Invention of the Week #11: Mess-esity is the Mother of Invention
This week’s featured invention is “Chef-Aid” from independent inventor Annette Johnson, who was tired of messy spoons and spatulas dripping on her rangetop. Goodbye mess, hello to the now patented Chef-Aid.
Annette works with our invention commercialization partner, Invention Home, to help her find marketing/licensing opportunities for her invention.
Chef-Aid, with its unique, patented drain system, is an upright, space saving, multiple utensil holder used during the preparation and cooking process. The product will safely hold up to five utensils of varying sizes when they’re placed upright against the supporting, horizontal C-shape back. Chef-Aid’s most outstanding feature is the patented drain system in the base, which was designed to prevent the commingling of foods from all utensils. Chef-Aid is a polypropylene product; it’s dishwasher safe and heat resistant. Easily disassembled into three sections. Chef-Aid’s exclusive design provides the cook with extra space, time and less cleanup than compared to the proverbial spoon rest/soup dish/countertop/sink of the past.
Here’s a photo:
So, what do you think of “Chef-Aid”? I love cooking and I never have a good spot for my spatulas… Love this one.
To learn about the steps of licensing your own invention, check out this step-by-step process we provide right here at StartupNation.
If you’d like assistance on the commercialization of your invention, check out InventionHome, our very reputable, accountable and effective partner in invention commercialization.
February 14th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Rich,
Off topic but wanted to get your input on branding - maybe a future blog.
One of the biggest branding battles is between Coke and Pepsi. Both approach capturing loyaly and market share in different ways: Coke stays “classic” with no changes to the cans, logos, etc (not including the new Coke debacle!) On the other side, Pepsi seems to change their cans and logos every 5 or so years.
What approach is better? Or have Coke and Pepsi both taken the correct branding paths based on “who the are?”
February 16th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Rich,
Nice job, Annette!
I love this idea — so clever! I absolutely love to cook and this is such a great way to keep a mess off of my counters. Plus, it looks better than using a tin can or a sloppy spoon rest. I think it would also look great in stainless, so I’m putting my request in for that!
February 19th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I don’t get it. Why not just use a paper towel or disposable cup. You toss it away before you start cleaning the dirty dishes. I also have a spoon rest that is much more attractive and doesn’t get hot if its sitting on the stove. The only difference between the spoon rest and this is that it doesn’t stand up. I’m sorry. I’m just not finding the uniqueness in this product.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:55 am
I love the idea! It saves space and is easy to reach when you need it! YOu might want to make the base indented more
to catch any drippings.
Otherwise, smart!
Thelma
February 26th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Im not sure the term essential kitchen tool springs to mind.