Abstract
A support frame (1) for use with a kitchen sink (10), the support frame (1) having at least two extendable arms (2.1, 2.2) to hold the frame over a kitchen sink (10), which arms (2.1, 2.2) extend parallel to each other, defining a free space (3) therebetween, and are connected, at respective ends thereof, by connecting handles (4.1, 4.2). The arms (2.1, 2.2) each have at least two parts (2.1a, 2.1b; 2.2a, 2.2b) of different cross section, with a first part (2.1b, 2.2b) of smaller cross section slidably inserted into a second part (2.1a, 2.2a) of larger cross section, and the second parts (2.1a, 2.2a), at an end portion thereof, include a sealing element (2.1c, 2.2c), preferably a ring-shaped elastomeric or plastics seal, for slidably centering and aligning the first parts (2.1b, 2.2b) and said second parts (2.1a, 2.2a).
Claims
1. A support frame (1) for use with a kitchen sink (10), said support frame (1) comprising: at least two extendable arms (2.1, 2.2) to hold the frame over a kitchen sink (10), said arms (2.1, 2.2) extend parallel to each other and define a free space (3) therebetween, and are connected, at respective ends thereof, by connecting handles (4.1, 4.2); said arms (2.1, 2.2) each comprising at least first and second parts (2.1a, 2.1b; 2.2a, 2.2b) of different cross section, with the first part (2.1b, 2.2b) having a smaller cross section that is slidably inserted into the second part (2.1a, 2.2a) which has a larger cross section; and said second parts (2.1a, 2.2a), at an end portion thereof, each comprise a sealing element (2.1c, 2.2c) that slidably centers and aligns said first parts (2.1b, 2.2b) and said second parts (2.1a, 2.2a).
2. The support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein said connecting handles (4.1, 4.2) have a U-shaped configuration.
3. The support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein said arms (2.1, 2.2) define a first plane (P1) and said connecting handles (4.1, 4.2) define a second plane (P2), and said second plane (P2) is spaced apart from and oriented parallel to said first plane (P1).
4. The support frame (1) according to claim 3, wherein outer legs (4.1a, 4.1b; 4.2a, 4.2b) of said U-shaped connecting handles (4.1, 4.2), in a transition region (4.1d, 4.2d), extend in a direction oblique or perpendicular to said first plane (P1) and said second plane (P2).
5. The support frame (1) according to claim 4, wherein on one side of said transition region (4.1d, 4.2d), facing said arms (2.1, 2.2), said connecting handles (4.1, 4.2) extend in said first plane (P1), and on an other side of said transition region (4.1d, 4.2d), away from said arms 2.1, 2.2), said connecting handles extend (4.1, 4.2) in said second plane (P2).
6. The support frame (1) according to claim 5, wherein on said other side the connecting handles (4.1, 4.2) are fitted with no-slip pads (5) on a surface oriented toward said first plane (P1).
7. The support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein said arms (2.1, 2.2) and said connecting handles (4.1, 4.2) have a rectangular cross section.
8. The support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein said arms (2.1, 2.2) are made of metal.
9. The support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein said connecting handles (4.1, 4.2) are made from a plastics material.
10. The support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element is a ring-shaped elastomeric or plastic seal.
11. A combination of a kitchen sink (10) and a support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sink (10) has at least one bowl (10a) having an edge (10b) at least at two opposing sides thereof, and the support frame (1) is placed on said edge (10b) with an underside of the connecting handles (4.1, 4.2).
12. A combination of a kitchen sink (10) and a support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sink (10) has at least one bowl (10a) having a step profile (10c) at least at two opposing sides thereof, and the support frame (1) is placed on said step profile (10c) with an underside of the connecting handles (4.1, 4.2).
13. An over sink work station, comprising the support frame (1) according to claim 1 and at least one accessory item (20-23), said arms (2.1, 2.2) being placed at a distance (F) that corresponds to a dimension (W3) of a fixing structure on said accessory item (20-23).
14. The work station according to claim 13, wherein the at least one accessory item comprises a chopping board (23) is made of organic material, and said protrusions (23a) comprise feet made from an elastomeric material.
