US20240060706A1

US20240060706A1 - Pop-Up Food Preparation Counter Cabinet and Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: US20240060706A1
Application number: US17/889,421
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew DAVENPORT; Amanda Davenport
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-08-17
Filing date: 2022-08-17
Publication date: 2024-02-22

Abstract

A pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention is disclosed. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator includes a cabinet having a top side and front side, a refrigerator contained within the cabinet, a lift cover having a top side and an underside being coupled to the top side of the cabinet, an inner refrigerated cavity creating an open air refrigerated space for a set of food storage pans. The lift cover is movable between an open position and a retracted/closed position and the set of food storage pans comprising a plurality of removable individual food storage pans configured for storage in the inner refrigerated cavity and being accessible when the lift cover is in the open position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a food preparation device, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator.

BACKGROUND

Suitable workspace for food preparation is typically at a premium in kitchens of all sizes in homes as well as business establishments. These problems are also exacerbated when renovations are made to existing kitchen spaces. Most food preparation tasks require easy access to all of the ingredients and most of these ingredients require refrigeration to keep the food products fresh. Workers and users typically need to obtain a supply of each ingredient from its storage in a refrigerator and temporarily store the ingredients in a workspace for use until the product is consumed. This retrieval of the ingredients and moving and storing them in the workspace makes the food preparation tasks time consuming as well as temporarily utilizing valuable workspace until the ingredients are returned to a refrigerator for storage. As a result, existing food preparation spaces and devices are inefficient for workers and users in food preparation.
Therefore, a need exists for an article of manufacture for providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator. The present invention attempts to address the limitations and deficiencies in prior solutions according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture for a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator includes a cabinet having a top side and front side, a refrigerator contained within the cabinet, a lift cover having a top side and an underside being coupled to the top side of the cabinet, an inner refrigerated cavity creating an open air refrigerated space for a set of food storage pans. The lift cover is movable between an open position and a retracted/closed position and the set of food storage pans comprising a plurality of removable individual food storage pans configured for storage in the inner refrigerated cavity and being accessible when the lift cover is in the open position.
In another aspect of the present invention, the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator further includes one or more under-counter refrigerator doors coupled to the front side of the cabinet for providing access to the inner refrigerated cavity, the one or more under-counter refrigerator doors having an open position and a closed position and one or more extendable shelves within the refrigerated inner cavity of the refrigerator, the one or more extendable shelves being extendable out of the refrigerated inner cavity when the one or more under-counter refrigerator doors are in the open position.
In another aspect of the present invention, the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator further includes a lifting mechanism coupled between the underside of the lift counter and the cabinet for lifting the lift counter between the open and retracted/closed position and an undercounter seal coupled to the underside of the lift counter, the undercounter seal prevents refrigerated air within the refrigerated inner cavity from escaping the refrigerator when the lift counter is in the retracted/closed position.
In another aspect of the present invention, the lift mechanism comprises one or more extending lift members, the extending lift members may be assisted by hydraulic, electric or mechanical crank devices.
In another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of removable individual food storage pans comprise a plurality of sized pans each of which having an outer rim, an outer surface, and an inner storage cavity, the outer surface extending into the refrigerated inner cavity and the outer rim configured to engage the undercounter seal when the lift counter is in the retracted/closed position.
In another aspect of the present invention, the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator further includes an extendable drawer coupled within the cabinet and a retractable cutting board and work surface, the retractable cutting board being configured to be stored within the extendable drawer.
In another aspect of the present invention, the retractable cutting board and work surface comprises two or more cutting boards coupled together by a central adjoining edge member, the retractable cutting board and work surface having a stowed position in which the are folded on top of each other by the central adjoining edge member and having an open position in which the two or more cutting boards are adjacent to each other within the extendable drawer.
In another aspect of the present invention, the top side of the lift cover having a food preparation workspace usable when the lift cover is in the retracted/closed position.
In another aspect of the present invention, the lift cover is made from a material comprising wood, granite, quartz, and manmade material.
In another aspect of the present invention, the set of food storage pans are made of stainless steel, aluminum, and manmade material.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIGS. 1 a-c illustrate an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an open article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an open article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a food preparation tabletop of an open article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.

