DE102022117191B4 - Kitchen utensil holder, preferably wooden spoon holder - Google Patents

Abstract

Kitchen utensil holder (1), preferably wooden spoon holder (1),
with a base (10) and with a side wall (12), which together enclose a receiving area (14) of the kitchen utensil tray (1) in a bowl-like manner, and
with at least two retaining tabs (13a) in the receiving area (14), each of which is designed to receive a distal end of a kitchen utensil, preferably a wooden spoon or a ladle, and to hold it in the vertical direction (X) from above,
characterized in that
the two retaining tabs (13a) form at least an angle of 60° horizontally,
preferably of 90°, particularly preferably of 120°, to each other.

Description

The present invention relates to a kitchen utensil holder, preferably a wooden spoon holder.

It is common knowledge that technical aids are used when preparing food and in particular when cooking food. These aids can be referred to as kitchen utensils, kitchen cutlery, kitchen tools or kitchen aids. Kitchen utensils are generally used to speed up, simplify or improve the cooking process or food preparation. This also includes the so-called wooden spoons, which are used in particular for stirring food during the cooking process. For hygienic reasons, such kitchen utensils are usually made of stainless steel or wood.

The problem is that the kitchen utensils are usually only needed for a short time during the cooking process, but are needed several times or regularly, for example to stir soup or the like with a wooden spoon and thus prevent it from burning. In particular, if the user prepares several foods in different cooking devices such as pots, pans and the like in parallel, i.e. at the same time, which is usually done with the help of several kitchen utensils that are to be used separately, such as wooden spoons, cooking tongs, spatulas and the like, the user has to let go of a kitchen utensil such as a wooden spoon in order to be able to grab and use another kitchen utensil such as a spatula instead.

Since both or all kitchen utensils in use show signs of use in the form of adhering cooking water, frying fat, sauce or soup and the like as adhering dirt, placing a kitchen utensil in use on a surface such as the hob, kitchen worktop and the like leads to dirt from cooking water, frying fat, sauce, soup and the like. This can be perceived as annoying by the user. This dirt also has to be removed later, which represents additional work.

To avoid this type of soiling, the user can instead use a plate to place kitchen utensils in use during the cooking process. However, the user may find this to be visually unappealing. A plate can also take up a relatively large amount of space, which the user may find annoying, particularly near the cooking utensils. However, using a relatively small plate may not ensure that the kitchen utensil can be placed down safely without tipping or rolling off the plate. Nor can a relatively small plate necessarily ensure that soiling will not spill over the edge of the plate and drip onto the surface below. Furthermore, a plate generally cannot safely absorb larger amounts of soiling, but will spill over the edge of the plate and drip onto the surface.

