Cooking equipment support structure

Abstract

A cooking equipment support structure (100), shaped like a cuboid, includes a front side (102), rear side (106), opposite lateral sides (104), top side (110), and bottom side (108). The support structure (100) comprises a bottom frame (302) and opposite lateral panels (114), which are connected by fasteners to a transverse crossmember (316) extending across the front side (102). The fasteners are not present on any exterior surface of the lateral panels (114).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking equipment support structure for supporting a cooking equipment.

[0002] Cooking equipment, particularly for commercial kitchens, is often mounted on a support structure. The support structure supports the cooking equipment, for example a fry top (grill), a kettle, or a braising pan. The support structure may be designed to be modular or attachable to other support structures to form a range (line) of cooking equipment. The support structure is typically made of stainless steel and includes a frame and panels that are either welded or screwed together.

[0003] Welded support structures are particularly robust, but the components of the support structure are permanently joined together, which may make maintenance and / or cleaning more difficult.

[0004] Screwed support structures, such as that shown in FIG. 2, permit components to be removed but have a less robust structure than welded support structures and the screws and screw holes may be difficult to clean to maintain hygiene.

[0005] Screwing is cheaper and faster than welding during assembly and allows parts to be more easily removed for maintenance and other reasons.

[0006] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a cooking equipment support structure for supporting a cooking equipment. In examples, the cooking equipment may be an oven, a fry top (grill), a braising pan, a kettle, a hob, or the like.

[0007] The cooking equipment support structure has a cuboid shape with a front side, a rear side, opposite lateral sides, a top side and a bottom side, the cooking equipment support structure comprising a bottom frame and opposite lateral panels forming the opposite lateral sides of the cooking equipment support structure. Advantageously, this allows the cooking equipment support structure to fit within a range (line) of cooking equipment in a kitchen (particularly a commercial kitchen), or to be provided as a standalone unit.

[0008] The bottom frame comprises a transverse crossmember extending across the front side and to which the opposite lateral panels are connected by fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts), and wherein the opposite lateral panels and the transverse crossmember are configured such that the fasteners are not present on any exterior surface of the lateral panels.

[0009] In examples, the bottom frame comprises two substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) opposite transverse crossmembers extending transversally between the two lateral panels, and the fasteners of the bottom frame comprise crossmember fasteners, each of the two lateral panels being secured together with said crossmember fasteners to each of said transverse crossmembers.

[0010] In examples, the or each transverse crossmember is U-shaped. In examples, the or each transverse crossmember comprises a box structure. In examples, the box structure has two opposite side walls extending substantially parallel to the lateral panels. In examples, the box structure of the transverse crossmember forms a central cavity. In examples, the box structure of the transverse crossmember has extending top surfaces extending to the sides of said cavity. In examples, the extending top surfaces form recesses below them.

[0011] In examples, the crossmember fasteners are hidden in said cavities and / or recesses.

[0012] In examples, the or each of the transverse crossmember is U-shaped and forms a central cavity, and has extending top surfaces extending to the sides of said cavity and forming recesses below them, the crossmember fasteners being hidden in said cavities and / or recesses.

[0013] In examples, the crossmember fasteners secure the transverse crossmembers to the lateral panels while being disposed in the recesses.

[0014] In examples, the box structure of the transverse crossmember comprises two opposite side walls extending substantially parallel to the lateral panels, and the opposite lateral panels each comprise a lateral backfolded portion that is aligned with one of said side walls and is fastened thereto.

[0015] In examples, the lateral backfolded portion comprises a front portion aligning with the front side of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0016] In examples, the lateral backfolded portion comprises an interior portion screwed to the side walls of the box structure.

[0017] In examples, each of the lateral panels has a lateral backfolded portion comprising a fastener-less front portion and an interior portion.

[0018] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure comprises a pair of vertical frame members extending substantially parallelly to the lateral panels.

[0019] In examples, crossmember fasteners secure together the transverse crossmembers to said vertical frame members and / or to lateral panels.

[0020] In examples, the vertical frame members are fastened to ends of the transverse crossmember.

[0021] In examples, the interior portion of a vertical frame member is partially inserted between a lateral panel and a side wall of a transverse crossmembers.

[0022] In examples, the fasteners of the bottom frame further comprise lateral fasteners securing the vertical frame members to the interior portion while being hidden from the exterior of the lateral panel behind the interior portion.

[0023] In examples, the lateral panel, the side wall and the interior portion are fastened together with one or more crossmember fasteners.

[0024] In examples, at least one of the lateral fasteners fastens only and directly together the interior portion of a lateral backfolded portion with a vertical frame member.

[0025] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure further comprises a base panel extending substantially perpendicularly to the lateral panels.

[0026] In examples, the base panel is releasably mounted on the bottom frame.

[0027] In examples, no fastener directly secures together the base panel to the bottom frame.

[0028] In examples, the base panel is releasably mounted on the extending top surfaces of the transverse crossmember.

[0029] In examples, the base panel extends towards the rear side of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0030] In examples, the base panel comprises a base backfolded portion adapted to surround the transverse crossmember of the bottom frame at a front thereof.

[0031] In examples, the base panel comprises a base backfolded portion adapted to surround the transverse crossmember of the bottom frame at a front thereof, and to extend towards the rear side of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0032] In examples, the base backfolded portion covers the recesses and hides the crossmember fasteners from the exterior of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0033] In examples, the lateral bottom front portion and the base backfolded portion are fastener-less and form a flush-fit.

[0034] In examples, the hook portion is configured to align with a bottom of the lateral panel and / or with a crossmember base.

[0035] In examples, the base panel comprises a base plate portion which is on top of the transverse crossmember and which is integral with the frontal base backfolded portion, and the frontal base backfolded portion extends over a front of the transverse crossmember to cover the front thereof so as to hide underneath any crossmember fastener fastening said transverse crossmember to the lateral panels.

[0036] In examples, the base panel further comprises a hook portion extending towards the rear side of the cooking equipment support structure and partially under a bottom of the transverse crossmember.

[0037] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure further comprises a corner cover adapted to be positioned over an abutment of the base panel and a vertically-extending part of the cooking equipment support structure, for example over an abutment of the base panel and a vertical frame member.

[0038] In examples, the corner cover is fastened to the vertically-extending part to hold the base panel in position.

[0039] In examples, the corner cover is fastened to one of the vertical frame members.

[0040] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure has several corner covers on different corners between the transverse crossmembers and the lateral panels.

[0041] In examples, the corner cover is abutting a top of the base plate portion to secure the base panel.

[0042] In examples, the fastening of the corner cover onto the vertically-extending part (e.g., the vertical frame member) is made with a corner fastener positioned on a rearward side of the vertical frame member.

