MODULAR KNIFE STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A modular knife storage system is provided. The modular knife storage system includes a large module including a base and a holder extending vertically from the base. The base and the holder include a plurality of large-small module magnets. The holder defines a slot configured to receive a first knife. The modular knife storage system further includes a small module comprising a plurality of small-large module magnets and defining a slot configured to receive a second knife. The plurality of large-small module magnets are configured to magnetically couple the holder to the small-large module magnets in the small module to magnetically couple the small module to the large module.

Claims

1. A modular knife storage system comprising: a large module comprising a base and a holder extending vertically from the base, the base and the holder including a plurality of large-small module magnets, the holder defining a slot configured to receive a first knife; and a small module comprising a plurality of small-large module magnets and defining a slot configured to receive a second knife, wherein the plurality of large-small module magnets are configured to magnetically couple the holder to the small-large module magnets in the small module to magnetically couple the small module to the large module.

2. The modular knife storage system of claim 1, wherein the holder further comprises a plurality of blade magnets configured to magnetically couple the holder to the first knife.

3. The modular knife storage system of claim 1, wherein the small module further comprises a plurality of blade magnets configured to magnetically couple the holder to the first knife.

4. The modular knife storage system of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of base magnets configured to magnetically couple the large module to another large module.

5. A modular knife storage system comprising: a large module comprising a base and a holder extending vertically from the base, the base and the holder including a plurality of large-small module magnets, the holder defining a slot configured to receive a knife, wherein the plurality of large-small module magnets are configured to magnetically couple the holder to a small module.

6. The modular knife storage system of claim 5, wherein the holder further comprises a plurality of blade magnets configured to magnetically couple the holder to the knife.

7. The modular knife storage system of claim 5, wherein the large module comprises a first large module and the modular knife storage system further comprises a second large module magnetically coupled to the first large module.

8. The modular knife storage system of claim 7, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of base magnets configured to magnetically couple the first large module to the second large module.

9. A module for a modular knife storage system, the module comprising: a base; and a holder extending vertically from the base, the base and the holder including a plurality of large-small module magnets, the holder defining a slot configured to receive a knife, wherein the plurality of large-small module magnets are configured to magnetically couple the holder to a small module.

10. The module of claim 9, wherein the holder further comprises a plurality of blade magnets configured to magnetically couple the holder to the knife.

11. The module of claim 9, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of base magnets configured to magnetically couple the module to another module.

12. The module of claim 9, wherein the base further comprises a weighted bar.

13. A module for a modular knife storage system, the module comprising: a top; a bottom attached to the top; and a plurality of small-large module magnets, the top defines a slot configured to receive a knife, wherein the plurality of small-large module magnets are configured to magnetically couple the module to a large module.

14. The module of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of blade magnets configured to magnetically couple the module to the knife.

15. The module of claim 14, wherein the plurality of small-large module magnets are attached to the bottom, and the plurality of blade magnets are attached to the top.

16. The module of claim 13, wherein the top and the bottom define a triangular shape.

17. A method of storing at least one knife in a modular knife storage system, the modular knife storage system comprising a large module and a small module, the large module comprising a base and a holder extending vertically from the base, the base and the holder including a plurality of large-small module magnets, the holder defining a slot configured to receive a first knife, the small module comprising a plurality of small-large module magnets and defining a slot configured to receive a second knife, the method comprising: magnetically attaching the large module to the small module by placing the small module on the holder of the large module; inserting the first knife in the slot of the large module; and inserting the second knife in the slot of the small module.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the large module comprises a first large module, and the method further comprises magnetically attaching the first large module to a second large module.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising magnetically attaching the small module to the second large module.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the small module comprises a first small module, and the method further comprises magnetically attaching the second large module to a second small module.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an example modular knife storage system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a large module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the large module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates another exploded view of the large module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view, a bottom view, and a sectional view of the large module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a small module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the small module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates another exploded view of the small module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the small module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates an end view of the small module of the modular knife storage system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of storing a knife in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to, among other things, a modular knife storage system for storing knives in a drawer. The modular knife storage system includes at least one large module sized and shaped to receive at least one knife. The large module includes a base and a holder extending from the base. The base stabilizes the holder and enables the holder to store the knife vertically in a drawer. The base and/or the holder may also include at least one magnet that magnetically couples the large module to other large modules for compact storage of the system in a drawer. The system may further include a small module sized and shaped to slide between two holders of two adjacent large modules for additional knife storage. The small module and the holder each define a slot configured to receive a knife for storage. The small module may also include at least one magnet that magnetically couples the small module to other holders of large modules for compact storage of the system in a drawer.