• Die DE 296 08 718 U1 beschreibt eine Ablagevorrichtung für Küchenutensilien mit wenigstens einer Seitenstütze für einen Topfdeckel oder dergleichen. Die Ablagevorrichtung ist tablettförmig mit wenigstens einer Auffangwanne ausgebildet. Die Ablagevorrichtung hat mindestens eine innerhalb der Auffangwanne angeordnete Stützunterlage für den Topfdeckelrand. Die Stützunterlage bildet mit einer Seitenstütze eine Deckelablage. Die Ablagevorrichtung weist zumindest eine Kochbesteckablage mit einer Auflagestütze für den Stiel wenigstens eines sich im Bereich einer Auffangwanne befindlichen Kochbestecks auf.
• Die US 5 127 616 A beschreibt eine Vorrichtung zum Halten von Topfdeckeln und bzw. oder Kochutensilien. Die Vorrichtung umfasst eine erste, im Allgemeinen ebene Komponente mit separaten Kerben, Öffnungen, Leisten oder dergleichen zum Halten von Topfdeckeln oder Kochutensilien. Ein zweites allgemein ebenes Bauteil ist an dem ersten ebenen Bauteil angebracht, um das erste ebene Bauteil zu stützen und um selektiv Kochutensilien aufzunehmen, die von dem ersten ebenen Bauteil gestützt werden, und um jegliche Tropfen von den Utensilien zurückzuhalten. Insbesondere sind seitliche Aussparungen so gestaltet, dass sie die Griffe von Löffeln, Gabeln oder anderen Utensilien aufnehmen können, während die Schalen der Löffel (oder Ähnlichem) in der Vertiefung des zweiten Bauteils zu ruhen.
• Das US 6 435 358 B1 beschreibt einen Halter mit einer Basis, die in ihrer oberen Fläche eine oder zwei Vertiefungen aufweist, die als Ablage für einen oder zwei Löffel dienen können, wenn sie nicht in Gebrauch sind, um zu verhindern, dass sie durch eine Oberfläche, auf der sie vorübergehend abgelegt werden, verunreinigt werden oder diese verunreinigen. Der Halter kann auch verwendet werden, um vorübergehend eine Zange zu halten, die zwei lange Griffe hat, die an einem Ende schwenkbar verbunden sind, wobei eine Feder die freien Enden auseinander drückt. Der Halter hat eine Basis mit einem Paar beabstandeter aufrechter Elemente, die sich von der Basis aus nach oben erstrecken. Die Griffe werden von der Feder gegen die aufrechten Elemente gedrückt, die die Zange sicher in einer teilweise geschlossenen Position hält, um das Greifen zu erleichtern und Platz zu sparen. Die ein oder zwei Vertiefungen sind so angeordnet, dass sie eventuelle Tropfen von den freien Enden der Zange auffangen, um einen hygienischen Betrieb zu gewährleisten.
• Die US 6 505 746 B1 beschreibt eine Ablage für mehrere Kochutensilien, die eine Basis mit einer Aussparung zur Aufnahme eines Behälters aufweist. Der Behälter ist mit einem Gitter versehen, das eine Entwässerung und eine Abstützung für den unteren Teil der Utensilien ermöglicht. Vorzugsweise sind der Rost und der Behälter von der Basis abnehmbar, um die Reinigung zu erleichtern. Der obere Teil der Utensilien wird von einem länglichen „C“-förmigen Element getragen, das horizontal positioniert und an einem oberen Ende von vertikalen Stützen befestigt ist, die an der Basis montiert sind und eine aufrechte Positionierung für mehrere Utensilien während der Lebensmittelzubereitung ermöglichen.
• Die US 9 414 715 B2 beschreibt einen universellen Topfdeckelhalter mit Löffelablage in Form eines Geräts, das es ermöglicht, heiße, tropfende Topfdeckel abzustellen, ohne sie auf der Arbeitsplatte zu haben. Das Gerät hält den Topfdeckel aufrecht und außerdem kann das Gerät bis zu zwei Topfdeckel gleichzeitig und zwei Rührlöffel aufnehmen. Das Gerät sorgt für Ordnung rund um den Herd, beseitigt die Unordnung auf der Arbeitsplatte und kann jeden Topfdeckel mit jedem Knopf oder Griff aufnehmen. Die Einheit ist ein durchgehend geschweißter Apparat mit Ausnahme einer abnehmbaren Glasschale.
• Die US 10 765 265 B2 beschreibt Halter für Küchengeräte, die Folgendes umfassen: eine ebene Basis; ein aufwärts geneigtes Stützelement, das entlang einer Basiskante der ebenen Basis ausgebildet ist; ein abwärts geneigtes Stützelement, das entlang einer Scheitelkante des aufwärts geneigten Stützelements ausgebildet ist; einen Ausschnitt, der von und entlang eines ersten Abschnitts des aufwärts geneigten Stützelements in Richtung der Scheitelkante angeordnet ist und sich zu und entlang eines zweiten Abschnitts des abwärts geneigten Stützelements fortsetzt; und einen Einsatz, der von dem Ausschnitt aufgenommen wird. In einigen Ausführungsformen umfassen die Halter für Küchengeräte außerdem: einen erhöhten Halterrand, der entlang eines durch die ebene Basis, das nach oben geneigte Stützelement und das nach unten geneigte Stützelement definierten Umfangs angeordnet ist.
• Die US 2016/0166117 A1 beschreibt einen Kochutensilienbehälter zur geordneten seitlichen Aufbewahrung einer Vielzahl von Kochutensilien während und nach dem Kochen, umfassend einen starren Behälter mit einer Vielzahl von gekrümmten Fächern zur Aufnahme und Aufbewahrung von Kochutensilien. Jedes der gekrümmten Fächer hat eine abgesenkte Vorderwand mit einem u-förmigen Ausschnitt, um die Kochutensilien an ihrem Platz zu halten.
• Die US 2019/0374068 A1 beschreibt eine Vorrichtung, die ein Tablett und mindestens ein Utensilienhalteelement enthält. Die Vorrichtung ist nützlich, um mehrere Küchenutensilien zu halten und einen zentralen Ort zu schaffen, um die mehreren Küchenutensilien während des Kochens abzulegen. Das mindestens eine Utensilienhalterungselement weist eine schlangenförmige Konfiguration auf, die Abschnitte zur Aufnahme der Küchenutensilien definiert. Die Schale hat eine Kapazität zum Auffangen von Lebensmitteln und Flüssigkeiten, die von den Küchenutensilien abtropfen.
• Die CN 205625731 U beschreibt eine Stützvorrichtung für den Küchengebrauch. Ein Topfdeckel kann effektiv durch eine erste Montageplatte an dieser Stützvorrichtung aufgenommen werden. Wassertropfen im Topfdeckel werden durch einen ersten Auffangbehälter aufgenommen. Ein Kochlöffel kann gleichzeitig an einer zweiten Montageplatte untergebracht werden. Gleichzeitig kann der Überschuss, der von dem Kochlöffel tropft, durch den zweiten Auffangbehälter aufgefangen werden.

