阅读说明：本技术 厨用器具和用具手柄 (Kitchen utensil and utensil handle ) 是由 李光华 于 2018-03-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种可堆叠的厨用器具系统,包括可堆叠的手柄,该可堆叠的手柄具有包括突出部和孔的抓握部分,该突出部和孔构造成用于与类似构造的手柄堆叠。该孔可以适于在至少上部内围绕部分中接收从基本类似的抓握部分延伸的互补的向下延伸的突出部。当堆叠时,厨用器具诸如具有逐渐减小的直径的一系列容器部署手柄可以以嵌套布置稳定地堆叠内部嵌套容器的外部部分,与嵌套在其中的外部围绕容器的内部部分接触。(A stackable kitchen utensil system includes a stackable handle having a grip portion including a tab and an aperture configured for stacking with a similarly configured handle. The aperture may be adapted to receive a complementary downwardly extending protrusion extending from a substantially similar gripping portion in at least the upper inner surrounding portion. When stacked, a kitchen utensil such as a series of container deployment handles having progressively decreasing diameters can stably stack the outer portions of the inner nested containers in a nested arrangement in contact with the inner portions of the outer surrounding containers nested therein.)

1. A stackable kitchen utensil system, the system comprising:

a longitudinally extending stackable handle, the stackable handle comprising:

a proximal flange adapted to be fixedly attached to a kitchen utensil; and

a distal grip portion having a proximal end attached to the flange and having a length to width ratio between a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of at least 4:1, the grip portion comprising:

an aperture extending a depth from an upper surface of the grip portion toward an opposite lower surface and having a front portion defining at least an upper portion thereof, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a protrusion of an upper handle positioned stackable along the upper surface of the grip portion such that the front portion defining the aperture engages a front portion of a protrusion received by the aperture; and

a tab extending downwardly from the lower surface of the grip portion and having a front portion, wherein the tab is adapted to be received within an aperture of a lower handle stackable positioned at the lower surface of the grip portion such that the front portion of the tab engages a complementary front portion defining the aperture receiving the tab.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the front portion of the aperture and the front portion of the protrusion are substantially parallel.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cooking vessel comprising a sidewall extending from a bottom wall, the flange being attached to the sidewall of the vessel, wherein the front portion of the aperture and the front portion of the protrusion each form an angle of between 70 ° and 45 ° with a plane of the bottom wall.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the proximal end of the grip portion is at least 50% greater than the width of the grip portion taken at the aperture.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is distal to the aperture.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip portion further comprises:

a second protrusion extending from the lower surface and adjacent to the first protrusion, an

An inverted recess defined along the lower surface between the first and second tabs and adapted to engage a proximal end of a substantially similar gripping portion when stacked on the recess.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second handle adapted to be stacked with the first handle, the second handle comprising a proximal flange and a distal gripping portion attached to the flange at a proximal end, wherein the gripping portion of the second handle comprises an aperture and a protrusion, wherein the gripping portion of the second handle is substantially similar to the gripping portion of the first handle.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the protrusion of the second handle extends into the bore of the first handle a distance greater than half of a depth between an upper surface and a lower surface of the first handle when the second handle is stacked on the first handle.

9. The system of claim 7 further comprising a first cooking vessel having a bottom wall and a side wall attached to the flange of the first handle and a second cooking vessel having a bottom wall and a side wall attached to the flange of the second vessel.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the gripping portions further comprises:

a second protrusion extending from the lower surface and adjacent to the first protrusion, an

An inverted depression defined along the lower surface between the first and second tabs and adapted to engage a proximal end of a substantially similar gripping portion when stacked on the depression, and

wherein a length of the second tab of the second handle sets a longitudinal spacing between sidewalls of the first and second containers when the second handle is stacked on the first handle.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the gripping portion of the first handle supports the second handle and the second container and the bottom wall of the second container hangs above the bottom wall of the first container when the second handle is stacked on the first handle.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the bottom wall of the second container hangs substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the first container when the second handle is stacked on the first handle.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the second container has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first container to nest with the second container when stacked.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the second container has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first container to nest with the second container when stacked, wherein the first and second containers are frying pans.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the second container has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first container to nest with the second container when stacked, and wherein the first container is a generally rectangular canister and the second container has a circular bottom wall.

16. The system of claim 11, further comprising a lid adapted to mate with an edge of each of the first and second containers.

17. The system of claim 11, further comprising a third handle adapted to be interchangeably stacked on either the first handle or the second handle, the third handle comprising a proximal flange and a distal gripping portion attached to the flange at a proximal end, wherein the gripping portion of the third handle comprises a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is substantially similar to the protrusions of the first handle and the second handle, and wherein the flange of the third handle is attached to a working end of a cooking appliance.

18. A kit of two or more kitchen utensils adapted for spaced stacking of each utensil, wherein each utensil includes a stackable handle extending longitudinally, the handle including:

a proximal flange attached to a cooking vessel or utensil; and

a distal grip portion having a proximal end attached to the flange and having a length to width ratio between a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of at least 4:1, the grip portion comprising:

an aperture extending a depth from an upper surface of a grip portion toward an opposing lower surface and having a front portion defining at least an upper portion thereof, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a protrusion of an upper handle positioned stackable along the upper surface of the grip portion such that the front portion defining the aperture engages a front portion of a protrusion received by the aperture; and

a tab extending downwardly from the lower surface of the grip portion and having a front portion, wherein the tab is adapted to be received within an aperture of a lower handle stackable positioned at the lower surface of the grip portion such that the front portion of the tab engages a complementary front portion defining the aperture receiving the tab.

19. The kit of two or more cooking appliances of claim 18, wherein the cooking appliance includes a first container having a first diameter and a second container having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the second container adapted to be nested stacked with the first container.

20. The set of two or more cooking appliances of claim 19, wherein the first container and the second container are frying pans.

21. The set of two or more cooking appliances of claim 19, wherein the first container is a generally rectangular canister and the second container has a circular bottom.

22. A kit of two or more cooking appliances according to claim 19, further comprising a lid adapted to mate with the rim of each container in the kit.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to cooking appliances, such as cooking containers and cooking container sets, and more particularly, to stackable cooking appliances including cooking containers and cooking container sets.

Background

Consumers typically purchase kitchen units that include different sized utensils and, therefore, typically have multiple cooking vessels. However, storing a plurality of cooking appliances having different sizes may be cumbersome and inconvenient.

