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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A device to ensure the consumption of an item of perishable food before
the item has been held in a storage location beyond its useful storage
lifetime, the device comprising:
a base unit, located near the storage location;
at least one numeric display on the base unit to display elapsed time;
cataloging means on the base unit for recording the name and storage
lifetime of the item of food; and
means for activating the numerical display,
whereby the stored food item listed on the base unit may be safely consumed
until the numeric display shows that the item has been stored beyond its
useful lifetime.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising:
a plurality of identifiers visible on the base unit, an identifier
associated with each recorded item name; and
a plurality of food storage containers in a variety of different sizes,
each container being marked with an identifier, the identifier matching at
least one identifier on the base unit.
3. A device to ensure the consumption of an item of perishable food before
the item has been held in a storage location beyond its useful storage
lifetime, the device comprising:
a base unit, located near the storage location;
timing means in the base unit for measuring elapsed time;
cataloging means on the base unit for recording the name and storage
lifetime of the item of food;
input means for inputting the storage lifetime provided by the cataloging
means;
logic means for comparing the storage lifetimes with the elapsed time and
outputting a comparison result; and
warning means for warning an operator when the comparison result determines
that the storage lifetime is approached and then reached, whereby the
stored food item listed on the base unit may be safely consumed until the
warning means indicates that the item has been stored beyond its useful
lifetime.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the warning means comprises a a visually
perceptible warning that indicates when the storage lifetime is approached
and then reached.
5. The device of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of select buttons,
one for each item of food recorded by the cataloging means, for selecting
the item on which the input means is to operate.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein the input means comprises a numeric
display with a button to increment the display and a button to decrement
the display so that the storage lifetime provided by the cataloging means
is inputted, and wherein the elapsed time can be displayed on the numeric
display.
7. The device of claim 3, wherein at least the timing means and the logic
means are provided by a microprocessor.
8. The device of claim 3, wherein information for the cataloging means is
input through one of preprinted and handwritten tabs that may be removably
attached to the base unit, and a keypad to provide the name and the
storage lifetime of the item of food.
9. The device of claim 3 further comprising:
a plurality of identifiers visible on the base unit, one identifier
associated with each item of food; and
a plurality of food storage containers in a variety of different sizes,
each container marked with an identifier, the identifier matching at least
one of the identifiers on the base unit.
10. A device to ensure the consumption of perishable food items stored in a
refrigerator before the items are stored beyond their useful storage
lifetimes, comprising:
a base unit removably attached to the refrigerator;
a plurality of item slots on the base unit;
a plurality of visible identifiers on the base unit, an identifier
associated with each item slot;
a plurality of selection switches, a selection switch associated with each
item slot for making that slot a selected item slot;
means for cataloging comprising means to provide a written representation
of the name of a food item, and a numeric representation of useful storage
lifetime of the item, and means to associate the name and the lifetime
with each item slot on the base unit;
means for timing for measuring elapsed time;
means for inputting the storage lifetime of the selected item slot
including a numerical display and switches to increment and decrement the
display;
means for engaging the timing process;
means for comparing input storage lifetimes with elapsed time and
outputting a comparison result;
a plurality of indicators for warning an operator when the useful storage
lifetime of the item is approached and then reached based on the
comparison result; and
a plurality of food storage containers in a variety of different sizes,
each container marked with an identifier, the identifier matching at least
one of the identifiers on the base unit.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein information for the cataloging means is
input by one of preprinted and handwritten tabs that may be removably
attached magnetically to the base unit, and a keypad.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein at least the timing means and the
comparison means are provided by a microprocessor.
