Modular Wedge-Shaped Accessories for Optimized Storage and Organization
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A versatile system of wedge-shaped accessories for elevating and organizing items within various containers and compartments, enabling efficient use of space and improved accessibility.
Background and Problem Solved
The original sink accessory patent was limited to sink applications, but its core technology can be applied to other industries and use cases. This inventive concept addresses the need for optimized storage and organization in various contexts, including vehicles, recreational vehicles, commercial refrigeration units, and modular furniture systems.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The modular wedge-shaped accessories are designed to be positioned within containers or compartments, featuring a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a work space defined between the first end and the second end. These accessories can be configured to elevate items above lower surfaces, provide functional levels for organizing and securing items, and create additional storage capacity. The system can be adapted to various applications, including cargo management in vehicles, storage optimization in recreational vehicles, shelving systems for commercial refrigeration units, and modular furniture systems.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the original sink accessory technology to entirely different industries and use cases, demonstrating a non-obvious and inventive step in expanding the technology's scope.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include adjustable wedge-shaped accessories, accessories with integrated compartments or dividers, or accessories designed for specific industries or applications. Variations may also include different materials, sizes, or shapes to accommodate diverse use cases.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The modular wedge-shaped accessories have significant commercial potential in various industries, including automotive, recreational vehicles, commercial refrigeration, and furniture. The target market includes manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users seeking optimized storage and organization solutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47J47/20 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Storage and organization systems, specifically modular accessories for spatial optimization across multiple domains including vehicle cargo management, refrigeration, and furniture design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with expertise in spatial design, product development, and modular storage solutions, familiar with adapting design principles across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental wedge-shaped design from the source patent as a universally applicable spatial optimization technique that can be readily translated across different container and compartment contexts. The core technical principle of creating an elevated work space with draft angles is inherently transferable between sink accessories and other storage environments. The systematic approach of using wedge geometry to create functional levels is a predictable design strategy that does not require inventive complexity.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,119 |
|---|---|
| Title | Sink accessory system |
| Assignee(s) | Kohler Co. |