[0027] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiments, the holders have an angled shape such that, when two large modules are magnetically attached to each other, the holders form a V-shape. The small module has a corresponding V-shape that enables the small module to fit snugly between two adjacent holders.

[0028] The holders each include a plurality of magnets for magnetically coupling the holders to the small modules. Additionally, the small modules also include a plurality of magnets for magnetically coupling the holders to the small modules. In the illustrated embodiment, the holders and the small modules each include neodymium magnets but may include any type of magnet that enables the system to operate as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the holders and the small module each include four magnets on each side of the slot. In alternative embodiments, the holders and the small module may each include any number of magnets.

[0029] The base includes at least one magnet for magnetically coupling the large modules together. In some embodiments, the base includes a plurality of magnets for magnetically coupling the large modules together. The base also includes at least one weight for maintaining the large module in an upright position in the drawer. In some embodiments, the base includes a plurality of weights for maintaining the large module in an upright position in the drawer. In some embodiments, the magnets in the base are integrated into the plurality of weights and the magnets include neodymium magnets. The base may also include a PU nanosilica material adhered to the bottom of the base to increase friction between the drawer and the base to maintain the large module in position in the drawer during use. The large module and the small module may include at least one or a plurality of magnet holders to maintain the magnets in position.

[0030] The modular knife storage system described herein enables the storage system to increase in increments of one knife when needed without purchasing an entirely new storage system. Additionally, the storage system can decrease by increments of one knife when necessary. As described above, at least some known knife storage systems can only increase or decrease by increments of greater than one knife and do not offer the flexibility of the modular knife storage systems described herein. Additionally, the modular knife storage system secures knives within the holder with magnets that ensure the knife is safely secured in the holder such that the holder may act as a sheath as well as a storage system.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a modular knife storage system 100 including at least one large module 102 and at least one small module 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the modular knife storage system 100 includes a plurality of large modules 102 and a plurality of small modules 104. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the modular knife storage system 100 includes five large modules 102 and five small modules 104. As described herein, the large modules 102 and the small modules 104 are magnetically coupled together to form the modular knife storage system 100. More specifically, as described herein, the large modules 102 and the small modules 104 each include at least one magnet that enables the large modules 102 and the small modules 104 to be magnetically coupled and decoupled to and from each other. The magnets enable the modular knife storage system 100 to expand or contract depending on the storage needs of the user. If additional knives have been acquired, the modular knife storage system 100 can be expanded by simply acquiring additional large modules 102 and/or small modules 104 and magnetically coupling them to the modular knife storage system 100. Conversely, if one or more knives have been removed from the user's collection, large modules 102 and/or small modules 104 may be easily removed from the modular knife storage system 100. Accordingly, the modular knife storage system 100 described herein is easily modified to suit the needs of the user.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a portion of the modular knife storage system 100. FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of a portion of the modular knife storage system 100. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a single large module 102 may be attached to a single small module 104 to form the modular knife storage system 100. The magnets that couple the large modules 102 and the small modules 104 together are strong enough to maintain the small module 104 in position against the larger module 102 and above grade such that the modular knife storage system 100 remains upright and stable. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the shapes of the large modules 102 and the small modules 104 correspond to each other and are configured to enable the large modules 102 and the small modules 104 to remain coupled, upright, and stable.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the large module 102. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the large module 102. FIG. 6 illustrates another exploded view of the large module 102. FIG. 7 illustrates a side view, a bottom view, and a sectional view of the large module 102. As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the large module 102 includes a base 106 and a holder 108 extending from the base 106. The base 106 stabilizes the holder 108 and enables the holder 108 to store the knife vertically in a drawer. More specifically, the holder 108 defines a slot 110 configured to receive a knife and maintain the knife in position for storage.

[0034] The base 106 and the holder 108 are each at least partially formed of a main body 112 that forms a substantial portion of the large module 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 112 is formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic and is molded into the shape shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In alternative embodiments, the main body 112 may be formed of any material that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein including, but not limited to, other plastics, wood, metals of any type, and/or any other material. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 112 defines a rectangular base portion that at least partially forms the base 106 and two extruded triangular portions that at least partially form the holder 108 and together define the slot 110. In alternative embodiments, the main body 112 may have any shape that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein.