FIGS. 6 a-b illustrates a food preparation tabletop of an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet according to the present invention.

FIGS. 7 a-c illustrate various views of a foldable cutting board of an open article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an open refrigerator within an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a food preparation device, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.
Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.
In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.
The terms “individual,” “worker,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g., a human, using an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.
The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Pop-Up Food Preparation Counter Cabinet and Refrigerator.” Invention may be used interchangeably with cabinet.
In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. To better understand the present invention, FIGS. 1 a-c illustrate an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. An example of a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100 is shown in a side and front views in FIG. 1 a . The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100 comprises a cabinet 101 having a lift counter 102, a retractable cutting board and work surface 106, and a pair of under-counter refrigerator doors 103 a-b enclosing a refrigerator (not shown) therein.
The lift counter 102 rises from a top surface of the cabinet 101 with the assistance of an extending lifting mechanism 108. Lifting of the counter 102 exposes an inner cavity creating a food open air refrigerated space for food storage pans 104 containing a plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n within the food item pans 104. The lift counter 102 includes a lift counter seal 107 about its outer edge configured to enclose around the food item pans 104 when the lift counter 102 is lowered into a closed position. Additional details regarding the lift counter seal 107 are disclosed in reference to FIG. 8 . The food item pan 104 lifts out of the cabinet 101 to expose an opening into the refrigerator 501. The set of food storage pans may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, and manmade materials.
The lifting mechanism 108 provides a variety of mobility options for the lift counter 102. For example, the lifting mechanism 108 may comprise a hydraulic, electric or mechanical crank extending lift members, and similar lifting mechanisms to raise the lift counter 102 from the cabinet 101. The lift counter 102 possesses a plurality of lift mechanisms 108, in the example embodiment, one positioned on opposing sides of the lift counter 102.
The lift counter under counter seal 107 provides an air-tight, sealable surface on a bottom surface of the lift counter 102. The lift counter seal 107 engages an outer edge of the food item pans 104 when inserted onto the cabinet 101 to enclose the top of the refrigerator within the cabinet 101 when the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100 is not in use. The lift cover is made from a material comprising wood, granite, quartz, and manmade materials.
The food item pans 104 holds a plurality of individual food storage pans 105 a-n within the food item pans 104 exposing a bottom surface of each of the plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n to cooling from the refrigerator. Each of the plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n typically contains an ingredient that is used when preparing meals on the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100.
The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 may be pushed inward to retract the cutting board and work surface 106 when not in use. The retractable cutting board and work surface is inserted into an extendable drawer 110 of the cabinet 101. Additionally, the work surface can be used in a “closed/retracted” position and workspace is doubled/increased when “opened”. The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 may be pulled outward into an open position when in use. Additional description of the retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is provided in reference to FIG. 7 below.
FIG. 1 b shows a side view of the cabinet 101 with the lift counter 102 in a raised position. Similarly, FIG. 1 c shows a side view of the cabinet 101 with the lift counter 102 raised into another position to expose the plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n within the food item pans 104. A pair of lifting mechanisms 109 a-b is positioned on both sides of the cabinet 101 and lift counter 102 with each one pair of lifting mechanisms 109 a-d operating in a similar manner on its respective side of the cabinet 101 and lift counter 102. The user may position the lift counter 102 into any desired position by moving the lift counter 102 while it is supported by the two pairs of lifting mechanisms 109 a-d. As the lift counter 102 is moved, the two pairs of lifting mechanisms 109 a-d extend or reduce their respective lengths and orientation to accommodate the movement of the lift counter 102. In an alternate embodiment, the pair of lifting mechanisms 109 a-b may comprise any number of lifting mechanisms 109 a-b and the invention is intended to be limited only as recited in the attached claims.
FIG. 2 illustrates an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100 of FIG. 2 is shown in a closed position. The lift counter 102 is positioned directly on top of the cabinet 101 enclosing the food item pans 104 therein. The pair of under-counter refrigerator doors 103 a-b is closed to keep a temperature within the refrigerator (not shown) at a desired value.
The lift counter 102 may be made of a countertop material, for example, stone, quartz or manufactured materials covered by a waterproof layer, and similar materials suitable for providing a food preparation working surface. The cabinet 101 may be made of materials used in constructing cabinetry, for example, solid wood, manufactured wood products, metal, and synthetic materials.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an open article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100 is shown having the retractable cutting board and work surface 106 partially extended from its retracted position. The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 slides inward and outward on a pair of sliding tracks 301 a-b.
The under-counter refrigerator doors 103 a-b are closed and the lift counter 102 is positioned in a raised position. The lift counter 102 is supported by two pairs of lifting mechanisms 109 a-d. An upper end of a lifting mechanism 109 a is coupled to a horizontal support member 303 a using a pivoting coupling and an upper end of lifting mechanisms 109 b-d are similarly coupled to one of the two horizontal support members 303 a-b. The pair of horizontal support members 303 a-b is coupled to an underside surface of the lift counter 102. When the lift counter 102 is lowered into a retracted position, the one pair of lifting mechanisms 109 a-d fold along one of the pair of sliding tracks 301 a-b. The plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n are shown within the food item pans 104.
