Accessory mounting system and method of mounting accessories under a worktop

Abstract

Accessory mounting system, comprising: a first profile element (2) having a first free leg (2a); a second profile element (3) having a second free leg (3a); said first profile element (2) and said second profile element (3) being arranged or arrangeable such that said first free leg (2a) and said second free leg (3a) face each other and extend in or parallelly to a common plane as well as in a common direction at a constant free distance from each other; a mounting adapter (4) with a main body (4a).

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Accessory mounting system and method of mounting accessories under a worktop

[0003] Specification

[0004] The invention relates to an accessory mounting system according to appended claim 1 and to a method of mounting accessories under a counter or worktop according to appended claim 15.

[0005] In various working environments, such as for instance (fast food) kitchens or workshops, it is often required to stock consumables, ingredients, tools or other items / materials in close vicinity to a workplace, i.e., a counter or a worktop. A preferred means of stocking consists of providing drawers under said counter or worktop. However, installation of such drawers can be fastidious as it often requires special fasteners and / or tools. Furthermore, once installed, drawers can no longer be flexibly adapted to new use cases, e.g. if work processes or work locations change. In addition, specialist skills are also often required for installation, which increases costs and can lead to waiting times.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an accessory mounting system and a method of mounting accessories under a counter or worktop which circumvent the above-mentioned disadvantages. They shall be easy to i nstal l / use without requiring any specialist skills or tools, and they shall enable a flexible adaptation to new use cases or changing work processes. In this way, costs and / or installation times shall be reduced.

[0007] This object is achieved by means of an accessory mounting system as defined in appended claim 1 and by a method of mounting accessories under a counter or worktop as defined in appended claim 15. Advantageous further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the present invention, a n accessory mounting system comprises a first profile element having a first free leg and a second profile element having a second free leg. Said first profile element and said second profile element are arranged or arrangeable such that said first free leg and said second free leg face each other and extend in or parallelly to a common plane as well as in a common direction at a constant free distance from each other. The system also comprises a mounting adapter with a main body, which main body has at least a first recess and at least a second recess that are located on opposite sides of said main body, the first recess for engaging said first free leg and the second recess for engaging said second free leg, so that said mounting adapter is slidingly supported or supportable on and between said first profile element and said second profile element. A first distance between a base of the first recess and a base of the second recess is smaller than said free distance, and a second distance between an opening of the first recess and an opening of the second recess is greater than said free distance, whereby the main body can be inserted into a space between the two profile elements with an oblique orientation with respect to said plane when the first free leg engages the first recess, preferably up to the base of the first recess. Said mounting adapter further comprises, on or as part of said main body, a resilient element, which resilient element is devised to assume at least two distinctive positions, namely a first position in which it is level with the first recess, and a second position in which it is displaced relative to the first recess, so that the first free leg is secured in the first recess when the resilient element is in the first position and both free legs engage in the respective recess.

[0009] A method of mounting accessories under a worktop comprises, in accordance with the present invention, the steps of:

[0010] • providing, on an underside of said worktop, a first profile element having a first free leg;

[0011] • providing, on an underside of said worktop, a second profile element having a second free leg;

[0012] • arranging said first profile element and said second profile element such that said first free leg and said second free leg face each other and extend in or parallelly to a common plane as well as in a common direction at a constant free distance from each other;

[0013] • providing a mounting adapter with a main body, which main body has at least a first recess and at least a second recess that are located on opposite sides of said main body, wherein a first distance between a base of the first recess and a base of the second recess is smaller than said free distance, and wherein a second distance between an opening of the first recess and an opening of the second recess is greater than said free distance;

[0014] • inserting the main body into a space between the two profile elements with an oblique orientation with respect to said plane while the first free leg engages the first recess, preferably up to the base of the first recess;

[0015] • changing said orientation of the main body by engaging with the first recess said first free leg and by engaging with the second recess said second free leg, so that said mounting adapter is slidingly supported on and between said first profile element and said second profile element; and

[0016] • while (or even before) changing said orientation, switching a resilient element of the mounting adapter, which resilient element is devised to assume at least two distinctive positions, from a first position in which it is level with the first recess, to a second position in which it is displaced relative to the first recess; and

[0017] • after changing said orientation switching the resilient element back to said first position thereby securing the first free leg in the first recess.

