AU2016202444B2

AU2016202444B2 - Modular kitchen fitted with magnetised accessory holder plates

Info

Publication number: AU2016202444B2
Application number: AU2016202444A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Zeno Palini; Carlo Pollastrelli
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-18
Filing date: 2016-04-18
Publication date: 2020-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-18
Also published as: AU2016202444A1

Abstract

MODULAR KITCHEN FITTED WITH MAGNETISED ACCESSORY HOLDER PLATES' ABSTRACT Modular kitchen formed by base and wall units, characterized by a metal panel to be fixed to a wall of the kitchen area above the aforementioned bases, and a series of magnetised 'accessory holder' components, which stably adhere, thanks the magnetic attractive force alone, against the 5 aforesaid metal panel. 1/1 5 30b 4 - 73b 3.b 30h-- 3 0 2' 30aJ Fig. 1

Description

1/1 30b

- 4 73b

3.b

30h-- 30

2'

30aJ

Fig. 1

MODULAR KITCHEN FITTED WITH MAGNETISED ACCESSORY HOLDER PLATES

This patent application for an industrial invention relates to a modular kitchen fitted with magnetized plates for accessories.

As is well-known, modular kitchen manufacturers are continually striving to improve the aesthetics, performance and versatility of their products in an effort to assert themselves amongst the large number of competitors who flock to this particular market sector.

In order to improve the versatility and ease of use of modular kitchens, steps were taken some time ago to add to the normal complement of base and wall units. These components are intended to be fitted on the outside of the wall units and the aforementioned bases, usually above the cooking surface.

In particular, these components have the task of containing or supporting (for immediate access in a user's location) the most frequently used kitchen utensils such as, for example, ladles or spatulas, salt and pepper containers, oil and vinegar bottles as well as cutlery.

For this purpose, the aforesaid components normally engage a horizontal bar (on which ladles and spatulas hang), or a horizontal grid (on which you can vertically slide the knives), one or more shelves (suitable for supporting cans or bottles) or one or more hooks (adapted to support pot holders or towels).

Until now these components have been fixed directly to the wall of the kitchen, perhaps through common expansion caps, precisely above the hob.

Needless to say that a similar mounting choice is penalized firstly by the cumbersome nature of putting holes in a masonry wall, which is necessary for laying the respective means of support (for example the expansion caps) for the abovementioned accessories.

A further drawback is linked to the "stiffness" of the positioning of these parts, in them requires long and cumbersome operations, beginning with having to put new holes on the respective load-bearing wall.

Having regard to the above, the purpose of this invention is to introduce (for economic efficiency and practicality of use) a new logical assembly of the abovementioned accessory holder in a modular kitchen that adopts, in itself, a conventional configuration.

According to the present invention there is provided, a modular kitchen comprising: at least one base unit; at least one metal panel for engagement on a rear side with a kitchen wall above one or more of the at least one base unit; at least one cover plate for engagement with the at least one metal panel on a front side thereof; and at least one removable accessory holder, comprising: at least one magnetised metal plate disposed on a rear surface thereof, the magnetised metal plate being magnetised by at least one magnet mounted thereon; at least one component disposed on a front surface thereof for supporting small accessories and/or small kitchen equipment; and one or more non-slip means disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate for engagement with the at least one cover plate, wherein the one or more non-slip means includes one or more silicone sealing frame surrounding or defining the perimeter of one or more of the at least one magnet disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate; wherein the at least one magnetised metal plate of the at least one removable accessory holder enables stable adherence of the at least one removable accessory holder to the at least one cover plate by way of the magnetic force created between the at least one metal panel and that at least one magnetised metal plate of the at least one removable accessory holder.

According to a further aspect there is provided, a removable accessory holder system for a kitchen comprising: at least one metal panel for engagement on a rear side with a kitchen wall above one or more base unit of the kitchen; at least one cover plate for engagement with the at least one metal panel on a front side thereof; and at least one removable accessory holder, comprising: at least one magnetised metal plate disposed on a rear surface thereof, the magnetised metal plate being magnetised by at least one magnet mounted thereon; at least one component disposed on a front surface thereof for supporting small accessories at least one magnetised metal plate for engagement with the at least one cover plate, wherein the one or more non-slip means includes one or more silicone sealing frame surrounding or defining the perimeter of one or more of the at least one magnet disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate; wherein the at least one magnetised metal plate of the at least one removable accessory holder enables stable adherence of the at least one removable accessory holder to the at least one cover plate by way of the magnetic force created between the at least one metal panel and that at least one magnetised metal plate of the at least one removable accessory holder.

The underlying idea of this invention is to abandon attempts to fix similar accessory holders directly to a brick kitchen wall.

