U.S. patent number 3,694,046 [Application Number 05/109,803] was granted by the patent office on 1972-09-26 for space saving kitchen unit.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Elektra-Bregenz GmbH. Invention is credited to Hasso Gehrmann.
United States Patent |
3,694,046 |
Gehrmann |
September 26, 1972 |
SPACE SAVING KITCHEN UNIT
Abstract
A space saving kitchen unit incorporating kitchen appliances and
equipment with a working and an eating surface, includes a table
member providing a support surface into one end of which a
horizontally arranged rotatable disc is fitted with a refrigerator
unit built into the other end and a working station being located
at one side of the support surface between its ends. The rotatable
disc includes heating elements for cooking, a sink, a garbage
disposal container, and compartments for appliances. Further,
storage shelves are secured to and below the disc within an
enclosing shell to which an access opening is formed. A dishwasher
can be provided centrally within the shell extending downwardly
from the upper surface of the disc. Support columns with lifting
mechanisms are associated with the dishwasher and refrigerator unit
for lifting inserts within these units to a position above the
support surface where they are accessible from the working station.
Additional storage shelves can be located within casings at the
upper ends of the support columns so that they can be lowered for
access from the working station.
Inventors: |
Gehrmann; Hasso (Bregenz,
OE) |
Assignee: |
Elektra-Bregenz GmbH (Bregenz,
OE)
|
Family
ID: |
3496715 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/109,803 |
Filed: |
January 26, 1971 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/196;
312/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
49/00 (20130101); A47B 77/02 (20130101); A47B
51/00 (20130101); A47B 83/00 (20130101); A47B
77/08 (20130101); A47B 2220/0013 (20130101); A47B
96/1425 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
51/00 (20060101); A47B 49/00 (20060101); A47B
77/02 (20060101); A47B 77/08 (20060101); A47B
83/00 (20060101); A47b 017/00 (); A47b 019/00 ();
A47b 077/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;312/196-198,223,228,229,236 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gilliam; Paul R.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A kitchen unit for providing a space saving compact arrangement
for kitchen appliances and equipment integrated with a working and
eating surface comprising an elongated table member forming a
support surface positioned at about table top level and having a
central working station located along one side of said table member
spaced between its ends and access being available to the sides and
ends of said table member about its entire periphery, a
horizontally arranged rotatable disc mounted in and at
approximately the same level as said support surface and positioned
adjacent one end thereof, said disc having an opening therethrough
and a plurality of angularly spaced positions thereon arranged
about the opening, said disc spaced from the working station of
said table member and by rotating said disc its different positions
are accessible from the working station, at least one heating
element for cooking purposes located in one of the positions on
said disc, an upwardly extending first support member positioned
inwardly of the periphery of said disc, storage shelves vertically
displaceable on said support member between a storage position and
a lower access position in which access position the shelves are
located above the support surface of said table member and are
accessible from the working station by rotating said shelves, a
first vat-like tank closed at its lateral and lower surfaces and
open at its upper surface is centrally disposed relative to said
disc and extends downwardly from the opening in the surface of said
disc, a first insert fitted within said tank and mounted on said
support member for upward displacement from within said first tank
to a position located above said disc and accessible from the
working station, said table member having another opening in its
support surface at the opposite end from said disc, a second
vat-shaped tank having an open upper end located in the plane of
the support surface of said table member and extending downwardly
from the another opening, a second insert including shelves
positioned within said second tank, an upwardly extending second
support member extending upwardly through the support surface of
said table member at the end containing said second tank, said
second insert vertically displaceably mounted on said second
support member for movement upwardly out of said second tank to a
position above said table member where the shelves of said second
insert are accessible from the working station, a casing disposed
laterally about said second support member above the support
surface of said table member and being open at its lower end, a
third insert located within said casing and mounted on said second
support column for displacement downwardly from said casing to a
position accessible from said working station, and said third
insert including shelves rotatably mounted on said second support
member.
2. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein an upwardly
extending stationary shell is positioned below and in coaxial
relationship with said disc, said shell having a diameter less than
that of said disc so that said shell is spaced radially inwardly
from the circumferential peripheral edge of said disc, and said
shell having an opening therein adjacent the working station for
affording access to the interior thereof, and at least one storage
shelf rotatably mounted within said shell so that it can be rotated
for affording access to its surface through the opening in said
shell.
3. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said disc has a
vertical thickness which is a multiple of the vertical thickness of
said heating element contained therein, and at least a portion of
said disc having drawer-like recesses formed therein about its
circumferential periphery, and displaceable covers mounted in said
disc for closing said recesses and said recesses arranged to
contain kitchen appliances and the like.
4. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a lifting
mechanism associated with each of said first and second support
members and secured to the one of said inserts associated with said
support member for raising and lowering said insert.
5. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 4, wherein each of said
first and second support members is a tubular member arranged to
extend upwardly to the ceiling of the room in which said kitchen
unit is located.
6. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein heat insulating
material at least laterally encloses said second tank, a cover for
said tank, said cover including heat insulation, and refrigerating
means associated with said second tank for providing refrigerated
conditions within said second tank.
7. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that
in the retracted position of said third insert within said casing
the lower surface of said third insert is substantially flush with
the lower edge of said casing and forms a closure therefor, the
lower surface of said insert within said casing having an annular
recess disposed about said second support member and arranged to
receive a lighting fixture.
8. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the side of
said table member on the side opposite the working station is
rectilinear and the side of said table member extending along the
working station is curved inwardly toward the oppositely disposed
rectilinear side.
9. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 6, wherein said table
member extending about the refrigerated said second tank comprises
a cantilevered section extending radially outwardly from at least a
portion of the circumferential peripheral edge at the upper end of
said tank.
10. A kitchen unit, as set forth in claim 8, wherein a control desk
for automatically operating the applicances and lift mechanisms in
the kitchen unit is supported on and extends upwardly above the
opposite side of said table member from the working station.
Description
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a space saving kitchen unit
and, more particularly, it is concerned with a compact storage
arrangement of kitchen appliances, equipment and shelves with means
for positioning the various elements for easy access from a working
station positioned adjacent the storage arrangement.
Modern kitchens include cabinets for food, dishes and the like,
built-in appliances located at below or above table top height,
working surfaces, a sink, a cooking range, storage means for
various small appliances and equipment and a counter or table space
serving as a dining area. Alternatively, the dining area may be
spaced from the kitchen and accessible by means of a pass-through.
In addition to the various elements positioned along the wall of
the kitchen, other units are freely mounted within it, such as
so-called food centers. Since a housewife has to walk considerable
distances between the various kitchen appliances the cabinets and
must bend down or stretch above her head to reach various locations
within the kitchen, attempts have been made to utilize simple
elevators or other rotating or traversing devices to reduce and
simplify the normal kitchen operations. By combining related
kitchen areas and appliances and providing a mechanical feed of
various shelves, inserts and the like to a centrally arranged
position, it is possible for the housewife to remain in one
position so that the amount of walking is reduced and bending or
stretching is avoided. However, to date the solutions suggested to
such problems have not bee completely satisfactory.
After reviewing the various kitchen arrangements presently
available, it has been noted that a considerable amount of time is
involved in normal kitchen work and that other household work also
makes a considerable physical demand on the housewife. Accordingly,
it is the primary object of the present invention to reduce and
simplify the work involved in kitchen operations so that a
housewife can enjoy some relaxation from the considerable walking
and tiresome standing previously experienced in kitchen work.
Another object of the invention is to arrange the various kitchen
appliances, equipment and storage shelves in a compact arrangement
in which they can be presented at a single working station when
needed and can be displaced into space saving locations or
positions when not in use.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, a table member
providing a support surface is arranged to provide a centrally
located working station with the working surface extending
laterally on both sides from the working station. At one end of the
support surface a horizontally arranged rotatable disc is mounted
and incorporates heating elements for cooking, a sink and other
appliances necessary in kitchen operations. Additionally, shelves
or inserts can be built into the table member or into casings
spaced upwardly above the table member so that they can be raised
or lowered into position for access from the working station
without requiring that a housewife make any unnecessary and tiring
stooping or stretching movements. In this kitchen arrangement, all
of the normal kitchen operations can be performed at the centrally
located working station in which a spacious working surface is
provided. Further, by rotating the disc various kitchen appliances
and equipment, such as the cooking range, sink and garbage disposal
container can be positioned for use from the working station.