15. The work station according to claim 14, wherein said feet have a T-shaped cross section with an upper horizontal leg (23b) and a lower vertical leg (23c), wherein said upper leg (23b) is located on said chopping board surface (23d), and said lower leg (23c) protrudes perpendicularly from said chopping board surface (23d).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will now be described in exemplary fashion in connection with the appended drawings.
[0041] FIGS. 1A-1D show different use of a support frame according to the present invention;
[0042] FIGS. 2A-2B show the support frame of FIGS. 1A-1D in an extended and in a retracted state;
[0043] FIGS. 3A-3B show different ways to place the support frame according to FIGS. 1A-1D over a kitchen sink;
[0044] FIGS. 4A-4B show a first combination of a support frame according to the present invention and a kitchen sink;
[0045] FIGS. 5A-5B show a second combination of the support frame according to the present invention and a kitchen sink;
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a detail of a support frame according to the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 7 shows another detail of a support frame according to the present invention;
[0048] FIGS. 8A-8C show a support frame according to the present invention together with various accessory items;
[0049] FIG. 9 shows an over sink work station according to the present invention comprising a support frame and an accessory item in the form of a bowl;
[0050] FIG. 10 shows an over sink work station according to the present invention comprising a support frame and an accessory item in the form of a chopping board;
[0051] FIGS. 11A-11B show details of the work station according to FIG. 10;
[0052] FIG. 12 shows another view of the work station according to FIGS. 10 and 11; and
[0053] FIGS. 13A-13B show a cross section of the detail shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] FIGS. 1A-1D show various different views of support frame for use with a kitchen sink according to the present invention. Said support frame is denoted by means of reference numeral 1. FIG. 1A shows a front (or rear) view, FIG. 1B shows a bottom view, FIG. 1C shows a top view, and FIG. 1D shows a perspective view of the support frame 1. Support frame 1 comprises two extendable arms 2.1, 2.2, which arms 2.1, 2.2 extend parallel to each other. In this way, said arms 2.1, 2.2 define a free space 3 therebetween, while also defining a first plane P1, as can best be seen from FIG. 1A. Each of said arms 2.1, 2.2 comprises two parts 2.1a, 2.1b; 2.2a, 2.2b that are slidable relative to each other. This will be explained in detail further below. Respective ends of said arms 2.1, 2.2 are connected by means of connecting handles 4.1, 4.2, which connecting handles 4.1, 4.2, at least with portions thereof, define a second plane P2, as can best be seen from FIG. 1A. Said second plane P2 is spaced apart from an oriented parallel to said first plane P1.
[0055] The connecting handles 4.1, 4.2, when looked upon perpendicularly with respect to said planes P1, P2, present a U-shaped configuration, comprising two outer legs 4.1a, 4.1b; 4.2a, 4.2b as well as an inner leg or middle leg 4.1c, 4.2c.
[0056] As can best be seen from FIGS. 1A and 1D, said U-shaped connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 further comprise respective transition regions 4.1d, 4.2d as part of said outer legs 4.1a, 4.1b; 4.2a, 4.2b in which transition regions 4.1d, 4.2d they extend in a direction that is oblique with respect to said first plane P1 and second plane P2. On one side of said transition region 4.1d, 4.2d, facing said arms 2.1, 2.2, said connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 thus extend in said first plane P1. On the other side of said transition region 4.1d, 4.2d, away from said arms 2.1, 2.2, said connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 thus extend in said second plane P2. Again, this can best be seen in FIG. 1A.
[0057] As can be gathered from FIGS. 1B and 1D, respectively, on said other side the connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 are equipped with no-slip pads 5 on a surface oriented towards said first plane P1.
[0058] As can be gathered from FIGS. 1A-1D, said arms 2.1, 2.2 and said connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 have a square cross section that need not be constant. While said arms 2.1, 2.2 can be made of stainless steel, said connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 are preferably made from a plastics material, preferably a thermoplastic resin, most preferably SURLYN®, an ionomer resin produced by DuPont de Nemours, Inc. SURLYN® ionomers are used in wide variety of fruit and non-fruit packaging, as well as pharma and medical packaging applications.
