at least one of the food item portions at the accessory.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the accessory comprises a storage compartment and a lip between the side of the cutting board and the storage compartment, where the lip comprises a flat surface that is coplanar with the cutting surface.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a removable liner made of a non-porous material.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the secondary cutting surface magnetically connects to the cutting surface.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 2015. The method of claim 1 1, wherein an interface created between the accessory and the side of the cutting board comprises a magnetic pivot point closer to the cutting surface than a bottom of the cutting board.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the cutting board further comprises a cavity below the cutting surface formed by two opposing supports having an interface on an inside surface of the two opposing supports for slidably connecting a pan.

17. An article of manufacture, comprising: a cutting board having a cutting surface with at least two magnets embedded therein; a secondary cutting surface positioned above the cutting surface, having at least two magnets embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least two magnets embedded into the cutting surface, configured to magnetically connect to the cutting surface; a side of the cutting board having at least one magnet embedded therein, wherein the at least one magnet is positioned closer to the cutting surface of the cutting board than a bottom of the cutting board; and an accessory positioned adjacent to the side of the cutting board, having at least one magnet embedded therein and positioned to mirror the at least one magnet embedded into the side of the cutting board.

18. The article of manufacture of claim 17, wherein the accessory comprises a storage compartment and a lip between the side of the cutting board and the storage compartment, where the lip comprises a flat surface that is coplanar with the cutting surface.

19. The article of manufacture of claim 17, wherein an interface created between the accessory and the side of the cutting board comprises a magnetic pivot point closer to the cutting surface than a bottom of the cutting board.

20. The article of manufacture of claim 17, wherein the cutting board further comprises a cavity below the cutting surface formed by two opposing supports having an interface on an inside surface of the two opposing supports for slidably connecting a pan.Ambum Law Docket No. 6180.003 21

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