Arrangement for holding kitchen utensils

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for holding kitchen utensils, in particular plates, comprising at least one support (2) and at least two holding elements (3), wherein the at least two holding elements (3) are detachably mounted on the at least one support (2), wherein a distance (A) between the at least two holding elements (3) can be adjusted in the direction of a longitudinal extent (L) of the at least one support (2), wherein the at least two holding elements (3) are pivotably mounted on at least one support (2) for detaching from the at least one support (2) and / or for adjusting the distance (A) between the at least two holding elements (3) relative to the at least one support (2), preferably pivotably mounted about the longitudinal extent (L) of the at least one support (2).

Description

[0001] Device for holding kitchen utensils

[0002] The invention relates to a device for holding kitchen utensils, in particular plates, comprising at least one support and at least two holding elements, wherein the at least two holding elements are detachably mounted on the at least one support, and wherein a distance between the at least two holding elements is adjustable in the direction of a longitudinal extension of the at least one support. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for adjusting a distance between at least two holding elements.

[0003] These devices are designed to store kitchen utensils such as plates, bowls, pans, lids, and the like in a space-saving and easily accessible manner. They can be placed, for example, in drawers or cabinets. To allow the device to be used with a wide variety of utensils, the distance between the at least two holding elements is adjustable along the length of at least one of the supports.

[0004] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is that adjusting the distance between the retaining elements is usually cumbersome. For example, the retaining elements must be elastically deformed or even loosened using tools in order to adjust them. Furthermore, the adjustment typically requires both hands.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a device improved over the prior art, in which the distance between the holding elements can be easily adjusted with one hand. Furthermore, a method for adjusting the distance between at least two holding elements is also to be provided.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of claims 1 and 15.

[0007] According to the invention, in a device such as the one mentioned above, it is provided that the at least two retaining elements for releasing from the at least one support and / or for adjusting the distance between the at least two retaining elements relative to the at least one support, preferably about the longitudinal extent of the at least one support, are pivotably mounted on the at least one support.

[0008] Adjusting and / or loosening the retaining elements can therefore be achieved by pivoting them. Such a pivoting motion can easily be performed with one hand and is also extremely simple. This significantly increases user comfort.

[0009] The following steps may be provided for a method according to the invention:

[0010] Pivoting at least one of the at least two retaining elements from a first position to a second position, moving the pivoted retaining element along the longitudinal extent of the beam or lifting the pivoted retaining element from the at least one beam and placing it in another position, and pivoting the pivoted retaining element from the second position to the first position.

[0011] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. Preferably, it may be provided that each of the at least two retaining elements is movable by pivoting relative to the at least one support between a first position in which the respective retaining element is fixed to the at least one support, and a second position in which the respective retaining element is detachable from the at least one support and / or displaceable along the at least one support.

[0012] In the first position, the retaining elements are connected to the support, allowing kitchen utensils to be held in the device. In the second position, either the distance between the retaining elements can be adjusted, or one or more retaining elements can be removed, for example, because they are not needed or don't fit.

[0013] Advantageously, the device may be provided with a locking device by means of which the at least two retaining elements can be locked into place at different positions on the at least one support.

[0014] The locking mechanism prevents the retaining elements from shifting along the length of the beam. Furthermore, the various locking positions facilitate adjusting the spacing between the retaining elements. The locking mechanism also helps to fix the retaining elements to the beam in their initial position.

[0015] The locking device may have a first toothing on the at least one carrier and a second toothing on each of the at least two retaining elements, preferably wherein in a first position the second toothing is engaged with the first toothing and in a second position the second toothing and the first toothing are separated from each other.

[0016] A toothed mechanism offers a simple way to implement a locking device. The numerous teeth of the toothed mechanism provide a multitude of locking positions, allowing the distance between the retaining elements to be easily adjusted to suit various kitchen utensils.

[0017] Furthermore, pivoting the second toothed section in and out with the first toothed section provides a simple way to lock or release the retaining elements with the carrier.

[0018] The first toothing can be integral with the at least one support, and each second toothing can be integral with one of the at least two retaining elements.

[0019] Preferably, the device may also have a locking device by means of which the at least two retaining elements can be locked to the at least one support.

[0020] The locking device locks the retaining elements to at least one support, thus preventing the retaining elements from unintentionally detaching from the support.

