Multi-tiered counter for kitchen units and kitchen units equipped with multi-tiered counters

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-tiered shelf counter for kitchen units and a kitchen unit equipped with a multi-tiered shelf counter. [Solution] A multi-tiered shelf counter 1 is provided, consisting of a counter section made up of an L-shaped or U-shaped top plate 2 and a long shelf board 3 arranged in parallel, and a shelf section made up of short shelves 4 and a bottom plate 5, etc., and is used integrally with an open-type kitchen unit. Specifically, the counter section is arranged to surround the back and one or both sides of the kitchen unit, and the shelf section is placed below the side. The top plate 2 is positioned slightly above the worktop. Furthermore, the multi-tiered shelf counter is designed so that the shelf section can be separated and moved from the counter section as needed. This provides kitchen equipment that makes effective use of the kitchen area, improves convenience and work efficiency, is hygienic and easy to manage, and has an excellent effect on creating an LDK (living room, dining room, kitchen) space for cooking and living. Conventional kitchen storage had problems with ventilation, ease of cleaning, convenience of use, and work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a counter or multi-tier shelf that can accommodate an open-type kitchen layout.

Background Art

[0002] In our lives, the kitchen, also known as the dining kitchen (DK) or living-dining kitchen (LDK), is not just a place for cooking. It has become a precious communication space for the family. To make such a kitchen space comfortable for the family and achieve a high level of harmony with life, various excellent kitchen facilities have been provided, and the space layouts using them have also diversified. Against the backdrop of the evolution of such kitchen spaces, the fact that the kitchen is a working space remains important from its original purpose. Around the kitchen during cooking, in addition to cooking utensils and dishes, ingredients used on the spot, etc., need to be prepared neatly in advance. In conventional kitchen storage, mainly cabinets under the sink and hanging cabinets installed above the kitchen have been widely popular and used. And storage items such as cooking utensils are often stored inside them. On the other hand, various items are placed on the worktop during cooking, which also affects the work efficiency, and there is a high demand for storage means that are easy to use and look good.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Storage at high places, such as overhead cabinets, presents challenges in terms of work efficiency and safety, even if they are adjustable vertically, as shown in Patent Document 1, as they are difficult for shorter users to reach. The ease of use of frequently used items is also still insufficient with storage methods such as the storage rack in Patent Document 3. Furthermore, cabinets under the sink have poor internal ventilation, are difficult to clean, and present hygiene challenges. Above all, cabinets with doors and overhead cabinets tend to have dead space at the back, and even with drawers, they are not always convenient for taking things in and out. The protruding parts such as doors and drawers reduce work efficiency. Moreover, they can detract from the aesthetics of the kitchen space, which is an integral part of the living space. The applicant of this invention does not deny the usefulness of cabinets or overhead cupboards. However, the current situation where storage functions rely solely on these has long been considered a problem that needs to be solved, especially considering the effect on creating a family living space. Therefore, we have been working to create equipment and methods that make effective use of the space around the kitchen, are convenient and efficient, hygienic and easy to manage, and also have an effect on the overall aesthetic of the living space (LDK). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The multi-tiered shelf counter for kitchen units according to this invention has the following form. When viewed from above in a plan view, the countertop is shaped like an L, an inverted L, or a U, following the shape of the back and sides of the kitchen unit, and surrounds one or two corners of the back of the kitchen unit. An inverted L refers to a shape where the letter L is reversed along the vertical axis. These multi-tiered counters generally have the following configuration: An L-shaped multi-tiered counter consists of a counter section formed in parallel by a long back panel, short back panel, or short support column, which is attached to a top plate formed in an L shape to surround the left corner of the back of the kitchen unit, and a long shelf plate formed in roughly the same shape. Another component is a shelf section formed by one or more short shelves formed to be approximately the depth of the kitchen unit, and a bottom plate formed in the same way, which is attached in parallel by a corner back panel or long support column. This configuration is also the same for an inverted L-shaped multi-tiered counter that surrounds the right corner of the