[0018] As described above, the proposed under-counter accessory mounting system is based on an under-counter profile that comprises said first and second profile elements, which can be integrally connected to form a single profile. Said profile (hereinafter also referred to as longitudinal profile) can be used to suspend accessory parts (i.e., said mounting adapters and preferably also additional elements that are mounted by means of said mounting adapters) without using fasteners, without welding and thus without requiring any specialist skills or tools. The system is flexible and gives the possibility to move accessories to any position under a worktop or table (i.e., in a left - right direction). It is also possible to easily swap a given accessory for another one. Generally speaking, the system comprises a longitudinal profile with a defined shape (in a preferred case, the edges of the countertop itself are used; alternatively, the profile is devised as an additional stiffening profile in the case of countertops with a larger front to back dimension). Part of the main body or base of the mounting adapter can be used as a resilient or spring element for the purpose of locking the accessory in the longitudinal profile.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting adapter (hereinafter also just referred to as "adapter") is attached to the profile by placing rear notches (i.e., a plurality of first recesses) of the mounting adapter on a rear rail of the longitudinal profile (i.e., said first free leg of the first profile element), then pressing the resilient element upward, which allows the mounting adapter to slide all the way in (onto said rear rail), then placing the front notches (i.e., a plurality of second recesses) in a front rail of the longitudinal profile (i.e., said second free leg of the second profile element) and finally sliding the mounting adapter forward. When the mounting adapter is moved forward, the resilient element may automatically return to its initial position and block the mounting adapter from falling out of the rails. To remove it, one presses the resilient element again and slides out the mounting adapter in reverse order. The resilient element can have arrows or the like burned into it which suggest the direction of pressure on the resilient element for a more intuitive operation. A fixed dimension of the profile gives the additional possibility of interchangeability of mounting adapters.

[0020] In practice, the following embodiments of the system have proved particularly useful and advantageous:

[0021] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention the resilient element is formed integrally with said main body.

[0022] This greatly simplifies manipulation and ensures that the resilient element cannot be misplaced or lost.

[0023] In another embodiment of the system according to the invention a free end surface of the resilient element (in the first position thereof) is located at a third distance from said ground of the second recess that is greater than said first distance and essentially equal to said free distance, with a preferably slight undersize.

[0024] In this way, the resilient element can effectively prevent the mounting adapter from leaving the rails (i.e., said first and second legs) while still enabling a lateral (longitudinal) sliding motions of the mounting adapter.

[0025] In still another embodiment of the system according to the invention resilient element is designed to be pushed manually in said second position.

[0026] In this way, installation and operation of the system can be achieved entirely without the need for tools or other specialized equipment.

[0027] In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention the resilient element returns automatically from said second position to said first position.

[0028] In this way, it is automatically ensured that the mounting adapter cannot leave the rails which enhances security of the system.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention the main body has a flat plate-like structure with two lateral angulations, with one first recess in each angulation on a first side of the main body and one second recess in each angulation on a second side of the main body.

[0030] This configuration can help to ensure a parallel guided sliding movement of the mounting adapter without the risk of jamming or blocking with the simplest and most cost-effective design possible. The lateral angled sections or angulations can also be used to attach further add-on parts, in particular guide rails for drawers, as will be detailed further below.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention the first recesses and / or the second recesses are located on a common level. This simple configuration enables a flexible and reversible use of the profile elements or of a single profile comprising said profile elements, which can be devised in symmetrical fashion.

[0032] In still another advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention the resilient element is cut out of the material of the main body in the form of a tongue.