In FIG. 3 , a refrigerator 501 includes an air inflow and outflow vents 201 a-b across the bottom of the unit. The left side vent 201 a brings air into the unit and the right side vent 201 b pushes air out of the unit. The refrigerator 501, as disclosed in reference to FIG. 5 , may include all required components including a compressor, fans, coil, and electrical controls as required within the cabinet cruise control 101.
The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100 may be installed into an existing household kitchen, remodel, a new residential build, outdoor patio kitchen, or a seamless standalone kitchen island to provide useful food preparation workspace while maximizing and re-purposing existing kitchen space.
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an open article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. The lift counter 102 is shown in its raised position. From this side of the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100, a first pair of lifting mechanisms 109 a, d is shown. The horizontal support member 303 a is shown coupled to the underside of the lift counter 102. A first raising mechanism 109 a is shown coupled to the horizontal support member 303 a at a first pivoting coupling 401 a and is coupled to the cabinet 101 at a second pivoting coupling 402 a. A second raising mechanism 109 d is shown coupled to the horizontal support member 303 a at a third pivoting coupling 401 d and is coupled to the cabinet 101 at a fourth pivoting coupling 402 d. On the opposite side of the cabinet 101, a third lifting mechanism 109 b and a fourth lifting mechanism 109 c (both of which are not shown in FIG. 4 ) use their respective pivoting couplings 401 b-c and 402 b-c.
When the lift counter 102 is in its retracted/closed position, the lift counter 102 is flush against the cabinet 101 with the pair of horizontal support members 303 a-b sliding within the cabinet 101. An outer rim of the underside of the lift counter 102, may contact the cabinet 101 on all of the sides of the lift counter 102 enclosing the food item pans 104 to allow the contents of a plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n to be cooled by the internal refrigerator 501.
A dual seal made of an easily cleanable food grade material such as silicone or a nitrile rubber. Materials also comparable to current rubber seals and gaskets used in commercial refrigeration that encompass the top outer rim and food tray area.
FIG. 5 illustrates a food preparation tabletop of an open article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. The lift counter 102 is shown in its raised position allowing the plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n to be visible within the food item pans 104. One food pan 105 i of the plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n is shown raised out of the food item pans 104. An internal cavity 501 is shown below the food item pans 104 that is open into an internal cool portion of the refrigerator (not shown). The refrigerator compressor and coils (not shown) cool the internal portion of the refrigerator that is in contact with the plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n keeping the contents of the food storage pans 105 a-n cooled as well.
FIGS. 6 a-b illustrates a food preparation tabletop of an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is shown in its retracted position in FIG. 6 a and in its extended position in FIG. 6 b . The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 comprises a cutting board and work surface 601 a-b seen in FIG. 6 b . A front cutting board and work surface 601 a is coupled to a rear cutting board and work surface 601 b by a central adjoining edge member 602. When the retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is in its retracted position of FIG. 6 a , the second cutting board and work surface 601 b is stowed on top of the first cutting board and work surface 601 a. When the retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is pulled into the extended position of FIG. 6 b , the second cutting board and work surface 601 b unfolds, exposing the first cutting board and work surface 601 a and creating a larger retractable cutting board and work surface 106. The cutting board and work surfaces 601 a-b also may be returned to their positions in order to permit the lift counter 102 to be closed on top of the food item pans 104 and its corresponding plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n.
The plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n may comprise customizable hotel pans that come in different sizes and shapes that can be configured to support different meal preparation activities. The plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n are durable, removable, washable, and interchangeable and made of stainless steel or food grade plastic in a preferred embodiment.
FIGS. 7 a-c illustrate various views of a foldable cutting board of an open article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is shown unfolded from a bottom side in FIG. 7 a . The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is shown in an unfolded configuration from a top view in FIG. 7 b . The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is shown in its folded position in FIG. 7 c . The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 and its respective pair of cutting board and work surfaces 601 a-b are shown coupled together along the adjoining edge 602. Each pair of cutting board and work surfaces 601 a-b is joined together using a silicon mold 702. The silicon mold 702 folds along a centerline to permit the pair of cutting board and work surfaces 601 a-b to move between their respective positions for use.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an open refrigerator within an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention. The under-counter refrigerator doors 103 a-b of the cabinet 101 are shown open in FIG. 8 , exposing the inner cavity 501 of the refrigerator. A set of extendable shelves 801 a-b is shown within the inner cavity 501. Additional food products may be stored on these extendable shelves 801 a-c to supplement the contents of plurality of food storage pans 105 a-n as needed. Additionally, FIG. 8 shows an undercounter seal 802 a, 803 a, and 301 a on an underside of the life counter driver controls 102 provide a seal between the refrigerator 501 and the outer environment when the lift counter is retracted/closed.
Other configurations of the internal cavity 501 may be used including drawers, crispers, and separately cooled volumes of the inner cavity 501. Additionally, the dual seals 802-803 of the lift counter 102 also are shown on the underside of the lift counter 102. The dual seals 802-803 engage a top edge of the cabinet 101 when the lift counter 102 is in its retracted position.
Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included in this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.
No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator, the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator comprises:

