Pot and utensil rest

Abstract

The present invention provides a pot and utensil rest, comprising a first generally planar support for holding a pot; and a second generally planar support attached to the first support and having a recess formed therein for holding a utensil. The second support is movable between a stowed position wherein the second support is placed over or into the first support, and an expanded position wherein the second support disengages from the first support for the holding of the utensil. The pot and utensil rest of the invention has a compact storage configuration while permitting the holding of multiple utensils.

1 . A pot and utensil rest, comprising:
 a first generally planar support for holding a pot; and   a second generally planar support attached to the first support and having a recess formed therein for holding a utensil,   wherein the second support is movable between a stowed position wherein the second support is placed over or into the first support, and an expanded position wherein the second support disengages from the first support for holding of the utensil;   wherein the first support has a central through hole or a central depression which is dimensioned and shaped to receive the second support in the stowed position so that the second support is substantially flush with the first support.   
     
     
         2 . The pot and utensil rest as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an elongated member provided with a flute, so that the first and second supports are interconnected by the elongated member and the second support is foldable through the flute to move between the stowed position and the expanded position. 
     
     
         3 . The pot and utensil rest as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the first and second supports and the elongated member are of unitary one-piece construction. 
     
     
         4 . The pot and utensil rest as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the first support is formed with a plurality of contoured segments that are arranged at equal angular interval along a circumference, and the second support is circular in shape. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The pot and utensil rest as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein
 the elongated member is provided with an extension adjacent to an inner side of the second support, and   the extension is adapted to support a pot lid, when an end of the pot lid abuts against the extension and a portion of the pot lid leans against the pot which rests on the first support.   
     
     
         7 . The pot and utensil rest as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the elongated member is formed to have a concave cross-section to create a channel toward the second support, so that the channel is adapted to retain drippings running off the pot lid. 
     
     
         8 . The pot and utensil rest as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the rest is made of flexible heat-resistant materials, including silicon. 
     
     
         9 . The pot and utensil rest as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second support is attached to the first support by a hinge mechanism, so that the second support is movable pivotably between the stowed position and the expanded position. 
     
     
         10 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The pot and utensil rest as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a third support attached to one of the first and second supports for holding a further utensil. 
     
     
         14 . A pot and utensil rest, comprising:
 a first generally planar support for holding a pot; and   a second generally planar support attached to the first support and having a recess formed therein for holding a utensil,   wherein the second support is movable between a stowed position wherein the second support is placed into the first support, and an expanded position wherein the second support disengages from the first support for holding of the utensil; and   wherein the first support has a central through hole which is dimensioned and shaped to receive the second support in the stowed position so that the second support is substantially flush with the first support.