The existing method of storing cooking vessels involves nested storage of soup cans as it requires less space. In these methods, stacking can be made easier when the soup can handle is made removable. However, such removable handles are easily lost or damaged and may complicate the use of multiple burners or heat sources for cooking.

If the handle is shaped properly, the establishment and restaurant kitchens will frequently stack short frying pans of the same size; however, as the stacking increases, the stacked pans tend to gradually tilt vertically towards the horizontal plane of the container rim, thereby necessarily making the stacking unstable.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure describes a kitchen utensil system and a handle thereof configured for stacking a plurality of kitchen utensils. The kitchen utensil may include utensils of different sizes, including containers configured with stackable handles, utensils, or both. The stack may include a nesting of multiple cooking utensils. Stacking or nesting can be substantially contactless along the stacked containers, e.g., provided by stackable handles configured to avoid creating cosmetic defects during storage.

In one aspect, a stackable kitchen utensil system includes a stackable handle extending longitudinally. The handle may include a proximal flange adapted for fixed attachment to a kitchen utensil. The handle may also include a distal gripping portion having a proximal end attached to the flange. The grip portion may have at least 4: an aspect ratio of 1. The grip portion may include an aperture and a protrusion. The aperture may extend a depth from an upper surface of the grip portion toward an opposite lower surface and have a front portion defining at least an upper portion thereof. The aperture may be adapted to receive a protrusion of an upper handle stackable positioned along the upper surface of the gripping portion such that the front portion defining the aperture engages a front portion of the protrusion received by the aperture. The tab may extend downwardly from the lower surface of the grip portion and have a front portion. The tab may be adapted to be received within an aperture of a lower handle stackably positioned at the lower surface of the grip portion such that the front portion of the tab engages a complementary front portion defining the aperture that receives the tab.

In various embodiments, the front portion of the aperture and the front portion of the protrusion may be substantially parallel. In one embodiment, the system may further include a cooking vessel including a sidewall extending from the bottom wall. The flange is attached to the side wall of the container, wherein the front portion of the aperture and the front portion of the tab each form an angle of between 70 ° and 45 ° with the plane of the bottom wall. In one embodiment, the width of the proximal end of the grip portion may be at least 50% greater than the width of the grip portion taken at the aperture. The protrusion is distal to the aperture. In one embodiment, the grip portion further comprises a second tab extending from the lower surface and adjacent to the first tab. An inverted pocket may be defined along the lower surface between the first and second tabs, the inverted pocket being adapted to engage a proximal end of a substantially similar gripping portion when stacked thereon.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a second handle adapted to be stacked with the first handle. The second handle may include a proximal flange and a distal gripping portion attached to the flange at a proximal end. The gripping portion of the second handle may include an aperture and a protrusion, and may be substantially similar to the gripping portion of the first handle. The second handle may be stacked on the first handle, wherein the protrusion of the second handle may extend into the hole of the first handle a distance greater than half of a depth between an upper surface and a lower surface of the first handle. The system may also include a first cooking vessel having a bottom wall and side walls attached to the flange of the first handle and a second cooking vessel having a bottom wall and side walls attached to the flange of the second vessel. In one embodiment, each of the gripping portions includes a second tab extending from the lower surface and adjacent to the first tab. An inverted pocket may be defined along the lower surface between the first and second tabs, and sized to be engaged by a proximal end of a substantially similar gripping portion when stacked thereon. In one embodiment, the system further comprises a lid adapted to mate with a rim of each of the first and second containers.

The second handle may be stacked on the first handle. In one example, the length of the second protrusion of the second handle may set a longitudinal spacing between the sidewalls of the first and second containers. In another example, the gripping portion of the first handle may support the second handle and the second container, and the bottom wall of the second container may hang above the bottom wall of the first container. In another embodiment, the bottom wall of the second container may hang substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the first container. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the second container is smaller than the diameter of the first container to nest with the second container when stacked. In one example, the first and second containers are frying pans. In another example, the first container is a generally rectangular canister and the second container has a circular bottom wall.

The system may further include a third handle adapted to be interchangeably stacked on either the first handle or the second handle. The third handle may include a proximal flange and a distal gripping portion attached to the flange at a proximal end. The gripping portion of the third handle may include a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is substantially similar to the protrusions of the first and second handles. In one example, the flange of the third handle may be attached to a working end of a cooking appliance.

In another aspect, a kit of two or more kitchen appliances may be adapted to stack each appliance in spaced apart relation. Each appliance may include a stackable handle extending longitudinally that includes a proximal flange that attaches to a cooking vessel or utensil. The handle may further include a distal gripping portion having a proximal end attached to the flange. The grip portion may have at least 4: an aspect ratio of 1. The grip portion may include an aperture and a protrusion. The aperture may extend a depth from an upper surface of the grip portion toward an opposite lower surface and have a front portion defining at least an upper portion thereof. The aperture may be adapted to receive a protrusion of an upper handle stackable positioned along the upper surface of the gripping portion such that the front portion defining the aperture engages a front portion of the protrusion received by the aperture. The tab may extend downwardly from the lower surface of the grip portion and have a front portion. The tab may be adapted to be received within an aperture of a lower handle stackably positioned at the lower surface of the grip portion such that the front portion of the tab engages a complementary front portion defining the aperture that receives the tab.

In various embodiments, the cooking appliance includes a first container having a first diameter and a second container having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the second container adapted to be nestingly stacked with the first container. In one example, the first and second containers are frying pans. In another example, the first container is a substantially rectangular tank and the second container has a circular bottom. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a lid adapted to cooperate with a rim of each container in the kit. The above and other objects, effects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

1A-1E illustrate embodiments of stackable handles of a cooking appliance according to various embodiments described herein, wherein FIG. 1A is a top view, FIG. 1B is a side view, FIG. 1C is a bottom view, FIG. 1D is a section taken along section line D-D in FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1E is a section taken along section line E-E in FIG. 1B;

2A-2B illustrate a stacked cooking appliance including the stackable handle embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, according to various embodiments described herein, wherein FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of pots stacked as shown in the back view of FIG. 2B taken along section line A-A;

FIG. 2C illustrates an isolated view of a cross-sectional view of the one pot illustrated in FIG. 2A, showing dimensional features according to various embodiments described herein;

3A-3B provide additional views of the stacked cooking appliance shown in FIG. 2B, wherein FIG. 3A is a side view and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view thereof corresponding to section line A-A of FIG. 2B, in accordance with various embodiments described herein;

fig. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a stackable handle according to various embodiments described herein, wherein fig. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of a handle for stacking multiple pans, and fig. 4B is a side cross-sectional view showing dimensional features and pans attached to one of the handles.