13. A method to ensure the consumption of perishable food items before the
items are stored beyond their useful storage lifetimes, comprising the
steps of:
providing an item of food to be stored;
providing a storage location;
providing a base unit, located near the storage location, bearing a
plurality of item slots, the item slots structured for receiving a written
representation of the name of the food item, and a numeric representation,
in timing increments, of the useful storage lifetime of the item, and
having a timing device operating with the same timing increments as the
storage lifetime and capable of giving warnings;
placing the item of food into the storage location;
selecting an item slot that is not associated with a name and lifetime;
placing the name and lifetime of the item of food in association with the
selected item slot;
inputting the lifetime; and
activating the timing device,
whereby the stored food item listed in the selected item slot may be safely
consumed until the timing device gives warning that the item has been
stored beyond its useful lifetime.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the storage location is selected from a
group comprising a pantry, a freezer, and a refrigerator.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of placing the name of the item
of food in association with the selected item slot is provided by one of
preprinted and handwritten tabs removably attached to the base unit, and a
keypad.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the timing increments are selected from
a group comprising days, weeks, and months.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of identifiers visible on the base unit, an
identifier associated with an item slot;
providing a plurality of food storage containers in a variety of different
sizes, each container being marked with an identifier, the identifier
matching at least one identifier on the base unit;
selecting a storage container appropriately sized to fit the item of food
to be stored;
placing the food item into the open container and closing the container
before placing the item into the storage location; and
ensuring that the identifier associated with the selected item slot matches
the identifier of the selected container.
18. A method to ensure the consumption of perishable food items before the
items are stored beyond their useful storage lifetimes, comprising the
steps of:
providing an item of food to be stored;
providing a refrigerator;
providing a base unit detachably mounted to the refrigerator bearing a
plurality of item slots, a plurality of visible identifiers, an identifier
associated with an item slot, a plurality of selection switches and
warning indicators, one switch and one indicator associated with an item
slot, the item slots structured to receive both a written representation
of the name of the food item, and also a numeric representation, in days,
of the useful storage lifetime of the item, and having a timing device to
measure elapsed time in days, activating and deactivating switches for the
timing device, a numerical display associated with the timing device,
input switches for the timing device;
providing a plurality of food storage containers in a variety of different
sizes, each container marked with an identifier, the identifier matching
the identifier associated with at least one of the item slots on the base
unit;
selecting a storage container sized to fit the food item to be stored;
placing the item into the open container and closing the container;
placing the selected storage container holding the food item into the
refrigerator;
choosing an item slot that does not contain a name and lifetime and whose
identifier matches the identifier of the selected storage container;
placing the name and lifetime of the food item in the selected container in
association with the chosen item slot;
operating the selection switch associated with the chosen item slot;
operating the input switches to input the storage lifetime; and
activating the timing device so that the warning indicator associated with
the item slot will announce when the storage lifetime is approached and
then reached.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of placing the name of the
item of food in association with the selected item slot is provided by one
of preprinted and handwritten tabs removably attached magnetically to the
base unit, and a keypad.
20. The device of claim 3, wherein operation of the timing task operates in
a mode selected from the group consisting of: a count up mode wherein a a
numeric tally is incremented according to the elapsed time; a count down
mode wherein a preset lifetime is decremented according to the elapsed
time; and an expiration date mode wherein a current date is compared to an
expiration date of the item.
21. A device to ensure the consumption of an item of perishable food before
the item has been held in a storage location beyond its useful storage
lifetime, the device comprising:
a base unit;
timing means in the base unit for measuring elapsed time;
input means for inputting a storage lifetime of the item of food;
logic means for comparing the storage lifetime with the measured elapsed
time; and
warning means for warning an operator when the logic means indicates that
the elapsed time has reached the storage lifetime, whereby the stored food
item may be safely consumed until the timing means determines that the
item has been stored beyond its storage lifetime.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the warning means further comprises a
second warning means for warning an operator that the elapsed time is
approaching the storage lifetime so that the stored food item may be
safely consumed before the timing means determines that the item has been
stored beyond its storage lifetime.