back of the kitchen unit. This type of multi-tiered counter, which combines a counter section and a shelf section, is installed integrally with island-type or peninsula-type kitchen units, with its interior side in contact with the unit. At that time, the top surface of the countertop is kept slightly higher than the worktop of the kitchen unit, and the counter section is positioned with its front surface in contact with the back of the kitchen unit and its inner side in contact with the side of the kitchen unit. Furthermore, the counter section and the shelf section are integrated so that the corner back panel of the shelf section is located below the short back panel side of the counter section. In this way, the multi-tiered counter of this invention becomes part of the kitchen unit, and is installed with consideration for the aesthetics of the kitchen space. The U-shaped multi-tiered counter has a top plate formed in a U shape to surround the left and right corners of the back of the kitchen unit, and is also equipped with long shelves of roughly the same shape, with these boards maintained parallel by long back plates, short back plates or short supports to form the counter section. Similar to the L-shaped counter, it has one or more shelf sections, each consisting of one or more short shelves formed to approximately the depth of the kitchen unit, and a bottom plate formed to roughly the same shape, which are assembled parallel by corner back plates or long supports. Similar to the L-shaped top plate, the U-shaped top plate is slightly higher than the worktop of the kitchen unit, and the counter section is positioned so that the inside of the counter section abuts the back and both sides of the kitchen unit. The multi-tiered counter, consisting of the counter section and one or two shelf sections, is installed integrally with the kitchen unit so that the corner back plates of the shelf sections are located below the short back plates of the counter section. Furthermore, as a different specification from these, a multi-tiered shelf counter is provided in which, although the counter and shelf sections are normally integrated, the shelf section can be separated from the counter section and moved as needed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The multi-tiered shelf-type counter for kitchen units according to this invention contributes to the effective use of space around the kitchen. Conventional storage methods, such as under-sink cabinets and overhead cabinets, are also useful, and the multi-tiered counter of this invention can coexist with them. Furthermore, both the L-shaped and U-shaped designs create open workspace and storage space around the worktop, and their shapes are designed to create a harmonious aesthetic with the kitchen unit, thus providing a useful effect in enhancing the relaxing atmosphere of the living, dining, and kitchen area. This multi-tiered counter in the living room, dining room, and kitchen (LDK) area can be freely used from any direction along the traffic flow and can be utilized for various purposes such as storing items, temporary placement, and display. Furthermore, this multi-tiered counter has the advantage of allowing you to create a spacious worktop area that is comparable to a dedicated unit, even when using a standard wall-mounted I-shaped kitchen in an open layout, instead of replacing it with an expensive open-type dedicated unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view (front right) of a multi-tiered counter. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view (rear left) of a multi-tiered shelf counter. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view (front left) of a multi-tiered counter. [Figure 4] This shows the usage scenario in combination with a kitchen unit. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the shelf section. [Figure 6] This is an example of a combined construction of a counter section and a shelf section. [Figure 7] This shows the shelf unit after it has been moved. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The multi-tiered shelf type counter 1 of this invention will be described below with reference to the diagrams. Before proceeding with the explanation, let's briefly define the meanings of the terms used here. A kitchen generally refers to a space or facility used for cooking. It can also broadly include the area and equipment used for cleaning and storing utensils and ingredients before and after cooking. The kitchen unit 11 referred to in the following description is a facility consisting of a worktop that incorporates a sink and cooking appliances, and a base cabinet or similar lower unit that supports them. In this case, overhead cabinets and range hoods for ventilation may be installed above these, but these are not included in the kitchen unit 11 as referred to here. Thus, in this description of the present invention, the term "kitchen unit 11" refers to a cooking area that is constructed on the floor of the kitchen, consisting of a worktop including a sink and floor cabinets. On the other hand, a kitchen space in which cooking and living are harmoniously integrated, including these facilities, is referred to as an LDK (Living, Dining, Kitchen).

