Tool and utensil stowage system

Abstract

Provided herein is a device useful for stowage and retrieval of various wares and utensils. A device according to the invention is especially well-suited for use within a cabinet, such as within a kitchen environment. The invention provides a slidable platform upon the top surface of which a plurality of retaining means may be readily disposed, to create spaces within which a utensil may be rigidly located. The slidable platform may be pulled out to gain access to the wares stored on the platform. A device according to the invention makes efficient use of cabinet space with respect to prior art stowage means, and provides for the wares to be disposed in such fashion that their retrieval is convenient and prompt.

1 ) A device useful for the convenient storage and retrieval of various wares and utensils, which comprises:
 a) a slidable support portion having a top surface, a front edge portion and a rear edge portion, said top surface further including a plurality of holes disposed therethrough;   b) a frame portion;   c) means for slidably connecting said support portion to said frame portion sufficiently to enable lateral movement of said support portion with respect to said frame means; and   d) a plurality of securing devices attached to the top surface of said slidable support portion, said securing devices each comprising a retaining means portion and an anchoring means portion, wherein said anchoring means portions are adapted to be received by said holes disposed on said support portion.   
   
   
       2 ) A device according to  claim 1  wherein said retaining means portion is flexible. 
   
   
       3 ) A device according to  claim 1  wherein said retaining means portion is rigid. 
   
   
       4 ) A device according to claim wherein said plurality of holes are arranged to comprise a rectangular pattern. 
   
   
       5 ) A device according to  claim 1  wherein said holes are circular. 
   
   
       6 ) A device according to  claim 1  wherein said holes are rectangular. 
   
   
       7 ) A device according to  claim 1 , and further comprising: e) a cabinet having an interior, wherein said frame portion is disposed within the interior of said cabinet. 
   
   
       8 ) A device according to  claim 1  wherein the frame means includes a floor portion. 
   
   
       9 ) A device according to  claim 1  wherein the top surface of the slidable support portion is substantially-planar. 
   
   
       10 ) A device according to  claim 1  further comprising: e) a handle means attached to said slidable support portion, sufficient to enable a user to cause said support portion to move laterally upon pulling or pushing said handle means. 
   
   
       11 ) A device according to  claim 1  wherein two of said plurality of securing devices attached to the top surface of said slidable support portion are arranged so as to define a space between them, which space is sufficient to contain and sustain a cooking utensil in a fixed position. 
   
   
       12 ) A device according to  claim 1  wherein two of said plurality of securing devices attached to the top surface of said slidable support portion are arranged so as to define a space between them, which space is sufficient to contain and sustain a cooking utensil in a fixed position, said cooking utensil comprising a handle portion, said handle portion being disposed in any orientation.