AU2018271258B1 - A mobile unit for a kitchen - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile unit 1, for a kitchen, comprising one or more water-utilisers 7 to use water and produce wastewater, an outlet 13c to convey the wastewater out of the mobile unit, and a pump 17 to pump the wastewater through the outlet, one of the 5 one or more water-utilisers being a sink.

Description

A MOBILE UNIT FOR A KITCHEN

FIELD

The invention relates to mobile units and other technologies for kitchens and similar contexts.

BACKGROUND

In many cities, smaller dwellings such as inner-city apartments are becoming increasingly common. The present inventors have recognised that, particularly in the context of smaller dwellings, kitchens can occupy much valuable space. Accordingly, at least preferred forms of the invention aim to enable the space associated with kitchen activities to be utilised more efficiently, or at least to provide an alternative for those concerned with kitchen activities.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides a mobile unit, for a kitchen, comprising a collector;

a cooktop; and at least two castors to enable at least a portion of the unit to roll;

the collector comprising a splashback; and an intake in front of the splashback to collect emissions from the cooktop;

the splashback comprising a resilient panel; and

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2018271258 09 Apr 2019 a mounting arrangement by which the panel is mounted to rise from a flat upright configuration behind the cooktop;

to curve forward to overlie the cooktop.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method comprising moving a mobile unit, for a kitchen, from a storage location to a meal-preparation location over a floor area;

utilising the mobile unit to prepare a meal; then returning the mobile unit to the storage location to clear the floor area;

the mobile unit comprising a collector; and a cooktop;

the collector comprising a splashback; and an intake in front of the splashback to collect emissions from the cooktop;

the splashback comprising a resilient panel; and a mounting arrangement by which the panel is mounted to rise from a flat upright configuration behind the cooktop;

to curve forward to overlie the cooktop.

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Disclosed is a splashback comprising a resilient panel; and a mounting arrangement by which the panel is mountable to rise:

from a flat upright configuration behind a cooktop;

to curve forward to overlie the cooktop.

The panel may be at least predominantly sheet material not more than 1 mm thick, or preferably not more than 0.5 mm thick, e.g. about 0.25 mm thick. The panel may be inherently biased towards curving forward. Preferably the panel is at least predominantly stainless steel. Optionally a forwardly directed flange runs along a top 10 edge of the panel.

The mounting arrangement may comprise vertical channels for embracing vertical sides of the panel. The channels are softer than the panel. Preferably the channels are at least predominantly aluminium.

The panel is preferably hand-liftable:

from the flat upright configuration behind the cooktop;

to curve forward to overlie the cooktop.

The splashback may comprise at least one detent mechanism to enable the panel to click into place when extended. Preferably the panel is removable, from the mounting arrangement, for cleaning.

Disclosed is a collector comprising the splashback; and an intake in front of the splashback to collect emissions from the cooktop.

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Also disclosed is a mobile unit, for a kitchen, comprising the collector; and the cooktop.

The mobile unit may comprise one or more water-utilisers to use water and produce wastewater;

an outlet to convey the wastewater out of the mobile unit; and a pump to pump the wastewater through the outlet;

one of the one or more water-utilisers being a sink.

Also disclosed is a mobile unit, for a kitchen, comprising one or more water-utilisers to use water and produce wastewater;

an outlet to convey the wastewater out of the mobile unit; and a pump to pump the wastewater through the outlet;

one of the one or more water-utilisers being a sink.

The outlet may comprise a coupling-portion co-operable with a respective complementary coupling-portion to form a dry-break connection.

Preferably the mobile unit includes an inlet to receive the water into the mobile unit.

Most preferably the inlet comprises a coupling-portion co-operable with a respective complementary coupling-portion to form a dry-break connection.

Also disclosed is a mobile unit, for a kitchen, comprising one or more water-utilisers to use water and produce wastewater; and

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2018271258 09 Apr 2019 at least one of an inlet, to receive the water into the mobile unit, comprising a coupling-portion co-operable with a respective complementary coupling-portion to form a drybreak connection;

an outlet, to convey the wastewater out of the mobile unit, comprising a coupling-portion co-operable with a respective complementary coupling-portion to form a dry-break connection.

Preferably one of the one or more water-utilisers is a dishwasher.

The mobile unit may comprise two or more electrical devices;

a power-inlet for receiving electrical power into the unit; and an electrical-overload protector.