[0059] For increased intelligibility, not all reference numerals introduced in FIG. 1 will be shown again in following FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6, 7, 8A-8C, 9, 10, 11A-11B, and 12. Discussion of the following Figures will focus on additional aspects that are not shown in FIGS. 1A-1D.
[0060] As can be seen from FIGS. 2A-2B, the extendable arms 2.1, 2.2 allow to change a dimension of support frame 1 so that it can be placed over sinks of different dimensions. Extending or retracting said arms 2.1, 2.2 changes a distance between the connecting handles 4.1, 4.2, thus also changing dimensions of the free space 3. In FIG. 2A, minimum width W1 can be equal to 34 cm, while in FIG. 2B maximum width W2 can be equal to 54 cm. A section of first arm part 2.1b, 2.2b can be 10 mm×10 mm, while a section of second arm part 2.1a, 2.2a can be equal to 15 mm×15 mm. The invention is by no means limited to the particular values stated above, which are only given by way of example.
[0061] FIGS. 3A-3B shows how the support frame 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 can be used together with a kitchen sink 10, which sink 10 is positioned underneath a countertop 11, which countertop 11 presents a rectangular cut-out 11a, the dimensions of which essentially correspond to dimensions of the sink 10. In FIG. 3A, support frame 1 is in a configuration in which arms 2.1, 2.2 are mostly retracted. It is placed over sink 10 along a smaller dimension D1 thereof. In FIG. 3B, arms 2.1, 2.2 are mostly extended, and support frame 1 is placed over sink 10 along a bigger dimension D2 thereof. Support frame 1 is used in such a way that the connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 rest on the countertop 11 with their no-slip pads (cf. FIGS. 1B, 1D) the arms 2.1, 2.2, i. e., the first plane P1 (cf. FIG. 1A) extends beneath a level of countertop 11 within an opening of sink 10, thus providing improved safety. Furthermore, as can be gathered from FIG. 3, any accessory item to be placed on support frame 1 can extend flush with countertop 11 due to the fact that arms 2.1, 2.2 of support frame 1 extend in a plane (plane P1, cf. FIG. 1A) which is located beneath that particular region of connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 that is supported on countertop 11 (cf. no-slip pads 5 in FIGS. 1A-1D).
[0062] FIGS. 4A-4B shows a first combination of a support frame 1 according to the present invention and a kitchen sink 10. The sink 10 has at least one bowl 10a having an edge 10b at least at two opposing sides thereof. Preferably, said edge 10b is a circumferential edge. Support frame 1 is placed on said edge 10b with an underside of its connecting handles 4.1, 4.2, said underside preferably mean the side on which are located the no-slip pads 5 according to FIGS. 1A-1D.
[0063] FIG. 4A shows said combination in a perspective view while FIG. 4B shows a sectional view of the above-described combination. As can be gathered from FIG. 4B, sink 10 is supported on countertop 11 by means of said edge or rim 10b.
[0064] Another combination is shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, wherein again FIG. 5A is a perspective view, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view.
[0065] Although FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B show the same sink 10, this must not necessarily be the case.
[0066] According to FIGS. 5A-5B, the sink 10 has at least one bowl 10a having a step profile 10c at least at two opposing sides thereof, preferably a circumferential step profile. Support frame 1 is placed on said step profile 10c with an underside of its connecting handles 4.1, 4.2. As stated before, said underside preferably corresponds to that side of the connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 on which are located the no-slip pads 5 (cf. FIGS. 1A-1D).
[0067] As can be seen from FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B, the support frame 1 adapts easily to different sink configurations and thus not require said edge 10b and/or said step profile 10c (cf. FIGS. 3A-3B, where the support frame 1 is placed over an undermount sink 10, which presents neither edge nor step profile).
[0068] FIG. 6 shows a detail of the support frame 1 as far as connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 are concerned. FIG. 6 nicely illustrates the arrangements of no-slip pads 5 and the oblique configuration of the connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 in said transition regions 4.1d, 4.2d.