[0033] Such an embodiment is particularly simple and cost-efficient.

[0034] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention the resilient element has an angulation at its free end, which angulation forms said free end surface of the resilient element.

[0035] Such an embodiment is particularly useful to ensure a good functioning and mechanical stability of the resilient element.

[0036] In another highly advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention a first one of two webs that limit the first recess is longer than the second web in an extension direction of the first recess and is preferably tapering towards its free end on a side that faces the first recess.

[0037] Such an embodiment has been found to improve handling of the mounting adapter. Said tapering can facilitate the above-described insertion into the space between the two profile elements with the required oblique orientation without any mechanical interference.

[0038] In still another highly advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention the resilient element has at least one visual marking that indicates a direction of displacement from said first position toward said second position.

[0039] As stated above, said marking can be burnt in, e.g., by means of a laser, or it can be painted or otherwise applied. It is intended to indicate to a user in a simple way how to use the present system. In another highly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention the main body has two lateral portions that extend pa ra I lei ly to a direction along said first distance and / or along said second distance. Said lateral portions preferably are designed as mirror images of each other with respect to a centre plane of the main body. Further, said lateral portions are designed and intended to displaceably support therebetween a pull-out element, which the pull-out element is preferably designed to support one or more GN-pans, cutting boards, drawers or other accessories.

[0040] This aspect had already been commented on above. Such an embodiment enables to mount various accessories below a worktop or table in a way that makes them easily accessible by a user while allowing to stow them away when not in use.

[0041] As already stated, a preferred embodiment of the accessory mounting system comprises that the first profile element and the second profile element form part of a common component, preferably in integral form, in particular as underside angled sections of a worktop.

[0042] In this way, no fastening of any profile elements is required, as they are already included as part of said common component.

[0043] It has proved to be highly advantageous in view of costs and durability if, in another preferred embodiment of the accessory mounting system, said mounting adapter is made from a single piece of metallic material, preferably stainless steel, by bending and cutting.

[0044] The profile elements or the single profile are preferably devised form a of metallic material, preferably stainless steel, too.

[0045] Further advantages and characteristics of the invention will now be explained in detail and in exemplary fashion with reference to the appended drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a perspective of a worktop profile that comprises a first and a second profile element in integral fashion; Figure 2 shows a mounting adapter in operative connection with the profile of Figure 1.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a perspective top view of the mounting adapter of Figure 2;

[0048] Figure 4 shows the mounting adapter of Figure 3 in a perspective bottom view;

[0049] Figure 5 shows a side view the mounting adapter of Figure 3 in interaction with a worktop profile;

[0050] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view the mounting adapter of Figure 3 in interaction with a worktop profile;

[0051] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view the mounting adapter of Figure 3 in a different interaction with a worktop profile;

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates subsequent steps of a method in accordance with the present invention;

[0053] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred use of the system in accordance with the present invention;

[0054] Figure 10 is another perspective view illustrating a preferred use of the system in accordance with the present invention;

[0055] Figure 11 shows another perspective view of the mounting adapter of Figure 2; and

[0056] Figure 12 shows another perspective view of a mounting adapter together with additional accessories.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a cut-off perspective view of a profile 1 in the form of a worktop section. The profile 1 is preferably made of stainless steel and is symmetric with respect to a central plane CP. The profile 1 comprises, in integral fashion, two profile elements, i.e., a first profile element 2 and a second profile element 3, which profile elements 2, 3 can be said to constitute half of the entire profile 1 each. The skilled reader will understand that the present invention is not restricted to worktop profiles such as profile 1. Furthermore, the two profile elements 2, 3 could also be devised as separate units, e.g., by separating them along line L, that are arranged relative to each other in a configuration as depicted in Figure 1. In other words: the profile elements 2, 3 need not be connected, although such an embodiment is greatly preferred.