[0035] The base 106 includes a weighted bar 114, a bottom panel 116, a plurality of base magnets 118, a plurality of fasteners 120, and an adhesive coating 122. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the weighted bar 114 is positioned within the base 106 to stabilize the base 106 and extends along at least a portion of a base length 142 of the base 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the weighted bar 114 includes a metal bar having a mass of approximately 0.4 kilograms (kg) to approximately 0.5 kg, approximately 0.45 kilograms (kg) to approximately 0.5 kg, approximately 0.49 kilograms (kg) to approximately 0.5 kg, or approximately 0.498 kg. In alternative embodiments, the weighted bar 114 may be formed of any material and may have any mass that enables the large module 102 to operate as described herein.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel 116 is formed of ABS plastic and is molded into the shape shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In alternative embodiments, the bottom panel 116 may be formed of any material that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein including, but not limited to, other plastics, wood, metals of any type, and/or any other material. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel 116 defines a rectangular shape that at least partially forms the base 106. In alternative embodiments, the bottom panel 116 may have any shape that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, base magnets 118 are positioned in the base 106 and are configured to magnetically couple a base 106 of a first large module 102 to a base 106 of a second large module 102. As such, the base magnets 118 enable the large modules 102 to be magnetically coupled, increasing the stability of the modular knife storage system 100 and enabling the modular knife storage system 100 to be quickly and easily resized. In the illustrated embodiment, the base magnets 118 include neodymium magnets. In alternative embodiment, the base magnets 118 may include any type of magnet that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein. Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base magnets 118 are each positioned in a base magnet slot 124 formed in the weighted bar 114. In alternative embodiments, the base magnets 118 may be maintained in position in any portion of the base 106.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fasteners 120 include screws that extend through the weighted bar 114, the bottom panel 116, and the main body 112 to maintain the positioning of the weighted bar 114, the bottom panel 116, and the main body 112 relative to each other. In alternative embodiments, the fasteners 120 may include any other type of fastener that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein.

[0039] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive coating 122 includes at least one adhesive pad 126 adhered to the bottom panel 116 for increasing friction between the bottom panel 116 and a surface upon which the bottom panel 116 sits. The adhesive pads 126 are configured to maintain the large module 102 in position as a drawer containing the modular knife storage system 100 opens. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive coating 122 includes a plurality of adhesive pads 126, and the adhesive pads 126 are nanosilica adhesive pads. In alternative embodiments, the adhesive coating 122 may include any type of coating that increases friction between the bottom panel 116 and a surface upon which the bottom panel 116 sits.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 108 includes a first insert 128, a second insert 130, a third insert 132, at least one blade magnet 134, and at least one large-small module magnet 136. The term large-small module magnet refers to magnets that are within the large module and configured to magnetically couple the large module to the small module. The first insert 128 is positioned within one of the two extruded triangular portions that at least partially form the holder 108, and the second insert 130 and the third insert 132 are positioned within the other two extruded triangular portion that at least partially form the holder 108. The first insert 128, the second insert 130, and the third insert 132 are configured to hold the blade magnets 134 and the large-small module magnets 136 within the main body 112. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first insert 128 is configured to hold some of the blade magnets 134 and some of the large-small module magnets 136 within the main body 112, and the second insert 130 and the third insert 132 are only configured to hold some of the large-small module magnets 136 within the main body 112.

[0041] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first insert 128 is formed of ABS plastic and is molded into the shape shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first insert 128 includes at least one first magnet holder 138 configured to hold at least one blade magnet 134 and at least one second magnet holder 140 configured to hold at least one large-small module magnet 136. Specifically, the first insert 128 includes a plurality of first magnet holders 138 configured to hold a plurality of blade magnets 134 and a plurality of second magnet holders 140 configured to hold a plurality of large-small module magnets 136. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first insert 128 includes seven first magnet holders 138 configured to hold seven blade magnets 134 and two second magnet holders 140 configured to hold two large-small module magnets 136. In alternative embodiments, the first insert 128 may include any number of first magnet holders 138 and second magnet holders 140 that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnet holders 138 are configured to hold the blade magnets 134 close to the portion of the main body 112 that defines the slot 110 to promote magnetic engagement with a knife inserted into the slot 110. In contrast, the second magnet holders 140 are spaced apart from and formed at an angle relative to the first magnet holders 138. More specifically, the second magnet holders 140 are shaped to position the large-small module magnets 136 close to the portion of the main body 112 that defines the holder 108 to promote magnetic engagement with magnets in the small module 104.