[0009] Furthermore, among the components of the multi-tiered shelf-type counter 1 of this invention, the particularly distinctive top plate 2, as shown in the example in Figure 1, has a shape that, when viewed from above in a plan view, appears as an inverted L-shape, with the letter L reversed horizontally along the vertical axis. However, depending on the specifications, it may be L-shaped or U-shaped. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the terms "stem" and "arm" will be used to refer to parts such as the top plate. In this context, borrowing typographical terms related to the visual representation of characters, the vertically slightly longer main straight line part that constitutes the appearance of the L shape is interpreted as the stem. On the other hand, the short straight line part that extends horizontally from the lower end of the stem is regarded as the arm. Therefore, in the following description, a part that extends long in one direction, such as the top plate 2 of the reverse L shape, is expressed as the stem, and a short part that extends horizontally perpendicular to this is called the arm. The same applies to the multi-tier shelf-type counter 1 in the shape of an L. In the case of a U shape, the horizontal straight line that forms the bottom by laying the L shape on its side is called the stem, and the two straight lines that extend upward from both ends to form the U shape are expressed as the arms.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multi-tier shelf-type counter 1 for the kitchen unit 11, but this is merely an example of its form. In this figure, the multi-tier shelf-type counter 1 is reverse L-shaped when viewed from above, and is illustrated in a state of looking down from the upper right obliquely on the front side. Hereinafter, without particularly distinguishing between the L shape and the reverse L shape, the description will be unified in terms of the L shape (type). The elements constituting the multi-tier shelf-type counter 1 are the top plate 2, the long shelf plate 3, the short shelf plate 4, the bottom plate 5, the long back plate 6, the short back plate 7, the corner back plate 8, the long support column 9, and the short support column 10. Regarding the three types of constituent elements that are collectively called the back plate, they are distinguished by paying attention to their shapes and arrangements, and the two types of support columns are classified as long and short according to the difference in their approximate lengths. The upper side of the multi-tier shelf-type counter 1 has a two-stage structure in which the top plate 2 and the long shelf plate 3, both having the same L shape, are parallel to each other. The part constituted by the combination of the top plate 2 and the long shelf plate 3 is called the counter part of the multi-tier shelf-type counter 1.

[0011] Also, a two-stage shelf structure constituted by the short shelf plate 4 and the bottom plate 5 can be confirmed below the arm side of the counter part, which is the lower right of FIG. 1. In the present invention, this is called the shelf part of the multi-tier shelf-type counter 1. That is, the shelf part of the multi-tier shelf-type counter 1 in FIG. 1 is the part below the long shelf plate 3 of the counter part. Therefore, on the arm side of the multi-tier counter 1, the counter part and the shelf part are integrated by two long vertical columns 9. The top plate 2 and the long shelf plate 3 of the counter part, and the short shelf plate 4 and the bottom plate 5 of the shelf part form a multi-tier shelf with a total of four parallel tiers. Also, there is a horizontally long long back plate 6 between the top plate 2 and the long shelf plate 3 on the stem side, and at the same height on the arm side following this, the end of a short back plate 7 smaller than the long back plate 6 can be seen. And at the back side of the short shelf plate 4 and the bottom plate 5 of the shelf part on the arm side, a wide angular back plate 8 can be confirmed.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same multi-tier counter 1 seen from different directions, showing the situation looking down diagonally from the upper left on the back side. In this figure, between the top plate 2 and the long shelf plate 3 on the stem side, a total of three short columns 10 can be seen together with the back long back plate 6 at the back. Here too, as three types of back plates, a horizontally long and slender rectangular long back plate 6 on the stem side of the counter part, and a short and narrow rectangular short back plate 7 extending to the arm side following this can be confirmed. Further, under the short back plate 7, a wide rectangular angular back plate 8 can also be seen. Incidentally, these back plates can be seen more clearly and their shapes can be confirmed in Figure 3, which is a view from the opposite upper left on the same front side as Figure 1. In the three drawings so far, all the back plates are shown as being made of a unified material. However, for the multi-tier counter 1 of the present invention, harmony with the LDK is emphasized, and it is also meaningful that consumers can freely select the materials and color tones of the back plates and the like, which are design accents, for each part.