[0058] The first profile element 2 has at least a first free leg 2a, and the second profile element 3 has at least a second free leg 3a. Said first profile element 2 and said second profile element 3 are arranged such that said first free leg 2a and said second free leg 3a face each other and extend in or parallelly to a common plane as well as in a common direction at a constant free distance from each other. Said free distance is denoted as FD in Figure 1.

[0059] Figure 2 shows the same profile 1 as in Figure 1. In general, same reference numerals are used herein to denote same elements or elements having at least similar or equivalent functions.

[0060] In Figure 2, reference numeral 4 denotes a mounting adapter with a main body 4a made of a thin metallic material (e.g., sheet steel), which main body 4a has at least a first recess or notch 4b and at least a second recess or notch 4c that are located on opposite sides of said main body 4a. The first recess 4b engages said first free leg 2a while the second recess 4c engages said second free leg 3a. In this way, mounting adapter 4 is slidingly supported on and between said first profile element 2 and said second profile element 3 and can move in a longitudinal direction along profile 1 (i.e., parallel to line L in Figure 1).

[0061] As can best be seen from Figure 5, a first distance ID between a base of the first recess 4b and a base of the second recess 4c is smaller than said free distance FD between the legs 2a, 3a of the profile elements (cf. Figure 1). Furthermore, a second distance 2D as measured between an opening of the first recess 4b and an opening of the second recess 4c is greater than said free distance FD, whereby the main body 4a can be inserted into a space between the two profile elements 2, 3 with an oblique orientation with respect to said common plane (cf. the dashed line in Figure 6, which is parallel to a plane of extension of profile 1). Such an oblique orientation is shown in Figure 7, wherein reference numeral a denotes an angle greater than zero between said plane and the main body 4a.

[0062] Referring again to Figure 5, a free end surface 5a (cf. Figure 6) of the resilient element 5 is located at a third distance 3D from said ground of the second recess 4c that is greater than said first distance ID and essentially equal to said free distance FD, with only a slight undersize, as shown.

[0063] The main body 4a can be inserted into said space between the two profile elements 2, 3 when the first free leg 2a engages the first recess 4b, preferably up to the base of the first recess 4b, as shown in Figure 7.

[0064] As can be gathered from all of Figures 5 to 7, a first one 4d of two webs 4d, 4e that limit the first recess 4b is longer than the corresponding second web 4e in an extension direction of the first recess 4b. Furthermore, it tapers towards its free end 4d' on a side that faces the first recess 4b, which allows or facilitates assuming said oblique orientation (cf. Figure 7).

[0065] With reference to at least Figures 2 to 7, said mounting adapter 4 further comprises, as part of said main body 4a, a resilient element (or spring element) 5, which resilient element 5 forms an integral part of the main body 4a. It is devised to assume at least two distinctive positions, namely a first position, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, in which it is level with the first recess 4b. In contrast to this, Figure 2 shows a second position in which the resilient element 5 is displaced upwards relative to the first recess 4b. While said second position enables the first free leg 2a to enter / engage the first recess 4b completely, i.e., down to the base, said first position ensures that the first free leg 2a is secured in the first recess 4b when both free legs 2a, 3a engage in the respective recess, i.e., recess 4b and recess 4c, respectively.

[0066] Figures 5 and 6 show said secured configuration, with the resilient element 5 is its first position. Figure 7 shows a precursory configuration wherein the resilient element 5 should be displaced to its second position (cf. Figure 2) so that the first free leg 2a can fully engage first recess 4b which then allows main body 4a to swivel upwards until angle a equals zero and second free leg 3a can enter second recess 4c. As stated previously, Figure 2 shows the resilient element 5 in its raised second position.

[0067] Figures 3 and 4 provide more details concerning a preferred configuration of the mounting adapter 4 with main body 4a and integral resilient element 5.