Fig. 5A-5C illustrate another embodiment of a stackable handle according to various embodiments described herein, wherein fig. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of a stacked plurality of pots deploying the handle, in

Further illustrated in fig. 5B in an enlarged view, and fig. 5C is a cross-sectional side view showing dimensional features.

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate a plurality of stacked cooking appliances having different sizes and deploying the stackable handle shown in fig. 4A and 4B, in accordance with various embodiments described herein, wherein fig. 6A is a cross-sectional side view and fig. 6B is a top view of a plurality of stacked containers taken along section line a-a of fig. 6B.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lid shown in FIG. 6 compared to a position of an edge of a plurality of containers stacked in a set as may be shown in any of the preceding figures, according to various embodiments described herein;

fig. 8A and 8B illustrate a plurality of stacked cooking appliances having different sizes and deploying the stackable handle shown in fig. 4A and 4B, according to various embodiments described herein, wherein,

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a stack of containers and implements disposed on the handle of the uppermost container, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along section line B-B of FIG. 8A; and

fig. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a stacked cooking appliance including stackable handle embodiments according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT (S) OF INVENTION

The present disclosure describes stackable cookware systems including cookware, such as cooking containers and utensils and groups thereof, configured for stacking. The system may be adapted to stably stack cooking utensils of different sizes, such as diameters, heights, or lengths. In various embodiments, the cooking utensils may be stacked in a nested configuration.

In various embodiments, the stackable foodware system includes stackable foodware handles that can be deployed on a variety of kitchen utensils having different sizes, allowing for a stable stacking of the utensils, which in some embodiments can include stacking in a nested arrangement. Thus, despite variations in the size of the appliance, the kitchen appliance can deploy stackable handles, providing a stable stack. Unlike current stackable cookware, the stacking system disclosed herein may include a stably established spacing between stacked utensils so as not to detract from the elegant appearance. The stacking may be self-stabilizing such that stacked items may be stacked without stacking assistance. For example, a lower item in the stack may support the weight of an item stacked on the lower item.

Referring to fig. 1A-8B, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components in the various views, a stackable foodware system 20 can include a foodware handle 200, the foodware handle 200 configured to align in stacked engagement with a kitchen utensil 50 in which the handle 200 is deployed. For example, the system 20 may include a plurality of handles 200, 200 ', 200 ", each attached to a cooking container 100, 100', 100".

For the sake of brevity, various features of the system 20 will be described herein with respect to a single utensil 50, container 100, or handle 200 with reference to the drawings provided by the non-primed reference numerals. It should be understood that such description may apply to the components depicted in the figures identified by corresponding primed reference numerals. Additionally, while the cooking appliance 50 is generally illustrated in various views as a cooking container 100, the cooking appliance 50 may include other cooking items, such as utensils 801 (e.g., as shown in fig. 8A and 8B) that may deploy the handle 200. For example, in various embodiments, the handle 200 may be deployed on multiple cooking containers 100 of progressively increasing or decreasing size to provide engagement for an aligned nested stack. In another example, the handle 200 may also be deployed with a utensil 801 for use with other utensils 801 or other cooking utensils 50, such as the cooking container 100, to stack or rest the handle 200 of the utensil 801 on another handle 200 "of the cooking utensil 50 when the utensil 801 is not frequently used (e.g., as shown in fig. 8A and 8B). This avoids the need for a separate plate or utensil stand that takes up cooktop space when the cook is not using the utensil 801 to manipulate food in the cooking container 100. This also prevents the utensil 801 from being dislodged or otherwise contaminating countertops or kitchen utensils, adjacent to the stove or oven surface. In some embodiments, stacking or resting of the utensil 801 may result in nesting of the utensil 801 with other stacked kitchen utensils 50 that deploy substantially similar stackable accessories.

The handle 200 generally includes either or both of a male fitting 203 or a female fitting 204. For example, as depicted in fig. 2A, the handle 200 ' may include a male fitting 203 ' for stackable mating with the female fitting 204 of the second handle 200 and a female fitting 204 ' for stackable mating with the male fitting 203 "of the third handle 200". In such an arrangement, the male and female fittings 203 ', 203 ", 204' may be engaged along the engagement surfaces to cooperatively support the weight of the stacked cooking appliance 50 ', 50", which may include a plurality of stacked cooking appliances 50, 50', 50 ". The male fitting 203 and the female fitting 204 may be positioned in a posterior position (e.g., as shown in fig. 2A), a anterior position (e.g., as shown in fig. 5A), or other locations along the handle 200.

With particular reference to fig. 1A-1E, the stackable kitchen utensil system 20 may include a longitudinally extending stackable handle 200 having at least one fitting 203, 204 configured to stackably mate with another handle having a complementary fitting. The handle 200 may include a flange portion 210 and a grip portion 220. The flange portion 210 may extend from a proximal end 210a to a distal end 210 b. The grip portion 220 may similarly extend from a proximal end 220a to a distal end 220 b. The flange portion 210 may be attached at its distal end 210a to the proximal end 220a of the grip portion 220.

With further reference to fig. 2C, the system 20 can include a cooking utensil 50, the cooking utensil 50 including a cooking vessel 100 that deploys a handle 200. The cooking container 100 may include a bottom 110, the bottom 110 having an attached upstanding surrounding sidewall 120, the surrounding sidewall 120 terminating at an upper edge 130 extending along an upper portion. The handle 200 may be coupled to the sidewall 120 along the proximal end 210a of the flange portion 210, such as by the rivet 140. Preferably, the flange portion 210 is attached to the sidewall 120 by rivets, although it may also be attached by weld joints, threaded nuts and bolts, and the like. The flange 210, which is preferably metal, also has a narrower cross-section at the common junction with the proximal end 220a of the handle 200. It should be understood that the flange portion 210 and the grip portion 220 may comprise the same or similar materials, or may comprise a unitary structure wherein the flange portion 210 comprises a connecting engagement with a cooking item (e.g., a container or utensil).