Therefore, there are various options for storing kitchen utensils and/or pot lids during a cooking process:

• The DE 296 08 718 U1 describes a storage device for kitchen utensils with at least one side support for a pot lid or the like. The storage device is designed in the form of a tray with at least one collecting tray. The storage device has at least one support base for the edge of the pot lid arranged within the collecting tray. The support base forms a lid shelf with a side support. The storage device has at least one cooking utensil shelf with a support for the handle of at least one cooking utensil located in the area of a collecting tray.
• The US 5 127 616 A describes a device for holding pot lids and/or cooking utensils. The device comprises a first generally planar component having separate notches, openings, ledges or the like for holding pot lids or cooking utensils. A second generally planar member is attached to the first planar member to support the first planar member and to selectively receive cooking utensils supported by the first planar member and to retain any drips from the utensils. In particular, side recesses are designed to receive the handles of spoons, forks or other utensils while the bowls of the spoons (or the like) rest in the recess of the second member.
• The US 6 435 358 B1 describes a holder having a base having one or two recesses in its upper surface which can serve as a rest for one or two spoons when not in use to prevent them from being contaminated by or contaminating a surface on which they are temporarily placed. The holder can also be used to temporarily hold a pair of tongs having two long handles pivotally connected at one end with a spring urging the free ends apart. The holder has a base with a pair of spaced upright members extending upward from the base. The handles are pressed against the upright members by the spring which holds the tongs securely in a partially closed position for ease of gripping and to save space. The one or two indentations are arranged to catch any drips from the free ends of the tongs to ensure hygienic operation.
• The US 6 505 746 B1 describes a rack for multiple cooking utensils having a base with a recess for receiving a container. The container is provided with a grid that allows drainage and support for the lower part of the utensils. Preferably, the grid and container are removable from the base to facilitate cleaning. The upper part of the utensils is supported by an elongated "C" shaped member that is positioned horizontally and attached at an upper end to vertical supports mounted on the base that allow upright positioning for multiple utensils during food preparation.
• The US 9 414 715 B2 describes a universal pot lid holder with spoon rest in the form of a device that allows hot, dripping pot lids to be placed on the countertop without having them on the countertop. The device holds the pot lid upright and in addition, the device can hold up to two pot lids at a time and two stirring spoons. The device keeps things tidy around the stove, eliminates countertop clutter and can accommodate any pot lid with any knob or handle. The unit is a continuously welded apparatus with the exception of a removable glass tray.
• The US 10 765 265 B2 describes kitchen appliance holders comprising: a planar base; an upwardly inclined support member formed along a base edge of the planar base; a downwardly inclined support member formed along an apex edge of the upwardly inclined support member; a cutout disposed from and along a first portion of the upwardly inclined support member toward the apex edge and continuing to and along a second portion of the downwardly inclined support member; and an insert received by the cutout. In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance holders further comprise: a raised holder rim disposed along a perimeter defined by the planar base, the upwardly inclined support member, and the downwardly inclined support member.
• The US 2016/0166117 A1 describes a cooking utensil container for orderly lateral storage of a variety of cooking utensils during and after cooking, comprising a rigid container having a plurality of curved compartments for receiving and storing cooking utensils. Each of the curved compartments has a recessed front wall with a U-shaped cutout to hold the cooking utensils in place.
• The US 2019/0374068 A1 describes a device that includes a tray and at least one utensil holding member. The device is useful for holding multiple kitchen utensils and providing a central location to place the multiple kitchen utensils during cooking. The at least one utensil holding member has a serpentine configuration defining portions for receiving the kitchen utensils. The tray has a capacity for catching food and liquids dripping from the kitchen utensils.
• The CN 205625731 U describes a support device for kitchen use. A pot lid can be effectively supported by a first mounting plate on this support device. Water drops in the pot lid are collected by a first collecting container. A wooden spoon can be simultaneously accommodated on a second mounting plate. At the same time, the excess dripping from the wooden spoon can be collected by the second collecting container.