Also disclosed is a mobile unit, for a kitchen, comprising two or more electrical devices;

a power-inlet for receiving electrical power into the unit; and an electrical-overload protector.

Optionally the electrical-overload protector is a current-limiting device to limit an electric current drawn via the power-inlet. Preferably the electrical-overload protector is configured to individually deactivate one or more of the electrical devices. The 20 power-inlet may be a power cord having a plug co-operable with a wall socket.

Optionally at least one of the two or more electrical devices is for cooking food.

Preferably at least one of the two or more electrical devices is a water heater.

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The mobile unit may comprise at least two castors to enable at least a portion of the unit to roll. Preferably at least two of the at least two castors are lock-down castors.

The mobile unit preferably comprises at least one bench area.

Also disclosed is a spout arrangement comprising a spout comprising an outlet; and a mounting arrangement to enable the spout to rise from a slot and pivot to move the outlet into register with a sink.

The mounting arrangement may comprise a push-to-open mechanism to enable the spout to rise from the slot in response to a downward push.

Also disclosed is a spout installation comprising the spout arrangement; and the slot.

The slot may have a drain.

Also disclosed is a mobile kitchen unit comprising the spout installation.

Also disclosed is a kitchen including the mobile unit.

Also disclosed is a method comprising moving the mobile unit from a storage location to a meal-preparation location over a floor area;

utilising the mobile unit to prepare a meal; then returning the mobile unit to the storage location to clear the floor area.

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Also disclosed is a unit, for a sink, having a dish-rack on one side; and a work-surface on another side; and being reversible from a dish-rack configuration in which the unit is in or on the sink and the dishrack is presented;

to a work-surface configuration in which the unit is in or on the sink and the work-surface is presented.

The other side may have a tablet-holding formation.

Also disclosed is a method of providing a work-surface including placing the unit in or on the sink. Preferably the dish-rack rests on a floor of the sink.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a side view of a mobile unit;

Figure 2 is a front view of the mobile unit;

Figure 3 is a partial side view of the mobile unit in a deployed configuration;

Figure 4 is a partial front view of the mobile unit in its deployed configuration;

Figure 5 is an annotated side view of the mobile unit;

Figure 6 is an annotated front view of the mobile unit;

Figure 7 is an annotated rear view of the mobile unit;

Figure 8 is an annotated side view of the mobile unit;

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Figure 9 is an annotated top view of the mobile unit;

Figure 10 is a legend for Figures 5 to 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective rear view of the mobile unit;

Figure 12 is a cross-section view of an attached attachment;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an attachment;

Figure 14 is a plumbing-circuit diagram;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a unit for a sink;

Figure 16 is a plan view of a spout in situ;

Figure 17 is a cross-section view corresponding to the line A-A in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a vertical cross-section view of a collector; and

Figure 19 is a cross-section view corresponding to the line B-B in Figure 18.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The mobile unit 1 is a unit, signifying that its components are interconnected so that it can be maneuvered as a single piece. The mobile unit 1 is approximately cuboid and 15 has a top 3 set at a convenient bench height above the ground. The mobile unit's horizontal depth and horizontal width are about 80% and 160% of its height respectively. As such, the mobile unit 1 is conveniently dimensioned to fit within a typical elevator.

The unit 1 incorporates castors 5 to enable the unit to be rolled across a kitchen floor. 20 In this case there are six castors, each of which incorporates a pair of wheels.

Preferably at least two of the castors are lock-down castors to prevent the unit 1 rolling away from a selected position.

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Other floor-engaging arrangements are possible. By way of example, a pair of castors at one end of the mobile unit 1 and a pair of legs at the other end of the unit 1 would also be convenient. The end with the legs could be lifted to enable the unit to be maneuvered. Yet other examples of the unit 1 might be mounted on linear bearings, or even simply lifted from place to place.

Water-utilisers 7 in the form of a sink 7a and dishwasher 7b utilise water to produce wastewater. The sink 7a is a long rectangular sink running along the horizontal depth of the top 3 towards one end of the top 3. A pop-up spout 9 for supplying water to the sink 7a sits adjacent the sink 7a at the end of the top 3.

The spout 9 incorporates an upright 9a, the top of which carries a horizontal 9b. The horizontal 9b runs from the upright 9a to an outlet 9c. In the stowed configuration of Figures 1, 2 and 11, the horizontal 9b sits flush within a complementary slot in the top

3. To deploy the spout 9, to the deployed configuration of Figures 3 and 4, spout 9 is lifted from this slot and pivoted about the upright 9a to move the outlet 9c into register with the sink 7a. The Blanco™ Eloscope-F II HD spout is suitable.