Rather, the innovative solution we are claiming here sees the new modular kitchen exploiting (in order to support the respective 'accessory holders') the force of magnetic attraction that is established between each of these same components and a metallic vertical panel. This is preferably mounted in an intermediate position between the wall units and bases and in the vicinity of the hob.

In particular, each accessory component consists of a magnetised metal plate, on the front of which are mounted the most suitable means of support of typical kitchen accessories (such as, for example horizontal shelves or grids, tin holders, paper roll holder, bottle holder, as well as a simple horizontal bar to hang ladles and spatulas or hooks for potholders).

As such, it is easy to understand the significant advantages of this new solution.

It should firstly be said that laying each of these magnetized plates on the front of the respective metallic vertical panel is simple and immediate, the only condition that each of these plates be placed in contact with the vertical panel.

It is also noteworthy that the stable union of the plates and the rear vertical supporting panel no longer requires the use of any mean of external fastening. The magnetic attraction that occurs between the metal panel and the magnetised olate is entirely sufficient for this ouroose.

Equally advantageous is the large clean form that such a solution enables the entire kitchen to assume. As well, its great versatility is ensured as maximum discretion is left to the respective user in establishing - and particularly in its quick modification - the position that each of these two magnetized plates occupy on their respective vertical load-bearing panel.

It is versatile not only in terms of function but also aesthetics: Nothing stops you from mounting, on the front of the supporting metal panel, any coloured sheeting in any material, provided only that the material does not shield the magnetic force which must always occur between the panel and the magnetized plates supporting various kitchen accessories.

One might choose to cover the supporting metal panel with a sheet of glass, corian, of gres, quartz or even wood, just to name a few.

In cases where a glass panel is used as a covering, it would be possible to use it also as a light diffuser. It would certainly be able to create a particularly attractive optical effect, it would provide good illumination for the hob and more generally as part of a good kitchen environment.

For this purpose, a strip of bright LEDs might be mounted along one or more of the peripheral edges of a similar sheet of glass which has undergone a process of micro-blasting at its rear surface and along those edges.

The effect that it produces - when the LEDs are switched on - is such that the light generated penetrates into the thickness of the plate and creates the "stop" effect on the micro-porosity generated from the abovementioned blasting operation. This makes the sheet appear to be fully illuminated and also provides a reflective surface.

The success of this invention cannot ignore the remarkable stability that the various accessory-plates rely on from the rear bearing metal panel. These plates must not be able to slide uncontrollably downwards as a result of simple gravity, but perhaps due to the considerable weight loaded on the supporting parts for the

We worked in two different directions to prevent such a lamentable effect. On the one hand we gave a high magnetic coercive force to the accessory plates, while on the other we decided to mount, on the back of each plate, a silicon perimeter seal to perform an anti-slip function and also to oppose a possible tendency of the respective plate to slide down, through gravity, on the front of the rear bearing metal panel.

A description of the invention through the attached drawings follows. These drawings are intended for illustration purposes only and are not limitative:

- Figure 1 shows the new modular kitchen in question with an axonometric view; - Figure 2 shows, with an axonometric view from the back, one of the accessory components used within the same kitchen.

With reference to Figure 1, the kitchen according to the invention, usually making use of base units (B) and wall units (P), is characterized by the adoption of a vertical panel (1) made from AISI 430f steel, preferably 10 / 10 mm thick, intended to be fixed to the same masonry wall to which the above-mentioned wall units and base units are attached.

This steel panel (1) may suit a covering plate (2) displaced from the opposite side with respect to the abovementioned masonry wall and therefore in the direction of the front of the modular kitchen in question.

As anticipated, this cover plate (2) can display many colours and / or surface decorations and be made of many different materials. The only condition is that these materials not be suitable, even for the not too thick, to create a magnetic shielding against the rear steel panel (1).

The modular kitchen according to the invention also makes use of one or more components "accessory holder" (3a, 3b, 3c), intended to support and / or contain conventional kitchen accessories.

- The first type of accessory holder component (3a) uses a horizontal bar on which to hang large forks, ladles and similar tools;

- A second type of accessory holder component (3b) employs a wire shelf to hold jars, bottles and other small kitchen equipment;

- A third type of accessory holder component (3c) uses a series of hooks, on which to hang towels or pot holders.

Regardless of their possible embodiments, it is reaffirmed that all of these "accessory holders" (3a, 3b, 3c) have the distinguishing feature of adopting, as communal bearing structure, a metal magnetised plate (30a, 30b, 30c), adapted - as such - to adhere firmly against the surface by the abovementioned steel panel (1) due to the magnetic attraction force alone, even where there is the possible interposition of the abovementioned cladding slab (2).

It is this simple and immediate fastening of the various 'accessory holders' (3a, 3b, 3c) that assures the user of the modular kitchen that, according to the invention, they are able to select and vary at will - without the slightest difficulty the position of these same 'accessory holders' (3a, 3b, 3c) on the front of the supporting panel (1).