[0043] In examples, the or each transverse crossmember further has at least one tab formed by a part of said side wall going through a tab hole through one of the extending surfaces.

[0044] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure further has feet to carry the cooking equipment support structure, and feet fasteners, said feet being secured to the transverse crossmember by the feet fasteners.

[0045] In examples, the or each of the cavities includes a crossmember base and the feet fasteners are inserted in the cavity and secured together through a crossmember base.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a cooking equipment support structure for supporting a cooking equipment, the cooking equipment support structure having a cuboid shape with a front side, a rear side, opposite lateral sides, a top side and a bottom side, the cooking equipment support structure comprising a bottom frame and opposite lateral panels forming the opposite lateral sides of the cooking equipment support structure, and a base panel extending across a top of the bottom frame to define an internal surface of the cooking equipment support structure. The bottom frame includes one or more transverse crossmembers extending between the opposite lateral sides of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0047] The base panel is not directly fastened to any other part of the cooking equipment support structure. In particular, the base panel is not directly fastened to the bottom frame or to any vertically-extending part of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0048] In examples, the base panel is clamped to the bottom frame and / or to one or more vertically-extending parts of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0049] In examples, the base panel comprises a base plate portion that extends substantially horizontally across the bottom frame, and a base backfolded portion that extends non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular) to the base plate portion across a front side of one of the transverse crossmembers. In particular, one transverse crossmember may be located at a front side of the bottom frame, and the base backfolded portion may extend across a front of the transverse crossmember to define a front surface of the bottom frame / cooking equipment support structure.

[0050] In examples, a hook portion extends from the base backfolded portion underneath the transverse crossmember, to hold the base panel in position. The hook portion may form a tight fit with the transverse crossmember to provide fastening of the base panel.

[0051] In examples, a corner cover may be provided at an abutment of the base panel and a vertically-extending part on a lateral side of the cooking equipment support structure, for example at an abutment of the base panel and a vertical frame member. The corner cover may clamp the base panel against the bottom frame, in particular the transverse crossmember. The corner cover may be fastened to the vertically-extending part (e.g., the vertical frame member). The corner cover may be fastened to the vertically-extending part (e.g., the vertical frame member) by a fastener on a rear side of the vertically-extending part (a side facing rearwards). In this way, the base panel is not directly fastened to any other part of the cooking equipment support structure, but is hooked and / or clamped to the bottom frame, holding it in position but allowing it to be removed and without any fasteners on an external surface, maintaining a flat surface that can be easily cleaned.

[0052] Other aspects of the cooking equipment support structures described above may be combined with the cooking equipment support structure.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] Examples of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates the machine construction of the subject matter from a front view in perspective. FIG. 2 illustrates a machine construction of the prior art, without front panel and without bottom plate, and from a front view in perspective. FIG. 3 illustrates the machine construction of the subject matter, without front panel, and from a front view in perspective. FIG. 4 illustrates the machine construction of the subject matter, in a bottom view. FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 illustrate another perspective view of the machine construction of the subject matter, with and without bottom plate. FIG. 6 illustrates the corner cover from a rear point-of-view. FIG. 8 illustrates the recesses and the cavity of the bottom transverse crossbar. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate another bottom perspective view of the machine construction of the subject matter, with and without bottom plate. FIG. 11 illustrates the hidden front or rear transversal crossbar screws from an horizontal cut view. FIG. 12 illustrates the hidden lateral screws from an horizontal cut view. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 illustrate the tab from a perspective point of view and from a cross-section view.

[0054] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0055] The term "fastener" is used to indistinctly designate any releasable fixing element, or a part of it, for example a screw, a bolt, a nut or the like.Detailed description

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates the cooking equipment support structure 100 of the subject matter. The cooking equipment support structure 100 is for supporting a cooking equipment. The cooking equipment may include a fry top (i.e., a grill or griddle), a braising pan, an electric fryer, a kettle, a gas fryer module, an induction plate, a hob, or other cooking equipment. The cooking equipment support structure 100 is adapted to support the cooking equipment on the floor, and is particularly adapted for use in commercial kitchens. The cooking equipment support structure 100 may form a part of a cooking line in a commercial kitchen.

[0057] The cooking equipment support structure 100 comprises feet 116, and has a cuboid shape. In particular, the cooking equipment support structure 100 has a front side 102, two opposite lateral sides 104, a rear side 106 opposed to the front side 102, a bottom side 108, and a top side 110.

[0058] To define these positions, the cooking equipment support structure 100 must be considered as positioned on its feet 116 on the ground in its conventional positioning, allowing a functional use. The cooking equipment support structure 100 has for example four feet 116. The feet 116 can be adjustable in height to adjust the height of the cooking equipment support structure 100. In particular, the feet 116 support the cooking equipment support structure 100 on the floor, and the front side 102 faces into the kitchen space when installed. The rear side 106 would typically be placed against a wall of the kitchen. The top side 110 is typically where the cooking equipment is provided.

[0059] The front side 102 may include a front control panel 112 which provides a human-height interface for controlling the cooking equipment.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the cooking equipment support structure 100 has a middle vertical plane of symmetry, so that the lateral sides 104 are mirroring each other.

[0061] The front side 102 and the rear side 106 are different, amongst other things because the front side 102 aims to have the front control panel 112 and a front panel 118 that may comprise a door that allows the user to open the cooking equipment support structure 100 and access to an internal space.

[0062] The front control panel 112 hides fasteners (e.g., screws) of the cooking equipment support structure 100 that are located behind the front control panel 112. The hidden location of these fasteners provides an outer profile that is flat and easy to clean.

[0063] As illustrated, each of the lateral sides 104 comprises a lateral panel 114. The two opposite lateral panels 114 are flat surfaces forming the opposite lateral sides 104 of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a cooking equipment support structure 200 for a cooking equipment, according to the prior art.

[0065] It comprises a bottom structure 212 with feet 202 for supporting the bottom structure 212 and the cooking equipment support structure 200.

[0066] It further comprises two opposite lateral panels 204 extending substantially perpendicularly from its front side 216.

[0067] The cooking equipment support structure 200 differs from the cooking equipment support structure 100 of the invention as it comprises several lateral bottom screws 206 securing the lateral panels 204 to the bottom structure 212, and the lateral bottom screws 206 are visible on the exterior of the lateral panels 204. In particular, as shown, the heads of the lateral bottom screws 206 are on an external part of the lateral panels 204. This may make it difficult to clean the cooking equipment support structure 200 to maintain hygiene.

[0068] The main structure of the bottom structure 212 of the cooking equipment support structure 200 is two bottom reinforcing crossmembers 210 extending along the lateral sides 214, inside the lateral panels 204. A bottom transverse crossmember 208 extends between the bottom reinforcing crossmembers 210 at the front side 216.