[0021] The locking device can advantageously be operated without tools and / or with one hand.

[0022] Advantageously, it can be provided that the locking device has at least one projection on the at least one support and at least one locking element on each of the at least two retaining elements, preferably wherein in a first position the at least one locking element is engaged on the at least one projection and in a second position is released from the at least one projection.

[0023] This represents a simple way to implement a locking device.

[0024] The advantage can be a continuous advantage, for example on the side of at least one support.

[0025] The projection can be integral with at least one support and each locking element can be integral with one of the at least two retaining elements.

[0026] It is also advantageous if at least one locking element is designed to be elastic, at least in some areas, and / or has an actuating element for actuating the locking element.

[0027] The locking element's at least partially elastic design allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing, for example, via injection molding. An actuating element enables easy operation of the locking element.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that position indicators are provided on at least one support for aligning the at least two holding elements.

[0029] Such position indicators make it easier for the user to adjust the distance between the retaining elements, as they allow for a better assessment of the distance. Preferably, the at least two retaining elements may have at least one, preferably at least two, contact sections for securing a kitchen utensil, preferably with the at least one contact section extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the at least one support.

[0030] The support sections thus serve to securely hold the kitchen utensils. If two support sections are provided, the kitchen utensil rests against the support sections either with the same surface or with at least two different surfaces or sides, depending on the design of the support elements.

[0031] It is particularly preferred that at least two supports are provided, preferably wherein the at least two supports are connected to each other via at least one connecting element.

[0032] The retaining elements are thus each supported by both of the at least two beams, thereby increasing the stability of the device. If at least one additional connecting element is provided, this further increases the stability of the device.

[0033] The at least two supports can be identical, which simplifies the assembly of the device, as a user does not have to distinguish between different supports.

[0034] The connecting element can be designed as a handle or have a handle, in particular a grip recess, for a user. This allows a user to easily grasp the device, preferably even when kitchen utensils are stored in it.

[0035] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the locking device is arranged on a first of the at least two supports and the locking device is arranged on a second of the at least two supports.

[0036] This ensures that the retaining elements are adequately supported on both beams.

[0037] In such a case, the retaining elements can be pivoted around the first of at least two supports. A user can therefore release the locking device with one hand and then pivot the corresponding retaining element with the same hand, thus enabling one-handed operation.

[0038] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the device has at least one electrical consumer, preferably a heating element and / or a lighting element.

[0039] A heating element allows kitchen utensils held in the appliance to be dried, heated, and / or kept warm. A lighting element can provide better visibility and thus easier handling for the user. It can also be used to make the appliance visually appealing.

[0040] The at least one electrical load can be arranged in or on the at least one support, the at least one holder, the at least one connecting element and / or the at least one end cap. Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one electrical load can be supplied with electrical energy via at least one cable and / or inductively.

[0041] A cable provides a simple way to supply power to at least one electrical device. It may be designed so that the cable can be detached from the device via a plug or similar fitting, for example, to allow for the removal of the device.

[0042] An inductive power supply has the advantage that the device can be easily removed from a drawer or similar container. As soon as the device is placed back in the drawer, the power supply to at least one electrical appliance is restored.

[0043] In this case, a part of a device for the inductive power supply of at least one electrical consumer can be arranged on or in a part of a piece of furniture, for example in a drawer bottom, and a corresponding part can be arranged on or in the device.

[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention, it may be provided that in a device according to the preamble of claim 1 at least one electrical consumer, preferably a heating element and / or a lighting element, is provided.

[0045] Here too, part of a device for the inductive power supply of at least one electrical consumer can be arranged on or in a part of a piece of furniture, for example in a drawer bottom, and a corresponding part can be arranged on or in the device. With regard to a method according to the invention, it can be provided that, before pivoting at least one of the at least two retaining elements, the locking device on the corresponding retaining element is released.

[0046] Further details and advantages of preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and the drawings. These show:

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a piece of furniture with a furniture body and relative to the

[0048] Furniture body with movable drawers and a drawer with a device according to the invention in perspective views,

[0049] Fig. 2a-b shows a drawer with several devices according to the invention in perspective views.

[0050] Fig. 3a shows an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in a perspective view.

[0051] Fig. 3b the detail D of FIG. 3a,

[0052] Fig. 4a shows an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in a further perspective view.

