Multifunctional kitchen countertop for pans and pots with foldable support legs and stackable serving configuration

Abstract

Multifunctional kitchen worktop for use as a cutting board, work platform over cooking vessels and as a stackable serving system, comprising a board and several foldable or insertable support legs, wherein the board has fitting holes for receiving the support legs and the support legs can be folded in a first position, unfolded in a second position and used in a third position facing upwards for stacking.

Description

1. Purpose of the invention The invention provides a versatile kitchen worktop that can be used as a cutting board, a work platform over cooking vessels (pans and pots), and a stackable serving system. The aim is to reduce walking distances, mess, and space requirements in modern kitchens. 2. Technical problem Conventional cutting boards offer only a single function and cannot be positioned stably over cooking vessels. Serving platters and tiered stands are separate products, require additional storage space, and cannot be combined modularly. A system that combines cutting, cooking, and serving in a single, space-saving product is lacking. 3. Technical field The invention belongs to the field of kitchen utensils, in particular multifunctional cutting and serving platters, modular kitchen aids and accessories for cooking vessels. 4. Object of the invention Provision of a kitchen countertop that: • can be stably positioned over pans and pots, • has foldable or pluggable support legs, • is stackable and serves as a tiered system, • can be used both functionally and decoratively, • remains stable without additional holding mechanisms. 5. Solution to the task The task is solved by a kitchen worktop with: • foldable or plug-in support legs, • defined fitting holes for precise leg placement, • geometry that allows the legs to be inserted through pot handles, • optional adapter for pan handles, • the possibility of stacking multiple worktops on top of each other. 6. Solution approach of the invention The invention utilizes existing structures (pot handles) as natural boundaries and fixings. The support legs are guided through locating holes and can be locked at various angles. By turning the plate over, the legs point upwards and serve as connecting elements for a second plate → stackable serving configuration. 7. Components 7.1 Mechanical Module • Kitchen worktop (wood, bamboo, plastic, composite) • Folding support legs (hinge or plug-in mechanism) • Pre-drilled holes for leg mounting • Adapters for pan handles (U-profile with guide slots) • Non-slip feet or end caps 7.2 Electrical Module Not present. The invention is purely mechanical. 8. Functionality and advantages • Use as a classic chopping board (legs folded in). • Positioning over pans and pots (legs unfolded). • Direct transfer of chopped food into the cooking vessel. • Use as a serving platter or decorative element. • Stackable tiered configuration by turning the plate over. • Space-saving, modular, easy to clean. • No additional clamps, screws, or magnets required. 9. Compatibility with standard products • Suitable for standard pots with side handles. • Suitable for pans with standard handles using an adapter. • Stackable with identical or differently sized plates. • Compatible with common kitchen materials and dishwashers (depending on the material). 10. Summary of the advantages • 3-in-1 product: cutting, cooking, serving. • Modular and expandable. • Mechanically stable without additional parts. • Decorative and functional. • Saves space and reduces kitchen clutter. • Universally applicable for pans and pots. 11. State of the art and comparison Known products include: • Cutting boards without support legs. • Serving trays with fixed or folding legs. • Tiered serving trays without a cutting function. • Folding plastic boards (e.g., Joseph Joseph), but without support legs and without an insert over cooking vessels. None of these products combines: • foldable support legs, • use over cooking vessels, • fitting holes, • stackable serving configuration. 12. Comparison to the state of the art The invention differs in that: • multifunctional use, • mechanical fixing via pot handles, • stackable configuration, • foldable legs with multiple functions, • universal applicability. 13. Degree of innovation The combination of cutting board, cooking platform, and tiered serving system is innovative. The use of existing pot handles as fixing elements is technically elegant and unprecedented. The modular stackability represents an additional decorative and functional innovation. 14. Ergonomic and sustainable features • One-handed operation possible. • Reduced space requirement. • Reusable, durable materials. • Minimizes kitchen waste and cleaning effort. • Ergonomic working height above cooking utensils.

Claims

Multifunctional kitchen worktop for use as a cutting board, work platform over cooking vessels and as a stackable serving system, comprising a board and several foldable or insertable support legs, wherein the board has fitting holes for receiving the support legs and the support legs can be folded in a first position, unfolded in a second position and used in a third position facing upwards for stacking. Kitchen worktop according to claim 1, characterized in that the support legs are arranged in such a way that they can be guided through the side handles of commercially available pots and thereby cause a lateral fixation of the worktop over the cooking vessel. Kitchen worktop according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support legs are connected to the worktop via hinges and can be locked at defined angles. Kitchen worktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fitting bores are designed in such a way as to enable a positive locking guidance of the support legs and prevent lateral movements of the worktop. Kitchen worktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adapter for attachment to a pan handle is provided, which has guide slots or receptacles for the support legs, so that the worktop can be positioned stably over a pan. Kitchen countertop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several identical or differently sized countertops can be stacked over the upwardly directed support legs and thereby form a multi-tiered serving configuration. Kitchen worktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support legs are provided with non-slip end caps to enable stable positioning on smooth surfaces. Kitchen worktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the worktop is made of wood, bamboo, plastic or a composite material and the support legs are made of metal or high-strength plastic. Kitchen worktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support legs lie completely within the outer contour of the board in the folded position and the board can therefore be used as a conventional cutting board. Kitchen worktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support legs in the upward-facing position serve as connecting elements between two boards and enable a form-fitting stacking.

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