[0069] The bottom structure 212 is configured to carry a flat bottom panel (not illustrated) which is placed horizontally on said bottom structure 212, in order to form a base and a bottom shelf of the cooking equipment support structure 200. The bottom panel is screwed to the bottom structure 212 by lateral bottom screws 206 in the bottom transverse crossmember 208, as illustrated.

[0070] This provides a robust structure but the lateral bottom screws 206 make it difficult to remove parts and the bottom panel and lateral bottom screws 206 themselves may be difficult to clean.

[0071] Other prior art cooking equipment support structures have a similar structure but with welded joints between the different components instead of the screw. This improves the hygiene of the structure but makes it impossible to remove components, for example for maintenance.

[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates the cooking equipment support structure 100 of the invention, with a base plate portion 310 in position, and with the front panel 118 and the front control panel 112 removed.

[0073] The cooking equipment support structure 100 comprises a bottom frame 302, with a transverse crossmember 316 extending across the front side 102 and to which the opposite lateral panels 114 are connected by screws.

[0074] The transverse crossmember 316 can be duplicated on the rear side 106 of the cooking equipment support structure 100 for the same structural purpose regarding the rear side 106 and especially a rear panel 300 of the rear side 106.

[0075] The rear panel 300 is not considered as a visible part of the cooking equipment support structure 100, as it aims to be placed against a wall like a kitchen wall.

[0076] Unlike in the cooking equipment support structure 200 of FIG. 2, the fasteners attaching the lateral panels 114 to the bottom frame 302 are not visible from the exterior.

[0077] The cooking equipment support structure 100 can further comprise a base panel 308 extending substantially perpendicularly to the lateral panels 114.

[0078] The base panel 308 has a base plate portion 310 which is surrounded by a lateral flat flange 306 which is in contact with the lateral panels 114.

[0079] The base panel 308 provides a shelf of the cooking equipment support structure 100, and the base panel 308 may be removable for maintenance and / or cleaning.

[0080] The base panel 308 comprises a base backfolded portion 312 adapted to at least partially cover the transverse crossmember 316 of the bottom frame 302. More specifically, the base backfolded portion 312 surrounds the transverse crossmember 316 of the bottom frame 302 on the front side 102 when the base panel 308 is positioned on the transverse crossmember 316.

[0081] The base backfolded portion 312 is adapted to cover a front of the transverse crossmember 316, and the base plate portion 310 extends from the base backfolded portion 312 towards the rear side 106 of the cooking equipment support structure 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the base backfolded portion 312 may include a hook portion 326 that returns underneath the transverse crossmember 316. The hook portion 326 can help to hold the base panel 308 in position.

[0082] In this way, the base plate portion 310 is adapted to be on top of the transverse crossmember 316 and is held in place without any fasteners that directly join the base plate portion 310 to the bottom frame 302.

[0083] The opposite lateral panels 114 can also comprise a lateral backfolded portion 320 to hide screws and provide a flat front surface. The lateral backfolded portion 320 can comprise a front portion 322a and an interior portion 322b. The front portion 322a extends perpendicular to the side of the lateral panel 114 so it is parallel with the front side 102, and the interior portion 322b extends perpendicular to the front portion 322a so it is parallel with the lateral sides 104.

[0084] Advantageously, the front portion 322a aligns with the front side 102 of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0085] The interior portion 322b is behind the front side 102 of the cooking equipment support structure 100 and inside of the interior thereof, and is therefore protected from dirt from cooking with the cooking equipment. The interior portion 322b is fastened, in particular screwed, to side walls 718 of the transverse crossmember 316 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0086] The cooking equipment support structure 100 can further comprise a pair of vertical frame members 318. The vertical frame members 318 provide structural rigidity to the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0087] The vertical frame members 318 extend substantially parallel to the lateral panels 114, and are screwed to ends of the transverse crossmember 316 of the bottom frame 302.

[0088] In examples, the vertical frame members 318 extend upward to a top compartment 304 of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0089] For example, the top compartment 304 has another horizontal flat central panel 314, delimiting an upper compartment hidden by the front control panel 112, which may house a part of the cooking equipment or provide an additional shelf.

[0090] The cooking equipment support structure 100 can further comprise a corner cover 324, as visible in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and especially in FIG. 6.

[0091] The corner cover 324 is adapted to be positioned over an abutment of the base panel 308 and a vertically-extending part 318 of the cooking equipment support structure 100. The corner cover 324 is fastened (e.g., screwed) to the vertically-extending part 318 to hold the base panel 308 in position. For example, the corner cover 324 may be fastened (is screwed) to one of the vertical frame members 318 and abutting a top of the base plate portion 310 to secure the base panel 308. In particular, the corner cover 324 prevents the base panel 308 from being raised and may clamp the base panel 308 in position to prevent it sliding out.

[0092] As illustrated by FIG. 4, the cooking equipment support structure 100 has two transverse crossmembers 316 that are substantially parallel, one at the front side 102 and one at the rear side 106.

[0093] The base panel 308 extends from the transverse crossmembers 316 and along the bottom side 108.

[0094] The feet 116 are for example four feet 116 to carry the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0095] Each foot 116 is secured by feet fasteners 712 (FIG.7) to the transverse crossmembers 316.

[0096] The two lateral sides 104 are substantially parallel and vertical.

[0097] The cuboid shape can have a rectangular shape from a bottom view, as illustrated, but can also have a square shape.

[0098] FIG. 5 illustrates the cooking equipment support structure 100 wherein one of its lateral sides 104 and part of its front side 216 are not visible.

[0099] As illustrated, the corner cover 324 can be placed in abutment against the base plate portion 310 from one side, and against the vertical frame member 318 and the interior portion 322b on the other side.

[0100] The corner cover 324 has a L-shape form, and rounded corners.

[0101] FIG. 6 shows the cooking equipment support structure 100 from a rear point-of-view, without the rear panel 300.

[0102] As illustrated, the corner cover 324 is fastened to the vertical frame member 318 by a corner fastener 602 positioned on a rearward side 604 of the vertical frame member 318. The rearward side 604 is facing towards the rear side 106 of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0103] FIG. 7 shows the same as in FIG. 5, without the base panel 308 visible.

[0104] As illustrated the transverse crossmember 316 can comprise a box structure 702.

[0105] The box structure 702 has two opposite side walls 718 extending substantially parallel to the lateral panels 114, as illustrated by FIG. 8.

[0106] In examples, the side walls 718 are arranged so that the lateral backfolded portion 320 of the opposite lateral panels 114 aligns with said side walls 718 and is screwed thereto.

[0107] FIG. 7 also illustrates that the box structure 702 has a crossmember base 706 which is at the bottom of a recess 710 of the box structure 702.

