CA2948407A1

CA2948407A1 - Adapter device for a sink

Info

Publication number: CA2948407A1
Application number: CA2948407A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Christian W. Bomatter; Rolf Neeser
Original assignee: Franke Technology and Trademark Ltd
Current assignee: Franke Technology and Trademark Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-09
Filing date: 2015-05-07
Publication date: 2015-11-12
Also published as: WO2015169885A1; EP3139804A1; CN106062290A; DE202014102174U1; CH709618A2

Abstract

The invention proposes an adapter apparatus (1) for providing a support for at least one first sink (4) with specific first dimensions, preferably standard dimensions, in or on a second sink (5d) with second dimensions which differ from the first dimensions, preferably kitchen sink, which adapter apparatus (1) has: at least two support elements (2a-d) which are parallel to one another; at least two connecting elements (3a, b) which connect the support elements to one another transversely to the longitudinal extent of said support elements; which connecting elements (3a, b) can be modified in respect of their longitudinal extent, wherein a prespecified maximum longitudinal extent of the connecting elements (3a, b) defines a first distance (A) between the support elements (2a-d) which is matched to the first dimensions, so that the first sink (4), by way of an edge (4a) of said sink, can be placed onto the support elements (2a-d).

Description

Adapter Device for a Sink Specification The invention relates to an adapter device according to Claim 1 for creating a support for at least a first basin with certain first dimensions, preferably standard dimensions, in or on a second basin with second dimensions differing from the first dimensions.
The invention furthermore relates to the combination of a cited adapter device and at least a first basin as well as to a sink with at least one sink basin and with such a combination.
Normalized containers, so-called gastro-norm or GN-containers are widely used in the food industry and which make possible a simple exchange of food containers by the using of normalized sizes. Such containers are used in particular in food-processing operations as well in large kitchens. They are based on a standard which was determined in 1964 by the Swiss Union for Hospital-, Home- and Common Gastronomy and the Swiss Hotel Operators' Union. The cited containers are especially suited for preparing hot and cold foods, but also for storing and removing foods. Cf., for example, the entry in the de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastro-Norm for more properties of GN containers and their dimensions.
When such containers are used in celebrations or the like even in the private area, the problem regularly results that traditional (kitchen) sinks are not adapted to the normalized dimensions of the containers. It is therefore usually not possible to suspend a GN container for example into the sink basin of a traditional kitchen sink in order to clean it, fill it or to preserve food (for example soup). However, it can hardly be expected for private persons to keep additional, specially designed kitchen furniture which is compatible with the normalized outer dimensions of the GN
containers already for reasons of space.
The invention has the basic problem of helping to make it possible to use GN
containers even in the private area without having to permanently keep special kitchen devices with the corresponding place requirement to this end.
This problem is solved by the invention by an adapter device with the features of Claim 1, by a combination with the features of Claim 13 and by a sink with the features of Claim 14.
Advantageous further developments of the adapter device according to the invention constitute subject matter of subclaims.

The invention suggests an adapter device for creating a support for at least one basin with certain first dimensions, preferably normalized dimensions, in or on a second basin preferably a sink basin, with second dimensions deviating from the first dimensions, which adapter device comprises:
- at least two support elements parallel to one another;
- at least two connecting elements which connect the support elements transversely to the longitudinal extension with one another;
which connecting elements can be modified in their longitudinal extension, wherein a given maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements defines a first distance between the support elements which is adapted to the first dimensions so that the first basin can be placed by one of its edges onto the support elements.
A combination according to the invention and consisting of an adapter device (according to the invention) and at least one first basin, preferably in the shape of a GN shell or of aa GN container provides that the first basin can be suspended or is suspended between the support elements of the adapter device.
A sink according to the invention with at least one sink basin and with a combination according to the invention is distinguished in that a dimension of the sink basin forming the second basin corresponds approximately to a length of the support elements so that the adapter device can be deposited or is deposited with facing ends of the support elements or with the connecting elements in opposing edge areas of the sink basin.
Therefore, it is possible by using the adapter device according to the invention to suspend a first, preferably normalized basin into one or on a second basin which is preferably a sink basin of a traditional kitchen sink, even though the second basin has per se dimensions which are not compatible with the dimensions of the first basin. To this end the adapter device is constructed in such a manner that in the case of a given, maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements a first distance is defined between the support elements which is adapted to the (normalized) first dimensions of the first basin. In this manner the first basin can be set by its edge onto the support elements. Since the connecting elements are constructed to be modifiable in their longitudinal extension, in addition to the described state of maximum longitudinal extension a smaller, folded-together state can also be realized in which the adapter device of the invention can be put away or stored in a space-saving manner when it is not needed.