[0069] FIG. 7 focuses on the support frame arms 2.1, 2.2. As stated before, said arms 2.1, 2.2 each comprise at least two parts 2.1a, 2.1b, 2.2a, 2.2b of different cross section, with a first part 2.1b, 2.2b of smaller cross section slidably inserted into a second part 2.1a, 2.2a of larger cross section. Said second parts 2.1a, 2.2a comprise a ring-shaped elastomeric or plastics sealing element 2.1c, 2.2c, which is arranged at (e.g., inserted in) a respective end of said second arm parts 2.1a, 2.2a for slidably centering and aligning said first arm parts 2.1b, 2.2b and said second arm parts 2.1a, 2.2a, respectively. Furthermore, said sealing elements 2.1c, 2.2c prevent any moisture or dirt from entering between said arm parts 2.1a, 2.2a; 2.1b, 2.2b, which might otherwise impair with their relative sliding motion.
[0070] In this way, said first and second parts are held in a concentric position and move one into the other basically without friction, i.e., inside sliding. The sliding mechanism is fully integrated inside the arms.
[0071] FIGS. 8A-8C show the support frame 1 in various states of extension together with a number of accessory items 20-22, thus forming an over sink work station, which can be placed over a kitchen sink as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, 4A-4B, and 5A-5B. Accessory item 20 is a bowl with openings 20a in its bottom wall and can therefore be used for draining (food) according to FIG. 8A. Bowl 20 is of rectangular format. Accessory items 21, 22 according to FIG. 8b are also bowl-shaped; however, bowl 21 has a solid bottom wall while bowl 22 has corresponding openings 22a. Both bowls 21, 22 are of square format.
[0072] According to FIG. 8C, bowl 20 of FIG. 8A is combined with bowl 21 of FIG. 8B.
[0073] As further illustrated in FIG. 9, bowls 20-22 according to FIGS. 8A-8C are placed with their corresponding edges or rims 20b-22b on the arms 2.1, 2.2 of support frame 1 while extending through said free space between said arms 2.1, 2.2.
[0074] As can be further gathered from FIG. 9, advantageously, the cross section of the connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 at least in a region of their outer legs 4.1a, 4.1b, 4.2a, 4.2b equals a cross section of second arm part 2.1a, 2.2a, so that said rim 20b-22b can be placed thereon according to FIG. 9 in level fashion.
[0075] If a free length L1 of first arm part 2.1b, 2.2b is greater than a corresponding dimension D of rim 20b-22b, then said rim 20b-22b can be placed entirely on first arm part 2.1b, 2.2b (not shown).
[0076] As can further be gathered from FIG. 9, the connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 need not be of constant cross section. In the example shown, connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 increase in cross section towards the distal ends of outer legs 4.1a/b, 4.2a/b. This increase in cross section may only occur in the direction perpendicular to planes P1, P2 (cf. FIGS. 1A-1D), while cross section of connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 remains constant in a direction parallel to said planes.
[0077] Referring again to FIGS. 8A-8C, a width W3 of bowl 21 preferably corresponds to a free distance F between arms 2.1, 2.2 of support frame 1. This is equivalent to a fixing structure of or on accessory items 20-22. Furthermore, an overall width W4 of accessory items 20-22 preferably corresponds to said free distance F plus a corresponding dimension of the connecting handles 4.1, 4.2 on either side of said free space 3. The same holds with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 (cf. FIG. 12).
[0078] Although not explicitly shown in FIGS. 8a and 8c, the same also holds for the accessory items shown therein.
[0079] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative over sink work station comprising support frame 1 and a chopping board 23. Preferably, said chopping board 23 is of rectangular format and essentially made of bamboo. It can be placed on support frame 1 in such a way that it essentially compensates for the level difference incurred by means of transition region 4.1d, 4.2d.
[0080] FIGS. 11A-11B and 12 provide details of chopping board 23 and its interaction with support frame 1.