23. A device to ensure the consumption of an item of perishable food before
the item has been held in a storage location beyond its useful storage
lifetime, the device comprising:
a base unit equipped with means for removably attaching the base unit to
the food storage location;
a numeric display on the base unit for displaying elapsed time in timing
increments, the elapsed timing increments selected from the group
consisting of days, weeks and months; and
means for automatically incrementing or decrementing the numeric display
according to the elapsed timing increment.
24. The device of claim 21, wherein the operation of the warning task
operates in a mode selected from the group consisting of: a visually
perceptible warning that indicates when the storage lifetime is approached
and then reached, and an audibly perceptible warning that indicates when
the storage lifetime is approached and then reached. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to methods and devices to ensure the safe storage of
food and, specifically, to a method and device to display the identity and
storage time of food items in a refrigerator.
2. Description of Related Art
Most people have discovered mold growing on food in a refrigerator. The
common response is a slight shudder of revulsion followed by quick
disposal of the offending item. Sometimes one does not discover the
problem until the food is being prepared for consumption or is actually
about to be eaten. If the spoilage is not readily visible, the tainted
item may actually be eaten, with mild to severe medical consequences.
Although the problem is most apparent with readily-perishable food in a
refrigerator, food in a freezer, and even dried or canned food in a
cupboard also deteriorate, albeit at a slower pace. The prior art solution
to this pervasive problem has ranged from periodic disposal of all stored
items to various lists attached to the front of the refrigerator or
cupboard and manually maintained.
The problem with manual lists is that it is difficult to unambiguously
identify the stored items. If one stored a piece of cheese in a
refrigerator and wrote "cheese" on a list on the refrigerator door,
confusion would result if there were more than one piece of cheese in the
refrigerator. An attempt could be made to track the age of the particular
item by also writing the date of storage on the list. Unfortunately, it is
very difficult to look at such a list and immediately spot the item which
is approaching the end of its useful life. When faced with a list of
dates, the human mind does a poor job of instantly computing the current
age of the item based on its date of storage. Also, most people do not
have a clear idea of how long a given leftover should be stored.
Furthermore, even if a leftover on the list is identified as approaching
the end of its useful life, it is often difficult to easily locate the
leftover in the refrigerator. Many perishable items cleverly hide on upper
shelves or behind other items.
It is an object of the present invention to solve these common problems of
food storage management;
It is another object to provide a method and device to furnish a ready
display of the names of the stored food items, an indication of how long
such an item should be stored, and a display of how long each item has
actually been stored; and
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick and
simple way to locate a food item stored inside a crowded refrigerator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above objects and additional objects are met by a base unit that is
designed to maintain both a list of the stored food items, including the
recommended maximum storage period for each item, and a display of how
long each item has been in storage and/or that warns when an item nears
and then reaches the end of its storage life. Additionally, the invention
may comprise an assortment of food storage containers made of plastic or
some other suitable material. The storage containers are keyed to the list
on the base unit. The base unit is a substantially flat device, more or
less rectangular in shape, and would normally be about the size of a
standard sheet of paper or smaller. It is designed to be removably
attached to or placed near the food storage location. The base unit
performs three main tasks: a cataloging task, an associating task, and a
timing task.
The cataloging task can be thought of as a flexible form of list-keeping.
The base unit has a number of item slots, each of which serves as a
position for the entry of a potential item on a list. For example, a
typical base unit might have 20 item slots. This means that the unit could
simultaneously track about 20 food items: the item list could be up to 20
items in length. The important thing is that the base unit allows the item
slots to be reversibly filled so that a list of stored items can be
flexibly maintained. In the very simplest embodiment an item slot would be
a rectangular region on the smooth surface of the base unit. To add a
newly-stored item of food to the list one would simply write the name of
the item onto the slot with a dry-erasable felt marker pen. To delete an
item (when the leftover has been removed from storage), the slot would
simply be wiped with a paper towel or cloth to erase the name.
A slightly more advanced version of the invention provides preprinted food
names which are printed on or laminated onto thin magnetic tabs. The base
unit surface is constructed with a magnetic material underlying the item
slots, and the preprinted names can be removably attached to fill a slot.