Figures 16 and 17 show the spout 9 in more detail. The spout 9, or more specifically the horizontal 9b, is received within a recess 9d. The recess 9d is a slot shaped to complement the horizontal run 9b. A top surface of the spout sits flush with the top surface of the bench as best illustrated in Figure 17.

The upright 9a is a tubular upright carrying flexible conduit 9f to convey water to the horizontal 9b. The tubular upright 9a is mounted to pivot and slide vertically through the floor of the slot 9d. The slot 9d is dimensioned to enable the spout 9 to be pushed a short distance downwards from its flush-mounted position.

The illustrated installation incorporates a push-to-open mechanism. In this particular example, the push-to-open mechanism takes the form of one or more proprietary push-to-open mechanisms 9g (each comprising a body 9g' and movable portion 9g) such as two of IKEA's UTRUSTA™ push openers. Other forms of push-to-open mechanism are possible.

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Each body 9g' is fixed (relative to the slot 9d) with the aid of a suitable bracket (not shown) and arranged to present its movable portion 9g upwardly to act on the ringshaped end face of the upright 9a. Thus, pushing down on the flush-mounted spout 9 causes it to pop up to a location whereat it can be grasped to be lifted towards its deployed position illustrated in Figure 4.

The slot 9d might collect water, e.g. in this case the slot has closed ends and a floor and is in effect a small basin. To dispose of any water so collected, the recess 9d incorporates a drain 9e. In this case the drain is connected to the waste container 15 via any suitable means, e.g. via a flexible line.

Preferred variants of the mobile unit 1 incorporate one or more boards for spanning a top of the sink 7a to enable the area occupied by the sink to be utilised as bench space and/or a chopping board when the sink is not required. Most preferably the boards carry features arranged to project downwardly into the sink and to enable the board to function as a dish-rack when the board is turned over. Such boards may be useful outside the context of the mobile unit 1.

Figure 15 illustrates a preferred unit 35 for the sink 7a. The unit 35 incorporates a panel 37 having a work-surface 39 on one side and a dish-rack 41 on the other. In this example, the panel 37 is formed of wood and the dish-rack 41 is formed by an array of wooden pegs fixed within suitable holes within the panel 37. Of course, other forms of dish-racking formations are possible.

The work-surface 39 is substantially planar.

The dish-racking pegs 41 engage the inclined floor of the sink 7a to stably support the unit 35 whilst the work-surface 39 is held level for working, e.g. for use as a chopping board. Other variants of the unit may sit on top of the sink without contacting the floor of the sink, e.g. the panel 37 might nest within a rim of the sink to span, or otherwise span, the sink.

A transverse groove 43 runs across one end of the work-surface 39 and constitutes a tablet holder for holding the iPad™ 45.

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Returning to Figure 11, preferred variants of the unit 1 incorporate two or more of the units 35 (or other work-surface units). In this particular example, there are three sink units mounted side by side, and a respective unit 35 for each of the sink units. Only two of the units 35 are illustrated in Figure 11.

This plurality of units 35 enables users to mix and match units to suit their preferred arrangement of sink space and work space. Other units, rearrangeable to suit user preferences, may be provided, e.g. a cutlery holder 28 (Figures 3 and 4) may be placed over the sink 7a (behind a unit 35 in this case) to allow water from cutlery to fall into the sink.

The dishwasher 7b is preferably a dish-drawer dishwasher.

A rear of the unit 1 is fitted with coupling-portions 11a, 13a (Figures 11 and 14) respectively co-operable with coupling-portions 11b, 13b to form dry-break connections 11, 13.

The coupling-portion 11a constitutes an inlet 11c for receiving water into the unit 1.

The coupling-portion 13a constitutes an outlet 13c for conveying wastewater out of the mobile unit. The coupling-portions 11a, 11b, 13a, 13b are preferably NSH Series fittings sold by CPC™, although other fittings are possible. Coupling-portions cooperable with 19 mm (3/4 inch), or larger, conduits are preferred.

Other arrangements are possible. By way of example, inlet 11c and/or outlet 13c might be eliminated in the context of a mobile unit co-operable with a fixed spout (separate from the unit) for supplying water to the sink 7a and/or a fixed drain (separate from the unit) to receive water directly falling from the sink 7a. Indeed, some variants of the unit 1 may be 'dry' units devoid of water-utilising devices and associated plumbing. By way of example, a mobile unit incorporating an oven and/or other cooking devices may be useful without plumbing.