[0081] Chopping board 23, on an underside 23d thereof, comprises a number of protrusions 23a. According to the embodiment shown, one protrusion 23a is located in each corner of chopping board 23. Said protrusions 23a are spaced apart in order to contact the support frame arms 2.1, 2.2 on respective inner sides thereof. As stated before, said inner side corresponds to the side of a given arm which faces said free space 3. A total width W3 over two such protrusions 23a, as shown in FIG. 12, preferably corresponds to a free distance F between arms 2.1, 2.2 of support frame 1. This is equivalent to a fixing structure of or on accessory item 23.
[0082] More particularly, as can be seen from FIG. 12, said protrusions 22a are devised as feet and each have a T-shaped cross section with an upper horizontal leg 23b and a lower vertical leg 23c. The overall shape of protrusions 23a takes on the form of an elongated pin or mushroom. Preferably, said upper leg 23b is located at least partly within a recess in chopping board 23, while lower leg 23c protrudes perpendicularly from chopping board 23, i. e., the underside 23d thereof. Furthermore, said lower legs 23c may taper towards a free end thereof.
[0083] As can be gathered from FIGS. 11A-11B and 12, said protrusions 23a clamp chopping board 23 against the arms 2.1, 2.2 of support frame 1. If said protrusions 23a are made of silicon material or the like, they can be slightly deformed which enhances said clamping action and use additional frictional resistance against any movement of chopping board 23 relative to the support frame 1. This can be even further enhanced by said taper of the lower leg 23c. Additionally, friction is created between said upper horizontal leg 23b and an upper surface of support frame arms 2.1, 2.2. Furthermore, wear of chopping board 23 and/or support frame 1 is prevented.
[0084] As is readily understood, said protrusions 23a do also serve whenever chopping board 23 is not used together with support frame 1 but individually, e. g., on a table or countertop, thus ensuring enough grip, so that the chopping board 23 does not move during use thereof.
[0085] As an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, said protrusions 23a could also be located outside of arms 2.1, 2.2.
[0086] FIGS. 13A-13B show a cross sectional view of the detail already shown in FIG. 7. At FIG. 13A, a pulled-out state of first part 2.1b, 2.2b with respect to second part 2.1a, 2.2a is shown. At FIG. 13B, first part 2.1b, 2.2b is completely inserted with respect to second part 2.1a, 2.2a. Sliding motion between said first and second parts is guided by means of sealing element (bushing or sleeve) 2.1c, 2.2c, preferably a ring-shaped elastomeric or plastics seal, for slidably centering and aligning said first parts 2.1b, 2.2b and said second parts 2.1a, 2.2a, respectively. This also prevents moisture and/or dirt from entering a space between said first parts 2.1b, 2.2b and said second parts 2.1a, 2.2a, respectively.
[0087] Connecting handle 4.2 protrudes into first parts 2.1b, 2.2b with corresponding end portions 4.2e that force fit said first parts 2.1b, 2.2b at end portions thereof on the inside, as shown. Furthermore, said end portion 4.2e of connecting handle 4.2 has an extension 4.2f with a lateral pin or protrusion 4.2g, which pin 4.2g extends through a bore 2.1d, 2.2d of first parts 2.1b, 2.2b. Sealing element (i.e., bushing or sleeve) 2.1c, 2.2c presents a corresponding recess or hole 2.1c′, 2.2c′ for engaging said pin 4.2g when the arms 2.1, 2.2 are fully retracted, as shown at FIG. 13B. Owing to said extension 4.2f, pin 4.2g is somewhat resilient which enables retracting when fully inserting said arms 2.1, 2.2 and engaging recess or hole 2.1c′, 2.2c′ in position in FIG. 13B. Said pin 4.2g preferably has a spherical cap for improved functioning, i.e., for enabling a movement of the pin 4.2g transversal to a sliding movement of the arms 2.1, 2.2.
[0088] This achieves an improvement for the support frame owing to a click-effect when closing. Adding said pin avoids sliding improperly without control, giving to the user a better perception of robustness, solidity and durability.
[0089] At the other end (not shown in FIGS. 13A-13B), the connecting handle (4.1) is attached to the respective second (outer) parts 2.1a, 2.2a of arms 2.1, 2.2, preferably also in force-fitting manner, cf. portion 4.2e of connecting handle 4.2.
