WO2009044372A2

WO2009044372A2 - Kitchen worktop

Info

Publication number: WO2009044372A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/054052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giacomo Rossetti
Original assignee: Giacomo Rossetti
Priority date: 2007-10-04
Filing date: 2008-10-03
Publication date: 2009-04-09
Also published as: EP2229076A2; WO2009044372A3; ITAN20070049A1

Abstract

A kitchen worktop (1) is disclosed, comprising at least a sink (2) and at least a cooktop (3) and comprising a motorised cover (4, 5; 7, 8) for a sink (2) and cooktop (3).

Description

KITCHEN WORKTOP

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The present invention refers to a kitchen worktop which allows to achieve good results both from an aesthetic and from a practical point of view.

For a long time the furniture used in the kitchen has been grouped into two units: electric appliances and worktop, the larder being apt to be integrated into either unit . The worktop comprises a sink and a cooktop, in addition to an area where food preparation takes place and where sometimes small portable electric appliances are used. So far, in kitchens, sink and worktop have been in view. This causes these components to be subject to dust. Moreover, they tend to get dirty rather easily, so they can be somewhat unpleasant to the eye, especially when they are not effectively in use.

In order to overcome the drawbacks set forth above, the present invention has been devised, which refers to a kitchen worktop, comprising at least one sink and at least one cooktop, characterised in that it comprises a motorised cover for sink and cooktop.

The present invention is now described in further detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: fig. 1 is a section view of the cover-moving devices; fig. 2 is a diagram showing the moving of the covers ac- cording to a first embodiment; and fig. 3 is a diagram similar to the one of fig. 2 showing an alternative embodiment .

Kitchen top 1 comprises a sink 2 and a cooktop 3. According to the embodiment shown in fig. 2, in the space provided between sink 2 and cooktop 3 a pair of panels 4, 5 is arranged, under which a top 6 is found. Top 1, panels 4, 5 and top 6 are normally made of the same material, although it is of course possible to manufacture them from different materials, with an overall harmonic effect. The embodiment shown in fig. 3 provides a panel 7 in the space between sink 2 and an edge of top 1, and a panel 8 in the space between burner 3 and the same edge of top 1. Under panel 7, a panel 9 is found, while a panel 10 is found under panel 8.

Fig. 2A shows top 1 according to the first embodiment, as it appears when sink 2 and cooktop 3 are in use. When one decides to cover sink 2 and cooktop 3, the panel-moving mechanism is actuated. Panels 4, 5 are brought outwards by two dedicated motorisation mechanisms, as seen in fig. 2B, until they are in the position shown in fig. 2C. Since sink 2 and cooktop 3 are slightly recessed, panels 4, 5 are perfectly flush with top 1. At this point, below- lying top 6 is lifted by a motorised mecha- nism, so that top 1 now appears as an even and levelled top, with panels 4, 5 and top 6 at the same level thereof, so that the kitchen top 1 takes on the appearance of a single table.

Similarly, fig. 3A shows top 1 according to the second embodiment, upon use of sink 2 and cooktop 3. When one wants to cover sink 2 and/or cooktop 3 (both can be covered, or only one of them) , the motorisation mechanisms are actuated, connected to panels 7, 9 and to panels 8, 10, respectively. Panels 7, 8 are thus first caused to translate inwards, until they cover sink 2 and/or cooktop 3 in a raised position, then panels 9, 10 are raised until they reach the level of top 1, so as to form a single kitchen top 1, of a monolithic appearance.

For the implementation of the present invention, displacement mechanisms of the most disparate types can be used. A preferred example is shown in fig. 1. The panel-raising motorisa- tion is formed by a pair of camshafts 11, actuated by a small known- type motor, not shown. Panel translation occurs by means of sliding motors 12, of various types. Preferably, motors 12 consist of a rack or of a belt conveyor.

