Kitchen counters are valuable real estate, and traditional dish racks don’t make the best use of it. Too often, they are bulky, hard to store, and don’t manage water runoff well. Patent US9907453B2 aims to change that.
It introduces a compact solution that pairs a foldable, absorbent mat with a structured rack designed to hold dishes upright and let water drain efficiently.
While the patent is currently involved in a dispute between Umbra LLC and Electrolux Consumer Products, Inc., this article focuses on the design innovation, not the legal proceedings.
That led us to explore what other patented solutions are out there. How are designers improving dish drying through smarter materials, compact forms, or modular features?
To find out, we turned to the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool. It helped us uncover five related inventions that echo or build upon the ideas in US9907453B2. Here’s what we found.
Understanding Patent US9907453B2
Patent US9907453B2 introduces a drying solution that merges a flexible mat with a rigid rack. The rack sits on the mat’s surface and supports dishes vertically using molded structural features.
It includes slots, ribs, and paired protrusions designed to hold various types of kitchenware in place while promoting drainage and airflow. The mat folds for compact storage and includes mechanisms to secure the rack when open or closed.
Source: Google Patents
Its Four Key Features Are
1. Integrated ribs and channels: The rack includes ribs forming channels to support dishes in an upright position.
2. Paired protrusions: Matching pairs of protrusions hold utensils or smaller items in place.
3. Recessed slots: A series of parallel slots assists in holding kitchenware and aids in water drainage.
4. Foldable mat with attachment straps: The mat folds for compact storage and includes straps to secure the rack during use or storage.
Additional features enhance its practicality. The mat includes multiple segments and folds for compact closure, and bottom-side straps secure the folded unit. The rack and mat are made from different materials: rigid plastic for the rack and absorbent fabric for the mat, tailored to their specific functions.
These details help the product remain both functional and space-efficient, even after use.
This design improves manual dish-drying by increasing airflow and organizing space more efficiently. The use of molded support structures enables stable, upright drying. Its foldable format also makes it easy to clean and store.
Related Read: Explore how US9714133B2 rethinks traditional spray devices for home use. Its compact, modular design complements today’s multifunctional kitchen and utility tools.
Similar Patents As US9907453B2
To explore the design space surrounding US9907453B2, we used the Global Patent Search tool to identify related inventions. These references address shared challenges such as upright dish placement, compact drying solutions, and modular kitchenware storage. They reflect similar structural strategies used to support, organize, and dry multiple types of tableware efficiently.
1. KR200473078Y1
This Korean patent, KR200473078Y1, published in 2014, discloses a modular tableware drying system designed for use near a sink. The invention combines a base pedestal with vertically or horizontally mounted fences, racks, and holders.
These components include grooves, pins, and slots that accommodate dishes, cups, and utensils in an upright position. Its parts can be disassembled for cleaning and reassembled for regular use, emphasizing convenience and customizability in everyday kitchen setups.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Sink-mounted drying system – Designed to be installed on or near a kitchen sink for drainage.
- Multi-groove base design – Includes grooves in the pedestal base to support multiple dish types.
- Flexible rack configuration – Rack members can be attached vertically or horizontally to a surrounding fence.
- Cup and utensil accommodation – Integrated holders with spaced protrusions allow cups and utensils to dry upright.
- Modular assembly – Components such as fences, racks, and holders are detachable for cleaning and storage.
- Wire-pin connection system – Rack pieces connect via U-shaped wire pins inserted into designated mounting slots.
How It Connects To US9907453B2
- Both combine a structural rack with specific slots or grooves to support kitchenware upright.
- Each design allows modular disassembly for easier cleaning and compact storage.
- Both include dedicated sections for utensils and cups, enhancing functionality beyond flat dish drying.
- Each uses vertical support elements (ribs or fences) to keep dishes separated while drying.
Why This Matters
This patent highlights the value of flexibility and modularity in drying rack design. Its combination of upright holders, slotted grooves, and detachable components supports a compact, organized drying setup, echoing the functional goals of US9907453B2.
2. US2007210019A1
This US patent, US2007210019A1, published in 2007, introduces a collapsible dish drying rack designed to span across a sink. The design features two interconnected frames that fold in a scissor-like motion, making the unit slim and easy to store. It integrates receptacles for plates, cups, and utensils into a single splash-guard-supported structure. The configuration prioritizes space-saving, portability, and quick setup over a kitchen sink.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Foldable dish drainer – Scissor-style folding frame allows compact storage and easy transport.
- Sink-spanning design – Bridges across one or two sink basins for direct drainage.
- Integrated splash guard – Rigid barrier supports receptacles and prevents water splashing.
- Multi-function storage – Holds plates, cups, and utensils in one unified structure.
- Notch-and-rod support system – Keeps plates upright and separated during drying.
- Collapsible frame construction – Two interlinked frames create a foldable support structure.
How It Connects To US9907453B2
- Both feature structures that support dishes upright during drying.
- Each emphasizes space-saving functionality through collapsible or foldable components.
- Both integrate dedicated sections for different kitchenware types (plates, cups, utensils).
- Each promotes easy post-use storage and transport, suitable for compact kitchens.
Why This Matters
US2007210019A1 showcases a clever approach to sink-side drying with portability in mind. Its foldable structure and multi-use receptacles offer strong parallels to the compact, dual-function design of US9907453B2, particularly in homes where counter space is limited.