[0053] Fig. 4b the detail D of FIG. 4a,

[0054] Fig. 5a-g shows various steps of an adjustment process of the device in perspective view, and

[0055] Figs. 6a-d further embodiments of a device according to the invention

[0056] Device in perspective view.

[0057] Fig. 1a shows a perspective view of a piece of furniture 100 with a furniture body 101 and drawers 102 movable relative to the furniture body 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the furniture 100 is designed as a kitchen unit, with the drawers 102 arranged to be movable below a worktop 103.

[0058] The drawers 102 are mounted so as to be movable relative to the furniture body 101 via drawer pull-out guides 104, wherein the drawer pull-out guides 104 each have a cabinet rail 104a to be attached to the furniture body 101 and at least one pull-out rail to be attached to the drawer 102 and movable relative to the cabinet rail 104a.

[0059] The worktop 103 has an integrated sink 105, which can be supplied with running water via a tap 106.

[0060] Figures 2a and 2b show a drawer 102 with several devices 1 according to the invention in perspective views.

[0061] The devices 1 stand on a drawer base 102a, but are not normally connected to it. The devices 1 can therefore be removed from the drawer 102.

[0062] This allows it to be placed in a dishwasher and filled with kitchen utensils. After the washing cycle, the now clean kitchen utensils can be removed from the dishwasher and stored away again.

[0063] Furthermore, other elements of an organizational system, such as container 106 or plate holder 107, are also recognizable.

[0064] Fig. 3a shows an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention in a perspective view, and Fig. 3b shows detail D of Fig. 3a. It can be seen that two supports 2 are provided, which are each connected at their ends by a connecting element 7.

[0065] The supports 2 are rounded at the top and identically designed. Each support therefore has a first toothing 4a of a locking device 4 and a projection 5a of a locking device 5.

[0066] In this embodiment, both the first toothing 4a and the projection 5a extend over the entire length of the supports 2. However, it is also conceivable that the first toothing 4a and / or the projection 5a are only provided in certain sections along the longitudinal extent L of the supports 2.

[0067] Position indicators 6 are also visible on the supports 2. These are arranged at regular intervals along the length of the supports 2. In the present embodiment, the position indicators 6 are formed as slots in the supports 2. However, other forms of design are of course conceivable, such as printing, painting, or the like.

[0068] The connecting elements 7 each have a grip recess 7a, by means of which a user can lift or handle the device 1.

[0069] The retaining elements 3 each comprise a cross member 3c, which is essentially arranged between the beams 2. Recesses 3d are provided at the ends of the cross member 3c, which can be placed onto the beams 2. The recesses 3d have a shape corresponding to the beams 2. At each end of the cross member 3d, a contact section 3a extends upwards in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent L.

[0070] A locking element 5b is visible at one end of the cross member 3d. An actuating element 5c is arranged on the locking element 5b. The locking element 5b can engage with the projection 5a on the support. A chamfer 5d is provided to facilitate the engagement process.

[0071] At the other end of the cross member 3d, the retaining element 3 has a second toothing 4b, which can engage with the first toothing 4a on the support 2.

[0072] In Fig. 3a, all retaining elements 3 are in the first position. That is, the locking elements 5b are engaged with the projection 5a and thus prevent unintentional pivoting or detachment of the retaining elements 3 from the supports 2.

[0073] Furthermore, the second toothing 4b engages with the first toothing 4a and thus fixes the retaining elements 3 in a specific position on the supports 2. In other words, the supports are fixed in the direction of the longitudinal extension L.

[0074] The retaining elements 3 are located at a distance A from each other. As can be seen from Fig. 3a, the distance A between each retaining element 3 can be the same or different.

[0075] The retaining elements 3 also have retaining lugs 3b. A kitchen utensil typically rests on the support 2 or the retaining lug 3b and is supported by the contact sections 3a of a retaining element 3. However, the kitchen utensil can also rest on the supports 2 and / or be supported by a crossbar 3c of an adjacent retaining element 3.

[0076] Fig. 4a shows an exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in a further perspective view, namely from below. Fig. 4b shows detail D of Fig. 4a.

[0077] It can be seen that support elements 2b are arranged on the carriers 2, by means of which the carriers 2 can be supported on a substrate, for example a drawer base 102a. The support elements 2a can be made of a non-slip material such as rubber to prevent the device from slipping.