The grip portion 220 may also include at least one of a male fitting 203 or a female fitting 204 adapted to mate with a complementary male fitting or female fitting of another grip portion 220 configured to be stackable-mateable, for example, the grip portion 220 may include a female fitting 204 having an aperture 225 although the aperture 225 may be operable to beneficially suspend the handle 200, the aperture 225 may also be used to receive and engage another handle 220' therein for stacking, for example as shown in FIG. 2A. the aperture 225 is defined by a surrounding portion of the grip portion 220 including a front portion 226. the front portion 226 is relative to the bottom surface 110 of the receptacle at an inclination angle α indicated by reference line I in FIG. 2C and further indicated by a parallel reference line I ″₁And (4) setting. The front portion 226 forms a rear engagement surface adapted to engage a male fitting of another handle, such as the male fitting 203 'of the handle 200' shown in fig. 2A. In some embodiments, the aperture 225 may extend through the entire height or vertical direction of the grip portion 220 along the distal end 220B of the grip portion 220, for example, as shown in the embodiments shown in fig. 1A-3B; however, in other embodiments, the aperture 225 may be defined only by the upper surrounding portion, and extend only partially from the upper surface 202 through the grip portion 220, such as extending at least about 50% or more from the upper side 202 of the grip portion 220.

The male fitment 203 includes a protrusion 230 adapted to be received by a complementary female fitment of another handle. The tab 230 may extend generally downward from the underside 201 of the grip portion 220. The tab 230 may also generally extend from the grip portion 220 at a location distal of the aperture 225. However, in some embodiments, the tab 230 may extend from the grip portion 220 or from a lateral side of the aperture 225 at a location adjacent to the aperture 225 in addition to or instead of extending along the lower grip portion 230 from a location remote from the aperture 225.

The protrusion 230 also includes a rear engagement surface adapted to cooperatively engage with a corresponding engagement surface of the female fitting 204 for stackable mating. The engagement surfaces of the front portions 226, 236 may preferably be substantially flat; however, some embodiments may include a contoured surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 230 includes a front portion 236 that forms a rear engagement surface adapted to engage a complementary aperture of another handle for stacking. For example, with particular reference to fig. 2A, the grip portion 220 ' of the handle 200 ' includes a tab 230 ' having a front portion 236 ', the front portion 236 ' being adapted to engage the aperture 225 of the handle 200 at the front portion 226 along at least an upper surrounding portion of the aperture 225 when the underside 201 ' of the grip portion 220 ' is disposed along the top side 202 of the grip portion 220. The tab 230 "of the handle 200" is also adapted to be received by the aperture 225'. When stacked, the grip portions 220, 220 ', 200 "may be engaged along complementary engagement surfaces of the front portions 226, 226 ' and 236 ', 236". The engagement surfaces of the front portions 236 "and 236 may similarly engage with complementary engagement surfaces of additional handles for stacking.

Front portion 236 is at an inclination angle α relative to bottom surface 110 of container, represented in fig. 2C by reference line I and further represented by parallel reference line I' ″₂In the illustrated embodiment, forward portion 226 and forward portion 236 are substantially parallel, e.g., +/-5. angle α₁And α₂May be a substantially similar angle, such as +/-5 deg. this may be particularly beneficial in embodiments where the angle theta of the flange 210 relative to the bottom surface 110 of the container 100 is the same or similar between or among similarly shaped stacking fixtures 50, 50', 50 ", such as +/-5 deg. in other embodiments, the angle theta or angle α of the flange 210₁And α₂May be different between or among stacked implements 50, 50', 50 ", for example, to account for differences in shape, size, or desired orientation of use in the stacked implements or handle arcs.

The gripping portion 220 extends generally laterally and vertically upward relative to the rim 130 and is orthogonal to a tangent of the rim 130 at the flange-rim junction. The grip portion 220 may generally have an aspect ratio of at least about 4:1 (e.g., +/-10%). That is, in some embodiments, the length of the handle may be at least 4 times the minimum width or width of the grip portion 220 taken along the aperture 225 or away from the aperture 245 (see, e.g., fig. 5A-5C). For example, the length of the grip portion 220 may be greater than the minimum width of the grip portion 220 or about 6, about 8, about 12, or more times the width along the aperture 225 or away from the aperture 245. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the grip portion 220 relative to the maximum width of the grip portion 220 may be at least 2: 1, such as between about 2: 1 and about 8: 1, about 3: 1 and about 6: 1, or about 3.5: 1 and about 4.5: 1, including possibly less than 4: 1. for example, the length of the grip portion 220 may be greater than about 2 times the maximum width of the grip portion 220, such as between about 2 times and about 8 times, between about 3 times and about 6 times, or between about 3.5 times and about 4.5 times, which may include less than 4 times the maximum width of the grip portion 220.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handles 200, 200 ', 200 "are substantially similar and are configured to interchangeably stack on one another when the associated containers 100, 100', 100" are so compatible. For example, the container 100, 100 ', 100 "is configured for nesting from a larger base container 100 or 100' to a smaller upper container 100 'or 100", or the tab 230 may be similarly received by the aperture 225' and aperture 225 ". Thus, containers 100, 100 ', 100 "deploying substantially similar handles 200, 200', 200", gripping portions 220, 220 ', 220 ", complementary male and female fittings 203, 204 may be stably stacked with bases 110, 110', 110" spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. Stacking may also result in other stacked containers 100, 100', 100 "of cooking articles being longitudinally spaced apart. In another embodiment, the tab 230 may be received by a complementary aperture (such as an aperture substantially similar to apertures 225, 225', 225 "), and thus by a complementary female fitting of another handle. Such stacking may include nesting when a handle including a complementary female fitment is deployed with a larger container or other dimensionally compatible item to stack with the handle 200 and associated container 100. In the embodiment as shown in fig. 1A-8B and described above, the tab 230 extends generally downward from the underside 201 of the grip portion 220; however, in other embodiments (not shown), the protrusion 230 may extend generally upwardly from the upper side 202 of the grip portion to similarly engage a complementary aperture of an upper handle therealong, which may similarly include an upwardly extending protrusion to further mate with another upper handle.

Substantially similar means substantially similar dimensions (+/-5%) unless otherwise stated, without negating the corresponding function described with respect to its features or sub-features. For example, a grip portion substantially similar to another grip portion 220 ' described as having an aperture 225 ' and a tab 230 ' adapted to stackably mate with another handle 200, 200 "would include apertures and tabs having dimensions within +/-5% of those corresponding to the grip portion 220 ' and adapted to stackably mate with handles 200, 220 ' having complementary tabs 230" and apertures 225.