[0068] In particular, it can be seen that the main body 4a has a substantially flat plate-like structure with two lateral angulations 4aa and 4ab. There is one first recess 4b (only one visible) in each angulation 4aa, 4ab on a first side of the main body 4a and there is one second recess 4c in each angulation 4aa, 4ab on a second, opposite side of the main body 4a. The first recesses 4b and the second recesses 4c are all located on a common level, i.e., in a common plane.

[0069] The resilient element 5 is cut out of the material of the main body 4a in the form of a tongue that is attached to the rest of the main body 4a via two webs 5b.

[0070] The resilient element 5 further has an angulation 5c at its free end, which angulation 5c forms said free end surface 5a of the resilient element 5 which had been mentioned earlier with reference to Figure 6.

[0071] As can been seen from Figure 4, the resilient element 5 has visual markings 5d in the form of arrows that indicate a direction of displacement from said first position toward said second position of the resilient element 5.

[0072] Preferably, the resilient element 5 is designed so that it can be pushed (and held) manually said second position, without the need for any special tool and without requiring a huge amount of force.

[0073] The resilient element 5 preferably returns automatically from said second position to said first position, as soon as there is no longer any interference from said first free leg 2a (cf. Figure 2). Alternatively, in another embodiment the resilient element 5 could lock in the second position, so that a user action is required to return the resilient element to the first position. This would facilitate mounting of the adapter 4 on the profile elements 2, 3.

[0074] As can further be gathered from said drawings, the main body 4a has two lateral portions 4ac, 4ad that extend laterally beyond said angulations 4aa, 4ab and parallelly to a direction along said first distance ID (cf. Figure 5) and said second distance 2D (cf. Figure 5). Said lateral portions 4ac, 4ad are designed as mirror images of each other with respect to a centre plane (not shown) of the main body 4a. Furthermore, said lateral portions 4ac, 4ad are designed and intended to displaceably support therebetween a pull-out element, which the pull-out element can be designed to support one or more GN-pans, cutting boards or other accessories, cf. Figure 12.

[0075] To this end, said lateral portions 4ac, 4ad comprise lower angulations 4ac', 4ad' for supporting thereon said pull-out element in sliding connection. Further terminal angulations 4ac", 4ad" or similar structures can be provided in order to limit a motion of the pull-out element.

[0076] The mounting adapter 4 described herein is preferably made from a single piece of metallic material, preferably stainless steel, by bending and cutting.

[0077] Figure 8 illustrates, in respective sub-figures a) to f), from top to bottom, a sequence of events or steps in a method of mounting accessories under a worktop in accordance with the invention.

[0078] Sub-figure a) shows the step of providing, on an underside of a worktop profile 1, a first profile element 2 having a first free leg 2a and a second profile element 3 having a second free leg 3a. As before, the profile elements 2 and 3 constitute said profile 1. In this way, said first profile element 2 and said second profile element 3 are naturally arranged such that said first free leg 2a and said second free leg 3a face each other and extend in or parallelly to a common plane as well as in a common direction at a constant free distance from each other. This had before been explained already in connection with Figure 1. Sub-figure a) also shows the step of providing a mounting adapter 4 with a main body 4a, which main body 4a has at least a first recess 4b and at least a second recess 4c that are located on opposite sides of said main body 4a. As far as the corresponding dimensions and distances are concerned, reference can be made to Figure 5 and the corresponding description in order to avoid repetition.

[0079] Sub-figures b) and c) illustrate the step of inserting the main body 4a of the adapter 4 into a space between the two profile elements 2, 3 with an oblique orientation with respect to said plane, as explained in detail before. The first free leg 2a engages the first recess 4b, preferably up to the base of the first recess (cf. sub-figure d)). Sub-figure c) is a sectional view that corresponds to the configuration of sub-figure b)

[0080] Sub-figure d) illustrates the step of switching a resilient element 5 of the mounting adapter 4, which resilient element 5 is devised to assume at least two distinctive positions, as previously described, from a first position in which it is level with the first recess, as in sub-figure c), to a second position in which it is displaced relative to the first recess 4b, as can be gathered from sub-figure d). Only then can the first free leg 2a engage the first recess 4b up to the base of the first recess 4b, which is required in order to swivel the adapter 4 upwards into the position shown in sub-figures e) and f).