2 The adapter device of the invention can be readily adapted to a plurality of existing, traditional kitchen sinks by an appropriate dimensioning of the connecting elements and support elements, wherein the only requirement is that the latter have at least one sink basin whose inside dimensions are large enough to receive at least one type of GN container.
A first further development of the adapter device of the invention provides that the support elements are constructed as support rods. These support rods can have a round cross section without the invention being limited to such a construction of the support elements.
It proved to be advantageous if two support elements are present per side of the adapter device which can extend parallel to one another. In particular, such a design contributes to the stability of the adapter device.
It can be provided in another construction of the adapter device of the invention that given maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements the support elements are arranged in a plane.
In order to ensure the most place-saving storage of the adapter device when not in use, another further development provides that a preferably minimum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements which is reduced in comparison to the maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements defines a second distance between the support elements. This second distance can be a minimum distance in which the support elements are minimally separated from each other in order to make possible an especially space-saving storage.
An especially advantageous further development of the adapter device of the invention provides that the connecting elements are formed by a number of chain links. The chain links can be connected to each other by pairs in an articulated manner, for example by providing appropriate bolts or pins, wherein the cited support elements can be arranged on the terminal chain links. It proved to be especially advantageous if the chain links are constructed to be substantially plane on their free outer sides on which they enter in contact with the sink.
It proved to be advantageous for the striven-for, most space-saving storage of the adapter device if the chain links lie flat always in pairs on each other with their particular free outer sides with the cited, second distance between the support elements. This results in an optimal space-saving arrangement.
As already mentioned, the adapter device is not limited to an embodiment of the connecting elements in the manner of linked chains. Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the connecting elements are formed from a number of telescopable, i.e., which can be pushed

3 together, and preferably rigid individual elements. The adapter device can be reduced in size and stored when not being used even in this manner.
Alternatively, it can also be provided that the connecting elements are constructed in the manner of slidable lattice grates which can assume a first, extended state and a second, contracted state in order to realize the two usage states of the adapter device.
Alternatively, it can also be provided that the connecting elements are formed from individual elements which can be connected, especially inserted, clamped or locked to each other. In this manner adapter devices can be realized which can be modified between a first usage state and a second, space-saving storage state.
The connecting elements can basically also be designed as simple slack, bending elements such as bands or the like.
In order to protect the sink material and/or to create the most advantageous friction bearing possible, another further development of the adapter device of the invention can provide that the connecting elements comprise a substantially continuous coating at least on one of their support surfaces, which is preferably constructed at least at the maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements. The coating can be formed from an elastic material such as rubber or the like.
As was already indicated above, an extremely preferred further development of the adapter device of the invention is distinguished in that the cited first distance between the support elements is formed in such a manner that a GN shell or GN container can be suspended by its edge between the support elements.
Accordingly, a combination of the invention consisting of an adapter device and at least one first basin, preferably a GN shell or a GN container provides that the shell or container can be or is suspended between the support elements.
It is accordingly provided in a sink of the invention with at least one sink basin and with a previously cited combination that a dimension of the sink basin forming the second basin corresponds approximately to a length of the support elements, optionally with the addition of a projecting length, so that the adapter device can be or is placed in opposing edge areas of the sink basin.
It can be provided in a further development of this idea that the sink comprises a step in the cited edge areas of the sink basin in the area of which step the adapter device with its connecting elements can be placed. In this connection it is merely required that the adapter device