The disadvantage of such devices for holding pot lids and/or cooking utensils is that they are relatively complex, particularly due to the number of components required and their assembly, and can therefore be expensive to manufacture. Such devices can also have more functions than are immediately required to hold a wooden spoon or the like. Furthermore, such devices can take up a relatively large amount of space, particularly in terms of height, which can be perceived as annoying by the user in the area of the hob or worktop.

The US 10 561 279 B2 describes a utensil tray with a main body, a handle tray that extends outwards and from the main body away at an upward angle relative to an upper plane of the main body, and a retention tab on the peripheral edge of the main body extending inward toward a center of the main body. A suction cup is attached to the bottom of the main body. The main body may be bowl- or spoon-shaped. The retention tab is designed to receive the distal end of a utensil with the handle of the utensil resting on the handle rest. The utensil rest may also be configured as a jar opener, measuring device, and removable handle for a plate or other object.

Disadvantageous about the utensil storage of the US 10 561 279 B2 is that only one utensil can be held at a time. If several utensils or kitchen utensils are used at the same time, only one kitchen utensil can be placed there. The other kitchen utensil(s) must be placed somewhere else, for example on the hob or worktop, as described at the beginning, which can lead to dirt.

One object of the present invention is to provide a kitchen utensil holder and in particular a wooden spoon holder of the type described at the beginning, so that at least two kitchen utensils and in particular two wooden spoons can be stored there in a defined and safe manner and kept comfortable to grip. This should be possible in particular in a space-saving manner. Additionally or alternatively, it should be possible to catch dirt adhering to the kitchen utensil. Additionally or alternatively, the at least two kitchen utensils and in particular two wooden spoons should be able to be held in such a way that they can be picked up again easily, quickly and in a targeted manner by the user. In any case, this should be possible in particular in a simple, robust, compact, lightweight, inexpensive and/or flexible manner. At least an alternative to the known kitchen utensil holders or wooden spoon holders should be created.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a kitchen utensil holder and in particular by a wooden spoon holder with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

The present invention thus relates to a kitchen utensil holder, preferably a wooden spoon holder, with a base and a side wall, which together enclose a receiving area of the kitchen utensil holder in the shape of a bowl. In other words, the base and the side wall form a bowl, depression, trough or the like that is open upwards in the vertical direction, the volume of which, enclosed from below and to the sides, can be referred to as the receiving area or also as the interior area of the kitchen utensil holder. The receiving area can accommodate kitchen utensils or their distal ends that come into contact with the food or the food, so that any dirt adhering there remains within the receiving area and can thus be kept away from the environment.

The kitchen utensil holder according to the invention is characterized by at least two retaining tabs in the receiving area, each of which is designed to receive a distal end of a kitchen utensil, preferably a wooden spoon or a ladle, and to hold it in the vertical direction from above. In other words, the two retaining tabs each protrude horizontally into the receiving area in such a way that a distal end of a kitchen utensil facing away from a handle, such as a spatula, a wooden spoon, a ladle and the like, can be hooked under the edge below the respective retaining tab and placed on the floor or on an edge of the side wall with a second contact point, so that the kitchen utensil can be held in a lever-like, positive-locking manner. This can provide a secure hold when the kitchen utensil is being stored or when it is not being used. This secure hold can be achieved with simple and in particular immobile mechanical means. This secure hold can also be taken and released easily, quickly and intuitively.

Arranging the retaining tabs in the receiving area can also ensure that dirt adhering to the distal end of the kitchen utensil is caught or collected in the receiving area and remains there, i.e. can be kept away from the area around the kitchen utensil holder.

