ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 5 -- United States Patent no. 12,696,989, issued on Aug. 4.
"Device for storing elongated utensils" was invented by Alastair James Townsend (Seattle).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A storage device for elongated utensils comprises a case with an open top containing a pivotally mounted utensil holder with tiered compartments. The compartments limit utensil insertion depth, keeping ends visible and accessible. The holder rotates upward from a horizontal stored position to an angled access position via an integrated handle. A retention system secures the holder in the raised position for two-handed access to utensils. Multiple embodiments of the retention system are disclose...