Device for storing elongated utensils
View Patent ↗A storage device for elongated utensils comprises a case with an open top containing a pivotally mounted utensil holder with tiered compartments. The compartments limit utensil insertion depth, keeping ends visible and accessible. The holder rotates upward from a horizontal stored position to an angled access position via an integrated handle. A retention system secures the holder in the raised position for two-handed access to utensils. Multiple embodiments of the retention system are disclosed, including magnetic pairs, a flexible strip mechanism, and a spring-loaded latch. The holder returns to horizontal position by disengaging the retention system. The device functions in drawers, on flat surfaces, or wall-mounted. This space-efficient design particularly benefits storing paired utensils such as chopsticks, preventing damage while maintaining visibility and easy access.
1 . A storage device for elongated utensils, comprising:
(a) a case comprising:
(i) two parallel longitudinal side walls;
(ii) two parallel transversal end walls;
(iii) a horizontal base; and
(iv) an open top;
(b) a utensil holder pivotally mounted within the case, comprising:
(i) a horizontal top surface;
(ii) two parallel side walls;
(iii) a horizontal base;
(iv) a handle extending outwardly from the utensil holder and contained within the interior volume of the case with sufficient clearance to permit unobstructed rotational movement; and
(v) a plurality of tiered internal compartments arranged in rows, wherein the compartments are comprised of:
horizontal trays arranged in a stepped configuration;
vertical longitudinal partitions with top ends angled to correspond to the stepped configuration; and
transverse end walls extending upward from the horizontal trays;
(c) a pivot mechanism that connects the utensil holder to the case along a transverse axis to enable rotation of the utensil holder through an arc of up to 90 degrees relative to the base of the case in an open position;
(d) stoppers mounted above the base of the case that maintain a gap between the base of the utensil holder and the base of the case in a closed position; and
(e) a retention system comprising a mechanism to hold the utensil holder at a fixed angle between zero and ninety degrees relative to the base of the case.
2 . The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the pivot mechanism is a rod assembly comprising:
(a) a cylindrical rod extending through the utensil holder along the transverse axis;
(b) bushings mounted within aligned holes in the side walls of the utensil holder having an inner diameter equal to an outer diameter of the cylindrical rod; and
(c) stopped holes in opposing interior surfaces of the longitudinal side walls of the case into which ends of the cylindrical rod are inserted.
3 . The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the pivot mechanism comprises one or more continuous hinges affixed to a corresponding rear transversal wall from the two parallel transversal end walls of the case.
4 . The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the pivot mechanism comprises binding screws that pass through holes in the side walls of the case and the side walls of the utensil holder.
5 . The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the retention system comprises:
(a) first one or more magnets embedded in an interior surface at least one of the side walls of the case; and
(b) second one or more magnets embedded in an exterior wall surface of at least one side walls of the utensil holder;
(c) wherein each of the first and second embedded magnets are positioned such that their magnetic fields will align when the utensil holder reaches a fixed angle between zero and ninety degrees relative to the base of the case.
6 . The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the retention system comprises:
(a) a transverse rod mounted to the utensil holder;
(b) a vertical flexible strip mounted to the base of the case positioned to contact the transverse rod as the transverse rod rotates; and
(c) wherein the flexible strip has a flexural modulus configured to maintain a total weight of the utensil holder and the utensils within the utensil holder in an elevated position.
7 . The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the retention system comprises a spring-loaded latch mechanism incorporated in the utensil holder that extends to push the utensil holder upward about a rotational axis of the utensil holder and retains the utensil holder in the open position by tension of a spring until the utensil holder is manually pushed downward and latched into the closed position.