[0108] In examples, the hook portion 326 mentioned with the description of FIG. 3 is configured to align with a bottom of the lateral panel 328 (see FIG. 9) and / or with the crossmember base 706.

[0109] As illustrated by the difference between the FIG. 5 having the base panel 308 visible and the FIG. 7 having the base panel 308 not visible, the base backfolded portion 312 extends over a front of the transverse crossmember 316 to cover the front thereof so as to hide any crossmember fasteners 714 fastening the transverse crossmember 316 to the lateral panels 114.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 8, the box structure 702 of the transverse crossmember 316 can have a central cavity 704 extending along the transverse crossmember 316.

[0111] In examples, the transverse crossmember 316 has an extending top surface 708 extending laterally, or two extending top surfaces 708, extending from the sides of the cavity 704.

[0112] In examples, the extending top surfaces 708 form recesses 710 in the box structure 702, below the extending top surfaces 708.

[0113] Then, the crossmember fasteners 714 are hidden in the cavities 704 and / or in the recesses 710, in addition to being under the base panel 308 when said base panel 308 is in its position on the bottom frame 302.

[0114] The feet fasteners 712 are also hidden inside of the box structure 702, especially they go through a crossmember base 706 and into the cavity 704.

[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 7 and in more detail in FIG. 12, the cooking equipment support structure 100 comprises a lateral fastener 716.

[0116] The lateral fastener 716 screws only and directly together the interior portion 322b of the lateral backfolded portion 320 with the vertical frame member 318.

[0117] FIG. 8 illustrates in more detail the box structure 702 of the transverse crossmember 316.

[0118] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the box structure 702 of the transverse crossmember 316 can further have a tab 802 formed by a part of the side wall 718. FIG. 13 shows the tab 802 in more detail. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the tab 802, and illustrates more details of the tab 802 and surroundings. For example, the tab 802 goes through a tab hole 804 through one of the extending top surfaces 708.

[0119] The tab 802 reinforces the connection of the transverse crossmember 316, via the extending top surface 708, and the side wall 718. The box structure 702 is preferably folded from metal sheet.

[0120] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate the transverse crossmember 316 from a front and bottom view, with and without the base panel 308 placed on the transverse crossmembers 316. In FIG. 9 the base panel 308 is shown, and in FIG. 10 the base panel 308 is hidden.

[0121] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrates the recesses 710 and how lateral fasteners 716 are hidden under the recesses 710.

[0122] These Figures also show how the feet 116 are screwed through feet fasteners 712 into the crossmember base 706.

[0123] Also illustrated is the hook portion 326 surrounding the transverse crossmember 316, and a front one of the recesses 710, while the base backfolded portion 312 of the base panel 308 aligns with the lateral backfolded portions 320 of the lateral panels 114.

[0124] The hook portion 326 can align with the crossmember base 706.

[0125] As illustrated by FIG. 11, the interior portion 322b of a vertical frame member 318 can be partially inserted between a lateral panel 114 and a side wall 718 of a transverse crossmember 316.

[0126] Then, the lateral panel 114, the side wall 718 and the interior portion 322b are fastened with a crossmember fastener 714, which secures all three together.

[0127] As illustrated by FIG. 12, the cooking equipment support structure 100 can comprise a lateral fastener 716 screwing only and directly together the interior portion 322b of a lateral backfolded portion 320 with a vertical frame member 318.

[0128] This increases the rigidity of the bottom frame 302 and avoids any visible screw on a lateral panel 114 or on a front side 102, especially on the front portion 322a of the lateral panel 114.

[0129] As illustrated by FIG. 14, the tab 802, at least one of the crossmember fasteners 714, and the lateral fasteners 716, can be aligned in a vertical plan.

[0130] These three elements secure together the lateral panel 114, via the interior portion 322b, the vertical frame member 318, and the side wall 718 of the transverse crossmember 316, which allows the bottom frame 302 to be disassembled by removing the fasteners. In addition, the base panel 308 can be snapped on and off thanks to the hook portion 326, while keeping the rigidity of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0131] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above detailed examples have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed examples described above are possible.

[0132] Through the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0133] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0134] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]FIG. 1 illustrates the cooking equipment support structure 100 of the subject matter. The cooking equipment support structure 100 is for supporting a cooking equipment. The cooking equipment may include a fry top (i.e., a grill or griddle), a braising pan, an electric fryer, a kettle, a gas fryer module, an induction plate, a hob, or other cooking equipment. The cooking equipment support structure 100 is adapted to support the cooking equipment on the floor, and is particularly adapted for use in commercial kitchens. The cooking equipment support structure 100 may form a part of a cooking line in a commercial kitchen.

[0057]The cooking equipment support structure 100 comprises feet 116, and has a cuboid shape. In particular, the cooking equipment support structure 100 has a front side 102, two opposite lateral sides 104, a rear side 106 opposed to the front side 102, a bottom side 108, and a top side 110.

[0058]To define these positions, the cooking equipment support structure 1...

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking equipment support structure for supporting a cooking equipment.

[0002] Cooking equipment, particularly for commercial kitchens, is often mounted on a support structure. The support structure supports the cooking equipment, for example a fry top (grill), a kettle, or a braising pan. The support structure may be designed to be modular or attachable to other support structures to form a range (line) of cooking equipment. The support structure is typically made of stainless steel and includes a frame and panels that are either welded or screwed together.

[0003] Welded support structures are particularly robust, but the components of the support structure are permanently joined together, which may make maintenance and / or cleaning more difficult.

[0004] Screwed support structures, such as that shown in FIG. 2, permit components to be removed but have a less robust structure than welded support structures and the screws and screw holes may be difficult to clean to maintain hygiene.

[0005] Screwing is cheaper and faster than welding during assembly and allows parts to be more easily removed for maintenance and other reasons.

[0006] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a cooking equipment support structure for supporting a cooking equipment. In examples, the cooking equipment may be an oven, a fry top (grill), a braising pan, a kettle, a hob, or the like.

[0007] The cooking equipment support structure has a cuboid shape with a front side, a rear side, opposite lateral sides, a top side and a bottom side, the cooking equipment support structure comprising a bottom frame and opposite lateral panels forming the opposite lateral sides of the cooking equipment support structure. Advantageously, this allows the cooking equipment support structure to fit within a range (line) of cooking equipment in a kitchen (particularly a commercial kitchen), or to be provided as a standalone unit.

[0008] The bottom frame comprises a transverse crossmember extending across the front side and to which the opposite lateral panels are connected by fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts), and wherein the opposite lateral panels and the transverse crossmember are configured such that the fasteners are not present on any exterior surface of the lateral panels.