[0043] The first insert 128 is positioned within one of the two extruded triangular portions that at least partially form the holder 108, and the second insert 130 and the third insert 132 are positioned within the other two extruded triangular portion that at least partially form the holder 108. The second insert 130 and the third insert 132 each include a second magnet holder 140 that is spaced apart from and formed at an angle relative to the slot 110. More specifically, the second magnet holders 140 of the second insert 130 and the third insert 132 are shaped to position the large-small module magnets 136 close to the portion of the main body 112 that defines the holder 108 to promote magnetic engagement with magnets in the small module 104.

[0044] The blade magnets 134 are positioned in the holder 108 and are configured to magnetically couple the holder 108 to a knife. As such, the blade magnets 134 enable the large modules 102 to be magnetically coupled to knife during storage, increasing the stability and safety of the modular knife storage system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade magnets 134 include neodymium magnets. In alternative embodiment, the blade magnets 134 may include any type of magnet that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein.

[0045] The large-small module magnets 136 are positioned in the holder 108 and are configured to magnetically couple a holder 108 of a first large module 102 to a small module 104. As such, the large-small module magnets 136 enable the large modules 102 to be magnetically coupled to a small module 104, enabling the modular knife storage system 100 to be quickly and easily resized. In the illustrated embodiment, the large-small module magnets 136 include neodymium magnets. In alternative embodiment, the large-small module magnets 136 may include any type of magnet that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7, the base 106 defines a base length 142, a base width 144, and a base height 146. Similarly, the holder 108 defines a holder length 148, a holder width 150, and a holder height 152. Additionally, the slot 110 defines a slot length 154, a slot width 156, and a slot height 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the base length 142 is approximately 400 millimeter (mm), the base width 144 is approximately 50 to 60 mm, and the base height 146 is approximately 10 to 20 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder length 148 is approximately 200 to 250 mm, the holder width 150 is approximately 50 to 60 mm, and the holder height 152 is approximately 60 to 70 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot length 154 is approximately 200 to 250 mm, the slot width 156 is approximately 5 to 100 mm, and the slot height 158 is approximately 40 to 60 mm.

[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the small module 104. FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the small module 104. FIG. 10 illustrates another exploded view of the small module 104. FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the small module 104. FIG. 12 illustrates an end view of the small module 104. As shown in FIGS. 7-12, the small module 104 includes a main body 160 including a top 162 and a bottom 164. The top 162 defines a slot 166 configured to receive a knife and maintain the knife in position for storage. The small module 104 also includes at least one blade magnet 168 and at least one small-large module magnet 170. The term small-large module magnet refers to magnets within the small module that are configured to magnetically couple the small module to the large module.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the top 162 and the bottom 164 are formed of ABS plastic and are molded into the shape shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In alternative embodiments, the top 162 and the bottom 164 may be formed of any material that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein including, but not limited to, other plastics, wood, metals of any type, and/or any other material. In the illustrated embodiment, top 162 and bottom 164 define a triangular shape that enables the small module 104 to fit between the holders 108 of two adjacent large modules 102. In alternative embodiments, the top 162 and the bottom 164 may have any shape that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein.

[0049] The top 162 includes at least one first magnet holder 172 configured to hold at least one blade magnet 168. Specifically, the top 162 includes a plurality of first magnet holders 172 configured to hold a plurality of blade magnets 168. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the top 162 includes two first magnet holders 172 configured to hold two blade magnets 168. In alternative embodiments, the top 162 may include any number of first magnet holders 172 that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein. The first magnet holders 172 are configured to hold the blade magnets 168 close to the portion of the top 162 that defines the slot 166 to promote magnetic engagement with a knife inserted into the slot 166.

[0050] The bottom 164 includes at least one second magnet holder 174 configured to hold at least one small-large module magnet 170. Specifically, the bottom 164 includes a plurality of second magnet holders 174 configured to hold a plurality of small-large module magnets 170. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom 164 includes four second magnet holders 174 configured to hold four small-large module magnets 170. In alternative embodiments, the bottom 164 may include any number of second magnet holders 174 that enables the modular knife storage system 100 to operate as described herein. The second magnet holders 174 are spaced apart from and formed at an angle relative to the slot 166. More specifically, the second magnet holders 174 are shaped to position the small-large module magnets 170 close to the bottom 164 to promote magnetic engagement with magnets in the holder 108 of the large module 104.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the small module 104 defines a small module length 176, a small module height 178, a small module width 180, a small module angle 182, a small module slot width 184, and a small module slot height 186. In the illustrated embodiment, the small module length 176 is approximately 150 to 200 mm, the small module height 178 is approximately 40 to 50 mm, the small module width 180 is approximately 30 to 50 mm, and the small module angle 182 is approximately 270 to approximately 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the small module slot width 184 is approximately 4 to 10 mm and the small module slot height 186 is approximately 15 to 40 mm.