The unused names can be stored in alphabetical order on the face of the
refrigerator with other refrigerator magnets. Custom items for which no
preprinted tabs existed can be created by either writing directly on the
base unit with an erasable pen, as already explained, or by writing on a
blank magnetic tab. After the item is consumed, the tab can be erased so
that another item name can be written onto it. Alternatively, the tab can
be detached from the item slot and placed with the preprinted tabs so that
the handwritten entry can be used again in the future.
In the most advanced version of the invention, a microprocessor provides
the names of the stored items and controls their display. A portion of the
face of the base unit, including the item slots, is a display screen such
as a liquid crystal display (LCD). An input device such as a keyboard is
also provided. By manipulating the input device, the name of the item of
food to be stored is displayed in one of the empty item slots on the face
of the base unit.
It will be appreciated that the cataloging task explained thus far is much
more flexible than list-keeping methods that are known in the prior art.
Moreover, the cataloging task also encompasses a lifetime function. The
lifetime function comprises a method of providing storage lifetimes for
the perishable items to be stored. In the simplest embodiment it would be
a printed list of the lifetimes. For example, green beans might have a
storage life of five days. If the cataloging task were implemented by
writing with an erasable pen on the front surface of the base unit, this
lifetime "5" would be entered beside the name on the blank item slot. In
the case of preprinted magnetic tabs, the recommended lifetime would come
preprinted next to the name of the food item. Finally, the advanced
microprocessor implementation would automatically provide the lifetime
along with the item name, and display both on an item slot.
If the user disagrees with a provided lifetime, the user could alter it by
using the erasable pen with the magnetic tab version or by a simple key
stroke with the advanced microprocessor version. Finally, many products
such as yogurt or milk come from the store already marked with a
preprinted expiration date. In that case, the user could write the date,
in a numerical month/date format (i.e. 7/29 for July 29), on the base unit
item slot (on a tab or directly on the surface, depending on the version
of the invention) or enter it with the microprocessor input device using
an expiration date mode. Of course, it is understood that the actual final
date for use of the item can be some days earlier or later than the
printed date code based on when the container is actually opened for the
first time. After the container has been opened, the item will then have
an estimated lifetime. The user would have to adjust the date accordingly,
or such adjustment could be automatic in the microprocessor version.
The second task is the association task. As explained above, a problem with
keeping lists of stored items has been the difficulty of readily finding
the item if it is in a closed container and of differentiating items if
more than one example of a given item-type is stored at the same time. The
association task is an integral part of the present invention that solves
this nagging problem. As already explained, the face of the base unit
contains a column of item slots which are used to create a list of the
stored items and display their storage lifetimes. Next to each item slot
is an identifier swatch. The identifier swatch is preferably a small patch
of color or pattern. Ideally, there would be between four and six
different colors or patterns. Red, green, blue, and yellow would be a
preferred choice of four colors.
The invention also comprises a series of food storage containers in a
number of different sizes. These are ordinary, reusable containers of
plastic or other suitable materials for storage purposes. However, each
container prominently displays an identifier that matches one of the
identifier swatches on the base unit. For example, the lids of the
containers might match the color or pattern of a given identifier swatch.
Reusable bands or disposable tapes that match identifier swatches can also
be provided to mark prepackaged perishables such as yogurt or milk.
One begins the association task by choosing a storage container sized to
fit the food item or an appropriate marking band and puts the item in the
container or marks it with the band before putting the item into the
refrigerator. Next, one chooses an empty item slot on the base unit whose
identifier swatch matches that on the already chosen container or marking
band. As already explained, each item slot is associated with an
identifier. The user enters the name and lifetime into the slot. Now the
entry on the list is associated with an item in the refrigerator or other
storage location. Because the identifiers are of a bright color or
pattern, one can easily locate the item within the refrigerator. As each
stored item is consumed, its item slot is reclaimed by either erasing the
handwritten label, removing the preprinted magnetic tab, or by operating
the microprocessor input device to clear the entry.