A vessel 15 is set lower in the unit than the sink 7a to enable wastewater to freely drain from the sink to the vessel. A capacity in the vicinity of 20 L is preferred. In this case, the vessel 15 takes the form of a tank.

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A pump 17 sits at the back of the unit 1, sandwiched between the vessel 15 and a side wall of the unit. The pump 17 is fluidly connected to the vessel 15 and to the coupling-portion 13a to pump wastewater, from the vessel 15, out of the unit 1 via the outlet 13c. The unit 1 is thus able to forcefully expel its own wastewater. As such, there is no need for the unit 1 to be positioned adjacent a drain to which the wastewater might be gravity-fed, whereby the unit can be conveniently positioned and repositioned as required.

In this example of the unit 1, the pump 17 takes the form of a macerator pump. Conveniently, the vessel 15 and pump 17 may form parts of a single proprietary unit.

Preferably a control arrangement (e.g. float switch) is provided to enable the pump to be operated based on at least one parameter (e.g. volume and/or rate) of the wastewater.

A tap 19 is connected between the inlet 11c and the spout 9 to control the rate at which water is delivered to the sink 7a via the spout 9.

Advantageously, a water heater 21 sits along a hot-water line 19b, in parallel to a cold-water line 19a, between the inlet 19c and the tap 19. The tap 19 is preferably a mixer tap including a single handle manipulable to control both the flow rate and temperature of the delivered water. Other flow and temperature control arrangements are possible. By way of example, hot- and cold-water taps may be respectively connected to the lines 19a, 19b.

The unit 1 further includes cooking appliances in the form of conventional (i.e. nonmicrowave) oven 23 and an electric (e.g. induction) cooktop 25. Other cooking appliances such as a grill are possible. An air extractor 27 is mounted behind the cooktop 25 and is configured to draw in steam, smoke and other airborne substances 25 given off from cooking on the cooktop 25. The air extractor 27 incorporates a pop-up hood 27a and an exhaust port 27b (Figures 3 and 4). The extractor 27 further includes a suitable fan and filter arrangement by which the air is filtered and motivated between the hood 27a and the exhaust 27b. As such, the extractor 27 is a collector for collecting emissions from the cooktop, although the hood 27a may be 30 useful as a splashback without the collecting function.

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The collector is particularly advantageous in the context ofthe mobile unit 1 in that it collects the emissions without the need for an overhead rangehood, although the collector (or simply the splashback) may be employed in other contexts. Eliminating the overhead rangehood makes for a compact, low-profile unit 1.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the collector in more detail. In this example, the splashback 27a substantially consists of sheet stainless spring steel formed to have a forwardly directed flange 27c at its top end. Other materials are possible. The panel is deployable from the stowed configuration illustrated in dashed line to the extended configuration shown in solid line. In the stowed configuration, the panel is flat and upright whereby it is space-efficiently stowable at the back of the unit 1. The sides of the panel 27a run in vertical side channels 27d. Advantageously the channels are formed of material softer than the material of the panel to avoid scratching. In this case, the channels are formed of aluminium. In this example, the channels 27d are about 3 mm deep.

The panel passes through a horizontal slot 27e in the benchtop behind the cooktop 27f. The channels 27d are spaced a distance below the front end of the slot 27e whereby when the panel 27a falls forward it binds against a front edge of the slot 27e. Some implementations ofthe concept may rely on friction at these interfaces to hold the panel 27a at its deployed position, although preferably a detent mechanism (e.g. a ball detent mechanism) is employed so that the panel 27a clicks into place when it is withdrawn to a sufficient extent from the slot 27e. By way of example, each side ofthe panel may have a respective hole to receive a spring-loaded ball when the panel is extracted to the appropriate extent.

In this example, the panel 27a is inherently biased to fall forward. This may be achieved by appropriately orienting sheet material taken from coiled stock. In addition, or as an alternative to inherent forward bias, suitable guide arrangements may be provided to forwardly direct the panel as it is lifted. In this example, the panel consists of two 300 mm wide strips bonded with some overlap so that the panel is in the vicinity of 570 mm wide.