With specific reference to fig. 2A-3B, it should now be appreciated that the outwardly extending handle 200 may include a female fitting 204, the female fitting 204 including a hanging or other hole 225 in the gripping portion 220 adapted to stackable receive a complementary male fitting of another handle, such as a downwardly extending protrusion 230 'of the male fitting 203'. The handle 200 may further include a male fitting 203, the male fitting 203 including a protrusion 230 configured to be stackingly received by a complementary female fitting of another handle, such as protrusion 230 ' may be received in at least an upper surrounding portion of the aperture 225, with the front portion 226 engaging a complementary front portion 236 ' of the protrusion 230 '. Thus, a kit 50, 50 ', 50 "of two or more kitchen utensils may deploy a substantially similar handle 200, 200', 200", a gripping portion 220, 220 ', 220 ", or a substantially similar or compatible accessory 203, 203', 203", 204 ', 204 "adapted for stackable mating of the handles 200, 200', 200". For example, the tab 230 "of the handle 200" may be similarly received in at least an upper inner surrounding portion of the aperture 225 ' of the handle 200 ', with the front portion 226 ' engaging a complementary front portion 236 "of the tab 230". In this way, the handle 200, 200 ', 200 "can stably nest the container 100, 100', 100" without the outer portions (such as the outer wall 120a ', 120a "and the outer bottom 110 a', 110 a") of the inner nested container 100 ', 100 "contacting the inner portion (such as the inner wall 120b, 120 b' and the inner bottom 110b, 110b ') of the outer surrounding container 100, 100'.

As described above, the projections 230 ', 230 "and complementary apertures 225, 225 ' are configured to engage along the rear engagement surfaces of the front portions 236 ', 236" and 226, 226 ' to at least partially cooperatively support the weight of the stacked cooking appliances 50 ', 50 ". The handle 200 may also include one or more front engagement surfaces adapted to engage an engagement surface of another handle to at least partially cooperatively support the weight of the stacked cooking appliances. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip portion 220 includes a front engagement surface including a front portion 251 and a front portion 250, each adapted to engage a complementary engagement surface of another handle. For example, referring to fig. 3B, which shows the lateral position (represented by the downwardly directed arrow COG ") of the center of gravity (COG) of the upper container 110" in the stack, the support of the container 110 "on the right side of the COG by the handle 200 'creates a net gravitational torque (represented by vector G) on the pan that must be resisted by the engagement of the handles 200' and 200". The distal engagement of the projections 230 "in the holes 225 ' along the rear complementary engagement surfaces of the front portions 226 ' and 236" and the proximal engagement of the front complementary engagement surfaces 251 ' and 250 "cooperate to resist this torque. This torque is further resisted by the large contact area caused by the handle 200 ' widening distally between the front portion 251 ' and the front portion 250 ', represented by the width W in fig. 2B.

The handle 200 or the flange portion 210 of the handle 200 extending between the sidewall 120 and the grip portion 220 of the container 100 may be disposed at any angle θ relative to the reference plane 1 of the bottom 110 of the container 100. However, the device is not suitable for use in a kitchenRather, the flange 210 and the gripping portion 220 are preferably shaped such that the angle α is relative to the container bottom 110 (or relative to a horizontal reference plane of the operational orientation of the container 100)₁And α₂Typically between about 70 ° and about 45 °, such as between about 65 ° and about 50 °, preferably between about 65 ° and about 55 °, more preferably between about 65 ° and about 60 °, for example, the stack relative to the utensils 50, 50' has an angle α, typically between about 70 ° and about 55 °, relative to the container bottom 110 (or horizontal reference plane)₁And α₂Such as between about 65 ° and about 50 °, preferably between about 65 ° and about 55 °, and more preferably between about 65 ° and about 60 °, to allow engagement of the engagement surfaces of the front portions 226, 236 'to resist torque acting to rotate the upper container 100' counterclockwise when engaged. In other words, the flange 210 and the grip portion 220 are preferably shaped such that the front portions 226, 236 are positioned at an angle of between about 20 ° and about 45 °, such as between about 25 ° and about 40 °, preferably between about 25 ° and about 45 °, and most preferably between about 25 ° and about 30 °, from a vertical reference plane relative to the operational orientation of the container 100.

It should also be appreciated that the gripping portion 220 may be shaped to facilitate stable mating engagement of a plurality of containers 100 in a stack. As described above, the widening of the proximal end 220a relative to the distal end 220b of the grip portion 220, such as the rear engaging surfaces of the front portions 226, 236 thereof, may provide increased lateral stability, limiting wobble. The tab 230 may be sized to descend more than half the height of the complementary aperture along its front portion. The grip portion 220 may be adapted to widen adjacent the proximal end 220a of the flange 210 to a width that is at least 50% greater than the width of the grip portion 220 at the aperture 225. In some embodiments, grip portion 220 may be adapted to widen adjacent proximal end 220a of flange 210 to a width that is at least 50% greater than the width of tab 230 or front portion 236. The shape of the upper surface 202 and the lower surface 201 between the front engagement surface 250, 251 and the aperture 225 may have complementary shapes to further stabilize the stacked arrangement of the plurality of containers 100, 100', 100 ".

The grip portion 220 may also include a second proximal downward projection 221 adjacent the junction with the flange 210. The first protrusion 230 and the second protrusion 221 together define an inverted recess 222 along a length (represented by length "l" in fig. 1A). The second proximal downward projection 221 may have a length (represented by length l ' in fig. 1B) that provides a longitudinal spacing between stacked containers 100, 100 ', and 100 "having flanges 210, 210 ', and 210" of the same length.

(e.g., as shown in fig. 2A).

