Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a food storage system and method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The organization and retrieval of food stored in the common refrigerator or cooling unit is problematic for the average user who must rely on the large built-in drawers to accommodate specific items or otherwise fit variously sized food containers on shelves or racks. Food items are stuffed in drawers and hidden from view or are pushed back to the rear of shelves to become lost, forgotten, spoiled or spilled.
[0003] However, conventional storage systems in enclosed compartments, specifically in upright freezers and refrigerators, are inefficient and inconvenient as they limit the user to arranging and stacking items on a restricted number of manufacturer-installed fixed shelves, further limited by a variety of interior fixed protrusions such as ducts, lights and temperature controls. Said fixed shelves do not provide means to increase load-bearing capacity or to be easily repositioned within the compartment. users often have difficulty in locating stored items within stacked groups since conventional fixed shelving does not have means to affix labels or other identifiers of stored items. This leads to forgotten items that are stored past their expiry date and deteriorate beyond usability and are thus often wasted. And systems designed to fit within refrigerator drawers are often inaccessible without pulling out the entire drawer. Users with restricted movement (particularly children, disabled, or elderly persons) have difficulty accessing the food containers or otherwise setting them back in the refrigerator.
[0004] As a result of the many shortfalls of the prior art, there is a need for a system for storage and preservation of food which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0006] Before the present subject matter relating to a food storage system and method thereof, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a food storage system and method thereof. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[0008] In an embodiment, a food storage system, the storage system includes a housing unit, a plurality of trays and a cooler. The housing unit is configured to enclose and protect the stored food items. The plurality of trays positioned within said housing unit for organizing and storing said food items. The cooler integrated into said housing unit for maintaining a predetermined temperature within said trays.
[0009] In an embodiment, a method of food storage, the method includes the step of positioning one or more modular assemblies on a tray of a interior surface of a housing unit. The method includes the step of sliding a trays partially out of the housing unit. The method includes the step of placing food on the tray for preserving food. The method includes the step of sliding the trays back inside the housing unit and closing the door of the housing unit for cooling and preserving food.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and modules.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective views of various components of the storage system including embodiments of a housing unit, drawer, trays and lift-able drawer lid, shown separately and in combination.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates an organizer’s left-side panel.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates the locking mechanism for a drawer/trays.
[0014] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative methods embodying the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[0016] One or more embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present invention to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0017] The terminology used, in the present invention, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. As used in the present invention, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present invention is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0018] In an embodiment, a food storage system, the storage system includes a housing unit, a plurality of trays and a cooler. The housing unit is configured to enclose and protect the stored food items. The plurality of trays positioned within said housing unit for organizing and storing said food items. The cooler integrated into said housing unit for maintaining a predetermined temperature within said trays.
[0019] In another implementation, the plurality of trays is adjustable in height and arrangement, allowing for customizable storage configurations based on the size and quantity of food items.
[0020] In another implementation, said cooler includes a temperature control system for regulating the internal temperature of said trays and a fan system for ensuring uniform cooling across all trays.
[0021] In another implementation, the cooler is configured with multiple temperature zones within said trays, allowing for the storage of different types of food items requiring distinct temperature conditions.
[0022] In another implementation, a humidity regulation system integrated into said cooler for maintaining optimal humidity levels within said trays.
[0023] In another implementation, said trays are removable, facilitating easy access, cleaning, and reconfiguration of the storage space.
[0024] In an embodiment, a method of food storage, the method includes the step of positioning one or more modular assemblies on a tray of a interior surface of a housing unit. The method includes the step of sliding a trays partially out of the housing unit. The method includes the step of placing food on the tray for preserving food. The method includes the step of sliding the trays back inside the housing unit and closing the door of the housing unit for cooling and preserving food.
[0025] In another implementation, the method includes the step of removing the content from the tray without disengaging the trays from the housing unit.
[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective views of various components of the storage system including embodiments of a housing unit, drawer, trays and lift-able drawer lid, shown separately and in combination.
[0027] In an embodiment, storage system 10 is comprised of one or more modular assemblies 12, each having a housing unit 14, one or more drawers 16 with drawer cover 18, and a variety of trays 20 shown separately and in combination. Each of the components shown is separable from one another and may be used in different combinations for different purposes. While each modular assembly 12 generally consists of a single housing unit 14, a drawer 16 with drawer cover 18 and multiple trays 20 of various sizes, alternative embodiments may consist of a single housing unit configured to accommodate two or more drawers having one or more covers and one or more trays. Each modular assembly 12 may be used alone, stacked, positioned side by side, or otherwise removeably attached or permanently secured to one another and/or to the refrigerator (or cooling unit) using clips and other devices known in the industry.