[0081] The step from sub-figure d) to sub-figure e) involves changing said orientation of the main body 4a by engaging with the first recess 4b said first free leg 2a while at the same time engaging with the second recess 4c said second free leg 3a, so that said mounting adapter 4 is then slidingly supported on and between said first profile element 2 and said second profile element 3.

[0082] After changing said orientation, the resilient element 5 is switched back to said first position, as shown in sub-figure f), thereby securing the first free leg 2a in the first recess 4b as well as the second free leg 3a in the second recess 4c. As stated before, preferably the resilient element 5 will automatically return to its position as shown in sub-figure f) when the entire adapter 4 is moved completely towards the second profile element 2, i.e., away from profile element 1.

[0083] Figure 9 shows the adapter 4 as described in connection with Figures 3 and 4 in its mounted state below a worktop profile 1, which can further be fitted with legs 6 in a table-like manner and / or with an over-shelf 7, as is described in a parallel patent application filed be the same applicant.

[0084] Figure 10 shows the same arrangement as Figure 9, prior to installation of the mounting adapter 4.

[0085] Figure 11 provides a different view of the adapter 4 described before in connection with Figures 3 and 4, to which reference can be made. Clearly visible are the tapering webs 4d and the visual markings 5d of the resilient element 5, which markings 5d can be present on both sides of the resilient element 5.

[0086] Figure 12 provides details concerning the pull-out element 8 mentioned earlier. It comprises two lateral guide rails 8a and a holding structure 8b arranged between said guide rails 8a, which holding structure 8b is devised to hold, without restriction, a GN-type pan 8c and a cutting board or the like 8d. The guide rails 8a slidingly engage angulations 4ac' and 4ad' (cf. Figure 11), respectively, so that pull-out element 8 can be moved back and forth in the direction of arrow A.

[0087] It should be noted that mounting adapter 4 according to Figure 12 is wider that the adapters shown previously, while showing the same overall design. The system can thus be adapted to meet various use requirements.

Claims

Claims1. An accessory mounting system, comprising: a first profile element (2) having a first free leg (2a); a second profile element (3) having a second free leg (3a); said first profile element (2) and said second profile element (3) being arranged or arrangeable such that said first free leg (2a) and said second free leg (3a) face each other and extend in or parallelly to a common plane as well as in a common direction at a constant free distance (FD) from each other; a mounting adapter (4) with a main body (4a), which main body (4a) has at least a first recess (4b) and at least a second recess (4c) that are located on opposite sides of said main body (4a), the first recess (4b) for engaging said first free leg (2a) and the second recess (4c) for engaging said second free leg (3a), so that said mounting adapter (4) is slidingly supported or supportable on and between said first profile element (2) and said second profile element (3); wherein a first distance (ID) between a base of the first recess (4b) and a base of the second recess (4c) is smaller than said free distance (FD), and wherein a second distance (2D) between an opening of the first recess (4b) and an opening of the second recess (4c) is greater than said free distance (FD), whereby the main body (4a) can be inserted into a space between the two profile elements (2, 3) with an oblique orientation with respect to said plane when the first free leg (2a) engages the first recess (4b), preferably up to the base of the first recess (4b); said mounting adapter (4) comprising, on or as part of said main body (4a), a resilient element (5), which resilient element (5) is devised to assume at least two distinctive positions, namely a first position in which it is level with the first recess (4b), and a second position in which it is displaced relative to the first recess (4b), so that the first free leg (2a) is secured in the first recess (4b) when the resilient element (5) is in the first position and both free legs (2a, 3a) engage in the respective recess (4b, 4c).

2. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein the resilient element (5) is formed integrally with said main body (4a).

3. The accessory mounting system of claim 1 or 2, wherein a free end surface (5a) of the resilient element (5) is located at a third distance (3D) from said ground of the second recess (4c) that is greater than said first distance (ID) and essentially equal to said free distance (FD), with a preferably slight undersize.

4. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient element (5) is designed to be pushed manually in said second position.

5. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient element (5) returns automatically from said second position to said first position.

6. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (4a) has a flat plate-like structure with two lateral angulations (4aa, 4ab), with one first recess (4b) in each angulation (4aa, 4ab) on a first side of the main body (4a) and one second recess (4c) in each angulation (4aa, 4ab) on a second side of the main body (4a).

7. The accessory mounting system of claim 6, wherein the first recesses (4b) and / or the second recesses (4c) are located on a common level.

8. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient element (5) is cut out of the material of the main body (4a) in the form of a tongue.

9. The accessory mounting system of claim 8, wherein the resilient element (5) has an angulation (5c) at its free end, which angulation (5c) forms said free end surface (5a) of the resilient element (5) when referring to claim 3.

10. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein a first one (4d) of two webs (4d, 4e) that limit the first recess (4b) is longer than the second web(4e) in an extension direction of the first recess (4b) and is preferably tapering towards its free end (4d') on a side that faces the first recess (4b).

11. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient element (5) has a visual marking (5d) that indicates a direction of displacement from said first position toward said second position.

12. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (4a) has two lateral portions (4ac, 4ad) that extend pa ra I lei ly to a direction along said first distance (ID) and / or along said second distance (2D), said lateral portions (4ac, 4ad) preferably being designed as mirror images of each other with respect to a centre plane of the main body (4a), said lateral portions (4ac, 4ad) being designed and intended to displaceably support therebetween a pull-out element (8), which the pull-out element (8) is preferably designed to support one or more GN- pans (8c), cutting boards (8d) or other accessories.

13. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein the first profile element (2) and the second profile element (3) form part of a common component (1), preferably in integral form, in particular as underside angled sections of a worktop.

14. The accessory mounting system of one of the preceding claims, wherein said mounting adapter (4) is made from a single piece of metallic material, preferably stainless steel, by bending and cutting.

15. Method of mounting accessories under a worktop, comprising: providing, on an underside of said worktop, a first profile element (2) having a first free leg (2a); providing, on an underside of said worktop, a second profile element (3) having a second free leg (3a); arranging said first profile element (2) and said second profile element (3) such that said first free leg (2a) and said second free leg (3a) face each other and extend in orpara I lelly to a common plane as well as in a common direction at a constant free distance (FD) from each other; providing a mounting adapter (4) with a main body (4a), which main body (4a) has at least a first recess (4b) and at least a second recess (4c) that are located on opposite sides of said main body (4a), wherein a first distance (ID) between a base of the first recess (4b) and a base of the second recess (4c) is smaller than said free distance (FD), and wherein a second distance (2D) between an opening of the first recess (4b) and an opening of the second recess (4c) is greater than said free distance (FD); inserting the main body (4a) into a space between the two profile elements (2, 3) with an oblique orientation with respect to said plane while the first free leg (2a) engages the first recess (4b), preferably up to the base of the first recess (4b); changing said orientation of the main body (4a) by engaging with the first recess (4b) said first free leg (2a) and by engaging with the second recess (4c) said second free leg (3a), so that said mounting adapter (4) is slidingly supported on and between said first profile element (2) and said second profile element (3); while changing said orientation switching a resilient element (5) of the mounting adapter (4), which resilient element (5) is devised to assume at least two distinctive positions, from a first position in which it is level with the first recess (4b), to a second position in which it is displaced relative to the first recess (4b), and after changing said orientation switching the resilient element (5) back to said first position thereby securing the first free leg (2a) in the first recess (4b).

Images