Further, with the shelves and inserts vertically displaceable into
positions available from the working station, food stuffs including
refrigerated food and beverages, and dishes and other kitchen
equipment can be easily reached without moving from the working
station.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and
forming a part of the specification.
For a better understanding of the invention, its operating
advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference
should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter
in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially in section, of a kitchen
unit embodying the present invention and shown along the line I--I
in FIG. 2;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the kitchen unit with the parts indicated
in the upper portion of FIG. 1 omitted;
FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line III--III of
FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one portion of the kitchen unit
illustrated in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIGS. 1 and 2, a kitchen unit is shown arranged relative to a
central working station 1 and the unit includes a table member 2
providing a working space immediately in front of the working
station 1 and with a horizontally arranged rotatable disc
positioned at the left hand end of the table member 2 as it is
faced in the working station 1. Fitted into the rotatable disc 3
are a plurality of heating elements 4 used for cooking. The left
hand end of the table member 2, as viewed in FIG. 2, has a concave
arcuate edge which adjoins the circumferential periphery of the
rotatable disc 3. The arcuate edge 6 of the table member 2 extends
along the disc for approximately a quarter of its circumference and
a small gap is provided between the table edge and disc. As
indicated in FIG. 1, the upper surface of the disc 3 and the table
top level of the table member 2 are in the same horizontal
plane.
Below the disc 3 a stationary shell 7 is located having a smaller
diameter than the disc so that its outer surface is spaced radially
inwardly from the outer edge of the disc. Within the shell a
plurality of vertically spaced shelves are arranged, connected to
the disc so that they can rotate with it. A base 9, resting on the
floor of the kitchen, supports the shell 7 and is arranged to
contain any equipment required for the rotation of the disc and
shelves and for the operation of the various applicances and
equipment fitted into the disc. In the portion of the shell located
opposite the working station 1, an opening 10 is provided so that
access to the shelves within the shell can be gained from the
working station. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a circumferentially
extending wall portion 11 is provided along the outer periphery of
the shelves 8 and is spaced closely inwardly from the stationary
shell 7. The wall portion 11 can be rigidly connected to the disc
or to the shell and it has a circumferential dimension which is
equal to or greater than the corresponding dimension of the opening
10 formed in the shell. In cooperation with the lower surface of
the disc and the shell, the wall portion 11 defines the radially
outer surface of a closed chamber 12. In the disc 3 a slot or
opening 14 is provided in alignment above a portion of the chamber
12 and the slot is provided with flaps 13 which normally afford a
closure for the slot. Kitchen waste material can be deposited into
the slot and for this purpose a refuse container, such as a paper
bag or the like, is suspended in the chamber 12 so that it is
accessible by displacing the flaps 13 in the slot 14. To afford
entry into the chamber 12 a closeable opening is provided in the
wall portion 11 defining the radially outer surface of the chamber
12, which opening is accessible through the opening 10 in the shell
7.
In the upper surface of the disc 3, spaced adjacent to and
angularly from the slot 14, is a sink 15 formed by a bowl-like
depression. The depression forming the sink is located in the disc
above the chamber 12. A hot and cold water tap system 17 is
associated with the sink 15. The shelves 8 positioned within the
shell 7 are vertically spaced apart and are subdivided by radially
extending partitions into individual sector-shaped compartments.
Disc 3 has a thickness or depth which is a multiple of the depth of
the heating elements 4 so that at least a portion of its
circumferential periphery includes drawer-like recesses 16 which
are closeable by slidable or similarly moveable covers. As
displayed in FIG. 4, the recesses 16 are arranged to receive
various kitchen appliances, such as toasters, bread slicing
machines and the like.