[0028] In another embodiment, the interior (storage space) of each drawer 16 preferably has dimensions that allow it to accommodate individual insertable and removeable trays 20 of various sizes. In addition, the trays 20 are preferably sized to be placed adjacent to one another to maximize the holding space of the drawer. Alternatively, one or more of the trays 20 may be removed to allow for the storage of items that might be too large to be accommodated by a tray (such, for example, as celery stalks) or are otherwise individually packaged items (such as, for example, cheese wrapped in plastic sheeting).
[0029] The interior bottom surface of the drawer 16 and bottom surface of the drawer cover 18 are substantially smooth, offering no grooves or other protrusions which might prevent the use of odd sized bowls or trays. In other words, the system is accommodating to bowls and trays which the user may already have on hand. In alternative embodiments, the drawers may accommodate dividers to separate food items within the drawer storage space (and may optionally be used with trays). These dividers may be removable and or positionally adjustable (for example, positioned within corresponding vertical grooves in the side walls and back), and used to quickly “scrape” over some food items within the drawer to make room for other items. However, the invention contemplates dimensions of the drawer 16 and trays 20 relative to each other to maintain the flexibility discussed above, while maximizing the number of trays that a drawer may accommodate.
[0030] In an embodiment, the housing unit may have feet (consisting of pegs, bumps, raised rails or other similar extrusions) extending downward from the exterior bottom surface preferably from the bottom surface of the flanges or bottom corners of the housing unit. These feet may be made of non-skid rubber or similar material as to provide stability when the housing unit is positioned on a smooth surface (such as a refrigerator shelf). To provide for secure stacking of assemblies (one on top of the other), the top exterior surface of the housing unit may have corresponding receptacles (such as indentations, holes, grooves and the like) designed to accept the feet of a housing unit stacked on top. Alternative embodiments of the feet of various sizes and shapes with corresponding receptacles are contemplated, for example circles, rectangles, raised rails, squares, stars. Each housing unit is designed and configured to allow for circulation of air to the interior space of the housing unit and to the sides and/or bottom of the one or more drawers inserted therein.
[0031] Cleanup is easy as the storage assembly components may be removed completely and easily from the refrigerator for cleanup and replacement. The corners of the drawers and trays may be rounded to provide cleaning efficiency. The interior drawer and tray surfaces, as well as the bottom surface of the drawer cover, are smooth (free of ridges, grooves or protrusions) thus preventing the buildup of sticky foods on those surfaces.
[0032] Figure 2 illustrates an organizer’s left-side panel.
[0033] In an embodiment, the left side panel 30 consisting of rigid material that is structurally strong, durable and can be corrosion resistant, that can be made of, but not limited to, metal such as steel and aluminum, and wood, and thermoplastic polymer material. The side panel 30 comprises interlocking components including: a plurality of assembled posts 49 comprising a plurality of interlocking post segments 40; stabilizer 50A, header 50B, footer 50C; and shelf rails 70. The shelf rail 70 interlocks with the post segment 40 by means of integrated parallel rail gripping grooves 46.
[0034] Figure 3 illustrates the locking mechanism for a drawer/trays.
[0035] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 2601 is situated at the top of the front face of the drawer. The locking mechanism utilizes an indentation 2701 in the bin 11 and a depression 2702 in the drawer. The depression 2702 houses a spring 2703, which exerts upward force on a ball 2704. When the drawer is closed, the spring pushes the ball firmly into the indentation 2701, thus locking the drawer. In a preferred embodiment, the indentation 2701 and ball 2704 are made of ferromagnetic materials to create a particularly strong magnetic seal. The drawer/tray includes a latch 2705. The top of the latch forms the shape of a prong 2706. When the latch is pulled, its prong 2706 pushes down on the pin 2704, thus releasing the pin from the indentation 2701 in the bin 11. Now the drawer can open.
[0036] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention. , Claims:We claim:
1. A food storage system, comprising;
a housing unit configured to enclose and protect the stored food items;
a plurality of trays positioned within said housing unit for organizing and storing said food items;
a cooler integrated into said housing unit for maintaining a predetermined temperature within said trays.
2. The food storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of trays is adjustable in height and arrangement, allowing for customizable storage configurations based on the size and quantity of food items.
3. The food storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cooler comprises:
a temperature control system for regulating the internal temperature of said trays;
a fan system for ensuring uniform cooling across all trays.
4. The food storage system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cooler is configured with multiple temperature zones within said trays, allowing for the storage of different types of food items requiring distinct temperature conditions.
5. The food storage system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a humidity regulation system integrated into said cooler for maintaining optimal humidity levels within said trays.
6. The food storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said trays are removable, facilitating easy access, cleaning, and reconfiguration of the storage space.
7. A method of food storage, comprising;
positioning one or more modular assemblies on a tray of a interior surface of a housing unit;
sliding a trays partially out of the housing unit;
placing food on the tray for preserving food;
sliding the trays back inside the housing unit and closing the door of the housing unit for cooling and preserving food.
8. The method of food storage as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of removing the content from the tray without disengaging the trays from the housing unit.