There is a tension between the number of different identifiers and the ease
of locating an item. If there is a large number of different identifiers,
it will be easy to locate a stored item, since there will only be one
container in the refrigerator with that identifier. If there is a
relatively small number of different identifiers, there is a good chance
that there will be more than one container with a given identifier in the
refrigerator at one time. However, a large number of different identifiers
would require a prohibitively large number of food storage containers if
there is to be a variety of sizes for each identifier. A choice of between
four and six different identifiers results in a good balance between ease
of locating an item and an excessive number of food containers.
The way that the cataloging task creates a list of stored items along with
their storage lifetime and how the association task links the list entry
with a particular stored item has now been explained. The timing task
completes the present invention. The timing task tracks and/or displays
the time that has elapsed since the item was placed into storage. There
are two possible timing modes: one that "counts up" by incrementing the
number of days the item has been stored, and one that "counts down" by
decrementing the preset lifetime entered by the user. The user is able to
select the desired mode through a switch or button depending on the exact
implementation. Generally, the entire base unit will operate in one mode
or the other; it would be excessively confusing to use both modes
simultaneously. The timing task also displays the elapsed time and/or
warns when expiration approaches and then occurs. When the elapsed time
exceeds the lifetime shown on the item slot or when the expiration warning
is given, the item has been stored beyond its safe lifetime.
The timing task can be carried out in several different ways. In one
embodiment the timing task is executed by a series of electronic timing
circuits, preferably with an electronic display for each item slot. The
electronic display may be an actual numerical display of the elapsed time
or alternatively, the display may simply be a warning light that signifies
the approach and then the expiration of the storage time. Associated with
each item slot is one or more buttons or switches that activate,
inactivate, or otherwise control the timing task for that particular item
slot. Preferably, the buttons or switches are immediately adjacent to each
display, but for economy they might be grouped on a keypad at a single
location on the base unit, and a single button might be used to control
multiple slots (i.e., a given item slot could be selected by punching in
its number on the keypad, and its display then activated by pushing a
single activation button). In a simple microprocessor version, a single
microprocessor provides all the timing functions with a single or with no
numerical display of the elapsed time. In the advanced microprocessor
version of the invention, the timing display is actually part of the same
screen that displays the item slots with their names.
After the cataloging task and the association task have been completed
(i.e., the item slot is filled in and the item is stored in an identifying
container), the timing task is performed: the timing display associated
with the item slot is activated. This is accomplished by pressing the
appropriate button. When the item is removed from storage and the item
slot is cleared, the timing function is deactivated either by pressing the
button a second time or, depending on the exact embodiment of the
invention, pressing a special "stop" button. With the advanced
microprocessor version of the invention, the timing function is
automatically activated by the process of invoking the cataloging task to
put a name into an item slot. When the item is removed from storage, the
slot is selected and a button is pressed to delete both the item name and
the timing display.
The display shows elapsed time in appropriate timing intervals that match
the lifetimes entered in the item slot. In addition, a warning light that
indicates the status of the elapsed time can be provided. For example,
when only two days of life remain, the display light would come on. When
the actual day of expiration arrived, the display light would begin to
flash.
When the invention is used to track leftovers in a refrigerator, the timing
increments are days. For the tracking of frozen or dried food, the
increments are weeks or months. A particular base unit might display only
one of the possible timing increments. Alternatively, a switch or switches
could be provided that would alter the timing increments of individual or
of all the displays on a base unit. The advanced microprocessor version is
most flexible and can automatically select and display the appropriate
timing interval by selecting an appropriate storage location button.