[0009] In examples, the bottom frame comprises two substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) opposite transverse crossmembers extending transversally between the two lateral panels, and the fasteners of the bottom frame comprise crossmember fasteners, each of the two lateral panels being secured together with said crossmember fasteners to each of said transverse crossmembers.

[0010] In examples, the or each transverse crossmember is U-shaped. In examples, the or each transverse crossmember comprises a box structure. In examples, the box structure has two opposite side walls extending substantially parallel to the lateral panels. In examples, the box structure of the transverse crossmember forms a central cavity. In examples, the box structure of the transverse crossmember has extending top surfaces extending to the sides of said cavity. In examples, the extending top surfaces form recesses below them.

[0011] In examples, the crossmember fasteners are hidden in said cavities and / or recesses.

[0012] In examples, the or each of the transverse crossmember is U-shaped and forms a central cavity, and has extending top surfaces extending to the sides of said cavity and forming recesses below them, the crossmember fasteners being hidden in said cavities and / or recesses.

[0013] In examples, the crossmember fasteners secure the transverse crossmembers to the lateral panels while being disposed in the recesses.

[0014] In examples, the box structure of the transverse crossmember comprises two opposite side walls extending substantially parallel to the lateral panels, and the opposite lateral panels each comprise a lateral backfolded portion that is aligned with one of said side walls and is fastened thereto.

[0015] In examples, the lateral backfolded portion comprises a front portion aligning with the front side of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0016] In examples, the lateral backfolded portion comprises an interior portion screwed to the side walls of the box structure.

[0017] In examples, each of the lateral panels has a lateral backfolded portion comprising a fastener-less front portion and an interior portion.

[0018] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure comprises a pair of vertical frame members extending substantially parallelly to the lateral panels.

[0019] In examples, crossmember fasteners secure together the transverse crossmembers to said vertical frame members and / or to lateral panels.

[0020] In examples, the vertical frame members are fastened to ends of the transverse crossmember.

[0021] In examples, the interior portion of a vertical frame member is partially inserted between a lateral panel and a side wall of a transverse crossmembers.

[0022] In examples, the fasteners of the bottom frame further comprise lateral fasteners securing the vertical frame members to the interior portion while being hidden from the exterior of the lateral panel behind the interior portion.

[0023] In examples, the lateral panel, the side wall and the interior portion are fastened together with one or more crossmember fasteners.

[0024] In examples, at least one of the lateral fasteners fastens only and directly together the interior portion of a lateral backfolded portion with a vertical frame member.

[0025] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure further comprises a base panel extending substantially perpendicularly to the lateral panels.

[0026] In examples, the base panel is releasably mounted on the bottom frame.

[0027] In examples, no fastener directly secures together the base panel to the bottom frame.

[0028] In examples, the base panel is releasably mounted on the extending top surfaces of the transverse crossmember.

[0029] In examples, the base panel extends towards the rear side of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0030] In examples, the base panel comprises a base backfolded portion adapted to surround the transverse crossmember of the bottom frame at a front thereof.

[0031] In examples, the base panel comprises a base backfolded portion adapted to surround the transverse crossmember of the bottom frame at a front thereof, and to extend towards the rear side of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0032] In examples, the base backfolded portion covers the recesses and hides the crossmember fasteners from the exterior of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0033] In examples, the lateral bottom front portion and the base backfolded portion are fastener-less and form a flush-fit.

[0034] In examples, the hook portion is configured to align with a bottom of the lateral panel and / or with a crossmember base.

[0035] In examples, the base panel comprises a base plate portion which is on top of the transverse crossmember and which is integral with the frontal base backfolded portion, and the frontal base backfolded portion extends over a front of the transverse crossmember to cover the front thereof so as to hide underneath any crossmember fastener fastening said transverse crossmember to the lateral panels.

[0036] In examples, the base panel further comprises a hook portion extending towards the rear side of the cooking equipment support structure and partially under a bottom of the transverse crossmember.

[0037] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure further comprises a corner cover adapted to be positioned over an abutment of the base panel and a vertically-extending part of the cooking equipment support structure, for example over an abutment of the base panel and a vertical frame member.

[0038] In examples, the corner cover is fastened to the vertically-extending part to hold the base panel in position.

[0039] In examples, the corner cover is fastened to one of the vertical frame members.

[0040] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure has several corner covers on different corners between the transverse crossmembers and the lateral panels.

[0041] In examples, the corner cover is abutting a top of the base plate portion to secure the base panel.

[0042] In examples, the fastening of the corner cover onto the vertically-extending part (e.g., the vertical frame member) is made with a corner fastener positioned on a rearward side of the vertical frame member.

[0043] In examples, the or each transverse crossmember further has at least one tab formed by a part of said side wall going through a tab hole through one of the extending surfaces.

[0044] In examples, the cooking equipment support structure further has feet to carry the cooking equipment support structure, and feet fasteners, said feet being secured to the transverse crossmember by the feet fasteners.

[0045] In examples, the or each of the cavities includes a crossmember base and the feet fasteners are inserted in the cavity and secured together through a crossmember base.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a cooking equipment support structure for supporting a cooking equipment, the cooking equipment support structure having a cuboid shape with a front side, a rear side, opposite lateral sides, a top side and a bottom side, the cooking equipment support structure comprising a bottom frame and opposite lateral panels forming the opposite lateral sides of the cooking equipment support structure, and a base panel extending across a top of the bottom frame to define an internal surface of the cooking equipment support structure. The bottom frame includes one or more transverse crossmembers extending between the opposite lateral sides of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0047] The base panel is not directly fastened to any other part of the cooking equipment support structure. In particular, the base panel is not directly fastened to the bottom frame or to any vertically-extending part of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0048] In examples, the base panel is clamped to the bottom frame and / or to one or more vertically-extending parts of the cooking equipment support structure.

[0049] In examples, the base panel comprises a base plate portion that extends substantially horizontally across the bottom frame, and a base backfolded portion that extends non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular) to the base plate portion across a front side of one of the transverse crossmembers. In particular, one transverse crossmember may be located at a front side of the bottom frame, and the base backfolded portion may extend across a front of the transverse crossmember to define a front surface of the bottom frame / cooking equipment support structure.

[0050] In examples, a hook portion extends from the base backfolded portion underneath the transverse crossmember, to hold the base panel in position. The hook portion may form a tight fit with the transverse crossmember to provide fastening of the base panel.

[0051] In examples, a corner cover may be provided at an abutment of the base panel and a vertically-extending part on a lateral side of the cooking equipment support structure, for example at an abutment of the base panel and a vertical frame member. The corner cover may clamp the base panel against the bottom frame, in particular the transverse crossmember. The corner cover may be fastened to the vertically-extending part (e.g., the vertical frame member). The corner cover may be fastened to the vertically-extending part (e.g., the vertical frame member) by a fastener on a rear side of the vertically-extending part (a side facing rearwards). In this way, the base panel is not directly fastened to any other part of the cooking equipment support structure, but is hooked and / or clamped to the bottom frame, holding it in position but allowing it to be removed and without any fasteners on an external surface, maintaining a flat surface that can be easily cleaned.