4 corresponds, as regards the length of its support elements and the combined dimension of the cited length of the support elements and the width dimension of the connecting elements which optionally follows on both sides, to a corresponding inner dimension of the sink basin.
It can also be optionally be provided in this connection that given the connecting elements, the support elements arranged between them can be replaceable, for example, detachable-pluggable.
The connecting elements must be adapted, as regards their maximum longitudinal extension, to a corresponding dimension of the (standardized) first basin. The adaptation to a certain second basin (the sink basin) results via the (inner) length of the support elements.
In this manner an adaptation of the adapter device to almost any sinks can take place via the relatively simply constructed support elements.
Other properties and advantages of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments using the drawings.
Figure 1 shows an adapter device according to the invention in its unfolded state with maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting element;
figure 2 shows the cooperation of the adapter device of figure 1 with basins with different dimensions;
figure 3 shows the usage of the adapter device according to the invention from figure 1 with a kitchen sink; and figure 4 shows the adapter device from figure 1 in its collapsed state.
Figure 1 shows an adapter device according to the invention which is designated in its entirety with the reference numeral 1. Figure 1 comprises different views of the adapter device 1, namely, a first side view a), a second side view b) and a top view c). The adapter device 1 serves to create a support for at least a first basin with certain first dimensions, which first basin is preferably a standardized basin or a shell, which is shown in more detail in figures 2 and 3. The preferred location of the support to be created is a second basin, in particular a sink basin, for example, a kitchen sink which second basin comprises dimensions deviating from the dimensions of the first basin, wherein the cited dimensions of the second basin are in particular greater than corresponding dimensions of the first basin.
To this end the adapter device 1 comprises at least two parallel support elements for the first basin, which support elements are designated in figure 1 by reference numerals 2a to 2d and can be readily recognized in particular in illustration lc). In the embodiment shown the support elements 2a to 2d are support rods with a round cross section which can be constructed, for

5 example, from high-grade steel. According to the view in figure lc two support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d are provided per side of the adapter device 1 which extend parallel to each other. As results in particular from the views in figure la and figure lb. the support elements 2a to 2d in the shown, folded-out state of the adapter device I are arranged in a common plane.
Connecting elements 3a, 3b are provided between the support elements 2a to 2d transversely to their longitudinal extension and connect the support elements 2a to 2d to each other. As already results from the fact that figure 1 shows the folded-up state of the adapter device, the connecting elements 3a, 3b are constructed so that they can be modified in their longitudinal extension, wherein the given maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements 3a, 3b shown in figure 1 defines a first distance A between the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d, which distance A is adapted to the cited, first dimensions of the first basin, so that the (not shown) first basin can be placed by its edge on the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d. This will be discussed in more detail further below.
According to figure lc the cited, first distance A is defined between the particular inner support elements 2b and 2c but without such a definition being obligatory. In practice, the first distance A defines a free distance in which area a placed-on first basin can extend through the adapter device I. The basin edge then lies in the area of the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d and can extend, for example, into the intermediate space between the support element pairs 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d.
As can be readily gathered in particular from figure I a, the connecting elements 3a, 3b are formed in the embodiment shown from a number of chain links 3c to 3e of which only a few are explicitly designated for reasons of clarity. Adjacent chain links 3c to 3e are connected to each other in an articulated manner by pins or bolts 3f, which will not be further discussed in detail here. As can also be seen in particular from figures la and 1 c, the chain links 3c are constructed to be relatively longer and wider in comparison to the chain links 3d, wherein the chain links 3d are received between front continuations 3g of the longer chain links 3c. The already mentioned pins or bolts 3f are also present in this area. Furthermore, the longer chain links 3c comprise projections 3h on their outer sides relative to the entire device 1, the function of which projections will be discussed in detail further below.
Due to the relative movability of the chain links 3c, 3d, the already mentioned ability to modify the connecting elements 3a, 3b in their longitudinal extension results, which will be discussed in more detail further below using figure 4.