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Preferably, in its deployed configuration, the ends of the panels are at least 250 mm above the saucepan-supporting features of the cooktop to provide clearance for the saucepans. In this case, the clearance would be measured from the edge of the flange 27c. Preferably the clearance is in the range of 250 mm to 1,000 mm to provide adequate clearance whilst still falling forwards to guard against splashing and to guide emissions into the intake. Most preferably the clearance is in the range of 250 mm to 500 mm.

Preferably the curvature is through about 90 degrees, say between 75 and 105 degrees.

A grille 27g runs along the front of the panel 27c and sits atop a plenum 27h. A fan 27i extracts air from the plenum 27h so as to draw air through the intake grille 27g. This creates an airflow pattern as suggested by arrows A wherein the air flows over the top of the saucepan S to better entrain emissions from the saucepan.

The flange 27c performs two functions. Firstly, it provides a convenient handle by which the panel 27a can be grasped and manually lifted from its stowed position (although of course other forms of hand-engageable portion(s) are possible). Secondly, in the deployed configuration the flange 27c functions as a spoiler redirecting the airflow to improve the collection of the emissions.

From the fan 27i the air is filtered to remove the emissions and then exhausted from 20 the exhaust port 27b, although of course other options are possible. By way of example, the exhaust may be ducted to a convenient outlet, e.g. to be exhausted outdoors.

The pump 17, water heater 21, oven 23, cooktop 25 and extractor 27 are electrical devices. The unit 1 incorporates a retractable power cord 29a (Figure 11) which 25 constitutes a power inlet 29 for powering the electrical appliances. Preferred variants of the mobile unit 1 are co-operable with a mains power supply. Mains power supply is typically single-phase. In Australia, the mains power supply is nominally 240 volts and 50 hertz.

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The retractable cord 29a has a pinned plug, with which consumers are familiar, for plugging into wall sockets.

For the avoidance of doubt, a wall socket is a standardised feature to enable consumers (as opposed to electricians) to conveniently and safely connect to mains 5 power. Wall sockets are also known in Australia and New Zealand as 'general purpose outlets' (or simple GPOs), and in the UK as 'power points'.

Preferred variants of the unit 1 incorporate an overload protector so as not to overload the wall socket. By way of example, the overload protector might take the form of a set of trip switches. Alternatively, fuses would also be suitable. To suit 10 Australian requirements, the overload protector is configured to limit the current drawn from the cord 29a to 10 amps. Other thresholds to suit other markets are possible.

In this example, the trip switches are mounted within an electrical trip box 31.

Existing kitchens typically include cabinetry and an island or peninsula bench partly 15 surrounding a floor space about which the user moves when using the kitchen. The present inventors have recognised that this floor space is largely wasted when the kitchen is not in use.

Utilising preferred implementations of the invention, the mobile unit can be retrieved from an out-of-the-way storage location (e.g. up against a wall) and positioned over a 20 floor area adjacent the floor area about which the user moves, i.e. the mobile unit 1 can be positioned in place of a conventional island or peninsula bench.

Once in position, the mobile unit 1 can be electrically and fluidly connected. A wall of the kitchen may have a hose connected to the mains water supply and carrying the coupling-portion 11b which can be connected to the coupling-portion 11a whilst a 25 hose connected to the domestic wastewater and carrying the coupling-portion 13b can be connected to the coupling-portion 13a. The retractable cord 29a can be extended and plugged into a suitable wall outlet to connect the unit 1 to the mains supply.

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The user can then prepare a meal with similar convenience to a conventional fixed kitchen unit. Whilst the unit 1 is in use, the overload protector works to prevent inadvertent overloading of the power supply. Preferred variants of the overload protector will shut off electrical devices one at a time when the system is overloaded.

The electrical devices may be ranked based on the valence (e.g. inconvenience and/or danger) of their deactivation. Most preferably the overload protector is configured to sequentially deactivate devices in order based on their ranking. The overload protector may provide a warning as additional devices are switched on and overloading is approached.

Once the meal has been prepared, the deployment steps described above can be reversed. The connections 11,13 can be broken and the cord 29a can be disconnected from the wall sockets, and the mobile unit 1 can be returned to its storage position. The floor space previously occupied by the unit 1 is cleared, making that space available for use and also making the space about which a user moves during cooking available to be more efficiently used.