Since the disc is rotatable about its vertical axis, preferably
through 360.degree., the electrical and mechanical installations
required, such as for the sink and the heating elements, can be
relatively easily incorporated into the structure below the disc.
The enclosed chamber 12 separates the remainder of the shelves from
the water supply and discharge connections to the sink and from the
garbage or refuse container. The subdivision of the shelves 8 into
sector-shaped compartments afford a functional correlation of these
storage areas with the working areas provided on the disc 3. The
disc 3 and the shelves 8 are positioned relative to the working
station 1 so that a person sitting in that location can reach any
desired point on the discs or shelves by rotating the disc to the
proper position. The diameter of the disc is about 120 cm.
As indicated in the drawing, the disc 3 has a centrally arranged
circular opening 18 which forms the opening to a vat-shaped tank 19
which provides the container for a dishwashing machine. As
indicated in FIG. 1, the tank 19 contains spray nozzles and
distributor tubes for use in washing dishes and other kitchen
utensils. Arranged within the tank is an insert 21 consisting of
several vertically arranged baskets into which the dishes to be
cleaned are inserted. In addition, the insert includes a cover for
closing the opening 18 through the disc 3 into the tank. For
gaining access to the baskets forming the insert 21, a tubular
shaped vertically extending column 20 is centrally provided within
the tank and extends upwardly above the upper surface of the disc,
preferably to the ceiling of the room within which the kitchen unit
is located. Preferably, the column 20 is hollow and contains
lifting mechanisms, such as lifting cables, spindles and the like
which are connected to the insert for raising it upwardly out of
the tank so that it is accessible from the working station 1. The
insert mounted on the column is arranged so that the baskets can be
rotated about the column.
Spaced upwardly above the disc 3, about the support column 20, is a
casing 23 symmetrically arranged about the vertical axis of the
column. The casing is closed at its lateral and upper surfaces but
is opened at its lower surface so that shelves 24 mounted on the
column 20 can be lowered into a position accessible from the
working station. It will be appreciated, as is the case with the
insert 21 in the dishwasher, that the shelves 24 are rotatable
about the vertical axis of the column. The vertical spacing between
the bottom of the casing 23 and the upper surface of the disc 3 is
sufficient for raising the insert 21 completely out of the tank and
for lowering the shelves 24 downwardly out of the casing so that
they can be reached from the working station. Switching mechanisms
and circuits are provided for the operation of the lifting devices
so that when one lifting device is operable the other is locked and
it is not possible to operate both lifting devices simultaneously.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lower shelf 24 within the casing 23 is
recessed upwardly about the column for providing an annular-shaped
recess for a lighting fixture 25.
Though the column 20 is shown centrally arranged within the tank 19
and the casing 23, it would also be possible to position the column
laterally of the tank. In place of an automatic dishwasher, a
refrigerator or a shelf unit could be positioned within the space
inwardly from the shelves 8. Any of the inserts or shelves used in
such devices would be rotatably or swingably mounted for easy
access from the working station.