Preferably, moving mechanisms are made of a plastic mate- rial, in particular nylon, Polyzene® or polytetrafluoroethylene, to avoid annoying noise during motion. It is also possible to provide camshafts 11 also above sink 2 and cooktop 3, to bring panels 4, 5, 7, 8 at the same level as the others and to lift them again when sink 2 and cooktop 3 are to be uncovered. In or- der to avoid water entries which may be harmful to the operation of the mechanisms, gaskets may be provided between the panels and the suitable seats. Advantageously, panel movement guides may be provided, preferably of rigid plastic material or of light metal. Particularly preferred are aluminium guides . The system is equipped with end stop devices. They can be mechanical or electronic- control ones on the rack, preferably employing a laser beam. Device control, which may be accomplished for example by means of a PLC, can occur by means of a remote control or through a pushbutton, suitably arranged in the kitchen assembly. Other safety systems can also be provided, for example devices which halt the movement in case of active burners or of too high temperatures of cooktop 3, which may damage panel 5, 8.

The worktop according to the present invention has been described with reference to some particularly preferred embodiments thereof, but it is evident that other solutions and vari- ants are within reach of a person skilled in the field. For example, the lifting of the panel could occur by means of a jack device or with a motorised mechanical lift.

Of course, it is possible - at least in theory - to provide also a top with multiple sinks 2 and/or multiple cooktops 3.

Claims

1) Kitchen worktop (1) , comprising at least one sink (2) and at least one cooktop (3) , characterised in that it comprises a motorised cover (4, 5; 7,8) for the sink (2) and the cooktop (3) .

2) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 1) , characterised in that in the space provided between the sink (2) and the cooktop (3) a pair of panels (4, 5) is arranged under which a top (6) is arranged . 3) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 2) , characterised in that the top (1) , the panels (4, 5) and the top (6) are made of the same material .

4) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 1) , characterised in that there are provided a first panel (7) in the space between the sink (2) and an edge of the top (1) and a second panel (8) in the space between the burner (3) and the same edge of the top (D •

5) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 4) , characterised in that underneath the first panel (7) a third panel (9) is ar- ranged, while a fourth panel (10) is arranged underneath the second panel (8) .

6) Worktop (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it provides lifting means (11) of the cover (4, 5; 6; 7, 8; 9, 10) and means for the translation of part of said cover (4, 5; 7, 8) .

7) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 6) , characterised in that said raising means of the panels (4, 5; 6; 7, 8; 9, 10) consist of a pair of camshafts (11) actuated by a small motor.

8) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 6) , characterised in that said raising means of the panels (4, 5; 6; I₁ 8, 9, 10) consist of one or more jacks.

9) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 6) , characterised in that said raising means of the panels (4, 5; 6; 7, 8, 9, 10) consist of a motorised mechanical lift. 10) Worktop (1) as claimed in any one of claims 6) to 9) , characterised in that said translation means of the panels (4, 5; 6; 7, 8; 9, 10) consist of sliding motors (12) . 11) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 10) , characterised in that the motors (12) consist of racks or of belt conveyors.

12) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 11) , characterised in that said motors (12) are racks. 13) Worktop as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the moving mechanisms are made of a plastic material.

14) Worktop as claimed in claim 13) , characterised in that said plastic material is nylon, Polyzene® or polytetrafluoro- ethylene .

15) Worktop (1) as claimed in any one of claims 6) to 14) , characterised in that said raising means are provided also above the sink (2) and the cooktop (3) .

16) Worktop (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that sealing gaskets are provided between the panels and the suitable seats.

17) Worktop (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises guides for the movement of the panels. 18) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 17) , characterised in that said guides are made of rigid plastic material or of light metal .

19) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 18) , characterised in that said guides are made of aluminium. 20) Worktop (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises end stop devices.

21) Worktop (1) as claimed in claim 20) , characterised in that said end stop devices are mechanical or electronic-control devices on the rack. 22) Worktop (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises devices which stop the movement in case of active burners or of excessive temperatures of the cooktop (3) .