Different users will have different preferences, and for this purpose it is preferred that the unit 1 be co-operable with additional features to extend its capability. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a potential bench extension 33 by which the bench space offered by the unit 1 can be extended. The attachment 33 includes a horizontal web 33a to define the additional bench space and a vertical web 33b to sit up against a side of the unit 1. Various modes of attachment are possible. Preferably the attachment is releasable. The illustrated variant incorporates a horizontal rectangular-profiled key 33c receivable within a complementary keyway 33d of the unit 1. The key 33c preferably includes a pair of upwardly-directed high-friction plates 33e and a mechanism for outwardly urging these plates to firmly engage the interior of the keyway 33d. By way of example, the key 33c may be hollow and carry a torsion rod whereby a handle (not shown) is rotatable (as suggested by arrow A) to outwardly drive the plates 33c. A tablet (e.g. iPad™) holder and/or retractable splash-back panel may be provided.

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A wall socket 29b is mounted adjacent to the retractable cord 29a to power any additional electrical devices that a user might wish to utilise. Preferably the outlet 29b is powered via the electrical overload protector.

Features 29a, 29b constitute a power inlet and a power outlet respectively. They may 5 take a variety of forms. Preferably they incorporate suitable dust covers.

The invention is not limited to the described examples. Rather, the invention is defined by the claims.

The term 'comprises' and its grammatical variants has a meaning that is determined by the context in which it appears. Accordingly, the term should not be interpreted 10 exhaustively unless the context dictates so.

Claims (19)

1. A mobile unit, for a kitchen, comprising a collector;

a cooktop; and

5 at least two castors to enable at least a portion of the unit to roll;

the collector comprising a splashback; and an intake in front of the splashback to collect emissions from the cooktop;

the splashback comprising

10 a resilient panel; and a mounting arrangement by which the panel is mounted to rise from a flat upright configuration behind the cooktop;

to curve forward to overlie the cooktop.

2. The unit of claim 1 wherein the mounting arrangement is a mounting

15 arrangement by which the panel is mounted to rise from the flat upright configuration;

to curve forward, through an angle in the range of 75° to 105°, to overlie the cooktop.

3. The unit of claim 1 wherein the panel is inherently biased towards curving

20 forward.

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4. The unit of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the panel is at least predominantly stainless steel.

5. The unit of any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising a forwardly directed flange running along a top edge of the panel.

5

6. The unit of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the mounting arrangement comprises vertical channels for embracing vertical sides of the panel.

7. The unit of claim 6 wherein the channels are softer than the panel.

8. The unit of claim 6 or 7 wherein the channels are at least predominantly aluminium.

10 9. The unit of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the panel is hand-liftable:

from the flat upright configuration behind the cooktop;

to curve forward to overlie the cooktop.

10. The unit of claim 9 comprising at least one detent mechanism to enable the panel to click into place when extended.

15

11. The unit of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the panel is removable, from the mounting arrangement, for cleaning.

12. The unit of any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising one or more water-utilisers to use water and produce wastewater;

an outlet to convey the wastewater out of the unit; and

20 a pump to pump the wastewater through the outlet;

one of the one or more water-utilisers being a sink.

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13. The unit of claim 12 wherein the outlet comprises a coupling-portion cooperable with a respective complementary coupling-portion to form a dry-break connection.

14. The unit of claim 12 or 13 comprising an inlet to receive the water into the unit;

5 and wherein the inlet comprises a coupling-portion co-operable with a respective complementary coupling-portion to form a dry-break connection.

15. The unit of any one of claim 1 to 14 comprising a spout comprising an outlet; and

10 a spout mounting-arrangement to enable the spout to rise from a slot and pivot to move the outlet into register with a or the sink.

16. The spout arrangement of claim 15 wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a push-to-open mechanism to enable the spout to rise from the slot in response to a downward push.

15

17. The mobile unit of any one of claims 1 to 16 comprising two or more electrical devices;

a power-inlet for receiving electrical power into the unit; and an electrical-overload protector.

18. The mobile unit of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein at least two of the at least

20 two castors are lock-down castors.

19. A method comprising moving a mobile unit, for a kitchen, from a storage location to a meal-preparation location over a floor area;

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2018271258 09 Apr 2019 utilising the mobile unit to prepare a meal; then returning the mobile unit to the storage location to clear the floor area;

the mobile unit comprising a collector; and

5 a cooktop;

the collector comprising a splashback; and an intake in front of the splashback to collect emissions from the cooktop;

the splashback comprising

10 a resilient panel; and a mounting arrangement by which the panel is mounted to rise from a flat upright configuration behind the cooktop;

to curve forward to overlie the cooktop.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the mobile unit is in accordance with any one

15 of claims 1 to 18.