초록 ▼

A device stores a plurality of dishes or the like in a plurality of stacks, with each stack at an object-receiving region within the device. The device includes a base and a plurality of spaced apart partitions for partitioning the space extending above the base into a plurality of object-receiving

A device stores a plurality of dishes or the like in a plurality of stacks, with each stack at an object-receiving region within the device. The device includes a base and a plurality of spaced apart partitions for partitioning the space extending above the base into a plurality of object-receiving regions. The space between the partitions forms a pair of diametrically opposite slits in each object-receiving region. In one embodiment, four generally T-shaped partitions together form four object-receiving regions, and a central open region. In another embodiment, eight partitions, including two corner partitions, four generally T-shaped partitions, and two cross-shaped partitions, form nine object-receiving regions, one of which is a central open region extending above the center of the base. The use of diametrically opposed slits facilitates the loading and unloading of dishes and permits the slits to be relatively narrow so that they occupy a relatively small proportion, about 23% in one embodiment, of the total lateral periphery of the object-receiving regions. Further, the use of an object-receiving region positioned in the center of the device permits the formation of nine object-receiving regions, thereby increasing the number of stacks of dishes that can be stored in the device.

대표청구항 ▼

A device for storing a plurality of objects, such as dishes or the like, in a plurality of stacks in a plurality of object-receiving regions, said device comprising: means for supporting said plurality of objects and including a generally rectangular base; and means for partitioning the space extend

A device for storing a plurality of objects, such as dishes or the like, in a plurality of stacks in a plurality of object-receiving regions, said device comprising: means for supporting said plurality of objects and including a generally rectangular base; and means for partitioning the space extending above said supporting means into at least four object-receiving regions, wherein said partitioning means defines a pair slits adjacent each object-receiving region, wherein said slits in each said pair are spaced substantially diametrically opposite from each other relative to one said object-receiving region, wherein one said slit is positioned directly above each of at least two diagonally opposed corners of said base, and wherein said partitioning means partitions the space extending above and surrounding the center of said supporting means into a central open region, said partitioning means further comprising four partition each having two object-receiving region-defining surfaces, wherein each object-receiving region is defined by a pair of object-receiving region-defining surfaces of different partitions, wherein each partition is generally T-shaped having first and second portions, wherein said first portion forms an outer wall of said device, wherein said second portion comprises said two object-receiving region-defining surfaces, wherein an interior end of said second portion of each partition borders on said central open region and is spaced a distance from an axis perpendicular to said supporting means and extending through the center of said supporting means, wherein said interior ends of each pair of said second portions of each pair of object-receiving region-defining surfaces are spaced apart from each other, wherein the space between said interior ends of each pair of second portions of each pair of object-receiving region-defining surfaces forms one of said slits in each pair of slits in each object-receiving region, and wherein the exterior ends of each pair of second portions of each pair of object-receiving region-defining surfaces are spaced apart to form the other of said slits in each pair of slits in each object-receiving region.