[0013] By the way, regarding the short support columns 10 on the stem side of the counter section, Figure 2 shows a total of three columns placed near the outer edges of the top plate 2 and the long shelf 3, but this is merely one example. Depending on the situation, one or more short support columns 10 may be placed between the top plate 2 and the long shelf 3 to maintain appropriate spacing, or they may be omitted altogether. In other words, the top plate 2 and the long shelf 3 can be kept parallel using only the long back plate 6 and the short back plate 7, or short support columns 10 can be installed in place of the long back plate 6, etc., to maintain the two-tiered structure of the counter section. Therefore, in the counter section shown in Figure 2, the presence, number, and shape of the short support columns 10 on the stem side depend on the specifications of the multi-tiered shelf counter 1.

[0014] On the other hand, on the left side of the counter section in the same Figure 2, the counter section and the shelf section are directly connected by two long support columns 9 that extend from the shelf section below, creating a four-tiered shelf that is a single, integrated unit vertically. However, instead of creating a multi-tiered shelf-type counter 1 that integrates the L-shaped counter section and the shelf section, it is also possible to manufacture a multi-tiered shelf-type counter 1 with different specifications. For example, the counter section and the shelf section are designed to be separable. In this case, the shelf section can be removed from the counter section and moved freely. In the case of this multi-tiered shelf counter 1 in which the shelf section can be separated, there are a total of five short support columns 10 in the counter section shown in Figure 2, that is, all of the columns between the top plate 2 and the long shelf board 3 from the stem section to the arm section are made into short support columns 10. As for the long support columns 9 of the shelf section located in the arm section, their uppermost ends reach the bottom surface of the long shelf board 3 of the counter section, and they only connect the short shelf board 4 and the bottom plate 5 of the shelf section. Furthermore, similar to the counter section, the retention of the short shelves 4 and bottom plate 5 in the shelf section depends on the specifications of the multi-tiered shelf counter 1. Therefore, a variety of shelf sections can exist with differences in the presence or absence of the square back panel 8 and long support columns 9, as well as their number, shape, and arrangement. For example, there may be shelf sections that use only long support columns 9 without the square back panel 8, or shelf sections that do not use the long support columns 9 but extend the square back panel 8 to the vicinity of the long support columns 9.

[0015] In the diagrams we have seen so far, the counter section, from the tip of the stem which is the starting point of the L-shape to the end of the arm which is the ending point, extends as a two-tiered L-shaped shelf structure composed of a top plate 2 and a long shelf 3 running parallel to each other. In the specifications shown in Figure 1, the top plate 2 and the long shelf 3 are connected at the back by a continuous long back plate 6 and a short back plate 7. On the outer edges of the top panels 2 and other components opposite the back panels, the upper top panel 2 and the lower long shelf 3 are connected by multiple thin support columns. Since the counter section also has a shelf structure, the outer edges of the L-shaped top panels 2 and other components are connected vertically by five support columns, and the top panels 2 and the long shelf 3 are kept parallel to each other along the entire length of the counter section, while the spaces between each support column are open outwards to facilitate the loading and unloading of items.

[0016] Figure 4 shows the usage status of the multi-tiered shelf counter 1. This illustration depicts a scene where kitchen unit 11, a table, and other furniture are installed on the floor of an LDK (living room, dining room, and kitchen). This diagram shows a peninsula-type kitchen unit 11 with one side against a wall. It has a peninsula-like shape, with the kitchen space on the left and the living / dining space on the right. One side features an open kitchen design, allowing free movement between the two spaces. The countertop 2 of the multi-tiered shelf counter 1 is positioned slightly higher than the worktop of the kitchen unit 11, extending the workspace to the back and right of the kitchen unit 11, while also providing access from the table behind the kitchen unit 11. This also protects countertop 2 from water damage and visually shields the worktop from the living and dining area. The height from the worktop to countertop 2 is usually around 10 cm, but this can be freely changed by replacing or adjusting the short support columns 10.