An example might help clarify the functioning of the invention. In a
version with multiple numeric displays operating in the elapsed time mode
(day increments), the timing display will show "0" when it is first
activated. Preferably, this display would be next to the lifetime on the
item slot. Thus, if the item were salad with a three-day lifetime, the
item slot and timing display would look like this: "SALAD 3 0." Each day
the timing display is automatically incremented by one day. After 24
hours, the slot and display will read: "SALAD 3 1." After three days, the
display will match the lifetime number, indicating that the salad is at
the end of its useful lifetime. The goal is to consume the salad before
the timing display exceeds the lifetime.
Items such as milk or yogurt that have a month/day expiration date can be
treated somewhat differently. One of the control buttons causes the timing
display to show the month/day rather than just elapsed time. In the case
of yogurt the timing display is placed in the month/day mode. In that mode
the display shows the month/day either by flashing the digits alternately,
or by showing them simultaneously, depending on the version of the
invention. Thus, upon activation, the item slot and display would read:
"YOGURT 7/15 7/12." The next day the line would read: "YOGURT 7/15 7/13."
The actual safe storage time depends on the date the item is opened for
the first time. Therefore, the printed date on a product can be earlier or
later than this date. Thus, the date would then need to be adjusted
accordingly. Then when the display exceeded the adjusted lifetime, the
product would have been stored beyond its useful lifetime. The advanced
microprocessor version handles the process the most elegantly: the unit
can display the lifetimes as explained above, or it can display elapsed
time in a countdown mode which shows how many useful days of life are
left. The date codes would be automatically adjusted on entry.
Furthermore, the microprocessor has an alert mode that flashes the item
slot entry on and off as that item approaches or exceeds its useful
lifetime.
The present invention helps to minimize loss of leftover, perishable, or
dated foods through spoilage, thereby saving money. It also speeds meal
planing and preparation by eliminating the need to open multiple
containers to determine refrigerator inventory. Furthermore, the inventory
maintained through the cataloging task is a ready source of data for
manual or automated production of shopping lists.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be
novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The
present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation,
together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by
reference to the following description, taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the magnetic tab version of the invention
shown on a refrigerator;
FIG. 2 is a diagram of the front surface of the base unit of the magnetic
tab embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of the back surface of the magnetic tab embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a representation of a single preprinted magnetic tab;
FIG. 5 shows a number of the identifier marked food storage containers;
FIG. 6 is a diagram of the front surface of the base unit of the
microprocessor embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 7 shows a diagram of the front surface of an economy microprocessor
embodiment in which the individual item displays are warning lights rather
than numerical indicia.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows the present invention in use. A base unit 10 is detachably
mounted to the face of a refrigerator 16 by magnetic strips 13 located on
the back surface 15 of the unit (see FIG. 3). Also shown on the front of
the refrigerator 16 are a number of magnetic tabs 12, one of which can be
seen in FIG. 4, which are used in the cataloging task which is explained
below. FIG. 5 shows several food containers 14 marked with identifiers 22
and suitable for use in the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a view of the front surface 11 of the base unit 10 in the
magnetic tab embodiment of the present invention, also shown in FIG. 1.
The workings of the invention can be explained by reference to FIG. 2.
There is a holder 21 for a dry-erasable pen 23. There is a vertical column
34 of empty item slots 24. The surface of the item slot 24 is of painted
or enameled steel or other magnetic material marked with an identifier 22.
A preprinted magnetic tab 12 (see FIG. 4) can be removably attached to
create a filled item slot 20.
The identifier 22 is preferably a color or a pattern and can be seen most
readily in an empty item slot 24. A portion of the identifier 22 is also
visible in the filled item slot 20 as an identifier swatch 26 because the
tab 12 is not as long as the slot 24. As explained above, the optimal
number of identifiers is between four and six. This will provide relative
ease in locating a stored food item and still not require an excessive
number of food storage containers. Ideally, there will be a choice of
several different container sizes marked with each identifier.