These properties and advantages can be achieved for several kitchen utensils at the same time by providing at least two retaining tabs in the receiving area as described above, so that at least two identical or different kitchen utensils can be picked up and held in parallel. This can enable the user to place both kitchen utensils quickly, safely and intuitively on the kitchen utensil holder according to the invention and to have them ready to hand again just as quickly and intuitively.

These features of the kitchen utensil holder according to the invention are based on the knowledge that several cooking processes often take place at the same time and accordingly several kitchen utensils are in use in parallel, which are used alternatively to one another by the user and must be stored one after the other and simultaneously. This can be the utensil holder of the US 10 561 279 B2 cannot afford this, as it is only possible to place a wooden spoon there, but no more. Other devices of this type described at the beginning can hold several kitchen utensils together, but only by placing them on the device and thus without being held securely.

According to the invention, the previously known possibilities for storing kitchen utensils during use are therefore expanded by allowing several kitchen utensils to be arranged in a defined manner and held securely, which can make it easier for the user to use. This can be done for several such kitchen utensils in parallel.

Preferably designing the kitchen utensil holder according to the invention in such a way that these properties and advantages can be implemented for wooden spoons or ladles can enable use especially with heavily soiled or dripping and/or frequently used kitchen utensils, so that the properties and advantages can be used particularly well and/or frequently.

According to the invention, the two retaining tabs are at least 60°, preferably 90°, particularly preferably 120°, horizontally relative to one another. This allows the retaining tabs to be arranged or aligned at a sufficient angle to one another or rotated horizontally so that the distal ends of the kitchen utensils can be arranged or held close to one another. This can promote a compact arrangement of the retaining tabs. This also makes it very easy to space the handles of the kitchen utensils apart from one another to make it easier for the user to put down and grab the kitchen utensils. Handles of kitchen utensils arranged close to one another and/or aligned parallel to one another would make this more difficult, as the handles of the kitchen utensils would interfere with one another.

According to one aspect of the invention, the kitchen utensil holder has exactly three retaining tabs in the receiving area, each of which is designed to receive a distal end of a kitchen utensil, preferably a wooden spoon or a ladle, and to hold it in the vertical direction from above, wherein the three retaining tabs each have an angle of 120° to one another in the horizontal direction. In other words, exactly three identical or different kitchen utensils can be received and held in a star shape with their tips or with their distal ends. This allows the three retaining tabs to be arranged around a common center, around which the three kitchen utensils can be held radially from the outside inwards towards the center. This can promote a particularly compact arrangement. This also means that all three kitchen utensils can be particularly easily accessible and graspable for the user, since the handles can be spaced apart from one another accordingly in the circumferential direction. This makes it relatively easy for the user to put down and pick up kitchen utensils from all sides and from all radial directions. At the same time, the installation space can be kept very small.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an edge of the side wall is designed to receive a handle of the kitchen utensil in the vertical direction from above. In other words, the handles of the kitchen utensils can be placed on the edge of the side wall from above, whereby a second support point can be created in order to hold the kitchen utensils in a lever-like, positive-locking manner as described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the kitchen utensil holder has a holding element which is arranged within the receiving area and has the retaining tabs. As a result, the retaining tabs can be formed both together and independently of the side wall of the kitchen utensil holder and positioned in the receiving area.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the base and the side wall are circular, the holding element being arranged centrally on an upper side of the base within the receiving area and the retaining tabs being designed to receive a distal end of a kitchen utensil radially from the outside. In other words, the kitchen utensil holder according to the invention can thus be circular or cylindrical, with the retaining tabs in the middle, in the center or around the longitudinal axis, so that the kitchen utensils can be received with their distal end pointing towards the center and with their handle pointing radially outwards. This can enable a concrete implementation of the properties and advantages described above. In particular, this can simultaneously enable a compact design of the kitchen utensil holder according to the invention. Kitchen utensil storage can be achieved, where the kitchen utensils can be placed and grabbed particularly easily, quickly and intuitively by the user.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an underside of the base has at least one suction cup. By means of the suction cup, the kitchen utensil holder according to the invention can be held in the desired position on a smooth surface such as on a hob or on a worktop without being able to be moved or slip, which can make use easier and/or more comfortable for the user. The kitchen utensil holder according to the invention can also be held by means of the suction cup when not in use on a smooth surface of a wall such as the tiles of a kitchen or the surfaces of kitchen furniture and the like, which can enable quick access and/or avoid the need for storage space, for example in a drawer or the like.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the base is circular and the suction cup is arranged centrally on the underside of the base. This can represent a concrete possibility of implementation. In particular, the weight of the kitchen utensils held can be transferred to the base as evenly as possible, which can prevent or reduce the tipping of the kitchen utensil holder.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the underside of the base has a plurality of suction cups. This can increase the adhesive effect of the suction cups or, with the same adhesive effect, reduce the size of the suction cups, which can save installation space, particularly in terms of height. Furthermore, this can also prevent or reduce the tipping of the kitchen utensil holder.