In various embodiments, the handle 200 can employ various profiles between the front and rear engagement surfaces. For example, the embodiments shown in fig. 1A-3B may include a height that tapers distally along a slight downward arc at an angle θ, and when stacked, the upper and lower surfaces 202, 202 ', 201 "extend approximately between the front and rear engagement surfaces of the grip portions 220, 220', 220", without necessarily maintaining consistent contact.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a stackable kitchen utensil system 20 including a longitudinally extending handle 200. The system 20 may include a set of two or more kitchen utensils 50, 50 ', 50 "that may deploy a handle 200, 200 ', 200", deploy a substantially similar handle 200, 200 ', 200 ", a gripping portion 220, 220 ', 220", or a substantially similar or compatible accessory 203, 203 ', 203 ", 204 ', 204" suitable for use with a stackable accessory for the handle 200, 200 ', 200 ". The handle 200 may generally be configured similar to the embodiment described above with respect to fig. 1A-3B; however, the height of the gripping portion 220 may decrease significantly distally between the forward and aft engagement surfaces, forming a reduced shroud region 227 therebetween, the reduced shroud region 227 being configured to provide a beneficial gripping region. The reduced band area 227 may be attributed to the height along the lower surface 201 being reduced more than the height along the upper surface 202 relative to the arcuate midline of the gripping portion 220. For example, when two or more handles 200, 200 ', 200 "are stacked together, a gap 228 may be formed between the upper surface 202, 202 ' and the lower surface 201 ', 201" along the reduced perimeter regions 227 ', 227 "which may provide a location for a user to grasp the handles 200, 200 ', 200" during stacking and unstacking.

As described above with respect to fig. 1A-3B, the protrusion 230 may be sized to extend within the complementary aperture a distance greater than 50% of the height of the grip portion. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the tab 230 is sized to extend into the complementary aperture to be positioned substantially flush with the lower surface of the gripping portion. For example, the projections 230 ', 230 "extend into complementary apertures 225, 225 ' such that the front portions 236 ', 236" and the front portions 226, 226 ' engage along the height of the gripping portions 220, 220 ' from the upper surface 202 to the lower surface 201. In other embodiments, one or more protrusions 230, 230 ', 230 "may extend downward a greater or lesser distance within the complementary holes 225, 225 ', 225" such that the protrusion 230, 230 ', 230 "does not extend flush with the lower surface 201, 201 ', 201" of the grip portion 220, 220 ', 220 "stacked thereon. Similarly, in some embodiments, the grip portion 220, 220 ', 220 "may include a distal arc that is greater or less than the angle θ, such that the protrusion 230, 230', 230" does not extend flush with the lower surface 201, 201 ', 201 "of the grip portion 220, 220', 220" stacked thereon.

The embodiment shown in fig. 1A-4B includes a male fitting 203 and a female fitting 204 positioned at the rear; however, in other embodiments, for example, as shown in fig. 5A-5C, one or both of the male or female fittings 203, 204 may be positioned further forward along the gripping portion 220.

Fig. 5A-5C illustrate another embodiment of a stackable cooking appliance system 20 including a handle 200. As shown, the handle 200 includes an aperture 225 along the distal end 220b of the grip portion 220, the aperture 225 being configured to provide for easy hanging of the utensil 50 for storage purposes. The handle 200 also includes a female fitting 204, the female fitting 204 including a second aperture 245 along the grip portion 220, the second aperture 245 positioned closer to the flange 210 than the aperture 225. The handle 220 also includes a male fitting 203, the male fitting 203 including a protrusion 230 extending downwardly from the lower surface 201. The tab 230 may generally extend from the grip portion 220 at a location associated with a distal side of the aperture 245. However, in some embodiments, the tab 230 may extend from the grip portion 220 at a location proximal of the aperture 245 or from a lateral side of the aperture 245 in addition to or instead of extending along a location of the lower grip portion 230 distal of the aperture 245.

For example, with particular reference to the enlarged view of FIG. 5B, the grip portion 220 ' of the handle 200 ' includes a tab 230 ' having a front portion 236 ' adapted to engage a complementary aperture 245 of the handle 200 along at least an upper surrounding portion of the aperture 245 at a front portion 246 when the underside 201 ' of the grip portion 220 ' is stackably disposed along the top side 202 of the grip portion 220 ', the tab 230 "of the handle 200" is also adapted to be received by the complementary aperture 245 ". The front portion 236 is at an oblique angle α relative to the bottom surface 110 of the container at an oblique angle α₂The arrangement is represented in fig. 5C by reference line I and further by parallel reference lines I' ". The front portion 236, 236 ', 236 "of the protrusion 230, 230', 230" may be adapted to have a shape complementary to the opposing surface of at least the engagement portion 246, 246', 246 "of the complementary aperture 245, 245', 245".

The system 20 may include a set of two or more kitchen utensils 50, 50 ', 50 "that deploy one or more of substantially similar handles 200, 200', 200", substantially similar gripping portions 220, 220 ', 220 ", or substantially similar or compatible fittings 203, 203', 203", 204 ', 204 "suitable for use with stackable fittings of the handles 200, 200', 200". As shown, the container 100, 100 ', 100 "deploys the handle 200, 200 ', 200", the handle 200, 200 ', 200 "includes a substantially similar or compatible fitting 203203 ', 203 ", 204 ', 204" to accommodate stackable fittings of the handle 200, 200 ', 200 ", similar to the embodiment described with respect to fig. 1A-4B, the handle 200 or the flange portion 210 of the handle 200 extending between the sidewall 120 of the container 100 and the grip portion 220 in the embodiment shown in fig. 5A-5C may be disposed at any angle to the reference plane 1 of the bottom 110 of the container 100. the handle 200 or the flange portion 210 of the handle 200 extending between the sidewall 120 of the container 100 and the grip portion 220 may be disposed at any angle θ with respect to the reference plane 1 of the bottom 110 of the container 100. however, the flange 210 and the grip portion 220 are preferably shaped such that the angle α is with respect to the bottom 110 of the container (or a horizontal reference plane with respect to the operational orientation of the container 100)₁And α₂Typically at about 70 °

And about 45 °, such as between about 65 ° and about 50 °, preferably between about 65 ° and about 55 °