Next to the identifier swatch 26 at the end of the item slot 20 is a timing
display 28. The timing displays 28 form a vertical column 27, one for each
filled item slot 20 and each empty item slot 24. Next to each timing
display 28 is a start button 30 and a stop button 32. Like the timing
displays 28, the buttons 30, 32 are arranged in vertical columns, with one
start button 30 and one stop button 32 for each timing display 28. The
timing displays 28 are attached to electronic circuits (not shown) within
the base unit 10, and the buttons adjacent to each timing display control
that particular display. Pressing the start button 30 activates the
adjacent display 28, causing it to display "0." Twenty-four hours later
the display will increment to show "1." Pressing the start button 30 a
second time invokes the expiration date mode. This is used for products
like milk that have a month/day expiration date. When the expiration date
mode is activated, the display will show the month and day by alternately
flashing the appropriate numbers. For example, if the date were July 15,
the display would flash "7, " followed by "/" and then by "15"; then the
display would blank for a moment and then repeat the sequence. Pressing
the start button 30 a third time would invoke the countdown mode. This is
indicated by the display showing a flashing "1" rather than the date. In
this mode the display decrements one day each 24 hours, rather than
incrementing one day. Finally, pressing the stop button 32 stops the clock
and causes the display to show "- " The clock can be restarted by pressing
the start button. Pressing the stop button 32 a second time resets the
clock and deactivates the display, causing it to be entirely blank.
The details of the base unit 10 now having been explained, one can readily
understand the functioning of the entire method. For example, suppose that
one had a portion of baked beans that one wished to inventory and place
into the refrigerator. One would first select an appropriately-sized food
container 14 for the item to be stored, place the item into the container,
and place the container into the refrigerator. One would then look at the
base unit 10 to discover if there were an empty item slot 24 whose
identifier swatch 26 matched the identifier 22 of the selected storage
container 14. Assuming that there were an empty slot 24, one would then
inspect the preprinted magnetic tabs 12 which are stored in alphabetical
order on the front surface of the refrigerator 16 and select the tab 12
for baked beans. Alternately, if there were no preprinted tab 12 for baked
beans, one would take the pen 23 and write "Baked Beans" on a blank
magnetic tab 12 (or directly on the surface of the empty item slot 24).
One would then place the magnetic tab 12 for "Baked Beans" onto the empty
item slot 24, where it would adhere magnetically. The tab 12 is shorter
than the empty item slot 24 so that a portion of the item slot identifier
22 shows as the identifier swatch 26 to the right of the magnetic tab 12.
If, for some reason, one had decided not to use one of the
identifier-coded food containers 14, this would be indicated by placing
the magnetic tab 12 so that the identifier swatch 26 appears to the left
of the tab 12.
At the right-hand end of the magnetic tab 12 is printed the item lifetime
(e.g. "4" for Baked Beans); farther to the right is the timing display 28
for that filled item slot 20. One activates the display 28 by pressing the
start button 30. The display 28 will increment each day. When the display
28 number exceeds the lifetime number, the baked beans are no longer safe
to eat. If one selects the countdown mode, one would then press the start
button 30 repeatedly until the display 28 shows the item lifetime ("4" in
this case). The display 28 will decrement each day and flash to indicate
the countdown mode is in operation. When a negative number is displayed,
the baked beans are no longer fit to eat. The advantage of the countdown
mode is that it is easy to see at a glance how many days of life are left
for an item. If the expiration mode is selected, the item is safe to
consume until the date flashed on the display 28 exceeds the expiration
date written on the tab 12.
FIG. 6 shows the microprocessor version of the current invention. Much of
the front surface area 11' of the base unit 10' is covered by an LCD
screen 40. In this embodiment of the invention the screen displays 14
lines allowing fourteen item slots 44. Each item slot 44 is numbered at
its left-hand end (the top slot is number 1, while the bottom slot is
number 14). The right-hand end of the screen is set off by a vertical line
to form a column of timing displays 48. To the right of the timing
displays is a vertical column of identifier swatches 46. At the bottom of
the unit is a keyboard input 42, location keys 47, and a directional input
key 50. The base unit 10' is fabricated | | |