[0078] Figures 5a to 5g show various steps of an adjustment process of the device 1 in perspective view.

[0079] In Fig. 5a, the retaining element is in a first position, i.e., the first toothing 4a and the second toothing 4b are engaged with each other. Furthermore, the

[0080] Locking element 5b engages with projection 5a and thus locks the retaining element 3.

[0081] To adjust or release the retaining element 3, the locking element 5b is actuated via the actuating element 5c in a first step (Fig. 5b). In this case, the actuating element 5c is designed as a lever by which the locking element 5b can be elastically deformed. Thus, the locking element 5b is no longer engaged with the projection 5a. However, the first toothing 4a and the second toothing 4b remain engaged with each other. In a next step, the retaining element 3 is pivoted from the first position to a second position relative to the longitudinal extent L of the first support 2 of at least two supports 2. The rounded shape of the supports 2 facilitates a simple pivoting process. The pivoting action disengages the first toothing 4a and the second toothing 4b (see Fig. 5c).

[0082] If the retaining element 3 is to be released, it can now be easily removed from the support 2 (see Fig. 5d).

[0083] If the retaining element 3 needs to be adjusted, there are two possibilities. Firstly, the retaining element 3 can be removed and reattached at a different location on the support 2 (Figs. 5d to 5f). Secondly, the retaining element 3 can also be moved along the longitudinal extent L of the support 2 to its new position. In both cases, the position after this process is shown in Fig. 5f.

[0084] The retaining element 3 can then be pivoted from the second position back to the first position. This re-engages the first toothing 4a and the second toothing 4b with each other. Furthermore, the locking element 5b engages again with the projection, so that the retaining element 3 is locked to the carrier 2 (see Fig. 5g).

[0085] The actions described above, as shown in Figures 5a to 5g, can all be performed with one hand, since the retaining element 3 for unlocking, giving away, and moving or removing the retaining element 3 only needs to be grasped by a user in the area of ​​the locking device 5. Figures 6a to 6d show further embodiments of a device 1 according to the invention in perspective view.

[0086] The embodiment shown in Fig. 6a differs from the previous embodiment essentially in that the support sections 3a are longer. This allows for better support of larger kitchen utensils. Thus, while the holding elements 3 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a are, for example, better suited for plates or the like, the holding elements 3 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6a are, for example, suitable for holding pans or lids for pans and pots.

[0087] The embodiment shown in Fig. 6b differs somewhat more significantly from the previous embodiments. Here, only one mounting section 3a is provided, which extends upwards at an angle to the retaining element 3a. Furthermore, a slight curvature is visible in the mounting sections 3a. The mounting sections 3a are also lower.

[0088] Such retaining elements 3 are intended in particular for holding bowls, dishes and the like.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6c, retaining elements 3 from Figs. 3a and 6a are combined. It is also conceivable that retaining elements 3 according to Fig. 3b could be added or combined instead. A user can thus easily and simply adapt a device 1 to their individual needs.

[0090] The embodiment shown in Fig. 6d differs significantly from all previously discussed embodiments. Only one support 2 is provided, which, however, is designed like the previously discussed supports 2. The support 2 thus has a first toothing 4a and a projection that is not visible.

[0091] 5a on .

[0092] End caps 8 are arranged at the ends of the carrier 2, which, analogous to the connecting elements 7, have grip recesses 8a for handling the device.

[0093] The retaining elements 3 now only have one retaining section 3a, and the crossbar 3c is only about half as long. The retaining section 3a is inclined relative to the crossbar 3d. Furthermore, both the detent device 4 and the locking device 5, and thus the second toothing 4a and the locking element 5b, are arranged at the same end of the retaining element 3.

[0094] At the other end of the retaining element 3 or the crossbar 3c, a further system section 3d is arranged. This is significantly shorter than the system section 3a.

[0095] Furthermore, support elements 3e are also provided on the crossbars 3c, by means of which the crossbars 3c can be supported on a surface, for example a drawer bottom 2b. These support elements 3e can be made of non-slip material, such as rubber, or can accommodate an element made of non-slip material.