According to a further aspect of the invention, several, preferably at least three, suction cups are arranged around the centrally arranged suction cup, preferably on the same radius and/or evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction, on the underside of the floor. This can enable the most even possible transfer of force to the surface by means of a triangular, in particular triangularly isosceles, arrangement of the three suction cups in order to prevent or reduce tipping. This can be promoted by arranging the suction cups on the same radius and/or evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. At the same time, the effort required for this can be kept comparatively low.

According to a further aspect of the invention, exactly four suction cups are arranged around the centrally arranged suction cup, preferably on the same radius and/or evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction, on the underside of the base. This allows the properties and advantages described above to be implemented even more effectively, while still requiring comparatively little effort.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the retaining tabs each have a horizontal indentation that corresponds to the contour of a distal end of a kitchen utensil. In other words, the indentations of the retaining tabs are designed to match the curved shape of the edge of kitchen utensils, such as wooden spoons in particular, so that the edge of a wooden spoon can be held precisely as described above. This can enable the implementation of the holding effect described above and at the same time keep the contact area between the retaining tabs and the kitchen utensil small in order to reduce contamination of the kitchen utensil holder according to the invention by dirt adhering to the kitchen utensil.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the side wall, which is preferably circular, has a plurality of horizontal folds, so that the side wall can be folded to vary its height in the vertical direction. This can represent a possibility for changing the height and thus the volume of the receiving area of the kitchen utensils according to the invention in order to be able to make an adjustment depending on the kitchen utensil used. For example, a comparatively low, flat height of the side wall can be better suited for using wooden spoons, whereas a comparatively high height of the side wall can be better suited for holding ladles. This possibility of adjusting the height of the side wall can be achieved by forming it using folds, which can be pressed together to reduce the height and pulled apart to increase the height. In this case, a self-holding effect or automatic holding can preferably be achieved by radially folding the folds, in particular when using a material such as silicone to form the folds.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the side wall has at least one recess, preferably one recess each, to accommodate a handle of the kitchen utensil in the vertical direction from above. Thus, by means of the recesses or by means of the recesses, handle shelves for the kitchen utensils or their handles so that the kitchen utensils can be picked up more easily and in a more defined way. This can also make it easier for the user to position the kitchen utensils correctly in a simple and intuitive way.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the kitchen utensil holder is made in one piece, preferably from silicone. A one-piece design is understood to mean an integral design, for example by primary molding, such as in particular by casting, for example by injection molding. This can keep the manufacturing costs low. It can also be beneficial for the tightness of the receiving area.

Using silicone as the preferred material can also keep costs down. This can also create a dishwasher-safe kitchen utensil holder. Furthermore, the material requirements that may exist for materials in contact with food can also be met. Furthermore, a kitchen utensil holder made of silicone according to the invention can also be used on induction hobs without being able to be heated inductively.

• 1 eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Küchenutensilienablage von schräg oben;
• 2 die Darstellung der 1 von einer Seite;
• 3 die Darstellung der 1 perspektivisch von schräg unten;
• 4 die Darstellung der 2 mit höhenverstellter Seitenwand;
• 5 die Darstellung der 1 direkt von oben; und
• 6 die Darstellung der 3 direkt von unten.

An embodiment and further advantages of the invention are shown schematically below and explained in more detail in connection with the following figures.

• 1 a perspective schematic representation of a kitchen utensil holder according to the invention from an angle above;
• 2 the representation of the 1 from one side;
• 3 the representation of the 1 perspective from below;
• 4 the representation of the 2 with height-adjustable side wall;
• 5 the representation of the 1 directly from above; and
• 6 the representation of the 3 directly from below.

The above figures are considered in cylindrical coordinates. A longitudinal axis X extends. A radial direction R extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X away from the longitudinal axis X. A circumferential direction U extends perpendicular to the radial direction R and around the longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal axis X extends as a vertical direction X perpendicular to the horizontal.