In other words, flange 210 and grip portion 220 are preferably shaped such that the engagement surface of front portion 236 'of tab 230' and the opposing engagement surface of front portion 246 are positioned at an angle of between about 20 and about 45, such as between about 25 and about 40, preferably between about +/-25 and about 45, more preferably between about 25 and about 30, relative to an operative orientation of container 100 from a vertical reference plane, in other words, the angle θ is approximately 10 degrees, front portion 246 and front portion 236 include substantially parallel surfaces, such as, for example, 5, and α₁And α₂Forming a substantially similar angle, e.g., +/-5 deg., with the base 110, 110', 110 ″. Thus, when stacked, the grip portions 220, 220 ', 200 "engage along complementary engagement surfaces of the front portions 246, 246' and 236 ', 236", and the bottoms 110, 110', 110 "are spaced apart and generally parallel to one another. The engagement surfaces of the front portions 246 "and 236 may similarly engage with complementary engagement surfaces of other handles for stacking. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display device,when stacked, the lower portions of the tabs 230 ', 230 "extend approximately flush with the lower surfaces 201, 201 ' of the handles 200, 201 '. However, as described above, the tab 230 preferably extends through 50% or more of the aperture 245. Thus, in some embodiments, the tab 230 may not extend completely through the hole 245 when stacked.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 200 "includes a grip portion 220", the grip portion 220 "having a shorter longitudinal length than the handles 200 and 200'. The dimensions of the gripping portions 220, 220', 200 "may be otherwise substantially similar. In another embodiment, the gripping portions 220, 220 ', 220 "may have the same length, or any or all of the gripping portions 220, 220', 220" may have different lengths. The length of the engagement surfaces of the handles 200, 200 ', 200 "adjacent the front portions 246, 246', 246" are substantially the same, although different in length; thus, when stacked, each container 100, 100', 100 "is longitudinally spaced at equal distances. In other embodiments, the length of the handles 200, 200 ', 200 "adjacent the corresponding engagement surfaces may be different between or among the handles 200, 200', 200" to adjust the longitudinal spacing between stacked articles.

Similar to that described above with respect to fig. 1A-4B, it is preferred that the flange portion 210B between the container rim 130 and the grip portion 220 is narrower than the width of the proximal end of the grip portion 220a, and that the height of the flange portion 210B is also shorter than the height of the grip portion 220a, as shown in fig. 5A-5C. This avoids having the flange portions 210, 210 ', 210 "interfere with the desired flush stacking of the upper side 201, 201', 201" and lower side 202, 202 ', 202 "of the grip portion 220, 220', 220" in each stacking arrangement. The flange portion 210 also preferably has a narrower cross-section at the common junction with the proximal end 220a of the handle 200. Grip portion 220 may widen adjacent proximal end 220a of flange 210 to a width greater than the width of grip portion 220 at aperture 245. For example, a width of grip portion 220 adjacent flange 210 at proximal end 220a may be at least 50% greater than a width of grip portion 220 at aperture 245.

Fig. 6A-6B illustrate another embodiment of a system 20 for stacking cooking appliances 50, 50', 50 ". The system 20 includes a handle 200 sized for stacking, as described herein. The system 20 may include two or more handles 200, 200 ', 200 "for supporting and nesting a set of containers 100, 100', and 100" having substantially similar dimensions as described above with respect to fig. 1A-3B. While the containers 100 and 100 "have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape of a pan rather than the flatter frying pan of the other embodiments, the middle container 100 'has a rounded or hemispherical bottom 110' such that when combined with the lower container 100, it forms a useful two-tier pan configuration for melting and stirring ingredients.

The handles 200 and 200 'fit stably as described with respect to the other embodiments, facilitating gripping of the containers 100, 100' with one handle 200, while the other hand may be used to manipulate the blender.

The system 20 also includes a lid 300, the lid 300 being configured to interchangeably fit any of the containers 100, 100', and 100 ". For example, the lid 300 includes a contoured stepped lower surface 310 that includes a plurality of steps 311, 312, 313 outward from a central portion 314 of the lid 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 300 includes three steps 311, 312, 313, wherein each step has a progressively increasing diameter 311d, 312d, 313 d. The diameter of each step 313, 312 tapers to a diameter that is less than the tapering diameter of the container 100, 100 ', 100 "at the rim 130, 130', 130". Accordingly, the contoured step surface 310 is sized to be positioned along the edge 130, 130 ', 130 "of any one of the containers 100, 100', 100". That is, the inner diameter 311d of the step 311 is less than the inner diameter (Di) of the container 100 "at the rim 130", while the inner diameter 312d of the adjacent step 312 is greater than the outer diameter (Do) of the container 100 ". The inner diameter 312d of the step 312 is less than the inner diameter (Di ') of the container 100 ' at the rim 130 ', while the inner diameter 313d of the adjacent step 313 is greater than the outer diameter (Do ') of the container 100 '. The inner diameter 313d of the step 313 is smaller than the inner diameter (Di) of the container 100 at the rim 130, and the outer diameter (Do) of the container 100 at the rim 130 is smaller than the diameter 300d of the cap 300.

The lid 300 included in the set of cooking appliances 50, 50', 50 "in fig. 6A and 6B preferably has a series of steps, each intended to span the width of the rim 130 from Do to Di. The lid 300 may include a flat or planar upper surface 320. The lid 300 can be compact and the top 330a of the lid handle 330 can be disposed below the upper portion (reference line 200 "a in fig. 6A) of the upper handle 200" of the kit. Thus, the lid 300 may include a handle 330, at least a portion of which extends above the upper surface 320, but also below the reference line 200 "a. Although fig. 7 shows the upper surface 320 of the lid 300 having a corresponding planar stepped surface, in various embodiments, the lid 300 may include an upper surface 320 without steps. For example, the upper surface may have a horizontal plane between the diameter 300d and the central portion 314 or include raised areas extending over one or more steps 313, 312, 311. The upper surface may also slope downward from the outer edge along a planar surface or a curved surface on one or more steps 313, 312, 311 toward a central portion 314 of the lid 300. It should be understood that the lid 300 may be configured for use with any stackable system 20 according to the present disclosure. Lid 300 may also be configured for use with other cooking appliances to provide for universal or interchangeable use with multiple cooking appliances, whether or not the appliances are stackable.

Fig. 8A and 8B illustrate another embodiment of the system including a cooking appliance 50 "', the cooking appliance 50" ' including an appliance 800 such as a slice 801 and a stackable handle 200 "'. The utensil 800 is shown as being stackable with at least one attachment handle 200, 200 ', 200 "or cooking appliance 50, 50', 50". The additional handle 200, 200 ', 200 "or cooking appliance 50, 50', 50" may be constructed in a similar manner as described with respect to fig. 4A and 4B.