[0052] Other aspects of the cooking equipment support structures described above may be combined with the cooking equipment support structure.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] Examples of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates the machine construction of the subject matter from a front view in perspective. FIG. 2 illustrates a machine construction of the prior art, without front panel and without bottom plate, and from a front view in perspective. FIG. 3 illustrates the machine construction of the subject matter, without front panel, and from a front view in perspective. FIG. 4 illustrates the machine construction of the subject matter, in a bottom view. FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 illustrate another perspective view of the machine construction of the subject matter, with and without bottom plate. FIG. 6 illustrates the corner cover from a rear point-of-view. FIG. 8 illustrates the recesses and the cavity of the bottom transverse crossbar. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate another bottom perspective view of the machine construction of the subject matter, with and without bottom plate. FIG. 11 illustrates the hidden front or rear transversal crossbar screws from an horizontal cut view. FIG. 12 illustrates the hidden lateral screws from an horizontal cut view. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 illustrate the tab from a perspective point of view and from a cross-section view.

[0054] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0055] The term "fastener" is used to indistinctly designate any releasable fixing element, or a part of it, for example a screw, a bolt, a nut or the like.Detailed description

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates the cooking equipment support structure 100 of the subject matter. The cooking equipment support structure 100 is for supporting a cooking equipment. The cooking equipment may include a fry top (i.e., a grill or griddle), a braising pan, an electric fryer, a kettle, a gas fryer module, an induction plate, a hob, or other cooking equipment. The cooking equipment support structure 100 is adapted to support the cooking equipment on the floor, and is particularly adapted for use in commercial kitchens. The cooking equipment support structure 100 may form a part of a cooking line in a commercial kitchen.

[0057] The cooking equipment support structure 100 comprises feet 116, and has a cuboid shape. In particular, the cooking equipment support structure 100 has a front side 102, two opposite lateral sides 104, a rear side 106 opposed to the front side 102, a bottom side 108, and a top side 110.

[0058] To define these positions, the cooking equipment support structure 100 must be considered as positioned on its feet 116 on the ground in its conventional positioning, allowing a functional use. The cooking equipment support structure 100 has for example four feet 116. The feet 116 can be adjustable in height to adjust the height of the cooking equipment support structure 100. In particular, the feet 116 support the cooking equipment support structure 100 on the floor, and the front side 102 faces into the kitchen space when installed. The rear side 106 would typically be placed against a wall of the kitchen. The top side 110 is typically where the cooking equipment is provided.

[0059] The front side 102 may include a front control panel 112 which provides a human-height interface for controlling the cooking equipment.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the cooking equipment support structure 100 has a middle vertical plane of symmetry, so that the lateral sides 104 are mirroring each other.

[0061] The front side 102 and the rear side 106 are different, amongst other things because the front side 102 aims to have the front control panel 112 and a front panel 118 that may comprise a door that allows the user to open the cooking equipment support structure 100 and access to an internal space.

[0062] The front control panel 112 hides fasteners (e.g., screws) of the cooking equipment support structure 100 that are located behind the front control panel 112. The hidden location of these fasteners provides an outer profile that is flat and easy to clean.

[0063] As illustrated, each of the lateral sides 104 comprises a lateral panel 114. The two opposite lateral panels 114 are flat surfaces forming the opposite lateral sides 104 of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a cooking equipment support structure 200 for a cooking equipment, according to the prior art.

[0065] It comprises a bottom structure 212 with feet 202 for supporting the bottom structure 212 and the cooking equipment support structure 200.

[0066] It further comprises two opposite lateral panels 204 extending substantially perpendicularly from its front side 216.

[0067] The cooking equipment support structure 200 differs from the cooking equipment support structure 100 of the invention as it comprises several lateral bottom screws 206 securing the lateral panels 204 to the bottom structure 212, and the lateral bottom screws 206 are visible on the exterior of the lateral panels 204. In particular, as shown, the heads of the lateral bottom screws 206 are on an external part of the lateral panels 204. This may make it difficult to clean the cooking equipment support structure 200 to maintain hygiene.

[0068] The main structure of the bottom structure 212 of the cooking equipment support structure 200 is two bottom reinforcing crossmembers 210 extending along the lateral sides 214, inside the lateral panels 204. A bottom transverse crossmember 208 extends between the bottom reinforcing crossmembers 210 at the front side 216.

[0069] The bottom structure 212 is configured to carry a flat bottom panel (not illustrated) which is placed horizontally on said bottom structure 212, in order to form a base and a bottom shelf of the cooking equipment support structure 200. The bottom panel is screwed to the bottom structure 212 by lateral bottom screws 206 in the bottom transverse crossmember 208, as illustrated.

[0070] This provides a robust structure but the lateral bottom screws 206 make it difficult to remove parts and the bottom panel and lateral bottom screws 206 themselves may be difficult to clean.

[0071] Other prior art cooking equipment support structures have a similar structure but with welded joints between the different components instead of the screw. This improves the hygiene of the structure but makes it impossible to remove components, for example for maintenance.

[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates the cooking equipment support structure 100 of the invention, with a base plate portion 310 in position, and with the front panel 118 and the front control panel 112 removed.

[0073] The cooking equipment support structure 100 comprises a bottom frame 302, with a transverse crossmember 316 extending across the front side 102 and to which the opposite lateral panels 114 are connected by screws.

[0074] The transverse crossmember 316 can be duplicated on the rear side 106 of the cooking equipment support structure 100 for the same structural purpose regarding the rear side 106 and especially a rear panel 300 of the rear side 106.

[0075] The rear panel 300 is not considered as a visible part of the cooking equipment support structure 100, as it aims to be placed against a wall like a kitchen wall.

[0076] Unlike in the cooking equipment support structure 200 of FIG. 2, the fasteners attaching the lateral panels 114 to the bottom frame 302 are not visible from the exterior.

[0077] The cooking equipment support structure 100 can further comprise a base panel 308 extending substantially perpendicularly to the lateral panels 114.

[0078] The base panel 308 has a base plate portion 310 which is surrounded by a lateral flat flange 306 which is in contact with the lateral panels 114.

[0079] The base panel 308 provides a shelf of the cooking equipment support structure 100, and the base panel 308 may be removable for maintenance and / or cleaning.