A kitchen utensil holder 1 according to the invention is described using the example of a cooking spoon holder 1 according to the invention. The cooking spoon holder 1 is made in one piece, ie integrally, from silicone. The cooking spoon holder 1 has a circular base 10, the center of which coincides with the longitudinal axis X. The base 10 has a bottom 10a along the longitudinal axis X downwards, see for example 3 , and opposite to the top a top side 10b, see for example 1 , which can also be referred to as the inner side 10b.

On the underside 10a of the base 10 there are several suction cups 11, see for example 3 and 6 , integrally formed and point with their suction surfaces (not designated) along the longitudinal axis X downwards away from the underside 10a of the base 10. A suction cup 11 is arranged centrally on the underside 10a of the base 10, ie exactly on the longitudinal axis X. Four further suction cups 11 are arranged in a square around the longitudinal axis X, whereby these four suction cups 11 are evenly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction U and are arranged on the same radius R relative to the longitudinal axis X, see for example 6 .

The radial outer edge of the base 10 merges into an annular or cylindrical side wall 12 which extends along the longitudinal axis X from the upper side 10b of the base 10 upwards, see for example 1 and 3 The base 10 and the side wall 12 enclose a receiving area 14 of the wooden spoon rest 1, which is open towards the top along the longitudinal axis X and can also be referred to as the inner area 14 of the wooden spoon rest 1.

The side wall 12 has several folds 12c in the horizontal direction, which can be pulled apart and pushed together along the longitudinal axis X in order to change the extension of the cooking spoon rest 1 along the longitudinal axis X to a certain extent, see for example 2 and 4 . The folds 12c of the side wall 12 can be pressed in radially due to the silicone material in order to automatically maintain the current height.

Along the longitudinal axis X facing away from the floor 10, the side wall 12 has an upper edge 12a with which the side wall 12 terminates in height, see for example 1 and 2 . Evenly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction U, ie offset by 120° in the circumferential direction U, the edge 12a of the side wall 12 has a recess 12b in the form of a handle rest 12b, see also for example 1 and 2 .

In the receiving area 14, a holding element 13 is formed centrally on the upper side 10b of the base 10, integrally with the base 10, which extends upwards along the longitudinal axis X parallel to the side wall 12, see for example 1 . The holding element 13 has three retaining tabs 13a, which are formed by the upper edge (not designated) of the holding element 13, in that the upper edge of the holding element 13 is radially protruding in the area of the retaining tabs 13a. The three retaining tabs 13a each have an indentation 13b, which corresponds to the shape or contour of the front edge of a wooden spoon to be held. The three retaining tabs 13a are in turn evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction U, i.e. offset from one another by 120° in the circumferential direction U. Furthermore, in the radial direction R, a retaining tab 13a of the holding element 13 and a recess 12b or a handle rest 12b of the side wall 12 are always directly opposite one another, see also for example 1 .

The use of the wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention can now be carried out in such a way that the wooden spoon rest 1 is pressed with the suction cups 11 onto a smooth surface in the kitchen, such as a tile or a kitchen furniture front near the hob, when not in use and is thereby automatically held in place. The wooden spoon rest 1 can thus be put down quickly and easily without requiring storage space in a drawer or the like. The wooden spoon rest 1 can also be used quickly or be ready to hand.

If a dish is to be prepared using wooden spoons or similar cooking utensils, the user can pull the wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention off the smooth surface and press it back onto a free spot on the hob or worktop. This allows the user to position the wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention quickly, intuitively and flexibly. The wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention can also be held securely in this position by the suction cups 11. In addition, this can prevent the wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention from tipping over. The wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention can also be used directly on an induction hob, since the silicone material of the wooden spoon rest 1 cannot be heated inductively.

Now, up to three wooden spoons and the like can be placed by the user on the wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention by the user guiding a wooden spoon or the like with its distal tip facing away from the handle from above diagonally under one of the three retaining tabs 13a of the holding element 13 and then placing it with the handle in the corresponding recess 12b or in the corresponding handle rest 12b of the side wall 12. This allows a defined placement of the wooden spoon or the like with a secure hold in the receiving area 14 of the wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention, which can be implemented easily, quickly and intuitively for the user.

This also applies if the user picks up and uses the wooden spoon or the like again, for which the user only has to grasp the wooden spoon or the like by the handle, lift it slightly and pull it out from under the retaining tabs 13a. Putting down and removing a wooden spoon or other such kitchen utensil can be done in a correspondingly simple, quick and intuitive manner.