The implement 800 may be configured with a handle 200 "' consistent with that disclosed herein for stackable use with other handle configurations. As shown, the handle 200 "' is attached to the distal end 802b of the working end 802 and includes a flange 210" ' and a gripping portion 220 "'. The gripping portion 220 "'includes a male fitting 203"' and a female fitting 204 "'that are substantially similar and complementary to the fittings 203, 203', 203", 204 ', 204 "of the gripping portions 220, 220', and 220", which, as described above, may be similar to that described above with respect to fig. 4A and 4B. The gripping portion 220 "' includes a male fitting 203" ', the male fitting 203 "' includes a protrusion 230" ' positioned at a distal end of the female fitting 204 "', the female fitting 204" ' includes a hole 225 "', and the hole 225" ' may also serve as a hanging hole 225 "'. To stack the utensil 800, the tab 230 "may be positioned in the aperture 225" of the grip portion 220 ", wherein the front portion 236 '" of the tab 230' "may engage the front portion 226" of the aperture 225 ". It should be understood that the appliance 800 so configured may be supported on a corresponding handle 200 ", 200 ', 200 of any of the implements 50", 50', 50. Thus, the utensil 800 may be supported on the corresponding handle 200 ", 200 ', 200 of any of the containers 100", 100', or 100 during cooking and convenient storage. As described above, the grip portion 220 "' includes an aperture 225" ', the aperture 225 "' being adapted to receive a projection of another handle. Accordingly, a complementary protrusion extending from a handle of another cooking appliance (such as another utensil) may be received in the aperture 225 "' and engage the front portion 226" ' therein to stack the cooking appliance on the handle 200 "'. In other embodiments, the handle 200 "'may not include a hole 225"' configured to receive a tab for stacking.

As shown, the grip portion 220 "'does not include a second tab and extends a reduced length relative to the other grip portions 220, 220', 220". In other embodiments, the grip portion 220 "'may be configured to include a second protrusion or extend the same length as one or more grip portions 220, 220', 220" that may be stacked thereon.

In various embodiments, the working end 802 of the utensil 800 may be a blade-like attachment, such as a spatula 801, or other configuration, such as a concave shape for a spoon, a forceps for a fork-like device, an engagement fork for a forceps, and the like.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a stacked kitchen utensil including a stackable handle system 20 according to one embodiment the stackable handle system 20 includes two or more stacked pans 100, 100 "'. the stackable handles 200, 200" may be similar to that described above with respect to fig. 4A-4B and 8A-8B, where like reference numerals indicate like features, the handle 200 or the flange portion 210 of the handle 200 extends between the side wall 120 and the grip portion 220 of the container 100, the front engagement surface 226, 236 is positioned at an angle γ 1 and γ 2 with respect to the side wall 120 (or a vertical reference plane as shown, as shown with respect to the operative orientation of the pan II and II' lines) the flange 210 and the grip portion 220 are preferably shaped such that the angles γ 1 and γ 2 are between about 20 ° and about 45 °, such as between about 25 ° and about 40 ° such as between about 25 ° and about 45 °, preferably between about 25 ° and about 45 °, more preferably between about 25 ° and about 30 ° such as between about 25 ° and about 30 ° as between about 25 ° and about 5 ° as about 100, about 5 ° and about 5 ° as about 5 ° to provide a preferred horizontal engagement of the container 100, 220, or about, about 5, about.

In the illustrated embodiment, all appliances or their handles include male and female fittings; however, in some embodiments, not all of the implements or handles in the system include male and female fittings. For example, in one embodiment in which the system includes a set of stackable kitchen utensils, wherein one of the utensils is configured as a base utensil when the utensils are stacked, e.g., the base utensil is too large to nest with the other utensils, the gripping portion of the utensil may not include a male fitting along its lower surface. Similarly, in an embodiment in which the system includes a set of stackable kitchen utensils, wherein one of the utensils is configured to be stacked on top of the other utensils but does not form a base utensil on which the other utensils can be stacked, for example, the utensils are too small or have a unique shape for nesting the other utensils, the utensils may not include a concave fitting along their upper surfaces. However, since in some embodiments the systems described herein include expandable or modular systems in which very different implements can be stacked, all handles can be configured to receive or be received by another implement for stacking, and can include male and female fittings.

It should be understood that the disclosed stackable cooking utensil system and its stackable handle configuration may be configured for use with a variety of cooking utensils, such as pots, pans, and utensils. Stackable kitchen utensil systems and their stackable handle configurations may find beneficial use with respect to convenient and stable storage. The stackable kitchen utensil system and its stackable handle configuration may also find other beneficial uses relative to other nested storage applications, such as minimizing packaging to store and transport products in various commercial channels before reaching the consumer. Thus, a system so configured may advantageously provide a more compact storage and transport configuration for cooking items, such as cooking vessels having different sizes.

The present disclosure describes various elements, features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments, configurations, and arrangements of stackable kitchen utensil systems and handles thereof. It is to be understood that certain descriptions of the various embodiments and such configurations and arrangements thereof have been simplified to illustrate only those elements, features and aspects that are relevant for a more clear understanding of the disclosed embodiments, while eliminating, for purposes of brevity and clarity, other elements, features and aspects. When followed by "an embodiment," "a configuration," "an example," "an arrangement," etc., any reference to "various," "some," "one," or "an" generally means that a particular element, feature, or aspect described in the example is included in at least one embodiment. The phrases "in various," "in certain," "in some," or "in one" may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment when followed by "embodiment," "construction," "example," "arrangement," and the like. Furthermore, the phrases "in one such," "in an" and "in this," while generally referring to representing and setting forth the foregoing embodiments, when followed by "embodiments," "constructions," "examples," "arrangements," and the like, are not intended to imply that the elements, features, and aspects of the embodiments introduced by the phrase are limited to the foregoing embodiments; rather, the phrase is provided to assist the reader in understanding the various elements, features and aspects disclosed herein, and it will be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these elements, features and aspects presented in the incorporated embodiments may be utilized in conjunction with various other combinations and subcombinations of the elements, features and aspects presented in the disclosed embodiments. It is also to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art, upon considering the description herein, will recognize that various embodiments and various combinations or subcombinations of the other elements, features and aspects may be desirable in particular implementations or applications. However, because such other elements, features, and aspects may be readily ascertained by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art upon considering the description herein, and are not necessary for a complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments, a description of such elements, features, and aspects may not be provided. As such, it is to be understood that the description set forth herein is merely exemplary and illustrative of the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

The grammatical words "a", "an" and "the" as used in this specification are intended to include "at least one" or "one or more" unless otherwise indicated. Thus, in this specification the article is intended to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. "at least one") item. For example, "component" means one or more components, and thus, more than one component may be contemplated and may be utilized or used in an application of the described embodiments. Furthermore, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of usage requires otherwise.