At the opposite end of the table member 2 from the disc 3, that is
as viewed from the working station 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2, a circular
opening 26 is provided through the table member and vat-shaped tank
27 is arranged within the opening and extends downwardly and is
supported from the floor of the room. The tank 27 contains a
vertically displaceable insert 28 formed of a plurality of shelves
located within the tank and a cover secured to the insert and
forming its upper end so that it provides a closure for the opening
into the tank. The periphery of the tank is heat insulated and it
is equipped with refrigerating equipment so that the tank can be
used as both a refrigerator and a freezer. The interior of the tank
is divided into an upper compartment which forms a normal
refrigerator space, an intermediate compartment separated from the
upper compartment by heat insulating material which forms a freezer
space and a bottom compartment separated from the freezer space
which acts as a compartment for the refrigerator equipment and also
for lifting equipment used in raising and lowering the insert 28
and cover 29. For the vertical displacement of the insert and
cover, a support column 31 is disposed centrally within the tank
and extends upwardly to and is secured to the ceiling of the room
containing the kitchen unit. Spaced upwardly above the
refrigerator, about the support column 31, is a storage shelf unit
similar to the one illustrated about the column 20 above the disc
3. In the upper surface of the table member 2 a plurality of
circular openings 32 are arranged, note FIG. 2, which are in
communication with the interior of the refrigerator tank 27 and are
arranged to receive bottles or the like. As can be seen in FIGS. 1
and 2, the table member 2 extends laterally outwardly from the
circumferential periphery of the tank 27 so that a cantilevered
support surface is provided about the tank. While the backside of
the table member 2, that is the side opposite the working station
1, has a straight line configuration, the side adjacent the working
station has an inwardly curved configuration between the disc 3 and
the refrigerator tank 27 so that a chair can be placed in this
position permitting a person to be seated at the table and to reach
the appliances located in the disc and the food located in the
refrigerator tank when the disc is rotated and the insert within
the tank is raised above the upper surface of the table member.
Mounted on the opposite side of the table member 2 from the working
station 1 is a console or control desk 33 which contains the
various switching, control and regulating devices for operating the
kitchen unit.
The kitchen unit described above and illustrated in the drawings,
enables a person sitting or standing at the working station 1 to
position the various kitchen appliances and equipment automatically
so that they can be easily reached from the working station. The
control desk 33 is arranged at eye level of a person seated in the
working station. A recipe window can be arranged in the control
desk with additional means provided for operating the various
kitchen devices and for regulating the room illumination.
Since the various small kitchen appliances are stored away in the
disc 3 when not in used and, therefore, do not hinder or obstruct
the working space adjacent the working station, refrigerated foods,
other foods and dishes located in the vertically displaceable
shelves or inserts can be immediately removed from the surface of
the table member and the surface can be cleared and cleaned up in a
very brief period of time. Furthermore, kitchen odors can be
eliminated by means of a filter incorporated into the kitchen unit,
such as in one of the storage shelf units. The compact character
and efficient design of the kitchen unit provides a desirable
replacement for conventional kitchen arrangements. Further, it is
logical to include a dining table with the kitchen unit
arrangement. With the addition of a dining table, a considerable
saving in space is obtained since no additional space for a
separate table is required and the kitchen unit can be incorporated
directly into the living area. Further, the housewife can serve
food from her position at the working station since all of the
necessary appliances, dishes and the like are readily available to
her. The portion 34 of the table member 2 extending in a
cantilevered manner outwardly from the refrigerator unit can be
used as an eating surface and chairs 35 can be arranged about this
portion. To facilitate serving from the working station to the
chairs distributed along the portion 34 of the table member 2, a
rotatable plate 36, in the manner of a lazy susan, is located about
the column 31 spaced just above the cover 29 of the refrigerator
unit.
The object of the present invention is not to set forth a specific
form of a kitchen unit but to indicate a general arrangement of a
table member and kitchen appliances and shelves for food and the
like which can be quickly positioned at a location alongside a
single working station so that they are within easy reach of a
person seated at the working station. Preferably, a swivel chair
would be used at the working station to simplify access to the
units located at the opposite ends of the table member. While the
vertically displaceable shelves and inserts provide a particular
advantageous solution to the problem of an efficient and compact
kitchen unit, conveyor belts could also be used to obtain a similar
effect.
In view of the configuration of the table member at the working
station and the arrangement of the disc 3 and the other vertically
displaceable shelves and inserts, any part of the kitchen unit can
be easily reached in a slight swivel movement by a person of normal
height seated at the working station. Additional storage space,
such as for flatware, can be arranged in the sides of the table
member. The top surface of the control desk 33 can be extended away
from the table member, as shown in FIG. 2, so that it acts as a
serving table or as a bar. Bar stools 36a are shown in FIG. 2
positioned adjacent the control desk.
While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and
described in detail to illustrate the application of the inventive
principles, it will be understood that the invention may be
embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.
* * * * *