6 The already mentioned terminal chain links 3e are those chain links on which the support elements 3a, 3b and 3c, 3d are arranged. As figures la) and lb) furthermore show, the chain links 3c, 3d, 3e and therefore also the support elements 3a, 3b are formed substantially plane on their free outer sides (above and below in figure 1a), b)) and on their free outer side in order to define a plane support surface in this manner.
The already mentioned terminal chain links 3e comprise the cited frontal projections 3g only on one side, in which area they are connected to an adjacent chain link 3d. On the other side the chain links 3e are rounded off and formed without the cited projections and therefore form the closure of the connecting elements 3a, 3b.
Figure 2 shows in several partial illustrations a) to c) how the adapter device 1, described in detail using figure 1, cooperates in its folded-out state with a first basin 4 which first basin 4 is preferably a GN container (GN: Gastro-Norm).
As results in particular from figure 2a), the cited, first interval A between the support elements 2b, 2c is selected so that the container 4 can fit between them with its standardized (longitudinal) dimension and rests with its circumferential edge 4a on the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d. A
length L (cf. figure 2b) of the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d and therefore of the inside distance between the connecting elements 3a, 3b is selected in such a manner that first basins 4 with different widths can be received in the adapter device 1, as shown in comparison to figures 2a) to 2c). In figure 2c) a relatively narrow GN container 4 is suspended in the adapter device 1.
The GN container 4 according to figure 2a) is constructed to be wider in contrast thereto and the GN container 4 according to figure 2b) extends substantially over the entire width of the adapter device 1 between the connecting elements 3a, 3b.
Figure 3 shows how the adapter device 1 is preferably used in a traditional kitchen sink 5, which kitchen sink 5 is let into a work plate 6 in a known manner. The sink 5 comprises in addition to a fitting bed 5a along with fitting 5b and a drip area Sc, in the present case an individual sink basin 5d with runoff 5e. The sink basin 5d has regular dimensions which are not compatible with the (standardized) dimensions of the GN container 4 (cf. figure 3b)). In order to create help here, the adapter device 1 is deposited on or placed on the upper edge of the sink basin 5d by one of the flat support sides of the connecting elements 3a, 3b in the area of an (optional) step 5f so that the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d bridge the sink basin 5d. Then, the GN
container 4 can be suspended in-between so that it ¨ in spite of the incompatible dimensions ¨ is arranged in the area above the sink basin 5d, for example, for filling or cleaning purposes.
It is merely required in this connection, and to coordinate the adapter device I as regards the length (cf. figure 2b)) of

7 the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d with the corresponding dimensions of the sink basin 5d to ¨ optionally provide the already mentioned step 5f on the sink 5. This coordination can take place either in that a correspondingly constructed adapter device 1 is provided for a given sink 5 or it can be alternatively provided ¨ and not limited to the special design according to figure 1 ¨
-- that the chain link 3e receiving the elements 2a to 2d is designed in such a manner that the support elements 2a to 2d are detachably inserted in it in order to be able to adapt the adapter device 1 to different sink dimensions.
Given an appropriate dimensioning of the adapter device 1, the side projections 3h (cf. figure 1) serve for the lateral fixing of the adapter device 1 to the sink 5 in the area of the discussed step -- 5f.
It can be appropriate, separately from the concrete design of the adapter device 1 according to figure I, to provide at least the connecting elements 3a, 3b in the area of the surfaces at which they interact with the sink 5 with a preferably elastic coating, for example, a rubber coating in order to protect the sink material and to create an optional frictional pairing.
-- In conclusion, the figure 4 with partial illustrations a) to d) shows the adapter device 1 according to figure 1 in a second, folded-up state in which it can be stored and stowed in an especially place-saving manner when it is not needed. In figure 4 all elements of the adapter device 1 are provided with the same reference numerals as in figure 1, so that a detailed description is no longer required.
-- As can be readily gathered from figure 4, it is possible as a result of the articulated connection of the chain links 3c to 3d to place them on one another in a paired and space-saving manner (cf. in particular figure 4c)), which brings about the already-mentioned space-saving storage state. In this manner a minimum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements which is reduced compared to the maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements according to figure -- 1 is achieved, which simultaneously defines a second distance between the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d wherein the support elements 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d are minimally separated from each other.
As a person skilled in the art readily recognizes, figure 4a shows the adapter device 1 in a top view while figures 4b and 4c show different side views of the adapter device I. Figure 4d is an -- isometric view of the adapter device 1.