3. US2016113479A1
This US patent, US2016113479A1, published in 2016, discloses a transformable dish rack system designed for compact storage and flexible use. The system includes a foldable dish rack mounted on a layered, absorbent pad. The rack shifts between a flat shape for storage and a deformed shape for use. Hardware connectors secure the rack to the base, while ribs and apertures add rigidity to support items during drying. The design prioritizes low-profile storage and adaptability for users with limited counter space.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Shape-shifting rack design – Rack deforms from flat to upright configuration for dish drying.
- Foldable absorbent base – Underlying portion folds in half and absorbs runoff.
- Layered base construction – Uses multiple materials for water absorption and waterproofing.
- Hardware-based attachment – Tab and slot connectors secure the rack to the mat surface.
- Low storage thickness – System compresses to less than one inch in thickness when folded.
- Integrated structural ribs – Thin ribs between apertures maintain rigidity in flexible materials.
How It Connects To US9907453B2
- Both combine a rigid rack with a foldable, absorbent mat or base.
- Each design allows flat storage by folding the components into a compact form.
- Both use connection features (straps or hardware) to secure the rack during use or storage.
- Each integrates structural ribs and grooves to hold dishes upright and improve airflow.
Why This Matters
US2016113479A1 reveals a clever way to reduce drying rack bulk without sacrificing functionality. Its layered, foldable base and deformable rack mirror the dual-purpose design of US9907453B2, offering users a compact, efficient alternative for modern kitchens.
4. TW360021U
This Taiwanese patent, TW360021U, published in 1999, presents a practical combination tableware rack structure with hygienic features and a collapsible form. The design includes a base with integrated spacers to hold plates upright, angled panels with parallel slots, and a storage box placed between wing-like side panels. Water flow holes in the base and box enhance drainage and cleanliness. The entire assembly can be disassembled and stacked, offering convenience and a minimal storage footprint.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Integrated water drainage – Flow holes in both the base and storage box guide water away hygienically.
- Vertical plate support – Parallel spacers hold plates upright between angled panels.
- Foldable wing structure – Side panels fold inward, creating a compact form for storage.
- Storage box inclusion – A removable container fits between side wings for utensils or small dishes.
- Disassemblable design – Components can be separated and stacked when not in use.
- Multi-tableware accommodation – Structured to support plates, utensils, and other dish types securely.
How It Connects To US9907453B2
- Both offer vertical support for plates using molded spacers or channels.
- Each design includes a base with water drainage features for hygiene.
- Both prioritize compact storage via folding or disassembly.
- Each invention supports multiple types of tableware, from plates to utensils.
Why This Matters
TW360021U delivers a hygienic, multi-functional drying rack that addresses real kitchen storage needs. Its foldable design, drainage features, and vertical dish support strongly align with the intent and structure of US9907453B2, reinforcing trends in space-saving, sanitary kitchen tools.
5. GB2265542A
This UK patent, GB2265542A, published in 1993, discloses a folding plate rack designed for flexible use and compact storage. The invention features top and bottom sections supported by folding arms, each with grooves to hold crockery securely. The rack can be wall-mounted or used free-standing, and folds into a flat, compact form when not in use. Optional accessories, such as a crockery basket or shelf attachment, expand its utility for drying or general storage.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Dual-section frame – Top and bottom rack sections support crockery and fold into each other.
- Grooved dish support – Grooves in both sections secure plates upright during use.
- Folding arm mechanism – Hinged arms collapse the unit into a flat form for storage.
- Wall-mounting slots – Allows the rack to be hung in kitchens or outdoor areas like BBQ setups.
- Shelf conversion option – Bottom section can convert into a shelf with an added flat surface.
- Flat-pack storage design – Collapses into a minimal profile for easy drawer or wall storage.
How It Connects To US9907453B2
- Both feature grooves or channels for upright plate support.
- Each design folds into a compact form for storage efficiency.
- Both can be adapted for multiple use cases, including drying and general storage.
- Each emphasizes versatility in placement, whether countertop, wall-mounted, or portable.
Why This Matters
GB2265542A captures the balance between structure and storage convenience. Its collapsible form, grooved supports, and optional configurations make it a practical solution for tight spaces, closely echoing the versatility and folding mechanics of US9907453B2.
How to Find Related Patents Using Global Patent Search
Understanding the broader patent landscape is essential when analyzing innovations in dish drying, compact storage, and modular kitchenware systems. The Global Patent Search tool simplifies this process by surfacing patents with similar structural and functional concepts, especially in home and utility design. Learn more about the key features that make AI-powered patent tools effective for discovery and analysis.
1. Enter the patent number into GPS: Start by entering a patent number like US9907453B2 into the GPS tool. GPS creates a focused search across related inventions, which can be refined with terms like “foldable dish rack,” “modular drying mat,” or “compact kitchen storage.”
Source: GPS
2. Explore conceptual snippets: Rather than only legal claims, GPS delivers curated text snippets. These reveal how other designs use integrated grooves, stackable frames, or flexible materials to support upright drying, water drainage, and space-saving.
3. Identify related inventions: GPS uncovers systems that combine racks and mats, use detachable parts, or integrate liquid management features. Many prioritize user-friendly cleaning, vertical storage, and multi-type dish accommodation.
4. Compare technical solutions, not legal claims: The tool highlights how different products solve common challenges, like preventing water runoff or folding for storage, without needing to interpret complex legal language.
5. Bridge innovation gaps in product design: Whether you are in product development, IP analysis, or consumer goods research, GPS helps trace how household tools evolve. It surfaces recurring themes like airflow optimization, collapsible structures, and multi-functional use.
With Global Patent Search, discovering related inventions becomes faster, clearer, and more targeted. Whether you are designing new products or reviewing patents, GPS reveals how ideas evolve. It helps identify structural similarities, spot innovation trends, and support smarter IP decisions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