[0017] Furthermore, the reason why the top plate 2 and long shelf board 3 in Figure 1, etc., have an inverted L-shaped cutout structure on the stem side is that their shapes were adapted to the small protruding wall section separating the exhaust range hood on the kitchen unit 11 from the table side under the usage conditions shown in Figure 4. Therefore, the shape of the countertop 2, etc., is required to have an L-shape formed by the stem and arm parts, with an inner shape and angle that conforms to the back and side of the kitchen unit 11. However, there is no reason to necessarily limit it to a form with a cutout in part, as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, for the multi-tiered shelf type counter 1, which is designed for aesthetic purposes, from a design standpoint, the outer shape of the L-shaped countertop 2, etc., is not necessarily limited to a straight line, and it is possible to incorporate moderately curved elements.

[0018] In the two-tiered L-shaped counter section, the top plate 2 becomes a counter that can be easily used from both the cooking side and the table side, the stem side of the long shelf 3 becomes a shelf mainly used from the table side, and the arm side becomes a shelf that can be used from both sides. Up to this point, we have explained the multi-tiered shelf type counter 1 of the present invention, showing several diagrams of a prototype with an L-shaped configuration. If the kitchen unit 11 in Figure 4 is isolated from the wall and made into an island-type open kitchen that allows free movement on both the left and right sides, it is also conceivable to create a U-shaped counter section that continuously surrounds the left, right, and back sides of the kitchen unit 11 with the countertop 2 and the long shelf board 3.

[0019] Thus, the multi-tiered shelf counter 1 of this invention can be adapted to open-type kitchen units 11, such as island-type or peninsula-type kitchens. By the way, while open-type kitchen units 11 have deep worktops and a large surface area, they are often expensive due to their component construction and installation costs. Therefore, in new homes and renovation projects for families with children, etc., a common practice is to use a standard wall-mounted I-shaped kitchen unit 11 to accommodate an open layout. In such cases, using this multi-tiered counter 1 makes it possible to enjoy convenience comparable to that of using a dedicated unit.

[0020] Furthermore, the multi-tiered counter 1 can be provided to users as an independent piece of equipment that can be retrofitted to existing kitchen units 11. In addition, it is also conceivable that it be installed integrally with the kitchen unit 11 itself when installing an open-type kitchen unit 11 in an LDK. In such cases, the applicant also envisions providing the kitchen unit 11 equipped with the multi-tiered counter 1. If such installation work is required, the counter section and the shelf section can be made into separate structures. The counter section can be initially installed integrally with the kitchen unit 11, and then the shelf sections can be added to the left and right of the island-type kitchen unit 11 as needed. By making the multi-tiered shelf counter 1 a two-part structure consisting of a counter section and shelf sections, it is expected that construction convenience, flexibility in equipment installation, and expandability will be improved.

[0021] As we have seen, beneath the arm of the counter section is a two-tiered shelf consisting of a short shelf board 4 and a bottom board 5. Figure 5 shows only this section. On the back side adjacent to the kitchen unit 11, a slightly elongated and wide rectangular back panel 8 can be seen, which follows a long, narrow short back panel 7 next to the counter section. As mentioned above, in the case where the two long support columns 9 on the left and right integrate the counter section and the shelf section, in addition to connecting the top plate 2 to the bottom plate 5 in a single continuous line, it is also possible to create a two-tiered structure with the long support columns 9 of the lower shelf section and the short support columns 10 of the upper counter section. Then, if necessary, a multi-tiered shelf type counter 1 is provided with a mechanism to connect the upper and lower support columns to each other. These long and short support posts 9 and 10 can vary depending on the specifications. In the prototype, the height and width were made easily adjustable using bolts and nuts. Furthermore, various connection methods can be employed for these connections. The upper and lower support columns can be connected with independent connecting parts, or these parts can be pre-installed on either of the support columns. Alternatively, one of the support columns can be made into a hollow tube, and the other support column can be inserted into it to connect them. These features allow the counter section, consisting of the top plate 2 and the long shelf 3, and the shelf section, consisting of the short shelf 4 and the bottom plate 5, to be separated, and the lower shelf section can be made movable as needed. In that case, it is effective to install casters under the corner back plate 8 and the long support column 9 in Figure 5 to facilitate movement.

