Pop-Up Food Preparation Counter Cabinet and Refrigerator

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.

Claims

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

[0018] FIGS. 1a-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.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator according to the present invention.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIGS. 6a-b illustrates a food preparation tabletop of an article of manufacture providing a pop-up food preparation counter cabinet according to the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 7a-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.

[0025] 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

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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. 1a-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. 1a. 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 103a-b enclosing a refrigerator (not shown) therein.

[0033] 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 105a-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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The food item pans 104 holds a plurality of individual food storage pans 105a-n within the food item pans 104 exposing a bottom surface of each of the plurality of food storage pans 105a-n to cooling from the refrigerator. Each of the plurality of food storage pans 105a-n typically contains an ingredient that is used when preparing meals on the pop-up food preparation counter cabinet and refrigerator 100.

[0037] 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.

[0038] FIG. 1b shows a side view of the cabinet 101 with the lift counter 102 in a raised position. Similarly, FIG. 1c 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 105a-n within the food item pans 104. A pair of lifting mechanisms 109a-b is positioned on both sides of the cabinet 101 and lift counter 102 with each one pair of lifting mechanisms 109a-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 109a-d. As the lift counter 102 is moved, the two pairs of lifting mechanisms 109a-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 109a-b may comprise any number of lifting mechanisms 109a-b and the invention is intended to be limited only as recited in the attached claims.

[0039] 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 103a-b is closed to keep a temperature within the refrigerator (not shown) at a desired value.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 301a-b.

[0042] The under-counter refrigerator doors 103a-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 109a-d. An upper end of a lifting mechanism 109a is coupled to a horizontal support member 303a using a pivoting coupling and an upper end of lifting mechanisms 109b-d are similarly coupled to one of the two horizontal support members 303a-b. The pair of horizontal support members 303a-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 109a-d fold along one of the pair of sliding tracks 301a-b. The plurality of food storage pans 105a-n are shown within the food item pans 104.

[0043] In FIG. 3, a refrigerator 501 includes an air inflow and outflow vents 201a-b across the bottom of the unit. The left side vent 201a brings air into the unit and the right side vent 201b 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 109a, d is shown. The horizontal support member 303a is shown coupled to the underside of the lift counter 102. A first raising mechanism 109a is shown coupled to the horizontal support member 303a at a first pivoting coupling 401a and is coupled to the cabinet 101 at a second pivoting coupling 402a. A second raising mechanism 109d is shown coupled to the horizontal support member 303a at a third pivoting coupling 401d and is coupled to the cabinet 101 at a fourth pivoting coupling 402d. On the opposite side of the cabinet 101, a third lifting mechanism 109b and a fourth lifting mechanism 109c (both of which are not shown in FIG. 4) use their respective pivoting couplings 401b-c and 402b-c.

[0046] 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 303a-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 105a-n to be cooled by the internal refrigerator 501.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 105a-n to be visible within the food item pans 104. One food pan 105i of the plurality of food storage pans 105a-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 105a-n keeping the contents of the food storage pans 105a-n cooled as well.

[0049] FIGS. 6a-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. 6a and in its extended position in FIG. 6b. The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 comprises a cutting board and work surface 601a-b seen in FIG. 6b. A front cutting board and work surface 601a is coupled to a rear cutting board and work surface 601b by a central adjoining edge member 602. When the retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is in its retracted position of FIG. 6a, the second cutting board and work surface 601b is stowed on top of the first cutting board and work surface 601a. When the retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is pulled into the extended position of FIG. 6b, the second cutting board and work surface 601b unfolds, exposing the first cutting board and work surface 601a and creating a larger retractable cutting board and work surface 106. The cutting board and work surfaces 601a-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 105a-n.

[0050] The plurality of food storage pans 105a-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 105a-n are durable, removable, washable, and interchangeable and made of stainless steel or food grade plastic in a preferred embodiment.

[0051] FIGS. 7a-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. 7a. The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is shown in an unfolded configuration from a top view in FIG. 7b. The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 is shown in its folded position in FIG. 7c. The retractable cutting board and work surface 106 and its respective pair of cutting board and work surfaces 601a-b are shown coupled together along the adjoining edge 602. Each pair of cutting board and work surfaces 601a-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 601a-b to move between their respective positions for use.

[0052] 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 103a-b of the cabinet 101 are shown open in FIG. 8, exposing the inner cavity 501 of the refrigerator. A set of extendable shelves 801a-b is shown within the inner cavity 501. Additional food products may be stored on these extendable shelves 801a-c to supplement the contents of plurality of food storage pans 105a-n as needed. Additionally, FIG. 8 shows an undercounter seal 802a, 803a, and 301a 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.