a cabinet having a top side and front side;

a refrigerator contained within the cabinet;

a lift cover having a top side and an underside being coupled to the top side of the cabinet, the lift cover is movable between an open position and a retracted/closed position; and

an inner refrigerated cavity creating an open air refrigerated space for a set of food storage pans, the set of food storage pans comprising a plurality of removable individual food storage pans configured for storage in the inner refrigerated cavity and being accessible when the lift cover is in the open position.

2. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator further comprises:

one or more under-counter refrigerator doors coupled to the front side of the cabinet for providing access to the inner refrigerated cavity, the one or more under-counter refrigerator doors having an open position and a closed position; and

one or more extendable shelves within the refrigerated inner cavity of the refrigerator, the one or more extendable shelves being extendable out of the refrigerated inner cavity when the one or more under-counter refrigerator doors are in the open position.

3. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator further comprises

a lifting mechanism coupled between the underside of the lift counter and the cabinet for lifting the lift counter between the open and retracted/closed position; and

an undercounter seal coupled to the underside of the lift counter, the undercounter seal prevents refrigerated air within the refrigerated inner cavity from escaping the refrigerator when the lift counter is in the retracted/closed position.

4. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, the lift mechanism comprises one or more extending lift members, the extending lift members may be assisted by hydraulic, electric or mechanical crank devices.

5. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, the plurality of removable individual food storage pans comprise a plurality of sized pans each of which having an outer rim, an outer surface, and an inner storage cavity, the outer surface extending into the refrigerated inner cavity and the outer rim configured to engage the undercounter seal when the lift counter is in the retracted/closed position.

6. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator further comprises:

an extendable drawer coupled within the cabinet; and

a retractable cutting board and work surface, the retractable cutting board being configured to be stored within the extendable drawer.

7. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, the retractable cutting board and work surface comprises two or more cutting boards coupled together by a central adjoining edge member, the retractable cutting board and work surface having a stowed position in which the are folded on top of each other by the central adjoining edge member and having an open position in which the two or more cutting boards are adjacent to each other within the extendable drawer.

8. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the top side of the lift cover having a food preparation workspace usable when the lift cover is in the retracted/closed position.

9. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, the lift cover is made from a material comprising wood, granite, quartz, and manmade material.

10. The pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, the set of food storage pans are made of stainless steel, aluminum, and manmade material.