8

Claims

1. An adapter device 1 for creating a support for at least a first basin (4) with certain first dimensions, preferably standard dimensions, in or on a second basin (5d) with second dimensions differing from the first dimensions, preferably a sink basin, which adapter device (1) comprises:
- at least two support elements (2a-d) parallel to one another;
- at least two connecting elements (3a, b) which connect the support elements transversely to the longitudinal extension with one another;
which connecting elements (3a, b) can be modified in their longitudinal extension, wherein a given maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements (3a, b) defines a first distance (A) between the support elements (2a-d) which is adapted to the first dimensions so that the first basin (4) can be placed by one of its edges (4a) onto the support elements (2a-d).

2. The adapter device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the support elements (2a-d) are constructed as support rods, preferably with a round cross section.

3. The adapter device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two support elements (2a-d) are present per side, preferably parallel to one another, wherein most preferably given the maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements (3a, b) the support elements (2a-d) are arranged in a plane.

4. The adapter device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a preferably minimum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements (3a, b) which is reduced in comparison to the maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements (3a, b) defines a second distance between the support elements (2a-d), preferably a minimum distance, wherein the support elements (2a-d) are at a minimum distance from each other.

5. The adapter device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting elements (3a, b) are formed by a number of chain links (3c-e) which chain links (3c-e) are connected to each other by pairs in an articulated manner, wherein the support elements (2a-d) are arranged on the terminal chain links (3e), and wherein the chain links (3c-e) are preferably constructed to be substantially plane on their free outer sides.

6. The adapter device (1) according to Claim 4 and Claim 5, characterized in that the chain links (3c-e) lie substantially flat on each other in pairs in the second distance between the support elements (2a-d) with their free outer sides.

7. The adapter device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting elements are formed from a number of telescopable, preferably rigid individual elements.

8. The adapter device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting elements are constructed as slack bending elements, in particular bands or the like.

9. The adapter device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting elements are constructed in the manner of slidable lattice grates.

10. The adapter device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting elements are formed from individual elements which can be connected, especially inserted, clamped or locked to each other.

11. The adapter device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that that the connecting elements (3a, b) comprise a substantially continuous coating preferably of an elastic material on at least on one of their support surfaces, and which is preferably constructed at least at the maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting elements,.

12. The adapter device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first distance (A) between the support elements (2a-d) is formed in such a manner that a GN
shell (4) can be suspended by its edge (4a) between the support elements (2a-d).

13. A combination of an adapter device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 and at least one first basin (4), preferably a GN shell which can be or is suspended between the support elements (2a-d) of the adapter device (1).

14. A sink (5) with at least one sink basin (5d) and with a combination according to Claim 13 in which a dimension of the sink basin (5d) forming the second basin corresponds approximately to a length of the support elements (2a-d) so that the adapter device (1) can be or is placed in opposing edge areas (5f) of the sink basin (5d) with opposing ends of the support elements (2a-d).