[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 1300 of storing at least one knife in a modular knife storage system. The method 1300 includes magnetically attaching 1302 the large module to the small module by placing the small module on the holder of the large module. The method 1300 also includes inserting 1304 the first knife in the slot of the large module. The method 1300 further includes inserting 1306 the second knife in the slot of the small module. The method 1300 also includes magnetically attaching 1308 the first large module to a second large module. The method 1300 further includes magnetically attaching 1310 the small module to the second large module. The method 1300 also includes magnetically attaching 1312 the second large module to the second small module.

[0053] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to, among other things, a modular knife storage system for storing knives in a drawer. The modular knife storage system includes at least one large module sized and shaped to receive at least one knife. The large module includes a base and a holder extending from the base. The base stabilizes the holder and enables the holder to store the knife vertically in a drawer. The base and/or the holder may also include at least one magnet that magnetically couples the large module to other large modules for compact storage of the system in a drawer. The system may further include a small module sized and shaped to slide between two holders of two adjacent large modules for additional knife storage. The small module and the holder each define a slot configured to receive a knife for storage. The small module may also include at least one magnet that magnetically couples the small module to other holders of large modules for compact storage of the system in a drawer.

[0054] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiments, the holders have an angled shape such that, when two large modules are magnetically attached to each other, the holders form a V-shape. The small module has a corresponding V-shape that enables the small module to fit snuggly between two adjacent holders.

[0055] The holders each include a plurality of magnets for magnetically coupling the holders to the small modules. Additionally, the small modules also include a plurality of magnets for magnetically coupling the holders to the small modules. In the illustrated embodiment, the holders and the small modules each include neodymium magnets but may include any type of magnet that enables the system to operate as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the holders and the small module each include four magnets on each side of the slot. In alternative embodiments, the holders and the small module may each include any number of magnets.

[0056] The base includes at least one magnet for magnetically coupling the large modules together. In some embodiments, the base includes a plurality of magnets for magnetically coupling the large modules together. The base also includes at least one weight for maintaining the large module in an upright position in the drawer. In some embodiments, the base includes a plurality of weights for maintaining the large module in an upright position in the drawer. In some embodiments, the magnets in the base are integrated into the plurality of weights and the magnets include neodymium magnets. The base also may include a PU nanosilica material adhered to the bottom of the base to increase friction between the drawer and the base to maintain the large module in position in the drawer during use. The large module and the small module may include at least one or a plurality of magnet holders to maintain the magnets in position.

[0057] The modular knife storage system described herein enables the storage system to increase in increments of one knife when needed without purchasing an entirely new storage system. Additionally, the storage system can decrease by increments of one knife when necessary. As described above, at least some known knife storage systems can only increase or decrease by increments of greater than one knife and do not offer the flexibility of the modular knife storage systems described herein. Additionally, the modular knife storage system secures knives within the holder with magnets that ensure the knife is safely secured in the holder such that the holder may act as a sheath as well as a storage system.

[0058] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term exemplary used herein means serving as an example, instance, or illustration, and not preferred or advantageous over other examples. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0059] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0060] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Terminology and Interpretative Conventions

[0061] Any methods described in the claims or specification should not be interpreted to require the steps to be performed in a specific order unless stated otherwise. Also, the methods should be interpreted to provide support to perform the recited steps in any order unless stated otherwise.

[0062] Spatial or directional terms, such as left, right, front, back, and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the described subject matter may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.

[0063] Articles such as the, a, and an can connote the singular or plural. Also, the word or when used without a preceding either (or other similar language indicating that or is unequivocally meant to be exclusivee.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., x or y means one or both x or y).

[0064] The term and/or shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., x and/or y means one or both x or y). In situations where and/or or or are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items.

[0065] The terms have, having, include, and including should be interpreted to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising. The use of these terms should also be understood as disclosing and providing support for narrower alternative embodiments where these terms are replaced by consisting or consisting essentially of.

[0066] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood to be modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0067] All disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

[0068] All disclosed numerical values are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values. For example, a stated numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction) and provide support for claims that recite the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5) or any individual value within that range (e.g., 15.2).

[0069] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used in this document shall mean or similar language (e.g., this term means, this term is defined as, for the purposes of this disclosure this term shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

[0070] The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described in this document.