[0022] Figure 6 shows an image illustrating how a user or installer might install a multi-tiered shelf-type counter 1, which consists of a counter section and a shelf section, into a kitchen unit 11. Align the inner corner of the L-shaped counter section with the right rear corner of the kitchen unit 11. Both the corner of the kitchen unit 11 and the inner corner of the counter section are approximately right angles, and the inner surfaces of the stem and arm sides of the L-shaped counter section are brought into contact with the side and rear of the kitchen unit 11. At this time, the countertop 2 is installed so that it is positioned at a predetermined height above the worktop of the kitchen unit 11. Next, the shelf is installed on the right side of the kitchen unit 11. In this example, the upper end of the long support column 9 of the shelf section is incorporated into the lower end of the short support column 10 of the counter section. As a result, a double structure is formed between the upper top plate 2 and the long shelf board 3, with parts of the long support column 9 and short support column 10 forming a multi-tiered shelf counter 1 in which the counter section and shelf section are integrated. Furthermore, by using the back panel and support columns of the counter section as legs, and making the multi-tiered shelf counter 1 self-supporting, it is expected that ordinary users will be able to easily install it themselves, and that it will be made available in familiar places such as home improvement stores.

[0023] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the long support columns 9 of the shelf section can be made to extend to the bottom surface of the long shelf board 3 of the counter section, and the long support columns 9 can be connected in a way that allows them to be detached from the long shelf board 3 or the short support columns 10. Then, if necessary, these connections can be released to separate the shelf section from the counter section, allowing the shelf section to be moved independently. In a multi-tiered shelf counter 1 with such specifications, the shelves can not only be integrated and fixed to the arm side of the counter, but can also be moved to the side of the table as shown in Figure 4, or positioned on the stem side of the counter as shown in Figure 7. In the U-shaped multi-tiered shelf counter 1, the two shelf sections on the left and right can be further freely positioned, providing a very high degree of expandability for storage and other aspects of the kitchen layout. [Explanation of symbols]

[0024] 1. Multi-tiered counter 2 Top plate 3 long shelves 4 short shelves 5 Bottom plate 6 long backboard 7 Short back plate 8 square backboard 9 long post 10 short posts 11 Kitchen Units

Claims

1. A counter section consisting of a top plate formed in either an L-shape or an inverted L-shape to surround a corner of the kitchen unit, and a long shelf board formed in approximately the same shape, which are maintained parallel to each other by a back panel or support column, The kitchen unit has a shelf section in which one or more short shelves formed to a length approximately equal to the depth of the kitchen unit, and a bottom plate formed to be substantially the same length as the short shelves, are maintained parallel to each other by a back plate or support column. The counter section is positioned to abut against the back and sides of the kitchen unit, and the countertop is positioned to be slightly higher than the worktop of the kitchen unit. A multi-tiered shelf-type counter characterized by arranging the shelf section below the counter section and installing the counter section and the shelf section integrally with the kitchen unit.

2. A counter section consisting of a top plate formed in a U-shape to surround two corners of the kitchen unit, and a long shelf board formed in approximately the same shape, which are maintained parallel to each other by a back panel or support column, The kitchen unit has a shelf section in which one or more short shelves formed to a length approximately equal to the depth of the kitchen unit, and a bottom plate formed to be substantially the same length as the short shelves, are maintained parallel to each other by a back plate or support column. The counter section is positioned to abut against the back and sides of the kitchen unit, and the countertop is positioned to be slightly higher than the worktop of the kitchen unit. A multi-tiered shelf-type counter characterized by arranging one or more shelf sections below the counter section, and installing the counter section and the shelf sections integrally with the kitchen unit.

3. The multi-tiered shelf counter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the counter section and the shelf section are self-supporting by the legs.

4. A multi-tiered shelf counter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shelf section and the counter section are detachably and integrally arranged, and the shelf section is movable.

5. A kitchen unit characterized by comprising a multi-tiered shelf-type counter as described in either claim 1 or claim 2.

Images