With reference to Figure 2, it is also noted that the necessary magnetization of the aforesaid metal plates (30a, 30b, 30c) was obtained by the application, on the back of each, a high coercive force magnet (4), preferably neodymium.

The same Figure 2 shows how each of these magnetized plates (30a, 30b, 30c) carries a seal (5) on the back, preferably made of silicone or another non-slip material, which is capable of opposing any uncontrolled slipping that each of these plates may suffer, through simple gravity, on the front of the respective supporting panel (1).

Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure herein.

Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components to be grouped therewith.

Claims

1. A modular kitchen comprising: - at least one base unit; - at least one metal panel for engagement on a rear side with a kitchen wall above one or more of the at least one base unit; - at least one cover plate for engagement with the at least one metal panel on a front side thereof; and - at least one removable accessory holder, comprising: - at least one magnetised metal plate disposed on a rear surface thereof, the magnetised metal plate being magnetised by at least one magnet mounted thereon; - at least one component disposed on a front surface thereof for supporting small accessories and/or small kitchen equipment; and - one or more non-slip means disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate for engagement with the at least one cover plate, wherein the one or more non-slip means includes one or more silicone sealing frame surrounding or defining the perimeter of one or more of the at least one magnet disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate; wherein the at least one magnetised metal plate of the at least one removable accessory holder enables stable adherence of the at least one removable accessory holder to the at least one cover plate by way of the magnetic force created between the at least one metal panel and that at least one magnetised metal plate of the at least one removable accessory holder.

2. The modular kitchen according to claim 1, wherein a component of the at least one removable accessory holder comprises a horizontal bar for hanging kitchen utensils, including meat forks, ladles, spoons, and other similar tools.

3. The modular kitchen according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a component of the at least one removable accessory holder comprises at least one container for the support of kitchen wares, including jars, bottles and other small kitchen equipment.

4. The modular kitchen according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one hook for hanging kitchen items, including towels, pot holders or other similar objects.

5. The modular kitchen according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cover plate is made of a material and with a thickness incapable of generating a magnetic shield against the at least one metal panel.

6. The modular kitchen according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cover plate is composed of a solid surface material made of a mixture of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate.

7. The modular kitchen according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cover plate is composed of gres.

8. The modular kitchen according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cover plate is composed of quartz.

9. The modular kitchen according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cover plate is made of wood.

10. The modular kitchen according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cover plate is made of glass.

11. The modular kitchen according to claim 10, wherein the at least one glass cover plate is micro-sandblasted on its surface and along its peripheral edges.

12. The modular kitchen according to claim 11, wherein on at least one of the peripheral edges of the at least one glass cover plate there is disposed a respective strip of LEDs such that when the strip of LEDs is activated, the at least one glass cover plate acts as a light diffuser.

13. A removable accessory holder system for a kitchen comprising: - at least one metal panel for engagement on a rear side with a kitchen wall above one or more base unit of the kitchen; - at least one cover plate for engagement with the at least one metal panel

- at least one removable accessory holder, comprising: - at least one magnetised metal plate disposed on a rear surface thereof, the magnetised metal plate being magnetised by at least one magnet mounted thereon; - at least one component disposed on a front surface thereof for supporting small accessories and/or small kitchen equipment; and - one or more non-slip means disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate for engagement with the at least one cover plate, wherein the one or more non-slip means includes one or more silicone sealing frame surrounding or defining the perimeter of one or more of the at least one magnet disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate; wherein the at least one magnetised metal plate of the at least one removable accessory holder enables stable adherence of the at least one removable accessory holder to the at least one cover plate by way of the magnetic force created between the at least one metal panel and that at least one magnetised metal plate of the at least one removable accessory holder.

14. A removable accessory holder for use with a modular kitchen made in accordance with claim 1, comprising: - at least one magnetised metal plate disposed on a rear surface thereof, the magnetised metal plate being magnetised by at least one magnet mounted thereon; - at least one component disposed on a front surface thereof for supporting small accessories and/or small kitchen equipment; and - one or more non-slip means disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate for engagement with the at least one cover plate, wherein the one or more non-slip means includes one or more silicone sealing frame surrounding or defining the perimeter of one or more of the at least one magnet disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate.

15. A removable accessory holder for use with the removable accessory holder system as claimed in claim 13, comprising: - at least one magnetised metal plate disposed on a rear surface thereof, the magnetised metal plate being magnetised by at least one magnet mounted thereon; small accessories and/or small kitchen equipment; and - one or more non-slip means disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate for engagement with the at least one cover plate, wherein the one or more non-slip means includes one or more silicone sealing frame surrounding or defining the perimeter of one or more of the at least one magnet disposed on the at least one magnetised metal plate.