DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Before describing in detail the particular kitchen utensil and lid organizer in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in a novel combination of elements related to a kitchen utensil and lid organizer. Accordingly, the inventive elements have been represented by conventional elements in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with structural details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a kitchen lid and utensil organizer 10 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, comprising a base 12 further comprising a rim 14 defining a sloping tray 16. A block 20 is located within the sloping tray 16 and near the back edge 22 thereof. As shown a lid 26 is supported in a substantially upright position between the block 20 and two vertical uprights 30 and 32 (in one embodiment ⅜ inch in diameter), with the interior surface of the lid 26 facing toward the front of the kitchen lid and utensil organizer 10. The base 12 is shown with inwardly-curving edges 17, although this is not necessarily required. In another embodiment the edges 17 are square.

[0011] In one embodiment, the kitchen lid and utensil organizer 10 is constructed from a non-porous solid surface material. In the preferred embodiment, the material is a one-piece monolithic molded product formed from a solid surface, densified cast polymer. The material is solid, nonporous and homogenous. Typically, such material is not laminated or coated. Other suitable materials for forming the kitchen lid and utensil organizer 10 are known in the art. The vertical uprights can be constructed from plastic or metal materials, such as clear acrylic rod material.

[0012] In one embodiment the kitchen lid and utensil organizer 10 measures approximately 13¾″ wide, 10⅝″ deep and 1″ high and the sloping tray 16 slopes toward the back edge 22 where it forms a relatively shallow trench. In one embodiment, the trench is about 0.5 inches deep. In use, the kitchen lid and utensil organizer 10 is typically placed atop a countertop or stove surface. Food items and kitchen utensils, such as a spoon 40 (or, for example, a knife, spatula or fork) as shown in FIG. 1 can be placed on the sloping tray 16. While cooking, the cook can place and organize utensils on the sloping tray 16, instead of on the kitchen countertop or stove top. The sloping tray 16 drains liquids on the utensils toward the back edge 22. Clean-up is easy as the kitchen lid and utensil organizer 10 can be immersed in water including a mild detergent.

[0013] With the lid 26 removed, FIG. 2 illustrates two holes 42 and 44 for removably receiving the vertical uprights 30 and 32, which are removable for easy cleaning of the base 12 and the vertical uprights 30 and 32. In one embodiment, the vertical uprights 30 and 32 extend approximately 8″ above the base 12 and are oriented at an acute angle to the vertical, thus together forming a V-shaped structure for capturing a lid handle 50 of the lid 26 as shown in FIG. 3. The top view of FIG. 4 illustrates placement of the lid handle 50 and the cover 51 of the lid 26 with respect to the vertical uprights 30 and 32. The side view of FIG. 5 depicts the slight backward cant to the upright verticals 30 and 32. The user places the lid 26 into a slightly rearward-tilted position by resting the lid handle 50 between the two uprights 30 and 32 and an edge of the lid 26 against the block 20. The hot lid 26 is easily placed in this position by sliding the lid handle 50 between the vertical uprights 30 and 32, avoiding hand contact with the hot lid 26. All liquids draining from the lid 26 are contained within the sloping tray 16.

[0014] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalent elements may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention further includes any combination of the elements from the various embodiments set forth herein. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its essential scope thereof. For example, differently sized and shaped lids can be accommodated by appropriate alteration of the orientation of the vertical uprights and the block. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.