[0080] The base panel 308 comprises a base backfolded portion 312 adapted to at least partially cover the transverse crossmember 316 of the bottom frame 302. More specifically, the base backfolded portion 312 surrounds the transverse crossmember 316 of the bottom frame 302 on the front side 102 when the base panel 308 is positioned on the transverse crossmember 316.

[0081] The base backfolded portion 312 is adapted to cover a front of the transverse crossmember 316, and the base plate portion 310 extends from the base backfolded portion 312 towards the rear side 106 of the cooking equipment support structure 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the base backfolded portion 312 may include a hook portion 326 that returns underneath the transverse crossmember 316. The hook portion 326 can help to hold the base panel 308 in position.

[0082] In this way, the base plate portion 310 is adapted to be on top of the transverse crossmember 316 and is held in place without any fasteners that directly join the base plate portion 310 to the bottom frame 302.

[0083] The opposite lateral panels 114 can also comprise a lateral backfolded portion 320 to hide screws and provide a flat front surface. The lateral backfolded portion 320 can comprise a front portion 322a and an interior portion 322b. The front portion 322a extends perpendicular to the side of the lateral panel 114 so it is parallel with the front side 102, and the interior portion 322b extends perpendicular to the front portion 322a so it is parallel with the lateral sides 104.

[0084] Advantageously, the front portion 322a aligns with the front side 102 of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0085] The interior portion 322b is behind the front side 102 of the cooking equipment support structure 100 and inside of the interior thereof, and is therefore protected from dirt from cooking with the cooking equipment. The interior portion 322b is fastened, in particular screwed, to side walls 718 of the transverse crossmember 316 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0086] The cooking equipment support structure 100 can further comprise a pair of vertical frame members 318. The vertical frame members 318 provide structural rigidity to the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0087] The vertical frame members 318 extend substantially parallel to the lateral panels 114, and are screwed to ends of the transverse crossmember 316 of the bottom frame 302.

[0088] In examples, the vertical frame members 318 extend upward to a top compartment 304 of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0089] For example, the top compartment 304 has another horizontal flat central panel 314, delimiting an upper compartment hidden by the front control panel 112, which may house a part of the cooking equipment or provide an additional shelf.

[0090] The cooking equipment support structure 100 can further comprise a corner cover 324, as visible in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and especially in FIG. 6.

[0091] The corner cover 324 is adapted to be positioned over an abutment of the base panel 308 and a vertically-extending part 318 of the cooking equipment support structure 100. The corner cover 324 is fastened (e.g., screwed) to the vertically-extending part 318 to hold the base panel 308 in position. For example, the corner cover 324 may be fastened (is screwed) to one of the vertical frame members 318 and abutting a top of the base plate portion 310 to secure the base panel 308. In particular, the corner cover 324 prevents the base panel 308 from being raised and may clamp the base panel 308 in position to prevent it sliding out.

[0092] As illustrated by FIG. 4, the cooking equipment support structure 100 has two transverse crossmembers 316 that are substantially parallel, one at the front side 102 and one at the rear side 106.

[0093] The base panel 308 extends from the transverse crossmembers 316 and along the bottom side 108.

[0094] The feet 116 are for example four feet 116 to carry the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0095] Each foot 116 is secured by feet fasteners 712 (FIG.7) to the transverse crossmembers 316.

[0096] The two lateral sides 104 are substantially parallel and vertical.

[0097] The cuboid shape can have a rectangular shape from a bottom view, as illustrated, but can also have a square shape.

[0098] FIG. 5 illustrates the cooking equipment support structure 100 wherein one of its lateral sides 104 and part of its front side 216 are not visible.

[0099] As illustrated, the corner cover 324 can be placed in abutment against the base plate portion 310 from one side, and against the vertical frame member 318 and the interior portion 322b on the other side.

[0100] The corner cover 324 has a L-shape form, and rounded corners.

[0101] FIG. 6 shows the cooking equipment support structure 100 from a rear point-of-view, without the rear panel 300.

[0102] As illustrated, the corner cover 324 is fastened to the vertical frame member 318 by a corner fastener 602 positioned on a rearward side 604 of the vertical frame member 318. The rearward side 604 is facing towards the rear side 106 of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0103] FIG. 7 shows the same as in FIG. 5, without the base panel 308 visible.

[0104] As illustrated the transverse crossmember 316 can comprise a box structure 702.

[0105] The box structure 702 has two opposite side walls 718 extending substantially parallel to the lateral panels 114, as illustrated by FIG. 8.

[0106] In examples, the side walls 718 are arranged so that the lateral backfolded portion 320 of the opposite lateral panels 114 aligns with said side walls 718 and is screwed thereto.

[0107] FIG. 7 also illustrates that the box structure 702 has a crossmember base 706 which is at the bottom of a recess 710 of the box structure 702.

[0108] In examples, the hook portion 326 mentioned with the description of FIG. 3 is configured to align with a bottom of the lateral panel 328 (see FIG. 9) and / or with the crossmember base 706.

[0109] As illustrated by the difference between the FIG. 5 having the base panel 308 visible and the FIG. 7 having the base panel 308 not visible, the base backfolded portion 312 extends over a front of the transverse crossmember 316 to cover the front thereof so as to hide any crossmember fasteners 714 fastening the transverse crossmember 316 to the lateral panels 114.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 8, the box structure 702 of the transverse crossmember 316 can have a central cavity 704 extending along the transverse crossmember 316.

[0111] In examples, the transverse crossmember 316 has an extending top surface 708 extending laterally, or two extending top surfaces 708, extending from the sides of the cavity 704.

[0112] In examples, the extending top surfaces 708 form recesses 710 in the box structure 702, below the extending top surfaces 708.

[0113] Then, the crossmember fasteners 714 are hidden in the cavities 704 and / or in the recesses 710, in addition to being under the base panel 308 when said base panel 308 is in its position on the bottom frame 302.

[0114] The feet fasteners 712 are also hidden inside of the box structure 702, especially they go through a crossmember base 706 and into the cavity 704.

[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 7 and in more detail in FIG. 12, the cooking equipment support structure 100 comprises a lateral fastener 716.

[0116] The lateral fastener 716 screws only and directly together the interior portion 322b of the lateral backfolded portion 320 with the vertical frame member 318.

[0117] FIG. 8 illustrates in more detail the box structure 702 of the transverse crossmember 316.

[0118] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the box structure 702 of the transverse crossmember 316 can further have a tab 802 formed by a part of the side wall 718. FIG. 13 shows the tab 802 in more detail. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the tab 802, and illustrates more details of the tab 802 and surroundings. For example, the tab 802 goes through a tab hole 804 through one of the extending top surfaces 708.

[0119] The tab 802 reinforces the connection of the transverse crossmember 316, via the extending top surface 708, and the side wall 718. The box structure 702 is preferably folded from metal sheet.