[0096] This embodiment is particularly suitable for mounting plates, for example fish plates, or the like. The plate rests on the crossbars 3c and is supported at one lower edge by the second support sections 3d. The plate also rests against the support sections 3a with its underside or top surface. Reference list:

[0097] 1 Device

[0098] 2 carriers

[0099] 2a Support element

[0100] 3 retaining element

[0101] 3a Plant section

[0102] 3b Retaining nose

[0103] 3c Cross brace

[0104] 3D further plant section

[0105] 3e Support element

[0106] 4 Locking device

[0107] 4a first gearing

[0108] 4b second gearing

[0109] 5 Locking device

[0110] 5a advantage

[0111] 5b Locking element

[0112] 5c Actuating element

[0113] 5d chamfer

[0114] 6 Position indicator

[0115] 7 Connecting element

[0116] 7a Grip f recess

[0117] 8 End cap

[0118] 8a Grip f recess

[0119] 100 pieces of furniture

[0120] 101 Furniture carcass

[0121] 102 drawers

[0122] 102a Drawer bottom

[0123] 103 Worktop

[0124] 104 sinks

[0125] 105 Water tap

[0126] 106 containers 107 holders

[0127] A distance

[0128] L Longitudinal extent

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for holding kitchen utensils, in particular plates, comprising at least one support (2) and at least two holding elements (3), wherein the at least two holding elements (3) are detachably mounted on the at least one support (2), wherein a distance (A) between the at least two holding elements (3) is adjustable in the direction of a longitudinal extension (L) of the at least one support (2), characterized in that the at least two holding elements (3) are pivotably mounted on the at least one support (2) for the purpose of releasing them from the at least one support (2) and / or adjusting the distance (A) between the at least two holding elements (3) relative to the at least one support (2), preferably about the longitudinal extension (L) of the at least one support (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two retaining elements (3) is movable by pivoting relative to the at least one support (2) between a first position in which the respective retaining element (3) is fixed to the at least one support (2) and a second position in which the respective retaining element (3) is detachable from the at least one support (2) and / or displaceable along the at least one support (2).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device (1) has a locking device (4) by means of which the at least two retaining elements (3) can be locked into place at different positions on the at least one support (2).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the locking device (4) a first interlocking (4a) on at least one support (2) and each a second toothing (4b) on the at least two having retaining elements (3), preferably wherein in a first position the second teeth (4b) are engaged with the first teeth (4a) and in a second position the second teeth (4b) and the first teeth (4a) are separated from each other.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (1) has a locking device (5) by means of which the at least two retaining elements (3) can be locked to the at least one support (2).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the Locking device (5) has at least one projection (5a) on the at least one support (2) and at least one locking element (5b) on each of the at least two retaining elements (3), preferably wherein in a first position the at least one locking element (5b) is engaged on the at least one projection (5a) and in a second position is released from the at least one projection (5a).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one locking element (5b) is designed to be elastic at least in certain areas and / or has an actuating element (5c) for actuating the locking element (5b).

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein position indicators (6) for aligning the at least two retaining elements (3) are provided on at least one support (2).

9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least two retaining elements (3) have at least one, preferably having at least two, installation section (3a) for the installation of a kitchen utensil, preferably wherein the at least one installation section (3a) extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent (L) of the at least one support (2).

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least two supports (2) are provided, preferably wherein the at least two supports (2) extend over at least one Connecting element (7) are connected to each other.

11. Device (1) according to claims 10, 3 and 5, wherein the locking device (4) is arranged on a first of the at least two carriers (2) and the locking device (5) is arranged on a second of the at least two carriers (2).

12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one electrical consumer, preferably a heating element and / or a lighting element.

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one electrical consumer can be supplied with electrical energy via at least one cable and / or inductively.

14. Device (1) according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one electrical consumer, preferably a heating element and / or a lighting element.

15. Method for adjusting a distance (A) between at least two retaining elements (3), preferably at least two retaining elements (3) of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: pivoting at least one of the at least two retaining elements (3) from a first position to a second position, moving the pivoted retaining element (3) along the longitudinal extent (L) of the support (2) or Lifting the pivoted retaining element (3) from the at least one support (2) and placing it in another position, and pivoting the pivoted retaining element (3) from the second position to the first position.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein, prior to pivoting, at least one of the at least two retaining elements (3) engages the locking device on the corresponding retaining element. (3) is solved.

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