Dirt adhering to the front, distal area of the wooden spoon or the like, which results from the use of the wooden spoon or the like in the cooking utensil, for example to stir the food being cooked, can remain in the receiving area 14 of the wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention and thus be kept away from the environment. The collected dirt can be removed from the receiving area 14 of the wooden spoon rest 1 according to the invention in a sink or by using a dishwasher after the cooking process has been completed.

In order to be able to use ladles or similar kitchen utensils in addition to comparatively flat wooden spoons as described above, the height or the extension of the receiving area 14 along the longitudinal axis X can be adjusted to a certain extent by means of the folds 12c of the side wall 12 as described above. This also simultaneously raises the recesses 12b or the handle rests 12b of the side wall 12 along the longitudinal axis X relative to the holding element 13, which can be beneficial for receiving ladles and the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS (part of the description)

R

radial direction

U

Circumferential direction

X

Longitudinal axis; vertical direction

1

Kitchen utensil holder; wooden spoon holder

10

Floor

10a

Bottom of the floor 10

10b

Top or inside of the floor 10

11

Suction cups

12

Side wall

12a

Edge of side wall 12

12b

Recesses or handle shelves on the side wall 12

12c

horizontal folds of the side wall 12

13

Holding element

13a

Retaining tabs of the holding element 13

13b

Recesses of the retaining element 13

14

Recording area or interior area

Claims (14)

Kitchen utensil holder (1), preferably a wooden spoon holder (1), with a base (10) and with a side wall (12), which together enclose a receiving area (14) of the kitchen utensil holder (1) in a bowl-like manner, and with at least two retaining tabs (13a) in the receiving area (14), which are each designed to receive a distal end of a kitchen utensil, preferably a wooden spoon or a ladle, and to hold it in the vertical direction (X) from above, characterized in that the two retaining tabs (13a) have at least an angle of 60°, preferably of 90°, particularly preferably of 120°, to one another in the horizontal direction. Kitchen utensil rack (1) by Claim 1 with exactly three retaining tabs (13a) in the receiving area (14), each of which is designed to receive a distal end of a kitchen utensil, preferably a wooden spoon or a ladle, and to hold it in the vertical direction (X) from above, wherein the three retaining tabs (13a) each have an angle of 120° to one another in the horizontal direction. Kitchen utensil rack (1) by Claim 1 or 2 wherein an edge (12a) of the side wall (12) is designed to receive a handle of the kitchen utensil in the vertical direction (X) from above. Kitchen utensil holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims with a holding element (13) which is arranged within the receiving area (14) and has the retaining tabs (13a). Kitchen utensil rack (1) by Claim 4 , wherein the base (10) and the side wall (12) are circular, wherein the holding element (13) is arranged centrally on an upper side (10b) of the base (10) within the receiving area (14), and wherein the retaining tabs (13a) are designed to receive a distal end of a kitchen utensil radially from the outside. Kitchen utensil holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an underside (10a) of the base (10) has at least one suction cup (11). Kitchen utensil rack (1) by Claim 8 , wherein the base (10) is circular and wherein the suction cup (11) is arranged centrally on the underside (10a) of the base (10). Kitchen utensil holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the underside (10a) of the base (10) has a plurality of suction cups (11). Kitchen utensil rack (1) by Claim 7 and 8th , wherein several, preferably at least three, suction cups (11) are arranged around the centrally arranged suction cup (11), preferably on the same radius (R) and/or evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction, on the underside (10a) of the base (10). Kitchen utensil rack (1) by Claim 9 , wherein exactly four suction cups (11) are arranged around the centrally arranged suction cup (11), preferably on the same radius (R) and/or evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction, on the underside (10a) of the base (10). Kitchen utensil holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining tabs (13a) each have a recess (13b) in the horizontal direction, which corresponds to the contour of a distal end of a kitchen utensil. Kitchen utensil holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the preferably circular side wall (12) has a plurality of horizontal folds (12c) so that the side wall (12) can be folded to vary its height in the vertical direction (X). Kitchen utensil holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (12) has at least, preferably in each case, one recess (12b) to accommodate a handle of the kitchen utensil in the vertical direction (X) from above. Kitchen utensil holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the kitchen utensil holder (1) is formed in one piece, preferably from silicone.

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