[0120] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate the transverse crossmember 316 from a front and bottom view, with and without the base panel 308 placed on the transverse crossmembers 316. In FIG. 9 the base panel 308 is shown, and in FIG. 10 the base panel 308 is hidden.

[0121] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrates the recesses 710 and how lateral fasteners 716 are hidden under the recesses 710.

[0122] These Figures also show how the feet 116 are screwed through feet fasteners 712 into the crossmember base 706.

[0123] Also illustrated is the hook portion 326 surrounding the transverse crossmember 316, and a front one of the recesses 710, while the base backfolded portion 312 of the base panel 308 aligns with the lateral backfolded portions 320 of the lateral panels 114.

[0124] The hook portion 326 can align with the crossmember base 706.

[0125] As illustrated by FIG. 11, the interior portion 322b of a vertical frame member 318 can be partially inserted between a lateral panel 114 and a side wall 718 of a transverse crossmember 316.

[0126] Then, the lateral panel 114, the side wall 718 and the interior portion 322b are fastened with a crossmember fastener 714, which secures all three together.

[0127] As illustrated by FIG. 12, the cooking equipment support structure 100 can comprise a lateral fastener 716 screwing only and directly together the interior portion 322b of a lateral backfolded portion 320 with a vertical frame member 318.

[0128] This increases the rigidity of the bottom frame 302 and avoids any visible screw on a lateral panel 114 or on a front side 102, especially on the front portion 322a of the lateral panel 114.

[0129] As illustrated by FIG. 14, the tab 802, at least one of the crossmember fasteners 714, and the lateral fasteners 716, can be aligned in a vertical plan.

[0130] These three elements secure together the lateral panel 114, via the interior portion 322b, the vertical frame member 318, and the side wall 718 of the transverse crossmember 316, which allows the bottom frame 302 to be disassembled by removing the fasteners. In addition, the base panel 308 can be snapped on and off thanks to the hook portion 326, while keeping the rigidity of the cooking equipment support structure 100.

[0131] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above detailed examples have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed examples described above are possible.

[0132] Through the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0133] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0134] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]FIG. 1 illustrates the cooking equipment support structure 100 of the subject matter. The cooking equipment support structure 100 is for supporting a cooking equipment. The cooking equipment may include a fry top (i.e., a grill or griddle), a braising pan, an electric fryer, a kettle, a gas fryer module, an induction plate, a hob, or other cooking equipment. The cooking equipment support structure 100 is adapted to support the cooking equipment on the floor, and is particularly adapted for use in commercial kitchens. The cooking equipment support structure 100 may form a part of a cooking line in a commercial kitchen.

[0057]The cooking equipment support structure 100 comprises feet 116, and has a cuboid shape. In particular, the cooking equipment support structure 100 has a front side 102, two opposite lateral sides 104, a rear side 106 opposed to the front side 102, a bottom side 108, and a top side 110.

[0058]To define these positions, the cooking equipment support structure 1...

Claims

1. A cooking equipment support structure (100) for supporting a cooking equipment, the cooking equipment support structure (100) having a cuboid shape with a front side (102), a rear side (106), opposite lateral sides (104), a top side (110) and a bottom side (108), the cooking equipment support structure (100) comprising a bottom frame (302) and opposite lateral panels (114) forming the opposite lateral sides (104) of the cooking equipment support structure (100), wherein the bottom frame (302) comprises a transverse crossmember (316) extending across the front side (102) and to which the opposite lateral panels (114) are connected by fasteners, and wherein the opposite lateral panels (114) and the transverse crossmember (316) are configured such that the fasteners are not present on any exterior surface of the lateral panels (114).

2. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 1, wherein the transverse crossmember (316) comprises a box structure (702) having two opposite side walls (718) extending substantially parallel to the lateral panels (114), and wherein the opposite lateral panels (114) comprise a lateral backfolded portion (320) that aligns with said side walls (718) and is fastened thereto.

3. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 2, wherein the lateral backfolded portion (320) comprises a front portion (322a) and an interior portion (322b), said interior portion (322b) being fastened to the side walls (718) of the box structure (702), and said front portion (322a) aligning with the front side (102) of the cooking equipment support structure (100).

4. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a pair of vertical frame members (318) extending substantially parallelly to the lateral panels (114), the vertical frame members (318) being fastened to ends of the transverse crossmember (316) of the bottom frame (302).

5. The cooking equipment support structure (100) according to claim 3 and claim 4, wherein the interior portion (322b) of a vertical frame member (318) is partially inserted between a lateral panel (114) and a side wall (718) of a transverse crossmembers (316), said lateral panel (114), said side wall (718) and said interior portion (322b) being fastened together with a crossmember fastener (714).

6. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 4 or 5, further comprising a lateral fastener (716) fastening only and directly together the interior portion (322b) of a lateral backfolded portion (320) with a vertical frame member (318).

7. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a base panel (308) extending substantially perpendicularly to the lateral panels (114), said base panel (308) comprising a base backfolded portion (312) adapted to surround the transverse crossmember (316) of the bottom frame (302) at a front thereof.

8. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 7, wherein no fastener directly secures together the base panel (308) to the bottom frame (302).

9. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 8, wherein the base panel (308) further comprises a hook portion (326) extending towards the rear side (106) of the cooking equipment support structure (100) and partially under a bottom of the transverse crossmember (316).

10. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 9, wherein the hook portion (326) is configured to align with a bottom of the lateral panel (328) and / or with a crossmember base (706).

11. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the base panel (308) comprises a base plate portion (310) which is on top of the transverse crossmember (316) and which is integral with the frontal base backfolded portion (312), and said frontal base backfolded portion (312) extends over a front of the transverse crossmember (316) to cover the front thereof so as to hide underneath any crossmember fastener (714) fastening said transverse crossmember (316) to the lateral panels (114).

12. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of any one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a corner cover (324) adapted to be positioned over an abutment of the base panel (308) and a vertically-extending part (318) of the cooking equipment support structure (100), and wherein said corner cover (324) is fastened to the vertically-extending part (318) to hold the base panel (308) in position.

13. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 12 and of claim 4 or 5, wherein the corner cover (324) is fastened to one of the vertical frame members (318) and abutting a top of the base plate portion (310) to secure the base panel (308).

14. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of claim 13, wherein the fastening of the corner cover (324) onto the vertical frame member (318) is made with a corner fastener (602) positioned on a rearward side (604) of the vertical frame member (318).

15. The cooking equipment support structure (100) of any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: a front control panel (112), a cooking shelf, a braising pan, an electric fryer, a gas fryer module, an induction solid plate, an electric pasta cooker, a gas pasta cooker, an open burner, a grill gas, an electric grill, an infrared plate, and / or an electric plate.

Images